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LOCH Class
Anti-submarine Frigate ordered from Harland
and Wolff, Belfast on 2nd May 1943
and to be
named
LOCH ACHILTY. The ship was laid down on 2nd
May 1944 as Job No J3902 (Yard No 1250) but
the order was
changed for the
ship to be built to a be constructed to a
new design of Anti-aircraft frigate,
see General Information. The ship was
launched by Mrs Woodbridge as ST BRIDES
BAY on 16th January 1945 ,and was the
first
RN ship to bear this name, The build was
completed on 15th June 1945.
G
e o g r a p h i c D a t a
Bay
in Pembrokeshire in SW
corner of Wales
Grid
Reference: SM7917
B
a t t l e H o n o u r s
KOREA
1950 – 53
H
e r al d i c D a t a
Badge:
On a Field
White,
on
a lozenge Blue, surrounded by flames
proper, a celestial crown Gold.
(Explanation: White
field represents virginity.
Lozenge represents
a woman.
In
art, St. Bride is usually symbolically
represented either
with a perpetual flame or a column of fire or flames
playing
around her head).
M
a n n i n g D i v i s i o n
Devonport
D
e t a i l s o f S
e r v i c e
(for more
ship information,
go
to
Naval History Homepage
and
type name in Site Search
1 9 4
5
June
Contractors trials and commissioned for
service in British Pacific Fleet.
Commanding Officer: Lieut. Commander R A St C
Sproul-Bolton.
15th
Build completion and acceptance trials.
July
Prepared for foreign service at Devonport.
Nominated as Stand By for Pacific Service if
required
Passage to Malta for
work-up.
August
Worked up in
Malta with 5th
Escort Flotilla based at Malta.
Deployment with Pacific Escort Force changed.
Re-allocated to 5th Escort Flotilla
Mediterranean Fleet.
On completion of work-up took passage for duty
at Gibraltar.
September
Deployed at Gibraltar
to
Carried out Weather Ship and Air Sea Rescue
duties in western Atlantic during US
November
aircraft trooping flights
Visited Casablanca
(Note: Visit marked by incident with marmoset
belonging to wife of the British
Consul. Animal was acquired by ship and
returned later.
December
Re-joined Flotilla in Malta.
Took part in Flotilla Exercises off Malta.
Deployed for Patrol duty in Aegean.
Visited Piraeus for R&R.
Deployed as Guardship at Alexandria.
1
9 4 6
January
Guardship duty at Alexandria in continuation.
4th
Escorted HM River Gunboats APHIS, COCKCHAFER
and SCARAB in Red Sea during
passage to Aden
(Note: This ships were returning to the China
Station after war service in Mediterranean.)
11th
Called at Massawa.
17th
At Port Said.
24th
Despatched with HM Tug MARAUDER to assist
Italian mercantile GRADISOO aground
at Gavdo Island south of Crete.
28th
Resumed Flotilla duties in Malta. February
February
Deployed with Flotilla in Malta
March
Deployed for Guardship duties at Trieste and
patrol in Adriatic.
to
(Note: Trieste was under allied occupation and
Mediterranean Fleet ships were
June
Deployed in rotation as Guardship to assist if
required.
These ships returned to Malta on relief.
R&R periods in Venice.
Visits were made to Pola during this duty.)
This ship assisted British yacht LATHARNA
which had broken down in the Messina Strait on
16th May.)
July
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard
Gibraltar.
August
Under refit.
September
5th
Retained at Gibraltar on completion of post
refit trials.
Deployed to take British troops to Tangiers
after civil unrest.
Returned to Malta to rejoin Flotilla after
release from Gibraltar service.
Nominated for Haifa Patrol duty.
(Note: British warships were deployed to
intercept ships carrying immigrants to
enter
Palestine illegally.)
October
Deployed in eastern Mediterranean and visited
Nauphlia, Greece and Larnaca, Cyprus during
patrols.
17th
At Dragomasti
November
1st
Returned to Malta.
Redeployed for Haifa Patrol.
28th
At Piraeus.
December
Deployed with Flotilla in Malta.
1
9 4 7
January
Under repair in Malta.
(Note: Ships employed to intercept illegal
immigrant ships had boarding ramps
and protective
netting fitted
Boarding Parties were given training for
this duty whilst in
Malta.)
February
Resumed Palestine Patrol
24th At
Volos.
March
Flotilla duties at Malta and interception
patrols.
to
April
May
Under repair in Malta.
New Commanding Officer: Lieut. Commander T F
Halifax.
Nominated for Guardship duties in Adriatic.
June
Deployed at Venice and visited Pola.
July
Maintenance Period in Malta and Flotilla
duties.
August
Deployed at Gibraltar.
September
On return to Malta resume interception duties
in eastern Mediterranean.
October
Deployed with Flotilla.
to
December
Under refit at Gibraltar
1
9 4 8
January
On completion of post refit trials took
passage to Malta to resume Flotilla duty.
New Commanding Officer Commander G.M Bennett
RN.
February
Deployed for interception patrols.
March
Deployed for Flotilla duties in Malta.
April
Maintenance Period and Boiler Clean in Malta.
May
Nominated for detached duty in Red Sea.
(Note: Pennant Number for visual signalling
purposes changed to F600)
June
Deployed in Red Sea with visits to Aden,
Massawa and Port Sudan.
Returned to Malta and resumed Flotilla duties.
Nominated for Guardship and patrol duty in
Adriatic.
August
Deployed at Trieste.
September
10th
Returned to Malta.
October
Nominated for detached duty in Red Sea.
Deployed in Red Sea with calls at Ras Gharib,
Jeddah, Port Sudan and Hoddeida.
November
Red Sea patrol in continuation.
3rd
Called at Perim to embark passenger for
passage to Aden.
5th
Sailed from Aden to take up Guardship duty at
Aqaba.
9th
Guardship duty at Aqaba.
18th
Exercised in Gulf of Aqaba and returned on
completion.
22nd Took
passage from Aqaba on relief by HM Sloop
MERMAID.
23rd
Deployed at Suez for Guardship duty.
27th
Took passage to Malta.
December
1st
Resumed duties with Flotilla at Malta.
(Note: During this period inspected by Flag
Officer Destroyers.)
1 9 4
9
January
3rd
Took part in Local exercises.
4th
Docking in Malta.
8th
Took part in further Local exercises.
9th
Sailed from Malta for interception patrol
duties.
12th
At Famagusta in Dhekalia Roads.
17th
Carried out exercises off Cyprus with HMS ST
AUSTELL BAY.
18th
Sailed from Cyprus for patrol and passage to
Malta with HMS ST AUSTELL BAY.
22nd
Arrived at Malta
25th
Took part in Flotilla exercise with ST AUSTELL
BAY and CARDIGAN BAY.
30th
New Commanding Officer: Commander A H Diack,
DSC* RN.
February
5th Escort Flotilla re-designated 2nd Frigate
Flotilla.
3rd
At short notice for steam due to adverse
weather conditions.
8th
Took part in Flotilla exercises.
10th
Maintenance Period alongside HM Depot Ship
FORTH.
24th
Took passage from Malta for detached service
at Trieste.
March
On relief at Trieste returned to Malta.
April
Deployed in Malta.
June
Under refit.
July
Nominated for transfer to Far East for service
with 4th Frigate Flotilla.
Rejoined 2nd Frigate Flotilla at Navarin after
post refit trials.
(Note: Mediterranean Fleet Regatta was held at
Navarin, Greece.)
Took passage with HMS CARDIGAN BAY to join
Fleet in Far East.
(Note: These ships were transferred as part of
the strengthening of RN ships in the area
in view of increasing likelihood of Communist
victory in China.)
August
Passage in Red Sea.
5th
Sailed from Aden.
16th
Sailed from Colombo.
23rd
Arrived at Singapore.
HMS CARDIGAN BAY detached.
25th
Took passage from Singapore for Hong Kong with
HM Sloop BLACK SWAN.
31st
Arrived at Hong Kong after call at Pratus
Island.
Joined 4th Frigate Flotilla.
September
(Note:: Ships at
Hong
Kong included H M Cruiser BELFAST, HM Frigates
WHITESAND
BAY and MOUNTS BAY of Flotilla.)
7th
Forced to leave Hong Kong anchorage because of
Typhoon weather conditions.
Manoeuvring difficult and electrical problems
compounded the situation.
Soundings made by Kevin machine.
Tiller Flat flooded. Bridge equipment
damaged.)
Anchored near Cape Collinson
10th
Making good weather damage on return to
harbour.
24th
Took passage from Hong Kong for Yangtse
Guardship duty
29th
Carried out local patrol..
October
Guardship and patrol in continuation.
(Note: This included surveillance of Chinese
Nationalist warship movements.).
20th
Took passage to Hong Kong on relief by HMS
MOUNTS BAY.
(Note: Ship's cat lost overboard in heavy
weather )
24th
At Hong Kong.
November
1st
Took part in Flotilla exercises including
Night Encounter, Gunnery firings,
Anti -submarine procedures and Abeam
refuelling.
Landing parties exercised whilst at Mir Bay.
9th
Deployed for Local Patrol with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY.
11th
Returned to Hong Kong.
17th
Sailed for Yangtse Guardship duties.
21st
Relieved HM Sloop BLACK SWAN.
to
Assisted safe passage of ss EBANO and carried
out patrols.
28th
Relieved by HMS MOUNTS BAY.
Took passage to Hong Kong with HMS BLACK SWAN.
Gunnery exercises on passage.
30th
Met Fleet units and returned to Hong Kong.
December
12th
Took part in Flotilla exercises including
Night Encounter.
13th
Took part in Fleet Exercise JUNKET.
14th
Returned to Hong Kong on completion of JUNKET.
(Note: During period in Hong Kong visited by
Flag Officer, 2nd in Command, Far East
Station.
Awarded Gunnery Efficiency Cup.)
Other snips in Hong Kong included HM Despatch
Vessel HMS ALERT, HM Sloop
HART, ALACRITY, BLACK SWAN, HM Frigate MOUNTS
BAY
Carried out Full Power Trial on Measured Mile
off Hong Kong..
1
9 5 0
January
1st
Took passage to Singapore with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY.
7th
Arrived at Singapore and prepared for refit.
(Note: Some of ship's company were changed.
Ship's company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.)
14th
Entered dry dock.
February
2nd
Undocked.
(Note: Other ships at Singapore included HM
Frigate LOCH GLENDHU.)
15th
Basin Trial.
20th
Carried out post refit sea trials and Gunnery
firings.
24th
Ready for operational service.
Nominated for support of military operations
and terrorist forces in Malaya.
27th
Deployed for local patrol of east coast.
March
East coast patrol in continuation
Investigated Burmese coaster ss BERENS.
9th
Returned to Singapore and took passage to Port
Swettenham.
10th
At Port Swettenham.
Visit to Kuala Lumpur by ship's company
representatives
11th
Return passage to Singapore.
12th
On arrival deployed for East Coast patrol
duty.
to
Investigated craft and visited Kuantan.
17th
18th
Bombarded terrorist positions NW of Kuantan.
22nd
Carried out survey of Kapus Island.
24th
Returned to Singapore.
27th
Took passage to Penang for west coast patrol.
29th
At Penang with HM ML3508.
April
2nd
Sailed for patrol and passage to Singapore.
4th
Called at Port Swettenham.
Passage to east coast for further support and
patrol duties.
5th
Deployed with HM ML3505 and HM ML.3506.
6th
Patrol and support in continuation.
to
Investigated beached mine at Kuantan, carried
out starshell firings.
13th
Collected agent at Kuala Kemanon and landed
him at Mersing.
14th
Returned to Singapore.
18th
Sailed for east coast patrol with HM ML.3506.
19th
Boarded suspect vessels and carried out
anti-submarine exercises.
to
23rd
24th
Returned to Singapore.
29th
Took passage to rejoin Flotilla at Hong Kong.
May
5th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
15th
Took part in Flotilla and Fleet exercises with
HM Frigates MORECAMBE BAY,
to
WHITESAND BAY and CARDIGAN BAY. Anchored
overnight in Mirs Bay.
31st
These included over several days, Night
Encounter, AA and surface gunnery firings,
convoy exercises and replenishments
June
1st
Hong Kong.
Boy ratings (later Juniors) joined ship.
6th
Embarked Chinese Nationalist General for
passage to Pratas Island.
7th
Deployed for patrol off Amoy after General
disembarked.
14th
Took passage to Yangtse estuary for Guardship
duty.
16th
Relieved HM Destroyer COMUS.
17th
Guardship and patrol duty.
to
(Note: North Korean forces invaded South Korea
on 25th June.)
30th
July
3rd
Took passage to Hong Kong.
Recovered man overboard.
6th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
(Note: HMS MOUNTS BAY, HMNZ Frigates TUTIRA
and PUKAKI in harbour.)
July
24th
Took part in Local Exercises with anchorage in
Junk Bay overnight.
28th
Gunnery firings.
30th
Passage to Pratas Island with electrical
generator.
Ensured safe passage
of ss JEEP HOY stopped by Chinese gunboat
August
1st
Returned to Hong Kong.
2nd
Took part in
exercises including AA Gunnery firings and
shore bombardments.
5th
At
Hong
Kong.
7th
Recovered unexploded
shell from ss HANG SONY at a buoy in
Hong
Kong harbour.
8th
Carried out gunnery
exercises with HMS WHITESAND BAY.
15th
New Commanding
Officer: Commander W G C Elder OBE RN
18th
Carried out Local
exercises
29th
Night Encounter
Exercise with HM Destroyer
CONCORD.
August
Deployed at
Singapore
for Malayan coast support of military
operations
to
(To be confirmed)
November
Nominated for
service with UN of Korea. Passage to
Hong Kong.
December
Joined British naval
force based at Sasebo
Deployed off west
coast of Korea
and supported evacuation of Inchon.
1
9 5 1
January
Korean east coast duties in continuation.
On relief took passage to return to Hong Kong.
February
Deployed for Flotilla duties at Hong Kong and
Singapore.
to
July
August
Passage to Sasebo for 2nd Tour of operational
duty with UN.
to
Deployed for patrol and gunfire support off
west coast of Korea.
December
Took part in Han River bombardment operations
to ensure access to Seoul.
Visit by CinC Far East in Han Estuary
(October).
Remained on station during Peace
negotiations over Xrnas period.
New Commanding Officer: Commander J G T
Western RN.
1
9 5 2
January
Resumed Flotilla duties at Hong Kong and at
Singapore for support of operations against
terrorists
to
in Malaya.
May
June
Passage to Sasebo for third Operational UN
Tour.
July
Detached for duty with US Task Group en East
Coast and provided medical aid to
USS PIERCE after damage by 75mm shore battery
fire off Songjin,
August
Resumed duties off
east coast of Korea.
September
On station off
Paengyong Do during air attacks en sluice
gates in river estuary.
October
Visited by First Sea
Lord whilst in Haeju area en West Coast
November
Returned to
Hong
Kong for Flotilla duties.
December
Deployed with Flotilla at Hong Kong
1
9 5 3
January
Flotilla duties in continuation.
to
March
April
Passage to Sasebo for Fourth Operational UN
Tour.
May
Deployed for military support off East coast
of Korea.
Rescued unhurt pilot of FIREFLY aircraft from
HM Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier
GLORY off
Yongpyong Do on West coast after aircraft hit
by small arms fire.
June
At Sasebo for Coronation Day (June)
Carried out bombardments in Chodo area in
support of RoK operations
Took passage to Hong Kong on release from UN
duty.
(Statistics - 72,000 miles steamed; 13,000
tons fuel used.)
Taken in hand for docking and maintenance at
Hong Kong.
July
Under maintenance.
6th
Post refit trials
and shakedown in Hong
Kong area.
7th
Took part in local
exercises.
8th
R&R at
Lantan
Island.
7th
New Commanding
Officer: Commander C Le M Scott RN.
(Note: Korean War hostilities ended)
29th
Local sea exercises
Including bombardments and AA firings with
HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
August
4th
Carried local exercises with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
5th
Sailed for Formosa
Straits patrol.
17th
Intercepted British ss NIGELOCK under escort
of Chinese Nationalist Gunboat.
Arranged release
19th
Assistance request from British ss INCHKILDA
cancelled.
(Note: Chinese Nationalist warships were
attempted blockade of traffic to ports
on
mainland.)
20th
Passage to Hong Kong. Took part in Flotilla
Regatta.
25th
Took part in Local exercises and carried out
patrol.
31st
Returned to harbour.
September
2nd
Deployed on patrol in Foochow area.
to
Ensured safe passage of mercantiles INCHULVA,
PAD YING YUAN, BELINDA and
9th
ADMIRAL HARDY.
10th
Returned to Hong Kong.
15th
Took passage to Sasebo for detached UN duty
off Korea.
Carried out Foochow patrol.
18th
Passage for two mercantiles ensured.
22nd
Arrived at Sasebo.
25th
Sailed from Sasebo with HMS MOUNTS BAY for
visit to Yokosuka
28th
Took part in exercises off Yokosuka with USN
ships.
October
2nd
Return passage to Sasebo with HMS MOUNTS BAY
and HMAS CULGOA
5th
At Sasebo.
(Naval Constructor Officer on board.)
8th
Took part in joint exercises with Australian
and Dutch warships off Sasebo.
16th
Passage to
Kure.
17th
At
Kure.
25th
Sailed from
Kure
for Formosa Strain patrol during passage
31st
Arrived at
Hong
Kong having ensure safe passage for two
November
5th
Present during visit to Colony by Vice
President Nixon,
9th
Deployed to cover passage of HM ML3511 during
patrol off Hong Kong in case of Chinese
interference
12th
Docked for one day for inspection.
16th
Sailed for Local patrol prior to passage for
Formosa Strait duty.
20th
Stood by ss TEFKOSS with mercantile LAREL
MAERSK.
Took ss TEKFOSS in tow.
21st
Tow transferred to
Tug
CASTLE PEAK. Claim for salvage vas
22nd Returned
to
Hong
Kong.
30th
Carried out Gunnery
firings before passage to
Formosa
Strait
December
3rd
Returned to
Hong
Kong.
4th
Left harbour due to
weather conditions and then took passage to
Formosa
Strait,
8th
Returned to
Hong
Kong.
9th
Took part in Local
exercises.
21st
Deployed for
Formosa
Strait patrol.
28th
Returned to
Hong
Kong after bombardment practice firings.
29th
Took part in Local
exercises with HM
Ships MOUNTS BAY, MORECAMBE BAY,
CARDIGAN
BAY
and HM Submarine THOROUGH (for anti-submarine
serials.)
30th
Returned to harbour
on completion.
31st
Citations presented
to two Able Seamen by Flag Officer, 2nd in
Command Far East.
1
9 5 4
January
8th
Took passage to Kure from Hong Kong.
14th
Arrived at
Kure
having carried out anti-submarine exercises on
passage.
19th
Passage to
Sasebo
for briefing prior to Guardship duty as Task
Unit 95.1.5.
22nd Sailed
from
Sasebo
for duty at Pangyaengo Do off east coast of
Korea.
24th
Relieved HMS
MOUNTS
BAY as Guardship.
27th
Refuelled at sea
from RFA
WAVE
CHIEF.
30th
Took passage to
Kure.
Libertymen were landed during stay.
February
2nd
At Kure.
8th
Took passage for
exercises with US ships and for
Formosa
Strait patrol.
15th
Arrived at
Hong
Kong after rough passage.
21st
Deployed for Formosa
Strain patrol after gunnery firings.
March
1st
Returned to Hong Kong.
8th
Deployed for
Formosa
Strait patrol.
16th
Returned to
Hong
Kong after Full Power Trial and gunnery
firings.
Prepared for refit.
Inspected by SO 4th Frigate Flotilla.
April
Under refit.
Docked
Fire in Oil Fuel Tank caused by electrical
lead.
May
Under refit
27th
Undocked.
June
Post refit trials.
7th
Refit completion date.
10th
Carried out Local Exercises and Patrol after
sea trials.
to
Deployed with HM MLs 3152 and 3153.
23rd
Carried out gunnery firings.
Senior Officer of Squadron on board.
27th
Took passage for Kure with Formosa Strait
patrol initially.
July
3rd
Arrived at
Kure.
7th
Typhoon FLOSSIE warning.
Squadron Padre embarked.
8th
Took passage from Kure for Guardship duties on
east coast Korea.
Exercised with HMAS ARUNTA on departure.
11th
Deployed as Guardship at Paeonpyong Do and
Yongpyong Do.
13th
Refuelled from RFA (possibly GREEN RANGER).
Exercised with US Navy ships.
22nd Took
passage to Kure with call at Sasebo and
anti-submarine exercises.
25th
At Kure.
August
Ship's Company photographed during stay at
Kure.
1st
Sailed from Kure for Hong Kong with
surveillance during Formosa Strait passage.
8th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
Squadron Padre left ship.
14th
Deployed for Formosa Strait patrol.
15th
SOS from mercantile cancelled.
21st
Returned to Hong Kong.
26th
Deployment for assistance after aircraft crash
cancelled.
28th
Typhoon warning in force.
September
Maintenance Period at Singapore.
2nd
CinC Far East visited ship.
7th
Took part in anti-submarine exercises.
13th
Sailed from Hong Kong for Singapore.
18th
Arrived at Singapore after rough passage.
Some flooding experienced.
19th
First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. J.L.P.
Thomas) attended Divisions.
20th
Cheer Ship for CinC departure on board HM
Cruiser BIRMINGHAM.
24th
Maintenance Period ended.
26th
Embarked Reserve personnel for Sea Training
29th
Sultan of Pahang and retinue embarked for
visit to Pulau Ticman.
30th
At Pulau Tioman.
October
3rd
At Port Dickson.
4th
Sailed for Malacca.
7th
Return passage to Singapore arriving same day.
9th
Took part on Seaward
Defence Exercise.
10th
Returned to
Singapore.
CinC's Divisions.
11th
Prepared to Pay-Off
and Re-commission. First Party left ship for
UK.
20th
Re-commissioned.
Commanding Officer: Commander IF Somerville,
RN
Also became Senior
Officer's Ship 4th Frigate Squadron.
24th
Shakedown cruise.
Passage to Pulau Tioman.
28th
Took passage from
Singapore
to Hong Kong.
November
Deployed at
Hong
Kong.
December
Took part in Bombardment Exercise at Taitam
Wan
Took part in Small Ships Regatta.
17th
Maintenance Period and docking in Hong Kong.
1
9 5 5
January
2nd
Paint Ship in Tolo Harbour.
10th
Took part in Fleet exercises with ships of 3rd
Frigate Squadron, Destroyers of
6th Flotilla and HMS BIRMINGHAM.
13th
Passage to Kure.
17th
At
Kure.
20th
Took passage for
east Coast Korea
Guardship duty with call at Sasebo.
23rd
Relieved HMAS COOLHAVEN as Guardship at
Yongpyong Do.
28th
Took part in
exercises with USN minesweepers.
30th
Carried out Local
patrol and called at Pangyong Do.
February
1st
On relief by HMCS SIOUX took passage to
Sasebo.
2nd
At
Sasebo.
3rd
Took part in
EXERCISE DEEP THRUST with HMAS SHEARHAVEN,
HMS CARDIGAN BAY and US
Submarine USS
SABALO.
9th
Passage too
Nagasaki.
10th
At
Nagasaki.
12th
Passage to
Kure.
13th
At
Kure.
19th
Sailed from Kure for Hong Kong.
25th
Arrived at
Hong
Kong after stormy passage with snow and Force
9/10 winds.
March
2nd
Took passage to Guam with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
Carried cut anti-submarine exercises on
passage.
10th
Arrived at
Guam.
14th
Took passage from
Guam
to Sandakan, Borneo.
(Note: RN ships were deployed off Borneo
because of incidence of piracy and the
activities of
pro-Indonesian elements.)
21st
At Sandakan.
23rd
At Tawau.
March
24th
At Sempora.
25th
At Anil.
27th
At Sandakan.
28th
At Kudat.
30th
Took passage to return to Singapore.
April
3rd
Arrived at Singapore.
4th
Prepared for refit.
De-ammunitioned and de-stored.
Ship's company moved to TERROR
13th
Docked.
May
Under refit.
(Note: Some of crew visited Penang.)
6th
Undocked.
16th
Docked again in AFD20
June
3rd
Undocked.
(Note: Vice Admiral F T Mason, Engineer in
Chief, Royal Navy visited ship.)
25th
Basin Trial
(Note: Completion delayed by oil fuel leak
when refuelling.
Serious flooding in Store Room Flat.)
27th
Involved in
collision with TONGKAN during sea trials in
Johore
Strait.
TONGKAN sank and survivors rescued.
July
1st
Gun Functioning trials.
2nd
DG Ranging.
4th
Inspection by
Commodore.
5th
Passage to Tioman Palua for shakedown
10th
On completion of
evolutions including Tow and Paint Ship
Took passage to Hong
Kong
with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
14th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
18th
Took part in Local exercises with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY and HMNZS PUKAKI.
(Note: These included anti-submarine
procedures and gunnery firings.)
23rd
Further Basin Trial.
August
3rd
Took passage from Hong Kong for Yokohama.
11th
Met HMNZS PUKAKI and HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
15th
Arrived at Yokohama with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
16th
Took part in Exercise COMEX with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY, HMNZS PUKAKI,
ALMIRANTE PADILLA
(Columbian Navy).
Exercises included Refuelling from RFA GOLD
RANGER and CASEX
anti-submarine
procedures.
21st
On completion of COMEX took passage to Kure
arriving same day.
29th
Sailed from Kure for visit to Kagoshima.
30th
At Kagoshima. Exchanges made with civic
leaders.
September
3rd
Took passage from Kagoshima for Hong Kong.
8th
Arrived at Hong Kong after ship Damage Control
and other drills on passage.
13th
Admiral's Harbour Inspection.
14th
Admiral's Sea Inspection.
16th
Took passage to Singapore.
18th
Ships Bell lost
overboard !
21st Arrived
at Singapore. Full Power Trial carried out on
passage - 18 knots.
26th
Board of Enquiry re losses of Bell and Name
Board missing after arrival.
27th
Sailed for Port Dickson after Board of Enquiry
ended.
28th
At Port Dickson.
29th
At Malacca.
October
3rd
Sailed from Malacca for Gun Functioning trial
at Langkawi.
5th
Passage from Langkawi to Penang arriving same
day.
12th
Return passage to Singapore.
(Note: Patrols were carried out during stay
for interception of terrorist arms.
traffic and support of military/police
operations.)
14th
Arrived at Singapore.
16th
Took part in Local exercises.
23rd
Sailed for Hong Kong.
29th
Arrived at
Hong
Kong.
November
At Hong Kong.
8th
Pulling Regatta in Junk Bay.
14th
Took part in Flotilla exercises off Hong Kong.
18th
CinC
Far
East Inspection.
27th
Ship's Company Photograph
December
1st
Maintenance Period and docked.
16th
Basin Trial.
19th
Sea Trials and Local exercises.
1
9 5 6
January
12th
Took passage from Hong Kong to Kure.
14th
Ensured entry of mercantile HYRALOCK into
Foochow after threat of detention by
Chinese Nationalist gunboat.
19th
Arrived at Kure after rough passage.
24th
Took passage from Kure for US Naval Base at
Yokosuka. .
HMNZS PUKAKI and HMS CARDIGAN BAY in company.
26th
On arrival took part in multi national
exercises including convoy defence, RAS
and
surface gunnery in Area GEORGE.
28th
Entered Yokosuka with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
February
2nd
Took passage to Tokyo with HMS CARDIGAN BAY
arriving same day for formal
visit.
8th
Official exchanges
with civil and military authorities.
9th
Took part in exercises in Sagami Wan area
These included serial with US submarine USS
GREEN FISH.
Sailed for Chinhae, Korea with BMS CARDIGAN
BAY on completion.
an emergency on board during passage.)
12th
Arrived at South Korean Naval Base at Chinhae
(Note: Medical Officer had been transferred to
HMS CARDIGAN BAY during
passage to deal with emergency on board.)
14th
Cheered HMS CARDIGAN BAY on departure.
Leaving Station.
Carried out gunnery firings.
Assisted ROK fishing vessel and transferred
crew to ROK Navy craft.
Took passage to Hong Kong.
19th
Arrived at Hong Kong after surveillance during
period in Formosa Strait.
Advance Party for re-commissioning joined
ship.
(Note: 4in Shell was fuzed whilst in passage
as a precaution in view of current
international
unrest.)
27th
Sailed for Singapore.
(Note: Shallow water divers examined Sonar
Dome whilst at Hong Kong.)
Repair was effected before sailing.)
March
3rd
Arrived at Singapore.
4th
Prepared for re-commissioning.
9th
Re-commissioned .
New Commanding Officer: Commander N Dixon.
(Note: This was under new rules which required
re-commissioning after 18 months
foreign service instead of 2 years.)
12th
Took part in exercises and work-up off
Singapore.
(Note: These included anti-submarines
procedures with HM Submarine
THOROUGH and
night gunnery firings.)
19th
Sailed for Hong Kong.
(Note: During passage starboard screw fouled
by wire and cleared by divers.
28th
On arrival deployment for search after
aircraft crash was cancelled.
April
10th
Took part in Local exercises including
anti-submarine procedures .damage control
and gunnery firings.
16th
Fire-fighting demonstration on board.
17th
Took part in Local exercises with ships of
Squadron.
26th
Took part in further exercises off Hong Kong.
May
7th
Sailed from Hong Kong for Sasebo with HMNZS
KANIERE after exercises.
12th
Arrived at Sasebo.
15th
Sailed for visit to Kagoshima.
16th
At Kagoshima.
Official calls exchanged.
21st
Passage to Kure arriving same day.
25th
Sailed for official visit to Kobe.
26th
At Kobe.
June
5th
Passage to Yokosuka to take part in exercises
with US Navy.
13th
On completion took passage for Hong Kong with
surveillance during period in the
Formosa
Strait.
19th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
20th
Took part in Fleet exercises.
25th
Took part in Squadron exercises.
27th
Prepared for refit and ship's company moved
ashore to HMS TAMAR
Ship at Extended
Notice.
July Under
refit.
12th
Docked
August
Under refit
September
15th
Refit completion date.
19th
Began sea trials.
24th
Completed sea trials and local exercises
October
1st
Took part in Local exercises.
10th
Sailed for Fleet Exercise JET 56.
(Note: Captain went to hospital before
sailing.
Lieutenant Commander W J Cirry assumed
command.)
15th
Deployed for exercises with HM Cruiser
NEWCASTLE, HMNZS PUKAKI and HMNZS
KANIERE, HMAS TOBRUK, ANZAC and ALBATROSS..
(Note: Serials included convoy defence,
anti-submarine procedures with USN submarine.)
22nd At
Manila.
Open to visitors.
25th
Sailed for Singapore.
29th
At Singapore.
Captain rejoined ship.
November
1st
Despatched to Middle East Station in support
of operations pending against Egypt
7th
At Trincomalee.
18th
At Aden.
(Note: HM Cruiser NEWFOUNDLAND also at Aden.)
Constructor Lieutenant visited ship.)
December
2nd
Flag Officer Middle East visited ship at Aden.
4th
Took passage for patrol duty in Ras Gharib
area, Red Sea.
(Note: HMS NEWFOUNDLAND, HM Destroyer DIANA,
HM Sloop MODESTE,
RFA GOLD RANGER and RFA WAVE SOVEREIGN were
also deployed.)
26th
Provided assistance at Jebbel Attair
Lighthouse but patient too ill to be moved.
28th
Returned to Aden.
1
9 5 7
January
3rd
Released from detached duty and took passage
to Singapore.
7th
Arrived at Singapore after exercising on
passage with HM Sloop OPOSSUM.
23rd
At Extended Notice for docking in AFD10.
February
Nominated for detached service in New Zealand.
11th
Undocked.
12th
CinC Far East Divisions on board.
13th
Took passage to Tawau, Borneo with HMS
CARDIGAN BAY.
18th
At Tawau.
19th
Sailed from Tawau for Townsville, Australia.
25th
Called at Howick Island.
28th
At Townsville.
March
2nd
Took passage from Townsville.
8th
Arrived at RNZN Base in Auckland.
17th
Took passage to Port Fitzro, Great Barrier
Island for visit arriving same day.
20th
Sailed from Port Fitzroy to visit Catherine
Bay and Moari Bay on return passage
to Auckland.
21st
Took part in RNZN exercises.
23rd
Visited Port Fitzroy and Port Abercrombie
between exercises.
27th
Resumed exercises
April
1st
Returned to Auckland
12th
Sailed from Auckland with RNZN ships for
exercises.
(Notes: These included the training of
Reservists.
Ship visited Maori Bay.)
17th
Returned to Auckland.
24th
Took passage for visit to Wellington.
26th
Official visit with Civic welcome.
28th
Sailed for exercises with RNZN ships.
30th
At Marlborough Sound.
May
1st
At Ship Cove.
2nd
Resumed exercises.
3rd
Returned to Wellington
7th
At Nelson.
9th
Sailed for exercises.
10th
At Wellington.
12th
Sailed for exercises
14th
At Lyttleton
16th
Sailed for Wellington.
17th
At Wellington.
20th
Lt. Cdr Corry assumed temporary command
Took passage to Timaru.
21st
At Timaru. Civic exchanges made.
22nd
Captain rejoined ship.
23rd
Return passage to Wellington from Timaru.
24th
Return passage to Auckland from Wellington
26th
At Auckland.
June
Deployed for visits to Pacific islands.
5th
Took passage from Wellington for Suva
9th
At Suva.
Lost awning during rough weather.
11th
Sailed for Apia.
Crossed International Date Line.
12th
At Apia
17th
Sailed for Nuku Nono.
18th
At Nuku Nono. Two natives found on board !
19th
Took passage to Kakaofo and thence to Apia and
Atafu.
21st
Returned to Apia.
23rd
Sailed for Nukualofa.
26th
At Nukualopa.
28th
Sailed for Suva.
30th
At Suva
July
1st
Took passage to San
Cristobel Island.
5th
Arrived at Wanoni Bay.
Embarked 15 passengers and sailed for Honiara.
Crossed International Date Line.
At Honiara.
Open to visitors and civic exchanges.
8th
Sailed for Gizo.
9th
At Gizo.
Open to visitors.
Took passage to Manus.
12th
Arrived at Manus. Refuelled and sailed for
Hong Kong.
15th
Machinery failure repaired quickly.
21st
Arrived at Hong Kong and resumed duties in 3rd
Frigate Squadron.
July
27th
Began Maintenance Period
August
1st
Docked.
3rd
Undocked.
12th
Sailed to
Singapore
from Hong Kong to re-commission.
17th
Arrived at
Singapore
21st
Re-commissioned.
New Commanding
Officer: Commander B C Moth MBE RN.
24th
Sailed for Shakedown
at Palua Ticman.
29th
Took passage to
Malacca.
30th
At Malacca.
September
1st
Sailed for
Singapore.
2nd
Returned to
Singapore.
4th
Deployed at
Singapore
for exercises.
12th
Took passage to Port
Dickson.
13th
At Port Dickson.
Civic exchanges.
15th
Sailed for Singapore.
16th
At
Singapore.
17th
Took passage to
Hong
Kong. Ship exercises.
21st
Met HM Despatch
Vessel ALERT for transfer.
23rd
Arrived at
Hong
Kong.
26th
Civil Lord of the
Admiralty visiting Colony.
30th
Took part in Local exercises.
October
Deployed at
Hong
Kong.
Local exercises
including anti-submarine procedures with HM
Submarine ANDREW.
November
Deployed at
Hong
Kong.
5th
Local Flotilla
exercises
19th
Fleet Regatta in
Junk
Bay.
30th
Took passage to
Sandakan,
Borneo for patrol duties.
December
4th
At Sandakan and sailed for Jesselton.
5th
At Jesselton.
6th
Return passage to Singapore.
8th
At Singapore and prepared for refit
.
De-ammunitioned and de-stored.
Ship's Company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard,
Singapore
1
9 5 8
January
Under refit.
February
4th
Docked in King George V Graving Dock.
March
New Commanding Officer: Commander J H Groom
RN.
3rd
Visited by Bishop of Maidstone.
18th
Tilt Test and undocked. Ship's company
returned on board. Basin trials.
24th
Refit completion date.
26th
Sea trials
.
29th
Completed sea trials.
31st
Gun functioning trials
April
3rd
Sailed for Shakedown at Palau Ticman.
8th
Returned to Singapore.
12th
Took passage to Hong Kong.
17th
Arrived at Hong Yang.
Exercised on passage including RAS from RFA
GREEN RANGER.
19th
Took passage to Sasebo.
23rd
Exercise FLOTEX in Sasebo area with HM Sloops
OPOSSUM and MODESTE.
25th
At Sasebo
26th
Sailed for Inchon, Korea with HM Despatch
Vessel ALERT for official visit by
CinC Far East.
28th
At Inchon. Calls exchanged with ROK Navy and
other authorities..
30th
British Ambassador visited HMS ALERT.
Sailed for Yongpyon Do.
May
1st
At Yong Pyong Do.
Sailed for Sasebo
after exchange of visit.
3rd
Arrived at Sasebo.
4th
Passage to Beppu with HMS MODESTE for official
visit.
5th
At Beppu.
Calls exchanged.
Open to visitors
8th
Took passage with HMS MODESTE to Nagoya.
10th
At Nagoya for official visit. Hail a exchanged
and Press on board.
Open to visitors.
Bus tour arranged
for ship's company.
13th
Passage to Yokohama with HMS MODESTE
14th
Carried out anti-submarine exercise before
arrival.
19th
Sailed for Hong Kong with HMS MODESTE and
exercised on passage.
25th
Arrived at Hong Kong after gunnery firing
trial.
Began maintenance
period at Kowloon.
June
10th
Took part in Local exercises.
13th
Demonstrations on board for visitors
17th
Took part in Local exercises.
July
3rd
Annual Harbour and Sea Inspections.
7th
Sailed for Singapore with Ceremonial
Departure.
Exercised on passage with HM Destroyer COSSACK
before arrival.
12th
At Singapore.
14th
Prepared for Self-Refit.
Ship's company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
24th
Docked in AFD 31
27th
Undocked.
August
Nominated for detached service in Middle East
Station.
(Note: This was due to increased unrest.
Middle East Station
was due to close on 1st September.)
5th
Ship's company returned on board.
7th
Took part in exercises at Palau Tioman.
9th
Malayan RNVR trainees embarked for exercises
at Palau Tioman.
16th
Returned to Singapore from exercises.
19th
Took passage to Aden.
September
Exercised on passage.
1st
At Aden.
4th
Deployed for local patrol and interception
of illegal traffic.
6th
Met HM Inshore Minesweeper BASSINGHAM under
tow by RFA FORT
SANDUSKY to Mombasa.
(Note: This ship was being transferred to
Mombasa for loan service in the Royal East
African
Navy and presumably
had broken down on passage.
Took over tow and took passage to Aden.
8th
Arrived at Aden with HMS BASSINGHAM.
9th
Took passage for patrol off Omani coast.
12th
Met HM Commando Carrier BULWARK.
Transferred mail and stores.
13th
Took part in Salvage operations in Arabian Sea
after mercantiles ss MELIKA and tanker
FERNAND GILABERT had collided.
Found derelict MELIKA and took in tow.
14th
Tow parted.
to
Assisted in salvage work with HMS BULWARK and
HM Frigate LOCH KILLISPORT.
17th
(Note: FERNAND GILABERT was later towed by HMS
LOCH KILLISPORT).
Significant awards were later paid to ship's
companies of all RN ships.)
20th
Released from detached service in Middle East
and took passage to Trincomalee.
22nd At
Trincomalee and sailed for Singapore same day
after replenishment.
27th
Arrived at Singapore.
29th
Docked in Floating Dock for repairs.
30th
First Sea Lord visited snip in dock.
(Note: Leading Cook injured by dockyard crane
during docking period.)
October
Undocked and resumed Flotilla duties.
8th
Took passage to Hong Kong.
13th
Arrived at Hong Kong after gunnery firings in
Junk Bay area.
22nd Took
part in Local exercises.
26th
Took part in Local exercises.
November
Deployed at Hong Kong for local Exercises.
Embarked Commodore Hong Kong for day during
exercises.
Ship's Company photographed.
6th
Took part in Local exercises.
13th
Took part in Local exercises including
anti-submarine procedures and gunnery firings.
17th
Fleet Regatta.
28th
Took part in Fleet exercises off Hong Kong.
December
Maintenance Period.
3rd
Docked.
16th
Undocked.
30th
Deployed for patrol in Mirs Bay.
1
9 5 9
January
2nd
Took passage for Borneo patrol via Mindora
Strait.
6th
At Tawau, North Borneo.
8th
Deployed for patrol with Police embarked..
12th
At Sandakan.
15th
At Kudat.
17th
Took passage to Singapore.
20th
Arrived at Singapore.
Some of snip's company left for flight to UK
Prepared for re-commissioning..
30th
Re-commissioned.
New Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Commander
PJ Wyatt, RN).
February
4th
Took part in Flotilla and Fleet exercises off
Singapore.
14th
Returned to Singapore.
18th
Prepared for Royal Visit by HRH The Duke of
Edinburgh to Hong Kong.
March
1st
Sailed from
Singapore
with HMS MOUNTS BAY to met HM Royal Yacht
BRITANNIA.
(Note: HMZNS ROTOITI and HMS CARDIGAN BAY
joined later on passage.)
6th
Joined HMY BRITANNIA for entry to Hong Kong
18th
HMY BRITANNIA sailed from Hong Kong for
Pacific visits.
23rd
Took passage to Singapore from Hong Kong.
28th
Arrived at Singapore with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
April
2nd
Took part in Fleet exercise FLOTEX in Gulf of
Siam.
(Note: Won 3rd Frigate Squadron Soccer Cup.
7th
On completion returned to Singapore.
9th
Taken in hand for refit.
Ship's company moved to HMS TERROR.
New Commanding Officer: Commander R Von T B
Kettle RN.
May
Under refit.
to
June
July
6th
Ship's company
returned on board
9th
Basin trials.
13th
Began post refit sea trials.
15th
Began Shakedown period including exercises at
Tioman Palua.
27th
Ready for operational duty in Squadron.
August
3rd
Took passage to Hong Kong from Singapore.
8th
Arrived at Hang Kong.
13th
Took part in Local exercises including
bombardments.
16th
Carried out local survey work.
21st
Took part in Local Defence exercise with HM
ML2518 and 2618 of Local Flotilla.
30th
Sailed from Hong Kong for Singapore.
September
Nominated for Guardship duty at Addu Atoll in
Indian Ocean.
5th
Arrived at Singapore.
12th
Took passage to Addu Atoll.
(Note: This deployment was made to ensure that
the programme for establishment of an
RAF Staging Point was kept on schedule. This
building work was an urgent
requirement since trooping flights to
Singapore were being made over the
Indian Ocean instead of over Middle East
countries due to the local political
situation.
A Guardship was therefore being sent.
21st
Arrived at Addu Atoll and relieved HM
Destroyer CAPRICE as Guardship.
Air Chief Marshal The Earl of Brandon visited
ship.
October
Addu Atoll Guardship duty in continuation.
(Note: Period of duty was extended from the
planned 3 weeks because of delay in
completion of refit of HM Sloop CRANE at
Singapore.
Problems relating to payment of ship's company
were solved by unorthodox
methods including borrowing money from the
civilian Laundry on board)
November
Sailed for Singapore and called at Penang for
two days R&R visit.
Arrived at Singapore.
December
1st
Docked.
Ship's company moved to HMS TERROR.
4th
Undocked.
13th
Basin Trial.
Flag Officer 2nd in Command Far East visited
ship.
14th
Ship's company returned on board.
Emergency compass found missing.
Sea trials and ammunitioned.
15th
Took passage for detached service visits to
Australia and New Zealand.
(Note: This was probably arranged in
compensation for the stay at Addu Atoll.)
24th
Arrived at Fremantle after rough passage and
refuelled at sea.
Civic exchanges and children’s party on board.
Open to visitors.
28th
Sailed for Adelaide.
1 9 6
0
January
2nd
At Adelaide.
4th
Took passage to Auckland, New Zealand.
11th
Arrived at Auckland.
19th
Took part in RNZN exercises in Hauraki Gulf.
(Note: Trips were arranged for ship's company
during stay.)
25th
Sailed from Auckland for Official visit to
Wellington.
27th
Arrived at Wellington after exercises on
passage.
Civic exchanges and extensive hospitality.
Open to visitors
February
1st
Took passage to Hobart, Tasmania.
5th
At Hobart.
to
Exchanges made with civil and military
authorities,
11th
Took part in local Regatta and open to
visitors.
(Note: Visit was marked by robbery in
Canteen).
12th
Took passage to Sydney
15th
Arrived at Sydney after rough passage.
Open to visitors during stay.
19th
Sailed from Sydney for Cairns.
23rd
At Cairns.
Ship's company photographed.
Open to visitors
25th
Took passage to Singapore.
(Note: During the visits to ports in both
countries there was a marked increase in
leave-
breaking and potential desertion.
Many personnel were recovered and returned to
the ship later.)
March
Painted ship during passage in position 3
Degrees South, 110 Degrees East.
7th
Took part in anti-submarine and air defence
exercises off Singapore.
Arrived at Singapore on completion.
9th
Annual Harbour Inspection by SO 3rd Frigate
Squadron 10th Sea
Inspection.
13th
Present during visit to Singapore by First Sea
Lord.
19th
Ship's company moved to HMS TERROR.
21st
Docked for Interim Docking and maintenance.
April
5th
Undocked.
9th
Ship's company retuned on board.
15th
Sailed for exercises before taking passage to
Hong Kong.
20th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
22nd Took
part in Local exercises with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
May
Deployed at Hong Kong and took part in Local
exercises.
(Note: Some of snip's company were employed as
'Extras' during the filming of
THE
MAKING OF SUZIE WONG at Hong Kong during this
period.)
Expedition Training was carried out
26th
Took passage from Hong Kong for exercises
prior to visit to Chinhae, Korea.
27th
During Squadron exercises machinery problems
experienced.
Withdrawn and returned to Hong Kong escorted
by HM Destroyer CAVENDISH.
31st
Took passage to rejoin Fleet for major
exercises.
June
3rd
Met HMNZS ROTOITI for exercises.
Took part in Fleet exercises with HMS ALBION
and ships of Far East Fleet.
(Note: These included Replenishment at Sea,
Night Encounter, convoy defence and
anti-submarine defence with HM Submarine
TEREDO.)
9th
At Yokohama.
Open to visitors
15th
Took passage to Maizuru with ships of Fleet.
18th
Arrived at Maizuru after delay when wire
fouling screw had top be cleared.
to
This was an Official visit to Japanese Defence
Force.
22nd
Formal exchanges with Guard.
Japanese naval visitors and open to public
(Note: Jujitsu and fencing displays by host
nation.
Children’s party for Orphans,.
23rd
Took passage for Fleet exercises on return
passage to Hong Kong.
Joined Fleet exercises on passage including
convoy defence.
Rendezvous with HM Cruiser BELFAST.
(Note: Other ships included HMNZS ROTOITI, HM
Destroyer CAPRICE, HM Sloop
CRANE, HMS CARDIGAN BAY and RFA RETAINER.)
Fire in radar generator was extinguished
July
2nd
On arrival at Hong Kong collided with HM
Inshore Minesweeper DAMERHAM.
(Note: Accident due to failure of
communications between Bridge and Engine Room
when
berthing alongside HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
HMS DAMERHAM was almost cut in half.
Fortunately the only person on board was able
to escape before impact.
Board of Inquiry was held later in HMS
BELFAST.
3rd
Took passage to Singapore.
8th
Arrived at Singapore.
10th
Prepared to re-commission.
15th
Re-commissioned for service in 3rd Frigate
Squadron.
Commanding Officer: Commander JO Roberts, RN.
16th
Took passage to Palau Tioman for
shakedown.
20th
Returned to Singapore and prepared for refit.
23rd
Ship's company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
August
Under refit.
9th
Flooding in Paint Store and Forepeak due to
leaking firemain in Messdeck.
10th
Docked.
September
10th
Death of Ordinary Seaman Hannah in hospital.
19th
Fire extinguished in Canteen Flat.
October
Under refit
16th
Completion date.
17th
Ship's company returned on board.
18th
Basin Trial.
24th
Sea Trials.
26th
Post refit equipment sea trials.
November
4th
Completed post refit checks.
7th
Took part in Local exercises at Pulau Aura and
Pulau Ticman.
(Note: These included anti-submarine
procedures, gunnery firings and tow.)
11th
Returned to Singapore on completion.
14th
Took part in Fleet and Squadron Exercises in
South China Sea.
(Note: These included convoy defence, AA
firings and anti-submarine procedures.)
24th
Returned to Singapore on completion.
29th
Took passage to Townsville with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY for detached service.
(Note: Senior Officer 3rd Frigate Squadron was
embarked in HMS CARDIGAN BAY.)
December
10th
At Townsville with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
Refuelled.
Civic exchanges made and open to visitors.
12th
Sailed from Townsville for Pacific islands
visit programme.
16th
At Noumea, New Caledonia with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY.
(Note: Inspection carried cut by Senior
Officer 3rd Frigate Squadron.)
20th
Sailed from Noumea with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
23rd
Arrived at Suva, Fiji after exercises with
SUNDERLAND aircraft.
(Note: Xmas at Suva with children’s party.)
28th
Took passage from Suva for Apia, Samoa with
HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
29th
At Apia.
20th
Returned to Singapore and prepared for refit.
23rd
Ship's company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
28th
Took passage from Suva for Apia, Samoa with
HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
29th
At Apia.
1
9 6 1
January
2nd
Took passage from Apia, Western Samoa to
Hawaii with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
9th
Arrived at Pearl Harbour for official visit to
US Navy by CinC Far East.
(Note: Formal exchanges were made with US Navy
senior officers, US Army senior offers and
civil
authorities. Extensive hospitality offered to
ship's company)
16th
Sailed from Pearl Harbour with HMS CARDIGAN
BAY, which then detached and
took independent
passage for visit to US Ports before return to
UK.
17th
Passage to Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
25th
At Funafuti.
26th
Passage to Noumea and Onatoa Tuvalu.
30th
At Tarawa
February
1st
Passage from Tarawa to Admiralty Islands.
6th
At Manus
(Note: This was used by ships of the British
Pacific Fleet as a forward base during
WW2.
See WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).)
7th
Passage to Philippines
13th
At Ilo Ilo
14th
Passage to Hong Kong.
18th
At Hong Kong for duty as Guardship.
20th
Passage to Singapore from Hong Kong.
25th
At Singapore and prepared for Annual
Inspection and for routine docking.
(Note: During the period before docking , took
part in exercises with ships of Far East Fleet
including Annual Inspection.
Ship's company were accommodated in HMS TERROR
during docking period.)
April
Docking and essential defect repair by HM
Dockyard Singapore
May
Post refit trials and ammunitioning.
Nominated for patrol duties based at Tawau,
Borneo on completion.
(Note: Patrols to intercept small vessels
(Kumpits) which were carrying out attacks on
local
shipping and fishing vessels had been
established for some years.
Activities of this type have escalated in
recent years when large ships are now
vulnerable to
piracy from small vessels.
In 1962 when Indonesian forces attempted to
take over Borneo (KONFRONTASI)
extensive RN operations were carried out to
prevent landings and support of Guerrilla
groups.
Piracy patrols were thus a pre-amble to these
operations.
Civil Police units were embarked in warships
deployed off Borneo.)
16th
Deployed for anti-piracy patrol duties based
at Tawau
20th
Passage to Hong Kong on release from duties in
Borneo.
Passage from Hong Kong to Japanese waters.
June
18th
At Yokosuka which is the port for Tokyo and
where a US Navy Base has been in
operation since
WW2..
Formal exchanges made with US Navy senior
officers and
civil authorities.
20th
Passage to Hong Kong with HM Submarine
TACTICIAN which remained surfaced.
26th
Deployed as Guardship at Hong Kong.
(Note: Due to emergency requirements in Kuwait
several ships were transferred to the
Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. This reduced
the number of ships on Station and
Guardship duty lasted longer than the seven
days originally programmed. One
source suggests ship carried out Formosa
Straits patrol to ensure safe passage of
British flagged mercantiles stopped by.
Chinese warships.
This deployment is to be confirmed.)
July
Hong Kong Guardship deployment in
continuation.
25th
Passage from Hong Kong to Singapore.
30th
At Singapore to prepare for Fleet exercise .
August
Took part in SEAC Exercise TUCKER BOX with Far
East Fleet and commonwealth
warships.
(Note: Involvement was restricted due to
requirement to maintain high speeds
needed
during exercises in company with faster more
modern ships.).
Deployed for anti-submarine warning duties on
boundary of exercise area with HM
Frigate ROTOITI (RNZN) of basically similar
design and low speed..
On completion returned to Singapore to prepare
for visit to Australia.
15th
Passage to Brisbane.
26th
At Brisbane
September
Passage to Mackay, Queensland.
4th
At Mackay, Queensland.
9th
At Cairns, Queensland.
13th
Passage to Darwin, Northern Territory.
18th
At Darwin.
20th
Passage to Singapore.
28th
Prepared for refit on arrival. Ship’s Company
moved ashore
October
Under docking and refit by HM Dockyard
Singapore.
Station Leave granted
November
On completion of post refit trials prepared
for return to UK to Pay-off
12th
Passage to Colombo, Ceylon.
16th
At Colombo
19th
Passage to Aden
24th
At Aden
26th
Passage to Suez
December
1st
Suez Canal transit.
5th
At Malta
9th
At Gibraltar
14th
Arrived at Portsmouth.
16th
Paid-off and de-storing
F i n a l P h a s e
HMS ST BRIDES BAY remarkably
had spent 16 years continuously overseas and
was accepted into Reserve at
Portsmouth in January 1962. She was placed on
the Disposal List and sold to
BISCO for demolition. Towed to Faslane on the
Clyde for breaking-up by Metal
Industries she arrived there on 3rd September
1962.
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