If you go back to the V/W's they would be considered the Rolls Royce of their day.
Pity we didn't preserve an example from either class!
Calling all Royal Navy E-class fans
Moderators: BB62vet, MartinJQuinn, Timmy C, Gernot, Olaf Held, Dan K, HMAS, ModelMonkey
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
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Michael
HMS Echo and Eclipse
Alcon:
Am considering modeling my Tamiya E class destroyer as HMS Echo or Eclipse (thanks for posting those photos, Laurence, that was an inspired choice!), and was wondering how to model the extended bridge wings for either one. According to my interpretation of the photos, Echo was fitted with rectangular extended bridge wings which are flush with the bridge face, whereas Echo had angular bridge wings--kind of a U with straight, angular sides, that started a bit aft of the face of the bridge. But it looks like the aft part of the bridge wings on each are the original narrow bridge wings, leading to the flag platform.
Comments?
And does anyone have any photos of the compass platform arrangement for this or similar classes? It would be nice to add a few details to the Tamiya kit's compass platform.
Many thanks.
Yours truly,
Mike
Am considering modeling my Tamiya E class destroyer as HMS Echo or Eclipse (thanks for posting those photos, Laurence, that was an inspired choice!), and was wondering how to model the extended bridge wings for either one. According to my interpretation of the photos, Echo was fitted with rectangular extended bridge wings which are flush with the bridge face, whereas Echo had angular bridge wings--kind of a U with straight, angular sides, that started a bit aft of the face of the bridge. But it looks like the aft part of the bridge wings on each are the original narrow bridge wings, leading to the flag platform.
Comments?
And does anyone have any photos of the compass platform arrangement for this or similar classes? It would be nice to add a few details to the Tamiya kit's compass platform.
Many thanks.
Yours truly,
Mike
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Michael
Western Approaches Scheme for HMS Eclipse
Alcon:
Now a question about the WA scheme worn by Eclipse in the photo Laurence posted. Is that a two (White and Blue) or three tone (White, Blue, and Green) scheme?
And what is the shape of the Blue (?) panel on the hull. Fore, it angles up form the waterline. But is there any discernable pattern aft?
This scheme reminds me of the WA scheme worn by HMS Eskimo (and a couple of other Tribals) during the war. In that sheme, the blue panel angled back to the waterline in the aft portion of the hull. But I don't see that happening here. Anyone have any photos that shed any light on this?
Please advise.
Many thanks again.
Mike
Now a question about the WA scheme worn by Eclipse in the photo Laurence posted. Is that a two (White and Blue) or three tone (White, Blue, and Green) scheme?
And what is the shape of the Blue (?) panel on the hull. Fore, it angles up form the waterline. But is there any discernable pattern aft?
This scheme reminds me of the WA scheme worn by HMS Eskimo (and a couple of other Tribals) during the war. In that sheme, the blue panel angled back to the waterline in the aft portion of the hull. But I don't see that happening here. Anyone have any photos that shed any light on this?
Please advise.
Many thanks again.
Mike
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Michael
HMS Eclipse Camo
Alcon:
After studying the photo of Eclipse a bit, it seems to me possible to discern what looks like a blue, sawtooth-like pattern on the hull side from the end of the foc'l deck aft.
Cover your eyes, peek out through a narrow slit between your forefinger and middle finger, hyperventilate, and bear down real hard, and you'll see what I mean.
Comments? (About the camo scheme, that is....)
Mike
After studying the photo of Eclipse a bit, it seems to me possible to discern what looks like a blue, sawtooth-like pattern on the hull side from the end of the foc'l deck aft.
Cover your eyes, peek out through a narrow slit between your forefinger and middle finger, hyperventilate, and bear down real hard, and you'll see what I mean.
Comments? (About the camo scheme, that is....)
Mike
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
I don't have specific compass platform photos for the E-class, but I will likely have them for other A-I's.
When I have some spare time at the weekend I'll have a look see.
In terms of camouflage do you have Alan Raven's 4 volumes?
Vol.2 p5 shows Echo in 1942 with a nice 3 colour disruptive scheme of MS1, B5 & 507c.
Vol.4 p46 also has one of the overpainted photos the same as I posted above.
In terms of your questions, I'm no camouflage buff, but it does appear to be a western approaches type scheme.
Probably with light blue in it, but its hard to tell if there's 3 colours there as she's so dirty and weathered.
In terms of the bridge wings I do believe they were reshaped when the ships got oerlikons, I might have some close up photos somewhere.
However they will be A-I and won't be E-class which seems a poorly photographed class in general.
When I have some spare time at the weekend I'll have a look see.
In terms of camouflage do you have Alan Raven's 4 volumes?
Vol.2 p5 shows Echo in 1942 with a nice 3 colour disruptive scheme of MS1, B5 & 507c.
Vol.4 p46 also has one of the overpainted photos the same as I posted above.
In terms of your questions, I'm no camouflage buff, but it does appear to be a western approaches type scheme.
Probably with light blue in it, but its hard to tell if there's 3 colours there as she's so dirty and weathered.
In terms of the bridge wings I do believe they were reshaped when the ships got oerlikons, I might have some close up photos somewhere.
However they will be A-I and won't be E-class which seems a poorly photographed class in general.
Last edited by Laurence Batchelor on Thu Jun 14, 2007 9:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
Information & Tabular Record of Movement (TROM) For HMS Eclipse H08
Background Information
Eclipse was an "E" Class Fleet Destroyer ordered on 1st November 1932 from Denny at Dumbarton under the 1931 Build Programme.
The ship was laid down on 22nd March 1932 and launched on 12th April 1934 as the tenth RN ship to carry the name introduced in 1715.
It was last used for a Trawler during WWl. Build was completed on 29th November 1934 for a cost of �246,664, excluding items supplied by the Admiralty such as guns and communications equipment.
Much of her service was in the Mediterranean until 1936 because of the Abyssinian crisis. In April 1936 after some months refitting she joined the Home Fleet with the 5th Destroyer Flotilla and for some months was deployed again in the Mediterranean. This destroyer was held in Reserve in 1938 and re-commissioned in August 1939 manned by Reservists for the Royal Review of the Reserve Fleet at Weymouth.
She remained in commission and after a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign in March 1942 was adopted by the civil community of Ell and, then in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
Her Battle Honours
MAURITIUS 1810
NEW ZEALAND 1863-64
SUEZ 1882
NEW ZEALAND 1889
NORWAY 1940
ARCTIC 1942-42
SICILY 1943
ATLANTIC 1943
SALERNO 1943
AEGEAN 1943
Her Heraldic Data
Badge: On a Field Blue, the Earth Black over a sun Gold.
Ships Motto:
Nunquan : 'Never eclipsed'
War Service
1939
August - Commissioned for Review of Reserve Fleet.
September - Joined 12th Destroyer Flotilla at Rosyth for anti-submarine defence of Fleet units and North Sea convoy escort.
5th - Part of escort for HM Battleship RAMILLIES with HM Destroyers EXMOUTH, ENCOUNTER and ESCAPADE during provision of cover for troop convoy in Atlantic.
October - Deployment in North Sea and NW Approaches in continuation.
November 24th - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battlecruiser HOOD during Atlantic search for German warships GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST after the sinking ofHM Armed Merchant Cruiser RAWALPINDl with HM Destroyers ECHO and EXMOUTH.
December - Transferred to Western Approaches Command for Atlantic convoy defence and patrol.
1940
January - Convoy defence and Fleet escort in NW Approaches continued
February 5th - Escorted HM Auxiliary Minelayer PRINCESS VICTORIA mines along East Coast Barrier off East coast of Scotland.
March - Convoy defence and Fleet escort in NW Approaches in continuation.
April - Deployed on convoy escort in NW Approaches.
8th - Detached from escort of Convoy ON 25 (UK - Norway) to Norway for support of allied military operations.
Deployed for screening duties and attached to 20th Destroyer Flotilla.
11th - Damaged in air attack on Fleet units off Norwegian
Hit aft caused major flooding.
Towed to Lerwick by HM Destroyer ESCORT
(Note: HM Destroyer HYPERlON was deployed as escort during passage.)
Taken in hand for repair in Clyde shipyard.
May to July - Under repair
August - Carried out post refit trials.
10th - On completion joined 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet for screening duties.
21st - Escorted ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron with HMS ECHO during lay in Northern Barrage (Operation SN2).
31st - Detached for escort of troop convoy to West Africa for Dakar landings. (Operation MENACE).
September - Deployed with screen for Force M major ships for FENACE. Returned to Freetown with defects before operation abandoned.
Under repair at Freetown.
October - Repair could not be completed.
Took passage to Gibraltar to complete repair work.
November - Under repair at Gibraltar
15th - On completion carried out post repair trials
Passage to UK to rejoin 3rd Destroyer Flotilla.
December - Deployed for anti-submarine protection duties with Home Fleet
1941
January - Flotilla duties with Home Fleet in continuation.
February 15th - Deployed as screen for HM Battleship RODNEY with HM Destroyer ELECTRA during Ocean Escort for military Convoy WS6A during passage from Clyde to Freetown.
17th - Detached from WS6A with HMS RODNEY and HMS ELECTRA.
March 25th - Joined military Convoy WS7 with HM Destroyer FOXHOUND for anti-submarine protection during passage in NW Approaches.
28th - Detached from WS7 with HMS FOXHOUND on arrival of Ocean Escort.
April - Nominated for refit
12th - Under refit by HM Dockyard, Devonport.
May - Under refit.
June 4th - Carried out post refit trials on completion of dockyard work.
Passage to rejoin Flotilla to resume Home Fleet duties.
25th - Deployed to assist defence of ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron during lay in Northern Barrage after HM Destroyer BRIGHTON had been damaged in collision with HM Cruiser KENYA (Operation SN70B)
July 23rd - Deployed with escort for HM Aircraft Carriers FURIOUS and VICTORIOUS for air attacks on shipping between Kirkenes and Petsamo (Operation EF).
August - Home Fleet screening duties with Flotilla in continuation.
19th - Deployed as screen for HM Cruisers AURORA and NIGERIA with HM Destroyers ANTELOPE, ANTHONY, ICARUS and TARTAR as escort for ss EMPRESS OF CANADA and Auxiliary Tanker OLIGARCH during passage to Spizbergen.
(Operation GAUNTLET - Landing of allied garrison and collection of civilian personnel.) (Note: These included Norwegians for passage to UK and Russians miners to be taken to Archangel).
25th -Deployed for escort ofHM Aircraft Carrier VICTORIOUS, H M Cruiser DEVONSHIRE and H M Cruiser SUFFOLK to provide Distant Cover for passage of first Russian Convoy. (Operation DERVISH)
30th - Deployed with same ships to cover HM Aircraft Carrier ARGUS and Fleet Destroyers during passage to Archangel with Hurricane aircraft and RAF personnel.
(Operation STRENGTH)
September 2nd - Part of escort for EXPRESS OF CANADA and Prizes captured at Spitzbergen for return passage to UK on completion of GAUNTLET.
October 18th - Joined Russian Convoy PQ2 as escort with HM Cruiser NORFOLK for passage to Archangel HM Minesweepers BRAMBLE, SEAGULL were also in the escort and were to remain in North Russia for minesweeping duties.
30th - Detached from PQ2 en arrival after uninterrupted passage.
November 3rd - Joined return Convoy Part (P2 as escort with same ships as P02.
17th - Detached from QP2 with HMS ICARUS.
Resumed Hone Fleet duties with Flotilla.
December - Deployed with Hone Fleet for screening duty.
6th - Taken in hand for repair in Hull shipyard.
1942
January - Under repair.
February - Under repair
21st - On completion of post refit trials resumed Flotilla duties with Home Fleet.
March - Home screening duties in continuation.
1st - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battleships KING GEORGE, DUKE OF YORK, VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers BERWICK and KENYA with destroyers of Home Fleet to give Distant Cover for Russian Convoy PQ12 and returning Convoy QP8.
8th - Detached with HM Destroyers ONSLOW, PUNJABI, FURY, ASHANTI and ECHO to search for German battleship TIRPITZ and destroyers attacking ships which had scattered from convoy in gale.
Returned to Seidisf jord to refuel after fruitless search.
9th - Rejoined Home Fleet units which been covering HMS VICTORIOUS during air strikes on German battleship TIRPITZ which failed.
10th - Returned to Scapa Flow with Fleet units.
21st - Deployed with HM Destroyer FURY as screen for HM Cruiser TRINIDAD to provide Close Cover for passage of Russian Convoy PQ 13 to Murmansk.
26th - Convoy dispersed due to exceptionally heavy weather conditions.
27th - Deployed in search for scattered ships.
29th - In action with HMS TRINIDAD against German Destroyers.
Pursued German destroyer Z26 with HMS FURY and engaged with main armament hitting enemy with 6 rounds of 4.7" shell.
German ship later sank.
Sustained two hits from 5" shells causing fire and major damage with 23 killed and nine wounded.
(Note: During this engagement HMS TRINIDAD was hit by one of her own torpedoes which had a malfunction, probably due to icy conditions)
Escorted HMS TRINIDAD to Kola Inlet with HMS FURY
30th - Began temporary repair at Murmansk to allow passage back to UK.
April 6th - On completion of repair prepared for passage.
10th - Escorted returning Convoy OPIO with HM Cruiser LIVERPOOL, HM Destroyers ORIBI, FURY, PUNJABI and MARNE.
17th - Detached from QP10.
May - Under repair of action damage in HM Dockyard Devonport.
(Note :This included ship's side plating, fuel tanks, shrapnel damage and gun mountings).
6th - On completion rejoined Flotilla at Scapa Flow in continuation of screening duties.
12th - Deployed as part of destroyer screen for HMS DUKE OF YORK, the US battleship USS WASHINGTON, HMS VICTORIOUS, HM Cruiser LONDON and US cruiser USS TUSCALOOSA with ten other Home Fleet destroyers to provide cover for return passage of damaged HMS TRINIDAD from Murmansk.
14th - Resumed Flotilla duties after HMS TRINIDAD was sunk by air attacks.
23th - Deployed with Home Fleet and US Navy destroyers as screen for HMS DUKE OF YORK. USS WASHINGTON, HMS VICTORIOUS, HMS LONDON and US cruiser USS WITCHITA covering the passage of Russian Convoy FQ16 and returning QP12.
28th - Resumed Flotilla duties with Home Fleet.
June - Deployed with Flotilla for Home Fleet screening duty.
July - Transferred to 8th Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet as part of re-organisation.
to August - Screening duties in continuation.
September - Deployed with HM Destroyers AMAZON, BULLDOG, ECHO and VENOMOUS as screen for HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND and SHEFFIELD to establish re-fuelling facility at Lowe Sound, Spitzbergen and re-supply of garrison (Operation GEARBOX).
(Note: This facility was required to refuel Russian Convoys PQ18 and QP14 escorts.)
27th - Taken in hand for refit in Humber shipyard
October - Under refit.
November -Under refit.
20th - On completion of post refit trials rejoined Flotilla at Scapa Flow.
December - Deployed on screening duties with Flotilla.
18th - Joined Russian Convoy JW51A with HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, BOADICEA, ECHO, FURY and INGLEFIELD as Fighting Destroyer Escort.
(Note: This convoy was first to proceed from Loch Ewe to Kola Inlet without first calling in Iceland).
25th - Detached on arrival at Kola Inlet without interception by enemy aircraft.
30th - Joined Fighting Escort for return Convoy RA51 with same ships.
1943
January 6th - Detached from RA51 which had an uninterrupted passage because of enemy attack on JW51B by German cruiser HIPPER during which HM Destroyer ACHATES was sunk.
23rd - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battleship ANSON and HM Cruiser SHEFFIELD with HM Destroyers ECHO, FAULKNOR, and Polish ORP ORKAN providing Distant Cover for passage of Russian Convoy JW52.
February - Home Fleet screening duty with Flotilla in continuation.
21st - Joined Ocean Escort for Russian Convoy JW53 with HM Cruiser SCYLLA and HM Destroyers MILNE, FAULKNOR, BOADICEA, INGLEFIELD, ORWELL, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT, OBDURATE, FURY, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID and Polish ORP ORKAN.
27th - Detached after extreme weather conditions which restricted enemy activities.
March 1st - Joined escort for return Convoy RA53 with same ships and HM Destroyer IMPULSIVE.
12th - Detached from escort of RA 53 with HMS BOADICEA, IMPULSIVE, INGLEFIELD and FAULKNOR.
April - Nominated for anti-submarine duty in Atlantic for support of convoys.
6th - Detached for duty as I th Support Group with HM Destroyers INGLEFIELD, ICARUS and FURY to reinforce escort of Convoy HX231 in North Atlantic.
With air support drove off U-Boats maintaining contact with convoy.
25th - Reinforced sea escort for HX231 and ONS5 with ships of Group.
May - Atlantic convoy support with Group in continuation.
23rd - Provided additional A/S protection for Convoy HX239 with Group and air support by HM Escort Aircraft Carrier Carrier ARCHER.
June - Resumed Home Fleet duties as 8th Destroyer Flotilla.
Nominated for transfer to Mediterranean with Flotilla for support of the planned allied landings in Sicily. (Operation HUSKY)
28th - Arrived Gibraltar
Passage to Alexandria.
July - Deployed for escort of military convoys in eastern Mediterranean during passage to Beach
Heading in towards Sicily
8th - Detached from escort and took passage to join ships of Force H being deployed in Ionian Sea to prevent any interference by Italian warships during landings.
10th - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battleships NELSON, RODNEY, WARSPITE, VALIANT, HM Aircraft Carriers INDOMITABLE and FORMIDABLE during deployment in Ionian Sea.
23rd - Sank Italian submarine ASCIANGHI with HM Destroyer LAFOREY after it had attacked a cruiser force.
August - Mediterranean screening duties in continuation.
September - Nominated for support oflandings at Salerno as screen for major units.
7th - Part of destroyer screen for Covering Force with ships of 8th and 24th Destroyer Flotillas during landings at Salerno (Operation AVALANCHE).
13th - Transferred with Flotilla to Alexandria for support of British military operations to occupy Aegean islands after Italian surrender and to prevent German invasion.
16th - Arrived at Alexandria with Flotilla for duty in Eastern Mediterranean.
Deployed in support of Aegean Islands landings and to prevent German reinforcement of garrisons.
17th - Carried out Offensive Sweep in Aegean to intercept Italian evacuation craft or any ships carrying German troops to islands.
23rd - Sank German destroyer TA10 (Ex-French LA POMONE) and Italian merchant ship DONEZTTI carrying troops to Rhodes.
Intercepted and attacked Italian evacuation convoy.
October - Detached for special escort duty.
1st - Escorted HM Battleships KING GEORGE V and HOWE to Malta with HM Destroyers ECHO, FAULKNOR and FURY.
4th - Redeployed in Aegean and took passage from Malta as screen for HM Cruisers AURORA and PENELOPE to reinforce naval support in Aegean.
5th - Resumed support and convoy defence duties.
17th - Deployed with HM Cruiser SIRlUS, HM Destroyer PATHFINDER and HM Destroyer BEAUFORT to take stores and personnel to Leros.
Under air attacks during passage.
18th - Laid up in Turkish waters during daylight
Landed stores and personnel at Leros after dusk.
Carried out offensive sweep off Levitha before withdrawing.
23rd - Embarked Troops of Royal East Kent Regiment for passage to Leros to reinforce the garrison.
Captain P Todd, DSO, OBE (Commodore Levant Flotillas) was also embarked.
24th - Hit mine laid in 48 fathoms (Position 37.01 N 27.11E south of island.)
Ship broke in two and sank in 5 minutes after internal explosions and fires.
119 of Ship's Company and 134 troops were killed.
Background Information
Eclipse was an "E" Class Fleet Destroyer ordered on 1st November 1932 from Denny at Dumbarton under the 1931 Build Programme.
The ship was laid down on 22nd March 1932 and launched on 12th April 1934 as the tenth RN ship to carry the name introduced in 1715.
It was last used for a Trawler during WWl. Build was completed on 29th November 1934 for a cost of �246,664, excluding items supplied by the Admiralty such as guns and communications equipment.
Much of her service was in the Mediterranean until 1936 because of the Abyssinian crisis. In April 1936 after some months refitting she joined the Home Fleet with the 5th Destroyer Flotilla and for some months was deployed again in the Mediterranean. This destroyer was held in Reserve in 1938 and re-commissioned in August 1939 manned by Reservists for the Royal Review of the Reserve Fleet at Weymouth.
She remained in commission and after a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign in March 1942 was adopted by the civil community of Ell and, then in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
Her Battle Honours
MAURITIUS 1810
NEW ZEALAND 1863-64
SUEZ 1882
NEW ZEALAND 1889
NORWAY 1940
ARCTIC 1942-42
SICILY 1943
ATLANTIC 1943
SALERNO 1943
AEGEAN 1943
Her Heraldic Data
Badge: On a Field Blue, the Earth Black over a sun Gold.
Ships Motto:
Nunquan : 'Never eclipsed'
War Service
1939
August - Commissioned for Review of Reserve Fleet.
September - Joined 12th Destroyer Flotilla at Rosyth for anti-submarine defence of Fleet units and North Sea convoy escort.
5th - Part of escort for HM Battleship RAMILLIES with HM Destroyers EXMOUTH, ENCOUNTER and ESCAPADE during provision of cover for troop convoy in Atlantic.
October - Deployment in North Sea and NW Approaches in continuation.
November 24th - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battlecruiser HOOD during Atlantic search for German warships GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST after the sinking ofHM Armed Merchant Cruiser RAWALPINDl with HM Destroyers ECHO and EXMOUTH.
December - Transferred to Western Approaches Command for Atlantic convoy defence and patrol.
1940
January - Convoy defence and Fleet escort in NW Approaches continued
February 5th - Escorted HM Auxiliary Minelayer PRINCESS VICTORIA mines along East Coast Barrier off East coast of Scotland.
March - Convoy defence and Fleet escort in NW Approaches in continuation.
April - Deployed on convoy escort in NW Approaches.
8th - Detached from escort of Convoy ON 25 (UK - Norway) to Norway for support of allied military operations.
Deployed for screening duties and attached to 20th Destroyer Flotilla.
11th - Damaged in air attack on Fleet units off Norwegian
Hit aft caused major flooding.
Towed to Lerwick by HM Destroyer ESCORT
(Note: HM Destroyer HYPERlON was deployed as escort during passage.)
Taken in hand for repair in Clyde shipyard.
May to July - Under repair
August - Carried out post refit trials.
10th - On completion joined 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet for screening duties.
21st - Escorted ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron with HMS ECHO during lay in Northern Barrage (Operation SN2).
31st - Detached for escort of troop convoy to West Africa for Dakar landings. (Operation MENACE).
September - Deployed with screen for Force M major ships for FENACE. Returned to Freetown with defects before operation abandoned.
Under repair at Freetown.
October - Repair could not be completed.
Took passage to Gibraltar to complete repair work.
November - Under repair at Gibraltar
15th - On completion carried out post repair trials
Passage to UK to rejoin 3rd Destroyer Flotilla.
December - Deployed for anti-submarine protection duties with Home Fleet
1941
January - Flotilla duties with Home Fleet in continuation.
February 15th - Deployed as screen for HM Battleship RODNEY with HM Destroyer ELECTRA during Ocean Escort for military Convoy WS6A during passage from Clyde to Freetown.
17th - Detached from WS6A with HMS RODNEY and HMS ELECTRA.
March 25th - Joined military Convoy WS7 with HM Destroyer FOXHOUND for anti-submarine protection during passage in NW Approaches.
28th - Detached from WS7 with HMS FOXHOUND on arrival of Ocean Escort.
April - Nominated for refit
12th - Under refit by HM Dockyard, Devonport.
May - Under refit.
June 4th - Carried out post refit trials on completion of dockyard work.
Passage to rejoin Flotilla to resume Home Fleet duties.
25th - Deployed to assist defence of ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron during lay in Northern Barrage after HM Destroyer BRIGHTON had been damaged in collision with HM Cruiser KENYA (Operation SN70B)
July 23rd - Deployed with escort for HM Aircraft Carriers FURIOUS and VICTORIOUS for air attacks on shipping between Kirkenes and Petsamo (Operation EF).
August - Home Fleet screening duties with Flotilla in continuation.
19th - Deployed as screen for HM Cruisers AURORA and NIGERIA with HM Destroyers ANTELOPE, ANTHONY, ICARUS and TARTAR as escort for ss EMPRESS OF CANADA and Auxiliary Tanker OLIGARCH during passage to Spizbergen.
(Operation GAUNTLET - Landing of allied garrison and collection of civilian personnel.) (Note: These included Norwegians for passage to UK and Russians miners to be taken to Archangel).
25th -Deployed for escort ofHM Aircraft Carrier VICTORIOUS, H M Cruiser DEVONSHIRE and H M Cruiser SUFFOLK to provide Distant Cover for passage of first Russian Convoy. (Operation DERVISH)
30th - Deployed with same ships to cover HM Aircraft Carrier ARGUS and Fleet Destroyers during passage to Archangel with Hurricane aircraft and RAF personnel.
(Operation STRENGTH)
September 2nd - Part of escort for EXPRESS OF CANADA and Prizes captured at Spitzbergen for return passage to UK on completion of GAUNTLET.
October 18th - Joined Russian Convoy PQ2 as escort with HM Cruiser NORFOLK for passage to Archangel HM Minesweepers BRAMBLE, SEAGULL were also in the escort and were to remain in North Russia for minesweeping duties.
30th - Detached from PQ2 en arrival after uninterrupted passage.
November 3rd - Joined return Convoy Part (P2 as escort with same ships as P02.
17th - Detached from QP2 with HMS ICARUS.
Resumed Hone Fleet duties with Flotilla.
December - Deployed with Hone Fleet for screening duty.
6th - Taken in hand for repair in Hull shipyard.
1942
January - Under repair.
February - Under repair
21st - On completion of post refit trials resumed Flotilla duties with Home Fleet.
March - Home screening duties in continuation.
1st - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battleships KING GEORGE, DUKE OF YORK, VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers BERWICK and KENYA with destroyers of Home Fleet to give Distant Cover for Russian Convoy PQ12 and returning Convoy QP8.
8th - Detached with HM Destroyers ONSLOW, PUNJABI, FURY, ASHANTI and ECHO to search for German battleship TIRPITZ and destroyers attacking ships which had scattered from convoy in gale.
Returned to Seidisf jord to refuel after fruitless search.
9th - Rejoined Home Fleet units which been covering HMS VICTORIOUS during air strikes on German battleship TIRPITZ which failed.
10th - Returned to Scapa Flow with Fleet units.
21st - Deployed with HM Destroyer FURY as screen for HM Cruiser TRINIDAD to provide Close Cover for passage of Russian Convoy PQ 13 to Murmansk.
26th - Convoy dispersed due to exceptionally heavy weather conditions.
27th - Deployed in search for scattered ships.
29th - In action with HMS TRINIDAD against German Destroyers.
Pursued German destroyer Z26 with HMS FURY and engaged with main armament hitting enemy with 6 rounds of 4.7" shell.
German ship later sank.
Sustained two hits from 5" shells causing fire and major damage with 23 killed and nine wounded.
(Note: During this engagement HMS TRINIDAD was hit by one of her own torpedoes which had a malfunction, probably due to icy conditions)
Escorted HMS TRINIDAD to Kola Inlet with HMS FURY
30th - Began temporary repair at Murmansk to allow passage back to UK.
April 6th - On completion of repair prepared for passage.
10th - Escorted returning Convoy OPIO with HM Cruiser LIVERPOOL, HM Destroyers ORIBI, FURY, PUNJABI and MARNE.
17th - Detached from QP10.
May - Under repair of action damage in HM Dockyard Devonport.
(Note :This included ship's side plating, fuel tanks, shrapnel damage and gun mountings).
6th - On completion rejoined Flotilla at Scapa Flow in continuation of screening duties.
12th - Deployed as part of destroyer screen for HMS DUKE OF YORK, the US battleship USS WASHINGTON, HMS VICTORIOUS, HM Cruiser LONDON and US cruiser USS TUSCALOOSA with ten other Home Fleet destroyers to provide cover for return passage of damaged HMS TRINIDAD from Murmansk.
14th - Resumed Flotilla duties after HMS TRINIDAD was sunk by air attacks.
23th - Deployed with Home Fleet and US Navy destroyers as screen for HMS DUKE OF YORK. USS WASHINGTON, HMS VICTORIOUS, HMS LONDON and US cruiser USS WITCHITA covering the passage of Russian Convoy FQ16 and returning QP12.
28th - Resumed Flotilla duties with Home Fleet.
June - Deployed with Flotilla for Home Fleet screening duty.
July - Transferred to 8th Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet as part of re-organisation.
to August - Screening duties in continuation.
September - Deployed with HM Destroyers AMAZON, BULLDOG, ECHO and VENOMOUS as screen for HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND and SHEFFIELD to establish re-fuelling facility at Lowe Sound, Spitzbergen and re-supply of garrison (Operation GEARBOX).
(Note: This facility was required to refuel Russian Convoys PQ18 and QP14 escorts.)
27th - Taken in hand for refit in Humber shipyard
October - Under refit.
November -Under refit.
20th - On completion of post refit trials rejoined Flotilla at Scapa Flow.
December - Deployed on screening duties with Flotilla.
18th - Joined Russian Convoy JW51A with HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, BOADICEA, ECHO, FURY and INGLEFIELD as Fighting Destroyer Escort.
(Note: This convoy was first to proceed from Loch Ewe to Kola Inlet without first calling in Iceland).
25th - Detached on arrival at Kola Inlet without interception by enemy aircraft.
30th - Joined Fighting Escort for return Convoy RA51 with same ships.
1943
January 6th - Detached from RA51 which had an uninterrupted passage because of enemy attack on JW51B by German cruiser HIPPER during which HM Destroyer ACHATES was sunk.
23rd - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battleship ANSON and HM Cruiser SHEFFIELD with HM Destroyers ECHO, FAULKNOR, and Polish ORP ORKAN providing Distant Cover for passage of Russian Convoy JW52.
February - Home Fleet screening duty with Flotilla in continuation.
21st - Joined Ocean Escort for Russian Convoy JW53 with HM Cruiser SCYLLA and HM Destroyers MILNE, FAULKNOR, BOADICEA, INGLEFIELD, ORWELL, OPPORTUNE, OBEDIENT, OBDURATE, FURY, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID and Polish ORP ORKAN.
27th - Detached after extreme weather conditions which restricted enemy activities.
March 1st - Joined escort for return Convoy RA53 with same ships and HM Destroyer IMPULSIVE.
12th - Detached from escort of RA 53 with HMS BOADICEA, IMPULSIVE, INGLEFIELD and FAULKNOR.
April - Nominated for anti-submarine duty in Atlantic for support of convoys.
6th - Detached for duty as I th Support Group with HM Destroyers INGLEFIELD, ICARUS and FURY to reinforce escort of Convoy HX231 in North Atlantic.
With air support drove off U-Boats maintaining contact with convoy.
25th - Reinforced sea escort for HX231 and ONS5 with ships of Group.
May - Atlantic convoy support with Group in continuation.
23rd - Provided additional A/S protection for Convoy HX239 with Group and air support by HM Escort Aircraft Carrier Carrier ARCHER.
June - Resumed Home Fleet duties as 8th Destroyer Flotilla.
Nominated for transfer to Mediterranean with Flotilla for support of the planned allied landings in Sicily. (Operation HUSKY)
28th - Arrived Gibraltar
Passage to Alexandria.
July - Deployed for escort of military convoys in eastern Mediterranean during passage to Beach
Heading in towards Sicily
8th - Detached from escort and took passage to join ships of Force H being deployed in Ionian Sea to prevent any interference by Italian warships during landings.
10th - Part of destroyer screen for HM Battleships NELSON, RODNEY, WARSPITE, VALIANT, HM Aircraft Carriers INDOMITABLE and FORMIDABLE during deployment in Ionian Sea.
23rd - Sank Italian submarine ASCIANGHI with HM Destroyer LAFOREY after it had attacked a cruiser force.
August - Mediterranean screening duties in continuation.
September - Nominated for support oflandings at Salerno as screen for major units.
7th - Part of destroyer screen for Covering Force with ships of 8th and 24th Destroyer Flotillas during landings at Salerno (Operation AVALANCHE).
13th - Transferred with Flotilla to Alexandria for support of British military operations to occupy Aegean islands after Italian surrender and to prevent German invasion.
16th - Arrived at Alexandria with Flotilla for duty in Eastern Mediterranean.
Deployed in support of Aegean Islands landings and to prevent German reinforcement of garrisons.
17th - Carried out Offensive Sweep in Aegean to intercept Italian evacuation craft or any ships carrying German troops to islands.
23rd - Sank German destroyer TA10 (Ex-French LA POMONE) and Italian merchant ship DONEZTTI carrying troops to Rhodes.
Intercepted and attacked Italian evacuation convoy.
October - Detached for special escort duty.
1st - Escorted HM Battleships KING GEORGE V and HOWE to Malta with HM Destroyers ECHO, FAULKNOR and FURY.
4th - Redeployed in Aegean and took passage from Malta as screen for HM Cruisers AURORA and PENELOPE to reinforce naval support in Aegean.
5th - Resumed support and convoy defence duties.
17th - Deployed with HM Cruiser SIRlUS, HM Destroyer PATHFINDER and HM Destroyer BEAUFORT to take stores and personnel to Leros.
Under air attacks during passage.
18th - Laid up in Turkish waters during daylight
Landed stores and personnel at Leros after dusk.
Carried out offensive sweep off Levitha before withdrawing.
23rd - Embarked Troops of Royal East Kent Regiment for passage to Leros to reinforce the garrison.
Captain P Todd, DSO, OBE (Commodore Levant Flotillas) was also embarked.
24th - Hit mine laid in 48 fathoms (Position 37.01 N 27.11E south of island.)
Ship broke in two and sank in 5 minutes after internal explosions and fires.
119 of Ship's Company and 134 troops were killed.
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Phil a re
HMS ELECTRA
I`ve searched everywhere to find a wartime photo of HMS Electra,and I`ve found one one following website http://www.wartimememories.co.uk, have a look.
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
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Michael
E Class Destroyers
All:
It seems that many of the wartime E and F class destroyers were fitted with DF offices (basically a small square structure, perhaps big enough to accomodate a couple of sailors) between the flag platform and the fore stack. It can be seen in the photos of HMS Echo that Laurence kindly posted to this site. Does anyone have a good closeup photo that more clearly shows what these DF offices looked like?
Any and all help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Mike
It seems that many of the wartime E and F class destroyers were fitted with DF offices (basically a small square structure, perhaps big enough to accomodate a couple of sailors) between the flag platform and the fore stack. It can be seen in the photos of HMS Echo that Laurence kindly posted to this site. Does anyone have a good closeup photo that more clearly shows what these DF offices looked like?
Any and all help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Mike
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
HMS Electra
HMS Electra probably 1941 about to fire a line to another ship off her stb. bow
Another observation I draw your attention to is her bridge wings look enlarged to me.
I'm convinced this photo is after her London refit.
To me her bridge wings are ''fitted for but not with oerlikons".
HMS Electra pre-war
HMS Electra pre-war
HMS Electra on her builders trails
HMS Electra pre-war likely in and around Portsmouth, note funnel bands have changed.
HMS Electra pre-war
I have one more rare pre-war photo of Electra which I cannot post due to restrictions.
Its damn hard to find decent wartime photos of her unfortunately, though the top 1 is a gem!
Next time I'm at the IWM I'll have a look for more wartime of her.
EDIT: ALL PHOTO LINKS NOW DELETED!
HMS Electra probably 1941 about to fire a line to another ship off her stb. bow
Another observation I draw your attention to is her bridge wings look enlarged to me.
I'm convinced this photo is after her London refit.
To me her bridge wings are ''fitted for but not with oerlikons".
HMS Electra pre-war
HMS Electra pre-war
HMS Electra on her builders trails
HMS Electra pre-war likely in and around Portsmouth, note funnel bands have changed.
HMS Electra pre-war
I have one more rare pre-war photo of Electra which I cannot post due to restrictions.
Its damn hard to find decent wartime photos of her unfortunately, though the top 1 is a gem!
Next time I'm at the IWM I'll have a look for more wartime of her.
EDIT: ALL PHOTO LINKS NOW DELETED!
Last edited by Laurence Batchelor on Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:58 am, edited 2 times in total.
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phil reeder
HMS Electra
Many thanks Laurence a much clearer photo than the one I saw.she seems to still have her 0.5" MG`s,and wearing the Peter Scott camo scheme she received in june 41.I think this photo was taken on her way to Singapore with Force Z.Have you read "Hms Electra" by lt cmdr cain &A V Sellwood?-
Quincy
- Posts: 2217
- Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:41 am
- Location: Monson, MA.
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Dick
Electra and Eclipse camouflage colours
Re Electra 1941 photo, colours likely RN white and WA blue and WA green.
Re Eclipse 1941/1942 photo, colours likely just RN white and WA blue.
Great pictures Laurence. IWM has the photo of Eclipse 1941/42 camo showing her starboard side. This picture is published on pages 104/105 of Gregory Haines' "Destroyers at War".
Dick
Re Eclipse 1941/1942 photo, colours likely just RN white and WA blue.
Great pictures Laurence. IWM has the photo of Eclipse 1941/42 camo showing her starboard side. This picture is published on pages 104/105 of Gregory Haines' "Destroyers at War".
Dick
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
Excuse the delay chaps floods round here knocked out my broadband for 3 days! 
I have the book in H/B (its on my destroyer reference list on these very boards in the book section!)
I read it sometime in the late 1990s so I'm a little rusty!
Gregory Haines book I'm certain I have somewhere, it has a painting of a destroyer on the front, think its depicted looking at it from port quarter???
Sorry to report chaps over the weekend I searched high and low for good photos of A-I bridges and came up with nothing.
I'll keep looking!
I have the book in H/B (its on my destroyer reference list on these very boards in the book section!)
I read it sometime in the late 1990s so I'm a little rusty!
Gregory Haines book I'm certain I have somewhere, it has a painting of a destroyer on the front, think its depicted looking at it from port quarter???
Sorry to report chaps over the weekend I searched high and low for good photos of A-I bridges and came up with nothing.
I'll keep looking!
-
Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
Information & Tabular Record of Movement (TROM) For HMS Electra H27
Background Information
Electra was an "E" Class Fleet Destroyer ordered on 1st November 1932 from Hawthorn Leslie, Newcastle under the 1931 Build Program.
The ship was laid down on 15th March 1933, the same day as her sister ship HMS Encounter also built in this shipyard.
She was launched on 15th February 1934 as the seventh RN ship to carry the name introduced for a Brig Sloop in 1760 and last used for a hired Trawler in WW1 as well as for a Boom Defence Vessel known as Electra II during WW2.
Build was completed on 13th September 1934 for a cost of �253,350 excluding the items supplied by the Admiralty such as guns and communications equipment.
Her peace-time service in the Home Fleet included deployment for intervention patrol during the Spanish civil war. The ship was refitted at Sheerness in 1938 before being place in Reserve before the Second World War.
Her Battle Honours
ATLANTIIC 1939-40
NORWAY 1940
"BISMARCK" Action 1941
ARCTIC 1941
Her Heraldic Data
Badge: On a Field Blue, a female head proper, rising out of wavelets Silver and Green.
Ships Motto
Fulgens ab undis: 'Shining from the waves'.
War Service
1939
August 2nd - Brought forward with Reservist ship's company for Royal Review in Weymouth Bay.
26th - Attended Review by King Orange VI.
September - Retained in commission and took passage to war station.
Joined 12th Destroyer Flotilla at Portland for anti-submarine patrol and convoy defence duty in SW Approaches.
3rd - Took part in the rescue of survivors from SS ATHEHIA and arrived there before the sinking of this liner after being torpedoed by U30 West of Ireland.
October to December - Transferred to Greenock Escort Force for service in in NW Approaches.
Deployed for defence of convoys between Clyde and Forth.
Boiler cleaning carried out at Rosyth.
1940
January to March - Atlantic aid North Sea convoy defence in continuation.
April - Deployment with 12th Flotilla in Rosyth Command for escort of convoys between Forth and Clyde.
8th - Transferred with Flotilla for service with Home Fleet after German invasion of Norway. (Note: Flotilla also included HM Destroyers ECHO, ESCORT, ESCAPADE, ENCOUNTER and ECLIPSE).
12th - Joined HM Cruiser SOUTHAMPTON as escort during passage to Vaagsfjord with HMS ESCAPADE.
(Note: General Mackesey, Commanding Land Forces in Norway was embarked in HM Cruiser SOUTHAMPTON with an Advance Party to prepare for the planned military operation.
14th - Arrived at Vaagsfjord and remained for support duties in Norway
24th - Escorted HM Cruiser VINDICTIVE during passage from Bogen for landing by Irish Guards in Narvik area after bombardment by HM Battleship WARSPITE, HM Cruisers AURORA,
May - Norwegian support and convoy escort duties in continuation.
8th - Ship had been at 30mins notice for steam or under way since 3rd April.
Returned to Scapa Flow to replenish.
June - Deployed for screening oF Home Fleet ships and covering passage of evacuation convoys from Narvik area.
11th - Part of escort for HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL during air attacks on Trondheim.
13th - Sustained major structural damage in collision with HM Destroyer ANTELOPE. Passage to UK.
Taken in hand for repair in commercial shipyard Ailsa Ship Yard at Troon, Scotland.
July - Under repair at Troon.
I have in my notes that during this refit period the after torpedo tubes were removed and replaced by a 3" AA gun and that 20mm Oerlikon guns were fitted.
I haven't been able to confirm if this was certainly the date Oerlikons were fitted.
I'll still suspicious that oerlikons were fitted this early on well primarily an escort and ASW destroyer.
I would go along they were fitted during her London refit in 1941, or out in the Far East.
August - Refit and modifications in continuation.
31st - Carried out post refit trials on completion of shipyard work.
September - On completion of trials joined 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, Hone Fleet based at Scapa Flow for escort of major Fleet units.
11th - Deployed for escort of ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron with HM Destroyers JACKAL, VERSATILE and VIMY during lay of deep minefield in NW approaches to Irish Sea. (Operation SN41)
October - Home Fleet deployment in continuation.
November 6th - Part of escort for HM Battlecruiaer REPULSE during search for German Admiral Scheer after sinking of HM Armed Merchant Cruiser RAWALPINDI
(Note: Provided covered for passage of Convoy HX 84 during this operation).
December - Deployed with Home Fleet in search for commerce raider in North Atlantic lasting over Xmas period.
1941
January - Home Fleet deployment in continuation.
3rd - Part of screen for HM Battlecruiser HOOD during provision of cover for minelay in the Northern Barrage by ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron. (Operations SN6 and SN65).
7th - Resumed Flotilla duties in Home Fleet on release from SN65.
Escorted single merchant ship through Irish Sea and on return passage rescued three survivors from Coastal Command Anson aircraft which crashed nearby.
25th - Part of screen for Fleet units engaged in escort of Norwegian mercantiles which had escaped from Baltic ports (Operation RUBBLE).
26th - Deployed with screen for major Home Fleet units during search in NW Approaches for German battlecruisers SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU.
30th - Resumed Home Fleet Flotilla duties.
February 8th - Part of anti-submarine screen for HM Battleship RODNEY during Hone Fleet cover for minelay in Northern Barrage (Operation SK7A).
15th - Deployed as screen for HMS RODNEY with HM Destroyer ECLIPSE during Ocean Escort of military Convoy WS6A during passage from Clyde to Freetown.
17th - Detached from WS6A with HMS RODNEY and HMS ECLIPSE on relief by HM Battlecruiser RENOWN.
19th - Escorted HM Battleship QUEEN ELIZABETH and HM Battlecruiser HOOD during search for SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU after sighting by RODNEY.
(Note :This search lasted three days).
29th - Escorted HM Battleship PRINCE OF WALES during contractor's trials.
March to April - Home Fleet screening duties in continuation.
May 15th - Escorted ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron during minelay in Northern Barrage. (Operation SN9B).
23rd - Escorted HMS HOOD from Scapa Flow with HM Destroyers ICARUS and ANTHONY for the interception of the German battleship BISMARCK known to be on passage to attack Atlantic convoys.
(Note: Electra was therefore not present when HMS HOOD was sunk as the destroyers were detached).
24th - Detached with other escorts to carry cut search towards the North.
Returned to area and rescued the only 3 survivors from HOOD. Refuelled in Iceland.
29th - Escorted damaged PRINCE OF WALES to Rosyth.
June - Nominated for refit.
23rd - Joined escort for routine convoy to Thames for passage to refit in London at Green and Silley Weir shipyard.
25th - Taken in hand for refit.
July - Under refit.
Radar Type 286 fitted to provide limited surface and air warning capability, possibly also at this time she had Oerlikons fitted if so most likely amidships.
August - Post refit trials.
5th - On completion of dockyard work took passage to Sheerness to ammunition after carrying out post refit trials.
Joined escort for routine East Coast convoy on return to rejoin Home Fleet.
12th - Deployed as Senior Officers ship of the escort for first Russian Convoy. (Operation DERVISH)
Passage via Iceland to Archangel.
31st - Remained at Archangel after arrival of DERVISH convoy.
September - Deployed at Archangel and carried out anti-submarine patrol duties.
26th - Joined escort for first returning Russian Convoy OP1 with HM Destroyer ACTIVE, HM Cruisers LONDON and SHROPSHIRE.
October 8th - Detached from QP1 and took passage to Scapa Flow.
Nominated for foreign service.
10th - At Rosyth to give leave.
18th - Deployed at Scapa Flow with Home Fleet.
21st - Took passage to Greenock to embark stores prior to foreign service.
23rd - Sailed from Greenock with HM Destroyer EXPRESS to join HM Battleship PRINCE OF WALES as escort during passage to Singapore.
November - On passage with calls at Freetown and Capetown.
28th - Joined HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers ENCOUNTER and JUPITER after arrival at Colombo.
(Note: These ships formed FORCE Z).
30th - Passage to Singapore with Force Z
December 2nd - Arrived at Singapore with Force Z.
8th - Sailed with Force Z to Intercept reported landings on East coast of Malaya.
10th - Under attack by Japanese aircraft during which both HMS PRINCE OF WALES and HMS REPULSE were sunk.
Took part in rescue operations and embarked 600 survivors.
Signalled news of sinking of HMS PRNCE OF WALES & REPULSE to Singapore.
11th - Arrived at Singapore with survivors.
15th - Deployed on convoy escort including inward military convoys and ships evacuating civilians
from Singapore to Ceylon.
1942
January - Convoy defence at Singapore in continuation.
18th - In action with aircraft in Sunda Strait.
27th - In action with HM Australian Destroyer VAMPIRE against invasion craft In Gulf of Siam
February 3rd - Towed HM Destroyer ISIS to Java.
(Note: This ship had been under repair at Singapore)
Returned to Singapore on completion of tow.
11th - Deployed with HM Cruisers EXETER, HOBART (RAN) and Dutch cruiser JAVA in search for Japanese invasion craft off Singapore.
Redeployed at Tangjong Prick for escort duties with allied fleet units. Subjected to many air attacks
25th - Sailed for Sourabaya with HMS EXETER, HMAS PERTH, HMS ENCOUNTER and HMS JUPITER to join ABDA Fleet.
27th - Deployed in unsuccessful search with ABDA ships for invasion ships.
During return passage enemy ships reported and deployed to intercept. In action with Japanese cruiser JINTSU and destroyers.
Engaged Japanese destroyer ASAGUMA and obtained hits.
Hit by 5" return fire whilst making torpedo attack and caught fire.
Ship disabled and sank rapidly with the loss of 108 of her ship's company. 54 survivors ware rescued by US submarine USS S38 and taken to Java. (Note: 7 of those rescued later died leaving only 42 from a ships crew of 178 on board).
Background Information
Electra was an "E" Class Fleet Destroyer ordered on 1st November 1932 from Hawthorn Leslie, Newcastle under the 1931 Build Program.
The ship was laid down on 15th March 1933, the same day as her sister ship HMS Encounter also built in this shipyard.
She was launched on 15th February 1934 as the seventh RN ship to carry the name introduced for a Brig Sloop in 1760 and last used for a hired Trawler in WW1 as well as for a Boom Defence Vessel known as Electra II during WW2.
Build was completed on 13th September 1934 for a cost of �253,350 excluding the items supplied by the Admiralty such as guns and communications equipment.
Her peace-time service in the Home Fleet included deployment for intervention patrol during the Spanish civil war. The ship was refitted at Sheerness in 1938 before being place in Reserve before the Second World War.
Her Battle Honours
ATLANTIIC 1939-40
NORWAY 1940
"BISMARCK" Action 1941
ARCTIC 1941
Her Heraldic Data
Badge: On a Field Blue, a female head proper, rising out of wavelets Silver and Green.
Ships Motto
Fulgens ab undis: 'Shining from the waves'.
War Service
1939
August 2nd - Brought forward with Reservist ship's company for Royal Review in Weymouth Bay.
26th - Attended Review by King Orange VI.
September - Retained in commission and took passage to war station.
Joined 12th Destroyer Flotilla at Portland for anti-submarine patrol and convoy defence duty in SW Approaches.
3rd - Took part in the rescue of survivors from SS ATHEHIA and arrived there before the sinking of this liner after being torpedoed by U30 West of Ireland.
October to December - Transferred to Greenock Escort Force for service in in NW Approaches.
Deployed for defence of convoys between Clyde and Forth.
Boiler cleaning carried out at Rosyth.
1940
January to March - Atlantic aid North Sea convoy defence in continuation.
April - Deployment with 12th Flotilla in Rosyth Command for escort of convoys between Forth and Clyde.
8th - Transferred with Flotilla for service with Home Fleet after German invasion of Norway. (Note: Flotilla also included HM Destroyers ECHO, ESCORT, ESCAPADE, ENCOUNTER and ECLIPSE).
12th - Joined HM Cruiser SOUTHAMPTON as escort during passage to Vaagsfjord with HMS ESCAPADE.
(Note: General Mackesey, Commanding Land Forces in Norway was embarked in HM Cruiser SOUTHAMPTON with an Advance Party to prepare for the planned military operation.
14th - Arrived at Vaagsfjord and remained for support duties in Norway
24th - Escorted HM Cruiser VINDICTIVE during passage from Bogen for landing by Irish Guards in Narvik area after bombardment by HM Battleship WARSPITE, HM Cruisers AURORA,
May - Norwegian support and convoy escort duties in continuation.
8th - Ship had been at 30mins notice for steam or under way since 3rd April.
Returned to Scapa Flow to replenish.
June - Deployed for screening oF Home Fleet ships and covering passage of evacuation convoys from Narvik area.
11th - Part of escort for HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL during air attacks on Trondheim.
13th - Sustained major structural damage in collision with HM Destroyer ANTELOPE. Passage to UK.
Taken in hand for repair in commercial shipyard Ailsa Ship Yard at Troon, Scotland.
July - Under repair at Troon.
I have in my notes that during this refit period the after torpedo tubes were removed and replaced by a 3" AA gun and that 20mm Oerlikon guns were fitted.
I haven't been able to confirm if this was certainly the date Oerlikons were fitted.
I'll still suspicious that oerlikons were fitted this early on well primarily an escort and ASW destroyer.
I would go along they were fitted during her London refit in 1941, or out in the Far East.
August - Refit and modifications in continuation.
31st - Carried out post refit trials on completion of shipyard work.
September - On completion of trials joined 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, Hone Fleet based at Scapa Flow for escort of major Fleet units.
11th - Deployed for escort of ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron with HM Destroyers JACKAL, VERSATILE and VIMY during lay of deep minefield in NW approaches to Irish Sea. (Operation SN41)
October - Home Fleet deployment in continuation.
November 6th - Part of escort for HM Battlecruiaer REPULSE during search for German Admiral Scheer after sinking of HM Armed Merchant Cruiser RAWALPINDI
(Note: Provided covered for passage of Convoy HX 84 during this operation).
December - Deployed with Home Fleet in search for commerce raider in North Atlantic lasting over Xmas period.
1941
January - Home Fleet deployment in continuation.
3rd - Part of screen for HM Battlecruiser HOOD during provision of cover for minelay in the Northern Barrage by ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron. (Operations SN6 and SN65).
7th - Resumed Flotilla duties in Home Fleet on release from SN65.
Escorted single merchant ship through Irish Sea and on return passage rescued three survivors from Coastal Command Anson aircraft which crashed nearby.
25th - Part of screen for Fleet units engaged in escort of Norwegian mercantiles which had escaped from Baltic ports (Operation RUBBLE).
26th - Deployed with screen for major Home Fleet units during search in NW Approaches for German battlecruisers SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU.
30th - Resumed Home Fleet Flotilla duties.
February 8th - Part of anti-submarine screen for HM Battleship RODNEY during Hone Fleet cover for minelay in Northern Barrage (Operation SK7A).
15th - Deployed as screen for HMS RODNEY with HM Destroyer ECLIPSE during Ocean Escort of military Convoy WS6A during passage from Clyde to Freetown.
17th - Detached from WS6A with HMS RODNEY and HMS ECLIPSE on relief by HM Battlecruiser RENOWN.
19th - Escorted HM Battleship QUEEN ELIZABETH and HM Battlecruiser HOOD during search for SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU after sighting by RODNEY.
(Note :This search lasted three days).
29th - Escorted HM Battleship PRINCE OF WALES during contractor's trials.
March to April - Home Fleet screening duties in continuation.
May 15th - Escorted ships of 1st Minelaying Squadron during minelay in Northern Barrage. (Operation SN9B).
23rd - Escorted HMS HOOD from Scapa Flow with HM Destroyers ICARUS and ANTHONY for the interception of the German battleship BISMARCK known to be on passage to attack Atlantic convoys.
(Note: Electra was therefore not present when HMS HOOD was sunk as the destroyers were detached).
24th - Detached with other escorts to carry cut search towards the North.
Returned to area and rescued the only 3 survivors from HOOD. Refuelled in Iceland.
29th - Escorted damaged PRINCE OF WALES to Rosyth.
June - Nominated for refit.
23rd - Joined escort for routine convoy to Thames for passage to refit in London at Green and Silley Weir shipyard.
25th - Taken in hand for refit.
July - Under refit.
Radar Type 286 fitted to provide limited surface and air warning capability, possibly also at this time she had Oerlikons fitted if so most likely amidships.
August - Post refit trials.
5th - On completion of dockyard work took passage to Sheerness to ammunition after carrying out post refit trials.
Joined escort for routine East Coast convoy on return to rejoin Home Fleet.
12th - Deployed as Senior Officers ship of the escort for first Russian Convoy. (Operation DERVISH)
Passage via Iceland to Archangel.
31st - Remained at Archangel after arrival of DERVISH convoy.
September - Deployed at Archangel and carried out anti-submarine patrol duties.
26th - Joined escort for first returning Russian Convoy OP1 with HM Destroyer ACTIVE, HM Cruisers LONDON and SHROPSHIRE.
October 8th - Detached from QP1 and took passage to Scapa Flow.
Nominated for foreign service.
10th - At Rosyth to give leave.
18th - Deployed at Scapa Flow with Home Fleet.
21st - Took passage to Greenock to embark stores prior to foreign service.
23rd - Sailed from Greenock with HM Destroyer EXPRESS to join HM Battleship PRINCE OF WALES as escort during passage to Singapore.
November - On passage with calls at Freetown and Capetown.
28th - Joined HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers ENCOUNTER and JUPITER after arrival at Colombo.
(Note: These ships formed FORCE Z).
30th - Passage to Singapore with Force Z
December 2nd - Arrived at Singapore with Force Z.
8th - Sailed with Force Z to Intercept reported landings on East coast of Malaya.
10th - Under attack by Japanese aircraft during which both HMS PRINCE OF WALES and HMS REPULSE were sunk.
Took part in rescue operations and embarked 600 survivors.
Signalled news of sinking of HMS PRNCE OF WALES & REPULSE to Singapore.
11th - Arrived at Singapore with survivors.
15th - Deployed on convoy escort including inward military convoys and ships evacuating civilians
from Singapore to Ceylon.
1942
January - Convoy defence at Singapore in continuation.
18th - In action with aircraft in Sunda Strait.
27th - In action with HM Australian Destroyer VAMPIRE against invasion craft In Gulf of Siam
February 3rd - Towed HM Destroyer ISIS to Java.
(Note: This ship had been under repair at Singapore)
Returned to Singapore on completion of tow.
11th - Deployed with HM Cruisers EXETER, HOBART (RAN) and Dutch cruiser JAVA in search for Japanese invasion craft off Singapore.
Redeployed at Tangjong Prick for escort duties with allied fleet units. Subjected to many air attacks
25th - Sailed for Sourabaya with HMS EXETER, HMAS PERTH, HMS ENCOUNTER and HMS JUPITER to join ABDA Fleet.
27th - Deployed in unsuccessful search with ABDA ships for invasion ships.
During return passage enemy ships reported and deployed to intercept. In action with Japanese cruiser JINTSU and destroyers.
Engaged Japanese destroyer ASAGUMA and obtained hits.
Hit by 5" return fire whilst making torpedo attack and caught fire.
Ship disabled and sank rapidly with the loss of 108 of her ship's company. 54 survivors ware rescued by US submarine USS S38 and taken to Java. (Note: 7 of those rescued later died leaving only 42 from a ships crew of 178 on board).
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
Due to demand people have been asking me for a one of the minelayers next rather than continuing to do this alpabetically.
HMS Express it is then!
HMS Express.
After she had her bows repaired, there are oerlikons on the bridge wings and she appears very much a different looking destroyer when compared to the 1940 photo below.
HMS Express in and around Portsmouth
HMS Express 1930s port quarter view
HMS Express pre-war with A & Y turrets landed, her mine rails fitted onto her deck and a full complement of mines visible.
HMS Express
HMS Express possibly on her trails
HMS Express Spanish Civil War Markings
HMS Express with bows blown off after being mined off Texel on 31st August 1940. She had already laid her mines by this time and was on her way home.
She would be towed home and it took her 14months to be fully repaired.
Note: she was fitted as a minelayer at this time.
She has a 3-inch AA gun in place of the aft torpedo tubes.
The forward torpedo tubes are landed, and A & Y turrets would have also been landed.
Her foremast has been shortened and her main mast has been removed.
She has W/T aerials on her forward end of her searchlight platform.
Also note the canvass matting on her bridge face
EDIT: ALL IMAGE LINKS DELETED
HMS Express it is then!
HMS Express.
After she had her bows repaired, there are oerlikons on the bridge wings and she appears very much a different looking destroyer when compared to the 1940 photo below.
HMS Express in and around Portsmouth
HMS Express 1930s port quarter view
HMS Express pre-war with A & Y turrets landed, her mine rails fitted onto her deck and a full complement of mines visible.
HMS Express
HMS Express possibly on her trails
HMS Express Spanish Civil War Markings
HMS Express with bows blown off after being mined off Texel on 31st August 1940. She had already laid her mines by this time and was on her way home.
She would be towed home and it took her 14months to be fully repaired.
Note: she was fitted as a minelayer at this time.
She has a 3-inch AA gun in place of the aft torpedo tubes.
The forward torpedo tubes are landed, and A & Y turrets would have also been landed.
Her foremast has been shortened and her main mast has been removed.
She has W/T aerials on her forward end of her searchlight platform.
Also note the canvass matting on her bridge face
EDIT: ALL IMAGE LINKS DELETED
Last edited by Laurence Batchelor on Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:22 am, edited 4 times in total.
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masch3
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:23 am
Spanish Civil War markings
Those Spanish civil war markings look interesting! Any clue as to the colours and the colours of the stripes on the side of the turrets?
** lurking after abandoning all projects **
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
Red, White and Blue, you will see them on many RN warships on the Spanish Civil War patrol, destroyers, cruisers, battleships etc.
Have a look her at this outstanding 1/600 Warspite to see the colours:-
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html
There are many more models painted this way in the gallery.
Have a look her at this outstanding 1/600 Warspite to see the colours:-
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html
There are many more models painted this way in the gallery.
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ar
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Laurence Batchelor
- Posts: 1376
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Warwickshire, England
I wondered when you would spot this thread
Sometimes I'm in a more difficult situation than others.
I don't live in or near to London or Priddy's Hard!
I am also not researching for a technical book, but rather an operational one.
With the 20mm comment I assume you mean Electra?
I will go and delve into my Electra book and find when Cain says they were fitted.
What ports could Oerlikons have be fitted in?
After London and before Java she called into the following ports I have so far been able to ascertain in this order: Sheerness, Scapa, Archangel, Scapa, Rosyth, Scapa, Greenock, Freetown and Capetown, Singapore, Tangjong Prick and Sourabaya.
Furthermore the bofors question which was raised with Electra, have you ever been able to find out where PoW had hers fitted?
Of course Electra escorted her to the Far East is it too much to suggest they both had the army bofors fitted in the same port?
Sometimes I'm in a more difficult situation than others.
I don't live in or near to London or Priddy's Hard!
I am also not researching for a technical book, but rather an operational one.
With the 20mm comment I assume you mean Electra?
I will go and delve into my Electra book and find when Cain says they were fitted.
What ports could Oerlikons have be fitted in?
After London and before Java she called into the following ports I have so far been able to ascertain in this order: Sheerness, Scapa, Archangel, Scapa, Rosyth, Scapa, Greenock, Freetown and Capetown, Singapore, Tangjong Prick and Sourabaya.
Furthermore the bofors question which was raised with Electra, have you ever been able to find out where PoW had hers fitted?
Of course Electra escorted her to the Far East is it too much to suggest they both had the army bofors fitted in the same port?