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HMS Achilles (1933) CC (5th) |
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This the fifth ship to carry the name HMS Achilles was a Cruiser . Built by Cammell Laird, laid down 11-Jun-1931, launched 01-Sep-1932, and commissioned 06-Oct-1933. On commissioning joined the Home Fleet, and transferred to the New Zealand Division 31-Mar-1936. Took part in the King George V Silver Jubilee Fleet Review 16-Jul-1935. In Nov-1939 formed part of Force G operating between the Falkland Islands and the Plate Estuary. Took part in the Battle of the River Plate against the Admiral Graf Spee Dec-1939. After this she returned to New Zealand waters and continued with trade protection work. When Japan joined the war Achilles escorted troop convoys off Australia and New Zealand. Then Feb-1942 joined the ANZAC squadron in the South West Pacific Theatre, where she continued to operate until early 1943. There, as part of Task Force 67 during an operation off New Georgia on 05-Jan-1943, was hit by bomb and damaged. Returned to Portsmouth for repairs which took from 01-Apr-1943 to 20-May-1944. Went to the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean until May-1945 when she joined TF57 in the Pacific with the British Pacific Fleet. Took part in the raid on Sakashima Gunto and carrier raids on Truk, together with the final attacks on the Japanese mainland. Returned to the UK 12-Sep-1946 and paid off 17-Sep-1946, when she returned to RN control having spent 10 years with the Royal New Zealand Navy. Sold to the Indian Navy and renamed INS Delhi 05-Jul-1948. Paid off May-1978. Engaged in actions resulting in both the first and the last Fleet or Squadron Battle Honour, awarded in WW2. Won the Battle Honours: River Plate 1939, Guadalcanal 1942-43, Okinawa 1945.
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This page last edited -
18 April, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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