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HMS Dragon (1918) CC (13th) |
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This the thirteenth ship to carry the name HMS Dragon was a light
cruiser. Built by Scotts of Greenock, laid down 24-Jan-1917, launched 29-Dec-1917, and commissioned 10-Aug-1918. On completion joined the 5th Light Cruiser Squadron at Harwich where she remained until 1919, when she went to the Baltic Squadron against the Bolsheviks. Returned to home waters Jan-1920 and served with the Atlantic Fleet until 1925. Took part in the Empire Cruise. To the Mediterranean Feb-1926 and the 1st Cruiser Squadron until 1928, except for a short deployment to the China Station in Oct-1926. Returned to Chatham for a refit which lasted from 19-Dec-1928 until 18-Mar-1930. Then it was to the America and West Indies Station until 16-Jul-1937 when she returned and went into reserve. At the start of WW2 was with the 7th Cruiser Squadron in the Home Fleet. Went to the Mediterranean Mar-1940 and the 3rd Cruiser Squadron. Took part in operations in the South Atlantic Aug-1940 and Dakar, Sep-1940. Went to the East Indies 1941 and in Dec-1941 was at Singapore on escort duties. Carried out strikes against Batavia at the end of Feb-1942 and on 8-Feb joined the Eastern Fleet at Colombo. Where she joined the Slow Division. Returned home and went into refit Dec-1942 which lasted until Aug-1943. Loaned to the Polish Navy Jan 1943 with her name unchanged. On completion of the refit joined the home fleet and took part in Russian convoy escort until Mar-1944. Took part in Normandy landings as part of Force B, in support of Sword beach. In the early hours of 08-Jul-1944 was struck by torpedo fired from a midget submarine, which detonated Q magazine, causing heavy casualties. Declared a constructive total loss and towed to Gooseberry harbour where she was sunk as part of the breakwater for the Normandy beaches, 08-Jul-1944. Won the Battle Honour: Arctic 1944.
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This page last edited -
19 March, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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