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HMS Folkestone (1930) SL  (5th)

    
This the fifth ship to carry the name HMS Folkestone was a Hastings Class (1930), escort sloop.

Built by Swan Hunter, laid down 21-May-1929, launched 12-Feb-1930, and commissioned 25-Jun-1930.

On commissioning went to the Persian Gulf, remaining there until Aug-1931, when she went for refit at Colombo. Refit lasted until Nov-1931 when it was on to the China Station until May-1939. Refitted at Hong Kong armed converted to an unarmed Survey Vessel intended for service in New Zealand. But due to the outbreak of WW2 she was re-armed with a single 4in gun and returned to the UK.

Refit was completed at Portsmouth and joined Western Approaches Command for convoy escort work in the North Atlantic. Collided with and sank the River Humber 04-Jun-1940. Remained in the North Atlantic until May-1943. Refitted at Liverpool Dec-1940, and May-1941, Cardiff Jun-1942, Londonderry Nov-1942 and Grimsby May-1943.

Then it was on to the West Africa Command based at Freetown. Returned to the UK for refit Sep-1943 and then back to Freetown. Returned to the UK Sep-1944 and laid up in reserve at Milford Haven.

Used for bomb trials after the end of WW2 passed to BISCO 22-May-1947. Broken up at Gelleswick Bay.

Won the Battle Honour: Atlantic 1940-44.

 

Other HMS Folkestone
- 1st  HMS Folkeston
- 2nd HMS Folkeston
- 3rd HMS Folkeston
- 4th HMS Folkestone
- 5th HMS Folkestone

- Hastings Class (1930) SL
- Specifications
- Ships
- Plans/Schematics
- Pictures
- Full Battle Honours

Outside Links
- Official Website
- Associated Sites
- Related Sites

This page last edited - 21 June, 2012.

Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.