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HMS Kenya (1940) CC  (1st)

Built by Stephens of Govan, laid down 18-Jun-1938, launched 18-Aug-1939, and commissioned 27-Sep-1940.

On completion joined the Home Fleet and undertook convoy escort duty at a time when major German warships were at large in the Atlantic.

Took part in operations in the Hunt for the Bismarck May-1941. Jun-1941 in company with HMS Aurora intercepted one of Bismarck's supply ships the Belchen.

Sep-1941 went to the Mediterranean for Operation Halberd but returned to the Home Fleet and operations in Arctic waters of northern Norway Nov-1941.

Dec-1941 covered the Vaagso raid and remained in northern waters until Jun-1942 when she went to the Mediterranean Aug-1942 for Operation Pedestal a Malta re-supply convoy.

During this she was hit and damaged by a torpedo from the Italian submarine Alagi on 12-Aug-1942. Repairs took until Dec-1942.

Remained with the Home Fleet during 1943 and left at the end of the year to join the Eastern Fleet. Which she joined Jan-1944 with the 4th Cruiser Squadron.

During 1944 covered carrier raids on Japanese held islands in the Indian Ocean and in the East Indies.

Early 1945 covered the Arakan landings and raids along the Malayan coast before returning to home waters and refit 1945/46.

After refit moved to the America West Indies Station and the 8th Cruiser Squadron Oct-1946 to Dec-1947.

Then went into reserve and refit until late 1950 when she went to the Far East and the 5th Cruiser Squadron. Saw action in the Korean War. Then went o the Mediterranean with the 1st Cruiser Squadron 1952/53 before returning to the UK 24-Feb-1953 and into reserve.

Refitted 1955 and went to the 8th Cruiser Squadron on the America and West Indies Station. returned to Portsmouth 05-Nov-1956.

Went to the Home Fleet 1957, then to the Mediterranean as Flagship 1st Cruiser Squadron during 1957/58.

Paid of at Portsmouth Sep-1958 and remained in reserve until 1962.  

Sold and arrived at Faslane 29-Oct-1962 for breaking up.

Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1941, 'Bismarck' 1941, Malta Convoys 1941-42, Arctic 1941-42, Norway 1941, Sabang 1944, Burma 1944-45, and Korea 1950-51.

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Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.