HMS Neptune (1933) CC (8th) |
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This the eighth ship to carry the name HMS Neptune was a Cruiser. Built at Portsmouth Dockyard, laid down 24-Sep-1931, launched 31-Jan-1933, and commissioned 1-Feb-1934. On completion joined the Home Fleet, then went to the Africa Station 1937. Took part in the King George V Silver Jubilee Fleet Review 16-Jul-1935. In Sep-1939 formed the 6th Cruiser Squadron in the Atlantic. On 05-Sep intercepted the German merchantman Inn, and on 22-Sep the Adolph Woermann of Ascension Island while patrolling the Freetown-Natal line. Remained in the South Atlantic as part of Force K during the hunt for the Admiral Graf Spee. May-1940 arrived at Alexandria and joined the 7th Cruiser Squadron. Took part in the bombardment of Bardia in Jun-1940. Saw more action at Punto Stilo, then during a sortie into the Gulf of Athens while in company with HMAS Sydney sank a small tanker. Then it was to the Atlantic and the hunt for German raiders. In Nov-1940 was patrolling out of Freetown during the hunt for the Admiral Scheer. Returned home for refit at Chatham from Feb to May-1941 then hunted for Bismarck's supply ships, intercepting Gonzenhein on 04-Jun-1941. Returned to the Mediterranean and joined Force K at Malta Nov-1941. On 19-Dec-1941 ran on to an Italian minefield, and sank after detonating four mines, with the loss of 766, only one survived from her crew. Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1939, Calabria 1940, Mediterranean 1940, 'Bismarck' 1941 and Malta Convoys 1941.
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Other HMS Neptune - Leander Class
(1933) CC Outside Links |
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This page last edited -
13 February, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |