|
|
|
HMS Penelope (1935) CC (8th) |
 |
|
This the eighth ship to carry the name HMS Penelope was a
Light Cruiser. Built by Harland & Wolff of Belfast, laid down 30-May-1934, launched 15-Oct-1935, and commissioned 13-Nov-1936. On completion went to the 3rd Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean. At the start of WW2 was in the Mediterranean, and returned to home waters early 1940. Took part in Norwegian Campaign and ran aground off Vestfjord 11-Apr-1940 and was badly damaged. Repairs took until Jul-1941. Oct-1941 she went to the Mediterranean, arriving 21-Oct to join Force K at Malta and operations against axis supply convoys to North Africa. on 19-Dec-141 was damaged by mines at same time as HMS Neptune. While under repair at Malta received further damage from bomb near-misses. Eventually leaving Malta on 08-Apr-1942 for full repair at New York Navy Yard. Repairs took until 01-Sep-1942. Early 1943 she was back in the Mediterranean, this time based at Bone with Force Q. Bombarded the Italian Islands of Pantellaria and Lampedusa Jun-1943. Then covered the Sicily landings Aug-1943, Salerno Sep-1943. Sep-1943 she also ferried troops to Taranto. Oct-1943 found her in the Aegean, where in company with HMS Sirius and accompanying destroyers attacked German invasion convoy heading for Leros. At the end of the year went to the Bay of Biscay to hunt for Axis blockade runners, then Jan-1944 in was back to the Mediterranean and the Landings at Anzio. While returning to Naples from the beach-head on 18-Feb-1944 was torpedoed and sunk off Anzio by U-410, with the loss of 415. Won the Battle Honours: Norway 1940, Malta Convoys 1941-42, Mediterranean 1941-43, Sirte 1942, Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943, Aegean 1943, and Anzio 1944.
|
Other HMS Penelope -
Arethusa Class (1935) CC Outside Links |
| c. w. m. | |
|
This page last edited -
11 April, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
|
