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HMS Rockingham (1940) DD (1st) |
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This the first ship to carry the name HMS Rockingham was a
Town Class, destroyer. One of 50 sold to the Royal Navy under the
destroyers for bases agreement. Originally the USS Swasey DD273, built by Bethlehem Steel of Squantum, laid down 27-Aug-1918, launched 07-May-1919, commissioned in the US Navy 31-Jul-1919, commissioned in the Royal Navy 26-Nov-1940 and renamed. Arrived at Devonport 22-Dec-1940 for refit which took until 22-Feb-1941 to complete. Then joined the 8th Escort Group for escort duty in the Western Approaches. A further refit took from 14-May to 21-Aug-1941 after which she returned to the 8th Escort Group and continued escort duty which continued until Aug-1943. Refitted at Belfast from Aug to Dec-1943 for duty as an Air target Ship. Allocated to Rosyth Command Jan-1944 to work with Eastern Scotland air stations. Struck a mine 27-Sep-1944 when she entered a defensive minefield off Aberdeen in error. Was abandoned and sank with the loss of one life. Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1941-43 and Biscay 1943.
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This page last edited -
08 May, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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