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HMS Valiant (1916) BB (4th) |
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This the fourth ship to carry the name HMS Valiant was a
battleship.
She was built at Fairfield, laid down Jan-1913, launched 04-Nov-1914 and completed in Feb-1916. She joined the Grand Fleet in feb-1916, fought at Jutland and was undamaged. After WW1 she served with the Atlantic Fleet 1919-24. Mediterranean Fleet 1924-29. The refit from 1929-30, on to the Atlantic/Home Fleets 1930-35. Took part in the King George V Silver Jubilee Fleet Review 16-Jul-1935. Returned to the Mediterranean from 1935-37, followed by a major refit and reconstruction 1937-39. After the reconstruction finished in Dec-1939 she went to the West Indies to work up, then convoy escort duties back to the UK to join the Home Fleet by Feb-1940. Joined Force H to take part in action against the French at Mers-el-Kebir 3-July-1940. More action followed after she joined the Mediterranean Fleet in Aug-1940 with shore bombardments including Valona and Bardia, and tool part in the battle of Matapan 28-Mar-1941. May-1941 saw operations off Crete. 19-Dec-1941 was damaged by Italian 'human torpedo' attack while in Alexandria harbour. Repair at Durban followed April-July-1942, then on to the Eastern Fleet until Feb-1943. Returned to the UK for refit until May-1943. Back to the Mediterranean to support the Sicily and Salerno landings. Rejoined the Eastern Fleet Jan-1944 but was damaged while in the floating dock at Trincomalee 8-Aug-1944. This required a return to the UK and repairs at Devonport, which were still underway when WW2 ended. The refit continued and was completed Apr-1946 when she became a training ship at Devonport. Sold 19-Mar-1948 and arrived at Cairnryan 16-Aug-1948 for breaking up. The hulk was transferred to Troon Mar-1950. Won the Battle Honours: Jutland 1916, Norway 1940, Mediterranean 1940-43, Matapan 1941, Crete 1941, Malta Convoys 1941, Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943, Sabang 1944.
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Other HMS Valiant - Queen Elizabeth Class (1915) BB Outside Links |
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This page last edited -
03 February, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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