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HMS Woodpecker (1942) SL (1st) |
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This the only ship to carry the name HMS Woodpecker was a
Modified Black Swan (1942), escort vessel (sloop). Built by Denny, laid down 23-Feb-1941, launched 29-Jun-1942 and completed 14-Dec-1942. On completion joined the 2nd Escort group and escort work in the North Atlantic and then the Gibraltar route. This lasted until Jun-1943. Offensive patrols in the Bay of Biscay followed and on 26-Jun-1943 U-449 was sunk, followed by U-504 on 30-Jul. Repair and refit at Avonmouth followed until Oct--1943 when she returned to the Gibraltar route. Jan-1944 marked a return to the support role and U-762 was sunk on 08-Feb, U-424 on 14-Feb and U-264 on 19-Feb-1944. However on 20-Feb she was hit by a torpedo fired by U-256, and her stern blown off. HMS Starling took her in tow initially, and this was later taken over by the tug Stormking. Damage repair parties succeeded in initially shoring up the aft part of the ship. But near the Isles of Scilly on 26-Feb the weather worsened to the extent that just after 0800hrs on 27-Feb-1944 she capsized and sank. Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1943-44 and Biscay 1943.
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Modified Black Swan Class (1942) SL Outside Links |
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This page last edited -
19 June, 2012.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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