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HMS Orion (1934) CC (5th) |
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This the fifth ship to carry the name HMS Orion was a Leander Class Cruiser. Built at Devonport Dockyard, laid down 26-Sep-1931, launched 24-Nov-1932, and commissioned 18-Jan-1934. Took part in the King George V Silver Jubilee Fleet Review 16-Jul-1935. On completion joined the Home Fleet. Then in 1937 went to the America and West Indies Station with the 8th Cruiser Squadron. Remaining there until 1940 when she went to the Mediterranean. In Jun1940 as Flagship 7th Cruiser Squadron was part of the force which bombarded Bardia, and also saw action at Punto Stilo in Jul-1940. For the rest of 1940 operated throughout the Mediterranean including escort for Malta convoys, bombardment of Italian held islands and transferring troops to Greece. Early 1941 undertook operations in the Aegean and Crete waters. Then in Mar-1941 took part in the Battle of Cape Matapan. Army support work off the North African coast followed, then Apr-1941 saw operations during the evacuations of Greece and Crete. On 29-May-1941 was bombed and badly damaged. Temporary repairs were completed at Simonstown, South Africa which took until Jul-1941, then she went to Mare Island in California for full repair and refit. These lasted until Feb-1942 when she returned to Plymouth for further work, finally returning to duty in Jan-1943 when she returned to the Mediterranean with the 15th Cruiser Squadron. Covered the Sicily landings in Jun-1943, then continued with fire support of Calabria, the Salerno landings in Sep-1943 and Anzio Jan-1944. Returned to the Channel in Jun-1944 for the Normandy landings and formed part of Force K supporting Gold beach. After this it was back to the Mediterranean in Aug-1944 to support he landings in the South of France. Moving on the Aegean, supporting the re-occupation of Athens Sep/Oct-1944. Ending her war work off the Ligurian coast, bombarding German positions around San Remo Apr-1945. After the war was used in target trials. Sold 19-Jul-1949 for scraping, and arrived at Young of Dalmuir Aug-1949 for breaking up. Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1939, Calabria 1940, Mediterranean 1940-44, Matapan 1941, Greece 1941, Crete 1941, Malta Convoys 1941, Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943, Anzio 1944, Aegean 1944, Normandy 1944 and South France 1944.
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This page last edited -
23 February, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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