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HMS Phoebe (1940) CC (5th) |
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This the fifth ship to carry the name HMS Phoebe was an
anti-aircraft, light cruiser. Built by Fairfield of Govan, laid down 02-Sep-1937, launched 25-Mar-1939, and commissioned 27-Sep-1940. On completion joined the Home Fleet and the 15th Cruiser Squadron, operating in the North Atlantic on trade protection work. Moved to the Mediterranean at Alexandria by Apr-1941. Took part in operations during the evacuation of Greece, then in Jun-1941 operated against Vichy-French Syria. On 27-Aug-1941 was struck and damaged by a torpedo dropped from an aircraft. After temporary repairs at Alexandria, full repairs were completed at new York from 21-Nov-1921 to 21-Apr-1942, and returned to service the next month. Returned to the Mediterranean and took part in Operation Pedestal in Aug-1942. Sep-1942 in company with HMS Sirius went to Capetown to patrol against blockade runners to and from the Far East. They had no success and while going Pointe Noire in Equatorial Africa on 23-Oct-1942, was hit forward and aft by torpedoes fired from U-161 and severely damaged. After temporary repairs at Pointe Noire which took until Dec-1942 went to the USA for full repairs which took until Jun-1943, and she did not return to duty until the next month. Returning to the Mediterranean and operations in the Aegean Sea. took part in the Anzio landings Jan-1944. Later in 1944 went to the Eastern Fleet and joined the 5th Cruiser Squadron. Spent the rest of the war in the Indian Ocean covering carrier raids on the Nicobar Islands and Sabang. Also covered assault landings at Burma and Rangoon in Apr/May-1945. Returned for refit at Sheerness 29-Oct-1945. In 1946 joined the Mediterranean Fleet as Flagship Destroyer Flotillas until Nov-1947. Joined the 1st Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean until 1951, when she returned to the UK and went into reserve 14-Mar-1951. Acted as Senior Officer's ship, Harwich Reserve from 1951 to 1953, the went to reserve at Portsmouth until 1956. Put up for sale 1956 and arrived at Hughes Bolckow, Blyth 01-Aug-1956 for breaking up. Won the battle Honours: Greece 1941, Crete 1941, Malta Convoys 1942, Aegean 1943, Mediterranean 1944, Sabang 1944, Burma 1944-45.
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This page last edited -
15 January, 2013.
Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated. |
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