HMS Hero 1936-1943

[steve@sussexsafety.co.uk]

I am researching my fathers naval career and wonder if any one can help me? Thomas George Robotham voluntered in 1933 and served on various ships - I would like to know more info on HMS Despatch 1937, HMS Hero (St Angelo) 1937-9, HMS Colombo 1939-42 and also the submarines Cyclops, Adamant?
Any information about where they were stationed and there role, I doubt whether anyone will remember him but you never know! He never talked about the navy and died in 1979.
Thanks
Steve Robotham

[hmshero]

I am researching my fathers naval career and wonder if any one can help me? Thomas George Robotham voluntered in 1933 and served on various ships - I would like to know more info on HMS Despatch 1937, HMS Hero (St Angelo) 1937-9, HMS Colombo 1939-42 and also the submarines Cyclops, Adamant?
Any information about where they were stationed and there role, I doubt whether anyone will remember him but you never know! He never talked about the navy and died in 1979.
Thanks
Steve Robotham

Steve,

My Dad was on the Hero from 1936-39. She served through the Spanish Civil War. Dad kept a photo album from this time and they traveled throughout the Mediterranean and saw some action.

Ken

[navalis]

DESPATCH - from 1935 was part of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, Mediterranean Fleet (Malta). In 1937 exercises; visits to Haifa,Cyprus; Tangier; Varna
; December 1937 returned Portsmouth to pay off into reserve.

HERO - Commissioned in October 1936 and joined the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla, Mediterranean Fleet based at Malta; usual round of exercises; port visits to Italy and Greek ports; patrolled off the Spanish coast during the Spanish civil war.

COLOMBO - see:http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Colombo.htm

CYCLOPS - submarine depot ship; HQ for 3rd Submarine Flotilla Harwich in 1939; to Rothesay for 7th SM in 1940 where she remained until the end of the war.

ADAMANT - depot ship: commissioned 1942 and to East Africa (Kilindini); at Trincomalee in 1943 as HQ for 4th SM squadron; 1945 to Fremantle; returned UK in 1948