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RN Frigates: Colony Class (WW2) World Naval Ships Forums Archive

RN Frigates: Colony Class (WW2)

Posts 1 to 20

I have been searching for some time, without much success, for images of some of the Colony Class Frigates which were received by the Royal Navy, from the United States Navy, on lend-lease during the war. I will be grateful for any stories about their war service and photographs of them, so please post them on this thread. This is HMS Somaliland.
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Hi, I expect you will have seen this photo already on the main site, but I'll post it here in case you haven't and for any future visitors finding this thread. It is HMS Sarawak, 1943. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/hmssarawakmpl2883.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

Many thanks, and yes, I have seen that photograph before, but wonder if anyone knows where it was taken? This is another of her sisters, HMS Anguilla
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Jim there are no pictures here but one or two write ups which may further your search. [url]http://uboat.net/allies/warships/class.html?ID=8[/url] Bob.

Jim I see what you mean. I've had a bit of luck for you but the pics aren't much to write home about ! Try here:- [url]http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/08idx.htm[/url] Bob.
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Hi Jim, another 'Colony' for you. HMS DOMINICA Rik
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Here's a great shot of 5 'Colonies' being built. From left to right are: ZANZIBAR (K596), SEYCHELLES (K592), PITCAIRN (K589), SARAWAK (K591) & TORTOLA (K595)
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TOBAGO (K585) & MONTSERRAT (K586)
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NYASALAND (K587) & PAPUA (K588)
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Now THAT's the response that one expects on a forum such as this. Absolutely well done all of you for coming up trumps.;) Sandy.

A great set of photos Rik, many thanks for sharing them. I forgot all about this thread, in fact, I had a disaster with my PC recently and lost all of my pics, so even had to download the first couple that I posted on the thread. I now try and back of my files regularly, unfortunately after the horse had bolted:o Jim

Hello Jim, no photo's of the ships for which you seek info on, but here are details of the sinking of a U-boat by two of the `colony class' ; U 1014 Type: VII.C, ocean-going, schnorkel equipped. Constructor: Blohm und Voss, Hamburg. Armament: 14 Torpedoes, 1 x 88mm, 1 x 20mm. Commissioned: 14.3.44. Operational: December, 1944. Service Life: 11. Operational Life: 1. Patrols: 1. Theatre: Atlantic. Lost two killed and three wounded in a USSR air attack on Libau Harbour, on 16.9.44. Departed: 18.1.45, Bergen; for UK waters. Last Action: 4.2.45, 11.U-Flotille, sunk by HMS Loch Shin (FF Cdr J.P.de W. Kitcat), HMS Nyasaland (FF Lt A.E. Selby), HMS Loch Scavaig (FF) and HMS Papua (FF L.Cdr E.H. Lynes) of Br. 23rd. EG, in position 55.17N 06.44W, near Hebrides, UK. The Commander and all the crew were lost. Commander: OL W. Glaser 03.44-02.45. Do not think any of the others were involved in sinkings. This was found by seeking PAPUA - will look at others. Sadsac

What an eye opener, I can honestly say I had never heard of Colony class frigates. Thank you all for the information.

1. Bahamas 2. Seychelles 3. Antigua Dave
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If you can get hold of a copy, and they're pretty scarce, "HM Frigate" by Nicholas Monsarrat has a lot about this class and some pictures too. Monsarrat, the author of "The Cruel Sea", commissioned and commanded HMS Perim.

[quote=Darleydave;1727853]1. Bahamas 2. Seychelles 3. Antigua Dave[/quote] Dave without wishing to moan the picture of Antigua is my actual photo which I have posted elsewhere in the forum or I would have posted it here myself!! :( Here is a larger scan of it.
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Here details of Colony Class NYASALAND for sinking of U-400 ; U 400 Type: VII.C, ocean-going, schnorkel equipped. Constructor: Howaldstwerke, Kiel. Armament: 14 Torpedoes, 1 x 88mm, 1 x 20mm. Commissioned: 18.3.44. Operational: October, 1944. Service Life: 9. Operational Life: 1. Patrols: 1. Theatre: Atlantic. Departed: 18.11.44, Kristiansand; for St. George's Channel. Last Action: 17.12.44, 11.U-Flotille, while attempting an attack on a c/v, sunk by HMS Nyasaland (FF Lt A.E. Selby), in position 51.16N 08.05W, South of Ireland, North Atlantic. The Commander and all the crew were lost. Commander: KL H. Creutz 03.44-12.44. Sadsac

Interesting that the fitting out photos seem to show ships with Hedgehogs in 'A' position, but the at-sea shots all show ships with two single guns forward. Would I be right it thinking, therefore, that the armament would be either three single 3 inch guns or two single three inch guns and a Hedgehog?

The Colony class carried 2*3" guns forward AND a hedgehog. The hedgehog was fitted between A gun and the superstructure. This was the same layout as in the US destroyer escorts some of which served in the RN as Captain class frigates. EwenS

Some pictures of Somaliland 1944 -45. Crew ones are in Gib and Moville
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