History of HMS Kelly (F.01) and Notice Board for naval enthusiasts and ex Crew of HMS Kelly. This page has been set up so that naval enthusiasts of HMS Kelly can contact each other through this website. This website is not part of any governmental body or official website of HMS Kelly.

Displacement: 1690 tons as designed but actually was 2330 to 2380 tons during WW2. and later at deep load 2550 tons.  Speed: 36 knots. Compliment:  218.   Armament: Six 4.7-inch, 45 calibre QF MKX11 in pairs. plus Four 2 -pounder pompom, and ten 21-inch Torpedo Tubes in two sets of five

HMS Kelly (F.01) was built by Hawthorn Leslie and launched on the 25th October 1938.  This class of Destroyer was the first to be constructed longitudinally and were fitted with just two boilers. She was also one of three from the class to be fitted out as leaders.  Served in the Home Waters until 1940-41 when she went to the Mediterranean  HMS Kelly was sunk by German aircraft off Crete on the 23rd may 1941.

Joseph Micallef :  My grandfather Joseph Micallef served on the HMS Kelly and was the only Maltese survivor when she sank in the battle of Crete. Here are two photos (below) of his - one in uniform and another taken years later with Lord Mountbatten. My grandfather died in 1988 aged 81. Anna Caruana (Malta).   

Joseph Micallef, the only Maltese survivor of HMS Kelly after the Battle of Crete.  (see message above)

Joseph Micallef meets Lord Mountbatten.  (see message above)

HMS Kelly - Sister ships of the J and K Class