Queen Elisabeth

Naval History Homepage and Site Search SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2 by Lt Cdr Geoffrey
B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2003
HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Queen Elizabeth-class 15in gun Battleship including

Convoy Escort Movements
Editing & Additional Material by Mike Simmonds HMS Queen Elizabeth (Maritime Quest, click to enlarge) return to Contents List
QUEEN ELIZABETH-Class battleship ordered from HM Dockyard Portsmouth in June 1912 and laid down on 21st October that year. The ship was launched on 16th October 1913 as the first RN warship to carry this name. Her Badge reflects the particular association with the Royal Family. Build was completed on 22 December 1914 and she was deployed in the Mediterranean. Her distinctive service during WW1 included participation in the Dardanelles campaign and the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet in 1918 when the terms of surrender were given to Admiral Von Reuter on board. In 1937 she was selected for an extended modernisation which began in August that year and was not completed until 1939. Her WW2 service was particularly well known as she was seriously damaged at Alexandria after explosive charges had been placed on her hull in an attack by two man human torpedoes in December 1941. She then had an extensive period under repair and refit in a US Navy Dockyard Norfolk, Va before resuming Fleet service in the East Indies Fleet. She took part in many offensive operations against the Japanese bases in the Indian Ocean and in support of landing operations in Burma before return to UK before VJ Day. After brief service in the Home Fleet she was placed in Reserve at Portsmouth during 1946 and sold for demolition two years later. In March 1942 this ship was adopted by The Baltic Exchange, London after a WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign. Battle Honours DARDANELLES 1915 - CRETE 1941 - SABANG 1944 - BURMA 1944-45 Heraldic Data Badge: On a field per pale White and Green a Tudor rose Red and Silver between letters ER under a Tudor crown Red.
Summary of PreWar
Service
1915
Passage to Mediterranean after Acceptance Trials Took part in bombardment of Turkish shore targets during Dardanelles operations. Sank enemy transport.
Returned to UK for repair of defective turbine and joined Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow.
1916
Under repair and resumed Grand Fleet service. (Note: Did not take part in Battle of Jutland.)
1917
Grand Fleet Service with periodic refits to modify armament equipment, improve protection and machinery arrangements.
1918
Grand Fleet service including presentation of surrender terms to German Admiral von Reuter after the armistice.
1919
to 1924
Deployed with Atlantic Fleet.
1925
Deployed with Mediterranean Fleet.
1926
funnel
to 1927
Under major refit during which torpedo bulges were fitted and two trunks merged into one single uptake. 3in AA armament replaced by 4in mountings. Aircraft platform removed from Y turret. Fire control arrangements changes involving redesign of bridge structure.
1928
Deployed in Home waters for trials.
1929
Deployed in Mediterranean
1930
Under refit during which fire control system was fitted for AA weapons with director on fore-top.
1931
to 1933
Deployed in Mediterranean.
1934
Under refit during which aircraft catapult was removed from B turret.
1935
1936
Under refit during which two pom-pom mountings were fitted on conning tower platform for close range AA defence. Nominated for modernisation at Portsmouth.
1937
Portsmouth for
to 1938
Paid-off into Dockyard control and taken in hand by HM Dockyard, modernisation on 11th August During modernisation the following changes were made: Existing 25 boilers replaced by 8 High Pressure type saving 50% weight and 33% space. New turbines fitted to improve speed performance from 22 knots to 25 knots. Main armament elevation modified to increase range by 8,000 yards to 32,200 yards. 6in armament replaced by five twin 4.5in dual-purpose mountings. AA close range armament improved by fit of quadruple pom-pom weapons. Aircraft stowage provided for four aircraft and an athwartship catapult fitted. Complete redesign of bridge structure.
1939
January to December Approval given for fit of radar equipment for gunnery fire control when this became available. Modernisation in continuation Under modernisation at Portsmouth.
Details of War Service
(for more ship information, go to Naval History Homepage and type name in Site Search
1940
January to November Under modernisation Arrangements made for completion of modernisation by HM Dockyard Rosyth. (Note: This was made after air raids on Portsmouth) December 10th Re-commissioned for trials. Commanding Officer Captain C. B. Barry DSO, RN. 11th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. Because of a sighting of a U-Boat off North Cornwall, close to her proposed route, she put into Plymouth for 24 hours. 12th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. 13th 36 miles 060 from Tusker Rock Light, HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI detached and HM Destroyers BRILLIANT, EXMOOR, PYTCHLEY and SOUTHDOWN took over the escort. En route through the North Sea HM Anti Aircraft Cruiser CURACOA joined the escort and detached off May Island. 15th Arrived at Rosyth.
1941
January 279) and for fire control of main armament (Type 284) and secondary armament (Type 284) were fitted before ship left Rosyth. For details of development and use of radar in the RN see RADAR AT SEA by D Howse.) Harbour trials in continuation. Modernisation in continuation. (Note: Radar outfits to provide warning of approach of aircraft (Type
31st February
Modernisation completed
Post refit sea trials and preparation for foreign service in Mediterranean. 20th On completion of full power trial, took passage to Scapa Flow escorted by HM Cruiser Dido and HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, SOMALI and HMAS NAPIER for work-up with Home Fleet. 21st Arrived at Scapa Flow. March Work up in continuation During March the German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were operating in the North Atlantic. Mid month the Admiralty considered that the German ships would attempt to return to Germany by the northern route so Home Fleet dispositions were made accordingly. On the 15th, HM Battleship NELSON sailed to take up a position south of Iceland. 19th Work up interrupted. Sailed from Scapa Flow in company with HM Cruiser LONDON and HM Destroyers ARROW, ECHO, ECLIPSE, ELECTRA, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD to RV with HM Battleship NELSON south of Iceland. Off Dunnet Head LONDON detached and HM Battlecruiser HOOD joined. (20th March 600 miles WNW of Cape Finisterre the German ships were sighted by a Swordfish from HMS Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. Following the sighting the two battleship forces set interception courses for the area of the sighting) 21st The NELSON and QUEEN ELIZABETH Forces joined. 22nd The German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST arrived at Brest and the hunt was called off. 23rd Arrived back at Scapa Flow. 24th At Scapa Flow the CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag from NELSON to QUEEN ELIZABETH. April 1st V. 2nd Sailed from Scapa Flow for Halifax escorted by HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD. ESKIMO later detached. 6th Diverted to RV with HM Battlecruiser REPULSE in position 46N, 21W. HM Destroyers ECLIPSE and INGLEFIELD detached for Iceland. (This move was because a report had been received that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were leaving Brest. On the 5th, GNEISENAU had been moved out of dry dock due to a UXB and moored in mid stream. Early on the 6th, 4 At Scapa Flow CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag to KING GEORGE
Beauforts of 22 Squadron of RAF Coastal Command carried out a torpedo attack on her and aircraft X/22 achieved a hit on the starboard side aft causing considerable damage. On the 7th GNEISENAU was moved back into dry dock) 8th Made RV with REPULSE and HM Destroyers FURY, FORTUNE, HIGHLANDER and VELOX. 11th When it was confirmed that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were not about to sail she left the area for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers FURY and VELOX. 13th HM Destroyer BOREAS joined escort. 14th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers BOREAS, FURY and VELOX. 15th Sailed from Gibraltar for Freetown escorted by HM Destroyers FURY, VELOX and WRESTLER. 20th Arrived at Freetown. Carried out boiler clean. 25th Sailed from Freetown for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers DUNCAN and FOXHOUND. 26th At 12N DUNCAN and FOXHOUND detached for Bathurst. 29th Joined by HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER. 30th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER.
May
At Gibraltar 4th Sailed west from Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FORESIGHT, FORTUNE, FEARLESS and VELOX to RV with convoy WS8 and relieve HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers HAVELOCK, HARVESTER and HESPERUS as escort for the five mercantiles during passage to Gibraltar. (Note: These five ships had been part of military convoy WS8 for passage from the Clyde and had detached west of Gibraltar to form Operation TIGER convoy. The five mercantiles carried urgently needed military stores and equipment, including 238 tanks, for the British Army in Egypt) 5th In company with HM Cruiser NAIAD, took over the escort of the five mercantiles and proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. Later in the day they were joined by Force H, comprising HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL, HM Cruisers FIJI, SHEFFIELD and HM Destroyers KASHMIR and KIPLING. 6th As the convoy and escort passed through the Straits they were joined by HM Cruiser GLOUCESTER and HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, HARVESTER, HAVELOCK and HESPERUS to form Force F. 8th Under air attack, some of which were repelled by aircraft from HM
Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. In one attack she was near missed by a bomb off her port bow. In the evening on arrival at Skerki Channel, Force H ships detached from the convoy which continued now escorted by QUEEN ELIZABETH, FIJI, GLOUCESTER, NAIAD, FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, KASHMIR and KIPLING. 9th Joined by the Mediterranean Fleet. 12th Arrived at Alexandria and joined Mediterranean Fleet. Became flagship of the 1st Battle Squadron wearing the flag of Vice Admiral Pridham Wippell CB, CVO, RN. (For details of Operation TIGER and all Malta relief convoys, see MALTA CONVOYS by R Woodman, THE BATTLE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre, ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and the Naval Staff History.) 14th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Cruisers NAIAD, PHOEBE and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GREYHOUND, HASTY, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM. These vessels comprised Forces A and D for the defence of Crete. 15th PHOEBE detached to return to Alexandria with hull problems. Later Force A and D divided. Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM proceeded to take up a position to the west of Crete to interpose itself between the Italian Fleet and British Forces operating off Crete. 16th Force A arrived in blocking position. Later in the day HM Destroyer ILEX joined Force A. Followed later by Force B comprising HM Cruisers GLOUCESTER, FIJI and HM Destroyers HAVOCK and HOTSPUR, and Force D comprising HM Cruisers NAIAD, HMAS PERTH and HM Destroyers GREYHOUND and HASTY. 17th Forces C and D, less HOTSPUR, detached for Alexandria. 19th Force A relieved by Battleship Force A1, and Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, ILEX, JAGUAR, JERVIS and NIZAM detached to return to Alexandria. 20th Arrived at Alexandria. 25th Sailed from Alexandria as part of Force A, on Operation MAQ3 (This was to be an air attack by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE on the airfield at Scarpanto). Force A comprised QUEEN ELIZABETH, Flag 1st BS, HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HEREWARD, JERVIS, JANUS, KANDAHAR, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER. 26th At 0530 hours, Force A were south of the Kaso Strait, approximately 100 miles south west of
Scarpanto airfield, 4 Albacores and 4 Fulmars were flown off to attack the airfield. At 0700 hours, Force A was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, DIDO and HM Destroyers JACKAL, KELVIN, NAPIER and NUBIAN. The augmented Force A then withdrew to the south. At 1200 hours Force A altered course west to cover a northbound convoy. At 1300 hours Force A were 90 miles north east of Bardia when they were attacked by a force of 40 Ju 87s. In the attack FORMIDABLE was seriously damaged and NUBIAN had her stern damaged by a bomb. At 2000 hours HM Destroyer DECOY joined Force A. At 2030 hours FORMIDABLE, DECOY, HEREWARD, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER detached for Alexandria. (Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was badly damaged during the air attack and later was withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet for repair in USA. This placed severe restrictions on use of capital ships in eastern Mediterranean at a crucial time.) 27th At 0600 hours Force A were 250 miles south east of the Kaso Strait and AJAX, DIDO and JACKAL were detached for Alexandria. At 0858 hours Force A was attacked by 15 Ju 88s and He 111s . BARHAM was hit on Y turret and damaged by near misses. Because of the damage to BARHAM, Force A was ordered to return to Alexandria where they arrived at 1900 hours. (Not deployed during naval operations in defence and later evacuation of Crete which ended on the night of 1st June. See above references.) June 26th VALIANT, Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria eastwards in company with HM Battleship WARSPITE (damaged), HM Cruiser AJAX, HM Minelayer ABDIEL and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HERO, JAGUAR, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY to carry out gunnery exercises. At 1600 hours WARSPITE escorted by GRIFFIN, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY detached for Port Said. The Battle Fleet then turned for Alexandria. Later KIMBERLEY rejoined the Battle Fleet. 27th Arrived back at Alexandria. July Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Sailed from Alexandria to carry out exercises in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruiser PHOEBE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, KIPLING and HMAS NIZAM. 19th Arrived back at Alexandria.
22nd VALIANT, HM Minelayers
At 2100 hours sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship Cruisers HMAS HOBART, NAIAD, NEPTUNE, PHOEBE, HM ABDIEL and LATONA screened by HM Destroyers GRIFFIN, HASTY,
HAVOCK, 23rd AJAX, HMNZS LEANDER and HM Destroyers JAGUAR, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, and KINGSTON. The Fleet then sailed for a diversionary cruise in the eastern Mediterranean during passage of a relief convoy to Malta from Gibraltar (Operation MD5 cover for Operation SUBSTANCE by Force H.) At 2200 hours NEPTUNE, ABDIEL and KIMBERLEY detached for the fleet. 24th LEANDER and JAGUAR detached from the fleet. 25th The Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. August 5th NAIAD and HM Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria for exercises in company with HM Cruiser JACKAL, HMAS NIZAM and NUBIAN. At 0600 hours off Alexandria the Battle Fleet was joined by HM Cruisers
Destroyers HERO, JERVIS, KINGSTON and HMAS VENDETTA. During the exercises JARVIS and KINGSTON detached. 6th Arrived back at Alexandria. September 1st 10th ABDIEL and
Became Flagship of Mediterranean Fleet. (See CUNNINGHAM by J Winton.) Carried out exercises off Alexandria in company with HM Minelayers
LATONA screened by HM Destroyers JACKAL and HMAS NIZAM. 26th At 0900 hours the Mediterranean Fleet comprising HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HERO, HOTSPUR, JERVIS, JUPITER, KINGSTON, KIPLING and HMAS VENDETTA sailed for diversionary cruise in eastern Mediterranean during passage of Malta relief convoy (Operation MD6 cover for Operation HALBERD by Force H.) October Deployed at Alexandria 8th At sea off Alexandria carrying out exercises. 12th Sailed from Alexandria and headed westwards in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, GALATEA, HMAS HOBART and HM Destroyers AVONDALE, DECOY, ERIDGE, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JAGUAR, JERVIS, JUPITER and KANDAHAR. At 1800 hours JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached.
13th At daylight the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined. At 1315 hours a report was received of enemy naval activity to the west and the fleet reversed course to investigate. At 1800 hours the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. 14th At daylight JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined the fleet. At 1530 hours the Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. November Deployed in support of military advance in western desert (Operations CHIEFTAIN and LANDMARK to provide naval gunfire support.) 20th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleships BARHAM, VALIANT and HM Cruisers EURYALUS, GALATEA, NAIAD screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JACKAL, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, KIMBERLEY, KINGSTON, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM. (This was part of Operation LANDMARK, the fleets part was to simulate an attack on Tripoli) At 1200 hours HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART joined the fleet. At nightfall AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART detached from the fleet. 22nd At daylight the fleet returned to Alexandria. 24th Sailed from Alexandria in support of operations by Force K in company with HM Battleships BARHAM and VALIANT, screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, GRIFFIN and JERVIS. (Force K were operating from Malta against Italian convoys). Off Alexandria HM Destroyers AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE joined the Battle Fleet. AT 2245 hours HM Destroyers HASTY, JACKAL, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM joined and AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE detached. During the day the fleet carried out a search for enemy supply ships whilst on passage to Benghazi. 25th Under submarine attack by U331 which penetrated screen and fired torpedoes which hit and sank HMS BARHAM in Gulf of Sollum. 26th At 1000 hours arrived back at Alexandria. December Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Whilst in Alexandria harbour, attacked by Italian two man human torpedoes whose crew placed limpet mine on ships hull underwater. At 0610 hours the mine exploded whilst ship was at anchor causing major damage extending for 190 feet below B Boiler Room. This caused extensive flooding of machinery compartments and bulges and
causing her to sink to seabed. Nine of ships company were killed. Withdrawn from service. (For details see THE NAVAL WAR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN by J Greene and A Massignani.)
1942
January to May Under temporary repair in dry-dock at Alexandria to enable passage for permanent repair. Repair arranged in US Navy dockyard. 4th 14th this time unsuccessful. June 27th 28th July August 13th September 6th Undocked and prepared for ocean passage. Sailed from Port Said for Aden on first stage of passage. Passage in Indian Ocean with call at Durban. Passage in Atlantic Ocean with call at Cape Town. Arrived at Freetown. Moved into Dry Dock. Whilst in dry dock she was again the subject of a human torpedo attack,
Arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and taken in hand for repair. Paid-off.
October to December Under repair with reduced complement (Note: Work included: Increased AA armament to improve defence against close range attacks. Preparation for fit of British radar equipment for fire-control and surface warning. See above reference.)
1943
January to April Under repair
May
Post refit harbour and sea trials. Complement increased for return passage.
June 1st 30th BENTINCK, Repairs and refit completed Post refit sea trials and prepared for passage to UK Sailed from Boston for Bermuda escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY,
BLACKWOOD and DRURY. July 2nd BENTINCK, 9th Devonport. Sailed from Bermuda for Devonport escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY. Arrived at Devonport to complete refit work by HM Dockyard, (Note: Work included: Fit of radar equipment. Aircraft facilities removed. Direction Finding outfit fitted on quarterdeck. Re-commissioned for service in Eastern Fleet. August 1st to 13th 14th 28th 29th and HNethMS At Portsmouth for leave and repairs . Sailed from Portsmouth for Plymouth. Sailed from Plymouth for Scapa Flow. Off the Firth of Clyde she was joined by the Destroyers HMCS HURON
SCORPION. 30th At 1400 hours arrived at Scapa Flow to work-up with ships of Home Fleet and for radar equipment trials. October to November At Scapa Flow carrying out working up exercises . December Deployed at Scapa Flow. 30th Sailed from Scapa Flow with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Frigates of EG 3, BERRY, BLACKWOOD, COOKE, DOMETT, DUCKWORTH, ESSINGTON and HM Destroyer TUSCAN. En route TUSCAN detached for the Clyde with weather damage. West of Ireland HM Destroyers KEMPENFELT and TENACIOUS joined the screen.
1944
January 7th Arrived at Gibraltar to refuel. 12th Arrived at Alexandria. 14th Sailed from Alexandria with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER and ROCKET. 19th Arrived at Aden. 22nd Sailed from Aden with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM
Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER, RACEHORSE, RAPID, ROCKET, ROEBUCK, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and NORMAN. 28th Arrived at Trincomalee and joined Eastern Fleet. February planned Deployed with Eastern Fleet and carried out exercises in preparation for operations. (For details of naval activities in Indian Ocean by Eastern Fleet see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET, by J Winton, Operation PACIFIC by E Gray and WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).) March 21st Sailed from Trincomalee as part of the Eastern Fleet in company with HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Cruisers LONDON, HMNZS GAMBIA, CEYLON and CUMBERLAND screened by HM Destroyers PATHFINDER, NEPAL, QUILLIAM, HMAS NAPIER, HMAS NORMAN, and Dutch HNethMS TJERK HIDDES and VAN GALEN on Operation DIPLOMAT. (Operation DIPLOMAT was to practice operational procedures, such as replenishment at sea, and cooperation with USN vessels in preparation for the formation of a British Pacific Fleet) 22nd South of Ceylon HM Battleship VALIANT and HM Destroyers HMAS QUALITY, QUEENBOROUGH and QUIBERON joined, having sailed from Colombo on the 21st. 24th 850 miles South of Ceylon the Eastern Fleet replenished from three tankers escorted by the Dutch Cruiser HNethMS TROMP. 27th The Eastern Fleet RVed with US Task Group 58 comprising the US Aircraft Carrier USS SARATOGA escorted by US destroyers USS FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS on passage in Indian Ocean for loan service with Eastern Fleet. Two days of joint exercises then commenced, during which air crew from the SARATOGA gave the FAA pilots the benefit of their combat experience against the Japanese, before the combined force returned to Trincomalee. April Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet. 2nd Eastern Fleet arrived back at Trincomalee with US Navy ships. 16th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 69 in company with HMS VALIANT, French Battleship FS RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers NEWCASTLE, NIGERIA, CEYLON, HMNZS GAMBIA and Dutch HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers PENN, PETARD,
ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, NEPAL, and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and QUIBERON and Dutch HNethMS VAN GALEN. Force 69 was deployed to provide cover for an air attack Sabang, northern Sumatra with provided screen. (Operation COCKPIT). (Note: Attacks were to be carried out by aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA deployed as Force 70. HMS RENOWN, HMS LONDON HM Destroyers HMAS QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and US Destroyers CUMMINGS, DUNLAP and FANNING were deployed as screen for Force 70.) 18th HMS CEYLON and HMNZS GAMBIA detached to provide additional AA defence for Force 70 during air operations. 19th 0530 hours 100 miles from Sabang the Carriers of Force 70 launched an air attack against the port and oil installations at Sabang. During the air operations, Force 69 provided cover. 22nd The fleet arrived back at Trincomalee. May Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet 6th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 65 in company with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, FS RICHELIEU, Cruisers HMS KENYA, HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NEPAL, QUALITY, QUIBERON and QUICKMATCH. Deployed to provide cover for Force 66. Force 66 were to carry out joint air attacks on Soerabaya, (now Surabaya), Java (Operation TRANSOM). Force 66 sailed at the same time and comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA, HMNZ GAMBIA, HMS CEYLON, screened by HM Destroyers QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and USS DUNLAP, CUMMINGS and FANNING. 15th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia from Force 67, which comprised, 7 RFAs, 6 oil tankers and a water tanker RFA, screened by HMS LONDON and HMS SUFFOLK. 17th Air strike carried out against Soerabaya by air units of Force 66. Force 65 provided cover during the attack. (Note: RN and US submarines were deployed to carry out patrols to give warning of any enemy attempt to interfere with operations by surface or submarine attack. Air Sea Rescue requirements were covered by US submarines near Soerabaya.) 18th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, following which USS SARATOGA, FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS detached for Pearl Harbour. 27th Arrived back at Trincomalee with RN ships. Fuel remaining on return was less than 20%.
June
Deployed at Trincomalee. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 68 in company with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HM Escort Aircraft Carrier ATHELING screened by HM Cruisers CEYLON, PHOEBE and HMNZS GAMBIA and five destroyers with HM Submarine SURF on operation COUNCILLOR. (Note: This was a diversionary operation in the form of a feint air strike on Sabang to distract Japanese attention from the US Marianas landings) 12th Operation COUNCILLOR carried out. 14th Arrived back at Trincomalee. July 22nd Sailed from Trincomalee Joined HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers NIGERIA, HMNZS GAMBIA, KENYA, CEYLON, CUMBERLAND, PHOEBE and Dutch HNethMS TROMP as Force 62 screened by HM Destroyers RELENTLESS, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, RAIDER, ROEBUCK, ROCKET, RAPID and HMAS QUILLIAM, QUALITY and QUICKMATCH to provide cover during air operations by the two carriers at Sabang, Sumatra and then carry out bombardment of shore targets. (Operation CRIMSON) 24th Remained with Force 62 ships when HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS VICTORIOUS detached with HMS PHOEBE, HMS ROEBUCK and HMS RAIDER to take passage to the carrier operational area. HM Submarines TANTALUS and TEMPLAR were employed on Air Sea Rescue duties. 25th On completion of air operations carried out bombardment of Sabang with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, RICHELIEU, cruisers and destroyers. 29th Deployed at Trincomalee. August on targets in NW Sumatra. (Operation BOOMERANG). Deployed in company with HM Cruisers CEYLON and KENYA and HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, RAPID, RELENTLESS, ROCKET and ROTHERHAM to carry out Air-Sea Rescue duties in the Indian Ocean during US air raids. September October 6th November Taken in hand for refit Nominated for refit in Durban and took passage. Deployment at Trincomalee as Fleet Flagship in continuation. At the end of August the USAAF carried out a series of B 29 air attacks
17th
Carried out post refit trials when work completed On completion prepared for return passage to Trincomalee. Passage in Indian Ocean to Ceylon to rejoin the East Indies Fleet. (Note: The Eastern Fleet was renamed in November 1944) On arrival became Flagship of 3rd Battle Squadron. (Note: Other ship in Squadron was HMS RENOWN. HMS VALIANT had been withdrawn from Eastern Fleet in August 1944 after being damaged in floating dock which had collapsed.)
December
1945
January Ramree Deployed at Trincomalee and prepared for support of planned landings on Island off coast of Burma (Operation MATADOR) (Note: Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, Admiral Mountbatten was 18th screened by to be embarked to witness this operation.) Sailed from Trincomalee with the Supreme Commander embarked, HM Destroyers NORMAN and PATHFINDER for passage to Ramree Island. En route she caught up with HM Escort Carrier AMEER escorted by HM Destroyer RAIDER which had sailed earlier from Trincomalee. The two forces joined and continued towards Ramree Island. 20th The Force was joined by HM Sloop REDPOLE and HM Frigate SPEY. 21st In the early hours off Ramree Island she was joined by HM Cruiser PHOEBE, and screened by REDPOLE and SPEY, they moved into a bombarding position. One hour before the landing of troops from the 71st Brigade of the 26th Indian Division they commenced a bombardment of the northern tip of Ramree Island. Hellcats from AMEER provided CAP and carried out fall-of-shot spotting. 25th Deployed at Trincomalee February to March Trincomalee deployment in continuation and prepared for support of planned operations in Indian Ocean (Note: HMS RENOWN was replaced by French battleship RICHELIEU on 20th March.) April 8th LONDON, Sailed from Trincomalee with French battleship RICHELIEU, HMS
HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VERULAM and VIGILANT as TF 63.1. In company with TF 63.2 which comprised HM Escort Carriers EMPEROR and KHEDIVE, HM Cruiser CUMBERLAND and HM Destroyers VENUS and VIRAGO. (Operation
SUNFISH), TF 63.1 was to carry out bombardment of Sabang whilst Hellcats of TF 63.2 provided CAP and also carried out air attacks on Sabang. 11th Carried out bombardment at Sabang with RICHELIEU and HMS LONDON. 12th TF 63 refuelled from the tanker support force TF 70. (TF 70 comprised the RFA EASEDALE escorted by HM Frigate LOSSIE). Following refuelling TF 63 sailed into the Strait of Malacca. 14th Provided cover for TF 63.2 whilst the Hellcats of TF 63.2 carried out Photo Reconnaissance of Port Swettenham (now Klang) and Port Dickson Malaya, and air attacks on Emmahaven 18th Returned to Trincomalee with Force 63. 27th Sailed from Trincomalee with, HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND, SUFFOLK, CEYLON, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, PENN, TARTAR, ROTHERHAM and VERULAM as TF 63. To carry out Operation BISHOP (a multi-task operation to create a diversion to cover Operation DRACULA, the landings at Rangoon and to intercept shipping in the Indian Ocean supporting Japanese bases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.). At the same time TF 62 comprising HM Escort Carriers EMPRESS and SHAH escorted by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, REDOUBT and ROEBUCK sailed from Trincomalee on the same operation. 29th 200 miles west of Car Nicobar the short endurance ships of TF 62 and TF 63 refuelled from TF 69. (TF 69 comprised RFA OLWEN escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN) 30th At dawn TF 62 and TF 62 carried out a bombardment and Hellcat strikes on the two airfields at Car Nicobar. In the evening a repeat of the morning operation was carried out plus air strikes against Port Blair. May 1st Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Car Nicobar. 2nd Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Port Blair. 3rd The combined force split. Queen Elizabeth was deployed with RICHELIEU, SUFFOLK, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, SAUMAREZ, ROTHERHAM, VENUS, VERULAM, and VIGILANT for interception of shipping along the coast of Burma. The remainder of the force carried out a reconnaissance of coastal shipping between Mergui and Victoria Point southern Burma. 6th Carried out bombardment of shore batteries on Kwantung Point in Stewart Sound between North and South Andaman Islands. (Note: These batteries had hit and damaged HM Destroyers VOLAGE
and RAPID during Operation SUFFICE to attack shipping on 19th March by ships of the 26th Destroyer Flotilla.) 9th Returned to Trincomalee with TF 63 and TF 62 ships. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee in company with French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers ROYALIST, CUMBERLAND, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Escort Aircraft Carriers HUNTER, KHEDIVE, SHAH and EMPEROR screened by HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VENUS, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VIGILANT, ROTHERHAM, TARTAR and NUBIAN as TF 61 on Operation DUKEDOM . (Operation DUKEDOM was an operation to intercept the Japanese cruiser ASHIGARI and destroyer KAMIKAZE reported to have left Singapore and taken passage northwards in Malacca Straits. (Note: The enemy ships were heading for the Andamans to evacuate the garrison.) 14th Escort Carriers and destroyers detached from Force 61 to carry out interception of the Japanese warships which were reported on 12th as heading southwards in Indian Ocean. (Operation MITRE). (Note: The enemy ships were the cruiser HAGURO and destroyer KAMIKAZE on passage to the Andamans.) Remained clear of the interception area and refuelled from RFA ECHODALE escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN deployed as TF 70. 15th HMS CUMBERLAND and Dutch HNethMS TROMP detached to support the impending attack by destroyers of the 26th Flotilla. (Note: Aircraft from the Escort Carriers were unable to locate the Japanese ships during daylight but the destroyers intercepted the two Japanese warships and carried out a brilliantly executed night encounter during which the cruiser was sunk in a gun and torpedo action. See Naval Staff History, WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO) and SINK THE HAGURO by J Winton) 17th Took passage to Trincomalee with part of TF 61.
June in Malaya
East Indies Fleet duties in continuation at Trincomalee (Note: During this period planning was in progress to carry out landings Operation ZIPPER). These were to be delayed because of difficulties in
obtaining US government approval for any offensive other than those in the Pacific. For details see Final Report of Supreme Commander South East Asia and above references. Preparatory exercises were carried out by Eastern Fleet ships.)
July Relieved by HM Battleship NELSON as Flagship 3rd Battle Squadron, East Indies Fleet. 12th Flag of BS3 transferred to HMS NELSON. 17th Took passage from Ceylon to return to UK. (Note: ZIPPER was further delayed by problems related to implementation of the PYTHON scheme to repatriate service personnel who had been in SEAC for several years.) August 15th On passage Arrived at Rosyth. Post War Notes HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH was used briefly as an Accommodation Ship at Rosyth after VJ Day and then joined the Home Fleet. She was based at Portland in December and served in Home waters until relieved by HM Battleship HOWE in February 1946 and reduced to Reserve status at Portsmouth during the period March to September. The ship remained in commission with a reduced complement at Portsmouth until being placed on the Disposal List in January 1948. Paid-off on 15th May 1948, she was sold to BISCO for breaking-up by Arnott Young on 19th May that year. Taken in tow to the breakers yard she arrived at Dalmuir on 22nd June to be de-equipped and the hull was later taken to Troon in Ayrshire for final demolition. Special Note The link between this famous battleship and The Baltic Exchange was first established after the adoption in 1942 when a sum of 18,312,000 was raised. Apart from the contacts made with the ships company during WW2 the association has continued after the ship had been broken-up. The Ships Bell and a Ships Crest were obtained and are now kept with the Plaque presented to the Exchange in 1942 to record the result of the WARSHIP WEEK. These items were transferred to the first new building after WW2. When that building was destroyed in an IRA bombing, the Bell was salvaged and is now kept in the new site together with a copy of the original Chronology for public view. This has maintained the strong tie between the members of the Baltic Exchange and the Royal Navy. Naval History Homepage and Site Search SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2 by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2003

QUEEN ELIZABETH-Class battleship ordered from HM Dockyard Portsmouth in June
1912 and laid down on 21st October that year. The ship was launched on 16th October 1913 as the first RN warship to carry this name. Her Badge reflects the particular association with the Royal Family. Build was completed on 22 December 1914 and she was deployed in the Mediterranean. Her distinctive service during WW1 included participation in the Dardanelles campaign and the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet in 1918 when the terms of surrender were given to Admiral Von Reuter on board. In 1937 she was selected for an extended modernisation which began in August that year and was not completed until 1939. Her WW2 service was particularly well known as she was seriously damaged at Alexandria after explosive charges had been placed on her hull in an attack by two man human torpedoes in December 1941. She then had an extensive period under repair and refit in a US Navy Dockyard Norfolk, Va before resuming Fleet service in the East Indies Fleet. She took part in many offensive operations against the Japanese bases in the Indian Ocean and in support of landing operations in Burma before return to UK before VJ Day. After brief service in the Home Fleet she was placed in Reserve at Portsmouth during 1946 and sold for demolition two years later. In March 1942 this ship was adopted by The Baltic Exchange, London after a WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign. Battle Honours DARDANELLES 1915 - CRETE 1941 - SABANG 1944 - BURMA 1944-45 Heraldic Data Badge: On a field per pale White and Green a Tudor rose Red and Silver between letters ER under a Tudor crown Red.
Summary of PreWar
Service
1915
Passage to Mediterranean after Acceptance Trials Took part in bombardment of Turkish shore targets during Dardanelles operations. Sank enemy transport. Returned to UK for repair of defective turbine and joined Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow.
1916
1917
1918
1919
to 1924
1925
1926
funnel
to 1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
to 1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
Portsmouth for
to 1938
1939
1940
January to November Under modernisation
Arrangements made for completion of modernisation by HM Dockyard Rosyth. (Note: This was made after air raids on Portsmouth) December 10th DSO, RN. 11th KIPLING and to her proposed route, she put into Plymouth for 24 hours. 12th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. 13th 36 miles 060 from Tusker Rock Light, HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI detached and HM Destroyers BRILLIANT, EXMOOR, PYTCHLEY and SOUTHDOWN took over the escort. En route through the North Sea HM Anti Aircraft Cruiser CURACOA joined the escort and detached off May Island. 15th Arrived at Rosyth. Re-commissioned for trials. Commanding Officer Captain C. B. Barry Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers JUPITER, KASHMIR, PUNJABI. Because of a sighting of a U-Boat off North Cornwall, close
1941
January 279) and for fire control of main armament (Type 284) and secondary armament (Type 284) were fitted before ship left Rosyth. For details of development and use of radar in the RN see RADAR AT SEA by D Howse.) Harbour trials in continuation. Modernisation completed Modernisation in continuation. (Note: Radar outfits to provide warning of approach of aircraft (Type
31st February
Post refit sea trials and preparation for foreign service in Mediterranean. 20th On completion of full power trial, took passage to Scapa Flow escorted by HM Cruiser Dido and HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, SOMALI and HMAS NAPIER for work-up with Home Fleet. 21st Arrived at Scapa Flow. March Work up in continuation During March the German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were operating in the North Atlantic. Mid month the Admiralty considered that the German ships would attempt to return to Germany by the northern route so Home Fleet dispositions were made accordingly. On the 15th, HM Battleship NELSON sailed to take up a position
south of Iceland. 19th Work up interrupted. Sailed from Scapa Flow in company with HM Cruiser LONDON and HM Destroyers ARROW, ECHO, ECLIPSE, ELECTRA, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD to RV with HM Battleship NELSON south of Iceland. Off Dunnet Head LONDON detached and HM Battlecruiser HOOD joined. (20th March 600 miles WNW of Cape Finisterre the German ships were sighted by a Swordfish from HMS Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. Following the sighting the two battleship forces set interception courses for the area of the sighting) 21st The NELSON and QUEEN ELIZABETH Forces joined. 22nd The German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST arrived at Brest and the hunt was called off. 23rd Arrived back at Scapa Flow. 24th At Scapa Flow the CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag from NELSON to QUEEN ELIZABETH. April 1st V. 2nd Sailed from Scapa Flow for Halifax escorted by HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD. ESKIMO later detached. 6th Diverted to RV with HM Battlecruiser REPULSE in position 46N, 21W. HM Destroyers ECLIPSE and INGLEFIELD detached for Iceland. (This move was because a report had been received that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were leaving Brest. On the 5th, GNEISENAU had been moved out of dry dock due to a UXB and moored in mid stream. Early on the 6th, 4 Beauforts of 22 Squadron of RAF Coastal Command carried out a torpedo attack on her and aircraft X/22 achieved a hit on the starboard side aft causing considerable damage. On the 7th GNEISENAU was moved back into dry dock) 8th Made RV with REPULSE and HM Destroyers FURY, FORTUNE, HIGHLANDER and VELOX. 11th When it was confirmed that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were not about to sail she left the area for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers FURY and VELOX. 13th HM Destroyer BOREAS joined escort. 14th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers BOREAS, FURY and VELOX. 15th Sailed from Gibraltar for Freetown escorted by HM Destroyers FURY, VELOX and WRESTLER. 20th Arrived at Freetown. Carried out boiler clean. At Scapa Flow CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag to KING GEORGE
25th DUNCAN and 26th 29th 30th
Sailed from Freetown for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers FOXHOUND. At 12N DUNCAN and FOXHOUND detached for Bathurst. Joined by HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER. Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER.
May
At Gibraltar 4th Sailed west from Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FORESIGHT, FORTUNE, FEARLESS and VELOX to RV with convoy WS8 and relieve HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers HAVELOCK, HARVESTER and HESPERUS as escort for the five mercantiles during passage to Gibraltar. (Note: These five ships had been part of military convoy WS8 for passage from the Clyde and had detached west of Gibraltar to form Operation TIGER convoy. The five mercantiles carried urgently needed military stores and equipment, including 238 tanks, for the British Army in Egypt) 5th In company with HM Cruiser NAIAD, took over the escort of the five mercantiles and proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. Later in the day they were joined by Force H, comprising HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL, HM Cruisers FIJI, SHEFFIELD and HM Destroyers KASHMIR and KIPLING. 6th As the convoy and escort passed through the Straits they were joined by HM Cruiser GLOUCESTER and HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, HARVESTER, HAVELOCK and HESPERUS to form Force F. 8th Under air attack, some of which were repelled by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. In one attack she was near missed by a bomb off her port bow. In the evening on arrival at Skerki Channel, Force H ships detached from the convoy which continued now escorted by QUEEN ELIZABETH, FIJI, GLOUCESTER, NAIAD, FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, KASHMIR and KIPLING. 9th Joined by the Mediterranean Fleet. 12th Arrived at Alexandria and joined Mediterranean Fleet. Became flagship of the 1st Battle Squadron wearing the flag of Vice Admiral Pridham Wippell CB, CVO, RN. (For details of Operation TIGER and all Malta relief convoys, see MALTA CONVOYS by R Woodman, THE BATTLE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre, ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and the Naval Staff History.) 14th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Cruisers NAIAD,
PHOEBE and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GREYHOUND, HASTY, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM. These vessels comprised Forces A and D for the defence of Crete. PHOEBE detached to return to Alexandria with hull problems. Later
15th Force A and D
divided. Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM proceeded to take up a position to the west of Crete to interpose itself between the Italian Fleet and British Forces operating off Crete. 16th Force A arrived in blocking position. Later in the day HM Destroyer ILEX joined Force A. Followed later by Force B comprising HM Cruisers GLOUCESTER, FIJI and HM Destroyers HAVOCK and HOTSPUR, and Force D comprising HM Cruisers NAIAD, HMAS PERTH and HM Destroyers GREYHOUND and HASTY. 17th Forces C and D, less HOTSPUR, detached for Alexandria. 19th Force A relieved by Battleship Force A1, and Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, ILEX, JAGUAR, JERVIS and NIZAM detached to return to Alexandria. 20th Arrived at Alexandria. 25th Sailed from Alexandria as part of Force A, on Operation MAQ3 (This was to be an air attack by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE on the airfield at Scarpanto). Force A comprised QUEEN ELIZABETH, Flag 1st BS, HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HEREWARD, JERVIS, JANUS, KANDAHAR, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER. 26th At 0530 hours, Force A were south of the Kaso Strait, approximately 100 miles south west of Scarpanto airfield, 4 Albacores and 4 Fulmars were flown off to attack the airfield. At 0700 hours, Force A was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, DIDO and HM Destroyers JACKAL, KELVIN, NAPIER and NUBIAN. The augmented Force A then withdrew to the south. At 1200 hours Force A altered course west to cover a northbound convoy. At 1300 hours Force A were 90 miles north east of Bardia when they were attacked by a force of 40 Ju 87s. In the attack FORMIDABLE was seriously damaged and NUBIAN had her stern damaged by a bomb. At 2000 hours HM Destroyer DECOY joined Force A. At 2030 hours FORMIDABLE, DECOY, HEREWARD, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER detached for Alexandria. (Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was badly damaged during the air attack and later was
withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet for repair in USA. This placed severe restrictions on use of capital ships in eastern Mediterranean at a crucial time.) 27th At 0600 hours Force A were 250 miles south east of the Kaso Strait and AJAX, DIDO and JACKAL were detached for Alexandria. At 0858 hours Force A was attacked by 15 Ju 88s and He 111s . BARHAM was hit on Y turret and damaged by near misses. Because of the damage to BARHAM, Force A was ordered to return to Alexandria where they arrived at 1900 hours. (Not deployed during naval operations in defence and later evacuation of Crete which ended on the night of 1st June. See above references.) June 26th VALIANT, Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria eastwards in company with HM Battleship WARSPITE (damaged), HM Cruiser AJAX, HM Minelayer ABDIEL and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HERO, JAGUAR, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY to carry out gunnery exercises. At 1600 hours WARSPITE escorted by GRIFFIN, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY detached for Port Said. The Battle Fleet then turned for Alexandria. Later KIMBERLEY rejoined the Battle Fleet. 27th Arrived back at Alexandria. July Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Sailed from Alexandria to carry out exercises in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruiser PHOEBE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, KIPLING and HMAS NIZAM. 19th Arrived back at Alexandria. 22nd At 2100 hours sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruisers HMAS HOBART, NAIAD, NEPTUNE, PHOEBE, HM Minelayers ABDIEL and LATONA screened by HM Destroyers GRIFFIN, HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, HMAS NIZAM and NUBIAN. 23rd At 0600 hours off Alexandria the Battle Fleet was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, HMNZS LEANDER and HM Destroyers JAGUAR, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, and KINGSTON. The Fleet then sailed for a diversionary cruise in the eastern Mediterranean during passage of a relief convoy to Malta from Gibraltar (Operation MD5 cover for Operation SUBSTANCE by Force H.) At 2200 hours NEPTUNE, ABDIEL and KIMBERLEY detached for the fleet. 24th LEANDER and JAGUAR detached from the fleet.
25th August 5th NAIAD and HM
The Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria for exercises in company with HM Cruiser
LATONA screened by HM Destroyers JACKAL and HMAS NIZAM. 26th At 0900 hours the Mediterranean Fleet comprising HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HERO, HOTSPUR, JERVIS, JUPITER, KINGSTON, KIPLING and HMAS VENDETTA sailed for diversionary cruise in eastern Mediterranean during passage of Malta relief convoy (Operation MD6 cover for Operation HALBERD by Force H.) October Deployed at Alexandria 8th At sea off Alexandria carrying out exercises. 12th Sailed from Alexandria and headed westwards in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, GALATEA, HMAS HOBART and HM Destroyers AVONDALE, DECOY, ERIDGE, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JAGUAR, JERVIS, JUPITER and KANDAHAR. At 1800 hours JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. 13th At daylight the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined. At 1315 hours a report was received of enemy naval activity to the west and the fleet reversed course to investigate. At 1800 hours the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. 14th At daylight JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined the fleet. At 1530 hours the Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. November Deployed in support of military advance in western desert (Operations CHIEFTAIN and LANDMARK to provide naval gunfire support.) 20th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleships BARHAM, VALIANT and HM Cruisers EURYALUS, GALATEA, NAIAD screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JACKAL, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, KIMBERLEY,
KINGSTON, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM. (This was part of Operation LANDMARK, the fleets part was to simulate an attack on Tripoli) At 1200 hours HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART joined the fleet. At nightfall AJAX, NEPTUNE and 22nd 24th with HM Battleships BARHAM and VALIANT, screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, GRIFFIN and JERVIS. (Force K were operating from Malta against Italian convoys). Off Alexandria HM Destroyers AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE joined the Battle Fleet. AT 2245 hours HM Destroyers HASTY, JACKAL, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM joined and AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE detached. During the day the fleet carried out a search for enemy supply ships whilst on passage to Benghazi. 25th Under submarine attack by U331 which penetrated screen and fired torpedoes which hit and sank HMS BARHAM in Gulf of Sollum. 26th At 1000 hours arrived back at Alexandria. December Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Whilst in Alexandria harbour, attacked by Italian two man human torpedoes whose crew placed limpet mine on ships hull underwater. At 0610 hours the mine exploded whilst ship was at anchor causing major damage extending for 190 feet below B Boiler Room. This caused extensive flooding of machinery compartments and bulges and causing her to sink to seabed. Nine of ships company were killed. Withdrawn from service. (For details see THE NAVAL WAR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN by J Greene and A Massignani.) HMAS HOBART detached from the fleet. At daylight the fleet returned to Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria in support of operations by Force K in company
1942
January to May Under temporary repair in dry-dock at Alexandria to enable passage for permanent repair. Repair arranged in US Navy dockyard. 4th 14th this time unsuccessful. Moved into Dry Dock. Whilst in dry dock she was again the subject of a human torpedo attack,
June 27th 28th July August 13th September 6th Undocked and prepared for ocean passage. Sailed from Port Said for Aden on first stage of passage. Passage in Indian Ocean with call at Durban. Passage in Atlantic Ocean with call at Cape Town. Arrived at Freetown.
1943
May
June 1st 30th BENTINCK, Repairs and refit completed Post refit sea trials and prepared for passage to UK Sailed from Boston for Bermuda escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY. July 2nd BENTINCK, 9th Devonport. Sailed from Bermuda for Devonport escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY. Arrived at Devonport to complete refit work by HM Dockyard, (Note: Work included: Fit of radar equipment. Aircraft facilities removed. Direction Finding outfit fitted on quarterdeck. Re-commissioned for service in Eastern Fleet. August 1st to 13th 14th 28th At Portsmouth for leave and repairs . Sailed from Portsmouth for Plymouth. Sailed from Plymouth for Scapa Flow.
29th and HNethMS
Off the Firth of Clyde she was joined by the Destroyers HMCS HURON
1944
January 7th Arrived at Gibraltar to refuel. 12th Arrived at Alexandria. 14th Sailed from Alexandria with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER and ROCKET. 19th Arrived at Aden. 22nd Sailed from Aden with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER, RACEHORSE, RAPID, ROCKET, ROEBUCK, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and NORMAN. 28th Arrived at Trincomalee and joined Eastern Fleet. February planned Deployed with Eastern Fleet and carried out exercises in preparation for operations. (For details of naval activities in Indian Ocean by Eastern Fleet see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET, by J Winton, Operation PACIFIC by E Gray and WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).) March 21st Sailed from Trincomalee as part of the Eastern Fleet in company with HM Battlecruiser
RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Cruisers LONDON, HMNZS GAMBIA, CEYLON and CUMBERLAND screened by HM Destroyers PATHFINDER, NEPAL, QUILLIAM, HMAS NAPIER, HMAS NORMAN, and Dutch HNethMS TJERK HIDDES and VAN GALEN on Operation DIPLOMAT. (Operation DIPLOMAT was to practice operational procedures, such as replenishment at sea, and cooperation with USN vessels in preparation for the formation of a British Pacific Fleet) 22nd South of Ceylon HM Battleship VALIANT and HM Destroyers HMAS QUALITY, QUEENBOROUGH and QUIBERON joined, having sailed from Colombo on the 21st. 24th 850 miles South of Ceylon the Eastern Fleet replenished from three tankers escorted by the Dutch Cruiser HNethMS TROMP. 27th The Eastern Fleet RVed with US Task Group 58 comprising the US Aircraft Carrier USS SARATOGA escorted by US destroyers USS FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS on passage in Indian Ocean for loan service with Eastern Fleet. Two days of joint exercises then commenced, during which air crew from the SARATOGA gave the FAA pilots the benefit of their combat experience against the Japanese, before the combined force returned to Trincomalee. April Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet. 2nd Eastern Fleet arrived back at Trincomalee with US Navy ships. 16th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 69 in company with HMS VALIANT, French Battleship FS RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers NEWCASTLE, NIGERIA, CEYLON, HMNZS GAMBIA and Dutch HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers PENN, PETARD, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, NEPAL, and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and QUIBERON and Dutch HNethMS VAN GALEN. Force 69 was deployed to provide cover for an air attack Sabang, northern Sumatra with provided screen. (Operation COCKPIT). (Note: Attacks were to be carried out by aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA deployed as Force 70. HMS RENOWN, HMS LONDON HM Destroyers HMAS QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and US Destroyers CUMMINGS, DUNLAP and FANNING were deployed as screen for Force 70.) 18th HMS CEYLON and HMNZS GAMBIA detached to provide additional AA defence for Force 70 during air operations. 19th 0530 hours 100 miles from Sabang the Carriers of Force 70 launched an air attack against the port and oil installations at Sabang. During the air operations, Force
69 provided cover. 22nd The fleet arrived back at Trincomalee. May Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet 6th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 65 in company with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, FS RICHELIEU, Cruisers HMS KENYA, HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NEPAL, QUALITY, QUIBERON and QUICKMATCH. Deployed to provide cover for Force 66. Force 66 were to carry out joint air attacks on Soerabaya, (now Surabaya), Java (Operation TRANSOM). Force 66 sailed at the same time and comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA, HMNZ GAMBIA, HMS CEYLON, screened by HM Destroyers QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and USS DUNLAP, CUMMINGS and FANNING. 15th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia from Force 67, which comprised, 7 RFAs, 6 oil tankers and a water tanker RFA, screened by HMS LONDON and HMS SUFFOLK. 17th Air strike carried out against Soerabaya by air units of Force 66. Force 65 provided cover during the attack. (Note: RN and US submarines were deployed to carry out patrols to give warning of any enemy attempt to interfere with operations by surface or submarine attack. Air Sea Rescue requirements were covered by US submarines near Soerabaya.) 18th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, following which USS SARATOGA, FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS detached for Pearl Harbour. 27th Arrived back at Trincomalee with RN ships. Fuel remaining on return was less than 20%. June Deployed at Trincomalee. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 68 in company with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HM Escort Aircraft Carrier ATHELING screened by HM Cruisers CEYLON, PHOEBE and HMNZS GAMBIA and five destroyers with HM Submarine SURF on operation COUNCILLOR. (Note: This was a diversionary operation in the form of a feint air strike on Sabang to distract Japanese attention from the US Marianas landings) 12th Operation COUNCILLOR carried out. 14th Arrived back at Trincomalee. July 22nd Sailed from Trincomalee Joined HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers
NIGERIA, HMNZS GAMBIA, KENYA, CEYLON, CUMBERLAND, PHOEBE and Dutch HNethMS TROMP as Force 62 screened by HM Destroyers RELENTLESS, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, RAIDER, ROEBUCK, ROCKET, RAPID and HMAS QUILLIAM, QUALITY and QUICKMATCH to provide cover during air operations by the two carriers at Sabang, Sumatra and then carry out bombardment of shore targets. (Operation CRIMSON) 24th Remained with Force 62 ships when HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS VICTORIOUS detached with HMS PHOEBE, HMS ROEBUCK and HMS RAIDER to take passage to the carrier operational area. HM Submarines TANTALUS and TEMPLAR were employed on Air Sea Rescue duties. 25th On completion of air operations carried out bombardment of Sabang with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, RICHELIEU, cruisers and destroyers. 29th Deployed at Trincomalee. August on targets in NW Sumatra. (Operation BOOMERANG). Deployed in company with HM Cruisers CEYLON and KENYA and HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, RAPID, RELENTLESS, ROCKET and ROTHERHAM to carry out Air-Sea Rescue duties in the Indian Ocean during US air raids. September October 6th November 17th Taken in hand for refit Nominated for refit in Durban and took passage. Deployment at Trincomalee as Fleet Flagship in continuation. At the end of August the USAAF carried out a series of B 29 air attacks
December
1945
January Ramree Deployed at Trincomalee and prepared for support of planned landings on Island off coast of Burma (Operation MATADOR) (Note: Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, Admiral
Mountbatten was 18th screened by to be embarked to witness this operation.) Sailed from Trincomalee with the Supreme Commander embarked, HM Destroyers NORMAN and PATHFINDER for passage to Ramree Island. En route she caught up with HM Escort Carrier AMEER escorted by HM Destroyer RAIDER which had sailed earlier from Trincomalee. The two forces joined and continued towards Ramree Island. 20th The Force was joined by HM Sloop REDPOLE and HM Frigate SPEY. 21st In the early hours off Ramree Island she was joined by HM Cruiser PHOEBE, and screened by REDPOLE and SPEY, they moved into a bombarding position. One hour before the landing of troops from the 71st Brigade of the 26th Indian Division they commenced a bombardment of the northern tip of Ramree Island. Hellcats from AMEER provided CAP and carried out fall-of-shot spotting. 25th Deployed at Trincomalee February to March Trincomalee deployment in continuation and prepared for support of planned operations in Indian Ocean (Note: HMS RENOWN was replaced by French battleship RICHELIEU on 20th March.) April 8th LONDON, Sailed from Trincomalee with French battleship RICHELIEU, HMS
HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VERULAM and VIGILANT as TF 63.1. In company with TF 63.2 which comprised HM Escort Carriers EMPEROR and KHEDIVE, HM Cruiser CUMBERLAND and HM Destroyers VENUS and VIRAGO. (Operation SUNFISH), TF 63.1 was to carry out bombardment of Sabang whilst Hellcats of TF 63.2 provided CAP and also carried out air attacks on Sabang. 11th Carried out bombardment at Sabang with RICHELIEU and HMS LONDON. 12th TF 63 refuelled from the tanker support force TF 70. (TF 70 comprised the RFA EASEDALE escorted by HM Frigate LOSSIE). Following refuelling TF 63 sailed into the Strait of Malacca. 14th Provided cover for TF 63.2 whilst the Hellcats of TF 63.2 carried out Photo Reconnaissance of Port Swettenham (now Klang) and Port Dickson Malaya, and air attacks on Emmahaven 18th Returned to Trincomalee with Force 63. 27th Sailed from Trincomalee with, HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND, SUFFOLK, CEYLON,
Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, PENN, TARTAR, ROTHERHAM and VERULAM as TF 63. To carry out Operation BISHOP (a multi-task operation to create a diversion to cover Operation DRACULA, the landings at Rangoon and to intercept shipping in the Indian Ocean supporting Japanese bases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.). At the same time TF 62 comprising HM Escort Carriers EMPRESS and SHAH escorted by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, REDOUBT and ROEBUCK sailed from Trincomalee on the same operation. 29th 200 miles west of Car Nicobar the short endurance ships of TF 62 and TF 63 refuelled from TF 69. (TF 69 comprised RFA OLWEN escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN) 30th At dawn TF 62 and TF 62 carried out a bombardment and Hellcat strikes on the two airfields at Car Nicobar. In the evening a repeat of the morning operation was carried out plus air strikes against Port Blair. May 1st Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Car Nicobar. 2nd Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Port Blair. 3rd The combined force split. Queen Elizabeth was deployed with RICHELIEU, SUFFOLK, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, SAUMAREZ, ROTHERHAM, VENUS, VERULAM, and VIGILANT for interception of shipping along the coast of Burma. The remainder of the force carried out a reconnaissance of coastal shipping between Mergui and Victoria Point southern Burma. 6th Carried out bombardment of shore batteries on Kwantung Point in Stewart Sound between North and South Andaman Islands. (Note: These batteries had hit and damaged HM Destroyers VOLAGE and RAPID during Operation SUFFICE to attack shipping on 19th March by ships of the 26th Destroyer Flotilla.) 9th Returned to Trincomalee with TF 63 and TF 62 ships. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee in company with French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers ROYALIST, CUMBERLAND, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Escort Aircraft Carriers HUNTER, KHEDIVE, SHAH and EMPEROR screened by HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VENUS, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VIGILANT, ROTHERHAM, TARTAR and NUBIAN as TF 61 on Operation DUKEDOM . (Operation DUKEDOM was an operation to intercept the Japanese cruiser ASHIGARI and destroyer KAMIKAZE reported to have left Singapore and taken passage northwards in Malacca Straits.
(Note: The enemy ships were heading for the Andamans to evacuate the garrison.) 14th Escort Carriers and destroyers detached from Force 61 to carry out interception of the Japanese warships which were reported on 12th as heading southwards in Indian Ocean. (Operation MITRE). (Note: The enemy ships were the cruiser HAGURO and destroyer KAMIKAZE on passage to the Andamans.) Remained clear of the interception area and refuelled from RFA ECHODALE escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN deployed as TF 70. 15th HMS CUMBERLAND and Dutch HNethMS TROMP detached to support the impending attack by destroyers of the 26th Flotilla. (Note: Aircraft from the Escort Carriers were unable to locate the Japanese ships during daylight but the destroyers intercepted the two Japanese warships and carried out a brilliantly executed night encounter during which the cruiser was sunk in a gun and torpedo action. See Naval Staff History, WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO) and SINK THE HAGURO by J Winton) 17th Took passage to Trincomalee with part of TF 61.
June in Malaya
obtaining US government approval for any offensive other than those in the Pacific. For details see Final Report of Supreme Commander South East Asia and above references. Preparatory exercises were carried out by Eastern Fleet ships.) July Relieved by HM Battleship NELSON as Flagship 3rd Battle Squadron, East Indies Fleet. 12th Flag of BS3 transferred to HMS NELSON. 17th Took passage from Ceylon to return to UK. (Note: ZIPPER was further delayed by problems related to implementation of the PYTHON scheme to repatriate service personnel who had been in SEAC for several years.) August 15th On passage Arrived at Rosyth. Post War Notes HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH was used briefly as an Accommodation Ship at Rosyth after VJ Day and then joined the Home Fleet. She was based at Portland in December and served in Home waters until relieved by HM Battleship HOWE in February 1946 and reduced to
Reserve status at Portsmouth during the period March to September. The ship remained in commission with a reduced complement at Portsmouth until being placed on the Disposal List in January 1948. Paid-off on 15th May 1948, she was sold to BISCO for breaking-up by Arnott Young on 19th May that year. Taken in tow to the breakers yard she arrived at Dalmuir on 22nd June to be de-equipped and the hull was later taken to Troon in Ayrshire for final demolition. Special Note The link between this famous battleship and The Baltic Exchange was first established after the adoption in 1942 when a sum of 18,312,000 was raised. Apart from the contacts made with the ships company during WW2 the association has continued after the ship had been broken-up. The Ships Bell and a Ships Crest were obtained and are now kept with the Plaque presented to the Exchange in 1942 to record the result of the WARSHIP WEEK. These items were transferred to the first new building after WW2. When that building was destroyed in an IRA bombing, the Bell was salvaged and is now kept in the new site together with a copy of the original Chronology for public view. This has maintained the strong tie between the members of the Baltic Exchange and the Royal Navy. Naval History Homepage and Site Search SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2 by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2003

QUEEN ELIZABETH-Class battleship ordered from HM Dockyard Portsmouth in June 1912 and laid down on 21st October that year. The ship was launched on 16th October 1913 as the first RN warship to carry this name. Her Badge reflects the particular association with the Royal Family. Build was completed on 22 December 1914 and she was deployed in the Mediterranean. Her distinctive service during WW1 included participation in the Dardanelles campaign and the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet in 1918 when the terms of surrender were given to Admiral Von Reuter on board. In 1937 she was selected for an extended modernisation which began in August that year and was not completed until 1939. Her WW2 service was particularly well known as she was seriously damaged at Alexandria after explosive charges had been placed on her hull in an attack by two man human torpedoes in December 1941. She then had an extensive period under repair and refit in a US Navy Dockyard Norfolk, Va before resuming Fleet service in the East Indies Fleet. She took part in many offensive operations against the Japanese bases in the Indian Ocean and in support of landing operations in Burma before return to UK before VJ Day. After brief service in the Home Fleet she was placed in Reserve at Portsmouth during 1946 and sold for demolition two years later. In March 1942 this ship was adopted by The Baltic Exchange, London after a WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign. Battle Honours
DARDANELLES 1915 - CRETE 1941 - SABANG 1944 - BURMA 1944-45 Heraldic Data Badge: On a field per pale White and Green a Tudor rose Red and Silver between letters ER under a Tudor crown Red.
Summary of PreWar
Service
1915
Passage to Mediterranean after Acceptance Trials Took part in bombardment of Turkish shore targets during Dardanelles operations. Sank enemy transport. Returned to UK for repair of defective turbine and joined Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow.
1916
1917
1918
1919
to 1924
1925
1926
to 1927
Under major refit during which torpedo bulges were fitted and two funnel trunks merged into one single uptake. 3in AA armament replaced by 4in mountings. Aircraft platform removed from Y turret. Fire control arrangements changes involving redesign of bridge structure.
1928
1929
1930
1931
to 1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
Portsmouth for
to 1938
Paid-off into Dockyard control and taken in hand by HM Dockyard, modernisation on 11th August
During modernisation the following changes were made: Existing 25 boilers replaced by 8 High Pressure type saving 50% weight and 33% space. New turbines fitted to improve speed performance from 22 knots to 25 knots. Main armament elevation modified to increase range by 8,000 yards to 32,200 yards. 6in armament replaced by five twin 4.5in dual-purpose mountings. AA close range armament improved by fit of quadruple pom-pom weapons. Aircraft stowage provided for four aircraft and an athwartship catapult fitted. Complete redesign of bridge structure.
1939
1940
January to November Under modernisation Arrangements made for completion of modernisation by HM Dockyard Rosyth. (Note: This was made after air raids on Portsmouth) December 10th Re-commissioned for trials. Commanding Officer Captain C. B. Barry DSO, RN. 11th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. Because of a sighting of a U-Boat off North Cornwall, close to her proposed route, she put into Plymouth for 24 hours. 12th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. 13th 36 miles 060 from Tusker Rock Light, HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI detached and HM Destroyers BRILLIANT, EXMOOR, PYTCHLEY and SOUTHDOWN took over the escort. En route through
the North Sea HM Anti Aircraft Cruiser CURACOA joined the escort and detached off May Island. 15th Arrived at Rosyth.
1941
31st February
Post refit sea trials and preparation for foreign service in Mediterranean. 20th On completion of full power trial, took passage to Scapa Flow escorted by HM Cruiser Dido and HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, SOMALI and HMAS NAPIER for work-up with Home Fleet. 21st Arrived at Scapa Flow. March Work up in continuation During March the German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were operating in the North Atlantic. Mid month the Admiralty considered that the German ships would attempt to return to Germany by the northern route so Home Fleet dispositions were made accordingly. On the 15th, HM Battleship NELSON sailed to take up a position south of Iceland. 19th Work up interrupted. Sailed from Scapa Flow in company with HM Cruiser LONDON and HM Destroyers ARROW, ECHO, ECLIPSE, ELECTRA, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD to RV with HM Battleship NELSON south of Iceland. Off Dunnet Head LONDON detached and HM Battlecruiser HOOD joined. (20th March 600 miles WNW of Cape Finisterre the German ships were sighted by a Swordfish from HMS Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. Following the sighting the two battleship forces set interception courses for the area of the sighting) 21st The NELSON and QUEEN ELIZABETH Forces joined. 22nd The German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST arrived at Brest and the hunt was called off. 23rd Arrived back at Scapa Flow. 24th At Scapa Flow the CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag from NELSON
to QUEEN ELIZABETH. April 1st V. 2nd Sailed from Scapa Flow for Halifax escorted by HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD. ESKIMO later detached. 6th Diverted to RV with HM Battlecruiser REPULSE in position 46N, 21W. HM Destroyers ECLIPSE and INGLEFIELD detached for Iceland. (This move was because a report had been received that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were leaving Brest. On the 5th, GNEISENAU had been moved out of dry dock due to a UXB and moored in mid stream. Early on the 6th, 4 Beauforts of 22 Squadron of RAF Coastal Command carried out a torpedo attack on her and aircraft X/22 achieved a hit on the starboard side aft causing considerable damage. On the 7th GNEISENAU was moved back into dry dock) 8th Made RV with REPULSE and HM Destroyers FURY, FORTUNE, HIGHLANDER and VELOX. 11th When it was confirmed that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were not about to sail she left the area for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers FURY and VELOX. 13th HM Destroyer BOREAS joined escort. 14th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers BOREAS, FURY and VELOX. 15th Sailed from Gibraltar for Freetown escorted by HM Destroyers FURY, VELOX and WRESTLER. 20th Arrived at Freetown. Carried out boiler clean. 25th Sailed from Freetown for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers DUNCAN and FOXHOUND. 26th At 12N DUNCAN and FOXHOUND detached for Bathurst. 29th Joined by HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER. 30th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER. At Scapa Flow CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag to KING GEORGE
May
At Gibraltar 4th Sailed west from Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FORESIGHT, FORTUNE, FEARLESS and VELOX to RV with convoy WS8 and relieve HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers HAVELOCK, HARVESTER and HESPERUS as escort for the five mercantiles during passage to Gibraltar. (Note: These five ships had been part of military convoy WS8 for passage from the Clyde and had detached west of Gibraltar to form Operation TIGER convoy.
The five mercantiles carried urgently needed military stores and equipment, including 238 tanks, for the British Army in Egypt) 5th In company with HM Cruiser NAIAD, took over the escort of the five mercantiles and proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. Later in the day they were joined by Force H, comprising HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL, HM Cruisers FIJI, SHEFFIELD and HM Destroyers KASHMIR and KIPLING. 6th As the convoy and escort passed through the Straits they were joined by HM Cruiser GLOUCESTER and HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, HARVESTER, HAVELOCK and HESPERUS to form Force F. 8th Under air attack, some of which were repelled by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. In one attack she was near missed by a bomb off her port bow. In the evening on arrival at Skerki Channel, Force H ships detached from the convoy which continued now escorted by QUEEN ELIZABETH, FIJI, GLOUCESTER, NAIAD, FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, KASHMIR and KIPLING. 9th Joined by the Mediterranean Fleet. 12th Arrived at Alexandria and joined Mediterranean Fleet. Became flagship of the 1st Battle Squadron wearing the flag of Vice Admiral Pridham Wippell CB, CVO, RN. (For details of Operation TIGER and all Malta relief convoys, see MALTA CONVOYS by R Woodman, THE BATTLE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre, ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and the Naval Staff History.) 14th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Cruisers NAIAD, PHOEBE and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GREYHOUND, HASTY, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM. These vessels comprised Forces A and D for the defence of Crete. 15th PHOEBE detached to return to Alexandria with hull problems. Later Force A and D divided. Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM proceeded to take up a position to the west of Crete to interpose itself between the Italian Fleet and British Forces operating off Crete. 16th Force A arrived in blocking position. Later in the day HM Destroyer ILEX joined Force A. Followed later by Force B comprising HM Cruisers GLOUCESTER, FIJI and HM Destroyers HAVOCK and HOTSPUR, and Force D comprising HM Cruisers NAIAD, HMAS PERTH and HM Destroyers GREYHOUND and HASTY.
17th Forces C and D, less HOTSPUR, detached for Alexandria. 19th Force A relieved by Battleship Force A1, and Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, ILEX, JAGUAR, JERVIS and NIZAM detached to return to Alexandria. 20th Arrived at Alexandria. 25th Sailed from Alexandria as part of Force A, on Operation MAQ3 (This was to be an air attack by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE on the airfield at Scarpanto). Force A comprised QUEEN ELIZABETH, Flag 1st BS, HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HEREWARD, JERVIS, JANUS, KANDAHAR, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER. 26th At 0530 hours, Force A were south of the Kaso Strait, approximately 100 miles south west of Scarpanto airfield, 4 Albacores and 4 Fulmars were flown off to attack the airfield. At 0700 hours, Force A was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, DIDO and HM Destroyers JACKAL, KELVIN, NAPIER and NUBIAN. The augmented Force A then withdrew to the south. At 1200 hours Force A altered course west to cover a northbound convoy. At 1300 hours Force A were 90 miles north east of Bardia when they were attacked by a force of 40 Ju 87s. In the attack FORMIDABLE was seriously damaged and NUBIAN had her stern damaged by a bomb. At 2000 hours HM Destroyer DECOY joined Force A. At 2030 hours FORMIDABLE, DECOY, HEREWARD, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER detached for Alexandria. (Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was badly damaged during the air attack and later was withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet for repair in USA. This placed severe restrictions on use of capital ships in eastern Mediterranean at a crucial time.) 27th At 0600 hours Force A were 250 miles south east of the Kaso Strait and AJAX, DIDO and JACKAL were detached for Alexandria. At 0858 hours Force A was attacked by 15 Ju 88s and He 111s . BARHAM was hit on Y turret and damaged by near misses. Because of the damage to BARHAM, Force A was ordered to return to Alexandria where they arrived at 1900 hours. (Not deployed during naval operations in defence and later evacuation of Crete which ended on the night of 1st June. See above references.) June 26th VALIANT, Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria eastwards in company with HM Battleship
WARSPITE (damaged), HM Cruiser AJAX, HM Minelayer ABDIEL and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HERO, JAGUAR, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY to carry out gunnery exercises. At 1600 hours WARSPITE escorted by GRIFFIN, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY detached for Port Said. The Battle Fleet then turned for Alexandria. Later KIMBERLEY rejoined the Battle Fleet. 27th Arrived back at Alexandria. July Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Sailed from Alexandria to carry out exercises in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruiser PHOEBE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, KIPLING and HMAS NIZAM. 19th Arrived back at Alexandria. 22nd At 2100 hours sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruisers HMAS HOBART, NAIAD, NEPTUNE, PHOEBE, HM Minelayers ABDIEL and LATONA screened by HM Destroyers GRIFFIN, HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, HMAS NIZAM and NUBIAN. 23rd At 0600 hours off Alexandria the Battle Fleet was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, HMNZS LEANDER and HM Destroyers JAGUAR, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, and KINGSTON. The Fleet then sailed for a diversionary cruise in the eastern Mediterranean during passage of a relief convoy to Malta from Gibraltar (Operation MD5 cover for Operation SUBSTANCE by Force H.) At 2200 hours NEPTUNE, ABDIEL and KIMBERLEY detached for the fleet. 24th LEANDER and JAGUAR detached from the fleet. 25th The Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. August 5th NAIAD and HM Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria for exercises in company with HM Cruiser
LATONA screened by HM Destroyers JACKAL and HMAS NIZAM. 26th At 0900 hours the Mediterranean Fleet comprising HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS
HOBART screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HERO, HOTSPUR, JERVIS, JUPITER, KINGSTON, KIPLING and HMAS VENDETTA sailed for diversionary cruise in eastern Mediterranean during passage of Malta relief convoy (Operation MD6 cover for Operation HALBERD by Force H.) October Deployed at Alexandria 8th At sea off Alexandria carrying out exercises. 12th Sailed from Alexandria and headed westwards in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, GALATEA, HMAS HOBART and HM Destroyers AVONDALE, DECOY, ERIDGE, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JAGUAR, JERVIS, JUPITER and KANDAHAR. At 1800 hours JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. 13th At daylight the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined. At 1315 hours a report was received of enemy naval activity to the west and the fleet reversed course to investigate. At 1800 hours the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. 14th At daylight JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined the fleet. At 1530 hours the Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. November Deployed in support of military advance in western desert (Operations CHIEFTAIN and LANDMARK to provide naval gunfire support.) 20th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleships BARHAM, VALIANT and HM Cruisers EURYALUS, GALATEA, NAIAD screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JACKAL, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, KIMBERLEY, KINGSTON, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM. (This was part of Operation LANDMARK, the fleets part was to simulate an attack on Tripoli) At 1200 hours HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART joined the fleet. At nightfall AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART detached from the fleet. 22nd At daylight the fleet returned to Alexandria. 24th Sailed from Alexandria in support of operations by Force K in company with HM Battleships BARHAM and VALIANT, screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, GRIFFIN and JERVIS. (Force K were operating from Malta against Italian convoys). Off Alexandria HM Destroyers AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE joined the Battle Fleet. AT 2245 hours HM Destroyers HASTY, JACKAL, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM joined and
AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE detached. During the day the fleet carried out a search for enemy supply ships whilst on passage to Benghazi. 25th Under submarine attack by U331 which penetrated screen and fired torpedoes which hit and sank HMS BARHAM in Gulf of Sollum. 26th At 1000 hours arrived back at Alexandria. December Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Whilst in Alexandria harbour, attacked by Italian two man human torpedoes whose crew placed limpet mine on ships hull underwater. At 0610 hours the mine exploded whilst ship was at anchor causing major damage extending for 190 feet below B Boiler Room. This caused extensive flooding of machinery compartments and bulges and causing her to sink to seabed. Nine of ships company were killed. Withdrawn from service. (For details see THE NAVAL WAR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN by J Greene and A Massignani.)
1942
October to December Under repair with reduced complement (Note: Work included: Increased AA armament to improve defence against close range attacks. Preparation for fit of British radar equipment for fire-control and surface
warning. See above reference.)
1943
May
June 1st 30th BENTINCK, Repairs and refit completed Post refit sea trials and prepared for passage to UK Sailed from Boston for Bermuda escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY. July 2nd BENTINCK, 9th Devonport. Sailed from Bermuda for Devonport escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY. Arrived at Devonport to complete refit work by HM Dockyard, (Note: Work included: Fit of radar equipment. Aircraft facilities removed. Direction Finding outfit fitted on quarterdeck. Re-commissioned for service in Eastern Fleet. August 1st to 13th 14th 28th 29th and HNethMS At Portsmouth for leave and repairs . Sailed from Portsmouth for Plymouth. Sailed from Plymouth for Scapa Flow. Off the Firth of Clyde she was joined by the Destroyers HMCS HURON
SCORPION. 30th At 1400 hours arrived at Scapa Flow to work-up with ships of Home Fleet and for radar equipment trials. October to November At Scapa Flow carrying out working up exercises . December Deployed at Scapa Flow. 30th Sailed from Scapa Flow with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Frigates of EG 3, BERRY, BLACKWOOD, COOKE, DOMETT, DUCKWORTH, ESSINGTON and HM Destroyer TUSCAN. En route TUSCAN detached for the Clyde with
weather damage. West of Ireland HM Destroyers KEMPENFELT and TENACIOUS joined the screen.
1944
January 7th Arrived at Gibraltar to refuel. 12th Arrived at Alexandria. 14th Sailed from Alexandria with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER and ROCKET. 19th Arrived at Aden. 22nd Sailed from Aden with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER, RACEHORSE, RAPID, ROCKET, ROEBUCK, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and NORMAN. 28th Arrived at Trincomalee and joined Eastern Fleet. February planned Deployed with Eastern Fleet and carried out exercises in preparation for operations. (For details of naval activities in Indian Ocean by Eastern Fleet see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET, by J Winton, Operation PACIFIC by E Gray and WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).) March 21st Sailed from Trincomalee as part of the Eastern Fleet in company with HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Cruisers LONDON, HMNZS GAMBIA, CEYLON and CUMBERLAND screened by HM Destroyers PATHFINDER, NEPAL, QUILLIAM, HMAS NAPIER, HMAS NORMAN, and Dutch HNethMS TJERK HIDDES and VAN GALEN on Operation DIPLOMAT. (Operation DIPLOMAT was to practice operational procedures, such as replenishment at sea, and cooperation with USN vessels in preparation for the formation of a British Pacific Fleet) 22nd South of Ceylon HM Battleship VALIANT and HM Destroyers HMAS QUALITY, QUEENBOROUGH and QUIBERON joined, having sailed from Colombo on the 21st. 24th 850 miles South of Ceylon the Eastern Fleet replenished from three tankers escorted by the Dutch Cruiser HNethMS TROMP. 27th The Eastern Fleet RVed with US Task Group 58 comprising the US
Aircraft Carrier USS SARATOGA escorted by US destroyers USS FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS on passage in Indian Ocean for loan service with Eastern Fleet. Two days of joint exercises then commenced, during which air crew from the SARATOGA gave the FAA pilots the benefit of their combat experience against the Japanese, before the combined force returned to Trincomalee. April Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet. 2nd Eastern Fleet arrived back at Trincomalee with US Navy ships. 16th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 69 in company with HMS VALIANT, French Battleship FS RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers NEWCASTLE, NIGERIA, CEYLON, HMNZS GAMBIA and Dutch HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers PENN, PETARD, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, NEPAL, and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and QUIBERON and Dutch HNethMS VAN GALEN. Force 69 was deployed to provide cover for an air attack Sabang, northern Sumatra with provided screen. (Operation COCKPIT). (Note: Attacks were to be carried out by aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA deployed as Force 70. HMS RENOWN, HMS LONDON HM Destroyers HMAS QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and US Destroyers CUMMINGS, DUNLAP and FANNING were deployed as screen for Force 70.) 18th HMS CEYLON and HMNZS GAMBIA detached to provide additional AA defence for Force 70 during air operations. 19th 0530 hours 100 miles from Sabang the Carriers of Force 70 launched an air attack against the port and oil installations at Sabang. During the air operations, Force 69 provided cover. 22nd The fleet arrived back at Trincomalee. May Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet 6th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 65 in company with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, FS RICHELIEU, Cruisers HMS KENYA, HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NEPAL, QUALITY, QUIBERON and QUICKMATCH. Deployed to provide cover for Force 66. Force 66 were to carry out joint air attacks on Soerabaya, (now Surabaya), Java (Operation TRANSOM). Force 66 sailed at the same time and comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA, HMNZ GAMBIA, HMS CEYLON, screened by HM Destroyers QUILLIAM,
QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and USS DUNLAP, CUMMINGS and FANNING. 15th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia from Force 67, which comprised, 7 RFAs, 6 oil tankers and a water tanker RFA, screened by HMS LONDON and HMS SUFFOLK. 17th Air strike carried out against Soerabaya by air units of Force 66. Force 65 provided cover during the attack. (Note: RN and US submarines were deployed to carry out patrols to give warning of any enemy attempt to interfere with operations by surface or submarine attack. Air Sea Rescue requirements were covered by US submarines near Soerabaya.) 18th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, following which USS SARATOGA, FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS detached for Pearl Harbour. 27th Arrived back at Trincomalee with RN ships. Fuel remaining on return was less than 20%. June Deployed at Trincomalee. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 68 in company with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HM Escort Aircraft Carrier ATHELING screened by HM Cruisers CEYLON, PHOEBE and HMNZS GAMBIA and five destroyers with HM Submarine SURF on operation COUNCILLOR. (Note: This was a diversionary operation in the form of a feint air strike on Sabang to distract Japanese attention from the US Marianas landings) 12th Operation COUNCILLOR carried out. 14th Arrived back at Trincomalee. July 22nd Sailed from Trincomalee Joined HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers NIGERIA, HMNZS GAMBIA, KENYA, CEYLON, CUMBERLAND, PHOEBE and Dutch HNethMS TROMP as Force 62 screened by HM Destroyers RELENTLESS, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, RAIDER, ROEBUCK, ROCKET, RAPID and HMAS QUILLIAM, QUALITY and QUICKMATCH to provide cover during air operations by the two carriers at Sabang, Sumatra and then carry out bombardment of shore targets. (Operation CRIMSON) 24th Remained with Force 62 ships when HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS VICTORIOUS detached with HMS PHOEBE, HMS ROEBUCK and HMS RAIDER to take passage to the carrier operational area. HM Submarines TANTALUS and TEMPLAR were employed on Air Sea Rescue duties. 25th On completion of air operations carried out bombardment of Sabang with HMS VALIANT,
29th August on targets in NW
HMS RENOWN, RICHELIEU, cruisers and destroyers. Deployed at Trincomalee. Deployment at Trincomalee as Fleet Flagship in continuation. At the end of August the USAAF carried out a series of B 29 air attacks Sumatra. (Operation BOOMERANG). Deployed in company with HM Cruisers CEYLON and KENYA and
HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, RAPID, RELENTLESS, ROCKET and ROTHERHAM to carry out Air-Sea Rescue duties in the Indian Ocean during US air raids. September October 6th November 17th Taken in hand for refit Nominated for refit in Durban and took passage.
December
1945
January Ramree Deployed at Trincomalee and prepared for support of planned landings on Island off coast of Burma (Operation MATADOR) (Note: Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, Admiral Mountbatten was 18th screened by to be embarked to witness this operation.) Sailed from Trincomalee with the Supreme Commander embarked, HM Destroyers NORMAN and PATHFINDER for passage to Ramree Island. En route she caught up with HM Escort Carrier AMEER escorted by HM Destroyer RAIDER which had sailed earlier from Trincomalee. The two forces joined and continued towards Ramree Island. 20th The Force was joined by HM Sloop REDPOLE and HM Frigate SPEY. 21st In the early hours off Ramree Island she was joined by HM Cruiser PHOEBE, and screened by REDPOLE and SPEY, they moved into a bombarding position. One hour before the landing of troops from the 71st Brigade of the 26th Indian Division they commenced a bombardment of the northern tip of Ramree Island. Hellcats from
AMEER provided CAP and carried out fall-of-shot spotting. 25th Deployed at Trincomalee February to March Trincomalee deployment in continuation and prepared for support of planned operations in Indian Ocean (Note: HMS RENOWN was replaced by French battleship RICHELIEU on 20th March.) April 8th LONDON, Sailed from Trincomalee with French battleship RICHELIEU, HMS
HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VERULAM and VIGILANT as TF 63.1. In company with TF 63.2 which comprised HM Escort Carriers EMPEROR and KHEDIVE, HM Cruiser CUMBERLAND and HM Destroyers VENUS and VIRAGO. (Operation SUNFISH), TF 63.1 was to carry out bombardment of Sabang whilst Hellcats of TF 63.2 provided CAP and also carried out air attacks on Sabang. 11th Carried out bombardment at Sabang with RICHELIEU and HMS LONDON. 12th TF 63 refuelled from the tanker support force TF 70. (TF 70 comprised the RFA EASEDALE escorted by HM Frigate LOSSIE). Following refuelling TF 63 sailed into the Strait of Malacca. 14th Provided cover for TF 63.2 whilst the Hellcats of TF 63.2 carried out Photo Reconnaissance of Port Swettenham (now Klang) and Port Dickson Malaya, and air attacks on Emmahaven 18th Returned to Trincomalee with Force 63. 27th Sailed from Trincomalee with, HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND, SUFFOLK, CEYLON, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, PENN, TARTAR, ROTHERHAM and VERULAM as TF 63. To carry out Operation BISHOP (a multi-task operation to create a diversion to cover Operation DRACULA, the landings at Rangoon and to intercept shipping in the Indian Ocean supporting Japanese bases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.). At the same time TF 62 comprising HM Escort Carriers EMPRESS and SHAH escorted by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, REDOUBT and ROEBUCK sailed from Trincomalee on the same operation. 29th 200 miles west of Car Nicobar the short endurance ships of TF 62 and TF 63 refuelled from TF 69. (TF 69 comprised RFA OLWEN escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN) 30th At dawn TF 62 and TF 62 carried out a bombardment and Hellcat strikes on the two
airfields at Car Nicobar. In the evening a repeat of the morning operation was carried out plus air strikes against Port Blair. May 1st Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Car Nicobar. 2nd Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Port Blair. 3rd The combined force split. Queen Elizabeth was deployed with RICHELIEU, SUFFOLK, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, SAUMAREZ, ROTHERHAM, VENUS, VERULAM, and VIGILANT for interception of shipping along the coast of Burma. The remainder of the force carried out a reconnaissance of coastal shipping between Mergui and Victoria Point southern Burma. 6th Carried out bombardment of shore batteries on Kwantung Point in Stewart Sound between North and South Andaman Islands. (Note: These batteries had hit and damaged HM Destroyers VOLAGE and RAPID during Operation SUFFICE to attack shipping on 19th March by ships of the 26th Destroyer Flotilla.) 9th Returned to Trincomalee with TF 63 and TF 62 ships. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee in company with French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers ROYALIST, CUMBERLAND, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Escort Aircraft Carriers HUNTER, KHEDIVE, SHAH and EMPEROR screened by HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VENUS, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VIGILANT, ROTHERHAM, TARTAR and NUBIAN as TF 61 on Operation DUKEDOM . (Operation DUKEDOM was an operation to intercept the Japanese cruiser ASHIGARI and destroyer KAMIKAZE reported to have left Singapore and taken passage northwards in Malacca Straits. (Note: The enemy ships were heading for the Andamans to evacuate the garrison.) 14th Escort Carriers and destroyers detached from Force 61 to carry out interception of the Japanese warships which were reported on 12th as heading southwards in Indian Ocean. (Operation MITRE). (Note: The enemy ships were the cruiser HAGURO and destroyer KAMIKAZE on passage to the Andamans.) Remained clear of the interception area and refuelled from RFA ECHODALE escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN deployed as TF 70. 15th HMS CUMBERLAND and Dutch HNethMS TROMP detached to support the impending attack by destroyers of the 26th Flotilla. (Note: Aircraft from the Escort Carriers were unable to locate the Japanese ships during daylight but the destroyers intercepted the two Japanese warships and
carried out a brilliantly executed night encounter during which the cruiser was sunk in a gun and torpedo action. See Naval Staff History, WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO) and SINK THE HAGURO by J Winton) 17th Took passage to Trincomalee with part of TF 61.
June in Malaya
obtaining US government approval for any offensive other than those in the Pacific. For details see Final Report of Supreme Commander South East Asia and above references. Preparatory exercises were carried out by Eastern Fleet ships.) July Relieved by HM Battleship NELSON as Flagship 3rd Battle Squadron, East Indies Fleet. 12th Flag of BS3 transferred to HMS NELSON. 17th Took passage from Ceylon to return to UK. (Note: ZIPPER was further delayed by problems related to implementation of the PYTHON scheme to repatriate service personnel who had been in SEAC for several years.) August 15th On passage Arrived at Rosyth. Post War Notes HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH was used briefly as an Accommodation Ship at Rosyth after VJ Day and then joined the Home Fleet. She was based at Portland in December and served in Home waters until relieved by HM Battleship HOWE in February 1946 and reduced to Reserve status at Portsmouth during the period March to September. The ship remained in commission with a reduced complement at Portsmouth until being placed on the Disposal List in January 1948. Paid-off on 15th May 1948, she was sold to BISCO for breaking-up by Arnott Young on 19th May that year. Taken in tow to the breakers yard she arrived at Dalmuir on 22nd June to be de-equipped and the hull was later taken to Troon in Ayrshire for final demolition. Special Note The link between this famous battleship and The Baltic Exchange was first established after the adoption in 1942 when a sum of 18,312,000 was raised. Apart from the contacts made with the ships company during WW2 the association has continued after the ship had been broken-up. The Ships Bell and a Ships Crest were obtained and are now kept with the Plaque presented to the Exchange in 1942 to record the result of the WARSHIP WEEK. These items were transferred to the first new building after WW2. When that building was destroyed in an IRA bombing, the Bell was salvaged and is now kept in the new site together with a copy of the original Chronology for public view. This has maintained the strong tie between the members of the Baltic Exchange and the Royal Navy. Naval History Homepage and Site Search
SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2 by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2003

QUEEN ELIZABETH-Class battleship ordered from HM Dockyard Portsmouth in June 1912 and laid down on 21st October that year. The ship was launched on 16th October 1913 as the first RN warship to carry this name. Her Badge reflects the particular association with the Royal Family. Build was completed on 22 December 1914 and she was deployed in the Mediterranean. Her distinctive service during WW1 included participation in the Dardanelles campaign and the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet in 1918 when the terms of surrender were given to Admiral Von Reuter on board. In 1937 she was selected for an extended modernisation which began in August that year and was not completed until 1939. Her WW2 service was particularly well known as she was seriously damaged at Alexandria after explosive charges had been placed on her hull in an attack by two man human torpedoes in December 1941. She then had an extensive period under repair and refit in a US Navy Dockyard Norfolk, Va before resuming Fleet service in the East Indies Fleet. She took part in many offensive operations against the Japanese bases in the Indian Ocean and in support of landing operations in Burma before return to UK before VJ Day. After brief service in the Home Fleet she was placed in Reserve at Portsmouth during 1946 and sold for demolition two years later. In March 1942 this ship was adopted by The Baltic Exchange, London after a WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign. Battle Honours DARDANELLES 1915 - CRETE 1941 - SABANG 1944 - BURMA 1944-45 Heraldic Data Badge: On a field per pale White and Green a Tudor rose Red and Silver between letters ER under a Tudor crown Red.
Summary of PreWar
Service
1915
Passage to Mediterranean after Acceptance Trials Took part in bombardment of Turkish shore targets during Dardanelles operations. Sank enemy transport. Returned to UK for repair of defective turbine and joined Grand Fleet at
Scapa Flow.
1916
1917
1918
1919
to 1924
1925
1926
funnel
to 1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
to 1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
Portsmouth for
to 1938
1939
January to December
Approval given for fit of radar equipment for gunnery fire control when this became available. Modernisation in continuation Under modernisation at Portsmouth.
1940
January to November Under modernisation Arrangements made for completion of modernisation by HM Dockyard Rosyth. (Note: This was made after air raids on Portsmouth) December 10th Re-commissioned for trials. Commanding Officer Captain C. B. Barry DSO, RN. 11th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. Because of a sighting of a U-Boat off North Cornwall, close to her proposed route, she put into Plymouth for 24 hours. 12th Passage to Rosyth escorted by HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI. 13th 36 miles 060 from Tusker Rock Light, HM Destroyers HOLDERNESS, JUPITER, KASHMIR, KIPLING and PUNJABI detached and HM Destroyers BRILLIANT, EXMOOR, PYTCHLEY and SOUTHDOWN took over the escort. En route through the North Sea HM Anti Aircraft Cruiser CURACOA joined the escort and detached off May Island. 15th Arrived at Rosyth.
1941
31st
February
Post refit sea trials and preparation for foreign service in Mediterranean. 20th On completion of full power trial, took passage to Scapa Flow escorted by HM Cruiser Dido and HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, SOMALI and HMAS NAPIER for work-up with Home Fleet. 21st Arrived at Scapa Flow. March Work up in continuation During March the German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were operating in the North Atlantic. Mid month the Admiralty considered that the German ships would attempt to return to Germany by the northern route so Home Fleet dispositions were made accordingly. On the 15th, HM Battleship NELSON sailed to take up a position south of Iceland. 19th Work up interrupted. Sailed from Scapa Flow in company with HM Cruiser LONDON and HM Destroyers ARROW, ECHO, ECLIPSE, ELECTRA, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD to RV with HM Battleship NELSON south of Iceland. Off Dunnet Head LONDON detached and HM Battlecruiser HOOD joined. (20th March 600 miles WNW of Cape Finisterre the German ships were sighted by a Swordfish from HMS Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL. Following the sighting the two battleship forces set interception courses for the area of the sighting) 21st The NELSON and QUEEN ELIZABETH Forces joined. 22nd The German Battlecruisers GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST arrived at Brest and the hunt was called off. 23rd Arrived back at Scapa Flow. 24th At Scapa Flow the CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag from NELSON to QUEEN ELIZABETH. April 1st V. 2nd Sailed from Scapa Flow for Halifax escorted by HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, ESKIMO and INGLEFIELD. ESKIMO later detached. 6th Diverted to RV with HM Battlecruiser REPULSE in position 46N, 21W. HM Destroyers ECLIPSE and INGLEFIELD detached for Iceland. (This move was because a report had been received that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were leaving Brest. On the 5th, GNEISENAU had been moved out of dry dock due to a UXB and moored in mid stream. Early on the 6th, 4 Beauforts of 22 Squadron of RAF Coastal Command carried out a At Scapa Flow CinC Home Fleet transferred his flag to KING GEORGE
torpedo attack on her and aircraft X/22 achieved a hit on the starboard side aft causing considerable damage. On the 7th GNEISENAU was moved back into dry dock) 8th Made RV with REPULSE and HM Destroyers FURY, FORTUNE, HIGHLANDER and VELOX. 11th When it was confirmed that GNEISENAU and SCHARNHORST were not about to sail she left the area for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers FURY and VELOX. 13th HM Destroyer BOREAS joined escort. 14th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers BOREAS, FURY and VELOX. 15th Sailed from Gibraltar for Freetown escorted by HM Destroyers FURY, VELOX and WRESTLER. 20th Arrived at Freetown. Carried out boiler clean. 25th Sailed from Freetown for Gibraltar escorted by HM Destroyers DUNCAN and FOXHOUND. 26th At 12N DUNCAN and FOXHOUND detached for Bathurst. 29th Joined by HM Destroyers FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER. 30th Arrived at Gibraltar escorted by FEARLESS, FURY and WRESTLER.
May
At Gibraltar 4th Sailed west from Gibraltar with HM Destroyers FORESIGHT, FORTUNE, FEARLESS and VELOX to RV with convoy WS8 and relieve HM Battlecruiser REPULSE, HM Destroyers HAVELOCK, HARVESTER and HESPERUS as escort for the five mercantiles during passage to Gibraltar. (Note: These five ships had been part of military convoy WS8 for passage from the Clyde and had detached west of Gibraltar to form Operation TIGER convoy. The five mercantiles carried urgently needed military stores and equipment, including 238 tanks, for the British Army in Egypt) 5th In company with HM Cruiser NAIAD, took over the escort of the five mercantiles and proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. Later in the day they were joined by Force H, comprising HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ARK ROYAL, HM Cruisers FIJI, SHEFFIELD and HM Destroyers KASHMIR and KIPLING. 6th As the convoy and escort passed through the Straits they were joined by HM Cruiser GLOUCESTER and HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, HARVESTER, HAVELOCK and HESPERUS to form Force F. 8th Under air attack, some of which were repelled by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier ARK
ROYAL. In one attack she was near missed by a bomb off her port bow. In the evening on arrival at Skerki Channel, Force H ships detached from the convoy which continued now escorted by QUEEN ELIZABETH, FIJI, GLOUCESTER, NAIAD, FAULKNOR, FURY, FORESTER, KASHMIR and KIPLING. 9th Joined by the Mediterranean Fleet. 12th Arrived at Alexandria and joined Mediterranean Fleet. Became flagship of the 1st Battle Squadron wearing the flag of Vice Admiral Pridham Wippell CB, CVO, RN. (For details of Operation TIGER and all Malta relief convoys, see MALTA CONVOYS by R Woodman, THE BATTLE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre, ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY and the Naval Staff History.) 14th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Cruisers NAIAD, PHOEBE and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GREYHOUND, HASTY, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM. These vessels comprised Forces A and D for the defence of Crete. 15th PHOEBE detached to return to Alexandria with hull problems. Later Force A and D divided. Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, JERVIS and HMAS NIZAM proceeded to take up a position to the west of Crete to interpose itself between the Italian Fleet and British Forces operating off Crete. 16th Force A arrived in blocking position. Later in the day HM Destroyer ILEX joined Force A. Followed later by Force B comprising HM Cruisers GLOUCESTER, FIJI and HM Destroyers HAVOCK and HOTSPUR, and Force D comprising HM Cruisers NAIAD, HMAS PERTH and HM Destroyers GREYHOUND and HASTY. 17th Forces C and D, less HOTSPUR, detached for Alexandria. 19th Force A relieved by Battleship Force A1, and Force A comprising QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, DEFENDER, ILEX, JAGUAR, JERVIS and NIZAM detached to return to Alexandria. 20th Arrived at Alexandria. 25th Sailed from Alexandria as part of Force A, on Operation MAQ3 (This was to be an air attack by aircraft from HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE on the airfield at Scarpanto). Force A comprised QUEEN ELIZABETH, Flag 1st BS, HM Battleship BARHAM, HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HEREWARD, JERVIS, JANUS, KANDAHAR, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER. 26th At 0530 hours, Force A were south of the Kaso Strait, approximately 100 miles south west of Scarpanto airfield, 4 Albacores and 4 Fulmars were flown off to attack
the airfield. At 0700 hours, Force A was joined by HM Cruisers AJAX, DIDO and HM Destroyers JACKAL, KELVIN, NAPIER and NUBIAN. The augmented Force A then withdrew to the south. At 1200 hours Force A altered course west to cover a northbound convoy. At 1300 hours Force A were 90 miles north east of Bardia when they were attacked by a force of 40 Ju 87s. In the attack FORMIDABLE was seriously damaged and NUBIAN had her stern damaged by a bomb. At 2000 hours HM Destroyer DECOY joined Force A. At 2030 hours FORMIDABLE, DECOY, HEREWARD, NUBIAN, VENDETTA and VOYAGER detached for Alexandria. (Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was badly damaged during the air attack and later was withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet for repair in USA. This placed severe restrictions on use of capital ships in eastern Mediterranean at a crucial time.) 27th At 0600 hours Force A were 250 miles south east of the Kaso Strait and AJAX, DIDO and JACKAL were detached for Alexandria. At 0858 hours Force A was attacked by 15 Ju 88s and He 111s . BARHAM was hit on Y turret and damaged by near misses. Because of the damage to BARHAM, Force A was ordered to return to Alexandria where they arrived at 1900 hours. (Not deployed during naval operations in defence and later evacuation of Crete which ended on the night of 1st June. See above references.) June 26th VALIANT, Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria eastwards in company with HM Battleship WARSPITE (damaged), HM Cruiser AJAX, HM Minelayer ABDIEL and HM Destroyers DEFENDER, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HERO, JAGUAR, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY to carry out gunnery exercises. At 1600 hours WARSPITE escorted by GRIFFIN, KANDAHAR and KIMBERLEY detached for Port Said. The Battle Fleet then turned for Alexandria. Later KIMBERLEY rejoined the Battle Fleet. 27th Arrived back at Alexandria. July Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Sailed from Alexandria to carry out exercises in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruiser PHOEBE and HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL, KIPLING and HMAS NIZAM. 19th Arrived back at Alexandria. 22nd At 2100 hours sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleship
VALIANT, HM Cruisers HMAS HOBART, NAIAD, NEPTUNE, PHOEBE, HM Minelayers ABDIEL and LATONA screened by HM Destroyers GRIFFIN, HASTY, HAVOCK, 23rd AJAX, HMNZS LEANDER and HM Destroyers JAGUAR, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, and KINGSTON. The Fleet then sailed for a diversionary cruise in the eastern Mediterranean during passage of a relief convoy to Malta from Gibraltar (Operation MD5 cover for Operation SUBSTANCE by Force H.) At 2200 hours NEPTUNE, ABDIEL and KIMBERLEY detached for the fleet. 24th LEANDER and JAGUAR detached from the fleet. 25th The Battle Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. August 5th NAIAD and HM Deployed at Alexandria. Sailed from Alexandria for exercises in company with HM Cruiser JACKAL, HMAS NIZAM and NUBIAN. At 0600 hours off Alexandria the Battle Fleet was joined by HM Cruisers
LATONA screened by HM Destroyers JACKAL and HMAS NIZAM. 26th At 0900 hours the Mediterranean Fleet comprising HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM, VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HERO, HOTSPUR, JERVIS, JUPITER, KINGSTON, KIPLING and HMAS VENDETTA sailed for diversionary cruise in eastern Mediterranean during passage of Malta relief convoy (Operation MD6 cover for Operation HALBERD by Force H.) October Deployed at Alexandria 8th At sea off Alexandria carrying out exercises. 12th Sailed from Alexandria and headed westwards in company with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Cruisers AJAX, GALATEA, HMAS HOBART and HM Destroyers AVONDALE, DECOY, ERIDGE, GRIFFIN, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JAGUAR, JERVIS, JUPITER and KANDAHAR. At 1800 hours JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. 13th At daylight the Battle Fleet reversed course and JAGUAR, JERVIS and
JUPITER rejoined. At 1315 hours a report was received of enemy naval activity to the west and the fleet reversed course to investigate. At 1800 hours the Battle Fleet reversed course and 14th hours the Battle JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER detached. At daylight JAGUAR, JERVIS and JUPITER rejoined the fleet. At 1530 Fleet arrived back at Alexandria. November Deployed in support of military advance in western desert (Operations CHIEFTAIN and LANDMARK to provide naval gunfire support.) 20th Sailed from Alexandria in company with HM Battleships BARHAM, VALIANT and HM Cruisers EURYALUS, GALATEA, NAIAD screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, HASTY, HOTSPUR, JACKAL, JERVIS, KANDAHAR, KIMBERLEY, KINGSTON, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM. (This was part of Operation LANDMARK, the fleets part was to simulate an attack on Tripoli) At 1200 hours HM Cruisers AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART joined the fleet. At nightfall AJAX, NEPTUNE and HMAS HOBART detached from the fleet. 22nd At daylight the fleet returned to Alexandria. 24th Sailed from Alexandria in support of operations by Force K in company with HM Battleships BARHAM and VALIANT, screened by HM Destroyers DECOY, GRIFFIN and JERVIS. (Force K were operating from Malta against Italian convoys). Off Alexandria HM Destroyers AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE joined the Battle Fleet. AT 2245 hours HM Destroyers HASTY, JACKAL, KIPLING, HMAS NAPIER and NIZAM joined and AVONDALE, ERIDGE and FARNDALE detached. During the day the fleet carried out a search for enemy supply ships whilst on passage to Benghazi. 25th Under submarine attack by U331 which penetrated screen and fired torpedoes which hit and sank HMS BARHAM in Gulf of Sollum. 26th At 1000 hours arrived back at Alexandria. December Deployed at Alexandria. 18th Whilst in Alexandria harbour, attacked by Italian two man human torpedoes whose crew placed limpet mine on ships hull underwater. At 0610 hours the mine exploded whilst ship was at anchor causing major damage extending for 190 feet below B Boiler Room. This caused extensive flooding of machinery compartments and bulges and causing her to sink to seabed. Nine of ships company were killed.
Withdrawn from service. (For details see THE NAVAL WAR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN by J Greene and A Massignani.)
1942
1943
May
June 1st 30th BENTINCK, Repairs and refit completed Post refit sea trials and prepared for passage to UK Sailed from Boston for Bermuda escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY.
July 2nd BENTINCK, 9th Devonport. Sailed from Bermuda for Devonport escorted by HM Frigates BAZELY, BLACKWOOD and DRURY. Arrived at Devonport to complete refit work by HM Dockyard, (Note: Work included: Fit of radar equipment. Aircraft facilities removed. Direction Finding outfit fitted on quarterdeck. Re-commissioned for service in Eastern Fleet. August 1st to 13th 14th 28th 29th and HNethMS At Portsmouth for leave and repairs . Sailed from Portsmouth for Plymouth. Sailed from Plymouth for Scapa Flow. Off the Firth of Clyde she was joined by the Destroyers HMCS HURON
1944
January 7th Arrived at Gibraltar to refuel. 12th Arrived at Alexandria. 14th Sailed from Alexandria with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER and ROCKET. 19th Arrived at Aden. 22nd Sailed from Aden with HM Battleship VALIANT, HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and UNICORN screened by HM
Destroyers PETARD, PALADIN, PATHFINDER, RACEHORSE, RAPID, ROCKET, ROEBUCK, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM and NORMAN. 28th Arrived at Trincomalee and joined Eastern Fleet. February planned Deployed with Eastern Fleet and carried out exercises in preparation for operations. (For details of naval activities in Indian Ocean by Eastern Fleet see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET, by J Winton, Operation PACIFIC by E Gray and WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).) March 21st Sailed from Trincomalee as part of the Eastern Fleet in company with HM Battlecruiser RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Cruisers LONDON, HMNZS GAMBIA, CEYLON and CUMBERLAND screened by HM Destroyers PATHFINDER, NEPAL, QUILLIAM, HMAS NAPIER, HMAS NORMAN, and Dutch HNethMS TJERK HIDDES and VAN GALEN on Operation DIPLOMAT. (Operation DIPLOMAT was to practice operational procedures, such as replenishment at sea, and cooperation with USN vessels in preparation for the formation of a British Pacific Fleet) 22nd South of Ceylon HM Battleship VALIANT and HM Destroyers HMAS QUALITY, QUEENBOROUGH and QUIBERON joined, having sailed from Colombo on the 21st. 24th 850 miles South of Ceylon the Eastern Fleet replenished from three tankers escorted by the Dutch Cruiser HNethMS TROMP. 27th The Eastern Fleet RVed with US Task Group 58 comprising the US Aircraft Carrier USS SARATOGA escorted by US destroyers USS FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS on passage in Indian Ocean for loan service with Eastern Fleet. Two days of joint exercises then commenced, during which air crew from the SARATOGA gave the FAA pilots the benefit of their combat experience against the Japanese, before the combined force returned to Trincomalee. April Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet. 2nd Eastern Fleet arrived back at Trincomalee with US Navy ships. 16th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 69 in company with HMS VALIANT, French Battleship FS RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers NEWCASTLE, NIGERIA, CEYLON, HMNZS GAMBIA and Dutch HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers PENN, PETARD, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, NEPAL, and HMAS NAPIER, NIZAM
and QUIBERON and Dutch HNethMS VAN GALEN. Force 69 was deployed to provide cover for an air attack Sabang, northern Sumatra with provided screen. (Operation COCKPIT). (Note: Attacks were to be carried out by aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA deployed as Force 70. HMS RENOWN, HMS LONDON HM Destroyers HMAS QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and US Destroyers CUMMINGS, DUNLAP and FANNING were deployed as screen for Force 70.) 18th HMS CEYLON and HMNZS GAMBIA detached to provide additional AA defence for Force 70 during air operations. 19th 0530 hours 100 miles from Sabang the Carriers of Force 70 launched an air attack against the port and oil installations at Sabang. During the air operations, Force 69 provided cover. 22nd The fleet arrived back at Trincomalee. May Deployed as Flagship, Eastern Fleet 6th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 65 in company with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, FS RICHELIEU, Cruisers HMS KENYA, HNethMS TROMP screened by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, ROTHERHAM and HMAS NAPIER, NEPAL, QUALITY, QUIBERON and QUICKMATCH. Deployed to provide cover for Force 66. Force 66 were to carry out joint air attacks on Soerabaya, (now Surabaya), Java (Operation TRANSOM). Force 66 sailed at the same time and comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and USS SARATOGA, HMNZ GAMBIA, HMS CEYLON, screened by HM Destroyers QUILLIAM, QUEENBOROUGH and QUADRANT and USS DUNLAP, CUMMINGS and FANNING. 15th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia from Force 67, which comprised, 7 RFAs, 6 oil tankers and a water tanker RFA, screened by HMS LONDON and HMS SUFFOLK. 17th Air strike carried out against Soerabaya by air units of Force 66. Force 65 provided cover during the attack. (Note: RN and US submarines were deployed to carry out patrols to give warning of any enemy attempt to interfere with operations by surface or submarine attack. Air Sea Rescue requirements were covered by US submarines near Soerabaya.) 18th Refuelled in Exmouth Gulf, following which USS SARATOGA, FANNING, DUNLAP and CUMMINGS detached for Pearl Harbour. 27th Arrived back at Trincomalee with RN ships. Fuel remaining on return was less than 20%.
June
Deployed at Trincomalee. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee as part of Force 68 in company with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HM Escort Aircraft Carrier ATHELING screened by HM Cruisers CEYLON, PHOEBE and HMNZS GAMBIA and five destroyers with HM Submarine SURF on operation COUNCILLOR. (Note: This was a diversionary operation in the form of a feint air strike on Sabang to distract Japanese attention from the US Marianas landings) 12th Operation COUNCILLOR carried out. 14th Arrived back at Trincomalee. July 22nd Sailed from Trincomalee Joined HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS and VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers NIGERIA, HMNZS GAMBIA, KENYA, CEYLON, CUMBERLAND, PHOEBE and Dutch HNethMS TROMP as Force 62 screened by HM Destroyers RELENTLESS, ROTHERHAM, RACEHORSE, RAIDER, ROEBUCK, ROCKET, RAPID and HMAS QUILLIAM, QUALITY and QUICKMATCH to provide cover during air operations by the two carriers at Sabang, Sumatra and then carry out bombardment of shore targets. (Operation CRIMSON) 24th Remained with Force 62 ships when HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS VICTORIOUS detached with HMS PHOEBE, HMS ROEBUCK and HMS RAIDER to take passage to the carrier operational area. HM Submarines TANTALUS and TEMPLAR were employed on Air Sea Rescue duties. 25th On completion of air operations carried out bombardment of Sabang with HMS VALIANT, HMS RENOWN, RICHELIEU, cruisers and destroyers. 29th Deployed at Trincomalee. August on targets in NW Sumatra. (Operation BOOMERANG). Deployed in company with HM Cruisers CEYLON and KENYA and HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, RAPID, RELENTLESS, ROCKET and ROTHERHAM to carry out Air-Sea Rescue duties in the Indian Ocean during US air raids. September October 6th November 17th Taken in hand for refit Nominated for refit in Durban and took passage. Deployment at Trincomalee as Fleet Flagship in continuation. At the end of August the USAAF carried out a series of B 29 air attacks
Carried out post refit trials when work completed
On completion prepared for return passage to Trincomalee. December Passage in Indian Ocean to Ceylon to rejoin the East Indies Fleet. (Note: The Eastern Fleet was renamed in November 1944) On arrival became Flagship of 3rd Battle Squadron. (Note: Other ship in Squadron was HMS RENOWN. HMS VALIANT had been withdrawn from Eastern Fleet in August 1944 after being damaged in floating dock which had collapsed.)
1945
January Ramree Deployed at Trincomalee and prepared for support of planned landings on Island off coast of Burma (Operation MATADOR) (Note: Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, Admiral Mountbatten was 18th screened by to be embarked to witness this operation.) Sailed from Trincomalee with the Supreme Commander embarked, HM Destroyers NORMAN and PATHFINDER for passage to Ramree Island. En route she caught up with HM Escort Carrier AMEER escorted by HM Destroyer RAIDER which had sailed earlier from Trincomalee. The two forces joined and continued towards Ramree Island. 20th The Force was joined by HM Sloop REDPOLE and HM Frigate SPEY. 21st In the early hours off Ramree Island she was joined by HM Cruiser PHOEBE, and screened by REDPOLE and SPEY, they moved into a bombarding position. One hour before the landing of troops from the 71st Brigade of the 26th Indian Division they commenced a bombardment of the northern tip of Ramree Island. Hellcats from AMEER provided CAP and carried out fall-of-shot spotting. 25th Deployed at Trincomalee February to March Trincomalee deployment in continuation and prepared for support of planned operations in Indian Ocean (Note: HMS RENOWN was replaced by French battleship RICHELIEU on 20th March.) April 8th LONDON, Sailed from Trincomalee with French battleship RICHELIEU, HMS
HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VERULAM and VIGILANT as TF 63.1. In company with TF 63.2 which comprised HM Escort Carriers EMPEROR and KHEDIVE, HM Cruiser CUMBERLAND and HM Destroyers VENUS and VIRAGO. (Operation SUNFISH), TF 63.1
was to carry out bombardment of Sabang whilst Hellcats of TF 63.2 provided CAP and 11th LONDON. 12th the RFA 63 sailed into the Strait of Malacca. 14th Provided cover for TF 63.2 whilst the Hellcats of TF 63.2 carried out Photo Reconnaissance of Port Swettenham (now Klang) and Port Dickson Malaya, and air attacks on Emmahaven 18th Returned to Trincomalee with Force 63. 27th Sailed from Trincomalee with, HM Cruisers CUMBERLAND, SUFFOLK, CEYLON, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, PENN, TARTAR, ROTHERHAM and VERULAM as TF 63. To carry out Operation BISHOP (a multi-task operation to create a diversion to cover Operation DRACULA, the landings at Rangoon and to intercept shipping in the Indian Ocean supporting Japanese bases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.). At the same time TF 62 comprising HM Escort Carriers EMPRESS and SHAH escorted by HM Destroyers RACEHORSE, REDOUBT and ROEBUCK sailed from Trincomalee on the same operation. 29th 200 miles west of Car Nicobar the short endurance ships of TF 62 and TF 63 refuelled from TF 69. (TF 69 comprised RFA OLWEN escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN) 30th At dawn TF 62 and TF 62 carried out a bombardment and Hellcat strikes on the two airfields at Car Nicobar. In the evening a repeat of the morning operation was carried out plus air strikes against Port Blair. May 1st Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Car Nicobar. 2nd Repeated bombardments during air strikes at Port Blair. 3rd The combined force split. Queen Elizabeth was deployed with RICHELIEU, SUFFOLK, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Destroyers NUBIAN, SAUMAREZ, ROTHERHAM, VENUS, VERULAM, and VIGILANT for interception of shipping along the coast of Burma. The remainder of the force carried out a reconnaissance of coastal shipping between Mergui and Victoria Point southern Burma. 6th Carried out bombardment of shore batteries on Kwantung Point in Stewart Sound between North and South Andaman Islands. (Note: These batteries had hit and damaged HM Destroyers VOLAGE and RAPID during also carried out air attacks on Sabang. Carried out bombardment at Sabang with RICHELIEU and HMS TF 63 refuelled from the tanker support force TF 70. (TF 70 comprised EASEDALE escorted by HM Frigate LOSSIE). Following refuelling TF
Operation SUFFICE to attack shipping on 19th March by ships of the 26th Destroyer Flotilla.) 9th Returned to Trincomalee with TF 63 and TF 62 ships. 10th Sailed from Trincomalee in company with French Battleship RICHELIEU, HM Cruisers ROYALIST, CUMBERLAND, Dutch HNethMS TROMP and HM Escort Aircraft Carriers HUNTER, KHEDIVE, SHAH and EMPEROR screened by HM Destroyers SAUMAREZ, VENUS, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VIGILANT, ROTHERHAM, TARTAR and NUBIAN as TF 61 on Operation DUKEDOM . (Operation DUKEDOM was an operation to intercept the Japanese cruiser ASHIGARI and destroyer KAMIKAZE reported to have left Singapore and taken passage northwards in Malacca Straits. (Note: The enemy ships were heading for the Andamans to evacuate the garrison.) 14th Escort Carriers and destroyers detached from Force 61 to carry out interception of the Japanese warships which were reported on 12th as heading southwards in Indian Ocean. (Operation MITRE). (Note: The enemy ships were the cruiser HAGURO and destroyer KAMIKAZE on passage to the Andamans.) Remained clear of the interception area and refuelled from RFA ECHODALE escorted by HM Destroyer PALADIN deployed as TF 70. 15th HMS CUMBERLAND and Dutch HNethMS TROMP detached to support the impending attack by destroyers of the 26th Flotilla. (Note: Aircraft from the Escort Carriers were unable to locate the Japanese ships during daylight but the destroyers intercepted the two Japanese warships and carried out a brilliantly executed night encounter during which the cruiser was sunk in a gun and torpedo action. See Naval Staff History, WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO) and SINK THE HAGURO by J Winton) 17th Took passage to Trincomalee with part of TF 61.
June in Malaya
obtaining US government approval for any offensive other than those in the Pacific. For details see Final Report of Supreme Commander South East Asia and above references. Preparatory exercises were carried out by Eastern Fleet ships.)
July Relieved by HM Battleship NELSON as Flagship 3rd Battle Squadron, East Indies Fleet. 12th Flag of BS3 transferred to HMS NELSON. 17th Took passage from Ceylon to return to UK. (Note: ZIPPER was further delayed by problems related to implementation of the PYTHON scheme to repatriate service personnel who had been in SEAC for several years.) August 15th On passage Arrived at Rosyth. Post War Notes HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH was used briefly as an Accommodation Ship at Rosyth after VJ Day and then joined the Home Fleet. She was based at Portland in December and served in Home waters until relieved by HM Battleship HOWE in February 1946 and reduced to Reserve status at Portsmouth during the period March to September. The ship remained in commission with a reduced complement at Portsmouth until being placed on the Disposal List in January 1948. Paid-off on 15th May 1948, she was sold to BISCO for breaking-up by Arnott Young on 19th May that year. Taken in tow to the breakers yard she arrived at Dalmuir on 22nd June to be de-equipped and the hull was later taken to Troon in Ayrshire for final demolition. Special Note The link between this famous battleship and The Baltic Exchange was first established after the adoption in 1942 when a sum of 18,312,000 was raised. Apart from the contacts made with the ships company during WW2 the association has continued after the ship had been broken-up. The Ships Bell and a Ships Crest were obtained and are now kept with the Plaque presented to the Exchange in 1942 to record the result of the WARSHIP WEEK. These items were transferred to the first new building after WW2. When that building was destroyed in an IRA bombing, the Bell was salvaged and is now kept in the new site together with a copy of the original Chronology for public view. This has maintained the strong tie between the members of the Baltic Exchange and the Royal Navy.

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Naval History Homepage and Site Search SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2 by Lt Cdr Geoffrey

B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2003

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Queen Elizabeth-class 15in gun Battleship including

Deployed with Atlantic Fleet.

Details of War Service

22nd VALIANT, HM Minelayers

Arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and taken in hand for repair. Paid-off.

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Queen Elizabeth-class 15in gun Battleship including

QUEEN ELIZABETH-Class battleship ordered from HM Dockyard Portsmouth in June

Deployed with Atlantic Fleet.

Details of War Service

25th DUNCAN and 26th 29th 30th

15th Force A and D

25th August 5th NAIAD and HM

Arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and taken in hand for repair. Paid-off.

29th and HNethMS

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Queen Elizabeth-class 15in gun Battleship including

Deployed with Atlantic Fleet.

Details of War Service

Arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and taken in hand for repair. Paid-off.

warning. See above reference.)

29th August on targets in NW

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Queen Elizabeth-class 15in gun Battleship including

Deployed with Atlantic Fleet.

Details of War Service

Arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and taken in hand for repair. Paid-off.

Carried out post refit trials when work completed

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