HMSAS Bloemfontein

HMSAS Bloemfontein was a frigate of the South African Navy. Originally built for the Royal Navy as HMS Loch Ard, she was transferred to South Africa in 1950 and renamed Bloemfontein. She served until 1975, when she was decommissioned and scrapped.

History

HMS Loch Ard was a Loch class frigate of the Royal Navy, built by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company in Dundee, Scotland. She was launched on 28 November 1944 and commissioned on 10 May 1945. After the end of World War II, she served in the Far East and the Mediterranean.

In 1950, Loch Ard was transferred to the South African Navy and renamed HMSAS Bloemfontein. She was the first of the Loch class frigates to be transferred to South Africa. In South African service, Bloemfontein was used primarily for training and patrol duties.

Bloemfontein was decommissioned in 1975 and subsequently scrapped.

Design and Armament

As a Loch class frigate, Bloemfontein was designed for anti-submarine warfare. She was 307 feet long, with a beam of 38.5 feet and a draught of 12.5 feet. She displaced 1,435 tons.

Her armament consisted of a single 4-inch gun, ten 20 mm Oerlikon cannons, and depth charges. She also carried Squid anti-submarine mortars.

Service

During her service with the South African Navy, Bloemfontein was used primarily for training and patrol duties. She participated in several international naval exercises and made goodwill visits to various countries.

Decommissioning and Fate

Bloemfontein was decommissioned in 1975. After decommissioning, she was sold for scrap.

See Also

• List of frigates of the South African Navy
• List of ship decommissionings in 1975

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