HMS Boadicea (H65)

HMS Boadicea (H65) was a B-class destroyer of the Royal Navy. She was built by Hawthorn Leslie and Company at Hebburn on the River Tyne. The ship was ordered in 1928, laid down on 11 July 1929, launched on 23 September 1930, and commissioned on 7 April 1931.

Design and Construction

HMS Boadicea was part of the B-class destroyers, which were an improvement over the preceding A-class destroyers. The ship had a displacement of 1,360 tons, a length of 323 feet (98 m), a beam of 32.25 feet (9.83 m), and a draught of 12 feet (3.7 m). She was powered by two Parsons geared steam turbines, driving two shafts, and was capable of reaching speeds up to 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph).

Armament

The primary armament of HMS Boadicea consisted of four 4.7-inch (120 mm) Mk IX guns in single mounts. For anti-aircraft defense, she was equipped with two 40 mm QF 2-pounder "pom-pom" guns. The ship also carried eight 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes in two quadruple mounts.

Service History

HMS Boadicea served with the Home Fleet and was involved in various operations during her career. At the outbreak of World War II, she was assigned to convoy escort duties and participated in the Norwegian Campaign in 1940. She also took part in the Dunkirk evacuation (Operation Dynamo) in May-June 1940, helping to evacuate Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk.

In 1941, Boadicea was transferred to the Western Approaches Command for convoy escort duties in the Atlantic Ocean. She played a crucial role in protecting convoys from U-boat attacks during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Sinking

On 13 June 1944, while escorting a convoy in the English Channel following the D-Day landings, HMS Boadicea was attacked by German aircraft. She was hit by a torpedo and sank with the loss of 175 of her crew.

Legacy

HMS Boadicea is remembered for her service and sacrifice during World War II. Her contributions to the Battle of the Atlantic and the Dunkirk evacuation are notable examples of the bravery and dedication of the Royal Navy during the war.

See Also

• B-class destroyer
• Royal Navy
• Battle of the Atlantic
• Dunkirk evacuation
• Norwegian Campaign