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HMS Calcutta (1919) CC  (5th)

    
This the fifth ship to carry the name HMS Calcutta was a Light Cruiser.

Built by Vickers, laid down 18-Oct-1917, launched 09-Jul-1918, and commissioned 21-Aug-1919.

On completion joined the America and West Indies Station with the 8th Light Cruiser Squadron. Returning to home waters on Nov-1927 when she went into reserve.

On 18-Sep-1929 joined the Africa Station with the 6th Cruiser Squadron. Returning home in 1931 and back into reserve again.

In 1938 began conversion to an Anti-aircraft cruiser at Chatham which took until Jul-1939.

At the start of WW2 was with the Humber Force and then took part in the Norwegian Campaign from Apr-1940. After which in May-1940 she assisted with Operation Dynamo, the evacuations from Dunkirk.

In Jun-1940 while covering the evacuations from western France she collided with the destroyer HMS Fraser in the Gironde and sank her.

Calcutta then moved to Gibraltar and Force H before transferring to the Eastern Mediterranean, where she undertook escort work for Malta convoys.

In 1941 transferred troops to Greece, and their later evacuation, followed by operations for the evacuation of Crete in May-1941.

On 01-Jun-1941 was attacked and sunk by German aircraft about 100 miles north of Alexandria.

Won the Battle Honours: Norway 1940, Dunkirk 1940, Greece 1941, Crete 1941, Libya 1941, Malta Convoys 1941 and Mediterranean 1941.

 

Other HMS Calcutta
- 1st  HMS Calcutta
- 2nd HMS Calcutta
- 3rd HMS Calcutta
- 4th HMS Calcutta
- 5th HMS Calcutta 

- Carlisle Class (1918) CC
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This page last edited - 21 April, 2013.

Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.