Dates: 1944 - 1971

“W” Class Destroyer ordered from Fairfield of Govan, Glasgow on 3rd December 1941 with the 9th Emergency Flotilla. The ship was laid down on 3rd June 1942 and intended to be named HMS ZEBRA. However this name was changed as part of a rationalisation of names of both “W” and “Z” Classes. Launched on 30the June 1943 as HMS WAKEFUL she was the 2nd RN ship to carry the name. The first ship to bear the name had been lost after being torpedoed by a E-Boat during evacuation of allied troops from Dunkirk with heavy loss of life of 29th May 1940. This destroyer was fitted for Arctic service during build which was completed on 17th February 1944. The earlier destroyer had been adopted by the civil community of Darwen, Lancashire after a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign in 1942.

Badge : On a Black field an eye proper with rays ensuing therefore, Gold.

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving HMS Wakeful

" The Dunkirk evacuation, codenamed Operation Dynamo, started 26 May and continued until 4 June. British, French and Canadian troops cut off by the German army during the Battle of Dunkirk were rescued. In a speech to the House of Commons ("We shall fight on the beaches"), Winston Churchill called ..."

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"HMS Wakeful. Hms Galatea. HMS Tenby. HMS Fife. HMS Vernon. HMS Charybdis.HMS Dryad. FOF1 Staff. HMS Rooke."

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