Dates: 1946 - 1965

BAY Class Anti-Aircraft Frigate initially ordered from Smiths Dock Co Ltd at Middlesbrough on 25th January 1943 for build as a LOCH Class Anti-submarine Frigate to be named LOCH CARRON. This was changed in 1944 for completion as a BAY Class AA Frigate. Laid down on 21st April 1944 as Job No J4788 she was launched as GERRANS BAY on 14th March 1945. However, after the end of hostilities in 1945, it was announced that the ship would be completed for use as a Despatch Vessel by the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet and renamed HMS SURPRISE. Fourteen RN ships had previously borne the name (SURPRIZE or SURPRISE) since it was introduced in 1745 for a 6th Rate, built at Beaulieu. It was last used for the steel yacht RAZSVET seized from Russia in 1918 and commissioned for use as a Despatch Vessel in 1918 Renamed SURPRISE in 1920 the ship was sold to a private owner in 1923 and retained the name. When hired for use as an Auxiliary Patrol Yacht in December 1939 she once again became HMS SURPRISE. On 28th February 1942 she was lost after catching fire and capsizing at Lagos, Nigeria. Build completion of this ship as a Despatch Vessel was on 7th September 1946.

Badge : On a Field White, An ancient galley, Black.

Memories of HMS Surprise

HMS Surprise in 1956
Written by Catherine Shrubshall
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"I'm trying to trace crew aboard the HMS Surprise when my late father Alan Shrubshall was serving his National Service between 1954 and 1956. He and Able Seaman Bernard Hooper travelled back from Malta to England when their time on the Surprise came to an end. Dad died 6 years ago and I knew little of his sailor life or the journey until I found his diary recounting that journey (2 years after he had died) It is a wonderful story and I am planning to recreate my own version of the trip as a 5oth anniversary journey next year. I am hoping that some of you will remember Alan and be able help me with my research? I would really appreciate it if you could get in touch. Many, many thanks, Catherine (Shrubshall)"

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving HMS Surprise

"hms surprise 1958-61 "

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" I’m the daughter of the late Alan Shrubshall and I’m trying to trace crew aboard the HMS Surprise when dad was serving his National Service between 1954 and 1956.  He and Able Seaman Bernard Hooper travelled back from Malta to England when their time on the Surprise came to an end. ..."

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" Catherine...If you type into Google HMS Surprise 1956 you will find at the top of the page a site which sends you to Forces Reunited there are some names on it which may help.This is a photo of your Dad’s ship. [hmssurprise3[1].jpg]"

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" My brother A/s Alan Shrubshall served on the Surprise 55/56 and when his service ended in Malta he & A/s Bernard Hooper came back to the U.K. overland with special dispensation and accompanied the Captain’s au-pair back to Munich. Sadly he died 8 years ago and some 2 years ago his daughter ..."

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"I’m looking for my father, Leslie William Swinburne, who served on HMS Vanquisher, HMS Surprise and HMS Leander in WW2. As I haven’t seen him since 1951, when I was two, it would be so nice to meet him just once before we both die. Mum died in 1994."

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