Dates: 1942 - 1965

Modified BLACK SWAN-Class Sloop ordered from Denny at Dumbarton under 1940 Build Programme on 9th January 1941.The ship was laid down on 13th June 1941 and was launched on 9th November 1942 by Mrs Roberts on the same day as HM Sloop CHANTICLEER of this Class. She was the 7th RN ship to carry the name, introduced in 1590. Fitting Out was completed at Clydebank in John Brown’s yard on 10th May 1943. Fire control and surface warning radar were installed on build. In March 1942 after a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign this ship had been adopted by the civil community of Bethnal Green in Greater London.

Post War

HMS CRANE remained with the British Pacific Fleet after VJ-Day and was deployed on patrol duty based in Hang Kong until refitting In Brisbane at the end of 1945. On completion the ship became part of the 3rd Frigate Flotilla until July 1946 when she took passage to return to UK. On arrival after Paying-off, de0-stored and reduced to Reserve status at Harwich. Later transferred to Chatham Reserve Fleet and in July 1951 brought forward for service with the 3rd Frigate Flotilla ,Far East. She re-commissioned after refit during which HEDGEHOG anti-submarine mortar outfit equipment was fitted and the 20mm Oerlikon weapons replaced by 40mm Bofors. Apart from detachment to the Mediterranean during the Suez crisis in 1956 she stayed in the Far East until 1962. During the Suez operation the ship was damaged by Isreali aircraft. This ship was finally Paid off in late 1962 and laid up at Portsmouth. When placed on the Disposal List in 1965 she was sold to BISCO for breaking-up by Lacmots at Queenborough, Kent where she arrived tow during March that year

Badge : On a Field Blue. in water barry wavy. in base proper a crane also proper.

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving HMS Crane

" served on hms crane 1955/56 suez war roy smith."

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