Dates: 1957 - 1988

HMS Rothesay (F107) was a Rothesay or Type 12I class anti-submarine frigate of the British Royal Navy.

History
In the spring/summer of 1961 HMS Rothesay was in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was intending to make courtesy at ports on the eastern seaboard of the USA but was instead diverted to Bermuda where she was to stay ready to protect British interests in Cuba.

Between 1966 and 1968 Rothesay was refitted in Rosyth, Among the improvements the 40 mm gun was replaced with Seacat missile system, radar and communication equipment was updated, accommodation improved and perhaps most significantly a helicopter flight deck and hangar were added. Although this required the removal of one of the two triple barrelled anti-submarine mortars, it allowed the Rothesay Class to carry the Westland Wasp helicopter which was a huge asset for anti-submarine operations. This modernisation was a vast improvement over the Whitby Class and brought the Rothesay class up to the standard of the succeeding Leander Class.

On 6 August 1969, together with HMS Minerva, they landed 315 men of The Parachute Regiment on Anguilla to restore order after the islanders objected to being placed under the government of Saint Kitts.

In 1973 HMS Rothesay undertook Cod War Fishery Protection Patrols.

In 1977 She attended the Silver Jubilee Fleet Review with sisterships HMS Plymouth and HMS Berwick.

During the Falklands war in 1982, Rothesay was stationed in the Caribbean.

There was plans to withdraw the ship from service in 1983 but these were abandoned and instead in 1985 she underwent a refit in preparation for her new role in the Dartmouth Training Squadron. She served in this role until she was paid off on 13 March 1988. During her many years of service she clocked up over 800,000 miles. She was sold to Spain to be broken up there.

Memories of HMS Rothsay

HMS Rothsay IDP in 1974
Written by keith houlding
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"After joining the roteasy, for the 2nd time,met couple mates and we ended up being called the IDP.that was Dave,Den,Lew and me(skin).We always hung around together.Lew was gods gift to women,Den thought he was gods gieft to women,me and Dave well we were ratted most of the time,I offten wonder where they are today.IDP well that stood for International dump party, as we always ended up,doin razes,and jackstay transfers.We were all leading seaman,from 3p mess HMS Rothsay. "

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