Dates: 1940 -
HMS Charybdis was a Dido-class cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was built by Cammell Laird Shipyard (Birkenhead, UK), with the keel being laid down on 9 November 1939. She was launched on 17 September 1940, and commissioned 3 December 1941.
One of two sisters (the other was, appropriately, HMS Scylla, Charybdis was originally completed with four twin 4.5 in Mk III in UD MK III mountings because of a shortage of 5.25 in mountings.
The forward superstructure was considerably modified to accommodate these and also to increase crew spaces. Naturally they were known as the ’toothless terrors’, but proved much better anti-aircraft ships than their sisters armed with the more cumbersome and less satisfactory 5.25 in AA guns.
In late 1943, the British authorities were aware of the approach of the German blockade runner, Munsterland, which was carrying an important cargo of latex and strategic metals. The Germans had a well-rehearsed procedure for escorting such vessels. The British reacted by executing Operation Tunnel, a standard operation whereby available ships would attempt to intercept.
On 21 October 1943, Charybdis and destroyers HMS Grenville, Rocket and four Hunt class destroyers (HMS Limbourne, Wensleydale, Talybont and Stevenstone) intercepted Munsterland off Ushant, Brittany. The force was attacked at night by the German 4th Torpedo Boat Flotilla (five Elbing class torpedo boats), which was escorting the blockade runner.
Charybdis was almost immediately torpedoed by the German torpedo boats T23 and T27. HMS Limbourne was also hit during this action and had to be sunk by HMS Rocket. The German force escaped unharmed. Charybdis sank in position 48°59′N, 3°39′W, with the loss of 30 officers and 432 ratings just off the North Coast of Brittany. The Munsterland eventually ran aground off Cap Blanc Nez and was destroyed.
Soon after the sinking, the bodies of 21 Royal Navy and Royal Marine men were washed up on the island of Guernsey. The German occupation authorities buried them with full military honours. The funerals became an opportunity for the islanders to demonstrate their loyalty to Britain and their opposition to the Nazi occupiers, with around 5000 islanders attended the funeral, laying some 900 wreaths. Enough of an effective demonstration against the Nazi occupation for subsequent military funerals to be closed to civilians by the German occupiers. Every year a commemoration service is held, which is attended by local naval veterans, Sea Cadets and representatives of the Royal Navy.
The wrecks of Charybdis and Limbourne have recently been found. The Charybdis was located in 1993, in 83 metres of water.
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving HMS Charybdis
" I am trying to help my dad Nolly locate some old navy friends. He served with: HMS Charybdis (1970-72) HMS Arethusa (1967-69) HMS Nubian (1964-66) HMS Keppel (1963-64) HMS Mercury Anyine out there remember the band "The Watchmen"? Do any of these names ring a bell; Edward Lambert ID Wood Ticky ..."
Click For More
" I would like to find any shipmates from the wartime commision which ended off the coast of N Africa. My father Sidney Gray survived that incident then joined HMS Charybdis. He was lost when she was torpedoed in the E Channel in 1943. I have very little information about him I believe he came from Settle. Any info please. Last edited by John Gray"
Click For More
" [QUOTE]Quoting: David Warner [I]All at sea, well, most times Matelots make up silly rhymes, When the tot came up, In a ’f*nny’ of course, It often gave cause, To vent more silly rhymes!! Anon Twas on the good............. Song written by Bob Gilbert onboard HMS Whitby after our flagship ..."
Click For More
" Quoting: Grahame Race [I] Quoting: David Warner [I]All at sea, well, most times Matelots make up silly rhymes, When the tot came up, In a ’f*nny’ of course, It often gave cause, To vent more silly rhymes!! Anon Twas on the good............. Song written by Bob Gilbert onboard HMS Whitby ..."
Click For More
"HMS Wakeful. Hms Galatea. HMS Tenby. HMS Fife. HMS Vernon. HMS Charybdis.HMS Dryad. FOF1 Staff. HMS Rooke."
Click For More
