H. M. S.  C A I S T O R   C A S T L E   ( K 6 9 0 )

 

”CASTLE” Class Frigate ordered from Lewis Shipbuilders, Aberdeen on 19th December 1942 and laid down on 26th August 1943. The ship was launched on 22nd May 1944 and was the 1st RN ship to bear this name. Build was completed on 29th September 1944. She was not adopted by a civil community in UK in 1941-42 following a National Savings WARSHIP

WEEK campaign.

 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

 

NORTH SEA 1945

 

H e r a l d i c   D a t a

 

Badge: On a Field barry wavy of five White and Blue, in front

of a cross crosslet Gold, an eagle displayed Red.

Explanation: The castle was built about 1440 by Sir John Fastolf (f).

The famous Paston family also lived there. The Badge is based on

the arms of Fastolf and Paston.

 

S u m m a r y   o f   S e r v i c e

 

1 9 4 4

 

September                Commissioned for service in Western Approaches Command.

         29th                  Build completion and commenced Acceptance Trials.

                                  (Note: For details of new HEDGEHOG Anti-submarine weapon

                                             see SEEK AND STRIKE by W Hackmann.).

 

October                    On completion of trials and storing took passage to Tobermory to work-up for

                                  operational service.

 

November                Joined 30th Escort Group for Atlantic convoy defence.

                                  (Note: Other escorts in this Group were sister ships:

                                             HMS PEVENSEY CASTLE (SO) (Completed June 1944)

                                             HMS PORTCHESTER CASTLE (Completed August 1943)

                                             HMS KENILWORTH CASTLE (Completed November 1943).)

                                             Did not take part in anti-submarine operations with Group on

                                             11th November when submarine U1200 was sunk by

                                             SQUID projectiles in series of attacks by Group.

                                             For details see HITLER’S U-BOAT WAR by C Blair and

                                             U-BOATS DESTROYED by P Kemp.)

 

December                 Deployed with Group for defence of Atlantic convoys.

                                 (For details of weapons and tactics used by U-Boats and by Escort and Support Groups

                                 see the THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC by D Macintyre. BUSINESS IN GREAT

                                              WATERS by J Terrain and U-BOAT WAR IN THE ATLANTIC (MOD).)

                                 Atlantic convoy defence and anti-submarine search duties in Western

                                 Approaches.

 

1 9 4 5

 

January                     Deployed with Group for anti-submarine patrol and convoy defence

to                              of coastal convoys around UK.

February                   (Note: German submarines fitted with “Schnorkel” equipment were being extensively

                                              deployed to attack coastal traffic which  included Atlantic traffic re-routed

                                              through English Channel following removal of air threat from French bases.

                                              For details of German submarine activities in UK coastal

                                              waters. see above references and ENGAGE THE ENEMY)

                                              MORE CLOSELY by C Barnett.)

 

March                       Transferred to North Sea for convoy defence and patrol for the

to                              interception of minelaying operations by submersibles and E-Boats.

April                         (Note: Battle Honour “NORTH SEA” indicates some action against

                                              enemy craft. This is to be investigated.)

 

May                          After VE Day deployed with Home Fleet to take part in transfer of

                                 surrendered U-Boats in Norway.

         25th                 Deployed with HM Cruiser BERWICK, HM Canadian Destroyers

                                 HAIDA, HURON and ships of 30th Escort Group at Trondheim.

 

June                          Deployed for escort of captured submarines and support of

to                              re-occupation operations.

August                     Visited Home ports as part of Victory celebrations.

 

September                Deployed in Home waters for training and Port duties.

 

1 9 4 6

 

                                  Paid-off and reduced to Reserve status after de-storing.

                                  Laid-up in Reserve Fleet at Plymouth.

 

1 9 4 7   t o   1 9 4 8

 

                                  Laid-up in Reserve at Plymouth

 

1 9 4 9

 

                                  Underwent refit at Cardiff to ensure ready availability if

                                  required for service.

                                  Carried out sea trials on completion and returned to Reserve

 

1 9 5 0

 

                                  Laid-up in Reserve.

 

1 9 5 1

 

                                   Taken in hand for further refit at Falmouth to ensure availability

                                   For service at short notice.

                                   Carried out sea trials on completion before return to Reserve.

 

1 9 5 2

 

                                   Laid-up in Reserve

                                   Nominated for service in 2nd Training Squadron at Portland

                                   (Note: Other ships of this Class were also deployed at Portland with

                                               this Squadron which was primarily concerned with anti-submarine

                                               training

 

1 9 5 3

 

January                       Brought forward for service and commissioned.

 

February                      Joined Squadron at Portland

 

March                         Deployed at Portland

to May

 

June                             Attended Coronation Review at Spithead.

 

July                             Squadron training duties in continuation.

to December

 

1 9 5 4

 

                                    Squadron duties at Portland in continuation

                                    Nominated for reduction to Reserve status.

 

1 9 5 5

 

                                    Paid-off, destored and reduced to Reserve status at Devonport

                                    Laid-up in Reserve Fleet, Plymouth.

                                    Placed on Disposal List.

 

1 9 5 6

 

                                    Sold to BISCO and allocated for demolition by Arnott Young.

                                    Taken in Tow to Breaker’s yard at Dalmuir, Glasgow in March.

 

 

S p e c i a l   N o t e

 

For details of naval activities between August 1945 and December 1956 see THE DECLINE OF BRITISH

SEA POWER by D Western.