HMS STARLING F66

A Modified Black Swan-Class Sloop ordered from Fairfield SB, Govan 18th July 1941 and laid down as Job No 11701 (Yard No 701)on 21st October that year. She was launched on 14th October 1942 as the 9th RN ship to bear the name. The name being introduced in 1801 for a Gun-Brig.

Build was completed on 1st April 1943.

The ship was made famous by the leadership and anti-submarine expertise of Captain F J Walker, RN whose name will always be associated with the Battle of the Atlantic as recorded in FIGHTING CAPTAIN by A. Burn.

 

Class……………………………Modified Black Swan-Class Sloop

Builder……………………….. Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd., Govan

Yard number……………….701

Laid down..………………….21 Oct 1941

Launched….…………………14 Oct 1942

Completed.………………….1 Apr 1942

Propulsion.…………………..2 shafts each driven by a Parsons Single Reduction Steam Turbine. Steam supplied by 2 Admiralty oil fired 3 drum Boilers.

Speed..…………………………19.0 knots max

Range…………………………..5500 nm at 10 knots

History

HMS STARLING was de-stored and paid off into Reserve during October 1945 following end of hostilities.

Within two months this ship was selected for use as a Navigation Training Ship baaed at Portsmouth. She was converted for this duty at Portsmouth where her armament was removed and facilities for practical training were added. In March 1946 she began training duties as a Tender to the Navigation School, H M S DRYAD, and continued in this role until she was Paid Off and reduced to Reserve status at Portsmouth. Placed on the Disposal List the ship was sold to BISCO for demolition by Lacmots and towed to the breakers yard at Queenborough, Kent on 6 July 1965.

 

Done