HMS Rhyl (F129)

HMS Rhyl
History
United Kingdom
Name:	HMS Rhyl
Builder:	HM Dockyard, Portsmouth English Electric Co Ltd, Rugby.
Laid down:	29 January 1958
Launched:	23 April 1959
Commissioned:	31 October 1960
Decommissioned:	1983
In service:	1960–1983
Identification:	Pennant number: F129
Fate:	Sunk as target September 1985
General characteristics
Class and type:	Rothesay-class frigate

HMS Rhyl was a Rothesay or Type 12I class anti-submarine frigate of the British Royal Navy, launched by Lady Macmillan on 23 February 1959 and commissioned in October 1960. Following Royal Navy service she was sunk as a target in 1985.

Operational Service

Following commissioning in 1960 Rhyl served in the Far East, Mediterranean and East Africa, including being diverted to stand-by off Goa following the Indian invasion in 1961.^[1] She was leader of the 23rd Frigate Squadron by the time she attended Portsmouth Navy Days in 1965.^[2] She served, along with HMS Ark Royal and HMS Lowestoft, on the first Beira Patrol and then in 1966-7 served in the Mediterranean as Captain D 23rd Escort Squadron with squadron elements HMS Lowestoft (half leader), HMS Dainty and HMS Defender.

HMS Rhyl, following major refit, showing seacat missile system and hanger for Wasp Helicopter, c1970 (IWM)

HMS Rhyl returned to UK waters in 1967 to become Captain D Home Fleet, eventually decommissioning in Plymouth to undergo a major refit to upgrade to a Leander-like specification.

In April 1982, Rhyl was ordered south for operational duties with the task force in Operation Corporate, but mechanical failure prevented the deployment. She subsequently took her place as part of Operation Corporate acting as Ascension Island Guardship until July 1982. HMS Rhyl deployed to the United States and West Indies in the first few months of 1983. Returning to Portsmouth in April 1983 she was expected to take her place in the Orient Express deployment led by HMS Invincible later that year. However whilst in dry dock it was discovered that her hull was compromised and the decision was made to pay her off.

Commanding officers

From	To	Captain
1960	1962	Commander G J Dodd RN
1963	1964	Captain Arthur M Power RN [3]
1964	1966	Captain J A Templeton-Cotill RN [4]
1966	1967	Captain D Napper RN
1972	1973	Commander Wallace RN
1973	1975	Commander Hall RN
1975	1976	Commander Peter Woodhead RN
1976	1977	Commander Karl Lees
1977	1978	Commander Peter Phipps RN
1978	1980	Commander E M Hackett RN
1980	1983	Commander CDS Brown RN
1983	1983	Commander S Moore RN

References

1. http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Ops-Events1961-70.htm
2. Programme, Portsmouth Navy Days, 28–30 August 1965, HMSO, p15
3. Royal Navy Senior Appointments, Colin Mackie
4. Royal Navy Senior Appointments, Colin Mackie

Publications

• Colledge, J. J.; Warlow, Ben (2006) [1969]. Ships of the Royal Navy: The Complete Record of all Fighting Ships of the Royal Navy (Rev. ed.). London: Chatham Publishing. ISBN 978-1-86176-281-8. OCLC 67375475.
• Marriott, Leo, 1983. Royal Navy Frigates 1945–1983, Ian Allen Ltd. ISBN 0-7110-1322-5