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 HMS
NAIAD - F39
There have been four Royal Naval vessels to bear the name NAIAD, the first being
commissioned in 1798. Naiad's are the daughters of Zen's, the fair, young woodland water nymphs of Greek mythology.
The Forth:
Ships pennant - F39. Built at Yarrow and first commissioned on 17th March 1965. Spent the first 7 years of service
as a standard Leander Class Frigate and underwent a major conversion re-fit in 1972. This saw the removal of the
twin 4.5 " gun, to be replaced by the ASW (anti-submarine warfare) IKARA missile launcher, forward of
the bridge. Also equipped with Limbo ASW mortars, Seacat air defence missiles and Wasp helicopter.
De-commissioned in April 1987 and used as a static trials ship at Portsmouth 1989/90.
Sunk during a weapons testing trial on 28th September 1990.
Between 1965 and 1978 Naiad steamed 337,407 miles and visited ports all around
the world.
Any updated figures
are welcomed.
The Third:
Ships pennant - F 93. 5,450 ton - Dido class light Cruiser, launched in 1939. 10 x 5.25 guns. 16 x other guns.
6 x 21" Tubes.
Gave distinguished service during the last war, particularly in the Mediterranean, including the defence of the
Malta Convoys, the evacuation of Crete and bombardments of North Africa. Sunk in the eastern Mediterranean near
Egypt (32º01'N, 26º20'E), by 1 torpedo from German U-Boat 565 on 11th March 1942, whilst bearing the
flag of Rear Admiral VIAN, with Captain Guy Grantham, DSO, RN in Command. 82 members of the crew were lost, with
582 survivors.
The Second:
Built in Barrow and launched in 1890. A second class protected Cruiser of 3,400 tons. Carried an armourment of
2 x 6" Guns, 16 x other guns & 4 x Torpedo Tubes. She saw service in the Mediterranean and the 1914 -
1918 war. Converted to a minelayer in 1910 carrying up to 150 mines, but at the cost of reduced guns. She was eventually
sold in 1922.
The First:
5th rate ship of 1,020 Tons, built at Limehouse on the Thames by Hall and Co. in 1797, commissioned in 1798. NAIAD
had 38 Guns with a crew of 284 men. One of the earliest types of man-of-war to be classed a Frigate. Remained in
service for 69 years and saw considerable action during the Napoleonic Wars against both the Spanish and French.
NAIAD fought at Trafalgar and ended her service in 1866, when she was sold to the Pacific Steam Navigation Company
and was eventually broken up in 1898. NAIAD was the longest surviving ship from Trafalgar, apart from HMS Victory.
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HMS NAIAD
Battle Honours
- Trafalgar
1805
- Crete
1941
- Mediterranean 1941
- Malta Convoys
1941 - 1942
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