SHIP HISTORY

HMS HERMIONE (F58)

HMS Hermione (F58) was a Leander-class frigate. She was built by Alexander Stephen and Sons, and completed by Yarrow Shipbuilders. She was launched on 26 April 1967 and commissioned on 11 July 1969.

In 1970, HMS Hermione deployed to the Far East and Pacific. In 1977, as leader of the 5th Frigate Squadron, she took part in the Fleet Review of the Royal Navy, in celebration of HM the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. In January 1980, HMS Hermione began her modernisation programme, including the addition of the Sea Wolf missile and the Exocet anti-ship missile. This forced the removal of her twin 4.5 in guns.

Modernisation was completed in 1983 at Chatham Naval Dockyard, and HMS Hermione was the last ship to leave when the dockyard closed. Upon the completion of her modernisation, she joined the 6th Frigate Squadron. She saw much service in the Middle East, being involved in the so-called ‘Tanker War’ during the Iran–Iraq War. In 1991, HMS Hermione returned to the Middle East on an Armilla Patrol deployment, but just the following year she was decommissioned.

In 1997 she was sold to India for scrap.

HMS HERMIONE (74)

HMS Hermione (74) was a Dido-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, She was built by Alexander Stephen and Sons, with the keel laid down on 6 October 1937. She was launched on 18 May 1939 and commissioned 25 March 1941.

Hermione joined the 15th Cruiser Squadron of the Home Fleet and took part in the pursuit of the German battleshipBismarck .  In August 1941, whilst helping to protect a convoy, Hermione rammed and sunk an Italian submarine.

On 15 June 1942, a spread of three torpedoes struck Hermione on the starboard side. The ship ultimately capsized, remaining afloat for 21 minutes before sinking. Eight officers and 80 ratings were lost, including the ship's cat. The survivors were picked up by the escorting destroyers and were landed at Alexandria.