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In so far as available records and memory permit, this is a factual account of the 1950-1952 Commission of HMS Gambia. It is dedicated to the men who served in her through that uneasy period of peace when nuclear warfare was a constant threat to the world. We hope to convey a picture of life on the lower deck of a ship of war in the years following WW2. Gambia's commission covered a period of two and a half years during which time she served in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Canal Zone and East Indies
If you, your Father, your Grandfather
or any other relation
served aboard HMS GAMBIA between
30th March 1950 and 31st July 1952
and you have memorabilia, inclusive of sporting records and information
of interest that you wish to contribute.
Please e-mail us.
Just click on the mailbox below to send an e-mail
Beginning
In June 1939 an order was placed on Swan and Hunter shipyards, Wallsend-on-Tyne
for the Fiji (AKA) Colony Class Cruiser C48. H.M.S Gambia.
laid down. . 24th
July 1939.
Launched.. 30th
November 1940.
Commissioned. 21st February 1942.
She completed her last commission in December 1960 and was laid up until
sold.
She lay in the breakers yard at Inverkiething until being broken
up in 1968.
After working up trials, the ship joined the East Indies
Fleet where she served until June 1943 when she was transferred on loan,
to the New Zealand Navy spending the remainder of WW2 in the Far East
theatre.
Gambia rejoined the Royal Navy in July 1946 to undergo an extensive refit, during
which time “X” Triple 6” gun turret was removed, to be replaced
by two twin Bofors 50mm anti- aircraft guns. On completion of the refit Gambia
sailed once more to join the Far East fleet, returning to Devonport 6th January
1948 where she was reduced to Reserve Fleet.
'THE CRACK CRUISER'
The title " Crack Cruiser
of the Mediterranean Station," was attributed to
H.M.S.
Gambia during her
1950-1952 Commission,
by members of the media.
This web site was inspired by the diaries of Ken Booth.
Who had the vision to record events during the
commission, and the wisdom to retain them down through
the years.
And by the memories of Ken Booth and
John Birch, aided by photographs.
