HMS Tenby (F65) was a remarkable Whitby-class frigate, purpose-built by the esteemed Cammell Laird and Co Ltd in Birkenhead, United Kingdom. Commissioned on 18 December 1957, this anti-submarine warship served with distinction until its decommissioning in 1972 #. Although the frigate did not have a lengthy career, its significance in naval history remains unparalleled.
Design
Designed as a specialist anti-submarine vessel, the Whitby-class frigate was specifically built to counter fast, modern diesel-electric submarines. To meet this objective, the Type 12 frigates were required to reach speeds of at least 27 knots, maintain high speeds in rough weather conditions, and have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. Unlike their contemporaries, these frigates were powered by steam turbines, indicating a significant departure from traditional propulsion methods #.
HMS Tenby at Thos. W. Ward's Scrapyard, Briton Ferry, 1979
At 370 feet long overall and 360 feet at the waterline, HMS Tenby showcased an impressive combination of power and agility. Equipped with a Y-100 plant, two Babcock & Wilcox boilers, and two English Electric steam turbines, this vessel boasted a staggering 30,000 shaft horsepower. With a speed of 29 knots, it was an imposing presence on the high seas #.
The frigate's armament comprised a twin 4.5-inch Mark 6 gun mount, a twin Bofors 40 mm L/60 gun (STAAG) mount, two Limbo anti-submarine mortars, and eight 21-inch torpedo tubes. Although initially armed with Mark 20E Bidder homing anti-submarine torpedoes, they were eventually deemed ineffective and replaced. The vessel's sophisticated radar and sonar systems further enhanced its capabilities, making it a formidable force to reckon with #.
History
In its illustrious career, HMS Tenby witnessed many extraordinary moments. One such instance was its involvement in the fake military funeral of Commander James Bond in the 1967 film You Only Live Twice. While the scene was filmed on board the ship near Gibraltar, it was cleverly portrayed as being in Hong Kong. A testament to the vessel's versatility in popular culture #.
Decommissioning
After serving the Royal Navy diligently for several years, HMS Tenby was decommissioned on 8 December 1972. It entered the reserve fleet and remained mothballed until its eventual sale to Thos. W. Ward. Regrettably, plans to sell the frigate to the Pakistan Navy fell through, and it was ultimately sold for scrap in 1977 #.
Conclusion
HMS Tenby exemplified the resilience, power, and technological advancements of the Whitby-class frigates. Its contribution to the Royal Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities remains unparalleled. Though it may have retired from active duty, the legacy of HMS Tenby lives on in the annals of naval history.
