HMS Woodpecker (U08): Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Sloop of the Royal Navy}} |
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{{other ships|HMS Woodpecker}} |
{{other ships|HMS Woodpecker}} |
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{{ |
{{More citations needed|date=July 2015}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}} |
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{{Use British English|date=April 2017}} |
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{|{{Infobox ship begin}} |
{|{{Infobox ship begin}} |
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{{Infobox ship image |
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{{Infobox ship career |
{{Infobox ship career |
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|Hide header= |
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|Ship country= |
|Ship country=United Kingdom |
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|Ship flag={{shipboxflag| |
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|United Kingdom|naval}} |
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|Ship name=HMS ''Woodpecker'' |
|Ship name=HMS ''Woodpecker'' |
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|Ship namesake=[[Woodpecker]] |
|Ship namesake=[[Woodpecker]] |
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|Ship badge= On a Field White, a woodpecker clinging to a stump of a tree proper |
|Ship badge= On a Field White, a woodpecker clinging to a stump of a tree proper |
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|Ship nickname= |
|Ship nickname= |
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|Ship honours= |
|Ship honours=*Biscay 1943 |
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|Ship fate=Torpedoed by {{GS|U-256||2}} on 20 February 1944. |
|Ship fate=*Torpedoed by {{GS|U-256||2}} on 20 February 1944. |
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|Ship status= |
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*Sank while under tow 27 February 1944 |
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|Ship notes= |
|Ship notes= |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Infobox ship characteristics |
{{Infobox ship characteristics |
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|Hide header= |
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|Header caption= |
|Header caption=<ref>Conway p57</ref> |
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|Ship class= |
|Ship class={{sclass|Black Swan|sloop|0}} [[sloop-of-war|sloop]]<ref name=Elliott>Elliott p140. Some sources list ''Woodpecker'' as a Modified ''Black Swan'' class vessel. See "Construction"</ref> |
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|Ship type= |
|Ship type= |
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|Ship displacement= 1,350 tons |
|Ship displacement= 1,350 tons |
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|Ship draught= {{convert|11|ft|m|abbr=on}} |
|Ship draught= {{convert|11|ft|m|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship power= |
|Ship power= |
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|Ship propulsion=Geared turbines, 2 shafts |
|Ship propulsion=*Geared turbines, 2 shafts |
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*{{convert|4,300|hp|lk=in|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship speed={{convert|20|kn|km/h|0}} |
|Ship speed={{convert|20|kn|km/h|0}} |
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|Ship range= {{convert|7500|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at {{convert|12|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |
|Ship range= {{convert|7500|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at {{convert|12|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |
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|Ship sensors= |
|Ship sensors= |
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|Ship EW= |
|Ship EW= |
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|Ship armament= |
|Ship armament=*6 × [[QF 4 inch Mk XVI naval gun|{{convert|4|in|mm|0|adj=on}}]] AA guns (3 × 2) |
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*8 × [[QF 2-pounder naval gun|2-pdr AA pom-pom (2 x 4)]] |
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*[[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|20 mm guns]] AA (2 × 2, 2 x 1) |
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|Ship armour= |
|Ship armour= |
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|Ship notes= |
|Ship notes= |
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}} |
}} |
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{{service record |
{{Infobox service record |
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|is_ship=yes |
|is_ship=yes |
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|label= |
|label= |
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|partof=[[2nd Support Group]] |
|partof=[[2nd Support Group]] |
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|codes= |
|codes= |
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|commanders= |
|commanders=*Lt.Cdr RES Hugonin, |
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*Cdr HL Pryse. |
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|operations=[[Battle of the Atlantic]] |
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|awards= |
|awards= |
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'''HMS ''Woodpecker''''', [[pennant number]] U08, was a |
'''HMS ''Woodpecker''''', [[pennant number]] U08, was a {{sclass|Black Swan|sloop|0}} [[sloop-of-war|sloop]] of the [[Royal Navy]].<ref name=Elliott/> She was active during the [[Second World War]] and was a successful [[anti-submarine warfare]] vessel, being credited with the destruction of six [[U-boat]]s. |
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==Construction== |
==Construction== |
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''Woodpecker'' was ordered on 13 April 1940 under the 1940 Building Programme; she was laid down by [[William Denny & Brothers]] of [[Dumbarton]], [[Scotland]] on 23 February 1941. She was launched on 29 June 1942, and commissioned 14 December the same year, with a build time of 23 months and 10 days.<ref>Elliott p140</ref> |
''Woodpecker'' was ordered on 13 April 1940 under the 1940 Building Programme; she was laid down by [[William Denny & Brothers]] of [[Dumbarton]], [[Scotland]] on 23 February 1941. She was launched on 29 June 1942, and commissioned 14 December the same year, with a build time of 23 months and 10 days.<ref>Elliott p140</ref> |
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The ''Black Swan'' design was subject to many modifications during the building process, which were later consolidated into the Modified ''Black Swan'' design. Although ''Woodpecker'' was ordered under the original design, her late build meant she incorporated many of these modifications and is consequently listed in some sources as one of the Modified ''Black Swan'' class.<ref name=Elliott/> |
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==Service history== |
==Service history== |
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In February ''Woodpecker'', and 2 SG, were on support duty in the Atlantic, though they saw little action. |
In February ''Woodpecker'', and 2 SG, were on support duty in the Atlantic, though they saw little action. |
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In June they were assigned to the [[Bay of Biscay]], supporting [[Coastal Command]]'s [[Operation Musketry]]. On 24 June ''Woodpecker'', with others, found and destroyed |
In June they were assigned to the [[Bay of Biscay]], supporting [[Coastal Command]]'s [[Operation Musketry]]. On 24 June ''Woodpecker'', with others, found and destroyed two U-boats, {{GS|U-119|1942|2}} and {{GS|U-449||2}}, off [[Cape Ortegal]].<ref>Blair p357</ref> |
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On 30 July the group engaged three U-boats, already under air attack; all three were destroyed, with ''Woodpecker'' sharing credit for |
On 30 July the group engaged three U-boats, already under air attack; all three were destroyed, with ''Woodpecker'' sharing credit for {{GS|U-504||2}}.<ref>Blair p392</ref> |
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Following the end of Musketry ''Woodpecker'' was docked for an extensive refit, remaining there until the end of the year. |
Following the end of Musketry ''Woodpecker'' was docked for an extensive refit, remaining there until the end of the year. |
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In January 1944 ''Woodpecker'', under the command of Commander H. L. Pryse, RNR, rejoined 2SG, which was on support duty in the South-Western Approaches. In February ''Woodpecker'' took part in the famous |
In January 1944 ''Woodpecker'', under the command of Commander H. L. Pryse, RNR, rejoined 2SG, which was on support duty in the South-Western Approaches. In February ''Woodpecker'' took part in the famous "Six in one trip" episode, during which she was credited with sharing the destruction of three U-boats. On 8 February, while supporting convoy SL 147/MKS 38, 2SG destroyed three U-boats; ''Woodpecker'' and {{HMS|Wild Goose|U45|2}} were credited with the destruction of {{GS|U-762||2}}.<ref name="Blair498">Blair p498</ref> Three days later ''Woodpecker'' and others caught and destroyed {{GS|U-424||2}}.<ref name="Blair498"/> On 19 February, while supporting ON 224, ''Woodpecker'' and others destroyed {{GS|U-264||2}} after a seven-hour hunt.<ref name="Blair498"/> |
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The following day, on 20 February 1944, ''Woodpecker'' was struck in the stern by an acoustic torpedo launched from the {{GS|U-256||2}}. While being towed toward home, on 27 February 1944 ''Woodpecker'' foundered and sank in an Atlantic storm. The skeleton crew was rescued before the ship went under.<ref name="Blair498"/> |
The following day, on 20 February 1944, ''Woodpecker'' was struck in the stern by [[GNAT (torpedo)|an acoustic torpedo]] launched from the {{GS|U-256||2}}. While being towed toward home, on 27 February 1944 ''Woodpecker'' foundered and sank in an Atlantic storm. The skeleton crew was rescued before the ship went under.<ref name="Blair498"/> |
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''Woodpecker'' was the only ship belonging to 2SG to be sunk. She had shared in six of the groups 23 victories. |
''Woodpecker'' was the only ship belonging to 2SG to be sunk. She had shared in six of the groups 23 victories. |
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During her service ''Woodpecker'' was awarded two battle honours:<ref>Warlow p</ref> |
During her service ''Woodpecker'' was awarded two battle honours:<ref>Warlow p</ref> |
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*Biscay 1943 |
*Biscay 1943 |
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*[[Battle of the Atlantic|Atlantic]] |
*[[Battle of the Atlantic|Atlantic]] 1943–44 |
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==Successes== |
==Successes== |
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During her service ''Woodpecker'' participated in the sinking of six U-boats: |
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* {{GS|U-449||2}}, Near Cape Ortegal, Spain, 24 June 1943 |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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* {{GS|U-462||2}}, Bay of Biscay, 30 July 1943 |
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|- |
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* {{GS|U-504||2}}, Near Cape Ortegal, Spain, 30 July 1943 |
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! Date |
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* {{GS|U-226||2}}, East of Newfoundland, 6 November 1943 |
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! U-boat |
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* {{GS|U-762||2}}, North Atlantic, 8 February 1944 |
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! Type |
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* {{GS|U-424||2}}, Southwest of Ireland, 11 February 1944 |
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! Location<ref>Locations per Kemp; other sources may differ</ref> |
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* {{GS|U-264||2}}, North Atlantic, 11 February 1944 |
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! Notes |
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|- |
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| 24 June 1943 || {{GS|U-119|1942|2}} || [[German Type X submarine|XB]] || [[Bay of Biscay]], NW of [[Cape Ortegal]]<br />{{coord|44|59|N|12|24|W}}|| [[depth-charge]], [[ramming]] by {{HMS|Starling|U66|2}}, ''Woodpecker''<ref>Kemp p126</ref> |
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|- |
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| 24 June 1943 || {{GS|U-449||2}} || [[German Type VII submarine|VIIC]] || NW of Cape Ortegal<br />{{coord|45|00|N|11|59|W}} |
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|| d/c attacks by {{HMS|Wren|U28|2}}, ''Woodpecker'', {{HMS|Kite|U87|2}}, {{HMS|Wild Goose |U45|2}}<ref>Kemp p127</ref><ref>Neistle p66</ref> |
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|- |
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| 30 July 1943 || {{GS|U-504||2}} || [[German Type IX submarine|IXC]] || NW of Cape Ortegal<br />{{coord|45|33|N|10|56|W}}|| d/c attacks by ''Woodpecker'', ''Wild Goose''<ref>Kemp p137</ref><ref>Neistle p124</ref> |
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|- |
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| 8 February 1944 || {{GS|U-762||2}} || VIIC || North Atlantic, W of [[Cape Clear Island|Cape Clear]]<br /> {{coord|49|02|N|16|58|W}} || d/c attacks by ''Woodpecker'', ''Wild Goose''<ref>Kemp p167-8</ref><ref>Neistle p88</ref> |
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|- |
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| 11 February 1944 || {{GS|U-424||2}} || VIIC || N Atlantic, SW of Ireland<br />{{coord|50|00|N|18|14|W}} || d/c attacks by''Wild Goose'', ''Woodpecker'', {{HMS|Magpie|U82|2}}<ref>Kemp p169</ref><ref>Neistle p63</ref> |
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|- |
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| 19 February 1944 || {{GS|U-264||2}} ||VIIC || North Atlantic<br /> {{coord|48|31|N|22|05|W}} || d/c, ramming by ''Starling'', ''Wild Goose'', ''Woodpecker''<ref>Kemp p171</ref><ref>Neistle p51</ref> |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* |
*{{cite book |last1=Blair |first1=Clay |title=Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunted 1942-1945|year=1998 |publisher=Cassell |isbn=0-304-35261-6|author-link=Clay Blair}} |
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* |
*{{cite book|editor-last1=Gardiner|editor-first1=Robert|editor-last2=Chesneau|editor-first2=Roger|title=Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946|year=1980|publisher=Conway Maritime Press|location=London|isbn=0-85177-146-7}} |
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*Arnold Hague : ''The Allied Convoy System |
*Arnold Hague : ''The Allied Convoy System 1939–1945'' (2000). {{ISBN|1-55125-033-0}} (Canada); {{ISBN|1-86176-147-3}} (UK). |
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* |
*{{Cite book |last=Kemp |first=Paul |title=U-Boats Destroyed, German submarine losses in the World Wars |publisher=Arms and Armour |year=1997 |isbn=1-85409-515-3}} |
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* |
*{{cite book |title=German U-Boat Losses During World War II |first=Axel |last=Niestle |publisher=Greenhill |date=1998 |isbn=1-85367-352-8}} |
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*Warlow, B : ''Battle Honours of the Royal Navy'' (2004) ISBN |
*Warlow, B : ''Battle Honours of the Royal Navy'' (2004) {{ISBN|1-904459-05-6}} |
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==Publications== |
==Publications== |
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* {{ |
* {{Cite Colledge2006}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Hague|first=Arnold|title=Sloops: A History of the 71 Sloops Built in Britain and Australia for the British, Australian and Indian Navies 1926–1946|year=1993|publisher=World Ship Society|location=Kendal, England|isbn=0-905617-67-3}} |
* {{cite book|last=Hague|first=Arnold|title=Sloops: A History of the 71 Sloops Built in Britain and Australia for the British, Australian and Indian Navies 1926–1946|year=1993|publisher=World Ship Society|location=Kendal, England|isbn=0-905617-67-3}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-18SL-HMS_Woodpecker.htm HMS ''Woodpecker'' at navalhistory.net] |
*[http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-18SL-HMS_Woodpecker.htm HMS ''Woodpecker'' at navalhistory.net] |
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*{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3920.html |
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|title=HMS ''Woodpecker'' |
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|last=Helgason |
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|first=Guðmundur |
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|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net |
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}} |
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*[http://www.britainsnavy.co.uk/Ships/HMS%20Woodpecker/HMS%20Woodpecker%20(1942)%20SL%201.htm HMS ''Woodpecker'' at britainsnavy.co.uk] |
*[http://www.britainsnavy.co.uk/Ships/HMS%20Woodpecker/HMS%20Woodpecker%20(1942)%20SL%201.htm HMS ''Woodpecker'' at britainsnavy.co.uk] |
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{{Black Swan class sloop}} |
{{Black Swan class sloop}} |
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{{February 1944 shipwrecks}} |
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{{coord|48|49|N|22|11|W|type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}} |
{{coord|48|49|N|22|11|W|type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}} |
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[[Category:Ships sunk by German submarines in World War II]] |
[[Category:Ships sunk by German submarines in World War II]] |
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[[Category:Sloops of the United Kingdom]] |
[[Category:Sloops of the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Ships built on the River Clyde]] |
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[[Category:1942 ships]] |
[[Category:1942 ships]] |
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[[Category:Maritime incidents in February 1944]] |
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[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]] |
Latest revision as of 22:44, 30 October 2023
This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2015) |
Woodpecker in December 1942
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History | |
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United Kingdom | |
Name | HMS Woodpecker |
Namesake | Woodpecker |
Builder | William Denny & Brothers |
Launched | 29 June 1942 |
Commissioned | 14 December 1942 |
Motto | Inveniet qui exquirit: 'He who seeks carefully shall find' |
Honours and awards |
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Fate |
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Badge | On a Field White, a woodpecker clinging to a stump of a tree proper |
General characteristics [1] | |
Class and type | Black Swan-class sloop[2] |
Displacement | 1,350 tons |
Length | 299 ft 6 in (91.29 m) |
Beam | 38 ft 6 in (11.73 m) |
Draught | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
Propulsion |
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Speed | 20 knots (37 km/h) |
Range | 7,500 nmi (13,900 km) at 12 kn (22 km/h) |
Complement | 192 |
Armament |
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Service record | |
Part of: | 2nd Support Group |
Commanders: |
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Operations: | Battle of the Atlantic |
Victories: | 6 U-boats (shared) |
HMS Woodpecker, pennant number U08, was a Black Swan-class sloop of the Royal Navy.[2] She was active during the Second World War and was a successful anti-submarine warfare vessel, being credited with the destruction of six U-boats.
Construction
[edit]Woodpecker was ordered on 13 April 1940 under the 1940 Building Programme; she was laid down by William Denny & Brothers of Dumbarton, Scotland on 23 February 1941. She was launched on 29 June 1942, and commissioned 14 December the same year, with a build time of 23 months and 10 days.[3] The Black Swan design was subject to many modifications during the building process, which were later consolidated into the Modified Black Swan design. Although Woodpecker was ordered under the original design, her late build meant she incorporated many of these modifications and is consequently listed in some sources as one of the Modified Black Swan class.[2]
Service history
[edit]After commissioning, Woodpecker was assigned to convoy escort duty. In April, Woodpecker joined 2nd Support Group, a highly successful anti-submarine warfare group under the command of FJ Walker.
In February Woodpecker, and 2 SG, were on support duty in the Atlantic, though they saw little action.
In June they were assigned to the Bay of Biscay, supporting Coastal Command's Operation Musketry. On 24 June Woodpecker, with others, found and destroyed two U-boats, U-119 and U-449, off Cape Ortegal.[4]
On 30 July the group engaged three U-boats, already under air attack; all three were destroyed, with Woodpecker sharing credit for U-504.[5]
Following the end of Musketry Woodpecker was docked for an extensive refit, remaining there until the end of the year.
In January 1944 Woodpecker, under the command of Commander H. L. Pryse, RNR, rejoined 2SG, which was on support duty in the South-Western Approaches. In February Woodpecker took part in the famous "Six in one trip" episode, during which she was credited with sharing the destruction of three U-boats. On 8 February, while supporting convoy SL 147/MKS 38, 2SG destroyed three U-boats; Woodpecker and Wild Goose were credited with the destruction of U-762.[6] Three days later Woodpecker and others caught and destroyed U-424.[6] On 19 February, while supporting ON 224, Woodpecker and others destroyed U-264 after a seven-hour hunt.[6]
The following day, on 20 February 1944, Woodpecker was struck in the stern by an acoustic torpedo launched from the U-256. While being towed toward home, on 27 February 1944 Woodpecker foundered and sank in an Atlantic storm. The skeleton crew was rescued before the ship went under.[6]
Woodpecker was the only ship belonging to 2SG to be sunk. She had shared in six of the groups 23 victories.
Battle honours
[edit]During her service Woodpecker was awarded two battle honours:[7]
- Biscay 1943
- Atlantic 1943–44
Successes
[edit]During her service Woodpecker participated in the sinking of six U-boats:
Date | U-boat | Type | Location[8] | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
24 June 1943 | U-119 | XB | Bay of Biscay, NW of Cape Ortegal 44°59′N 12°24′W / 44.983°N 12.400°W |
depth-charge, ramming by Starling, Woodpecker[9] |
24 June 1943 | U-449 | VIIC | NW of Cape Ortegal 45°00′N 11°59′W / 45.000°N 11.983°W |
d/c attacks by Wren, Woodpecker, Kite, Wild Goose[10][11] |
30 July 1943 | U-504 | IXC | NW of Cape Ortegal 45°33′N 10°56′W / 45.550°N 10.933°W |
d/c attacks by Woodpecker, Wild Goose[12][13] |
8 February 1944 | U-762 | VIIC | North Atlantic, W of Cape Clear 49°02′N 16°58′W / 49.033°N 16.967°W |
d/c attacks by Woodpecker, Wild Goose[14][15] |
11 February 1944 | U-424 | VIIC | N Atlantic, SW of Ireland 50°00′N 18°14′W / 50.000°N 18.233°W |
d/c attacks byWild Goose, Woodpecker, Magpie[16][17] |
19 February 1944 | U-264 | VIIC | North Atlantic 48°31′N 22°05′W / 48.517°N 22.083°W |
d/c, ramming by Starling, Wild Goose, Woodpecker[18][19] |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Conway p57
- ^ a b c Elliott p140. Some sources list Woodpecker as a Modified Black Swan class vessel. See "Construction"
- ^ Elliott p140
- ^ Blair p357
- ^ Blair p392
- ^ a b c d Blair p498
- ^ Warlow p
- ^ Locations per Kemp; other sources may differ
- ^ Kemp p126
- ^ Kemp p127
- ^ Neistle p66
- ^ Kemp p137
- ^ Neistle p124
- ^ Kemp p167-8
- ^ Neistle p88
- ^ Kemp p169
- ^ Neistle p63
- ^ Kemp p171
- ^ Neistle p51
References
[edit]- Blair, Clay (1998). Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunted 1942-1945. Cassell. ISBN 0-304-35261-6.
- Gardiner, Robert; Chesneau, Roger, eds. (1980). Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-146-7.
- Arnold Hague : The Allied Convoy System 1939–1945 (2000). ISBN 1-55125-033-0 (Canada); ISBN 1-86176-147-3 (UK).
- Kemp, Paul (1997). U-Boats Destroyed, German submarine losses in the World Wars. Arms and Armour. ISBN 1-85409-515-3.
- Niestle, Axel (1998). German U-Boat Losses During World War II. Greenhill. ISBN 1-85367-352-8.
- Warlow, B : Battle Honours of the Royal Navy (2004) ISBN 1-904459-05-6
Publications
[edit]- 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.
- Hague, Arnold (1993). Sloops: A History of the 71 Sloops Built in Britain and Australia for the British, Australian and Indian Navies 1926–1946. Kendal, England: World Ship Society. ISBN 0-905617-67-3.
External links
[edit]- HMS Woodpecker at navalhistory.net
- Helgason, Guðmundur. "HMS Woodpecker". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net.
- HMS Woodpecker at britainsnavy.co.uk