HMAS Parramatta (U44)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

HMAS Parramatta in 1940
Grimsby-class RAN jack
HMAS Parramatta
General Characteristics
Displacement: 1,060 tons (standard)
1500-1515 tons (full load)
Length: 266 ft o/a (79.8 m)
Beam: 36 ft (10.8 m)
Draught: 7 ft 6 in (2.25 m)
Propulsion: Parsons, steam turbines, 2 shafts,
2,000 shp
Speed: 16.5 knots
Complement: 135 men
Armament (RAN): 3 x 4 in AA

4 x 3 pdr
1 x MG
2 x Depth Charge Throwers
2 x twin tubes for 21 in torpedoes

Cost: 220 000 pounds for Australian built ships

HMAS Parramatta (U44), the second ship to bear that name, was a Grimsby class sloop of the Royal Australian Navy that served during World War II. She was laid down on 9 November 1938 at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard at Sydney in New South Wales. She was commissioned into service with the Royal Australian Navy on 8 April 1940 and soon commenced duty as a convoy escort. Commanded by Cdr. J.H. Walker, R.A.N., DSC, Parramatta was escorting transports resupplying the Allied garrison at Tobruk, when she was torpedoed and sunk on 27 Nov 1941 by U-559 in position 32.20N, 24.35E. There were 24 survivors but 138 men, including all officers, lost their lives.

For other ships of the name, see HMAS Parramatta

[edit] Bibliography

  • Warships of Australia, Ross Gillett, Illustrations Colin Graham, Rigby Limited, 1977, ISBN 0-7270-0472-7

[edit] See also

Australian military stub This Australian Military article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.