Ships Bell HMS Khartoum
Name/Title
Ships Bell HMS KhartoumEntry/Object ID
2025.1.284Description
The Ships Bell of HMS Khartoum - Launched 1939 Sunk June 1940Context
K-Class Destroyer ordered from Swan Hunter at Wallsend, Newcastle under the 1937 Programme in March 1937 and laid down on 27th October that year. She was launched on 6th February 1939 as the first RN warship to carry this name. Build was completed on 6th November 1939 and she was commissioned for service in the 5th Destroyer Flotilla, Home Fleet. 23rd Deployed with HMS KANDAHAR, HMS KINGSTON and HM Sloop SHOREHAM in search for TORRICELLI near Perim Island. After interception took part in surface engagement with these ships during which enemy submarine was sunk. Hit by return fire which damaged the after torpedo tube mounting. Subsequently an air vessel exploded causing a serious uncontrollable fire which prevented access to magazine flooding controls. The resulting explosion of the magazine killed one of the ship’s company, injured three others and wrecked the stern structure aft of the Engine Room causing extensive flooding. Ship settled on an even keel with forward structure awash. Ship’s company rescued by HMS KANDAHAR and taken to Aden. Equipment was dismantled and other security measures were implemented before the ship was abandoned. The wreck remained visible after the end of WW2. Her loss is now completely attributed to a torpedo air vessel defect, and was not due to any hit by the Italian TORRICELLICategory
Marine