- Yes - In the Tech Tree.
- Yes - Event/BP.
- Yes - Premium.
- No - I would not like to see Loch Achanalt in game.
HMCS Loch Achanalt underway in coastal waters, (n.d)
Description:
HMCS Loch Achanalt was one of only three Loch-class Frigates loaned to the Royal Canadian Navy from the Royal Navy during the Second World War, in which she would serve.
Like many RCN vessels of this time, she would be originally laid down for service with the Royal Navy, being transferred while under construction for use within the RCN escort squadrons, assisting the critical Atlantic convoys from the U-boat threat.
This suggestion is for HMCS Achanalt as she commissioned into the RCN in 1944.
HMCS Loch Achanalt underway in coastal waters, photo taken from another escort vessel. (n.d)
History:
Originally ordered as a River-class Frigate, to be named Naver in 1942, however, her order would be changed to a Loch-class frigate to be named Loch Achanalt before she was laid down. She would be constructed by Henry Robb, at Leith, Scotland. Eventually she would be laid down on the 14th of September 1943, launching on the 23rd of March 1944.
During sea trials, before she could commission into the RN, she would transfer to the RCN along with two of her Loch-class sisters. Soon after transferal, but before completion, she would commission into the RCN. This would take place on the 31st of July 1945, finally finishing trials and completing on the 11th of August 1944.
Upon commissioning she would join the 6th Canadian Escort Group out of Londonderry, as an ASW escort in the Western Approaches. By October 1944, she would spot the U-1006 via radar, with the River-class HMCS Annan releasing Depth Charges and sinking the submarine. She would be under a small refit on the 11th of November 1944, as to increase hull stiffening, these works would complete on the 29th of December. She would rejoin her group at Belfast that day.
In early 1945, the 6th EG would move to cover the channel convoys entering Portsmouth. This would last until the 14th of March 1944, when the group would transfer to Halifax for further escort duties. The group would be disbanded on the 23rd of May. Loch Achanalt would return to the UK on the 29th, and upon arrival would pay off on the 5th of June into reserve. She would be officially returned to the RN that month.
Bridge and Fo’c’sle on HMCS Loch Achanalt, 4-inch gun and Squid mortars are visible
She would be commissioned into the RCN for only 309 days before being returned to the Royal Navy.
She would sit in reserve for a number of years, before she would eventually be selected for sale to New Zealand in 1948, as one of six Loch-class frigates purchased by that country. She would undergo a small refit before leaving the UK, recommissioning as the HMNZS Pukaki. The Pukaki would see service through the Korean War, eventually being sold for scrap in October 1965.
| General Characteristics: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name: HMCS Loch Achanalt | |||||
| Country: Canada | |||||
| Type: Frigate | |||||
| Class name: Loch | |||||
| Year of commission: 1944 | |||||
| Refit: 1944 | |||||
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||
| Dimensions: | |||||
| Length: 307ft (93m) | |||||
| Beam: 38.5ft (11.7m) | |||||
| Draught: 8.75ft (2.67m) | |||||
| Displacement: 1,458 t standard | |||||
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||
| Propulsion: | |||||
| Powerplant: 2x Oil fired boilers, driving VTE @ 5,500ihp (4,100 kW) across two shafts | |||||
| Speed: 19.5kt | |||||
| Endurance: 9,500nmi @ 12kt | |||||
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||
| Armament & sensors: | |||||
| Compliment: 114 | |||||
| Primary armament: 1x1 QF-4 inch Mk V on HA Mk.III** | |||||
| Secondary armament: 2x2 20mm Oerlikons, 2x1 20mm Oerlikons, 1x4 QF-2pdr Mk.VIII | |||||
| Tertiary armament: 2x3 Squid AS Mortar, 15DC, one rail two DCT | |||||
| Radar: Type 277 | |||||
| Sonar: Type 144, Type 144B | |||||
| Other Systems: H/F D/F |
HMCS Loch Achanalt as the HMNZS Pukaki after her sale to New Zealand in 1948.
Sources:
Macpherson, K., & Burgess, J. (1982). The Ships of Canada’s Naval Forces 1910-1981 (p.66)
P.Boniface, (2013), Loch Class Frigates, (pp.7-16)
HMCS LOCH ACHANALT K424 - For Posterity's Sake
HMS Loch Achanalt, later HMNZS Pukaki
HMS Loch Achanalt - Wikipedia
HMCS LOCH ACHANALT | Ships of the Royal Canadian Navy