HMS Beaufort (L14)

HMS Beaufort was a Hunt-class destroyer of the Royal Navy. She was laid down on 17 July 1940 at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead. She was launched on 9 June 1941 and commissioned on 3 November 1941. She was transferred to the Royal Norwegian Navy in 1952 and scrapped in 1965.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Beaufort.

Beaufort in May 1945
History
United Kingdom
Name:	HMS Beaufort
Ordered:	4 September 1940
Builder:	Cammell Laird
Laid down:	17 July 1940
Launched:	9 June 1941
Commissioned:	3 November 1941
Norway
Name:	KNM Haugesund
Acquired:	transferred to the Royal Norwegian Navy in 1952
Identification:	F312
Fate:	Sold for breaking up in 1965
Notes:	Pennant number: D312 changed to F312 after 1956
General characteristics
Class and type:	Hunt-class destroyer

Second World War service

She was captained by Lt-Cdr Sir Standish O'Grady Roche, Bart, DSO in the Second Battle of Sirte, 22 March 1942.

Postwar service

On 10 June 1945 Beaufort arrived in Cardiff from the Mediterranean for a refit, however this was abandoned and she was towed to Devonport and placed in reserve.[1]

In 1952 she was sold to Norway and renamed Haugesund. In 1954 she was fitted with lattice masts and two Squid Anti-submarine mortars, in place of the 'X' gun turret on the aft of the ship.[2] She was scrapped in 1965[3]

KNM Haugesund circa 1960.

References

1. Critchley, Mike, "British Warships Since 1945: Part 3: Destroyers", Maritime Books: Liskeard, UK, 1982. ISBN 0-9506323-9-2, page 35
2. Blackman, Raymond V B, Jane's Fighting Ships 1963-4, Sampson Low, Marston & Co. Ltd, London, p188
3. Helgason, Guðmundur. "HMS Beaufort (L 14)". Allied Warships of WWII. Uboat.net. Retrieved 23 March 2011.

Publications

• 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.