Royal Navy (1985 to 1990)

Using information of Royal Navy Wartime Orbat and what is cannon in Red Dawn + 40.

Cruisers

Tiger-class cruiser

HMS Tiger (C24)
HMS Blake (C99)

Class of light cruiser armed with automatic 6inch and 3inch guns, converted to ‘helicopter cruisers’. Aft 6inch and 3inch guns removed and replaced by flight deck and hanger capable of operating four Wessex, or later Sea King ASW helicopters. One more cruiser, HMS Lion (C34) had conversion cancelled and was scrapped, although spare parts were salvaged from her. Ships could also accommodate an RM Company. Both cruisers in reserve 1978-1983. Underwent major refit and modernisation 1983-1985. Headed ASW Hunting Groups and provided Naval Gunfire Support for Iceland landings.

Royalist (Type 43) class cruiser

HMS Royalist (C25) (1).
HMS Ferocious (C26)
HMS Gallant (C27)
HMS Havoc (C28)

(1) denotes lost in action. ‘Double ended’ Sea Dart equipped air defence ships, four built. Originally cancelled in 1981, but restored post Falklands War. When designed were classed as destroyers but were upgraded to cruiser status. Generally served as senior air defence ship of Carrier, or amphibious battle groups. Survivors have been replaced by Tiger (Type 46) class.

Destroyer

County-class destroyer

HMS Kent (D12), Batch 1.
HMS London (D16), Batch 1.
HMS Antrim (D18), Batch 2.
HMS Glamorgan (D19), Batch 2.
HMS Fife (D20), Batch 2.
HMS Norfolk (D21), Batch 2.

HMS Kent and HMS London where lost in action, HMS Norfolk (D21) was a constructive Total Loss after striking mine. Kent and London survivors of Batch 1 ships; Kent was alongside training ship from 1980, restored to active service after outbreak of war. London was to be sold to Pakistan and Antrim and Glamorgan to Chile. Sales suspended 1983 until new construction entered service, war intervened. Survivors sold to Chile in 1992. Batch 1 ships retained twin 4.5inch guns in ‘B’ position, Batch 2 ships had B turret replaced by 4x Exocet launchers. Although essentially obsolete these ships served successfully on convoy escort duty where they usually embarked the SNO and his staff and were valued for their capabilities in NGS.

Bristol (Type 81) class destroyer

HMS Bristol (D23)

A one-off ship intended as the first of a larger class which would have escorted CVA-01. When that carrier was cancelled remaining ships cancelled and Bristol built as test bed for new weapons systems (i.e. Sea Dart, Ikara etc). Now serves as Sea Cadet Training Ship at HMNB Portsmouth.

Sheffield (Type 42) class destroyer

HMS Birmingham (D86), Batch 1.
HMS Newcastle (D87), Batch 1.
HMS Glasgow (D88), Batch 1.
HMS Cardiff (D108), Batch 1.
HMS Exeter (D89), Batch 2.
HMS Southampton (D90), Batch 2.
HMS Nottingham (D91), Batch 2.
HMS Liverpool (D92), Batch 2.
HMS Manchester (D95), Batch 3.
HMS Gloucester (D96), Batch 3.
HMS Edinburgh (D97), Batch 3.
HMS York (D98), Batch 3.
HMS Leith (D93), Batch 4.
HMS Aberdeen (D94), Batch 4.
HMS Douglas (D99), Batch 4.
HMS Hull (D101), Batch 4.

HMS Cardiff,HMS Southampton and HMS Aberdeen where lost in action. Built as ‘cheaper’ replacements for Type 81 class; cost-cutting meant that Batch 1 and 2 were shorter than the navy would have liked, leading to overcrowding in some parts of the class, notably the Operations Room, sea-keeping was also effected negatively. However unlike Type 81 the Type 42 had a hanger for a Lynx helicopter. Batch 3 ships were lengthened to improve sea-keeping and give more internal space. Also incorporated lessons of Falklands War. Batch 4s were War Emergency repeats of the Batch 3.

Dundee (Type 42I) class destroyer

HMS Dundee (D102)
HMS Cardiff (D103)
HMS Southampton (D104)
HMS Liverpool (D105)

Repeat Batch 4 ships built to replace those lost during the war. Were equipped with Lightweight Sea Wolf in addition to Sea Dart.