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HMS Brocklesby (M33)
Organisation / Units & Squadrons

HMS Brocklesby (M33)

As a Mine Counter-Measures Vessel (MCMV), HMS Brocklesby’s role is simple: to detect and destroy enemy mines.

Role

HMS Brocklesby is a Hunt Class mine counter-measures vessel. As the name suggests, her primary purpose is to seek out and neutralise enemy mines using Sonar technology and a combination of highly trained Mine Clearance Divers and the Seafox unmanned underwater vehicle. Brocklesby’s glass-reinforced plastic hull – one of the largest of its kind – helps protect her from mines.

Capability

The primary purpose of HMS Brocklesby is to seek out and neutralise enemy mines, in addition to her mine counter-measures activities, HMS Brocklesby has a secondary role as an offshore patrol vessel, undertaking coastal patrol duties around the UK and abroad.

Hunt Class

Crew

Made up of six officers and 39 ratings, the crew of HMS Brocklesby includes Engineers, Divers, Mine Warfare Specialists and more. Together, their roles and responsibilities include:

  • Mine detection
  • Mine clearance
  • Operating weaponry
  • Operating the Seafox unmanned underwater vehicle
  • Offshore patrols
  • Humanitarian support
  • Disaster relief

Unit history

1917

The First Brocklesby

The first was an ex-coaster taken up from trade in 1916. Re-categorised as a Merchant Fleet Auxiliary she was used to patrol the East Coast.
1940

The Second Brocklesby

The second HMS Brocklesby was launched on 30 September 1940. A Hunt-class destroyer, she served in the Second World War, spending much of her time in the Mediterranean and the English Channel.
1942

Plymouth command

On completion, HMS Brocklesby joined the 15th Destroyer Flotilla under Plymouth Command. Her first duty was to cover convoys until, in 1942 taking part in the raid on St Nazaire in 1942.
1942

Plymouth command

On completion, HMS Brocklesby joined the 15th Destroyer Flotilla under Plymouth Command. Her first duty was to cover convoys until, in 1942 taking part in the raid on St Nazaire in 1942.
1942

Operation Jubilee

In August, HMS Brocklesby took part in Operation Jubilee, the raid on Dieppe. She provided covering fire for one of the 13 groups involved in the raid with the Polish destroyer Slazak, taking several hits.
1942

Repairs and raids

On rejoining the Flotilla Brocklesby was soon in action again; this time in Operation Bowery, in which the German armed raider Komet was torpedoed and sunk.
1943

Joining the Mediterranean Fleet

In the first week of June 1943, Brocklesby took part in the escort of what is believed to be the largest convoy of the war. In 1943 and 1944 Brocklesby took part in several bombardments of enemy positions.
1943

Joining the Mediterranean Fleet

In the first week of June 1943, Brocklesby took part in the escort of what is believed to be the largest convoy of the war. In 1943 and 1944 Brocklesby took part in several bombardments of enemy positions.
1945

Recall and reclassification

Increased enemy activities with U-boats and E-boats in home waters resulted in the recall of six Hunt-class destroyers for service nearer home. In 1945 she was reclassed as a Frigate.
1963

Sailing for the last time

On 22 June 1963, HMS Brocklesby, the last of the Hunt-class, sailed into Portsmouth for the last time. After 22 years’ service she paid off, de-stored and was placed on the sales list.
1982

The present Brocklesby

The current HMS Brocklesby was launched 12 January 1982. She was accepted into service on 25 October 1982 and commissioned on 3 February 1983 at HMS Vernon.
2003

Iraq

HMS Brocklesby gained her most recent battle honour when she was among the first coalition ships into Umm Qasr during operations in Iraq. Clearing a mined channel into the port.
2003

Iraq

HMS Brocklesby gained her most recent battle honour when she was among the first coalition ships into Umm Qasr during operations in Iraq. Clearing a mined channel into the port.

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