





England



HMS Norfolk

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HMS Norfolk, England.
Norfolk County, with it's 100 miles of coastline, has always had a strong connection with the sea, from the brave fishermen who help feed us, to one of our greatest National heroes - Nelson, who learned to sail as a child near his birthplace in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk.
So it is fitting that the Royal Navy should mark that connection with a ship named Norfolk, and over the centuries there have been 6 vessels proudly bearing the name HMS Norfolk.
Unfortunately, the 6th ship to bear the name HMS Norfolk was decommissioned in April 2005, and as yet no replacement is being planned.
HMS Norfolk's through the years.
The first HMS Norfolk (1693 - 1749) was an 80 gun, 3rd rate Ship of the Line. Built at Southampton, the ship displaced 1184 tons and was later re-built in Plymouth after earning her first battle honour at Velez Malaga.
The second HMS Norfolk (1757 - 1764 ) was a 74 gun 3rd rate vessel. Built at Deptford, and saw service in the West Indies where she became the flagship of the Commander in Chief East Indies station.
The third HMS Norfolk (1807 - 1812) was a cutter hired for Naval use.
The fourth HMS Norfolk (1927 - 1949), a County Class Cruiser of 9,925 tons displacement was launched on 12th Dec 1928. She distinguished herself during World War II, playing a significant role in the actions that resulted in the sinking of the German Bismarck and Scharnhorst. Her battle honours include Atlantic 1941, Arctic 1941-43, North Africa 1942, North Cape 1943, and Norway 1945.
 The fifth HMS Norfolk (1967 - 1982), a guided missile destroyer, was launched by Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk in November 1967. It was the first Royal Navy vessel to be armed with the Exocet missile system. The Prince of Wales, in his first seagoing appointment, served aboard her for two years.
The sixth HMS Norfolk (1989 - 2005), the first in the Duke Class of Type 23 Frigates, was built at Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd. on the Clyde and launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon, on the 11th July 1987 and accepted into Naval Service on the 24th November 1989.
She had a complement of 177 (not including Flight).
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