HMS Onslow (G17)

HMS "Onslow" was an O-class destroyer of the Royal Navy which entered service in 1941. She was outfitted as the flotilla leader of the O-class.

ervice

Her most notable action was at the Battle of the Barents Sea in 1942, while escorting Convoy JW 51B to Russia. The convoy came under fire, and together with other destroyers, she held off attacks from the much more powerful German cruiser . The "Onslow" was heavily damaged during these attacks, and her Captain, Robert St Vincent Sherbrooke, was severely injured. However, the outcome of the battle was that the German ships withdrew despite their superior force, and the convoy safely arrived in Russia. The "Onslow" was repaired and Captain Sherbrooke was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross.

The "Onslow" was also involved in the sinking of U-Boat "U-589" in September 1942 as part of Arctic Convoy PQ-18, and was involved in convoy escort duties during the Battle of North Cape in 1943.

In 1944 she was part of the naval escort for the ill-fated Exercise Tiger, and was part of the naval screen during the Normandy Landings.

In 1949 the ship was procured by the Pakistan Navy and renamed the "Tippu Sultan". She served until 1979.

Writer and journalist Alan Ross also served on the ship during World War II.

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