1946

HMS Broadsword was a destroyer of the “Weapons (Battleaxe)” Class ordered under the 1943 Programme. Built and engined by Yarrow & Co Ltd, Scotstoun, Glasgow, she was laid down on 20th July 1944, launched on 5th february 1946 and completed on 4th October 1948. Of 1.980 tons standard displacement, Broadsword was 365’0” length and draught (aft) of 17’1”. Designed top speed was 34 knots with an endurance of 6,500 miles at 15 knots, 4,500 miles at 20 knots and 1,650 miles at full speed. Armament when built was 4 x 4” guns in twin mountings, 4 x 40mm Bofors in STAGG mountings and 2 x 40mm Bofors in single mountings. Broadsword was fitted with 2 x 21” pentad revolving torpedo tubes for which she carried an outfit of 10 torpedoes. For anti submarine warefare, she was fitted with one squid mounting, for which she was outfitted with 120 missiles, and 1 rail with an outfit of 15 depth charges. In 1953 2 x 4” guns were removed together with the depth charge equipment. In place of the single squid fitted, she was fitted with double squid (Port and Starboard). In 1958 the torpedo equipment was removed.

1949

Upon completion HMS Broadsword was allocated to the 6th Destroyer Flotilla. She first went to Portsmouth and in November to Chatam where she was taken in hand on 29th November for completion of modifications, the work being completed on 31st December, she then left for Portland and thence to Cambletown. In June 1949 she was attached temporary to the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla for gunnery trials off Malta, returning to the UK in early September to rejoin the 6th Flotilla.

1950

On 29th May 1950, after the home fleet Spring cruise, Broadsword left th eUK for Norfolk, Vaginia, to be attached to the US Operational Developement Force, mainly for gunnery. She left the USA on 21st August to arrive back at Sheerness on 1st September. After a short docking Broadsword took part in the Home Fleet Atumn Cruise.

1951 - 1952

In 1952 and 1952 she took part in Home Fleet cruises and excercises.

1953

In April 1953 Broadsword was reduced to the Reserve at Chatham. In August 1953 she was placed in a state of preservation and dehumidification.

1955

Then in August 1955 broadsword was reoved from the Special Reserve.

1956

In November 1956 Broadsword was towed to Rosyth for refit, not completed until October 1958.

1959

On completion she was allocated to the 7th Destroyer squadron and, after work-up trials, took part in the home fleet cruise. During the early part of 1959 Broadsword was in the Mediteranean taking part in cruises and exercises. In April she returned to Portsmouth and thence to Chatham. broadsword was on the Iceland Patrol from 19th May to 3rd June and again from 24thy July to 12th August. She then went to Chatham for repairs which were not completed until the end of October.

1960

After a short period on exercises early in 1960 Broadsword was transfered in March to the Mediteranean Fleet where she took part in many execsises and visits. On 29th July 1960 she gave assistance to the SS Hartismere after an explosion aboard the latter ship off Malta. In August Broadsword was taken in hand at Gibraltar for a refit, the work not being completed intil mid November.

1961

On 25th March 1961 Broadsword arrived back at Chatham having taken part in an exersise on her way home. During her year in the mediteranean she had steamed 36,000 miles while engaged on NATO and National exersises. Broadsword had a further spell on the Iceland Patrol from 6th September to 25th September 1961. She then took part in a number of visits and exersises.

1962

In April 1962 she returned to the Mediteranean Startion, where again she took part in many exersises and visits. On 6th December 1962 Broadsword legft Gibraltar for Portsmouth, arriving on 10th December to enter the Reserve Feet.

1964

On 24th january 1964 Broadsword was placed on the Disposal List.

1968

In April 1968 she was towed to Rosyth where she was used for a time in connection with torpedo trials. On 18th July 1968 she was sold to T W Ward Ltd for breaking up at Inverkeithing.