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.