Help needed: I'm trying to gather information on HMS Titania and
HMS Blackwood (K313) during WW2. My father served on these, and I'm trying to fit together his service record with the photos I have been left.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Copies of photos available if anyone interested.
Many thanks, Tony Whitby.

TITANIA was a submarine depot ship; purchased in 1915 in 1940 she was re-commissioned after a refit. From October 1940 she was stationed at Rosyth supporting the 3rd Submarine squadron then later the 8th SM. Moved to Loch Erisort (Hebrides) in 1942, being used as a depot for training subs; at Oban in 1943; Portsmouth 1945.

BLACKWOOD US built destroyer escort; built at Boston Navy Yard, launched 23 Nov. 1942 she commissioned in March 1943; initially joined the 3rd Escort Group, later to the 4th Escort Group, based at Belfast. Employed in Atlantic convoy escort duties, escorting several convoys.  On 23.11.43 in company with her sisters Bazely and Drury sank the U-648 and on 25.11.1943 in company with her sister Bazely, sank U-600 off Punta Delgada.

On 13.3.44 in company with three other escorts involved in a long hunt for a submarine off Slyne Head.


During June 1944 she was one of a group of escorts dealing with any attepted submarine attacks against invasion ships.  On 15 June 1944 she was torpedoed when 23 miles south of Portland Bill, being hit by a torpedo from U-764, which exploded her forward magazine.  A tow was attempted, but she foundered the following day.

Thanks for the info PhiloNauticus. Do you have any other information, or any idea where I could search?
Tony

Tony would it be possible to get copies of your Blackwood photos' Do you have any crew pictures? I am helping a friend who's gradfather served on the Blackwood.