HMAS Quickmatch
From Our Contribution
 ww2 version - Navy photo | |
 HMAS Quickmatch in 1955 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | HMAS Quickmatch |
| Owner | RAN |
| Builder | J. Samuel White & Co |
| Launched | 11 Apr 1942 |
| Completed | 14 Sep 1942 |
| In service | 14 Sep 1942 |
| Out of service | 15 May 1950 |
| In service | 23 Sep 1955 |
| Out of service | 26 Apr 1963 |
| Reclassified | Anti-submarine frigate |
| Fate | Used as barracks ship until 1972, when she was sold for scrap |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Q Class Destroyer |
| Tonnage | 2,420 tons |
| Length | 358 ft 3 in (109.19m) |
| Beam | 35 ft 8 in (10.87m) |
| Propulsion | twin screw |
| Speed | 31 knots (57 kmh) |
| Capacity | 220 crew |
Remarks
One of eight Q-class destroyers, she was operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Although commissioned into the RAN in 1942, the ship was initially the property of the Royal Navy. Quickmatch served with both the British Eastern Fleet and British Pacific Fleet during World War II. From October 1942, Quickmatch operated as a convoy escort vessel; initially in British waters, then in the South Atlantic, then in the Indian Ocean. While in the Indian Ocean, the ship was assigned to a force dedicated to covering convoys between the Gulf of Aden and India.
In October 1943, Quickmatch underwent a refit before remaining in Australian waters until March 1945, when she was reassigned to the British Pacific Fleet. Quickmatch took part in operations in support of the American seizure of Okinawa and attacks on the Japanese home islands.
In the 1950s, the destroyer was converted into an anti-submarine frigate. In 1957, Quickmatch operated in support of Malaya during the Malayan Emergency. The ship remained in service until 1963, and after use as an accommodation ship, was sold for scrap in 1972.
Armament
- 4 × QF 4.7 inch Mk IX guns
- 1 × quadruple 2-pounder pom-pom
- 6 × 20 mm Oerlikon guns
- 4 × Depth charge throwers
- 2 × quadruple 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tube sets
Battle Honours
- English Channel 1942
- Atlantic 1943
- Indian Ocean 1943–44
- Sabang 1944
- Pacific 1944–45
- Okinawa 1945
- Malaya 1957
Crew
- Ian Stuart MacLean 7 Sep - 1 Nov 1942