Bay Class Auxiliary Landing Ship Statistics:-

Length: 176 metres
Beam: 26.4 metres
Beam, inc Mexeflotes: 32.2 metres
Approx deep draught: 5.8 metres
Displacement: 16,160 tonnes
Speed: 18 knots (Maximum)
Complement: Approx 60 RFA personnel
Military Lift
Troops: 356
Landing Craft: 2 x LCPV or 1 x LCU Mk10
Mexeflotes (powered rafts): 2 (Transported fixed to hull sides)
Vehicle deck: Approx 1200 linear metres
Aviation facilities: Chinook capable flight deck
Armament: Self defence capability
Military communications package

This name has not been used previously by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, but a Bay Class frigate of the same name served in the Royal Navy between 1945 and 1962.

The ship was completed at Leith by Henry Robb Ltd in 1945 and joined the Mediterranean Fleet in the same year. Four years later she was transferred to the Far East Station, where she remained until 1960. During her time in the Far East HMS Cardigan Bay took part in the Korean War, for which she carries the battle honour.

In 1960 she returned home via the Caribbean and arrived in the UK in April 1961, before being broken up at Troon in 1962.

Welcome to the HMS Cardigan Bay Association
President:- Michael Solomons.
Chairman:- Ron Binmore. Treasurer:- Donny Grier. Secretary:- Bob Hackett. Welfare:- Tony Palmer.

E-Mail here.....

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The launch of the new RFA Cardigan Bay took place on Saturday the 9th of April 2005, at the BAE System yard in Govan in scotland on a cold, windy and wet day. She should have been launched on Friday the 8th of April, but due to high winds and a lack of water in the Clyde the launch was postponed until the following day.

An estimated crowed of some 13,000 were in attendance among which which were members of the HMS Cardigan Bay Association who were all shivering with the cold and desperately trying to keep warm. Some of us managed to get into the VIP reception and enjoy champagne and canopes, whilst others were left out in the cold and had to fend for themselves!!!
Because of the high winds there were quite a few tugs in attendance to make sure she never got away. The tugs towed her out of the launching basin, swung her around and then gently led her back into a docking space just across the yard from where she was launched. It was a wonderful sight to see this ship coming into port bearing the name CARDIGAN BAY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some were lucky enough to attend the Dedication Service of the RFA Cardigan Bay which took place on the 6th of March 2007, among them was Shipmate Rod Judge who very kindly sent me these pictures. It would seem that a good day was had by all, good food, good hospitality and a wonderful experience, well done and a BIG THANK YOU to all on RFA Cardigan Bay who made our day one to remember.

Captain Nigel Jones of the RFA Cardigan B and shipmate Eric Harris
two Welshmen otherwise known as Taffies!!