HMS Cavalier (R73/D73) is a significant and historically important C-class destroyer of the Royal Navy, renowned as the last surviving British destroyer that took part in World War II [3, 4, 9]. Today, she is preserved as a museum ship at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and serves as The National Destroyer Memorial [1, 5, 10].

Construction and Commissioning: HMS Cavalier was laid down by J. Samuel White and Company at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight on 28 March 1943, launched on 7 April 1944, and commissioned into the Royal Navy on 22 November 1944 [3, 4, 9]. She was part of the "Ca" class, one of 96 War Emergency Programme destroyers ordered between 1940 and 1942 [1, 4, 9]. Notably, she was among the first ships to be built with a partially welded hull (forward and aft sections), which contributed to her speed [1, 9].

World War II Service: After commissioning, Cavalier joined the 6th Destroyer Flotilla of the Home Fleet and quickly saw action. In February 1945, she participated in operations off Norway and notably reinforced Arctic Convoy RA64 from the Kola Inlet, which had been severely battered by enemy attacks and a hurricane. Her involvement in successfully reforming and escorting the convoy earned her the "Arctic 1945" battle honour [1, 4, 9]. She also escorted troopships RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth across the Atlantic [1, 9].

Post-War and Modernization: Although prepared for the British Pacific Fleet, the war with Japan ended before she could see action there. She did, however, assist in re-establishing order in the East Indies, including providing naval gunfire support during the Battle of Surabaya and helping to suppress the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny [4, 9]. Between 1955 and 1957, Cavalier underwent a significant modernization at Thornycroft's shipyard, which included the fitting of two Squid anti-submarine mortars and improved radar equipment, enhancing her capabilities as a general-purpose escort [1, 4, 9].

Cold War and Later Service: After modernization, Cavalier served in the Far East, participating in exercises, goodwill visits, and even in Operation Grapple (British nuclear weapon tests) in 1958 [4]. In December 1962, she played a role in the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, transporting troops to Brunei and serving as a communications headquarters [4].

"Fastest of the Greyhounds": In 1971, nearing the end of her career, HMS Cavalier participated in a famous 64-mile race against the frigate HMS Rapid (which shared a similar hull form and machinery), winning by a mere 30 yards. This impressive feat cemented her nickname, "The Fastest of the Greyhounds," highlighting her exceptional speed [1, 2, 4, 9]. She achieved an average speed of 31.8 knots during the race [4].

Decommissioning: HMS Cavalier was decommissioned for the last time at Chatham Dockyard on 6 July 1972, having steamed 564,140 miles during her 27 years of active service [2, 4, 9].

Campaign for Preservation: After decommissioning, HMS Cavalier faced the common fate of warships: being dismantled for scrap. However, a five-year campaign led by Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten of Burma championed her preservation as a unique survivor [1, 4, 9].

Journey to Chatham: She was purchased by The HMS Cavalier Trust for £65,000 in 1977 and initially opened to the public in Southampton in 1982. After unsuccessful ventures in Southampton and Brighton, and even a proposal to send her to a Malaysian theme park, the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, in collaboration with the Cavalier Trust, successfully campaigned for her to be brought to Chatham [1, 2, 4, 9].

National Destroyer Memorial: In May 1998, HMS Cavalier arrived at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where she now resides in No. 2 dry dock – the same dock where HMS Victory was built [1, 2, 4, 9]. On 14 November 2007, she was officially designated as The National Destroyer Memorial, commemorating the 142 Royal Navy destroyers sunk during World War II and the 11,000 men who lost their lives on those ships [1, 4, 9]. A bronze monument by artist Kenneth Potts stands alongside her, further emphasizing her memorial status [1, 10].

Museum Ship: HMS Cavalier is open to the public at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, allowing visitors to explore her decks, bridge, and learn about the lives of the sailors who served aboard her [1, 4]. She is continuously maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers [1, 9].

References

• 1. The Historic Dockyard Chatham. (n.d.). HMS Cavalier
• 2. The Historic Dockyard Chatham. (n.d.). 75 years of HMS Cavalier – the Fastest Ship in the Fleet.
• 3. National Historic Ships. (n.d.). HMS Cavalier
• 4. Wikipedia. (n.d.). HMS Cavalier (R73).
• 5. MuseumShips.us. (n.d.). Cavalier
• 6. HMS Cavalier Association. (n.d.). HMS Cavalier D73/(R73) "THE FASTEST OF THE GREYHOUNDS" BRITAIN'S LAST WORLD WAR II DESTROYER.
• 7. Johnstone-Bryden, R. (n.d.). HMS Cavalier Destroyer 1944.
• 8. Kent Film Office. (n.d.). HMS Cavalier.
• 9. Gibbons Engineering Group Ltd. (n.d.). The HMS Cavalier - Restoring the Last Destroyer.
• 10.Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. (n.d.). Warship Wednesday: HMS Cavalier.

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