I have just completed HMS Tay the first batch River class frigate.
Tay was the half leader of Peter Gretton's B7 escort group, based in Londonderry.
B7 fought the convoy battle around convoy ONS 5 in May 1943.
Cdr. Gretton in HMS Duncan had to retire to Iceland for fuel, half way through the battle.
Tay took over as leader of the group. The weather was too rough for fuelling at sea
or transferring of personnel by jackstay. This convoy battle changed the whole of
the battle of the Atlantic. This was the beginning of the defeat of the U boats.
Tay was capable of a 14 depth charge pattern plus a forward mounted hedgehog
A/S weapon. She was also one of the early Rivers fitted for mine sweeping.
Thus creating a very cluttered quarterdeck. This build is based on the Mouldeans
River class hull. The funnel was cast in resin on a plastic card pattern. Superstructure
is mainly litho plate on plastic card. My reference was NMM ships builders plans plus
Brian Lavery's "River class frigates & the battle of the Atlantic" Technical history.
Photos to follow -
