Name HMS Russell Commissioned 7 February 1957 Fate Broken up 1985 Launched 10 December 1954 | Laid down 11 November 1953 Identification Pennant number F97 Construction started 11 November 1953 Builder Swan Hunter | |
Class and type Blackwood-class frigate | ||
HMS Russell was a Blackwood or Type 14-class second-rate anti-submarine frigate of the British Royal Navy.
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Service
On commissioning in 1957 Russell joined the Second Frigate Squadron, based at Portland. In January 1958 she joined the Fishery protection Squadron and saw service in the Cod Wars. On 4 September 1960, ICGV Ægir, an Icelandic patrol vessel, attempted to take a British trawler off the Westfjords. The attempt was thwarted when Russell intervened, and the two vessels collided.
On 12 November 1960, V/s Þór encountered the trawler Hackness which had not stowed its nets legally. Hackness did not stop until Þór had fired two blanks and one live shell off its bow. Once again, Russell came to the rescue and its shipmaster ordered the Icelandic captain to leave the trawler alone as it was not within the 4 nmi (7.4 km) limit recognised by the British government. Þór's captain, Eiríkur Kristófersson, said that he would not do so, and ordered his men to approach the trawler with the gun manned. In response, Russell threatened to sink the Icelandic boat if it opened fire upon Hackness. More British ships then arrived and Hackness retreated.
Following a refit at Rosyth she joined the 20th Frigate Squadron based at Londonderry Port. She was also used for anti-submarine training. In 1966 she was present at Portsmouth Navy Days.