THE LOSS OF H.M.S.DORSETSHIRE

From December 1941 to March 1942 the Dorsetshire was employed on hazardous convoy work in the Indian Ocean. The strain on the navy, always great, was enormously increased by the entry of Japan into the war. The last convoy from Singapore and the last from Rangoon were brought safely away by Dorsetshire and other ships stationed in the Far East. Sailing steadily through calm, warm waters, in the company with the Cornwall, the Dorsetshire was hunting for surface raiders and an enemy Fleet. Reconnaissance aircraft from Japanese aircraft carriers were also on the look out for their enemy. British aircraft carriers were too far to afford fighter escort for the two cruisers. Dorsetshire and Cornwall were on their own.

Three hundred miles west of Colombo, at dawn on the 5th of April, the bugle call calling the crew to "Action Stations" rang out through the ship's loudspeakers. It was usual at dawn of course, but the minutes passed slowly, and the stations were maintained. Gradually a feeling of excitement spread throughout the ship. It was Easter Sunday, but there was little thought of the day, only an increasing tension in which we all shared. The Chief Naafi Canteen Manager, A. G. Elsegood, told one of the most vivid narratives of any action at sea. To read his story:- click here.