HMS Rapid (H32)

HMS Rapid was an R-class destroyer of the Royal Navy that saw service during the Second World War. She was part of Force 68, serving in the Indian Ocean, and later the Pacific. In one operation she was damaged by fire from a shore battery, with 11 killed and 23 wounded. She was towed to Akyab for repairs.

Post-War Service
She was later converted into a Type 15 fast anti-submarine frigate, with the new pennant number F138. In 1959 Rapid was part of the Reserve Fleet and took part in 'Navy Days' in Portsmouth during that year.

Training ship
In 1966, Rapid was allocated to HMS Caledonia to assist in the sea training of engine room artificers. The ship was used as a day runner from Rosyth Dockyard to give help in certificating artificers, who were under training. Rapid was replaced in this role by Eastbourne in 1972.

Publications

 * Marriot, Leo, 1983. Royal Navy Frigates 1945-1983, Ian Allen Ltd.  ISBN 07110 1322 5
 * Marriot, Leo, 1983. Royal Navy Frigates 1945-1983, Ian Allen Ltd.  ISBN 07110 1322 5