View source for HMS Mahratta (G23)

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2011}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:HMS Mahratta (1942).jpg|300px|HMS Mahratta]]
|Ship caption=HMS ''Mahratta'' at a buoy
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country=United Kingdom
|Ship flag=[[File:Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|60px]]
|Ship name='''HMS ''Mahratta'' (Ex-HMS ''Marksman'')
|Ship namesake=
|Ship builder= [[Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company|Scotts]], [[Greenock]]
|Ship yard number=584
|Ship laid down= 18 August 1941
|Ship launched= 28 July 1942
|Ship commissioned= 8 April 1943
|Ship fate= Sunk by {{GS|U-990||2}}, 25 February 1944
|Ship honours=  Arctic (1943–44)
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=(as built)
|Ship class=[[L and M-class destroyer|M-class destroyer]]
|Ship displacement=*{{convert|1920|LT|t}} ([[Standard displacement|standard]])
*{{convert|2725|LT|t}} ([[deep load]])
|Ship length={{convert|362|ft|3|in|m|1|abbr=on}} ([[Length overall|o/a]])
|Ship beam={{convert|37|ft|m|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|14|ft|m|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship power=*{{convert|48000|shp|kW|lk=in|abbr=on}}
*2 × [[Admiralty 3-drum boiler]]s 
|Ship propulsion=*2 × shafts
*2 × geared [[steam turbine]]s 
|Ship speed={{convert|36|kn|lk=in}}
|Ship range={{convert|5500|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|15|kn}}
|Ship complement=190
|Ship sensors=*[[ASDIC]]
*[[List of World War II British naval radar#Type 285|Type 285]] gunnery [[radar]] 
*[[List of World War II British naval radar#Type 290|Type 290]] air warning radar 
|Ship armament=*3 × twin [[QF 4.7 inch Mark XI gun|{{convert|4.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} Mk XI]] [[dual-purpose gun]]s
*1 × single [[QF 4 inch Mk V naval gun|QF {{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on|0}} Mk V]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]
*1 × quadruple [[QF 2 pounder naval gun|QF 2-pdr (40&nbsp;mm) Mk VIII]] AA guns
*2 × single [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|Oerlikon {{convert|20|mm|abbr=on|1}} AA guns]] 
*2 × quadruple, 2 × twin [[Vickers .50 machine gun|0.5&nbsp;in (12.7&nbsp;mm) Vickers Mark III]] [[anti-aircraft machinegun]]s
*1 × quadruple [[British 21 inch torpedo|{{convert|21|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}]] [[torpedo tube]]s
*42 × [[depth charge]]s, 2 × racks, 2 × throwers
}}
|}

'''HMS ''Mahratta''''' was an [[L and M class destroyer|M-class destroyer]] of the [[Royal Navy]] which served during World War II.  Begun as ''Marksman'', she was damaged while under construction, and dismantled to be rebuilt on a new slipway. She was launched as ''Mahratta'' in 1942, completed in 1943, and quickly pressed into service.  After a short but busy career in the North Atlantic and Arctic, largely guarding merchant convoys, she was torpedoed and sunk on 25 February 1944.

==History==
''Mahratta'' was originally to have been named ''Marksman''. She was laid down on 21 January 1940 but the incomplete ship was blown off the slipway during an air raid in May 1941.<ref name=NH>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-43M-Mahratta-ex-Marksman.htm |title=HMS ''MAHRATTA'' –  M-class Destroyer |publisher=naval-history.net|accessdate=16 November 2008}}</ref> ''Marksman'' was to have been the lead ship of the M-class destroyers, and the class was sometimes known as the ''Marksman'' class. Damage sustained by ''Marksman'' was so bad that she had to be dismantled and transferred to an alternative site. The new ship was laid down on 18 August 1941, but she was renamed ''Mahratta'' at her launch in July 1942,<ref name=Steel>{{cite web|url=http://www.steelnavy.com/WEMMusketeer.htm |title=HMS ''Musketeer'': White Ensign Models 1:350 scale |publisher=naval-history.net|accessdate=16 November 2008}}</ref> after the [[Maratha Empire]] of India, as a recognition of the financial support given by India to the war effort.<ref name=NH /> ''Mahratta'' was adopted by the people of [[Walsall]], who held a "[[Warship Week]]" from 7–14 February 1942, aiming to raise £700,000 – the cost of a warship. She was completed on 8 April 1943 and entered service on that date. During trials in May 1943 HMS ''Mahratta'' escorted [[RMS Queen Mary|RMS ''Queen Mary'']] part way across the [[Atlantic]].<ref name=Arctic>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom_1.html |title=The Russian Convoy Club; The Arctic Lookout. |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008}}</ref>

===Operation ''FH''===
HMS ''Mahratta'' departed [[Scapa Flow]] on 2 June 1943 with [[HMS Musketeer (G86)|HMS ''Musketeer'']] and [[HMS Onslaught (G04)|HMS ''Onslaught'']], arriving back at Scapa Flow the same day.<ref name=Service>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/whats_new_1.html |title=Convoy and Operation Details 1943–44. |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008}}</ref> On 4 June ''Mahratta'' left Seidisfjord, [[Iceland]] bound for [[Spitsbergen]], Norway as part of Operation ''FH'', which was the relief of the garrison at Spitsbergen.<ref name=Arctic/>

===Operation ''FJ''===
HMS ''Mahratta'' departed Scapa Flow on 8 June 1943 for [[Kola Bay|Kola Inlet]]<ref name=Service/>

In July 1943, HMS ''Mahratta'' and HMS ''Musketeer'' waited in Iceland for ice to clear before making a high speed run to [[Murmansk]].  Amongst her valuable cargo was a bathtub for an admiral.<ref name=Arctic/>

===Operation ''Camera''===

Operation ''Camera'' was a [[Military simulation|war game]] off the coast of [[Iceland]] to test the defences against an attempt by [[German battleship Tirpitz|''Tirpitz'']] to break out from [[Kåfjord, Alta|Kåfjord]]. The operation was based at Scapa Flow, departing on 7 July 1943. The other participants were [[HMS Duke of York (17)|HMS ''Duke of York'']], [[USS Ellyson (DD-454)|USS ''Ellyson'']], [[USS Emmons (DD-457)|USS ''Emmons'']], [[USS Fitch (DD-462)|USS ''Fitch'']], {{HMS|Furious|47|6}}, [[HMS Glasgow (C21)|HMS ''Glasgow'']], [[USS Macomb (DD-458)|USS ''Macomb'']], [[HMS Meteor (G73)|HMS ''Meteor'']], [[HMS Milne (G14)|HMS ''Milne'']], HMS ''Musketeer'', [[USS Rodman (DD-456)|USS ''Rodman'']], and [[USS South Dakota (BB-57)|USS ''South Dakota'']].<ref name=Service/>

===Operation ''Governor''===
Operation ''Governor'' was an attempt to lure ''Tirpitz'' and other heavy battleships out of harbour by simulating a raid on southern Norway. Operation Governor departed [[Hvalfjord]] on 26 July 1943.  HMS ''Mahratta'' was part of Force A, other participants of Force A were [[HMS Anson (79)|HMS'' Anson'']], {{USS|Alabama|BB-60|6}}, USS ''Emmons'', USS ''Fitch'', {{HMS|Illustrious|87|6}}, USS ''Macomb'', HMS ''Meteor'', HMS ''Milne'', HMS ''Musketeer'', and USS ''Rodman''.<ref name=Service/>

===Operation ''SF''===
Operation ''SF'' departed Scapa Flow on 30 July 1943.  ''Mahratta'' was part of Group B. She sailed with HMS ''Milne'' and HMS ''Musketeer'' to join [[HMS Oribi (G66)|HMS ''Oribi'']] and [[HMS Orwell (G98)|HMS ''Orwell'']] escorting oil tanker [[SS Blue Ranger|SS ''Blue Ranger'']].<ref name=Service/>

===Operation ''Lorry''===
Operation ''Lorry'' departed Skaalefjord on 26 August 1943. ''Mahratta'' was part of the 10th Cruiser Squadron. Operation ''Lorry'' enabled the passage of destroyers and stores to [[Kola (town)|Kola]] in northern [[Soviet Union|Russia]].<ref name=Service/> ''Tirpitz'' left her base in Kåfjord with several destroyers to attack the convoy, but was a few hours too late. Operation Lorry delivered parts and crew that were to service the [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfires]] used for photo-reconnaissance in preparation for [[Operation Source|Operation ''Source'']].<ref name=Arctic/>

===Escort duties===
In September 1943, ''Mahratta'' was sent to the [[Mediterranean]] with [[HMS Matchless (G52)|HMS ''Matchless'']] to escort {{HMS|Valiant|1914|6}} to [[Plymouth]] for repairs. ''Matchless'' broke down on the way back, and was taken in tow by ''Mahratta''. The chain later broke, and after this ''Mahratta'' rescued some survivors from a [[Coastal Command]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax]] aircraft that had been shot down by a German [[U-boat]]. They had spent eleven days in the water. ''Mahratta'' arrived in Plymouth on 11 October 1943 and later that month sailed north again to Scapa Flow and Seidisfjord to escort [[Convoy JW 54A]]<ref name=Arctic/> as part of Operation ''FR''.<ref name=Service/>

===Operation ''FR'' ===
Operation ''FR'' was the delivery of escort ships to northern Russia to act as escorts for the first of the winter 1943 season convoys, [[Convoy RA 54A]]. Other participants were [[HNoMS Eglantine (K197)|HNoMS ''Eglantine'']], [[HMS Harrier (1934)|HMS ''Harrier'']], HMS ''Matchless'', HMS ''Milne'', HMS ''Musketeer'', {{HMS|Saumarez|G12|6}}, [[HMS Savage (G20)|HMS ''Savage'']], [[HMS Scorpion (G72)|HMS ''Scorpion'']], [[HMS Scourge (G01)|HMS ''Scourge'']], [[HMS Seagull (J85)|HMS ''Seagull'']], and [[HMS Westcott|HMS ''Westcott'']].  Cover was provided by [[USS Augusta (CA-31)|USS ''Augusta'']], [[HMS London (69)|HMS ''London]], and [[HMS Middleton (L74)|HMS ''Middleton]].<ref name=Service/>

===Convoy RA 54A===
Convoy RA 54A, including the aircraft carrier [[HMS Formidable (67)|''Formidable'']] and the battleship [[HMS Anson (79)|''Anson'']],<ref name=RA54A>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4.html |title=Navy and Merchant ships on Convoy RA-54A |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723214724/http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4.html |archivedate=2010-07-23}}</ref> sailed from Kola Inlet on 1 November 1943.  The departure of the convoy was delayed by thick [[fog]], but allowed the convoy to reach [[Loch Ewe]] without being attacked.<ref name=Service/>

===Convoy JW 54A===
[[Convoy JW 54A]] sailed on 22 November 1943,<ref name=JW54A>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_4.html |title=Navy and Merchant ships on Convoy JW-54A |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025020224/http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_4.html |archivedate=2007-10-25}}</ref> arriving at [[Arkhangelsk|Archangel]] on 3 December. Again, the convoy managed to avoid being attacked.<ref name=Service/>

===Convoy RA 54B===
[[Convoy RA 54B]] departed Archangel on 26 November 1943<ref name=RA54B>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_5.html |title=Navy and Merchant ships on Convoy RA-54B |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121153057/http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_5.html |archivedate=2009-01-21}}</ref> bound for Loch Ewe. Passage was hampered by poor weather conditions, but the convoy did not come under attack.<ref name=Service/>

===Convoy JW 56B===
[[Convoy JW 56B]] departed Loch Ewe on 22 January 1944<ref name=JW56B>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_1.html |title=Navy and Merchant ships on Convoy JW-56B |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722082418/http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_1.html |archivedate=2010-07-22}}</ref> and arrived at Kola Inlet on 1 February.<ref name=Service/>

During the passage the convoy was attacked. HMS ''Hardy'' was hit by a [[torpedo]] from the {{GS|U-278}}<ref name=RA54B/> and HMS ''Venus'' later sank her.<ref name=Service/>

===Convoy RA 56===
[[Convoy RA 56]] departed Kola Inlet on 3 February 1944<ref name=RA56>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_2.html |title=Navy and Merchant ships on Convoy RA-56 |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723212711/http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_2.html |archivedate=2010-07-23}}</ref> and arrived at Loch Ewe on 11 February 1944.<ref name=Service/>

===Convoy JW 57===
[[Convoy JW 57]] sailed from Loch Ewe on 11 February 1944,<ref name=JW57>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_3.html |title=Navy and Merchant ships on Convoy JW-57 |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729005553/http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom4_3.html |archivedate=2010-07-29}}</ref> arriving at Kola Inlet on 28 February.<ref name=Service/>

On 23 February a [[Focke-Wulf Fw 200|Focke-Wulf Condor]] aircraft was spotted. [[F4F Wildcat|Wildcats]] were flown from HMS ''Chaser'' and it was thought that they had driven the Condor away, but it kept watch at a distance. Several U-boats were spotted by the Wildcats and [[Fairey Swordfish|Swordfish]] aircraft were sent to attack any U-boats they could find. HMS ''Kessel'' was successful in sinking {{GS|U-713||2}} with depth charges.<ref name=Arctic/>

==Loss==
On 25 February 1944, a [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] aircraft of [[No. 210 Squadron RAF|210 Squadron]] attacked and sank {{GS|U-601||2}} which was trailing the convoy. ''Mahratta'' was struck by two T5 Gnat torpedoes<ref name=Arctic/> fired by {{GS|U-990||2}}<ref name=Mahratta>{{cite web|url=http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/index.html |title=In Memory of HMS ''Mahratta'' G23. |publisher=Kieron Hoare|accessdate=16 November 20!08}}</ref> off the coast of Norway. She sank at {{coord|71|17|N|13|30|E|display=inline}}.<ref name=NH/> Only 16 of the 236 crew survived.<ref name=Mahratta/>

Although ''Mahratta'' was lost, the convoy was a success. It was the largest convoy ever sent to Russia.<ref name=Arctic/>0 km

==Memorial==

A memorial to those who lost their lives on the Arctic Convoys was unveiled at [[Murmansk]] in 1991, on the 50th anniversary of the first Arctic Convoy.<ref name=Arctic/>

==Notes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==References==
*{{Colledge}}
* {{cite book|last=English|first=John|title=Afridi to Nizam: British Fleet Destroyers 1937–43|publisher=World Ship Society|location=Gravesend, Kent|year=2001|isbn=0-905617-64-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Friedman|first=Norman|title=British Destroyers & Frigates: The Second World War and After|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|date=2006|isbn=1-86176-137-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Lenton|first=H. T.|authorlink=Henry Trevor Lenton|title=British & Empire Warships of the Second World War|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|year=1998|isbn=1-55750-048-7}}
*{{cite book|last=March|first=Edgar J.|title=British Destroyers: A History of Development, 1892-1953; Drawn by Admiralty Permission From Official Records & Returns, Ships' Covers & Building Plans|year=1966|publisher=Seeley Service|location=London |OCLC=164893555}}
* {{cite book|last=Rohwer|first=Jürgen|title=Chronology of the War at Sea 1939-1945: The Naval History of World War Two|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|year=2005|edition=Third Revised|isbn=1-59114-119-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Whitley|first=M. J.|title=Destroyers of World War 2|publisher=Naval Institute Press|date=1988|isbn=0-87021-326-1|location=Annapolis, Maryland}}

==External links==
* [http://hmsmahratta.50megs.com/custom.html Crew list of HMS ''Mahratta'']
*{{cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/allies/merchants/ship.html?shipID=3201
|title=HMS ''Mahratta''
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
}}
* [http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/features/feature-i-survived-12-days-at-sea-in-a-raft-on-a-horlicks-tablet-1-3200156 Wartime tale of Halifax aircrew shot down over Atlantic and saved by the Mahratta]

{{L and M class destroyers}}
{{February 1944 shipwrecks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mahratta (G99)}}
[[Category:L and M-class destroyers of the Royal Navy]]
[[Category:Clyde-built ships]]
[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:World War II destroyers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Ships sunk by German submarines in World War II]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Arctic Ocean]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in February 1944]]