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During the early 1960s she was converted to a Midshipmen’s training ship. (Fig. 1.38). While

participating in the training exercise Operation Capex 63 with the Royal Navy, she accidently
rammed the RN frigate HMS Leopard, which resulted in the death of one of her crew. (Fig.

1.39).

Although her bow was crushed by the collision, both ships were able to sail back to Simon’s

Town for repairs. The subsequent enquiry found officers from both ships to have been

negligent. She was placed back in reserve in 1964 and on 17 June 1978 she became an
accommodation at Simon’s Town for the navy’s minesweeping flotilla.

In 1991 she was listed for disposal. Numerous attempts were made to have her preserved as a
museum ship but no funds were available and the SAN decided to scuttle her as an artificial

reef. On 12 November 1994 she was scuttled at Millers Point using charges placed throughout

the hull. She settled upright on the seabed in 22 meters of water. (Fig. 1.40).

The South African Navy

In 1951 the SA Naval Forces were re-named the South African Navy. During subsequent years

18 new or used ships were acquired from Britain, including two submarine destroyers, one
frigate, five seaward defence patrol boats, and ten coastal mine-sweepers.

Destroyers

SAS Simon van der Stel (HMS Whelp)

HMS Whelp was one of 8 Wager Class destroyers built for the Royal Navy during WW 2. (Fig.

1.41). She was laid down on 1 May 1942, launched on 3 June 1943, and commissioned on 25
April 1944. Wager Class destroyers had a displacement of 1,710 tons at standard and 2,530

tons at deep load. They were 362 feet 9 inches in length (110.6 meters) with a beam of 38 feet
8 inches (10.9 meters) and a mean draught of 14 feet 6 inches (4.4 meters). They were powered

by a pair of Parsons geared steam turbines – each driving a single shaft, using steam provided

by two Admiralty three drum boilers. The turbines developed a total of 40,000 shaft horse
power, which gave the ships a maximum speed of 36 knots (67kmph or 41 mph). They had a

range of 4,675 nautical miles (8,658 km or 5,380 miles) cruising at 20 knots (37 kmph or 23

mph). The crew numbered 179 officers and ratings.