Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: HMS Kelly
AssociatedAssociated with
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
(Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)
Medallist
John Pinches, Medallists
DateMay 2004
Object NameMedal
MediumSterling Silver
ClassificationsMedals
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072500.98
Keywords
Built at Hebburn-on-Tyne, the Kelly was launched in October 1938. She was handed over to her Captain, Lord Louis Mountbatten, commanding the 5th Destroyer Flotilla, in August 1939, a few days before war was declared.
In December 1939 the Kelly was damaged by a mine as she searched for enemy submarines near the mouth of the Tyne, and in early 1940, in the Norwegian Campaign, she successfully evacuated troops from Namsos, whilst the town was ablaze. Later in the campaign, while attempting to intercept German mine-layers, Kelly was torpedoed and extensively damaged. She remained afloat surviving further attacks by E-boats and the Luftwaffe, and Lord Mountbatten ignored suggestions from the Admiral in command of rescue operations that the ship should be scuttled. After ninety-one hours in tow, the Kelly reached port safely to be repaired to fight again.
The Kelly was recommissioned in November 1940 and saw service in the Mediterranean. In April 1941, turning at full speed to avoid bombs and therefore listing heavily, she was struck by a bomb. The ship listed more heavily, control of the helm was lost, but the guns kept firing until the ship started to roll over. Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last to leave the ship.
That was the end of HMS Kelly and a story true to the finest traditions of the Royal Navy. Her destiny was foretold in an address by Lord Mounthatten given to the crew within a few weeks of commissioning. 'I will never give the order "abandon ship." The only way in which we will ever leave the ship will be if she sinks under us.'
The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
Lord Mountbatten of Burma
May 2004
