HMS Southwold was a Type II Hunt-class destroyer constructed for the Royal Navy during World War II. Built by J. Samuel White and Company of East Cowes as part of the 1939 emergency naval program, her keel was laid on 18 June 1940, and she was launched on 29 May 1941. The vessel was completed on 9 October 1941, representing a swift construction timeline typical of wartime urgency. Following her completion, Southwold underwent trials at Scapa Flow before joining the Mediterranean Fleet. Her service in the Mediterranean was brief but active; she participated in convoy escort duties and patrols. Notably, she joined convoy WS12Z at the Clyde Assembly point on 16 November 1941 and made an independent voyage from Mombasa to Alexandria in December. In early 1942, Southwold was assigned to the 5th Destroyer Flotilla, where she was involved in patrols, convoy escort missions, and troop transport operations. She played a role in attempting to reinforce Malta, including participating in the Malta convoy MW9B, which was heavily attacked by air forces. On 20 March, she conducted an anti-submarine sweep for the Malta relief convoy MW10 and subsequently joined the convoy during the Second Battle of Sirte on 22 March 1942. Tragically, Southwold's service was cut short on 24 March 1942. While attempting to pass a line to HMS Breconshire, she activated a British mine, resulting in an explosion that caused severe structural damage. The explosion killed one officer and four ratings, flooded the engine room, and led to electrical failure. Despite salvage efforts, the hull split, and she began sinking. The vessel was towed but ultimately foundered, with survivors rescued by HMS Dulverton. Her wreck lies in two sections off Malta, with the bow resting at approximately 70 meters depth and the stern at about 72 meters. The largest piece, about 40 meters long, is located near Marsaskala Bay, Malta. The sinking of HMS Southwold marked a significant loss during the naval campaigns in the Mediterranean, illustrating the perilous nature of wartime convoy operations.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.