HMS Berwick  Built by Fairfield Laid down 15th September 1924, Launched 30th March 1926 and completed 15th February 1928. HMS Berwick was reconstructed in 1935 and 1939 with a 4.5 inch cemented armour belt being increased for 6 feet below the waterline. a a 4-inch internal armour was added to the fan compartments to the boiler rooms. during reconstruction the ship also has its 2 pdr pompoms replaced by 2 octuples pompoms.  HMS Berwick served in the home Fleet 1939 to 1945.  Involved in incident with Admiral Hipper where HMS Berwick received a hit from a 8 - inch Shell , luckily it was deflected away form the magazine due to the 4inch magazine armour and the 4.5 inch Belt armour.  Although earlier in a incident with Italian Cruisers she did get a hit from an 8 inch shell which put a turret out of action. She was finally scrapped at Blyth on the 12th July 1948.

Displacement:  9,750 tons    Speed: 31.5kt    Complement: 679 increasing to 710 as Flagship.

HMS Berwick, fitting out, 1927.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1240

HMS Berwick, February 1928.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1241

HMS Berwick, February 1928.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1242

HMS Berwick, July 1945.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1243

HMS Berwick, December 1938..

HMS Berwick in the Suez Canal on her way to Australia c.1944/45. Sent in by Dr F Cope.

Photos of some crew members of 
HMS Berwick, my father is the 
one on the far right

A view from HMS Berwick over the wing of the cruiser's aircraft at an unknown port. (If you recognise the port please USE OUR MESSAGE FORM 

HMS  Berwick  photographed 1926 - 1927 off Gourock

8" guns firing on HMS Berwick.

Funnels during speed trials, HMS Berwick.

Midshipmen's Mess, HMS Berwick.

Midshipmen's Mess, HMS Berwick.

Seaplane of HMS Berwick waiting to be lowered into the water at Kai Tak.

Seaplane of HMS Berwick being lowered into the water at Kai Tak.

Seaplane of HMS Berwick.

Naval Historians, Crew & Family Noticeboard

MESSAGES

EDWIN HOLT..  My Grandfather served on the Berwick, he died at the age of 26 in 1933, I have a picture of him and three other sailors if anybody would like a copy I would be glad to send them one. My Grandfathers name was Edwin Holt. I have no idea who the other sailors are.   Regards,  David Gee,  Florida. U.S.A. email,  mgee1@cfl.rr.com

My Grandfather was on HMS Berwick when the Poseidon was lost.  The Berwick was in the area at the time and we have pictures of the incident showing air bubbles and survivor/s on the surface.

JOHN THOMSON..  Enjoyed seeing the photos pertaining to H.M.S. Berwick and am specially intrigued by the captions expressed by Mark Thomson as to his father and grandfather, as my father, John Thomson served at sometime in his
early years (1920's) on this ship as I have his Report Form, signed by an officer whose name is either Coblin or perhaps Collins, giving the ship's name as H.M.S. Berwick.  What is intriguing to me is that my father's listed rank is shown at
the time  as P.O. ( later he became C.P.O. and Torpedo Coxwain), and he also served in Hong Kong just prior to WWII.  The photograph of the man with the 5 chinese is wearing a uniform such as I remember my father wore when he came home from China at the time I was a young child.  I doubt that Mark Thomson and I are related, however, the similarities
are at the least interesting.   Malcolm J. Thomson.Oceanside, California.

BERNARD ROBINSON..   my father Bernard Robinson served on HMS Berwick during ww2 on the Malta convoys, and lca's. I am trying to locate any crew members who knew of him  Russell.robinson1@ntlworld.com

FRED C WARD.. My grandfather, Fred, was on HMS Berwick during WW2. I'm looking for information about him or the Berwick. If you recognise the name or have any other pertinent information contact me at PLURbkb@aol.com  (posted 19/05/03)

My grandfather was petty officer Wilson on HMS Berwick in the north Atlantic. Does anyone know of a contact site for ex crew? Contact me at the_bear_uk2001@yahoo.ie