HMAS Tobruk (D37)

HMAS TOBRUK (D37) a Battle Class Destroyer was laid down on 5 August 1946, launched on 20 December 1947 and commissioned at Sydney on 8 May 1950. She spent the first fifteen months of her career working up and exercising in Australian waters. In August 1951 TOBRUK proceeded to Japan to join the United Nations naval forces for Korean War operations. TOBRUK completed two deployments the first commencing on 03 Oct 1951 until 25 Jan 52. During the 6 operational patrols over this period, TOBRUK had steamed 39,000 miles and fired 2,316 rounds from her 4.5-inch guns.

Her second deployment commenced on 27 Jun 1953 and although hostilities ended on 27 July 1953, TOBRUK continued to serve in Korean waters in the post war period until January 1954. During
her second tour she steamed 26,000 miles, including 7,000 miles in hostile waters.

In September 1960, while exercising with the fleet off the east coast of Australia, she was accidentally hit by a shell from HMAS ANZAC II. After effecting repairs at Jervis Bay, TOBRUK sailed for Sydney where she paid off into Reserve on 29 October 1960. During her service TOBRUK steamed 299,946 miles.

Launched: 20 December 1947
Type: Battle Class Destroyer
Commissioned: 8 May 1950
Decommissioned: 9 October 1960
Displacement: 2,436 tons (standard), 3,450 tons (full load)
Length: 379 feet
Beam: 41 feet
Armament: 4 x 4.5-inch guns, 12 x 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns, 10 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes, Squid triple-barrelled depth charge mortar
Main Machinery: Parsons geared turbines, 50,000 horsepower
Speed: 35 knots (designed), 31 knots (sea speed)
Ship's Company: 290

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