HMS WATCHFUL AT NEWHAVEN

Naval visitor to the port in 1960

By Derek Longly

HMS Watchful entered service for the Royal Navy when she was launched as a 'ley' class inshore minesweeper under the name HMS Broomley on 14th April 1953. 

She was one of a series of eleven ships, was 100 foot long by 21 foot beam and her Paxman diesels could give her a speed of 13 knots.  Her normal complement was two officers and 13 ratings.

The vessel was re-named HMS Watchful in 1959 and at some point, possibly within a short time of her re-naming, became a fishery protection vessel.  She reached the end of her days when she was decommissioned and sold out of service in 1968 being broken up in Rotterdam.

The ship's name plate, which is clearly visible in the photos, is interesting as it indicates that she was in some way connected with the China Station between 1856 and 1860 this possibly referring to service undertaken by a predecessor of the same name.

On the 21st May 1960 HMS Watchful called at Newhaven on a courtesy visit and the pictures record the event.  On the one hand the crew of the ship pose proudly for the camera and then it was the turn for the visitors to do so. 

It would be interesting to learn whether any of today's residents of the town recognise any of the people who were on board the ship that day.