Service history HMS Pelican (L86)

after commissioning , working pelican assigned fishery protection, , @ outbreak of second world war joined convoy defence duties in north sea. in april 1940 pelican took part in norwegian campaign , badly damaged in air raid off narvik.

after repairs pelican returned local escort work spent of 1941 under repair following enemy action , accidental damage.

in january 1942 pelican assigned 45 escort group escorting os/sl convoys , west africa. in july 1942 took part in destruction of u-136 while escorting convoy os 33. in october part of escort force operation torch.

after repairs , refit pelican appointed senior officers ship 1st support group, tasked reinforcing convoys under attack. in may 1943 group joined battle around convoy ons 5, sinking u-438. in june ons 10, pelican sank u-334. in autumn of 1943 1sg worked on gibraltar route, saw little action.

in march 1944 after further refit pelican assigned 7 eg patrolling outside bay of biscay; there took part in destruction of u-448. in june 1944 pelican part of operation neptune, escorting troops , supplies , normandy until withdrawn refit prior joining british pacific fleet.

on passage far east pelican accidentally damaged @ aden , spent next year @ various dockyards under repair.