Convoy Cup

While the tragic battles and attacks that took place at sea during World War II damaged or sunk hundreds of ships, HMS Loch Lomond (K 437) was one of the more fortunate vessels. Her motto, “Si je puis,” meaning “If I can,” in French, was coincidently well suited for the ship, considering she went on to serve for nearly 25-years for the British Royal Navy. 

Built by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd., Loch Lomond was a frigate of the Loch-class. The Loch-class frigates used prefabricated modular construction techniques, resembling those used for U-boat construction during that period. The ship measured in at 93.8 metres in length.

Loch Lomond was built in Scotland and is named after the country. During the war, she patrolled waters off Scotland and Northern Ireland, and escorted convoys through the English Channel with a crew of 114 men. From December 1944 until May 1945, Loch Lomond was attached to the 17th Escort Group.

Once war ended, the frigate had many years patrolling and doing exercises in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Loch Lomond served in the Mediterranean Fleet in Malta, on and off, from 1950 until 1956. She also served duties in the Persian Gulf, Singapore and other regions of the Indian Ocean several times throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s. Additionally, Loch Lomond aided in the military operations during the during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in March 1963.

During the time in service, HMS Lock Lomond demonstrated that while her motto was, “If I can,” there was no question that she could. Loch Lomond proved herself to be a resilient and reliable vessel during her time in service. However, after continued exercises and patrol in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, it was time for the ship to end her career. Loch Lomond was decommissioned in December 19, 1964. The vessel sat in Portsmouth, England until she was sold for scrap in October 1968.