I WRITE in respect of HMS Protector, a former net layer first commissioned in 1938 and which saw wartime service in Norway and the Eastern Mediterranean in 1941 where she was damaged by an aerial torpedo.

After extensive repairs she returned home and joined the home fleet where she was used as a training ship.

In 1954 she underwent a conversion into an ice patrol ship that included a hangar for two helicopters. In 1955 on completion of this work she was charged with her first trip south to undertake the duties of the Falkland Island and its Dependencies protection vessel. The other duties for the Protector were to assist the British Antarctic Survey parties in their scientific work.

A further 13 years of trips to the Antarctic and the Falklands transpired before she was eventually de-commissioned in 1968. I myself, served aboard her during the 1965-66 commission. During this 13 year period literally hundreds of sailors and officers served aboard her.

Our association is continually seeking ex-ships company members from any commission during her 30 long and glorious years service, hence my reason for writing this letter to ask if any of your readers either served abroad her or know of anyone who did to contact us either through our website at www.hmsprotector.org or our treasurer, Bill Bartlett on 01202 480767.

As an association, we are cordially inviting any past crew members to join us and to come and enjoy a reunion with us of which there are several during the course of a year

Peter Latham.

HMS Protector Association