~ Treadplate From HMS Crossbow 1948 Royal Navy Destroyer ~
The treadplate from the destroyer HMS Crossbow.
HMS Crossbow (D96) was a Weapon-class destroyer of the Royal Navy that was in service from 1948 until it was scrapped in 1972.
The cast steel plate has been painted and mounted on a wooden back board.
~ Dimensions ~
The plate itself measures 20cm (8 inches) by 51cm (20 inches).
The mount measures 26cm (10 ¼ inches) by 57cm (22 ½ inches).
The piece weighs 9.2 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The plate has general wear associated with age and use. There are some heavier marks around the mounting holes, presumably from when it was removed from the ship.
Overall the piece is in very good condition and still looks great.
~ HMS Crossbow ~
On commissioning in 1948 Crossbow formed part of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla as part of the Home Fleet, along with the other Weapon-class destroyers.
In 1953 she took part in the Fleet Review to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1955 she was replaced in the 6th Destroyer Squadron by Contest.
In 1957 all of the Weapon class were taken into refit and conversion to re-equip them as radar pickets, to supplement the new Salisbury-class frigates.
Crossbow was re-commissioned in 1959 and was then allocated to the 2nd Destroyer Squadron. She was present at Chatham Navy Days in April 1960.
In 1963 Crossbow was reduced to operational reserve and three years later relieved the destroyer HMS Solebay as the harbour training ship for the shore establishment HMS Sultan.
She was replaced in that role by the destroyer Diamond early in 1970 and in 1972 was sent to be scrapped.
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