Gambia first serves with the British Eastern Fleet, taking part in the Battle of Madagascar in September 1942 and performing Indian Ocean trade-protection duties. New Zealand's need for a replacement cruiser after damage to Leander and Achilles then leads to Gambia's recommissioning with a predominantly New Zealand crew. Three quarters of her ratings are New Zealanders, while the captain and some officers remain Royal Navy personnel. During Operation Stonewall her senior officer coordinates Glasgow and Enterprise in the pursuit of blockade runner Osorno and the destruction of another German blockade runner, even though Gambia is too distant to fire. Command responsibility does not guarantee that a flagship can participate directly in an action. Gambia later serves across the Pacific, sees action around Okinawa and Formosa, survives a kamikaze attack near the war's end, and is present in Tokyo Bay for the surrender. On an earlier visit to Gambia, West African chiefs in full regalia lead thousands to visit and bless the ship named for their colony.
Chapter · 35:27-39:14
Gambia serves New Zealand from Stonewall to Tokyo Bay
After the Battle of Madagascar and Indian Ocean trade protection, Gambia transfers to New Zealand, hunts blockade runners, and joins the British Pacific Fleet.