Pelican's career shows the demanding routine work behind convoy defence. After being damaged in the Narvik air raids and repaired, she returned to coastal escort duty in waters threatened by aircraft, submarines, British and German minefields, and E-boats. These dangerous coastal convoys receive less attention than the more dramatic Atlantic runs. Pelican helped destroy U-136, sank U-438, shared in the destruction of U-334, and used both depth charges and gunfire against U-448. Her service then extended through Operation Torch, Operation Neptune, the British Pacific Fleet deployment, post-war patrols, and final disposal in 1958.
Chapter · 14:26-19:20
HMS Pelican's long war of coastal escorts and U-boat hunting
Pelican survived damage at Narvik to serve on dangerous British coastal convoys, sink or help sink several U-boats, and operate from Torch to the British Pacific Fleet.