The Loss of HMS Punjabi

[Hobilar]

On the 1st May 1942 the tribal class destroyer HMS Punjabi was part of the covering force for the Russian convoy PQ15.

The covering force consisted of the capital ships KING GEORGE V, WASHINGTON, WICHITA, TUSCALOOSA and VICTORIOUS together with their attendant Destroyers. Frequent snow showers and dense patches of fog resulted in visibility being down to two cables (400 yard) and if visibility worsened then the Destroyers were allowed to halve this distance at the discretion of the leader in order to remain in contact with the big ships. At 1600 hrs, visibility closed in yet again and the starboard leader closed in towards the big ships. Each ship towing a fog buoy that the next in line could follow. For some reason HMS PUNJABI lost sight of the fog buoy of the ship in front, and as a result ran into the fleet line at an angle of 80 degrees. Too late to take avoiding action the 35,000 ton Battleship King George V crashed into the Punjabi's port side, slicing through the little Destroyer like a knife through butter.

The Punjabi's Stern sank almost immediately and as it did so the ready use depth charges exploded damaging the Battleship's side below water, and causing severe injuries to those men in the water.

WASHINGTON astern of KING GEORGE V had various fire control mechanisms and radars damaged by the shock of the explosion. MARTIN and MARNE following the unfortunate Punjabi had to go full astern toavoid a similar fate at the hands of the WICHITA and VICTORIOUS respectively.

Punjabi's forepart however sank more slowly, and 169 crew were rescued including her Commander.

In Wartime, it is not always the enemy that you are in danger from.