AGINCOURT

[Dennis Maccoy]

Agincourt, completed by Hawthorn Leslie in 1947, leaving Tyne Dock in May 1966.

[magoonigal]

Passing Whitehill Point Berth 'A', Coal Shipping Staith.
In the background is Howdon Oil Terminal with Tanker on berth.

AGINCOURT.
Last of a long line....
Destroyer 2,400 tons Displacement. Built Hawthorn Leslie and launched on the 29th January 1945.
5 x 4.5 in and 10 Torpedo Tubes.
Broken up Sunderland, October 1974.

HMS Agincourt (D86) was a later or 1943 Battle-class fleet destroyer of the Royal Navy. She was named in honour of the Battle of Agincourt, fought in 1415 during the Hundred Years' War. Agincourt was built by R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Company Limited on the River Tyne. She was launched on 29 January 1945 and commissioned on 25 June 1947.

She joined the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, part of the Home Fleet based in the UK. In 1951, Agincourt subsequently became Captain (D), meaning she was the leader of the flotilla. In 1953 she took part in the Fleet Review to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In the following year Agincourt, along with the rest of the squadron, formerly flotilla, deployed to the Mediterranean. The squadron and Agincourt did not return home until the following year. In 1957, Agincourt, and the 4th Destroyer Squadron, returned to the Mediterranean.

In 1959, Agincourt and three of her sister-ships underwent conversion to become radar pickets. The conversion included the addition of the Sea Cat missile and new radar, as well as newer AA weaponry. In 1962, Agincourt returned to active duty and saw service in the Home and Mediterranean Fleets with a variety of squadrons. In 1966, Agincourt was reduced to Operational Reserve, and was subsequently placed on the disposal list in 1972. She was broken up in Sunderland in 1974.