Frederick Robertson Parham DSO, RN
| Born | 9 Jan 1901 |
| Ranks
Retired: 31 Jan 1959 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Frederick Robertson Parham, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Gurkha (i) (F 20) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 14 Sep 1938 | 10 Nov 1939 |
| HMS Gurkha (i) (F 20) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 21 Nov 1939 | 5 Feb 1940 |
| HMS Belfast (35) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 29 Sep 1942 | 29 Jul 1944 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Light cruiser HMS Belfast (35)
3 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0900A/3, with her reconstruction completed HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN), is recommissioned at the Devonport Dockyard. (1)
26 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted D/G trials at Plymouth. (1)
28 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Plymouth. (1)
2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted full power trials off Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN). (2)
8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Plymouth. (2)
9 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted D/G trials at Plymouth. (2)
10 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915A/10, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted until 1040A/10 by the escort destroyer ORP Slazak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B.W.M. Wronski) which is then ordered to return to Plymouth. (2)
11 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600A/11, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to work-up. (2)
16 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted compass swing trials at Scapa Flow. (2)
17 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
18 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. She then left Scapa Flow for RIX (rangefinding and inclination exercises) in the Pentland Firth with HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN). (2)
19 Dec 1942
In the morning, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
22 Dec 1942
In the morning, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. She then left Scapa Flow and conducted RIX and NEX (rangefinding and inclination and night encounter exercises) with HMS Queenborough (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO and Bar, MVO, RN) in the Pentland Firth during the remainder of the day. (2)
23 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. these were followed by RIX and NEX (rangefinding and inclination and night encounter exercises) with HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) and several destroyers.
HMS Carlisle had earlier on the day been carrying out RIX exercises with HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN). (3)
26 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
30 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow.
She then left Scapa Flow for AA gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth in the afternoon.
Also a RIX (rangefinding and inclination exercise was carried out with HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN). (2)
1 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)
4 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the early part of the afternoon, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted underway refuelling exercises during which the destroyer HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) was refuelled. (4)
7 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted aircraft launching and recovering exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)
12 Jan 1943
Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN, commanding the 10th Cruiser Squadron, hoisted his flag in HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) after having struck his flag as Rear-Admiral destroyers in Tyne (Capt. C.T.M. Pizey, CB, DSO and Bar, RN). (4)
16 Jan 1943
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted aircraft launching and recovering and gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. Also speed trials were carried out on the measured mile. (4)
21 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
in the afternoon HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted depth charge exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)
22 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises and underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow. During the fuelling exercises she fuelled from the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941). (4)
27 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted aircraft launching / recovering and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)
3 Feb 1943
In the morning, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. This must have been with HMS P 225 (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN).
In the afternoon HMS Belfast conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth together with HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) which was also out exercising on this day. (5)
6 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted throw off shoot gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth during HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) acted as target.
In the evening HMS Belfast conducted night encounter exercises with HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN). (6)
11 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (7)
14 Feb 1943
Around 0815A/14, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Loch Ewe where she arrived around 1630A/14. She proceeded there so that Rear-Admiral Burnett could attend the convoy conference of convoy JW 53. (7)
16 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/16, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) departed Loch Ewe for Seidisfjord where she arrived around 0500A/19. She had been unable to enter the day before due to the bad weather conditions and had to remain at sea for the night. (7)
29 Mar 1943
Around 2200Z/29, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and the destroyer HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) departed Hvalfjord to patrol in the Denmark Strait.
HMS Intrepid left patrol to return to Hvalfjord on 1 April 1943.
HMS Belfast also returned to Hvalfjord arriving there around 2330A/29. (8)
7 Apr 1943
Around 2000Z/7, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord to patrol in the Denmark Strait. (9)
13 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730Z/13, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. (9)
28 Apr 1943
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) conducted exercises south of Iceland on completion of which HMS Belfast returned to Hvalfjord. HMS Glasgow joined other ships to proceed to Scapa Flow. (10)
11 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200Z/11, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN) departed Hvalfjord to patrol in the Denmark Strait and to conduct exercises. (11)
13 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0300Z/13, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol and exercises. (11)
21 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1615Z/21, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for Scapa Flow. (12)
23 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0645B/23, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Hvalfjord. (12)
24 May 1943
Minelaying operation SN 111B.
On 24 May 1943, the auxiliary minelayers HMS Menestheus (Capt.(Retd.) R.H.F. de Salis, DSC, OBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.M. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Agamemnon (Capt.(Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN) and HMS Port Quebec (A/Capt.(Retd.) V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) departed departed Port ZA. (Loch Alsh) to lay minefield SN 111B. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Lancaster (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Clarke, DSC, RNVR), HMS Newark (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN).
Around 0045B/24, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join them in position 59°45'N, 05°30'W around 0700B/25.
A total of 1491 mines were laid on 26 May 1943 three cables either side of a line joining positions 64°02'N, 10°19'W and 64°22'N, 10°33'W.
Depths were set to 95, 185 and 275 feet in rotation. A total of 10 failures were observed, but no premature explosions. Visibility throuhout the lay was poor and thick fog developed at the end of the minelaying operation.
The ships laid as follows; HMS Menestheus 410 mines, HMS Agamemnon 530 mines and HMS Port Quebec 551 mines.
HMS Belfast returned to Scapa Flow around 1715B/27.
The auxiliary minelayers and destroyers returned to Port ZA. (Loch Alsh) on 28 May 1943. (13)
8 Jun 1943
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (14)
9 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) to HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN). (15)
9 Jun 1943
Minelaying operation SN 111C.
On 9 June 1943, the auxiliary minelayers HMS Menestheus (Capt.(Retd.) R.H.F. de Salis, DSC, OBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.M. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Agamemnon (Capt.(Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN) and HMS Port Quebec (A/Capt.(Retd.) V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) departed departed Port ZA. (Loch Alsh) to lay minefield SN 111C. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Lancaster (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Clarke, DSC, RNVR), HMS Newark (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and HMS St. Marys (Lt. D.B.G. Dumas, RN)
Around 2200B/9, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the minelayers and their escort which she did around 0430B/10.
A total of 1490 mines were laid on 11 June 1943 three cables either side of a line joining positions 64°17'0"N, 10°11'5"W and 64°37'0"N, 10°25'0"W.
Depths were set to 95, 185 and 275 feet in rotation. One premature explosion was observed and a further 23 were felt. There were also a number of other failures.
The ships laid as follows; HMS Menestheus 409 mines, HMS Agamemnon 530 mines and HMS Port Quebec 551 mines.
HMS Belfast returned to Scapa Flow around 1500B/12.
The auxiliary minelayers and destroyers returned to Port ZA. (Loch Alsh) on 13 June 1943. (13)
12 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) to HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN). (15)
14 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (14)
17 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2230B/17, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she was to dock and give leave to her crew. (16)
18 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930B/18, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (14)
19 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) is docked in No.1 Dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (17)
29 Jun 1943
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) is undocked. (17)
30 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2300B/30, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1100B/1. (18)
15 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Operation FN.
The object of this operation was to create a diversion off Norway.
Around 1600A/15, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the operation.
On passing through position 64°15'N, 03°01'W early the following day they were sighted and reported by an enemy aircraft as had been intended.
The force arrived at Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands around 0600A/15. Shortly before arrived they had been sighted and reported again by an enemy aircraft. (19)
19 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1930A/19, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Skaalefjord for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0715A/20. (20)
22 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1745A/22, the light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for gunnery exercises and a run on the measured mile.
Around 2040A/22, she was joined by the destroyer HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and course was set for Hvalfjord, Iceland where they arrived around 1030Z/24. (19)
25 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430Z/25, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0645A/27. (21)
12 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915A/12, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 0730A/13. On leaving Scapa Flow gunnery exercises were carried out. (22)
15 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted a bombardment demonstration exercise in the Clyde area on completion of which she set course to return to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1100A/16. (22)
21 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted D/G trials and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (22)
22 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1435N/22, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for Akureyri where she arrived around 1325N/23. (23)
9 Dec 1943
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (24)
11 Dec 1943
Around 1115A/11, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Loch Ewe where she arrived around 1645A/11. At Loch Ewe, Vice-Admiral Burnett was to attend the convoy conference for convoy JW 55A. (24)
13 Dec 1943
Around 1330A/13, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Loch Ewe for Seidisfjord where she arrived around 1800A/14. (24)
20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after midnight during the night of 19/20 December 1943, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) and the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) arrived in the Kola Inlet from convoy cover operations. (25)
23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0330C/23, ' Force 1 ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) and the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) departed the Kola Inlet to provide cover for the convoys RA 55A and JW 55B.
[For more info and their subsequent movements see the event ' Operation FV, passage of convoys JW 55A and JW 55B to Northern Russia and RA 55A and RA 55B from Northern Russia and the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst. ' for 12 December 1943.] (25)
27 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730C/27, Around 0330C/23, ' Force 1 ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) and the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. D.K. Bain, RN) arrived back in the Kola Inlet from the Battle of the North Cape.
The destroyers HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN), HMS Saumarez (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, RN and HMS Matchless (Lt. W.D. Shaw, RN) also arrived in the Kola Inlet on this day. (25)
6 Jan 1944
Around 2245A/6, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth for repairs and to give leave to her crew. (26)
7 Jan 1944
Around 1000A/7, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (27)
24 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2145A/24, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1015A/25. (27)
3 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (28)
17 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (28)
1 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715A/1, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 1145A/2. (29)
3 Mar 1944
At Greenock, Vice-Admiral R.L. Burnett, KBE, DSO, OBE, RN, struck his flag in HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN). (30)
4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Greenock, Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN). (29)
5 Mar 1944
Around 1445A/5, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0915A/6. (29)
16 Mar 1944
The light cruiser HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), HMS Sheffield (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Bermuda (Capt. J.S. Bethell, CBE, RN) and HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (31)
26 Mar 1944
At Scapa Flow, Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) to HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN).
HMS Diadem then departed Scapa Flow around 1130A/26 for Loch Ewe where she arrived around 1745A/26. (32)
27 Mar 1944
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (29)
28 Mar 1944
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (29)
13 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (33)
15 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1045B/15, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 0830B/16. (33)
20 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (33)
22 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700B/22, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Greenock for Rosyth where she arrived around 1630B/23. (33)
25 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) is docked in No.1 Dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (33)
4 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
No.1 Dock at the Rosyth Dockyard is flooded. HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) was again waterborne but she only left the dock on 6 May. (34)
9 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1620B/9, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 0615B/10. (33)
13 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1215B/13, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Scrabster. On board is His Majesty, King George VI who left the ship off Scabster around 1345B/13. HMS Belfast was escorted by HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) and HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN). (35)
17 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted exercises with aircraft and gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (36)
19 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (36)
26 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 26/27 May, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN) and HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. (37)
30 May 1944
The light cruisers HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde where they arrived the following day. (38)
3 Jun 1944
Around 1100B/3, 'Bombarding Group E' made up of the light cruisers HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN), HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) and 'Bombarding Group K' made up of the light cruisers HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. J.J. Weld, MVO, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. J.P. Gornall, RN) departed Greenock as part of the invasion force for Operation Neptune, the Normandy landings. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Donald, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN).
They were given the designation of convoy ' G 14 '.
Around 2200B/5, the gunboat HMS Flores (Lt.Cdr. G. Koudijs, RNN) joined 'Bombarding Group E' in position 50°27'N, 01°25'W (south of the Isle of Wight).
Convoy ' G 14 ' was to arrive in their selected position for the landings at 0435B/6.
The two bombarding groups parted company around 0120B/6 to proceed to their respective destinations.
[Further research on these ships exact movements and bombardments during Operation Neptune is required.] (39)
6 Jun 1944
Around 0527B/6, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced bombarding operations in the 'Juno Beach' area. Further bombardments were carried out at intervals throughout the day. (39)
7 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0940A/7, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Bombardments continued throughout the entire day. (39)
8 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430A/8, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Further bombardments were carried out during the remainder of the day.
9 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1420A/9, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first and only bombardment of the day. Fire was ceased around 1535A/9. (39)
10 Jun 1944
The enemy was very active in the early hours of the day in the area HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) and her armament was in action on several occasions during the night.
Around 1245A/10, HMS Belfast opened fire on a shore target. Several more target were fired on during the remainder of the day.
Around 2000A/10, after having completed her last bombardment HMS Belfast set course for Spithead where she arrived around 0005A/11. She then fuelled and re-ammunitioned. (39)
11 Jun 1944
Around 1425A/11, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Spithead to return to the operations area where she anchored around 1845A/11. (39)
13 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1420A/13, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Further bombardments were carried out during the remainder of the day. (39)
14 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1525A/14, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed the operations area for Spithead where she arrived around 2000A/14. (39)
18 Jun 1944
Around 0800A/18, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Spithead to return to the operations area (off Sword Beach). (39)
19 Jun 1944
Around 1205A/19, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Further bombardments were carried out during the remainder of the afternoon. (39)
20 Jun 1944
Around 1223A/20, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Further bombardments were carried out during the remainder of the day. (39)
21 Jun 1944
Around 1211A/21, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced her first bombardment of the day. Further bombardments were carried out during the remainder of the day. (39)
23 Jun 1944
Around 0615A/23, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) opened fire on ashore target in the Caen area. More bombardments were carried out during the remainder of the day. (39)
29 Jun 1944
Around 2005A/29, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted a short bombardment of a shore target. (39)
30 Jun 1944
Around 1530A/30, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted a short bombardment of a shore target. (39)
1 Jul 1944
Around 1055A/1, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted a short bombardment of a shore target. Two more short bombardments were carried out during the afternoon. (40)
2 Jul 1944
Around 1500A/2, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) conducted a short bombardment of a shore target. (40)
8 Jul 1944
Around 1200A/8, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed the operations area for Spithead where she arrived around 1800A/8. (40)
9 Jul 1944
Around 2345A/9, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Spithead for Greenock. (40)
10 Jul 1944
Around 2000A/10, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) arrived at Greenock from Spithead. (40)
11 Jul 1944
Around 2130A/11, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow. (40)
12 Jul 1944
Around 1400A/12, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Greenock. (40)
26 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Scapa Flow, Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) to HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN). (41)
27 Jul 1944
Around 1700A/27, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Tyne where she is to undergo a refit by the Middle Docks & Engineering Company Ltd. at South Shields. (40)
28 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/28, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN) arrived at North Shield from Scapa Flow. (40)
Sources
- ADM 53/115417
- ADM 53/115418
- ADM 53/115418 + ADM 53/115530
- ADM 53/117009
- ADM 53/117009 + ADM 53/118636
- ADM 53/117010 + ADM 53/118273 + ADM/53/118637
- ADM 53/117010
- ADM 53/117011 + ADM 53/117012
- ADM 53/117012 + ADM 199/632
- ADM 53/117012 + ADM 53/117574
- ADM 53/117013 + ADM 53/117678
- ADM 53/117013
- ADM 234/560 + ADM 234/561
- ADM 53/117014
- ADM 53/117014 + ADM 53/117576 + ADM 199/632
- ADM 53/117014 + ADM 199/632
- ADM 53/117014 + Rosyth Dockyard docking register
- ADM 53/117014 + ADM 53/117015
- ADM 53/117016 + ADM 199/632
- ADM 53/117016
- ADM 53/117017
- ADM 53/117018
- ADM 53/117019
- ADM 53/117020
- ADM 53/117020 + ADM 53/118307 + ADM 53/118532
- ADM 53/118963 + ADM 199/1427
- ADM 53/118963
- ADM 53/118964
- ADM 53/118965
- ADM 199/1427
- ADM 53/118965 + ADM 53/118984 + ADM 53/119260 + ADM 53/120484
- ADM 53/118965 + ADM 53/119260 + ADM 199/1427
- ADM 53/118966
- ADM 53/118966 + Rosyth Dockyard docking register
- ADM 53/118967 + ADM 199/1427
- ADM 53/118967
- ADM 53/118877 + ADM 53/118967 + ADM 53/119262 + ADM 53/119332
- ADM 53/118877 + ADM 53/118967 + ADM 53/119262 + ADM 53/119332 + ADM 199/1392 + ADM 199/1427
- ADM 53/118968
- ADM 53/118969
- ADM 53/118969 + ADM 53/119264
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
You can help improve officers Frederick Robertson Parham's page
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this officer.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve his page.