HMNB Devonport

[Brian James]

HMNB Devonport, Auckland....2023.

[Brian James]

HMNB Devonport, Auckland, pictured in the 1940's...Visible are four Fairmile 'B' launches (nearest Q400) to the left and three more (Q405) to the right). Other ships identifiable are:
HMNZS Phyllis (T22) - Danlayer.
HMNZS Waipu (T32) - Castles Class Minesweeper.
HMNZS Kiwi (T102) - Bird Class minesweeper.
HMNZS Killegray (T174) - Isles Class Minesweeper.

[Brian James]

D Class Light Cruiser HMS Dunedin pictured berthed at HMNB Devonport in 1937 with two Grimsby Class Sloops, HMS Wellington and HMS Leith astern and Third Class, Pearl Class Protected Cruiser HMNZS Philomel is at the Training Jetty (top left).

[Brian James]

Castle Class Minesweeper HMNZS Hinau pictured at HMNB Devonport c1947....Hinau was laid down in 1940 and was of a composite design, using Kauri wood due to a shortage of steel at the time and was launched on August 28th 1941 at Senior Foundry Ltd Shipyard located at Auckland. Being the first naval ship built in New Zealand for the RNZN...She was the first of four composite Minesweepers constructed for the RNZN and was commissioned on July 23rd 1942. The others were Manuka, Rimu and Tawhai. She served in the LL Group (later renamed as the 194th Auxiliary Minesweeping Division) which was located at Auckland. but would occasionally visit Wellington and the South Island. She would have refits in March 1943, August 1943, and October 1944. After the war she was laid up at Devonport Naval Base. In 1954 she was sold off as military surplus to be scrapped. She was saved and purchased by Parry Bros LTD located in Whakatīwai, to become a breakwater and shingle bin, where she remains today...*Note the Dido Class Cruiser in the background is HMNZS Black Prince.

[Brian James]

Admiralty Steps, Auckland in 1938.