HMSAS Natal, World War II Anti-Submarine Frigate

Provenance

Estate Late Lt Cdr David 'Stoker' Hall DSC SANF.

Notes

On 14 March 1945, just four hours after being commissioned at Newcastle-on-Tyne, HMSAS Natal was steaming towards the Island of Mull to undertake work-up training. The vessel's Captain, Lt Cdr DA Hall DSC SANF, born in Pietersburg, trained on the General Botha, and awarded the DSC in 1941 for his part in the Alexandria-Tobruk supply runs along the North African coast as Captain of HMSAS Southern Maid, received a signal to say that a U-Boat had torpedoed and sunk a merchant vessel nearby. The Natal steamed to the location and undertook a search. Within 20 minutes the ship's sonar picked up a U-Boat signal, and depth charges were fired. An oil slick appeared on the surface indicating that the U-boat had been destroyed. The present lot is a ship portrait by Nils Andersen depicting the Natal, famous still for the unique distinction of being the only ship to have sunk a submarine (U-714) whilst still undergoing work-up training for the crew. Hall was awarded a Bar to his DSC for the achievement.