Rothesay-class Frigate

The Type 12M Rothesay-class were a class of frigates serving with the Royal Navy, South African Navy (where they were called President-class frigates) and the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The original Type 12 frigates, the Whitby-class, were designed as first-rate ocean-going convoy escorts in the light of experience gained during World War II. However, such were the capabilities and potential of the design that it was deemed suitable for use as a fast fleet anti-submarine warfare escort. As such, a repeat and improved Type 12 design was prepared, known as the Type 12M (M for "modified") and called the Rothesay-class after the lead ship. A total of twelve vessels were constructed, with the lead ship being laid down in 1956, two years after the last Whitby. The design was successful and popular, serving the Royal Navy and South African Navy well into the 1980s, and serving with distinction in the Falklands War.

Unit Run

Royal Navy

• HMS Yarmouth (F101)
• HMS Lowestoft (F103)
• HMS Brighton (F106)
• HMS Rothesay (F107)
• HMS Londonderry (F108)
• HMS Falmouth (F113)
• HMS Berwick (F115)
• HMS Plymouth (F126) - museum ship
• HMS Rhyl (F129)
• HMS Weymouth - cancelled in 1960, completed as Leander-class frigate HMS Leander
• HMS Fowey - cancelled in 1960, completed as Leander-class frigate HMS Ajax
• HMS Hastings (I) - transferred to New Zealand, completed as HMNZS Otago
• HMS Hastings (II) - cancelled in 1960, completed as Leander-class frigate HMS Dido

Royal New Zealand Navy

• HMNZS Otago (F111) - former HMS Hastings (I)
• HMNZS Taranaki (F148)

South African Navy

• SAS President Kruger (F150) - sunk on February 18^th, 1982 after collision with replenishment vessel SAS Tafelberg
• SAS President Steyn (F147)
• SAS President Pretorious (F146)