HMSAS Natal

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HMSAS Natal was a Loch-class frigate of the South African Navy. It was built in England as HMS Loch Cree (K430) for the Royal Navy during World War II. The ship was laid down in October 1943, launched in June 1944, and completed in March 1945. Before it was finished, it was transferred to South Africa and renamed Natal.

Just hours after finishing fitting out, Natal sank the German submarine U-714 off Scotland in March 1945. It then served on convoy escort duties in the Western Approaches. After arriving in South Africa in June 1945, its anti-aircraft defenses were strengthened for possible service in the Far East.

In late 1945, Natal helped reoccupy British Malaya and then returned home. It ferried troops from Egypt and took part in the 1947 annexation of the Prince Edward Islands. The ship and its sisters visited ports across Middle Africa in 1948. Natal was placed in reserve in 1953.

In the mid-1950s, Natal was converted into a hydrographic survey ship. It could support oceanographic work, draw charts, and accommodate scientists. Natal took part in the 1957–58 International Geophysical Year and the 1962–63 International Indian Ocean Expedition.

By 1972 Natal was considered obsolete and was taken out of service in March. It was sunk as a target off the Cape of Good Hope in September 1972.

Specifications (as built)
- Class and type: Loch-class frigate
- Displacement: 1,435 long tons (standard), 2,260 long tons (deep)
- Length: 307 feet; Beam: 38 ft 7 in; Draught: 12 ft 4 in
- Propulsion: 2 vertical triple-expansion steam engines, 2 shafts, 5,500 ihp
- Speed: 20 knots; Range: 9,500 nautical miles at 12 knots
- Complement: 114
- Armament: 1 × 4-inch gun; 4 × 2-pounder “pom-poms”; 6 × 20 mm Oerlikon; 2 × triple Squid anti-submarine mortars; 1 × rail and 2 × throwers for depth charges
- Sensors: Type 144/147B ASDIC; Type 277 radar
- Pennant number: K10
- Name origin: Natal Province, South Africa

Natal’s story includes a swift wartime fate, a long postwar service as a survey ship, and its final sinking as a target in 1972.