Royal Navy warships get a refit before leaving for foreign shores
One of the last Royal Navy warships that took part in the Falklands War is reported to have been sold to Bangladesh. HMS Leeds Castle was built in 1982 for fishery protection duties, but was ordered to the South Atlantic for use as a despatch vessel.
Her service during the conflict included acting as a floating refuelling station for helicopters, and providing a shuttle service for personnel and supplies between the Falklands and Ascension Island. Much of her subsequent career was also spent in the South Atlantic, where she alternated with her sister ship Dumbarton Castle in carrying out regular patrols.
Leeds Castle was decommissioned in 2005 and, together with Dumbarton Castle, will be refitted on Tyneside before both vessels sail to begin new careers with the Bangladesh Navy.
