title: HMS Launceston Castle (K397)
text: # HMS Launceston Castle (K397)
  
  HMS Launceston Castle (K397) was a Castle-class corvette of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, named after Launceston Castle in Cornwall. The ship was constructed during the Second World War and saw service primarily as a convoy escort.
  
  ## Service history
  
  Launceston Castle was launched by Blyth Shipbuilding and Drydock Company at Blyth in Northumberland on 27 November 1943.
  
  In the Second World War she served as a convoy escort. Launceston Castle served in the 30th Escort Group commanded by Denys Rayner RNVR carrying his flag on board HMS Pevensey Castle. She sank the German submarine U-1200 south of Ireland on 11 November 1944, supported by her sister ships Pevensey Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Portchester Castle.
  
  In 1953 she took part in the Fleet Review to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
  
  