Established by the British Government under UN Security Council Resolutions 217 and (by 9 Apr 1965) UNSCR 221, to enforce economic sanctions against Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), primarily to prevent the flow of oil to the country from the East African coast. The patrol began with two frigates and an RFA, initially supported by a carrier (until mid May 1966), whilst the RAF organised its local base of operations for air cover, with Shackletons from Majunga between 16 Mar 1966 and Jun 1971, until Madagascar obtained its independence from France and the basing agreement ended. By Mar 1971, this had reduced to one warship and one RFA in support. Almost 80 Royal Navy warships took part in this operation at various times over its 10 year lifespan. The Operation was called off when Mozambique gained independence from Portugal, HMS Salisbury the last warship on patrol departed and the UK Treasury breathed a huge sigh of relief.

HMS Mohawk,(Captain Stanley L McCardle), though not mentioned here, was the first ship to take up the Beira Patrol. The three patrol lines were originally named after ex-girlfriends of our (RAN) Navigation Officer. I was one of 3 Midshipmen in Mohawk. I can't now remember the exact dates, but we were based at Mombasa, and were actually on patrol during the World Cup semi-final; England v Portugal. At that time a Portuguese (ex RN) frigate was in company, ensuring that we didn't enter their territorial waters. (Capt McCardle had served in her as an Able Seaman when she was RN!)During the match the two ships sailed close alongside (as if a RAS) and the match commentary was played on the ships speaker systems, in both languages. With the cheering, (or otherwise!) ships' companies manning the sides, it was as if the game was being played in the ocean between us.

Units |
Dates | Unit | Models |
---|---|---|
mar66 to jun75 | ![]() | Wasp Whirlwind Whirlwind Whirlwind Wessex Wessex |
jun70 to jun75 | ![]() | Sea King Wessex |
Ships |
Classes | Ships | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft Carrier | Audacious class | ![]() ![]() |
Guided-Missile Destroyer | County class | ![]() ![]() |
Frigate | Ikara Leander class | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frigate | Type 12 Rothesay class | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frigate | Type 81 Tribal class | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Frigate | Exocet Leander class | ![]() ![]() |
Frigate | Seawolf Leander class | ![]() |
Frigate | Towed Array Exocet Leander class | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Support Ship | Improved Tide class | ![]() |
Support Ship | Somersby class | ![]() |
Support Ship | Canadian Fort class | ![]() |
Support Ship | Retainer class | ![]() |