HMS "Saintes" - Flotilla Leader. This vessel, which has been constructed by Messrs. R & W Hawthorn, Lesley & Co Ltd at their Hebburn shipbuilding yard, was commissioned on 17 September 1946 and proceeded on her official sea trials on Tuesday 24th of September. These trials have now been completed satisfactorily and the vessel was handed over to the Admiralty on Friday 27th of September 1946. One of the flotilla leaders provided for in the 1942 naval program, HMS "Saintes" has a displacement of about 2200 tons with a two shaft arrangement of geared turbines of a total SHP of 50,000. Armament consist of twin 4.5 Q.F, twin 40 mm Bofors, and twin 20mm Oerlikon, also 21 inch torpedo tubes. The "Saintes" is under the command of Lieutenant Commander JHA Benians. The vessel was launched by the Honourable Mrs Simon Rodney. Two sister ships, HMS "Agincourt" and HMS "Alamein" are also being completed byMessrs R & W Hawthorn, Lesley and Co Ltd, for the British Admiralty.