HC Deb 17 September 1940 vol 365 c112
49. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Prime Minister whether he will allow the 50 destroyers from America to retain their original American names provided that no objection to this course is taken by Washington?

51. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the spirit in which the Colonies affected are co-operating in the new Anglo-American arrangement, some at least of the American destroyers will be named after these cooperating Colonies?

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

I have been asked to reply. I am grateful to the hon. Members for their suggestions. Since, by agreement between the two Governments, the original American names will not be used, the choice of new ones has been carefully considered, and I am now able to inform the House of the names which His Majesty the King has been pleased to approve for the first flotilla. These are:

  • "Churchill" (Leader).
  • "Caldwell."
  • "Cameron."
  • "Castleton."
  • "Chelsea."
  • "Chesterfield."
  • "Clare."
  • "Campbeltown."
Hon. Members will observe that these are all names of towns or villages common to the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Names on a similar basis for the other American destroyers will shortly be given, and these will include a special choice of a few names which will be common to the West Indies as well.