British frigate returns home flying battle ensign

HMS Richmond spent nearly six weeks’ in the line of fire around the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden, where merchant shipping has come under repeated attack from Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Richmond was called upon just once to fire her weapons in anger to thwart such attacks, firing Sea Ceptor missiles to down incoming drones in the largest swarm attack to date: rebels launched 57 missiles and drones from various sites in Yemen in the small hours of Saturday March 9.

It’s the first time Sea Ceptor has been fired in a combat situation since entering service nearly a decade ago.

Her crew were also first on the scene after the merchant vessel Sky II was struck by a Houthi missile, provided the ship’s master with an assessment of damage; the helicopter also offered assistance to the merchantman but Sky II’s sailors were on top of the situation.

A battle ensign is the name given to a large war ensign (flag) hoisted on a warship’s mast.

Flying her Battle Ensign, @HMS_Richmond has returned home from the Red Sea where she used her missiles to repel houti attacks and protect shipping.

Even the weather can’t dampen the immense pride her company must feel, I pay tribute to their great professionalism and dedication. pic.twitter.com/aFhiqLwtaZ

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 28, 2024