by E28 » Sat Apr 15, 2017 8:47 pm
When we say Tribal, what does this mean.
The Ashanti are a group of people whose Kingdom is today encompassed within the wider Country of Ghana, West Africa.
In the days of the British Empire, the Ashanti, or Ashantee, were a formidable group who were involved in assorted conflicts with the British in the 19th Century, became highly regarded, and ultimately, allies to the Brits. To this day, they remain a major influence within greater Ghana.
Tribal names are historic within the RN, however, this Ashanti was the first named to honour this group of people, and was the only ship of the 16 built for the RN to visit those for whom she is named, pre WW2.
Surviving the rigours of active service 1939-1945, Ashanti was awarded 8 Battle Honours, and 1 of only 4 RN Tribals to survive the conflicts and rigours of that war, together with sisters Eskimo, Nubian & Tartar. Canada also had 8, Australia 3.
The 2nd Ashanti was also the lead ship of the 7 Type 81, or Tribal class frigates, from the Late 1950 early 1960 era.
Thats all folks. Sean.