(Research): 'HMS Border' destroyer (1,050t) - Transferred to the Greek Navy in 1942 and renamed 'Adrias'. - Her last voyage was an epic. On the night of 24th October 1943, in company with 'HMS Hurworth' , 'HHMS Adrias' set off for a position south of Leros to create a diversion to protect ships landing stores on Leros for the British troops occupying the island. On their way there they ran into a newly laid minefield, both ships were struck by mines, the 'Adrias' was first to be hit, she had her bows blown off as far back as the bridge. By some very skilful seamanship, the Greek captain and his crew managed to beach the remains of their ship in Turkey, there to stay for some time.
With the crew working relentlessly, the ship was made seaworthy enough to make the 600 mile voyage to Alexandria. On the evening of 1st December 1943, weather conditions right and initially escorted by three Motor Gun Boats she began the hazardous journey. In daylight she lay hidden under camouflage nets in Turkish Territorial waters - the Germans were reluctant to bomb in case they gave offence to the Turks - after a change of escorts she reached Cyprus where she refuelled, and in the early hours of the 4th December 1943, she started for Alexandria at approximately eight knots under her own steam. Entering the harbour at Alexandria, all warships cleared lower decks and cheered her in.Her Greek commanding officer, Commander Toumbos was awarded the Greek equivalent of the VC and a message was sent to Swan Hunters paying tribute to the performance of the ship, when so badly damaged. The 'Adrias' was broken up in Gateshead in 1945. Her companion in this, 'HMS Hurworth' fared badly - see entry for Vickers Armstrong - 1941.