JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.
For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
HMS Puncher is an Archer-class patrol vessel associated with London University Royal Naval Unit (URNU). Primarily used for training officer cadets, she also undertakes coastal protection and assists on exercises around the world.
HMS Puncher operates from HMNB Portsmouth and is proud to be affiliated with the following:
Top speed
Total length
Total displacement
HMS Puncher has a permanent crew of five: four ratings and an officer. The ship can also accommodate up to 12 URNU Officer Cadets, along with a training officer from the Royal Navy Reserve. The ship’s company has a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:
View all related news
Four of the Royal Navy’s smallest ships made history by operating in the Arctic Circle for the first time in...
26 April 2023
The trophy cabinet of HMS Defender will soon be bulging after the destroyer picked up...
26 November 2020
Topic:Fighting armsSurface Fleet
Royal Navy vessel HMS Puncher went to the rescue of a stricken fishing boat while...
26 June 2020
14 of the Royal Navy’s P2000 class ships have taken part in their annual squadron...
28 September 2018
Seven Archer Class P2000 ships from the Royal Navy’s 1st Patrol Boat Squadron (1PBS)...
28 June 2018
As a training vessel, HMS Puncher’s main role is to provide Naval experience to Officer Cadets from the University of London’s University Royal Naval Unit (London URNU).
It’s onboard HMS Puncher that Young Officers and cadets get their first taste of Naval life, developing the navigation and seamanship skills required for a career in the Royal Navy.
HMS Puncher also takes part in a variety of wider Fleet tasking, from coastal patrols in UK waters to Royal Navy exercises in the Baltic, Northern Europe and beyond.
The First HMS Puncher is a Smiter-class escort carrier built by Todd Pacific, Seattle, and commissioned in 1944.
HMS Puncher is the last escort carrier to be manned by the Royal Canadian Navy. With a complement of 1000 personnel, her displacement is 14,700 tonnes.
During the Second World War, HMS Puncher receives Battle Honours for her part in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Joining the Home Fleet at Scapa Flow in February 1945, HMS Puncher provides fighter cover for minelaying and minesweeping sorties.
The first Puncher has a post-war role providing deck landing training and troop transport until being returned to the US and sold as a merchant ship in 1946.
A second HMS Puncher, a tank landing ship, is commissioned in 1947. She is eventually sold out of the service in 1960.
From divers to chefs, musicians to engineers, there’s a whole world of career options with the Royal Navy. Join us to be part of something special, protecting our nation’s interests, all over the world.
Be part of it
Want all the latest news from HMS Puncher? Add this page to your favourites.
favourites
Mine hunter ships, frigates, destroyers and assault ships, among others, form the backbone of our naval prowess.
A vital element of the Royal Navy's role is keeping the peace, preventing conflict and containing situations before they develop.
The UK has a responsibility to its citizens and its allies to endeavour to safeguard the high seas. This is why the Royal Navy protects home and international waters.
