Tom Ashton, the author, spent over twenty years researching and interviewing crewmembers of HMS Dido. At the first reunion of the HMS Dido Association, the association formed for c...view moreTom Ashton, the author, spent over twenty years researching and interviewing crewmembers of HMS Dido. At the first reunion of the HMS Dido Association, the association formed for crewmembers of both the cruiser and the frigate, Tom passed the research material on to Colin Bates, the founder of the association. The story of Dido is a unique and interesting story. The first Dido served in the Royal Navy in 1784. There have been a further six Didos, albeit one laid down in 1861 was cancelled two years later before launching. The last being sold to the New Zealand Navy in 1983 and being renamed HMNZS Southland. Each Dido made her own mark on history. From Captain Henry Keppel for the suppresion of piracy in Borneo, to accompanying Queen Elizabeth II in 1973 for the opening of Sydney Opera House.view less