The ship was originally ordered as a Loch-class frigate from Hall Russell of Aberdeen to be named Loch Harport.

The order was cancelled in December 1943 and the ship was re-ordered as a Bay-class frigate from Charles Hill & Sons of Bristol in 1944.

She then sailed to Bermuda to join the West Indies Squadron, taking part in exercises and patrols, and making port visits around the Caribbean, before returning to the UK in October to refit.

On 24 May Burghead Bay was recommissioned for service in 7th Frigate Squadron on the South Atlantic Station, sailing for Simon's Town in August.

In May she sailed for the Falklands for her third and final tour of duty as guard ship, departing in June and sailing to the UK via ports on west coast of South America, making calls in Chile and Peru before transiting the Panama Canal, and finally arriving at Devonport in August where she was decommissioned, put into Reserve, and on the Disposal List.