The ship returned to the UK in early 1944 to participate in Operation Neptune, the naval portion of the invasion of Normandy in June. She bombarded German coastal defences on 6 June, but was paid off in July. The Royal Navy decided to convert her back into a training ship while she was under repair, but that work was cancelled in 1945. "Hawkins" was placed back in reserve that year and was used for bombing trials in 1947. The vessel was sold for scrap later that year.