Algerine class minesweeper


HMS Mutine
Class overview
Name: Algerine
Builders: Belfast, Scotland (50)
Canada (60)
Operators:  Royal Navy
 Royal Canadian Navy
 South African Navy
 Belgian Navy
 Royal Ceylon Navy
 Royal Thai Navy
Preceded by: Bangor-class minesweeper
Succeeded by: Ton-class minesweeper
In service: 1942
Completed: 110
Active: 1?
Lost: 6
Retired: 109
General characteristics
Type: Minesweeper
Displacement: 1162 tons (reciprocating engines)
1122 tons (turbine engines)
990 tons (escort)
Length: 225 ft (69 m)
Beam: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Draught: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Propulsion: Geared turbines, 2 shafts; OR
Reciprocating engines, 2 shafts, 2,000 shp (1,500 kW)
Speed: 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h)
Complement: 85
Armament: 1 x QF 4-inch (101.6 mm) Mk V anti-aircraft gun
4 x Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
Hedgehog (Escorts only)

The Algerine-class was a class of minesweepers of the Royal Navy and the Commonwealth. 110 ships of the class were launched between 1942 and 1944 and served in World War II.

They were designed as small vessels that could serve in several roles, not just as minesweepers; in practice the desperate shortage of convoy escorts in the Second Battle of the Atlantic meant that they served mainly in that role; twelve Algerines of the Royal Canadian Navy consequently never had minesweeping gear fitted.

After the war, a number continued in service as patrol boats, survey ships, and training ships. Some were sold to other navies or into merchant service. At least one - HMS Pickle (commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Hallifax) - was still engaged in minesweeping duties in British waters as late as 1954. At least one Algerine is still in service with the Royal Thai Navy: HTMS Phosampton (ex-HMS Minstrel).

Contents

Ships

Algerines sunk in action

References

External links