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​MMS
MOTOR MINE SWEEPERS 211 to 295

1942:     MMS 211, MMS 265, MMS 266.
1943:     MMS 137, MMS 216, MMS 267, MMS 268 MMS 269, MMS 282, MMS 287, MMS 294, MMS, 295,

Motor Minesweeper were purpose built, wooden, shallow draft, minesweepers with both SA and LL sweeping capabilities. SA is Sweep Acoustic, a device similar to a Kanga Hammer which makes a loud thumping noise which exploded the acoustic mine. LL (double L) is a pair of electric cables which are towed parallel to each other on floats and emit a strong electric pulse which generates a magnetic field which detonated the magnetic mine.

Four Hundred and two Motor Minesweeper were built for the Royal Navy between 1940 and 1945.

Admiralty type; 1 to 118 and 123 to 313
Displacement      165 Tons
Length:                 105 Feet (32 metres)
Beam:                    23 Feet (7 metres)
Draft:                      9 feet 6 inches. (2.9 Metres)
Engine:                   Diesel. 500 BHP.
Speed:                    12.65 Miles per hour. (11 knots)
Complement:        20 Officers and men.
Armament:           Two 20 mm Anti-aircraft guns
                               Two machine guns.

MMS 266 crew taken at Cuxhaven (Germany )

Russell Walpole back right, B. Faulkner (second engineer) K. Mickley (stoker) D. E. Groves (bunts) and R. Liddle (sparks).

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.

Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. J. Else. 15 Nov 42.

Crew of Motor Mine Sweeper MMS 266.

Joe Bell, (William Joseph Bell)

MMS 266, Built by Frank Curtis, Totnes, Devon.  To Belgium in 1946.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 266 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

Russell Walpole (Left)

Crew of Motor Mine Sweeper MMS 266 (below)

Joe Bell, (William Joseph Bell)

Photographs by kind permission of Sarah Parry whose Grandfather Joe Bell served on Motor Mine Sweeper MMS 266 during World War Two.

 

If anyone knows what they're doing, please let us know.

German Naval Officer's ceremonial dress dagger acquired by Russell at Cuxhaven Germany.

Joe Bell, (William Joseph Bell)

MMS 295, Built by Frank Curtis, Par. Cornwall.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS  295 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

For more information on areas in which MMS 295 operated.CLICK HERE.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
NOT ON LIST.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, P. R. D. Tutt. (In Command) 31 May 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. F. Wylie. 31 May 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR,  A. G. Leach (In Command) 1 Feb 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. F. Wylie. 31 May 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR,  A. G. Leach (In Command) 1 Feb 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. F. Wylie. 31 May 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR,  A. G. Leach (In Command) 1 Feb 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. F. Wylie. 31 May 43.

Many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough, Minesweepers were at the Scheldt Estuary. For more information on the Battle of the Scheldt, GO HERE.

If you, your father or your grandfather have any additional information about this ship, crew lists, stories, photographs, please send copies of them to be added to our records and this website.

Thank you.

Contact: Johntenthousand@yahoo.co.uk

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MMS 294, Built by Frank Curtis, Par. Cornwall.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 294 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

For more information on areas in which MMS 294 operated.CLICK HERE.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
NOT ON LIST.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. E. Colechin. 13 Oct 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RANVR, K. C. R. Hill. 5 June 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. E. Colechin. 13 Oct 41.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, K. C. R. Hill. 5 June 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. E. Colechin. 13 Oct 41.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, K. C. R. Hill. 5 June 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. E. Colechin. 13 Oct 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNZNVR, I. G. Wilson. 10 Jan 45. 

The last resting place of MMS 294.  A Mr. brown  owned the two vessels in the photograph and lived on one at  the site of old Elmley ferry house.

1943. Motor Mine Sweepers at Wildfire III, Queenborough, in 1943.

MMS 137, Built by Hasband Yacht Yard, Marshwood. Completed March 1943. Sold 1947.

Monday, 29 May 1944, MCEWAN, George N, Ordinary Signalman, RNPS, LT/JX 576035, DOWS (Died of Wounds).

MMS 137 took part in Operation Calendar Two, clearing the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to supply the Allied armies who by then had over extended supply lines reaching all the way back to the Normandy Landing Beaches.
The men of the MMS 137 received high praise and awards for their courage.

DSM, Distinguished Medal.
Alfred Russell HARRISON, LT/JX184479, LS A/Coxswain, 3 Apr 45, DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines Sep - Nov 1944.

MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
Henry SHERRATT, C/MX97677, Wireman. 3 Apr 45 MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, C. W. Blunt. (In Command) 8 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, C. W. Blunt. (In Command) 8 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, K. G. H. Cook. 8 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, C. W. Blunt. (In Command) 8 Feb 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, K. G. H. Cook. 8 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. G. H. Matthews. (In Command) 17 Dec 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. H. G. H. Cook. 8 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. G. H. Matthews. (In Command) 17 Dec 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. Mullender. 16 Jan 45.

MMS 216, Build by Philip, Dartmouth. Launched 10 November 1942. Completed February 1943. Sold 1947.

MMS 216 took part in Operation Calendar Two, clearing the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to supply the Allied armies who by then had over extended supply lines reaching all the way back to the Normandy Landing Beaches.


















                                   MMS 216 and other Queenborough Minesweepers at Terneuzen on the Scheldt.

​The men of the MMS 216 received high praise and awards for their courage.

MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
Leonard ANGELL, LT/MX107026, Leading Cook. 3 Apr 45. MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines Sep-Nov 1944.

MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
T/A/Lt Cdr RNVR.  Elgar Harold JEFFERY, 3 Apr 45. MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of September to November 1944.

MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
John Frederick Leonard LITCHFIELD, LT/KX131598, A/Chief Engineman. 3 Apr 45 MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of September to November 1944.

MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
William Edward TOWERSEY, LT/JX271030, Signalman. 3 Apr 45. MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, E. H, Jeffery.  18 Jan 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. G. Tuddenham. 18 Jan 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, E. H. Jeffery.  18 Jan 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, S. G. Tuddenham. 18 Jan 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, E. H. Jeffery. (In Command) 18 Jan 43.
Temp. sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. G. Tuddenham. 18 Jan 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. Com. RNVR, E. H. Jeffery. (Act) (In Command) 18 Jan 43.
Temp. sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. G. Tuddenham. 18 Jan 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. Com. RNVR, E. H. Jeffery. (Act) (In Command) 18 Jan 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, S. G. Tuddenham. 18 Jan 43.

MMS 267, Built by Frank Curtis, Totnes, Devon.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 267 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. M. Johnson (In Command) 12 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, A. M. Goodwin. 12 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut.Com., RNVR, R. M. Johnson (In Command) 12 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. G. Adames. 11 Nov 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNZNVR, J. Barron. (In Command) 1 April 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. G. Adams. 11 November 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. G. Adams. 11 November 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. G. Adams. 11 November 43.

MMS 268. Built by Frank Curtis, Par, Cornwall.
The son of a crew member of MMS 268 writes, “My dad was the first commanding officer of MMS 268, launched from Par and fitted out in Charlestown. Swept mainly out of Sheerness but also Dover and Newport. He later commanded BYMS 2007 in the Far East.
​5 June 1944, (and rest of June)  MMS 268 swept inshore off the Normandy (D-day) beaches.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 268 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Masson. 30 Nov 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Howlett. 30 Nov 42.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Masson. 30 Nov 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, V. R. Jones. 18 Oct 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Masson. 30 Nov 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. Beaumont. 21 Nov 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Masson. 30 Nov 42
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. Beaumont. 21 Nov 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, A. McMurtry. (In Command) 20 Feb 45.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. Beaumont. 21 Nov 43.

MMS 269, Built by Frank Curtis, Par. Cornwall.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 269 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, G. D. Smedley. 22 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. W. F. McKechnie. 21 Apr 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. R. Davies. 25 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, G. D. Smedley. 22 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, L. C. Evans, (In Command) 14 Dec 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. D. Smedley. 22 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, L. C. Evans, (In Command) 14 Dec 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. D. Smedley. 22 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. Com. RNVR, L. C. Evans, (In Command) 14 Dec 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. D. Smedley. 22 Feb 43.

MMS 282. Built by Frank Curtis, Par, Cornwall. Launched 20 July 1943. Completed October 1943. Sold 1946.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 282 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943. 
NOT ON LIST.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, F. B. Dineen. 11 Oct 43.
Temp. Act Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. A. Dunster. 11 Oct 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, F. B. Dineen. 11 Oct 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. A. Dunster. 11 Oct 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, F. B. Dineen. (In Command) 11 Oct 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. A. Dunster. 11 Oct 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, F. B. Dineen. (In Command) 11 Oct 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, F. A. Dunster. 11 Oct 43.

MMS 287, Built by John Morris, Gosport.

17th October 1943, Damaged by a Shell. Time out of action, 7 weeks.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 287 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops.
OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. I. O. Rogers (In Command) 26 Oct 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Scott. 23 Aug 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Scott. (In Command) 23 Aug 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. R. Harrison. 

Clearing Magnetic  Mines from the Scheldt Estuary.

1942. Motor Mine Sweepers at Wildfire III, Queenborough, in 1942.
Many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough, Minesweepers were at the Scheldt Estuary. For more information on the Battle of the Scheldt, GO HERE.

MMS 211, Built by Herd & McKenzie, Buckie. Launched 18 July 1942. Completed November 1942. Sold November 1945.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 211 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

For more information on areas in which MMS 211 operated. CLICK HERE. 

​1 May 1945.  Kristian E. ERIKSEN, Signalman, D/Dane/X 63, killed.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Skipper Lieut. RNR, R. J. Read (Act.) In command. 19 Oct 42.
Temp. Skipper RNR, D. Falconer. 19 Oct 42.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Skipper Lieut. RNR, R. J. Read (Act.) In command. 19 Oct 42.
Temp. Skipper RNR, D. Falconer. 19 Oct 42.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Skipper Lieut. RNR, A. Cowie (Act) (In Command) 24 Nov 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Skipper Lieut. RNR, A. Cowie (Act) (In Command) 24 Nov 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp.Skipper Lieut. RNR, J. H. Miller. (Act) (In Command) 5 May 45.

MMS 265, Built by Frank Curtis, Totnes, Devon.

Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 265 took part in the D- Day landings and “Operation Calendar Two”. Clearing the vital water way of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops with over stretched supply lines.

​To read  crewman Harold O’Neill, story go here, http://www.eastlothianatwar.co.uk/ELAW/Harold_ONeill.html

For more information on areas in which MMS 265 operated. CLICK HERE.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. P. Jones, (In Command) 17 Feb 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. P. Jones, (In Command) 17 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, G. M. Cox. 27 April 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. P. Jones, (In Command) 17 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, G. M. Cox. 27 April 43.

OFFICERS from the Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. P. Jones, (In Command) 17 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. J. H. Cooke. 29 Nov 44.

OFFICERS from the Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. P. Jones, (In Command) 17 Feb 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. J. H. Cooke. 29 Nov 44.

RUSSELL WALPOLE, Russell Walpole served on the Motor Mine Sweeper MMS 266 during World War Two. Russell would see service at Normandy, the Scheldt and finally at Cuxhaven.

During the D-day operations, Russel sustained an injury to his arm when swinging out a ship’s boat and was taken to hospital at Le Havre (France). He later was transferred to  Haslar Naval Hospital at Gosport.

While based at Cuxhaven, clearing mines from the channels going into Hamburg, Russell acquired a German Naval Officer's ceremonial dress dagger. (pictured below)

When the war in Europe ended, Russell was to be sent to Australia, but when Japan surrendered, this was cancelled.

Photographs by kind permission of his son Michael Walpole.

Remains of MMS 294 at Elmley Ferry (Mainland side, between Sittingbourne and the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England,

Russell Walpole with a model of Motor Mine Sweeper MMS 266, on which he served.

MMS 266 at Queenborough Pier, Wildfire III, Mine Sweeper Base.

Photograph of crew Russell Walpole on the right.