MMS
MOTOR MINE SWEEPERS 45 to 70
Numbers:
1941: MMS 45, MMS 53, MMS 59, MMS 68, MMS 79, MMS 80, MMS 82, MMS 113,
1942: MMS 57, MMS 69, MMS 70.
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 79.
MMS 80, Built by George Forbes, Peterhead. Launched 26 August 1941. Sold February 1946.
MMS 80 formed part of the 110th Motor Minesweeping Flotilla, Nore Command.
MMS 80 is believed to have taken part in Operation Calendar Two, clearing the Scheldt 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 80 received high praise and awards for their courage.
DSC (Distinguished Service Cross)
Lt RNR. David John MORRIS, 5 Oct 43, DSC. Minesweeping - DSC awarded for courage and skill in many successful minesweeping operations in Mediterranean waters Nov 42 - Jul 43.
MID. (Mentioned in Despatches)
Dugald MORRISON, LT/KX110031 Chief Engineman, 27 Dec 40 DSM (while on board HMS Astral. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for courage and continuous good services in the Channel Mobile Balloon Barrage. 5 Oct 43 MID, (while on board MMS 80) MID awarded for courage and skill in many successful minesweeping operations in Mediterranean waters Nov 42 - Jul 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., D. J. Morris. 17 Jan 42
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., R. Walthew. 27 Oct 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. J. Morris. 17 Jan 42
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, G. S. Thomas. 28 July 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. S. Thomas. 28 July 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. S. Thomas. 28 July 42
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Skipper Lieut. RNR. A. E. Kettless (Act) (In Command) 19 June 44.
Skipper RNR. W. J. Ritchie. 19 June 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Skipper Lieut. RNR. A. E. Kettless (Act) (In Command) 19 June 44.
Skipper RNR. W. J. Ritchie. 19 June 44.
MMS.82, J 582. Built by Wivenhoe Shipyard Ltd., Wivenhoe, England. Commissioned 21 Nov 1941.
15 June 41. Detonated a mine slight damage.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough minesweepers, MMS 82 took part in the D-day landings and “Operation Calendar Two” clearing the vital waterway of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 82 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List December 1942
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. C. C. Aplin, 7 Oct 1941
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. H. F. Harvey. 14 August 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. C. C. Aplin, 7 Oct 1941
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. S. F. Fowler. 15 Oct 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1944
Temp. Lieutenant-Com. RNVR. C. C. Aplin, 7 Oct 1941
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. H. R. Harrison. 17 Sept 43.
MMS.113, J 613. Built by Wivenhoe Shipyard Ltd., Wivenhoe, England. Commissioned 25 Sep 1941.
5 June 1944, (and rest of June) MMS 113 swept inshore off the Normandy (D-day) beaches.
13 June 44 PICKTHALL, Albert, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 403610, killed.
14 June 1944. MMS 113 was damaged by a mine requiring 2 months in repairs.
The sad remains of MMS 113 in Portsmouth Harbour.
On the 8th November 1945 she was handed over to the Director of Small Craft Disposal to be sold off.
DSM, Distinguished Medal.
George Thomas BATCHELOR, LT/KX111559. Engineman. 3 Apr 45. MID. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines Sep-Nov 1944.
MID. Mentioned in Dispatches.
James McKenzie BROWN, L/KX130868. Engineman. 4 Sep 45. MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland.
MID. Mentioned in Dispatches.
Reginald Clarence TAYLOR, LT/JX351585, Telegraphist, 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.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough minesweepers, MMS 113 took part in the D-day landings and “Operation Calendar Two” clearing the vital waterway of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 113 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List December 1942
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieutenant. RNR. A. E. Blackburn, DSC, 13 Sep 1941
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. A. J. Boss. Sep 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. D. H. Hackett. 19 May 43
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. L. A. Gay. 3 Dec 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1944
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. D. H. Hackett. 19 May 43
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. F. N. H. Chalk. 18 Oct 43.
MMS 57, Built by Wilson Noble, Fraserburge, Scotland. Launched 21 October 1941. Sold January 1957.
MMS 57 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 2057. Photos from John Sterland who’s Dad m Alfred Sterland was her Chief Gunner.
The men of the MMS 57 received high praise and awards for their courage.
MID. (Mentioned in Despatches)
William John BARBER, LT/JX261666, Seaman, 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 Despatches)
T/Sub Lt RNVR John Leslie DUSSECK, 22 Dec 42. MID Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage, endurance and devotion to duty in minesweeping operations. Channel June 1942.
DSC (Distinguished Service Cross)
T/Lt RNVR. Gordon HIBBS, 22 Dec 42, DSC. Minesweeping - DSC awarded for courage, endurance and devotion to duty in minesweeping operations. Channel June 1942.
MID. (Mentioned in Despatches)
Joshua Stanley KELLY, L/JX174479, L.S. 4 Sep 45. Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage and determination in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland. Operation Fireball.
DSM (Distinguished Service Medal)
Sidney Victor LEWIS, LT/KX112130, Engineman RNPS 22 Dec 42 DSM (while with MMS 60) Minesweeping - DSM awarded for courage, endurance and devotion to duty in minesweeping operations. Channel June 42. 3 Apr 45, MID (While with MMS 57) MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of September to November.
DSM (Distinguished Service Medal)
Joseph Flett PARKER, LT/KX107484, Engineman. 22 Dec 42 DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for courage, endurance and devotion to duty in minesweeping operations.
DSM (Distinguished Service Medal)
Herbert Edgar PARROTT LT/JX198970, LS. 3 Apr 45. DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
DSM (Distinguished Service Medal)
George Robert SCOVELL, LT/KX114218, Engineman. 9 May 44 DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for enterprise and skill minesweeping.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 113 operated. CLICK HERE.
The heroic MMS 2057. Her crews numerous citations proving they were the bravest of the brave. The MMS 2057's crew demonstrated (Quote) "great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines."
Photos from John Sterland who’s Dad Alfred Sterland was her Chief Gunner.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., G. Hibbs. 16 Jan 42
Temp.Sub- Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. L. Dussek. 16 Jan 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. Hibbs. 16 Jan 42
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, J. L. Dussek. 16 Jan 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, A. Hensser (In Command) 10 Sep 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNZNVR, J. A. Childs. 17 Sep 43
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. H. G. Teal. 10 Sep 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, C. Hustler. (In Command) 10 April 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNZNVR, J. A. Childs. 17 Sep 43
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. H. G. Teal. 10 Sep 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, C. Hustler. (In Command) 10 April 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNZNVR, J. A. Childs. 17 Sep 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, C. Hustler. (In Command) 10 April 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNZNVR, J. A. Childs. 17 Sep 43.
MMS 69, Built by Richard Ironworks, Lowerstoft. Launched 22 November 1941. Sold April 1954.
MMS 69 formed part of the 110th Flotilla, Nore Command.
5 Nov 44. DEAN, Raymond A, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 175049, MPK (Missing Presumed Killed)
MMS 69 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 69 received high praise and awards for their courage.
MID. (Mentioned in Despatches)
Sydney George MOORE, C/MX96822, 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 September to November 1944.
MID. (Mentioned in Despatches)
Henry Arthur STEPHENS, LT/JX222389. PO. 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.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 69 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., R. G. Cooper. 30 Jan 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut., R.N.V.R., D. W. Edwards. 19 March 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, W. C. T. Weekes. 7 Sept 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, R. H. Paddle. 23 Jan 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, W. C. T. Weekes. (Act.) (In Command) 7 Sept 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. French. 18 Oct 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. Com. RNVR, W. C. T. Weekes. (Act.) (In Command) 7 Sept 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. French. 18 Oct 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. L. A. Levey. (In Command) 25 Aug 44
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. S. W. H. F. Allen. 25 Aug 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. Com. RNVR. L. A. Levey. (In Command) 25 Aug 44
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. S. W. H. F. Allen. 25 Aug 44.
MMS 70. Pennant J 570, Built by, Richards Ironworks Ltd. (Lowestoft, England, U.K.) Launched, 6 Jan 1942, Sunk in Gulf of Taranto, Italy. 24 September 1943. Commander, Lionel Claude Evans from 4 May 1942 to 24 September 1943 (The date it was mined)
MID. (Mentioned in Despatches)
Edward Ernest SMITH, LT/X18949A, CPO. 5 Oct 43. MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage and skill in many successful minesweeping operations in Mediterranean waters.
24 September 1943. MMS.70, motor minesweeper, loss.
The follow crew were lost.
BRIGDEN, Jack W, Stoker 1c, RNPS, LT/KX 152795, MPK. (Missing Presumed Killed)
BUCHAN, John W D, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 125479, MPK
CAMBURN, Ernest, Leading Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 241575, killed
COOPER, Gerald J, Ordinary Signalman, RNPS, LT/JX 247192, MPK
DAVIS, Leslie E, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK
DEANS, Charles S I, Stoker 2c, RNPS, LT/KX 137326, MPK
DUTHIE, Balfour D, Leading Cook, RNPS, LT/MX 87859, MPK
MARTIN, Wynford, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 197038, MPK
PEARCE, Charles R, Leading Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242878, MPK
WALPOLE, Bernard F, Able Seaman, P/SSX 24477, MPK.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., Lionel Claude Evans, 4 May 42.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., A. N. Tosswill. 4 May 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, Lionel Claude Evans, 4 May 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, N. R. Searls. 10 Aug 42.
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Motor Minesweeper. LL (double L) electric cables, which detonate magnetic mines being recovered.
1941. Motor Mine Sweepers at Wildfire III, Queenborough, in 1941.
MMS.45, J 545. Built by Richards Ironworks Ltd., Lowestoft, England. Commissioned Oct 1941.
5 June 1944, (and rest of June) MMS 45 swept inshore off the Normandy (D-day) beaches.
13th June, 1944. Damaged by shell, no time out of action.
13th June 1944. PICKTHALL, Albert, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 403610, killed.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 45 took part in “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 general information on areas in which MMS 45 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List December 1942
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. E A Cash, 20 Oct 1941
Temp. Lieutenant RNVR. R. Walthew. 28 Aug 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. E A Cash, 20 Oct 1941
Temp. Lieutenant RNVR. R. Walthew. 28 Aug 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1944
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. E A Cash, 20 Oct 1941
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. H. E. Clarke. 14 July 43.
MMS.53, J 553. Built by Herd & McKenzie Ltd. Buckie, Scotland. Commissioned 10 Oct 1941. Completed October 1941. Sold to Greece in 1946.
Joined 102nd Motor Minesweeper Flotilla, Nore Command.
MMS 53 took part in Operation Calendar Two, clearing mines from the Scheldt Estuary.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 53 operated. CLICK HERE.
June 1943. Navy List. Officers.
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. G. Cooper. 7 Sept 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, D. W. Edwards. 7 Sept 42.
Dec. 1943. Navy List. Officers.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. G. Cooper. 7 Sept 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, D. W. Edwards. 7 Sept 42.
June. 1944. Navy List. Officers.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. G. Cooper. 7 Sept 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. W. Edwards. (Act) 7 Sept 42.
January 1945. Navy List. Officers.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. A. J. F. Shiner. (In Command) Dec 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. W. Edwards. (Act) 7 Sept 42.
July 1945. Navy List. Officers.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. Colling (In Command) Jan 45.
Temp. sub-Lieut. RNVR, A. G. Bostock. Jan 45.
MMS 53, possibly in Malta Harbour.
MMS.59, J 559. Built by J & G Forbes & Co. Ltd. Sandhaven, England. Commissioned 12 Sep 1941.
15th June 1942. MMS 59 detonated a mine and was out of action for 1 month.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough minesweepers, MSS 59 took part in the D-day landings and “Operation Calendar Two” clearing the vital waterway of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 59 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List December 1942
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. J. C. Cramer-Parry, 11 Jul 1942
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. F Wilton. 25 Aug 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. F. L. Coggin, 1 Jan 1943
Temp. Sub Lieutenant. RNVR. P. Harvatt. 18 July 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1944
Not on this list.
MMS 68, Built by Richard Ironworks, Lowerstoft. Launched 11 October 1941. Sunk 4 February 1945 off the Greek coast.
14th July, 1942. Detonated a mine and was Seriously
damaged. Time out of action, 6 week. The men of MMS 68 received the following awards for their skill and bravery while minesweeping.
DSM (Distinguished Service Medal)
Thomas Arthur ALLEN, LT/KX131650, A/CPO Engineer. DSM, 5 Oct 43. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for courage and skill in many successful minesweeping operations in Mediterranean waters Dec 1942-May 1943.
MID (Mentioned in Despatches)
Frederick Charles PARHAM, LT/JX225666, Seaman. 5 Oct 43 MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage and skill in many successful minesweeping operations in Mediterranean waters.
4th February, 1945. MMS 68 detonated a mine and sunk with the following lost.
BLACK, Robert, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 163357, MPK (Missing Presumed Killed)
CLIMPSON, Reginald E, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 210718, MPK
FORDER, Fred E, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 300903, MPK
GREGG, John T, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 281355, killed
HASKAYNE, Stanley, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 355462, MPK
JONES, George I, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 151604, MPK
LONGHURST, Albert F, Seaman, LT/JX 255536, MPK
MARR, Andrew S, 2nd Hand, RNPS, LT/JX 185405, MPK
MURRAY, Frank C V, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK
RITCHIE, Andrew, 2nd Hand, RNPS, LT/JX 241770, MPK
ROGERS, John C, Steward, RNPS, LT/LX 29349, MPK
WARNER, Robert S, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. F. Foggitt. 11 Dec 41
Temp. Sub-Lieut., R.N.V.R., S. W. T. Mitchelmore. 13 Dec 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. Ponking. 7 Sep 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. W. T. Mitchelmore. 13 Dec 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. Ponking. DSC. (In Command) 7 Sep 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, S. W. T. Mitchelmore. 13 Dec 41
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. Ponking. DSC. (In Command) 7 Sep 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. F. C. Murry (In Command) Oct 44. MPK (Missing Presumed Killed) when the MMS 68 sunk.
MMS.79, J597. Built by George Forbes, Peterhead, England. Commissioned 21 Sep 1941.
9th January 1942. HMS Destroyer VIMIERA when escorting an FS Convoy hit a mine and blew up in the Thames Estuary within sight of Sheerness. The whole ship forward of the aft funnel disintegrated and over 70 died. Wildfire III vessels helped in the rescue of survivors. Motor Mine Sweeper MMS 19 rescued 24 men from the stricken vessel and MMS 79 took off three more. The minesweeping trawler HMT Soranus rescued eight badly wounded from the water.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough minesweepers, MMS 79 took part in the D-day landings and “Operation Calendar Two” clearing the vital waterway of the Scheldt Estuary of mines and opening up the port of Antwerp to resupply Allied troops.
For more general information on areas in which MMS 79 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List December 1942
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. J. H. C. Collier. 15 Jul 1941
Temp. Sub Lieutenant RNVR. F. Diggles. 9 July 1941.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. J. H. C. Collier. 15 Jul 1941
Temp. Sub Lieutenant RNVR. F. Diggles. 9 July 1941.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1944
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. J. H. C. Collier. 15 Jul 1941
Temp. Lieutenant. RNVR. A. F. B. Lacey. 15 May 44