Motor Minesweepers in the Thames Estuary detonating a magnetic mine.
1942. Motor Mine Sweepers at Wildfire III, Queenborough, in 1942.
MMS 81, Built by George Forbes, Peterhead. Launched 6 November 1941, completed February 1942. Sold January 1946.
MMS 81 formed part of the 110th Minesweeping Flotilla, Nore Command.
17 April 1943, Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, Francis J, GREENHOUGH was killed in an accident.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 81 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 81 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
(Rank. Name, Date joined ship.)
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., N. Strelley-Upton. 7 Jan 42.
Temp.Sub- Lieut., R.N.V.R., G. A. Emms. 7 Jan 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, N. Strelley-Upton. 7 Jan 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, P. A. Watts. June 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. M. G. Webb (In Command) 6 Mar 44
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, B. E. Fagan. 6 March 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. M. G. Webb (In Command) 6 Mar 44
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. H. G. Teal. 11 Sep 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. M. G. Webb (In Command) 6 Mar 44
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. H. G. Teal. 11 Sep 44.
MMS 85, Build at Wivenhoe Shipyard. Launched 14 February 1942. Sold on July 1948.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 85 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 85 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., A. E. Alexander. 18 June 42.
Temp. Sub- Lieut., R.N.V.R., R. W. Bachelor. 18 June 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, G. L. B. Parry. 21 Aug. 42.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, W. E. Body. 6 Apr 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, G. L. B. Parry. 21 Aug. 42.
Temp. Lieut. RANVR, W. E. Body. 6 Apr 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, M. E. H. Gallais. May 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, M. E. H. Gallais. May 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, L. W. Joiner (In Command) Jan 45
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, D. A. Gibson. 28 Nov 44.
MMS 92. Built by P. K. Harris, Appledore, Devon. Launched 18 October 1941. Completed January 1942.
Nov 1942. MMS 92 detonated a mine and was damaged.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 92 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 92 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. C. Fegen. 15 Nov 41
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. H. L. Sulman. 15 Nov 41.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, J. C. Fegen. 15 Nov 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, C. D. Needham. 10 Aug 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
On list but no names.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Skipper Lieut. RNR, C. Pollard. DSC. (In Command) 2 March 44
Temp. Skipper. RNR, J. F. Seaton. (Act) 2 March 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. C. J. Euston (act) ( In Command) 8 Sep 44.
Temp. Skipper. RNR, J. F. Seaton. (Act) 2 March 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. C. J. Euston (act) ( In Command) 8 Sep 44
Temp. Skipper. RNR, J. F. Seaton. (Act) 2 March 44.
MMS 109, Built by John Morris, Gosport. Launched 30 April 1942, completed October 1942. Sold August 1956.
MMS 109 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.
BILL HUTCHINGS STORY. Click HERE.
The men of the MMS 109 received high praise and awards for their courage.
DSM, Distinguished Service Medal.
Henry Davis HORSLEY, LT/JX173086, PO. 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 September to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
Henry SAVAGE, LT/KX108001, 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 October to November 1944.
To read a story from a crew member go here, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/82/a5952882.shtml
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, C. B. Radcliffe. 21 Sept 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, G. M. C. Warnes. 21 Sept 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNR, A. E. Rogers. (In Command) 21 Aug 43.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. A. R. Tait. 21 Aug 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. M. Johnston. (Act) 1 April 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. A. R. Tait. 21 Aug 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Lieut. Com., RNVR, R. M. Johnston. (Act) 1 April 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. A. R. Tait. 21 Aug 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, J. J. Challis (In Command) 14 March 45.
Temp. sub-Lieut. RNVR, T. A. R. Tait. 21 August 43.
MMS 114, Build at Wivenhoe Shipyard. Launched 22 December 1941. Completed April 1942. Sold 1946.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 114 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 114 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., D. A. Bass. April 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut., R.N.V.R., A. D. Washington. Apr 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. S. Bass. Apr 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, A. D. Washington. Apr 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. S. Bass. Apr 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, A. D. Washington. Apr 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. S. Bass. Apr 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, A. D. Washington. Apr 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. A. D. Washington. (In Command) Oct 44.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. K. Bowman. Oct 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. W. Rodan. (In Command) 25 Jan 45.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. K. Bowman. Oct 44.
MMS 149, Built by Frank Curtis, Par, Cornwall. Launched 21 November 1941. Completed March 1942. Sold 1949.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 149 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 149 operated. CLICK HERE. Where you will also find an account of sweeping mines in the Scheldt Estuary by Ralph Humphries on MMS 149.
A crew member writes, “I’m an ex wireman on MMS149. I worked out of Queenborough, Sheerness, sweeping around the Kent coast meeting Dover sweepers half way for 15 repeat sweep.”
8 May 1945. On VE Day the MMS 149 sailed for Rotterdam where it was amongst the first three British warships to enter the docks. The crew fed hungry Dutch children who had been surviving by eating tulip bulbs.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. C. J. Poynton. 9 Mar 42
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., L. H. P. Scott. 9 Mar 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, J. C. J. Poynton. 9 Mar 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, L. H. P. Scott. 9 Mar 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Vessel listed but no Officer names.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Vessel listed but no Officer names.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Vessel not on List.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. L. Lawrence. (In Command) 12 Aug 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, J. P. Ingram. 12 Aug 44.
MMS 171, Built by Frank Curtis, Totnes. Launched 20 December 1941. Completed April 1942. Sold November 1945.
MMS 171 formed part of the 110th Flotilla from the Nore Command where she had a near miss and was damaged.
MMS 171 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 171 received high praise and awards for their courage.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
George Daniel GANT, L/KX115090, 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. Op FIREBALL.
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
Lt. RNVR John Henry Lloyd SULMAN. 5 Oct 43 DSC. Minesweeping - DSC awarded for courage and skill in many successful minesweeping operations in Mediterranean waters.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Skipper Lieut., R.N.R., C. A. Evans (act.) 13 Apr 42.
Temp. Skipper R.N.R., H. Batchelor. July 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. L. Sulman. (In Command) 18 Mar 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, (2) H. Wood (act) 20 Aug 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, H. Wood (act) (In Command) 20 Aug 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Crossley-Holland (In Command) 23 Feb 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, E. E. Brierley. 3 Mar 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Crossley-Holland (In Command) 23 Feb 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, E. E. Brierley. 3 Mar 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. A. Crossley-Holland (In Command) 23 Feb 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, E. E. Brierley. 3 Mar 44.
MMS 173, Built by J. W. & A. Upham, Brixham. Launched 21 November 1941. Completed May 1942. The Netherlands Navy acquired MMS 173 and named it after the Dutch island Textel.
In service until returned to the Royal Navy in November 1942. The reason the minesweeper was returned, was because she was fitted with a 500 hp Newbury diesel engine, whereas her sister ships all had Crossley diesels. Served with 136th and 140th Minesweeping flotillas. Placed on sale list November, 1945. May still be in existence today in Oslo.
On 6th May, 1942 MMS 173 was bombed and received minor damage. Time out of Action, Nil.
Sunday, 12 November 1944. SANDY, Ronald L, Ordinary Telegraphist, RNPS, LT/JX 341809, DOWS. (Died of Wounds)
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNR, L. J. Barker. 24 March 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
OFFICERS from Navy List Temp. Lieut. RNR, L. J. Barker. 24 March 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, S. R. Linder. 24 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNR, L. J. Barker. 24 March 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, S. R. Linder. 24 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, K. P. Crampton. 26 April 45.
MMS 175, Build by Philip, Dartmouth. Launched 30 May 1942. Completed September 1942. Sold 1946.
July 1942. MMS 175 detonated a mine and was damaged.
11th November, 1944. Detonated a mine and was seriously damaged. Time out of action,10 weeks.
MMS 175 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 175 received high praise and awards for their courage.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
William FINDLAY, LT/X21752A. Second Hand, 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 Navy List August 1942.
NOT ON LIST.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, W. D. Hosking. (In command) 1 Apr 43,
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, P. W. Storey. 1 Apr 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, L. J Barker. 24 March 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, S. R. Linder. 24 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. Hosking (In Command) 1 Apr 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, P. W. Storey. 1 April 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. Hosking (In Command) 1 Apr 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. J. G. Clarke. 2 Nov 44.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, D. Hosking (In Command) 1 Apr 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. J. G. Clarke. 2 Nov 44.
MMS 190, Built by J. & G. Forbes, Sandhaven. Launched 17 January 1942. Completed April 1942. Sold 1947.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 190 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 190 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., C. C. Gotto. 4 Apr 42.
Temp. Lieut., R.A.N.V.R., G. A. Willington. 4 Apr 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, R. W. Bachelor. 21 Aug 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. W. Bachelor. (In Command) 21 Aug 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, J. A. Murdoch. 14 July 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. W. Bachelor. (In Command) 21 Aug 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, J. A. Murdoch. 14 July 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. W. Bachelor. (In Command) 21 Aug 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, J. A. Murdoch. 14 July 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR, R. W. Bachelor. (In Command) 21 Aug 42.
Temp.Sub-Lieut. RNVR, A. F. Deards. March 45.
MMS
MOTOR MINE SWEEPERS 81 to 192
Numbers:
1942: MMS 81, MMS 85, MMS 92, MMS 109, MMS 114, MMS 149, MMS 171, MMS 173, MMS 175, MMS190, MMS 192.
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 192. The acoustic hammer on the bow and the Magnetic mine sweeping cylinder on the stern.
MMS 192, Built by Herd & McKenzie, Buckie. Launched 11 February 1942. Completed May 1942. Sold 1946.
Like many of the Wildfire III, Queenborough MMS 192 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 192 operated. CLICK HERE.
OFFICERS from Navy List August 1942.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., C. G. White. 25 Apr 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut., R.N.V.R., G. A. Moritz 25 Apr 42.
OFFICERS from Navy List June 1943.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Steggles. 8 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List Dec. 1943.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Steggles. 8 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List June. 1944.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Steggles. 8 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List January 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. H. E. Clarke. (In Command) 27 Oct 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Steggles. 8 Feb 43.
OFFICERS from Navy List July 1945.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. H. E. Clarke. (In Command) 27 Oct 44.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR, H. J. Steggles. 8 Feb 43.
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