AMROTH CASTLE
Minesweeper.
Built for Castle Steam Trawlers Ltd. (C. Heron), Swansea in 1913 as one of their “Castle” class fishing trawlers, the Ambrose Castle saw service in the Royal Navy as a mine sweeper during World War One. Built by Edwards Bros. of North Shields, the Amroth Castle’s sister “Castle” class of steam trawlers included Lawrenny Castle, Manorbier Castle, Pembroke Castle and Tenby Castle.
HMS Amroth Castle is named after 18th century house built on the site of Amroth's original Norman fortress near Tenby in Wales.
Requisitioned by the Admiralty on the 11 June 1940 the Amroth Castle was armed with a 12 pound gun and was attached to Lowestoft as an auxiliary patrol vessel engaged on Fishing protection.
In March 1941 the Amroth Castle was equipped as a minesweeper and based at Wildfire III, Queenborough.
HMS Amroth Castle in 1946 renamed Bridesmaid (LO231). Fishing out of Fleetwood. (North of Blackpool)
Amroth Castle, armed trawler, minesweeper.
Type: Fishing trawler, converted to minesweeper.
Built by: Edwards Bros., North Shields.
Year built: 1913
Engines Type: 85 HP T.3-cylinder by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesbrough
Owners: Castle Steam Trawlers Ltd. (C. Heron), Swansea. (First Owner)
Official number: Official Number: 128944. (Yard Number: 536)
Weight: Gross Tonnage: 255 tones
Length: 125 Feet.
Breadth: 23.5 feet
Depth: 12.3 feet.
Fate: Survived WW2 and returned to owners and renamed Bridesmaid. On the 15 January 1960 the Amroth Castle was at Passage West (Cork) Ireland for breaking by Haulbowline Industries.
May 1915 to 1918, requisitioned as a minesweeper during World War One.
October 1918,returned to Consolidated Steam Fishing & Ice Co (Grimsby) Ltd, Grimsby.
10 Oct 1933, Rescued two men from a motor yacht off Lundy Island which which was experiencing difficulties in extreme weather.
11 June 1940, requisitioned by the Admiralty as Auxiliary Patrol/ Fishing protection vessel based at Lowestoft. (Hire rate £65.17.6d/month).
15th September 1940, ROYAL NAVY SHIPS, Nore Command, Lowestoft.
Trawlers (armed with 12 Pounder’s), Alvis, Dela Pole, Dungeness, Galvani, Commander Evans, Faraday, Amroth Castle, Helvetia, Cobbers, Flying Admiral and Rugby.
March 1941, the Amroth Castle was equipped as a minesweeper and based at Wildfire III, Queenborough.
January 1942, ROYAL NAVY SHIPS, Nore Command, Sheerness.
Minesweeping Group 123 - minesweeping trawlers AMROTH CASTLE, DELPHINUS, PELAGOS, all at Sheerness.
30 Dec 1948, Returning from the Icelandic fishing grounds, in extreme weather conditions, became stranded on rocks off Port Askaig, Islay, Scotland. The crew were rescued by Islay lifeboat, The vessel was later re-floated.
Mentioned in Despatches and Distinguished Service Medal awarded to Freer MOODY, LT/KX101809, Engineman.
HMT Amroth Castle (Minesweeper) 1 Jan 1945, Minesweeping, MID awarded in New Years Honours 1945.
HMT Valesca, (Minesweeper) 3 April 1945, DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST Dec 40.
Temp. Skipper, R.N.R. W. Inman (prob.) 12 Sept 40.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 41.
On list but no officers.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 42.
Temp. Skipper, R.N.V.R., H. Stevens, 6 Oct 41
Temp. Sub-Lieut., R.N.V.R., R. J. Newstead, 1 Feb 42.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 43.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. W. S. Allison, 26 Jan 43, (In Command)
Temp. Sub-Lieut., G. W. Steabben, 24 Mar 43.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 44.
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R., J. W. S. Allison, 26 Jan 43, (In Command)
Temp. Lieut., R.N.V.R. G. W. Steabben, 24 Mar 43.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST Jan 45.
On list but no officers.
NOT ON Navy LISTS April and July 1945.
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Minesweepers: https://youtu.be/aTsYiZFzv5M