Malacolite
Wildfire III, Queenborough.
Minesweeper Trawler Group 122.
Completely opposite to most other Minesweeping Trawlers, the Malacolite was firstly a purpose built Naval Trawler Minesweeper which would later be converted to a fishing Trawler. Built to Admiralty specifications, HMS Malacolite was a highly seaworthy, Castle Class Minesweeper, one of 200 built during World War One.
Serving in both WW1 and WW2, HMS Malacolite took part in the rescue of passengers from the SS SIMON BOLIVAR which detonated a mine with tragic loss of life.
9 June 1917, Launched.
1917 1919, Served as a Minesweeper.
1919, Registered by Admiralty as a fishing trawler
1921. Renamed Malacolite when with the Kingston Trawling Co.
1929. Transferred to J Stewart, Hull,
1932. Transferred to Princess Steam Fishing Co.
28 August 1939. Requisitioned by the Admiralty.
January 1942. ROYAL NAVY SHIPS, Nore Command, Sheerness. (Wildfire III, Queenborough)
Minesweeping Group 122 - minesweeping trawlers ELSIE CAM at Thames, LIBERIA at Harwich, LYBIAN, MALACOLITE, both at Sheerness.
1946. Returned to owners. Transferred to Grimsby Merchants Amalgamated Trust Ltd,
1950. Transferred to B Wood, Aberdeen and renamed Strathallan.
1954/55. Scrapped.
To find out more of the Malacolite’s movements go to DRIFTERS AND TRAWLERS.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST Dec. 39
Chief Skipper R.N.R., A. Girling, 27 Aug 39.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST July 40
Not on List.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 41.
Temp. Skipper R.N.R., R. Cane., 9 Jan 41
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 42
Temp. Lieut. R.N.V.R., W. P. Bush DSC 28 May 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.V.R., N. F. Beaver 29 May 41
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 43
Temp. Lieut. R.N.V.R., H. C. Butcher, 23 Sep 42.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.V.R., F. G. Moss (Act) 12 Dec 42
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 44
Temp. Skipper R.N.R., G. H. Larner (In Command) 24 June 44.
Temp. Skipper R.N.R., S.W. Bowles, 24 Jan 44.
OFFICER ON NAVY LIST June 45
Not on list.
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.
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Contact: johntenthousand@yahoo.co.uk
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MALACOLITE was one of the vessels which searched for survivors when the SIMON BOLIVAR was sunk approaching Harwich in late 1939.
The Simon Bolivar was an 8,309 tons, Dutch, Passenger Liner when on November 18th, 1939 while travelling along a sea lane believed to be clear of mines she detonated one off Harwich.
The Simon Bolivar carried over 400 passengers including 34 children and crew when she detonated the mine. A huge explosion killed many people on deck and her Captain was mortally wounded and later died.
About 15 minutes after the first explosion, there was a second explosion on the other side of the ship. The ship´s radio was damaged by the explosion and an S.O.S. could not be sent. Nevertheless, other vessels including the MALACOLITE were quickly on the spot to give assistance. The Simon Bolivar sank by the stern with the loss of 102 lives.
Watch these short minesweeping videos.
Minesweepers: https://youtu.be/aTsYiZFzv5M
A Bad Day in December 1940: https://youtu.be/Lw2pW31qH4s
A model of HMS Malacolite showing the LL magnet sweeper gear on the stern and the Acoustic sweeping gear on the Bow. The model maker Ronald Brewis, served on the Malacolite for three years when she was based at Wildfire III, Queenborough.
HMS Malacolite, Castle Class Minesweeper.
Type of Vessel: Admiralty Trawler.
Pennant: FY 796.
Other Names: Richard Bagley. FY3604 (WW1) Strathallan (1948)
Year Constructed: 1917
Built by: Cook Welton & Gemmell Ltd,
Built at: Beverely Shipyard, Hull.
Owner: The Admiralty.
Engine: 480 h.p.
Speed: 10.5 knots.
Gross Tons: 249 tons.
Length: 125 feet.
Beam: 22.6 feet.
Depth: 12.2 feet.
Armament: 1-12pdr. (WW1)
Fate: Survived WW2. 21 06 1954, Scrapped at Ghent.
The SS SIMON BOLIVAR detonated a mine and sank with the loss of 102 lives.