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.
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Motor Minesweeper MMS 80 would have looked the same as her sister ship, MMS 192. Note, the Acoustic “hammer” on the bow in the up position used to sweep for acoustic mines and the drum on the stern for the LL cables used to detonate magnetic mines.
Motor Minesweeper's 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 explodes acoustic mines. 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 detonates magnetic mines.
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 80