MMS 175
Motor Minesweeper MMS 175 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.
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.
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.
Thank you.
Contact: johntenthousand@yahoo.co.uk
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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.
Watch these short videos about the Wildfire III Minesweepers.
Minesweepers: https://youtu.be/aTsYiZFzv5M
D-day minesweepers: https://youtu.be/ZjlA5LxCAsg
Clearing the Scheldt: https://youtu.be/8ELsc9T3Lbw
The Relief of Holland: https://youtu.be/GghYEFHmOfY