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Flower-class corvette

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Based on a whaling ship design, the Flower class was developed as a stopgap convoy escort at the beginning of World War II, intended to be replaced with more sophisticated designs later in the war.[1] Those ships based on the initial design went through several modifications during the war, none of them standardized causing great variation between the ships by war's end. This is the general description of the class.[2][3] The initial Flower-class design displaced 925 long tons (940 t). The design was 205 feet (62 m) long overall and 190 feet (58 m) between perpendiculars, with a beam of 33 feet (10 m) and a draught of 11+12 feet (3.5 m). The ships were powered by a 4-cylinder reciprocating vertical triple expansion engine using steam provided from two Scotch boilers driving one shaft, creating 2,750 indicated horsepower (2,050 kW). This gave the corvettes a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph). The vessels carried 230 long tons (230 t) of fuel oil, giving them a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).[4][5][note 1]

The ships were armed with one 4-inch (102 mm) Mk IX breech-loading (BL) gun placed forward, one 2-pounder anti-aircraft (AA) gun on a bandstand aft.[4][6] They were also equipped with four .5-inch (12.7 mm) AA guns in single mounts or four .303-inch (7.7 mm) AA guns in two twin mounts situated on the bridge wings.[6] The corvettes also carried depth charges, as few as 25 and as much to 100 launched over the stern by a pair of rails or throwers.[7] They had a complement of 85.[4] The early design was considered a "wet" ship, with water able to wash over most of the forward deck. Differences between the British and Canadian construction was the placement of the 2-pounder gun. In the Canadian construction, the 2-pounder gun was placed further aft to improve the field of fire.[8] Further modifications to the original design was the addition of Oropesa minesweeping gear due to a shortage of minesweepers.[9]

Initially, Canadian corvettes were equipped with the Type 123A ASDIC. Until enough Type 271 radar sets became available, Canadian corvettes had SW2CQ ("Swick") antenna. Later versions were equipped with Type 271.[10]

The modified Flower-class design, also known as the "Increased Endurance" design, displaced 980 long tons (1,000 t). They were 208+14 feet (63.5 m) long overall and 193 feet (59 m) between perpendiculars with a beam of 33+14 feet (10.1 m) and a draught of 11 feet (3.4 m). The modified design was powered by 4-cylinder reciprocating vertical triple expansion engine using steam provided by two watertube boilers driving one shaft. This created 2,880 indicated horsepower (2,150 kW) and gave the vessels a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph). The modified design carried 300 long tons (300 t) of fuel oil giving the ships a range of 7,400 nautical miles (13,700 km; 8,500 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).[11][12]

They were armed with one dual purpose quick-firing (QF) 4-inch (102 mm) Mk XIX gun forward and for anti-aircraft purposes, one 2-pounder gun aft on a bandstand and six 20 mm Oerlikon cannons in single mounts. For anti-submarine warfare they mounted one Hedgehog mortar and carried up to 100 depth charges launched over the stern by a pair of rails or by four throwers. They had a complement of 109.[11][12]

Further improvements over the original design were the greater sheer and flare to the hull in order to lessen the "wetness" of the ship and the lengthening of the forecastle back to abreast the funnel. Anti-splinter armour plates were also added abreast the 4-inch gun forward and 2-pounder gun aft.[13]

Sackville

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Ordered in 1940 as one of the Royal Canadian Navy's original 67 corvettes, Sackville's keel was laid down by Saint John Dry Dock and Shipbuilding at Saint John, New Brunswick on 28 May 1940. The corvette was launched on 15 May 1941 and commissioned at Saint John on 30 December 1941.[14]

Sackville sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia for work ups and then joined the Newfoundland Escort Force. The corvette departed St. John's on 26 May 1942 for the ship's first convoy escort mission as part of the newly formed escort group C3 with convoy HX 191.[14] The first rotation of regularly established ocean escort groups begins in April 1942 and lasts until June 1942. HX 191 departed Halifax on 24 May with C3 escorting and returned with ONS 102.[15]

In January 1943 was a member of escort group C1 Sackville and and during January-February the group escorted convoys HX 222, KMS 10, MKS 9. While escorting HX 222 the convoy came under U-boat attack.[16] However, the withdrawal of US forces from convoy escort duties led to a reorganization of escort forces in February 1943. Sackville returned to group C3.[17] C3 had a distinctive appearance among the convoy escorts of the North Atlantic. The commanders of the destroyers Skeena and Saguenay had painted red and white bands around their funnels, which led the group being dubbed the "Barber Pole Brigade", a continuing tradition in the Canadian navy.[18]

ON 115 was a convoy of 41 merchant vessels spread out over nine columns. Escorting ON 115, which departed from port on 25 July was escorted by C3, composed of the destroyers Saguenay and Skeena and the corvettes Sackville, Wetaskiwin, Louisburg and Galt, with Saguenay's commander, Commander D.C. Wallace as senior officer of the escort. Sackville was under the command of Lieutenant A. H. Easton of the RCNR.The first warnings of a U-boat presence were received on 27 July and contact with the submarines was made until 29 July. The convoy's direction was changed twice and Skeena and Wetaskiwin teamed up to sink U-588 on 31 July. However, this led to the departure of the two destroyers due to lack of fuel and Wetaskiwin' inability to return to the convoy. The corvette Agassiz joined the convoy as replacement and its captain, Lieutenant Commander B.D.L. Johnson, assumed command of the escort. Two destroyers, HMS Witch and HMCS Hamilton, were also dispatched to augment the reduced escort, but not before the interception of the convoy by the wolfpack "Pirat".[19][20]

On 2 August, contact was regained by the German forces. The convoy turned towards the destroyers in order to close the distance faster. As the convoy came under attack by five U-boats, Sackville's commander Lt. Easton spotted a U-boat on the surface. The corvette chased after the sighting, but could not gain an ASDIC contact and returned to the convoy.[21] Upon joining the convoy, HMCS Hamilton's captain, Lieutenant-Commander C.H. Holmes, assumed command of the convoy on 2 August. Two merchant vessels were torpedoed during the night and Sackville went to their aid. While screening the rescue ships, the corvette got a radar contact at 2,500 yards (2,300 m), and upon closing with the contact, spotted the U-boat, U-43 sitting on the surface. The corvette attempted to ram the submarine. However, when Easton saw he was going to miss his target, he then ordered a depth charge attack which blew the U-boat up and out of the water. The submarine dived at the maximum angle, forcing Sackville to attack again, producing an underwater explosion. The submarine survived and returned to port for repairs.[22]

During the assault by the U-boats, the starboard wing of the convoy became separated from the main body. On 3 August, Sackville gained another SW1C contact confirmed by the visual sighting of U-704 175 yards (160 m) to port. The corvette was unable to depress its forward gun to fire at the submarine and too close to ram it. Easton chose to attack with depth charges, but failed to sink the U-boat. Sackville then returned to screening Agassiz's tow of the damaged merchant vessel G.S. Walden until they came upon the derelict Belgian Soldier, abandoned during the earlier U-boat assault. Sackville boarded the damaged merchant vessel, rescuing two of its crew members still aboard. Later that day, the corvette encountered U-552 on the surface. The corvette attacked the submarine with its main gun, blowing a hole in the U-boat's conning tower. The submarine escaped, narrowly surviving a depth charge attack by Sackville. The convoy arrived off Cape Cod to relative safety on 8 August, with the German operation called off due to weather.[23][20]

ON 131, escorted by C3, was spotted by U-617 on 26 September 1942. Due to HF/DF and a gathering storm, the massed U-boats of "Tiger" pack were unable to attack the convoy and later, lost contact.[24] On 26 October, HX 212, escorted by group A3 runs into the "Puma" pack. Seven ships are sunk and one damaged. ON 139 is spotted by the "Puma" pack on 22 October. Two ships are sunk before contact is lost. ON 141 escorted by C3 is ordered south of HX 212.[25]

SC 109 sailed for the United Kingdom, escorted by C3 comprising Skeena, Agassiz, Galt, Sackville, Wetaskiwin and the recently joined Royal Navy destroyer HMS Winchelsea which replaced Saguenay after the Canadian destroyer had collided with a merchant ship. The group was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Kenneth Dyer of Skeena. The convoy was first spotted by the Germans on 16 November and the first attack on 18 November with the loss of a tanker. U-boats attempted to close with the convoy but were unsuccessful in their attempts to overtake it and the action was called off by the Germans on 20 November after the convoy became enshrouded in fog.[26]

From 14 January to 2 May 1943, Sackville underwent a refit at Liverpool and Halifax.[14] In April 1943, Sackville formally transferred to C1 and in May the group escorted ON 184. Supported by the 6th Support Group, the convoy passed through the gap unscathed while damaged one U-boat.[14][27]

At the Atlantic Convoy Conference in March 1943, Canada was requested to form a close support group for convoy operations.[28] Sackville was among the vessels selected and joined Escort Group 5 on 22 August. The group began sweeps of the approaches to the Bay of Biscay along the Spanish coast. On 25 August, the group came under air attack and became the first Allied naval force to encounter Germany's radio-controlled, jet-powered HS 293 glider bomb. 14 Dornier 17s and seven Ju 88 bombers attacked the unit from 4,000 feet (1,200 m). The attack was ultimately unsuccessful.[29]

The new 9th EG, comprising the destroyer St. Croix, the frigate Itchen, and the corvettes Chambly, Morden and Sackville is ordered to support convoy operations in the North Atlantic on 16 September 1943.[30] In September 1943, convoy ON 202 was rerouted to the north, escorted by group C2 to avoid known U-boat concentrations. On 19 September, the 9th SG, received orders to join convoy ONS 18. On 20 September, ON 202 is found by the wolfpack "Leuthen". The escort Lagan was damaged after being torpedoed and taken under tow. Two ships are sunk before the U-boats can be driven off. ON 202 and ONS 18 are ordered to join by the Admiralty. On 20 September, St. Croix, directed to a U-boat, was hit by a T5 from U-305. During the night 20/21 September, Itchen was targeted by the U-boats using T5 torpedoes. Itchen avoided the torpedoes, but in doing so, collided with Drumheller. Polyanthus, ordered to aid St. Croix, was sunk by U-952. On 21 September Chambly damaged U-584 with gunfire after the sub's attack with T5s failed. Morden sighted U-666 ahead of the convoy on 22 September. The sub fired T5s, one which explodes in Morden's wake, the other destroys Itchen. Following the destruction of the escort, three more merchants are torpedoed. Chambly was again targeted with a T5, this time from U-260, which exploded in the corvette's wake. One more merchant was sunk before contact was broken on 23 September.[31]

In October, Sackville joined escort group C2.[14] On 6 October, wolfpack "Rossbach" was ordered south to intercept two convoys. SC 143, escorted by C2. The convoy was located via a BV 222 flying boat, however the U-boats never received its transmission. On 9 October the operation by "Rossbach" was called off having never reached the convoy and battling the 3rd Support Group and air cover.[32]

Sackville underwent the second major refit of her wartime career from February to 7 May 1944 at Galveston, Texas. During this refit the corvette's forecastle was extended.[14] On 1 June 1944, while still inactive, Sackville remained a member of escort group C2.[33] The ship arrived at Derry in June and on the return trip to Canada, one of the corvette's boilers split, forcing a return to Derry for repairs. On 11 August, Sackville sailed as part of the escort for ONS 248 and upon arrival, underwent a refit at Halifax. In September, the vessel became a training ship attached to HMCS Kings.[14]

In October 1944, Sackville began conversion to a loop layer. The conversion was not finished before the end of the war. Sackville was paid off on 8 April 1946.[14]

Postwar

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Sackville was recommissioned on 4 August 1950 as a depot ship for the reserve fleet. The same year, the ship underwent a refit, all the while remaining inactive. The vessel was activated in 1953 becoming an auxiliary survey vessel. The ship was deployed to survey the Gulf of St. Lawrence for several years, along with deployments to Baffin Island and Greenland. In 1968, the ship underwent further modifications to become a research vessel for the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. Sackville remained as such until 1982, when the vessel was acquired by the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for re-conversion to a World War II-era corvette.[14]

Vancouver

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Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the force protecting the west coast of Canada was expanded. Vancouver, Dundas, New Westminster and Timmins were among the new construction that remained on the west coast to augment the force there.[34]

Dundas

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Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the force protecting the west coast of Canada was expanded. Vancouver, Dundas, New Westminster and Timmins were among the new construction that remained on the west coast to augment the force there.[35]

New Westminster

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Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the force protecting the west coast of Canada was expanded. Vancouver, Dundas, New Westminster and Timmins were among the new construction that remained on the west coast to augment the force there.[36]

Timmins

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Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the force protecting the west coast of Canada was expanded. Vancouver, Dundas, New Westminster and Timmins were among the new construction that remained on the west coast to augment the force there.[37]

Weyburn

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  • On 20 July the convoy QS 19 was sighted by U-132. Escorted by the corvette Weyburn, Chedabucto and three Fairmiles, the U-boat attacked the convoy, torpedoing the merchant Frederika Lensen. The merchant remained afloat, but severely damaged. U-132 did not attack again and Weyburn managed to tow the hulk of the merchant vessel to Grande Vallee.[38]

Dawson

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  • On 13 July 1942, Chignecto, Outarde, the corvette Dawson and the American destroyer USS Hatfield escorted four American troop transports carrying 5,000 Canadian troops from Esquimalt for the invasion of Kiska.[39]

Minesweepers

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West coast deployment

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  • Bayfield, Canso, Caraquet, Guysborough, Ingonish, Lockeport, Courtenay and Kelowna were added to the force protecting the West Coast during the first five months of 1942 following the need to establish a larger force following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.[40]

Burlington

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  • On 11/12 January 1942, 125 miles SE of Cape Sable, the British passenger liner SS Cyclops was sunk by U-123. Burlington and Red Deer were sent to assist the stricken ship. Burlington, which arrived too late to aid in the rescue work, performed an unsuccessful ASW sweep.[41]
  • On 21 October 1942, convoy SQ 43, escorted by Burlington, Ganonoque, and 2 Fairmiles, was sighted by U-43 off the north shore of the Gaspe Peninsula west of Cap Chat. As the submarine moved to fire on the convoy, it came under attack by Ganonoque. The submarine was forced to dive and contact was lost between the opposing forces.[42]
  • Following the capture of an Abewhr agent that had been landed by the U-boat U-518 near Chaleur Bay in Quebec on 9 November, Burlington and Red Deer patrolled the area searching for the submarine until 12 November, until the agent surrendered information indicating the submarine had left the area.[43]

Red Deer

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  • On 11/12 January 1942 125 miles SE of Cape Sable, the British passenger liner SS Cyclops was sunk by U-123. Burlington and Red Deer were sent to assist the stricken ship.[44]
  • Following the capture of an Abewhr agent that had been landed by the U-boat U-518 near Chaleur Bay in Quebec on 9 November, Burlington and Red Deer patrolled the area searching for the submarine until 12 November, until the agent surrendered information indicating the submarine had left the area.[45]

Ganonoque

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  • On 21 October 1942, convoy SQ 43, escorted by Burlington, Ganonoque, and 2 Fairmiles, was sighted by U-43 off the north shore of the Gaspe Peninsula west of Cap Chat. As the submarine moved to fire on the convoy, it came under attack by Ganonoque. The submarine was forced to dive and contact was lost between the opposing forces.[46]

Chedabucto

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  • On 20 July the convoy QS 19 was sighted by U-132. Escorted by the corvette Weyburn, Chedabucto and three Fairmiles, the U-boat attacked the convoy, torpedoing the merchant Frederika Lensen. The merchant remained afloat, but severely damaged. U-132 did not attack again and Weyburn managed to tow the hulk of the merchant vessel to Grande Vallee.[47]

Chignecto

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  • The main duty of Bangor-class minesweepers after commissioning on the West Coast would be to perform the Western Patrol. Patrolling the west coast of Vancouver Island, inspecting inlets and sounds and past the Scott Islands to Gordon Channel at the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Strait.[48]
  • On 13 July 1942, Chignecto, Outarde, the corvette Dawson and the American destroyer USS Hatfield escorted four American troop transports carrying 5,000 Canadian troops from Esquimalt for the invasion of Kiska.[49]

Outarde

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  • The main duty of Bangor-class minesweepers after commissioning on the West Coast would be to perform the Western Patrol. Patrolling the west coast of Vancouver Island, inspecting inlets and sounds and past the Scott Islands to Gordon Channel at the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Strait.[50]
  • On 13 July 1942, Chignecto, Outarde, the corvette Dawson and the American destroyer USS Hatfield escorted four American troop transports carrying 5,000 Canadian troops from Esquimalt for the invasion of Kiska.[51]

Quatsino

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  • The main duty of Bangor-class minesweepers after commissioning on the West Coast would be to perform the Western Patrol. Patrolling the west coast of Vancouver Island, inspecting inlets and sounds and past the Scott Islands to Gordon Channel at the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Strait.[52]

Clayoquot

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Georgian

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Grandmere

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Canadian WWII destroyers

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Town class

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50 overage destroyers transferred from the USN to the RN were essentially an interim measure until newer escorts could be built. Original armament of 4 single 4-inch guns, 1 x 3-inch AA guns, 3 x .50 in AA guns and 4 x triple 21-inch torpedo tube mounts was immediately reduced to improve seaworthiness and improve ASW qualities. The two forward banks of torpedo tubes were removed and the 3-inch gun re-positioned on the after shelter deck in place of the rearmost 4-inch gun. In some of the later arrivals, the two 4-inch guns along the beam were removed and replaced with 20 mm AA guns along with the remaining two torpedo tube mounts moved forward and the after half of the upper deck was left clear for depth charges, their racks and throwers with additional 20 mm guns situated aft and an ahead throwing weapon placed on the forecastle behind the remaining 4-inch gun. The vessels were renamed after towns whose names were common to both US and the British Commonwealth.[53]

Third Group

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(a) 1,090 tons. 309 feet (94 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+12 feet (9.3 m) x 8+34 feet (2.7 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 25,200 hp (18,800 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 3 single 4-inch guns, 1 3-inch AA gun, 2 single .50-inch AA guns, 2 x .303-inch guns, 2 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 146.[54]

Caldwell (I20) was loaned to the RCN from 1942 to 1944 but was never formally transferred. Scrapped at Granton 20 March 1945. Constructed at Bath Iron Works and launched 29 May 1919. ex-USN Hale.[55]

(b) 1,090 tons. 309 feet (94 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+12 feet (9.3 m) x 8+34 feet (2.7 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 26,000 hp (19,000 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 3 single 4-inch guns, 1 3-inch AA gun, 2 single .50-inch AA guns, 2 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 146.[56]

Leamington (G19) served with RCN from 1942-43 but was never formally transferred. Constructed by New York Shipbuilding and launched on 28 September 1918, the ex-USN Twiggs was transferred to the Soviet Navy in 1944 and renamed Zhguchi. The vessel remained in Soviet service until 1950 when it was returned and broken up at Newport on 26 July 1951. Leamington had an additional 2 x single .303-inch guns.[57]

Richmond (G88) served with the RCN from 1942 to 1943 without being formally transferred. Constructed by Mare Island, ex-Fairfax was launched on 15 December 1917. In 1944, the vessel was transferred to the Soviet Navy and renamed Zhivuchi. The destroyer remained in service with the Soviets until 1949, when it was returned. Richmond was broken up at Bo'ness on 12 July 1949.[58]

(c) 1,090 tons. 309 feet (94 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+12 feet (9.3 m) x 8+34 feet (2.7 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 26,000 hp (19,000 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 1 x 4-inch gun, 1 3-inch AA gun, 4 single 20 mm cannons, 1 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. 1 Hedgehog. Complement 146.[59]

Chelsea (I35) served with the RCN from 1942-43 but was never formally transferred. The ex-USN Crowinshield was constructed by Bath Iron Works and launched on 24 July 1919. In 1944, the vessel was transferred to the Soviet Navy and renamed Derzki. The vessel remained in Soviet service until 1949 when the destroyer was returned. The vessel was then scrapped at Bo'ness on 12 July 1949.[60]

Mansfield (G76) served with the Royal Norwegian Navy from 1940 to 1942 and the RCN from 1942 to 1943 without being formally transferred. Constructed by Bath Iron Works and launched on 30 October 1918, the ex-USN Evans was scrapped in Canada in 1944.[61]

Montgomery (G95) served with the RCN from 1942-43 without being formally transferred. Constructed by Bath Iron Works, ex-Wickes was launched on 25 June 1918. The ship was scrapped at Tyne on 20 March 1945.[62]

Salisbury (I52) served with the RCN from 1942 to 1943 without being formally transferred. The ex-Claxton was constructed by Mare Island and launched on 15 January 1919. The ship was scrapped in Canada on 26 June 1944.[63]

Fourth Group

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(a) 1,060 tons. 309 feet (94 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+12 feet (9.3 m) x 8+12 feet (2.6 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 27,000 hp (20,000 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 3 x single 4-inch gun, 1 3-inch AA gun, 2 single .50-inch AA guns, 2 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 146.[64]

Annapolis (I04) constructed by Union Iron Works, ex Mackenzie was launched on 19 September 1918. Was disposed of on 21 June 1945.[65]

Columbia (I49) ex Haraden, constructd by Newport News, launched 4 July 1918. Disposal 7 August 1945.[66]

Niagara (I57) constructed by Fore River, ex Thatcher launched 31 August 1918. Disposed 13 January 1946.[67]

St. Clair (I65) constructed by Union Iron Works, ex Williams launched 4 July 1918. Disposed 5 March 1946.[68]

(b) 1,060 tons. 309 feet (94 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+12 feet (9.3 m) x 8+12 feet (2.6 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 27,000 hp (20,000 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 1 x 4-inch gun, 1 x 3-inch AA gun, 4 single 20 mm cannons, 1 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. 1 Hedgehog. Complement 146.[69]

Georgetown (I40) served with the RCN from 1942-43 but was not formally transferred. Constructed by Fore River, the vessel was launched on 27 October 1918. The destroyer was transferred to the Soviet Navy in 1944 and renamed Zhotstki. The ship remained in Soviet service until 1952 when it was returned to the UK. The ship was broken up at Inverkeithing on 16 September 1952.[70]

Hamilton (I24) ex-Kalk, ex-Rogers. Fore River, launched 21 December 1918, Disposed of 2 August 1945.[71]

Fifth Group

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(a) 1,190 tons. 311 feet (95 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+34 feet (9.4 m) x 9+14 feet (2.8 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 27,000 hp (20,000 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 3 x single 4-inch gun, 1 x 3-inch AA gun, 2 single .50-inch AA guns, 4 single 20 mm cannons, 2 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 146.[72]

St. Croix (I81) ex McCook constructed by Bethlehem, launched 31 January 1919. Lost 20 September 1943.[73]

St. Francis (193) ex Bancroft constructed by Bethlehem, launched 21 March 1919. Disposal 2 August 1945.[74]

(b) 1,190 tons. 311 feet (95 m) wl, 314+14 feet (95.8 m) oa x 30+34 feet (9.4 m) x 9+14 feet (2.8 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 27,000 hp (20,000 kW), 35 kn (65 km/h; 40 mph). 1 x 4-inch gun, 1 x 3-inch AA gun, 4 single 20 mm cannons, 1 triple 21-inch torpedo tubes. 1 Hedgehog. Complement 146.[75]

Buxton (H96) ex Edwards constructed by Bethlehem Squantum, launched 10 October 1918. Served with RCN from 1943 to 1944 without being formally transferred. Disposed of 21 March 1946.[76]

A class

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Saguenay and Skeena 309 ft (94 m) pp and 321+14 ft (97.9 m) oa. x 32+34 ft (10.0 m) x 8+12 feet (2.6 m). 2-shaft geared turbines, 32,000 shp (24,000 kW). 4 single 4.7-inch guns, 2 2-pounder AA guns in single mounts and two quadruple 21-inch torpedo tube mounts. They had a complement of 138.[77]

Saguenay launched 11 July 1930 and Skeena 10 October 1930. Both built by Thornycroft. The A class introduced the quadruple torpedo tube mount. Saguenay was a constructive total loss in November 1942, used for training until sold for disposal on 30 June 1945. Skeena was lost on 25 October 1944. Salvaged and scrapped in 1946.[78]

Tribal class

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RCN vessels displaced 1927 tons. 355+12 feet (108.4 m) pp, 377+12 feet (115.1 m) oa x 36+12 feet (11.1 m) x 9 feet (2.7 m). 2 shaft geared turbines 44,000 shp (33,000 kW), 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph). 3 twin 4.7-inch guns, 1 twin 4-inch AA gun, 1 quad 2-pounder AA gun, 2 by quad .50-inch AA guns. Athabaskan (ii) and Cayuga were completed with four twin 4-inch guns, 1 twin 40 mm AA guns and 2 single 40 mm AA guns, two twin 20 mm AA guns and 1 quad 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 240.[79]

U and V class

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1710 tons, 339+12 feet (103.5 m) pp, 362+34 feet (110.6 m) oa x 35+34 feet (10.9 m) x 10 feet (3.0 m). 2 shaft geared turbines. 40,000 shp (30,000 kW) 36+34 knots (68.1 km/h; 42.3 mph). 4 single 4.7-inch guns, 1 twin 40 mm AA guns, 4 twin 20 mm AA guns or 6 twin 20 mm AA guns. 2 quad 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 180.[80]

C class

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1710 tons, 339+12 feet (103.5 m) pp, 362+34 feet (110.6 m) oa x 35+34 feet (10.9 m) x 10 feet (3.0 m). 2 shaft geared turbines. 40,000 shp (30,000 kW) 36+34 knots (68.1 km/h; 42.3 mph). 4 single 4.5-inch DP guns, 1 twin and 2 single 40 mm AA guns, 2 twin 20 mm AA guns . 1 quad 21-inch torpedo tubes. Complement 186.[81]

The Cr group was given remote power control (RPC) for their 4.5-inch guns, sacrificing their forward bank of torpedo tubes in order to accommodate the additional topweight.[82]

AMCs

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As AMCs, the Princes were armed with four 6-inch guns in single mounts, two 3-inch AA guns in single mounts. In 1943, Prince David and Prince Henry were converted to LSI(M) and Prince Robert to an auxiliary AA cruiser.[83] As an anti-aircraft cruiser, the vessel displaced 2376 GRT, 314+12 feet (95.9 m), 329 feet (100 m)* x 46 feet (14 m) x 13+12 feet (4.1 m). 2 shaft geared turbines, 8,000 shp (6,000 kW), 21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph). Armed with three twin 4-inch gun mounts, four quad 2-pounder mounts, four single 20 mm AA mounts.[84]

As LSI(M)s the two Princes were armed with one twin 4-inch AA turret, 1 40 mm AA, 6 single 20 mm AA. Complement of 200. 2 shaft geared turbines, 19,500 shp (14,500 kW), 22+14 knots (41.2 km/h; 25.6 mph) 6890 GRT, 366+14 feet (111.6 m) pp, 385 feet (117 m) oa x 57 feet (17 m) x 18+12 feet (5.6 m). Capable of carrying 444 troops, 2 LCM(I)s or LCM(3)s, one LCS(M) and five LCP(L)s or LCAs.[85]

Battle class

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Armentieres became Arctic Rover in 1946, Festubert -> Inverleigh in 1946. 1 shaft reciprocating VTE 480 indicated horsepower (360 kW), 10+12 knots (19.4 km/h; 12.1 mph). A single 3-inch gun. Complement of 18. 130 feet (40 m) pp, 139 feet (42 m) oa x 25 feet (7.6 m) x 13 feet (4.0 m). 440 tons.[86]

Fundy class

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All engined by Marine Industries.[87]

Isles class

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545 tons, 150 feet (46 m) pp, 164 feet (50 m) oa x 27+12 feet (8.4 m) x 10+12 feet (3.2 m). 1 shaft reciprocating VTE 850 indicated horsepower (630 kW), 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph). 1 x 12-pounder, 3 single 20 mm AA. complement 40.[88]

  • Stonechat and Whitethroat, used as controlled minelayers by RCN in 1944. Both constructed by C.W. & G. Holmes. Stonechat launched on 28 August 1944, Whitethroat, 6 September 1944. Stonechat sold 1946.[89]
  • Baffin - constructed Collingwood. Launched 13 April 1942. RCN 1942-45. Became mercantile Baffin (1947), Niedermehnen (1952).[90]
  • Cailif - constructed Collingwood. Launched 30 April 1942. Became mercantile Borgenes (1947).[91]
  • Miscou - ex-Bowell, ex-Campenia, constructed Collingwood. RCN 1942-45 Launched 1 June 1942. Became mercantile Cleveland (1946), Sigurd Hund (1950).[92]
  • Ironbound - constructed Kingston Shpbg. Launched 14 January 1942. RCN 1942-45 Became mercantile Turoy (1946), Christina (1949), Korso (1954).[93]
  • Liscomb - constructed Kingston Shpbg. Launched 23 March 1942. RCN 1942-45 Became mercantile Aalesund (1946).[94]
  • Magdalen - constructed Midland Shpbg. Launched 7 March 1942. RCN 1942-45 Became mercantile Maroy (1946), Cinzia (1951).[95]
  • Manitoulin - constructed Midland Shpbg. Launched 23 April 1942. RCN 1942-45 Became mercantile Ran. (1946), Ran. B (1951), Blue Peter II (1951).[96]

Suderoy auxiliaries

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Suderoy IV

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Suderoy IV was a whalecatcher constructed Nylands Verksted at their yard in Oslo, Norway with the yard number 309. The vessel was launched on 28 June 1930 and completed on 8 August of that year. As built, the ship was 252 gross register tons (GRT), 35.1 metres (115 ft 2 in) long between perpendiculars with a beam of 7.1 metres (23 ft 4 in). The vessel was powered by triple expansion steam engine driving one shaft. The ship was owned by Hvalfangst A/S Suderoy and registered in Haungesund, Norway.[97]

At the outbreak of World War II, Suderoy IV was with a small fleet of Norwegian whalecatchers in Antarctic waters and were making their way back to Norway when the country was overrun by the Germans. In early 1940, the Royal Canadian Navy sought wooden-hulled ships for use in magnetic minesweeping. Finding no suitable ships in Canadian hands, they found a series of Norwegian whalecatchers that had ended up in Halifax Harbour following the surrender of Norway to Germany. The Canadian government sought to purchase the vessels outright, but were rebuffed by the Norwegian government in exile as the owners of the ships were in occupied Norway and could not negotiate a fair price. The Norwegian government-in-exile instead chartered the vessels the British Ministry of War Transport which then released for use by the RCN.[98] The ship was commissioned into the RCN in June 1941 and was assigned to the Halifax Local Defence Force. In Canadian service, Suderoy IV had a displacement of 252 long tons (256 t) and was 37.3 metres (122 ft 6 in) long with a beam of 7.2 metres (23 ft 9 in) and a draught of 3.0 metres (10 ft 0 in). The vessel had a maximum speed of 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) and a complement of 29 including 4 officers. The ship remained with the unit until 31 August 1945 when Suderoy IV was paid off and returned to her owners.[99]

Suderoy IV returned to service as a whalecatcher in 1945 and continued in this job until 1952 when the vessel was sold to P/R Granit. In 1953, the ship was converted to a trawler and re-engined with a diesel engine. Renamed Granit, the ship was registered in Bolo. In 1954, the vessel was re-registered in Aalesund. In 1958, Granit was lengthened with the total length now being 38.9 metres (127 ft 7 in) and 300 GRT. In 1966, the ship was sold to P/R Norleif and renamed Norleif. The vessel remained in service until 22 October 1987 when it was scuttled near Aalesund.[100]

Suderoy V

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Suderoy V was a whalecatcher built by Nylands Verksted at their yard in Oslo, Norway with the yard number 310. The ship was launched on 10 July 1930 and completed 12 August 1930. As built, Suderoy V was 253 gross register tons (GRT), 35.1 metres (115 ft 2 in) long between perpendiculars with a beam of 7.3 metres (23 ft 11 in). The vessel was powered by a triple expansion steam engine turning one shaft. Owned by Hvalfangst A/S Suderoy, the vessel was registered in Haugesund.[101]

At the outbreak of World War II, Suderoy V was with a small fleet of Norwegian whalecatchers in Antarctic waters and were making their way back to Norway when the country was overrun by the Germans. In early 1940, the Royal Canadian Navy sought wooden-hulled ships for use in magnetic minesweeping. Finding no suitable ships in Canadian hands, they found a series of Norwegian whalecatchers that had ended up in Halifax Harbour following the surrender of Norway to Germany. The Canadian government sought to purchase the vessels outright, but were rebuffed by the Norwegian government in exile as the owners of the ships were in occupied Norway and could not negotiate a fair price. The Norwegian government-in-exile instead chartered the vessels the British Ministry of War Transport which then released for use by the RCN.[98] The vessel was commissioned on 2 June 1941 and allocated to the St. John's Local Defence Force at St. John's, Newfoundland. In RCN service the ship displaced 256 tonnes (252 long tons) with a length of 35.1 metres (115 ft 1 in), a beam of 7.2 metres (23 ft 9 in) and a draught of 4.0 metres (13 ft 2 in). The vessel had a maximum speed of 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) and a complement of 29 with four officers. In 1942, Suderoy V transferred to Sydney Force and remained with the unit until the end of the war. The ship was paid off on 7 August 1945 and returned to its owners.[102]

Following the war, Suderoy V returned to whalecatching. In 1951 the ship was converted to a trawler. This led to the ship being lengthened to 45.6 metres (149 ft 7 in) overall, re-engined with a diesel engine and the tonnage increased to 326 GRT. In 1955, the ship was purchased by O. A. Knutsen and renamed Hellesund. In 1959, the ship returned to its original name of Suderoy V. In 1972, the ship was deepened and sold to Hans H.Skorpen & others, renamed Idol and registered in Bergen. Five years later the ship was acquired by K/S Eidesvik & Co A/S, converted to standby safety vessel, renamed Geo Boy and registered in Haugesund. In 1990 Geo Boy was acquired by Simon Mokster Sg A/S, renamed Striloy and registered in Stavanger. The vessel was broken up for scrap on 25 April 2007.[103]

Suderoy VI

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Suderoy VI was initially known as the whalecatcher Southern Gem. The ship was constructed by Smith's Dock Company at their yard on South Bank with the yard number 903 and was launched on 6 August 1929. Completed the following month, the ship entered service with Southern Whaling & Sealing Co Ltd and was registered in Stanley, Falkland Islands. Southern Gem was 250 gross register tons (GRT) with a length between perpendiculars of 35.6 metres (116 ft 10 in) and a beam of 7.4 metres (24 ft 3 in) as built and powered by a steam triple expansion engine turning one screw. The vessel was acquired by Hvalfangst A/S Suderoy in 1936 and the ship's name was changed to Suderoy VI. The whalecatcher was registered in Haugestund, Norway.[104]

Suderoy VI and her fleetmates had been working in Antarctic waters when World War II broke out and had begun making their way back to Norway when the country was overrun by the Germans. In early 1940, the Royal Canadian Navy sought wooden-hulled ships for use in magnetic minesweeping. Finding no suitable ships in Canadian hands, they found a series of Norwegian whalecatchers that had ended up in Halifax Harbour following the surrender of Norway to Germany. The Canadian government sought to purchase the vessels outright, but were rebuffed by the Norwegian government in exile as the owners of the ships were in occupied Norway and could not negotiate a fair price. The Norwegian government-in-exile instead chartered the vessels the British Ministry of War Transport which then released for use by the RCN.[98] In 1940, Suderoy VI was chartered and was commissioned into the RCN on 19 March 1941. Suderoy VI was assigned to the Halifax Local Defence Force and remained with the unit for the rest of World War II. While in RCN service, the ship had a displacement of 258 tonnes (254 long tons), was 37.1 metres (121 ft 9 in) long, with a beam of 7.4 metres (24 ft 3 in) and a draught of 3.5 metres (11 ft 6 in). Suderoy VI had a complement of 29, including four officers and had a maximum speed of 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph). The vessel was paid off on 31 August 1945 and returned to her original owners.[102]

Suderoy VI returned to her previous occupation in 1946. In 1953, the ship was converted into a passenger ship, with the vessel's tonnage increasing to 361 GRT and re-engined, having a diesel engine installed giving the ship a maximum speed of 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph). The ship was renamed Stolmen and remained in service until April 1982 when the vessel was stripped at Kopervik and scuttled at Nedstrandfjord on 23 January 1983.[104]

Star XVI

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Star XVI was constructed by Akers MV at their yard in Oslo, Norwaty with the yard number 452. The ship was completed in May 1930 and entered service with Hvalfanger A/S Rosshavet and was registered in Sandefjord. As built, Star XVI was 250 gross register tons (GRT) with a length between perpendiculars of 34.8 metres (114 ft 2 in), 37.5 metres (123 ft 0 in) overall and a beam of 7.3 metres (23 ft 11 in) as built and powered by a steam triple expansion engine turning one screw with a maximum speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).[105]

Star XVI and her fleetmates had been working in Antarctic waters when World War II broke out and had begun making their way back to Norway when the country was overrun by the Germans. In early 1940, the Royal Canadian Navy sought wooden-hulled ships for use in magnetic minesweeping. Finding no suitable ships in Canadian hands, they found a series of Norwegian whalecatchers that had ended up in Halifax Harbour following the surrender of Norway to Germany. The Canadian government sought to purchase the vessels outright, but were rebuffed by the Norwegian government in exile as the owners of the ships were in occupied Norway and could not negotiate a fair price. The Norwegian government-in-exile instead chartered the vessels the British Ministry of War Transport which then released for use by the RCN.[98] In early 1942, Star XVI was assigned to the St. John's Local Defence Force at St. John's, Newfoundland. In Canadian service the vessel had a displacement of 253 tonnes (249 long tons), 35.4 metres (116 ft 0 in) long with a beam of 7.2 metres (23 ft 9 in) and a draught of 3.0 metres (10 ft 0 in). Star XVI had a maximum speed of 10 knots and a complement of 29 with four officers. In June 1942, the vessel was reassigned to Sydney Force and remained with the unit for the rest of the war. Star XVI was paid off on 31 August 1945 and returned to its owners.[99]

The vessel returned to service as a whalecatcher following the war. In 1949, the ship was acquired by Blomvaag Hval A/S and renamed Hval III. The whalecatcher was acquired by Cia Industrial in 1951, renamed Indus 9 and registered in Valparaiso, Chile. The ship was acquired by Soc Pesquera Ruiz Ltda in 1962 and renamed Ruiz II. The ship's registry was deleted in 1992.[105]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ McKay and Harland, p. 7
  2. ^ McKay and Harland, p. 17
  3. ^ Chesneau, pp. 62-63
  4. ^ a b c Lenton and Colledge, p. 201
  5. ^ McKay and Harland, p. 13
  6. ^ a b McKay and Harland, p. 14
  7. ^ McKay and Harland, p. 15
  8. ^ McKay and Harland, p. 11
  9. ^ McKay and Holland, p. 12
  10. ^ McKay and Harland, p. 16
  11. ^ a b Lenton and Colledge, p. 214
  12. ^ a b McKay and Harland, pp. 13-15
  13. ^ McKay and Harland, pp. 11-12
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i Macpherson and Barrie, p. 130
  15. ^ Rohwer, p. 160
  16. ^ Rohwer, p. 222
  17. ^ Rohwer, p. 145
  18. ^ Douglas et al., No Higher Purpose, p. 556
  19. ^ Douglas et al., No Higher Purpose pp. 494-97
  20. ^ a b Rohwer, p. 183
  21. ^ Douglas et al., No Higher Purpose p. 497
  22. ^ Douglas et al., No Higher Purpose, p. 498
  23. ^ Douglas et al., No Higher Purpose, pp. 498-503
  24. ^ Rohwer, p. 198
  25. ^ Rohwer, p. 203
  26. ^ Douglas et al., No Higher Purpose, p. 556-57
  27. ^ Rohwer, pp. 250-51
  28. ^ Douglas et al. A Blue Water Navy, p. 72
  29. ^ Douglas et al., A Blue Water Navy, pp. 74-77
  30. ^ Rohwer, p. 275
  31. ^ Rohwer, pp. 276-77
  32. ^ Rohwer, p. 280
  33. ^ Rohwer, p. 329
  34. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 352
  35. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 352
  36. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 352
  37. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 352
  38. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 443
  39. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 368
  40. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 352
  41. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 380
  42. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 464
  43. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 467
  44. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 380
  45. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 467
  46. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 464
  47. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 443
  48. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 349
  49. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 368
  50. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 349
  51. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 368
  52. ^ Douglas, No Higher Purpose, p. 349
  53. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 80
  54. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 90
  55. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 90
  56. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 90
  57. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 90
  58. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  59. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 90
  60. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 90
  61. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  62. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  63. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  64. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  65. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  66. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  67. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 92
  68. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 92
  69. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  70. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  71. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 91
  72. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 92
  73. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 94
  74. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 94
  75. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 92
  76. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 94
  77. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 99
  78. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 99
  79. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 107
  80. ^ Lenton and Colledge, pp. 116, 118
  81. ^ Lenton and Colledge, pp. 116, 118
  82. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 120
  83. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 273
  84. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 282
  85. ^ Lenton and Colledge, pp. 562, 565
  86. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 407
  87. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 412
  88. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 418
  89. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 425
  90. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  91. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  92. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  93. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  94. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  95. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  96. ^ Lenton and Colledge, p. 426
  97. ^ "Suderoy IV (5135044)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  98. ^ a b c d Tucker 1952, pp. 23–24.
  99. ^ a b Macpherson & Barrie 2001, p. 230.
  100. ^ Cite error: The named reference suderoyiv was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  101. ^ "Suderoy V (5342996)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  102. ^ a b Macpherson & Barrie 2001, p. 231.
  103. ^ Cite error: The named reference suderoyv was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  104. ^ a b "Southern Gem (5341227)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  105. ^ a b "Star XVI (5160661)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 15 December 2018.


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