14th/17th Minesweeper Flotilla explained

Unit Name:14th/17th Minesweeper Flotilla
Dates:1942–1944
Country: United Kingdom
Role:Minesweeper
Size:Flotilla
Garrison:Marsamxett Harbour, Malta
Equipment Label:Mine Sweepers
Battles:Battle of the Mediterranean
Notable Commanders:Commander J J Jerome RN

The 14th/17th Minesweeper Flotilla was a Royal Navy minesweeper flotilla based in Malta during the Second World War.

History

The flotilla comprised four fleet minesweepers from the Devonport based 14th M/S Flotilla – two (and) and two (and).

The four vessels were detached from 14th M/S Flotilla in 1942 and designated 17th M/S Flotilla on arrival in Gibraltar. The flotilla commander was Cdr Doran RN in HMS Speedy.

The flotilla proceeded to Malta in June 1942 as part of the Malta Convoy Operation Harpoon. The four sweepers cleared the approaches to Grand Harbour and led the Harpoon convoy into Malta. During its service in Malta the flotilla was known as 14th/17th Minesweeper Flotilla. The flotilla participated in the famous Malta Convoy Operation Pedestal during August 1942, which included the rescue of the oil tanker, for which Lt J. A. Pearson of HMS Rye was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.[1]

14th/17th Minesweeper Flotilla, Malta, August 1942

Sources

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Jacobs. Peter. Fortress Islands Malta: Defence & Re-Supply During the Siege. 2016. Pen and Sword. 9781473882560. 151–152. 30 July 2017. en.
  2. Book: Gregan. James. Burdened but Unruffled: The Story of a World War II Submarine and its Crew. 2016. Memoirs Publishing. 9781861517029. 30 July 2017. en.