Their names were all chosen from villages ending in -ham. The minesweeper was named after Asheldham in Essex.
HMS Asheldham (Pennant number M2604) was a member of the first series of Ham-class minesweepers, with composite wood and aluminium construction. It was built by Philip and Son of Dartmouth, Devon and was completed on 9 September 1953.[1] [2]
Asheldham served as part of the 232nd Mine Sweeper Squadron at Harwich in Essex from 1954 to 1956, after which it was placed into reserve.[3] The Ham class had proved too small to carry modern minesweeping equipment and most of the class were withdrawn from use or transferred to secondary roles.[1]
The ship was transferred to the Royal Malayan Navy on 1 April 1958, being renamed Sri Perlis.[4] Following transfer, Sri Perlis 40mm Bofors gun and minesweeping gear was removed and replaced by three 20 mm Oerlikon cannon,[5] although the minesweeping gear was later re-fitted, with the ship retaining a single Oerlikon gun.[6]