HNLMS Douwe Aukes explained
HNLMS Douwe Aukes (
ML 1,
N 81) was a minelayer of the
Royal Netherlands Navy. She was built in the Gusto shipyard at
Schiedam as the lead ship of the
Douwe Aukes class, and one of her early commanders was
Eugène Lacomblé.
Service
Second World War
On 14 May 1940 the Douwe Aukes fled to the United Kingdom, picking up survivors from the sinking of the Johan Maurits van Nassau during the crossing.[1] She was first stationed at Falmouth alongside her sister ship Van Meerlant and the HNLMS Medusa.,[2] and then at Sheerness. From 29 April 1941 she was lent to the Royal Navy for anti-aircraft duties on the eastern English coast. She was also active in the D-Day landings.[3] She was returned to the Dutch navy in 1945.
Post-war
Post-war, the Douwe Aukes acted as a depot ship for the Mine Service, then from 1959 as accommodation for the Mine Service at Hellevoetsluis. She finally left service in 1960.
Sources
- Mark, C. Schepen van de Koninklijke Marine in W.O. II Alkmaar: De Alk bv, 1997 94-103
Notes and References
- http://www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl/index.php?PageID=1366 scheepvaartmuseum.nl :: Maritieme Kalender: 14 mei
- http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4006-15RNHome1.htm naval-history.net :: Royal Navy Ships, 10 June 1940
- http://www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl/index.php?PageID=1391 scheepvaartmuseum.nl :: Maritieme Kalender: 6 June
