Mersey-class trawler explained

The Mersey class was a class of Admiralty naval trawlers built for the Royal Navy (or other government institutions) prior to World War II. Admiralty meant they were built for military service as opposed to conversions of existing boats. The majority of the vessels were built to a standard design but a few included in the class were built differently.

Some were completed as fishing vessels rather than for military service. Many went on to be used in various roles during World War II.

Design

The Mersey-class trawlers were purpose-built to a standard Admiralty design intended for patrol, anti-submarine and minesweeping roles. HMT John Quilliam, delivered in June 1917, was the first of the standard completions.

Propulsion was a three cylinder triple expansion steam engine, powered from a single boiler, and delivering nominal 87 horsepower (600 indicated horsepower)

The smallest of the non-standard ships measured 36.8m (120.7feet) in length with a beam.

Armament

Ships of class

For the Mersey-class the HMT prefix meant "His Majesty’s Trawler" but HMT was also used for vessels taken into Sea Transport Service as transports ("Hired Military Transport", though often referred to as “His Majesty’s Troopship”) and His Majesty’s Tug,.[1]

Standard Mersey[2]
NameAdmiralty numberLaunch dateShipbuilderclass=unsortableNotesclass=unsortableFate
354922 May 1917 Cochrane 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1x QF 12-pounder 12 cwt naval gun Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.

Renamed Moy September 1920.

Sold January 1946, renamed Coral Island 1947.
HMT Alexander Macbeth424114 July 1919 CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed John W. Johnson.
HMT Andrew Jewer38444 December 1918 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Gunnery tender. Renamed Nith September 1920, Excellent June 1922. Sold 1946, renamed Malvern.
HMT Andrew King354519 April 1917 Cochrane 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel, then minesweeper. Renamed Ouse September 1920.Mined 20 February 1941 off Tobruk.
HMT Benjamin Hawkins38587 February 1920Goole SBCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 17 October 1919. Delivered February 1920, named Frobisher. Purchased June 1933 as boom defence vessel, renamed Fastnet.
HMT Charles Adair35517 June 1917 CochraneArmament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1923, renamed Sleaford 1924. Served as French Saint Benoit in WWII
HMT Charles Hammond383026 February 1918 Cochrane<-- Notes --> 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Sunk 2 November 1918 in collision with destroyer HMS Marksman off Kirkcaldy.
HMT Christopher Dixon35634 September 1917 CochraneTo Irish Government 1922, same name. Served as Lord Gainford in WWII.
HMT Daniel Fearall35712 November 1917 Cochrane 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun, 1x Depth-charge thrower and mechanical minesweeping gear: Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Training ship. Renamed Stour September 1920, Pembroke September 1922, Stour 1939. Sold July 1946, renamed Storesse 1947.
HMT Daniel Mcpherson424216 August 1919 CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel Sold 1919, renamed Lord Halifax.
HMT Daniel Munro423920 June 1919 CochraneSold 1919, renamed Estrella do Norte and served as such in WWII.
HMT Degara Lerosa42376 June 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed James Johnson. Served as Greek Axios in WWII.
HMT Edward Druce373630 July 1918Goole SB 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1920, renamed Girard and served as such in WWII.
HMT Edward Mcguire 4251 17 May 1919 CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1920, renamed Cape St. Vincent. Served as Korowa (RAN) in WWII.
HMT Edward Williams 35478 May 1917 Cochrane 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-pdr 12 cwt gun, 1x Depth-charge thrower and mechanical minesweeping gear: Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper. Sold 1922, renamed Cape Trafalgar 1923 and served as such in WWII.
HMT Fraser Eaves 35672 October 1917 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: × 4 in, 1 × 12-pdr AA, 1 × 7.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed Doon September 1920. Sold 1946, renamed Donesse.
HMT George Andrew 355623 Jul 1917 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr AA. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper. Sold 1921, renamed Lord Astor. Served as Cranefly in WWII.
HMT George Bligh 354224 February 1917 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr, 1 × 7.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1921, same name. Became fisheries research vessel. Served in WWII.
HMT George Brown 354810 May 1917 Cochrane<-- Notes -->138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed William Dogherty December 1919. Sold 1922, renamed Rosedale Wyke.
HMT George Fenwick 356810 January 1918 CochraneSold 1923, renamed Cape Otway. Served as Greek Strymon in WWII
HMT George Westphall 35757 February 1918 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1921, renamed Estelle Yvonne. Lost 1923.
HMT Henry Cramwell 370524 December 1918 Lobnitz 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.MinesweeperSold 1922 to Spain, renamed Xauen.
HMT Henry Ford 356918 October 1917 Cochrane 138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Minesweeper. Renamed Boadicea II February 1919, Henry Ford February 1920. Sold 1921, renamed Duperre and served as such for France in WWII.
HMT Henry Lancaster 42318 Apr 1919 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: usually 1 × 12-pdr & BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Marker buoy vesselSold August 1921, same name. Served as Longtow in WWII.
HMT Henry Marsh 425331 May 1919 CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1920, renamed Springbok.
HMT Isaac Chant 37041 October 1918 Lobnitz138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper. Renamed Colne September 1920. Sold 1949.
HMT James Adams 35557 July 1917 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr AA, 1 × 7.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1920 renamed Pilote 5 and served as such for Belgium in WWII.
HMT James Buchanan 356518 September 1917 CochraneArmament: 1 × 12-pdr AA. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel, then minesweeper.Sold 1922, renamed Stoneferry. Served as Force in WWII.
HMT James Caton 370326 August 1918 LobnitzArmament: 1 × 12-pdr AA. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper.Sold 1921, renamed Emilie Pierre. Served as French St. Pierre d'Alcantara in WWII
HMT James Hayes 385927 June 1919Goole SB<-- Notes --> 138 × 23 × 13ft. Completed as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed Viscount Grey. Stranded 11 February 1920, total loss.
HMT James Hulbert 37999 Sep 1919 LobnitzSold 1919, renamed M. J. Reid. Served as Jean Frederic in WWII.
HMT James Jones 38429 Nov 1918 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun:. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed Cherwell September 1920. Sold 1948 with same name.
HMT James Ludford 42321 May 1919 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: usually 1 × 12-pdr & BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Served as marker buoy vesselMined 14 December 1939 off the Tyne.
HMT James Mansell 423826 June 1919 Cochrane<-- Notes -->Completed as fishing vessel.Sold 1919, renamed Snorri Sturluson, James Mansell 1922.
HMT James Mcdonald 42449 September 1919 CochraneSold 1919, renamed Grand Fleet. Served as Barbara Robertson in WWII.
HMT James Mclaughlin 42501 May 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed General Birdwood and served as such in WWII.
HMT James Wright 357615 February 1918 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun:. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1921, renamed Lord Ancaster. Served as Loch Moidart in WWII.
HMT James Young 42358 May 1919 CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, same name.
HMT Jeremiah Lewis 423425 February 1918 Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: usually 1 × 12-pdr & BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1920, renamed Field Marshal Robertson.
HMT John Cormack35624 September 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun:. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1922, renamed Lord Pirrie. Served as Chiltern in WWII.
HMT John Cottrell44631 November 1919Goole SBCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed St. Endellion. Served as Blighty in WWII.
HMT John Dunn374127 February 1918Ferguson138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun:. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1923, same name. Served as Florence Brierley in WWII.
HMT John Dutton373917 January 1918Ferguson138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × QF 12-per 12 cwt gun:. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Sold 1921, later renamed Karlsefni.
HMT John Ebbs35662 October 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr, 1 × 3.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1920, renamed Pilote 4. Served as Belgian ship A4 in WWII.
HMT John Edmund373822 October 1918Goole SB138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed Foyle 9.1920. Loaned September 1921 to June 1934 to South African Navy as Sonneblom. Sold 1946, renamed Cramond Island.
HMT John Felton35701 Nov 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr AA, 1-6in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1920, same name.
HMT John Highland379723 September 1918Ferguson138 × x 23 × 13 ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1920, renamed Ocean Ensign.
HMT John Jacobs383315 April 1918CochraneSold 1922, renamed Castlenau and served as such in WWII.
HMT John Jefferson383423 April 1918CochraneHydrophone vessel. Sold 1920, renamed St. Amant. Served as Lady Enid in WWII.
HMT John Johnson383219 April 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1922, renamed Cloughton Wyke and served as such in WWII.
HMT John Mann42456 September 1919CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1920, renamed Earl Haig. Purchased 1933, renamed Barnet. Sold 1947. In 1950 enployed by salvors of off Penzance.[3]
HMT John Pasco354419 April 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Escort. Sold 1922, renamed Arin Bjorn Hersir.
HMT John Quilliam354112 February 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1921. Converted to Danish research vessel Dana II
HMT John Welstead357315 February 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1922, renamed Lord Harewood. Served as Myrland in WWII.
HMT John Yule354324 March 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1921 renamed Notre Dame de Lorette.
HMT Jonathan Clarke446524 March 1920Goole SBCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1920, renamed St. Keverne.
HMT Jonathan Collins446426 November 1919Goole SBSold 1919, renamed St. Minver and served as such in WWII.
HMT Langdon Mackennon424321 October 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed Douglas H. Smith. Lost 1921.
HMT Lewis Mackenzie424026 June 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed Florence Johnson.
HMT Lewis Reeves355323 June 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr AA, 1 × 7.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Sold 1922, renamed Lord Hawke. Lost 1922.
HMT Lewis Roatley35547 Jul 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr AA, 1 × 7.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.MinesweeperSold 1922 renamed STALWART.
HMT Michael Clements356121 Aug 1917CochraneSunk 8.8-18 in collision off St. Catherines Point.
HMT Michael Mcdonald425217 May 1919CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed Kanuck.
HMT Nicholas Couteur423620 May 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed Mary A. Johnson. Lost November 1920.
HMT Nicholas Dean374011 March 1918FergusonHydrophone vessel. Sold 1921, renamed Notre Dame de France.
HMT Patrick Mitchell424816 April 1919Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Completed as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed Kelvin.
HMT Peter Hoffman37988 July 1919LobnitzSold 1919, renamed K. M. Hardy. Served as French Imbrin in WWII.
HMT Peter Magee42491 May 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed Lord Ernle.
HMT Richard Bulkeley356021 August 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Mined 12 July 1919 in the North Sea while on loan to US Navy.
HMT Richard Colliver370126 February 1918LobnitzSold 1922, renamed Laurette.
HMT Richard Jewell38366 August 1918CochraneSold 1922 renamed, Lord Knaresborough. Served as Fairway in WWII.
HMT Robert Barton355928 August 1917CochraneMinesweeper. Sold 1922 renamed HAY BURNWYKE. Served as HAYBURN WYKE in WWII.
HMT Robert Bookless355723 July 1917Cochrane138 × x 23 × 13 ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper. Sold 1921 renamed GRIZ NEZ. Served as German M.4005 in WWII.
HMT Robert Cahill446813 April 1921Goole SBCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1921, renamed Pierre Andre and served as such in WWII.
HMT Robert Double37355 June 1918Goole SBHydrophone vessel. Sold 1922, same name, renamed Wolborough 1925.
HMT Robert Drummond37424 May 1918Ferguson138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Sold 1922, same name, renamed Salmonby 1924. Lost 23 March 1926.
HMT Robert Finlay385723 May 1919Goole SBCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed Viscount Allenby.
HMT Robert Murray425630 June 1919CochraneSold 1923, same name. Served as Northlyn in WWII.
HMT Samuel Dowden356418 September 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. 1 × 3.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1922, renamed Royal Regiment. Served as Sea Mist in WWII.
HMT Samuel Jameson383910 October 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed Ettrick September 1920. Sold 1926, renamed Loughrigg. Served as Phyllisia in WWII.
HMT Samuel Martin425528 June 1919CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel.Sold 1920, renamed Field Marshal Plumer.
HMT Simeon Moon425431 May 1919CochraneSold 1920, renamed General Rawlinson.
HMT Thomas Atkinson35468 May 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper.Sold 1923, renamed Cavendish. Served as Erith in WWII.
HMT Thomas Bailey35584 August 1917CochraneMinesweeper. Sold 1922, renamed Pamxon.
HMT Thomas Cornwall370210 June 1918Lobnitz138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr, 1 × 3.5 in BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Sunk 29 October 1918 in collision off Flamborough Head.
HMT Thomas Cruize370630 January 1919LobnitzCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed Celerina. Lost 11 December 1922.
HMT Thomas Jago383531 July 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: × 4 in. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Escort.Sold 1922, renamed St. Valery. Served as Lady Eleanor in WWII.
HMT Thomas Jarvis384024 October 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: × 4 in. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Special Service Vessel. Renamed Exe September 1920. Sold 1928, renamed Jan Volders.
HMT Thomas Johns38373 September 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: × 4 in. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed Eden September 1920, to South African Navy 1921–1934, renamed Immortelle. Sold 1945.
HMT Thomas Maloney424714 June 1919CochraneCompleted as fishing vessel.Sold 1919, renamed St. Neots. Served as Adam in WWII.
HMT Thomas Matthews42466 October 1919CochraneSold 1919, renamed Earl Beatty.
HMT Thomas Thresher35729 February 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper.Sold 1922, same name. Served as Syrian in WWII.
HMT Thomas Whipple35744 February 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.Sold 1922, renamed Lord Lascelles.
HMT William Chatwood446724 February 1921Goole SB138 × 23 × 13ft. Completed as fishing vessel. Sold 1921, renamed Blanc Nez.
HMT William Courtney44662 February 1921Goole SBCompleted as fishing vessel. Sold 1921, renamed Ternoise.
HMT William Doak373723 September 1918Goole SB138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Hydrophone vessel. Sold 1922 to Spain, renamed Arcila.
HMT William Forbes385625 May 1919Goole SB138 × 23 × 13ft. Completed as fishing vessel. Sold 1919, renamed Syrian.
HMT William Honnor379626 August 1918Ferguson138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Escort. Sold 1922, renamed Grimurkamban.
HMT William Inwood384130 October 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Escort. Renamed Blackwater September 1920. Sold 1946, renamed Spleis.
HMT William Jackson383129 February 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Sold 1921, renamed Lord Byng. Served as Evelyn Rose in WWII.
HMT William Johnson384322 November 1918Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Loaned to US Navy 1919. Sold 1921, renamed Lord Birkenhead.
HMT William Jones38388 September 1918CochraneMinesweeper. Renamed Boyne September 1920. Sold 1946, renamed Nypuberg.
HMT William Leech423312 February 1919Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: usually 1 × 12-pdr & BT. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Renamed Excellent February 1919.Sold 1922, renamed William Leech. Served as French Excellent in WWII.
HMT William Ram35507 June 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Escort.Sold 1921, renamed Lord Carson. Served as Welbeck in WWII.
HMT William Rivers35529 June 1917Cochrane138 × 23 × 13ft. Armament: 1 × 12-pdr. Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless. Minesweeper. Sold 1921, renamed Mont Cassel and served as such for France in WWII
Non-standard vessels
NameAdmiralty numberLaunch dateShipbuilderclass=unsortableNotesclass=unsortableFate
All:From 248-324 grt,Length from 117-125 ft Beam and draught 22 ft x 23 ft.

Approx. TE 480ihp, 10.5 kts. Armament: 1x QF 12-pounder 12 cwt naval gun, 1x Depth-charge thrower and mechanical minesweeping gear:

Crew: 15, up to 18 with wireless.

HMT Anthony Aslett 357922 February 1917 CochraneMinesweeper. Renamed Rother September 1920.Sold 1922 to Spain, renamed Uad Quert.
HMT Charles Astie 357825 January 1917 CochraneMined 26 June 1917 off Lough Swilly.
HMT Cornelius Buckley 358124 February 1917 CochraneMinesweeper. Sold 1922, renamed Aria.
HMT John Appleby (ex-Corinthia) 361230 January 1917Cook, Welton & GemmellHydrophone vessel. Sold 1923, renamed Lois and served as such in WWII.
HMT John Arthur (ex-Sannyrion) 361310 February 1917Cook, Welton & GemmellSold 1922, renamed Gladys and served as such in WWII.
HMT William Abrahams 358024 February 1917 CochraneMinesweeper. Sold 1922, renamed Santini.
HMT William Westenburgh 357725 January 1917 CochraneSold 1921, renamed Lord Talbot. Served as Star of the Realm in WWII.

A further 44 vessels were ordered, but were cancelled before delivery.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Glossary. 211squadron.org.
  2. Web site: Auxiliary Patrol Vessels, Part 1, Yachts to Trawlers. Naval-History.net . 13 September 2020 . 18 August 2021 . based on "British Warships 1914-1919" by F J Dittmar & J J Colledge.
  3. News: Warspite Still on Reef . 12 June 2022 . The Cornishman . 5126 . 20 July 1950 . Penzance . 4. British Newspaper Archive.