August
On completion of trials and storing
carried out Minesweeping work-up .
Joined HM Minesweepers HALCYON,
HARRIER, HUSSAR, LEDA,
NIGER,
SALAMANDER, GOSSAMER, SKIPJACK and
SPEEDWELL and SPHINX.
Nominated with Flotilla for
minesweeping in Nore Command based at
Dover.
September
Deployed with Flotilla for
minesweeping in southern North Sea and
English Channel to ensure
to
clear passage for coastal convoys.
December
(Note: Extensive enemy minelaying
including magnetic mines was being
carried out.
For details see THE TORPEDOMEN by EN
Poland, HM MINESWEEPERS (HMSO),
ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY by C
Barnett and the Naval Staff History.)
1 9 4 0
January
Transferred with Flotilla to Rosyth in
continuation of North Sea duties.
(Note: HMS HALCYON and HMS HUSSAR
remained at Grimsby as part of 4th
Minesweeping
Flotilla.)
February
Deployed in Moray Firth with Flotilla
for minesweeping.
3rd
Under air attacks in snow storm 15
miles north of Kinnaird Head.
Hit by bomb which exploded in forward
structure.
Sustained extensive damage causing
flooding of both Boiler Rooms.
Attempted tow by HMS HARRIER failed
due to weather conditions.
2nd
Ship capsized and drifted ashore 2
miles North of Lybster.
(Note: 54 of the ships’ company lost
their lives and survivors were rescued
by ships of Flotilla.
This was the first loss of a Fleet
Minesweeper during WW2.)
(Casualty
List -
note
on casualties)
F
i
n a l N o t e
This
name was carried forward
on 20th
April 1941 when given to an
Accommodation Camp at Alexandria,
Egypt
on commissioning for use by
Mediterranean Fleet.
Addendum
Link
to
www.halcyon-class.co.uk
by
Bill Burn