Castle class naval trawler
Encyclopedia
The Castle class minesweeper was a highly sea worthy naval trawler
adapted for minesweeping
and built to Admiralty
specifications. Altogether about 200 were built between 1916 and 1919.
The Castle class originated with the commercial trawler Raglan Castle of 1915, taken up for Royal Navy
service. The design was adapted by Smith's Dock Company Ltd to Admiralty
requirements for building in quantity.
During World War I
, 145 were built for the Admiralty. After the war about 55 further ships were built as trawlers and many of the minesweepers were converted to trawlers
Naval trawler
A naval trawler is a vessel built along the lines of a fishing trawler but fitted out for naval purposes. Naval trawlers were widely used during the First and Second world wars. Fishing trawlers were particularly suited for many naval requirements because they were robust boats designed to work...
adapted for minesweeping
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
and built to Admiralty
Admiralty
The Admiralty was formerly the authority in the Kingdom of England, and later in the United Kingdom, responsible for the command of the Royal Navy...
specifications. Altogether about 200 were built between 1916 and 1919.
The Castle class originated with the commercial trawler Raglan Castle of 1915, taken up for Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
service. The design was adapted by Smith's Dock Company Ltd to Admiralty
Admiralty
The Admiralty was formerly the authority in the Kingdom of England, and later in the United Kingdom, responsible for the command of the Royal Navy...
requirements for building in quantity.
During World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, 145 were built for the Admiralty. After the war about 55 further ships were built as trawlers and many of the minesweepers were converted to trawlers
New Zealand additions
In 1940 the New Zealand Marine Department oped for this class in preference to the more modern Blomvlei design, also by Smith's Dock, 1935, and another 13 vessels of the class were built and put into service.See also
- Isles class trawlerIsles class trawlerThe Isles class trawlers were a class of naval trawler used by the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy during World War II....
- trawlers used in World War II that were based on the Castle class design - Castle class trawlers of the Royal New Zealand Navy