a bit of a 'history channel' thread
bear with me, but I'll start almost 70 years ago in Canada, and get to Chanthaburi 'soon'.
Also - I am neither a navy or ship man, appreciate any corrections/amendments and explanation of some of the abbreviations used; where applicable I'll include a link to the source.
**************************
HMS Minstrel
Algerine Class minesweeper
Pennant number: M445
Completed on 7 June 1944, built by Redfern & Co, Canada.
In July 1945 she joined the 10th MSF, Nore Command Nov 1945 10th MSF, East Indies Jan 1946 11th MSF Feb 1946 7th MSF June 1946 11th MSF Paid off in Feb 1947 to Category B reserve at Singapore.
She was bought by the Royal Thai Navy in April 1947 and renamed HTMS PHOSAMTON on 20 Nov 1947
She attended the Queens Coronation Spithead review in 1953 whilst on Naval Cadet training.
* SHE IS STILL IN SERVICE as a training ship and is believed to be the oldest Steam Engined warship still in service.
Displacement: 850 tons
Dimensions: 225ft x 351/2ft x 9ft
Armament: 1 x 4", 4 x 40mm bofors AA Guns
A/S weapons: 4 x DCT
Range: 5,000 miles @ 10kts
Complement: 104 - 138 (wartime)
source
NOTE: * ? 2010
______________________________________
Couldn't locate a photo of HMS Minstrel. This is another Algerine Class minesweeper, HMS Mutine:
Algerine class
111 ships
Technical information
Type Minesweeper
Displacement 850 BRT
Length 225 feet
Complement 85 men
Armament 1 4" AA gun
4 20mm guns (4x1)
Max speed 16.5 knots
Engines Geared turbines, 2 shafts / Reciprocating (V.T.E.) engines, 2 shafts
Power 2000 SHP / 2000 IHP
Source
