Details
Function
Fighting Vessel
Subfunction
Minesweeper
Location
Rochford
Vessel type
Inshore Minesweeper
Current use
Ongoing conservation
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Construction
Builder
Taylor, Jason, Shoreham
Built in
1957
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
2
Propulsion
Towed
Number of engines
2
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Length: Overall
106.50 feet
(32.46m)
Breadth: Beam
22.00 feet
(6.71m)
Depth
5.75 feet
(1.75m)
Tonnage: Gross
120.00
History
HMS BIRDHAM was built as a Ham Class Minesweeper by J Taylor, Shoreham in 1957. From 1957 to 1964 she was in operational reserve at Rosneath and was then transferred to the Royal Navy Auxilliary Service.
Sold out of service in 1980, she was bought by Sutton & Smith, Great Wakering, Essex, ostensibily for breaking up but she remained there as part of the owners collection.
She was sold on in 1996 and moved to Rochford, Essex where she remains.
Key dates
-
1957
Built by J Taylor, Shoreham
-
1957/1964
In operational reserve at Rosneath
-
1964/1980
Transferred to the Royal Navy Auxiliary Service
-
1996
Sold out of service
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk