Some research has led me to HMS Bridlington, so this will be my next East Riding Project.
Modelling HMS Bridlington
HMS Bridlington was a Bangor class minesweeper, number J65. She was one of four diesel-engine vessels. She was laid down on 11th September 1939, launched 29th February 1940 and commissioned on 28th September 1940.
The builder was William Denny & Brothers (Dumbarton, Scotland), with machinery built by Harland & Wolff Ltd (Govan, Scotland). She had 2000hp diesel motors driving reciprocating engines (VTE) and geared turbines on two shafts. Her maximum speed was 16 knots, and she weighed 590 tons.
HMS Bridlington was among the first four of her class, the others being Bangor, Blackpool and Bridport).
Her displacement was 672 BRT, she was 180 feet long, had a breadth of 28ft, a depth of 15ft 6in, and a draft of 8ft 3in (10ft 6in fully loaded). She had a complement of 60 men.
Her armament included one 3in. anti-aircraft gun, and varied anti-aircraft armament.
Two captains recorded are Lt. Charles Wickham Malins, R.N., who commanded her from 12th July 1940, and Lt. Peter John Baye, from 24th February 1942 until August 1942. On 2nd October, 1941, HMS Bridlington sailed from Harwich and joined HMS Eastbourne in the English Channel for minesweeping duties.
During the period December 1942 to January 1943, Petty Officer Arthur Ernest Brown was mentioned in despatches for "bravery and skill while employed on the hazardous duties of keeping the seas clear of mines."
HMS Bridlington played her part in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings. As one of nine ships of the 9th minesweeping flotilla, she sailed from the Solent at 12.55 hours on 5th June 1944 heading for Juno beach.
In 1946, HMS Bridlington was transferred to the RAF, when her title became His Majesty's Air Force Vessel Bridington. Six months later she was manned by the RAF. Sqn.ldr. George Coates, DSC, took over as commanding officer, when the ship was "handed over" in Chatham.
The vessel was finally scrapped on 6th May 1958.