HMS Elsenham (M2624)

Summary

HMS Elsenham was one of 93 ships of the Ham class of inshore minesweepers.

History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Elsenham
NamesakeElsenham
BuilderAilsa Shipbuilding Company
Launched25 May 1955
Completed11 January 1956
IdentificationPennant number(s): M2624 / IMS26
FateSold to the Federation of South Arabia 1967. Stricken 1984.
General characteristics
Class and typeHam-class minesweeper
Displacement
  • 120 long tons (122 t) standard
  • 164 long tons (167 t) full load
Length
  • 100 ft (30 m) p/p
  • 106 ft 6 in (32.46 m) o/a
Beam21 ft 4 in (6.50 m)
Draught5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Propulsion
  • 2 shaft Paxman 12YHAXM diesels
  • 1,100 bhp (820 kW)
Speed14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph)
Complement2 officers, 13 ratings
Armament1 × Bofors 40 mm L/60 gun or Oerlikon 20 mm cannon

Their names were all chosen from villages ending in -ham. The minesweeper was named after Elsenham in Essex. Some others include HMS Mickleham, and HMS Petersham.

References edit

  • Blackman, R.V.B. ed. Jane's Fighting Ships (1953)