HMT Elk

HMT Elk was a British Royal Navy trawler that served during the World War II. The ship was built by Cook, Welton & Gemmell in 1936 and was originally used for fishing purposes. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the Elk was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and converted into a minesweeper.

History

The HMT Elk was built in 1936 by Cook, Welton & Gemmell, a shipbuilding company based in Beverley, East Yorkshire. The ship was initially used for commercial fishing, but was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in 1939 following the outbreak of World War II.

During the war, the Elk was converted into a minesweeper and was used to clear naval mines in the waters around the British Isles. The ship was part of the Nore Command, a formation of the Royal Navy responsible for the defence of the eastern and southern coasts of England.

In 1945, after the end of the war, the Elk was returned to its original owners and resumed its role as a fishing trawler. The ship was finally scrapped in 1959.

Design and Construction

The HMT Elk was a typical example of the trawlers built by Cook, Welton & Gemmell in the 1930s. The ship had a length of 140 feet, a beam of 24 feet, and a draught of 13 feet. It was powered by a triple expansion steam engine that gave it a top speed of 12 knots.

The conversion of the Elk into a minesweeper involved the installation of mine sweeping equipment, including a paravane and a kite. The ship was also armed with a single 12-pounder gun for self-defence.

Service

During its service as a minesweeper, the HMT Elk was involved in several notable operations. These included the clearance of mines in the English Channel following the Dunkirk evacuation, and the sweeping of mines in the North Sea in preparation for the D-Day landings.

Legacy

The HMT Elk is remembered as one of the many civilian vessels that were requisitioned by the Royal Navy during World War II and played a crucial role in the war effort. The ship's service as a minesweeper is a testament to the adaptability of trawlers and their crews, and to the importance of minesweeping operations in ensuring the safety of naval and merchant vessels.