HTMS Phosamton : Algerine Class Minesweepers
These were the largest minesweepers ever built for the Royal Navy, and were frequently used as escort vessels during World War II. The reason was that they were designed to combat every single type of mie around, and had to ship LL sweeps, acoustic hammers as well as conventional style sweeping gear. Thus, they were 40' longer and 7' beamier than the previous Bangor class, and the design was so suddesful, it continued right through the war until the cessation.
HTMS Phosamton or Ex. J445 HMS Minstrel, British Algerine Class, was built in 1944 by Redfern Construction Co., Ontario, 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. In 1953 she sailed to Europe for Naval Cadets training and joined the Sea Review on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day.
Specifications:
Displacement:
1162 tons (reciprocating engines)
1122 tons (turbine engines)
990 tons (escort)
Length: 225 ft (69 m)
Beam: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Draught: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Propulsion: Geared turbines, 2 shafts; OR
Reciprocating engines, 2 shafts, 2,000 shp (1,500 kW)
Speed: 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h)
Complement: 85
Range: 5,000 nmi (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Sensors and processing systems:
Type 271 surface-search radar
Type 291 air-search radar
Armament:
1×QF 102/45 mm naval gun
4×Oerlikon 20 mm autocannons
2×Depth Charge rails
4xDepth Charge throwers
2xHedgehog Mortars (Escorts only)
HMS Minstrel 1946 : i have only this photo and some weapons or sensors were change from specifications
HTMS Phosamton 1969 : i don't have early version photo. 102/45 mm gun have the brackets on the sides are for illuminating rockets. replace 2x20 mm gun aft by 1xBofors 40/60 autocannon.
The refit versions status work in progress, new superstructure new bridge and new squadron.