HMS Hare (J389)

HMS Hare (J389) was a turbine engine-powered Algerine-class minesweeper during the Second World War. She survived the war and was sold to Nigeria in 1958 as HMNS Nigeria.

HMS Hare (J389)
History
United Kingdom
NameHare
NamesakeHare
Ordered30 April 1942
BuilderHarland & Wolff, Belfast
Laid down27 November 1943
Launched20 June 1944
Commissioned10 November 1944
Decommissioned1959
IdentificationPennant number: J389
FateSold to the Nigeria, May 1958
Nigeria
NameNigeria
NamesakeNigeria
AcquiredMay 1958
Commissioned21 July 1959
Decommissioned1962
General characteristics
Class and typeAlgerine-class minesweeper
Displacement
  • 1,030 long tons (1,047 t) (standard)
  • 1,325 long tons (1,346 t) (deep)
Length225 ft (69 m) o/a
Beam35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Draught12.25 ft 6 in (3.89 m)
Installed power
Propulsion
  • 2 shafts
  • 2 geared steam turbines
Speed16.5 knots (30.6 km/h; 19.0 mph)
Range5,000 nmi (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Complement85
Armament

Design and description
Main article: Algerine-class minesweeper

The turbine group displaced 940–980 long tons (960–1,000 t) at standard load and 1,225–1,265 long tons (1,245–1,285 t) at deep load.[1] The ships measured 225 feet (68.6 m) long overall with a beam of 35 feet 6 inches (10.8 m). They had a draught of 12 feet 3 inches (3.7 m). The ships' complement consisted of 85 officers and ratings.[2]

The Algerine class was armed with a QF 4 in (102 mm) Mk V anti-aircraft gun and four single Bofors 40 mm mounts.[1] All of the ships were fitted for four throwers and two rails for depth charges.[2]

Construction and career

Service in the Royal Navy

The ship was ordered on 30 April 1942 at the Harland & Wolff at Belfast, Ireland. She was laid down on 27 November 1943 and launched on 20 June 1944. Hare was commissioned on 10 November 1944.[3]

On 24 December 1944, HMS Upshot conducted anti-submarine exercises off Tobermory with Hare, Wave, Seabear and Imperialist. Few days later on the 29th, the same exercise took place but without Seabear and Imperialist.[3]

From 27 to 29 January 1945, Untiring conducted anti-submarine exercises off Campbeltown with Hare and Wave. Uproar joined the exercise on the last day. On 2 February, Unruly conducted anti-submarine exercises off Campbeltown with Hare and again on the 5th including Wave. On the 13th, Uproar conducted anti-submarine exercises off Campbeltown with Hare and Wave.[3]

Hare was decommissioned on 26 February 1946.[3]

She was then sold to Nigeria in May 1958 with the transfer ceremony took place in Portsmouth.[4]

Service in the Nigerian Navy

Hare was renamed HMNS Nigeria and was commissioned on 21 July 1959.[5] To commemorate the occasion and as a gesture from the Royal Navy, HMS Nigeria's 1940 silver bell was presented to HMNS Nigeria for the return of the independent Government and people of the Federation of Nigeria.[6]

The ship was decommissioned in 1962 and returned to the United Kingdom. She arrived in Faslane on 6 November 1972.[7]

References
  1. Chesneau, p. 65
  2. Lenton, p. 261
  3. "HMS Hare (J 389) of the Royal Navy - British Minesweeper of the Algerine class - Allied Warships of WWII". uboat.net. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  4. "royal naval volunteer reserve". www.cchla.ufpb.br. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  5. Mason, Geoffrey B. (2001). "HMS HARE (J 389) - Algerine-class Fleet Minesweeper". Naval History Net.
  6. "Release of Information" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  7. "HMS HARE". Ships Nostalgia. Retrieved 6 September 2021.

Bibliography
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