HMNZS Manuka

Built: Mason Bros. , Auckland
Type : Castle Class Minesweeper
Pennant No.: T19
Named after : NZ tree
Displacement: 540 tons std. Full load: 625 tons
Length: 135.9 ft./41.4 m Beam: 23.3 ft./7.2 m Draft: 15 ft./4.6 m
Propulsion: Triple Expansion, 480 hp, 1 shaft
Speed: 10 knots
Complement: 27
Armament: 1 × 12 pounder. 2 × MG, Depth Charges

HMNZS Manuka was commissioned on 30 March 1942 by Lieutenant J.D. Allan, RNZNVR as an LL minesweeper, fitted with electrical equipment to deal with magnetic mines. She was of composite construction, kauri planking on steel frames. The engine and boilers were supplied from old steamers purchased by the Government from the Northern Steamship Company

The five ships formed what was known first as the LL Minesweeping Flotilla operating from Auckland. That designation was changed in May 1945 to 194th Auxiliary Minesweeping Group

Two ships stationed abeam and each towing lengths of buoyant cable known as ‘tails’ comprise the LL sweep. When an electric current is passed through the cables, a magnetic field is produced between the tails that will detonate a magnetic mine within its area of influence. The ships themselves were protected by degaussing equipment.

Manuka spent many months of service on the NZ coast, lengthy spells of harbour duty, and training cruises from port to port. The efficiency of her constant training was not put to a practical test for no magnetic mines were ever found or suspected in New Zealand waters.

She was paid off on 11 September 1945 and in 1946 and was leased to the Chatham Fishing Company, a group of returned servicemen

Brian

(photo is sister ship) HMNZS Wakakura