Category Archives: Uncategorized

HMS/HMNZS “Simplon” 69 ton 1918 trawler/coaster

HMS/HMNZS “Simplon” 69 ton 1918 trawler/coasterRetired 1946.Returned to Sanfords in 1946. Simplon was a problem throughout. Captain Freeland had to be relieved of his command at the end of May 1918, subsequently being awarded compensation, apparently for mental strain and a nervous breakdown. On 26 March the departure of the vessels from Wellington was delayedContinue reading “HMS/HMNZS “Simplon” 69 ton 1918 trawler/coaster”

Castle Class – RNZN built, not completed as HMNZS Tawhai, later transferred to UNRRA still named Tawhai

Tawhai launch Tawhai sandwiched in the middle Just a peek of Tawhai Tawhai alongside HMNZS Tawhai was a New Zealand-built composite Castle-class trawler built for the Royal New Zealand Navy during World War II for the intention for use as a minesweeper, later being converted into a fishing trawler. Background[edit] The vessel was ordered after the New Zealand government, facing a requirement for more minesweepers to operate in homeContinue reading “Castle Class – RNZN built, not completed as HMNZS Tawhai, later transferred to UNRRA still named Tawhai”

Castle Class – RNZN built, not completed as HMNZS Waikato, later SS Taiaroa (1943)

HMNZS Waikato under construction, 1943 – Not commissioned HMNZS Waikato under construction, 1943 Waikato being launched, 1943 The minesweeper HMNZS Waikato in the Waitematā Harbour immediately after launching, crowds attending the launch ceremony at the Marine Departments Construction Yard in the foreground Castle Class – RNZN built, not completed as HMNZS Waikato, later SS TaiaroaContinue reading “Castle Class – RNZN built, not completed as HMNZS Waikato, later SS Taiaroa (1943)”