1945 Modifications for Flower Class
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 5:44 pm
Hoping for some help, maybe from the British or Australian forumites.
Allied Escort Ships of World War II (Peter Elliott), indicates that some interesting modifications were scheduled for Flower class corvettes in 1945. The end of the war ended any such thoughts, but I was wondering if anyone had any data.
Reference Page 177.
1. Air/Sea Rescue ships. Little or no change in armament. Apparently done and 12 ships on station with Eastern Fleet as of VJ. No indication of the Air/Sea Rescue changes had already been done but page 183 tends to say it had been.
2. Flying Boat Tenders for RAAF. ... they would have an extensive conversion, involving the removal of one boiler. The 4" and 2 pounder guns would disappear, and one single Bofors fitted in lieu. The two single Oerlikons no the bridge would remain, but the Hedgehog and all depth charge fittings would be removed. Their endurance, at 10 knots, would be 5100 miles.
3. Transports, Proposed but not found suitable.
4. Fleet Tugs. Some Flowers were used as Fleet Rescue Tugs early in the war. Little change other than towing gear. At least one of the ships so used was in the Eastern Fleet on VJ day.
What I'd love to find is any more detail on the conversions and (dare I hope) what ships were to be converted.