HMS Rattler
Ship Number
1142
Vessel Type
Algerine Class Minesweeper
Built
Belfast
Slip Number
1
Launch Date
December 9, 1942
Launched By
Mrs Spark
Delivered
April 22, 1943
Owner
Admiralty
Weight
1053 grt
BP Length
212-16 feet
Breadth
35-15 feet
No. of Screws
Twin
Speed (approx)
16.5 knots
Propulsion
Parsons Single Reduction Geared Turbines 2000 SHP
Official No.
Registered
Fate
Torpedoed
HMS Rattler

Launched as HMS Rattler , renamed HMS Loyalty.
 
Pennant No. J 217
 
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 mine around. They were 40 feet longer and 7 feet beamier than the previous "Bangor class", the design was so successful, it continued right through the war until the cessation.
 
On 22nd August 1944 while in the English Channel U-480 torpedoed and sank HMS Loyalty.