The Axe class was a class of naval trawlers used by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.

HMT Liffey
Class overview
BuildersSmiths Dock Company
OperatorsRoyal Navy
Built1916
In commission1916–1946
Completed4
Retired4
General characteristics
TypeNaval trawler
Displacement390 long tons (400 t)
Length
  • 130 feet (40 m) PP
  • 139 feet (42 m) overall
Beam23.5 feet (7.2 m)
Draught12 feet (3.7 m)
PropulsionOne shaft reciprocating vertical triple expansion, producing 525 ihp
Speed10.5 knots (19.4 km/h; 12.1 mph)
Complement18
Armament1 x 3-inch gun
NotesLenton, H. T.; Colledge, J. J. (1962). Warships of World War II, Part Six: Trawlers. Ian Allan. p. 6.

The ships were acquired by the Royal Navy during the First World War. They were originally being built for the Empire of Russia, but were acquired by the Royal Navy after the Russian Revolution took the Russians out of the war.[1]

There were four ships in the class:

  • HMT Dee (T20). Previously known as HMT Battleaxe, and the Russian T16. Launched 19 June 1916. Sold into mercantile service as the Safir in 1946.[1]
  • HMT Garry (T63). Previously known as HMT Goldaxe, and the Russian T13. Launched 1 June 1916. Sold into mercantile service as the Garry in 1946.[1]
  • HMT Kennet (T78). Previously known as HMT Iceaxe, and the Russian T17. Launched 17 July 1916. Sold May 1946.[1]
  • HMT Liffey (T81). Previously known as HMT Stoneaxe, and the Russian T14. Launched 1 June 1916. Sold 1947.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Lenton, H. T.; Colledge, J. J. (1962). Warships of World War II, Part Six: Trawlers. Ian Allan. p. 6.