Length:- 225ft
Breadth:- 35ft 6in
Dis. (recip.ships):- 1162 tons
Dis. (turbine ships):- 1122 tons
speed:- 16.5 knots
guns:- One 4-inch QF HA-LA, four single Oerlikons - replaced by double mountings on ships used in the Far East. Later on, some ships had even these replaced by Bofors guns.
Anti-sub.Armament:- 92 depth charges on throwers and rails.
Minesweeping gear:- Oropesa sweep for Moored contact mines, LL sweep (later in some cases a LL loop for greater range) for magnetic mines, SA gear for Acoustic mines.

It was decided in September 1940 that larger minesweepers with better sea-keeping qualities than the Bangor class that were just entering service were needed. A design was rapidly evolved which embodied all known minesweeping requirements and was also capable of acting as an Escort Vessel if required.

The general requirements were for a ship capable of sweeping moored, magnetic and acoustic mines in seas up to force 5. The name given to ships of this design was ALGERINE Class. In all, 110 were completed, 50 in Belfast and Scotland and 60 in Canada. Of the total number, 98 were for service with the Royal Navy, the remaining 12 being retained by the Royal Canadian Navy as escorts and not fitted out for minesweeping.

The first flotilla, the12^th MSF, 'Led the Way' in the invasion of North Africa for which they were awarded Battle Honours. The flotillas then carried on with the invasions of Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, South of France and the freedom of Greece. They also carried out minesweeping duties all over the Mediterranean, plus of course convoy work.

As they came into service, other ALGERINE class ships carried out extensive operations throughout the world, and were without doubt the most efficient ships in the Allied Navies when dealing with minesweeping.

An Algerine Cairn is situated in Port Edgar, Scotland the port and anchorage where nearly all ALGERINES learnt the craft of minesweeping.

In May 2000 a Memorial Stone was Dedicated at Governors Green, Portsmouth with 12 English Oaks representing the 12 Flotillas of Algerines that were in service during World War 2 and the following years, clearing mines throughout the world. Also in Old Portsmouth, in St. George's Church, is a Commemorative Plaque.

There is an annual Reunion alternating between a venue in the North and South of England. 'Get-togethers' are held throughout the Country in various hostelries, where members can keep in touch, at frequent intervals. In conjunction with several R.N.A's, a block booking of a Holiday Village in the South of England, which can accommodate up to 450, takes place for a general holiday or Get-together with families and friends during September.

ALGERINES also march with pride at the Annual service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, each November.

A magazine called "THE SWEEPER" is distributed in varous countries, including Malta G.C., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Republic of South Africa, United States of America, Belgium, France, Thailand, Majorca and Guatamala. Members from many of these countries attend the annual reunions, when over several hundred members gather to exchange memories.

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