HMS Abdiel (M39)

HMS Abdiel was an Abdiel-class minelayer that served with the Royal Navy during World War II. She served with the Mediterranean Fleet (1941), Eastern Fleet (1942), Home Fleet (1942–43), and the Mediterranean Fleet (1943). Abdiel was sunk by German mines in Italy's Taranto harbour in 1943. Although designed as a fast minelayer her speed and capacity made her suitable for employment as a fast transport.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Abdiel.

History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Abdiel
BuilderJ. Samuel White, Cowes
Laid down29 March 1939
Launched23 April 1940
Commissioned15 April 1941
IdentificationPennant number M39
Honours and
awards		BISCAY 1941, CRETE 1941, LIBYA 1941, SICILY 1943
FateLost, 10 September 1943
General characteristics
Class and typeAbdiel-class minelayer
Displacement
  • 2,650 tons (standard)
  • 4,000 tons (full load)
Length127.4 m (418 ft) (overall)
Beam12.2 m (40 ft)
Draught3.4 m (11 ft)
Propulsion
  • Two shafts
  • Geared turbines
  • Four Admiralty 3-drum boilers
  • 72,000 shp
Speed40 knots (74 km/h)
Range5,800 mi (9,334 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h)
Complement244
Armament
  • As built:
  • 6 × QF 4-inch (100 mm) Mark XVI guns on twin mounts HA/LA Mk.XIX
  • 4 × QF 2-pounder (40 mm) Mk.VIII on quadruple mount Mk.VII
  • 8 × 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Vickers machine guns on quadruple mount Mk.I
  • 156 mines
ArmourMagazine box protection, deck, side-plating, turrets and bulkheads, belt, internal boiler room sides (added 1936–1940).
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