HMS Vestal (J215)
HMS Vestal was a turbine-powered Algerine-class minesweeper of the Royal Navy. She was launched in 1943 and saw service in the Pacific War against the Empire of Japan. She was critically damaged by Japanese kamikaze aircraft in 1945 and was subsequently scuttled in waters close to Thailand.
| History | |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |
| Name | HMS Vestal |
| Builder | Harland and Wolff, Belfast |
| Yard number | 1147 |
| Laid down | 11 January 1943 |
| Launched | 19 June 1943 |
| Completed | 10 September 1943 |
| Commissioned | 11 February 1944 |
| Identification | Pennant number: J299 |
| Fate | Hit by a Japanese kamikaze pilot on 26 July 1945 and subsequently scuttled |
| Badge | A sacred flame which was brought to Rome by Aeneas, and was then tended to by Vesta, Goddess of the Hearth. The patch is blue; with a gold altar with a flame. |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Algerine-class minesweeper |
| Length | 255 ft (78 m) |
| Beam | 35.5 ft (10.8 m) |
| Draft | 3.50 |
| Propulsion | Steam Turbine |
| Speed | 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h) |
| Crew | 104–135 |
| Armament |
|
Vestal was the only British ship to be sunk by kamikaze attack and the last Royal Navy ship to be lost in the Second World War. She was sunk whilst partaking in Operation Livery. Vestal was commanded by Lt. Charles William Porter, DSC, from 26 July 1943 until 26 July 1945, when the ship was sunk. Her engine was provided by Paxman.
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