Hello,

does anyone know whether the Hunt class fleet minesweepers built in 1917 and the aberdare class of minesweepers built in 1918-19 were manned by former fishermen who had joined the Royal naval reserve or did other wartime recruits serve on them aswell?

Similarly,were the Elco Motor launches ( and Coastal Motor boats)built during the war only manned by fishermen?

Thanks for any info

Bow

In 1919 the Mines Clearence Service was formed, which drew upon men from the RN and its Reserves who served on the ships you mentioned. I know that some RN personnel also served on them before 1919 too, they were larger ships than the converted trawlers.

There were specific Motor Boat ratings in the RNVR (with an MB prefix), but other ratings and officers could also serve.