HMNZS Tawhai

Last updated

ST Tawhai (cropped).png
Tawhai as a UNRRA fishing vessel.
History
Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svgNew Zealand
NameTawhai
BuilderSeagar Bros. Ltd. Auckland
Launched20 July 1943
Identification Pennant number: T20/T348
FateSold to the UNRRA.
Flag of the United Nations.svgUnited Nations
NameTawhai
OwnerUnited Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration
Acquired1946
In service1946
FateLast seen fishing October 1949
General characteristics
Class and type Castle-class minesweeper
Displacement625 tons
Length135 ft (41 m)
Beam23 ft (7.0 m)
PropulsionSingle screw, triple reciprocating engine
Speed10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)

HMNZS Tawhai was a New Zealand-built composite Castle-class trawler built for the Royal New Zealand Navy during World War II for the intention for use as a minesweeper, later being converted into a fishing trawler.

Contents

Background

The vessel was ordered after the New Zealand government, facing a requirement for more minesweepers to operate in home waters, chose the Castle-class design because it was simple enough to be built with the country's limited ship construction facilities at the time. [1]

Operational history

The launching of the minesweeper Tawhai at Auckland. HMNZS Tawhai's launch.jpg
The launching of the minesweeper Tawhai at Auckland.

Tawhai was the last of four composite minesweepers to be built for the RNZN, the others being Hinau, Manuka, and Rimu. Tawhai was originally built for use as an LL Magnetic minesweeper, but by mid 1943, it was clear Tawhai was not needed as another LL minesweeper, so was to be completed as a conventional minesweeper. [2] At the 28 September 1943 Navy Office conference, use of the Tawhai as a servicing vessel was considered but was declined. [2] Tawhai would be 'work suspended' at the date of delivery when 95% complete and was declared surplus to the War Assets Realisation board in October 1944 for disposal. [2] In 1946, she would be purchased by the UNRRA to rebuild the decimated Chinese fishing industry. [2] [3] She was last seen with the Awatere and Pahau fishing at Formosa (now Taiwan). [2]

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References

  1. ↑ "HMNZS Waiho Castle-Class Minesweeper". National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy. 6 October 2015. Archived from the original on 21 December 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 McDougall, R.J. (1989). New Zealand Naval vessels. GP Books, Informing New Zealanders. ISBN   0-477-01399-6.
  3. ↑ "Trawlers for China". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 10 September 1946. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
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