- Bittern class sloop
The "Bittern" class sloop was a three ship class of long-range escort vessels used in the
Second World War by theRoyal Navy .Design
They were built as light, long-range escort ships with little anti-air capability. Three were built: HMS "Enchantress", HMS "Bittern" and HMS "Stork". HMS "Enchantress", originally built as HMS "Bittern" but renamed before being launched in 1934, was the first in the class, and was built as an unarmed
Admiral 's yacht. Armament was restored at the outbreak of war, however the aft turret was originally replaced with accommodation and the armament was never replaced. The under-construction "Enchantress" was then renamed "Bittern".Career
HMS "Stork" was completed as an unarmed
survey vessel , and was only armed after the outbreak of war. The third ship in the class was launched as HMS "Bittern", and completed as designed, but was lost to air attacks in theNorwegian campaign in 1940. HMS "Enchantress" survived the war and was sold into civilian service in 1946, being renamed "Lady Enchantress". She was broken up in 1952. HMS "Stork" remained in service until being broken up in 1958.References
*Colledge
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