HMS Rye (J76)

HMS "Rye" was a "Bangor" class minesweeper that saw service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. She was built by Ailsa Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Troon, Scotland and commissioned in 1941. Her pennant number was J 76.

Wartime Service (1939-1945)

"Rye" saw service in the Mediterranean Sea based in Malta as part of the 14th/17th Minesweeper Flotilla. She served in the Malta Convoys, notably Operation Harpoon during which she rescued 84 survivors from the SS "Chant", and in Operation Pedestal during which she was one of the ships that rescued the SS "Ohio". The "Rye"'s captain, Iain Pearson, was awarded a bar to his DSC for service during the Malta Convoys.

After service in the Mediterranean, "Rye" returned to Home waters and served with the 14th M/S Flotilla based in Plymouth. She took part in Operation Neptune, the naval component of Operation Overlord (D-Day). The flotilla took part in minesweeping operations from 5-30 June, initially clearing paths through the German minefields to the invasion beaches, and subsequently clearing wider areas to allow transport and supply vessels to operate in safety.

"Rye" was decommissioned on 24 August 1948. She was scrapped at Purfleet in September 1948. Her ensign is laid up in St Mary's parish church in the town of Rye, East Sussex.

The Rye and District Sea Cadets maintain the traditions of HMS "Rye".

Crewmembers

Known crewmembers of HMS Rye:
* Bober, Les – LSBA, sick berth attendant.
* Jaques, Stan – AB, ASDIC operator.
* Miller, Dennis – SLt.
* Murgatroyd, George – WO Engineer.
* Parkin, Philip – Lt RNVR, 1st Lieutenant
* Pearson, J. A. – A/Lt Cdr RNR, DSC and bar, captain HMS "Rye".
* Prior, Rowland – leading rating, led the naval party from "Rye" that went aboard the "Ohio" (13 August, 1942) to secure a tow.
* Steinhausen, Lionel – Lt RNVR, navigator.

Sources

*Colledge
*"Warships of World War II", by H. T. Lenton & J. J. Colledge, pub. Ian Allen Ltd.
*"Malta Convoy", by P. Shankland & A. Hunter, pub. Collins (1961).

External links

* [http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3227.html HMS Rye (J 76)] - "uboat.net"
* [http://www.cronab.demon.co.uk/malta3.htm Minesweeping at Malta]
* [http://www.tsrye.fsnet.co.uk/ryemain.htm Rye & District Sea Cadets, HMS Rye]
* [http://warships.web4u.cz/histmain.php?language=E&file=USN_1942_6E Operation Harpoon, 15 June, 1942]
* [http://www.mcdoa.org.uk/ww_ii_awards_for_rn_minesweeping_P.htm WWII Awards for RN Minesweeping]