SM-class minesweeper

Class overview
NameSM
BuildersAug. Eklöf AB, Turku, Finland
OperatorsFinnish Navy
Preceded byAhven-class
Succeeded byKuha-class
Built1939-1940
In commission1939-1954
Completed4
Lost1
Retired3
General characteristics
TypeMinesweeper
Displacement20 tons
Length18.0 m
Beam3.8 m
Draught1.7 m
Propulsion80 hp (60 kW)
Speed9 knots (17 km/h)
Armament20 mm Madsen AA
NotesShips in class include: SM-1, SM-2, SM-3, SM-4

SM boats were initially designed as training boats for the naval Civil Guard. They were however completed just for the Winter War and were commissioned into Finnish Navy as minesweepers. SM-3 was lost on 5 October 1944 when it run into a mine and was destroyed taking five men with her. Because the ceasefire and peace treaties forbid the Civil Guard from Finland the SM boats stayed in the Navy even after the war.SM-1 and SM-4 were decommissioned 1951 and SM-2 on 1954.[1]

References

  1. ^ Auvinen, Visa (1983). Leijonalippu merellä [Lion flag at sea] (in Finnish). Pori, Finland: Satakunnan Kirjapaino Oy. p. 63. ISBN 951-95781-1-0.