RCN Minesweepers converted from civilian use, 1919-1939

Minesweepers

HMCS Constance (converted from civilian use); HMCS Curlew (converted from civilian use); HMCS Petrel (converted from civilian use)

HMCS Constance

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, PA191938)

HMCS Constance.  She was a commissioned minesweeper of the Royal Canadian Navy during the First World War.  Originally built as a fisheries cruiser for the Department of Marine and Fisheries, upon completion she was transferred to the Department of Customs, and was used by the Customs Preventive Service.  Along with sister ships CGS Curlew, and CGS Petrel, HMCS Constance was fitted with mine sweeping gear in 1912.  All three vessels were taken into naval service after the outbreak of war in 1914, and were used for patrol or examination duties.  After the war, HMCS Constance was sold for commercial use.  Remaining in service until the early 1930s, she was chartered by the Customs Preventive Service in 1928-29.

HMCS Curlew

(RCN Photo, MC-10009)

HMCS Curlew.

HMCS Petrel

(DND Photo)

HMCS Petrel.  A sister ship to HMCS Curlew and HMCS Constance, HMCS Petrel was built as a fishery patrol vessel at Owen Sound in 1892, but did not see salt water until 1905.  Between 1914 and 1918 she was employed frequently as a patrol or examination vessel on the east coast though with a maximum speed of 7 knots, her ability to pursue ships that did not obey a request to stop was limited.  After the war she reverted briefly to her fishery patrol duties before being sold in 1923.

(DND Photo)

HMCS Petrel.

(DND Photo)

HMCS Petrel.

‍