RCN Minesweepers (Bay Class): HMCS Chaleur (MCB 144) (I), HMCS Chaleur (MCB 164) (II), HMCS Chignecto (MCB 156) (II), HMCS Chignecto (MCB 160) (III), HMCS Comox (MCB 146) (II), HMCS Cowichan (MCB 147) (II), HMCS Cowichan (MCB 162) (III)
HMCS Chaleur (MCB 144) (I)
HMCS Chaleur (MCB 164) (II)
HMCS Chignecto (MCB 156) (II)
(DND Photo)
In 1951 and 1952, fourteen replacements were laid down for the aging minesweepers of wartime construction. Six were transferred to the French Navy in 1954, but were replaced by six of the same name in 1956-57. These ships were very similar to the Royal Navy’s Ton Class of the same vintage. The second Chignecto was built by Marine Industries Ltd., Sorel, and commissioned on 1 December 1953, and paid off on March 31 1954, the day of her transfer to the French Navy. Renamed La Bayonnaise, she served until 1976.
HMCS Chignecto (MCB 160) (III)
(DND Photo)
Built as a replacement for the second Chignecto by G.T. Davie & Sons, Lauzon, she was commissioned on 1 August 1957. Built as a Bay-class minesweeper, she and five of her sister ships were re-classed as patrol escorts in 1972. She served as a member of Training Group Pacific providing ship-handling for junior officers, until paid off on 19 December 1998.
HMCS Comox (MCB 146) (II)
HMCS Cowichan (MCB 147) (II)
HMCS Cowichan (MCB 162) (III)
(DND Photo)
HMCS Cowichan (MCB 162) (III). Built by Yarrows Ltd., Esquimalt, she was commissioned on 12 Dec 1957, and was a member of Training Group Pacific until paid off on 22 Aug 1997. Her specifications on completion were: Displacement: 396 tons; Length: 152 ft, Beam: 28 ft; Draught: 8 ft; Speed: 16 kts; Armament: 1-40mm; Complement: 3 officers, 35 men. Cowichan was sold to private interests and tied up at the wharf at the old Lambert Sawmill, Sooke, BC.
(Brian Dobing Photo)
HMCS Cowichan (MCB 162) (III).