HMS Snaefell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Operator |
|
| Builder | John Brown & Company, Clydebank |
| Launched | 4 May 1907 |
| Fate | Bombed and sunk, 5 July 1941 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Paddle steamer |
| Tonnage | 466 |
HMS Snaefell was a special type of ship called a paddle steamer. She was built in 1907 in Clydebank, Scotland. Her first name was PS Barry. She was designed to carry passengers for fun trips on the Bristol Channel.
After a short time, she joined a company called P & A Campbell. This company owned her for many years. The ship had several names throughout her life. She also played important roles in two big wars.
Contents
The Ship's Early Life
The Barry was launched on May 4, 1907. She was built by John Brown & Company. This company was famous for building many ships. The Barry was meant for pleasure trips. People would enjoy rides on the water.
Serving in World War I
During World War I, the British Navy needed many ships. So, the Barry was taken over by the Royal Navy in 1917. Her name was changed to HMS Barryfield.
She helped during the Gallipoli Campaign. This was a big military operation. The Barryfield helped rescue British soldiers. She was the very last British ship to leave Suvla Bay. This shows how important she was.
Back to Passenger Service
After the war, the ship returned to her old job. She went back to carrying passengers. This happened in November 1919. She was called Barry again.
In 1920, the ship was updated. She got a new look and new features. In 1925, her name changed one more time. She became PS Waverley.
World War II Heroics
When World War II started, the Navy needed her again. In 1939, she was taken over by the Royal Navy. They changed her name to HMS Snaefell. This was to avoid confusion. There was another ship called Waverley already helping the Navy.
The Dunkirk Evacuation
The Snaefell joined the 8th Minesweeping Flotilla. This group of ships cleared dangerous mines from the sea. She became a hero during the Dunkirk evacuation. This was a huge rescue mission. Many British and Allied soldiers were trapped on a beach in France.
The Snaefell made two trips across the English Channel. She helped save 981 soldiers. She also helped another ship, the Glen Gower, which was stuck. Her actions at Dunkirk were very brave.
Final Journey and Discovery
Sadly, the Snaefell was bombed on July 5, 1941. A German Luftwaffe bomber attacked her. Three of her crew members died. But the other nine crew members were rescued.
The ship sank off the coast of Sunderland. For many years, her exact location was unknown. In 2010, her wreck was finally found. This helped tell her full story.
