Canadian armed trawlers DRIFTERS

[John Gilinsky]

A large number (I think possibly well over 100) C.D.s or Canadian Drifters were built both in England and in Canada during 1917-1918 for anti-submarine escort and convoy duties. Does anyone know the histories of ALL of these hulls? I am interested because a few of them (at least 1) were dontated for local Canadian medical charities (specifically the GRENFELL Foundation) for use as a hospital ship (circa 1919?).

Thanks,

John

[sotonmate]

John

I read that 160 of these boats were ordered by the British from the Canadians. This inundated the "Canadian underdeveloped shipbuilding industry",and made delays in completion by both the British and the Canadians until Spring and Summer of 1918.

There seems to be a publication or two about this subject:

"Tin Pots and Pirate Ships"

"Hard Luck Flotilla-The RCNs Atlantic Coast Patrol",and,

"RCN in Transition 1910 to 1985" this by WAB Douglas Vancouver 1988. The first two books have no accreditation.

Enjoy tracking this down. I shall try to remember to look in Janes' Fighting Ships for 1919 or earlier if I can find one to see what it says about them. As I recall there is a section on Canadian warships from that time.

Best wishes

Sotonmate