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The keel of HMS Archer was laid June 7, 1939 and became one of thirty eight merchant vessels turned C3 Escort Carriers to be loaned to Great Britain on a lend/lease basis.
Her trial period was extensive and mired with engine troubles that would have her relegated to 'care and maintenance' as current engine malfunctions and newly discovered defects were deemed beyond worthwhile repair.
Throughout 1943, and 1944 she served as a stores hulk, accommodation hulk and renamed Empire Lagan under the Ministry of War Transport. During the latter half of Archer's years, she saw merchant service for Sweden, Greece and Taiwan, eventually scrapped March 1962 in New Orleans.
*Displacement: 15,700 tons
*Length: 492 feet
*Beam: 69.5 feet
*Draft: 26.3 ft
*Propulsion: 4 Busch-Sulzer diesels (7-cylinder); 1 shaft; 8,500 bhp
*Speed: 16.5 knots
*Complement: 555 officers and men
*Aircraft: 15
*Range: 14,550 nautical miles @ 10 knots**
3 × 4 in (102 mm)
7 × 20 mm
4 twin 20 mm guns
Read more about HMS Archer here and here.
Sources: Public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
and pictures from my father's 1943 Naval Recognition Manual
Continue the discussion at the Ships Forum or email me (photos of WW2 ships welcome).
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