Convoy rescue ship

This involved enlarging galley and food storage areas and providing berthing and sanitary facilities for approximately 150 men.

Preparation for service included the installation of scrambling nets along the sides, and the substitution of boats suitable for open sea work for normal lifeboats.

Rescue ships normally included a small operating room for an embarked naval doctor and sick bay staff.

[3] In 1940 Admiral Sir Max Horton (later Commander-in-Chief Western Approaches Command) broached the idea of rescue ships with the Admiralty.

The concept was to have merchant vessels that would accompany convoys but not carry cargo; they would instead have the role of saving the lives of seamen from ships sunk by enemy action.

[4] For the role the Admiralty sought out small, quick, manoeuvrable vessels; it drew many from among the Clyde Shipping Company's coastal passenger transports.