HMS Pelorus (pennant number: J291) was an Algerine-class minesweeper built for the Royal Navy (RN) during World War II.

They participated in Operation Collie, a bombardment of Japanese positions in the Nicobar Islands, in July and then swept the Strait of Malacca and the approaches to Singapore in August.

The ship carried enough fuel oil that she had a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).

[2] In preparation for her reclassification as a training ship, Pietermaritzburg had her sweeping gear removed and was rearmed with her main armament replaced by a twin-gun turret fitted with more powerful 4-inch Mk XVI guns in 1961–62.

The flotilla was tasked with clearing mines off the east coast of England until June 1944 when they were assigned to sweep the minefields protecting Juno Beach during the Normandy landings.

The sisters arrived at Cape Town on 24 December, making stops at Gibraltar, Freetown and Walvis Bay en route.

The navy had originally intended to rename the ship Maritzburg, but decided to use the city's full name after protests.

While serving as a midshipmans' training ship, Pietermaritzburg became the largest South African warship to visit Knysna in September 1953.

[5] While participating the training exercise Capex 63 with the Royal Navy, the ship accidentally rammed the British frigate Leopard.

Although her bow was crushed by the collision, both ships were able to steam back to Simon's Town, South Africa for repairs.

She was placed back in reserve in July 1964 and became an accommodation ship at Simon's Town for the navy's minesweeping flotilla on 17 June 1968.