The River-class frigate were an improved version of the Flower-class corvette design, intended as ocean-going anti-submarine escorts.

[2][3] They were 100 feet (30 m) longer and had two screws, intended to replace the corvettes that were at the time, performing the convoy escort missions.

[2] The frigates were powered by a two-shaft vertical triple expansion engine, using steam from two Admiralty 3-drum boilers.

For anti-air defence they had up to ten QF 20 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns on twin and single mounts.

[2] Teme was laid down by Smiths Dock Company at their shipyard in South Bank-on-Tees and launched on 11 November 1943.

The escort carrier HMS Tracker, operating with the group, maneuvered at the same time, and both ships put themselves on a collision course.

On 29 March, while escorting the coastal convoy BTC 111 in the English Channel, Teme was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine, blowing off 60 feet (18 m) of her stern.