MBT HrMs minelayers "Douwe Aukes", "Van Meerlant" (1922) - Building Drawing Scale 1 : 100 (10.11.038)

The minelayers Hr.Ms. Douwe Aukes and Hr.Ms. Van Meerlant were both Dutch naval ships that were commissioned shortly after the First World War. Below you will find an overview of both ships, which belonged to the Douwe Aukes-class minelayers.

General Information – Douwe Aukes-class minelayers

Type: Minelayer

Class: Douwe Aukes-class

Number of units: 2

Built: Early 1920s

Commissioned: 1922

Built by: Rijkswerf Willemsoord (Den Helder)

Hr.Ms. Douwe Aukes

Commissioned: 1922

Named after: Douwe Aukes, a 17th-century Frisian captain of the VOC and naval hero

Displacement: approx. 1,400 tonnes

Length: approx. 63 metres

Width: approx. 10 metres

Draught: approx. 3 metres

Propulsion: Steam engine, single screw

Armament:

Cannons (usually 75 mm or similar)

Up to approx. 80 naval mines

Service history:

Was deployed in Dutch waters and later also in the Dutch East Indies.

During the Second World War, the ship served under Allied command.

In 1942, the ship was brought to safety in Australia.

It was later used as a depot and training ship.

Decommissioned and scrapped in 1961.

Hr.Ms. Van Meerlant

Commissioned: 1922

Named after: Jacob van Maerlant (sometimes spelled Meerlant), a medieval Flemish poet and scholar

Specifications: Virtually identical to those of the Douwe Aukes

Service history:

Like the Douwe Aukes, active in European waters and in the colonial fleet.

In May 1940, during the German invasion of the Netherlands, the ship was scuttled (sabotaged) by its own crew to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

Not reused after 1940.

Particulars

These ships were relatively small, but suitable for laying defensive minefields to protect the Dutch coasts and colonies.

They could also be used for other support tasks, such as transport or training.

Specifications :