Almond was laid down on 18 August 1939[2] at Ardrossan Dockyard, on the south west coast of Scotland. She was launched on 22 May 1940,[1] and commissioned on 20 August that year.[2] At this latter time some crew members were posted to Ardrossan. They were billeted in civilian accommodation, some were joined by their family.
Service
She sailed to Tynemouth in order to have her armament fitted, then to Milford Haven, Wales, to commence minesweeping duties. She had a crew complement of 20, 19 of whom were killed when she was sunk by a mine on 2 February 1941, at about 2:00 pm, when returning to Falmouth, Cornwall after sweeping duties accompanied by another sweeper, which is currently unknown.[3]
A dedication to HMT Almond can be seen at the RNPS Museum, Sparrows Nest, Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. This being the wartime headquarters of the RNPS. There is also a memorial in the adjacent park, Bell View.
