Hello everyone, I am interested in trying to find out more about HMS Mallard in WW2. My father Alexander Clark spent most of his war service on it. Any advice and guidance would be great many thanks. Jim
All that I could find was this mention of her in the 1940 section: K42 Corvette. HMS Saltash, minesweeper (naval-history.net) Jack.
I assume that you have seen Mallard’s Wiki page. If not HMS Mallard (L42) - Wikipedia The problem is that Mallard was one of the many escorts, doing the job they were designed for, convoy protection on a daily basis throughout WW2 without encountering much excitement other than that mentioned on Wiki. The east coast convoy route ran from the Thames Estuary to Methil in Fife, on the Firth of Forth. The main enemies were mines, E-boats and enemy aircraft.
As mentioned above HMS Mallard was generally involved in operations around UK waters. I've identified the following incidents of note: 7/2/40 Damaged after colliding with sloop HMS Pintail. The ship required to be docked to be repaired. 7/3/40 Damaged after a collision off Harwich. The sloop sustained damage to its bows and was out of service under repair at London between the 9th March and 27th April. 30/9/40 Badly damaged after being attacked by a German Do17 bomber aircraft near Kentish Knock Lightship. One bomb struck the engine room before exploding about 10-feet beneath the keel. The ships bottom In the vicinity of the explosion was blown inwards and a 5-6 feet hole was blown in the hull plating. The engine room was wrecked and flooded immediately, as did the boiler room. The sloop also sustained minor structural damage after being near missed by bombs on the port quarter and and starboard side. Was towed to Harwich by tug Kenia. Later towed to Chatham and where it was out of service under repair until May 1941. Two crew were lost as a result of this attack. TRUDGEON, Reginald B O, Ordinary Seaman, D/SSX 32307 [PlyM] BLANE, Frederick G, Leading Seaman, D/KX 822104 [SHOTLEY ROYAL NAVAL CEMETERY] Regards, Steve