Role
HMS Biter (P270) is one of 16 Archer-class patrol vessels assigned to the Coastal Forces Squadron, providing maritime security and operations within Europe’s coastal waters.
Organisation / Units & Squadrons
HMS Biter (P270)
HMS Biter (P270) is one of 16 Archer-class patrol vessels assigned to the Coastal Forces Squadron, providing maritime security and operations within Europe’s coastal waters.
Unit history
1797
The First Biter
The first Biter was a gun boat with 12 guns. Built by Wells of Rotherhithe, she was launched in April 1797 and saw five years of Naval Service before being sold.
1804
The Second Biter
The second Biter was built by Wallis, Blackwall, and launched in July 1804. Unfortunately she was wrecked near Calais 16 months later.
1855
The Third Biter
The third Biter saw action during the bombardment of Sveaborg in August 1855. She was a ‘Dapper’ class wood steam boat, and saw 10 years service before being sold as a coal hulk.
1940
The Fourth Biter
The fourth HMS Biter was a 8200 ton Escort Carrier which saw active service in WW2. Built in Pennsylvania in December 1940, she was transferred to the RN in May 1942 on Lend-Lease.
1940
Operation Torch
Carrying 15 aircraft, the fourth HMS Biter's first action was during Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa.
1943
Battles
In March 1943 HMS Biter was seconded to the Fifth Escort Group in the North Atlantic and was instrumental in sinking U203 with her embarked swordfish aircraft.
1944
Fire
In August 1944, HMS Biter suffered a major fire and played no further part in the war. In 1945 she was sold to the French Navy as Dixmude and served until 1966.
1985
The Present Biter
The present HMS Biter is the fifth Ship to bear the name. She was built by Watercraft in Shoreham, launched in 1985 and operated by the Royal Naval Reserve in Liverpool.
1990
Manchester move
In 1990 HMS Biter was transferred to Manchester and Salford URNU.
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