HMS Dasher (P280)

HMS Dasher (P280) is one of 16 Archer-class patrol vessels assigned to the Coastal Forces Squadron, providing maritime security and operations within Europe’s coastal waters.

Role

Led by Lieutenant Henry Edwards, HMS Dasher and her crew give undergraduates from universities the opportunity to discover their sea-legs – and a lifelong passion for sailing. It’s about inspiring the next generation, developing seamanship, team building and leadership skills in a maritime environment.

However, Dasher’s work isn’t limited to supporting the URNU. She also takes part on missions in both UK and European waters, flying the White Ensign in places larger vessels can’t reach.

Archer Class

Unit history

1797

The First HMS Dasher

The first was an 18-gun sloop of 1797, which became a convict hulk in 1832 and was broken up in 1838.

1837

Second HMS Dasher

The second was a wooden paddle packet of 357 tons, launched at chatham dockyard on 5 december 1837 and sold in 1885.

1894

The Third HMS Dasher

This late Victorian Destroyer launched at Poplar in 1894, but was sold in 1912.

1941

The fourth HMS Dasher

Dasher number 4, previously the Rio De Janeiro was an 8,200-ton escort carrier, launched in the USA in 1941.

1941

Explosion on the Clyde

Sadly, she was lost in a massive explosion in 1943, killing hundreds of her crew – the cause of which has been the subject of speculation.

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