HMS Shoreham (M112)

HMS Shoreham is a minehunter, crewed by a dedicated team of 41. From specially trained divers to remote mine disposal system experts, this courageous unit detects and destroys hidden dangers all over the globe.

Role

HMS Shoreham is one of seven Sandown Class specialists based at the Clyde Naval Base in Farslane, Scotland.

Currently, HMS Shoreham’s top priorities are supporting to the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent, and helping to guarantee safe passage for shipping – both in UK waters and further afield.

Capability

As a minehunter, HMS Shoreham specialises in detecting and destroying dangers under the water. Our team are adept at safely clearing the seas, using specialist skills and equipment including:

Guided mine disposal – Seafox, a remotely operated mine disposal system, lets the team of HMS Shoreham identify and remotely detonate underwater explosives.
The Seafox Mine Disposal System is the remotely operated submersible used to identify the threat of underwater explosives via fibre optic cables from the parent ship. Once a mine has been found the unit is guided to the target and will detonate a shape charge. Four independent reversible motors provide high manoeuvrability, allowing for exact placement prior to detonation.

Sandown Class

Crew

A smaller ship, HMS Shoreham is home to 41 crew members, including seven divers, who enjoy regular training to make sure their skills are always current and ready to deploy.

The courageous, highly-skilled crew work together to clear the oceans of hidden dangers. That could mean searching for – and safely removing – historic mines that remain after past conflicts, or playing a vital role in active service, detecting and destroying threats and helping to make sure larger ships enjoy safe passage.

Unit history

1694

The First Shoreham

The current HMS Shoreham, isn’t the first – actually the fifth. The first ship was a 32-gun 'one and a half' decked ship built in 1694.

1929

The Fourth Shoreham

This ship launched in November 1930 and was completed a year later. She was initially armed with twin 4” guns, by the end of World War Two also boasted anti-aircraft armament.

1932

Serving in the Gulf

From 1932 to 1939 HMS Shoreham served in the Gulf, though at the outbreak of war her area of operation extended to the Red Sea. She acted as an anti-aircraft ship and an anti-submarine escort.

1943

Operation Husky

In February 1943, she went to Alexandria and the Levant (the Eastern Mediterranean) before joining the forces assembled for Operation Husky. She returned to the Indian Ocean in September 1943 until VJ Day.

1946

Ordered home

After a refit, HMS Shoreham returned to her pre-war role in the Gulf, but was ordered home in July 1946.

1950

The Fourth Shoreham broken up

After long and proud service – including battle honors in Sicily and the Mediterranean (1943) and Burma (1944) – the fourth Shoreham was broken up in 1950.

2001

A new Shoreham launches

The fifth – and current – HMS Shoreham was launched by Lady Perowne on 9 April 2001 and was formally accepted into service on 28 November 2001.

2016

Time for a full Refit

Extreme conditions in the Middle East had taken their toll, so HMS Shoreham returned home. A ‘like new' ship returned to service following a six-month revamp. As well as essential maintenance, she had a new galley, fire detection systems and a high-pressure air system.

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