HMS Plym

HMS Plym (K271), was a River-class anti-submarine frigate built for the Royal Navy at Smiths Dock, Middlesbrough, England. She was launched on February 4 1943, and commissioned on May 16, 1943. The ship was named after the River Plym in Devon, England.

She was deliberately destroyed when the first British nuclear weapon, a 25 kiloton bomb, was detonated inside her hull on October 3, 1952 in the Monte Bello Islands, Australia. The test was called Operation Hurricane.

General Characteristics

• Displacement: 1370 tons
• Length: 301.5 feet
• Beam: 36.5 feet
• Draft: 14 feet
• Complement: 140
• Armament: Two 4 inch guns, ten 20mm anti-aircraft guns, Hedgehog depth charge mortar, Depth charge launchers
• Propulsion: Twin screws, oil fired three drum boilers driving reciprocating steams engine, 5500 HP
• Speed: 20 knots maximum