HMS Lennox (J276) was a reciprocating engine-powered Algerine-class minesweeper built for the Royal Navy during World War II. Displacing approximately 1,010 to 1,030 long tons at standard load and up to 1,325 long tons at deep load, the vessel measured 225 feet in length overall, with a beam of 35 feet 6 inches and a draught of 12 feet 3 inches. The ship's crew comprised 85 officers and ratings. Powered by two vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving a single shaft through steam supplied by two Admiralty three-drum boilers, HMS Lennox produced a total of 2,400 indicated horsepower, reaching a maximum speed of 16.5 knots. She carried a fuel oil capacity of 660 long tons, granting her an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Armament on HMS Lennox included a QF 4-inch Mk V anti-aircraft gun and four twin Oerlikon 20 mm cannons; however, due to shortages, early ships often had a mix of twin and single mounts. By 1944, she was progressively fitted with Bofors 40 mm guns replacing the twin 20 mm mounts. Her weaponry was complemented by four throwers and two depth charge rails, enabling her to conduct minesweeping and anti-submarine operations. Constructed at Lobnitz & Company in Renfrew, Scotland, she was ordered in May 1942, laid down in March 1943, launched in October 1943, and commissioned in January 1944. HMS Lennox saw active service during key wartime operations, including sweeping Juno Beach during Operation Neptune on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and participating in Air Sea Rescue duties during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. Post-war, she was deployed to Malaya for Operation Collie in 1945, and later served with the Fishery Protection Squadron from 1946 to 1947. After being placed in reserve in 1948, HMS Lennox was recommissioned in 1956 for fishery protection off Iceland and North Norway until 1958. She was subsequently refitted with a Squid mortar for anti-submarine warfare, reflecting her evolving role as a convoy escort. Decommissioned in 1960, she was sold for scrap to BISCO and arrived at Milford Haven for dismantling in June 1961. HMS Lennox's service exemplifies the versatility and operational importance of Algerine-class minesweepers during and after WWII.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.