HMCS Middlesex was an Algerine-class minesweeper built for the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, powered by reciprocating engines. Displacing between 1,010 and 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. Its crew comprised approximately 85 officers and ratings. Propelled by two vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving a single shaft, Middlesex used steam from two Admiralty three-drum boilers, producing 2,400 indicated horsepower and reaching a top speed of 16.5 knots. The ship could carry up to 660 long tons of fuel oil, enabling a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Armament on the Middlesex included a QF 4-inch Mk V anti-aircraft gun, along with four twin-gun mounts for Oerlikon 20 mm cannons, though shortages sometimes limited her to single mounts. As the war progressed, many ships, including Middlesex, were fitted with additional anti-aircraft weaponry such as Bofors 40 mm guns. The vessel was also equipped with depth charge throwers and rails, with some Canadian ships replacing sweeping gear with a Hedgehog mortar and increased depth charge capacity. Constructed by Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Middlesex was laid down on 29 September 1942, launched on 27 May 1943, and commissioned on 8 June 1944. After commissioning, she traveled from Port Arthur to Halifax, then to Bermuda for work-up, before being assigned to the Western Escort Force as part of convoy escort group W-3. In November 1944, she became the Senior Officer's Ship for the group, leading convoy operations during the Battle of the Atlantic until the group disbanded in June 1945. Post-war, Middlesex was placed in reserve but was reactivated in March 1946 for emergency duties. Notably, she rescued 32 personnel from the merchant vessel Alfios after it ran aground on Sable Island. Later that year, on 2 December, Middlesex ran aground herself at Half Island Point near Halifax. Despite efforts to save her, she was declared a constructive total loss on 12 December 1946 and subsequently sold for scrap. Her service highlights her role in convoy protection and maritime rescue during a critical period in Canadian naval history.

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