Fontaine

[Martin Vyn]

Hi, as from Lloyd's 1942-43, at least until Lloyd's 1947-48, there is mentioned a vessel "Fontaine" of 224 grt., built 1930 at Lubecker Flender Werke and given as "ex French Naval Vessel". During the war she is British (MOWT, homeport Milford) and after the war became French again.
Looking for her French naval career/type of ship, how and when she became British and how she was used by the British (I assume she was a freighter but would like to make sure).
If anybody would know when she was returned to France that would also be great.

Thanks in advance.

Martin

[Creese]

FONTAINE was a water lighter built for French Navy for service at Cherbourg (Casamance class). Lübecker yard# 213. 01.05.1930 delivered to Cherbourg. 18.06.1940 escaped to UK. 03.07.1940 Southampton, seized by British. 1945 returned to French Navy. 30.111977 stricken. 1979 Sold for breaking up as Q576. 243 tons, 32 x 7.0 x 2.6 m, one triple expansion, one cyl. boiler, 300 hp, 8 tanks 25m3 each. Pendants after 1945: A742, Y640. Source: Roche. Best regards, Kris.

[Martin Vyn]

Hi Kris, very interesting, thank you very much.