HMT Thames (1938)

History
Royal Navy EnsignUnited Kingdom
NameThames
Launched1938
AcquiredJune 1940
Out of service1944
General characteristics
Displacement624 tons
Propulsion3,000 hp
Complement221
Armament1 × 12 pounder anti-aircraft gun

Thames was a rescue tugboat that saw service with the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

Named for the River Thames in England, she was launched in 1938. With the outbreak of the Second World War, she was acquired by the Royal Navy in June 1940. She was based at the strategically vital naval base at Gibraltar, moving the large warships there in and out of the harbour. Her duties also included coming to the assistance of any allied ships, naval or merchant, that might be damaged and require towing to safety. If this was impossible, she would take off survivors. To protect against air attacks she was fitted with a 12-pounder anti-aircraft gun.