BNC Algerine-class Minesweeper, F901 Georges Lecointe

Suggestions Naval
1
Would you like to see this in-game?
  • Yes
  • No
0 voters
Where would you like to see this vehicle?
  • (independent) BeNeLux tree
  • France: BeNeLux subtree
  • other
  • no/negative
0 voters
What versions would you like to see?
  • 1× 102 mm + 4 × twin 20 mm
  • 5× 40 mm
  • other (please comment)
  • no/negative
0 voters

The F901 served in the Belgian Navy from 1951 to 1970, where it played a crucial role in post-WWII operations, including Operation Camoens during the Congo Crisis in 1960. Originally built in Canada for the Royal Navy, they were later transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy before being sold to Belgium.

The Belgian vessel F901 Georges Lecointe was versatile, combining mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-air defense roles. its armament evolved over time, ranging from 20 mm Oerlikon mounts in the 1950s to upgraded 40 mm Bofors in the 1960s.

TL;DR: A Belgian Cold War minesweeper/escort with several armament configurations — 102 mm main gun, supported by 20 mm or 40 mm AA.

lecointe

F901 Georges Lecointe in Antwerp

History

History

F901 Georges Lecointe was laid down in July 1942 at Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co., Ontario, Canada, launched in December 1942, and commissioned in November 1943 as HMCS Wallaceburg (J336) in the Royal Canadian Navy (Conway’s, 1980). She served during WWII as a minesweeper/escort before being redesignated as AM-172 and later FSE-172 in Canadian service.

On 7 August 1959, the vessel was transferred to Belgium, renamed Georges Lecointe, and served until 1970. She took part in NATO exercises, fisheries patrols, and was notably the flagship during Operation Camoens in the Congo Crisis (1960).

image

In the 1960s, the ship underwent several cruises, including calls at Nantes, Cadiz, Oslo, and Den Helder, demonstrating Belgian naval presence abroad (Marine Belge, n.d.).

The ship was decommissioned in November 1970 and sold for scrap. Despite her modest size, she served nearly three decades across two navies.

Specifications (as built / Belgian service)

Shipyard: Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co., Ontario, Canada
Laid down: 16 July 1942 — Launched: 17 Dec 1942 — Commissioned: 18 Nov 1943
Displacement: 1,040 t standard / 1,335 t full load
Dimensions: 72 m length × 10.4 m beam × 2.4 m draught
Propulsion: 2 × Admiralty triple-expansion engines (2,000 hp), 2 shafts
Speed: 16.5 knots max / 12 knots cruise
Range: 5,000 nm at 10 knots
Crew: ~100 (9 officers, 37 NCOs, 55 sailors)
Electronics: Radar types 271, 242, 253; ASDIC sonar

Armament versions

Period Main Gun Secondary AA ASW weapons Notes
1959–1965 1 × 102 mm Mk XIX 4 × twin 20 mm Oerlikon 1 × Squid ASW mortar, depth charges Original Belgian fit
1965–1970 - 5 × single 40 mm Bofors 1 × Squid ASW mortar, depth charges Cold War refit

Place in War Thunder

The F901 Georges Lecointe would be a strong candidate for the BeNeLux subtree under France (or a future standalone BeNeLux tree). With multiple refit options, the ship offers flexibility:

  • Early 1960s version (1 × 102 mm + 4 × twin 20 mm) → Rank II–III coastal, comparable to WWII corvettes/escorts.
  • Mid-1960s refit (5 × 40 mm Bofors) → improved AA, suited for higher BR coastal engagements.

This vessel bridges WWII designs with Cold War modifications, much like other coastal fleet ships such as the Italian Albatros-class or British River-class.

Pictures

Pictures

lecointe

F901 Georges Lecointe armed with 4x twin 20 mm and 1 × 102 mm (Belgian Navy)

image

RDZ in 1965

04_f9010

viewer10
viewer10800×1131 26.1 KB

Sources

Sources