- Yes
- No
- (independent) BeNeLux tree
- France: BeNeLux subtree
- other
- no/negative
The M902 Van Haverbeke (i) was a Belgian Algerine-class minesweeper, purchased from the Royal Navy in 1951 (ex-HMS Ready, J223/M223). Like other Belgian turbine Algerines, she carried a 102 mm gun, four 40 mm Bofors, and ASW gear, but was mainly employed in fisheries patrol and ceremonial duties.
History
History
- 04 Apr 1942 – keel laid at Harland & Wolff, Belfast.
- 11 Jan 1943 – launched as HMS Ready (J223).
- 21 May 1943 – commissioned into Royal Navy.
- 1943–1949 – served as J223 Ready; redesignated M223 in 1949.
- 07 Jul 1951 – transferred to Belgium as M902 Van Haverbeke, named after a 19th-century Belgian naval officer.
1951–1954 – Active in training and guard duties; integrated into the postwar Belgian fleet alongside other Algerines.
1955 – Conducted her 5th fishery protection campaign (5 Aug–29 Aug). Patrolled key North Sea grounds: “Fladen Grounds,” “Long Forties,” “Old Devil Hole,” and “Gut.” Also visited Leith, Scotland (22–24 Aug).
1956 – Hosted Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, alongside Prince Albert and Princess Paola of Belgium, during the Centenary of Monte Carlo Belgian Days.
1957 – Very active fishery patrol year:
- Returned from campaign on 26 Jul.
- 28 Jul – Escorted TNA Kamina to Harwich, UK.
- 15 Aug – Took part in Blessing of the Sea ceremony at Heist-sur-Mer, while starting her 5th patrol of the year.
- 22–25 Aug – Port visit to Aberdeen, Scotland. Returned to Ostend 31 Aug.
- 23 Sep – Completed her 6th patrol of the year.
- 07–15 Oct – Last campaign of the year; visited Hamburg (10–13 Oct), returned to Ostend.
- 18–21 Oct – Attended Vilvoorde municipal festival, with port visit to Brussels.
1960 – Decommissioned and sold to M. Bakker P.V.B.A., Bruges.
- 07 Mar 1961 – scrapping began at Bruges.
Van Haverbeke spent most of her Belgian career as a fisheries protection vessel, while also serving as a host ship for royal visits and civic ceremonies, making her one of the more “public-facing” Algerines of the Belgian Navy.
Specifications
Shipyard: Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast (UK)
Laid down: 04 Apr 1942 — Launched: 11 Jan 1943 — Commissioned: 21 May 1943
Displacement: 950 t (standard) / 1,250 t (full load)
Dimensions: 69 m length × 10.82 m beam × 2.7 m draught
Propulsion: 2 steam turbines, 2,000 hp, 2 shafts
Speed: 16.5 knots max / 12 knots cruise / 11 knots sweeping
Range: 4,000 nm at 10 knots
Crew: ~99 (7 officers, 30 NCOs, 62 sailors; no embarked doctor)
Radars: Types 271, 242, 253Armament (Belgian fit)
Weapon Mounts Notes 1 × 102 mm/50 Mk XIX DP single main gun 4 × 1 40 mm Bofors single AA 4 × ASW mortars — depth-charge throwers 2 × DC rails — stern
Place in War Thunder
In-game, Van Haverbeke could be the “fisheries patrol” Algerine:
- Identical armament to M904 De Brouwer and F/M905 , but focused on North Sea operations instead of Congo.
- A good Rank II or III candidate for the BeNeLux tree or French subtree.
- Distinct from F903 Dufour (Squid/Hedgehog ASW) and N’Zadi (African station ship).
She would give players another option in the Belgian coastal lineup with consistent AA firepower.
Pictures
Sources
Sources
Marine Belge. (n.d.). M902 Van Haverbeke. from https://www.marinebelge.be
Chesneau, R. (Ed.). (1980). Conway’s All the World’s Fighting Ships 1922–1946. Greenwich: Conway Maritime Press.
Brown, D. K. (1990). Nelson to Vanguard: Warship Design and Development 1923–1945. Naval Institute Press.
Macpherson, K., & Barrie, R. (2002). The Ships of Canada’s Naval Forces 1910–2002. Vanwell Publishing.