The Hydra class were two minelayers of the Royal Netherlands Navy, built to serve in the Dutch East Indies and Dutch territorial waters in Europe. The construction of the ships began in 1910 and was completed in 1912. The ships were built by the navy yard (Rijkswerf) in Amsterdam. Both ships were still in service during the Second World War. Only Medusa escaped to the United Kingdom, however. Hydra was lost after the ship was fired on by an anti-tank weapon. The minelayer sank in the waters off Zeeland.

HNLMS Hydra
Class overview
NameHydra class
BuildersRijkswerf, Amsterdam
Operators Royal Netherlands Navy
Built1910–1912
In commission1911–1964
Completed2
Lost1
General characteristics
TypeMinelayer
Displacement
  • 593 t (584 long tons) standard
  • 657 t (647 long tons) full
Length49.7 m (163 ft 1 in)
Propulsion800 hp (600 kW) engine
Speed11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph)
Complement59
Armament
  • Hydra:
  • 3 × 75 mm (3 in) guns (3×1)
  • 2 × .50 calibre machine guns
  • 70 naval mines
  • Medusa:
  • 2 × 75 mm (3 in) HA/LA semi-automatic guns
  • 1 × 75 mm (3 in) L/55 No. 2 semi-automatic gun
  • 2 × .50 calibre machine guns
  • 1 × .25 calibre machine gun
  • 73 naval mines

Ships in class

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Sources

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