The reciprocating group displaced 1,010–1,030 long tons (1,030–1,050 t) at standard load and 1,305–1,325 long tons (1,326–1,346 t) at deep load The ships measured 225 feet (68.6 m) long overall with a beam of 35 feet 6 inches (10.8 m). They had a draught of 12 feet 3 inches (3.7 m). The ships' complement consisted of 85 officers and ratings.[2]
The Algerine class was armed with a QF 4 in (102 mm) Mk Vanti-aircraft gun[3] and four twin-gun mounts for Oerlikon 20 mm cannon. The latter guns were in short supply when the first ships were being completed and they often got a proportion of single mounts. By 1944, single-barrel Bofors 40 mm mounts began replacing the twin 20 mm mounts on a one for one basis. All of the ships were fitted for four throwers and two rails for depth charges. Many Canadian ships omitted their sweeping gear in exchange for a 24-barrel Hedgehogspigot mortar and a stowage capacity for 90+ depth charges.[2]
Rockcliffe was paid off into reserve on 28 July 1945 at Sydney, Nova Scotia, she was then transferred to the west coast arriving at Esquimalt, British Columbia on 14 January 1946. On 3 March 1947, the minesweeper was recommissioned for use as a training ship.[4] In 1948, the minesweeper was used for oceanographic duties.[5]Rockcliffe was paid off on 15 August 1950 for the final time. Rockcliffe was sold for scrap on 24 March 1960 and broken up at Vancouver.[4][6]
After decommissioning the ship's bell was presented to the officer's mess at CFB Rockcliffe on 30 May 1967 and formed part of the chandelier.
Lenton, H. T. (1998). British & Empire Warships of the Second World War. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN1-55750-048-7.
Macpherson, Ken; Barrie, Ron (2002). The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910-2002 (3 ed.). St. Catharines, Ontario: Vanwell Publishing. ISBN1-55125-072-1.
