The Jaskółka class was a class of six minesweepers of the Polish Navy built during the 1930s. They were the first sea-going warships of Polish production. The Jaskółka class was a versatile design which allowed the ships to serve in the role of either a minesweeper, small minelayer or a sub chaser. All were named after birds, therefore the class was nicknamed: ptaszki (English: birdies).
Design and building
The first minesweepers in the Polish Navy were the German minesweepers of the FM type. These ships, built during the later part of World War I and bought by Poland during the early 20s, were already worn out by the 1930s so the Polish Navy required a replacement. The Modlin shipyard offered a design for the new class of minesweepers which was accepted. The first four ships of the class were built at Gdynia and Modlin. After they entered service they proved to be a good design so a further two were ordered in the mid 30s.
Service
World War II
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Post war
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Captured by Germany, October 1939, and used as torpedo recovery vessel TFA11. Returned to Poland December 1956. Reclassified as a patrol boat in 1951, and again as an accommodation ship in 1966.
Sunk, 3 September 1939, raised by Germany and renamed Putzig; later used as torpedo recovery vessel TFA9. Returned to Poland in December 1945. Reclassified as a patrol boat in 1951, and again as an accommodation ship in 1970.
Sunk, 3 September 1939, raised by Germany and renamed Rixhoft; later used as torpedo recovery vessel TFA8. Returned December 1945. Reclassified as a patrol boat in 1951, and again as an accommodation ship in 1966.