HMS Convolvulus is the name given to two ships of the British Royal Navy, both named after the flowering plant genus Convolvulus (bindweed).
HMS Convolvulus (1917) — An Anchusa-class convoy sloop launched in 1917 and sold in 1922. This vessel served in the latter part of the First World War and was one of twenty-eight Anchusa-class sloops completed for the Royal Navy.
HMS Convolvulus (K45) — A Flower-class corvette of the Royal Navy that served during the Second World War. She was ordered on 25 July 1939 as part of the Royal Navy's emergency warship construction program and built by Charles Hill & Sons of Bristol (yard number 280). Her keel was laid down on 17 January 1940, she was launched on 22 September 1940, and commissioned on 26 February 1941.
Construction and specifications: The vessel was assigned the pennant number K45. As a Flower-class corvette, she was designed primarily for convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare.
Service history: HMS Convolvulus (K45) formed part of the 36th Escort Group. She participated in the escort of several notable convoys, including HG 76, OG 82, and HG 84. During the escort of convoy HG 84, Convolvulus was frequently left as the convoy's sole escort while other vessels investigated suspected U-boat contacts or pursued U-boats caught on the surface. Despite the limited escort screen, convoy HG 84 suffered only a 22% loss rate. Captain F. J. Walker, RN, leader of the 36th Escort Group, commended the vessel's performance, stating: "I am proud of the offensive spirit, initiative and sheer guts displayed by these Corvettes. Convolvulus, my deputy during my absences from the convoy, never put a foot wrong."
Fate: HMS Convolvulus (K45) was sold for scrapping to John Cashmore Ltd on 21 August 1947 and was broken up at Newport on 5 October 1947.
