HNoMS Brann was a patrol boat of the Royal Norwegian Navy during World War II. The prefix HNoMS stands for "His/Her Norwegian Majesty's Ship," a designation used for naval vessels of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The vessel was originally built as a civilian fireboat for the city of Bergen, Norway, before being requisitioned for military service.
History and Service: The vessel was constructed in 1913 as a fireboat for the Bergen Fire Department, designed to combat fires on ships and in the harbor area. Its civilian role involved responding to maritime emergencies and providing firefighting support.
Following the German invasion of Norway in April 1940, the Royal Norwegian Navy requisitioned numerous civilian vessels to bolster its fleet and perform coastal defense and patrol duties. Among these was the Bergen fireboat "Brann," which was taken into naval service. It was commissioned as HNoMS Brann and assigned the pennant number P 301. During its time in the navy, it primarily served as a patrol boat, assisting in the monitoring of Norwegian coastal waters.
After the end of World War II and the liberation of Norway in May 1945, HNoMS Brann was returned to the Bergen Fire Department. It resumed its original function as a municipal fireboat, continuing its service in Bergen harbor for many years thereafter.
General Characteristics:
- Type: Fireboat (originally), Patrol boat (military service)
- Launched: 1913
- Entered Royal Norwegian Navy Service: 1940
- Returned to Civilian Service: 1945