HMS Everingham (M2626)

HMS Everingham (M2626) was one of 93 ships of the Ham class of inshore minesweepers. These were built for the Royal Navy during the 1950s. The Ham class were designed to operate in shallow and confined waters, specifically estuaries and harbours, for minesweeping duties. They were named after British villages ending in "-ham".

Everingham was built by J. Samuel White at Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Her keel was laid on 19 September 1955, and she was launched on 24 July 1956. She was commissioned on 17 June 1957.

The ships of the Ham class were constructed using a double skin of wood over a non-magnetic metal frame (aluminum in many cases) to reduce their magnetic signature, a crucial requirement for minesweeping. They were fitted with diesel engines for propulsion.

Details of HMS Everingham's active service are somewhat sparse in publicly available records. It's known that she participated in various exercises and patrols around the UK. As an inshore minesweeper, she likely spent a considerable amount of time in training exercises and keeping shipping lanes clear.

The Ham class were gradually withdrawn from service from the late 1960s onwards, being replaced by more modern designs. Many were sold for civilian use. The specific fate of HMS Everingham is not readily available in all sources. Some records indicate she may have been scrapped, but further research would be needed for definitive confirmation.