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The Teplokhod class motor minelayer was constructed as inshore motor minelayers intended for laying ground controlled shallow water minefields. Their small size and ability to maneuver in shallow waters made them suited for this task however those same features made it dangerous to operate these ships in open sea.

History

Finnish Navy

Finnish Navy operated five ships of this class, Pommi, Miina, Loimu, Lieska and Paukku. They had been left into Finland when Russians withdrew in 1918. It took until 1920 to get them refitted for service. During the Winter War they laid between 1 December and 6 December 1939 total of 352 mines to 12 different minefields. The ships continued to serve in Continuation War in both minelaying as well as in transport roles.

While transporting troops and supplied to Beryozovye Islands Finnish ship of the class Paukku foundered during a storm on 13/14 November 1941.

Estonian Navy

Estonian Navy operated several ships of this class, some of which were taken over by Soviet forces in 1940.

Soviet Navy

Soviet forces commissioned at least two ships of the class in 1940 for various tasks. One of the ships of this class was scuttled 27 August 1941.

References

1. ^ Gardiner, Robert, ed. (1985). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906-1921. London, England: Conway Maritime Press Ltd. p. 321. ISBN 0-85177-245-5.
2. ^ Kijanen, Kalervo (1968). "Erikoistietoja Suomen Laivastovoimien Aluksista" [Special information on the Ships of the Finnish Navy]. Suomen Laivasto 1918–1968, II [Finnish Navy 1918–1968, part II] (in Finnish). Helsinki, Finland: Meriupseeriyhdistys/Otavan Kirjapaino.
3. ^ Auvinen, Visa (1983). Leijonalippu merellä [Lion flag at sea] (in Finnish). Pori, Finland: Satakunnan Kirjapaino Oy. pp. 36–37. ISBN 951-95781-1-0.

• Minelayers of the Finnish Navy
• Mine warfare vessels of the Soviet Navy
• Minelayers of the Estonian Navy
• Ships of the Imperial Russian Navy
• Mine warfare vessel classes