From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Freehold

 

Former name retained.


 

(AM: l. 110'1"; b. 24'5"; dr. 11'; s. 12 k.; cpl. 24; a. 1 1-pdr.)

 

Freehold (No. 347), a minesweeper, was built in 1903 by Neafie and Levy, Philadelphia, Pa.; chartered by the Navy 17 September 1917; and commissioned 22 September 1917, Ensign E. J. Nelson, USNRF, in command.

Employed as a minesweeper in the 3d Naval District, Freehold daily swept and buoyed channels for convoys passing out of New York Harbor, and gave general tug duty. On 17 April 1919 while docking HMS Saxonia, Freehold was struck by one of the liner's propellers and sank, losing one crew member killed. She was refloated and overhauled, and returned to her owner 27 May 1919.

 

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)