These two vessels were a complete anathema to the Post War Marine Branch crews. Gone was the close knit dependency found on the HSLs and other sea going craft. These large ex minesweepers were run Navy fashion with a Squadron Leader as Captain. The crews worked a three watch system and were posted to the vessel instead of to a unit as was the norm for the period. HMAFV Bridport was based with 19 Group and operated from Portsmouth, HMAFV Bridlington was with 18 Group and operated from HMS Sea Eagle, Londonderry. Although their duties were many and varied, weapons recovery and Anti-Submarine patrols for the Royal Navy seemed to be their primary tasks.
Their use as rescue craft was limited by both their size and speed, but this made them ideal as Rescue Co-ordination Craft. The Berlin Airlift of 1948/49 saw HMAFV BRIDPORT under the command Sqn Ldr Hardie operating in this role for the duration of the airlift.
When it was decided in 1955 to set up a staging post in the Indian Ocean to assist with the deployment of troops by air, the island of Gan was chosen for this base. Gan is very remote, part of the Maldive Group of islands that lie some 30 miles south of the equator. HMAFV BRIDLINGTON sailed with a survey team to the island where the new base was established. En-route, when passing through the Mediteranian she rescued two deserters from the French Foreign Legion who were adrift in a small open boat.
On her return, she and her sister were laid up at Devonport, prior to going to the breaker yard in 1958.
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