The Axe-class was class of naval trawlers used by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.The ships were acquired by the Royal Navy during the First World War. They were originally being built for the Empire of Russia, but were acquired by the Royal Navy after the Russian revolution took the Russians out of the war.There were four ships in the class:HMT Dee (T20). Previously known as HMT Battleaxe, and the Russian T16. Launched 19 June 1916.