LOCH-Class
Anti-Submarine Frigate ordered from Hall
Russell of Aberdeen
and to be named LOCH HARPORT. This order was
cancelled on 2?th December 1943
and after a the decision to replace this type
of escort by a vessel suitable
for anti-aircraft defence, an order for a BAY
Class Frigate was
placed with Charles Hill, Bristol in 1944 (See
General Information). The ship
was laid down on 21st September 1944 as Job No
J601 (Yard No 301) and launched as
BURGHEAD BAY by Mrs A V Alexander,
wife of the 1st Lord of the Admiralty on 3rd
March 1945. The first RN ship to
carry this name, her build was completed on
20th September 1945- (Note: The Ship Cover in
the National Maritime
Museum incorrectly
gives the builder's name as
Harland and Wolff, Belfast).
G
e o g r a p h i c
D a t a
Bay
on southern shore of Moray Firth 8 miles west
of Lossiemouth.
Grid
Reference:NJ0767
H
e r a l d i
c D a t a
B
a d g e: On a Field per fess wavy Gold and barry
wavy of 4
white and blue,
issuant in fess 4 golden
hills conjoined green.
Two explanations
are offered.
The
official List of Ships
Badges suggests the 4 hills are those on which
the town
of Burghead stands.
However as the countryside
is flat, the four hills on the
northern
shore of the Firth which are clearly visible,
provide a somewhat more
feasible interpretation.
(Note: An unofficial badge was replaced after 1946).
M
a n n
i n g
D i v i
s i
o n
Devonport
S
u m m
a r y o f S e r v i
c e
(for more
ship information,
go
to
Naval History Homepage
and
type name in Site Search
1 9 4
5
June
Commanding Officer: Lieut.
Cdr. G P S Lowe DSC RNVR appointed.
August
Contractors trials
September
Commissioned for service
22nd Build
completion and commenced Acceptance Trials
October
On completion of trials and storing took
passage to Portland to work-up and
carry out weapon calibrations.
(Note: During work-up experienced propulsion
machinery problems.)
November
Deployed with HM Destroyer WIZARD in
Plymouth
Local Flotilla.
to
December
1
9 4 6
January
Local Flotilla deployment in continuation.
February
Local Flotilla
duties in continuation.
New Commanding Officer, Lieut. Cdr M Harris,
DSC, Royal Navy appointed.
21st
Visited Paignton area and ship open to
visitors.
23rd
Sailing tragedy whilst at anchor off
Babbacombe.
(Note: Sub-Lieut and two Petty Officers
drowned when sailing the ship's whaler.
The craft capsized during a squall when 2.5
miles east of Teignmouth.
Despite search by Torbay lifeboat and ship no
survivors were found.
One body was later recovered. Strong inshore
tidal current of 6 knots may have
prevented any attempt to swim ashore.
No record of the inquest could be traced by
Devon Coroner in 1991).
March
Plymouth
Flotilla duties in continuation.
Carried out unsuccessful search for yacht
TWINK.
(Note: Later arrived safely in France).
April
Deployed at Plymouth for training and towing
duties.
to
May
June
6th
Arrived at Bristol with HM Frigate TREMADOC
BAY for official visit
(Note: Part of VICTORY WEEKEND celebrations.)
7th
Extensive programme of social and sporting
activities by civic authorities.
to
Re-established contacts with builders.
10th
Open to visitors.
12th
Resumed Flotilla duty at Plymouth.
July
Deployed with Flotilla at Plymouth.
August
Under repair.
September
27th
Passage to Bristol Channel to meet ss
KINDESLEY under tow by tug EMPIRE
JOHN for disposal by scuttling in Bay of
Biscay.
30th
Transferred crew before scuttling charge
fired.
(Note: Ship was sunk in position 48.38N 6.26W
as part of a post war programme
for the disposal of explosives and chemicals.
See also other similar escort duties below).
October
1st
Disembarked crew off Steepholm and returned to
Plymouth.
3rd
Resumed Flotilla duties.
Chinese naval officer (Lt(JG)) joined for
training.
4th
Towed Landing Craft from Dartmouth to
Devonport.
5th
Deployed at Plymouth.
15th
Towed LCF12 from Plymouth to Dartmouth.
16th
Provided assistance to ss PRINCESSA in Bristol
Channel at Master's request.
Boarded ship after unrest by firemen.
Escorted ship under tow by tug TURMOIL to
Avonmouth.
17th
Deployed at Milford Haven.
24th
Return passage to Plymouth for local duties.
November
Deployed at Plymouth for local duties.
26th
At immediate Notice because of weather
conditions.
December
2nd
Took part in demonstrations for 'Sea Days'.
4th
Towed BYMS 2039 being transferred to
Dartmouth.
5th
Towed BYMS 2079 being transferred to
Dartmouth.
Escorted tug REWARD during tow of vessel to
Plymouth.
8th
Took part in search for HM Submarine TRUANT
which had broken adrift from
tow to breaker's yard
(Note: HMS TRUANT later ran aground off Cap de
Casquet and was wrecked.)
10th
Returned to Plymouth.
21st
Deployed for tow of target from firing Range
to Plymouth.
1
9 4 7
January
Chinese officer left ship
6th
Towed BYMS 2167 to Falmouth for lay-up.
17th
Towed BYMS to Falmouth for lay-up.
21st
Towed BYMS to Falmouth for lay-up.
28th
Passage to Barry for escort of tow.
February
3rd
Escorted ss DORA OLDENDORF under tow by tug
DEXTROUS to Bay
of
Biscay.
4th
Mercantile sunk in position 47.40n 9-22W.
Recovered crew before scuttling.
(See above).
6th
Landed crew at Barry.
7th
Passage to Plymouth to resume Flotilla duty.
11th
Embarked training class for sea training.
16th
Towed BYMS to Falmouth for lay-up.
18th
Resumed Flotilla duties at Plymouth.
March
Under refit at Devonport.
29th
Post refit trials.
April
Resumed Local Flotilla duties.
5th
Assisted ss EMPIRE CHAMOIS disabled off Rame
Head and stood by till
tug
arrived.
9th
Towed BYMS 2063 to Falmouth for lay-up.
10th
Towed BYMS 2257 to Falmouth for lay-up.
17th
Towed BYMS 2047 to Falmouth for lay-up.
22nd
Deployed for tow of gunnery target off Wembury
range as required
to
30th
Deployed for Flotilla duties at Plymouth-
May
Deployed in SW Approaches
June
Passage to Clyde.
21st
Attended Royal Review of Hone Fleet in Clyde
estuary.
Returned to Plymouth on completion.
August
Deployed at Plymouth and paid visit to
Ilfracombe.
Nominated for detached service in
Mediterranean
Passage to Gibraltar.
September
New Commanding Officer, Lieut. Cdr N Bowden
Smith DSC RN appointed.
Deployed for escort of ss OCEAN VIGOUR, ss
EMPIRE RIVAL and ss
RUNNYMEDE PARK.
(Note: These ships were taking illegal Jewish
immigrants to Gibraltar from Port
Duboc near Marseilles after being detained on
ss PRESIDENT WARFIELD,
intercepted when on passage to Palestine.)
Visited Tangiers before return to Plymouth.
October
Resumed Plymouth Local Flotilla duties.
November
Taken in hand for repair and refit.
December
Under refit
1
9 4 8
January
Under refit
to
Pennant Number for visual signalling purposes
changed to F622
April
May
Resumed Local Flotilla duties on completion of
post refit trials.
June
Deployed at Plymouth.
July
Plymouth deployment in continuation.
to
New Commanding Officer, Lieut. Cdr A S T Tyres
DSC RN appointed.
August
September
13th
Deployed for sea training and Wembury Range
duties.
20th
Met ss MIERVALDIS off Rame Head for escort
during tow to Bay of Biscay.
21st
Embarked crew before ship scuttled in position
47N 7W.
22nd
Returned to Plymouth.
October
Local Flotilla duties at Plymouth.
11th
Deployed for Wembury Range duties.
to
14th
19th
Took part in Local defence exercise SEAWARD.
November
Under repair
19th
Resumed Local Flotilla duties
30th
Took part in SUBSMASH exercise off Plymouth
with HM Frigate TREMADOC
BAY.
Carried out successful joint search for
submarine.
December
Deployed at Plymouth for local duties.
Escorted submarine to Smalls LV.
Target towing duties at Wembury.
1
9 4 9
January
Local Flotilla duties at Plymouth.
25th
Carried out towing duties for Wembury Range.
26th
Embarked training Classes.
February
24th
Carried out Wembury Range duties.
March
Leave period in Devonport.
April
Flotilla duties at Plymouth.
7th
Required to assist French Trawler off Rame
Head but unable to proceed.
Starboard Anchor fouled and buoyed.
8th
Deployed for exercises off Plymouth with HM
Destroyer ONSLAUGHT.
11th
Carried out burial of Mr Kennedy, Warrant
Wardmaster, off Plymouth.
(Note: Engine room ratings, Iranian cadets and
Sea Cadets embarked.)
May
Flotilla duties at Plymouth.
1st
Deployed for tow of Pontoon to Falmouth.
5th
Deployed at Wembury Range for target towing
duties.
16th
Carried out Close Range weapon firings off
Penzance.
19th
Returned to Plymouth.
24th
Deployed for exercises off Plymouth.
June
1st
Embarked engine room ratings for sea training.
2nd
Deployed for night exercises on Wembury Range.
7th
Deployed for disposal of unwanted stores in SW
Approaches.
to
Stores dumped in position H8.31N 12.57W.
9th
Visited Mounts Bay.
Exchanged calls with civic authorities.
10th
Open to visitors.
to
15th
Returned to Plymouth.
16th
Carried out Target Towing on Wembury Range.
17th
Provided escort for motor boat on passage to
Dartmouth.
18th
Escorted ss EMPIRE CONYNGHAM to Bay of Biscay
for disposal.
20th
Disembarked crew of mercantile before charges
detonated.
Ship sunk in position 47.52N 8.51W.
21st
Returned to Plymouth.
Searched for missing motor boat.
22nd
Embarked engine room ratings for sea training.
27th
Passage to Brest for visit.
28th
Returned to Plymouth.
29th
Passage to Exmouth for official visit.
30th
At Exmouth.
July
1st
Open to Visitors. Over 1,000 recorded.
to
6th
7th
Visited Brixham and open to visitors.
to
10th
11th
Return passage to Plymouth.
12th
Leave period at Devonport.
August
Local Flotilla duties at Plymouth.
RNVR officers joined for training.
17th
Embarked classes for sea training.
22nd
Visited Dartmouth.
to
Open to visitors and illuminated ship.
29th
31st
Seaman ratings embarked for sea training.
Port anchor lost and buoyed.
September
Plymouth local duties in continuation.
8th
Took part in Fleet visit to Penzance with HM
Aircraft Carrier IMPLACABLE
and HM Destroyer ST JAMES.
11th
Return passage to Plymouth.
12th
Board of Enquiry held relating to grounding.
13th
Passage to Birkenhead.
14th
At Birkenhead. Social programme included dance
and visits.
to
Open to visitors. 1758 recorded.
19th
Returned to Plymouth on completion.
20th
Deployed at Plymouth for sea training.
27th
Carried out target marking duty during US Navy
gunnery firings off Plymouth.
October
Plymouth local duties in continuation.
4th
Deployed for US Navy exercises.
11th
Embarked classes including junior rates and
Iranian cadets for sea training.
to
14th
15th
Embarked cadets at Dartmouth for sea training.
16th
Deployed with m Destroyer WIZARD for cadet sea
training off Falmouth.
19th
Returned to Plymouth.
24th
Embarked classes for sea training.
to
27th
November
1st
Present on return
of HM Sloop AMETHYST
from
Far
East.
2nd
Deployed for Wembury Range duties and sea
training classes.
to
14th
15th
Prepared for refit
December
Under refit by HM Dockyard Devonport..
1
9 5 0
January
Carried out post refit trials.
Investigation carried out into missing pistol
later found.
10th
Resumed Flotilla duties.
to
Embarked training classes and deployed for
Wembury Range duties.
16th
23rd
Training and Wembury Range duties in
continuation.
February
Plymouth local duties in continuation.
13th
Scattered ashes of Mr AR Markham, Gunner,
Royal Navy.
21st
Deployed at Dartmouth for cadet training.
22nd
Deployed with HMS WIZARD off Falmouth for
demonstrations.
to
25th
26th
Annual Inspection
to
28th
March
Plymouth duties in continuation for Wembury
firings and training of personnel.
Engine room ratings, Iranian cadets and Sea
Cadets embarked.
9th
Demonstration of anti-submarine firings with
HM Submarine TIPTOE off
Plymouth.
15th
Demonstrations with HMS WIZARD.
19th
Passage to Dartmouth for Cadet training.
20th
Carried out demonstrations with HM Destroyer
ROEBUCK, HM Submarine
to
ARTEMIS. Deployed in SW Approaches with RAF
aircraft co-operation.
21st
Returned to Plymouth after cadets disembarked
at Dartmouth.
27th
Deployed with HM Frigate BLEASDALE for
training demonstrations.
to
Carried out successful search for torpedoes.
28th
Deployed for Wembury firings.
April
Plymouth duties with Flotilla in continuation.
2nd
Call for assistance to HM Boom Defence Vessel
BARBASTEL off St. Ives
cancelled when HM Destroyer ROEBUCK used
instead.
May
Deployed at Plymouth for training and gunnery
firings duties.
10th
Deployed as Planeguard for HM Aircraft
Carriers THESEUS and VENGEANCE
during night-flying exercises.
16th
Deployed for training in W Approaches with
Iranian cadets and WRNS
to
embarked. Rating discharged to hospital in
Falmouth.
18th
Carried exercise with BM Submarine SEA DEVIL
and Wembury duties.
23rd
Deployed for sea training of engine room
personnel and Wembury firings.
25th
Deployed with HM Destroyer ULSTER in SW
Approaches for Dartmouth cadet
to
training. Landed sick Cadet at Plymouth
30th
31st
Deployed as 'Plane Guard' for HMS VENGEANCE
during night flying.
June
1st
Deployed for ratings sea training in Channel.
5th
Embarked cadets at Dartmouth for sea training
with HMS ULSTER
to
9th
12th
Deployed at Plymouth for ratings sea training
and Wembury firings.
to
Took part in Exercise CLEARWATER.
25th
26th
Visited Teignmouth and open to visitors.
to
Embarked Cadets for passage to Plymouth and
carried out exercise with H M
30th
Submarine THULE and resumed visit.
July
3rd
Returned to Plymouth from Teignmouth for
Flotilla duties.
(Note: Ship photograph taken whilst at
Teignmouth.)
4th
Carried out Training demonstrations off
Plymouth with HMS ROEBUCK.
(Note: Engine Room ratings and WRNS embarked.)
6th
Deployed for range duties at Wembury.
13th
Sea training with junior ratings and WRNS
embarked.
14th
Passage to Penzance for visit.
15th
At Penzance.
Open to visitors.
17th
Stood by ss LORENCO MARHES off Trevose Head
and escorted disabled ship
whilst under tow by tug SALVEDA to Swansea
19th
Deployed at Devonport.
24th
Passage to Dartmouth.
25th
At Dartmouth.
Open to visitors.
29th
Returned to Plymouth and resumed Flotilla
duties.
August
Open to visitors during Plymouth NAVY DAYS.
Over 1800 recorded.
7th
Took passage to Guernsey with HMS WIZARD.
8th
At Guernsey.
Open to visitors.
13th
Passage to Falmouth from Guernsey.
14th
At Falmouth.
Open to visitors.
23rd
Passage to Dartmouth from Falmouth.
24th
At Dartmouth.
28th
Return passage to Plymouth.
29th
Took passage from Plymouth to Milford Haven.
31st
Deployed in Bristol Channel for anti-aircraft
exercise.
On completion took passage to Plymouth.
September
2nd
Arrived at Plymouth and prepared for refit.
12th
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard
Plymouth,
October
Under refit.
9th
Carried out post refit harbour trials.
11th
Carried out Sea Trials.
12th
Ashes of Captain (E) Barker scattered at sea
off Plymouth.
13th
Deployed at Plymouth for Local Flotilla
duties.
18th
Deployed for Range duties at Wembury..
20th
Deployed at Dartmouth for BENBOW Term cadet
training.
21st
Carried out demonstrations with HM Destroyer
ZEST at Portland.
25th
Deployed with HMS ZEST for torpedo-firing
exercise.
31st
At Torbay.
November
1st
Demonstrations of Anti-submarine firings in
Channel.
to
3rd
4th
Carried out Smoke Trials with HM Destroyer ST
JAMES in Mevagissy Bay.
8th
Deployed for sea training and Wembury firings
duties.
to
Screw fouled by wire and released (28th).
30th
December
1st
Deployed for sea training. 60 Boy ratings
embarked from HMS NEPAL.
4th
Passage to Milford Haven.
5th
Deployed off Milford Haven for exercises.
8th
Returned to Plymouth.
(Note: Children's tea party on board during
Leave Period.)
1 9 5
1
January
Plymouth Local Flotilla duties in
continuation.
29th
Took part in Gunnery Trial VICTOR with tug
MEDIATOR and HM Destroyer
CONTEST,
February
Deployed for Target towing duties.
5th
Passage to Milford Haven for exercises.
7th
Carried out exercises in Bristol Channel
including night flying.
9th
Return passage to Plymouth.
13th
Deployed for sea training duties at Plymouth.
19th
Took part in Trial VICTOR. Aircraft shot down.
20th
Carried out VICTOR firings with HM Tug
MEDIATOR and HMS CONTEST.
21st
Deployed for sea training duties at Plymouth.
26th
Trial VICTOR in continuation with HMS CONTEST
and MEDIATOR.
Target shot down.
27th
Trial VICTOR in continuation.
Target shot down.
28th
Deployed for Wembury anti-aircraft firings.
Carried out Night exercise off Wembury.
March
7th
Flag Officer (Plymouth), Rear Admiral R
McGrigor) embarked for visit to Brest for
meeting with Senior French naval officers.
(Note: No record is
made in Ship's Deck Log of any Gun Salutes
or of transfer
of
Flag).
8th
Sporting and Social exchanges at Brest.
9th
Return passage to Plymouth.
12th
Trial VICTOR in
continuation off Wembury with HMS CONTEST
and HM Tug
to
MEDIATOR
15th
20th
Deployed for local exercises off Plymouth with
HM Destroyers ULYSSES,
WIZARD and CONTEST.
April
Deployed at Plymouth.
Acted as host ship for visiting French warship
(Spring 19510
(Note: This visit is to be confirmed.)
20th
Took part in local exercises.
(Note: BBC made recordings during A/S
exercises for use in future broadcasts.)
May
Plymouth deployment in continuation.
Nominated for duty as Senior Officer's ship
8th Frigate Squadron on West
Indies
after refit
8th
Deployed for sea training duties with engine
room personnel.
12th
Took part in Plymouth NAVY DAYS.
15th
Deployed for sea training duties and Wembury
firings.
to
30th
November
1st
Demonstrations of Anti-submarine firings in
Channel.
to
3rd
4th
Carried out Smoke Trials with HM Destroyer ST
JAMES in Mevagissy Bay.
8th
Deployed for sea training and Wembury firings
duties.
to
Screw fouled by wire and released (28th).
30th
December
1st
Deployed for sea training. 60 Boy ratings
embarked from HMS NEPAL,
4th
Passage to Milford Haven.
5th
Deployed off Milford Haven for exercises.
8th
Returned to Plymouth.
(Note: Children's tea party on board during
Leave Period.)
1
9 5 2
January
On passage to La Plata.
4th
Arrived for official visit to Argentine naval
base.
Calls exchanged with military and naval
authorities.
5th
At La Plata.
to
Open to visitors.
9th
Captain and officers visited naval academy
10th
Passage to Port Stanley with call at
Montevideo for mail and fuel.
Embarked Falkland Island Dependency Survey
Team and equipment.
15th
Arrived at Port Stanley for Guardship and
patrol duty.
21st
Deployed for patrol
Arrived at Fox Bay.
22nd Open
to visitors and sporting activities arranged.
24th
Resumed patrol and called at Port Stephens.
25th
At Hill Cove.
Soundings made
Open to visitors.
27th
At Port San Carlos.
Open to visitors.
30th
At Port Howard.
February
1st
Return passage to Port Stanley with call at
Port Stephens for passengers.
2nd
After arrival embarked Governor, Sir Miles
Clifford, for visit to Hope Bay.
(Note: British scientific party fired on by
Argentine group when landing).
Took passage to Hope Bay, Grahamsland.
4th
Governor landed at Hope Bay.
to
Assisted Research Ship JOHN BISCOE with Diving
party.
7th
Severe weather encountered causing anchor to
drag and ship grounded.
(See November 1952 re Court Martial).
Passengers taken back to Port Stanley.
(Note: Situation re action on 2nd Feb.
resolved diplomatically before leaving.
Argentina later admitted their error)
10th
Passage to Port Stanley with Governor.
(Note: Gun salutes fired to mark death of H M
King George VI and the accession
of HM
Queen
Elizabeth)
11th
Deployed at Port Stanley.
15th
Took passage to South Orkneys.
16th
At Queens Bay, Signy Island and took passage
to Hope Bay.
18th
Landed Huskies and stores at Hope Bay,
Grahamsland.
19th
Passage to Deception Island, South Shetlands.
Visited Chilean and Argentine warships found
present on arrival.
Collected FI Dependency Survey team and
carried out survey at Deception Is.
Chilean tug arrived.
22nd
Passage to Admiralty Bay, King George Island
for survey work.
to
Passage to Bridgeman Island for survey work.
28th
Carried out survey work at Melville Point,
Bridgeman Island.
Carried out patrol in Port Foster area.
Research Ship JOHN BISCOE at Admiralty Bay.
29th
Passage to South Georgia with call at Signy.
Surveyors embarked for passage to South
Georgia with call at Suigny.
March
4th
At Grytyken and landed survey team
Visited whaling station.
6th
Passage to
Leith
Harbour.
Cinema landed and King Penguin collected.
7th
Passage to Husvik, South Georgia.
Sailed for Port Stanley.
11th
Arrived at Port Stanley.
12th
At
Port
Stanley for R&R period.
to
Cinema landed.
22nd
Children’s party for 105
Embarked mail.
23rd
Carried cut patrol and called at Port San
Carlos and Port Howard,
to
Delivered mail and landed cinema at San Carlos
29th
Embarked passengers and sailed for patrol
31st
Returned to Port Stanley.
April
Relieved by HM Frigate VERYAN BAY at Port
Stanley.
Lieutenant J Kavanagh received serious head
injuries during Rugby match and
died in hospital at Port Stanley.
14th
Took passage to Chilean Naval Base at Punta
Arenas.
16th
At Punta Arenas. Memorial Service held for
Lieutenant Kavanagh.
21st
Passage to San Salvador, Brazil.
Carried out Full Power Trial and Weapon
firings.
May
2nd
At Naval Base in San Salvador for Official
Visit.
Calls exchanged with naval and military
authorities
Open to visitors.
Sporting and visits programme arranged.
7th
Took passage to Georgetown, British Guiana.
15th
At Georgetown. Sporting programme included
rifle firing and hockey.
Open to visitors.
19th
Passage to Guadeloupe.
20th
At Pointe a Pitre for fuel.
Visits arranged to oil refinery and Forest
Reserve.
22nd
Passage to Trinidad arriving same day.
to
Open to visitors.
25th
Extensive sporting programme arranged.
Beach Party went to Maracas Bay.
26th
Passage to join HM Cruiser SHEFFIELD and ships
of Squadron for exercises.
30th
Took part in anti-submarine exercises with
Squadron on arrival in Bermuda area.
31st
Arrived at Bermuda.
(Note: Mail deliveries and food supply
problems experienced during long period
of detached service were the subject of a
Parliamentary question in June 1952)
June
At Bermuda.
4th
Took part in Queen's Birthday celebration at
Hamilton, illuminated ship.
9th
Passage to St John New Brunswick for routine
docking and repairs to ASDIC
Dome
12th
In dock.
14th
Return passage to Bermuda.
19th
Arrived at Bermuda and resumed duty with
Squadron.
26th
Deployed as Marker for Rhode Island - Bermuda
Yacht Race.
to
Diverted to assist Italian ss ANTOINETTA BOZZO
drifting without power
28th
150 miles NE Bermuda.
Towed disabled ship at 4 knots to St. Georges
Harbour and handed to local tug
BERMUDIAN.
29th
CinC's Inspection.
July
Nominated for Caribbean Visits programme.
3rd
Passage to St. Lucia). 7th At
Castries.
9th
Passage to Martinique arriving same day at
Fort de France
10th
Landed Guard for Cenotaph ceremony.
Sporting fixtures arranged.
Brigadier and Mrs Jackson embarked
11th
Passage to Barbados.
12th
At Bridgetown.
Illuminated ship.
Extensive social programme.
14th
Passage to Trinidad.
15th
Brigadier and Mrs Jackson disembarked on
arrival.
16th
At Port of Spain.
Open to visitors
Extensive sporting programme.
21st
Passage to Curacoa, Netherlands West Indies.
23rd
At Willemstad. Calls exchanged with US and
Netherlands naval authorities.
Sporting exchanges and shore picnic arranged.
30th
Took passage to Punta Cardon, Venezuela
arriving same day.
31st
At Punta Cardon, naval base.
August
1st
Extensive social and sporting programme
arranged
to
Guard provided for wreath laying ceremony.
3rd
Open to Visitors
Children's party given.
4th
Passage to Trinidad to refuel.
6th
Took passage to Grenada.
7th
Embarked Governor for official visits.
8th
At Roseau, and took passage to Antigua,
9th
At St Johns, Antigua.
to
Sporting programme included cricket, sailing
and swimming.
11th
12th
Passage to Guantanamo, Cuba for exercise
programme with US Navy.
15th
Took part in joint exercises.
to
(Note: Serials included A/S attacks against US
submarine, day and night Surface
20th
and AA weapon firings against towed targets.
Photographic recording made by embarked US
Navy camera team.
21st
Took passage to Kingston, Jamaica.
22nd At
Kingston. Extensive sporting programme
arranged.
to
Week-end leave with Army.
28th
29th
Took passage to
Bermuda.
September
3rd
Arrived at Bermuda.
8th
Passage to New York for visits to US ports.
11th
At Kingston, NY after passage up Hudson River.
to
Calls exchanged with civic authorities.
15th
Open to visitors.
16th
Passage to Albany NY up Hudson River.
to
Open to visitors.
19th
Brewery visit and sporting programme arranged.
20th
Passage to Portland, Maine. At Portland. Open
to visitors.
22nd At
Portland
to
Open to visitors
28th
US Navy Reserve personnel en board.
Sporting programme included football fixture.
29th
Took passage to Gloucester, Mass.
30th
At Gloucester.
Open to visitors including school party.
October
Gloucester visit in continuation.
1st
At Gloucester.
to
US Coastguard personnel on board.
3rd
Rugby football fixture arranged.
4th
Took passage to Bermuda.
7th
Arrived at Bermuda.
Prepared for return passage.
CinC’s Divisions and later visit before
sailing.
20th
Took passage to Plymouth with HM Frigate
VERYAN BAY.
30th
Arrived at Plymouth.
November
Deployed at Devonport and prepared for refit.
Court martial proceedings over groundings held
at Devonport after arrival.
8th
New Commanding Officer, Commander J.
Wilkinson, DSC Royal Navy assumed
command
12th
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard
Devonport.
December
Under refit.
1
9 5 3
January
Under refit.
to
Bofors mountings fitted to replace Oerlikon
units fitted forward around the
April
Bridge structure.
Went back into drydock for further repair work
on underwater fittings.
Re-commissioned for foreign service in West
Indies.
May
Carried out post refit trials.
12th
Propulsion machinery failure during sea
trials.
(Note: Work-up programme further delayed).
17th
On completion of satisfactory repeat sea trial
took passage to Portland.
18th
Work-up commenced
to
(Note: Serials included Noise ranging, Weapon
equipment calibrations.
Anti-
27th
submarine
exercises with HM Submarines SEARCHER and
SCOTSMAN.
Surface and AA shoots.
28th
Passage to Whitby for visit.
30th
At Whitby with ship anchored off shore.
Social and sporting exchanges.
June
1st
Return passage to Portland to resume work-up.
4th
Work-up in continuation.
8th
Completed work-up and took passage to prepare
for attendance at Coronation
Review.
10th
Passage to Spithead with HM Frigates LOCH
RUTHVEN and LOCH VEYATIE.
15th
Attended Coronation Review at Spithead.
Guests included some of previous commission.
17th
Prepared for service in West Indies at
Devonport.
Sailed for Bermuda on completion of storing.
30th
Arrived at Bermuda.
July
Deployed at Bermuda and visited by CinC.
20th
Embarked Governor of Grenada with his wife for
passage to Grenada.
25th
Arrived at Grenada.
26th
Took passage to Roseau, Dominica.
27th
Arrived at Dominica.
30th
Return passage to Grenada.
August
1st
At Grenada.
5th
Took passage to Dominica with Agricultural
Adviser to Windward Islands
embarked.
6th
At Roseau. Dominica.
7th
Took passage to windward Islands with Governor
embarked.
8th
At Carriacou
9th
Returned to Grenada with Governor and Adviser.
10th
Passage to Trinidad to refuel.
11th
At Tobago.
14th
Passage to Castries, St Lucia.
15th
At Castries.
17th
Passage to Nevis, Leeward Islands..
18th
At Nevis.
20th
Passage to Barbuda arriving same day.
22nd
Passage to Anguilla arriving same day.
24th
Passage to Kingston, Jamaica.
27th
At Kingston.
Fatal accident when lorry taking 9 Junior
ratings and two Petty Officers to an
Army Camp at Ewerton, Jamaica left the road
and fell 100 feet.
(Notes: Petty Officer John McNiven, D/JX
1555557
Able Seaman Thomas Michael Ellison D/SSX
867012
and Able Seaman Richard Oliver Smith, D/SSX
889853 were killed.
Although admitted to hospital Leading Seaman
J. C Ewers D/SSX 848117 died
later of his injuries.
This sudden disaster cast a very dark shadow
over the visit and all the planned
entertainments.
Burials carried out with full ceremonial
attended by officers and ratings.
A memorial service was held.
September
2nd
Sailed for Grand Cayman. Band of Royal Welch
Fusiliers embarked for passage.
3rd
At Grand Canyon. Band landed for ceremony.
4th
Passage to Belize with Band embarked.
6th
At Belize. Extreme weather conditions
experienced.
to
Provided assistance to civil authorities.
10th
11th
Visited Stann Creek with Governor and his
wife.
12th
Returned to Belize arriving same day.
14th
Took passage to Kingston with Band embarked.
Carried out anti-submarine exercises en
passage.
17th
Arrived at Kingston.
Band disembarked.
Took passage to Trinidad.
21st
At Port of Spain, Trinidad.
26th
Passage to Points a Pitre, Guadaloupe arriving
same day.
30th
Took passage to Trinidad.
October
2nd
At Trinidad.
(Note: Rating who returned on board in violent
state restrained !)
6th
Sailed to meet HM Cruiser SUPERB and HM
Frigate BIGBURY BAY.
7th
Sailed to Georgetown, British Guiana with HMS
BIGBURY BAY.
Royal Welsh Fusiliers party and Royal Marines
embarked with stores from
HMS
SUPERB.
8th
Provided aid to civil authorities to deal with
civil unrest at Georgetown.
12th
Took passage to Bartica.
13th
During subsequent up Esssequibo river grounded
and refloated with aid of
tugs.
14th
Returned to Georgetown.
to
At Georgetown to provide assistance on Army
request.
23rd
24th
Passage to Trinidad with Army personnel.
25th
Disembarked Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Port of
Spain.
November
1st
Took passage to Bermuda.
6th
Arrived at Bermuda.
7th
Prepared for duty at Bermuda during Royal
visit.
to
Royal Guard to be provided and party for Route
Lining.
19th
23rd
Moved to Hamilton for Royal visit.
24th
Took part in ceremonials during Royal visit at
start of Commonwealth Tour.
25th
Returned to Dockyard to prepare for Autumn
programme.
26th
Took passage to Cuidad Trujillo, Dominica.
30th
Formal visit to Dominican Naval Base at Santo
Domingo
December
1st
Calls exchanged with naval and civil
authorities.
to
Open to visitors and party toured Naval
Academy.
3rd
4th
Passage to Nassau.
8th
At Nassau.
Starboard propeller fouled and cleared.
Carried out crew training for Regatta in
Bermuda.
14th
Took passage to Bermuda.
17th
On arrival in Bermuda obliged to anchor
because of weather conditions.
18th
At Bermuda.
24th
Shifted berth to Hamilton for Xmas.
28th
Returned to Dockyard.
1 9 5
4
January
1st
Deployed at Bermuda.
9th
Carried out Squadron exercises with HM Cruiser
SHEFFIELD and HMS
to
VERYAN BAY. (Note: Serials included Night
Encounter,
15th
Throw-off firings, General Drills and
transfers
of men and stores.
16th
At Port of Spain, Trinidad with HMS SHEFFIELD.
to
Passage to Georgetown, British Guiana.
23rd
Open to visitors.
24th
Took passage to Kingston, Jamaica.
29th
At Kingston.
February
At Kingston, Jamaica.
1st
Provided Guard for visit by Swedish Navy.
(Note: Recorded as ALEDNACVVEN (?) and a Sail
Training Ship).
3rd
Embarked Governor and Lady Foot for official
visit to Haiti
Took passage to Port au Prince.
4th
At Port au Prince.
to
Wreath laying ceremony with Guard.
11th
12th
Return passage to Kingston with Governor and
Mrs Foot.
(Note: 'Oggy' presented to Governor to mark
his visit !)
13th
Passengers disembarked.
Took passage to Cartagena, Columbia.
(Note: Lower Deck cleared because of missing
Slops !)
15th
Arrived at Cartagena for official visit to
naval base.
16th
At Cartagena
.
to
Colour Guard landed.
17th
Calls exchanged with naval authorities.
18th
Took passage to Aruba, Netherlands, West
Indies.
20th
At Orangestad, Aruba.
22nd Board
of Enquiry on board by Squadron Supply Officer
into missing
Clothing
Stores.
24th
Took passage to Grenada.
25th
Exercises on passage included surface and AA
firings as well as NBCD.
26th
At St George's, Grenada.
March
1st
Civil unrest ashore.
2nd
Party landed to provide guard for Government
House and Oil Tanks
4th
Took passage to Barbados for discussions with
Governor embarked arriving
same
day
9th
Took passage from Barbados to Trinidad.
10th
At Port of Spain.
19th
Passage to St Vincent.
20th
At St Vincent.
24th
Passage to Montserrat.
25th
At Montserrat
.
Party of schoolchildren visited ship.
27th
Took passage to Antigua with Administrator
embarked, arriving same day.
29th
Passage to Tortola, Virgin Islands.
30th
At Tortola.
Schoolchildren visited ship. Steel Band
Steel band gave demonstration..
April
2nd
Passage from Tortola to Turks and Caicos
Islands.
4th
At Grand Turk.
Open to Visitors with 243 recorded.
Landed Observation Party.
7th
Sailed from Grand Turk to join ships of
Squadron for exercises.
8th
Exercised with HMS SHEFFIELD and HM Sloop
CYGNET.
to
(Note: Serials included Night Encounter and
Replenishment.
9th
(Exercise SERIVE (?) TWO).
10th
Carried out anti-submarine exercises with HM
Submarine TALLY HO before
entry
into Bermuda.
11th
Deployed at Bermuda.
to
Took part in Squadron Regatta.
30th
HM Frigate BIGBURY BAY arrived as relief.
May
Deployed at Bermuda.
Carried out routine maintenance and repairs.
13th
Carried out anti-submarine exercises off
Bermuda with HMS BIGBURY BAY,
HMS
CYGNET
and HM Submarine TALLY HO.
14th
Passage to Norfolk, Virginia with HMS CYGNET,
HMS BIGBURY BAY and
HMS SHEFFIELD.
Carried out joint exercises including tow of
HMS SHEFFIELD.
17th
Took part in Official Visit by CinC A&WI
to Norfolk.
Exercised with RCAF aircraft.
24th
Passage to US Navy Academy at Annapolis
arriving same day.
26th
Took passage up Chesapeake River to Baltimore,
Maryland with HMS
SHEFFIELD. Shore tours
arranged.
Took part in Memorial ceremony.
Open to visitors.
30th
Took passage to Bermuda with HMS SHEFFIELD
June
1st
Joint exercises during passage.
2nd
Detached from HMS SHEFFIELD to return to
Bermuda.
3rd
On arrival prepared for passage to UK.
4th
Sailed for Devonport to re-commission after
refit.
15th
Arrived at Plymouth
18th
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard,
Devonport.
New Commanding Officer, Commander PD Hoare,
Royal Navy joined.
July
Under refit.
1st
Commissioned for General Service Commission
(Note: New arrangements for length of foreign
Service had been introduced)
August
Under refit
(Note: High Definition surface warning and
navigational Radar Type 974 and
UHF radio outfits fitted to up-date equipment
standard)
.September
Under refit
(Note: During this period Petty Officer Stoker
Mechanic died.
His effects were sold on board on 8th
September).
October
Under refit
26th
Carried out Basin Trial.
Visit by 3rd Sea Lord.
Commenced post refit harbour trials.
November
Ammunitioned and stored ship.
3rd
Began post refit sea trials.
7th
Took passage to Portland for work-up prior to
operational service.
8th
Began work-up lasting two weeks and including
weapon firings, anti-submarine
exercises,
replenishment and Night Encounter serials.
19th
Passage to Plymouth to prepare for foreign
service in West Indies.
29th
Came to "Immediate Notice" when Hurricane
strength winds forecast.
December
1st
Took passage to Bermuda to join Squadron.
(Note: Passage affected by foggy conditions.)
12th
Joined Squadron at Bermuda.
Nominated for Falklands Guardship Duty.
23rd
During passage to Hamilton for Xmas fouled
propeller at Hamilton.
1
9 5 5
January
At Bermuda preparing for Falklands duty.
7th
Took passage to Trinidad.
8th
Carried out exercises with HMS BIGBURY BAY.
13th
At Trinidad and refuelled.
Schoolchildren visited ship.
17th
Passage to Georgetown, British Guiana.
19th
At Georgetown,
Open to visitors.
25th
Passage to Recife, Brazil.
February
2nd
At Recife.
3rd
Passage to Maceio for visit to Brazilian naval
school, arriving same day.
4th
At Maceio.
Calls exchanged with naval authorities.
Open to visitors
7th
Passage to Vitoria, Brazil.
Carried cut firing exercises.
10th
At Vitoria for formal visit.
Exchanged call with civic authorities.
Open to visitors.
13th
Took passage to Punta del Este, Uruguay with
call at Santos.
19th
At Punta del Este.
Open to visitors with 1500 recorded.
23rd
Sailed to Port Stanley for Guardship duty.
Met HM Cruiser SUPERB and carried out exercise
in area 44S 56W.
27th
Relieved HM Frigate VERYAN BAY on arrival at
Port Stanley.
March
At Port Stanley.
Weather conditions made neves necessary.
15th
Embarked Royal Marines from shore.
16th
Deployed for Falkland patrol.
to
Calls made at Port Salvador, Teal Inlet, South
Shetlands (King George's Bay).
26th
28th
Sailed from Deception Island with Governor
embarked.
Inspected Argentine Base at Potters Cove.
took passage to Signy Base, South Orkneys.
31st
At Signy.
April
1st
Passage to Port Stanley from South Orkneys.
4th
Governor disembarked on arrival.
5th
Deployed at Port Stanley.
to
Periods of bad weather prevent boat use.
24th
Queen's Birthday parade ashore with Guard.
25th
Carried out Patrol duty and visited Salvador.
Local community visited ship.
29th
Returned to Port Stanley.
May
Deployed at Port Stanley.
5th
Tragic death of Telegraphist SA Atkinson,
D/SSX843665 who drowned.
(Note: Burial took place en 10th May).
6th
Sailed for patrol and visit to Signy Island.
9th
At Signy Island for 4 hours only.
12th
Returned to Port Stanley from patrol
to
(Note: This period was particularly notable
for poor weather and ship was often
26th
kept at immediate notice and boat traffic to
shore was impossible.)
27th
Embarked Royal Marines from shore.
28th
Remained at Port Stanley Weather conditions
included hail, snow and high
to
winds.
31st
June
6th
Sailed for gunnery shoot near Lively Island.
7th
Deployed at Port Stanley and prepared for
return passage to Bermuda.
15th
Took passage to Montevideo.
17th
Formal visit to Montevideo.
to
Wreath laying ceremony with Guard.
20th
Open to visitors, 2,500 recorded.
21st
Took passage to Santos.
25th
At Santos.
Open to visitors, 260 recorded.
Shore excursions arranged.
Children’s party on board.
29th
Took passage to Recife.
July
4th
At Recife.
Met MOUNTS BAY with Captain F7 embarked.
Open to visitors.
8th
Took passage to Trinidad.
Weapon firing and anti-submarine exercise.
15th
Visited US Naval Base at Trinidad.
to
Exchanged calls with civil and US naval
authorities.
31st
August
Deployed at Trinidad.
(Note: Extended stay at Trinidad required to
assist in search for wreck of
British
mercantile
ss GEOLOGIST sunk in collision about 50 miles
East of Trinidad on
13th July 1955. Wreck was located and reported
before leaving.)
8th
Took passage to Kingston, Jamaica.
12th
At Kingston. Royal Marines disembarked.
Calls exchanged with civil authorities and
Governor.
17th
Passage to Roseau, Dominica, Leeward Islands
with Military Band (DCLI).
21st
At Roseau.
24th
Took passage to St Lucia with Band and Guard,
arriving same day.
26th
Returned to Kingston.
30th
Arrived at Kingston and refuelled.
Took passage to Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
September
1st
At Georgetown.
Calls exchanged with civil authority.
3rd
Took passage to Belize with Band embarked.
5th
At Belize. Open to visitors, 600 recorded.
12th
Took passage to Kingston, Jamaica.
15th
At Kingston.
17th
Took passage to Bermuda.
21st
Arrived at Bermuda.
23rd
Came to “Immediate Notice” to sail to Grenada
with Hurricane Relief stores.
24th
Sailed for Grenada with stores after
refuelling.
29th
Arrived at Grenada.
Landed three Parties for relief work.
October
1st
Took passage to Sauteurs and Victoria, Grenada
to land stores and clothing.
After landings ailed to Fort of Spain,
Trinidad.
3rd
Embarked Red Cross Stores at Fort of Spain and
returned to Grenada.
4th
Unloaded stores and generator at Grenada
6th
Took passage to Bridgetown, Barbados.
7th
At Bridgetown.
9th
Passage to Antigua.
10th
At Antigua.
13th
Passage to Bermuda.
17th
Arrived at Bermuda.
18th
Deployed at Bermuda.
24th
Provided ceremonial Guard for arrival of new
Governor, (Lieut. General Sir I.
Woodward)
November
Deployed at Bermuda.
Prepared for return passage to Plymouth.
10th
Took part in exchange of gun salutes when new
CinC arrived.
11th
Sailed for UK to pay off prior to extended
refit.
22nd
Arrived at Plymouth.
December
At Devonport.
7th
Began reduction to ERP Complement.
1
9 5 6
January
Taken in hand for Extended Refit by HM
Dockyard, Devonport.
to
Under Dockyard Control
December
(Note: Equipment was up-dated to latest Fleet
requirements with improved
weapon and communications outfits fitted).
1
9 5 7
January
Under refit.
to
March
April
25th
New Commanding Officer, Commander S L McArdle
MVO, CM (sic) RN
appointed. (Later Rear Admiral).
May
Carried out Post refit trials.
24th
Commissioned for service in 7th Frigate
Squadron on South America and South
Atlantic Station.
June
Shakedown cruiser including visit to Bristol.
(Note: Social exchanges included contact with
shipbuilders, Charles Hill)
Commenced work-up at Portland.
July
On completion of working-up prepared for
foreign service at Devonport.
August
Passage to Simonstown
15th
Called at Cape Verde Islands.
21st
Visited Belem, capital of State of Para, 100
miles up the Amazon River.
September
4th
Visited Recife, Brazil.
14th
Visited Santos, Brazil.
21st
Paid Official Visit to Rio de Janeiro
Joined HM Aircraft Carrier WARRIOR (With CinC
SASA embarked), HM
Frigates LYNX and MOUNTS BAY of 7th Frigate
Squadron.
(Note: HMS WARRIOR was on return passage from
British nuclear tests.)
(Operation GRAPPLE at Christmas Island)
On completion of visit took part in Squadron
Exercises in South Atlantic.
October
Detached due to fuel problems and did not
visit St. Helena.
Refuelled at Saldahana Bay and rejoined for
further exercises.
November
Deployed in South African waters.
Carried out exercises with SAN ships.
December
Leave period at Simonstown.
1
9 5 8
January
Visited Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island in
South Atlantic.
31st
Returned to Simonstown.
February
Deployed for visit programme to ports in East
Africa.
Exercised with HMS LYNX and HMS BIGBURY BAY on
passage. Visited
East
London.
March
1st
Visited Beira, Mozambique.
9th
Visited East London.
Paramount Chief of Zulu Nation on board.
20th
Visited Port Elizabeth.
April
9th
Took part in Ceremonial Farewell to CinC.
(Note: Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Robson, CinC
SASA was taken ashore
using
ship's whaler.)
Carried out Exercises in Saldahana Bay with
HMS BIGBURY BAY
May
Nominated for reduction to Reserve status on
return to UK.
Took passage to Falkland for patrol and
Guardship duty.
6th
Called at Tristan da Cunha.
14th
Visited South Georgia.
18th
At Port Stanley.
19th
Despatched to Smith Island, South Shetlands,
Antarctica to assist recovery of
missing scientists of Falklands Dependency
Survey team.
Forced back by pack-ice but party reported as
safe.
Weather conditions delayed return passage.
After arrival back at Port Stanley carried cut
Falkland area patrol.
June
Patrol and Guardship duty in continuation.
11th
Arrived at Punta Arenas, Chile to collect two
business men for discussions
relating to purchase of Freezer Factory under
Commonwealth Aid Scheme.
15th
Took passage to return to UK via ports on west
coast of South America.
(Note: Special attention was paid to the ships
appearance during planned visits
to ports in South America to create a good
impression in view of possible sale
to either Chile or Peru.)
28th
At Antofagasta, Chile.
July
8th
At Tala, Peru
14th
Transit of Panama Canal.
17th
At Kingston, Jamaica.
31st
Called at Punta Delgada, Azores.
August
On arrival at Devonport paid off and reduced
to Reserve status.
F i n
a l P h a s e
HMS
BURGHEAD BAY was
placed on Disposal
List (Sales) in August 1958). The condition of
the ship when accepted into
Reserve must have influenced decision of
Portuguese Government in deciding to
purchase her in May 1959. She was renamed ALVARES
CABAL on entry into Portuguese service. This
was confirmed by her last
commanding officer, who, in 1966, was invited
to inspect her. He found the ship
to still be in ‘the splendid state as at
time of purchase’. She was deployed as
an AA frigate until 23 June 1971 when
scrapped.
Addendum
ACCOUNT OF SOME OF HMS BURGHEAD BAY'S
MOVEMENTS 1951-52
by
Ray Warman
It
is now almost 59 years since I joined BURGHEAD
BAY but these are the events that I can remember
and have verified as well as I can. As you will
know the entire Wardroom were courts-martialed
over events on this commission so I wonder if
the events published were censored.
I
joined BURGHEAD BAY at Dartmouth on the 17th
June 1951, where she was illuminated very
prettily. I no longer have the exact dates, but
BURGHEAD BAY was at Portland, compass swinging
over the weekend of 15th or 22nd September, as
my wife joined me for the weekend. She
remembers it well because I had a raging fever
as a result of a typhoid injection.
Some
of my recollections of late 1951 and 1952
disagree with your account, and I have set out
my memories as follows:
1951
1st
October - Sailed for Bermuda, course decided by
task of being a crash boat for HRH Princess
Elizabeth on her 8th October flight to Canada.
8th
October - in middle of hurricane “How”, being
badly battered because we were keeping station
as crash boat. Not stemming the storm, but
making all speed to maintain station. One never
forgets a thing like that as the end appeared
nigh!
14th
October - Arrived Grassy Bay, Bermuda, pumps
barely keeping up with water ingress. Plates
ripped off foredeck, paint locker and forepart
flooded, rent in port quarter, temporary
cofferdam had been erected by crew. On
informing Admiralty of our condition, we were
immediately dispatched to Halifax NS for
repairs.
BURGHEAD
BAY was dragged from water on a slip at
Dartmouth, across river from Halifax – a novel
event, never experienced by me before. Repairs
carried out, at great expense and sorrow because
of Sterling problems at that time. Personally I
was only able to change $10 dollars (Canadian)
per month because of it.
The
anchor-dragging episode was in the Falklands as
I recall, when every officer was ashore at a
cocktail party. It was only due to the
exceptional professionalism of the PO’s and crew
that the ship was not a total wreck. I had a bag
packed and was ready to get off when we hit the
rocks.
The
asdic dome was smashed at one of the whaling
stations in South Georgia by the First
Lieutenant driving the ship up the beach, his
sobriety was in question I recall. The Captain
was unavailable I believe. As far as I can
remember, I have never been to Guadeloupe; we
actually refuelled at an oiling jetty at
Trinidad, where we had a blowback which flooded
the quarterdeck with FFO to the depth of the
coamings.
You
have us exercising with HMS SHEFFIELD and
squadron (in May 1952). I have no
recollection of any other British ships, other
than JOHN BISCOE for the entirety of the
commission. As I recall, we were detached.
No
mention of the depth charge that was
inadvertently fired in St Georges Harbour.
Probably around the ANTOINETTA BOZZO time (June
1952) as that is the only time we visited St
Georges. It didn’t explode, probably too
shallow. It was about this time that we
got rid of our stock of depth charges because of
the RFA BEDENHAM blowing up in Gibraltar on 27th
April that year.
This
was quite an interesting event for me. I was
messing around with the MF/DF set and picked up
a distress message. Rang the Skipper, he asked
me if anyone else was taking any interest,
meaning the tugs. We had 4 hours notice for
steam, so went off after the ANTOINETTA BOZZA,
about 148 miles from us. We got to her and put a
line aboard and commenced the tow. The
tugs had by now got wind of it and came bustling
up and said they would take over now; an offer
the Skipper politely refused. We got her back to
Bermuda and her skipper was havering over
signing Lloyds release, so our skipper said we
would release her where she would end up on the
reef. He signed. I think I received £4.16
shillings for this little episode, over 3 weeks
pay at that time.
On
our passage home to Plymouth (in October
1952), I saw no VERYAN BAY, and we came
home alone. Arrived 24 hours early because of a
gale up the rear end, anchored in the Sound and
proceeded up harbour next day.
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