Oiler, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Belgol-class

Class of 10 ships, Fortol built by McMillan, launched 21.5.17, 4,900 tons, 355ft long, 14 knots, 75 crew. Served in World War 2. Arrived 1958 Rosyth to BU. (British Warships 1914-1919)

Notes:

1. Latitude/longitude, including for days in port, show representative decimal positions for each day, as calculated by the Old Weather project's analysis program. As such, they differ by varying amounts from the positions recorded, usually at noon, in the log pages. In addition, some latitudes/longitudes have been amended in edited logs for errors in the logs, for errors in identifying locations by the analysis program, or simply for greater accuracy. In all cases, refer to the log-page scans for the positions as originally recorded. Not all log pages contain this information and the ships' positions have therefore often been estimated.

2. Full account of any day is available by clicking on the link above that day. Groups of links refer to log book covers and introductory information; some may be blank.

THE VOYAGES OF RFA FORTOL 1920
(A more detailed plot follows in the text)

(Maps prepared using Journey Plotter, developed by Maikel. The Plots can only be approximate. They are made by joining-up positions on successive days, and sometimes positions are not given. There will therefore be occasions when the ship appears to have travelled overland)

LOGS FOR FEBRUARY 1920

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1 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler

Am begins with strong wind & overcast

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Similar weather

Carpenter running winches windlass &c to keep them free of ice

Noon: Similar Weather

Crew not working to day being the Sabbath

4.0pm: Similar weather

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duty

8.0pm: Similar weather

10.0pm: Dropped Port anchor

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Strong wind overcast with snow squalls

Signed: John Morgan Edwards, Sub. Lt. RNR, Chief Officer

4f9620e1a2fc8e2def00373c: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-004_0.jpg)

2 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

Am. begins with fresh wind, overcast & misty

4.0am: Similar weather

Mod. breeze overcast & misty

8.0am: Similar weather

8.40am: HMS “Torbay” alongside connected up

8.55am: French War ship “L’Ancre” alongside

9.10am: Commenced pumping

10.10am: HMS “Torbay” finished issued 115 tons, 1 Ton of antracite coal

11.30am: “Torbay” left

11.45am: “L’Ancre” finished, 75 tons

Noon: “L’Ancre” cast off

Mod. breeze overcast & misty

Fresh & Salt Water Pipes burst with Frost to Sanatry Tanks & Fresh water Tanks. Also water service pipes in Fore well Deck & after Well deck burst in two places. Temporary Repairs done by the Carpenter

Crew employed washing down snow & Ice of decks

4.0pm: Similar weather

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Mod. breeze overcast & misty

Anchor Lights & Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Macleod AB, sick off duty: measles

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e1a2fc8e2def00373d: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-004_1.jpg)

3 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

Am begins with strong breeze, overcast & misty

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Fresh wind overcast & foggy

BT regulations, strictly attended to

Crew employed painting alleyways

Noon: Fresh breeze overcast, thick fog

Pm. Crew similar employed

4.0pm: Similar weather

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Strong wind to mod gale overcast & misty

Anchor Lights & Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Macleod AB, sick off duty (measles)

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e2a2fc8e2def00373e: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-005_0.jpg)

4 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

Am begins with strong wind overcast & misty

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman report off night duties

8.0am: Mod. gale, overcast & misty

Crew employed painting alleyways & other various work

Noon: overcast & Foggy

0.40pm: HMS “Serene” alongside connected up & started pumping

2.20pm: Finished pumping, disconnected; discharged 50 tons

2.20pm: “Serene” cast off

4.0pm: Fresh breeze overcast & misty

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Strong wind & clear weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

4f9620e2a2fc8e2def00373f: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-005_1.jpg)

5 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

Am begins with fresh breeze fine & clear

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports of duty

8.0am: Mod. Breeze fine & clear weather

Crews variously employed in alleyways washing & painting

Noon: Similar weather

Pm. Crew painting alleyways & cleaning sanitary tanks

4.0pm: Light breeze & clear weather

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

4f9620e2a2fc8e2def003740: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-006_0.jpg)

6 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

4.0am: Light breeze fine and clear weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Similar weather

Crew variously employed & washing & painting between decks

Noon: Mod. Breeze fine & clear

Pm: Crew similar employed

4.0pm: Mod breeze fine & clear

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

4f9620e3a2fc8e2def003741: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-006_1.jpg)

7 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

Am begins with strong wind and clear weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Similar weather

Crew employed washing down decks & cleaning Flats & quarters

Noon: Similar weather

4.0pm: Light N’ly breeze & fine

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Light breeze & fine

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8 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

Am begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0am: Light breeze & cloudy

No work done on deck to day, being the Sabbath

Noon: Strong breeze & overcast

4.0pm: Strong wind & overcast

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Strong wind & overcast

4f9620e3a2fc8e2def003743: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-007_1.jpg)

9 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

0.30am: Let go Second Anchor

4.0am: Strong wind overcast & squally

7.0am: Night watchman report off night duties

8.0am: Hove up Port anchor & Starboard anchor & proceeded alongside HMS “Caledon”

8.45am: Alongside

9.15am: All fast, quite a lot of ice in the harbour, connected up and started pumping 9.35am

11.30am: Finished pumping, disconnected hoses &c at Noon, discharged 210 tons

Noon: Strong wind overcast & cloudy

0.5pm: Cast off & proceeded to anchorage

0.15pm: Anchored in berth

0.25pm: HMS “Turquoise” alongside & all fast, connected up & started pumping

2.25pm: Finished discharged 120 tons

2.22pm: HMS “Sturdy” alongside connected up

3.30pm: HMS “Sturdy” finished discharged 162 tons

Total discharged to day 492 tons

4.0pm: “Turquoise” & “Sturdy” cast off. Mod. breeze & overcast

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

4f9620e3a2fc8e2def003744: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-008_0.jpg)

10 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of cable

4.0am: Am begins with strong wind, overcast & misty

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

The case DS 8049 received with contents more or less damaged through water. (All envelopes. Official) Gum flaps of all sizes destroyed letter books, gummed bindings all adrift. Signal pads bindings adrift. This case must have been allowed to stand in rain or damaged through sea water. J.C. Hawick

8.0am: Strong wind overcast & misty with rain

Noon: Overcast with snow

0.45pm: French Corvette “Meuse” alongside for Oil Fuel. Connected up & commenced pumping

2.0pm: Finished, disconnected. Discharged to “Meuse” 67 tons

2.40pm: “Meuse” cast off

4.0pm: Strong wind overcast misty with rain

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

8.40pm: Dropped 2^nd anchor

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Strong wind to gale with heavy rain

F.B. Small W/T sock off duty

Number on sick list 1

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11 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am. begins with strong wind overcast with heavy rain

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman report off night duties

Crew variously employed painting WC, bathrooms & alleyways & flats

8.0am: Similar weather

Noon: Fresh breeze & clear weather

Crew variously employed

4.0pm: Mod breeze fine & clear weather

Hove up Starboard anchor

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F.B. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e4a2fc8e2def003746: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-009_0.jpg)

12 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with strong breeze overcast & misty

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Mod breeze, overcast

8.5am: HMS “Tenedos” alongside secured up, connected on hoses

8.20am: Commenced pumping

9.45am: Finished discharged 112 tons

10.0am: “Tenedos” cast off

Crew variously employed

Noon: Light breeze & fine

4.0pm: Light airs clear & fine

Crew employed cleaning gun & other necessary work

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Calm & overcast

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F.B. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e4a2fc8e2def003747: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-009_1.jpg)

13 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports for night duties

10.30am: Received from HMS “Cordelia” 12 hazel rod fenders & 12 lanyards for same Baltic stores for reissue

Crew employed scrubbing decks & other necessary work

Noon: Similar weather

4.0pm: Light breeze & fine

Crew variously employed

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor light & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F.B. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e5a2fc8e2def003748: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-010_0.jpg)

14 February 1920

Libau Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with mod to strong wind & overcast

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0am: Similar weather

Crew variously employed

Noon: Strong wind & overcast

Pm: Part of crew on shore on leave

At Libau Outer Anchorage as Base Oiler

4.0pm: Strong wind & overcast with snow squalls

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties, Moore AB

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Mod breeze & clear

F.B. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e5a2fc8e2def003749: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-010_1.jpg)

15 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with light breeze, clear & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duty

8.0am: Light breeze & fine

No work done on deck to day, being the Shabbath

Noon: Light breeze & fine

4.0pm: Light breeze overcast & cloudy

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor Light & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F.B. Small sick off duty. Doctor from HMS “Cordelia” attending

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e5a2fc8e2def00374a: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-011_0.jpg)

16 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with & fine weather, overcast

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duty

8.0am: Light breeze overcast fine & clear

Crew employed scraping shipping & painting ottos & other various work

Pumped up ballast fore deep, fore peak & after peak

Noon: Similar weather

1.30pm: All hands Boat Stations. Boats swung out. Lowered into water & crews away for a pull with life belts &c.

2.0pm: Boats returned to ship, hoisted up & returned to chocks

4.0pm: Mod S’ly breeze & fine

J Craigs ashore without leave

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e6a2fc8e2def00374b: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-011_1.jpg)

17 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with mod breeze overcast & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports of night duty

8.0am: Mod SE breeze, overcast

Crew employed chipping & painting ottos & painting overhead Lower bridge & other necessary work

Noon: Similar weather

J Craigs, AB, ashore without leave

Crew variously employed

4.0pm: Similar weather

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Mod breeze & overcast

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e6a2fc8e2def00374c: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-012_0.jpg)

18 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with mod breeze & fine overcast

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0am: Mod breeze overcast & cloudy

Crew employed chipping & painting iron work

Noon: Similar weather

J Craigs AB: returned to ship

4.0pm: Light breeze, fine & clear

4.40pm: HMS “Tenedos” alongside for oil

4.55pm: HMS “Tyrian” alongside for fuel oil

5.10pm: Commenced pumping

5.50pm: “Tenedos” finished, disconnected

6.12pm: “Tyrian” finished 74 tons. “Tenedos” 75 tons, disconnected &c

6.45pm: Finished & secured hoses &c

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Midnight: Ditto

F. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e6a2fc8e2def00374d: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-012_1.jpg)

19 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with mod breeze fine & clear weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Similar weather & night watchman reports of duty

8.0am: Similar weather

Crew employed chipping & painting iron work on boat deck & other various work

11.35am: HMS “Torquoise” alongside

11.45am: All fast

Issued 8 hazel rod fenders., 16 Lanyards & 16 shackles, 50 Galls Paraffin

4.0pm: Mod breeze fine & clear weather

5.0pm: “Turquoise” left

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Mod breeze & fine weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e7a2fc8e2def00374e: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-013_0.jpg)

20 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am begins with light variable airs & breeze overcast & hazy

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0am: Light breeze & Foggy

Crew employed chipping & scraping. Iron work on upper deck

Noon: Light breeze & overcast

Pm Crew variously employed

4.0pm: Light breeze overcast with snow

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Mod breeze & clear

F. Small W/T Sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e7a2fc8e2def00374f: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-013_1.jpg)

21 February 1920

Libau, Russia

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 45 faths of chain

Am. begins mod breeze cloudy & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Mod breeze. cloudy & clear

8.47am: French Corvette “L’Ancre” alongside for oil

9.7am: French Corvette “Meuse” alongside for oil

Connected up & started pumping “Meuse” 55 tons; “L’Ancre” 75 tons

11.31am: “L’Ancre” cast off

Noon: Mod breeze fine & clear

J. Crooks, AB, fined 3 days pay for absent with leave

3.0pm: “L’Ancre” cast off

4.0pm: Mod breeze & fine weather

7.0pm: Night watchman report for night duty

8.0pm: Mod breeze & fine weather

Anchor Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T resumed duties

4f9620e7a2fc8e2def003750: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-014_0.jpg)

22 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 50 faths of chain

Am begins with light breeze overcast & clear

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off duty

8.0am: Mod breeze overcast & clear

No work done to day being the Sabbath

Noon: Similar weather

3.40pm: HMS “Tourmaline” alongside for fuel oil connected up

3.50pm: Commenced pumping

5.20pm: Finished pumping. Issued 109 tons fuel oil 10 Galls W.S & 12 cwt of coal

6.12pm: “Tourmaline” cast off

7.0pm: Night watchman report for night duties

8.0pm: Mod breeze, overcast & clear

Anchor lights & midnight duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

4f9620e8a2fc8e2def003751: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-014_1.jpg)

23 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

Am begins with fresh breeze overcast & cloudy

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0am: Similar weather

Deck crew employed chipping & scraping upper decks

9.30am: Commenced filling ships bunkers from N° 4 tank

11.45am: Finished. Issued 255 tons to Bunkers

Noon: Similar weather

Manson, AB, Miller, OS, & Hunter, signalman, ashore without leave. also Moore, AB, & Hill, AB

Deck hands similarly employed

4.0pm: Mod breeze clear & fine

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather. Absentees returned to ship

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T: sick off duty again

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e8a2fc8e2def003752: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-015_0.jpg)

24 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 50 faths of chain

Am begins with light breeze & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties & crew turns to their various duties

8.0am: Similar weather

Issued 1 Port C.IV* PV [paravane] to HMS “Cleopatra” received Port C.IV* in return by damaged

Noon: Similar weather

4.0pm: Crew employed chipping & scraping iron work on boats deck

7.0pm: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze & fine

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T Sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e8a2fc8e2def003753: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-015_1.jpg)

25 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 50 faths of chain

Am mod breeze overcast with drizzling rain

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duty

8.0am: Mod breeze, overcast with drizzling rain

Crew employed washing down & other various work

Light variable breeze & overcast

Crew variously employed

Miller, OS, Manson, AB, Hunter, Signalman, fined 2 days pay absent without leave

Moore, AB, & Hill, AB, 1 days pay absent without leave

4.0pm: Similar weather

7.0pm: Might watchman reports for night duty

8.0pm: Light breeze, overcast with misty rain

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e9a2fc8e2def003754: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-016_0.jpg)

26 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 50 faths of chain

Am begins with Light breeze & misty

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0am: Light breeze, overcast & misty

Crew variously employed cleaning paint work

Noon: Light breeze & misty

Pm Crew similar employed

4.0pm: Light breeze, overcast

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

F. Small W/T sick off duty

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620e9a2fc8e2def003755: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-016_1.jpg)

27 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

Am. begins with mod breeze overcast with misty rain

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties & crew turns too

8.0am: Strong wind to mod Gale, overcast & squally

Crew employed cleaning flats & quarters

Noon: Similar weather

F Small W/T off Sick List & returns to duty

W/T has been off duty for three weeks with Influenza & Cold in his kidney. He has been treated by the Doctors from HMS “Cordelia “& “Cleopatra”. JC Hawick Master

Crew similar employed

4.0pm: Strong wind overcast & squally

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Strong wind & clear

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Mod breeze & fine

4f9620e9a2fc8e2def003756: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-017_0.jpg)

28 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At anchor Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 60 faths of chain

Am begins with mod breeze cloudy & squally

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

8.0am: Strong wind overcast snow squalls

Steward & 2 hands as working party for stores from “Volo”

Crew variously employed

Engineer from HMS “Cleopatra” survey 50 Galls iron oil drums, 33

Noon: Similar weather

33 Oil Drums. Admiralty pattern 50 Galls

4.0pm: Strong wind overcast with snow squalls

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties

8.0pm: Strong wind & overcast

Anchor light & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Mod breeze & clear

4f9620e9a2fc8e2def003757: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-017_1.jpg)

29 February 1920

Libau, Baltic

Lat 56.51, Long 21.01

At two anchors at Libau outer harbour as Base Oiler in 4 ½ faths water 60 faths of chain & 30 faths of chain

Am begins with mod breeze overcast & squally with rain

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Night watchman reports off night duties

No work done to day, being the Sabbath

8.0am: Strong overcast & squally with rain

Noon: Similar weather

4.0pm: Strong wind to mod gale overcast with drizzling rain

7.0pm: Night watchman reports for night duties, Miller, seaman

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Signed: John Morgan Edwards Chief Officer

Signed: J.C. Hawick. Master, RFA “Fortol”

4f9620eaa2fc8e2def003758: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-018_0.jpg)

4f9620eaa2fc8e2def003759: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-018_1.jpg)

4f9620eaa2fc8e2def00375a: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-019_0.jpg)

4f9620eba2fc8e2def00375b: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42042/ADM 53-42042-019_1.jpg)

MARCH to AUGUST 1920 not included

THE VOYAGES OF HMS RFA FORTOL
Operations in the Pacific and Caribbean Sea

LOGS FOR SEPTEMBER 1920

4f9620eba2fc8e2def00375c: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-001_0.jpg)

4f9620eca2fc8e2def00375d: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-001_1.jpg)

[Signed: John Morgan Edwards Chief Officer]

[Signed: J.C. Hawick. Master, RFA “Fortol”]

4f9620eca2fc8e2def00375e: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-003_0.jpg)

4f9620eca2fc8e2def00375f: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-003_1.jpg)

4f9620eca2fc8e2def003760: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-004_0.jpg)

4f9620eda2fc8e2def003761: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-004_1.jpg)

1 September 1920

Acapulco

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am. begins with Light breeze clear & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Hands employed painting funnel & funnel guys, painting black over side & varnishing bright work & other necessary work. Carpenter employed in renewing wood work on bridge

S. Luff reports off night duties

8.0am: Similar weather

Noon: Ditto

Pm. Deck hands similar employed. Carpenter similar employed

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings checked and found correct

4.0pm: Light breeze fine & clear

5.0pm: Finished work for the day

7.0pm: S. Luff: reports for night duties

8.0pm: Calm & fine

10.0pm: Overcast with rain. Squall

Midnight: Calm & fine

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620eda2fc8e2def003762: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-005_0.jpg)

2 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: S. Luff reports off night duty

Deck hands employed painting ship overside scrubbing bright work & varnishing 2^nd coat of bright work on bridges & fore side & other necessary work. Filling up domestic tanks with fresh water & attending motor boat

Noon: Light breeze clear & fine

Pm. Hands similar employed

4.0pm: Light breeze fine & clear

5.0pm: Finished work for the day

7.0pm: S. Luff, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light airs clear & fine

Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620eda2fc8e2def003763: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-005_1.jpg)

3 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am. begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Deck hands employed painting ship overside (black) Carpenter employed at his trade

S. Luff, AB, reports off night duties

8.0am: Calm & fine (very warm)

Noon: Light airs a& calm

Deck hands similar employed & other necessary work. Pumping up domestic fresh water tanks & attending & cleaning motor boat

4.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

5.0pm: Finished work for the day

S. Luff, AB, reports for night duties

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearing checked & found correct

8.0pm: Light breeze fine & clear

Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather continuous

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620eea2fc8e2def003764: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-006_0.jpg)

4 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings: Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am begins with Light airs clear & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Deck hands employed clearing up for washing down all decks fore & aft. Crews quarters & flats also. Brass work cleaned fore & aft

8.0am: Calm & fine

11.0am: Life boats put out & made fast astern. Fire stations & hoses tried while washing down

Noon: Calm & fine

1.0pm: Crew finished work for the day (Saturday)

4.0pm: Calm & fine. Life boats in the water astern

7.0pm: W. Brown, AB, reports for night duties

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings checked 8 pm & found correct

8.0pm: Calm & fine

Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620eea2fc8e2def003765: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-006_1.jpg)

5 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings: Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am begins with calm and fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: W. Brown, AB, reports off night duties

8.0am: Cloudy with Thunder

No work done on deck to day, being the Sabbath

Noon: Light airs & cloudy with Thunder

Pm: Light airs & cloudy

4.0pm: Calm, overcast with Thunder & rain

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings checked & found correct at 6 pm

7.0pm: W. Brown, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Calm & fine

Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620eea2fc8e2def003766: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-007_0.jpg)

6 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings: Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Light airs clear & fine

7.0am: Deck hands employed painting inside of bridges

Scrubbing decks with caustic & painting in alleyways & other necessary work. Filling up domestic tanks & attending motor boat

Night watchman W. Brown reports off night duties

8.0am: Crawford Fireman reports bad arm. Sent on shore to be examined by doctor

Noon: Light breeze & fine

Doctor reports Crawford Fireman poisoned arm

Hands employed as forenoon

4.0pm: Light airs, fine & clear

6.0pm: W. Brown AB reports sick off duty for night watchman

7.0pm: A Morrison, AB, reports for night duty in place of W Brown

8.0pm: Light airs, clear & fine

At anchor Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings checked & found correct at 8 pm

Night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620efa2fc8e2def003767: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-007_1.jpg)

7 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings: Light House bearing South (mag), Semaphore station N76W (mag)

Am begins with light airs clear & fine

4.0am: Calm & fine

7.0am: A Morrison, AB, reports off night duty

8.0am: Calm & fine

Deck hands employed getting all boats in after being in water astern, all found good & tight after good soaking

Noon: Calm & clear weather

Crawford, Fireman, & Brown, AB, sick off duty

Crawford, Fireman, & Brown, AB, visited Doctor on shore

Doctor reports Brown Fever unfit for duty

Pm, Deck hand filling sand boxes from beach with motor boat

Pm, Anchor bearings checked & found correct

4.0pm: Overcast with rain

5.0pm: Finished work for the day

7.0pm: A. Morrison, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze & overcast

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: 2

4f9620efa2fc8e2def003768: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-008_0.jpg)

8 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings: Light House bearing South, Semaphore station N76W

Am begins with light breeze clear & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: A Morrison, AB, reports off night duties

Deck hands rigging hoses to replenish Oil bunkers

9.45am: Commenced pumping into bunkers from N° 4 tank

10.45am: Finished bunkers, transferred 223 tons, disconnected hoses & secured Lids again

Covering life boats over with covers &c

Noon: Light breeze clear & fine

Crawford, Fireman, & Brown, AB, sick off duty

Pm: Deck hands employed washing down & getting ropes & hoses ready for oiling HMS “Renown” tomorrow morning

Pm: Anchor bearings checked & found correct

4.0pm: Light breeze fine & clear

5.0pm: Finished work for the day

6.0pm: Heavy rain squall with Thunder & lightning

7.0pm: A. Morrison, AB, reports for night duty

8.0pm: Light breeze overcast & cloudy

Midnight & cloudy

Number on sick list: 2

4f9620efa2fc8e2def003769: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-008_1.jpg)

9 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings the same [ed. note: Light House bearing South, Semaphore station N76W]

Am begins with light breeze overcast & cloudy

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: A Morrison, AB, reports off night duties

7.30am: Hove up anchor & proceeded alongside HMS “Renown”

8.10am: Alongside & lines away fore & aft

8.25am: All fast, connected up hoses fore 6 aft &

9.25am: Commenced pumping from N° 4 tank heavy ground swell, running Engines ordered to be handy & steam ready

10.27am: Ballasted N° 4 & started pumping from N° 1 & 7

Noon: Overcast & cloudy with heavy swell, pumping through

Crawford, Fireman, & Brown, AB, sick off duty

Ships measurements discharged 1900 Tons

3.30pm: Finished pumping cargo all out & tanks dry. Issued 1876 tons

3.45pm: Let go fore & aft & proceeded to anchorage

4.0pm: Let go anchor in 12 faths of water & 45 faths of chain

Overcast, cloudy with heavy rain

Pumped up N° 5 tank for ballast

Whilst alongside HMS “Renown” with heavy ground swell, two timber floats which were used as fenders on “Renown” damaged. Several plates & rivets & frames distorted inside, buoyancy tank aft on Starboard side & N° 5 tank

Also several plates damaged in wake of oil Bunker Starboard side

7.0pm: A Morrison, AB, report for night duty

Midnight: Light E’ly wind, fine & clear

Number on sick list 2

4f9620f0a2fc8e2def00376a: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-009_0.jpg)

10 September 1920

Acapulco Bay

Lat 16.86, Long -99.88

At anchor, Acapulco Bay. Anchor bearings: Light House bearing S4W, Semaphore station N76W

Am. begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: A Morrison, AB, reports off night duties

Deck hands securing all tanks lids, washing down & preparing ship for sea & other necessary work

10.0am: Hove up motor boat & secured same

Noon: Light breeze clear & fine

Pm. 2 bags of mails received on board for HMS “Renown”

0.30pm: Pilot boarded with Mr Wiseman British Consul for Salina Cruz arrived on board for passage down to Salina Cruz

1.15pm: Hove up anchor

1.20pm: Half speed ahead

1.25pm: Stopped, Pilot left

1.30pm: Full ahead on passage

2.0pm: Set Course S65E (mag)

3.0pm: a/c S76E mag S68E (True)

4.0pm: Light breeze, overcast & cloudy

8.0pm: Overcast & squally with rain

8.37pm: Cuacua Point Lt abm. Log 85.4

11.40pm: a/c S70E

Midnight: Overcast & cloudy with rain

Crawford, Fireman, & Brown, AB, sick off duty

Number on sick list: 2

4f9620f0a2fc8e2def00376b: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-009_1.jpg)

11 September 1920

At Sea,

Lat 15.81, Long -95.65

Am begins with overcast & cloudy with rain

2.0am: a/c S72E

4.0am: Overcast & squally with rain

5.0am: Courses Various

7.0am: Crew employed pumping domestic fresh water tanks, washing down, cleaning flats & quarters & hoses on fire stations & other necessary work

11.30am: Movio Agunta Lt Ho abm, dist 6 miles, Log 73

Noon: Light breeze fine & clear

Crawford, Fireman, returned to duty

Brown, AB, sick off duty

1.40pm: Pt Chipequa NW 5’, a/c to N25E

2.30pm: Hauled log in & anchors ready

2.50pm: Reduced speed

3.5pm: Stopped outside breakwater

3.10pm: Mr Wiseman, British Consul, left in shore motor boat

3.12pm: Proceeded for Balboa P.C. Full ahead. Log streamed & set

Compass error 9 ½ E, Var 7 ½ E, Dev 2 E

8.0pm: Mod to light breeze clear & fine

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620f0a2fc8e2def00376c: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-010_0.jpg)

12 September 1920

At Sea

Lat 13.78, Long -91.8

Compass error by Aldebaran 8 ¾ E

4.0am: Overcast cloudy with heavy Lightning

6.40am: Heavy squall with Lightning thunder & rain, reduced speed & whistle kept going

7.10am: Squall cleared. Full ahead again

8.0am: Light to mod breeze overcast & cloudy

Clock advanced 17 min

Noon: Light breeze fine & clear. Sea mod.

Brown, AB, sick off duty

Pm. Light breeze & fine

4.0pm: Similar weather

Comp. error 9 E, Var 6 ½ E, Dev 2 ½ E

8.0pm: Light Breeze, fine & clear

11.10pm: Very heavy squall with wind & rain

Midnight: Fresh to strong wind overcast with rain

Number on sick list 1

4f9620f1a2fc8e2def00376d: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-010_1.jpg)

13 September 1920

At Sea

Lat 10.73, Long -88.16

Am. overcast & cloudy with rain

4.0am: Overcast & rain. Sea mod.

Compass error 9 E, Var 6 E, Dev 3 E

8.0am: Strong wind & overcast sky

Deck hands employed painting overhead on bridges & other necessary work

Clock advanced 9 min

Noon: Strong wind, overcast & cloudy

Brown, AB, sick off duty

a/c S58E True

Crew furled all awnings

4.0pm: Wind & sea moderating

6.0pm: Overcast & squally

8.0pm: Mod breeze overcast & cloudy with Light rain

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: 1

4f9620f1a2fc8e2def00376e: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-011_0.jpg)

14 September 1920

At Sea, from Salina Cruz to Balboa, Panama

Lat 8.2, Long -84.2

Am begins with heavy rain & overcast

2.45am: Heavy continual rain, reduced speed & whistle kept going

3.20am: Full ahead again

4.0am: Overcast with rain

6.0am: a/c S68E (True)

6.30am: Cape Blanco abm

Compass error 7 E, Var 5 E, Dev 2 E

8.0am: Mod breeze fine & clear

Clock advanced 17 min

Deck hands crew employed cleaning fore well decks, stowing otter gear away & cleaning up fore tween decks. Transferring water ballast from N° 4 to N° 3 tank. N° 4 tank leaking

Pm: a/c S58E (True)

1.4pm: Cani Isl abm, dist 13 miles, Log 35.2

4.0pm: Matapolo H^d abm. Dist 14’, Log 7.05. Cloudy & overcast SE swell

6.0pm: a/c S42E (True)

8.0pm: Light breeze. overcast & cloudy

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list 1

4f9620f1a2fc8e2def00376f: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-011_1.jpg)

15 September 1920

At Sea

Lat 7.1, Long -80.41

Compass error by Aldebaran 9 E

a/c to East

4.0am: Light breeze overcast & cloudy

Compass error by Amp 12 E, Var 5 E, Dev 7 E

a/c N70E

7.0am: Crew employed dismantling otter gear & stowing away in fore hold

8.0am: Light breeze overcast & cloudy

Clock advanced 16 mins

Crew washing down, pumping up domestic tanks & other necessary work

Noon: Light breeze & overcast

Brown, AB, reports fit for duty

176 lbs of potatoes from HMS “Renown” damaged & unfit for use

1.50pm: South Frail abm. Dist 1 ¾’

2.48pm: Cape Mola abm. Dist 3 ½’, Log 55

4.0pm: Cloudy & overcast

7.55pm: Bona Isl Lt 4 Pts, Log 20

8.0pm: Heavy squalls with heavy Lightning & rain

8.35pm: Bona Isl abm. Dist 8’, Log 28

9.45pm: Hauled Log in

10.10pm: Taboguilla Isl abm, dist 2’

10.45pm: Let go anchor in 10 faths of water & 45 faths of chain

10.50pm: Finished with engines

Officers and men on watches

Midnight: Light variable breeze, overcast

Anchor bearings: Fairway Buoy N58W, Taboguilla Isl S15W

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f2a2fc8e2def003770: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-012_0.jpg)

16 September 1920

From Balboa to Cristobal and at Panama Canal

Lat 9.01, Long -79.61

At anchor Panama Roads. Anchor bearings: Taboguilla Isl Light S15W, Fairway Buoy N58W

Am begins with light airs & cloudy

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Crew employed getting up ropes & fenders &c, for going through Canal

7.30am: Pilot boarded

In transit through Panama Canal. Courses and speed as Pilot orders

8.20am: Entered Panama Canal customs boarded off Balboa & left at 8/40

9.30am: Entered Mira Flores Locks

10.0am: Left Mira Flores Locks

10.30am: Entered Pedro Miguel Locks

10.40am: Left Pedro Miguel Locks

Noon: Light airs & cloudy

2.20pm: Entered Gatun Locks

3.45pm: Left Gatun Locks

4.0pm: Light breeze & fine

4.14pm: Anchored in 6 ½ faths of water in Colon Bay

4.16pm: Finished with engines & Pilot left

6.0pm: Lloyds surveyor boarded to survey damage done by HMS “Renown” &c. with master

Anchor bearings East breakwater Lt Ho N7E, Christobal Mole Pt N85E

8.0pm: Calm & clear weather

Officers & men on watches

Anchor bearing checked

Midnight: Calm & clear weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f2a2fc8e2def003771: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-012_1.jpg)

17 September 1920

Colon Harbour

Lat 9.35, Long -79.89

Am begins with calm, clear & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

At anchor Colon Bay. Anchor bearings E B Lighthouse N7E, Manzanillo Pt N85E

7.0am: Deck hands employed chipping & scraping fore well decks & making new weather clothes for navigation bridge & other necessary work

Carpenter employed at his trade

8.0am: Light breeze, clear & fine

10.0am: Finished with watches.

A Morrison returned for night watchman

Noon: Similar weather

Hands employed similar as forenoon

Anchor bearings checked & found correct

4.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

5.30pm: Pilot boarded

6.0pm: Hove up anchor & proceeded towards Oil wharf

Alongside Oil Wharf Colon Harbour

6.30pm: Moored to Oil wharf Port Side to. Deck hands employed getting shore hoses on board

9.0pm: All ready for starting in Bunkers. Report from Oil foreman. Start at midnight

Midnight: Light breeze clear & fine

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f2a2fc8e2def003772: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-013_0.jpg)

18 September 1920

From Colon to Trinidad and at Colon Harbour

Lat 10.06, Long -78.53

2.20am: Commenced bunkering

3.40am: Finished bunkering received 100 tons, 700 Barrels

3.50am: Pilot boarded cast off

4.0am: Unmoored & proceeded off Oil wharf

4.20am: Pilot left

4.25am: Full ahead on passage towards Trinidad Light breeze fine & clear

Compass error by Amp 10 E, Var 4 E, Dev 6 E

6.55am: Pt Manzanillo Lt House abm Log 29.1, Dist 3 miles.

Set Course N72E (True)

8.0am: Mod breeze clear & fine

Deck hands employed washing down deck bridges, flats & quarters & other necessary work

Noon: Mod breeze fine & clear

Pm: Light breeze fine & clear

4.0pm: Similar weather

Compass error by Amp 10 E, Var 4 E, Dev 6 E

8.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

10.0pm: a/c N70E (True)

Midnight: Light breeze clear & fine with heavy lightning to NE

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f3a2fc8e2def003773: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-013_1.jpg)

19 September 1920

At Sea

Lat 12.0, Long -73.51

1.0am: a/c to N67E (True)

Compass error 9 E

4.0am: Overcast with rain & lightning & Thunder, sea mod

Compass error by Amp 8 E, Var 2 E, Dev 6 E

a/c N72E

8.0am: Light breeze fine & clear

Clock advanced

Only necessary work done to day being the Sabbath

Noon: Light breeze fine & clear

a/c N64E (True)

Compass error 6E

4.0pm: Mod breeze fine & clear

Compass error by Amp 6 E, Var 2 E, Dev 4 E

8.0pm: Strong breeze fine & clear

11.45pm: a/c S77E

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f3a2fc8e2def003774: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-014_0.jpg)

20 September 1920

At Sea

Lat 12.6, Long -69.23

Am begins with Light breeze clear & fine

4.0am: Mod breeze & fine

Compass error 3 E, Var nil, Dev 3 E

a/c S66E

8.0am: Mod to strong breeze slight haze. Clock advanced 15 min

Deck hands chipping & scraping fore well deck & other necessary work

Carpenter employed at his trade

Noon: Mod breeze clear & fine

a/c S82E (True)

1.0pm: North Pt Curaçao Isl abm. Dist 11 miles, Log 95

2.55pm: Observed North end Buen Ayre

Compass error 2 ½ E

4.0pm: Mod breeze fine & clear

5.43pm: Buen Ayre Lt abm, Log 51, Dist 13 miles

Compass error by Amp 2 ½ E

8.0pm: Strong breeze clear & fine

Lights, Lookout & C strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f3a2fc8e2def003775: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-014_1.jpg)

21 September 1920

At Sea

Lat 11.76, Long -64.91

Compass error 2 ½ E by star Aldebaran

2.0am: Los Roque Lt abm, Dist 13’, Log 47.5

4.0am: Light breeze fine & clear

5.20am: Orchilla Isl abm, Log 83, Dist 13 miles, a/c S76E

Compass error by Amp 1 E, Var 1 ½ W, Dev 2 ½ E

8.0am: Light to mod breeze clear & fine

Clock advanced 14 min

Deck hands chipping & scraping fore well deck & other necessary work

Noon: Light to mod breeze clear & fine

0.40pm: a/c S60E true

1.0pm: SW Cape Blanquilla Isl bore N14E true. Dist 8 miles

2.5pm: Isl. de Rio NExN Dist 11’

4.0pm: Light to mod breeze & fine

Comp error 0 ½ W, Var 2 W, Dev 2 ½ E

6.25pm: Los Freyles Isl abm, Log 39.7, Dist 2 ½ miles

8.0pm: Mod breeze clear & fine

9.30pm: a/c S87E (true)

9.55pm: Carripano Light abeam Log 79, Dist 12’

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f3a2fc8e2def003776: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-015_0.jpg)

22 September 1920

From Christobal (Colon) to Trinidad & at Trinidad, Port of Spain

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with light breeze clear & fine

3.20am: Observed Chacachacare Lt S69E True

4.0am: Light airs fine & clear

4.40am: Slow, heavy rain squalls

5.0am: a/c SE

5.15am: Full ahead

6.20am: Passed in Entrance Boca De Grada. Courses various

7.30am: Hauled in log

8.0am: Light airs clear & fine

8.15am: Anchored in 6 faths of water, 30 faths of chain

9.0am: Handed over two bags of mails for HMS “Renown” from Acapulco

Chief Carpenters mate on board Examining damage done at Acapulco to Starboard side of ship caused by heavy swell whilst oiling HMS “Renown” 9/9/20

Log in. At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad. Anchor bearings: Red Chimney N4E, Light House N65E

Deck hands employed getting victualling stores on board & other necessary work

Mr Sharp, Surveyor on board from Dry Dock examining damage before loading crude oil

4.0pm: Light breeze & fine

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Light breeze & fine

4f9620f4a2fc8e2def003777: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-015_1.jpg)

23 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I.

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with calm & fine weather

4.0am: Similar weather

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad B.W.I. Anchor bearings Red Chimney N4E, Light House N65E

7.0am: R. Dewar, AB, reports off night duties

Deck hands employed washing down, clearing out Summer tanks & drying up same for inspection

Carpenter employed overhauling all Butterflies on Tanks Coffer dams & C. & put in working order

Noon: Calm & fine

Deck hands similar employed

Pm Anchor bearings checked & found correct

3.0pm: Engineers started transferring oil from Starb oil bunker to Port oil Bunker for survey of Starb bunker

Filled up Starb fore cofferdam and Starb after cofferdam to keep ship upright

7.0pm: R. Dewar reports for night duties

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Light breeze clear & fine

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f4a2fc8e2def003778: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-016_0.jpg)

24 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I., Port of Spain

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with calm & fine weather

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad. Anchor bearings: Light House N65E, Red Chimney N4E

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: R. Dewar, AB, reports off night duties

8.0am: Calm & fine

Transfer of bunker oil continued

11.0am: Finished, put steam on bunker. Deck hands cleaning & clearing Summer & Buoyancy tanks for survey

Noon: Light airs & fine

2.30pm: Finished steaming Starboard bunker & washed out with hose

Deck hands employed as fore Noon

4.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

Anchor bearings checked & found correct

Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f4a2fc8e2def003779: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-016_1.jpg)

25 September 1920

Trinidad

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with fine & calm weather, 2am with light SE breeze

4.0am: Light breeze & fine

7.0am: R Dewar, AB, reports off night duties

8.0am: Similar weather

Deck hands employed washing down decks & bridges, flats & quarters. Brass work &c & other necessary work, pumping up domestic tanks &C

Noon: Light breeze & fine

9 lbs of mutton & 11 lbs of pork bad & unfit for use. Surveyed & destroyed

1.0pm: All work finished for the day (Saturday)

4.0pm: Light breeze fine & clear

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Similar weather

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Light breeze fine & clear

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f5a2fc8e2def00377a: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-017_0.jpg)

26 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I.

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with light breeze clear & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad B.W.I.

7.0am: R. Dewar reports off night duties

8.0am: Light breeze clear & fine

No work done to day being the Sabbath

Anchor bearings Red Chimney N4E, Light House N65E

Noon: Light breeze clear & fine

Pm begins with light breeze clear & fine

4.0pm: Similar weather

Pm: Anchor bearings checked & found correct

7.0pm: R Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

Lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f5a2fc8e2def00377b: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-017_1.jpg)

27 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I.

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with light breeze, fine & clear

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad, under repairs. Anchor bearings Red Chimney N4E, Light House N65E

4.0am: Light breeze & fine

7.0am: Workmen arrived on board & started work on damage plates aft on Starboard side

R. Dewar reports off night duties

Deck hands employed cleaning out summer tanks & drying same for Inspection

Carpenter employed on Butterflies of tanks working & oiling same

Pm: Deck hands cleaning out buoyancy & Summer tanks

4.0pm: Light breeze fine & clear

5.0pm: Finish work for the day

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

Anchor bearings checked & found correct

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f5a2fc8e2def00377c: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-018_0.jpg)

28 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I.

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

Am begins with light breeze clear & fine

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad B.W.I. under repairs. Anchor bearings: Red Chimney N4E, Light House N65E

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: R. Dewar, AB, reports off night duties

Workmen from Trinidad Government Dry Dock workshop continues on repairs

9.15am: Hove up anchor & proceeded closer in shore for repair people

9.25am: Anchored again 3 ¼ faths of water & 30 faths of chain

Deck hands employed scraping & chipping boat topping

Anchor bearings: Light House N65E, Red Chimney N4E, Martins Point N42W

Noon: Passing squall with rain

Pm: Deck hands similar employed & other necessary work

4.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

5.0pm: Finished work for the day

Anchor bearings checked & found correct

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light airs clear & fine

Anchor light & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Similar weather

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f6a2fc8e2def00377d: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-018_1.jpg)

29 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I.

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad B.W.I. under repairs

Am begins with fine & calm weather

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Dockyard workmen resume repairs on Starboard side aft

R. Dewar, AB, reports off night duties

Anchor bearings: Light House N65E, Red Chimney N4E, Martins Point N42W

8.0am: Light breeze clear & fine. Steaming out Starboard bunker for repairs

Deck hands employed scraping & chipping boat topping & painting same; carpenter employed on butterflies & screws of tank lids overhauling same

Noon: Light breeze & squally with rain

35 lbs of Bread unfit for use surveyed & destroyed

Pm: Government Chemist on board testing Starboard Bunker before commencing repairs on same

Deck hands similar employed & other necessary works

2.40pm: Oil barge alongside to replenish bunkers quantity received 70 Tons

4.0pm: Light breeze clear & fine

Anchor bearings checked & found correct

5.0pm: All work finished for the day

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

8.0pm: Light breeze & fine

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Light breeze clear & fine

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f6a2fc8e2def00377e: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-018a_0.jpg)

30 September 1920

Trinidad B.W.I.

Lat 10.66, Long -61.51

At anchor off Port of Spain, Trinidad B.W.I. under repairs

Am begins with light variable breeze clear & fine

4.0am: Similar weather

7.0am: Deck hands employed scraping, chipping & painting boat topping

Dock yard people resume work on repairs to hull Starb side aft

R. Dewar, AB, reports off night duties

Anchor bearings: Light House N65E, Red Chimney N4E, Martins Point N42W

8.0am: Calm & fine

Noon: Overcast & squally with rain

Deck hands similar employed & other necessary work

2.30pm: Transferred water ballast from N° 5 to N° 4. Repairs going on on N° 5 tank from outside leaky rivets &c

4.0pm: Light variable airs bright & clear

5.0pm: All work finished for the day

Anchor bearings checked & found correct

7.0pm: R. Dewar, AB, reports for night duties

Anchor lights & night duties strictly attended to

Midnight: Calm & fine

Number on sick list: Nil

4f9620f6a2fc8e2def00377f: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-018a_1.jpg)

4f9620f7a2fc8e2def003780: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-019_0.jpg)

4f9620f7a2fc8e2def003781: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-019_1.jpg)

4f9620f7a2fc8e2def003782: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-020_0.jpg)

4f9620f8a2fc8e2def003783: (http://s3.amazonaws.com/oldweather/ADM53-42043/ADM 53-42043-020_1.jpg)

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Revised 16/11/2014