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. |