H. M. S. C O O K (A 3 0 7 )
Summary of Service 1950 to 1964.
The enclosed details are primarily based upon the Reports
Proceedings and also details from documents in the Naval Historical Branch,
Ministry of Defence. Acknowledgement made to the Keeper of Public Records,
Public Records Office who arranged for access to the Reports held in Taunton at
the Hydrographic Office.
Whilst the information contained in this Summary is not intended
to be completely comprehensive it sets out to be be representative of the career of this ship during
its deployment on hydrographic survey duties. Some
place names in the various Islands in the Pacific Ocean are not those in
current use and the some of Groups of Islands have also been re-identified (
e.g., The Gilbert and Ellice Islands now known as Kiribati and Tuvalu.)
H. M. S. C O O K ( K 6
3 8 )
“LOCH CLASS Frigate ordered on 25th January 1943 from Pickersgill at Sunderland to be named LOCH MOCHRUM
but changed in 1944 to an AA
Frigate The ship was laid down as Job
Number 4813 (Yard Number 269) on 30th November 1944 and launched on 24th
September 1945 as HMS PEGWELL BAY. After launch the contract was terminated and
she was towed to Devonport for completion by HM Dockyard for use as a Survey
Ship. during fitting out. Before completion on 20th
July 1950 the name was again changed to HMS COOK. In common with the other four
Ex LOCH Class frigate hulls converted into survey ships the name chosen was
that of the best known British hydrographer. James
Cook (1728 - 1779)
Conversion
Conversion began in February
1948 and completed in July 1950. No armament fitted and changes made to provide
additional acccranodation and office space for hydrographic work. More boats and associated handling
facilities were fitted together with a radar suitable
for survey work (Type 972). Pennant Number for visual signalling purposes
changed to A307.
H e r a l d i c D a t a
Badge: On a Field Blue
, impaled a hemisphere White between an
estoile in chief
and in base Gold.
Explanation: From the arms of Captain James Cook).
M a n n i n
g Division
Devonport till centralised
First Commission 1950 – 51
Commissioned for trials: 6 June 1950
Commanding Officer: Lieut. Cdr J. Pryor (01/01/50)
Under Care and Maintenance at Devonport with reduced complement.
Carried out Local survey tasks (August 1950 - January 1951)
.Stored for sea service
(January).
(Note: Additional complement
joined from HM Survey Ship SEAGULL (February).
Commissioned for service: 27 March 1951.
Commanding Officer: Captain K St. B. Collins, QBE, DSC )
(Later Rear Admiral CB, OBE, DSC and Hydrographer of the Navy 1955 - 60).
Home Waters deployment 1951-52
Relieved "Halcyon"
Class Minesweeper SEAGULL employed on survey work since 1945.
Diverted to join CTF26 in search for wreckage of submarine AFFRAY
in English Channel. (April
- June 1951).
Visited by Hydrographer
in Portsmouth when released from search and then resumed survey work in Dublin Bay. Landed
detached party in Gunna Sound to prepare for survey tasks in
The Minches
Carried out Oceanographic
soundings and sampling between Scapa Flow and Spitzbergen.
University expedition embarked and
landed on Spitzbergen.
Machinery condenser defects delayed continuation of sampling work on return
passage.
Collected expedition and paid
visit to capital of Spitzbergen, LONGEARBYENN
(August).
Landed expedition at Gourock and carried out oceanographic programme
(September).
Resumed West coast of Scotland
survey in conjunction with survey ML's and detached parties.
Intermediate R&R visits at
local ports.
(Note: Areas surveyed included
Loch Maddy and The Minches.
Severe gales caused many interruptions and
defect in windlass caused loss of anchor –which was
recovered later after repair work at Greenock
(October - November).
Returned to Plymouth 2 December. 1952
Second Commission 1952 - 53.
Commissioned: March 1952
Commanding Officer: Captain EHB Baker, DSC (03/03/52)
West Coast of Scotland Survey Continuation (1952-3).
Based at Portree,
Isle of Skye with detached party employed on coastlining
and marking.
(Note: Unseasonable weather
made it necessary to seek shelter sought on several occasions between
May and August.
Carried out Planned work which included check on newly established
DECCA Navigation Chain for Western Aproaches -
Hebrides.
(Note: Radio signals too
erratic for hydrographic use.
A recommendation was made that
survey snips should carry a portable system instead of using
a
commercial Chain.
Hydrographer embarked at Mallalg for 3 day visit before transfer to FRANKLIN
(September).
Anchor dragged whilst
sheltering from gales of over 70 knots in Loch Dunvegan
(October)
Returned to area after winter
refit period and Annual Inspection in Devonport (Dec
1952 - April 1953)
Diverted from wreck location
and least depth sweeping in Bristol Channel for search and rescue of crew of
missing FIREFLY aircraft
(Note: Thia
was.called off after 24 hours (April)
Continued Hebrides Survey in
Loch Shell area (May)
Attended Coronation Review at
Spithead and was ‘Host Ship’ for Hydrographer's
guests (June).
Prepared for foreign
Service at Plymouth on completion.
Commanding Officer: Commander RH Cornell, DSC (29/06/53)
West African Coast Survey (July to September 1953).
Passage investigations included
seabed profile off Fowey and inconclusive checks on movements of water
temperature layers.
Experiments carried out using
Kite apparatus for magnetic field measurements but these were unsuccessful. Carried out planned survey areas included Takoradi,
Accra, and Sekondi.
Detached parties landed for coastlining, marking and tidal measurements
(Note: Shore parties lived in
Bungalow leased fron a UK contractor.
Work co-ordinated with concurrent
shore survey
. Swell conditions off shore made
boat soundings difficult but manageable except when visibility was
reduced
by local mists. Trials using Radar reflectors for fixing and range measurements
proved these
to be a useful asset to survey work. Sports
fixtures during R&R periods at Takoradi.
Excess rust and mould increased
maintenance load on ships company depleted by shore
party
requirements.
Carried out two day survey at Sekondi
followed by a final call at Takoradi.
Made Soundings and Shoal
examination off the Canary Islands,
Bathythermograph work carried
out on return passage
(Note Passengers embarked at
Gibraltar (September).)
UK Waters Survey (October - November 1953; April - November 1954).
Work on West coast continued.
Soundings in St. Ives followed by oceanographic measurements
across Irish Sea entrance.
Seabed samples obtained hourly
until corer became defective (again).
Boat survey and tidal
observations in Heysham Bay (ML 3516 assisted but
ship alongside).
(Note: Propeller fouled by wire
whilst berthed and ship moved away from quay (November)
Isle of Arran measured mile
checked with Taut Wire gear and attended by AEW scientists.
Local survey undertaken by
detached party during Winter lay-up.
Resumed UK West Coast survey work (April - July 1954).
R&R in Stornoway
and refuelled at Londonderry.
Scientific investigations in St Brides Bay with London University
staff.
Shoal examination carried out
with HM Survey Ship VIDAL in Bishops Rock area.
(Note:Transferred 2 Depth Charge Throwers to Bar Lightship
for use in Liverpool as collection boxes.
(Weight 15 Cwt
each).
Tidewatching and boat survey parties
detached in Hebrides.
Ship continued sounding in The Minches with delays caused by heavy rain and gales.
Hydrographer's three day visit includied
detached parties.
Repeat of Arran measurements (July).
(Note Swiss lady in difficulty whilst swiraning in Plymouth harbour rescued by line (July).
Carried out Core
sampling and local survey by detached party in Padstow
area (August)
Minches
survey completed (September)
Carried out extensive sweeping using Sonar
outfits and two boat sweep techniques in Sound of Harris
(Note:Many
interruptions by gales (September).)
Sweeping trials in Loch Long and Loch Fyne (September)
Firth of Lone survey - weekends in Oban (October)
Took part in Armistice Day ceremonies at
Greenock (November)
Special survey of Liverpool Bay for local
port authority on return passage (November)
Third Commission 1955 - 56
Commissioned: March 1955
Commanding Officer: Lieut.
Cdr. PJD Hayter (07/03/55)
Refit
Period (December 195t - March 1955).
'Two Range’ DECCA Survey System fitted
(Note: Master Station and large aerial unit
installed on board
Storage facilities provided for the
associated two Slave Stations.
A series of meetings attended by
Admiralty specialist and manufacturer was held to plan acceptance trials.
Sites were selected on Bristol
Channel coast for the Slave Station
Two
Range DECCA Trials (March - May 1955).
Ship based at Barry.
(Note: Position visually fixed from selected shore
positions to confirm the position determined by the radio signals.
Initial delays due to lack of
cooling for power supply generators and damp conditions affected operation of
master transmitter
. A
defect in ship's windlass and poor visibility caused further delays.
Equipment performance at distances
up to 40 miles from land was unsatisfactory
Returned
to Plymouth in late April.
Further
trials during May also unsuccessful.
All the equipment returned to manufacturer
for investigation.
Repeat Trials planned for September during
programmed survey work in the NW Approaches.
UK
West Coast Survey Continuation Work (1955 - 56).
Carried out Arran Mile measurements using
'Taut Wire' gear
Firth of Lorne and Loch Fyne
work commenced by detached parties for boat sounding and tidal measurements.
Reconnaissance work to identify suitable
sites for Slave Stations needed for repeat Two Range DECCA trials (June)
(Note:Slave
Stations set up on Gavellach Island and on Isle of
Hill (July - August)
Two Range DECCA System calibration and
repeat trials carried out (September - October).
Overall performance satisfactory and
results 'exceeded all expectations'
(Note:Changes
recommended to ship and slave equipment to improve reliability.
Wreck of CATO fixed in Bristol Channel with
assistance from HM Trawler STEEPHOLM (November).
Completed
wreck sweeping off Welsh coast.
Tide pole set at Pembroke Dock (April 1956)
Slave Stations established on Ulster coast
and at Machrinhanish on Mull of Kintyre.
Detached party landed on Islay to set up
tidal measurement equipment (April).
Annual Inspection at Londonderry (May).
UK West Coast Survey Continuation Work
(1955 - 56). (Continued)
North Channel and islands work continued
(May - November).
Tidal stream measurements and checks at
Castle Bay, Barra for planned Royal visit (May)
Checks made on Scottish commercial DECCA
Chain and period of oceanographic work (August)
Visited
Bergen with civil and naval hospitality (September):
Wreath laid at
British War Grave cemetery.
Measured
Mile survey at Anglesea by Detached Party (October -
December).
Sweeping
and sounding work carried out off SW Ireland (November).j
Anglesey work continued with detached party
during refit period.
Fourth Commission 1957 - 59
Commissioned: 13 March 1957
Commanding Officer: Commander HR Hatfield (07/02/57)
Families
on board after sea trials (February).
Hydrographer
visited ship at sea prior to departure on 18 March for foreign
service.
Passage
to Pacific Survey area (torch - June).
Damage to upper deck equipment including Liferafts by heavy weather in SW Approaches.
Shoal examination and oceanographic work during passage to
central Pacific via Azores, West Indies and Panama.
Medical emergency when the First Lieutenant (Lieut. Cdr. J.
Raton) accidentally spilled ammonia on his face (May)
(Note: Air-lift requested from USN to ensure early hospital
attention.
Patient initially transferred to ss CITY OF OXFORD inward bound for Panama and later to a US
Flying Boat.
Colon hospital later reported no
permanent damage to eyes and would rejoin ship after completion of treatment Periods
at High speed during this emergency made significant demands on fuel.
Planned economies included use of Quarterdeck awning as a sail !
Operation
GRAPPLE.
Joined other RN ships off Maiden Island for
Dress Rehearsal of Test.
Present for explosion of a megaton weapon
dropped from an aircraft on 15 May.
Personnel not essentially required
assembled on Fxle and wore anti-flash gear.
Some sounding work was carried out before
sailing for Samoa.
Pacific
Islands Survey 1957-8.
Shoal examinations before arrival in Fiji on 6 June.
(Note: Formal welcoming ceremony and preliminary discussion held
on seasons work.)
RNZAF provided aircraft for aerial reconnaissance of Natewa Bay and Vuya Passage area.
(Note:Unwanted
publicity after incident during practice for Queen's Birthday Parade when
Petty Officer accidentally
fell into water near ship.
Excellent
relations established with local community leaders and Fijian RNVR.
Carried out Self Maintenance Period at
Auckland.
Oceanographic measurements and sampling during passage and on
return to Suva (June - July).
Survey work in Fiji area based at Natewa
Bay.
Assisted by Fijian RNVR vessel VTTI
(ML3555) in Vuya Passage south of Vanua Lew.
(Note: This proved of restricted value and was later
discontinued (July to November 1957).
Detached parties landed for tidal measurements and establishment
of controls.
(Note:During
R&R periods personnel enjoyed traditional ceremonies including presentation
of whales
teeth (‘Tambuas’) with Kava refreshment and dancing exhibitions with choral
accompaniment.
Ship open to
visitors and sporting exchanges arranged.
Provision of
cinema shows ashore - later a standard feature with Children's parties.
Participated in
annual 'Hibiscus Festival1 at Suva also attended by 4 USN ships and
cruise ship
ORSOVA with tourists.
Entry of float
"Mrs Hibiscus" drawn by ship's Landrover
won a prize for 'most amusing entry' (August).
Carried out Preliminary examination of Tarawa in Gilbert Islands
for 1958 work (November 1957)
Annual inspection at Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.(November).
Interim Refit at RNZN Dockyard, Auckland (December 1957 to March
1958)
(Note: Local Navy League members arranged accommodation on sheep
farms for ships company
CinC FES on board (March).
Proton
Magnetometer arrived for use on passages, supervised by UK scientist
Local contact with NZ research team established programme of
work to be undertaken
Departure delayed by collision with Calliope Dock Jetty at
Auckland and by delivery of new power supply generators for 2 Range DECCA.
Sailed for Solomon Islands via Suva; Fiji on 17 March 1958 with
two RNZN sporting trophies
(Note: This was specially allowed to be carried off Station by
Commodore Auckland,.
Commodore Goff-Davies who was an Ex LOCH Class captain).
There were 2 absentees on leaving but 1 was recovered later.
Solomon
Islands Survey (March - July).
Survey programme agreed on arrival. First since HM Ships PINGUIN (Circa 1895) and SEALARK (1907).
(Note: Many triangulation marks from 1947
US survey had not survived.
Recent increase in manganese export trade made present tasks
additionally important and positions of some
islands were found to be incorrect.
Detached parties landed at Honiara and Gizo.
Ship carried out soundings, Taut Wire
measurements, Reef Fixing and sweeping work, in Gizo
Strait and New Georgia Sound.
(Note:Astralobe
observations made at Gizo in Garden of High
Commissioner.
Whilst at Honiara for Queen's Birthday Parade embarked High Commissioner
for day at sea.
During passage to Port Moresby to refuel, Packlington Reef inspected and leak in Lower Naval Store
repaired (June).
On return paid first RN visit to Mono
(Treasury Islands) for 12 years.
(Note: Position found 4.50 miles east of
chart.
Unconventional football match and cinema landed.
75% of population (100) came on board when 'open to visitors' (June).
New Proton Magnetometer proved efficient and economic if carefully
handled.
Significant magnetic field strength changes noted in areas with 'sea-
mounts'
.
Facilities for R&R at Honiara not outstandingly suitable for
personnel in survey ships which spent many
days actively employed at sea
. Few Social
contacts with Europeans.
Shore Cinema shows in isolated
communities a great attraction.
Carried
out Shoal examination work on passage to Port Moresby.
(Note: Reception in this small community
quite remarkable and due recognition of the efforts made by the Returned
Servicemans League (Australian equivalent of
the Royal British Legion) was made by the CinC FES).
Passage
to Hong Kong with Paying-off Pennant flown on departure from Port Moresby (14
July).
Royal Marines Band greeted ship on arrival
in Singapore.
(Note: Due to delay in air transport
re-commissioning deferred and volunteers steamed ship to Hong Kong arriving
on 7 August
Interim
Refit at Hong Kong (August - November).
Hull Corrosion area found smaller than
expected. Boiler tubes replaced without delay in completion.
All survey boats were refitted after very
extensive use in previous year.
(Note: Plan to provide crew for MFV 1540
intended for use at Honiara cancelled by Commodore Hong Kong when
vessel flooded soon after departure for Leyte.
Fifth Commission.
Re-commissioned:
21 October 1958
Completed
refit.
(Note:Machinery
satisfactory but some defects in electronic gear remained (November).
Ship's cat failed to re-join and found in HMS ST BRIDES BAY.
Passage
to New Britain (November).
Shoal and reef examinations on east coast
of Philippines
(Note:Pinnacle
reported by USS BENHAM in 1944 found to extend from 1500 fathoms to 21 fathoms.
Second reef found 5 miles NW of its charted position and new name
proposed "Unexpected Bank"
Carried out examination of Philippines
Trench for 11 hours with depths over 4,500 fathoms measured
Solomon Islands survey Continuation
(November 1958 - February 1959).
Shoal Examination in New Ireland area at
LIHRI and BUKA Islands.
Detached
party with boat at BINA Harbour and ship work at FUI Bay, Malaita
Island.
(Note:Evidence
found of recent volcanic activity in BUKA area with deep water and shoals
adjacent.
Cat rejoined at Honiara.
Third
fracture of windlass shaft.
(Note: -Two hours needed to anchored
weighed using boat winch and improvised tackle
Repaired later at Port Moresby.
Survey
work at BINA considered very necessary and worth maximum effort possible.
(Note: Special written request received
from local headman at village of Arabala on island of
Malaita.
Villagers were allowed on board and Doctor visited local Mission
hospital.
SW Pacific survey Continuation (November
1958 - February 1959).
Christmas
at Port Moresby with superlative hospitality once again.
(Note:Reciprocal
invitations for Children's Party on Xmas Day and also to Cinema show.
New shallow water area south of Guadalcanal
found on New Year's Day.
(Note: This was identified provisionally as
‘New Year Bank’ and surveyed later (January 1959).
Weather conditions during depressions reminiscent of those in Atlantic.
Increase in defect load noted, particularly distiller pump, and problems
with boilers and generators.
Water rationing necessary.
Damp conditions considered primary causeof increased defect load. and
delay in obtaining spares
an added
complication.
Fleet Boilermaker visited ship at Port Moresby.
Increase in malaria cases noted and attention paid to correct use of Paludrine.
Collected Detached Parties who had
completed work at Bina Harbour (February)
(Note: Cinema performance and Doctor visit at
Bina before leaving.
Briefed District Commissioner at Malaita on
navigational features affecting Royal visit
Sailed for Sydney to exchange Captain and
surveying teams joining by air from UK.
Shoal examinations on passage. Selfridge
Bank fixed
(Note: This was originally reported by USS
SELFRIDGE)
Kelso Bank delineated and 24 fathom least
depth established.
Press
reception on arrival at Sydney with much interest in ship's cat (3 March).
Commanding
Officer: Commander JSN Prior (12/2/59)
Change
of Hydrographic Officers at Sydney (March).
Outstanding repair work carried out and
liaison with RAN Hydrographic authorities and civil
scientists relating to
oceanographic work
in South Pacific area.
Diversion
for Repair (April).
Whilst on passage to Fiji diverted to
Auckland because of Main Engine defect and hull leak.
Advance party sent by air to Labasa to prepare for survey of approaches.
(Note:Local
corrosion discovered during docking.
DED extended and Station Leave granted.
On completion of repair sailed for surveys
in Fiji Islands(May)
(Note: Five absentees on sailing.
Fijian Area Survey (May – July 1959)
Shoal examination and Oceanographic Station
work on passage.
Fijian
welcoming ceremony an arrival (See later).
Use of
lighter reduced time taken for survey work in Labasa
(Malau) Approaches.
(Note:Shoals
identification needed because of use by 8,000 ton merchant vessels collecting
sugar )
Vuya
Passage south of the island of Vanua Levu surveyed
(June).
Boiler defect due to distorted tubes
limited power available.
(Note:Progress
delayed also by weather and E/S defect.)
Attended Queen's Birthday Parade at Labasa and provided Gun Salute (June).
(Note:During
SMP at Suva third hole discovered in Engine Room - repaired by Shallow Water
Divers.)
Survey of Passage between Ovalau Island and Viti Levu completed (July).
Tidewatching party
at Levuka. Weekends spent at Levuka and Suva.
TELLUROMETER
demonstration to local Survey Department at Suva.
(Note: During this period an increase in
malaria cases was again noted.
Detached Party sent ahead by RNZAF aircraft
to start survey at Betio Anchorage, Tarawa.
Gilbert
Islands Surveys (August to November 1959).
First
visit by RN ship to Tarawa in recent years.
(Note: Anchored off Betio.
Social exchanges and Cinema landed.(August)
TELLUROMETER proved most valuable for work in this survey period.
Detached Party with boats accommodated in
RNZAF Bairiki and another at Nikunau Island.
SMP at Suva with reduced party left at
Tarawa.
Carrried out
survey between Abemama Island and Lagoon.
Detached Party and ship used (September -
November).
Boat investigation made to ensure safe
entry.
(Note:TELLUROMETER
extensively employed.
During this period snip was without mail and gave no leave for 23 days in
September
Gilbert Islands Surveys (August to November 1959).
Attended Hibiscus Festival at
Suva and entered new design Float (October) Returned to Gilbert & Ellice
work.
Fixed position of Abemama Island
(Note:-Result five mile different from US Chart.
Completed in November,
Painted ship with assistance from prisoners in local goal.
Carried out Sketch survey between Tamama and Nanmumanga with
shoal examination (October)
(Note:Attended Feast and dancing display (Batere)
. Each visitor
received grass skirt.
Cinema landed.
Carried out Running
survey at Nui Island – 3.5 mile discrepancy (North of charted position).
Passage to Singapore.
Position of Alita Reef, Laughlan Island and Stewart Island invesigated
(November).
Called at Port Moresby and Rendezvous with HM Frigate LLANDAFF.
Carried out Shoal examinations in Flores Sea.
Annual Inspection carried out
before Paying off (December 1959)
Paid off at Singapore for Extended Refit on 14 December 1959.'
Sixth Commission 1961 - 62
Commissioned: 20 March 1961
Commanding Officer: Commander J Paton
During Extended Refit the
changes made included:
Improved living acccnmodation
with cafeteria messing Extensive work on boilers which were re-tubed
as
previously recommended.
During Extended Refit in 1960 the
changes made included: (Cont.)
Installation of new variant of
improved variant of Tweo Range DECCA (LAMDA) with
roaster
transmitter
equipment resited in Blacksmith's Shop.
Old site converted for use as Asian
Mess and Tailors shop.
Original radar (Type 972) replaced
by latest design for survey use (Type 979).
Incomplete delivery of items
delayed setting to work and acceptance for use.
New Echo Sounding Gear Type 771
which was supplied without operating instructions and spares
!!)
Air conditioning provided in
Chartroom, Canteen/Sick Bay and Radar Office.
Bridge Plotting Room enlarged, layout
and natural ventilation improved.
Inspection of hull showed it
seemed in excellent condition.
