H. M. S. O W
E N
Introduction to Summary of Service 1949 to 1965.
The enclosed details are primarily based upon the Reports
Proceedings and also details from documents in the Naval Historical Branch,
Ministry of Defence. Acknowledgemnt is 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 her
deployment on hydrographic survey duties. Some place names
may not be those in current use.
OWEN spent most of her service in the Persian Gulf and Indian
Ocean, but her greatest contributions may have been made in the Antarctic Area
in 1961.
H. M. S. O
W E N
( A 3 1 1 )
(Ex-LOCH MUICK: Ex-THURSO BAY)
Original build order placed
with Hall Russell at Aberdeen on 2nd May 1943 for an Anti-submarine Frigate to
be named HMS LOCH MUICK (i). Laid down on 30th
September 1944 but the name was changed in 1944 and the ship was launched
as HMS THURSO BAY as the ship build
specification had been changed to suit use as an
Anti-aircraft Frigate. The contract was suspended and
the ship was laid-up in the build yard pending a decision on
future requirements. In September
1947 it was announced that she was to be completed for use as a Survey Ship by
HM Dockyard Chatham as part of
the 1947/48 Build Programme. After tow to Chatham conversion work began early
in 1948 and on 15th September 1947 she was re-named HMS OWEN. Build was
completed on 23rd September 1949.
Notes on conversion
Extensive alterations were made
during the period ship was at Chatham. These included:-
Provision of additional accommodation
needed for chart preparation.
Fitting of additional facilities for
stowage and handling of survey launches.
Installation of Radar equipment suitable
for survey work instead of Type 293 used in AA Frigates.
Enhanced arrangements
on quarterdeck for dealing with sweeping and measuring gear essential for survey work.
No armament was provided as conventional
for survey ships.
Name
In common with the other four
Ex LOCH Class frigate hulls converted into survey ships the name chosen was
that of a notable British hydrographer. William
Fitzwilliam Owen (1775 - 1858) who began his survey work after active
service including The Battle of the
Glorious First of June in 1794. He is particularly known for his surveys in
both Canadian and West African waters.
Manning Division:
Chatham till centralised.
H e r a l d i c D a t a
Badge: On a Field barry wavy of
8 white and blue. A stag's head erased White,
the antlers Red, gorged with a
Naval Crown gold.
S u m m a r y o f S e r v i c e
First Commission 1949 - 50.
Commissioned: 2nd August 1949
Commanding Officer: Commander
H Menzies
(Appointed 25th July 1949)
(Promoted Captain from 31/12/49)
Accepted into service on 22
August 1949
(Note:Complement of 11 Officers and 147 ratings.)
Inspected by The Hydrographer of the Navy on 21st September 1949 after
trials defects rectified.
Work-up included search for
obstructions in Sound of Barra instead of planned St.
Kilda survey (September).
Passage to Persian Gulf
(October - November)
Towed MFV 1513 for transfer to
Iranian Navy at Khorramsha
Carried out Small survey task in Bay of Biscay.
(Note:Weather conditions reduced speed of tow.
MFV was damaged at Aden during
transfer from tug before departure for Persian Gulf
. MFV repair delayed delayed departure (December).
First Persian Gulf Survey
(January - March 1950)
Joined HMS DALRYMPLE in
northern Gulf and approaches to Sitra, Bahrein (January - March 1950)
Detached party with Jeep
vehicles landed by raft at Dohar.
Tide-watching camp established
at Jezirat Fuwairat.
(Note: Social exchanges at Dohar including 'mutton grab' with Sheik of Qatar)
Passage to Mediterranean (April
- May)
Embarked Area Superintendent of the Imperial War British Graves
Commission War at Basra and an RAF Party for visit to Socotra (May).
(Note::The Cemetery on the island had
been despoiled by Aden and remains had to be transferred to Aden in
six coffins for re-interment.)
Mediterranean (May - October)
Morphon Bay RAF Bombing Range, North coast of Cyprus.
(Note: Stoker died in hospital
after fall ashore and was buried locally (August) )
Refit in Malta (August - September).
Completion delayed by machinery
defects - shaft wear.
Annual Inspection before departure.
Passage to Persian Gulf
(November)
Carried out Oceanographic
observations South of Crete
(November)
Persian Gulf in continuation (January - April).
Resumed survey off Bahrain
December 1950 - February 1951)
At Basra for Christmas.
Board of Inquiry at Bahrain
into death of Telegraphist found hanging in
compartment on board (Apri|D
Passage to Eastern
Mediterranean (April - May)
Called at Sharjah
and Aden
(Note Boiler defect at Aden restricted speed
to 10 knots until further examination in Malta
Mediterranean continuation (May
- June).
Survey and clearance of wrecks
and other wartime obstructions in Tripoli and Tobruk harbours to facilitate use
for supply of UK and US bases in
North Africa
At Malta for boiler examination
(May)
Passage to UK to refit at Sheerness and
re-commission (July)
Carried out Sounding work
between Pantellaria - Malta and later off Ushant.
Second Commission 1951 - 53
Commissioned: September
1951
Commanding Officer: Commander CRK Roe, DSC, RN (/10/51)
Passage to Persian Gulf (November).
Magnetic Variation readings
recorded off Cape Bon.
Embarked passengers in Malta
for Port Said
Carried out Soundings work and Shoal Examinations
in
Strait of Gubal
in Suez Canal
NW of Jebel Arrail
in Red Sea (November)
Between Aden -
Bahrain.
Persian Gulf continuation
(December 1951 - March 1952)
Surveyed Jezirat Daiyinah
and Jazirat Ardhana areas.
Discussed future joint
activities with HMS DALRYMPLE on arrival at Bahrain
Survey carried out in area
south of Qatar including Daz Island.
Tidal party landed at Daz Island.
(Note: Petty Officer evacuated
to UK for medical attention after serious accident whilst operating winch to
hoist survey
motor boat
(December).
Christmas at Basra with HM
Sloop WILD GOOSE with Senior Naval Officer Persian Gulf embarked).
Despite Shamal
and other adverse weather conditions planned work completed by both Survey
Snips.
Detached parties landed at Arzanah and Zarqua.
Triangulation areas used by both ships.
Passage to Mediterranean (April
- May)
Shoal fixed at Peshwa, Port Sudan and new reef found.
Carried out survey of NE approaches to Port Sudan.
Detached party landed for
triangulation work for continuation of work at Gubal.
Mediterranean continuation (May
- July)
Obstruction sweeping carried
out in Tobruk Harbour in conjunction with Italian
Salvage company.
(Note: 80 wrecks found.
HM Boom Defence Vessel BARKELL was
also engaged in removal work.
Detached party landed for local
survey.
Ship sounding carried out in
approaches to Benghazi.
Tripoli harbour entrance
including least depth measurement of wrecks
Mark erected on Fifla Firing Range for Position fixing after refit.
Refit and Docking Period in Malta (July - August 1952).
Detached parties had been left
in Suez area and near Aqaba.
Carried out anti-submarine
trials with HM Submarine (TOKEN)
Annual Inspection (September)
Passage to Persian Gulf
(October)
Carried out Gravity survey off
Malta with Cambridge University Scientists embarked.
Tobruk area work continuation
including sweep of area and visit by HM King Idris.
Soundings work and survey at Gubal continued.
Recovered Aqaba and Fayid parties Shoal examination in Gulf of Qnan.
Persian Gulf continuation
(November 1952 - March 1953)
Joined HMS DALRYMPLE for combined task in Daiyanah
and Aldanah areas.
(Note: Weather prevented boat
work. East of Qatar in area Aldhana to Yaz )
Tidal party at Kial Bazri.
Overlap of survey work
established.
Christmas at Basrah with HM Sloop WILD
GOOSE (SNOPG).
At Bahrain for CinC East Indies visit in HM Cruiser CEYLON (January 1953)
Triangulation work repeated
with DALRYMPLE and visits paid to local ports.
(Note: During this period
increase in loss of Marks by theft was noted).
Visited Umm Said and embarked
Political Resident for return to Bahrain
Took part in Demonstration for Trucial Coast rulers with HMS
CEYLON and HMS WILD GOOSE.
(Note:Weather conditions prevented RAF participation.
Tidal Party rescued dhow crew
(February)
Visited Basrah
on completion of planned work
Passage to Mediterranean (April
- May)
Escorted ss
HUMPHREY GALE (on Charter to British Aemy) to to Bahrain
Carried out Soundings work off Perim and
Zuquair Island at at Suez
during passage from Bahrain.
and later in Red Sea,
Mediterranean in continuation (May
- June).
Carried out survey work North coast of Cyprus and soundings SW of Paphos.
Landed detached party with Jeeps at Famagusta.
Attended Coronation Day celebrations at Kyrenia
with ‘Open Day’ and Floodlighting.
Completed section to Cape Plakoti
Carried out Repeat sweep of
obstructions at Tobruk
Co-ordinates of Fifla Island established for future use as Firing Range.
Passage to UK for refit at
Chatham and re-commissioning (July)
Magnetic observations and shoal
made in Mediterranean.
Hydrographer embarked at Plymouth for final
leg.
Passage to Chatham for refit.
Third Commission 1953 - 55
Re-commissioned: August 1953
Commanding Officer: Lieut. Cdr JTK Paisley (02/11/53)
Refit at Chatham (July -
October).
Meeting with Anglo-Iranian Oil Company to discuss factors
affecting surveying in Persian Gulf.
Completion delayed by machinery
defects
(Note: Two deserters one of
whom was apprehended.)
Carried out special radar trial using RACON radar Beacon in Thames
Estuary during sea trials.
Passage to Persian Gulf (November - December)
Soundings recorded.
Annual inspection in Malta.
(Note: Soldiers embarked for
passage to Canal Zone did not find the trip (or the daily rum issue) very
attractive.)
Diverted to Port Sudan to land two suspected appendictomy
cases.
Met HMS DALRYMPLE off Das Island for briefing.
Persian Gulf in continuation (December 1953 - March 1954)
Area covered - Creagh Shoal to Bu Tini in N.
approaches to Bahrain.
Commanding Officer: Lieut.
Commander HR Hatfield
(07/02/54
(Promoted Commander:31/12/54)
Severe weather delayed
establishment of Tide camp at Bu Tini
R&R at Umm Said.
Deployed for survey at Yaz and in Zirko area on completion.
(Note:Aerial reconnaissance by Captain in an RAF Anson
aircraft nearly ended in disaster when wheel failed to
lock 'down prior to landing. (.March)
Took passage to Aden for Special Duty,
Royal Visit to Men (April 1954)
Deployed as Guardship.
HM Cruiser NEWFOUNDLAND with CinC East Indies, Indian and Pakistani escort ships were
also present. for
attendance when HM Queen Elizabeth II,
embarked in ss GOTHIC visited the Colony whilst on
world tour.
(Note::
High temperature of sea-water required careful operation of refrigeration
plant.
Firework display nearly ended in
disaster when 'ready use' stock was ignited by 'rogue' firework.
Passage to Mediterranean (May)
Diverted to evacuate medical emergency from Esthers
Lighthouse to Suez.
(Note: This received little
recognition by Egyptian authorities.)
Mediterranean in continuation
(May - October)
Towed Lighter to Famagusta
Deployed for.survey
off North coast of Cyprus (May - June)
Detached party landed to
establish Cyprus - Turkish mainland link.
Some delays due to poor
visibility.
Collected Army Survey Team at Fayid for
land survey in isolated part of Canal Zone.
Shoal examination at Bir Odeid.
R&R with 42 Field Survey
Regiment at their Fayid Base May).
Returned to Cyprus (June)
Took part in Queen's Birthday
celebrations included ‘Open Days ‘at Ayos Philos and Kyrenia.
(Note: Sporting and Regatta
competitions.
Events marred by disciplinary
offence resulting in the subsequent Court Martial of an Officer who was then
'dismissed
his ship'.)
Sailing from Kyrenia delayed by sabotage
of steering engine.
Refit and Fair Chart
preparation at Malta (June - October)
Flag of FO Malta worn for 1 day on his arrival in Malta (August).
Ship fumigated.
Diverted during sea trial to search for wrecked WYVERN aircraft.
Commanding Officer: Lieut. Commander JSN Pryor, RN (09/10/54).
(Promoted Commander: 31/121/54)
Passage to Bahrein
(November)
Carried out Magnetic and Oceanographic observations.
Called at Socotra for cow
required by Government Experimental Farm at Bahrein
(Note:.Animal embarked from whaler and spent voyage on F'csle.
This animal was required as a mate
for a Socotran bull landed from HMS WILD GOOSE in
1954 and
which
would not mate with other breeds.
Doctor landed and held clinic.
Called at Salalah for fodder.
Spent three days at Sir Abu Nu
'Air island off Qatar to fix position prior to use as site
for DECCA Navigator
System GREEN Slave Station.
Persian Gulf in continuation
(November 1954 - March 1955)
Eastern Approaches to Bahrein and Sitra ship work
commenced
Tide watching camp established at Sitra
with use of MFV from Bahrein
Experimental Decca Chain under tested (December 1954 - January
1955)
DECCA receivers available on loan for use on board.
Christmas at Basra.
(Note: Petty Officer received
serious injury to his right foot during operation of Taut Wire Measuring
Equipment
winch.
Emergency hospital attention was
unable to prevent amputation.
Board of Inquiry chaired by Senior
Naval Officer Persian Gulf
Diverted to search for RAF Anson aircraft which had crashed in the
area (18-21 January).
(Note: Position marked,
No survivors found but two bodies
recovered next day.)
Wreckage located by A/S equipment
and recovered.
Temporary repair to Port main
engine defect restricted speed.
Carried out Hallul area survey.
DECCA Chain equipment used.
Special authority obtained to
use Mercator Projection Charts. (February – Marclh)
Tidal parties landed at Hallul and Mabarras.
Shoal investigation by ship and
boats.
Proposal to take part in visit
by Turkish Navy to Bahrein cancelled
R&R periods in Abu Dhabi.
Work delayed by loss of Beacons
due to thieving
(Note: Losses reported to Ruler
and some later recovered.)
DECCA accuracy trials in Daz - Zarquar area completed.
(Note: Some interference by
weather conditions noted. )
First use of Canteen in HMS
JUFAIR at Bahrein for ships (April)
Passage to UK (April 1955)
Shoal examinations carried out in Strait
of Hormuz and off Spanish coast
Russian Floating Docks sighted
travelling south in Red Sea.
Called at Fayid for meeting with RE Team
carrying out land survey in Cyprus.
(Note:Fraudulent Plot uncovered.
Possible attempt by unknown persons
in Malta to defraud the Crown was foiled on arrival when Paymaster
refused to
hand over Egyptian money brought from Port Said as a result of receipt of
signal purporting to be
from CinC Msditerranean.
This was found to be a deliberate
deception.)
Paid off in Chatham for refit and re-commissioning
(May 1955)
Fourth Commission 1955 –56
Re-commissioned:
May 1955
Commanding Officer: Lieut..Commander JSN Pryor, RN
(Promoted Commander:
30/6/55.)
Refit Period (May – September
1955)
Reception in HM Survey Ship VIDAL for Vice Admiral Day, Hydrographer of the Navy.
(Note: Tragic death by natural
causes of Supply Officer on board.
Some improvements to accommodation
made by addition of new design kit lockers.
Refit period extended to make good
defects in Cold/Cool Room and repair of machinery defecta
found on
trials
Passage to Persian Gulf
(September – October)
Anchoring check off Deal and ‘near miss’ with merchant ship.
Unsatisfactory incident with Police in Malta. and ship’ officer left ashore to attend Court.
Annual Inspection in Malta.
Programme of soundings Between
Port Said and Straits of Hormuz completed.
Unable to recover Starboard
anchor when in Strait of Gubalin near Suez
(Note:Temporary replacement obtained at Aden).
Carried out Shoal investigation off Qnani
coast as instructed.
Reinvestigation of Hormuz Shoal
(Emmerdale) successful
(Note: Least depth established
as nine fathoms).
Persian Gulf in continuation
(October 1955 – February 1956)
.South Persian Gulf surveys
including Qatar area and Bahrein.
(Note: This was in view of
anticipated increase in use of large oil tankers and construction of new jetty
Khor Kaliya
for use by RN frigates).
Dredged entrance channel swept
and checked for visit by CinC East Indies in HM
Cruiser GAMBIA.
Detached party left at Bahrain
for local soundings work.
Survey between Creagh Shell and Bu Tini
continued with detached party at Zarqa.
During visit to Abu Dhabi some
of the Beacons stolen during previous work were returned
(Note: All Beacons in future to
be marked with Notices in Arabic.)
Social exchanges
at Abu Dhabi.
Commenced sounding at new
frigate berths at Khor Kaliyah
prior to dredging.
At Basrah for Christmas period.
(Note: Tour of oilfields
arranged.
Delay experienced in return due to
weather conditions.
Trucial Coast Islands coast-lining work (January – February).
Sketch survey Las Hat Islets – Khor Dhuwehin;and
Jebel Odaid – Khor Dhuwein completed.
Detached party left at Bahrein for tidal work and soundings.
Passage to UK (February – March
1956)
Calls made at Mukalla for brief local survey and medical visit to Socotra
at same time.
Shoal Examinations off Aden and
in Straits of Gubal.
Tobruk local survey task extended
because of King Idris birthday celebrations.
Weather in SW approaches
prevented embarkation of Hydrographer at Devonport
for return to Chatham.
Home Waters Deployment (April –
May)
6900 visitors on board during Chatham Navy Days.
DECCA Navigator System Receiver
equipment (QM9)) fitted.
Fire in Officers Galley causing damage to equipment.
(Note: Deep Fat Fryer
electrical power supply not isolated when galley staff left compartment.)
Carried out North Sea Wreck Survey and Clearance operations
including Galloper Bank and NOrth Foreland areas.
(Note:20
sites nominated and 14 of the 24 listed wrecks were located and swept with five
more not listed also located.
Week-end visits to Ostend and
Margate.
During this period the ashes of
an RNVR Commander were scatterd off Burnham on
Crouch, Essex.
A Trinity House representative
was embarked for 3 week study of hydrographic survey
practices.
Refit at Sheerness (June -
September 1956)
Installation of 2 RANGE DECCA System.
(Note:Provision of this equipment considerably enhanced
survey facilities available
. It comprised a Master radio
transmitting unit fitted on board with new permanent mast stepped at forward
end
of quarterdeck.
Additionally two portable 'Slave1
transmitter Stations were provided for use ashore during survey work.
The equipment allowed measurements
to be made when out of sight of land and more importantly in poor
visibility when optical instruments cannot be
used.
During the refit period ships staff set up
the two Slave Stations with their 100 ft masts on the Isle of Sheppey
to become familiar with the system.
A new design Echo Sounding Outfit
(Kelvin Hughes MS2626J) was also fitted.
Captain reported a very high standard of
quality of work had been achieved by Sheerness Dockyard.
Fifth Commission 1956- 51
Re-commissioned: July 1956
Commanding Officer: Commander GPD Hall, DSC, RN (09/07/56)
(Later Rear Admiral, CB, DSC and Hydrographer
1971–70)
Completion delayed by repair to
stern tube bearing bushes, damage to propeller during moves of ship and post
refit
defects found during sea trials
Work completed on 30 August.
Carried out 2 Range DECCA
system trials (31 August)
(Note: Equipment found to be
satisfactory out to 90 miles from land.
(Required
standard being 70 miles).
Assisted dis-masted
Yacht NAIAD off Westcliffe (1 September)
Completed Calibration trials of GREEN Slave which had been
transferred to Felixtowe. (13 September)
North Sea Survey (September)
.Completed after delay due to
generator defect at GREEN Slave 19 September)
Passage to West Africa
(October)
Dr JDH Wiseman, MA PhD of
British Museum embarked for trial of new design Core Sampling equipment.
Sailed from Plymouth on completion of D/F calibration.
(Note:Effect of new mast structure noted on operation of
Direction FIUnding outfit (25 September)
Trials on 2 Range DECCA using
special Slave Station at Stevenage held lock to nearly 400 miles.
New Echo Sounder equipment
found unsatisfactory during initial use off Ushant but improved with experience
Winch defects caused delays in
core sampling work in Iberian Basin.
(Note Undisturbed
sample was obtained from over 2 mile depth and showed new design better than earlier 'Cambridge' type). Oceanographic measurements
recorded.
Under repair at Gibraltar.
Winch modifications improved
its use for coring work.
Shoal examination carried out
off Casablanca
