Transferred to Portsmouth until
centralised.
H e r a l d i
c D a t a
Badge:
On a Field White in front of 3
bars couped wavy Blue,
a Roebuck's head erased Proper, gorged with a
ducal crown Gold
D e t a i l s 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 8
March
Carried out First of Class harbour and Sea Trials
to (Note: First of
the conversions to Survey Ship to be completed
April. Manned by
Trials complement and after extensive trials consequential repair work
was completed by HM Dockyard.)
May
4th Commissioned for foreign service in the Far East
. (Note: Seven Assistant Hydrographers
were included in complement.)
Commanding Officer: Captain K. St.B Collins,
QBE, DSC
.
(Later Rear Admiral, KBE,.DSC and Hydrographer
1957 to 1960).
First Commission 1948 - 50.
June
18th Took passage from Chatham and on completion of D/F
calibration sailed for Devonport.
22nd Sailed from
Devonport for foreign service.
26th Emergency repair
work carried out at Gibraltar after rough passage
Resumed passage on completion.
July Passage in Red Sea and Indian Ocean with call at Aden.
(Note: Oceanographic measurements and shoal examinations
were carried out on passage.
.
27th Searched for B29
aircraft which crashed when taking off at night from Khormaksar, Aden,
(Note: No survivors found.
Wreckage located by radar and buoyed.
August
Diverted to Colombo to land rating for medical
treatment.
Joined BPF at Singapore (August).
September Carried out Malayan Coasts Survey based at Singapore.
to (Note: These
included Kelentan (East) and Bintulu
(West). Klang Strait,
October and Port Swettenham.
November
On completion took passage to Hong Kong
December Under refit and docking at Hong Kong
(Note: Work done included replacement of Starboard Danforth anchor by 34cwt Stockless
type and Hawse pipe modified.
1 9 4 9
January Refit in continuation
to New Commanding
Officer: Commander SJ Hennesey, RN (19/01/49)
March
April Carried out Survey in Borneo area.
to (Work included Batang Sadong and Labuan (Ship and Detached parties)
June Brunei Bay (Ship) and Brunei River (Detached Parties)
July Docking and
Essential Defects at Singapore
On completion
deployed for survey on East coast of Malaya
(Note: Work included Sermut Abi; Kota Bahru area and Kelentan.
August Despatched to Hong Kong for special new requirement.
Carried out Deep Bay local survey
with protection provided by RM Commando unit.
September Deep Bay survey in progress
7th Typhoon conditions experienced
with winds of up to 100 mph which enforced
move from normal anchorage to a better position off TAINKEN Island.
(Note: Two dinghies were wrecked on quarterdeck.
Flooding caused due to poor fitting
of scuttles and superstructure doors.
Commanding Officer reported overall behaviour to be reassuring . ).
Party taken
to Pratas Reef to repair damaged Meteorological
Equipment but unsuccessful.
Returned to Singapore to continue
East Coast survey.
October East Coast survey in
continuation.
to (Note: Work
included Perhentian Island to Sungei
(Kelentan).
November
Continuous sounding and 'least depth' determination recorded over wrecks
in
China Sea on passage to
and from survey area.
December Taken in hand for Annual Refit
and Docking at Hong Kong
1 9 5 0
January Under refit
to (Note: Work
included fit of Electrical driven davits.
April Repair of Hall structure damage sustained on
passage.
Funnel height extended by 6 feet which later proved fully worthwhile and
reduced
effect of fumes and heat haze in bridge area.
On
completion took passage to Borneo
May Carried out survey
between Labuan and Gaya Bay
Returned to Singapore to re-commission
18th Commissioned
(Note: New Ship's Company from Chatham Depot travelled in HM
Light Fleet Aircraft
Carrier OCEAN and transferred with ships
lying in adjacent berths.
20th Survey work was
resumed off North Borneo between Labuan and Gaya Bay
Second Commission
1950 - 54
June Survey carried out at Victoria Harbour
to (Note:
Kuala Similajou
commercial Timber development facilities were well in hand)
July Carried out survey
of Tioman Exercise area.
August Transferred for further
Malayan coast work including Cibu Channel to Blair Harbour,
to Klang Strait and Penang)
November
December
Passage to Hong Kong for annual refit.
(Note:
Shoal examination, least depth assessment of wrecks and continuous soundings on
passage with Bathythermograph measurements.
1 9 5 1
January Under refit
to (Note: Local shoal
examination work was undertaken at Hong Kong.
April Detached party was
deployed on DG Range survey at Singapore.
New
Commanding Officer: Commander RH Connell (16/03/51).
May Resumed Borneo East
Coast survey work including Tanjong Batu to Batang Tatau)
to (Note: Extensive
use of Detached Parties for setting up Marks, Triangulation and Tide
June Watching)
Body of civilian Manager taken to Miri at
request of Timber Company.
July Passage to Singapore for Docking period.
Extended because of replacement of bearings in "A"
bracket.
31st Dockyard work
completed
August Resumed NE Borneo coast survey at Kuala Similajou
to Detached Party
at Bintulu.
September
October Passage to continue Malayan coast survey.
Local surveys
carried out at Singapore and Penang
November On completion took passage to Hong Kong for annual refit.
During passage affected
by Typhoon AMY with
wind speeds up to 80 knots and heavy seas.
(Note: Commanding Officer reported:
'Behaviour beautiful in a sea way with dry foc'sle but very wet quarterdeck.’
'Little pounding but needed to keep Revolutions for 9 knots
to hold required
course '.
‘Damage to hull structure below waterline added to Defect
List.’
December Taken in hand for refit by HM
Dockyard, Hong Kong.
1 9 5 2
January Under refit
to Local survey work
undertaken.
March
April Passage to resumed
survey on West coast Borneo survey
May Survey in continuation
including periods at Tanjong Pandaras
and Tanganak:
to (Note: Extensive
liaison established with shore survey authorities in Borneo.
July
Identified need for US co-operation during future work
(See below).
Ship and Detached parties used for Sandakan - Marudu Bay area.
Located wreck
of Japanese tanker using A/S and E/S equipment (May)
August
Returned to Singapore to re-commission and for
Docking Period.
Third Commission 1952-54.
15th Commissioned for service
September Under refit
Detached
Parties carried out work in Pulau Tioman.
October
Resumed survey including Burong, To Kong Bara,
Sirbuat, Hariman and Sembilang.
November Deployed on West Coast Malaya continuation
Detached Parties at
Penang and Georgetown.
December
Diverted for special wreck investigation in Brunei Bay.
Passage to Hong Kong for refit with calls at Manila and at US Navy Base at Subic Bay
for US equipment. (12 December)
Taken in hand for annual refit period and docking.
(Note: Extensive preparation of Charts was carried out
during these periods)
1 9 5 3
January Under refit
to Dockyard work
included
March
Replacement of Tail
Shaft bearings by new type.
Main
Engines re-aligned in accordance with 1952 Directive from Admiralty.
New Bottom Search Asdic, Type 162 fitted.
(Note Echo-Sounding
Outfit Type 767 to replace E/S Type 765 not available.)
Local survey
work using ship's boats was carried out.
New Commanding Officer: Commander JC Grattan, DSC* (05/03/53)
April. On completion of
dockyard work carries out Full Power Trial
(Note: Speed - 18 knots after many problems rectified
Took passage to resume North East Borneo continuation.
May
Survey in continuation including Labuan area and Kennedy Bay for shoal examination
using newly installed
Type 162:
Work included Sibuang to Billean; Darvel Bay; Kudat
Ship and Detached Parties were used for these
tasks.):
June Work suspended to attend
Coronation ceremonies at Sandakan with Parades and visits
by Tribal dignitaries. Ship was illuminated and Open to
Public visitors.
8th Returned to
survey.
Court Martial
of Stores Petty Officer carried out relating to
deficiency in Cash Clothing
Account. Result: Disrated and deprived of
GC Badges and LS Medal.
July Borneo survey tasks in continuation.
August On completion took passage to Singapore for Docking period
At Singapore for hull examination and
essential defect repair by HM Dockyard.
During this
period local reef examinations were carried out.
September
On completion resumed Malayan East Coast survey.
to Motor Launches were deployed to
assist using portable Echo-sounding equipment
October
Detached parties were landed for Tidal and other observations.
November Transferred to West Coast of
Malaya including survey work at Penang with ship
anchored at Pulau Jerejak for extensive Boat work.
(Note: Royal Malayan Navy trainees embarked for sea
experience.)
December
Passage to Hong Kong for annual refit
Reef
examination carried out off Jesselton.
11th Ship forced to
Hove to for 48 hours in excess
weather conditions.
(Note: Upper Deck fittings broken and flooding of
compartments on Lower Deck.
Damage to underwater Asdic transducer fittings and hull structure.
Army personnel embarked for this trip accustomed themselves well !)
On arrival taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard.
1 9 5 4
January Under refit
to Work undertaken
included replacement of parts of Funnel Deck and Midships
structure
March due to excessive corrosion.
Air
Conditioning Unit fitted in Survey Chartroom
(Note Similar
unit was had previously been fitted in Sick Bay.)
April
After trials took passage
to Singapore for Annual Inspection.
May
Resumed North East coast Borneo survey based at Labuan
to (Note:
Recommendation made that urgent need existed for improved navigational aids
August to be
provided around this coast.
Implementation was felt difficult because of financial constraints.
Ship and
detached parties engaged in Billean - Kukuban area: where a 40 foot
Tower was
sited on summit of Tigabu for a Beacon to be
installed with local
assistance and much effort required.
Rating seriously
injured in swimming pool accident and evacuated by air with neck
vertebra fracture (May)
Attended
Queen's Birthday Parade at Sandakan with HMS NEWFOUNDLAND
(Flag officer 2nd
in Command, Far East Station
embarked) (5th and 6th June)
Carried out
unsuccessful search with Mosquito aircraft for a pirate vessel after raid on
Jambougon
Island (24th June).
Visited Indonesia port of Tarakan. (16th-18th July).
(Note: Sluggish start but eventually hospitable conclusions
(16/8 July).
Carried out shoal
examinations on passage to Singapore for routine
docking.
September In hand for hull examination by
HM Dockyard, Singapore.
Rating injured
in accident with motor vehicle in Dockyard.
October
On completion resumed
East coast Malaya survey tasks in Aur - Tioman area
Medical
assistance provided at Paula Tioman.
Detached party
with Motor Launch assistance sent to Penang to prepare for future work.
14th Deployed on
West coast Malaya at Penang.
Royal Malayan
Navy trainees embarked for sea experience
23rd Passage to Singapore to recommission
Notes on 3rd Commission
Contemporary documentation suggests a higher number of warrants for punishment
being read
than would be expected. These included Leave breaking,
Drunkenness, and in one Neglect of
duty involving deficiency in cash accounting.
Embarkation of Royal
Malayan Navy personnel
(Commissioned Bos'n and 25 ratings)
proved
very successful. Future Arrangements were made to include ME
and Supply Branch ratings in
future.
Fourth Commission 1954-56
29th Commissioned
November Resumed West coast Malaya
survey based at Penang and included included
Tidal
observations and an Oropesa Sweep
of Southern approach channel.
Midshipmen
from HM Cruiser NEWCASTLE embarked.
December Passage to Hong Kong via Singapore for Annual
Refit.
Shoal
examination carried out in South China Sea using Taut Wire Measuring Gear for
Beacon laying. Bathythermograph measurements made.
On arrival at
Hong Kong taken in hand
for refit by HM Dockyard.
1 9 5 5
January Under refit.
to (Note: This was
marked by disciplinary problems some of which had to be dealt with by
March
Court Martial (See below).
Dockyard work
included fitting of Echo-sounding Outfit Type 76? fitted.
New
Commanding Officer: Commander CRK Roe,
DSC (18/02/55).
April Completion delayed
till 4 April by replacement of fuel pipework found to
be corroded
beneath lagging.
On
completion took passage to Singapore during which Shoal examinations were made.
12th After arrival
despatched in emergency diversion to carry out search for missing civilian
aircraft KASHMIR EXPRESS near Natuma Island.
Raised steam
quickly and sailed with some libertymen still ashore.
13th Three survivors and three bodies
recovered and taken to Singapore
(Note: It
was later suggested that this was a result of sabotage as aircraft was carrying
some
representatives to an 'Afro-Asian' conference at Bandung).
14th Courts Martial
held (See above.)
Able Seaman charged with 'An act prejudicial ' -
Found Guilty and sentenced to 15 months
detention.
Signalman
charged with 'Behaving with contempt' and other lesser charges - Pleaded Guilty
and sentenced to 9 months detention, 9 days pay stopped and
Deprived of 2 Good Conduct
Badges.
Able Seaman charged with 'Using insulting language'
and other lesser charges.
Found Guilty
and sentenced to 6 months detention and deprived of 1 Good Conduct Badge.
Able Seaman
charged with 'Wilful disobedience', Striking a superior
officer, Actual bodily
harm and using insulting language. Pleaded Guilty and
sentenced to 30 months cells and
Dismissed the service.
Carried out Local survey in Singapore area.
Detached
parties for tide watching sent to Banaggi and Tigarbu.
May North Borneo survey in continuation in Mallawali Channel area.
Detached
parties carried out tidal observations and triangulation work.
Main Camp at Patanunma Island.
Boats
engaged in sweeping and sounding operations.
Pinnacle
located at Tanjong Datu. whilst based at Sandakan and at Kudat
for R&R periods.
Assisted in
local fire-fighting at Jesselton (May)
June Attended Queen's
Birthday Parade at Sandakan
Shoal
examination in Balabac Strait and Miri
Radar fixing used due to poor weather.
July Local harbour
survey work undertaken at Sandakan for SHELL petroleum
installation
Magnetic observation using recently supplied
OHM and BMZ instruments.
Passage to Singapore.
Carried out survey in Singapore Roads survey before Docking Period.
August
Carried out Local surveys at
Woodlands and for planned jetty at Boom Defence Depot.
Docked at Singapore for routine Hull examination.
September On completion resumed East Coast Malaya survey between Telak and Kuala Rompin with
to Magnetic
observations.
October Shallow Water Diving Team
exercised.
Fixed position of Pulau Rosin in Gulf of Thailand.
Transferred to West Coast
Malaya for continuation of work including
November Work included southern approaches to Penang.
Guards
provided for Remembrance Ceremonial occasions at Penang
Tidal
observations made at Pulau Rimau
and inshore surveying
Magnetic
observations carried out at Rimau Island
Inshore
Beacons were lost in this period
On
completion of season’s work took passage to Hong Kong
for annual refit with call at
Singapore
December Taut Wire Measurements,
soundings and shoal examinations in South China Sea on
passage to Hong Kong for refit.
Rough weather
caused damage and prevented completion of planned work
Taken in hand for by HM Dockyard, Hong Kong for refit and
docking.
1 9 5 6
January Under
Refit.
to Work included
modernisation of Messdecks
February Installation of DECCA Track
Plotter Unit loaned for future work (See Below).
Local survey
work undertaken at Hong Kong.
New
Commanding Officer: Commander ND Royds,
RN (02/01/56).
March On completion took
passage to Singapore to re-commission.
Fifth Commission 1956-1958
April Commissioned
May Resumed North Borneo coastal
survey.
to Extensive use of
boats.
July Tide watching party
established at Mantanam Island and Rajang (Sarawak).
Earlier Mark
sited at Tawau by HMS MERLIN in 1910 found to have been
moved and had to
be reset,
Bench Mark
placed by HMS HERALD not found and datum remade by transfer from
Jesselton.
New temporary DECCA Chain checked using
beacons and Track Plotter which proved to
proved be a great asset especially for soundings work.
(Note: One result of the work done during this period was to
establish that the shorter route
from Tawau to ports on NE coast
could be used safely.
This was adopted later by timber ships when improved Wallace Bay Saw
Mills
facilities had been brought into use.)
Rescued crew
of Kumpit (Local craft) which was on passage to Philipines from Tawau and
wrecked on reef 10 miles north of Sempora.
Survivors were landed at Sempora and met by
armed police
Capstan
shaft fractured and replaced by new sent from Singapore.
Unexploded Bomb
destroyed at Labuan at request of local authorities.
August Temporary DECCA Chain
set up for oil exploration removed and to no longer available
for RN use (August)
Increase of leave
breaking offences was noted during this period.
Detached
party landed at Mjara in Brunei Bay to continue work whilst ship in
Singapore.
Passage to Singapore for
Maintenance Period.
Measured Mile in Singapore area surveyed
to check least clearance over reefs.
September Resumed North Borneo coastal survey continuation.
to Lack of local DECCA Chain made necessary
greater shore clearance work by shore parties to
October set up Marks.
(Note: This task was not popular.
Kudat used as base for collection of support requirements
always provided a good
reception and made ship's company welcome.
Labuan also used for R&R.
Detached Party in North West approaches to Mallalawi Channel. Mjara
recovered.
November Transferred to west coast of Malaya to carry out small survey tasks in Port Swettenham area
and in Malacca Straits
Detached
party sent to Tanjong Kling work.
December On completion took passage to
Hong
Kong
for refit after call at Singapore.
Carried out Shoal examinations
on Macclesfield Bank.
Prince
Consort Island Lighthouse
fixed by intersection.
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard on arrival.
1 9 5 7
January Under refit.
to During this
period the usual harbour tasks for hydrographers to
prepare charts from the results
March of the surveying work were carried out.
April On completion of
refit took passage to resume East coast of Malaya
survey work.
May This period
required extensive use of Shore Parties for tide observations and of ships’
boats
for setting up survey datum Beacons.
(Note: Despite lack of
entertainment the duty in isolated sites for tide measurement was very
attractive
as the extent of the tasks was not
overwhelming and little supervision was
required
Screw of one
boat was fouled by wire and barriers erected to protect divers from sharks
. A Slight 'Flu
epidemic occurred on board (May)
June Mail delivery was
carried out by RAF Sunderland aircraft (June)
Made visit
to Kuala Pahang for Sultan's Jubilee but this proved disappointing.
July Leave during
R&R period restricted by lack of berth (July).
During
passage to Hong Kong soundings were made in Paracel Islands area.
Paid off into Dockyard control on arrival.
Extended
refit commenced by HM Dockyard.
Principal
work done was the installation of two Range DECCA Navigational; Aid
Equipment to improve accuracy of position fixing of survey datum
points.
Detached
Beat parties were employed to re-survey at Singapore and also in Hong Kong
harbour
approaches.
Work
undertaken included: -Installation of Two Range DECCA equipment.
Trials were
carried out by ship's staff during this period to become familiar with the
operation
and handling of the equipment.
Problems
with Radio communication between Slave Stations and ship using US radio set
(Type TCS)
were not fully satisfactory as this equipment is not easily transported.
Improvements
were made to accommodation by provision of bunks instead for use instead
of hammocks.
Provision of Cafeteria
messing facilities was provided by changes to Galley arrangements.
1 9 5 8
January Under refit
to
June
Sixth Commission 1958 - 60.
July
18th
Commissioned 18th July 1958
Commanding
Officer: Commander EW Haslam, RN (20/05/58).
(Later Rear Admiral, CB, QBE and Hydrographer 1975
-77).
Army personnel from GREEN HOWARDS embarked
during sea trials.
Sister
Survey Ship HMS COOK
in company briefly before leaving Hong Kong
(Note: This was the first time two survey ships had been
together on Far East Station
since 1946.)
August Machinery trials not
totally satisfactory but ship sailed to conform with survey programme.
Passage to Singapore with examination Helen Shoal in
South
China Sea.
On arrival
at Singapore difficulties were experienced
in arranging the return of survey boats
left for
repair in Singapore Dockyard.
Carried out
SMASHEX exercise with HM Sloop CRANE, HM Destroyer CAVALIER and
HM New
Zealand Frigate ROTOITI to simulate emergency requirements for submarine
rescue operation.
Detached
party sent to Pulua Tionan.
September
Carried Survey in Fleet Exercise areas K & L
Taut Wire
measurement made from Pulau Aur
to 10 Beacon positions off shore
4th Survey Launch SEALARK lost off
Pulau Aur (4 Sept.),
Passage to West Coast
of Malaya to resume survey work using newly installed Two Range
DECCA
equipment
October Slave Stations
equipment landed using lighter (5 ½ tons).
(Note: GREEN Station site
30 miles south of Butterworth on Chernose Estate.
Transfer proved difficult and involved difficult access by ferry and
subject to
flooding.)
RED Station site 6 miles south of Penang
on Dindings Estate)
Presence of snakes presented problems but easy access.
TCS used for
communication.
Two Range
DECCA used for fixing with Survey Boats on either beam.
(Note:
Some ‘ Lane Slipping ‘ experienced possibly due to chosen Slave sites.)
Detached
parties used for re-survey of Didings River approaches and left to continue
survey
work
during forthcoming docking period.
18th Formal visit paid to Penang.
November Survey in continuation
December
Survey carried in area north of Cape Racchado for proposed new oil terminal
near
an
associated power station near Penang.
(Note:
Position not recommended because of limited depth making costly dredging likely
Ground for breakwaters was also believed unsuitable (December 1958).
(Special
Note: Wilful disobedience charges against five
ratings necessitated Warrant
punishment
Passage to Singapore for docking.
Under
repair in AFD 11 at Singapore
(Note:
Port shaft bushes refitted to correct earlier work at Hong Kong.
Starboard Steam Generator rewired.
Boat winch defect repaired.
On
completion deployed for East Coast survey.
1 9 5 9
January Resumed West Coast
Malaya Two Range DECCA survey continued between Kuala Gula
to and Tanjong Hantu area (35 mile south
of Penang).
February R&R at Penang with children's parties.
Dindings Detached Party reported discrepancies with earlier
survey by HM Sloop in 1920’s
and latest
work.
Ship's
Crest presented to
Lumut Museum and accepted by Rajah.
Extensive use of boats
(Note: Significant wear on shafts since September 1958 noted.)
Further
survey work to be resumed in November 1960.
February
24th Present during visit by HRH The Duke of
Edinburgh to Singapore Dockyard.
Embarked
party for Borneo whilst Passage to Hong Kong (March).
Passage to
Hong Kong with call in Borneo to disembark passengers
March At Hong Kong for Royal Visit
Carried out
shoal investigation in Kowloon Bay for check on South Channel
approaches
Objectives
not fully achieved because weather conditions prevent astro
fix.
3rd Present at departure of
Royal Yacht after visit by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
(Special
Note: Recommendation made that Local Leave in Hang Kong for 7 days plus a
Long Weekend should be given to all ships companies of survey vessels in
Far
East
in middle of each commission was made by
Commanding Officer HMS DAMPIER.
This would
provide compensation in a better climate for hard work necessary
during hydrographic activities. In this period £7000 was withdrawn from
ship's
POSB facility with only £45 paid in.)
April Sailed from Hong
Kong for routine Hull examination and carried out
shoal examination
work.
Training
programme arranged during stay.
May Deployed for
continuation of East coast Malaya survey using Two Range DECCA
to Sites for
Slave Stations established with assistance from Army Landing Craft for
transport of
July equipment
(Note RED Station sited 4 miles south of Mersing.
GREEN Station sited at Tanjong Datok, Johore.
During Special survey of Exercise areas off Palau Tioman. GREEN
Slave site
transferred to position north of Kuantan (22
Way)
Work included Coastal area and inshore waters Kuala Pahang - Tanjong Gelang
and Tangjong Sirik -
Batang Mukah.
Investigation of shoals discovered delayed
completion of programme.
Regular
mail deliveries were received
Leave only
possible on 28 days out of 92 on task.
Boat work during R&R at Kuantan difficult in poor weather and at low water.
In first
year of Commission 830 man-days lost through sickness ashore.
August Docking and Annual
Inspection at Singapore (August)
(Notes:
Ship won Far East Fleet Soccer Trophy.
Dockyard
work included extensive boiler re-tubing.
Both survey
whalers unserviceable and repaired
Two ratings
sentenced to local detention for leave breaking offences.
September Deployed for joint survey tasks off Borneo with Sarawak Hydrographic
Survey Department
to Detached parties for Tide
Watching and Marking.
October Visits paid to Kuching and Miri for R&R.
23rd Diverted briefly to cross the
Equator for first time (23 October)
(Note: Night Leave given on
only seven nights during 52 days on
station.
November Resumed survey tasks on West coast Malaya including Dindings River area and approaches
to Penang
(Notes:
R&R week-ends at Penang.
Future work
sharing discussed with Malayan Director of Marine.
Tide camps
set-up for simultaneous observations at Port Swettenham
Check
surveys carried out at Pintu Gedong
Bar, Kuala Batu and Port Dickson.
Soundings
made in Klang Strait before return for to
re-commission at Singapore
December Passage to Singapore.
5th Arrived at Singapore
(Note:
Statistics for commission ending December 1959 - 5,300 hours of boat survey
work.)
Taken in hand
for refit by HM Dockyard Singapore
Seventh Commission, 1960-61
1 9 6 0
January Under
refit
1st Commissioned
Commanding Officer: Commander DW Haslam, RN (20/05/58).
February Under refit
to (Notes: Detached
party deployed in entrance to Johore Strait.
March One officer
narrowly escaped serious injury when he fell into a submerged trap whilst
carrying out coastal survey tasks.
New ship’s
company joined.
Refit Work
included:
Installation
of the new Survey Radar (Type 979) and TELLUROMETER equipment
(Note: Type
279 was specifically designed for hydrographic use.
Radar Type 979 fit incomplete at end of
refit (Transformer required)
TELLUROMETER equipment designed in South Africa had
been developed
specifically for precision measurement of distance for surveying use.)
A&A to reduce high temperatures in Radar and DECCA compartments
recommended.
Extensive hull maintenance and some deck plates renewed
2 Range DECCA
Equipment checked by manufacturer.
Port Main
Propulsion Engine stripped and both Boilers partially re-tubed
April
6th Ship ready for new ship's company
for new season 6 April 1960.
Army Air Corps
party embarked during sea trials.
Resumed survey
tasks off west coast Malaya
Deployed for
special survey of Port Dickson area to establish whether further commercial
development of
existing facilities for use by Royal Malayan Navy was feasible
Survey carried
out of Perak River.
May Carried out shoal
examination in Java Sea in position where ss SOGNEFJELL had grounded
and Least Depth
established over two shoals which were fixed.
Resumed East
coast of Borneo survey
Special
examination and clearance of entrance into KUNAK (Mostyn
area) with coastal
survey to
compare with previous work dated 1891/2.
(Note: Work
done in the Darvel Bay area was later proved to be
Invaluable during the
Confrontation with Indonesia between 1962 and 1966 when
British forces were very
active in suppression of infiltration by sea in this region.)
June Borneo survey in continuation
R&R visit
to Birds Nest Caves
Attended
Queen's Birthday celebration at Sandakan with HM Depot Ship WOODBRIDGE
HAVEN in
company)
Detached shore
parties sent to East Coast of Malaya to set up 2 Range DECCA equipment
required for
next major survey task.
(Note: It was
hoped that by re-siting Slave Stations, performance
could be improved.
July Passage to Singapore
for routine docking.
4th New Commanding
Officer; Commander JD Winstanley, RN
Docking period
at Singapore included repair of fuel tank
and rewiring of electrical circuits in
Gland Space
after small fire due to short-circuit
27th Submarine SUBSUNK exercise
August Docking period.
September On completion carried out
examination of Howard Shoal off Borneo by search using Anti-
to submarine outfit
October Least depth 34 feet.
(Note: Could
not carry out sweeping operation because of fishing ground markers.
Resumed tasks off East Coast
Malaya Two Range DECCA Survey including Tanjong
Gelang - Dungun; Selar Sinki - Pulo Blankang
Mati:
Detached
parties landed for Slave Stations and coastlining
work.
Slave station
equipment returned by road to Singapore.
November Returned to Singapore.
Surf Boat won
Round the Island Race.
Took passage to
Hong
Kong
for Local Survey task.
On passage
carried out Delineation of 100 fathom line south of Hainan for National Institute
of
Oceanography.
December Deployed at Hong Kong
Carried out
Shore line survey in preparation for local redevelopment and reclamation work
Passage to Singapore during which shoal examination
made in Carimata Strait.
(Note: Requirement had been
reported by HM Destroyer CARYSFORT and Least Depth of
19
feet found lower than marked. Core samples were take by Shallow Walter Divers.
Taken in hand
for Annual refit and docking by HM Dockyard Singapore.
1 9 6 1
January Under refit during which outstanding defects in Radar Type 979 were
repaired.
(Note:
Required improvement of Range and Bearing accuracy was established later.
Detached
parties continued survey of western approaches to Singapore.
Least depth was
established over four wrecks
(Note: 1960
target reached due to increased speed of soundings and night operation
capabilities.
February On completion of dockyard
work 18 students from Singapore Polytechnic were embarked.
Resumed tasks
on West coast Malaya including Perak River.
R&R at Pangkor
March
Deployed off west coast Malaya. Visited
Penang.
Took passage to
Singapore.
April Deployed at Singapore during official visit to Far
East Station by the First Lord of the
Admiralty (Lord
Carrington)
Slave Stations
sites established for next series of surveys off east coast Malaya
Passage for
survey tasks on completion of visit.
(Note: Poor
performance of Two Range DECCA noted, possibly due to unsatisfactory siting of
Slave Stations.
New radar (979)
used with Beacons to check Deccometer Lanes provided by DECCA to
offset these
problems.
10th Assisted in search for sailing craft run
down by ss LEEDS CITY. but only wreckage found
May
East coast Malaya tasks in continuation.
Took passage
to resume tasks off North West Borneo continuation
June Deployed off Borneo.
Fuel
contamination problems on passage to work between Usakan Bay
and Bisa Island
Sounding work
and tidewatching delayed by weather.
R&R at Jesselton. Attended Queens Birthday Parade at Jesselton with Australian Arm
Took passage
to Singapore to re-commission. and routine
docking
Taken in hand
for docking and essential defects by HM Dockyard Singapore.
Eighth Commission 1961-62
Commissioned: June 1961
Local survey
work carried out using ships boats in Western Approaches to port.
Azimuth
position for Satellite Tracking Station established at Sembawang.
Security Platoon and other specialised
training carried out in shore facilities.
July Under refit and
annual docking for hull inspection
New Commanding
Officer: Commander JD Winstanley (04/07/60).
On completion
resumed survey tasks off NW Borneo.
August North West Borneo survey in continuation
to Visited Kuching to discuss arrangements with shore authorities
November Deployed in Darvel Bay and Lamak Bay, North Borneo.
Major
triangulation work linked with 1958 surveys.
(Note: Some
survey time lost by weather conditions and replenishment
Extensive Coastlining, Tide Watching and
sounding work was carried out.
Significant effort deployed in setting up Marks on shore sites at Pulau Gaia and
Tarma Balu involved clearance of
paths through virgin jungle and at one time
required use of 103 men
. R&R
periods at Sibuan Island and Sandakan.
Position of
ORIENT EXPLORER Oil Rig fixed using survey Marks and 979 Radar.
Light Buoy
re-fixed.
Diverted to
investigate anchorage at
Pura Pura Island (Labuk Bay) for ships loading
Palm Oil
during NE Monsoon season. Full survey recommended
Electrical
storm caused error in Magnetic Compass and required unusual repair.
Passage to Singapore on completion of tasks for
Annual Inspection
(Note:
During General Drill a 'Real fire' alarm was activated by an overheated fan.
December
Resumed tasks on West Coast Malaya continuation including NW approaches
to Penang
using Radar
979 with Beacons incorporating reflectors.
Trilateration carried out by day and night.
(Note: The procedures used
were prompted extensive discussion
and recommendations to improve efficiency.
23rd At Christmas and New Year at Penang.
1 9 6 2
January Sailed from Penang to resume tasks
from Kuala Muda
northward along Kedah coast.
Tidal Camp
established at Pulau Bidau
(RAAF Range).
R&R at Penang.
Machinery defects occurred but did not cause
extensive delay
Tasks
continued between Kedah Pier and Pulau Bidau
Sounding
carried out by ships and boats
Coastlining and
soundings carried out between Kuala Mjdah and Sungei Sala Kachil
(Note: Progress was slow due to access difficulties, mud and snakes.)
February
Under refit and docking by HM Dockyard, Singapore
to Work undertaken included:
March Replacement of davits
and winches for Survey boats
Fixed
mounted Saluting guns replaced by portable version.
Three new survey boats
fitted with modern E/S equipment provided.
April Under refit
Court Martial
of two Stores ratings held following accounting discrepancies.
Both
dismissed the service.
9th New Commanding Officer
appointed for next commission: Commander J Pryor, RN.
May Dockyard Completion date delayed till 27 May
due to:
Additional Hull repair work.
Fire in
Ship's Company Galley on 20th May when Deep Fat Fryer
electrical supply was
not
isolated.
(Note: Emergency feeding by HM Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier BULWARK.
Modification required to enable new Davits to be used with new survey
boats.
Repair
of mechanical defects found during sea trials.'
(Note:
Warping was found in tops of tables in Chart Drawing Office. Possibly caused by
air conditioning
On completion of trials took passage to Hong
Kong
June Carried out soundings over proposed Commonwealth
telephone cable route during passage and
to
Oceanographic
Station work including water sampling and temperature measurements.
July (Note: Bottom
sampling work failed.)
On arrival
carried out Local Survey of harbour and
western approaches at Hong Kong.
Harbour and
Territorial waters task completed.
Minor
accident involving shallow water diver.
Work was interrupted by
Typhoon KATE.
Two fires
in survey motor boat caused by poor design arrangements of exhaust pipework.
(Note:
Wiring repaired and all boats modified.)
Re-investigated Helen Shoal area to
check earlier 1953 survey.
Work in Western
approaches to Hong Kong progressed.
August Took passage to continue
North Borneo tasks and carried out further Oceanographic
to Stations work
on passage from Hong Kong.
September
On arrival relieved HM Destroyer CAESAR as SO Anti-Piracy Duty, North Borneo.
(Note: Piracy was rife in these
waters and has even increased since 1980)
Labuk Bay area completed by ship and
detached parties.
R&R
periods at Sandakan.
Assessment made of TanJong Niug area in Labuk Bay for use as Terminal for palm
oil ships.
Darvel Bay approaches survey with detached
parties at Lahad Datu.
October Returned to Singapore for repair of
condenseritis and bearing defect.
Whilst at Singapore undertook preparatory work for
forthcoming survey of Singapore Straits
. and had discussion with representative of
Indonesian naval authorities to establish liaison
arrangements during planned survey in Indonesian waters.
(Note:
This subject had been raised at 1962 International Conference in Monaco.)
Passage to
Borneo Survey and carried out Shoal investigations in Exercise area as well as
determination of Least Depth of pinnacle south of Natuma Island.
Deployed off shore
at Lahad Datu and landed
detached party inshore.
During
R&R period at Tawau demolished underwater
obstruction at for new wharf.
Diverted by
Admiralty for shoal investigation at proposed timber ship anchorage in
Soai Solalum Bay, west of Darvel Bay)
Visited Kuching
to discuss 1963 survey work with Geological Survey Department.
29th Took passage to Singapore for re-commissioning and DED
period at Singapore.
Ninth Commission 1962-64
November Deployed at Singapore
to Commissioned
December Commanding Officer:
Commander J. Pryor, RN
Docked for
routine hull inspection.
1 9 6 3
January Carried out Shakedown
and survey work-up on completion of docking (January 1963)
Attempted
investigation of sinking position of ss KIEUNG in Malacca Strait abandoned.
Passage to
resume west coast Malaya survey tasks
Detached
party resumed Port Swettenham inner area.
Ship work
commenced between Penang and Langawi Langkawi
with 2 Range DECCA
and Radar
Type 979 extensively used during ship sounding work.
RED
Slave sited at at Kuala Muda
GREEN Slave sited at Kuala Sanglang
(Note: This is inaccessible by sea).
Tide
watching camps with boat sounding used for inshore tasks.
February West coast Malay tasks
in continuation.
March On completion
returned to Singapore
Visited by
Hydrographer of the Navy (Rear Admiral Irving.)
Passage to
Hong Kong carried out survey of cable route
April At Hong Kong for
planned local survey work.
to Deployed for
investigation of tidal stream in a\ Wan Island prior to use by vessels of
June deep draught.
Landed detached parties.
Serious
accident in W/T Office. Prompt action saved life of Petty Officer.
US Design
Navigational aid (DAS2) fitted.
Early passage
to Borneo to avoid Typhoon TRIX and continued Cable route survey
when
weather allowed.
Diverted
to join HMS MANXMAN and other ships to search for missing SEA VIXEN
aircraft
belonging to HMS HERMES
(Note:
This was unsuccessful.)
Detached
and took passage to Singapore for repair of machinery defect
July On completion deployed in Borneo for planned
survey work
to Work included:
September Brunei River
survey with detached party.
Survey of Continental Shelf in South China Sea in conjunction with SHELL Company
and Kuching Survey unit. Visited Spratly
Island and Amboyan Cay.
Darvel Bay survey work continued
Ship Survey work resumed between Sibaum Island
and Bakuhang.
(Note: Only six days in harbour during this
work.)
Carried out pre-refit machinery trial
during passage to Singapore for refit.
October Under refit including
docking for inspection of underwater fitting
to Detached
party to set-up 2 Range DECCA’equipment at Port Swettenham
in preparation
December
for planned survey work on West
Coast of Malay
(Note:
Ship undocked until strike by dockyard workers was settled.)
Exhibition
of results of recent survey work was not well attended.)
1 9 6 4
January Refit in
continuation
to Commander Pryor
attended Court Martial of commanding Officer HMS COOK
February as a Member.
(Note:
HMS Cook has been damaged after grounding.)
On
completion of Post Refit sea trails took passage to re-commence work off
west
coast.
March Carried out
planned work between Penang and Langkawi using 2 Range
DECCA,
which
proved to be most satisfactory
Tide
watching and boat sounding parties were landed.
(Note: The Slave stations were inaccessible by sea.)
70% of
planned work was completed
Shore
station DECCA equipment was dismantled and returned to Singapore.
Meningitis case airlifted to VICTORIOUS
(Note: Recovered later)
Passage to Singapore.
April Sailed for
Hong Kong to resume survey tasks in eastern Approaches
No berth available on arrival due to Fleet
exercise.
(Note: Inspection of survey area by
helicopter from CENTAUR.
Advance party joined for
re-commissioning
. Eastern Approaches work resumed and
included ship sounding and coastlining by
detached
party.
Obstruction located west of
Aberdeen after some difficulty.
15th Work completed.
Trial carried out using prototype sideways-looking Sonar developed by Hong Kong
University.
Transducer unit streamed from
starboard derrick with receiver and display in
Captains Flat.
During passage to Singapore to
re-commission. Fuel pump defect was followed by
major incident
in No 1 Boiler Room.
Steam feed heater pipe fractured
and filled the compartment with steam and boiling
water Fortunately no one was
injured and after a delay of an hour the other boiler
was brought into service and ship
was able to proceed.
Tenth Commission 1964
- 65.
June Deployed at Singapore.
2nd Commissioned
Commanding
Officer: Commander MJ Baker, RN (09/04/64).
10th Carried out work-up NW of
Sumatra to practice survey and ship safety requirements.
On return
Local survey work in Singapore area
(Note: Tide poles set up in Boom Defence
Depot area.
Benchmark made by HM Survey Ship WATERWITCH set down in 1910 found.)
Diverted
from local survey to go to Gan in Maldives Island
Group to assist in a combined
UK/US
survey task.
July Whilst on passage
to Gan further diversion necessary to deal with
medical emergency on
board.
(Note: Intended passage direct to Colombo to land patient was avoided by
provision of an air
lift by helicopter to HM Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier CENTAUR.
A
successful operation was carried out on board.
On arrival
attended Briefing meeting prior to commencing new task
(Note: Gan area Survey.
This
was intended to cover islands in the Chagos
Archipelago with special attention
paid
to Diego Garcia.
UK team included representatives
from Ministry of Defence and the Colonial Office.
US Team consisted of 11 uniformed and civilian personnel.
Triangulation work using buoys with measurements by radar, TELLUROMETER
and
Taut Wire Measuring Gear to be carried out.
Diego Suarez has since been developed as a United States Base in the Indian Ocean)
August Deployed for Gan area survey.
(Note: On
completion reported that suitable anchorages were available.)
. Return
passage to Singapore
Resumed
local survey work
September Routine docking and
Emergency Defects carried out by HM Dockyard at Singapore.
October Deployed for special
task on east coast Malaya.
Buoy
position fixing near Pulau Aur
using 979, TELLUROMETER and Taut Wire gear
On
completion took passage to resume Hong Kong survey
tasks.
Eastern
Approaches work using boats and detached parties resumed.
East Lamma Channel survey commenced using ship and boat
sounding.
Tide watching parties
landed on Stanley Jetty.
November Hong Kong deployment in continuation
Chinese
child rescued by tidewatcher
Accident
on board when Seaman fell from boat at davit head in swell.
(Note:
Transferred to British Medical Hospital and recovered.
TELLUROMETER equipment extensively used for local survey work.
December
Hong
Kong
deployment in continuation
8th Coastlining
work completed by 8 December.
Oil Fuel
leak discovered in Flour Store.
1 9 6 5
January Deployed at Hong Kong
Machinery
defect dealt with by local contract as Dockyard facilities not now available
Shoal
examination and soundings work continued during this period.
February Deployed at Hong Kong
Local
check sweep made for Commodore Hong Kong off KUN TUNG Jetty.
Passage to
Darvel Bay to resume Borneo survey work and carried
out Oceanographic
Station
work.
Deployed
at Darvel Bay NW Borneo
Tidal
camps set up at Bakungan Island and Mataking Island.
(Note: Extensive
effort had to be made on clearance work to set up Marks essential for
triangulation.
A Triangulation Point set up by HM Survey Ship HERALD in 1937 found.
Some delays experienced during extension of triangulation in order to
include Bajapa
Reef and Matakingi.
Tidal stream measurement
work was carried out by ship
March NW Borneo survey in
continuation.
TELLUROMETER
measurements made during shore survey work.
Defective anchor windlass
shaft repaired by ship's staff.
Visited Manila for R&R and to collect
Philippine Liaison Officer.
April NW Borneo work in
continuation.
6th New Commanding Officer
appointed: Commander MJ Baker, RN
Southern
area sounding work completed before departure.
(Note:
Safe use of coastal passage via Malawi Channel now assured.)
Took
passage to Singapore and carried out Oceanographic
work at ten Stations including
Bathythermograph measurements and surface water sampling.
On arrival carried out
Singapore Local Survey work. with Harbour area boat sounding.
May Deployed at Singapore including establishment of
Clearance depth over existing wrecks.
to (Note: Discussions with US scientist (Dr. JC Rose, Hawaii University) about future Pacific
June Ocean
work were carried out.)
Detached
for patrol duty in Singapore Straits associated with current KONFRONTASI
operations.).
Annual
Inspection carried out by Captain of HM Light Aircraft Carrier TRIUMPH.
July Taken in hand for
Annual refit by HM Dockyard Singapore
to (Note: Hull condition considered generally
satisfactory in view of age of ship.
August Some holes in
structure repaired.
Nominated
for Pacific
Ocean
Coarse Grained Physical Survey (HI 1)
Eleventh Commission 1965-66
September Nominated for special duty
27th Commissioned
Commanding
Officer: Commander MJ Baker, RN (06/04/64).
Refit
completed after delay due to completion of work in Cold and Cool Rooms.
Took passage to SW Pacific Ocean via Malawali
and Sibutu Channels to Manus.for
Pacific
Ocean
Coarse Grained Physical Survey (HI 1).
(Note: Dr
Rose was embarked with specialist equipment.
October Port stem gland leak
discovered and repacked after arrival at Manus.
EOTVOS
corrections made to Gravimeter were unsatisfactory due to weather conditions.
Commenced survey
tasks in Coral
Sea
area North of Savo Island.
Landed
detached parties with three Boats in 1,000 Ships Bay in British Solomon Islands.
Traverses
made to record Geophysical measurements between Russell Island to-Guadalcanal
Diverted to
land patient with appendicitis at Honiara.
Continued
work between Santa Catalina Island to Santa Cruz Basin
Carried out
survey in Western part of Torres Trench between Venicoro Island and Torres
Island and
between Rennell Island and Indispensable Reefs
November
1st Diverted to assist HM New
Zealand Cruiser ROYALIST that was stranded without motive
power due
to boiler water contamination.
(Note:
Ship was drifting towards Bellona Island about 90 miles away from survey
area.)
On arrival
went to render assistance with feeding and to provide fuel but could not remain
alongside
because swell conditions were causing structural damage.
Took HMNZS
ROYALIST in tow for over 100 miles into clear water to safely wait until
tug CARLOCK
arrived from Brisbane.
4th Lack of fuel obliged departure for Port Moresby, with the cheers of ROYALIST
ship's
company
ringing across the Coral Sea in acknowledgement of the assistance given.
After
refuelling took passage to recommence scientific work.
On passage
carried Traverses across Planet Trench in the Solomon Sea to make Gravimeter
records.
Refuelled
at Manus before return to 1000 Ships Bay to resume Physical Survey work.
Fixed Sable Island and Nugurias
Group and made shoal examinations during passage
. Some
discrepancies found with existing charts.
(Note:
Only Starboard Shaft in use except in restricted waters.
Completed
traverse of Trench SE of Ulawa Island.
23rd Shoal
measurement restricted by weather conditions.
Passage to Port Moresby to refuel
November Gravity and Magnetic profile measurements across Solomon and Coral Seas
Returned
after refuelling to Honiara via 1000 Ships Bay.
December Carried out Final leg of Survey Task HI 1with Easterly traverses across Vitiaz Trench
between Malaita Island and Charlotte Bank.
Arrived at
Suva, Fiji to land gear for Xrnas
Took
passage to Auckland, New Zealand.
1 9 6 6
January Routine docking and
essential defect work carried out in HM New Zealand Dockyard.
Extensive
shaft alignment and structural work.
February Carried out sea Trials on
completion of dockyard work.
On return
from sea trials collided with Jetty
Court of
Inquiry convened in Auckland Naval Base before return to survey work in SW
Pacific.
(Note: On
leaving New Zealand eight members of the ship's
company were absentees)
Passage
from Auckland
Deployed
for survey in South Pacific.
28th Detached
parties landed at Vila, New Caledonia for setting up Marks and Tide
Watching
March Commenced ship
sounding and shoal examination between Malekula and
Port Sandwich.
to
Delayed by defect in
port main engine pump.
April Repair effected at Suva after spares received from New Zealand.
Returned to
survey area on completion.
21st New Commanding Officer: Commander PGN Cardno, RN. appointed and to join in
Singapore to
re-commission ship.
Landed
detached parties in New Hebrides and New Caledonia
Carried out ship
and boat soundings with tidal work in Norsup Bay
and in Erromanga area
with boat
party in Dillons Bay.
Deployed
for joint survey work with French Coastal Mineweeper
LA DUNKERQUOISE at
Port Narevin.
(Note:
This French warship was permanently stationed in this area.)
May Deployment for
Fiji Survey continuation of earlier work by HM Survey Ship COOK.
to (Note: The
esteem of HMS COOK was found as revered as ever)
June Planned tasks at
VANU LEVU completed.
(Note: Farewell celebrations to thank
villagers living near camp site included exchange of
gifts
and competitive sports as well as Fijian style meal.
Tidal Camp
established at Nanduri.
Four Boat
party landed and TELLUROMETER measurements made across Channel.
Extensive
ship sounding in Vatu Ira Channel and Mali Passage.
Ship at Malau for
Queen's Birthday ceremonial at Labasa.
(Note: Whole period affected by spasmodic winds.
July Fiji work in continuation.
(Note:
Visitors on final visit to Suva included Raymond Burr (TV's '
Perry Mason' )
Passage to Singapore during which position of Petri
Reef near Erronanga, New Hebrides was
fixed.
(Note: This had been in
dispute since 1834.
Water
sampling and Shoal examination with beacons were carried out in Bligh Water.,
Torres Strait.
Fuelled at Darwin.
(Note:
Whilst at Darwin met British couple in Trimaran.
Much hospitality was enjoyed.)
Water
sampling took place during passage to Singapore
August Deployed at Singapore and prepared for planned
Oceanographic Exploration work.
(Note: This included
use of new equipment required for special acoustic trial and a
Velocimeter which incorporated a Temperature/Salinity
Bridge to be streamed
overboard and an analogue tape recorder unit.)
September Passage to South China Sea.
Carried out
trials in company with RAN Survey Ship HMAS DIAMANTINA and an RFA
(Note:
Measurements were made for analysis after explosive charges were dropped by
consort at predetermined
intervals and ranges. Core samples and photographs taken
of seabed with water temperature and salinity recorded after each
serial.)
Visited US
Naval Base at Subic Bay and continued trial during passage to Hong Kong with
swell
conditions due to Typhoon ELSIE.
MAYDAY
signal intercepted from Ore Carrier AUGUST MOON aground on Patras
Reef
. Diverted for
rescue of personnel which were airlifted to safety by US Navy helicopter.
Position of
Wreck fixed. 37 people taken to Hong Kong.
Resumed
passage to Hong Kong.
26th Assistant Manager of Great
Southern Steamship Company presented a Cup to ship in
recognition
of the extent of help provided.
October Taken in hand for
routine docking at commercial shipyard.
Docked at Kowloon during which leak in Engine
Room. was repaired.
Advance
party joined.
On
completion took passage to Singapore to re-commission,
Twelfth Commission 1966 - 68.
November Commissioned
Commanding
Officer: Commander PGN Cardno, RN
On
completion of shakedown resumed North Borneo Survey.
Deployed
for survey of Eastern Approaches to Victoria Harbour, Labuan
December Borneo survey in continuation.
Passage
to Singapore for Annual refit.
1 9 6 7
January Under refit by HM
Dockyard Singapore.
to Local survey
work in Langkawi Strait continued by detached party
with some assistance from
February Coastal Minesweeper
from local Squadron
Local
chart to be printed by Royal Engineers for provisionally when work completed
. Detached
two Boat Camp party at Remunia for soundings work in Johore Strait
March Nominated for
Indian Ocean Oceanographic work.
On
completion of dockyard work and trials first deployed to carry out ship
soundings
: between
Luna Island and Tanjong
Punggai.
Indian Ocean work delayed by radar defect
and engine failure.
Sailed
from Singapore and called at Penang on passage to first station.
Carried
out Traverses and wave observation work in position NW of Sinatra.
(Note: These included Equatorial traverses with extensive
Bathythermograph
measurements.
April Paid Official visit to Tanjong
Priok in Indonesia.
Note: This was
made despite machinery defect as situation was politically sensitive.
First visit by RN ship since end of KONFRONTASI).
Same Indonesian Naval Liaison
Officer as during earlier survey (See above).
ormal and Hydrographic exchanges made as well
as social events.
Returned
to Singapore on completion of visit for
machinery repairs.
On
arrival Detached party landed to continue local survey work.
28th Resumed
oceanographic work with RAS support.
May
Deployed in Sunda Strait, Java
Sea and Caspar Strait.
Edntang Island
Indonesian Navy Liaison officer embarked during period at Berakit.
Carried
out Malacca Straits Survey between Pair Channel Bankand
Bahu Pahat.with Two
Range
DECCA Slave Stations set up at Batu Pahat.
(Note:
An extensive task involving ship, survey boats, floating beacons and detached
shore parties.
June Made Local
soundings off Singapore.
Detached
party landed in West Johore for shore observations.
17th Visited Royal Malayan Navy
Base at Pintu Gedong
19th Resumed
work programme
22nd On
completion carried out A/S and sweep examination of Amazon Maru Shoal and Cape
Rachado.
Slave
Station parties and stores collected at Port Dickson.
July Carried out
survey of One Fathom Bank Channel with
Two Range DECCA Stations
resited. Ship
sounding and observations made
(Note: TELLEUROMETER measurements unsatisfactory and visual methods used.)
R&R
at Port Swettenham.
Sonar
Sweep of area on completion.
August Transferred to South China Sea to carry out oceanographic
traverses
Periodic
oceanographic work carried out at selected points and shoal examinations.
(Note:
This task was impeded by Typhoon FRAN, defects and losses of equipment.
Visit
paid to Hong
Kong during which machinery defects repaired with
assistance from local
contractor.
Last
Annual Inspection carried out and presentation made to Side Party for there
support
during 19 years service on China Station
Resumed
Oceanographic work during passage to Singapore.
Passage
made via Mindoro Strait to land boat party at Senporna,
Borneo for completion of
outstanding work at
Darvel Bay work.
Traverse
work continued to latitude of Labuan at meeting point with 1966 work.
September Deployed to complete
survey work in Malacca Straits in Cape Rachado area for
identification
of potential hazards to tanker traffic.
Ship
sounding and Taut Wire measurements made with Beacons and observations by shore
party.
(Note: Day and night work required.)
October
5th Sailed
from Singapore for return passage to UK via Sunda Strait.
(Note: Oceanographic Traverses to be made at Stations in Indian Ocean.)
Carried
out periodic measurements and collected
supporting data at selected equatorial
Stations.
(Note: Problems with
VELOCIMETER equipment and a winch failure introduced delays
as well as those
due to marginal weather conditions
Support
for fuel replenishment provided by RFA's GOLD RANGER
and TIDEPOOL.
Shoal examinations made off Rodrigues,
(Note:
Unscheduled company by Russian ship VASILI
GOLOVIN).
Called
at Mauritius after brief shoal examination
nearby.
(Note: Much
hospitality from RN W/T Station)
November Left Far East Station and
came under operational commmand of CinC Western Fleet
Met SAN
Survey Slip NATAL (Ex HM Frigate LOCH CREE) during passage.
17th Arrived at Simonstown on
17 November.
(Note:
Contact made with South African Navy Hydrographer (Captain JC Walters).
Passage in Atlantic with shoal examination which
established least depth was lower than
charted
28th Final Drama
After
exercise involving use of ships boats and liferafts,
propulsion machinery failed to
drive one
propeller. Examination showed starboard propeller shaft was broken. First
priority
was to secure the loose portion of shaft together with the attached propeller
so that
the ship
could move ahead in safety at a reasonable speed.
Several
hours work above and below water was needed to devise a satisfactory
arrangement.
Wires and chains were used to stop any movement of the screw which was
lashed by
chains to the A-bracket
. This extempore rig was secured to existing
bollards with chain blocks and tackles and
enable passage
to Freetown to be continued on one engine.
A
request for cutting equipment to be made available on arrival was sent so that
the broken
shaft
could be removed.
King
Neptune's 16th attempt to extract due homage was belated achieved successfully
although the
proceedings were somewhat overshadowed by the unknowns which lay
ahead. No
suitable equipment was available at Freetown and the some of extempore
arrangements which had been removed
were reinstated by ships Shallow Water Divers to
allow
final leg of the journey to be made.
The
importance of ensuring to safe arrival in time for Christmas Leave was the sole
factor
of
importance and on sailing from Sierra Leone there was less than three weeks
available.
Everything depended on performance of the one engine for 3,000 miles.
To
offset some of these circumstances a bold decision was made to supplement the
available
engine power by using sails.
Three lugsails
were made from Awnings canvas and hoisted for a trial period.
Concurrently work was begun on the manufacture of a suit of square sails
which would be
required when suitable winds were available.
The lugsails were hoisted on 11th December
and the
remainder were used when following winds were available four days later.
These
additional features made unusual demands on the ship's company who soon
adjusted
to practices of earlier seafarers. They became adept in the
trimming, jibing, lowering and
hoisting
the new accoutrements.
December Under sail in Atlantic.
17th Brief rendezvous was made
with HM Assault Ship FEARLESS for transfer of mail.
Providentially, a fair proportion of following winds and careful
husbandry in the Engine
Room
avoided diversion to Devonport.
Despite
poor visibility on arrival in the Channel progress was maintained.
Sails
were lowered and the Jury foremast struck before arrival off the Goodwins.
(Note: During an evolution period on 29 October, whilst crossing the Indian Ocean, a
square
sail had been rigged on the DECCA mast - forward thinking at its best,
perhaps ?)
23rd Homecoming.
Passage
up the Medway to Bull Nose, Chatham was achieved on the revised date.
The
celebrations included the firing of finishing gun by Flag Officer Medway,
(Vice Admiral W J Parker, CB, OBE, DSC)
The
Hydrographer of the Navy (Rear Admiral G.S. Ritchie, CB, DSC, FRICS) greeted
the
ship to
suitably conclude a long voyage and an even longer career spent in the service
of
seafarers of all nations.
L a s t D a y s
HMS DAMPIER Paid Off at Chatham on 31 January
1968 and reduced to Reserve. Approval was given for disposal in April and the ship was later placed
on the Disposal List. She was sold to a Belgian shipbreaker and
taken in tow for breaking-up on 17th January 1969.
