Introduction
to Summary of Service 1949 to 1965
(for
more ship information,
go
to
Naval History Homepage
and
type name in Site Search
The
enclosed details are primarily based
upon the Reports
Proceedings and also details from
documents in the Naval Historical
Branch,
Ministry of Defence. Acknowledgment
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.
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 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
Ships.
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 Army)
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
appendectomy
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
lockdown
prior to landing. (.March)
Took
passage to Aden for Special Duty,
Royal Visit (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 Mediterranean.
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 defects
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 scattered
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 Slave
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 dismasted
Yacht NAIAD off Westcliffe (1 September)
Completed
Calibration trials of GREEN Slave
which had been
transferred to Felixstowe.
(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 Finding
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
Further sounding, water
sampling and magnetic variation work
carried out.
Search for peak or bank
reported by Argentina not confirmed.
West
African Coast Survey (October -
December).
East coast Nigeria work carried
out in conjunction with local survey
authorities and Shell Company.
Calls
at Freetown and Takoradi
for
liaison discussions.
(Note: Much press interest at Takoradi.
)
Shore reconnaissance suggested
landing of parties and tide watching may
prove difficult
Helicopter assistance provided by
Shell Company and special techniques
devised for this work.
(Note This
proved invaluable for transport inshore
to support detached parties.)
Tide watching party landed at Akzi
Ship work began from western
end..
Oceanic observations carried
out for Nigerian Fisheries Department.
Tide watching party landed at
Bonny. (November)
R&R
at Lagos.
Provided facilities for crew of
HM Trawler FOULNESS (Coal burning ISLES
Class.) which was boiler cleaning at Takoradi.
Ship sounding with help from
Nigerian Navy vessels.
Taut Wire measurement with
Beacons and ship sounding made in Bonny
River estuary(
December)
Extensive soundings and Beacon
work were less comprehensive than
desired due to unreliability of local
facilities,
inclement weather and
poor quality of exiting data.
(Note: Shell
Company help was outstanding
particularly with
placing of Marks.)
Passage to Durban (December
1956)
Diverted to assist HMS FOULNESS
(2nd time) by lending stores so the
ship could proceed.
Magnetic variation survey not
carried out.
Emergency
diversion to Saldahana,
East African Waters Survey
(January - April 1957)
Christmas
at Durban after call at Cape Town.
Investigation
of Shoals, Banks and Reefs in
Mozambique Channel
using radar with beacons.
New seamount discovered and
core sample taken.
Discussed
Pemba Island survey work at Zanzibar
with local authorities.
Preliminary work established
that complete survey would be needed as
insufficient earlier data
was available.
Extensive clearance work was
required before sounding work could be
started.
Four detached parties were in
use with 3 boats.
Fuelling
and R&R in Mombasa.
Hospitable
welcome at Zanzibar with social
exchanges.
Favourable weather assisted
completion of planned tasks on schedule.
Shoal examinations and checks
on Mozambique Channel work during return
passage to Durban (March).
Passage to Monaco via Cape of
Good Hope (April).
Called at Durban and first all
night leave given for 3 months.
(Note: Rough
passage to Cape Town caused damage to
boats
and vehicle on deck.)
Magnetic distribution
examinations made in Cape area.
Met whaling fleet and later
collided with whale.
Searched for Desaix Shoal 60 miles SW
of Freetown using radar and
beacons.
Delineated 100 fathom line
between Freetown and Cape Verde and
carried out shoal examination off Cape Barbos.
Sighted
Arend-Roland
Comet off Canaries.
Unsuccessful sampling at
Conception Bank
(Note: Cambridge-type corer
lost.
Diverted
to Barcelona for medical emergency -
appendicitis case.
VII Quinquennial
International Hydrographic
Conference at Monaco (May)
Hydrographer of the Navy entertained
delegates to lunch on board.
Social exchanges and ship
floodlit.
Sea
demonstration of Two Range Decca
equipment, Track Plotter and
Kelvin Hughes Echo Sounder.
(Note:
'Outward Bound’ parties landed for
cycle trip to Genoa and
on foot to Grasse.
Visit judged a great success.
Passage to UK (May)
Admiralty Acceptance Trials of
Kelvin Hughes Deep Echo Sounder Type
MS26 J
Carried
out planned shoal examinations:
Majorca - Ibiza, NW
Gettysburg Bank and N of Cape Finnistere.
Core sampling in Iberian Basin not successful
Met
at Chatham with RM Band in attendance.
Sixth Commission 1957- 59
Commissioned:
9 July 1957
Commanding
Officer: Commander GPD Hall, DSC, RN
(09/07/56)
Promoted
Captain: 31/12/61)
Refit and fair chart
preparation at Sheerness (June -
September)
12F version of 2 Range DECCA fitted in lieu
of 6F version.
Prepared
for installation of Decca Track
Plotter Unit.
Trials with Slave units sited
at Leysdown.
Modified Echo Sounder MS26J with
Filter fitted.
Carried out Demonstration of
Charts and Hydrographic
survey boat work.
Annual Inspection not
satisfactory due to extension of refit
caused by defects found on trials.
Hydrographer visited ship at Sheerness.
Passage to Indian Ocean
(September - November)
Soundings
and core sampling undertaken.
Trials
of modified E/S.
Carried out Local survey in
Gibraltar harbour
(October)
(Note: Work affected by high
incidence of 'Asian flu’.
Some patients landed to RNSQ.
Track Plotter equipment and 2
Range DECCA generators transferred from
HMS VIDAL.
Special task carried out at proposed
Beacon site NW Bizerta
(November)
Continuation
of earlier 100 fathom line checks.
Shoal investigation in Aegean
Sea and Greek Archipelago.
Discussed
future joint survey work in Seychelles
with 42 Field
Survey Regiment RE at Limassol.
International Geophysical Year
(IGY) activities (November 1957 - April
1958)
Cooperative measurements at Stations
in
Straits of Bab-el-Mandab
(November)
Water
sampling, bathythermograph
measurements, Plankton hauls and
sea-bed examination.
(Note: Results
were later compared with records made 25
years previously.
Some
weather delays experienced.)
Mahra Coast Survey in conjunction
with RE detachment (December)
(Note: Objective: To link
overall triangulation of South Coast
Arabian survey geodetically with earlier
land
surveys by
Army personnel.
RE party landed at Mukalla for shore
work, with protection from local
military
unit.
Ship work on Hadhramat and Mahra
coasts.
Passage to Seychelles via Mombasa
(January 1958)
Detached party landed at Pemba
to continue the work commenced in early
1957
Survey
of route from Mombasa to Port
Victoria.
Joint Survey in Seychelles area
with RE Unit (January - March)
2 Range DECCA Slaves sited at
Bird Island (RED) and Silhouette Island
(GREEN)
(Note: Performance
satisfactory to 70 miles range.)
TELLUROMETER
equipment
in extensive use.
R/T
communications
essential for conduct of shore
operations.
Area
sounded covered 1,200 Square
Miles and took 54 days.
Diverted to Maldives to act as
communications link for the High
Commissioner during local political
discussions (April 1958).
Passage to UK (May)
Pemba party rejoined in Aden
after taking passage in RFA WAVE PREMIER
(May)
Refit at Chatham (June -
September 1958)
Passage to Persian Gulf
(October - November 1958)
Embarked RE detachment at Malta
for Oman coast survey (October)
Continuation
of Oceanographic Station work for IGY
in Bab-el-Mandab
(See above).
Survey
of SE coast of Oman in anticipation of
future use of area
by large capacity oil tankers.
Assistance provided by RE unit
for land survey (November 1958)
Persian
Gulf in continuation (December 1958 -
March 1959).
Bahrein
approaches; Hallul
- Dalma
Island (Umm Said area).
Tide watching camp at Jebel Ghaga.
Returned
to Sitra
to land Petty Officer
diagnosed as having Mening-Encephalitis.
Some delay caused by local
frontier dispute between Abu Dhabi and
Qatar.
R&R at Unn Said
.Annual Inspection with HM
Frigates LOCH INSH and LOCH ALVIE as
consorts (January)
Commanding
Officer: Commander C R K Roe (
7/01/59)
Exceptionally strong Shamal with 70
knot winds - dragged despite 2 anchors
but
held (February)
Diverted
to join RAF aircraft and USS STRONG in
search for dhows
after Shamal.
(Note: Landed
13 survivors transferred
from USS STRONG. Lighter taken in
tow later.
Some
damage to survey motor boat.
Visited
Das Island in use by Abu Dhabi oil rig
AEMA ENTERPRISE.
Completed
Odaid
work.
Recovered bower
anchor from
HMS LOCH RUTHVEN in Sitra
anchorage (April)
Passage to Gibraltar for
Extended Refit (May).
Refixed derelict oil rig south of Hallul
Called
at Aden and Malta with soundings on
passage.
Overhauled Yacht BORER BEE on
passage with RN crew on passage from
Singapore to UK
100 fathom line continuation
work in Mediterranean.
Paid
off for Extended Refit on 31 May 1959.
Extended refit at Gibraltar
(June 1959 to May 1960).
Commencement of work other than
preparation was delayed until September.
(Note: Considerable
importance was placed on satisfactory
completion as little shore support
would be
available during planned survey work in
southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Full hull survey carried out which
involved removal of offices and cabins
on upper decks.
Condition was found to be good and
mock-ups of new compartments prepared.
Anchors and
cables were returned to UK for heat
testing
Machinery work
including realignment and replacement
of tail shafts and crankshaft.
Asbestos lagging
replaced by fibre glass.
Bridge Plotting Room redesigned for, but not with Radar Type 979
display equipment.
Type 162 Bottom Search Sonar installed
and new Dome fitted for Type 128 Sonar
Electrical wiring completely
renewed.
Cafeteria Messing with improved
Galley facilities and also a Laundry
were provided.
Trials were completed off
Gibraltar by 7 June 1960.
(Note: No machinery alignment
problems reported during Full Power
Trial.)
Seventh Commission 1960 - 62
Commissioned:
16
May 1960
Commanding
Officer:
Commander G PD Hall, DSC
(15/05/60).
(Promoted
Captain: 31/12/61)
(Later
Rear Admiral, CB, DSC and Hydrographer
1971 -75).
Home Waters Deployment (June
–August)
Liaison Visits to Spain and
Portugal (June)
(Note: Discussions
held with Spanish Institute of Hydrography
at Cadiz for three days were an
unqualified
success)
Call
at Lisbon to further existing
liaison with Portuguese Directorate of Hydography
and
Navigation
coincided
with
400th anniversary of death of Prince
Henry the Navigator.
Planned work on Atlantic coasts made
these visits particularly important.
Local
survey at Dartmouth and visits by RNC
BRITANNIA cadets and
midshipmen.
New DECCA LAMBDA Equipment
installed at Devonport
Carried
Admiralty Acceptance Trial.
of LAMBDA) in
NW Approaches.
Slave stations sited on the
islands of Islay (GREEN)
and Tiree
(RED).
Stanton
Bank area with rough weather and long
hours.
(Note: Although initially
affected by bad weather equipment was
found to be satisfactory (July -
August).
Carried out Trials of Echo Sounder MS26J in
depths up to 1,000 fathoms off Sound of
Inistrahull
(August).
R&R at Oban
and Moll with visit to lona.
LAMBDA equipment recovered
before return to Devonport.
Preparations for South Atlantic
Duties (September)
New precision depth recorder
fitted by ship's staff.
Radar Type 979 set to work by
manufacturer.
Embarked
four scientists with their equipment
and stores.
Carried
out setting up and calibration of
instruments for use at
Oceanographic Stations.
New Hydrographer
(Rear Admiral EG Irving) visited ship
(Sept.1960).
Atlantic
Survey (September - October)
Core
examinations at 8
Stations on Continental Shelf.
Water sampling and PISA tube
meter trials.
Carried
out search for ridge in Azores area.
Survey
work
in Terceira
and San Miguel in the Azores using
radar and beacons.
Delayed by major defect in Port
Main Engine and diverted for repair at
Gibraltar (October 1960).
Repair Period at Gibraltar.
Advance party and support
stores transferred to HMS PROTECTOR for
passage to South Georgia.
(Note: Numbers
had to be reduced because of space
limitations.)
Control framework to be established
and tide-watching commenced.
Funeral
of Chief Petty Officer who died on
board from natural causes.
Replacement
item from HM Aircraft Carrier VICTORIOUS
transferred
by helicopter after completion repair work.
Underwater
camera was lost during tests using a
dockyard lighter
when a cable parted
(Note:
Captain
took part in special radio programme on
RN co-operation with scientific work.
Precision
Depth Recorder received from UK
(Note:
This later proved unserviceable at sea).
AUWE
assistance requested.
Completed
Azores tasks.
Shoal investigation South of
San Miguel.
Magnetic variation swing and
traverses made using E/S.
Atlantic Oceanographic work
(October 1960 - January 1961)
Continued
Mid-Atlantic Ridge investigation at 23
Stations (November)
Rift Valley delineated.
Core sampling (Deepest from
4277 fathoms)
Water sampling and
Bathythermograph measurements made
Seabed sampling taken in
shallows.,
Check made on Nares Deep and Puerto
Rica Trench.
Inter-Island sea passages in
West Indies area surveyed (November)
Shoal examinations, position
fixing and least depth measurements
Calls at Antigua, St. Lucia,
Port of Spain and Trinidad
Depth Recorder operation
satisfactory after attention by ships
staff
Readings made at Stations
Eastward along 10 Degrees North Latitude
line.)
Resumed Mid
Atlantic Ridge programme.
Parties landed on St. Pauls Rocks with
prior Brazilian Government approval
Samples of rock and flora
obtained.
Certificate of visit provided
with names of ship's company and
newspapers
(Note: Last RN visit (HMS
CHALLENGER 1872 - 6) had also left
mementos (November)
Oceanographic
records made at Stations on passage to
Recife.
Underwater camera in use.
Refuelled from RFA because of
high cost of fuel locally.
Collected Brazilian Navy
Liaison Officer at Recife
Carried out Sketch survey and
examination of off-shore banks at
Martin Vaz
ESE of
Rio de Janeiro.
(Note: Landed
party for one day.
Ship and boat
sounding undertaken.
Bottom
samples obtained.
Defect in No 2 Boiler due to
water contamination
Planned tasks carried out using
one Boiler.
Repair arranged at Simons Town
in January.
Davis Bank survey completed.
Visited Brazilian Navy Hydrographic
organisation at Rio de Janeiro
(December)
Oceanic Stations observations
made on passage to Montevideo.
Soundings, magnetic variation
and temperature measurements, with
water and bottom sampling taken.
(Note: To
date continuous E/S records covered
10,600 miles
of track using 27 Sheets.
At Montevideo for Christmas
Break (December)
(Note: Visit very successful
and included many official and social
engagements.
Local statue of Sir Winston
Churchill cleaned of tar coating (by
plain clothes party)
Visits exchanged with Argentinian
Hydrographic
authorities at Buenos Aires.
Arrangements made to call on return
passage in April 1961.
No British Survey Ship had been in
this area since HMS BEAGLE in 1825.)
Oceanographic Stations work continued
during passage to Tristan da
Cunha (January 1961)
Seamount discovered and one
core sample taken frcm
2726 fathoms.
Local survey at Tristan da Cuhna
(January 1961)
Sounding of anchorage by two
Survey Boats.
Shore parties landed by
Longboat because of local conditions.
Medical Officer (Surgeon Lieut.
RS MacKinnon) left ashore and to rejoin
ship at Gough Island.
Passage to Simonstown
(January 1961)
Delineated Inaccessible and
Nightingale Islands.
Core sample taken in Cape Deep was 8 feet 1
inch long.
Repair work at Simonstown (January)
(Note: Boiler
tubes replaced and Board of Enquiry
convened.)
Annual
inspection
by CinC
South Atlantic and South America.
Discussions with scientists from
Cape University about 1962 International
Indian Ocean work.
Customary social and sporting
exchanges were enjoyed by all.
Passage to South Georgia
(February)
Magnetic observations.
Called at Gough Island to
collect the Medical Officer.
Encountered icebergs and much
fog which enforced reduced speed
South Georgia Survey (February
and March)
Recovered detached party after
their 4 month absence.
Coastlining
and topographic work completed
(Note: Problems experienced
with tent ventilation but resolved.
29 day tidal record and
geodetic control points observations.
Teal captured for donation to Slimbridge
Centre
Boat sounding work commenced.
Called at Administrator at Grytviken
(Note: Birmingham
university scientist Duncan Carse
('Dick Barton' of 1947 fame) landed with
10 tons of
equipment
after delay due to stormy conditions.
His
camp was later overwhelmed by
tidal wave and he was lucky to be
rescued.)
Near disaster collision between
ship and large iceberg avoided by good
fortune.
Base camp set up on Bird Island
at Jordans
Cove.
Four Surveying
Officers and 20 ratings with 3 Survey
Boats in use.
Party experienced and accepted
both deprivation and discomfort in
extreme conditions.
(Note: Environment
made work very dangerous. Colossal
breakers with wave heights up to 40
feet.
1
survey boat lost in Bird Strait
(fortunately without any casualties).
Special precautions were observed to
ensure that boats never operated
individually.
South
Georgia Survey (February and March)
(Cont.)
Normal
design service motor cutter
quite unsuitable for sounding in these
particular conditions
Pinnacles to 5 or 6 fathoms depth
discovered.
HMS PROTECTOR with CinC
embarked visited survey area
before completion of work (30 March).
Windlass defect delayed
resumption of work after visit.
Circumnavigation of the island
completed (March).
(Note: Recovery of shore
parties and equipment prolonged by
extreme weather conditions
On completion about 300 sq. miles
centred on Stewart Strait had been
surveyed.
Three passengers embarked for
passage to Port Stanley (6 April).
Falkland
Islands and passage to Buenos Aires
(April).
On arrival at Port Stanley
prepared for South American visit.
Carried
out limited programme to delineate 100
fathom line for Argentinian
Hydrographic
authorities.
Brief
call for essentials at Montevideo.
(Note: Unimpressive liaison
contacts with Urugayan
hydrographers..0
At Buenos Aires (April)
(Note: 6 day visit with
extensive formal ceremonial.
Many social and sporting exchanges
1,370
visitors on
Open Day.
Argentinian
Admiral
showed more interested in equipment than
in return of 'Islas Malvinas’
An Ex RCN
RIVER Class frigate was being
acquired for conversion to survey ship).
Passage to UK via Ascension
Island and Freetown (May).
Programme of Oceanic
observations. Speed reduced to conserve
fuel.
At Georgetown Ascension
with Sporting and social exchanges
Carried out four oceanographic
Stations and photographic work on W.
African Continental
Shelf. Taut wire measurements off Cap
Blanc and shoal examinations and
measurements off Mauretania
Visit to Teneriffe
reported as a place of warmth and
prosperity
Final
Oceanographic Station work on
Gettysburg Shoal.
Note: Beacons laid and
traverses made.
Coring
work in
Iberian Plain.
Called
at Falmouth and embarked trials
personnel and TV film crew.
(Note: Carried out Pre-refit
trials and filming for TV serial using
replica of Drake's GOLDEN HIND)
Hydrographer joined by Helicopter for
entry into Plymouth.
Entered
Plymouth sound after overnight wait en
31 May 1961.
(Note: Despite
problems with landing and signalling
procedures).
Statistics of Commission
Magnetic
Observations:
7
Oceanic
Observations
107
Core
Sampling:
62
Water
Samples
50
Plankton
Hauls:
51
Bathythermograph
Dips 482
New Sea
mounts
Miles steamed in
examined:
10
225
days at
sea:
40,660.
Refit Period at Devonport (June
to October)
Discussions with Cambridge
University scientists
regarding
forthcoming work in Indian Ocean.
Dockyard work included: -
Repair of 3" crack in No 7 Oil Fuel Tank
(Note:
This may have
accounted for machinery shaft
misalignment.
Resiting
Echo Sounders Type 773 and
Type 775 Display units in Bridge Plotting
Room.
Gravimeter, Magnetometer and
Precision Depth Recorder equipment
provided.
Deep Sea Echo
Sounding Outfit and new
design DECCA Navigator Outfit
QM10 fitted
Inclining Experiment required
by Admiralty carried out during routine
docking
(Note: This established Low 'GM’
affecting ship stability.
60 tons of ballast added and some
equipment removed including:
Topmast winch; Steam
Sounding Machine; MF Direction
Finding Outfit and
aerial and davits;
Port Surf Boat and
davits, RNSA Dinghy, Ready –use
Ammunition Locker, Slave Mast sections.
Stowage positions
re-sited for
two
Dories and two Dinghies.
The disadvantages were
accepted some scepticism as no instability
had been
experienced during
the
severe weather conditions experienced
during the last year.
Completion was delayed until October
Repair of defects discovered
during post refit sea trials of
propulsion machinery and: re-insulation
of Cold
and Cool Room.
Passage to Aden (October)
Additional scientific personnel
embarked.
Bathythermograph, Gravity and
Magnetic measurements carried out off
Cyprus, in Nile Delta and during
passage through Red Sea.
New
Depth Recorder and Magnetometer
unsatisfactory.
Towing problems experienced
when Magnetometer Towed Body was
streamed.
(Note: Magnetometer
readings were found to be satisfactory
during later use when towed body
was
attached to
raft
structure
Survey
of Haycock Island off Ethiopia.
Diverted
to Perim
to deal with water
supply emergency.
(Note: Fuel
supply for desalination plant was
replenished
by transfer of fuel by boat using Jerricans.
International Indian Ocean
Expedition (November)
Traverses
in Gulf of Aden for oceanographic
measurements.
(Note Earlier problems with
towed body had been resolved. See
above.)
East
African Coastal survey (November -
December).
Survey of Lamu
harbour and approaches including Manda
and Patta
islands (November)
(Note: This
was extended because of defect in
Gravimeter required for deep sea work.)
Shore
parties landed.
Marking and tidal observations
at Lamu,
with Four Boat party at Sheila for local
survey.
Embarked
Mau-Mau detainees and police escort
for passage to
Mombasa.
Diverted for medical emergency
on return to Lamu
and returned to Mombasa.
Ship sounding carried out to
limit of shore marks visibility.
.Diverted
for flood relief work in Mombasa
(December).
Indian Ocean Expedition
continuation (December)
Oceanic observations continued
between African coast and Seychelles
(December).
Traverses made across
Seychelles Bank for Depth and
Bathythermograph measurements.
Reconnaissance parties landed
at Bird Island and Dennis Island to
select sites for DECCA
Slave Stations.
Automatic Tide Gauge set up at Port
Victoria.
During return trip to Mombasa
Magnetometer
towed body was lost
(Note: It is presumed due to
striking an uncharted reef
!!)
Kenyan
Coast continuation (January 1962)
Kenya
Banks Tidal observations.
Recovered
Lamu
parties.
Expedition Work Continuation
(January - March 1962)
Gravimeter, Magnetometer, Depth
and Taut Wire measurements on Carlsberg
Ridge between African coast and
Aldebra on Carlsberg
Ridge (January 1962)
Landed detached parties on Aldebra and
Agalega for
geodetic
and tidal measurements (January 1962)
(Note: Special precautions taken by CinC
and Seychelles authorities to
make regular checks on welfare
Taut Wire measurements made during
passage to Cosmeldo
and Astove
.Ship
off shore soundings work.
Scientific
Liaison visit to Bombay
(January)
Passage
to Maldives from Bombay with
Coordinator of Expedition
(January).
Carried
out survey in NW approaches to Bombay.
Continuous observations
revealed major discrepancies in existing
Charts of Maldives area.
Automatic Tide Gauge
established at Gan
(February).
Detached parties with boats
landed. Salvaged damaged power cable and
made Inland lagoon survey.
Passage to Mauritius via Shoals
of Capricorn (February)
Observations made across Indian
Ocean Ridge.
(Note: Possible drowned atoll
found by E/S and Gravimeter gradient
measurements in Mauritius area)
Traverses
NW of Mauritius to centre of
Madagascar Basin.
Landed party at French
Meteorological Station on Tromelin
Island to
establish Gravity Station
Carried
out ship sounding at Agalega
with shore party landed.
Extension of Madagascar Ridge
confirmed near Cosmeldos
Island.
Return Passage to Seychelles
Recovered
Aldabra party after 45 day stay.
Depth and Magnetic observations
on Seychelles - Mauritius Ridge
Southern
edge Amirante
and Seychelles Banks
observations (March);
Radial
traverses across Seychelles Bank.
At
Port Victoria, Seychelles.
Collected eight 'Cocos de Mer’
trees from Praslin
Island.
(Note: These
are unique to area)
Divers obtained samples of rock for
investigation of magnetic anamolies
Passage to Mombasa
Carried
out Traverses across Ridge.
Disembarked
scientist at Mombasa on 11 March.
Kenyan coast continuation
(March)
Off shore survey Manda Bay.
(Note: Coastlining
and marking by Boats and ship soundings
with beacons..
Insufficiency of
Beacons noted and extempore
arrangements not satisfactory.
Passage to UK (April - May)
Liaison Visit to Pakistan Hydrographic
establishment at Karachi (April)
Made Geophysical traverse on
passage from Karachi to Aden
Completed outstanding work at
Haycock Island in Red Sea
Met HMS DALRYMPLE in
Mediterranean Sea for joint joint
exercises (May).
Paid off for refit at Devonport
June 1962
Statistics
: 53,000 soundings
and 75,000 miles of
measurements made.
Captain awarded
Cuthbert-Peek Grant from
Royal Geographic Society for
contributions
to
oceanographic knowledge.
Eighth Commission 1962 - 63
Commissioned: 15 August 1962
Commanding
Office:
Commander D W Haslam
(15/08/62).
Later
Rear Admiral and Hydrographer
of
the Navy (1975-85)
Refit at Devonport (June -
July)
(Note: Wire falls for boats
replaced.
New magnetometers and Precision
Depth Recorder fitted
Carried out searched for
submarine ALARIC in SUBSMASH exercise
with HMS DALRYMPLE (August).
Hydrographer embarked from HMS DALRYMPLE
during passage to Portland for 5 day
work-up (September).
Passage to rejoin International
Expedition in Indian Ocean (September -
November 1962)
Gravimeter tested near Eddystone and
E/S 771 operation checked at 1000
fathoms.
Planned Magnetic and
Gravimetric measurements made at
selected Stations.
Made
Official visit to SACLANT NATO ASW
Research Centre at La
Spezia, Italy (October).
(Note: Overall impression was
that much co-ordination with other hydrographic
centres was required if collection
of
oceanographic data was to be done
without duplication of effort.
Indian Ocean Expedition work
(November).
Magnetic
measurements at specific depths in
Gulf of Men.
Investigated
of possible Median Valley associated
with Carlsberg
Ridge.
Beacons and buoys laid in
preparation for later work by Royal Research
Ship DISCOVERY.
Bathythermograph trials made to 900 feet using
new Deep Ruggedised
Outfit
Operational visit to Bombay for
liaison with Indian Hydrographic
Department
Oceanographic
observations on Carlsberg Ridge during
passage from
Bombay to Seychelles.
Replenished at sea from RFA WAVE
SOVEREIGN.
Diverted to transfer rating to
RFA FORT DUSQUENSNE for passage to Gan
for air flight
to UK
4 day Seychelles visit with
social and sporting exchanges (December)
Simultaneous Magnetic
measurements made with 2 Magnetometers
towed at constant depth
during passage
to Mombasa.
Kenyan coast continuation
(December 1962 - March 1963)
Carried out survey between Lamua
and Manda
Bay
Approaches and Manda
Bay to Chiambone.
(Note:
Last survey work was done between 1824
and 1825.)
Slave Station site chosen near Malindi
(December)
(Note DECCA equipment found
satisfactory after not being used for 2
years.
Diverted to Gan
as Guard-ship to relieve HM Frigate
BLACKPOOL (4 to 24 January 1963)
16 man
Detached Party left with 2 boats at Larou
to carry
out inshore survey work.
(Note. Mail diversion found unsatisfactory.
Serious delays caused slight loss
of crew morale.
Opportunity taken
to carry out tide watching and fixing.
Local 'dummy warship' caused
some hilarity
as it changed its design to suit type
of guardship
in
use.)
Returned to Lamu
on relief by HM Destroyer CAPRICE (24
January)
New sea-mount rising from 2,500
fathoms to 715 Fathoms discovered 50
miles East of Mogadishu Rise.
R&R
and stores replenishment at Mombasa.
Good progress at Lamu noted.
Ship grounded at Kiwaihu, near Mombasa
(26 February)
Ship soundings made in
approaches to Manda
Bay
Continued
Triangulation through Siyu
Channel.
(Note: Survey
needed to improve access for oil
exploration
work and for future harbour
development.)
TELLUROMETER extensively used.
Coastlining
made difficult by soft mangrove edge and swell conditions
at end of period.
Place
names used had been obtained
from local District Commissioner.
Visited Zanzibar (March).
When SW Monsoon broke planned
work had been completed.
Extension
to north including outer area ship
sounding to
be dealt with next season.
(Note: Increase
in radical cases needing hospital
treatment
noted.
Kenyan coast continuation
(December 1962 - March 1963) (Continued)
Core samples taken until corer
unit lost.
Defect in Boiler steam pipe.
Operational visit to Karachi
(April)
(Note Scientific
discussions and lecture to Pakistan Navy
on Exploration work.
Sporting
exchanges
and boiler repair work.
Liberty-men
numbers reduced by 50%
compared with Seychelles.)
Second Phase of Expedition
(April - May 1963).
DECCA Slave Station dismantled and
scientists rejoined at Mombasa
Observations
and measurements in SW Approaches to
Seychelles.
2,700 fathom
trench
investigated.
Visited
Mahe
visit.
(Note: Children’s
Party during which electric train set
demonstration caused much confusion.
Social
and sporting
exchanges.)
Magnetic anomalies found during
series of runs over Carlsberg Ridge near
Bird Island.
Further scientific
investigation required to establish
relation to fault line.
(Note: As a result of this work
which lasted ten weeks, the Chart is now
marked “OWEN Fracture Line”
Data obtained was used to prove
“Tectonic Fracture Theory”)
Echo sounding equipment
established existence of dense fish
layers
(Note: These were later
exploited by Japanese.)
Second
Phase of Expedition (April - May
1963).
Phase concluded with
examinations of the seabed in Gulf of
Avon (May)
Trench of 3,176 fathoms found
(Note: This was named WHEATLEY
after the scientist
involved.)
No
median valley discovered during
traverses across this part of
Carlsberg Ridge.
Gravimeter
and Magnetometer profiles made over
trench north of
Guarafui.
Arrived
at Aden with 1 Ton fuel remaining
after
4,320 mile travel since leaving
Karachi.
(Note: Fuel
economy measures needed included use of
Diesel
Generator in daytime/
Annual
Inspection.
Passage to UK (May - June 1963)
Diverted
to Massawa
to land sick rating.
Special current measurements
made using an MFV in Straits of
Gibraltar (June).
(Note: The Mecavolier
Current
Meter and Pisa Bottles used produced an
unsatisfactory result.)
Pre-refit
trials in SW Approaches.
Total mileage steamed: 38,200
since re-commissioning (June).
Refit at Devonport (July -
August)
Hull
corrosion evident and attention
essential at next refit.
Port tail shaft removed for examination.
Guard-ship duty at Dartmouth
Regatta with families embarked for
passage (August).
Sailed
with families on board to Dartmouth
for duty as Guardship.
Trinity
House Vessel PATRICIA.
Open to visitors (TOO).
(Note: Poor weather restricted yachting events.)
Passage to Mombasa (September -
October)
Carried
out work-up for surveying.
Made continuous soundings and six Shoal
examinations in Mediterranean near Cape
Bon
Vigilance at Port Said proved
worthwhile.
(Note: Thief caught escaping
out of bathroom
scuttle with a
raincoat.)
Indiscipline
at Aden.
(Note: Rating charged with
striking Officer of the Day (October)
(Note: At subsequent
court-martial in Mombasa found guilty
and sentenced to nine months detention.)
Kenyan coast survey
continuation (October)
Detached parties landed with
survey motor boats
for triangulation
and tide watching.
International
Indian Ocean Exploration (October -
November).
Seismic Tests carried out in
conjunction
with Royal Research Ship
DISCOVERY.
(Note: Heavy duty Mark VII Depth Charges exploded at 400 feet below
surface and 500 feet astern in positions
50 yards apart.
Effects recorded from sensors in
RRS DISCOVERY.
First depth charge caused flooding
in Naval Store and leak in a Fuel Tank
. After
repair work
distance of explosion from ship
adjusted by increasing speed.
Results achieved were judged to be
excellent (October)
On
return to Mombasa
to embark more
Depth Charges trials programme delayed
by machinery defects.
Repeated
Seismic
Tests with RRS DISCOVERY on Seychelles
Bank for Geological
research (November)
(Note: .Light
Weight Depth Charges dropped in
shallower
water.
Measurements progressively
recorded to 106 miles range.
World record established for
length of
seismic
line.
Soundings recorded during
passages.
Kenyan Coast continuation
(November 1964 - February 1964)
Offshore work resumed and area
extended northward to cover approaches
to Formosa Bay
Second DECCA Slave sited at Malindi
Tide Watching party at Kiunga near
border of Somalia withdrawn because of
threatened attack by tribesmen..
Xmas
and R&R at Mombasa.
(Note: Local station leave
granted.)
Diverted to Zanzibar to evacuate
British citizens (January - February
1964)
(Note: Muslim Sultan had been
deposed by pro African elements.
Local situation resolved after
extensive negotiation.
Later unrest in Dar-es-Salaam further
delayed continuation of survey.
Joined other RN ships in area
after taking troops and stores from
Mombasa
Returned to Mombasa when
situation stabilised (February)
Day and night work necessary to
make up for lost time but kept at short
notice for recall.
Rejoined Task Group for brief
period and when operation cancelled
recovered Slave Station.
The Earl of Oxford and Asquiith, HE
Governor of Seychelles embarked at
Aldabra for
visits to islands.(March)
Shoal investigations and ships
soundings.
Calls
at Desnoefs
and Cosmeldo
and Assumption Islands.
Fuelled
at Diego Suarez (Malagasy) before
disembarking the
Governor and party at Mahe.
(Note: Special
permission was obtained for this visit
because of the presence of the Governor.
The visit had been made necessary
because
planned Replenishment from an RFA vessel
had been cancelled.)
Received Aldabran
turtle (Teresa) from the Governor to
give to Plymouth Zoo (March)).
Final Phase of International
Indian Ocean Exploration work (April
1963)
Oceanographic
work on passage to Mauritius during
which lost Deep
Bathythermograph Unit.
Sub-current measurements made
and water samples obtained at 6 levels
down to 150 fathoms.
Tidal gauge intended for
Mauritius site not required and set up
at Rodriges.
Arrived Aden on 11 April
Carried out Vulcanological
programme
(April)
(Note: Dr I Gass
of Leeds University scientist embarked.
Detached party landed at Perim.
Carried out scientific work in
Gulf of Aden and
Red Sea.
(Note: This
included TELLUROMETER fixing and vulcanological
work
in Red Sea between Jabal
al Tair
and
Zubair.
Recovered
Perim
party.
Passage to UK (April - May)
Oceanographic work carried out
off Malta at Fifla.
Hydrqgrapher embarked for entry in to
Plymouth.
Mileage steamed 70,000 on
arrival (11th May).
Refit Period at Devonport (June
- July)
Ninth
Commission (1964 - 65).
Recommissioned:
7 August 1964
Commanding
Officer: Commander J.
Paton (17/08/64).
General
Service Commission for Eastern
Atlantic Survey.
Visited Portsmouth to discuss
planned programme with Hydrographers
in HMS VIDAL
(August)
Carried out one week work-up at
Portland before
departure on 16 September
DECCA LAMBDA Survey in Eastern
Atlantic (October - December)
Slave Stations sited at Sancti Petri in Spain and at El Jabida
in Morocco.
(Note: Detached
parties established excellent relations
with local communities).
Local survey off Gibraltar
(October)
(Note: MFV trip arranged to
Tangier.)
Moroccan coastal survey
(October - November)
Maildrops arranged.
R&R visit to Casablanca
(October)
(Note: Satisfactory social and
sporting exchanges with Royal Moroccan
Navy.)
New Slave Station site S of
Cape Spartel
agreed with Moroccan
authorities
at Rabat (November)
Progress slowed by weather and
some technical problems with the Lambda
equipment.
Visited Cadiz (December)
(Note: Political
situation relating to Spanish claim to
Gibraltar restricted reception.
Sites for Slave Stations discussed.
Hydrographer embarked before arrival at
Plymouth.
Annual
Inspection (December).
Moroccan Coast continuation
(January - May 1965)
Reactivated Slave Stations on
arrival at Gibraltar (January)
(Note: R&R to land skiing
parties in Spain and Morocco (January
and February).
Returned to Gibraltar for
medical emergency (February).
Operational
visit to Casablanca.
Dismantled Santi
Petri Slave and transferred to new site
south of
Cape
Spartel.
Tragic suicide on board at
Gibraltar (March)
(Note: Board of Inquiry and
civil inquest held.)
Offshore activities continued to be affected
by weather well into March.
New
site at operational by 15 March.
Detached party left at
Gibraltar for local survey after
dredging work
(April).
Reconnaissance in Northern
Spain for sites required when survey
area moved north (April)
Additional oceanographic work
carried out for Moroccan Fishery
authorities off Casablanca (May).
Slave Station dismantled and moved
by road to Spain (May)
Official visit to Vigo for Liaison
with Spanish naval authorities relating
to
future work (4 to 6 June)
Lambda
stations established in new sites.
NATO
Hydrographic
Month with Portuguese
Navy (June).
Official visit to Lisbon with
many social exchanges (12 - 18 June)
Hydrographer of the Navy embarked for
discussions with Portuguese Hydrographer
and
Scientists.
Joined
Task Group 443.1 with Portuguese
Survey
Ships JOAO DE LISBOA and DIEGO CAO
CORTE REAL
Oceanographic
Cruises NE Azores
area with exchange of officers and
visit to Ponta Delgardo.
Northern Spanish Coast (July -
September)
Liaison
visit to Ferrol.
(Note: Social
and sporting exchanges; demonstration
arranged.)
Slave Stations set up and
calibrated..
Joint Survey programme started.
Return passage to UK
Attended Clyde Royal Review and
Sunnier Leave period at Plymouth (August
- September)
(Note: At Plymouth Navy Days a
series of displays were provided on
board to demonstrate
the work of the
surveying
service.)
Final deployment
Returned to continued survey SW
Cape Finisterre
(September)
Port propeller shaft sheared
within A-Bracket and propeller lost.
(Note: No injury to engine room
personnel.)
At
La
Corunna.
Survey work terminated (15
September).
Lambda Stations dismantled and
arrangements made for local custody.
Called at Vigo
(Note: Captain visited Madrid to review progress and
receive assurances of future
co-operation
by
Spanish Navy.)
Returned
to Plymouth on one shaft and arrived on
30 September.
F
i n a
l D i
s p o s a l.
HMS OWEN Paid off 14 October
1965 and was reduced to Reserve status.
She was placed on Disposal List and
sold in 1970 to BISCO for
demolition by Bolcow
at Blyth.. The ship arrived in
tow at the breaker’s yard on
15 July 1970.