S.T. Northern Duke LO169 : The Bosun's Watch

S.T. Northern Duke LO169

Technical

Official Number: 165366
Yard Number: 559
Completed: 1936
Gross Tonnage: 655
Net Tonnage: 233
Length: 188.1 ft
Breadth: 28.1 ft
Depth: 15.5 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl & LP turbine with DR gearing & hydraulic coupling by Deutsche Schiffs und Maschinenbau AG Seebeck, Wesermünde.
Built: Deutsche Schiffs und Maschinenbau AG Seebeck, Wesermünde

History

1936: Ordered by Leverhulme Ltd, London to absorb frozen credits in Germany.
11.1936: Completed by Deutsche Schiff und Maschinenbau AG Seebeck, Wesermünde (Yd.No.559) for MacLine Ltd, London (Leverhulme Ltd) as NORTHERN DUKE.
3.12.1936: Registered at London (LO169). Operating out of Fleetwood (Edward D. W. Lawford, manager).
1937: Transferred to Hull.
30.7.1937: Sailed Hull for Icelandic grounds (Sk Henry Lead); fifteen crew, two passengers.
1.8.1937: In dense fog ran ashore at about 7.00 a.m.on reef southern end of Louther Skerry, Pentland Firth; using engine attempted to refloat. About noon LADY SHIRLEY (H464) connected but at high water failed to refloat due to wire fouling her propeller; cleared and stood by.
2.8.1937: Before high water, Aberdeen salvage tug IRONAXE (296g/1916) arrived on scene from Lyness. Connected but failed to refloat.
3.8.1937: On night tide refloated by IRONAXE (296g/1916), examined and found to be making little water, proceeded under own power to Aberdeen with tug escort.
9.10.1937: Sold to Northern Trawlers Ltd, London (H. Markham Cook, Grimsby, manager).
22.10.1937: BOT Formal Investigation (S.390) found Sk. Lead in default and suspended his ticket for two months.
1.9.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a patrol/armed bording vessel (P.No.4.11) (Hire rate £425.15.0d/month).
18.1.1940: Escorting neutral Swedish motor ship PAJALA (6873/1924) to Kirkwall for inspection. At 1625 some 10 miles 72° from North Rona, PAJALA was hit forward by a torpedo from Uboat (U25). All thirty five crew taken onboard before a second torpedo hit aft at 1703 and the vessel foundered. Uboat engaged with gun forced to dive and was attacked unsuccessfully with depth charges. HM Destroyers ASHANTI (P.No.F51 ) and KIMBERLEY (P.No.F50) ordered to the scene.
1942: Fitted out for anti submarine duties.
3.1942: Transferred on loan to US Navy.
10.1942: Returned to Royal Navy and operated in South Atlantic based at Cape Town.
10.1.1946: Returned to owner.
11.1946: Converted for burning oil fuel, F.P. above 150° F.
12.1946: London registry closed.
12.1946: Registered at Grimsby (GY442).
Pre 1959: John Bennett designated manager.
Pre 1963: John A. Butt designated manager.
10.1963: Sold to Clayton & Davie Ltd, Dunston-on-Tyne for breaking up.
30.10.1963: Arrived Tyne from Grimsby in tow of FIERY CROSS (192grt/1957).