Category Archives: Steam Trawlers

S.D/T. Eunice and Nellie BCK118 (Seasonal)

Additional information courtesy of David Slinger

Technical

Official Number: 145859
Yard Number: 555
Completed: 1918
Gross tonnage: 95.70
Net tonnage: 38.01
Length: 86.2 ft
Breadth: 18.5 ft
Depth: 9.25 ft
Built: A. Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen
Engine: 270ihp T.3-cyl and boiler by A. Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen

History

1918: Launched by Alexander Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen (Yd.No.555) (“Admiralty drifter”) for The Admiralty as FROTH (Ad.No.3978).
25.10.1918: Completed as a minesweeper.
1920: Transferred to Board of Agriculture & Fisheries, London for disposal.
1921: Sold to Herbert Pritchard, South Stanley, Liverpool.
5.8.1921: Registered at Liverpool (Part I & IV) as FLORENCE PRITCHARD O.N.145859 (LL120). T. M. Nicholson of Hoylake appointed skipper.
24.1.1922: At Bangor Magistrates Court, Sk.Nicholson, was charged under the regulations of the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Board for illegal fishing off the Welsh Coast. The case revealed a conflict of evidence and the Bench being divided it was dismissed.
2.1923: Sold to George Rodgers and A. Gore, Douglas, IoM. George Rodgers designated managing owner.
28.1.1923: Sailed Liverpool for Douglas, IoM.
2.3.1923: Liverpool registry closed.
3.1923: Registered at Douglas as MANX PRINCESS (DO91).
7.3.1924: Reported that the M’Intosh splay otter trawl boards had been fitted and not only did they give a better spread of the net but also a substantial reduction in the coal bill.
4.11.1929: In the evening suffered machinery problem and anchored in Garwick Bay, IoM. Isle of Man coasting steamer CUSHAG (223grt/1908) responded to signal of distress, connected and commenced tow to Douglas.
5.11.1929: Delivered Douglas about noon.
27.9.1930: Off Douglas, sighted steam trawler STAR of the SOUTH (GY676) (Sk. W. Mayhew), making for Douglas leaking, having cut away gear off Maughold Head. When hauling in heavy weather, after otter board slamming against hull stove in plating in way of engineroom. Requested stand by until off entrance to Douglas Harbour.
28.2.1931: Placed on slipway at Fleetwood for repair and painting. The only steamer amongst a number of Manx motor drifter/trawlers, which will fish Morecambe Bay during the coming season (Messrs W. M. Kelly, managing agent).
1932: Sold to John Murray, Eunice Sutherland or Murray and James Robertson Cook Logie, all of Buckie. John Murray designated managing owner. Douglas registry closed. Registered at Buckie (BCK118).
14.4.1933: White fish trawling out of Fleetwood. Telegram received from Buckie that the mother of John Thain, deckhand on the trawler had died. Efforts to contact the trawler were unsuccessful. Luckily the vessel returned to Fleetwood less than ten minutes before a main line train was due to leave and Thain rushed from the dock and caught the train home.
10.1933: Registered at Buckie as EUNICE and NELLIE (BCK118) (Proposal to Change Ship’s Name dated 23.10.33).
1935-39: White fish trawling from Fleetwood (Alex Keay, managing agent).
30.3.1935: Fishing between St Bees Head and the Point of Ayre near King William Buoy. At midnight when hoisting the bag inboard the mast stays gave way. There was a mad scamper for safety and within seconds the mast came down with a terrific crash breaking into two as it fell leaving only a stump. The rigging, lights, etc came down on deck, leaving a complete shambles, the crew setting to work to clear away and rig temporary lights. Set course for Fleetwood.
31.3.1935: At Fleetwood landed 30 boxes. Laid over for several days as new mast was made and fitted.
22.7.1935: Fishing off the Cumberland coast. Told by the seam trawler HAZELDENE (BCK47) that George Murray, brother of John “Gyke” Murray, the skipper, James Murray, mate and David Murray, deckhand was lying dangerously ill at Wick. The net was hauled and the trawler made best speed for Fleetwood. On arrival they were told that their brother had died.
12.2.1936: Sailed Fleetwood for the fishing grounds. Experienced boiler tube problems and decided to return for repair.
14.2.1936: Returned to Fleetwood. Repaired and returned to service.
22.3.1939: At Bangor Magistrates Court , Sk. R. T. Reid of Warren Avenue, Fleetwood, fined £10 for illegal trawling off Puffin Island, Anglesey, a similar amount for not exhibiting fishing signals and £14.19.2d costs.
5.12.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (P.No.FY1543) (Hire rate £32.16.0d/month). Based Sheerness.
3.1943: Employed on miscellaneous Naval duties.
6.1943: Employed as a TRV.
1945: Based Douglas, IoM.
1946: Returned to owner.
1946: Sold to Alexander Reid, Dorothea Thomson & others, Peterhead. Buckie registry closed. Registered at Peterhead (PD309).
1947: Sold to Drifters (Peterhead) Ltd, Peterhead (G. G. Strachan & others and Caledonian Fishselling Co Ltd). R. Foreman, designated manager.
17.12.1952: Sold for breaking up. 1954: Peterhead registry closed. Broken up.

Click to enlarge images

S.D/T. Eunice & Nellie BCK118

S.D/T. Eunice & Nellie BCK118
Picture courtesy of The Barry Banham Maritime Photo Collection

S.T. Eunice and Nellie PD309

S.D/T. Eunice and Nellie PD309
Picture © The Barry Banham Photo Collection

TRV Eunice & Nellie

TRV Eunice & Nellie

Changelog
26/01/2009: Page published. 3 updates since then.
18/02/2018: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.
27/07/2020: Updated the history.
07/03/2023: Updated information.
07/03/2023: Added an image.
07/05/2023: Updated history

S.T. Foss FD243

Technical

Official Number: 139212
Yard Number: 635
Completed: 1916
Gross Tonnage: 274.76
Net Tonnage: 107.61
Length: 125.4 ft
Breadth: 23.4 ft
Depth: 12.8 ft
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Engine: T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesbrough

History

19.4.1916: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.635) for The “Wyre” Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood as FOSS.
17.5.1916: Registered at Fleetwood (FD243).
5.1916: Completed (Magnus B. J. Wedum, manager). Requisitioned from the builders for war service (Ad.No.3278). Commissioned. Fitted with Hotchkiss 1-12pdr, W/T (Call sign XPA) and modified mine-sweep. Fitted out as Leader.
By 10.1916: Allocated to Unit No.85 – 3rd Division based St. Mary’s, Scilly Islands (Sub Lieut. F.A. Orriss RNR).
1.10.1918: At Isles of Scilly for General Patrol and Escort work (Lieut. RNR).
12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
10.1928: Fitted with W/T.
3.1.1940: Requisitioned for war service as a boom defence vessel (P.No.Z.144) (Hire rate £77.18.4d/month).
1943: Sold to Northern Trawlers Ltd, London (W. A. Bennett, manager).
23.11.1943: Compulsorily acquired by M.O.W.T.
1944: Based at Fort William (D. MacBrayne Ltd, Glasgow, agents).
7.1946: Sold to Westburn (Fishing) Ltd, Aberdeen (George Murray, manager). Fleetwood registry closed. Registered at Aberdeen (A269).
12.1956: Sold for breaking up. Aberdeen registry closed.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Foss FD243

S.T. Foss FD243
Picture courtesy of The David Slinger Collection

S.T. Foss FD243

S.T. Foss FD243
Picture courtesy of The Alan Hirst Collection

S.T. Foss FD243

S.T. Foss FD243
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
26/01/2009: Page published.3 updates since then.
28/05/2017: Removed FMHT watermarks and added an image.
15/08/2019: Updated information.
04/11/2019: Added an image.
11/10/2020: Updated history.

S.T. Dragoon FD60

Additional information courtesy of Bill Blow, Andy Hall, Mike Thomson and David Slinger

Technical
Official Number: 181280
Yard Number: 686
Completed: 1942
Gross Tonnage: 522.44
Net Tonnage: 196.81
Length: 167.7 ft
Breadth: 28.1 ft
Depth: 14.1 ft
Built: Cook, Welton & Gemmell Ltd, Beverley
Engine: 970ihp T.3-cyl by Charles D. Holmes & Co Ltd, Hull (later up-rated to 1050ihp)
Boiler: Central Marine Engine Works, West Hartlepool
Speed: 11 knots

History

18.1.1941: Ordered.
4.6.1941: Laid down.
21.10.1941: Launched by Cook, Welton & Gemmell Ltd, Beverley (Yd.No.686) (“Hills” class) for The Admiralty as YES TOR (P.No.T.222).
10.4.1942: Completed (1-12pdr HA/LA, 4-MG, 1-20mm, ASDIC, DC).
1941: Home Fleet. Western Approaches based Campbeltown.
1942: To Freetown, 2nd A/S Group.
1945: Armament increased (2-20mm).
1946: Laid up at Rosyth on Disposal List (SORF, Rosyth).
10.4.1946: Sold to Hudson Brothers Trawlers Ltd (64/64), Hull for the sum of £27.500, estimated cost to convert for fishing, £32,000.
11.1946: Converted to a fishing vessel by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, North Shields.
1946: Engine re-rated 1050ihp.
12.11.1946: On completion of conversion, registered at Hull (Part I & IV) to Clyde Trawlers Ltd, Hull as CAPE CLEVELAND O.N.181280 (H355). Insured for the sum of £77,000. Gilbert Hudson designated manager.
7.12.1946: Sailed Hull for White Sea grounds (Sk. George William Thompson).
31.12.1946: At Hull landed 3,155 kits, £7,359 gross.
11.11.1947: Registered at Hull as STELLA CARINA (H355).
11.1947: Converted for burning oil fuel, F.P. above 150° F.
7.6.1949: Clyde Trawlers Ltd, Hull placed in voluntary liquidation. Reginald Philip Clarke, Grimsby appointed Liquidator.
5.9.1949: Sold by the Liquidator to Hudson Brothers Trawlers Ltd (64/64), Hull.
18.10.1949: Registered at Hull as CAPE FINISTERRE (H355).
24.1.1952: Sold to The Great Grimsby & East Coast Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby. Albert Wright Butt designated manager.
28.1.1952: Hull registry closed.
29.1.1952: Registered at Grimsby (GY222).
20.2.1952: Registered at Grimsby as DRAGOON (GY222) (BoT Minute R.G.No.1025/52 dated 5.2.1952).
1953: Made one trip to Greenland fishery.
1959: Laid up at Grimsby.
27.8.1959: Being re-activated, two men overcome by fumes while inside boiler and died.
25.2.1960: Leslie Wheildon, Fleetwood designated manager.
26.2.1960: Arrived Fleetwood.
5.3.1960: Sold to Wyre Trawlers Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood.
16.3.1960: Grimsby registry closed.
16.3.1960: Registered at Fleetwood (FD60).
16.3.1960: Leslie Wheildon appointed manager.
14.10.1962: On NW coast of Iceland (Sk. Roy Belcher). Arrested for alleged illegal fishing and escorted to Isafjördhur.
16.10.1962: Court at Reykjavik fined Sk. Belcher £1,916 and confiscated nets and catch. Fine overturned by Icelandic Supreme Court.
15.9.1964: On north west Iceland grounds arrested for alleged illegal fishing. Court at Reykjavik.
12.1966: Sold to West of Scotland Shipbreaking Co Ltd, Troon for breaking up.
17.12.1966: Delivered Troon from Fleetwood under own power (draughts 7’6”/16’0”).
23.8.1968: Breaking commenced.
21.11.1968: Beached (draughts 7’0”/11’0”).
7.5.1969: Breaking completed.
29.12.1969: Fleetwood registry closed “Vessel broken up.”

Click to enlarge images

HMT Yes Tor

HMT Yes Tor
Picture reproduced under IWM Non-Commercial Licence

S.T. Dragoon GY222

S.T. Dragoon GY222
Picture from the Internet

S.T. Dragoon H222

S.T. Dragoon H222
Picture courtesy of The Osta Collection

S.T. Dragoon FD60

S.T. Dragoon H222
Picture courtesy of the JJ Collection

S.T. Dragoon FD60

S.T. Dragoon FD60
Picture courtesy of The Phil Rogers Collection

S.T. Dragoon FD60

S.T. Dragoon FD60
Picture courtesy of The John Bonner Collection

S.T. Dragoon FD60

S.T. Dragoon FD60
Picture from the Ineternet

S.T. Dragoon FD60

S.T. Dragoon FD60
Picture courtesy of The Peter Hearn Collection

Changelog
25/01/2009: Page published. 8 updates since then.
02/05/2016: Picture added.
28/07/2018: Information updated. Removed FMHT watermarks from images.
26/03/2019: Added a picture.
01/05/2020: Updated information.
01/09/2020: Added an image.

S.T. Imperialist FD83

Additional information courtesy of Mike Thompson and Geoff Davidson

Technical

Official Number: 167050
Yard Number: 1058
Completed: 1939
Gross Tonnage: 520.32
Net Tonnage: 190.57
Length: 175.9 ft
Breadth: 28.6 ft
Depth: 15.0 ft
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Engine: 925ihp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesbrough
Boiler: Richardson, Westgarth & Co Ltd, Hartlepool

History

23.12.1938: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.1058) for Hull Great Northern Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Hull as IMPERIALIST.
1.1939: Completed.
28.1.1939: Registered at Hull (H2).
28.1.1939: Owen Stooks Hellyer designated manager.
30.1.1939: Sailed Hull on first trip to White Sea (Sk. H. Duffen).
16.2.1939: At Hull landed 1,870 kits grossed £1.212.
25.7.1939: Insured value £31,200.
14.8.1939: Sailed Hull for Bear Island last trip before requisition (Sk. A. Lynch).
30.8.1939: At Hull landed 1,199 kits £902 gross.
1939: To requisition, at Hull land from Iceland/White Sea/Bear Island (Sks. A. Lynch, R. Duffin, T. W. Ellis, J. C. Ashcroft) 189 days 17,262 kits £12,605.
30.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service and fitted out for anti submarine duties (P.No.FY.126) North Atlantic Command (Hire rate £390.0.0d/month).
17.2.1941: Sold to Hellyer Bros Ltd (64/64), Hull.
21.2.1941: Owen Stooks Hellyer appointed manager.
18.1.1942: At Gibraltar, 7th A/S Group, damaged by explosive charge placed onboard HM Trawler ERIN.
31.10.1943: At night in Strait of Gibraltar, north of Tangier, detected U-boat (U.732) in vicinity of convoy, depth charged and brought to surface, engaged with gunfire damaging conning tower but U-boat submerged. Two more depth charge attacks made but contact lost. (Pby Temp Lieut. P. E. Kito RNVR). Later HMS DOUGLAS (P.No.D90) (Lt Cdr. K. H. J. L. Phipps RN) in approx position of attack illuminated a U-boat (U.732) on the surface. Engaged with gunfire and several hits observed; crew abandoned the boat. Eighteen survivors picked in position 35.54N 05.52W. Thirty-one dead.
10.1945: Returned to owner at Hull.
30.11.1945: Insured value £52,500; for 1946 proposed £60,000.
1.1.1946: Sold to The Hull Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Hull.
1.1.1946: Richard Owen Hellyer appointed manager.
1.1947: Converted for burning oil fuel, F.P. above 150° F.
24.1.1947: Alteration to tonnage and other particulars, Certificate of Survey at Hull dated 9.1.1947. 526.25g 192.56n.
12.5.1947: Sold to The Northern Fishing Co (Hull) Ltd (64/64), Hull.
12.5.1947: Peter Anthony Hellyer appointed manager.
23.3.1948: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to National Provincial Bank Ltd, London (A).
2.5.1949: Mark Hellyer and Graham Hellyer appointed managers.
6.1949: New boiler fitted.
9.10.1959: Outward for Icelandic grounds (Sk. Frank W. Drewery). In thick fog off the Yorkshire coast in collision with Turkish steamer YELKENCI (7046grt/1943) 15 miles east of Scarborough. Heavy damage to shell plating on the port side and beached south of Scarborough harbour.
11.10.1959: Refloated after temporary repairs and proceeded to Hull for permanent repair and return to service
7.3.1963: Sailed Hull Norway Coast, last trip from port (Sk. W. Hodgson).
29.3.1963: At Hull landed 1,304 kits grossed £5,329. Transferred within the Associated Fisheries Group to Fleetwood.
4.1963: First landing at Fleetwood from Icelandic grounds £3,034 gross.
10.10.1963: Sold to Wyre Trawlers Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood.
18.10.1963: Mortgage (A) discharged.
6.1.1964: Hull registry closed.
6.1.1964: Registered at Fleetwood (FD83).
6.1.1964: Leslie Wheilden appointed manager.
31.10.1964: Returned to Fleetwood with fire in store beneath forecastle accommodation. Crew unable to determine seat of fire and control flames. Attended by Fleetwood and Blackpool fire brigades and fire extinguished with limited damage.
18.10.1965: Dodging in a heavy gale on Icelandic grounds (Sk. John Mcklenburgh Jnr). Despite radar out of action and own machinery problems, went to the assistance of Icelandic fishing boat STRAKUR* (SI145) (40grt) disabled with engine trouble and leaking. Picked up seven crew members from an inflatable dinghy and with difficulty closed casualty and took off remaining two crew.
12.1966: Sold to West of Scotland Shipbreaking Co Ltd, Troon for breaking up.
20.12.1966: Delivered Troon Harbour from Fleetwood under own power (draughts7’9”/16’6”).
25.6.1968: Breaking commenced.
9.10.1968: Beached (draughts 8’6”/10’6”).
15.7.1969: Breaking completed.

*The National Lifesaving Association of Iceland awarded medals to Sk. Micklenburgh and his crew for the rescue of the crew of the Straker.

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist H2
Picture courtesy of the JJ Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist H2
Picture courtesy of the JJ Collection

HMT Imperialist

HMT Imperialist
Picture courtesy of The Imperial War Museum

HMT Imperialist

HMT Imperialist
Picture reproduced under IWM Non-Commercial Licence

S.T. Imperialist FD85

S.T. Imperialist H2
Picture courtesy of The George Scales Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist H2
Picture courtesy of The George Westwood Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist H2
Picture courtesy of The George Scales Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist FD83
Picture courtesy of The JJ Collection

S.T. Imperialist H2

S.T. Imperialist H2
Picture courtesy of The JJ Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist FD83
Picture courtesy of The Len Charnley Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist FD83
Picture courtesy of The John Bonner Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist FD83
Picture courtesy of The Frank Smith Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist FD83
Picture courtesy of The Peter Green Collection

S.T. Imperialist FD83

S.T. Imperialist FD83
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
25/01/2009: Page published. 9 updates since then.
23/04/2014: Picture added.
12/04/2015: Picture added.
20/07/2015: Picture added.
17/12/2015: Information updated.
02/05/2017: Removed disputed image and FMHT watermarks.
21/12/2017: Added images.
20/01/2021: Updated history.

S.T. Hackness FD120

Technical

Official Number: 163952
Yard Number: 1128
Completed: 1934
Gross Tonnage: 413
Net Tonnage: 162
Length: 152.8 ft
Breadth: 25.6 ft
Depth: 13.6 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl by Charles D. Holmes & Co Ltd, Hull
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby

History

22.9.1934: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.1128) for W. B. Wiley & Sons Ltd, Hull as MENDIP.
7.11.1934: Registered at Hull (H114).
8.11.1934: Completed (William H. Willey Jnr, manager).
10.11.1934: Sailed Hull on first trip to Bear Island (Sk. Dahlgreen(?)).
4.12.1934: At Hull landed 1,650 kits grossed £697.
18.07.1938: Sold to Hudson Brothers Trawlers Ltd Hull for £14,650.(1938 W B Willey fleet bought by Hudson Brothers).
14.11.1938: Sold to East Riding Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Hull.
25.7.1939: Insured value £21,000.
31.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service.
11.1939: Sold to The Admiralty (MOWT) (£23,505). Fitted out as an anti-submarine trawler (1-4”, AA weapons, ASDIC, DC) (P.No.FY.249). Based Harwich with 11th A/S Group.
9.12.1939: Hull registry closed.
9. 2.1940: Renamed HMS SPHENE.
20.10.1945: A Control Committee was formed to manage Hull and Grimsby trawlers which had been bought by the Admiralty pre war and were being offered for sale back to their original owners. The owners who bought back these vessels and wanted to take part in the scheme agreed to register the trawlers under the Hull Ice Co. Ltd and profits were shared. Management of the trawlers was given to the companies which had bought them.
1946: After restoration remeasured 413g 162n.
1946: Sold to Hull Ice Co Ltd, Hull (Charles D. Hudson, manager). Restored at North Shields and classed for trawling.
9.2.1946: Registered at Hull as MENDIP (H202).
16.11.1946: Sold to Charleson-Smith Trawlers Ltd, Hull (20/-).
18.12.1946: Registered at Hull as STELLA DORADO (H202).
25.3.1948: Sold to Partnership (Hull) Ltd, Hull (Kenneth Percival, manager).
22.7.1948: Registered at Hull as HACKNESS (H202).
4.11.1948: Sold to Saint Andrew’s Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Hull (Basil A. Parkes, manager).
22.5.1954: Sailed Hull for Iceland last trip before sale (Sk. H. Blaxton).
10.6.1954: At Hull landed 1,657 kits grossed £4,444.
22.6.1954: Sold to Fern Leaf Co Ltd, Fleetwood (William Newton, manager).
16.2.1955: Hull registry closed. Registered at Fleetwood (FD120).
12.11.1958: Fishing off Latrabjarg, Iceland, ordered by Icelandic coastguard THOR to stop, HMS RUSSELL (P.No.F97) intervened and escorted outside 12 mile fishing limit.
1958: Sold to Alvis Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood (Newton & Sons Ltd, managers).
1.1.1959: Sold to The Sun Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood (M. A. Munby, manager).
24.7.1959: Sold to Jacques Bakker & Zonen, Bruges for for breaking up.
27.7.1959: Arrived Bruges from Fleetwood under own power. Fleetwood registry closed.

Note: Was never AVANTURINE all authors copied from one error. Ad Folio MT65-467 is quite clear in names and ownership.

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Hackness FD120

S.T. Hackness FD120
Picture from the Internet

S.T. Mendip H114

S.T. Mendip H114
Picture courtesy of The David Slinger Collection

S.T. Hackness H202

S.T. Hackness H202
Picture courtesy of The Mike Thompson Collection

S.T. Hackness H202

S.T. Hackness H202
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
25/01/2009: Page published.
17/08/2014: Picture added.
25/04/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from images.
22/12/2020: Updated history.