Category Archives: Steamers (Picture)

S.T. Sea Ranger FD426

Technical

Official Number: 136214
Yard Number: 609
Completed: 1914
Gross Tonnage: 263
Net Tonnage: 103
Length: 125.2 ft
Breadth: 22.5 ft
Depth: 12.2 ft
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by Amos & Smith Ltd, Hull

History

25.7.1914: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.609) for Humber Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Hull as SEA RANGER.
6.11.1914: Registered at Hull (H188).
11.11.1914: Completed (Richard H. Hobbs, manager).
2.1915: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr, 1-6pdr HA) (Ad.No.1219). Fitted as Leader. Based Peterhead. Leader Unit 42.
16.7.1915: Unit 42, at 0830 am. in position 57.20N 0.40E patrolling in a rough line to the NW in the following order SEA RANGER(Lieut. H. J. Bray RNR), EASTWARD HO (Ad.No.1217)(H415) and CAMEO (Ad.No.1216) (H394) (Sk. Albert Sayer RNR) approximately 2 miles apart. Observed a steamer steering erratically and detached to close her to investigate. Found Norwegian steamer VAAGEN picking up lumber lost from her deck cargo. At the same time CAMEO turned southwards to examine a boat that had passed and sighted a surfaced submarine to the SW steaming towards him, turned towards submarine which fired a shot at him falling short followed by at least four other shots that also fell short. At 2000yds submarine opened fire with two guns, returned fire but hit three times in fore part of wheelhouse, smashing wheel and wounding Sk. Sayer on right side and eye by splinters. Second shot hit starboard quarter while the third shot exploded in the galley. Believed that submarine was hit two or three times at the fore end, in all 11 rounds fired by CAMEO. EASTWARD HO becoming aware of the action steered towards them and submarine ceased firing and headed away to the westward on the surface. Sighted the submarine 4 to 5 miles to the southwestwards and gave chase trying to cut her off with EASTWARD HO also in pursuit but due to superior speed the submarine escaped (* See Note 1).
1916: Based Peterhead.
27.5.1916: With HMTrawlers OKU (Ad.No.1355)(CF25), RODINO (Ad.No.1230)(GY836) and KIMBERLEY (Ad.No.11)(GY167) patrolling Area B between Lat 57.10 and 57.39. At 12.30 pm. GMT observed a sail and smoke to the Northward steering Eastward; proceeded to investigate. Identified as a submarine, as per orders Unit proceeded to encircle submarine. At 12.45 pm. in position 57.10N 1.20E with OKU and RODINO , opened fire at 4000 yds, range found and one shot observed to strike submarine aft; fire returned directing shots at each trawler alternatively. Submarine after gun ceased firing engaged by forward gun but shots failing short, with periscope and part conning tower shot away and listing to port, appeared to be attempting to submerge. With OKU intended to ram but submarine headed for KIMBERLEY which made ramming impossible as submarine was was approaching within 8 ft of KIMBERLEY, broadside on with very little way on. As KIMBERLEY passed she fired three shots into the submarine at point blank range, submarine at the time being heeled over heavily to port sinking stern first. Submarine sank at once after last shot fired with a large quantity of oil on the surface. Time 1.30 pm. Unit fired 58 shots in all and submarine about 20. (** See Note 2). Northern Patrol.
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Hull.
4.12.1919: Sold to Fresh Fish Supplies Ltd, Hull (Thomas Nightingale, manager).
4.1923: Sold to Henry Elliott, Fleetwood (managing owner).
13.4.1923: Hull registry closed.
18.4.1923: Registered at Fleetwood (FD426).
08.07.1923: Sold to The Sun Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood (James W. Armitage, manager).
4.6.1926: Fishing near Clachaig Point, Arran. Arrested by Scottish Fishery Board cruiser VIGILANT (Capt Simpson) after a 15 mile chase having refused to stop and having name and number of vessel obscured.
10.8.1926: At Rothesay Sheriff Court, Sk. George Hughes pleaded guilty to both charges and in view of previous convictions was fined £20 on the first charge, £50 on the second with the alternative of 40 days/three months imprisonment.
4.1928: Sold to The Trident Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Hull (G. A. Ledger, manager).
18.4.1928: Fleetwood registry closed.
20.4.1928: Registered at Hull as DUNGENESS (H418).
25.7.1939: Insured value £4,800.
5.1940: Requisitioned for war service as an anti-submarine trawler (P.No.NI) (Hire rate £70.2.8d/month).
15.11.1940: Damaged by German air attack off Hammonds Knoll, stayed afloat and beached on Haisborough Sands, Norfolk; Ty/Prob Skipper C. W. Needham RNR and crew saved. Subsequently declared a total loss.
16.1.1947: Hull registry closed.

*Note 1: Research by Peter Bell and Michael Lowery has identified the submarine as U19. In her KTB she claimed two hits on CAMEO and accurate firing from CAMEO’s 3-pdr. Sk. Sayer was awarded DSC and gunner the DSM.

**Note 2 : Despite this encounter being well recorded in the Patrol Reports, and the description of the submarine fitting a U-series torpedo attack boat, we have failed to identify the submarine. Michael Lowery has investigated with the following comment. “May 27 incident involving SEA RANGER, OKU, RODINO, and KIMBERLEY: checked the KTBs of U 24, U 32, U 43, U 44, U 46, U 47, U 51, U 52, U 63, U 66, U 67, U 70 — no luck. These are, I think, all the U-series torpedo attack boats that were at sea at that time.” Subsequently in U66 KTB is a report of intercepting a British radio message “… proceeding to fifty seven twenty seven — to assist SEA RANGER engaging submarine.”

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Dungeness H418

S.T. Dungeness H418
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 5 updates since then.
16/09/2015: Picture added.
30/07/2017: Removed FMHT watermark.
31/07/2021: Updated history.

S.T. Sea King GY1251

Additional information courtesy of Bill Blow

Technical

Official Number: 139309
Yard Number: 667
Completed: 1916
Gross Tonnage: 321
Net Tonnage: 130
Length: 138.6 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.6 ft
Engine: 575ihp T.3-cyl and boiler by C. D. Holmes Ltd, Hull
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby

History

3.6.1916: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.667) for J. H. Robins & Co Ltd, Hull as SEA KING.
12.1916: Completed.
3.1.1917: Registered at Hull (H531).
1.1917: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr) (Ad.No.3321) operated as a “Q” ship REMEXO.
11.1918: Sold to Grant & Baker Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby (Arthur Grant, manager).
1.11.1918: Hull registry closed.
8.11.1918: Registered at Grimsby (GY1251). Northern Patrol.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Grimsby.
15.8.1929: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to National Provincial Bank Ltd, London (A).
23.8.1929: John Wilfred Grant appointed manager.
24.6.1932: Sold by mortgagee under mortgage (A) to Howe Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby.
24.6.1932: Hugh Bourne Grant, appointed manager.
14.1.1934: Took onboard crew (ex Skipper and Ch. Eng.) of trawler St. ENDELLION (LO115) stranded south of Kopervik, Norway.
6.3.1934: Sold to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood.
8.3.1934: Basil Arthur Parkes, Cleveleys appointed manager.
25.4.1934: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to Midland Bank Ltd, London (B).
5.4.1936: Mortgage (B) discharged.
27.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (P.No.NI)(Hire rate £93.12.6d/month). Based Grimsby with M/S Group 40.
9.10.1940: Mined 28 miles from Bull Sand Fort, Grimsby Road; thirteen crew killed.
24.5.1944: Grimsby registry closed “Ship lost on Admiralty service 10.9.1940.”

(Killed – Ty/Sk. Leslie Rushby; Ty/Act/Sk. Thomas Sleeth; George E. Atkinson & Wilfred S. Lancaster, Enginemen; William C. Montier, AB; Francis W. Bruce, David W. Dickson, David F. Noble, seamen; Thomas M. Bexfield, seaman/steward; Stanley Cudworth, seaman/cook; Harold A. Hudson, O/telegraphist; James P. Sleeman, stoker; Ronald Peck, stoker 2c.)

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Sea King GY1251

S.T. Sea King GY1251
Picture courtesy of Fred Baker

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.

S.T. Scomber (2) FD98

Additional information courtesy of Andy Hall

Technical

Official Number: 136898
Yard Number: 615
Completed: 1914
Gross Tonnage: 321
Net Tonnage: 127
Length: 130.3 ft
Breadth: 24 ft
Depth: 13.1 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by C. D. Holmes & Co Ltd, Hull
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby

History

6.10.1914: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.615) for The Mount Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood as SCOMBER.
3.12.1914: Registered at Fleetwood (FD98). George E. J. Moody, Grimsby designated manager.
23.12.1914: Completed. Requisitioned from the builders and fitted out as a minesweeper(1-6pdr HA) (Ad.No.445). Based Humber.
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
4.1.1922: At Grimsby landed a record catch of 2,000 boxes from a White Sea trip which realised £5,900.
10.10.1923: Returning from fishing grounds through the Inner Sound. In a heavy rain squall ran at full speed on rocks off Eilean Beag, Crowlin Islands off the southern tip of the Applecross peninsula . Took to boat and picked up by Macbrayne’s steamer PLOVER (208grt/1904) on passage Kyle to Harris. Skipper and four crew decided to stay on Crowlin Island standing by the vessel.
11.10.1923: Insurance Surveyor attended in drifter FLOWER O’ MORAY (84grt/1908) (INS584). Found water in engine room, fish hold and fore hold.
12.10.1923: Carried out external examination; no serious damage.
12-21.10.1923: Lightening ship, plugging rivet holes and tallowing seams. Laid out anchors astern and on both quarters. Considered seaworthy.
22.10.1923: After heaving on anchors and with FLOWER O’ MORAY towing astern, came afloat. Berthed at Kyle of Lochalsh at 8.30 pm.
23-26.10.1923: Cleaning engine room and storing.
26.10.1923: At daylight sailed for Fleetwood, via Oban to rectify boiler tube leaks.
28.10.1923: Arrived Fleetwood. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.
1.1926: Sir George E. J. Moody, Grimsby designated manager.
7.3.1926: Inwards from northerly grounds when some 2 miles west of Lune lightship sighted the mast of a sunken steamer projecting about 4 ft out of the water. On a rising tide unable to identify the vessel but placed a lighted bouy near the scene. On arrival at Fleetwood notified harbour authorities and tug FYLDE (256grt/1904) was despatched to scene. The buoy was picked up but no trace of the mast or sunken ship.
11.10.1929: On arrival at Fleetwood, Sk. Charles Brewster reported that while laid-to in stormy weather north-east of St. Kilda, struck by an immense wave which flooded the deck several feet deep. The majority of the crew saw the wave coming and escaped, but the Bosun, James Green, Fleetwood, and deckhand, William Miller, Blackpool, were both hurled against the ship’s casing and narrowly escaped being swept overboard. Green was carried below unconscious with cuts about the head and eyes. Miller had his chest, arms, and shoulders injured. Both men were given first aid by the skipper and course set for Castlebay, Barra, 130 miles away, to obtain medical assistance. At Castlebay the injured men received attention by a doctor and later sailed for Fleetwood.
193?: W. M. Kelly, Fleetwood designated manager.
11.11.1937: Arrived Fleetwood from a six day trip (Sk. Charles Brewster) and landed the largest herring catch of the season, with 7,000 stone in addition to 300 stone of mixed fish.
18.3.1938: Relaid message to Wick Radio from Grimsby steam trawler BLAKKUR (GY378)- ‘Took heavy sea, boat lost, bridge smashed, casing broken, radio damaged one man injured, proceeding Thórshavn’.
29.5.1938: At about 9.30pm. arrived Buncrana, Co. Donegal from the Tory Island grounds to land Sam Robinson, 2nd Eng, who had sustained severe lacerations to his right hand when caught in revolving machinery.
30.5.1938: Robinson put ashore at daylight.
2.9.1938: On sailing from Oban at 12.30 am. stranded next to beacon at entrance and held hard and fast. At 10.20 am. came afloat and berthed at Oban for inspection.
18.07.1939: At Fleetwood Magistrates Court, William Holden (34) fisherman, Fleetwood, was fined 20/-, ordered to pay one guinea advocates fee and to refund his 6/- advance, having pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to join the trawler the day before. Prosecuting. Mr. R. Blackburn stated that Holden should have appeared at noon to sail, but at 1:30p.m. was found in a club. He then promised to go to the ship but did not arrive and a search was made of a number of hotels and clubs, but he could not be found; the trawler was delayed two hours. Holden said this was only the third time in 17 years that he had missed his ship, he got a drop too much beer.
6.5.1940: Requisitioned for war service as a boom defence vessel (P.No.Z.183)(Hire rate £85.12.0d/month). Cost of conversion £25,036. Based Milford Haven.
23.11.1943: Compulsorily acquired by M.O.W.T.
23.5.1944: Assigned to Operation Neptune – Normandy landings.
5.6.1944: Sailed Solent for Mulberry B with Convoy ETC27W.
3.7.1944: Operation Neptune ended.
1944: Based at the Humber (J. Gibson-Johnston & Co, Hull, agents).
1947: Re-conditioned and surveyed at an estimated cost of £8,750.
1947: Remeasured 319g. 127n on completion of re-conditioning and survey.
2.1947: Sold to Inch Fishing Co Ltd, Edinburgh. Registered at Granton as INCHTURE (GN44).
9.2.1948: In severe weather, Sk. Norman Lyle, using the wireless direction finding equipment, steamed 90 miles and located the disabled steam trawler INCHMICKERY (GN29) adrift some 220 miles off Aberdeen. With great difficulty connected and commenced tow to Aberdeen.
8.2.1948: Delivered Aberdeen after a four day tow during which the hawser parted four times.
02.12.1948: In North Sea (Sk. Magnus Young) received a radio message from the Dundee steam trawler FRASER FENTON (DE 23) (Sk. Alex Dorwood D.S.C) disabled with boiler trouble and awash in heavy seas. Made for the position indicated and reached the FRASER FENTON after dark. Attempted to come alongside four times but the seas threatened to set both trawlers into each other and it was hours before a line was got on board. Two trawl warps were connected and tow commenced, but the gale was so fierce that the vessels could make only three knots all through the first night.
05.12.1948: Delivered Granton fifty seven hours after making contact.
1953: Sold to Clyde Fishing Co Ltd, Edinburgh.
1953: Sold to Cantieri Navali del Golfo, Genoa for breaking up.
9.1953: Broken up at Le Spezia.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. ScomberFD98

S.T. Scomber FD98
Picture courtesy of The David Slinger Collection

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.
05/06/2016: Minor information update.
20/09/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from image.
04/04/2018: Significant information update.

S.T. Scawby BN187

Technical

Admiralty Number: 3678
Official Number: 146933
Yard Number: 358
Completed: 1918
Gross Tonnage: 277
Net Tonnage: 109
Length: 125.7 ft
Breadth: 23.4 ft
Depth: 12.8 ft
Engine: Fraser & Chalmers, Erith
Built: Bow, McLachlan & Co Ltd, Paisley

History

10.5.1918: Launched by Bow, McLachlan & Co Ltd, Paisley (Yd.No.358) (“Castle” class) for The Admiralty as JAMES DINTON (Ad.No.3678).
27.5.1918: Commissioned.
29.5.1918: Completed (1 – 12pdr, hydrophone and W/T).
1922: Sold to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd, Boston (F. Parkes, Wyberton, Boston, manager). Registered at Boston as SCAWBY (BN187).
23.9.1925: Homeward encountered thick fog and struck the Ness of Duncansby. Refloated with the help of local fisherman and returned to Boston. Survey revealed extensive bottom damage; repaired and returned to service.
1926: Transferred to Grimsby (Fred Parkes, Blackpool, manager).
1926: Transferred to Fleetwood.
6.1929: Sold to McRae Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Milford Haven (John McR. Knight, manager).
5.1930 Boston registry closed.
28.6.1929: Registered at Milford (M19).
22.7.1929: Registered at Milford as LILY McRAE (M19).
11.1936: Sold to Milford Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Milford Haven Harry E. Rees, manager).
25.11.1936: Registered at Milford as MILFORD DUKE (M19).
19.9.1938: James C. Ward appointed manager.
29.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a boom defence vessel (P.No.Z.125) (Hire rate £83.2.0d/month).
23.11.1943: Compulsorily acquired by M.O.W.T.
3.4.1945: Milford registry closed.
3.1946: Laid up C&M at Inverness.
1948: Sold to Manor Steamship Co Ltd, Milford Haven (Reginald L. Hancock, manager).
9.1948: Restored and reclassed at Milford Haven.
6.9.1948: Registered at Milford as MANOR (M301).
31.1.1951: Sailed Milford for South-West Ireland grounds (Sk. R. Robson).
4.2.1951: Dodging about 40 miles west of Bull Rock in increasingly severe weather; bunkers shifted, shipped heavy seas and part wheelhouse carried away, wireless and compass inoperative. Made contact with GROSMONT CASTLE (SA77) which came alongside and then escorted to Berehaven, Co Cork, dodging the weather all the way.
11.2.1951: Sailed Berehaven for Milford after effecting temporary repairs.
11.1951: Sold to Ashley Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen (John Wood, manager).
8.11.1951: Milford registry closed.
11.1951: Registered at Aberdeen (A691).
6.1959: Sold to BISCO and allocated to Malcolm Brechin, Granton for breaking up.
23.7.1959: Arrived Granton from Aberdeen under own power.
(James Dinton (aka Denton), OS, age 24, b. London – VICTORY (SB74))

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Manor A691

S.T. Manor A691
Picture courtesy of The Mark Stopper Collection

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 5 updates since then.
12/02/2018: Removed FMHT watermark from image.

S.T. Saronta GY1082

Technical

Official Number: 139956
Yard Number: 677
Completed: 1916
Gross Tonnage: 316
Net Tonnage: 127
Length: 135.3 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.3 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by C. D. Holmes & Co Ltd, Hull
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby

History

27.11.1916: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.677) for The Atlas Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Grimsby as VAMBERY.
25.7.1917: Completed (George S. Letten, manager).
30.7.1917: Registered at Grimsby (GY1082).
7.1917: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper and later employed as an escort (1-6pdr, 1-7.5” A/S Howitzer) (Ad.No.1280). Based Milford Haven.
1920: Returned to owner at Grimsby.
8.1936: Sold to Earl Steam Fishing Co, Grimsby (Sir Alec Black, Bart, manager).
4.1937: Registered at Grimsby as SARONTA (GY1082).
18.11.1939: In convoy for the Icelandic grounds, Sarpedon (GY984) as Convoy Officer’s ship (Convoy Officer Lieut Reginald H. W. Jackson RNVR) in company with ANDANES (GY923), CONISBORO (GY244), WIGMORE (GY469)(Sk. Walter Bore) and MURMANSK (GY26). At about 11.15pm when 25 miles N by W of Rattray Head in appoximate position 58°01.2N/01°57.5W attacked by U-boat (U.22) and WIGMORE sunk by torpedo. Launched boat at great danger to self to search for survivors but to no avail; all sixteen crew lost.
8.6.1940: Requisitioned for war service as an auxiliary patrol vessel (Hire rate £92.3.4d/month).
12.1940: Sold to Sir Alec Black, Bart, Grimsby.
1.1941: Fitted out as a minesweeper (P.No.FY.1849). Based Lowestoft with M/S & Patrol Group 9.
22.4.1942: Sold to Active Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood (Geoffrey Edwards Marr, manager) for £8500.
7.1945: Sold to Shire Trawlers Ltd, London (William A. Bennett, manager) for £14000.
11.1945: Surveyed and restored at Glasgow.
12.1945: Returned to owner.
4.2.1947: Sold to Lord Line Ltd, Hull for £8950.
4.2.1947: Registered at Hull (H390).
17.5.1950: Sold to Associated Fisheries Trawling Co Ltd, Hull (T.W. Boyd, manager)
1952: Laid up.
6.10.1952: Sold to BISCO and allocated to Clayton & Davie Ltd, Dunston on Tyne for breaking up.
18.10.1952: Arrived Tyne.
1953: Hull registry closed.

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Vamberry GY1082

S.T. Vamberry GY1082
Picture courtesy of The JJ Collection

S.T. Vamberry GY1082

S.T. Vamberry GY1082
Picture courtesy of The Greenday Collection

Changelog
04/01/2008: Page published.3 updates since then.
28/04/2014: Information updated.
13/04/2018: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.