Tag Archives: Palatine STC

S.T. Lanercost FD292

Additional information courtesy of Gary Hicks and Andy Hall

Technical

Official Number: 137373
Yard Number: 607
Completed: 1915
Gross Tonnage: 226.82
Net Tonnage: 86.72
Length: 117.0 ft
Breadth: 22.5 ft
Depth: 13.0 ft
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Engine: 450ihp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Boiler: Richardson Westgarth & Co Ltd, Middlesbrough

History

7.12.1915: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.607) for John Reed, North Shields & Thomas Maurice Reed, Tynemouth as LANERCOST.
1.1916: Completed. 21.1.1916: Registered at North Shields (SN248) Thomas Morrice Reed designated managing owner.1.1916: Requisitioned from the builders for war service and fitted out as a minesweeper (1-12pdr) (Ad.3254). Based Tyne.
12.1916: Sold to The Palatine Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood. Magnus Bodvar Johannessen Wedum designated manager.
27.12.1916: North Shields registry closed.
29.12.1916: Registered at Fleetwood (FD292). Based Tyne.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
25.6.1920: At the Court of Session, Edinburgh. The Admiralty (LANERCOST) v George Gibson & Co, Ltd (Hunterfield). Judgment was given in an action in which the Admiralty sued George Gibson & Co., shipowners Leith, for £1913.12s. in respect of damage to pursuers’ steam trawler LANERCOST which was in collision off St Abb’s Head on 12th March 1918 with defenders’ steamer HUNTERFIELD (1454grt/1903). It was stated LANERCOST was escorting the steam tug AUTOCRAT (128grt/1915) which had a lighter in tow, Tyne for Methil. The HUNTERFIELD was sailing with a convoy bound from Leith to Dunkirk. According to the evidence of the pursuers’ witness the LANERCOST was exhibiting her regulation lights, but no masthead light. This was denied by the witnesses for the defenders, who said that the LANERCOST did not show any lights, either prior to or at the time of the collision. His Lordship held that the LANERCOST was showing her side light at the time of the collision, and that there was therefore, fault on the HUNTERFIELD in not observing the lights and taking action sooner than she did. His Lordship, Lord Hunter, found that the HUNTERFIELD was in fault, and allowed the pursuers a proof the amount of damage.
27.9.1921: Registered at Fleetwood as DARWEN (FD292).
1.06.1923: At Fleetwood landed a royal sturgeon, purchased by Messrs. C. M. Topham and Blackhurst, fish merchants and offered to the Royal Household. The sturgeon was accepted by the Master of H.M. the King’s Household, dispatched to Buckingham Palace the same day, and receipt acknowledged by the Master.
12.9.1924: At Fleetwood Magistrates Court, Harry Legry, the ship’s cook, was charged with stealing ship’s stores to the value of 5s, the property of J. Ward and Sons. When stopped by P.C. Seare of the railway police leaving the docks with a bulky bag, accused stated that it contained his own property but later admitted to have taken the goods from the trawler; fined 20s.
1925: Fishing out of North Shields.
2.10.1926: Reported having gone ashore near IJmuiden and assisted by another British trawler came afloat having sustained slight damage.
11.2.1928: In North Sea (Sk. Sam Hickling), in a fierce gale some 120 miles off the Tyne came upon the French steam trawler EDMUND RENE (F247) partially disabled. The Frenchman had sailed on 11th January from Grimsby bound for Iceland, but owing to a defective compass had steamed around in mostly stormy weather and consumed all 200tons of bunker coal. Great difficulty was experienced in connecting and only deft handling by Sk. Hickling secured the tow which parted twice and stern damaged by contact.
12.2.1928: Delivered safely to the Tyne.
6.10.1928: Stranded in Druridge Bay, Northumberland.
10.10.1928: Refloated and towed into North Shields. Repaired and returned to service.
1934: Sold to Thomas Morris Reed, Tynemouth. Thomas Morris Reed designated managing owner.
2.6.1937: Arrived at North Shields with Robert Johnson, (42), Hartlepool who had fallen against the winch and damaged his ribs. Upon arrival he was detained in Tynemouth Infirmary.
25.11.1939: Requisitioned for war service and employed on auxiliary patrol duties (Hire rate £64.6.4d/month).
16.1.1940: Returned to owner.
4.1940: Skipper Alexander Craig, R.N.R received the D.S.C. for courage, resource, endurance and devotion to duty.
1940: Owners became Exors. Thomas M. Reed dec’d.
7.5.1940: Requisitioned for war service and fitted out for minesweeping duties (P.No. FY.1859).
2.1946: Reclassed at Liverpool and returned.
1948: Sold to Mrs C. M. Reed, Tynemouth & W. F.Reed, Crail. Harry Markham Cook, Grimsby designated manager.
7.1951: Sold to Goodleigh Fisheries Ltd, Milford Haven. Henry J. Richards designated manager.
7.1951: Fleetwood registry closed.
20.7.1951: Registered at Milford as WESTLEIGH (M169).
7.1952: Sold to Percy Vernon Turner; Percy Vernon Turner Jnr & Charles Russel Turner, Plymouth (joint owners 64/64).
24.7.1952: Milford registry closed.
25.7.1952: Registered at Plymouth (PH116).
25.7.1952: Percy Vernon Turner Snr designated manager.
30.7.1952: Registered at Plymouth as PERVERUS (PH116).
1955: Sold to BISCO for breaking up.
23.3.1955: Sailed Plymouth.
15.9.1955: Plymouth registry closed “Vessel broken up”.

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Lanercost FD292 stranded in Druridge Bay, Northumberland

S.T. Lanercost FD292 stranded in Druridge Bay, Northumberland
Picture courtesy of The John Stevenson Collection

S.T. Lanercost FD292

S.T. Perverus PH116
Picture courtesy of The Terry Bunker Collection

S.T. Lanercost FD292

S.T. Westleigh M169
Picture courtesy of The Terry Bunker Collection (TrawlerPhoto Forum)

Changelog
28/01/2009: Page published. 6 updates since then.
11/01/2014: Information updated.
24/05/2017: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.
11/01/2021: Updated history.

S.T. Wigan FD241

Additional information courtesy of Milford Trawlers

Technical

Official Number: 139210
Yard Number: 633
Completed: 1916
Gross Tonnage: 275
Net Tonnage: 275
Length: 125.4 ft
Breadth: 23.4 ft
Depth: 12.8 ft
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Southbank on Tees, 1917
Engine: 87nhp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Boiler: Palmers Shipbuilding & Iron Co Ltd, Hebburn on Tyne
Speed: 10.5 knots

History

3.4.1916: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.633) for The “Wyre” Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood as WIGAN.
5.5.1916: Registered at Fleetwood (FD241).
5.1916: Completed. Magnus B. J. Wedum designated manager. Requisitioned from the builders for war service and fitted out as a minesweeper (1-12pdr) (Ad.No.1997). Based Humber.
26.9.1916: Sold to The Palatine Steam Trawling Co Ltd. Magnus B. J. Wedum designated manager.
1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
30.6.1928: Pursued by HMS SPEY when illegally trawling in the Firth of Clyde.
31.6.1928: In Campbeltown Sheriff Court, Sk. Nicholas Wright was fined £100 with forfeiture of the nets and gear for illegal trawling, £20 for concealment of identification marks and £50 for refusing to stop. For threatening Lt Woodriffe and Lt Aldridge with a gaff, George Grout, deckhand was fined £3 or 20 days imprisonment.
10.1928: Fitted with W/T.
16.12.1928: Informed Malin Head W/T Station that steam trawler BUSH (FD60) was ashore on rocks off Mull of Cantire, entrance to Islay Sound. That trawlers EDWARD CATTELLY (FD204) and VERA GRACE (FD211), the latter with a line aboard, were standing by and hoped to refloat on evening tide. No assistance was required. Attempt to refloat was unsuccessful.
11.1931: Sold to Wyre Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood. Magnus B. J.Wedum designated manager.
30.9.1932: Off Rathlin Island in heavy weather and gale, lost rudder. At 3.25 pm. steam trawler DAILY TELEGRAPH (GY367) connected and commenced tow to Fleetwood.
31.9.1932: Delivered Fleetwood.
1939: Sold to Saint Andrew’s Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Hull. Basil Arthur Parkes, Thornton-le-Fylde designated manager.
4.2.1940: Requisitioned for war service and designated for minesweeping duties (Hire rate £77.18.4d/month).
6.2.1940: Returned.
20.2.1940: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (P.No.FY.1583).
1942: Dover Channel sweeping.
1945: Returned.
3.8.1945: Sold to Manor Steamship Co Ltd, Milford Haven.
10.1946: Fleetwood registry closed.
4.11.1946: Registered at Milford (M144). Reginald L. Hancock designated manager.
3.1951: Sold to John Wood, Aberdeen.
27.3.1951: Milford registry closed.
29.3.1951: Registered at Aberdeen (A677). John Wood designated managing owner.
11.9.1953: Sold to The Leslie Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen John Wood designated manager.
15.5.1959: Sold to Looker Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen.
1959: Sold to BISCO and allocated to James A. White & Co Ltd, St. David’s, Fife for breaking up.
21.5.1959: Arrived St. David’s from Aberdeen under own power.
3.9.1959: Aberdeen registry closed “Vessel broken up.”

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Wigan FD241

S.T. Wigan FD241
Picture courtesy of The John Clarkson Collection

S.T. Wigan FD241

S.T. Wigan FD241
Picture courtesy of The John Clarkson Collection

Changelog
26/01/2009: Page published. 5 updates since then.
25/05/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from images.
04/07/2020: Information updated.

S.T. Chorley FD26

Additional information courtesy of Andrew Fleming
Technical

Official Number: 136891
Yard Number: 567
Completed: 1914
Gross Tonnage: 284
Net Tonnage: 112
Length: 128.8 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.8 ft
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesborough
Engine: 85nhp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, Middlesbrough
Speed: 10.5 knots

History

12.5.1914: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.567) for The Staretta Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood as CERESIA.
6.1914: Completed (Magnus B. J. Wedum, manager).
23.6.1914: Registered at Fleetwood (FD26).
23.11.1914: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr, 1-7.5” A/S Howitzer) (Ad.No.194).
25.11.1914: Arrived Devonport for fitting out (VIVID II) Fitted as Leader.
21.12.1914: At Queenstown (COLLEEN).
28.1. – 13.2.1915: With minesweeping trawlers ROSE II (Ad.No.592) (GY312) and WALTHAM (Ad.No.689) (GY303) detached to Morecambe Bay.
12.3.1915: At Belfast & Larne (VALIANT II). 1.6.15: At Belfast & Larne (HERMIONE).
1.1.1916: At Belfast & Larne (THETIS).
5.1.1918: At Larne (VIGOROUS).
6.9.1918: Sold to The Palatine Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood (Magnus B. J. Wedum, manager).
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
27.9.1921: Registered at Fleetwood as CHORLEY (FD26).
10.1928: Fitted with W/T.
17.5.1930: On grounds off St. Kilda, abandoned fishing due to weather. Passing island observed signals, entered Village Bay and islanders rowed out to ask to relay a message for assistance as a 22-year-old woman, Mary Gillies, was seriously ill. Trawler asked by Scottish Board of Health, Edinburgh to go to Leverburgh, Harris to pick up Dr Alexander Shearer and George Henderson from the Board of Health; owners approved. +
17.5.1930: Just before midnight arrived off St. Kilda but conditions in Village Bay very rough.
18.5.1930: At about 10.00 am. doctor and health inspector transferred to shore. Storm bound.
19.5.1930: Mary Gillies, suffering from a form of TB, assessed as too ill to be moved. Doctor and health official embarked and returned to Leverburgh.
22.5.1930: Returned to Fleetwood.
21.7.1930: Mary Gillies died at 5.55am. attended by Williamina Barclay the resident nurse; ten weeks after being seen by Dr. Shearer.
20.3.1931: Arrived Oban making water in forepeak.
21.12.1932: Stood by and attempted to refloat steam trawler VELIA (FD49) stranded two miles S of Point of Ayre, IoM.
1936: Sold to Ora Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood (Sydney Leech, manager).
25.1.1940: Requisitioned for war service as a boom gate vessel (P.No. Z.153) (Hire rate £75.14.8d/month). Based Plymouth (Ty/Boom Sk. Albert James Beckett RNR).
24.4.1942: Loaded boom material at RN Boom Depot, Turnchapel for transfer to Dartmouth and to relieve HM Trawler WESTLYN (P.No.Z154) (FD4) as Gate Vessel.
25.4.1942: At 0615 sailed for Dartmouth astern of minesweepers, Senior Officer (Lieut. W. F. Turner RNVR) in HM Trawler BILSDEAN (P.No.FY.503) (GN15) (not attached to them by Sailing Order). At 0830 in fresh weather started to take in water in fore messdeck through skylights, leaking deck seams and rivets, shell plating below bulwark, starboard side *, ventilators and later when down by the head, through main hatch. Under direction of Coxswain fore messdeck baling but water level increasing. Skipper informed. At about 1530, following a reduction in speed, Senior Officer asked what was wrong and Sk. Beckett replied ‘a hot bearing’, making no mention of leaks and flooding. BILSDEAN turned and came up to vessel which by now was listing to port and well down by the head. At 1615 foundered by the head off Start Point (wreck in position 50.9W 3.38W). Twenty survivors and two bodies picked up and landed Dartmouth. 1942: Fleetwood registry closed.
4.5.1942: Report of CinC Plymouth’s Board of Inquiry (No.M.591/84 dated 1 May 1942) found the loss of the vessel rests primarily with the Commanding Officer, Sk. Beckett, in that he could have returned to Plymouth once leakage was evident or turned stern to the sea and informed the Senior Officer; he did neither. It also considered that blame must rest on Commander C. R. Ryman RN, Boom Defence Officer, Plymouth for allowing the ship which was under his operational and administrative control to put to sea. The Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth took blame on himself in that the organisation of his Command permitted this vessel to go to sea without proper Sailing Orders. The Director of Navigation in The Admiralty, however, made the following comments;
“Many craft in a Command are unfit to take passage except in favourable weather conditions, and it is the responsibility of the Command to see that these passages are only undertaken when conditions are suitable, and as far as I can see the Authority responsible for Sailing is the one chiefly responsible.”

Note +: George Henderson was the compiler of a critical report on the situation at St. Kilda and the health of the remaining residents. This report acted as a catalyst and was used in support of a petition to the Government by the remaining 36 inhabitants to be evacuated to the mainland. Evacuation of the island took place on 29 August 1930.

Note *: In Feb 1941 involved in collision with steam tender SIR FRANCIS DRAKE (478grt/1908) sustaining damage to starboard cable trough and plating. This was repaired at refit in Falmouth in Sept 1941 but bulwarks were buckled on the starboard side and this damage was not made good.

(Missing: Ty/Boom Skipper Albert James Beckett RNR. Drowned: Ch Stoker John H. Downing and PO Stoker William S. Dalton – both buried in Plymouth)

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Ceresia FD26

S.T. Ceresia FD26
Picture courtesy of The JJ Collection

S.T. Chorley FD26

S.T. Chorley FD26
Picture courtesy of The John Clarkson Collection

S.T. Chorley FD26

S.T. Chorley FD26
Picture courtesy of The Osta Collection

Changelog
21/01/2009: Page published. 9 updates since then.
21/09/2015: Information updated.
08/09/2016: Information updated.
09/11/2017: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.
30/11/2017: Information updated.
11/11/2019: Information updated.

S.T. Leyland FD291

Technical

Official Number: 139215
Yard Number: 659
Completed: 1916
Gross Tonnage: 236
Net Tonnage: 90
Length: 117.4 ft
Breadth: 22.6 ft
Depth: 11.3 ft
Engine: 78rhp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Speed: 10.5 knots
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough

History

23.12.1916: Launched by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.659) for The Palatine Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood as LEYLAND.
26.3.1917: Registered at Fleetwood (FD291) (Magnus B. J. Wedum, manager).
3.1917: Completed. Requisitioned from the builders for war service and fitted out as a minesweeper (1-6pdr HA) (Ad.No.3026). Based at Le Havre.
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
15.3.1927: Homeward after a successful trip on the West of Scotland grounds (Sk. F. Sebons); twelve crew. In heavy weather and gale force winds struck Horlisgeir Rock, North Uist and holed. Crew stayed with vessel but as list increased abandoned in lifeboat and reached shore 2 miles away.
3.1927: Salvage attempted but declared a CTL.
22.4.1927: Fleetwood registry closed.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Leyland FD291

S.T. Leyland FD291
Picture courtesy of The Fred Baker Collection

Changelog
25/12/2005: Page published. 5 updates since then.
25/05/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from image.