HMS OBDURATE 1952
In Reserve since 1948 the ship is towed to Birkenhead to be brought back to life and after comprehensively working-up goes on to give Boys under training at HMS GANGES their first taste of life at sea.
In Reserve since 1948 the ship is towed to Birkenhead to be brought back to life and after comprehensively working-up goes on to give Boys under training at HMS GANGES their first taste of life at sea.
In Reserve. Gun Director and torpedo tubes removed, Pom Pom cocooned and 'Y' gun replaced with a 40mm Bofors gun.
MARCH
Tuesday 11th of March 1952 departed Chatham under tow for the River Mersey and a refit by A Rutherford & Co. at Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead.
Lt Cdr(E) H W Stapleford appointed to the ship to oversee the refit and liaise with Rutherfords.
JULY
Early in July Lieutenant Commander C E M Thornycroft RN* appointed in command of HMS OBDURATE.
(*Charles Edward Mytton Thornycroft, (b26/2/1920-d3/7/2009) (Lt Cdr 20/7/48) Trained HMS Conway 1934-36 Mentioned in Despatches 3/44 Aegean Ops.)
Tuesday 11th of March 1952 departed Chatham under tow for the River Mersey and a refit by A Rutherford & Co. at Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead.
Lt Cdr(E) H W Stapleford appointed to the ship to oversee the refit and liaise with Rutherfords.
JULY
Early in July Lieutenant Commander C E M Thornycroft RN* appointed in command of HMS OBDURATE.
(*Charles Edward Mytton Thornycroft, (b26/2/1920-d3/7/2009) (Lt Cdr 20/7/48) Trained HMS Conway 1934-36 Mentioned in Despatches 3/44 Aegean Ops.)
AUGUST
The Engineer Officer had long been monitoring the refit but now a Commanding Officer had been appointed sailors arrived in anticipation of the ship becoming a part of the active fleet once more.
On Wednesday the 27th a fire occurred as the newspaper cutting (right)* from the Birkenhead News reports. Less than forty-eight hours before commissioning it was an unwanted nuisance but not an obstruction in the ship's programme.
The Engineer Officer had long been monitoring the refit but now a Commanding Officer had been appointed sailors arrived in anticipation of the ship becoming a part of the active fleet once more.
On Wednesday the 27th a fire occurred as the newspaper cutting (right)* from the Birkenhead News reports. Less than forty-eight hours before commissioning it was an unwanted nuisance but not an obstruction in the ship's programme.
*Thanks to Geoffrey Topp for this newspaper cutting and the information in 'RUTHERFORD FOOTNOTE' at the foot of this page.
Her Majesty's Ship OBDURATE began her formal return to the Fleet at 1045 on Friday the 29th of August 1952 when her new ship's company, dressed in their 'best suits', mustered at Divisions. Five minutes later they were called to 'attention' for the arrival of the Worshipful Mayors of Birkenhead (Councillor James Miller, Esq, J.P.) and of Warrington (Councillor Percy Martin, Esq.).
At 1100 the ship, under the command of Lieutenant Commander C E M Thornycroft*, Royal Navy, was re-commissioned for service in the Nore Local Squadron. Prayers were said; the Articles of War were read and HMS OBDURATE once again has a pulse.
At 1100 the ship, under the command of Lieutenant Commander C E M Thornycroft*, Royal Navy, was re-commissioned for service in the Nore Local Squadron. Prayers were said; the Articles of War were read and HMS OBDURATE once again has a pulse.
Ken Harrow has, in 2013, kindly sent me these photographs taken in HMS OBDURATE on commissioning day at Birkenhead in 1952. They are from his late father's collection and make an invaluable addition to the story of the ship.
Ken wrote 'Firstly, I must say how much I have enjoyed your website, all very interesting but the pages concerning "Obdurate" are of special interest as my father was Cox'n of her from 7 Aug 1952 to 12 May 1953.
Most of the Ships Co transferred from "Bleasdale" when she paid off, including Lt Cdr Thornycroft, 1st Lt (Lt Cdr B.H. Wainwright) and my father. However, I do have a couple of photo's of the commissioning ceremony which maybe of interest to you, maybe even insert them into your magnificent website!
(Pic. Left) Chief Petty Officer Ernest (Eddie/Ted) Harrow on his way to 'Up Spirits' with the Officer of the Day.
Ken wrote 'Firstly, I must say how much I have enjoyed your website, all very interesting but the pages concerning "Obdurate" are of special interest as my father was Cox'n of her from 7 Aug 1952 to 12 May 1953.
Most of the Ships Co transferred from "Bleasdale" when she paid off, including Lt Cdr Thornycroft, 1st Lt (Lt Cdr B.H. Wainwright) and my father. However, I do have a couple of photo's of the commissioning ceremony which maybe of interest to you, maybe even insert them into your magnificent website!
(Pic. Left) Chief Petty Officer Ernest (Eddie/Ted) Harrow on his way to 'Up Spirits' with the Officer of the Day.
(Top) The Captain, Lt Cdr Thornycroft with 1st Lt, Lt Cdr Wainwright left of picture. CPO (third from right) possibly Sam Langford)
SEPTEMBER
The next week was taken up with basin trails, ship familiarisation drills and training and storing. The routine monthly issue of Tobacco Coupons was made; the Captain formally inspected the Messdecks; Sea Scouts and RNVR members visited the ship and some in the ship visited the local hostelries on one or even both sides of the Mersey.
On Monday the 8th of September the ship was 'preparing for sea' when a Liverpool Pilot embarked at 1015 to take the ship, with tugs, through Alfred Dock North Lock. Locking out into the River Mersey at 1125 the tugs were let-go and HMS OBDURATE, became a seagoing ship again. The Pilot disembarked at Liverpool Bar before the ship's company carried out anchor trials letting go and weighing each anchor in turn before swinging the compass and returning up-river to secure in Morpeth Dock at 1930. The ship had logged 53nm. Tuesday morning saw the ship locked-out at 0839, clear of the river an hour later and increasing speed towards a full power trial. The run-down from that began at 1300 which allowed a return to Morpeth Dock by 1700 having logged another 150nm. Wednesday was spent alongside to formally sign over of the ship from Rutherfords.
The next week was taken up with basin trails, ship familiarisation drills and training and storing. The routine monthly issue of Tobacco Coupons was made; the Captain formally inspected the Messdecks; Sea Scouts and RNVR members visited the ship and some in the ship visited the local hostelries on one or even both sides of the Mersey.
On Monday the 8th of September the ship was 'preparing for sea' when a Liverpool Pilot embarked at 1015 to take the ship, with tugs, through Alfred Dock North Lock. Locking out into the River Mersey at 1125 the tugs were let-go and HMS OBDURATE, became a seagoing ship again. The Pilot disembarked at Liverpool Bar before the ship's company carried out anchor trials letting go and weighing each anchor in turn before swinging the compass and returning up-river to secure in Morpeth Dock at 1930. The ship had logged 53nm. Tuesday morning saw the ship locked-out at 0839, clear of the river an hour later and increasing speed towards a full power trial. The run-down from that began at 1300 which allowed a return to Morpeth Dock by 1700 having logged another 150nm. Wednesday was spent alongside to formally sign over of the ship from Rutherfords.
Thursday the 11th of September started with fuelling before locking-out at 1843. A little over an hour later the Pilot disembarked at Liverpool Bar and OBDURATE set a course of 268° and a speed of 14 knots. By 0800 on Friday the ship was 25nm SW of Milford Haven; at 2000 25nm S of Land End and secured on D3 Buoy in Portland Harbour by 0830 on Saturday. Log 426nm. The water-boat EMPIRE FULHAM came alongside before the Captain addressed the ship's company at 1040 and Short Weekend Libertymen mustered at 1230. Night Leave was given and repeated after church on Sunday.
Underway at 0900 on Monday the 15th the forenoon was taken up with de-gaussing before heading east again to round the Nab Tower and secure on Portsmouth's North Corner Jetty (NCJ) at 1746 logging 79 nm in doing so. At 0730 on Tuesday the pipe 'Fall in - prepare to ammunition ship' had everyone without a just excuse or somewhere to hide, in the lines transferring ammunition from the Lighters that came and went throughout the day until 1900. Wednesday's incoming stores included 50 .303 rifles, 10 Lanchesters and 4 .22 rifles. Ships that passed this hive of activity included REDPOLE in, FLEETWOOD and SKYE out and ALACRITY into Dock.
Underway at 0900 on Monday the 15th the forenoon was taken up with de-gaussing before heading east again to round the Nab Tower and secure on Portsmouth's North Corner Jetty (NCJ) at 1746 logging 79 nm in doing so. At 0730 on Tuesday the pipe 'Fall in - prepare to ammunition ship' had everyone without a just excuse or somewhere to hide, in the lines transferring ammunition from the Lighters that came and went throughout the day until 1900. Wednesday's incoming stores included 50 .303 rifles, 10 Lanchesters and 4 .22 rifles. Ships that passed this hive of activity included REDPOLE in, FLEETWOOD and SKYE out and ALACRITY into Dock.
At 0830 on Thursday Bofor and Pom Pom crews landed for a day of gun drills at Whale Island Gunnery School whilst the others continued onboard drills. Sailing at 0820 on Friday those drills were put to live firings south east of the Isle of Wight before returning to North Corner jetty just after 1300 and in time for Long Weekend Leave (LWE). Log 40nm. Short Weekend Leave (SWE) began at 1130 on Saturday just as BOXER entered harbour. On Sunday the Quartermaster (QM) watched FLEETWOOD leave at 0835 and return at 1730.
At 0830 on Thursday Bofor and Pom Pom crews landed for a day of gun drills at Whale Island Gunnery School whilst the others continued onboard drills.
Sailing at 0820 on Friday those drills were put to live firings south east of the Isle of Wight before returning to North Corner jetty just after 1300 in time for Long Weekend Leave (LWE). Log 40nm. Short Weekend Leave (SWE) began at 1130 on Saturday just as BOXER entered harbour. On Sunday the Quartermaster (QM) watched FLEETWOOD leave at 0835 and return at 1730.
The destroyer TRAFALGAR was the first ship to leave at 0610 on Monday the 22nd followed a couple of hours later by OBDURATE. Once round the Nab Tower anti-submarine zig-zagging, action stations and seaboat crews exercises used up the forenoon. After a two-hour anti-submarine exercise in the afternoon the ship secured on B3 Buoy Portland at 1712. Log 89nm.
Tuesday and Wednesday were harbour days. Tuesday began with General Drills, went on to Darken Ship at 2030 and ended after Action Stations at 2100. Wednesday was equally busy with Depth-Charge, Minelaying and Gun Control drills amongst others.
The ship was on the way to sea at 0845 on Thursday and soon defending itself in an anti-aircraft exercise quickly followed by anti-submarine defence and attack exercises that gave way at 1600 to towing with the frigate FLINT CASTLE. OBDURATE returned to B3 Buoy at 1906. Log 78nm.
Other ships present included the destroyers SAVAGE, VENUS, VERULAM, ZODIAC; frigates BIGBURY BAY, PORTCHESTER CASTLE and netlayer PROTECTOR.
Friday the 26th had a spectacular start with the ship 20nm SSE of Portland at 18 knots dropping five depth charges. Being under the watchful eye of Portland's Sea Training Staff it is unlikely that they made a stop to recover fish for their supper! A minelaying exercise concluded the day and OBDURATE followed the US aircraft carrier WASP into Portsmouth to secure on South Slip Jetty (SSJ) at 1755 to see the weekend through. Log 85nm.
Sailing at 0820 on Friday those drills were put to live firings south east of the Isle of Wight before returning to North Corner jetty just after 1300 in time for Long Weekend Leave (LWE). Log 40nm. Short Weekend Leave (SWE) began at 1130 on Saturday just as BOXER entered harbour. On Sunday the Quartermaster (QM) watched FLEETWOOD leave at 0835 and return at 1730.
The destroyer TRAFALGAR was the first ship to leave at 0610 on Monday the 22nd followed a couple of hours later by OBDURATE. Once round the Nab Tower anti-submarine zig-zagging, action stations and seaboat crews exercises used up the forenoon. After a two-hour anti-submarine exercise in the afternoon the ship secured on B3 Buoy Portland at 1712. Log 89nm.
Tuesday and Wednesday were harbour days. Tuesday began with General Drills, went on to Darken Ship at 2030 and ended after Action Stations at 2100. Wednesday was equally busy with Depth-Charge, Minelaying and Gun Control drills amongst others.
The ship was on the way to sea at 0845 on Thursday and soon defending itself in an anti-aircraft exercise quickly followed by anti-submarine defence and attack exercises that gave way at 1600 to towing with the frigate FLINT CASTLE. OBDURATE returned to B3 Buoy at 1906. Log 78nm.
Other ships present included the destroyers SAVAGE, VENUS, VERULAM, ZODIAC; frigates BIGBURY BAY, PORTCHESTER CASTLE and netlayer PROTECTOR.
Friday the 26th had a spectacular start with the ship 20nm SSE of Portland at 18 knots dropping five depth charges. Being under the watchful eye of Portland's Sea Training Staff it is unlikely that they made a stop to recover fish for their supper! A minelaying exercise concluded the day and OBDURATE followed the US aircraft carrier WASP into Portsmouth to secure on South Slip Jetty (SSJ) at 1755 to see the weekend through. Log 85nm.
USS WASP (1943-1972)
Underway to sea at 0918 on Monday the 29th of September guns crews were soon closed up to repel aircraft attacks which continued until 1200. Minelaying exercises took up the afternoon before returning to SSJ just after 1600. Tuesday's sea exercise was cancelled so the day was spent cleaning and watching the various ship moves including the departure of THESEUS to sea.
OCTOBER
On Wednesday the 1st the ship left harbour for sea to carry out Pom Pom gun practice. A night encounter exercise with Radar training ship BOXER (1943-1958) (pictured right) brought about star shell firings until the ships anchored in St Helen's Roads at 2305. Log 62nm. The anchor was weighed at 0825 next morning for close-range gun and ship-aircraft communications exercises before returning to SSJ at 1634. Log 52nm. Remaining alongside oil, stores and Midshipman C C Harrison who joined from OPPORTUNE were taken onboard. The 4th Minesweeping Flotilla (Algerine Class ships - see * below) arrived on Sunday to be met by a berthing party from OBDURATE.
On Wednesday the 1st the ship left harbour for sea to carry out Pom Pom gun practice. A night encounter exercise with Radar training ship BOXER (1943-1958) (pictured right) brought about star shell firings until the ships anchored in St Helen's Roads at 2305. Log 62nm. The anchor was weighed at 0825 next morning for close-range gun and ship-aircraft communications exercises before returning to SSJ at 1634. Log 52nm. Remaining alongside oil, stores and Midshipman C C Harrison who joined from OPPORTUNE were taken onboard. The 4th Minesweeping Flotilla (Algerine Class ships - see * below) arrived on Sunday to be met by a berthing party from OBDURATE.
On Monday the 6th OBDURATE moved out to No 4 Buoy where 18 mines were embarked. On Tuesday four ground mines were laid on New Grounds off Bembridge in the forenoon and the remaining fourteen were laid in the afternoon prior to berthing alongside BRISSENDEN on SSJ at 1624. Log 53nm.
Sailing at 0830 on Wednesday 4" gun fire-control firings took place before the ship went to anchor in St Helen's Roads to carryout MF Direction Finder calibrations. A return to harbour and BRISSENDEN was completed by 1630. Log 60nm.
Underway by 0900 on Thursday once clear of the Nab Tower an aircraft arrived signalling the start of an anti-aircraft exercise. On completion a westward course was set to pass Portland Bill soon after 1900 and Eddystone Light at 2300. When a Shackleton aircraft arrived overhead at 0930 on Friday for coordinated anti-submarine training the ship was heading north having rounded Lands End at 0600. The aircraft last departed at 1500 leaving OBDURATE to run up the the Irish Sea past Wicklow at 2000.
Sighting the Mull of Kintyre just before 0700 on Saturday it was a further three hours before a pilot was embarked to guide the ship through Lough Foyle to Londonderry to secure on BARROSA at No 8 Berth at 1246. Log 534nm.
Sailing at 0830 on Wednesday 4" gun fire-control firings took place before the ship went to anchor in St Helen's Roads to carryout MF Direction Finder calibrations. A return to harbour and BRISSENDEN was completed by 1630. Log 60nm.
Underway by 0900 on Thursday once clear of the Nab Tower an aircraft arrived signalling the start of an anti-aircraft exercise. On completion a westward course was set to pass Portland Bill soon after 1900 and Eddystone Light at 2300. When a Shackleton aircraft arrived overhead at 0930 on Friday for coordinated anti-submarine training the ship was heading north having rounded Lands End at 0600. The aircraft last departed at 1500 leaving OBDURATE to run up the the Irish Sea past Wicklow at 2000.
Sighting the Mull of Kintyre just before 0700 on Saturday it was a further three hours before a pilot was embarked to guide the ship through Lough Foyle to Londonderry to secure on BARROSA at No 8 Berth at 1246. Log 534nm.
The Senior Naval Officer, Londonderry, returning the CO's earlier call, visited the ship from 1150 to 1215 on Monday. After that a move to the Oiling Station at Lisahally was completed at 1300.
At 0945 on Tuesday the ship sailed to rendezvous with the submarine ALARIC and aircraft from 719/819 Squadrons based at RN Air Station Eglinton, for patrol exercises into the night before going to anchor off Moville at 0040 Wednesday. Log 179nm. Underway again at 0820 and joined by the destroyer CRISPIN a couple of hours of manoeuvring passed before they turned to anti-submarine / convoy screening exercises until the early hours of Thursday morning. (Log 174nm)
At anchor off Moville 'Both Watches' were employed painting from 0800. Whilst wielding their brushes and rollers they were able to watch the destroyers CREOLE, AGINCOURT, CORUNNA, TENACIOUS, CRISPIN, and USS LANE plus the frigates LOCH TRALAIG and LOCH VEYATE and the 4thMSF minesweepers CHEERFUL, BRAMBLE, RINALDO and PICKLE all go to sea. OBDURATE weighed anchor at 0841 in fog on Friday to join them in exercises but they were cancelled because of low visibility at 1300 so, instead, the ship headed down the Irish Sea on passage to Dover. At 2230 the order "Away Seaboats (Lifeboat) Crew" was given by the Officer of the Watch which resulted in the boat being manned and ready to be lowered in a noteworthy 55 seconds. The sanctuary of Dover's Eastern Arm was reached at 1833 on Sunday the 19th of October. Log 675nm.
At 0945 on Tuesday the ship sailed to rendezvous with the submarine ALARIC and aircraft from 719/819 Squadrons based at RN Air Station Eglinton, for patrol exercises into the night before going to anchor off Moville at 0040 Wednesday. Log 179nm. Underway again at 0820 and joined by the destroyer CRISPIN a couple of hours of manoeuvring passed before they turned to anti-submarine / convoy screening exercises until the early hours of Thursday morning. (Log 174nm)
At anchor off Moville 'Both Watches' were employed painting from 0800. Whilst wielding their brushes and rollers they were able to watch the destroyers CREOLE, AGINCOURT, CORUNNA, TENACIOUS, CRISPIN, and USS LANE plus the frigates LOCH TRALAIG and LOCH VEYATE and the 4thMSF minesweepers CHEERFUL, BRAMBLE, RINALDO and PICKLE all go to sea. OBDURATE weighed anchor at 0841 in fog on Friday to join them in exercises but they were cancelled because of low visibility at 1300 so, instead, the ship headed down the Irish Sea on passage to Dover. At 2230 the order "Away Seaboats (Lifeboat) Crew" was given by the Officer of the Watch which resulted in the boat being manned and ready to be lowered in a noteworthy 55 seconds. The sanctuary of Dover's Eastern Arm was reached at 1833 on Sunday the 19th of October. Log 675nm.
Monday and Tuesday was spent in Dover painting the superstructure and general tidying and cleaning so when four boats of the 2nd Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) Squadron arrived they saw a very tiddley ship.
At 0930 on Wednesday Commander (Destroyers), Nore Command plus the Squadron Navigating Officer embarked to oversee minelaying, action stations and emergency steering exercises in turn during the passage to Parkeston Quay across the River Stour from HMS Ganges. Log 66nm. A move to No 2 Buoy in the evening allowed stores boats to get alongside on Thursday before the ship left harbour at 1520 for a night patrol and exercise with FPB's until 2210. Anchoring overnight near Cork Lightvessel General payment was made before weighing at 1115 to return to Parkeston Quay. Log 134nm. There, 12 mines from the RN Mine Depot Wrabness were embarked before the ship moved out to No2 Buoy at 1647 and reduced to 8 hours notice for sea.
Weekend Leave was granted to Blue Watch from 1045 on Saturday to 0800 (Parkeston Quay) 0740 (Shotley Pier) on Monday and Night Leave to Red Watch from 1230 to 0800 Sunday.
On Monday the 27th the ship was underway at 0900 for the Sunk area to lay the mines before continuing across the Thames Estuary to Sheerness and No 2 Buoy at 1400. Log 66nm. Oiling and watering on Tuesday made the ship ready to slip at 0810 on Wednesday to go up river into No 3 Basin at Chatham where a new Fire Control Box was fitted and tested. Funnel painting and embarking stores kept the seamen busy. Log 9nm.
The Captain made a formal call upon Commander in Chief, Nore Command, Admiral Sir Cecil Harcourt, KCB, CBE, CB on Thursday morning whilst the ships company continued 'paintship' and care and maintenance. On Friday morning tugs came and dragged the ship first to South Lock and then to H Berth buoys in the River before BROADSWORD and CROSSBOW arrived to lock-in.
Long and Short weekend leave (Ship under sailing orders which meant enhanced punishments for late return) was granted via Gillingham Pier.
At 0930 on Wednesday Commander (Destroyers), Nore Command plus the Squadron Navigating Officer embarked to oversee minelaying, action stations and emergency steering exercises in turn during the passage to Parkeston Quay across the River Stour from HMS Ganges. Log 66nm. A move to No 2 Buoy in the evening allowed stores boats to get alongside on Thursday before the ship left harbour at 1520 for a night patrol and exercise with FPB's until 2210. Anchoring overnight near Cork Lightvessel General payment was made before weighing at 1115 to return to Parkeston Quay. Log 134nm. There, 12 mines from the RN Mine Depot Wrabness were embarked before the ship moved out to No2 Buoy at 1647 and reduced to 8 hours notice for sea.
Weekend Leave was granted to Blue Watch from 1045 on Saturday to 0800 (Parkeston Quay) 0740 (Shotley Pier) on Monday and Night Leave to Red Watch from 1230 to 0800 Sunday.
On Monday the 27th the ship was underway at 0900 for the Sunk area to lay the mines before continuing across the Thames Estuary to Sheerness and No 2 Buoy at 1400. Log 66nm. Oiling and watering on Tuesday made the ship ready to slip at 0810 on Wednesday to go up river into No 3 Basin at Chatham where a new Fire Control Box was fitted and tested. Funnel painting and embarking stores kept the seamen busy. Log 9nm.
The Captain made a formal call upon Commander in Chief, Nore Command, Admiral Sir Cecil Harcourt, KCB, CBE, CB on Thursday morning whilst the ships company continued 'paintship' and care and maintenance. On Friday morning tugs came and dragged the ship first to South Lock and then to H Berth buoys in the River before BROADSWORD and CROSSBOW arrived to lock-in.
Long and Short weekend leave (Ship under sailing orders which meant enhanced punishments for late return) was granted via Gillingham Pier.
NOVEMBER
By the time Libertymen returned onboard on Monday the 3rd of November the ship was ready to slip and at 0714 was underway for a run up the Thames to Dagenham and the Ford Motor Works. I don't know the purpose of the visit but a Pilot was embarked again at 1558 and the ship returned downriver to Sheerness arriving on No2 Buoy where 'passengers' disembarked. Log 76nm.
On Tuesday HMS BELFAST entered harbour and an hour later, at 0800, OBDURATE sailed saluting BELFAST as she was passed. Approaching Harwich at 1147 a report of a ditched aircraft had the ship heading out to the Shipwash area at 20 knots to search. A cancelling message at 1230 reported the aircraft found and the ship was back at Shotley, No1 Buoy at 1352. Log 73nm.
On Wednesday what was routine for those in OBDURATE engendered apprehension and excitement for some 16 year old Boy Seamen, Signalmen and Wireless Telegraphists in training at GANGES who were going to sea in a warship for the first time. Embarking just before 0830 they were quickly set to work hoisting the ship's boats - they knew all about that having done it many times during early morning boat training from Shotley Pier - as the ship hummed and hissed then began to move. They watched in awe probably not yet wondering what the open sea might be like round the corner. The day passed all too quickly for them as they experienced 'sea routine' before returning to No1 Buoy and GANGES in mid afternoon. Log 52nm. Another 54 boys did the same thing on Thursday with the added bonus of seeing the ship carryout radar trials with a Mosquito aircraft. Log 60nm. On Friday another group were taken to sea (Log 35nm) and on Saturday further groups visited the ship at the buoy and helped embark vegetables and meat!
On Sunday the 9th of November a couple of hours were spent washing the ship's side before the ship's company fell-in at 1050 for Remembrance Day Service and Silence.
By the time Libertymen returned onboard on Monday the 3rd of November the ship was ready to slip and at 0714 was underway for a run up the Thames to Dagenham and the Ford Motor Works. I don't know the purpose of the visit but a Pilot was embarked again at 1558 and the ship returned downriver to Sheerness arriving on No2 Buoy where 'passengers' disembarked. Log 76nm.
On Tuesday HMS BELFAST entered harbour and an hour later, at 0800, OBDURATE sailed saluting BELFAST as she was passed. Approaching Harwich at 1147 a report of a ditched aircraft had the ship heading out to the Shipwash area at 20 knots to search. A cancelling message at 1230 reported the aircraft found and the ship was back at Shotley, No1 Buoy at 1352. Log 73nm.
On Wednesday what was routine for those in OBDURATE engendered apprehension and excitement for some 16 year old Boy Seamen, Signalmen and Wireless Telegraphists in training at GANGES who were going to sea in a warship for the first time. Embarking just before 0830 they were quickly set to work hoisting the ship's boats - they knew all about that having done it many times during early morning boat training from Shotley Pier - as the ship hummed and hissed then began to move. They watched in awe probably not yet wondering what the open sea might be like round the corner. The day passed all too quickly for them as they experienced 'sea routine' before returning to No1 Buoy and GANGES in mid afternoon. Log 52nm. Another 54 boys did the same thing on Thursday with the added bonus of seeing the ship carryout radar trials with a Mosquito aircraft. Log 60nm. On Friday another group were taken to sea (Log 35nm) and on Saturday further groups visited the ship at the buoy and helped embark vegetables and meat!
On Sunday the 9th of November a couple of hours were spent washing the ship's side before the ship's company fell-in at 1050 for Remembrance Day Service and Silence.
At 0730 on Monday stages were rigged and a ship side paint was done as some minesweepers and Patrol Boats P5003 and 5033 came past from sea. At 1500 the buoy was slipped and with the 1st FPB Sqdn OBDURATE left for the Dutch Naval Base at Den Helder arriving there soon after 0900 on Tuesday. Log 194nm. Following Remembrance Day Ceremonies Senior Officer exchanges were made and on Wednesday the ship's side and foremast painting was finished. Leaving A4-5 Berth at Den Helder just before 1600 on Thursday OBDURATE arrived on the buoys at Folly Point off Gillingham just as the CinC Nore passed in his barge on the way up-river to the depot ship BERRY HEAD. Log 207nm.
Ammunition and stores were embarked on Monday and the ship sailed at 0900 on Tuesday to carryout 4" gun fire-control firings on a drifting target before continuing on to take up No2 Buoy at Harwich once more at 1722. Log 91nm. On Wednesday fifty-two GANGES boys made a harbour visit to the ship and Lieutenant M E B Roope joined the ship. Forty-one boys were taken to sea for the day on Thursday witnessing 4" firings and exercising the seaboat. Log 50nm. Forty more visited from 0830 to 1015 on Friday the 21st and the ship sailed fifteen minutes later for Folly Point, Chatham arriving at 1500. Log 62nm. General Payment was made at 1515 before men attending a Quarters Armourers Course were landed to RNB (Gunnery School). On Saturday morning the Captain addressed the ship's company.
Ammunition and stores were embarked on Monday and the ship sailed at 0900 on Tuesday to carryout 4" gun fire-control firings on a drifting target before continuing on to take up No2 Buoy at Harwich once more at 1722. Log 91nm. On Wednesday fifty-two GANGES boys made a harbour visit to the ship and Lieutenant M E B Roope joined the ship. Forty-one boys were taken to sea for the day on Thursday witnessing 4" firings and exercising the seaboat. Log 50nm. Forty more visited from 0830 to 1015 on Friday the 21st and the ship sailed fifteen minutes later for Folly Point, Chatham arriving at 1500. Log 62nm. General Payment was made at 1515 before men attending a Quarters Armourers Course were landed to RNB (Gunnery School). On Saturday morning the Captain addressed the ship's company.
The London & North Eastern Railway's NORFOLK and SUFFOLK FERRY were in use from 1951-1981. HMTroopship EMPIRE PARKESTON (1946-1962) was built 1930 and was a WW2 Armed Merchant Cruiser.
At 1150 on Monday the ship slipped the bouys at Chatham for a night exercise that was later cancelled so the ship anchored off Felixstowe for the night. Weighing at 0800 on Tuesday another group of GANGES boys were picked up for a quick trip to sea. They were back by 1345 to allow the ship to return to sea on a night patrol until 2130 before returning to Harwich at 0110 Wednesday. Day running with Boys aboard was repeated on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The ship returned to sea on Friday afternoon for another night patrol and got back to Harwich at 0116 on Saturday. Log (Week) 753nm. Captain's Rounds of Magazines and Storerooms took place at 1000.
DECEMBER
On Monday the 1st of December another 75 Boys made a harbour visit to the ship - an increase of 50% in the numbers in the ship - which inevitably caused interference and interruption to normal routines but they were always well hosted in touring the ship. An 0800 sailing on Tuesday took the ship down as far as Dungeness in Kent on another Guard patrol before returning to anchor off Felixstowe soon after midnight. Log 254nm.
By 0920 on Wednesday OBDURATE had been in to pick up 60 Boys for a round-trip to sea returning again at 1145. At 1430 Lt Ludovic Kennedy joined the ship. The submarine ALLIANCE* sailed at 1615. At 0830 on Thursday another 48 GANGES Boys boarded for their run to sea before disembarking again at 1315. An hour later the ship was underway to sea on patrol returning to Harwich at 2139. Log 120nm. On Friday Captain's Rounds of the Messdecks preceded the ship's company getting their fortnightly pay. Shotley's Bristol Arms would claim some of that during the evening. Amongst the moving ships was the 7th Motor Minesweeping Squadron in from sea for the weekend. That was not the case for OBDURATE. Slipping just before 0900 on Saturday a calm run across the Thames Estuary to Sheerness was completed by 1430. Overnight the sea temperature was 2 degrees above the air temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Log 56nm.
* HM Submarine ALLIANCE was in service from 1947 to 1973 when she became a static training vessel at HMS DOLPHIN. She was transferred in 1983 to the Submarine Museum at Gosport. The submarine completed major conservation in 2014 and with its surrounding museum is now part of the wider National Museum of the Royal Navy.
On Monday the 1st of December another 75 Boys made a harbour visit to the ship - an increase of 50% in the numbers in the ship - which inevitably caused interference and interruption to normal routines but they were always well hosted in touring the ship. An 0800 sailing on Tuesday took the ship down as far as Dungeness in Kent on another Guard patrol before returning to anchor off Felixstowe soon after midnight. Log 254nm.
By 0920 on Wednesday OBDURATE had been in to pick up 60 Boys for a round-trip to sea returning again at 1145. At 1430 Lt Ludovic Kennedy joined the ship. The submarine ALLIANCE* sailed at 1615. At 0830 on Thursday another 48 GANGES Boys boarded for their run to sea before disembarking again at 1315. An hour later the ship was underway to sea on patrol returning to Harwich at 2139. Log 120nm. On Friday Captain's Rounds of the Messdecks preceded the ship's company getting their fortnightly pay. Shotley's Bristol Arms would claim some of that during the evening. Amongst the moving ships was the 7th Motor Minesweeping Squadron in from sea for the weekend. That was not the case for OBDURATE. Slipping just before 0900 on Saturday a calm run across the Thames Estuary to Sheerness was completed by 1430. Overnight the sea temperature was 2 degrees above the air temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Log 56nm.
* HM Submarine ALLIANCE was in service from 1947 to 1973 when she became a static training vessel at HMS DOLPHIN. She was transferred in 1983 to the Submarine Museum at Gosport. The submarine completed major conservation in 2014 and with its surrounding museum is now part of the wider National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Monday's cleaning and checking led on to ammunitioning and storing on Tuesday before sailing at 1430 to secure on No3 Buoy Harwich at 1845. Log 56nm.You've guessed it! Yes 47 Boys were onboard by 0830 Wednesday but so too was a Class of Royal Naval Reserve Officers. It was a bonus for the Boys to watch the officers undergo 4" gun training before heading back to Harwich in the early afternoon. Log 48nm. Leaving harbour at 0845 on Thursday with the RNR Class re-embarked they carried out 4" firings until 1245. Attention then shifted to the Engine Room Branch as they manipulated the ship's speed upwards until, at 1400, she was making good a speed of 29.8 knots at 317 revolutions at the peak of a full power trial. Running down the destination was No5 Buoy at Sheerness where the RNR Class landed at 1845. The week finished with the run up-river to enter Chatham Dockyard and No 2 Basin alongside OBEDIENT on Friday. Log 160nm.
Monday the 15th of December was spent cleaning ship and watching other ships, including the cruiser SWIFTSURE and destroyer CORUNNA, coming in. It was, of course, time for Christmas Leave and OBDURATE's first Long Leave Party left the ship on Tuesday as the Tug REWARD went to sea. The long harbour period and much reduced numbers onboard provided the opportunity to clean and paint bathrooms, workshops and offices etc. thus keeping those on board employed even if it was at a leisurely pace in the run up to the festivities. On Christmas Day (Thursday) Leave was granted to Starboard Watch from 1130 to 0845 on Saturday leaving the Port Watch to celebrate onboard!
By Tuesday the 30th the dockyard and ships were resuming normal service. The minesweeper TRUELOVE went to sea and Midshipman Bolland left the ship before the Main Leave Party returned at 1200. On the 31st Hands were employed washing down aloft - a cold and miserable job at the best of times and certainly no way to spend New Years Eve you might think! Midshipman P H Coward RN joined OBDURATE from ILLUSTRIOUS an hour after Red and Blue Watches were granted Leave from 1650 to 0840 on the first day of 1953.
By Tuesday the 30th the dockyard and ships were resuming normal service. The minesweeper TRUELOVE went to sea and Midshipman Bolland left the ship before the Main Leave Party returned at 1200. On the 31st Hands were employed washing down aloft - a cold and miserable job at the best of times and certainly no way to spend New Years Eve you might think! Midshipman P H Coward RN joined OBDURATE from ILLUSTRIOUS an hour after Red and Blue Watches were granted Leave from 1650 to 0840 on the first day of 1953.
RUTHERFORD FOOTNOTE:
I must here thank Mr Geoffrey Topp, a retired Liverpool Pilot who, in August 2010, kindly offered to make local enquiries about 'Rutherfords' for me. In doing so Geoff unearthed information which led him to direct contact with a distant relative of Lt Cdr Rutherford. Here is what Geoff found out about the demise of the Company and a tragedy that ended with the death of Lt Cdr Rutherford:
'A. Rutherford & Co., Neptune Works, Bridge Street, Birkenhead was founded in 1853, In 1914 it described itself thus: Shipbuilders and Repairers, Engineers, Boilermakers, Steam Yacht and Boat Builders, Ship and Yacht Outfitters. Specialities: Light Draft Steam and Motor Vessels of all kinds, all descriptions of small craft, ship repairs of all kinds. It became a private company in 1921 and in 1961 employed 350 people as a Ship Repairers and Boilermakers.'
'Lieutenant Commander Neil Rutherford, DSC & Bar, RN. Born 15 May 1922, died Penmaenmawr, Wales 24 September 1976. Cremated North Wales. In 1958 he was serving with the Underwater Weapons Material Dept. After his naval retirement (5 Jan 1959), and his father's death, Neil took over as head of the family firm until it was liquidated in the 1960's. Thereafter, he attempted various projects including research into the container business, small boats etc. He had no proper home but various flats in North Wales.'
'I telephoned a retired Liverpool pilot in his 80's to ask about Rutherfords and he said why don't you ask Joy ……, the widow of an elderly recently deceased colleague, she was a Rutherford. So I telephoned her and low and behold she was a cousin of the deceased Lt Cmdr Neil Rutherford, DSC & Bar, RN. who ran the Company after his father Uncle Richard died.. Incidentally, and most unfortunately, she recounted the tale that he (Neil) eventually shot five guests (dead) at his guest house/hotel in N Wales and then set fire to it, and then shot himself! What stories lie behind innocuous biographies.'
Geoff also visited Birkenhead Archives to discover: 'In the Birkenhead News, somewhat to my surprise, I could find no mention or photographs of the commissioning , except, and perhaps fortuitously, in the edition of Saturday 30th August 1952 the very small article regarding a fire onboard on the Wednesday before the commissioning.' (Shown above)
Further details regarding the death of Lt Cdr Rutherford on 24 September 1976 and of his RN Service can be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Rutherford
I must here thank Mr Geoffrey Topp, a retired Liverpool Pilot who, in August 2010, kindly offered to make local enquiries about 'Rutherfords' for me. In doing so Geoff unearthed information which led him to direct contact with a distant relative of Lt Cdr Rutherford. Here is what Geoff found out about the demise of the Company and a tragedy that ended with the death of Lt Cdr Rutherford:
'A. Rutherford & Co., Neptune Works, Bridge Street, Birkenhead was founded in 1853, In 1914 it described itself thus: Shipbuilders and Repairers, Engineers, Boilermakers, Steam Yacht and Boat Builders, Ship and Yacht Outfitters. Specialities: Light Draft Steam and Motor Vessels of all kinds, all descriptions of small craft, ship repairs of all kinds. It became a private company in 1921 and in 1961 employed 350 people as a Ship Repairers and Boilermakers.'
'Lieutenant Commander Neil Rutherford, DSC & Bar, RN. Born 15 May 1922, died Penmaenmawr, Wales 24 September 1976. Cremated North Wales. In 1958 he was serving with the Underwater Weapons Material Dept. After his naval retirement (5 Jan 1959), and his father's death, Neil took over as head of the family firm until it was liquidated in the 1960's. Thereafter, he attempted various projects including research into the container business, small boats etc. He had no proper home but various flats in North Wales.'
'I telephoned a retired Liverpool pilot in his 80's to ask about Rutherfords and he said why don't you ask Joy ……, the widow of an elderly recently deceased colleague, she was a Rutherford. So I telephoned her and low and behold she was a cousin of the deceased Lt Cmdr Neil Rutherford, DSC & Bar, RN. who ran the Company after his father Uncle Richard died.. Incidentally, and most unfortunately, she recounted the tale that he (Neil) eventually shot five guests (dead) at his guest house/hotel in N Wales and then set fire to it, and then shot himself! What stories lie behind innocuous biographies.'
Geoff also visited Birkenhead Archives to discover: 'In the Birkenhead News, somewhat to my surprise, I could find no mention or photographs of the commissioning , except, and perhaps fortuitously, in the edition of Saturday 30th August 1952 the very small article regarding a fire onboard on the Wednesday before the commissioning.' (Shown above)
Further details regarding the death of Lt Cdr Rutherford on 24 September 1976 and of his RN Service can be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Rutherford
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This HMS OBDURATE 1952 section first published online 2000 and since revised.