Additional information courtesy of Christine Simm

Technical

Official Number: 148953
Yard Number: 615
Completed: 1928
Gross Tonnage; 253
Net Tonnage: 98
Length: 120.7 ft
Breadth: 23.1 ft
Depth: 12.5 ft
Engine: T.3-cyl by W. Beardmore & Co Ltd, Coatbridge
Built: Wm. Beardmore & Co Ltd, Dalmuir, Glasgow. Straight frames, angular bilge (chine built)

History

25.1.1928: Launched by Wm. Beardmore & Co Ltd, Dalmuir, Glasgow (Yd.No.615) to a design by Mr Melville, draughtsman, Messrs Hall, Russell & Co Ltd, Aberdeen, for William Alexander Leith, Aberdeen as HANNAH E REYNOLDS.
2.1928: Completed.
22.2.1928: Registered at Aberdeen (A322). William A. Leith designated managing owner.
24.2.1928: Sailed Glasgow for trials.
12.3.1928: Landed maiden at Aberdeen (Sk. John F. Reynolds), 400 boxes eight days “ remarkably well pleased with the seaworthy performance …”
4.5.1928: Sold to William Alexander Leith & Sk. John Francis Reynolds, Aberdeen.
7.12.1929: At 2.05 am. stranded on the south end of Inchkeith, Firth of Forth. 4.05 am. came off and proceeded.
w/e 23.8.1930: Along with steam trawlers BEN SCREEL (A121) and DOROTHY GRAY (PD533) sheltering at Kirkwall due to bad weather.
1.3.1931: In a blinding snowstorm, at about 1.00 am. stranded on rocks at Bow Head, Aikerness, Westray. In response to distress rockets and ship’s siren, the Westray L.S.A. was called out by two of their members who were on coast watch. With the assistance of Thomas Drew and his motor lorry and Mac Brown with his van, they were quickly on the scene, however, the distance was too great for the rocket to reach. Without delay a telegram was sent to the Stromness lifeboat and a reply was received stating that the lifeboat J.J.K.S.W. (Cox William Johnston) had left. Later with heavy seas breaking over her the trawler was carried off the the outer point of the Bow and drifted some distance inshore until coming fast again on rocks to the southward of the boat noust (stance) below Skaill Farm. Rockets were fired, the line made fast and with the aid of people from the surrounding district the rescue of the entire crew (nine men and a boy) was accomplished in 45 minutes. The crew were taken to the farm (Mr & Mrs Chalmers) and from there in Mr Chalmer’s car and Mr Brown’s van to the Bayview Hotel. The Stromness lifeboat arrived on the scene a few minutes after the rescue and proceeded to Gill Pier, Pierowall were food was provided before setting out on her homeward journey. Reported holed amidships, making water, but hope of salvage if moderate weather holds.
5.3.1931: With the Leith Salvage & Towing Co’s tug BULLGER (405grt/1884) connected, refloated and safely berthed at Kirkwall.
7.3.1931: In the morning sailed Kirkwall in tow for Aberdeen but in a worsening SE gale when off Hellyar Holme Light heavy seas were encountered and forced to return to Kirkwall.
8.3.1931: With a break in the weather in the morning sailed Kirkwall in tow for Aberdeen. Repaired and landing into Aberdeen.
17.2.1934: Landed 180 boxes, 3 score.
30.5.134: Landed 200 boxes, 4 score.
22.31935: Landed 180 boxes, 2 score cod and 50 score saithe.
19,6.1935: Landed 160 boxes, 5 score.
18.2.1936: Landed 100 boxes, 10 score cod and 10 score halibut.
About 4.12.1937: Sailed Aberdeen for Fleetwood with runner crew that had brought the steam trawler CHARLES DORAN (H760) round from Fleetwood.
29.12.1937(regd): Sold to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd, Fleetwood.
14.3.1938: At Fleetwood landed 150 boxes.
29.12.1938: Registered at Aberdeen as ELIZABETH ANGELA (A322) (BoT Minute RG1606/38 dated 19.12.1938). Basil Arthur Parkes designated manager.
10.1.1939: First landing under new name, 308 boxes £391 gross.
10.5.1939: At Fleetwood Magistrates Court, Harry Gilmore (37), ship’s fireman, Cross Street, Fleetwood was charged with failing to join the trawler, which was delayed for one hour. With 35 previous convictions, five for being a disobedient seaman, he was fined 30s and ordered to refund his advance of 5s.
11.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr, AA armament) (P.No.FY.767) (Hire rate £112.15.11d/month).
13.8.1940: Battle of Britain Day 35 – Eagle Day. Attacked by German aircraft while in St. Margaret’s Bay, Dover (Ty/Skipper. F. A. Meggitt RNR); one crewman MPK*. On the first run in the German aircraft dropped two bombs which straddled the ship but did little damage, On the second run the two bombs released hit the trawler, causing damage from which she subsequently foundered in position 51.20N 1.33E. Fire was returned throughout.
21.8.1940: Aberdeen registry closed “Vessel lost whilst on Naval Service”.
5.10.1940: Ty Sub Lt Francis Layton Perkins RNVR who had directed the armament during the engagement was awarded the DSO, for “ courage and devotion to duty in HM trawlers when attacked by enemy aircraft”.
5.10.1940: Ty Sub Lt Francis Layton Perkins RNVR who had directed the armament during the engagement was awarded the DSC. The citation reading “For good service in HM trawlers when attacked by enemy aircraft”.

MPK* – George Victor Cyril Francis (27), Seaman, RNPS, Beccles, Suffolk.

Note – Hannah E. Reynolds – Named after wife of first skipper, John Francis Reynolds

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Hannah E Reynolds A322
Picture courtesy of Grimsby Reference Library

Changelog
24/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.
29/01/2018: Removed FMHT watermark from image.
21/10/2021: Updated history.