Tag Archives: River SFC

S.T. River Kent FD75

Additional information courtesy of Granton Trawlers
Technical

Admiralty Number: 3527
Official Number: 143964
Yard Number: 706
Completed: 1917
Gross Tonnage: 275
Net Tonnage: 107
Length: 125.5 ft
Breadth: 23.4 ft
Depth: 12.8 ft
Engine: 480ihp T.3-cyl by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough
Built: Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough

History

9.5.1917: Laid down by Smith’s Dock Co Ltd, South Bank-on-Tees, Middlesbrough (Yd.No.706) (“Castle” class) for The Admiralty.
20.7.1917: Launched as JOHN THORLING (Ad.No.3517).
1.9.1917: Completed as a minesweeper (1-12pdr and W/T).
1919: Registered by The Admiralty at London (Part I) as JOHN THORLING O.N.143802.
1919: Allocated to Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and engaged in commercial trawling.
24.8.1920: Registered by The Admiralty as a fishing vessel at London (LO430).
1919: Allocated to the National Fishery Scheme for the setting up of the Minesweepers’ Cooperative Trawling Society Ltd, London.
13.08.1920: Minesweepers’ Cooperative Trawling Society Ltd, London registered.
24.08.1920: Registered by The Admiralty at London (Part IV) (LO430).
Laid up. 1920: Sold to William H. East Snr, Milford Haven.
12.1920: At HM Dockyard, Pembroke completed fitting out for fishing under Special Survey of Lloyd’s Register and classed 100A1 Stm Trawler at Milford. William H. East designated managing owner.
6.12.1920: First landing at Milford after trials.
30.10.1935: Last landing at Milford.
11.1925: Sold to The River Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood.
28.11.1925: London registry closed.
30.11.1925: Registered at Fleetwood (FD75). Thomas F. Kelsall & Henry Blackburn designated joint managers.
10.12.1925: Registered at Fleetwood as RIVER KENT (FD75).
17.01.1930: On the Rockall grounds (Sk.James Drake). At around midnight while on deck mending the trawl in a heavy swell, James Wilson (20) and the mate Lawrence Rawcliffe (21) both of Fleetwood were swept overboard. Wilson was carried away in the darkness and it was impossible save him. The mate was swept under the trawler and managed to grab hold of the trailing net. The skipper saw him and leaning over the side of the vessel, was able to hold him in spite of the trawler rolling. Other members of the crew rushed to the rescue and Rawcliffe was hauled aboard unconscious.
20.01.1930: Arrived back at Fleetwood.
03.07.1930: At Fleetwood Magistrates court William Cartmell and Frank McCann, two deck hands, were charged with being disobedient seamen. Thomas Bamber, ship’s husband, stated that the accused, along with another man not yet in custody, signed on as deck hands and were ordered be on board at 2.00pm on 30.06.1930. They turned up at 3.15pm when the ship had just finished taking her ice. Cartmell made the request that they should be allowed to clear up the deck, and sail the following morning. When this was not granted the men refused to stay aboard and as a result the ship was delayed for 12 hours. The accused alleged that the ship was not seaworthy at the time, as she had no hatch on. If they had taken her to sea, going round the Lune buoy they would not have had a chance in rough weather. Mr. D. F. Addie. Prosecuting, said the chief engineer said that the ship was seaworthy and everybody else was willing to go. Cartmell who had nine previous convictions, and McCann, one were each fined 40/-and ordered to pay £1.11.6d. advocate’s fee between them.
5.4.1932: Sailed Fleetwood for North of Scotland grounds (Sk.J. Gornall): twelve crew all told.
6.4.1932: Off Mull of Kintyre in heavy heavy seas and strong gale, rudder damaged and unmanageable; jury rudder rigged. When some 2 miles NW of Mull of Kintyre jury rudder broke, feared being carried ashore. At 5.55 pm. drifting and 5 miles NbyE of Rathlin Island. At 10.30 pm. Having rigged second jury rudder, underway and about 6 miles W of Sanda Island. Steam trawler LOWTHER (FD48) outward for fishing grounds asked to stand by until daylight.
7.4.1932: At 9.59 am. steam trawler EDWARD CATTELLY (FD204) connected and commenced tow to Belfast; LOWTHER released. Delivered Belfast.
8.4.1932: Temporary repairs carried out and sailed Belfast for Fleetwood, in tow of Glasgow tug FLYING KITE (260grt/1929).
10.1.1934: Sailed Fleetwood for Rockall grounds (Sk.Jack Carter).
16.1.1934: In very heavy weather, 60 miles SW of Rockall, making water in forepeak, several rivets sprung below waterline. Pump coping and steaming for Barra Head and shelter.
17.1.1934: Arrived Oban and temporary repairs effected. Sailed for fishing grounds.
31.1.1934: Arrived Fleetwood and landed 250 boxes of fish.
1934: Sold to Thomas L. Devlin, Leith.
9.11.1934: Fleetwood registry closed.
11.1934: Registered at Granton as CONCERTATOR (GN8). Thomas L. Devlin designated managing owner.
27.012.1936: On the Coral Bank,190 miles ENE from Aberdeen, responded to call for assistance from steam trawler INVERFORTH (GN 52). In stormy weather, connected and commenced tow but warps parted on four occasions and eventually the anchor cables were used.
30.12.1936: Delivered Aberdeen.
01.09.1938: Disabled close to Dubh Artach Lighthouse with trawl warp entangled round propeller. Steam trawler CONQUISTADOR (GN10) responded to request for assistance, connected and commenced tow to Oban. After 40 miles delivered Oban and beached for removal of warp and survey.
1939: Sold to Thomas L. Devlin & Sons, Granton. Thomas L. Devlin Jnr designated manager.
31.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (P.No. FY.637) (Hire rate £80.4.2d/month). Based Gt. Yarmouth with M/S Group.
28.21939: Adopted by a group of ladies from Bradford Yorkshire who sent them home comforts and freshly knitted sea socks.
4.1941: Chief Skipper George Youngson Abernethy, R.N.R. awarded the Distinguished Service Cross; Engineman Albert George Allan, R.N.R and Signalman Douglas Arthur Elvidge R.N.V.R mentioned in dispatches.
1942: Company reformed as a limited company – Thomas L. Devlin & Sons Ltd, Granton. Thomas L. Devlin, designated manager.
1942: At Plymouth with M/S Group 28 (Ty/Lieut K. A. Grant RNVR).
1.1946: Returned to owner.
22.7.1946: Sold to John Yolland, Milford Haven & others. John Yolland designated managing owner.
27.6.1948: Last landing at Milford (Sk. James Hewitt).
8.7.1948: Sold to J. Marr & Son Ltd, Fleetwood for £12500. Granton registry closed. Registered at Fleetwood (FD276). Geoffrey Edwards Marr appointed manager.
9.3.1951: Sold to Stephen Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen.
4.1951: Fleetwood registry closed.
6.4.1951: Registered at Aberdeen (A680). John N. Stephen designated manager.
1.8.1951: Registered at Aberdeen as THOMAS STEPHEN (A680) (MoT Minute R.G.N.1116/51 dated 8.6.1951).
8.7.1958: Sold to Seafield Fishing Co Ltd, Aberdeen.
1959: Sold to J. Lewis, Aberdeen for breaking up.
8.1959: Re-sold to Netherlands for breaking up.
12.8.1959: Arrived Rotterdam.
26.8.1959: Aberdeen registry closed “Vessel sold to foreigners (Dutch subjects).”

(John Thorling, Quartergunner (volunteer), age ?, b. North Yarmouth, Norfolk – VICTORY (SB596))

Click to enlarge images

S.T. Concertator FD276

S.T. Concertator FD276
Picture from the Internet

S.T. River Kent FD75

S.T. River Kent FD75
Picture (as River Kent) courtesy of The Fred Baker Collection

S.T. River Kent FD75

S.T. River Kent FD75
Picture (in Belfast 1932) Courtesy of The Andy Hall Collection

S.T. River Kent FD75

S.T. River Kent FD75
Crew picture (in Belfast 1932) Courtesy of The Andy Hall Collection

S.T. John Thorling FD75

S.T. John Thorling FD75
Engraving by Signalman CJ Mudd

S.T. Concertator A680

S.T. Concertator A680
Picture courtesy of The Peter Green Collection

S.T. River Kent FD75

S.T. River Kent FD75
Clipping courtesy of The Mick Downer Collection

Changelog
28/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.
22/07/2016: Information updated.
06/12/2016: Information added.
04/03/2017: Information updated and picture added.
30/03/2017: Added image and removed FMHT watermarks.
02/03/2021: Updated history and technical details.
29/07/2021: Added newsclipping.

S.T. River Earn FD419

Additional information courtesy of Andy Hall and Maggie Law Maritime Museum

Technical

Admiralty Number: 3760
Official Number: 135790
Yard Number: 83
Completed: 1919
Gross Tonnage: 215
Net Tonnage: 105
Length: 112 ft
Breadth: 22.2 ft
Depth: 12 ft
Engine: 57hp T.3-cyl by W. Beardmore & Co Ltd, Glasgow
Built: Montrose Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Montrose

History

1919: Launched by Montrose Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Montrose (Yd.No.83) (“Strath” class) for The Admiralty as JAMES FEAGAN (Ad.No.3760).
5.2.1919: Forms for tender to purchase received by the Admiralty.
26.8.1919: The Admiralty (Director of Contracts) letter giving Charles F. Paton, Glasgow the option to purchase twelve steam trawlers at a price of £182,000.
21.10.1919: Option transferred by Charles F. Paton to The Montrose Fishing Co Ltd.
17.12.1919: Completed as a fishing vessel for The Montrose Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Montrose. Charles F. Paton, Glasgow designated manager.
22.12.1919: Registered at Montrose (Part I & IV) as JAMES FEAGAN O.N.135790 (ME57).
16.3.1920: Registered at Montrose as RIVER EARN (ME57).
26.8.1921: Extraordinary general meeting called for the purpose of considering resolutions for the voluntary winding-up of the company, and the selling, by the liquidators, of the business and property of the company to a new company proposed to be formed with a name nearly as may be the same as that of the present company. Further finance to be arranged. Vessels laid up.
9.1921: Some vessels returned to fishing. Harry A. Holmes, Aberdeen designated manager.
10.5.1922: Extraordinary general meeting of the Company has been called in Edinburgh to consider the voluntary winding-up of the Company as, in the words of the resolution submitted, it ” cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business.”
10.5.1922: Company in voluntary liquidation; deficit about £100,000. Mr James Winning, chartered accountant, Glasgow appointed liquidator on advice of National Bank of Scotland Ltd, the largest secured creditor.
2.11.1922: Sold by the liquidator to Thomas Frederick Kelsall & Henry Blackburn (64/64 joint owners), Fleetwood.
12.11.1924: Sold to The River Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood. Thomas Frederick Kelsall & Henry Blackburn designated joint managers.
14.11.1922: Montrose registry closed.
20.11.1922: Registered at Fleetwood (FD419).
10.1925: Sold to A. Ciriza, San Sebastian, Spain.
31.10.1925: Fleetwood registry closed.
10.1925: Registered at San Sebastian as MARCELINA de CIRIZA.
1944: Sold to Miguel Ojeda Perez, San Sebastian.
1946: Registered at San Sebastian as COSTA MONTAÑESA.
Post 1954 pre 1959: Sold to Constantino Castro Barrenechea & Others, Gijon.
1970?: Sold for breaking up.

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.
07/10/2015: Information updated.
20/04/2018: Information updated.

S.T. River Clyde FD418

Technical

Official Number: 135789
Yard Number: 353
Completed: 1919
Gross Tonnage: 276
Net Tonnage: 109
Length: 125.5 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.8 ft
Built: Ailsa Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Ayr
Engine: 480ihp T.3-cyl by Fawcett Preston & Co Ltd, Liverpool

History

12.8.1919: Launched by Ailsa Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Ayr (Yd.No.353) (“Castle“ class) for The Admiralty as RICHARD CUNDY.
5.2.1919: Forms for tender to purchase received by the Admiralty.
13.10.1919: Completed as a fishing vessel.
26.8.1919: The Admiralty (Director of Contracts) letter giving Charles F. Paton, Glasgow the option to purchase twelve steam trawlers at a price of £182,000.
21.10.1919: Option transferred by Charles F. Paton to The Montrose Fishing Co Ltd.
13.10.1919: Completed as a fishing vessel for The Montrose Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Montrose. Charles F. Paton, Glasgow designated manager.
28.11.1919: Registered at Montrose (Part I & IV) as RICHARD CUNDY O.N.135789 (ME49). Charles F. Paton, Glasgow designated manager.
16.3.1920: Registered at Montrose as RIVER CLYDE (ME49).
1922: W. C. Simpson designated manager.
10.1922: Sold to Thomas F. Kelsall & Henry Blackburn, Fleetwood.
12.11.1924: Sold to River Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood.
14.11.1922: Montrose registry closed.
20.11.1922: Registered at Fleetwood (FD418). Thomas F. Kelsall & Henry Blackburn designated managers.
4.6.1928: Typical landing 225 boxes.
14.2.1931: In gale force winds and driving snow, at 3.00am. responded to distress call to Malin Head Radio by Finnish steamer MALVE (1488grt/1917) (Capt Boxberg) stranded on Tiree whilst on passage Tallin to Manchester with wood pulp and timber. With steam trawlers DHOON (FD54) and CALDEW (FD347) stood by to render assistance. Vessel refloated after pumping out ballast and moving 40 tons of cargo from No.3 to No.4 hold, and went to anchor in Balephetrish Bay, Tiree. Wind freshened and started to drag, with insufficient steam, drove ashore among rocks, held fast and making water. Crew abandoned and landed on Tiree. Vessel was a total loss.
30.12.1932: In calm seas stranded on west side of Gothail Island in Stornoway Harbour.
31.12.1932: Refloated at 9.30 am; vessel sound.
12.1.1938: Sailed Fleetwood for Rockall grounds (Sk. J. Carter).
22.1.1938: On a trip plagued by bad weather and dodging for prolonged periods when it was only possible to make four hauls. Riding out another gale with deck awash and requiring two men to hold the wheel, just after dusk a huge wave was observed sweeping towards the ship. The wave struck, lifting the ship almost vertical and crashing down, lay over on her port side, practically swamped. Confirming that all in the engine-room were safe, full ahead was ordered and slowly the ship righted herself. The damage was considerable and the skipper was injured by flying glass when the wheelhouse windows were stove in and other crew members injured. Shortly afterwards the generator tripped, plunging the ship into darkness. Fortunately the whole scene was lit up by the moon which had appeared through a break in the clouds and damage could be seen. In the wheelhouse the wireless and depth sounder were damaged, on deck the trawl winch had been wrenched from its bed and flung against the port bulwark, the boat had been carried away, funnel and ventilators damaged and guardrails and wires torn and twisted. Whilst assessing the damage and setting the pumps to work to clear the water below, the wind freshened and a new storm, with thunder, lightning and sleet broke. At about 9.00pm. a second heavy sea hit the ship and as the ship shuddered the winch was carried almost back to its bed. With an improvement in the weather all loose gear, including the winch, was secured and course set for home, though progress was slow in the confused seas in the wake of the storms *.
31.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (P.No.NR) (Hire rate £86.5.0d/month).
5.8.1940: Mined off Aldeburgh, Suffolk (Temp Prob Sk J. L. Grant RNR) **.
22.10.1940: Fleetwood registry closed “Vessel lost on Admiralty Service”.

(Richard Cundy, Landsman, age 21, b. Cork, Co. Cork – ROYAL SOVEREIGN (SB677))

Note *: 5.1938: The Mayor of Fleetwood (Alderman Charles Saer) presented awards on behalf of the insurers to Sk. Carter and crew members, A. Parkinson, C. Goodfellow, L. Soloman, R. Anderson. W. Thacker and H. Atkinson in recognition of their efforts that saved the ship.

MPK ** – Clifford L. Swann, 2nd Hand; Alexander Brown & George Crackett, Enginemen; Alfred H. Parker, AB; Malcolm J. Mackay, Donald Smith (LT/X7294C) & Thomas William, seamen; Arthur R. Ford, seaman/cook; Charles W. Warner, telegraphist; Chris B. Milbank, O/signalman; Bernard A. Ready, stoker 2c.
(Died of Wounds – Donald Smith (LT/X18113A))

Click to enlarge image

S.T. River Clyde FD418

S.T. River Clyde FD418
Picture courtesy of The Fred Baker Collection

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.
15/07/2016: Information updated.
29/07/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from image.
19/09/2021: Updated history.