Summary
of Service 1950 to 1964.
(for
more ship information,
go
to
Naval History Homepage
and
type name in Site Search
The
enclosed details are primarily based
upon the Reports
Proceedings and also details from
documents in the Naval Historical
Branch,
Ministry of Defence. Acknowledgement
made to the Keeper of Public Records,
Public Records Office who arranged for
access to the Reports held in Taunton at
the Hydrographic
Office.
Whilst
the information contained in this
Summary is not intended
to be completely comprehensive it sets
out to be be
representative of the career of this
ship during
its deployment on hydrographic
survey duties. Some
place names in the various Islands in
the Pacific Ocean are not those in
current use and the some of Groups of
Islands have also been re-identified (
e.g., The Gilbert and Ellice Islands now
known as Kiribati and Tuvalu.)
H.
M. S. C O O
K ( K 6
3 8 )
LOCH
CLASS Frigate ordered on 25th January
1943 from Pickersgill
at Sunderland to be named LOCH MOCHRUM
but changed in 1944 to an AA
Frigate The ship was laid down as
Job
Number 4813 (Yard Number 269) on 30th
November 1944 and launched on 24th
September 1945 as HMS PEGWELL BAY. After
launch the contract was terminated and
she was towed to Devonport for
completion by HM Dockyard for use as a
Survey
Ship. during
fitting out. Before completion on 20th
July 1950 the name was again changed to
HMS COOK. In common with the other four
Ex LOCH Class frigate hulls converted
into survey ships the name chosen was
that of the best known British hydrographer.
James
Cook (1728 - 1779)
Conversion began in February
1948 and completed in July 1950. No
armament fitted and changes made to
provide
additional accommodation
and office space for hydrographic
work. More boats and associated handling
facilities were fitted together with a
radar suitable
for survey work (Type 972). Pennant
Number for visual signalling purposes
changed to A307.
H
e r a l d i
c D a t a
Badge:
On a Field Blue
,
impaled a hemisphere White between an
estoile in
chief
and in base Gold.
Explanation:
From the arms of Captain James Cook).
M
a n n i
n
g Division
Devonport
till centralised
First Commission 1950 – 51
Commissioned
for trials: 6 June 1950
Commanding
Officer: Lieut. Cdr J.
Pryor
(01/01/50)
Under
Care and Maintenance at Devonport with
reduced complement.
Carried out Local survey tasks
(August 1950 -
January 1951)
Stored for sea service
(January).
(Note: Additional complement
joined from HM Survey Ship SEAGULL
(February).
Commissioned
for service: 27 March 1951.
Commanding
Officer: Captain K St. B. Collins,
QBE, DSC
)
(Later
Rear Admiral CB, OBE, DSC and Hydrographer
of the Navy 1955 - 60).
Home Waters deployment 1951-52
Relieved Halcyon-Class Minesweeper SEAGULL employed on survey work
since 1945.
Diverted
to join CTF26 in search for wreckage
of submarine AFFRAY
in English Channel. (April
- June 1951).
Visited by Hydrographer
in Portsmouth when released from search
and then resumed survey
work in Dublin
Bay.
Landed
detached
party in Gunna
Sound to prepare for
survey tasks in
The Minches
Carried out Oceanographic
soundings and sampling between Scapa
Flow and Spitzbergen.
University expedition embarked and
landed on Spitzbergen.
Machinery condenser
defects
delayed continuation of sampling work
on return
passage.
Collected expedition and paid
visit to capital of Spitzbergen,
LONGEARBYENN
(August).
Landed expedition at Gourock and
carried out oceanographic programme
(September).
Resumed West coast of Scotland
survey in conjunction with survey ML's
and detached parties.
Intermediate R&R visits at
local ports.
(Note: Areas surveyed included
Loch Maddy
and The Minches.
Severe gales caused many
interruptions and
defect in windlass caused loss of anchor
–which was
recovered
later after repair work at Greenock
(October - November).
Returned
to Plymouth 2 December.
1952
Second Commission 1952 - 53.
Commissioned:
March 1952
Commanding
Officer: Captain EHB Baker, DSC
(03/03/52)
West
Coast of Scotland Survey Continuation
(1952-3).
Based at Portree,
Isle of Skye with detached party
employed on coastlining
and marking.
(Note: Unseasonable weather
made it necessary to seek shelter sought
on several occasions between
May and August.
Carried
out Planned work which included check
on newly established
DECCA Navigation Chain for Western Aproaches
-
Hebrides.
(Note: Radio signals too
erratic for hydrographic
use.
A recommendation was made that
survey snips should carry a portable
system instead of using
a
commercial Chain.
Hydrographer embarked at Mallalg for 3 day visit
before transfer to FRANKLIN
(September).
Anchor dragged whilst
sheltering from gales of over 70 knots
in Loch Dunvegan
(October)
Returned to area after winter
refit period and Annual Inspection in
Devonport (Dec
1952 - April 1953)
Diverted from wreck location
and least depth sweeping in Bristol
Channel for search and rescue of crew of
missing FIREFLY aircraft
(Note: Thia
was.called
off after 24 hours (April)
Continued Hebrides Survey in
Loch Shell area (May)
Attended Coronation Review at
Spithead and was Host Ship for Hydrographer's
guests (June).
Prepared for foreign
Service at Plymouth on completion.
Commanding
Officer: Commander RH Cornell, DSC
(29/06/53)
West
African Coast Survey (July to
September 1953).
Passage investigations included
seabed profile off Fowey and
inconclusive checks on movements of
water
temperature layers.
Experiments carried out using
Kite apparatus for magnetic field
measurements but these were
unsuccessful. Carried
out
planned survey areas included Takoradi,
Accra, and Sekondi.
Detached parties landed for coastlining,
marking and tidal measurements
(Note: Shore parties lived in
Bungalow leased fron
a UK contractor.
Work co-ordinated with concurrent
shore survey
Swell conditions off shore made
boat soundings difficult but manageable
except when visibility was
reduced
by local mists. Trials using Radar
reflectors for fixing and range
measurements
proved these
to be a
useful asset
to survey work. Sports
fixtures
during R&R periods at Takoradi.
Excess rust and mould increased
maintenance load on ships
company depleted by shore
party
requirements.
Carried
out two day survey at Sekondi
followed by a final call at Takoradi.
Made Soundings and Shoal
examination off the Canary Islands,
Bathythermograph work carried
out on return passage
(Note Passengers embarked at
Gibraltar (September).)
UK
Waters Survey (October - November
1953; April - November 1954).
Work on West coast continued.
Soundings
in St. Ives followed by oceanographic
measurements
across Irish Sea entrance.
Seabed samples obtained hourly
until corer became defective (again).
Boat survey and tidal
observations in Heysham
Bay (ML 3516 assisted but
ship alongside).
(Note: Propeller fouled by wire
whilst berthed and ship moved away from
quay (November)
Isle of Arran measured mile
checked with Taut Wire gear and attended
by AEW scientists.
Local survey undertaken by
detached party during Winter
lay-up.
Resumed
UK West Coast survey work (April -
July 1954).
R&R in Stornoway
and refuelled at Londonderry.
Scientific
investigations in St Brides Bay with
London University
staff.
Shoal examination carried out
with HM Survey Ship VIDAL in Bishops
Rock area.
(Note: Transferred
2 Depth Charge Throwers to Bar Lightship
for use in Liverpool as collection
boxes.
(Weight 15 Cwt
each).
Tidewatching and boat survey parties
detached in Hebrides.
Ship continued sounding in The Minches
with delays caused by heavy rain and
gales.
Hydrographer's three day visit included
detached parties.
Repeat
of Arran measurements (July).
(Note: Swiss lady in difficulty
whilst swimming
in Plymouth harbour rescued by line
(July).
Carried out Core
sampling
and local survey by detached party in Padstow
area (August)
Minches
survey completed (September)
Carried out extensive sweeping using Sonar
outfits and two boat sweep techniques in
Sound of Harris
(Note: Many
interruptions by gales (September).)
Sweeping trials in Loch Long and Loch Fyne
(September)
Firth of Lone survey - weekends in Oban (October)
Took part in Armistice Day ceremonies at
Greenock (November)
Special survey of Liverpool Bay for local
port authority on return passage
(November)
Third Commission 1955 - 56
Commissioned:
March 1955
Commanding
Officer: Lieut.
Cdr. PJD Hayter
(07/03/55)
Refit
Period (December 1954 - March 1955).
Two Range DECCA Survey System fitted
(Note: Master Station and large aerial unit
installed on board
Storage facilities provided for the
associated two Slave Stations.
A series of meetings attended by
Admiralty specialist and manufacturer
was held to plan acceptance trials.
Sites were selected on Bristol
Channel coast for the Slave Station
Two
Range
DECCA Trials (March - May 1955).
Ship
based at Barry.
(Note:
Position visually fixed from selected
shore
positions to confirm the position
determined by the radio signals.
Initial delays due to lack of
cooling for power supply generators and
damp conditions affected operation of
master
transmitter
A
defect
in ship's windlass and poor visibility
caused further delays.
Equipment performance at distances
up to 40 miles from land was
unsatisfactory
Returned
to
Plymouth in late April.
Further
trials
during May also unsuccessful.
All the equipment returned to manufacturer
for investigation.
Repeat Trials planned for September during
programmed survey work in the NW
Approaches.
UK West Coast Survey Continuation Work (1955 - 56).
Carried out Arran Mile measurements using
Taut Wire gear
Firth of Lorne and Loch Fyne
work commenced by detached parties for
boat sounding and tidal measurements.
Reconnaissance work to identify suitable
sites for Slave Stations needed for
repeat Two Range DECCA trials (June)
(Note: Slave
Stations set up on Gavellach
Island and on Isle of
Hill (July - August)
Two Range DECCA System calibration and
repeat trials carried out (September -
October).
Overall performance satisfactory and
results 'exceeded all expectations'
(Note: Changes
recommended to ship and slave equipment
to improve reliability.
Wreck of CATO fixed in Bristol Channel with
assistance from HM Trawler STEEPHOLM
(November).
Completed
wreck
sweeping off Welsh coast.
Tide pole set at Pembroke Dock (April 1956)
Slave Stations established on Ulster coast
and at Machrinhanish
on Mull of Kintyre.
Detached party landed on Islay to set up
tidal measurement equipment (April).
Annual Inspection at Londonderry (May).
UK
West Coast Survey Continuation Work
(1955 - 56).
(Continued)
North Channel and islands work continued
(May - November).
Tidal stream measurements and checks at
Castle Bay, Barra
for planned Royal visit (May)
Checks made on Scottish commercial DECCA
Chain and period of oceanographic work
(August)
Visited
Bergen with civil and naval hospitality
(September):
Wreath laid at
British War Grave cemetery.
Measured
Mile
survey at Anglesea
by Detached Party (October -
December).
Sweeping
and
sounding work carried out off SW Ireland
(November).
Anglesey work continued with detached party
during refit period.
Fourth Commission 1957 - 59
Commissioned: 13 March 1957
Commanding
Officer: Commander HR Hatfield
(07/02/57)
Families
on
board after sea trials (February).
Hydrographer
visited ship at sea prior to departure
on 18 March for foreign
service.
Passage
to
Pacific Survey area (March - June).
Damage to upper deck equipment including Liferafts
by heavy weather in SW Approaches.
Shoal
examination and oceanographic work
during passage to
central Pacific via Azores, West Indies
and Panama.
Medical
emergency when the First Lieutenant
(Lieut. Cdr. J.
Raton) accidentally spilled ammonia on
his face (May)
(Note:
Air-lift requested from USN to ensure
early hospital
attention.
Patient initially transferred to ss
CITY OF OXFORD inward bound for Panama
and later to a US
Flying Boat.
Colon hospital later reported no
permanent damage to eyes and would
rejoin ship after completion of
treatment Periods
at High speed during this emergency made
significant demands on fuel.
Planned
economies included use of Quarterdeck
awning as a sail !
Operation
GRAPPLE.
Joined other RN ships off Maiden Island for
Dress Rehearsal of Test.
Present for explosion of a megaton weapon
dropped from an aircraft on 15 May.
Personnel not essentially required
assembled on F'xle
and wore anti-flash gear.
Some sounding work was carried out before
sailing for Samoa.
Pacific
Islands
Survey 1957-8.
Shoal
examinations before arrival in Fiji on 6
June.
(Note:
Formal welcoming ceremony and
preliminary discussion held
on seasons work.)
RNZAF
provided aircraft for aerial
reconnaissance of Natewa
Bay and Vuya
Passage area.
(Note:
Unwanted
publicity after incident during practice
for Queen's Birthday Parade when
Petty Officer accidentally
fell into water near ship.
Excellent
relations established with local
community leaders and Fijian RNVR.
Carried out Self Maintenance Period at
Auckland.
Oceanographic
measurements and sampling during passage
and on
return to Suva (June - July).
Survey
work in Fiji area based at Natewa
Bay.
Assisted by Fijian RNVR vessel VTTI
(ML3555) in Vuya
Passage south of Vanua Lew.
(Note:
This proved of restricted value and was
later
discontinued (July to November 1957).
Detached
parties landed for tidal measurements
and establishment
of controls.
(Note:
During
R&R periods personnel enjoyed
traditional ceremonies including
presentation
of whales
teeth (Tambuas)
with Kava refreshment and dancing
exhibitions with choral
accompaniment.
Ship open to
visitors and sporting exchanges
arranged.
Provision of
cinema shows ashore - later a standard
feature with Children's parties.
Participated in
annual Hibiscus Festival at Suva also
attended by 4 USN ships and
cruise ship
ORSOVA with
tourists.
Entry of float
"Mrs Hibiscus" drawn by ship's Landrover
won a prize for 'most amusing entry'
(August).
Carried
out Preliminary examination of Tarawa in
Gilbert Islands
for 1958 work (November 1957)
Annual
inspection at Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.
(November).
Interim
Refit at RNZN Dockyard, Auckland
(December 1957 to March
1958)
(Note:
Local Navy League members arranged
accommodation on sheep
farms for ships
company
CinC FES on
board (March).
Proton
Magnetometer arrived for use on
passages, supervised by UK scientist
Local
contact with NZ research team
established programme of
work to be undertaken
Departure
delayed by collision with Calliope Dock
Jetty at
Auckland and by delivery of new power
supply generators for 2 Range DECCA.
Sailed
for Solomon Islands via Suva; Fiji on 17
March 1958 with
two RNZN sporting trophies
(Note:
This was specially allowed to be carried
off Station by
Commodore Auckland,.
Commodore
Goff-Davies who was an Ex LOCH Class
captain).
There
were 2 absentees on leaving but 1 was
recovered later.
Solomon
Islands
Survey (March - July).
Survey programme agreed on arrival. First since HM Ships
PINGUIN (Circa 1895) and SEALARK
(1907).
(Note: Many triangulation marks from 1947
US survey had not survived.
Recent increase in manganese export
trade made present tasks
additionally important and positions of
some
islands were
found to be incorrect.
Detached parties landed at Honiara and Gizo.
Ship carried out soundings, Taut Wire
measurements, Reef Fixing and sweeping
work, in Gizo
Strait and New Georgia Sound.
(Note: Astralobe
observations made at Gizo
in Garden of High
Commissioner.
Whilst at Honiara for Queen's Birthday
Parade embarked High Commissioner
for day at sea.
During passage to Port Moresby to refuel, Packlington
Reef inspected and leak in Lower Naval
Store
repaired (June).
On return paid first RN visit to Mono
(Treasury Islands) for 12 years.
(Note: Position found 4.50 miles east of
chart.
Unconventional football match and cinema
landed.
75% of population (100) came on board
when 'open to visitors' (June).
New Proton Magnetometer proved efficient
and economic if carefully
handled.
Significant magnetic field strength
changes noted in areas with 'sea-
mounts'
Facilities for R&R at Honiara not
outstandingly suitable for
personnel in survey ships which spent
many
days actively
employed at sea
Few
Social
contacts with Europeans.
Shore
Cinema shows in isolated
communities a great attraction.
Carried
out
Shoal examination work on passage to
Port Moresby.
(Note: Reception in this small community
quite remarkable and due recognition of
the efforts made by the Returned
Serviceman's
League (Australian equivalent of
the Royal British Legion) was made by
the CinC
FES).
Passage
to
Hong Kong with Paying-off Pennant
flown on departure from Port Moresby
(14
July).
Royal Marines Band greeted ship on arrival
in Singapore.
(Note: Due to delay in air transport
re-commissioning deferred and volunteers
steamed ship to Hong Kong arriving
on 7 August
Interim
Refit
at Hong Kong (August - November).
Hull Corrosion area found smaller than
expected. Boiler tubes replaced without
delay in completion.
All survey boats were refitted after very
extensive use in previous year.
(Note: Plan to provide crew for MFV 1540
intended for use at Honiara cancelled by
Commodore Hong Kong when
vessel
flooded soon after departure for Leyte.
Fifth Commission.
Re-commissioned:
21
October 1958
Completed
refit.
(Note: Machinery
satisfactory but some defects in
electronic gear remained (November).
Ship's cat failed to re-join and found
in HMS ST BRIDES BAY.
Passage
to
New Britain (November).
Shoal and reef examinations on east coast
of Philippines
(Note: Pinnacle
reported by USS BENHAM in 1944 found to
extend from 1500 fathoms to 21 fathoms.
Second reef found 5 miles NW of its
charted position and new name
proposed "Unexpected Bank"
Carried out examination of Philippines
Trench for 11 hours with depths over
4,500 fathoms measured
Solomon
Islands survey Continuation
(November 1958 - February 1959).
Shoal Examination in New Ireland area at
LIHRI and BUKA Islands.
Detached
party
with boat at BINA Harbour and ship
work at FUI Bay, Malaita
Island.
(Note: Evidence
found of recent volcanic activity in
BUKA area with deep water and shoals
adjacent.
Cat rejoined at Honiara.
Third
fracture
of windlass shaft.
(Note: Two hours needed to anchored
weighed using boat winch and improvised
tackle
Repaired later at
Port Moresby.
Survey
work
at BINA considered very necessary and
worth maximum effort possible.
(Note: Special written request received
from local headman at village of Arabala
on island of
Malaita.
Villagers were allowed on board and
Doctor visited local Mission
hospital.
SW
Pacific survey Continuation (November
1958 - February 1959).
Christmas
at
Port Moresby with superlative
hospitality once again.
(Note: Reciprocal
invitations for Children's Party on Xmas
Day and also to Cinema show.
New shallow water area south of Guadalcanal
found on New Year's Day.
(Note: This was identified provisionally as
‘New Year Bank’ and surveyed later
(January 1959).
Weather conditions during depressions
reminiscent of those in Atlantic.
Increase in defect load noted,
particularly distiller pump, and
problems
with boilers and generators.
Water rationing
necessary.
Damp
conditions considered primary causeof
increased defect load. and
delay in obtaining spares
an
added
complication.
Fleet Boilermaker visited ship at Port
Moresby.
Increase in malaria cases noted and
attention paid to correct use of Paludrine.
Collected Detached Parties who had
completed work at Bina
Harbour (February)
(Note: Cinema performance and Doctor visit at
Bina before
leaving.
Briefed District Commissioner at Malaita
on
navigational features affecting Royal
visit
Sailed for Sydney to exchange Captain and
surveying teams joining by air from UK.
Shoal examinations on passage. Selfridge
Bank fixed
(Note: This was originally reported by USS
SELFRIDGE)
Kelso Bank delineated and 24 fathom least
depth established.
Press
reception
on arrival at Sydney with much
interest in ship's cat (3 March).
Commanding
Officer:
Commander JSN Prior
(12/2/59)
Change
of
Hydrographic
Officers at Sydney (March).
Outstanding repair work carried out and
liaison with RAN Hydrographic
authorities and civil
scientists relating to
oceanographic
work
in South Pacific area.
Diversion
for
Repair (April).
Whilst on passage to Fiji diverted to
Auckland because of Main Engine defect
and hull leak.
Advance party sent by air to Labasa to prepare
for survey of approaches.
(Note: Local
corrosion discovered during docking.
DED extended and Station Leave granted.
On completion of repair sailed for surveys
in Fiji Islands(May)
(Note: Five absentees on sailing.
Fijian
Area Survey (May – July 1959)
Shoal examination and Oceanographic Station
work on passage.
Fijian
welcoming
ceremony an arrival (See later).
Use
of
lighter reduced time taken for survey
work in Labasa
(Malau)
Approaches.
(Note: Shoals
identification needed because of use by
8,000 ton merchant vessels collecting
sugar )
Vuya
Passage south of the island of Vanua Levu
surveyed
(June).
Boiler defect due to distorted tubes
limited power available.
(Note: Progress
delayed also by weather and E/S defect.)
Attended Queen's Birthday Parade at Labasa and
provided Gun Salute (June).
(Note: During
SMP at Suva third hole discovered in
Engine Room - repaired by Shallow Water
Divers.)
Survey of Passage between Ovalau Island and Viti
Levu
completed (July).
Tidewatching
party
at Levuka. Weekends spent at Levuka
and Suva.
TELLUROMETER
demonstration
to local Survey Department at Suva.
(Note: During this period an increase in
malaria cases was again noted.
Detached Party sent ahead by RNZAF aircraft
to start survey at Betio
Anchorage, Tarawa.
Gilbert
Islands
Surveys (August to November 1959).
First
visit
by RN ship to Tarawa in recent years.
(Note: Anchored off Betio.
Social exchanges and Cinema landed.
(August)
TELLUROMETER proved most valuable for
work in this survey period.
Detached Party with boats accommodated in
RNZAF Bairiki and another at Nikunau
Island.
SMP at Suva with reduced party left at
Tarawa.
Carrried
out
survey between Abemama
Island and Lagoon.
Detached Party and ship used (September -
November).
Boat investigation made to ensure safe
entry.
(Note: TELLUROMETER
extensively employed.
During this period snip was without mail
and gave no leave for 23 days in
September
Gilbert
Islands Surveys (August to November
1959).
Attended Hibiscus Festival at
Suva and entered new design Float
(October)
Returned to Gilbert & Ellice
work.
Fixed position of Abemama Island
(Note: Result five mile different
from US Chart.
Completed in November,
Painted
ship with assistance from prisoners in
local goal.
Carried out Sketch survey
between Tamama
and Nanmumanga
with
shoal examination (October)
(Note:
Attended Feast and
dancing display (Batere)
Each visitor
received grass skirt.
Cinema landed.
Carried out Running
survey at Nui Island – 3.5 mile
discrepancy (North of charted position).
Passage
to Singapore.
Position
of Alita
Reef, Laughlan
Island and Stewart Island
investigated
(November).
Called
at Port Moresby and Rendezvous with HM
Frigate LLANDAFF.
Carried
out Shoal examinations in Flores Sea.
Annual Inspection carried out
before Paying off (December 1959)
Paid
off at Singapore for Extended Refit on
14 December 1959.'
Sixth Commission 1961 - 62
Commissioned:
20 March 1961
Commanding
Officer: Commander J Paton
During Extended Refit the changes made included:
Improved living acccomodation
with cafeteria messing Extensive work on
boilers which were re-tubed
as
previously recommended.
During Extended Refit in 1960 the
changes made included: (Cont.)
Installation of new variant of improved
Tweo Range
DECCA (LAMDA) with
roaster
transmitter
equipment
resited
in Blacksmith's Shop.
Old site converted for use as Asian
Mess and Tailors shop.
Original radar (Type 972) replaced
by latest design for survey use (Type
979).
Incomplete delivery of items
delayed setting to work and acceptance
for use.
New Echo Sounding Gear Type 771
which was supplied without operating
instructions and spares
!!)
Air conditioning provided in
Chartroom, Canteen/Sick Bay and Radar
Office.
Bridge
Plotting Room enlarged, layout
and natural ventilation improved.
Inspection of hull showed it
seemed in excellent condition.
Particular attention was drawn by Commanding
Officer to following aspects
Need
to completely destore
ship with all items landed into shore
custody by dockyard.
Inspection
and maintenance of all Hydrographic
stores and
equipment whilst not in use.
Improved
habitability in Messdecks.
Important role of naval
stores staff especially during refit
periods such as
Deficiencies
in first supply of part of 979 Radar and
spares for other new equipment.
Carried
out LAMBDA Equipment Trials in Malayan
area (April - May
1961).
Carried
out at Paula Ticman
with HM
Survey Ship DAMPIER in company.
DECCA Slave Stations set up
ashore to carry out trials using new
survey techniques.
(Note: Assistance provided by
848 Squadron HMS BULWARK to land and
collect heavy items.
Collection also assisted by
helicopters from 825 Squadron HMS
VICTORIOUS
Clearance of sites by new ships
company provided a foretaste of many
future similar
activities,
including the attendant risk of injury
and the need for reliable radio
telephone
communication
for surveying or for emergency purposes.
The importance of trouble free
operation of power supply generator
equipment for Slave Stations as
learnt in
the earlier acceptance trials off the
west coast of Scotland was again
confirmed.
Passage to New Hebrides (May -
July).
Soundings were made along
proposed route for Commonwealth
telephone cable in Celebes Sea.
(Note: Calls made at Miri, Borneo and
Port Moresby for fuel.
Contacts made with HM Australian
Survey Ships DIAMANTINA and PALUMA.
Passage
to New Hebrides (May
- July).
Prior to arrival at Vila
weather conditions deteriorated.
(Note: Defects in radar and
E/S equipment not repaired due to lack
of spares required and
caused interruption
to
programme (June)).
Hydrographic survey requirements discussed
with Condoninion
authorities at Vila after official
exchange of calls.
(Note: Social and porting
exchanges during the three day visit
(July).
Medical emergency during
passage to Suva for Planned maintenance
period required diversion to Luganvilla,
Santo Island where operation was carried out
ashore on ME1 rating (July).
Impressive ‘Fijian’ welcome
After Maintenance Period at
Suva commenced survey programme NW of Vanau
Levu.
Called
at Naduri
on north coast of Vanau
Levu for
traditional
ceremony.
(Note: This seemed more intense
as ship considered 'local property – as
‘HM Fijian Ship COOK’
.
Presentation of two whales teeth
(TAMBUA) - usually made by swinmers,
one to give
permission to anchor
and the
other to land.
Followed by YAQONA rituals attended
by Captain and 50 others at which local
'brew' , KAVA
– reputedly
narcotic,
was provided.
Dancing and singing by the local ccranunity
followed in profusion.
A Turtle was then presented to the
ship but in accordance with local
practice returned for the entertainers
to
enjoy as a
meal.
Fijian
Islands (Vanau
Levu)
Survey (July - September).
Detached parties landed at Malau
for tidal readings and at Visoggo
with boats for local soundings and
coastal wo
(Note:
Assistance provided by local Fijians.
In addition the community at Visoggo
provided accommodation
for the party and ensured services were
were
available including clothes washing,
provision of food, cooking and mail
collection by 'runner'.
Fijian Islands (Vanau
Levu) Survey
(July –
September 1961).
(Note: The local 'Ratu'
or Headman had fought the Japanese
between 1942 and 1944. Perhaps this
visit
gave
an opportunity to make a contribution
to demonstrate his allegiance to the Crown
(Little shown
nowadays!)
These outstanding efforts by a
small community were recognised by
arranging a special visit to the ship
for
school
children and by social entertainment for
the local notables.
A Cinema performance
ashore was provided.
The Captain noted in a his Report
of Proceeding that the Fijians recognise
the Royal Navy
as their personal
contact
with the Crown.
During survey around the
northern island (Vanua Levu)
R&R periods were
spent at Labassa
Reduced standard of behaviour
of ships company
was being influenced by a 20% element
of Junior Ratings who had
known poor records of Conduct.
Weather conditions allowed good
progress but an accident on 5 August
when an officer
engaged in
coastal marking
work fell and injured his back.
Emergency return made to
Labassa
for hospital attention to compression
fracture of back and
possible damage
to his spinal chord.
(Note: Casualty was evacuated to UK from Suva later.)
R&R at Malau
(Labassa)
Survey work in Savu Savu
and Tilangitha
passages completed and returned to Suva
(Sept).
Preliminary
work in Gilbert and Ellice Group
(September).
Embarked
local official for passage to Tarawa.
(Note: Stay limited to 9 days
by fuel availability)
Main effort made at Abaiang Lagoon
including use of detached party.
(Note: Good
relations were established with shore
communities of Beito
and Bairiki.
Additional task to fix island
of Nfeiana
made by party embarked in Government
ship
(NAREAU)
Continuation work at Vanau Levu
(October)
(Note: Need for future
alongside berthing for SMP at Suva
emphasised.)
Maintenance Period at Levuka
on
Ovalua
Island coincided with 'Cession Day' to
mark
the transfer to Britain in 1874.
(Note: Took
part in parade and later Dancing
Competition (‘Mekes’)
Advance Party sent for
reconnaissance of Tasman Strait between
TAVEUNI and NGAMEA
Large Scale survey at Savu
Savu
Bay.
Note: Impressive local
hospitality
Due to weather conditions
sampling and water
temperature measurement
activities were unprofitable
(Note: .
Particpated
in Remembrance Parade at
Suva before leaving Fiji.)
Passage
to Auckland (November).
Carried
out Harbour survey at Vila, New
Hebrides.
Medical case evacuated by RNZAF
to Suva.
Made
good weather damage to paintwork and
fittings at Bay of
Islands before entry.
Docking and annual inspection
were carried out at Auckland (December)
Return Passage to Fiji (January
1962).
Hydrographic work at Vila, New Hebrides
resumed and harbour survey completed.
(Note: Divers and 70 Ton pump
assisted Swedish mv
CARLA with leak.)
Continuation Survey in Fijian
Waters (February – April
1962).
LAMBDA assisted survey with
boat work in approaches to RINGGOLD
CHANNEL, NE of Vanua Levu.
(Note: At Fijian Government
request in anticipation of increased
Bauxite export requirements.
Green Slave Station established
at Napuka.
Red Slave position at Ihikombia
Island (North of
Group) proved unsatisfactory
as natives unfriendly.
Alternate site at Wailangilala used.
Both stations operational by 23
February but Green Slave resited
at Wainunu
(March).
Detached
party with two boats at Wainunu
River.
Continuation
Survey in Fijian Waters (February –
April 1962).
(Continued)
(Note: Two calves presented by French Consul.
Mat RE party
working on blasting of reefs at Savu
Savu.)
Social visit to Somo-Somo
on Tavenui
Island with
dancing displays and return school
visit.)
Dangerous situation due to Steering
failure near Undu
Point avoided by quick response to
'Full Astern' demand.
Report made "Constant state of alertness has to be
maintained in these waters
"
(Note: Was
this the 'Gypsies Warning' for 1 October
1963 ?)
Survey completed (700 Square
miles) and Slaves dismantled (April).
Easter spent at Levuka, Ovalau
Island
(Note: Polynesian
dancing display.)
Rot
discovered in survey boats gave
rise to concern.
Gilbert Islands survey (May -
June).
Detached parties landed with
boats at Tamana
and Abaing
with ship sounding between islands.
Marakei Island found to be 5 miles West of
charted position.
(Note: Party
landed at Tamana
for
local feast and dancing.
Two
canoes overturned with
many wet grass
skirts as a result
. Rating
married at Suva during
Maintenance Period.
Captain addressed Fijian Society on hydrographic work in Fijian
islands
Detached party landed at Arorae for
stellar observations and ship carried
out Sketch
Survey.
Participated
in Queens Birthday Parade.
(Note: New Union Flag presented
to ship)
.Sketch Survey carried out at Maiana
Island.
Passage
to Singapore (June - July).
Large crowd with Police band
attended departure from Suva after 12
months duty (20 June).
All on board had good cause to
recall with pleasure the generous
hospitality of the local people who had
also
contributed so much to assist the work
accomplished.
Called at Port Moresby for fuel
and thence via Carimati
Channel
Note: Ship under surveillance
by Indonesian aircraft
Oceanographic measurements made including
magnetometer and gravimeter readings in
New Hebrides area
and subsequently (July 1962).
Refit Period (August -
October).
Commanding
Officer: Lieut. Cdr. MJ Stumbles
Refit began on 20 July and new
ships company joined
(Note: 11 Junior Seaman Ratings
and Chinese Galley staff
had all joined by end August.
Defect
items other than survey boats all
completed
by Terminal
Date which was most unusual.
All trials completed by 24
October.
Engine Room equipment results
were satisfactory but aging electronic
equipment required further attention.
Seventh Commission 1962- 64
Commissioned:
6 October 1962
Commanding
Officer: Commander FW Hunt, MBE
Host to visiting Dutch Survey Ship SNELLIUS during this visit
Passage to Tarawa to Gilbert
& Ellice Islands (October -
November).
Intercepted
suspicious vessel off Kiadat.
Note: James Cooks’ birthday
observed on board.
Deep
water sampling in Mindanao Trench for
National Oceanographic
Institute.
Passage to Tarawa to Gilbert
& Ellice Islands (October -
November).
New measurement recorded - 6297
fathoms.
(Note: This reading was later
considered suspect due to use of
defective equipment.
- See below). Bathythermographic
work restricted after loss of
thermometers.
Passage to Tarawa to Gilbert
& Ellice Islands (October -
November). (Continued)
Extent of LYRA Reef determined
and variations in depth between 20 and
2000 fathoms measured.
(Note: Work continued day and
night.
Core sample
taken for British Museum.
During this task accuracy of deep
water Sounding measurements was suspect
thus putting in doubt the
reading
obtained in October for the Mindanao
Trench.
Gilbert
and Ellice Continuation (November 1962
- February 1963).
After arrival at Tarawa
detached parties landed at NONOUTT,
KURIA and BUTARITARI.
Ship soundings as well as Gravitoneter
and Magnetometer measurements made
Carried out position fixing of
islands
(Note: Radar used extensively as
TELLUROMETER not available.
Echo Sounder outfit E/S 771 not
satisfactory for deep soundings
(November - December).
Christmas spent at at Suva with
alongside secure berthing and workshop
available.
Preparations made for Street
Lining during Royal visit
street
(Note: Three
VSO civilians embarked (2 male and 1
female)
for work on islands.
Bligh
Water (Fiji) Survey continuation work
(January - March
1963).
Two Range Decca Stations
established at Viti
Levu and
Vanu Levu
for Northern
Approaches
survey work.
Reconnoitred
Navula
passage in anticipation of Royal Yacht
arrival.
(Note: Fijian and Indian
community welcome ceremonies at Port
Ellington and Vaileka.
Over 2,000 visitors despite 8 mile
journey to ship.
Met Royal Yacht at LAUTGKA and
accompanied her to Suva.
Sailed
before arrival due to delay of Royal
flight.
(Note: Street lining party not
used (2 March 1963)
.
VSO's landed.
Detached parties remained to
continue work.
Royal
Visit to New Zealand (February -
March).
Attended Waitangi Day ceremony
and provided 60 ratings for crowd
control.
(Note: Commodore
Auckland with his Broad Pennant in HMNZ
Cruiser
ROYALIST was
Senior Naval
Officer.)
This
is an annual ceremony to
commemorate the signing of the Treaty
between the Maori Chiefs
and the
Crown.
Ships illuminated (5-7
February).
During passage to Auckland with
HM Submarine TAPIR, some exchanges of
crews.
(Note: 20
ratings went overland.
Station Leave granted during the six
day stay.
Returned
to Bligh Water survey on completion of
self maintenance. (12 March)
Continuation of Fiji Survey
(March 1963).
On arrival landed detached
party on Yanuda
Island. Work delayed by Decca
problems
(Note: Boatwork
progressed but Motor cutter damaged on
reef
and sank.
Later it was salved and repaired)
During Yandua
Passage and Round Island Passage ship
sounding and sweepingcarried
out.
Intermittent problems
experienced with Two Range Decca
equipment.
Diverted by Search and Rescue
duty NE Canton Island in Phoenix Group
for Royal Flight to USA (28 March).
Shoal examination work
confirmed 1943 US data.
Embarked
Bear Admiral Irving (Hydrographer)
and Mr Pascoe (Chief Civil Hydrographic
Office at
Port
Ellington.
(Note: Visits were also paid to
Slave Station.
Windlass
and radar failures.
Passage
to Suva via Vatui
Ira Channel
to disembark party (6 April).
Annual
Inspection and Docking at Auckland
(April – May 1963).
GEMINI dinghy supplied which
later proved a valuable asset to survey
work.
Return passage to Suva with NZ
ornithologist and Decca engineer
embarked to investigate LAMBDA problems
Diverted to Suva for medical
case (9 June)
Bligh
Water Continuation Survey (June).
Two-Boat
camp re-established on Yandua
Island.
(Note: Decca investigation
resulted in only slight improvement.
Ship sounding work continued
with completion target date of mid-July.
During fuelling visit to Suva
prepared to give
assistance
during South Pacific Games.
Visit extended to allow maximum
maintenance effort in view of future
programme.
Embarked
Mr. E.D. Stroup of Baltimore
University for oceanographic
work.
Heavy Duty Bathythermograph
unit fitted.
Survey and Oceanographic Work
in Gilbert and ELlice
Group
(July - August)
Detached Party landed at Nonouti with
boat for local repeat survey.
Four
day farewell visit to Tarawa with
social exchanges.
Ship
sounding at Nonouti
and gravity
survey at Tabitevea
using GEMINI.
Meridianal
hydrographic
investigation near Ocean
Island.
(Note: Part of an International
exploration
project to examine equatorial currents
in the
central Pacific area.)
Water
sampling and current readings down to
400 metres at 50 metre
intervals.
(Note: Significant
undercurrents found at 200 metres.)
Ridge investigation carried out
at position between Tarawa and Mainana
(August).
Bathythermograph
measurements made in Mainana
- Kuria
and Aranuka
- Nonouti
gaps.
Variation
swing and soundings
carried out
on passage to Ocean Island.
Carried out Seamount
investigations in Tabituea
area
Special survey made to prepare
for laying of deep moorings for buoys at
Ocean Island.
(Note: The
work proved difficult and time
consuming.)
Embarked
Gilbert and Ellice Islands competitors
for South Pacific
Games at Suva.
R&R
period at Suva.
Provided Assistant Camp
Commandants and Timekeepers for Games
(Note: Presentation was made to
ship made for help given (August -
September).
Manned and cheered ship with 17
gun slute
when HE Governor left in rms
ORIANA (September)
Bligh Water Continuation work
(September).
Completed sounding work for
which air photographs proved valuable.
Electrical storm affected operation of 2
Range DECCA. After
SMP at Suva recommenced survey on 1
October.
Grounding of HMS
COOK at Suva 1 October 1963)
At 1737 whilst seeking a
satisfactory anchorage near Vatu - Ra
ship grounded
on a coral head and was badly holed
forward.
Refloated
after 10 hours. Hull examination of hull
showed major flooding.
In order to carry out temporary
repair on slip at Suva, 1300 tons of
equipment removed.
Damage assessment
carried out included use of divers from
HMNZS TARANAKI.
Aftermath of Grounding
Board of Enquiry convened at
Suva on 15 October.
President: Captain BE Turner,
RNZN (HMNZS ROYALIST)
Hydrographic
Member - Commander J. S. N. Pryor ((H)
Charge HMS DAMPIER).
Crew accommodated at RNZAF Lauthala
Bay.
Repair completed and ship refloated
(27 October 1963)
Ready for sea after equipment
refitted (22 November 1963).
During the non-operational
period local survey work was completed
by detached parties and ship's boats at
Lautoka,
At
Viti Levu.
help was also
provided by the New Zealand
survey vessel HMZNS LACLAN which also
recovered
Slave Stations (October)
The ships saluting guns were
landed for use by Fijian Military
Forces.
Farewell to Fiji (November).
Various tasks were carried out
before departure including
(Note: One of these was the provision:
of assistance to US
Yacht FJORD in which had run aground at
NAIRARI
Salvage awards (DCI 1077/65)
included £46
for the Captain and less than £1 for the
lowest share
(6/12/63)
Carried
out
ship sounding on approaches to Bligh
Water.
Swept channel off Labassa, Vanua Levu
to check
depth for safe use by manganese ore
ships.
Inspection made of reef passage
at Ngau.
(Note: Prior to departure from
Fiji the Vanivalu
of Fiji, Ratu
George K Cakabua,
QBE
presented two Fijian War Clubs
NGANDI – a Peace dub and WAKA - a
War Club) for retention by the RN
Surveying Service in
commemoration
of the close association of the survey
ships with the islands in recent years.
A particularly strong rapport had been
established with HMS COOK which had
become known locally as
HM Fijian
Ship COOK.
Passage
to Singapore (December).
Embarked
sugar and building materials for
delivery to New
Hebrides.
NOTE: Emergency
stores for use at Tongoa
after
hurricane during November.
Called at Honiara, British Solomons
(Note: A geologist was embarked
for New Georgia and investigated
volcanic
eruptions in Blanche
Passage.
Core samples were obtained.
Shore survey was carried out at
the end of telecommunications cable in
NE New Guinea at Madang.
Called
at Manus for fuel.
Spent Christmas
at sea followed by refuelling again at
Labuan.
New
Year at sea.
Arrived Singapore on 3 January
1964
(Note: At a Court Martial held
at Singapore on 10/11 January. Captain
found Guilty of hazarding and stranding
his
ship.)
Commanding
Officer: Lt. Cdr M J Stumbles
Passage
to UK.
Sailed
for Gan
on 12 January.
Indonesian Gunboat approached
in Strait but left when Royal Malayan
Navy Motor Launch appeared.
New Captain joined ship at Gan
Commanding
Officer: Commander RAG Nesbit
Commendations for services
after Grounding were promulgated during
this period: -
Chief Shipwright JF Norris and
Leading Seaman DJ Wilkinson
Replenished
at sea after leaving Gan
on
21 January.
Called
at Aden, Malta and Gibraltar.
F i n
a l P h a s e
On arrival in Home Waters on 24
February 1964 the Hydrographer
of the Navy embarked
and
the ship wore
his flag for
its return to Devonport Dockyard
for the last time.
HMS COOK was withdrawn from
service and Paid
off on 1st May 1954. The ship was placed
in Reserve and destored.
She was put on the Disposal List and in
1968 sold to
BISCO for demolition. In April that year
she was towed to Zeebrugge
for
breaking-up.