Bulgarian tanker (ex-Montana 1961-1963) Dunav 1963-1987

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Launched by Sir James Laing&Sons Ltd., Deptford Yard, Sunderland, England with yard number 822 on 5 September 1960 for A/S Tanktransport (Thorvald Berg), Tønsberg, Norway, delivered in February 1961, sold to Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Varna, Bulgaria and renamed Dunavy in 1963, part of Bulgarian Tanker Fleet, Bourgas, Bulgaria since 1977, handed over to the 1983 Transferred to Black Sea Anti-Pollution Office, Bourgas and refitted for slop processing in 1983, in 1986 stranded at Kara Burnu while underway towards Aliaga, Turkey to be broken up, refloated on 17 January 1987, arrived at Aliaga on 18 January and breaking op started on 28 February. 

Future naval battles according to the Australian newspaper The World’s News dated Saturday 9 April 1927

This newspaper wondered how naval battles in the Next Great War were fought. Certain scientists stated that ‘high-powered planes carrying monster bombs and torpedoes’ were battling with what they called ‘phantom battleships”. While torpedo aircraft would attack the battleship drive in to the enemy fleet was the latter protected by common warships with anti aircraft guns. The battleship in the meantime disappeared in a smoke screen at the same time opening huge panels in her sides  showing her torpedo armament of 2x32=65 torpedoes which were immediately fired and destroying he enemy fleet. In other words””Imagine a battleship capable of destroying a great fleet at on blow! A grey monster, riding deep in the water, which steams into the centre of the enemy fleet, obscured by a smoke screen: which suddenly drops the steel panels of its sides and discharges simultaneously sixty-four torpedoes of a size never known before in warfare. The torpedoes find their mark, the fleet is wiped out.” The British author E.V. Spanner(1) described the events in a novel using findings of British and American naval experts and the strong belief by many world’s leading military scientists that the era ruled by ordinary battleships and battle cruisers was coming to an end. In his imaginary war between England and Japan he described what happened. The Japanese battle fleet is full speed underway towards Singapore. Coming into the range of the heavy torpedo aircraft they taken with them is Singapore bombed staring with the oil tanks leaving a burning town. The British battle fleet is going to the east. There waits them a naughty surprise. The Japanese converted in secret an ordinary battleship into a 2x32 giant torpedoes battleship. Off Sumatra, Dutch East Indies where the battle starts, happens what is above described and slaughtered the British fleet. The British Admiralty believed in the meantime that torpedo aircraft could sink anything afloat. Four “Hussies” (giant torpedo aircraft called battle cruisers) were ordered to serve in the Australian waters at a navigation base. When a Japanese invasion fleet is nearby attack and destroy the”navigation” torpedo aircraft the Japanese ships.(2)

Notes

1. Edward Frank Spanner (6 February 1888 Portsmouth, Hampshire, England-3 August 1953 Streatham, London, England), naval architect in service of the Royal Corps of Naval Construction wrote the Future War novels The Broken Trident in 1926 (torpedo aircraft attacking warships), The Naviators in 1926 and in 1927 The Harbour of Death with as background the Mediterranean. Spanner wanted to make England clear not to depend only on a navy for her defense. Founded in 1935 Spanner Thimble Tube Boiler Co. In 1929 he published About Warships and in 1934 The Fire-Proof Ship.

In the 1920s was a world wide debate over aircraft versus battleships with the main question could aircraft replace the traditional battleships and the latter becoming obsolete. The Second World War answered this question. Not battleships but aircraft carriers were the leading naval weapons. Battleships became suddenly a prey for torpedo aircraft as the disastrous Japanese air attack on the British HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse proves. 

2. The article also published a sketch of world’s largest torpedo (bomb) to be carried by the giant planes and the phantom battleships to be built in the future. With a weight of 4,000 pounds and a length of nearly 14 feet was this weapon suitable to destroy a battle cruiser. This wireless guided missile torpedo with which cities over a distance of 100 miles could be attacked and which was in possession of the British government. Fitted out with small wings, invented by the New Zealander Captain Allan J. Roberts. 

Russian naval programme according to the Australian newspaper Goulburn Evening Penny Post dated Tuesday 14 August 1906

Ioann Zlatoust, Evstafi-class©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Andrei Pervozvanny-class©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Gangut-class©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

An item referred to the Bourse Gazette, Saint Petersburg, Russia reporting that the building programme of the Ministry of Navy included some 20,000- tons battleships with a speed of 21 knots.(1)

Note

1. The Russian Empire lost most of her capital ships in the Russo-Japanese War between 8 February 1904-5 September 1905. In 1903 accepted the Naval Technical Committee the building of the Andrei Pervozvanny-class which design was several times caused by the disastrous war and the Andrei Pervozvanny and Imperator Pavel I were not earlier commissioned as on 10 March 1911, still being pre dreadnoughts of 18,878 tons, 1.5 knots speed and 4x12”guns. Preceded by Evstafi-class succeeded by the Gangut- or Sevastopol-class (24,400 tons, speed 24.1 knots, 4x30.5cm/3-12guns). 

Italian navy intending to replace the funnels on board of ships by electric fans According to the Dutch newspaper Limburger koerier dated 19 February 1910

An item dated London, England 18 February referred to the Daily Telegraph which reported that the Italian navy had a solution to get rid off the funnels. Electric ventilators fans were to be used instead. The secret invention had already been tested on board of a torpedo boat. Advantages were that an easy target for enemy gunfire was taken away and with storm or rain the fires in the boilers did not have to be partially dampened, which would have resulted in lower speeds.

Woodite or elastic armor according to the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad dated 23 October 1886

An item reported that a certain Mrs. Wood discovered a composition suitable for protecting torpedo boats against projectiles. Her composition was better than caoutchouc [India rubber] resembled vulcanized caoutchouc, was very elastic and bonds  with the surfaces to be protected. The naval authorities were really pleased with this invention called woodite.(1)

Note

1. In 1886 discovered by the British Mrs. Anie Matilda Wood for covering the unarmored parts of warships and claimed to be absolutely uninflammable. According to an announcement in the Engineering dated 11 January 1889 was the name woodite given by the well known Sir E.J. Reed who also recommended it. In The Marine Engineer dated 1 July 1888 dealing with the protection qualities”Last, Mrs. Wood think that an ironclad should not sink even when riddled with shot between wind and water. Numerous target experiments with steel shot and shell point in a qualified sense to that conclusion: the qualification being, that as a land target may be battered to destruction, so à fortiori may a ship.The reasonable contention of Mrs. Wood, however, is that as one form of Woodite will close upon a shot hole as water closes upon a stone thrown into it, the proceeding would be a common-sense one tot substitute Woodlite blocks for armour plates upon the sides of our armor clads.”The New Zealand newspapers Timaru Herald dated 17 January 1887 and Otago Daily Times dated 12 March 1884 described some of the experiments. 

British minesweeping sloop HMS Delphinium 1915-1933

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Built under the Emergency War Programme of the First World War. At the end of 1914 was the design completed and in July 1915 were 36 ships in 3 batches ordered for the British Royal Navy. British shipyards built an additional 8 vessels for the French Navy. Part of Arabis-class preceded by Azalea- and Acacia classes and preceded by Aubrietia-class. The Arabis-class was just like 4 other subclasses part of the so-called Flower-class, the later also known as Cabbage-class or the Herbaceous Borders. Launched by Napier and Miller, Old Kilpatrick, Scotland on 23 December 1915 and sold to be broken up on 13 October 1933. 

A device for keeping off torpedoes according to the Australian newspaper The World’s News dated Saturday 7 August 1909

An item reported that the dentist Dr. Horatio Jones, Great Russell-street, London, England for some years was busy with perfecting his device for keeping off torpedoes. According to Jones would it be impossible for a torpedo to hit the side of a battleship. In his laboratory he showed a model of a battleship fitted out with his device (see the sketch). His device consisted of a shield made of steel plates running almost the complete length of the hull below the water level. With extended shields there was enough water between hull and shield to make the torpedo exploded harmlessly. If the shields were not necessary the were fitted closely to the sides. Jones sent his plans to the British Admiralty and while waiting for a reaction was still improving his invention. 

China interested in building battleships according to the Australian newspaper Clarence and Richmond Examiner dated Thursday 12 August 1909

An item reported that China was planning the building of three 21,000 tons dreadnoughts.(1)

Note

1. Not mentioned in the Naval Annual 1909. 

Dreadnoughts to be built in England not for Japan but for Brazil according to the Australian newspaper The Riverine Herald dated Monday 6 July 1908

Minas Geraes-class©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

An item referred to the American newspaper New York Herald reporting that Japan secretly ordered the building of 30 warships in England including three dreadnoughts but which were in fact for Japan. Brazilian authorities denied this however, they called it a sheer invention.

Note

1. British shipyards built several battleships for the Imperial Japanese navy. On the date of the news item 6 July 1908 were none under construction. The Katori was to the last one to be built by a British shipyard, namely by Vickers, Barrow-in-Furness, she was completed on 20 May 1906. Her sister ship Kashima built by Armstrong, Elswick, was completed 3 days later. But Brazil did ordered battleships in England at that time. Vickers and Armstrong Whitworth were building the Minas Geraes (laid down 17 April 1907) and Sao Paulo (laid down on 30 April 1907) with a third one the Rio de Janeiro laid down by Armstrong on 16 March 1910. In 1908 there were also rumors spread by newspapers that the USA or Germany were the potential buyers.  

Japanese naval food supply ship Irako 1937-1945

Mamiya©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Irako©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Irako-class preceded by Mamiya. Laid down by Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation under the 3rd Naval Armaments Supplement Programme on 30 May 1940, launched on 14 February 1941, completed and assigned to the Combined Fleet on 5 December 1941, damaged by Allied aircraft at Coron Bay, Calamian Islands, Philippines on 22 September 1944, scuttled on 24 September 1942 and decommissioned on 30 November 1945. 

German cargo ships interned in the Netherlands on 6 December 1918

An item referred to a cablegram of the American Naval Attache at The Hague, Netherlands received by Amnavpar, Paris, France on 6 December 1918 which described the German cargo ships interned in the Netherlands.(1) Some of the ships had limited passenger accommodations: Bellona, 1500 ton, Lipsos 5,000 ton, Kandelfels 7,500 ton, Gratia 3,000 ton, Atto 7,500 tons, Totmes 10,000 ton, Ganelon 7,500 ton, Elbing 6,500 ton, Hanau 6,500 ton, Schildturm 7,500 ton, Wartburg 6,500 ton, Tasmania, 10,000 ton, Santae Fe 7,800 ton, Elisabeth Rickmers 5,800 ton, Delos 3,200 ton, Ursula 1,400 ton, Erika 3,500 ton, Theseus 1,400 ton, Huberfels 7,300 ton, Jade 900 ton, Lesbos 2,700 ton, Portimao 2,400 ton, Christine Sell 1,200 ton, Almeria 6,000 ton, Hilda Horn 7,000 tons, Feronia 900 ton, Thebea 3,400 ton, tanker Sirius 5,600 tons and Calliope, Sines and Marga Hemesth.

Note

1. The Dutch newspaper Middelburgsche Courant dated Friday 1 November 1918 reported the arrival of the Canelon, Atto and Kandelfels arriving at Hansweert, Netherlands on Wednesday evening bound for Vlissingen, Netherlands and coming from Antwerp, Belgium. Tuesday arrived at Vlissingen the Gratia coming from Gent, Belgium and which went to Rotterdam, Netherlands.Thursday afternoon arrived at Hansweert coming from Antwerp de Elbing, Totmes, Marga Hemsoth and the Claus Horn. A fifth ship the Santa Fé was grounded off Bath, Netherlands. The newspaper Ter Neuzensch Volksblad dated 2 November 1918 supplied almost same details although adding that the Atto and Ganelon of the Roland shipping Line and the Handelfels of the Hansa  Shipping Line were to be interned at Vlissingen. The De Maasbode dated 11 August 1914 reported that at Antwerp, Belgium were held the German steamships Almeria, Andree Rickmers, Atto, Bellona, Christine Sell, Croatia, Delia, Delos, Elbing, Gneisenau, Hanau, Helios, Elisabeth Rickmers, Erika, Feronia, Ganelon, Henry Fürst, Hermes, Hispania, Huberfes, Lesbos, Lipsos, Portimao, Santa Fé, Schildturm, Sines, Sirius, Tasmania, Totmes, Ursula and Wartburh and the sailing 3 mast schooner Columbus and barque Perim. The ships were apparently in August 1914 scuttled by the retreating Belgian and British troops to prevent the Germans could use them again. In October-November 1918 the ships left Antwerp, Belgium to be interned in the Netherlands.

Source

National Archive. Misc. Material Print File World War August 1918-January 1922. Drawer 3. Microfilm No. T829-403. 

Bulgarian cargo ship Rodina bound for Palestina according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 2 March 1940

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 2 March 1940 No. 801 g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the neutral ships passing Istanbul coming out of the Black Sea and loaded with contraband for or chartered by the enemy. An item reported on 29 February the Bulgarian ship Rodina with 310 waggon planks and planks from Constanta, Romania towards Haiga and Tel-Aviv, Palestina.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459.

Dutch cargo steam ship Mark 1930-1939

Exhibition Varen voor Vrijheid. Museum Katwijk

Launched by A. Vuyk&Zonen, Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands with yard number 595 in 1930, delivered To owner N.V. Houtvaart/manager Firma Vinke&Co. (1937 E.H. Vinke&Zonen, both at Rotterdam, Netherlands in June 1930 and sunk after striking a German mine underway from Uleaborg, Sweden loaded with timber towards Rotterdam around 120 nautical miles south west of Vorupur on 9 September 1939. 

Construction status of the German kriegsfischkutter KFK 1025 in 1944

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built in Adriatic area. Date building ordered 15 April 1944. Date completion October 1944.

Source

Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 152. 

The armament of the Dutch merchant ship Stad Arnhem in the Second World War

According to the list and supplements 1-2 on 13 September 1945 BDZ No. 673sent by the office of armament the Royal Netherlands Navy located at 41 East 42nd Street, New York 17, USA. There were no complete records available, so there were several sources used to compile the list. Sometimes the kind of guns gave indirect information regarding the origin such as 4”/BL and 12 pounder guns were British mostly supplied in the United Kingdom, Canada or Curacao. The 4.7” guns were old Japanese guns placed on some vessels in the begin of the war at Singapore and some 4” guns in the same period at Surabaya, Dutch East Indies. The trade in which the ship was used gave also an indication were the guns were supplied, for example involved in the Pacific trade means supplied at the West Coast.

Armed with 2-2cm guns supplied at New Orleans, USA on 22 October 1942

Armed with 1-10,16cm/4” BL gun

Source

Archieven van hoofd handelsbescherming en diverse handelsbeschermingsofficieren 1941-1946 inv.no. 53 (Nationaal Archief, The Hague, Netherlands. 

Japanese auxiliary patrol boat No. 2265 1945 cancelled 1945

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

No. 1-class patrol boat/Type B ordered under the 1943-1944 Programme to be part of the coastal forces. Of the 280 ordered were just 56 laid down and even a less number finally completed when the Second World War ended. To serve as convoy escorts were the boats also fitted out with minesweeping gears. Based on a traditional wood built fishing boat. With a displacement of 238 tons and as dimensions 93.5 (between perpendiculars)-105. 3/4 (over all) x 20.2 x 7.75 feet. Geared diesel propulsion with 400bhp via one shaft and speed 9 knots. Crew numbered 26 men. Armament consisted of 2/4x1-2.5cm guns and 8-12 depth charges. 

Dutch East Indiaman ship {‘t) Voorhout 1670-

Yacht, E.I.C.-chamber Zealand, on stocks by Cornelis Speldernieuw sr. at E.I.C-yard at Middelburg, Netherlands 1670, launched on 14 September 1670 dimensions 105 x 25 x 10 feet.

Sources

Kort gevat Jaarboek van de Edele Geoctroyeerde oost-indische compagnie der vereenigde Nederlanden ter kamer van Zeeland. Middelburg, 1759.

Archive V.O.C. 1602-1811 inv.no. 11048. Kort gevat Jaarboek van de Edele Geoctroyeerde Oost-Indische Compagnie tec. Christiaan Sigismund Matthaeus, Jan Dane, Middelburg, 1759.

F.W. van Stapel. Beschrijving van de O.I. Compagnie. 

Dutch East Indiaman ship Kranesteyn 1670-

Yacht. E.I.C.-chamber Zealand, on stocks by Cornelis Speldernieuw sr. at E.I.C-yard at Middelburg, Netherlands 1670, lanched 1871, dimensions 140 x 34½ x 14 feet.

Sources

Kort gevat Jaarboek van de Edele Geoctroyeerde oost-indische compagnie der vereenigde Nederlanden ter kamer van Zeeland. Middelburg, 1759.

Archive V.O.C. 1602-1811 inv.no. 11048. Kort gevat Jaarboek van de Edele Geoctroyeerde Oost-Indische Compagnie tec. Christiaan Sigismund Matthaeus, Jan Dane, Middelburg, 1759.

F.W. van Stapel. Beschrijving van de O.I. Compagnie. 

German inland motor tanker (ex-Sara 2016-2017) Florida 2017-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Rotterdam, Netherlands, IMO 9792060, ENI 02336695, MMSI 244276006 and call sign DA3318. Built by Kladovo Shipyard, Kladovo, Serbia and completed by Trico Shipyard, Rotterdam in 2016. 

Whaler Lady Wellington reported according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Australian whaler Lynx reported the Lady Wellington, 10 weeks out, 130 barrels oil and cutting

Australian whaler Governor Halkett spoken according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Australian whaler Lynx reported the Governor Halkett, 13 months out, 1,750 barrels oil

Whaler Governor Bourks visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Governor Bourks, Powell, 350 barrels was lying there, leaky and under repairs. 

Swiss inland tanker Bellator 2016-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Switserland, homeport Basel, IMO 9809162, ENI 02336963, MMSI 205404090 and call sign OT4040. Built by Severnav SA. Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania and completed by TemaCo Shipyard, Heusden, Netherlands in 2016. 

American whaler Splendid spoken according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 16 October 1853

An item referred to American whaler Magnolia which arrived on 13 October at Honolulu, Hawaii reporting in the Arctic Sea on 6 September the American whaler Splendid master Fisher 9 whales.

American whaler Covington spoken according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 16 October 1853

An item referred to American whaler Magnolia which arrived on 13 October at Honolulu, Hawaii reporting in the Arctic Sea on 9 September the American whaler Covington master Newman of Warren ? whales

Confusion of names: Greenland whaling = Spitsbergen/Svalbard whaling and Davis Strait whaling= Greenland whaling

Boiling whale oil, probably Amsterdam Eiland, Spitsbergen. 

Mountain left probably Jan Mayen-eiland (Beerenberg).

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Cornelis de Man

People in the 17th and 18th centuries held a different geographical view than people today. This means that when we speak of “Greenland whaling”, “the term “Greenland” actually refers to Svalbard, whereas “Davis Strait” refers to whaling off the coast of present-day Greenland. The Davis Strait is a southern arm of the Arctic Ocean that lies north of the Labrador Sea. It lies between mid-western Greenland and Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. 

Japanese passenger ship (ex-Dante Alighieri 1914-1938) Asahi Maru 1938-1944

Before the removal of the aft funnel in 1940©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Owner in 1939 Kin Kai Yusen K.K., Tokyo. Laid down by Societa Esercizio Bacini, Genoa, Italy in September 1914, launched on 28 November 1914, completed on 28 February 1915, sold to Kinkai Yusen K.K. on 15 February 1938, requisitioned by the navy in August 1937, converted at Kure into a hospital ship between 17-25 August 1937, Kinkai Yusen taken over by NYK since 6 May 1939 Since 8 September 1839 was NYK owner of the ship, the aft dummy funnel removed between 15-30 November 1940, converted at Kure Naval Yard between 1 October-28 November 1943 into an auxiliary transport, collided with the Manu Maru west of Ushijima 1.25 miles off Bizan Seto on 5 February 1944, beached, hull broken on 24 February 1944, abandoned being a total loss, cargo unloaded between 27-29 February 1944, stricken on 15 July 1944 and broken up in December 1949. Gross tonnage 9,326 tons, under deck 6,977 tons, net tonnage 5,645 tons, deadweight 5,800 tons and as dimensions 483.0 x 59.5 x 25.5 x 27 (loaded) feet. Reciprocating propulsion, 2 screws, horsepower 1,512 hp, coal bunker capacity 1,185 ton and speed 15 (normal cruising)-18 (maximum) knots. 

British whaler Admiral Cockburn visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Admiral Cockburn, Ingstone, of London, 1,400 barrels oil, called on 3 March and remained there. 

Australian whaler William the Fourth visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the William the Fourth, Chamberlain, of Hobart Town, with oil, a full ship, called in on 17 February, leaving homeward bound on 24 February. 

American whaler Oscar visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the American whaler Oscar, 900 barrels oil, put in on 16 February, departing on 28 February. 

Bulk carrier (ex-Ikan Senyur 2010-2022) HTK Lavender 2022-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Panama-flagged, IMO 9573830, MMSI 351724000 and call sign 3EWH8. Built by Shin Kasado Dockyard, Kudatamtsu, Japan in 2010. Ikan Senyur owner Ehime Kaiun, Imabari, Japan , manager Apex Shipmanagement, Singapore. 

Germany ordered by Allies to clear mines in the Baltic Sea in 1919

An item referred to a report of M.A. McCully, senior U.S. Member Allied Naval Armistice Commission (ANAC) at London, England dated 1 September 1919 to Force Commander Wm.S. Sims(1) reporting that regarded Peace Treaty article 193 Germany was to start with clearing mines in all waters of the Baltic Seas excluded territorial waters of other countries. She was to sweep from west to east between the entrance of the North Sea and the meridian of longitude 26 degrees east. If Germany was to sweep further areas in the Baltic was not yet decided.

Notes

William Sowden Sims (15 October 1858 Port Hope, Canada West-28 September 1936 Boston, Massachusetts, USA), commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe during the First World War. Served in the US Navy between 1880-1922 ending in the

Source

National Archive. Misc. Material Print File World War August 1918-January 1922. Drawer 3. Microfilm No. T829-403. 

Tasks and composition of the Soviet Commission of Naval Affairs in 1927

The American Military Attaché at Riga, Latvia supplied in his report dated 13 June 1927 No. 5889 more details about the Soviet Commission of Naval Affairs which he received from a reliable source. The commission was attached to the RVS (Revolutionary Military Council or Revvoensovet/Revvoensovjet September 1918-20 June 1934) and consisted of Pantserzhanski (1), Domborvski, Stepanov (2), Galkin, Ordinski, Svitalski, Miller, Viktorov (3) and finally Haller.(4) The duties consisted of “the general supervision and control of all matters concerning the improvement of the Navy, the preparation of the Naval Budget, the granting of supplementary credits, the construction of naval harbors and shipbuilding wharves and the ordering of material abroad.”

Notes

1. Eduard Samuilowitsch Panzerschanski (30 September/12 October 1887 Liepaja, Latvia-26 September 1937 Kommunarka (Moscow), Russia), commander-in-chief of the Black Sea Fleet between 1925-1926.

2. Georgy Andreyevich Stepanov (18/30 November 1890 Kronstadt, Russia-3 January 1957 Leningrad, Soviet Union), served in the navy between 1908-1953?

3. Vladimir Alexandrovich Svitalsky (1904)?

4. Lev Mikhailovich Galler (17 O.S./29 November 1883 St. Petersburg, Russian Imperium-12 July 1950) born as Leo Julius Alexander Philipp von Haller, served in the navy between 1905-1948, commanded the battleship division of the Baltic Fleet after the Civil War, commander-in-chief of the Baltic Fleet between 1932-1937, chief of naval staff 1938-1940 and Deputy Commissar for the Navy responsible for the naval construction in 1940.

Source

National Archive. Record Group 165: Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs Series: Security Classified Correspondence and Reports. File Unit. Russia: Navy - MID 2503-16 THRU 2503-265. Roll 1443.

Russian Tango-class diesel-electric submarines 1972-2016

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Project 641B or Som-class, called by NATO Tango-class preceded by Foxtrot-class succeeded by Kilo-class. Totally 18 built in two somewhat differing versions and serving between 1972 and 2016. The B-380 belonging to the Black Sea Fleet was in 2016 decommissioned as last of the Tango’s in actual service. Four years later was started with breaking her up. 

German blockade runner Pietro Orseolo homeward bound in 1941-1942

Transport Number -. Name ship Pietro Orseolo. Company Lloyd Triestino/Hapag= Hamburg-Amerika Linie, Hamburg, Germany. Date departure 24 December 1941. Harbour which was left -. Date arrival 24 February 1942. Harbour of arrival Bordeaux, France.

Source

Bundesarchiv RM 7/1419 Ausarbeitung "Wirtschaftsfahrten im Zweiten Weltkrieg" (Zusammenstellung der Fahrten von Blockadebrechern nach Ostasien, 1941-1945). 

The armament of the Dutch merchant ship Songkep in the Second World War

According to the list and supplements 1-2 on 13 September 1945 BDZ No. 673sent by the office of armament the Royal Netherlands Navy located at 41 East 42nd Street, New York 17, USA. There were no complete records available, so there were several sources used to compile the list. Sometimes the kind of guns gave indirect information regarding the origin such as 4”/BL and 12 pounder guns were British mostly supplied in the United Kingdom, Canada or Curacao. The 4.7” guns were old Japanese guns placed on some vessels in the begin of the war at Singapore and some 4” guns in the same period at Surabaya, Dutch East Indies. The trade in which the ship was used gave also an indication were the guns were supplied, for example involved in the Pacific trade means supplied at the West Coast.

Armed with 1-2cm gun

Armed with 4-2cm guns supplied at San Francisco, USA in June 1942

Armed with 1-10,16cm/4” BL gun

Source

Archieven van hoofd handelsbescherming en diverse handelsbeschermingsofficieren 1941-1946 inv.no. 53 (Nationaal Archief, The Hague, Netherlands. 

Luxembourg owned dredgers Arent (2011) and le Guerrier (2007)

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Dredger Arent. Mauritius-flagged, homeport Port Louis, IMO 9591387, MMSI 645587000 and call sign 3BTX. Built by Xinhe Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, Tianjin, China in 2011. Before 2020 Luxembourg-flagged, call sign LXKU. Owner/manager Dredging&Maritime Management, Luxembourg.

Le Guerrier. Luxembourg-flagged, homeport Luxembourg, IMO 9372250, MMSI 2533110000 and call sign LXGQ. Built by Xinhe Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, Tianjin, China in 2007. Owner/manager Codralux, Luxembourg. 

British whaler Toward Castle visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Toward Castle, Brind, of London, 2,300 barrels oil, called on 8 February, leaving again on 26 February. 

British whaler Lady Amherst visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Lady Amherst, Barnett, of London, 100 barrels, put in on 4 February, left for the grounds on 25 February. 

Danish general cargo ship (Eldor 1981-2002) Amanda 2002-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Denmark-flagged, homeport Marstal, IMO 8104565, MMSI 219002392 and call sign OURV2. Owner/manager Hermann C. Boye&Co., Marstal, Denmark. Built by JJ Sietas Schiffswerft, Hamburg, Germany in 1981. 

American whaler Niger spoken according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 16 October 1853

An item referred to American whaler Magnolia which arrived on 13 October at Honolulu, Hawaii reporting in the Arctic Sea on 5 September the American whaler Niger master Jernegan 7 whales.

American whaler Alice Mandell spoken according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 16 October 1853

An item referred to American whaler Magnolia which arrived on 13 October at Honolulu, Hawaii reporting in the Arctic Sea on 5 September the American whaler Alice Mandell master Wing 5 whales.

American destroyer USS Fanning DD-37 1911-1934

Flusser, Smith-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Roe, Paulding-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Duncan, Cassin-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Paulding-class (DD 22-42) preceded by Smith-class succeeded by Cassin-class. Some times DD 24-28, 30-31, 33 and 36 are considered as the Roe-class and DD 32,35 and 38-42 as Monaghan-class. Silhouettes differs while the DD 24-27, 30-32, 34, 36-37 and 40 possessed 3 instead of 4 funnels, with the middle funnel being larger with two boiler uptakes trunked together. The edition Jane’s Fighting Ships of World War I called the class instead of Paulding-class the Drayton-class which was unofficially also known as the Flivver Type. Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding Company, Newport News, Virginia, USA on 29 April 1911, launched on 11 January 1912, commissioned on 21 June 1912, decommissioned on 24 November 1919, transferred to the US Coast Guard on 7 June 1924, commissioned as USCG Fanning CG-11 on 30 May 1925, decommissioned on 1 April 1930, returned to the US Navy on 24 November 1930 and sold to be broken up on 2 May 1934. 

German blockade runner Vossiap homeward bound in 1941-1942

Transport Number -. Name ship Vossiap (ex-Osorno). Company Hapag= Hamburg-Amerika Linie, Hamburg, Germany. Date departure 16 December 1941. Harbour which was left -. Date arrival 21 March 1942. Harbour of arrival Bordeaux, France. Deadweight 9,098 tons.(1)

Note

1. Can’t find another reference when she was renamed Vossiap. Launched by Blohm&Voss, Hamburg, Germany with yard number 517 on 21 December 1938, commissioned on 21 December 1938 and scuttled in the Gironde when German forces retreated from Bordeaux on 25 August 1944.

Source

Bundesarchiv RM 7/1419 Ausarbeitung "Wirtschaftsfahrten im Zweiten Weltkrieg" (Zusammenstellung der Fahrten von Blockadebrechern nach Ostasien, 1941-1945). 

Russian naval officer Mjasnov according to a report from the Military Observer at Riga, Latvia dated 22 July 1921

The information was received from the Latvian General Staff and considered to be reliable. In fact few was known dealing with the personnel of the Central Institutions except that the majority in authority were former naval officers already officers prior to the First World War. The descriptions of the officers were supplied by a former high officer of the Imperial Russian Navy which now stayed in Latvia. Former 2nd class cruiser. “Chief of the Petrograd Naval Base (April 1921); as an officer, fair; very good-natured and soft-hearted; of (?) character; medium abilities; commanded the minelayer Volga during the war [First World War].”

Source

National Archive. Record Group 165: Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs Series: Security Classified Correspondence and Reports. File Unit. Russia: Navy - MID 2503-16 THRU 2503-265. Roll 1443.

British destroyer HMS Hardy 1911-1921

Admiralty-K-class design©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Laforey- or L-class©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of K- or Acasta-class preceded by Acheron-class succeeded by L- or Laforey-class. The class numbered 20 ships, of 12 which built while using the common Admiralty-design and 8 so-called builders’specials. The Acasta-class was in September 1913 redesignated K-class. Built under the Naval Programme of 1911-1912. Builder’s special. Laid down by Thornycroft, Woolston, England on 13 November 1911, launched on 10 October 1913, completed in September 1913 and sold to be scrapped on 9 May 1921. 

Construction status of the German kriegsfischkutter KFK 1024 in 1944

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built in Adriatic area. Date building ordered 15 April 1944. Date completion October 1944.

Source

Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 152. 

The armament of the Dutch merchant ship Salando in the Second World War

According to the list and supplements 1-2 on 13 September 1945 BDZ No. 673sent by the office of armament the Royal Netherlands Navy located at 41 East 42nd Street, New York 17, USA. There were no complete records available, so there were several sources used to compile the list. Sometimes the kind of guns gave indirect information regarding the origin such as 4”/BL and 12 pounder guns were British mostly supplied in the United Kingdom, Canada or Curacao. The 4.7” guns were old Japanese guns placed on some vessels in the begin of the war at Singapore and some 4” guns in the same period at Surabaya, Dutch East Indies. The trade in which the ship was used gave also an indication were the guns were supplied, for example involved in the Pacific trade means supplied at the West Coast.

Armed with 2-2cm guns supplied at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on 5 October 1942

Armed with 2-2cm guns

Armed with 2-2cm guns supplied at New York on 27 June 1944

Armed with 1-11,94cm/4.7” guns/

Source

Archieven van hoofd handelsbescherming en diverse handelsbeschermingsofficieren 1941-1946 inv.no. 53 (Nationaal Archief, The Hague, Netherlands. 

Belgian inland tanker Rossini 2009-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Belgium-flagged, homeport Antwerp, Belgium, ENI 06105201, MMSI 205490890 and call sign OT4908. Built by Bijlsma Shipyard, Lemmer, Netherlands in 2009. 

British whaler Indian visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Indian, Grant, of London, 2,600 barrels oil put in on 8 February, left to the grounds on 24 February. 

Australian whaler Proteus visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Proteus, Browne, of Sydney, 1,200 barrels oil, called on 29 January, went to sea on 5 February. 

Dutch inland cargo (ex-Mon Desir 2008-2016, Futuro 2016-2025) ship Sereno 2025-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Netherlands-flagged, ENI 02329683, and call sign PB6413. Built by Astrachan Plant, Astrachan, Russia and completed by TemCo Shipyard BV, Heusden, Netherlands in 2008. 

Australian whaler Lynxvisited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Lynx, Robinson, of Sydney, 500 barrels oil, called on 29 January, left for the ground on 6 February.

British whaler Vigilant visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Vigilant, Swaine, of London, 1,000 barrels oil, called on 29 January, leaving for the grounds on 4 February. 

Belgian ferry Cyriel Buysse 2018-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Belgium-flagged, homeport Gent, Belgium, ENI 06105783, MMSI 205542990 and call sign OT5429. Launched by Damen Verolme, Rotterdam on 2 February 2018 and completed by Damen Gorinchem, Netherlands.

Australian whaler Adelaide visited Bay of Islands according to the Australian newspaper The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated Thursday 27 March 1834

An item reported the arrival of the schooner Columbine returning from New Zealand on 26 March. She reported from the Bay of Islands that the Adelaide, Stein, of Hobart Town, 2 months out, with 250 barrels oil, called on the same day [28 January] and departed again to the grounds 2 days later. 

Dutch inland tanker (ex-Birseck 1963-1988, Martinus Jr 1988-1993, Martin 1993-1998, Mariska 1998-2011, Marchiena 2011-2023, Londen 2023-2025) Bravoure 2025-

Canal Gent, Belgium-Terneuzen, Netherlands 12-9-2026

Netherlands-flagged, ENI 02315209, MMSI 244670835 and cal sign PD3343. Built by Gebr. Van der Werf, Deest, Netherlands for account of Poseidon AG (Kriesels), Basel, Switzerland in 1963. 

American whaler Dromo visited Honolulu, Hawaii according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 29 October 1853

An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 25 October of the American whaler Dromo master Bronson 250 barrels whale oil 3,500 lbs bone.

American whaler Columbus spoken according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 16 October 1853

An item referred to American whaler Magnolia which arrived on 13 October at Honolulu, Hawaii reporting in the Arctic Sea on 27 August the American whaler Columbus master Harris of New London 1 whale.

Germany continued building small cruisers in 1905 according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1905-1906 no. 3

Stuttgart and Stettin©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

An item referred to the magazine Marine Rundschau reporting that the three small German cruisers Ersatz Meteor [Königsberg], Ersatz Alexandrine [Danzig] and “N” [Leipzig] were to become sister ships of the already existing Bremen, München and Hamburg although being improved with the latest developments. The “N” was to be launched in the first half of 1905, the two others in the last half year with trials in 1906 and 1907. After the delivery of the Lübeck. München and Berlin was this year no further increase of smaller cruisers to be expected. In begin summer 1905 were the “O” [Stuttgart], Ersatz Wacht [Stettin] and Ersatz Blitz [Nürnberg] to be laid down.