Part of Forrestal-class preceded by proposed United States- and realized Midway-classes and succeeded by Kitty Hawk- and Enterprise-classes. Ordered on 23 July 1952, classified CVA-60 on 1 October 1952, laid down by New York Naval Shipyard on 16 December 1952, launched on 8 October 1955, acquired and commissioned on 14 April 1956, reclassified CV-60 on 30 June 1972, decommissioned on 20 August 1994 and broken up on 31 March 2019.
The American Consulate at Aden, Arabia [South Yeme] wrote on 10 January 1917 the Secretary of State that during thepast weeek a fleet of four steam trawlers bunkered at Aden and which were sightly larger than the Japanese trawlers of 100-150 ton underway to Italy. The four trawlers came from Durban, South Africa showing the Norwegian flag. Unofficially was by the French consul representatiev at Aden stated that these vessels were part of a fleet of around 25 Norwegian steam trawlers and small whalers purchased by the French government for naval purposes. The vessels had been engaged in fishing and whaling in the South Indian Ocean. The remaining vessels were underway to Aden also coming from Durban with as destination France. They were sailing under Norwegian flag until arrived at Port Said, Egypt to be delivered to the French government and from there under French flag towards Marseille. More details were not available.
Source
Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 865.30 - 865.31 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: Equipment and Supplies: 865.34 - 865.348. Microcopy 527 roll 28.
The US Secretary of State on 1 May 1917 that the Portuguese minister requested verbal the plans for the 110 foot motor boats under construction for the US Navy and asked his colleague to transmit those further. The cruising range of the vessels was somewhat small for passing the Atlantic Ocean under own power but were also too heavy to be transported on board of ships. So in an eventually voyage was escort necessary. Costs of a vessel with ordnance of 2-3” guns, 3 machine guns and ammunion was between 90,000-10,000 US dollars. The plans were indeed sent to Portugal.(1)
Note
1. This must be the SC-1 class submarine chaser of which 441 were completed between 1917-1919. Displacement 77 (normal load)-85 (full load) tons and as dimensions 105 (between perpendiculars)-110 (over all) x 14.9 x 5.7 feet or 32-34 x 4,40 x 1.70 metres, armament 1-3”7.6cm 23 cal gun, 2-0.30”/7.62mm Colt machine guns and 1 Y gun depth charge projector. Except for the US Navy, Army and Coast Guard served the boats in the French, Cuban and Bulgarian navies.
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Portugal. Military Affairs and the Army: 853.20 - 853.206/7 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: Equipment and Supplies: 853.34 - 853.348. Microcopy 705 roll 13
Entering the Bosporus 1994
Built by Gölcük Shipyard. Commissioned in 1986.
The American Consulate at Aden, Arabia [South Yemen] wrote on 10 January 1917 the Secretary of State that during the past six weeks three fleets each of five small steam trawlers visited Aden to bunker. The boats nvaried in size between around 100-150 tons. They are all showing the Japanese flag and had Japanese crews. Unofficially was stated that they were underway from Japan towards Italy and purchased by the Italian government for naval purposes. Like another 15-20 similar vessels were also underway towards Italy.
Source
Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 865.30 - 865.31 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: Equipment and Supplies: 865.34 - 865.348. Microcopy 527 roll 28.
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XX. Yard Germaniawerft, Kiel. Yard number 757.
Date building ordered 14 December 1943. Date completion open. Remarks
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
Mediterranean 1996
Type 22 Frigate/Broadsword-class preceded by Type 21 and succeeded by Type 23 and Brazilian Tamandaré-class. Ordered on 25 April 1979, laid down by Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd., Scotstoun, Scotland on 20 June 1980, launched on 8 May 1982, accepted into service on 18 July 1984, commissioned on 13 December 1984, decommissioned on 1 May 1999 and sold to be broken up on 21 February 2001.
Part of the Armada de la Guardia de la Carrera de las Indias, almirante gobernador Tomas de Raspuru escorting the Tierra Firme fleet. Departed Cadiz on 1 May. Returned on 8 November. Tonnnage 600 tons. Captain Juan de Campos. From Havana, Cuba. Age 9 year.
Source
Huguette et Pierre Chaunu. Seville et l’Atlantique 1504-1650, vol. 3.
An item reported that the 8,083 tons Norwegian tanker ss Realf loaded with 11,492 tons of oil strike a German mine and sunk 25 miles north east of the mouth of the Humber underway from Kirkwall to Thames Haven with naval armed guard on board. Of her crew 54 survivors (of which 2 were wounded) landed at Cromer; the third mate was missing. Two naval officers and guard (2 wounded) and thew pilot were rescued by the trawler Loch Esk and brought to Yarmouth.(1)
Note
1. Strike the mine on 30 November and sunk the next day.
Sources
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England CAB-66-4-1 Weekly Résumé (No. 14) of the naval, military and air situation from 12 noon 30 November to 12 noon 7 December 1939.
Lloyd’s Register 1939-1940.
Destroyer of the DD 75-347 type. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Wickes-class light minelayer. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Part of Wickes-class preceded by Caldwell-classs succeeded by Clemson-class divided into Little-subclass, Lamberton-subclass and Tattnall-subclasses. Laid down by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, USA on 18 April 1918, launched on 10 August 1918, commissioned on 19 June 1919, decommissioned on 30 June 1920, reclassified as destroyer minelayer DM-12 on 16 November 1920, stricken on 1 December 1936 and sunk as target on 22 July 1937.
The Commissioner of the United States at Riga, Latvia wrote on 21 May 1924 to the Secretary of State at Washington that next June 227 cadets of Russian naval schools were to be graduated after a shortened course.
Source
Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Russia and the Soviet Union, 1910-29. Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 861.30 .(861.31 Naval Maneuvers; 851.32 Personnel); 861.33 Movements of Navy Vessels; 861.34 Equipment and Supplies): 861.39 - 861.345. Micro film 316 roll 92.
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XVII. Yard Blohm&Voss, Hamburg. Yard number 259. Date building ordered 4 January 1943. Date completion 15 November 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
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. Built by Hayashikane. Completed on 23 July 1945 and sunk during an air attack at Onomichi on 12 August 1945.
When the Scottish whaler Satisfaction arrived at Greenock returning from Greenland on 16 July she reported that by 25 June the British whaler Generous Friends of London had caught 3 whales.
Source
The Scotts Magazine. Vol. XLVII. Edinburgh, 1785.
According to a report of Mr. G.D. Gilman of American whalers with a total value of 1,010,240 US dollars berthed at Honolulu, Hawaii on 24 October 1844 was the value of the American whaler Orozimbo as she now floats 16,000 US dollars, loaded with 3,800 barrels of whale oil, value 30,400 US dollars, loaded with 230 barrels of sperm oil, value 4,600 US dollars, loaded with 40,000 shp bone, value 8,800 US dollars. Total value 59,800 US dollars.
Source
Robert Crichton Wyllie, Esquire. Notes on the shipping, trade, agriculture, diseases...of the Sandwich or Hawaiian Islands published in the monthly numbers of the The Friend, from May to December. Honolulu, 1845.
River-class ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Loch-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Modified River-class hull and improved armament. Of this class were 28 ships built and 54 cancelled. To be built by Smith’s Dock Company, Limited Cancelled in 1945.
Sources
Jane’s Fighting Ships 1944-1945
David K. Brown. Nelson to Vanguard. Warship design and development 1923-1945.
David K. Brown. Atlantic Escorts. Ships, Weapons and Tactics in World War II.
J.J.. Colledge/Ben Warlow. Ships of the Royal Navy. The Complete Record of all Fighting Ships of the Royal Navy from the 15th Century to the Present.
Norman Friedman. British Destroyers&Frigates/ The Second World War and After.
Leo Marriott. Royal Navy Frigates since 1945. 2nd edition.
G.M. Stephen. British warship designs since 1906.
A.W. Watson. ‘Corvettes and frigates’ in: Transactions of the Institution of Naval Architects, 1947, p. 165-185
Yacht, E.I.C.-chamber Zealand, on stocks by Bestevaar at E.I.C-yard at Middelburg, Netherlands 1639, launched 26 January 1641.
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.
Caught 12 whales resulting in 151 tons oil. Homeport Peterhead.
Source
Annals of Peterhead from the foundation to the present time. P. Buchan, Peterhead, 1819.
Netherlands-flagged, IMO 9705251, MMSI 244615153. Built by Damen Shipyards, Galati, Romania and completed by Damen Shipyards, Den Helder, Netherlands with yard number 512358 in 2016. Part of Noordzee-class. Commissioned on 11 July 2016.
The Japanese embassy at Washington, USA supplied on 16 April 1923 the Department of the US Navy the schedules of the movements of Japanese naval oil tankers which were active in the North American region. Departure from Sasebo, Japan on 20 April, arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 12 May, departure on 16 May, arrival at San Pedro on 29 May, departure on 3 June, arrival at San Francisco on 5 June, departure on 10 June, arrival at Hilo, Hawaii on 21 June and departure for Japan on 25 June. Remarks were that stops at Honulu and Hilo were only made for bunkering coal, water and provisions. The schedule could be slightly changed owing to the weather and other necessities.(1)
Note
1. Notoro or Shiretoko-class navy tankers preceded by Noma succeeded by Kamoi. Consisting of Notoro, Shiretoko, Erimo, Sata, Tsurumi, Shiriya, Iro. Other sources Siretoka/Shiretoka, Erimo, Sata, Turimi/Tsurimi, Sirya.Shiria, Iro, Ondo, Hayamoto and Naruto. Built under the Eight-Four and Eight-Six Fleet plans. Laid down by Osaka Iron Works, Sakurajima Factory on 10 March 1921, launched on 29 September 1921, completed on 14 March 1922 and sunk by the American submarine USS Cero (SS-225) on 5 August 1944
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Japan. Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: 894.30 - 894.304 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: Movements of Naval Vessels: 894.33 - 894.3311f. Microfilm 422 roll 19.
MMSI 245944000 and call sign PAEN. Of the Tripartite-class. Laid down at the shipyard Van der Giessen de Noord, Alblasserdam, Netherlands on 6 May 1986, launched on 10 December 1988, commissioned on 15 March 1989, decommissioned on 27 March 2024, pledged to Ukraine in 2025, donated to Ukraine in 2025 and renamed Melitopol.
The Commissioner of the United States at Riga, Latvia wrote on 21 May 1924 to the Secretary of State at Washington that the Russian Caspian Flotilla consisted of 4 gunboats, 11 torpedo boats old type called Storezhevoi, 5 trawlers and 2 submarines. Further more were 4 guard boats transferred from Lake Ladoga via the Baltic. The staff of the flotilla moved from Baku to Petrovsk.
Source
Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Russia and the Soviet Union, 1910-29. Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 861.30 .(861.31 Naval Maneuvers; 851.32 Personnel); 861.33 Movements of Navy Vessels; 861.34 Equipment and Supplies): 861.39 - 861.345. Micro film 316 roll 92.
The Van Speijk was the eight and at the same time the last ship of the Karel-Doorman class, laid down by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding on 1 October 1991, launched on 26 March 1994 and commissioned on 7 September 1995. Part of Karel Doorman-class/M-clas preceded by Kortenaer- and Roofdier classes.
According to a report of Mr. G.D. Gilman of American whalers with a total value of 1,010,240 US dollars berthed at Honolulu, Hawaii on 24 October 1844 was the value of the American whaler Navy as she now floats 15,000 US dollars, loaded with 2,750 barrels of whale oil, value 22,000 US dollars, loaded with - barrels of sperm oil, value - US dollars, loaded with 25,000 shp bone, value 5,500 US dollars. Total value 42,500 US dollars.
Source
Robert Crichton Wyllie, Esquire. Notes on the shipping, trade, agriculture, diseases...of the Sandwich or Hawaiian Islands published in the monthly numbers of the The Friend, from May to December. Honolulu, 1845.
Netherlands-flagged, IMO 9201578, MMSI 244736000 and call sign PAKB. Built at the Damen Shipyard at Gorinchem, Netherlands. Commissioned 2 November 1999. With a displacement of 630 ton and as dimensions 40-41,5 x 9,2-10 x 3,1 metres. Crew numbered 24 men. The 2x578 kW allows a speed of 12,8 knots.
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XVII. Yard Blohm&Voss, Hamburg. Yard number 258. Date building ordered 4 January 1943. Date completion 1 November 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
Part of Karel Doorman-class/M-clas preceded by Kortenaer- and Roofdier classes. Laid down at the shipyard of the Koninklijke Schelde Groep, Vlissingen, Netherlands on 7 June 1990, launched on 21 November 1992, commissioned on 1 December 1994, sold to Portugal on 1 November 2006, handed over on 15 January 2010 and now serving in the Portuguese navy as the D. Francisco de Almeida.
The American Foreign Service Legation Lisbon, Portugal wrote on 7 September 1924 No. 55 that a Portugese naval division consisting of 1 cruiser, 3 gunboats and a collier would depart from Lisbon in mid October for a voyage around Africa and to cover about 10,000 miles in 7 months time. To be visited were Madeira, Cape Verde Islands and Saint Thomas and Principe and several Portuguese and foreign harbours on the African mainland. At Funcal was a wireless station to be established able to reach Lisbon via continous wave principle. The voyage was to train officers and men on board and was financed by temporarily laying up several other warships with just skeleton crews.
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records AdministrationSeries: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Portugal. Military Affairs and the Army: 853.20 - 853.206/7 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: Equipment and Supplies: 853.34 - 853.348. Microcopy 705 roll 13
Netherlands-flagged, MMSI 245965000 and call sign PAME. Part of Karel Doorman-class/M-clas preceded by Kortenaer- and Roofdier classes, consisting of the Karel Doorman (became Belgian Leopold), Van Speijk, Van Amstel, Willem van der Zaan (became Belgian Louise-Marie), Tjerk Hiddes (became Chilean Almirante Riveros), Abraham van der Hulst (became Chilean Almirante Blanco Encalada(, Van Nes (became Portuguese Bartolomeu Dias) and Van Galen (became Portuguese D. Francisco de Almeida). Laid down at the Kon. Mij. De Schelde at Vlissingen, Netherlands on 3 May 1988, launched on 19 May 1991 and commissioned on 27 May 1993.
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XVII. Yard Blohm&Voss, Hamburg. Yard number 257. Date building ordered 4 January 1943. Date completion 15 October 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
Part of Alkmaar-class. Laid down by Van der Giessen-De Noord, Alblasserdam, Netherlands on 1 October 1984, launched on 2 May 1986, commissioned on 10 December 1986 and decommissioned on 22 June 2022.
The American consul at Harbin, China G.C. Hanson sent with his report dated 29 November 1927 a list dealing with the Chinese gunboats on the Sungari River. It included the Li Chi. Used for patrolling between Harbin and Lahasus. Reported to be in fair condition as far as cleanliness is but did not cruise much often caused by a chronic lacking coal and other supplies which was due to lacking the necessary finances. The gunboats seemed to have little success in preventing brigands attacking passing steamships and junks arrriving too late on the place of delict. Displacement 250 tons. Built of iron. Armament 3: 1 Ma-chi-kai-ssu (Hotchkins?) 5 shot firing gun, 1 Mai-ke-sin (Maxim?) machine gun, 1 mortar. Former nationality ex C.E.R.ly Boat. Former nameNo. 6. Horsepower 400 hp. Thickness armour 3/10 of a inch. Tug converted into gunboat.
Source
National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration. Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of China. File Unit. Military Affairs and the Army: Army Maneuvers: 893.21 - 893.215 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: Pay: 893.35/0-2. Microfilm 329 roll 122.
Of the De Zeven Provinciën-class with as sister ships Evertsen, Tromp and De Zeven Provinciën. MMSI 244899000 and call sign PAET. Laid down by De Schelde, Vlissingen, Netherlands on 3 September 1999, launched on 7 April 2001 and commissioned on 14 March 2003
Type schooner, tonnage 66 tons, crew numbered 7 men, date of clearance 17 May 1832, date of return to port 2 November 1832, involved in black whale fishery, sperm whale oil - tuns, black whale oil 40 tuns, - seal skins, whale bone 4 tons and estimated value of products 900 pound sterling.
Source
Selection of reports and papers of the House of Commons. Vol 28, 1836.
Part of Karel Doorman- or M-class multi purpose frigates, laid down by Koninklijke Schelde Groep, Vlissingen, Netherlands on 28 October 1986, launched on 9 December 1989, commissioned on 26 February 1993, decommissioned on 3 February 2005, sold to Chile, commissioned in April 2007 as Almirante Riveros, MMSI 725000472 and call sign CCRV.
Royal Sovereign-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 22 August 1929 No. 361 that the British battleship HMS Royal Oak returned on 19 August before the return of the British Mediterranean Fleet. She was to depart to England to be paid off on 20 August.(1)
Note
1. Pennant 08. Part of Revenge-class (also called R- of Royal Sovereign-class preceded by Queen Elizabth-class succeeded by planned N3-class and realized Nelson-class. Laid down by Devonport Royal Dockyard on 15 January 1914, launched on 17 November 1914, commissioned on 1 May 1916 and sunk by the German submarine U-47 at Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland on 14 October 1939.
Exhibition Varen voor Vrijheid. Museum Katwijk
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Laid down by De Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij N.V., Rotterdam, Netherlands with yard number 1833 on 11 May 1925, launched on 10 April 1926, delivered to manager Firma Hudig & Veder (ca. 1951 N.V.), owner N.V. Maatschappij Zeevaart, both at Rotterdam, on 27 April 1926, sold to manager Paul Eriksson,owner Kouran Laiva O/Y., both at Wasa, Finland and renamed Kemiö in March 1950, later manager Alf Korhonen, owner Vaasan Laiva O/Y., both at Helsinki, Finland, sold to manager/owner Wallem&Co. Ltd., Hong Kong in 1954 and renamed Gunn and broken there in 1959
Ship, E.I.C.-chamber Zealand, on stocks by Bestevaar at E.I.C-yard at Middelburg, Netherlands 1642, launched 1 January 1643, dimensions 181 x ? x ? 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.
Exhibition Varen voor Vrijheid. Museum Katwijk, Scheveningen
Laid down by N.V. Industrieële Maatschappij 'De Noord', Alblasserdam, Netherlands with yard number 123 in 1916, launched on 30 October 1919, delivered to manager Brødrene Olsen, owner Rederiet A/S 'Vestlandske Lloyd', both at Stavanger, Norway as the Kongsaard in January 1920, sold to manager Firma Erhardt & Dekkers, owner N.V. Maatschappij s.s. Rijswijk,both at Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1920, renamed Stolwijn in around 11 July 1921, owner N.V. Stoomvaart Maatschappij 'Wijklijn', Rotterdam since 1930 and lost loaded with steel and paper underway from Halifax towards Liverpool, England in a storm off Innesdooey Island, Ireland on 7 December 1940.
Auction at the Nieuwezyds Heeren Loogement, Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday 26 November 1759 at 18:00 o’clock of 1/32 share in the Dutch whaler Vrouw Maria, fluyt, commandeur Jan Mooy, built in 1746, 6-7 boats, bound for Greenland, dimensions 111 2/11 x 29.4½ x 12.10½ and decl 7.4½ feeet, bookkeepers Jan Middelman en Zoon. Sold for 485 Dutch guilders to Mrs. Jacoba Borst widow of Nicolaas de Ruyter.
Source
Archief van de Burgemeesters: scheepsverkopingen door makelaars. Archive 5071 Gemeentearchief Amsterdam, Netherlands archive No. 5071, inventory number 22.
Exhibition Varen voor Vrijheid. Museum Katwijk
Launched by Scheepswerf ‘Dordrecht’ N.V., Dordrecht, Netherlands with yard number 28 on 29 September 1917, delivered to manager N.V. Handels- & Transport Maatschappij Vulcaan, owner N.V. Stoomvaart Maatschappij Amsterdam, both at Rotterdam, Netherlands on 7 June 1920, manager Halcyon Lijn N.V., owner N.V. Stoomvaart Maatschappij Amsterdam, both at Rotterdam, Netherlands since 4 July 1920 and torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U 164 off Haïti on 14 August 1942. She was underway from New York, USA to Trinidad due to engine problems forced to leave convoy TAW 15 on 19 August 1942.
According to the list and supplements 1-2 on 13 September 1945 BDZ No. 673 sent 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 York on 28 July 1942
Source
Archieven van hoofd handelsbescherming en diverse handelsbeschermingsofficieren 1941-1946 inv.no. 53 (Nationaal Archief, The Hague, Netherlands.
The Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles (1) submitted the Congress on her session of 4 July 1861 with a report of the building of armored vessels abroad especially France and the United Kingdom. He recommended that the USA would built one of more of such ironclad-steamships or floating batteries. The Congress ordered him on 3 August to appoint the so-called Ironclad Board of 3 skilful naval officers to investigate plans and specifications of such steamships for which building 1,500,000 was available. The appointed officers were the commodores Joseph Smit (2) and Hiram Paulding (3) and the captain Charles H. Davis.(4) They were assisted by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Gustavus Fox.
In an advertisement dated 7 August 1861 was asked for tenders “from parties who are able to execute work of this kind, and who are engaged in it, of which they willfurnish evidence with their offer, for the construction of one or more iron-clad steam vessels of war, either of iron or of wood and irón combined, for sea or river service, to be of not less than ten nor over sixteen feet draught of water; to carry an armament of from eighty to one hundred and twenty tons weight, with provisions and stores for from one hundred and sixty-five to three hundred persons, according to armament, for sixty days, with coal for eight days. The smaller draught of water, compatible with other requisites, will be preferred. The vessel to be rigged with two masts, with wire-rope standing rigging, to navigate at sea. Ageneral description and drawings of the vessel, armor, and machinery, such as the work can be executed from, willbe required. The offer must state the cost and the time for completingthe whole, exclusive of armament and stores of all kinds, the rate of speed proposed, and must be accompanied by a guarantee for the proper execution of the contract, if awarded." The commission examined and commented all recived tenders. Recommended were thepropositions of Bushnell & Co., New Haven, Connecticut; Merrick & Sons, Philadelphia, and J. Ericsson, New York, which would “absorb $1,290,250 of the appropriation of $1,500,000, leaving $209,750 yet unexpended. The commission recommended further that armor with heavy guns be placed on one of our river craft, or, if none will bear it, to construct a scow, which will answer to plate and shield the guns, for the river service on the Potomac, to be constructed or prepared by the government at the navy yard here for immediate use.”
In a resolution of the Senate dated 24 July 1868 asked she the Secretary of the Navy all facts necessary for a complete history of the origin and building of the ironclad Monitor. His letter dated the next day was to supply the asked information.
Wm. Norris, New York, 26 Cedar street.“Iron boat without armor. Too small, and not received. Price $32,000-length of vessel 83 feet-breadth of beam 25 feet-depth of hold 14 feet- time 60 to 75 days-draught of water 3 feet-displacement 90 tons-speed not stated.”
Source
Letter of the Secretary of the navy communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 24th instant, information in relation to the construction ofthe iron-clad Monitor. 40th Congress 2d Session Senate ex. Doc. No. 86.
Notes
1. Gideon Welles (1 July 1802 Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA-11 February 1878 Hartford, Connecticut, USA), United States Secretary of the Navy 7 March 1861-4 March 1869.
2. Joseph Smith (30 March 1790, Boston, Massachusetts, USA-17 January 1877, Washington, D.C., USA), served in the US Navy between 1809-1871 ending in the rank of rear admiral.
3. Hiram Paulding (11 December 1797 Cortlandt, New York, USA-20 October 1878 Huntington, New York, USA), served in the UD Navy between 1811-1870 ending in the rank of rear admiral.
4. Charles Henry Davis (16 January 1807 Boston, Massachusetts, USA-18 February 1877 Washington, D.C., USA), served in the US Navy between 1823-1877 ending in the rank of rear admiral.
5. Gustavus Vasa Fox (3 June 1821 Saugus, Massachusetts, USA-29 October 1883 Lowell, Massachusetts, USA), Assistant Secretary of the Navy 1 August 1861-25 November 1866, served in the US Navy between 1838-1856 ending in the rank of lieutenant.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
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. Launched by Yoonago in 1946. When the war ended 95& completed and afterwards rebuilt as a fishing boat.
An item referred to a list of arivals and departured at the Bay of Islands between 26 February-2 May reporting the arrival of the Australian whaler Cooper of Sydney, 11 months, 550 barrels sperm on 10 March.
Part of Karel Doorman- or M-class multi purpose frigates, laid down by Koninklijke Schelde Groep, Vlissingen, Netherlands on 28 October 1986, launched on 9 December 1989, commissioned on 26 February 1993, decommissioned on 3 February 2005, sold to Chile, commissioned in April 2007 as Almirante Riveros, MMSI 725000472 and call sign CCRV.
Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsitya. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Parizhskaya Kommuna. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Marat. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
With her letter dated Moscow, Russia 9 June 1937 sentthe US Embassy at Moscow a memorandum dealing in detail with the composition of the Soviet Navy and her ships. The information was obtained privately from a non-Soviet source which source the Embassy considered to be entirely reliable. This source was even more valuable while the information available in publications like Jane’s Fighting Ships or the British parliamentary report titled “Fleet” dated February 1937 was general outdated and just of a secondary value. The British report was based on Russian public information from 1 February 1935 which was the last time as far as known the Soviet Union supplied statistical description of her fleet. The source wanted that the information was handed over to the Department of State for further use and not to other departments.
There were three battleships namely Marat [ex-Petropavlovsk], Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsitya [ex-Gangut] and Parizhskaya Kommuna [ex-Sevastopol]. All were laid down in 1909 and between January 1914-January 1915 completed. Armament consisted of 12-12” guns, 16-4.7” guns, 10-3” anti aircraft guns and 4-21” torpedo tubes. With oil-fuelled turbine propulsion and a s peed of 20 knots. The first two ships stationed in the Baltic Sea were modernized. The third one stationed in the Black Sea underwent recently a long refit. Her secondary armament removed in 1936 was placed back. There existed a fourth ship of this class namely the Mikhail Frunze, but she was docked since 1934 with all turrets and guns removed and she would probably be broken up.(1)
Note
1. All part of the Gangut- or Sevastopol-class preceded by the Andrei Pervozvanny-class succeeded by the Imperatritsa Mariya-class. The Frunze ex Poltava was stricken on 1 December 1940 and in 1949 was started with her breaking up.
Source
Record Group 59: General Records of the Department of State Series: Central Decimal Files. 861.30 - Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels. Roll 26 Target 2.
Hawkins-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 7 December 1927 that the British First Cruiser Squadron of the Mediterranean Fleet reteturned to Malta. Commander-in-chief was rear admiral W.H.D. Boyle (1), C.B., his flagship HMS Frobisher.(2) The squadron served in Chinese waters since January 1927. The Frobisher was to depart on 10 December towards Devonport to be recommissioned and refitted. The flag of Boyle was to be transferred to another ship of the squadron.
Notes
1. William Henry Dudley Boyle 12th Earl of Cork and 12th Earl of Orrey (30 November 1873, Farnham, Surrey, England-19 April 1967 London, England), served in the Royal Navy between 1886-1940 ending in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet.
2. Part of Hawkins-class heavy cruisers preceded by Town-class succeeded by County-class, laid down by HM Dockyard Devonport on 2 August 1916, launched on 20 March 1920, commissioned on 20 September 1924, training ship since 1932, again as heavy cruiser in March 1942, again as training ship in May 1946, decommissioned in 1947 and sold to be broken up on 26 March 1949.
Source
National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Great Britain. Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 841.315 THRU 841.31553 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: Movement of Naval Vessels: 841.33 - 841.3311/64
Den Oever, Netherlands 2 February 2026
Laid down at the shipyard Scheepswerf Visser, Den Helder, Netherlands on 15 April 1991, launched on 18 December and commissioned on 28 February 1992. Dimension 27,3 (maximum) x 8,76 x 1,5 metres and a displacement of 223 tons. Speed 10 knots. A crew numbering 8 men. IMO 9021734, MMSI 24585000 and call sign PAYM
An item reported that the 8,795 tons British cargo ship ss Navasota in ballast was torpedoed and sunk on 5 December 1939 by the German submarine U-47 50 miles south west of Cape Clear, Ireland in the Celtic Sea being part of convoy OB 46. Of her crew was one men killed and 45 saved. The Navasota was defensively armed.(1)
Note
1. Of her crew of 82 men were 37 men killed.
Source
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England CAB-66-4-1 Weekly Résumé (No. 14) of the naval, military and air situation from 12 noon 30 November to 12 noon 7 December 1939.
Den Oever, Netherlands 2 February 2026
Laid down at the Scheepswerf Visser, Den Helder, Netherlands on 11 June 1992, launched on 11 September 1992 and commissioned on 20 November 1992. IMO 9034171, MMSI 245990000 and call sign PD2231.
An item reported that the 3,829 ss ton cargo ship ss Eskdene loaded with timber was torpedoed after she lost contact with her Norwegian convoy east of Montrose on 2 December 1939. Contact was lost due to bad weather or she possible strike a mine. Her crew abandoned the ship and rescued after a stay of 13 hours in their lifeboats by the Norwegian merchant ship ss Hild about 50 miles south east of where she was torpedoed. The Eskdene however kept floating and was traced on 6 December. There was a hope that tugs could salvage her and tow her to the Tyne.
Note
1. British cargo ship torpedoed in the North Sea by the German submarine U-56 on 2 December, abandoned and after drifting picked up by tugs and beached on the Herd Sands on 8 December, afterwards salvaged and repaired. Part of Convoy HN3.
Source
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England CAB-66-4-1 Weekly Résumé (No. 14) of the naval, military and air situation from 12 noon 30 November to 12 noon 7 December 1939.
Netherlands-flagged, MMSI 244251000 and call sign PAEK. Part of Alkmaar-class, preceded by Dokkum-class succeeded by Vlissingen-class. Laid down by Van der Giessen-De Noord, Alblasserdam, Netherlands 7 May 1984, launched on 12 December 1985, commissioned on 9 JUly 1986 and to be donated to Bulgaria betweeen 2027-2028.
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XVII. Yard Blohm&Voss, Hamburg. Yard number 256. Date building ordered 4 January 1943. Date completion 1 October 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
Ordered on 25 April 1994, laid down by Koninklijke Schelde Groep, Vlissingen, Netherlands on 25 January 1998, launched on 22 February 1997 and commissioned on 18 April 1998. An amphibious transport or landing platform dock able to transport a complete battalion marines with equipment. Enforcer-design as a result of a Dutch-Spanish project. MMSI 246700000.
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XVII. Yard Blohm&Voss, Hamburg. Yard number 255. Date building ordered 4 January 1943. Date completion 10 September 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
Netherlands-flagged, IMO 8994166, MMSI 244362000 and call sign PAKU. Ordered on 10 January 2005, laid down by Damen, Galati, Romania on 25 August 2005, launched on 7 February 2006 and commissioned on 12 June 2006. Serves in the Netherlands Antilles and the Caribbean Sea.
An item reported the arrival at Lahaina, Hawaii on 25 October of the American whaler Wm. Hamilton master Holm coming from the Arctic 300 barrels whale oil 4,000 lbs bone
Netherlands-flagged, homeport Den Helder, Netherlands, IMO 9705249, MMSI 244615120 and call sign PAAM. Gross tonnage 294 tons, deadweight 131 tons, displacement 575 ton and as dimensions 28,67 x 10,43 x 4,9 metres. Speed 13,4 knots. Accommodation for 7 persons. Bollard pull 60,2 ton.Noordzee-class ASD Tug 2810 Hybrid Damen tugs. Built by Damen Shipyards at Galati, Romania/Damen Shipyard, Gorinchem, Netherlands. Building ordered in January 2014. Laid down on 26 February 2915, launched in August 2015 and commissioned on 11 July 2016.
An item reported the arrival at Lahaina, Hawaii on 25 October of the American whaler Romulus master Bakker coming from the Arctic 30 barrels sperm oil 1,300 barrels whale oil 9,000 lbs bone
Part of EDA0-R Claas (Engin de débarquement amphibie rapide] roll-on/roll-off catamaran landing craft (L-CAT). The EDA-R 2. Built by Socarenam in June 2011.
Merchant ship, mentioned between 1768-1772.
Source
A. Marques Esparteira. Catalogo dos navios brigantinos (1640-1901). Lisboa, 1976.
Laid down at the shipyard Van der Giessen de Noord, Alblasserdam, Netherlands on 11 July 1983, launched on 22 November 198, commissioned on 10 December and decommissioned in 2011. MMSI 244471000 and call sign PAEI. The 11th unit of the Alkmaar-class tripartite minesweepers. Sold to Pakistan in June 2021.
