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Friday, 3 April 2026

French patrol vessel FS Auguste Bénébig P779 2020-

Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review at Sydney, Australia March 2026

Clinton J Down Photography, Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia

Thanks for us allowing to republish

IMO 4765622A so-called Patrouilleur Outre-mer to be translated as Overseas Patrol Ship. She was stationed in French New Caledonia. Laid down by Socarenam, Saint-Malo, France on 8 October 2020, launched on 15 October 2021, completed on 17 January 2023 and in service on 5 May 2023. 

German blockade runner Rhakotis in 1940

In a letter dated 13 April 1942 No. 1329 to the O.K.M./1 Abteilung Skl. was the so-called ‘Etappen’-organisation of the navy described. In the attachment were the blockade runners decribed used for this purpose. Ms. Rhakotis. Not loaded. Left Callao, Peru on 16 May 1940. Arrived at Antofagasta, Chile on 25 May 1940. Tranfer for oil addition. Not loaded. Left Antofagasta, Chile on 17 May 1941. Arrived at Yokohama, Japan on 29 June 1941.

Source

Bundesarchive RM 7-223. 

Italian submarine Pacinotti 1914-1921

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Pacinotti-class. Ordered in 1913, laid down by Società Fiat, St. Georgia, Italy at their shipyard at Muggiano, La Spezia, Italy on 7 June 1914, launched on 13 March 1916, commissioned on 7 December 1916 and stricken on 15 May 1921.

British merchant ship Lusitania chartered for the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882

Between July-September 1882 was the United Kingdom in war with Egyptian and Sudanese troops ending in the British occupation of Egypt. The British government chartered between July-August a lot of merchant steamships for transporting troops, stores etc. from the United Kingdom to Egypt including the Lusitania of the Orient Line.

Source

The Nautical Magazine. Fifty-first year. Volume VII. July 1882. 

Dutch heavy load carrier (ex-Boabarge 19 2000-2005, Fairmount Fjord 2005-2007) Fjord 2007-

Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 1 April 2026

Malta-flagged, homeport Valletta, IMO 8636740, MMSI 248580000 and call sign 9HA4711. Built by CSC Jinlang Shipyard, Nanjing, China in 2000. Owner Boskalis Offshore Fleet Management BV, manager Boskalis Offshore Heavy Marine Transport BV, Papendrecht, Netherlands.

British model of a 9,000 tons warship proposed by mr. Turner of the Woolwich Dockyard and lent to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1864

Model 57. Lent by Geo. Turner esquire. Fitted out with a central main battery with sloping sides, fore and aft gunfire via guns at the height of the spar deck behind a transverse semi-circular shield at each end of the broadside battery. This arrangement was to some extent used of later built built warships. Displacement 9,000 tons and as dimensions 330 (between perpendiculars( x 64 x 27 feet. Armament consisted of 22 heavy guns. Fitted out with a ram bow.

Source

Catalague of the Naval and Marine Engineering Collection in the Science Division of the Victora and Albert Museum, London, 1899. 

American Senator Tillman hypothectical design 70,000 tons battleship dated 13 December 1916

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Design as result of senator Tillman requesting for a battleship of maximum size and strenght able to use the Panama Canal and existing harbor facilities. Never realized.

Dimensions 975 (waterline)-995.0 (over all) x 103 (waterline)-105.6 (molded on waterline)-108.0 (extreme) on waterline x 32.9 feet and a displacement of 70,000 tons. Freeboard maximum stem and A.P. 29’6”, at side M.P. 28’6”. Total depth at M.P. 62’0”. Deck height 2nd 10, 3 rd 9 and 4th 8. Metacenter above base 43.’, C. of G above Base 39.6’, G.M. 3.9’. Tons per inch immersion 19.2. Coefficients as notmal displacement of 70,000 tons: longitudinal .717-block .711-midship .99-water plane .764 and displacement-length 76.6.

Speed 26,5 knots/65,000 ehp. Range 12,000 nautical miles/10 knots. Electric drive propulsion.

Weights normal condition=70,000 tons:

Hull 31,813

Hull fittings (including 800 tons for gyro-stabilizers)3,000

Protection 15,621

Steam engineering 5,000

Reserve feed 900

Battery 5,197

Ammunition 3,546

Equipment 775

Outfit and 2/3 stores 11,000

Fuel oil 2/3 supply 2,000

Margin 48

Lenght of compartments boiler room-24’-air compressor róoms 24’, engineroom 84’-pomp rooms 12’-total machinery space 276’-motor rooms 48’.

Costs: hull 17,200,000-machinery 7,700,000-total C.&M. 24,900,000.

Armament 24-16" cal 50 guns, 21-5" quick firing guns (torpedo defence battery), 3 high power anti aircraft guns and 4-21 torpedo tubes.

Main side belt armor with an extreme width of 19 8 1/2", depth below water line 9'0" and thickness 13"-13"-7".

Barbettes 12 1/1"(heavy part thickness)-4" (light part thickness).

Turrets 13 (port)-10'9" (sides)-5' (top)-9" (rear).

Conning tower proper 16" and top 8" and tube heavy part 16"and light part 6".

Uptake protection 10"-7"-5".

Protective deck total middle 3" after 5".

Note

1. Benjamin Ryan Tillman (11 August 1847-3 July 1918), Democratic Party plotician, governor of South Craolina 1890-1894 and sentaor 1895-1918. See for instance: Construction of battleships. Remarks of Hon. Benjamin R. Tillman,... relative to the construction of 60,000-ton battleships; also copy of a Senate resolution instructing the Committee on Naval Affairs to make an investigation of the matter, together with an article entitled "Build the Limit," by Commander W.A. Moffett, United States Navy. Presented by Mr. Tillman. June 20, 1916.

Source

S. Naval History and Heritage Command. Bureau of Ships Spring Styles Book 1 1911-1925. S-584-108 preliminary design 171. 

Japanese cargo ship Naganoura Maru seized and sunk by the Russians in 1904

Gross tonnage 1,084 tons. Seized and sunk on 11 February 1904 off Tsugaru. The war between the Russian and Japanese empires was between 8 February 1904-5 September1905.

Source

Official history (Naval and Military) of the Russo-Japanese War. Vol. II. Liao Yang, the Sha Ho, Port Arthur. Prepared by the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence. London, 1912. 

Japanese cargo ship Kikukawa Maru 1936-1943

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Similar Kikukawa Maru (1936), Kirikawa Maru (1937), Matukawa Maru/Matsukawa Maru (1938), Momokawa Maru (1939), Nippo Maru (1936), Toei Maru (1936) and Toho Maru (1937). Call sign JNOL. Owner Kawasaki Kisen K.K., Kobe, Japan. Laid down by Kawasaki Dockyard Co., Kobe, Japan on 22 August 1936, launched on 16 December 1936, completed on 10 April 1937, requisitioned by the Army and became Army transport alloted number 188 in August 1937, returned to owners in end December 1937, requisitioned by navy as transport on 27 March 1941, registered as auxiliary transport on 15 October 1941, sunk after she caught fire and an explosion off Eten Island, Truk Lagoon on 7 October 1943 and stricken on 1 December 1943. Gross tonnage 3,833 tons, under deck ? tons, net tonnage 2,260 tons and as dimensions 354.7 x 50.0 x 27.5 feet x 8’6” (light)-23” (loaded) feet. Steam turbine propulsion, horsepower 333 nhp, one screw, coal bunker capacity 1,000 tons and range 10,000 nautical miles/12 knots. and speed 12-14 (normal cruising)-16 (maximum) knots. 

British transport Queen hired for the Abyssinian expedition in 1867

According to a letter dated Admiralty, Somerset House 6th September of the Director of Transport Services W.R. Mends to the Under Secretary of State for India was the iron screw steam transport Queen hired. Number transport 4. Tonnage 3,511 tons. Horsepower 350hp. Rate per ton per month. If discharged at home 37s6d and abroad three montsh additional pay. Date of acceptance 2 September. Likely to sail early next week. now being prepared for service with the Abyssinian expedition at Liverpool. Engaged for six months certain. 

The British Abyssinian Expedition found place between 4 December 1867-13 May 1868 against the Ethiopian Empire or Abyssinia to release the imprisoned missionaries and representatives of the British government.

Source

Accounts and papers: thirty-five volumes. Army. Abyssinian expedition. Session 19 November 1867-31 July 1868. Vol. XLIII., p. 115.

British model of a 13,000 tons warship proposed by mr. Turner of the Woolwich Dockyard and lent to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1864

Model 57. Lent by Geo. Turner esquire. Fitted out with a central main battery with sloping sides, fore and aft gunfire via guns at the height of the spar deck behind a transverse semi-circular shield at each end of the broadside battery. This arrangement was to some extent used of later built built warships. Displacement 13,000 tons and as dimensions 330 (between perpendiculars( x 66 x 27 feet. Armament consisted of 34 heavy guns.

Source

Catalague of the Naval and Marine Engineering Collection in the Science Division of the Victora and Albert Museum, London, 1899. 

Portugese fishery patrol boat No. 4 anno 1942

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

First two boats laid down by Arsenal d’Alfeite, Portugal in September 1938, launched summer 1941. Diesel propulsion, range 850 nautical miles/11 knots, two screws, horsepower 2,600 hp speed 19 knots and fuel oil bunker capacity 25 ton. Armament 2x2-25mm anti aircraft guns.

Construction status of the German kriegsfischkutter KFK 435 in 1944

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built by St. Pieter, Hemixen [Hemiksem]/Antwerpen, Belgium. Yard number 57. Date building ordered3 October 1942. Date completion unknown depends on delivery propulsion allowing a future maximum completion of 5-7 Kriegsfischkutters possible.

Source

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

Japanese cargo-passenger ship Hokkai Maru and Russian Tobol 1945-

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Similar Peking Maru, Manju Maru and Hokkai Maru. Part of Peking Maru-class built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries K.K., Kobe, Japan for Dairen Kisen K.K as a cargo-passenger ship. 

British screw steam transport Sovereign in the Crimean War on 28-10-1854

According to a list of the return of the disposition in the Black Sea on 28 October 1854 drawn up by Captain and Principal Agent of Transports P. Christie, “Melbourne”, Balaklava, Crimea: number transport 68, present position Constantinople, Turkey, remarks Commissariat stores.

The Crimean War found place between 16 October 8153-30 March 1856 between Ottoman Empire, France, United Kingdom and Sardinia at one side and Russia and Greece on the other side. The British Government chartered a large number of merchant ships for transporting troops and stores.

Source

Reports from Committees: eight volumes. 3-Part II. Army before Sebastopol. Session 12 December 854-14 August 1855. Vol. IX-Part II. 

British model of an ironclad given by Messrs. Westwood and Baillie in 1865 to the Victoria and Albert Museum

No. 52 was a whole model (scale 1:96) of a warship in 1862 presented to to the British Admiralty by Messrs. Westwood and Baillie (1) in 1865 handed over to the museum. It was a broadside battery with a number of fixed semi-circular towers each provided with three gun ports which permitted a single gun pivoted within being trained to a considerable angle. For direct fore and aft gunfire were in the bow and stern gun ports cut out. With a displacement of 8,000 tons were the dimensions 365 x 60 x 22.5 feet. Armament consisted of 22 guns.

Note

1. Firm based at London Yards, Cubitt Town/East London, England and founded in 1856 by Robert Baillie and Joseph Westwood, closed in 1893 which was well known for building ironclads.

Source

Catalague of the Naval and Marine Engineering Collection in the Science Division of the Victora and Albert Museum, London, 1899. 

Thursday, 2 April 2026

Dubai owned chemical/oil products tanker Solar Skyler 2020-


Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 16 March 2026

Marshall Islands-flagged, homeport Majuro, IMO 9877640, MMSI 538008706 and call sign V7A2675. Built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd., Ulsan, South Korea in 2020. Owner Solar Maritime DAC, manager Tristan Transport Co. Ltd., both Dubai, U.A.E. 

American, British and Dutch warships allowed to use Venezuelan harbours according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 24 February 1942

An item reported that American, British and Dutch warships were allowed to use Venezuelan harbours provided that American command was clearly established. The cabinet insisted on that point.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. MR0423. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 76 dated 24 February 1942

British anti-submarine frigate HMS Loch Erisort K 613 1945

River-class ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Loch-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Bay-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 Barclay Curle, Glasgow, Scotland. 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

British merchant ship Orient chartered for the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882

Between July-September 1882 was the United Kingdom in war with Egyptian and Sudanese troops ending in the British occupation of Egypt. The British government chartered between July-August a lot of merchant steamships for transporting troops, stores etc. from the United Kingdom to Egypt including the Orient of the Orient Line. Left the Royal Albert Dock, London, England on 30 July arriving at Alexandria on 10 August in just 11 days. Transported the staff of the 1st Division including the H.R.H. Duke of Cannaught mainly freighted with the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards of more as 700 men and 110 horses for the officiers and bagage. She arrived earlier at London coming from the Clyde for the Australian service of the Orient Line but was now eclipsed by the Austral of the same company. Gross tonnage 5,386 tons, horsepower 1,000 nhp.

Source

The Nautical Magazine. Fifty-first year. Volume VII. July 1882. 

Dutch Greenland whaler de Wijngaertsranck stole blubber from fellow whaler de Roode Halve Maen in 1659

Statement dated 1 October 1659 of commandeur Maerten Andriesz age 45 and helmsman Claes Jansz Steur or Steur age 36 on behalf of the merchants Jean Weymans and Reinier Groenhout. They were last August with the Dutch Greenland whaler de Roode Halve Maen in de Westbay of the Hoornse Eyland boiling blubber for train when they discovered that commandeur Aryen Lambertsz Kroon of the ship de Wijngaertsranck of merchant Abraham de Hartoch regurlarly stole parts of the blubber. The exact amount was sunknown but still considerable.

Source

Stadsarchief Rotterdam. Notary Vitus Mustelius Woutersz 18-513-397

Dutch anchor handling vessel Kolga 2013-

Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 16 March 2026

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Rotterdam, Netherlands, IMO 9646326, MMSI 244790079 and call sign PCTR. Designed and built by Astilleros Armon, Vigo, Spain in 2013. Owned and managed by Heerema Marine Contractors, Leiden, Netherlands, Gross tonnage 3.470 tons, summer deadweight 2.900 tons and as dimensions 72,0 x 18,0 x 7,37 (summer) x 8,5 (depth work deck) metres or 236 x 59 x 24 x 27 feet. Bollard pull 202 tons. Christened by Ms. Caroline Heerema on 13 December 2013. 

Brazil demanded compensation from Germany for two sunk merchant ships according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 24 February 1942

An item reported that the Brazilian cabinet demanded reparation and satisfaction from Germany for sinking two Brazilian merchant ships otherwise could German properties be confiscated.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. MR0423. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 76 dated 24 February 1942

French fast escort design E 43 No. 4 dated January-February 1944

. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Displacement 2,310 (light)-2,767 (trial-3,224 (light) tons. Length 118 metres. Number of funnels 1. Main armament guns 4-13cm guns.

British merchant steamship Queen hired for the Sudan campaign in 1885

Engaged by the British government for the new expedition to the Sudan. Gross tonnage 4,457 tons. Cavalry transport. 

Due to the despressed state of the shipping trade was the Admiralty able to hire troop transports towards Suakin, Sudan for just 17s 6 ton/month in contrary to the 28s ton/month in the 1882 campaign. The first Suakim expedition was in February 1884, the second one in March 1885. The campaigns were part of the Mahdist War (1881-189) between the Mahdist Sudanese and the Khedivate Egypt later the United Kingdom resulting in the condominium Anglo-Egyptian Sudan 1899-1956 and then succeeded by the Protectorate of Uganda, Italian Libya and the Republic of Sudan, nowadays Egypt, Libya, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. On 26 January 1885 fell Khartoum and the British garrison was massacred. In March was a British expeditionary  force sent to Suakin but lacking success and finally withdrawn.

Source

The Steamship dated 16 February 1885, p. 64. 

Deed of chartering for Dutch Greenland whaler Den Dolpijn in 1661

Deed of chartering dated 25 April 1661 by Jean van Kerrebrouck on behalf of Pieter Bisschop and Jan Symonsz van Hoorn master of the ship Den Dolphijn of 100 lasten to be fitted out by the master for a voyage to Greenland and within 14 days after she returned at Rotterdam and unloaded to be paid 3,000 guilders.

Source

Stadsarchief Rotterdam. Notary Vitus Mustelius Woutersz 18-514-177

Singapore owned oil products tanker (ex-Nord Thumbelina 2006-2016) VS Lisbeth 2016-


Vlissingen, Netherlands 15-3-2026

United Kingdom/Isle of Man-flagged, homeport Douglas, IMO 9309978, MMSI 232005015 and call sign MAHM4. Denmark-flagged 2006-2014, Malta-flagged 2014-2016 and since then Isle of Man-flagged. Built by Gunagzhou Shipyard International Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China in 2006. Owner Valloeby Lisbeth Ltd., manager Hfania Pools Pte Ltd., both Singapore. 

Construction status of the German kriegsfischkutter KFK 434 in 1944

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built by St. Pieter, Hemixen [Hemiksem]/Antwerpen, Belgium. Yard number 56. Date building ordered 3 October 1942. Date completion unknown depends on delivery propulsion allowing a future maximum completion of 5-7 Kriegsfischkutters possible.

Source

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

Japanese auxiliary patrol boat No. 26 1945-1946

©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. BNased 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 Murakami. Completed on 2 August 1945, after the Second World War converted into a fishing boat. Civilian property since 1947. 

Hired transport Egypte for French expedition to Madagascar in 1895

With the First Madagascar Expedition (May 1883-December 1885) started the Franco-Hova War. In December 1885 was a Treaty signed which the French interpreted as being a Protectorate Treaty which was denied by Queen Ranavalona III. The result was the Second Madagascar Expedition December 1894-1 October 1895) ending in Madagascar becoming a French colony (1897-1958). The Malagasy Republic was an autonomous French territory until she became independent as the Democatric Republic of Madagascar in 1975. Left Port Said, Egypt in 16 April with Infantry of Marine. British built, purchased by French government and became the Aconcagua.

Source

Captain Pasfield Oliver, “The Madagascar expedition”: The United Service Magazine, volume XI. New Series. April 1895 to September 1895, p. 136-137. 

Deed of chartering for Dutch Greenland whaler de Glasemaker in 1662

Deed of chartering dated 16 May 1662 by merchant Abraham Hertoch with master Pieter Jansz Glasemaker fo the ship de Glasemaker of 130 last for a voyage to Greenland after return to Rotterdam to be unloaded payment of 2,400 guilders and 4 guilders each whale by her crew.

Source

Stadsarchief Rotterdam. Notary Vitus Mustelius Woutersz 18-515-1837

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

German light cruiser SMS Stuttgart 1905-1920

Königsberg-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com



Maritime Museum Hamburg, Germany. Appareance as seaplane tender

Part of Königsberg-class preceded by Bremen-class succeeded by Dresden-class. Ordered under contract name “O” authorized under the 1900 Naval Law. Laid down by Imperial Dockuard, Danzig, Germany on 1 November 1905, launched on 22 September 1906, commissioned on 1 February 1908, gunnery training ship in 1914, converted into a seaplane tender in 1918, stricken on 5 November 1919, surrendered as a warprize to the United Kingdom in 1920 and broken up. 

Russian battleship Sovetskaya Ukraina 1938-1947

Imperator Nikola I as Demokratiya. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Gibs&Co. Hybrid battleship C-variant. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Design variant 4x3-40,6m guns (Gannut). ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Imaginary K-1000 Battleship 1950s. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Sovetsky Soyuz-class Project 23 preceded by Imperator Nikola I succeeded by Project 24. Design started in 1935 as a response of the Germans existing or planned German battleships. Drawings or even ships were tried to obtain in Italy (Gio. Ansaldo&C.) and USA (Gibbs&Cox). Planned were 16 ships none completed. Laid down by Shipyard Nr. 198 (Marti South), Mykolaiv, Ukraine on 31 October 1938, building stopped on 10 July 1941, captured by Germans on 18 August 1941, slightly damaged by the retreating Russians, stricken on 10 September 1941, during the German retreat on 17 March 1944 such damaged that she was a total loss and ordered to be broken up on 27 March 1947. 

The German submarine strength according to a report of the American Naval Attaché at Berlin, Germany Nr. R562 dated 15 September 1939

Diary note dated September 1939. An item reported that the last report before the war broke out mentioned 55 German submarines in actual service. At Kiel, Germany were two under construction for Turkey and undoubtedly to be commandeered making a total of 57 boats available.(1) However 32 boats were just 250 tonners and not suitable for extended cruising.

Note

1. There were three Ay-class submarines for Turkeybuilt on at the Germaniawerft, Kiel, Germany. The Batiray was seized and commissioned as the German submarine UA on 20 September 1939. Shortly named Optimist since 21 September 1939 UA. The others two were the Atilay and Saldiray both commissioned in 1939. The Yildiray was built at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard.

Source

National Archives. FDR Presidential Library&Museum Roosevelt PSFC000175. War diary Naval Attaché Berlin, volume 1 (1 September 1939-26 May 1940)

American whaler Roger Williams visited Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836

Arrived on 29 November, ship, name master Mayhew, tonnage - tons, belonged to USA, active in the sperm oil fishery, cargo 1,100 barrels oil

Source

Accounts and papers of the House of Commons: seventeen volumes. Colonies; Emigration; Australia; Prisons, West Indies;etc. Session 15 November 1837-16 August 1838. Vol. XL.

British paddle steam transport Emperor in the Crimean War on 28-10-1854

 According to a list of the return of the disposition in the Black Sea on 28 October 1854 drawn up by  Captain and Principal Agent of Transports P. Christie, “Melbourne”, Balaklava, Crimea: number transport 67, present position Balaklava, Crimea, waiting for orders.

The Crimean War found place between 16 October 8153-30 March 1856 between Ottoman Empire, France, United Kingdom and Sardinia at one side and Russia and Greece on the other side. The British Government chartered a large number of merchant ships for transporting troops and stores.

Source

Reports from Committees: eight volumes. 3-Part II. Army before Sebastopol. Session 12 December 854-14 August 1855. Vol. IX-Part II. 

German minehunter Kulmbach M1091 1987-

Model Ihlenfeldt&Berkefelt. Maritime Museum Hamburg, Germany

Part of Type 333 Kulmbach-class which were Type 343 Hameln-class minesweepers upgraded to minehunters. Call sign DRFU. Laid down by Abeking&Rasmussen, Lemwerder, Germany on 14 September 1987, launched on 15 June 1989, commissioned on 24 April or 23 May 1990 and decommissioned on 31 March 2012. 

German grand admiral Raeder and the German submarine warfar issie in the American press according to a report of the American Naval Attaché at Berlin, Germany Nr. R562 dated 15 September 1939

Diary note dated September 1939. An item reported that during the daily conference at the German Navy Ministry no news was supplied about naval activities. The attaché however received a copy of telegrams exchanged between Carl von Wiegand (1) at the Carlton Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands and grand admiral Raeder (2) and were to be transmitted by the American Embassy. Von Wiegand asked on 7 September Raeder for a statement for the press where the nearest German submarine was when the Athenia (3) was torpedoed, what the attitude of the German Navy Department towards American ships was and finally which orders received German submarines how to handle with American ships. The next day Raeder reacted stating that he was satisfied with the chance to clarify in the American press the attitude and far more how to deal with the “abominable lie” thet the British passenger ship Athenia underway from Canada to England was torpedoed without a warning. He referred to the official statement of the German Navy Department the same dealing with this affaire. For understandable security reasons he could not supply exact positions of German submarines except for that the nearest submarine was on a distance of 170 nautical miles. The entire German armed forces including the submarine commanders received the strickest instructions to act conform international law and treaties and to respect the rights of neutral ships. How to handle with ships under the commerce war was described in the German prize rules. No doubt were merchants ships of the neutral USA not in danger as long as they dit not oppose the prize rules.

Notes

1. Karl Henry von Wiegand (11 September 1874 Glaam, Germany-7 June 1961 Zürich, Switzerland), American journalist and war corrrespondent, in 1939 working for Hearst newspapers.

2. Erich Johann Albert Raeder (24 April 1876 Wandsbek, Germany 6 November 1960 Kiel, Germany), head of the German Naval Command 1 October 1928-1 June 1935 and chief of the German Navy High Command 1 June 1935-30 January 1943.

3. Torpedoed around 200-230 miles west of the Hebrides without a warning by the German submarine U 30 on 3 September 1939. She was underway from Glasgow, Scotland towards Montreal, Canada. British passenger ship built in 1923.

Source

National Archives. FDR Presidential Library&Museum Roosevelt PSFC000175. War diary Naval Attaché Berlin, volume 1 (1 September 1939-26 May 1940)

Australian whaler Clarkstone visited Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836

Arrived on 12 November, barque , name master Allan, tonnage 278 tons, belonged toNew South Wales, active in the sperm oil fishery, cargo 1,200 barrels oil

Source

Accounts and papers of the House of Commons: seventeen volumes. Colonies; Emigration; Australia; Prisons, West Indies;etc. Session 15 November 1837-16 August 1838. Vol. XL. 

British paddle steam transport City of London in the Crimean War on 28-10-1854

According to a list of the return of the disposition in the Black Sea on 28 October 1854 drawn up by  Captain and Principal Agent of Transports P. Christie, “Melbourne”, Balaklava, Crimea: number transport 66, present position Constantinople, under orders of rear admiral Boxer.

The Crimean War found place between 16 October 8153-30 March 1856 between Ottoman Empire, France, United Kingdom and Sardinia at one side and Russia and Greece on the other side. The British Government chartered a large number of merchant ships for transporting troops and stores.

Source

Reports from Committees: eight volumes. 3-Part II. Army before Sebastopol. Session 12 December 854-14 August 1855. Vol. IX-Part II. 

British anti-submarine frigate HMS Loch Ericht (K 612)1945

River-class ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Loch-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Bay-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 Ailsa Shipbuilding, Troon, Scotland. 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

Construction status of the German kriegsfischkutter KFK 433 in 1944

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Built by St. Pieter, Hemixen [Hemiksem]/Antwerpen, Belgium. Yard number 55. Date building ordered 3 October 1942. Date completion unknown depends on delivery propulsion allowing a future maximum completion of 5-7 Kriegsfischkutters possible.

Source

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

British whaler Seringapatam visited Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836

Arrived on 12 November, ship, name master Wright, tonnage - tons, belonged to London, England, active in the sperm oil fishery, cargo 1,200 barrels oil.

Source

Accounts and papers of the House of Commons: seventeen volumes. Colonies; Emigration; Australia; Prisons, West Indies;etc. Session 15 November 1837-16 August 1838. Vol. XL. 

British paddle steam transport Tonning in the Crimean War on 28-10-1854

According to a list of the return of the disposition in the Black Sea on 28 October 1854 drawn up by Captain and Principal Agent of Transports P. Christie, “Melbourne”, Balaklava, Crimea: number transport 65, present position Balaklava, Crimea, landing horses of Turkish troops.

The Crimean War found place between 16 October 8153-30 March 1856 between Ottoman Empire, France, United Kingdom and Sardinia at one side and Russia and Greece on the other side. The British Government chartered a large number of merchant ships for transporting troops and stores.

Source

Reports from Committees: eight volumes. 3-Part II. Army before Sebastopol. Session 12 December 854-14 August 1855. Vol. IX-Part II. 

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Australian air warfare destroyer HMAS Sydney DDG 42 2015-

Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review at Sydney, Australia March 2026

Clinton J Down Photography, Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia

Thanks for us allowing to republish

Homeport Fleet Base East, Sydney, Australia, MMSI 503000127 and call sign VKCM. Part of Hobart-class preceded by Perth-class destroyers and Adelaide-class frigates. Designed by Navantia, built by ASC, Forgacs Group, BAE Systems Australia (module builders, Osborne Naval Shipyard. Ordered in October 2007, laid down on 19 November 2015, launched on 19 May 2018 and commissioned on 18 May 2020. 

German submarine warfare against merchant shipping according to a report of the American Naval Attaché at Berlin, Germany Nr. R562 dated 15 September 1939

Diary note dated September 1939. An item reported that until now just a few reports of German submarine warfare against merchant shipping were (indirectly) received. In contarty was the belief that a considerable number of merchant ships already were sunk before the British became worried and planning a convoy system.

Source

National Archives. FDR Presidential Library&Museum Roosevelt PSFC000175. War diary Naval Attaché Berlin, volume 1 (1 September 1939-26 May 1940)