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CAPTURE of BRITISH YARD MINESWEEPER BYMS-72 in the AEGEAN, November 1943

An excerpt from a forthcoming book on the U.S. Navy's coastal and motor minesweepers, 1941-1953 by Cdr David Bruhn USN (Retired) (C) 2007. All rights reserved

The Aegean Campaign The image above (click for enlargement) is entitled "Moonlit Assault in the Aegean". Painted by Richard Derosset, it is the cover for David Bruhn's forthcoming book "Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Coastal & Motor Minesweepers, 1941-1953". David would like to acknowledge the efforts of Derek J. Sullivan of Merseyside, United Kingdom, to uncover the facts concerning the attack by German forces on, and subsequent capture of BYMS-72. His companion book (left) is "Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Ocean Minesweepers, 1953-1994", published 2006. Following is the cover for that, also painted by Richard Derosset - "Sea Battle off the Cua Co Chien River Mouth" showing the USS Endurance (MSO 435) engaging a North Vietnamese gunrunner. The direction of these (Aegean Campaign) operations was seriously hampered by the capture of B.Y.M.S. 72 at Kalymnos on the night of 11th/12th November, which resulted in all the codes carried by these small craft being compromised. A.U. Willis, Vice-Admiral, Commander-in-Chief, Report of Naval Operations in the Aegean between the 7th September, 1943 and 28th November 1943 (The British Aegean Campaign.)1 BYMS-72 was struck on November 11, 1943 by a German aircraft-launched Henschel HS293 glider bomb during an attack just off Alinda Bay, on the east side of Leros, one of the Greek islands comprising the Dodecanese archipelago in the southern Aegean Sea. (Fashioned in the shape of a glider and carried beneath a parent bomber, the air-to-surface missile was used against shipping. Remotely controlled with a joystick, the projectile was steered to its target by the bombardier, who visually tracked it with the aid of a red guidance flare in the tail. The actual flight path of the missile resembled a series of arcs as it received and followed corrections.) Badly damaged, many of its crew dead and wounded, the minesweeper made to enter Portalago harbor early the following morning for temporary repairs. However, while attempting to locate the narrow entrance, it was captured by units of a German invasion force on the eve of the battle for Leros. The battle itself was the culmination of an unsuccessful British defense of the Italian-held islands of Leros, Tamos and Samos, which, following the surrender of Italy on September 3rd, Winston Churchill had wanted to seize before the Germans could establish a presence. During the Italian occupation, Leros, with its excellent deep-water port of Portalago (Lakki), had been transformed into a heavily fortified air base, "the Corregidor of the Mediterranean," as Mussolini boasted. BYMS-72 had the shortest service of the 150 vessels of its class built in America (7 months, 5 days from launch), and never performed any operational minesweeping. Supplied to the Royal Navy as part of Americas Lend-Lease Program, she was originally given the hull number J872

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The Aegean Campaign

Allen Smith remembers his time carrying out minesweeping duties. with the BYMS 2049 while stationed at HMS Lynx in Dover The BYMS 2049 and her RNPS crew I joined BYMS 2049 in Halifax for the trip over to Dover and by that time I had got my sea legs as you certainly needed them on the BYMS! But what luxury I slept in the top centre bunk in the mess! Our Commanding officer at that time was Mac Donald RNR then later Reeves a red head and a right ladies man! He took over when we got to Dover. The Sub Lieutenant was a Newfie (Newfoundlander) he wore steel tips on his shoes and he used to be a baker. The Chief engineer Gellespie was a good chap but the Petty Officer engineer Mac Donald was a mean bugger. One of the cooks was a scouse and he was the hairiest blokes I have ever seen but he could make a nice Manchester tart! His mate was Wogan a right short house but he had an excellent voice and when Mac came back aboard he would get Wogan up to sing to him. (left) Allen Smith presents a model he made of a minesweeper and a portrait by Jack Moore to Commander Gary Titmus the president of the RNPSA at the event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Royal Naval Patrol Service Association in Lowestoft October 2000.(Courtesy Lowestoft Journal)

The Bunts was a Newfie too and the signalman's name was Dowling. The Deckies were Cox'n John Hope, who was from the north east and Guns Tommy Lewis. The six Seaman included three Newfies named Hibbs, Gushue and Barns plus one Pud (Liverpudlian), little Bert Prettyman. There was also Ted Ogden from Manchester and Blackford who came from Bridgend who was then an old man all of 28! (I was only 18 at the time!) The Stokers were Bill Cobbold who came from London, Mac Evoy, and the Lucus twins - the others I cant remember. The only other Wireman beside me was Jack Wilkes who came from South Wales and he married a girl while we were in Halifax. He still lives there to this day and we remain in touch. BYMS 2049 at Dover Well what can one say about Dover?! There was one time when a shell landed on the Church canteen in Snargate Street killing a lot of soldiers. One also landed on a trawler next to the Prince of Wales pier where we used to tie up. There would normally be at least 12 vessels tied up there at any one time including, BYMS, MMS and Trawlers. On the other side of the pier would normally be the 2 tugs Lady Brassy and Lady Duncannon. Our area stretched from the Thames estuary up to Beachy head where we would anchor up for the night. We did this for about 4 months doing "LL" and "Oropesa" sweeps. The worse position to find ourselves in was the in mid channel while making' smoke. When the V1 flying bombs started coming over, we were busy sweeping off Dover. They Flew so low that the gun batteries on the cliffs would pepper us with shrapnel! After that we had splinter mats put up. Some times we would anchor up in Trinity bay off the Goodwin sands. One night there was panic when we dragged the anchor and found that the two men on watch had fall asleep but we were lucky not to be caught out. Kye for Cognac! As the French ports were taken we went over to Deippe and worked out off there later moving up to clear Boulogne. Here we did ten days at a time then back to Dover for four. We carried on doing this for about four months and we used to call this the "Cocoa Run" for every tin off Kye (Cocoa issued by the RN) we got a bottle off Cognac! So after a while the the Cox'n would take orders off everyone and then get a sack full from the Naffi Stores. Even the old man was in on it but used get a box full at a time so he would get me to store them on a shelf under deck in the gyro room with the spares. When we got back to Dover we would trade such things as our rabbits and then most of the crew would visit a village outside Dover called Eythorne. The local pub was mostly frequented by miners and I used take them "Pricks of Tobacco".. In those days you really could get anything but it all had to come to an end due to Customs.

(right) BYMS 2049: One of many models built by Allen Smith. (Now displayed at Dover museum). We later moved up to Ostend and then it happened, we slammed into the jetty and split the bows. Lady Brassey was sent out to bring us back lashed alongside just in case. We lay in Wellington Dock for three weeks which was great for a while and then we were finally patched up and told we were going to Ghent in Belgium. Antwerp had been cleared so off we went and this was in January 45 - what a winter that was!

We eventually got to Ghent and we were put in dry dock. After a week they found that they couldn't do the job of repairs so they floated us out and down the canal to "Ternuezen" where we lay for another week before being sent to Antwerp. I was one of six crew left on board while they did the work. This was during the time of the famous 'battle of the bulge'. The Germans were trying to retake Antwerp and they threw everything at us including flying bombs, one of which hit the tower in the town. A V2 rocket also landed on the Rex Cinema killing a lot of people. When you are in a ship that is propped up with six props either side, it's a bit dodgy with bombs dropping around you! At last the repairs were completed and back we went to the old routine. Does anyone remember the hand grenade sweep with the tube and blocks of wood? I was glad I was a wireman! I remember later looking back at some photographs of the BYMS 2049 during this period and I noticed that the ships bell had gone? I wonder to this day who took it! Back in Dover we had a new Commanding Officer who's name Dangerfield and who was yet another ladies man! We now resumed the normal sweeps from the Thames to Beachy Head. Later we started 'cross channel sweeps' and it was during one of these, that we came across an Indian canoe! It about 12ft long and all varnished so the old man had it on board and cleaned up and sent home! We would often end up at Boulogne and stay there usually for ten days. In the harbour was a beached wreck of one of our sweepers. Apparently It had sat on a mine when the tide went out but I cant recall the number of it now? There were

also two graves of German soldiers at Boulogne and little Bert knew their names. On another one of the trips some of the crew from each sweeper were invited to Paris for a feast as a kind of 'thank you' for all the work we had done. There is even a photograph at the 'Nest' in Lowestoft and you can see on the front row the "2049" crew all of us our best behavior! 1945 and towards the end of the war Back to the old routine in Dover and we began to get plenty of leave so I always went home. I always had my meals at the 'Naffi Club' to save my mothers rations and while I was there I got friendly with the girls. I often used bring them silk stockings. One of the girls I went out with was Phyllis Thompson who was from Whitehaven. I then met Mollie Buckley who's husband had been reported missing when HMS Manners lost 60ft of her stem when she was a torpedoed 19 miles off Holyhead 26th January 1945. Mollie and I became very friendly and when I came home I always went to see her every time. 1945 pasted without any incidents and as were beginning to lose our best seamen all going back to fishing. One thing that happened was when Mac Donnald was leaving. The Quarter Master, Little Bert was in the galley leaning on a half door which had been closed and he said to big Mac that maybe he should get his head down as he was leaving the ship next day. Then all hell let loose as 'big Mac' grabbed a meat cleaver and brought down at Bert who immediately jumped back as it stuck in the door! With all this noise half the crew were up. Even the old man in the base was sent for but we never saw 'big Mac' again! We then began to get men off the bigger ships who never had a 'wheel' in their hands. In the end I was the only one left of the old crew so the old man used to get me on the wheel. After three years on the BYMS 2049 I knew every plank! So 1945 passed into 1946 without anything really happening apart from just sweeping and more sweeping. Then Mollie moved down to Dover and that was great because we were always coming back there but when our base HMS LYNX closed later that year, and moved to Queensborough on the 19 December, I was already out married Mollie on the 26th of that month. Back home in January 1947, I realised I was going to miss the kind of comradeship you get whist serving on a small ship such as the BYMS 2049. You got to know every one on board and that was what it was like in the RNPS. It's still like that in our Association today! On a big ship you only got to know the men that were in your mess, My first ship had been the much larger HMS Resolution and after only three months I was glad to be off! My time in the RNPS did me good in latter life.. A lot of you know me by the models I make and I have made several to date these are 1st BYMS 2049 on display at the Fleetwood museum. I carved this out of a solid block while on the BYMS 2049 2nd BYMS 2049 on display at the 'Nest' (RNPSA museum, Lowestoft) made in 1954 3rd BYMS 2049 on display at the Dover Museum made 1956 4TH BYMS 2049 on display at Maritime Command Museum Halifax Nova Scotia made 1990 5th BYMS 2049 presented to CO Jack Moore the first to be given Lowestoft 1992 6th BYMS 2049 I own myself which I sail 1st MMS 31 on display at the 'Nest' (RNPSA museum, Lowestoft) made 1958 2nd MMS 31 owned by myself made 1985 and still sailing 3rd MMS 31 presented to Commander G D Titmus RN made 2000 1st HMT SIR KAY on display at the 'Nest' (RNPSA museum, Lowestoft) built 1985 2nd HMT SIR KAY owned by myself 1986 and still sailing Ist BIG MICKEY MMS 1037 on display at the 'Nest' (RNPSA museum, Lowestoft) MADE 1989 2nd BIG MICKEY MMS 1080 owned by myself and still sailing. Refitted to a Dan Layer, supper structure extended past "LL REEL" that was removed. There were only two such vessels altered for D.DAY. Dover Harbour Tug Lady Brassey built 1960 on display at the Dover Museum Sailing Smack Nelson. Skipper T Crisp DSO VC a painting in the 'Nest' (RNPSA museum, Lowestoft) Allen Smith & Nick Clark 2001

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BYMS 2029
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BYMS 2029
by rafferty on Dec 3rd, '09, 11:38 Can anyone give me details of this minesweepers service please. My dad, James Brady Rafferty, (Jimmy) served on it as Acting Stoker in 1944. Also what is the medal featured on this website? My dad had one. thank you Jim Rafferty rafferty Posts: 2 Joined: Dec 3rd, '09, 11:23

Re: BYMS 2029

by DavidH on Dec 3rd, '09, 17:14 BYMS.2029 Built New Bern South Carolina; Launched 17.01.42 Completed 08.06.42 and after trials in Chesapeake Bay crossed the Atlantic in 09.42 in very poor weather. She was then based at Sheerness employed as a training ship, for new ratings drafted for service on BYMS. In 1944 she was transferred to the 150th Minesweeping Flotilla, and after a refit joined her squadron at Lowestoft/Great Yarmouth. She was employed sweeping the channels along the east coast for the remainder of the war. She was paid off and laid up in 1946 before being returned to the USNavy DavidH Posts: 190 Joined: Aug 11th, '07, 15:32

Re: BYMS 2029

by Rob Hoole on Dec 3rd, '09, 17:49

Hello Jim,

British Yard Mine Sweeper (BYMS) 2029 (J829) was laid down at the Barbour Boatworks, New Bern, North Carolina on 11 Aug 1941, launched on 17 Jan 1942 and completed and handed over to the Royal Navy under the Command of Lt Everett-Rice DSC, RNVR on 8 June 1942. After arriving in the UK, she was attached to HMS Pembroke at Chatham on the Medway and used for training and evaluation purposes until late 1943/early 1944. She was then based at Lowestoft before joining the 150th Minesweeping Flotilla (MSF) based at Copenhagen in 1945. According to Appendix 2 of 'The Coast is Clear - The Story of the BYMS' by Eric Minet, her movements are as follows although, as David has pointed out, the text shows her crossing the Atlantic in 1942 instead of 1943. I don't know the reason for this anomaly.

1943 29 Aug: Norfolk, Virginia 4-5 Sep: Boston, Mass 9-13 Sep: Halifax, Nova Scotia 15 Sep: St John's, Newfoundland 25 Sep: Belfast 4 Oct: Fort William 6 Oct: Inverness 19 Oct: Tyne 1944 20 Jan: Sheerness 20 Jan: Southend 18 Apr: Great Yarmouth 1945 18 Apr: Lowestoft 18 Apr: Great Yarmouth 13 May: Rosyth in reserve She was at Portsmouth in 1946 before being struck from the Royal Navy list in Jan 1948 and reportedly sold to Greece for use as a Customs vessel. If by medal, you mean this RNPS silver badge, read http://www.harry-tates.org.uk/history1.htm.

Best wishes, Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

Rob Hoole Posts: 208 Joined: Jun 17th, '07, 11:26

Re: BYMS 2029

by rafferty on Feb 2nd, '10, 23:01 Thank you David and Rob, for replying with such a lot of information. I very much appreciate you taking the trouble. The information you've given me is fascinating, and I'll share it with the rest of Jimmy's family. Best wishes Jim rafferty Posts: 2 Joined: Dec 3rd, '09, 11:23

Re: BYMS 2029

by john.wicks on Jun 11th, '10, 22:10 According to the info I have she was commanded by T/ Lt Bertie Horace LOYN(E)S RNR who was mentioned in despatches 23 May 44 OP AVALANCHE and awarded the DSC 24 Apr 1945 (ANCONA jul-aug 44) I believe he was from Cardiff born 1894? I am trying to research him and his medal entitlement if anyone knows anymore about him I should be grateful. john.wicks Posts: 1 Joined: Jun 11th, '10, 22:00

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The Royal Naval Patrol Service - A Very Special Service Indeed

Home RNPS veterans' stories RNPS at war Research & Resources Forum

The Royal Naval Patrol Service or Harry Tate's Navy, as it was more popularly known, was a very special service indeed with its own rules and regulations and the unique distinction of having its own exclusive Silver Badge, worn by sea-going officers and ratings alike. Its headquarters were at Sparrow`s Nest, the municipal pleasure ground at Lowestoft, and its fighting fleet consisted of hundreds of requisitioned trawlers, whalers, drifters, paddle steamers, yachts, tugs and the like 'Minor War Vessels' as the Admiralty called them.

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Armed with ancient and out-of-date weaponry, they set out from Lowestoft to fight the Second World War in every corner of the globe. This is their story. It cannot be complete because no one man can ever know the whole story of Harry Tate`s Navy but it may at least convey some of the atmosphere of those daring days when men came to Lowestoft from all over the world to join Harry Tate`s Navy. BBC Inside Out are looking for anyone who has any connection with, or information about, HMS Ullswater which was sunk with all hands on the 19/11/42.

They are particularly keen to hear from relatives of the crew, or any former crew members who transferred to other ships, and anyone has any photographs or footage of Ullswater and/or her crew. The team has already done a preliminary internet search so is looking for information or images in addition to that. Please send any message on the web site forum (follow the link on this page) to member "insideout" or reply to the post. Greg Myers, Producer-Director., BBC Inside Out South West.

D Day 6th June 1944

The RNPS played an important role during Operation Overlord - here is one remarkable story

"You were on your own. My only thought was to survive" - Harry Marrington On the deck of the minesweeping trawler HMT Olivina Seaman Gunner Harry Marrington could see that men were struggling in the water but knew

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The Royal Naval Patrol Service - A Very Special Service Indeed The Royal Naval Patrol Service. sometimes known as Harry Tate's Navy or Churchill's Pirates, made up the larger part of His Majesty's main Royal Naval Auxiliary Fleet. This was the same fleet that lost more vessels than any other branch of the Royal Navy. The men of the RNPS carried out their duty on the harsh Russian Convoys, protecting the east coast of America, serving in the Mediterranean, Africa and the Far East and mine sweeping and patroling the entire coast of the British Isles Collected here are just a few stories told by the men and women that were attached to the RNPS. Quite often these memories are conveyed through the good-spirited humour of the 'Harry Tate's Navy', but more importantly they give the reader an idea of what it was like to be part of this once proud service. Bill (Nobby) Clark (1924-1999) Stoker first class on armed trawlers My father's war time experiences were sometimes filled with danger but he remembered more the amusing exploits and good comradeship. Sam Nutt Stoker with HMS Bedfordshire, Sam talks about the strange twist of fate, that was to make him the only crewman to survive the sinking of HMT Bedfordshire. Jimmy Brown Telegraphist with HMS Northern Isles & author of the book The Harry Tate's Navy One man's story of the Royal Navy Patrol Service - writes about his experiences.

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Jim Maddison Signalman with HMS Twostep Jim remembers his time at Tobermory and Commander 'Monkey' Stevenson, in home waters and escorting coastal convoys in Africa. Alf Forshaw (crossed the bar 15th September 2002) Ch.PO. Engineer Alf remembers his time with BYMS. 2008 and the 152nd Minesweeping Flotilla attached to the British Pacific and East Indies Fleet. Geoff Bewers Wireman L. with HMS Inkpen & HMS Finisterre, Geoff talks of his time with A/S trawler HMT Inkpen in Sierra Leone and the loss of the A/S trawler HMS Birdlip when she was torpedoed by U-547.

Bertie Male Lieutenant RNVR and author of the book 'Being in all respects Ready for Sea'. Bertie describes in vivid detail, the horrifying experience when his escort vessel HMS Cocker was torpedoed by U-331.

Joe Steele Remembers the dangerous job of minesweeping and his time as a signalman with HMS Dalmatia & HMS Darthema.

Ted Godding Steward Ted Godding talks of the loss of his first ship HMS Kurd and his time on Motor

Bob McGarry Telegraphist with HMS Wastwater & HMS Fuday Henry James McGarry (aka Bob) Tells of his unique experiences as a Telegraphist during and after the war.

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The Royal Naval Patrol Service - A Very Special Service Indeed The Royal Naval Patrol Service at war

Home RNPS veterans' stories RNPS at war Research & Resources Forum

"In the accounts already published about the Battle of the Atlantic and the long struggle against the U-boats, attention is not unnaturally focused more upon famous destroyer captains and the dashing individuals who later commanded the fast, well-equiped ships of the specially formed submarine-hunting groups, such as Walker of Western Approaches. Little of the limelight falls upon the anti-submarrine trawlers of the RN. Patrol Service. Yet these humble, unglamorous little ships with their slow speed, limited armament and comparatively untrained crews were to prove just as much of a headache to the Nazi Uboat fleet as their bigger sisters in the Navy's general service.' A.Cecil Hampshire "The Lilliput Fleet" 1957 The most important distinction given to the Royal Naval Patrol Service was an exclusive silver badge. Officers and men of the Patrol Service were awarded this badge after a total of six months service at sea. Read More .... Over 500 convoys sailed over the course of the war (one every three days).This required almost superhuman effort to maintain the' Life Line' Read More ....

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The Royal Naval Patrol Service - A Very Special Service Indeed

The Royal Naval Patrol Service at war Home The Silver Badge Fleet < Previous page

The RNPS veterans' stories name 'Harry Tates' dates back to the First World War and was used as jargon for anything clumsy and amateurish. It originated from an old music hall entertainer who would play the clumsy comic who couldn't get to grips with various contraptions. His act included a car that gradually fell apart around him. RNPS at war By the Research & Resources start of WW2 it had been adopted by the Royal Navy and used for the purpose of poking fun at the trawlers and drifters of the Royal Naval Patrol Service. In true RNPS style they took it on the chin and the title of Harry Tate's Navy was proudly adopted. As the war went on it was to become a worthy password for courage. Forum The beginings of the Royal Naval Patrol service first began in 1907 when Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, then commanding the Channel Fleet experimented with the idea of using fishing trawlers as minesweepers.

Crew of fishermen from Drifter 'Floreat' pictured "Chirsin" (captured German trawler) in their Naval uniforms WW1 used for guarding interned fleet at Scapa Flow The RNR was generally confined to officers and men of deep sea merchantmen but in 1911 it was felt that there was a need to employ trawlers in war-time as minesweepers and patrol vessels. The Royal Naval Reserve Trawler Section - RNR(T) was set up to enrol the necessary personnel. Although abolished as a separate section of the RNR in 1921, the RNR(T) always remained quite distinct from the RNR proper, and employed fishermen. In both world wars a large number of trawlers were taken up by the Royal Navy complete with their crews, who were entered on a form T124 by which they engaged to serve in a named vessel for the duration of the war only. Fishermen on a T124 formed the bulk of the RNR(T) during the First World. The RNR(T) wound up in 1921. Many lessons had been learnt about the real threat of mine and submarine warfare during the First World War and by the time of the out break of the second world war, the Admiralty was better prepared, as a force it was still considerably under strength. By 1939 it had only grown from 300 requisitioned trawlers to 400 with a Patrol Service personnel remaining at 434 skippers and 3,733 ratings. These trawlers were split thus, 200 to be used for minesweeping and the remaining 200 for patrol work. All that remained now was for the Patrol Service to have a suitable assembly base and 'Sparrows Nest', the municipal pleasure park on the seashore at Lowestoft, was finally chosen. The name 'Sparrows Nest' originated from one of its former

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The Royal Naval Patrol Service - A Very Special Service Indeed

The Royal Naval Patrol Service at war Home RNPS veterans' stories RNPS at war Research & Resources Forum How often during World War II did armed trawlers, those maids of all work, depart from their normal role of escorting slow convoys of merchantmen, leading landing craft to their destinations, carrying out anti-submarine patrols and so on, and actually go out "looking for trouble"? I would imagine that few people indeed could recall a single occasion but, to those involved, the Battle of Mesco Point north of Spezia, Italy, in December 1944, ranked with many a more famous naval engagement. Moreover, it was highly successful. A "big ship battle" in miniature was how it was described in the Lloyd's List and Shipping Gazette of January 26, 1945, five trawlers taking the parts of battleships while 16 British and American torpedo boats and gun boats acted as escorting destroyers. The trawlers involved were HMS Minuet (Lt.-Cdr. Thornton Bate, RNVR) as flotilla leader with HMS Twostep (Lt. Jack Nye, RNVR), HMS Hompipe (Lt.-Cdr. de Legh, RNR), HMS Gulland(Lt. G.A. Anderson, RNVR) and HMS Ailsa Craig (Lt. T.G. Hornsby, RNR) The Battle of Mesco Point ( 'Punta Mesco') - by Lieutenant Bryan Cambray, RNVR < Previous page

HMS Twostep - a 'Dance Class' Admiralty HMS Gulland - an 'Isles Class' Admiralty built trawler built trawler I was then a Sub-Lieutenant. RNVR. aboard Twostep. As with the Sub. in most small ships I had a multitude of duties, my prime role being that of navigation officer and, because I had been a Ldg. Telegraphist, signals officer. We left Leghorn before dusk and headed out almost due west, turning north after nightfall. The "destroyers" sailed much later, joining us shortly before we reached the area south-west of Mesco Point. Intelligence had reported that the Germans were evacuating supplies to Genoa from Spezia by sea at night, heading up the coast away from the approaching land forces. Our job was to search and destroy. We had not long to wait before the Senior Officer of the force reported that one of the Coastal Forces craft had sighted an enemy convoy heading north, well inshore and under the lee of the cliffs. Immediately, the line of trawlers headed towards the coast and, at a range of about 2,000 yards, opened up with starshell, illuminating the target. The two Island class trawlers, with their 12-pounders, had the primary task of keeping the starshells going throughout the action, Ailsa Craig actually firing 87 rounds in nine minutes. Meanwhile the Dance class trawlers, with their heavier and somewhat archaic 4 in, guns, occupied themselves

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The Royal Naval Patrol Service - A Very Special Service Indeed Research & Resourses

The purpose of this information sheet is to provide guidance on tracing Royal Navy personnel. More detailed information can be found in the publication your Family History: Royal Navy - this can be purchased from the Imperial War Museum for 5.50. The Museum does not hold any personal service records official documentation, but can help the enquirer as long as some basic facts are known. The Department of Printed Books welcomes visitors by appointme Home and is able to provide useful reading material and advice for finding out more about those who served. Other reference departments in the Museum - Art, Documents, Exhibits and Firearms, Film and Photograph Archives, and the Sound Archive - may also be able to assist. RNPS veterans' stories Department of Printed Books, RNPS at war Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, Research & Resources London SE16HZ Forum Tel: (+44) 020 7416 5342 Fax: (+44) 020 7416 5246 Web site: www.iwm.org.uk Email: books@iwm.org.uk Where to Find Royal Navy Service Records

The Imperial War Museum only covers the period from the First World War onwards. Most of the relevant records relating to naval genealogical research are either still held by Ministry of Defence agencies or The National Archives (formerly the Public Record Office). Genealogical enquiries to the various Ministry of Defence agencies must be made in writing, but do not receive priority as their principal concern is to respond to official enquiries concerning welfare, pensions and other legal matters. The basic search fee, if levied, is currently 25. Personnel records available to the public are now held by The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU Tel: 020 8392 5200; Web site: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Please note that The National Archives (TNA) does not undertake research on behalf of the public; it is necessary to either visit in person or employ a professional researcher, details of which are available direct from Readers' Services at TNA. For anyone intending to do their own research TNA has produce invaluable guides to their holdings; of particular importance are Tracing your Ancestors in the Public Record Office, 6th revised edition edited by Amanda Beva (Richmond, Surrey: PRO, 2002), Naval Records for Genealogists by N.A.M. Rodger (Richmond, Surrey: PRO, 1998) and Tracing your Naval Ancestors by Bru Pappalardo (Richmond, Surrey: PRO, 2003).

Pre-First World War service records, and ratings' personnel files and officers' records dating to 1923, are now held at TNA. For service records dating from 19 to 1939 please write to the Ministry of Defence, Directorate of Personnel Support (Navy), (Hayes), Bourne Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 1RF (subsequently referred to as DPS Hayes). For records of officers and ratings who saw service from 1939 (including 'Hostilities Only' service in the Second World War and Korea), write to Directorate of Naval Pay and Pensions, NPP(Acs)1E Centurion Building, Grange Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO13 9XA (subsequently referred to as DNPP Gosport). Tel. 023 9270 2174 Fax.023 9270 2211

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Crew BYMS-14
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Crew BYMS-14
by Jim Barrett on Jul 14th, '09, 22:27 Below are a few photographs of my grandfather's crew mates when I believe he was part of the crew of BYMS-14. Other than my grandfather Leonard Barrett, none of the individuals shown are identified. Please let me know if you recognise anyone. I suspect that they were all taken in Venice during 1945. The rest follow on the additional posting. Attachments

Unknown Crew 1.jpg (31.95 KB) Viewed 183 times

Unknown Crew 2.jpg (76.48 KB) Viewed 184 times

Unknown Crew 3.jpg (41.66 KB) Viewed 183 times

Jim Barrett Posts: 29 Joined: Jul 10th, '09, 23:12 Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire Top

Re: Crew BYMS-14

by Jim Barrett on Jul 14th, '09, 22:31 Further pictures. Attachments

My grandfather, Leonard Barrett Leonard Barrett.jpg (25.54 KB) Viewed 175 times

The lad with my grandfather was an Italian boy who used to help out on board. Italian Assistant.jpg (44.19 KB) Viewed 176 times

Leonard Barrett centre front Italy.jpg (60.21 KB) Viewed 175 times

Jim Barrett Posts: 29 Joined: Jul 10th, '09, 23:12 Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire Powered by phpBB 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group

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BYMS-14
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BYMS-14
by Jim Barrett on Jul 11th, '09, 10:12 Hopefully attached are two photographs of BYMS-14 (3PT14) on which my grandfather Leonard Barrett was signalman. He has noted on the back of the broadside image that it was taken when moored off Venice. Date and year unknown. The second shows the vessel in dry dock, location unknown but in Italy somewhere (possibly Taranto?). When the vessel was docked, they found the spike off an impact mine stuck in the hull. Attachments

BYMS-14 (2) BYMS-14 (2) Resize.jpg (72.05 KB) Viewed 163 times

BYMS-14 (1) BYMS-14 (1) Resized.jpg (26.55 KB) Viewed 163 times

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CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

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CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DENIS on May 14th, '09, 21:16 Alexander[Sandy]Sinclair stood by a BYMS building at Henry C Grebe Boatbuilders on the Chicago River along with some really good mates upon whom he reflected occasionally when in a mood of recall of the times they had together and what a large part that luck played in their lives during those difficult years of the War on those fantastic little minesweepers. They left Chicago and made their way down the Mississippi to New Orleans for commissioning and thece to Europe and then on to the Med,Adriatic,and possibly the Aegean? One mate he had been in touch with was Jimmy Fullerton from Shetland,and he was happy about this,albeit by post reunion.Any further information would be most welcomely recieved,such as other crew names;the number of their ship etc. Sandy passed away on suffering a heart attack whilst out walking on the canal towpath near his home,just a couple of months before his 93rd birthday in February 2006. In greatful anticipation Denis. DENIS Posts: 6

Joined: May 11th, '09, 11:31

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by Rob Hoole on May 15th, '09, 01:08 Hello Denis, According to Minesweeper - The Role of the Motor Minesweeper in World War II by Michael J Melvin BEM, Grebe completed BYMS 2171 (29 Mar 43), 2172 (17 Apr 43), 2173 (1 May 43), 2174 (22 May 43), 2175 (5 Jun 43), 2181 (12 Sep 43), 2182 (25 Sep 43), 2185, 2279 (2 Oct 43) and 2280 (16 Oct 43). However, the usually accurate web page at http://shipbuildinghistory.com/history/smallships/yms.htm shows BYMS 2185 as having been completed at Greenport Basin, Long Island on 9 Feb 43 so it may be possible to discount this one. BYMS 2171 served with the 153rd MSF (Mediterranean) from 1943 to 27 Apr 1946 when she was transferred to Greece as Kefallinia. Struck 1966. BYMS 2172 served with the 153rd MSF (Mediterranean) from 1943 to 15 Apr 1946 when she was transferred to Greece as Kerkyra. Struck 1960. BYMS 2173 served with the 159th MSF (Grimsby and Normandy landings) from 1943 to 1946. Transferred to Italy in 1947 as Begonia. Struck 1966. BYMS 2174 served with the 162nd MSF (Palestine) in 1943 and the 156th MSF (Mediterranean) from 1944 to 1947 and ended up in Malta. BYMS 2175 served with the 162nd MSF (Palestine) in 1943 and the 156th MSF (Mediterranean) from 1944 to 6 Jun 1947. Transferred to Egypt in 1949 as Gaza and to Algeria in 1962 as Djebel Aures. Wrecked in 1963. BYMS 2181 served with the 166th MSF (Far East) from 1943 and ended up in Singapore in 1946 before being returned to the USA. BYMS 2182 served with the 167th MSF (Harwich/North West Europe) from 1943 until 1945. Transferred to Greece in 1946 as Lambadias. Struck 1968. BYMS 2185 served with the Greek Navy from 12 Aug 1944 as Afroessa. Struck 1973. BYMS 2279 served with the 168th MSF from 1944 (Portsmouth) to 1945 when she was transferred to the 150th MSF (Sheerness 1946 then Falmouth). Sold privately 1946. 1960-1976 MV Rudolf Diesel, Germany; still active in the Netherlands. Incidentally, T/Lt(E) James Henry Fish RN of BYMS 2279 was gazetted on 11 Dec 1945 for the award of the DSC for Minesweeping wind-up ops in Europe. BYMS 2280 served with the 168th MSF from 1944 (Portsmouth) to 1946 when she was transferred to the 183rd MSF (Dover) before being transferred to Italy as Verbena. Struck 1966. Therefore, the chances are that Sandy served in BYMS 2171, 2172, 2174 or 2175. Do you have any other clues? A living relativee should be able to apply for his Service Record using the advice available at http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html. Best wishes, Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

Rob Hoole Posts: 208 Joined: Jun 17th, '07, 11:26

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DENIS on May 15th, '09, 11:35 Rob Many thanks for your very prompt and useful reply;this is much appreciated indeed. I will follow the links you have provided and am sure more doors will open painting a broader picture. Sandy was my stepfather and as good a dad as you'll find,and I know just how much that time in his life meant to him,together with the ships and the friendships that were struck. If we are successful in piecing it all together,is there then a source for obtaining photos of the vessel,wherever? Best regards Denis. DENIS Posts: 6 Joined: May 11th, '09, 11:31

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by Nick Clark(founder) on May 15th, '09, 16:48 Hi Denis and Rob Eric Minett's book 'The Coast Is Clear' also shows BYMS 2185 as having been completed at Greenport Basin, Long Island on 9 Feb 43

Two photographs* that may be of interest relating to BYMS 2172 are attached below. * photographs used with kind permission from Eric Minett Nick Clark http://www.harry-tates.org.uk http://www.rnpatrolservice.org.uk/forum Attachments

Crew of BYMS 2172 Crew-2172.jpg (24.49 KB) Viewed 314 times

BYMS 2172 BYMS2172.jpg (31.18 KB) Viewed 314 times "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" Albert Einstein

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Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DENIS on May 15th, '09, 21:57 Nick Many thanks,this is indeed very useful,together with these pictures which will need to be scrutinized by other family members;we are certainly turning the clock backwards! There were some pictures among the estate effects but somehow these have been misplaced or even lost;an ongoing search is in place currently. Meanwhile,what you have given so far is much appreciated. Best regards Denis, DENIS Posts: 6 Joined: May 11th, '09, 11:31

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DENIS on May 16th, '09, 11:26 Good morning Nick & Rob, We are narrowing our search. A bible was gifted to Sandy by friends he had made in Chicago on his departure from there,and lo & behold ,inside the cover is written Alexander Sinclair,ENG.LT/KX 107999,BYMS 171,H M S ASBURY,c/o GPO LONDON. Finding this has helped you and us to bring our quest into a more defined area;now I am curious to know what more can we achieve;is there anyone out there? Gentlemen,your'e work on this matter is so much appreciated,no wonder you have such a wonderful site Best regards Denis. DENIS Posts: 6 Joined: May 11th, '09, 11:31

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DavidH on May 16th, '09, 11:50 ....BYMS 171,H M S ASBURY... You now have the identity of the ship - BYMS 171, later renumbered BYMS 2171 2171 joined the 153rd MSF in the Mediterranean, reaching Gibraltar in November 1943; in 1944 busily employed sweeping Italian waters (Naples, Taranto, Bari); took part in Operation 'Dragoon' (allied landings in the South of France) August 1944. Late 1944 in the Adriatic (Ancona, Venice) sweeping around Dubrovnik. DavidH Posts: 190 Joined: Aug 11th, '07, 15:32

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by Rob Hoole on May 16th, '09, 11:54 What a fascinating outcome. HMS Asbury was the accounting base and barracks at Asbury Park, New Jersey for RN personnel in North America. A few more details regarding BYMS 2171 can be found at http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/19171.htm. Best wishes, Rob http://www.mcdoa.org.uk Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

Rob Hoole Posts: 208 Joined: Jun 17th, '07, 11:26

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Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DENIS on May 16th, '09, 17:00 Rob ,Nick,&DavidH, Your incredibly prompt reaction to these postings is very heartwarming indeed;we have certainly built up quite afile in a short space of time. We'll keep digging and hope that other threads connect with us and possibly produce some more material. I still hold out hope of obtaining a fairly decent photo which I could have upgraded. Of course we could use a photo of a sister ship as an alternative;but will hold out for the real thing for some time yet. Thank you all Best Regards Denis DENIS Posts: 6 Joined: May 11th, '09, 11:31

Re: CHICAGO BYMS 1942-1943

by DENIS on Jun 18th, '09, 09:37 Rob,Nick&David H. I have just this week been contacted by PATRICK GRIFFITHS,who is a very articulate gentleman of 85 who served on the BYMS,THREE OF THEM IN TOTAL,and he would have been just alad around 19 or 20. He has provided some very interesting items of history and like yourselves adding the pieces to this intriguing jigsaw. Again, thank you all very much Denis. DENIS

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Useful sources of historical information

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Useful sources of historical information

by Rob Hoole on Nov 20th, '08, 12:59 For those using this forum for the first time, it is often useful to have the relevant background information in order to frame specific questions for the regulars to answer. For example, advice about obtaining the service records of RNPS, RN, RNR and RNVR personnel is available on the Veterans UK website at http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_rec ... cords.html. A list of contact details for sources of information about the historic activities of British naval ships and personnel is available on the RN website at http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.4338. The Naval Historical Branch, the RN Museum Library and the National Archives (which can be searched online) can be particularly helpful. Good luck with your research. Best wishes, Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

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Books & Paintings of Minesweepers

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Books & Paintings of Minesweepers

by Rob Hoole on Oct 20th, '08, 23:48 Author Cdr David Bruhn USN (Rtd) has sent me images of three paintings by Richard DeRosset for wider dissemination. Hidden Death at Wonsan depicts the mining of USS Pirate (AM 275) while sweeping Wonsan harbour on the east coast of Korea on 12 October 1950. USS Pledge (AM 277), the Japanese Minesweeper No.14 and the Republic of Korea Navy minesweeper YMS 516 (ex-RN BYMS 2148) were also lost in the same operation. This picture is used for the dust jacket of David's forthcoming book Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Coastal & Motor Minesweepers, 1941-1953.

Hidden Death at Wonsan by Richard DeRosset Sea Battle off the Cua Co Chien River Mouth depicts a night encounter between the Ocean Minesweeper USS Endurance (MSO 435) and an armed trawler attempting to bring supplies into beleaguered Viet Cong forces on the Ca Mau Peninsula at the sourthern end of Vietnam in November 1970. The picture is used for the dust jacket of David's previous book Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Ocean Minesweepers, 1953-1994.

Sea Battle off the Cua Co Chien River Mouth by Richard DeRosset Richard DeRosset's latest painting, Moonlit Assault in the Aegean, depicts an attack on the British Yard Minesweeper BYMS 72 (also known as BYMS 2072) off Alinda Bay on the east side of Leros, one of the Greek islands comprising the Dodecanese archipelago, on 11 November 1943. After surviving three or four near misses, she was struck on her port side by a German aircraft-launched Henschel HS293 glider bomb. Badly damaged and with many of her RNPS crew dead and

wounded, she tried to enter harbour at Portalago early the following morning for temporary repairs. However, while attempting to locate the narrow entrance, she was captured by superior units of a German invasion force on the eve of the battle for Leros. The graphic story of the loss of BYMS 72 can be read in an extract from David's forthcoming book, Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Coastal & Motor Minesweepers, 1941-1953, published on the Naval History website at http://www.naval-history.net/WW2Ships-BYMS72.htm. Details of her casualties can be found at http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1943-11NOV.htm as follows: 11 November 1943 BYMS.72 EGAN, William D, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 428156, killed GEEVES, Arthur, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 210982, MPK [Missing presumed killed] WIGG, Robert H, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 209221, killed 12 November 1943 BYMS.2072 SULLIVAN, David J, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 260626, DOW [Died of wounds] 13 November 1943 BYMS.2072 TURNER, Joseph, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 198963, DOWS [Died of wounds sustained] 14 November 1943 BYMS.2072 MACIVER, Kenneth, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 166042, DOWS [Died of wounds sustained]

Moonlit Assault in the Aegean by Richard DeRosset

David Bruhn would welcome any comments on this painting via the contact e-mail address on his website at http://www.davidbruhn.com. And no, I am not on commission. Best wishes, Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

Rob Hoole Posts: 208 Joined: Jun 17th, '07, 11:26

Re: Books & Paintings of Minesweepers

by Rob Hoole on Jun 3rd, '09, 15:58 I have received the following message from David Bruhn, already the author of Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Ocean Minesweepers, 19531994 (see previous post in this thread). His latest book covers the BYMS (British Yard Minesweepers) manned by the RNPS among others. Hello Rob, The second book in the Wooden Ships and Iron Men series, Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navy's Coastal & Motor Minesweepers, 1941-1953 is now available from Heritage Books at http://www.heritagebooks.com. Interested persons may read more about the book at my author's website: http://www.davidbruhn.com. I enjoyed researching and writing this book, and hope that readers and especially former minesweeper sailors and their family members and friends enjoy it as much. Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The U.S. Navys Coastal and Motor Minesweepers, 1941-1953 - David Bruhn Possessing insufficient minesweepers to protect U.S. harbors and bays as the threat of war in Europe spread, in the winter of 1939-40 the Navy began purchasing

fishing vessels and modifying them to combat mines. One of them, Condor (AMc-14), first sighted the Japanese Type-A midget submarine that destroyer Ward (DD139) sank on December 7, 1941 with the first shots fired by American forces during World War II. She would be one of six coastal minesweepers to receive a battle star. From boat and shipyards across America came the largest production run of any World War II warship, 561 scrappy little 136-foot wooden-hulled vessels characterized by Arnold Lott in Most Dangerous Sea as "belligerent-looking yachts wearing grey paint." Although their designers envisioned that they would operate primarily in the vicinity of yards or bases, the YMSs (too numerous to be given names) would see action in every theater of war, earning almost 700 battle stars, twenty-one Presidential Unit Citations, and fifteen Navy Unit Commendations. YMSs were present in the North African campaign, in Sicily, at Anzio, Salerno, and elsewhere in Italy, and swept ahead of invasion forces at Normandy and in Southern France. In the Pacific, they operated in the Marshall Islands, New Guinea, Solomons, Treasury Island, Gilbert Islands, New Britain, Admiralty Islands, Guam, Palau, Leyte, Luzon, Manila Bay, Iwo Jima, Southern Philippines, Okinawa, and Borneo. Following the war, they cleared mines from the East China Sea, Yangtze River approaches, and throughout Japanese waters, and their activities gave rise to the proud slogan of the mine force: "Where the Fleet Goes, We've Been." During the Korean War, a mere sixteen auxiliary motor minesweepers (former YMSs) performed the bulk of mine clearance, often while inside the range of enemy coastal artillery, necessary for larger naval vessels to close the coast to support operations ashore. Garnering collectively 124 battle stars, seven Presidential Unit Citations, and seven Navy Unit Commendations, the men aboard these ships were then, and remain to date, the most highly decorated crews of minesweepers in the history of the U.S. Navy. 2009, 5x8, paper, index, 368 pp. B4909 ISBN: 0788449095 Book Dedication: To the "iron men" who have served since 1941 in wooden-hulled minesweepers, and particularly those sweep sailors, many of them reservists, who went in harm's way during World War II and the Korean War. Please also find attached photographs of two of the many paintings by Richard DeRosset used in the book, "Hidden Menace at Sin-Do Island" (the cover art) and "Moonlit Assault in the Aegean" (depicting the German Luftwaffe attack on the Royal Navy's BYMS-72). The latter photograph is displayed on the last page of Chapter 4, facing the first page of Chapter 5, which is titled "Capture of British Yard Minesweeper 72." Sincerely, David Bruhn The photos to which David refers can be seen in my previous post. Best wishes, Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

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The coast is clear by Eric Minett

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The coast is clear by Eric Minett

by gnd84 on Jul 27th, '09, 15:15 Hi all just a quick post i have a copy of the coast is clear by Eric Minett the story of the BYMS that i will be listing on ebay in the next couple of days if any ones interested in having it regards gary mailto:gnd84@tiscali.co.uk

Last edited by gnd84 on Jul 27th, '09, 15:51, edited 1 time in total. gnd84 Posts: 3 Joined: Jul 27th, '09, 14:52 Top

Re: The coast is clear by Eric Minett

by Rob Hoole on Jul 27th, '09, 15:49 Hello Gary, Have responded to your PM with another asking for details. Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

Rob Hoole Posts: 208 Joined: Jun 17th, '07, 11:26

Re: The coast is clear by Eric Minett

by gnd84 on Jul 27th, '09, 16:04 thanks for the reply have done the same regards gary gnd84 Posts: 3 Joined: Jul 27th, '09, 14:52

Re: The coast is clear by Eric Minett

by gnd84 on Jul 27th, '09, 17:21 I would like to say that the book has gone to a very good home with Rob Hoole many thanks gary gnd84 Posts: 3 Joined: Jul 27th, '09, 14:52

Re: The coast is clear by Eric Minett

by Rob Hoole on Jul 29th, '09, 23:09 Gary has been as good as his word and I received Eric Minett's book by first class post earlier today. I intend putting it to good use when endeavouring to answer future questions about BYMS on this forum and others of a similar nature. Thank you Gary. You're a star! Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

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RNPS Memorial unveiled at National Memorial Arboretum

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RNPS Memorial unveiled at National Memorial Arboretum

by Rob Hoole on Aug 27th, '09, 11:07 The Express & Star website contains an article at http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/08/24/tribute-to-naval-veterans describing the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS) at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield on Sunday. The associated video at http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid17587589001?bctid=35084495001 is well worth watching too. See also the article at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/national-memorial-arboretum/royal-naval-patrol-service-veterans-honoured-at-NMA on the Royal British Legion website.

'Harry Tate's Navy' veterans with RNPS memorial at National Memorial Arboretum Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

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Calypso: Revival of a legend

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Calypso: Revival of a legend

by Nick Clark(founder) on Jan 21st, '10, 01:19 Quite an interesting peice for those who remember the great Jacques Cousteau! Calypso: Revival of a legend By John Buchanan (from TIMESOFMALTA.COM) Wednesday, 13th January 2010 After half a century of service, first as a minesweeper during the war, then as the Gozo ferry boat and most famously as Jacques Cousteau's research vessel for 46 years, the Calypso is now being restored at a French shipyard. Thanks to the late Captain Jacques Cousteau's films and television documentary series The Silent World and the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, which have been seen universally, the nautical research ship Calypso has been turned into one of the most famously filmed and well-known vessel in the world. Prior to Capt Cousteau's acquisition in 1950 when she was found in a Malta dockyard for surplus ships, she had been a World War II minesweeper operating with the 153rd Minesweeping Flotilla. Nick Clark rnpatrolservice.org.uk (harry-tates.org.uk)

Built in Seattle, she was launched on March 21, 1942 at the Ballard Marine Railway Yard by Isobel Prentice, the schoolgirl daughter of the shipyard's foreman. Calypso was part of the American Lend-Lease scheme, an agreement struck between the United Kingdom and America whereby the latter provided the former with ships, planes and shells for the duration of the war on a "never-never" basis. These little ships were known as British Yard Minesweepers (BYMs) and were identified only by their numbers. They were crewed by 30 officers and men, who performed dangerous tasks, worked hard and were very courageous, clearing the seas of mines in all kinds of weather. In performing these unenviable duties they were simultaneously subjected to aerial and torpedo attacks. A total of 130 were built for the Royal Navy to an Admiralty design and they quickly proved their worth, sweeping 500 mines in three months. Only six were lost during their war service, all by mine explosion. British Yard Minesweepers all sailed with the pennant J. Calypso was commissioned as HMS J-026 and in February 1943 she sailed from Seattle bound for Gibraltar via San Francisco and Freetown - a voyage of 16,000 miles. En route she suffered a breakdown and had to put into San Diego for repairs. Later that year she joined up as a unit of the 153rd Minesweeping Flotilla in the Mediterranean Fleet based at Malta. She took part in the initial assault convoy to the beaches of Sicily in Operation Husky escorting and supporting the vast Allied invasion, sweeping close to the beaches to enable the landing craft to move in. These Allied landings marked the turn of the tide of the war in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. In 1944 she was renumbered BYMS 2026 and based in Taranto, Italy. She was decommissioned in 1946 and laid up in Malta where she was acquired by Joseph Gasan, a Maltese businessman who used her commercially for a short period as a car ferry which operated between Malta and Gozo in the 1950s. In this configuration she was capable of carrying 11 cars and 400 passengers, and her name was changed to Calypso G. Homer's Odyssey tells us that Calypso was a nymph who held Ulysses prisoner of her charms for seven years when he was shipwrecked on the island of Ogygia, better known nowadays as Gozo. Captain Cousteau had long dreamed of devoting his life to exploring the mysteries of the Ocean World. This became possible when the French Navy transferred him to the Naval Reserve to allow him to conduct research on diving and underwater exploration. He found his ideal ship, Calypso - a vessel which had all the qualities for which he had been searching. Constructed of wood so as not to attract magnetic mines and also because of the possibility of having to withstand the occasional underwater explosion, minesweepers were built with a double hull - Calypso's was in excellent condition and she was sturdy. She had twin engines, was easy to handle and had a shallow draught, which would permit access to areas such as coral reefs. In July, 1950, renamed Calypso she was taken to a shipyard in Antibes where she was converted from ferryboat to Oceanographic Research Vessel. Naturally, this entailed extensive alterations to turn her into a floating laboratory. Navigational aids were added, as were special facilities for diving equipment. An underwater observation chamber known as Calypso's false nose was also installed. It was connected to a metal well built around the stem, which extended eight feet below the waterline. This chamber enabled two crew members to film and observe underwater without leaving the ship. In 1969, as Calypso was leaving the Galapagos, she struck an uncharted rock, which damaged her false nose as well her keel. The false nose was rebuilt and the keel repaired later in New Orleans. Sadly, on January 8, 1996 after a barge struck her and punctured her hull below the waterline, Calypso sank and lay at an angle of 70 in five metres of water at Singapore Harbour. At the time she was awaiting her next expedition although Captain Cousteau was preparing to retire her. She was salvaged on January 25, 1996 and

then retired to Marseille after 46 years' service with Capt Cousteau. Her two shaft diesel engines, which gave 1,200 bhp and had powered this vessel since 1942 had been replaced in 1986 after 40 years in commission. After her return to France, owing to a dispute over her future, she lay rusting away at the French port of La Rochelle, her future uncertain. All the legal battles are now over and Calypso, having been abandoned at La Rochelle for the past 10 years, is now being completely refitted at Concarneau. The refit is expected to take 18 months and has been entrusted to the Finisterienne de Construction et Reparation Navale company. They claim that it will be almost a brand new Calypso which will eventually emerge from their yard and go to sea once more. It had been Captain Cousteau's wish that Calypso would be restored to her former glory and end her days in the Mediterranean where he first clasped her wheel in 1951. Attachments

The Calypso was used as a ferry between Malta and Gozo in the 1940s. calypso_BYMS-2026.jpg (17.72 KB) Viewed 200 times "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" Albert Einstein

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Re: Calypso: Revival of a legend

by Rob Hoole on Jan 27th, '10, 14:46

Yours Truly on board Cousteau's Calypso in the West Indies in 1975:

Best wishes, Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

Rob Hoole Posts: 208 Joined: Jun 17th, '07, 11:26

Re: Calypso: Revival of a legend

by Nick Clark(founder) on Jan 27th, '10, 15:12 Great photo Rob! You must tell us more about your experiences on Calypso and your thoughts on her being restored. All the best Nick Clark http://www.rnpatrolservice.org.uk (http://www.harry-tates.org.uk) "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" Albert Einstein

Nick Clark(founder) Site Admin Posts: 178 Joined: Jun 12th, '07, 23:52

Re: Calypso: Revival of a legend

by Rob Hoole on Jan 31st, '10, 00:15 Hello Nick, Not much to report really. Calypso was at anchor off one of the islands in the Caribbean while I was serving in HMS Minerva during a nine month deployment as West Indies guardship in 1975. I and my diving team were invited on board by Madame Cousteau for a look around but there was little to see as the ship was between expeditions. She normally embarked paying scientists (with all their paraphernalia) from universities and other institutions for specific research projects which were then filmed for the TV series. When not employed, she only had a skeleton crew on board and was pretty much devoid of gadgetry apart from her small helicopter. Although Jacques-Yves Cousteau roamed far and wide, his wife Simone regarded Calypso as her permanent home.

As with any historic naval vessel, particularly MCMVs, I am delighted to see her restored and, if possible, put back into some form of service. Best wishes,

Rob Hoole http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

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BYMS-2011 Serving as inspection yacht Eureka (QM-900) for the Royal Belgian Navy, 1956-1960.
PictureRoyalBegianNavy

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YMS-425 One of the last YMSs to serve in the US Navy. Struck from the Naval Register as MSC(O)-58 USS Siskin on October 1st., 1968.
PictureRichardLeonhardt

YMS-422 AMS-15 - USS Osprey launching minesweeping gear in Korean waters, 1952.
PictureColliersMagazine

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YMS-179 Transferred to the Brazilian Navy, August 15th, 1960. Commissioned as M-11 (U-18) Javari. Scrapped 1970.
PictureBrazilianNavy

YMS and BYMS Motor Minesweepers were commissioned by the navies of: Algeria - Belgium - Brazil - Canada - Egypt - Finland - France - Greece - Italy - Japan - Madagascar - The Netherlands - Norway - Peru - Poland - Peoples Republic of China - South Korea - South Vietnam - Soviet Union Taiwan - Thailand - The Philippines - Turkey - United Kingdom - United States - West Germany

Serving 26 navies!

BYMS class minesweeper

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Class overview Operators: Built: Royal Navy 19411943

Completed: 150 General characteristics Type: Minesweeper

Displaceme 270 long tons (274 t) nt: Length: Beam: Draught: 136 ft (41 m) 24 ft 6 in (7.47 m) 8 ft (2.4 m)

Propulsion: General Motors 8-268A diesel engines, two shafts Speed: 15 knots (17 mph; 28 km/h)

Complemen 32 t: Armament: 1 3"/50 caliber gun 2 20 mm guns 2 Depth charge projectors

The BYMS class was a class of wooden motor minesweepers, part of the US Navy YMS Yard class minesweepers. 150 ships destined for UK were launched from 1941 to 1943. The initial 80 ships were ordered by the U.S. Navy specifically for transfer to the United Kingdom under the Lend-Lease Programme. On transfer to Britain, BYMS-1 to BYMS-80 were assigned the British pennant numbers BYMS-2001 to BYMS-2080. Names were not assigned to the class members. A further 53 BYMS bore hull numbers from 137 to 284. These were originally built for the U.S. Navy as part of the YMS class and transferred to Britain on, or shortly after, completion. On the Navy List they were designated BYMS, with their original U.S. Navy numbers. The remaining 17 BYMS vessels were delivered in a final batch.

[edit] Calypso
Jacques Cousteau's well-known ship Calypso was originally built by the Ballard Marine Railway Company of Seattle, Washington, USA. She was a BYMS Mark 1 Class Motor Minesweeper, laid down on 12 August 1941 with the yard designation BYMS-26 and launched on 21 March 1942. She was commissioned into the Royal Navy in February 1943 as HMS J-826 and assigned to active service in the Mediterranean Sea, redesignated as BYMS-2026 in 1944, laid up at Malta and finally struck from the Naval Register in 1947.

[edit] See also

YMS-1 class minesweeper

[edit] External links

BYMS class brief history YMS/BYMS class ships Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BYMS_class_minesweeper" Categories: Mine warfare classes | BYMS class minesweepers | World War II minesweepers of the United Kingdom Hidden categories: Ship infoboxes without an image

epoche I 1943 1945 epoche II 1945 1950 epoche III 1950 1952 epoche IV 1952 1954 epoche V 1954 1967 epoche VI 1967 1969 epoche VII 1969 1972 epoche VIII 1972 1982 epoche IX 1982 1996

epoche I

BYMS Minensucher

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Fhrboot von Malta nach Gozzo

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te feugifacilisi. Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi. epoche III

Erste Fahrten - Unterwasser Archologie

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Die schweigende Welt - Erkundung des Mittelmeers

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nostrud exerci tution ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi. Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi. epoche V

Welt ohne Sonne - Tauchboote

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Auf grosser Fahrt - Drei Jahre um die Welt

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Antarktis

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Karibik - Amazonas - Nordamerika

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Rediscover the World

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praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi.

Minesweepers
The Astoria Marine Construction Company produced many YM, AM and MSO minesweepers for service in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Several veterans of these proud vessels have visited our site, and it is in their honor that we post these images.

...and this submission from one of our vets!

The USS Dash in 1980

YMS 424 Vet Bill Day tells of Typhoon Tragedy

In July of 2009, we received the brief but amazing note from H. Willis (Bill) Day regarding some harrowing days aboard YMS 424 in the Pacific in 1944-1945. Bill writes, "My name is H. Willis Day, Jr, born June 7, 1925. I graduated from Columbia Midshipmans School in April, 1944; went to West Coast Sound School and US Navy Small Ship Training Center, Miami. I was assigned to USS YMS 424, to board her at Okinawa. I was to be the most junior officer aboard. A few weeks after I boarded, the typhoon of October 9, 1945 occurred. After abandoning the ship, hanging on a life raft with 4 other men for 12 hours, we landed on a small beach on an atoll. I believe its name was Kataka Shima (sp??). I would be interested to know of any information about the ship, my former mates and any other information you might give me. Thanks very much." If you have any information for Bill, please let us know!

July 6. 1944 progress photo of YMS 424, Launched 12 August 1944; Completed 24 November 1944; Grounded and damaged in typhoon, Okinawa 9 October 1945 (see inset). Destroyed Dec 1945.

Calisto, YMS 137, Still Afloat!

Calisto, ready for launching in the shops of AMCCO, March 19, 1943

Calisto was one of the many Yard Mine Sweepers built for WWII and the Korean Conflict by the Astoria Marine Construction Company. Calisto, 135 feet long and displacing 292 tons, was designated as a BYMS, or British Yard Mine Sweeper, because it was one of two mine sweepers commissioned at AMCCO by the British Admiralty in 1943. After launching, Calisto was sailed to the UK by her British Crew. She served in the British Navy through the War and was sent to Malta in 1946. Returned to the US Navy in 1947 at the completion of her lend-lease, she was sold to Italy in May of that year. Later, she was sold into private hands, was refitted for cruising, and today is a charter yacht sailing out of Thailand.

Calisto on her way out of AMCCO with her Britsh crew, March 1943

Calisto as she appears today, (above and below)

View Full Version: RV Calypso

Shipbucket > Real Life Designs > RV Calypso

Title: RV Calypso Description: Cousteau's ship

lazer_one - January 9, 2010 04:26 PM (GMT)

Lazer_ <_< ne ALVAMA - January 9, 2010 04:30 PM (GMT) Awesome! didn't he has a modern sailvessel too? Novice - January 9, 2010 04:32 PM (GMT) The Calypso was an old French minesweeper. Very nice work Lazer_ :rolleyes: ne klagldsf - January 9, 2010 04:47 PM (GMT) QUOTE (Novice @ Jan 9 2010, 04:32 PM)
The Calypso was an old French minesweeper.

He means if Cousteau had a sailing vessel as well and yes, he did: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcyone_%28ship%29 ALVAMA - January 9, 2010 05:00 PM (GMT) Oeh! Thanks klagldsf! I saw that vessel at a film :) lazer_one - January 9, 2010 05:39 PM (GMT) QUOTE (Novice @ Jan 9 2010, 04:32 PM)
The Calypso was an old French minesweeper. Very nice work Lazer_ :rolleyes: ne

The Calypso was the British minesweeper BYMS - Mk1 class #26 These vessels at the beginning were manufatured in US and transferred to UK on "leand-lease" contract. Later production was established also in UK with some pendant numbers overlap. At the end were launched about 500 units by US and a little less than 300 by UK. These units served several navies included Italian and Finnish one: I prepared 70-80% of the basic drawing before to see that also Gollevainen did already the "Finnish" version. The Italian version (based on Mk1 and Mk2) named "Fiori" class will come. BTW here is the story of Calypso (ex-HMS BYMS-2026 ex-HMS J-826 ex-BYMS-26) Laid down 12 August 1941 as BYMS-26 by Ballard Marine Railway Co., Inc., Seattle, WA Launched 21 March 1942 Sponsored by Isobel Prentice, the daughter of the Ballard Marine Railways foreman Completed and transferred to Great Britain 22 August 1942 Commissioned HMS J-826 in February 1943 Renamed HMS BYMS-2026 in 1944; Decommissioned in 1946 and laid up at Malta Struck from the Navy Register 10 June 1947 Returned to U.S. custody 1 August 1947 Sold to Joseph Gasan, converted to a car ferry and named Calypso Operated between Malta and Gozo Sold to Thomas Loel Guinness and leased to Jacques Cousteau for one franc per year

Struck by a barge 8 January 1996 and sank at Singapore Salvaged 25 January 1996 and towed to Marseille, France Lazer_ ;) ne paul_541 - January 10, 2010 12:35 AM (GMT) QUOTE (lazer_one @ Jan 9 2010, 12:26 PM)

Lazer_ <_< ne

:D Good draw Lazer one! ;) For help you, I have founded a schematic of the RV Calypso:

Greetings. :rolleyes: Hosted for free by InvisionFree