ASW Branch history up to 1938

The history recorded was compiled by Lieutenant Commander F.M. Mason, R.N., in the summer of 1938, when the Anti-Submarine Establishment at Portland was at the height of its peace-time activities.

The history covers a brief review of Anti-Submarine measures from their earliest days till the end of the Great War and outlines in more detail the building up of the A/S organisation at Portland from that date until the war clouds of the second World War were gathering.

30th January, 1942.

"Section1 History of Anti-Submarine Development"

The first co-ordinated attempt to deal with the destruction of submarines appears in a letter written by the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, to the Admiralty on the 29th December, 1903, in which he suggested that during the forthcoming manoeuvres at Spithead, definite operations should be tried against submarines, the object being to render it possible for the Fleet to enter Spithead and anchor without being torpedoed by the Submarines stationed in the vicinity.

Such measures to be tried consisted of:-

(a) A submarine, when its periscope was sighted, was to be approached by a destroyer and a noose thrown over its periscope or dropped over with a boat hook, a small hand charge the being slid down the rope and exploded against the periscope.

(b) A towed charge towed astern of the destroyer and attached to a grapnel with a firing key on board. When the grapnel caught up in the periscope, the charge was fired.

(c) The indicating net, which was to be laid out in the probable track of a submarine when it was seen to dive. A red flag, attached to a stave secured to net floats rising up out of the water, gave an indication when the submarine entered the nots.

(d) The lasso net, which was smaller than the indicating net, and was to be dropped after the submarine was caught. Explosive charges were attached to it and it could be towed across the submarineÕs course. Being in the form of a running noose, it could be hauled in when it was round the submarine, thus bringing the explosive charges in close contact with its hull when they would be fired.

These trails showed that:-

(a) The Fleet, whilst in submarine waters, could never remain stationary for any length of time, thus causing their coal consumption to rise, and

(b) Owing to the particularly skilful manoeuvring and tactics of the submarines, on which they were congratulated, very much more successful and more reasonable methods would have to be employed before the danger to submarines for anti-submarine measures would assume any large proportion.

It must be borne in mind that the submarine of that date did not have the facilities of the modern submarine; amongst other difficulties, they had to contend with a fixed periscope which enabled them to see ahead and eastern only, a red lead joint in the pressure hull had to be made every time a torpedo was shipped and, in order to keep trim, it was often necessary to thrift crew of gear.

H.M. Submarine ÒA.1Ó was, unfortunately, accidentally rammed and sunk during these trials, and as a result of this catastrophe, the enthusiasm for the progression of A/S measures was decidedly damped, whilst the submarine themselves rested on their laurels grinded in these trials.

In July, 1909, H.M.S. TERPSICHORE carried out some exhaustive trials on the extent of harm it was possible for a submarine to perform in all its branches of attack. Eight submarine assisted in the trails and as a result, it was recommended that trials should be carried out as anti-submarine measures with-

(a) Types of screening.

(b) Towed net defence at sea.

In March, 1910, the first submarine committee was formed and H.M. Ships SPEEDWELL and SEAGULL were allocated for work exclusively under this committee. A large number of trials were proposed and carried out with the results that by the end of 1910, experiments had been carried out with:

(a) A double wire sweep, which consisted of two wires about eight feet apart, vertically, and kept down by two nine feet kites. They were towed from two ships in line abreast.

(b) Bursting shells shortly after they had hit the water by means of delay action fuses.

(d) Torpedoing of submarines by Surface Craft.

Of these trials, only the two wire sweep was considered really satisfactory, but as a result of the bursting shells having slightly damaged some fitting in the submarine, though leaving its personnel injured, it was decided that the results warranted further experiments on these lines with heavier bursting charges.

On June 30th, 1910, an endurance test was carried out with two wire sweep, the sweep being towed for 3 hours at ten. Kt. , examined and then towed for a further 2 hours at 10 kt. 1 ½ hours at 12 kt. And half an hour at 14 kt. The results were satisfactory and the two destroyers MAORI and CRUSADER were selected to be fitted with the gear in August.

Trials were carried out up to 17 kt. And the possibility of sliding a charge down a sweep wire was also investigated. Further experiments were also carried out with the firing of explosive charges, the firing of grenades form a rifle and the making of a smoke screen to blind the periscope, but none of these attempts gave sufficient cause to hope for success to warrant further trials.

In order to carry out trials with the towing of charges from single ships across the submarineÕs track, a submarine of the ÒAÓ class was fitted with automatic diving gear which enabled it to perform a slow ÒDip-chickÓ motion without rendering it necessary to have any personnel onboard, the times of sub-merging and coming up to the surface being varied at will.

The next point of interest arises on February 21st, 1911, when an attack was carried out by six submarines on eight ships of the third division of the Home Fleet proceeding down channel, and various anti-submarine measures employed but the two wire sweep was not used. The number of suggestions resulting from this attack were vast and various but only a few were taken up and amplified into forms for modern use.

The elements of screening were suggested, it being mentioned that it would be advisable to station light craft in a line abreast formation some five miles ahead of the Fleet to keep a look-out for submarines. It was also considered that look-outs should be posted in all big ships and preferably low down or very high up so that a searchlight beam may be used to dazzle the periscope of an enemy submarine, that the Fleet should continually zig-zag and, lastly, that torpedo firing from surface craft at submarines was useless.

Experiments with a towed charge had been proceeded with, and in view of the satisfactory results obtained, the double wire sweep was abandoned in July, 1911, and CRUSADER fitted with the single wire explosive sweep. This consisted of a hydroplane towed from the ship and from the bottom of the hydroplane was suspended the kite contacting the 100lb; charge; when the towing ship in steaming across the submarines track, managed to get her hydroplane entangled with the submarineÕs hull as shown by the dipping of the plane below the water and the rendering of the towing winch as the extra strain came on it, she merely pressed her firing key and the charge detonated in close proximity to the submarine.

The results obtained with the sweep were so striking that in Septembe , two vessels of each of the First, Seconds and Fourth Flotillas were fitted with it and exercising continued whenever opportunity occurred.

Further experiments were also carried out with the manufacture of shells of different shapes and type with a view to finding such a one that when fired with a delay action fuse, it would, on striking the water, penetrate deep enough, before exploding, to attain a position in which its bursting charge would be able to dispossess the submarine entirely from any further manoeuvring power under the water. These experiments and trials were carried out at Shoeburynoss and gave very satisfactory results.

The last anti-submarine development of note that was forthcoming from the committeeÕs investigations of 1911, was the organisation of various types of screen, to be composed of vessels towing the explosive charge or fitted with the single sweep; these latter were to be placed at distances varying from 3 to 4 miles ahead of the ships screened. It is interesting to note that these suggested screens show, in the main, the identical features to those used at the present time for Asdic screens, showing, as they did, types of line abreast, ÒVÓ shaped and a somewhat primitive combination of both.

A very interesting statement is made in the committeeÕs 31st report dated 19th January, 1912, which shows that the question of locating the position of an invisible submarine was being considered and investigated although with indifferent results. The report stated Ð ÒThe possibility of obtaining some electric or magnetic apparatus to indicate the presence of submarines was also investigated but did not show any promise of being practicalÓ.

In May, 1912, a series of combined exercises were carried out off Portland in which both gun firing with the new types of projectiles and attacks with the single sweeps predominated. The results obtained in the first case were very satisfactory, but in the latter disappointing, due, it was shown to the fact that all ships were fitted with a sweep designed to tow at a depth of 29 feet, whilst the submarines, against whom they were operating, only drew from 8 to 10 feet of water. The committee pointed out that a modified form of single sweep, in which the point of tow was in a position midway between the kite and hydroplane, had been under trial and good results obtained. A new type of modified sweep consisting of a loop o wire 900 foot long towed between bridles and weighted kite with its upper wire buoyed by wooden floats and its lower wire weighted with two or more T.N.T. charges, had also been designed and was near completion.

On recovering this report, the Admiralty decided, firstly, to collect all vessels fitted with the single sweep into one flotilla and, secondly, to avait the results of trials with the modified sweep before deciding to adopt either type definitely.

Aeroplane trials were also carried out, for the first time, in May 1912, off Harwich and the results obtained were considered good as regards the actual locating of a partially submerged, or the track of a totally submerged submarine from heights varying from 400 to 1000 feet. It was decided that these trials should be repeated in different localities around the British Isles.

Throughout the years 1912 and 1913, trials were continued with the weapons already mentioned and with an amplified system of screening, account being taken, in stationing the vessels, of the torpedo danger zone and the consequent limiting of the approach track of the submarine for a bream shot, but nothing further was evolved.

By January 1914, the tests with the modified sweep had been so successful that 6 gunboats, 4 light cruisers and 2 destroyers has been fitted, and on 22nd January, H.M.S. GOSSAMER carried out various depth-keeping trials with live charges, the results obtained being everything that was expected and very satisfactory. These trials assures the future of the towed charge sweep, or, at any rate, a modification of it, as shown in the explosive paravane.

In April, 1914, the first experiments of one submarine stalking another and endeavouring to attack it with torpedoes unseen, were commenced, the upshot of these trials being that it was decided that this was, undoubtedly, another efficient form of anti-submarine warfare.

In May, 1914, the question of the use of nets against submariners was again investigated, a new special form of buoyed net being constructed which could be slipped and laid out from a chute in the stern of the vessel, the nets carrying explosive charges. Except for a few somewhat abortive trials at Portsmouth, no results worthy of note had been obtained from this type of net before the outbreak of war when the pre-war Submarine Committee were disbanded for officers to take up their respective war appointments. After passing through many vicissitudes, however, the question of the nets was finally settles and, by January 1917, the best forms, namely, the towed protective net, the mine net, and the drifter gate next, had all been designed and were in use.

On the outbreak of war an officer, under the title of Commander Superintendent Modified Sweep, was appointed to superintend the provision and allocation of the sweep to the A/S vessels then commissioned, and by December 1914, his staff having increased to somewhat large proportions, the Admiralty inaugurated the Submarine Attack Committee to deal with all outstanding and newly arising anti-submarine problems. This Committee presided at the Admiralty and later, under the title of Submarine Committee, were entirely responsible for all A/S development during the first two years of the war.

During the War the types and growth of the A/S measures employed were so varied and rapid that it has been impossible to compile a review of individual experiments and developments; only the barest outline of these experiments has been set forward, but greater attention has been paid to showing the conception of each essentially new idea in detail.

Immediately hostilities commenced, the Modified Sweep was fitted to a number of vessels, the greatest number being fitted in December 1916, when a heterogeneous collection of some 500 trawlers and other craft had been fitted.

Concurrently with these developments, experiments were being continued throughout the early stages of the war with the single Towed Charges, Indicator Nets of the moored, drifting and submerged towing type, Indicator Buoys for use with Loop nets, E.C. mine nets, Bomb Lances for motor boats attacking submarine on the surface, and various mines and floats for the different types of Mine net. These experiments met with varying measures of success.

It will be remembered that in August, 1911, the Submarine Committee had suggested the use of a dropping mine or explosive charge but no action had been taken in the matter until, in December.1914, the idea was again taken up, firstly for use in aeroplanes and, secondly, in ships. Such bombs were to be capable of detonation:-

(a) On striking direct.

(b) On striking underwater

Trials with these bombs led to the evolution of the moored mine and sinker, and in October, 1915, to the contact type of Lance Bomb, the predecessor of the modern Depth charge which was since been evolved into its present state.

In March, 1915, experiments were also carried out with smoke apparatus for enabling merchant ships to escape from hostile submarines, and also a form of travelling torpedo which ran down a wire secured to a grapnel which, it was hoped, would become foul of an enemy submarine.

Between March 1915 and October 1916, trials continued with various forms of Howitzers and Bomb throwers, the former being the first intimation of the ÒWeapon of PrecisionÓ which is still a requirement of the A/S Service. The latter was the predecessor of the present Depth Charge throwers.

Other suggestions which were tried in the early days of the war, but which met with scant success, were a form of ÒWalking MineÓ, the use of a special type of binocular for the easier detection of a submarineÕs periscope and trawls for locating submarines sitting on the bottom. A Mr. Ashmore claimed to be able to detect submarines with his Oil Divining Sticks and efforts were made to train seals as ÒPointersÓ.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HYDROPHONE

None of the fore-mentioned devices did anything to limit the submarineÕs capability of rendering herself invisible by diving; those devices that claimed to do so, failed. It is this capability which enabled a submarine to approach its objective unseen and to elude its enemies, however heavily armed. The only instrument developed during the first two years of war which gave any promise in this direction was the Hydrophone.

Although the principle of the Hydrophone had been applied before the outbreak of war for the purpose of the detection of subaqueous sounds such as submarine bells, etc. and for subaqueous signalling, it was not until the autumn of 1914 that it was first employed with a view to detecting submarines under water. At this time, Captain Ryan carried out a number of unofficial experiments on his own account at Rosyth, and on 26th January, 1915, he reported his discoveries to Admiral Beatty, who forwarded them to the Admiralty. The direct result of this was that in February. 1915, the Drifter TARLAIR and a small hut on Graton pier were allocated to Captain Ryan and he was directed to enrol a number of R.N.V.R. officers and ratings and set up an experimental Hydrophone station.

After this small beginning, a tremendous amount of research and experimental work was carried out on the development of hydrophones, both by Admiralty establishments and private firms and individuals. The work was not only carried out in England and allied countries, but a large amount of work was carried out in America before that country entered the war. There was a continued exchange of ideas so that it is difficult to say who was responsible for the various types of hydrophones produced.

In March, 1915, the first type of shore hydrophones were laid out from Oxcars Lighthouse and listening watch kept day and night. The results were so satisfactory that in May, 1915, the station was transferred to Inchcolm and other stations built at Elieness and Cromarty. At about the same time, it was found that the deep water channel between Inchcolm and Aberdour was very suitable for hydrophone experiments and so, in July, 1915, a small hut was erected on Hawkcraig Point and used as an observation and experimental station.

In September, 1915, the stations at Elieness and Cromarty were abandoned but the station at Hawkcraig was enlarged and in December, the Hydrophone office at Cranton was transformed to Aberdour. The actual training of personnel was removed to Hawkcraig in January, 1916, and a new station laid from Lowestoft; the latter, however, was dismantled later in 1916.

Late in 1915, the magnetophone was brought to such a state of development that it could be used in the shore hydrophones in new stations and, by this time, the P.G.S. and P.D.H. Marks I and II had been evolved for use. These hydrophones can be seen in the museum in OSPREY.

The theory of Sound Ranging was being investigated by the Army about this time and was actually used in France early in 1916; it was not taken up and experimented with by the Naval authorities until early 1917, when experiments were carried out at Culver I.O.W. and stations erected at Dover, Lowestoft, Peterhead and Flamborough Head. The object of these stations was to give the Monitors, bombarding off the Belgian Coast, reliable fixes before they commenced operations.

In February, 1916, a branch of the Board of invention and research was established at the Hawkcraig station to complete the unification of the practical, experimental and theoretical sides of hydrophone investigations, and in May, yet another two shore stations were established, one at Stanger Head (Orkneys) and the other at Culver I.O.W., the operators in each case being supplied after training from Hawkcraig.

The importance of the hydrophone service being realised more fully as time went on, further stations were established at Fidra and Inchkeith in August 1916, and the building was continued throughout this year and the next, until by the end of 1917, no fewer than 21 hydrophone listening and experimental stations had been laid out all round the coasts of the British Isles.

On December 16th, 1916, the Submarine Committee gave place to the Anti-Submarine Division at the Admiralty, an entirely new branch which was inaugurated at this date as a result of the realisation of the undreamt of menace of the German submarines activities against our Merchant Service, and the ever growing importance and necessity of the rapid development of efficient measures to counteract this menace.

The first activities of the Anti-Submarine Division oon coming into office were:-

(a) The organisation and institution of large and varied hunting patrols of destroyers, ÒPÓ Boats and other miscellaneous craft fitted out with the types of hydrophones and listening apparatus than available.

(b) The extending of the submarine versus submarine warfare.

(d) The use of auxiliary armed petrols.

(e) The arming of motor launches and other ships with Depth Charges and D.C. Throwers.

(f) The inauguration of flying patrols protected and offensively armed as the occasion demanded.

In Ferbruary, 1917, the importance of Hawkcraig having been fully realised, a large establishment was suggested and a greater number of officers and men were appointed. The premises were enlarged and in April, the station was commissioned as H.M.S. TARLAIR, the branch of the B.I.R. having transferred to the Parkeston Quay station at Harwich by the end of 1916.

In the middle of 1917, Experimental stations were fitted out at Malta and Santa Maria Di Leucha (Italy), to continue under the differing conditions experienced in the Mediterranean. H.M.S. PHOENIX was attached to the Malta station for any sea trials that might be required.

As regards to the actual progress amd development of A/S devicesduring the war, it is safe to say that the year 1917 witnessed by far the greatest strides attained in this direction.

In March 1917, investigations with the motive of the detection of a ship passing over a loop of wire on the sea bottom were carried out, and, the theoretical consideration having been reached, the practical side was then developed with the result that, in 1918, Indicator Loops had been laid across the channel from Dungeness to Hardelot on the French coast.

In May 1917, the first experiments were being carried out with Search Apparatus at Harwich by the B.I.R. , the fitting of the completed working device taking place in January 1918.

In June 1917, the first experiments with asdics were undertaken at Harwich and in October, the first Quartz oscillators were used as a means of obtaining supersonic echoes from submerged bodies, the oscillators being hung over the side of a boat or a wall and oscillatory frequencies of from 30 to 150,000 cycles being applied. At the same time, echo detection was being investigated with the source of propagation consisting of such other types as ÒSteam SirensÓ, ÒWater SirensÓ and electro-magnetic generators, none of which gave any really hopeful results with the exception of the last named.

In July 1917, we see the arrival of the first towed hydrophone, the Nash Fish. As a result of satisfactory trials with the Nash Fish, the hydrophone station which had been approved for erection at Portland was hastened and a temporary station erected at Weymouth. The employment of this type of hydrophone was also the direct cause of the establishment of the Lancashire Anti-Submarine Committee in October, their headquarters being at the college of technology, Manchester, for the investigation and promotion of experiments with all types of towed hydrophones.

As a result of the researches of this Committee, the ÒRubber EelÓ, which could be towed from either ship or aeroplane, and such improved type of Fish as the ÒLancashireÓ, the ÒKitchen FishÓ, the ÒRat Single FishÓ etc. were evolved in November 1917, and followed finally by the ÒSpherical EelÓ in December. Other experimental fish and later types, such as the ÒPorpoiseÓ, were in the experimental stage of their evolution under the Research Sub-Committee, a branch of the Lancashire Committee Established on November 25th, for carrying out all preliminary research work.

The last entirely new departure in A/S warfare developed in 1917 was the fitting, in December, of bright flares to aeroplanes or surface craft that could be fired at will at night. The object was to enable the users to illuminate hostile submarines which had come to the surface for the purpose of charging batteries, etc.

The development of the A/S service in 1918 was more in the line of general improvement and additions to existing devices rather than the actual introduction of any new material facts or instruments. Categorically then, the fish hydrophone was brought up to its final state of evolution as the ÒPorpoiseÓ in July 1918. This and the Nash Fish were the only towed directional hydrophones used to any great extent; the former did not replace the latter which was carried by a large number of miscellaneous craft in the latter part of the war.

From February to June 1918, aeroplanes and airships were employed for towing an improved type of ÒRubber EelÓ and the P.G.S. and P.D.H. hydrophones, but this form of A/S warfare was then abandoned as the results obtained did not appear conductive to any further developments or improvements.

A deep sea station was established at Dartmouth in February 1918 in order to try out in deep water, various experimental gear produced at Parkeston Quay in connection with Search Apparatus and Asdcis, the officers and men being accommodated at the Dart Hotel and a small workshop and laboratory being built. Some training was also carried out at Dartmouth until the accommodation for training at Portland had been completed. The Steam Yacht AMY was sent to Dartmouth from Portland to assist with sea experiments.

The importance of having specially qualified skilled ratings to operate these new types of highly technical apparatus in the detection of submarines had now been fully realised, and early in 1918 the R.N. Depot at the Crystal Palace was used for the purpose of selecting suitable ratings who, when passed, went for special training to the stations then available. Various apparatus was set up at the Depot, such as audiometers, intensity apparatus, etc. and the ratings, if they passed the several acuity, localisation and intensity tests, were sent on in batches to the training stations for a period of technical instruction, both theoretical and practical, before finally being sent to sea as trained operators.

The last development of note in 1918, before the closing stage of the war, was the development of the Clyde Anti-Submarine Committee in May, working under the direction of the Director of Experiments and Research, for dealing with the more theoretical side of the various problems confronting the Lancashire Committee who were themselves working under the director of the Anti-Submarine Division.

Thus, the Clyde Committee, which originally consisted of twelve members, and had their headquarters at the large Hydro at Shandon, which had been commandeered for their use, practically took the place of the original Sub-Committee. The inauguration of the Clyde Committee brings the history of the Anti-Submarine service up to the end of the war.

The various stations at which experimental and research work on Submarine Detection had been carried out now gradually closed down. A few of the scientists employed on this work went to the Admiralty Research Laboratory at Teddington.

The development of hydrophones, loops and indicator nets was allocated to the VERNON and a part of the Mine Design department. A special section of the Signal School took over the development of Asdics, carrying out experiments in ÒP.59Ó and the cruiser attached to them, until finally in 1920 what might be called the first standard set, Type 112, was fitted in some of the Portland ÒPÓ boats.

The next development in Asdics was the fitting of the 11t division of the 6th destroyer flotilla with type 114, in May 1923. This proved such a success in Fleet exercises that the other Division of this Flotilla was fitted some six months later, and then in 1925, four ÒRÓ class destroyers were fitted with Type 115 to form 1st A/S Flotilla I.

It was about this same time that the first experimental loop was laid odd the Shambles, though loops at this time still come under VERNON.

In 1927, as the result of the ÒUnificationÓ scheme the whole of A/S work was co-ordinated under Captain A/S at Portland.

In 1930, the development and instruction in Echo Sounding was added to the responsibilities of Captain A/S.

"Section 2 History of the Anti-Submarine School"

In the year 1882, a BoysTraining Establishment was opened on the site of the present A/S school. Four farm sheds, situated on the eastern slopes of the island were taken over and used as an instructional depot for boys from the three decker BOSCAWEN, then based at Portland. It is thought that these farm buildings were late seventeenth century vintage, having been erected o the eastern slopes of Portland while it was still grazing land and before the days when the eastern side of the island was quarried to complete the building of St. Pauls Cathedral.

In 1892, the establishment was commissioned as a separate command and, taking the name of BOSCAWEN as a separate training establishment from both men and boys from all ships visiting the harbour. The necessary gear for Gun Drill etc. was installed, slinging accommodation was provided, the messing arrangements were improved, the Ammunition House, then a more massive erection, was built on its present site and the present E.A.S. workshop was provided with its concrete floor. When the establishment was completed and commissioned, ratings from ships in harbour were sent up from gunnery training for periods of from one to three weeks; this continued until the year 1907.

In the meantime, in 1899, the construction of the present rifle range was commenced to replace the previous one until its completion in 1902. It then became evident that additional accommodation for men going through the range was required. As a result, a large corrugated iron living shed (demolished 1931) was removed from Portsmouth Railway Jetty and re-erected at Portland on the site of the present North Block and construction of the Seamen's heads commenced (demolished 1936).

At that time, Captain Claude Hamilton, then commanding BOSCAWEN, appears to have thought that the living shed, as approved by the Admiralty, would be liable to damage from the 9.2 inch guns of the Verne Battery. In consequence, he wrote a letter suggesting the overall height should be reduced by four feet and that- Òas the area of concussion diminished by the square of the distance from the guns , the shed should be set end on the line of fire. This was approved and the building was completed by February 1905.

Shortly afterwards the first range parties, composed of men and boys from the ships of Portland, were sent up to occupy the new accommodation. BOSCAWEN continued to functioned as a range and gunnery school until April 1907, when BOSCOWEN was relieved by the cruiser SAPPHIRE commanded by Captain (late Admiral Sir Walter) Cowan.

From then onwards, the boys were all sent to Shotley for training and the gunnery school at Portland ceased to exist. The Battery and Ammunition House were turned over to the range, though the boysÕ mess room and wash house fell into disuse.

The site continued as a rifle range until July 1914, when it, too, was closed down and left to the mercy of a small C and M party living in the dockyard and innumerable rabbits living on the spot.

Early in 1917, Captain (later Admiral Sir William) Fisher, then Director of the Anti-Submarine Division, suggested that owing to the grown of the A/S service, and experimental establishment should be built on the site or Portland Rifle Range. The original idea soon became enlarged upon as may be seen from the following extract from Admiralty Letter D.W. 0508 dated 30th July, 1917:-

ÒThe whole instructional establishment could be located on the present site of the rifle range and accommodation for 100 ratings and the necessary instructional rooms could be provided by the existing Mess shed under one roof. Two Army type huts, containing six cabins and a mess room, would be required for the officers and should be erected if possible to the north-ward of the mess shed. The existing sheds, if made ward of the mess shed. The existing sheds, if made watertight, could be made into additional lecture rooms.

The Admiralty Works representative visited Portland on 1st August, 1917, and, having conferred with all concerned, said in a report the following effect:-

(a) Tripod and moored hydrophones could be laid outside the breakwater.

(b) A second listening station could be established on the inner breakwater arms inside the fort.

(c) Exercising ground for portable and directional hydrophones could be allowed both inside and outside the breakwater and an extended exercising ground in the West Bay.

(d) The sight proposed was suitable for the erection of lecture rooms and living accommodation.

(e) Two cattle lairages in the dockyard victualing department could be used for workshops after slight reconstruction and two sheds, then in disuse on the inner breakwater arm, would serve as laboratories.

(f) The minimum time in which the establishment could be made habitable for even a small number of men would be three months, but, if great urgency was contended, one lecture room could be completed in 6 to 8 weeks. The estimates were between £3800 and £3500 for the building involved.

As a result of this report, the Admiralty sanctioned the expenditure of £5000 on building and further £5000 on the fitting out of the workshops and the purchase of material, though they subjected the general lay-out of the workshops and lecture rooms to slight modifications.

It was considered that A/S training could not await the completion of the authorised base and so, in August 1917, the temporary establishment was commissioned as H.M.S. SAREPTA this being the name allocated to the Portland establishment when completed. Officers were boarded at the Edward Hotel, whilst the ratings lived in a large shed known as the Picket House on the western side of Weymouth Town Bridge. Harbour instruction took place in a smaller shed on the other side of the old harbour and sea instruction was given in the trawler COMPANION and in the drifter PHYLLIS MARY.

The experimental side was temporary established in Portland Dockyard. The two cattle sheds and two sheds on the inner breakwater were turned into testing and outfitting shops and the Dockyard swimming bath became a testing tank for Fish hydrophones. The drifter attached to the experimental section at this time revelled in the homely name of WELCOME FRIEND.

The temporary establishment of SAREPTA appeared to be achieving good enough results to abandon the policy of building in haste and it was decided to build the school on rather more extensive lines. The work of construction started on 10th of August and, on the 11th two additional huts were ordered from the Ministry of Munitions at Sheffield. The latter decided that they could spare two (Types B and C), which had, in the past, been the Mess room and recreation room of some two dozen munition workers.

The inevitable delay and consequent ÒHastener ensued and, on 25th October, the huts reached Portland where they were immediately erected. After internal alterations to make them habitable, theoretically, they became used and known as Officers Blocks North and South. By February 1918, they were fitted with boiler heating.

Apart from the actual huts requisitioned for the establishment, a certain amount of work was carried out with local available supplies during the latter part of 1917. The old signal hut (Demolished 1937) was built and many minor structural alterations were made to the OfficersÕ quarters in the Mess shed were turned into lecture rooms, the latrines extended, the old BOSCAWAEN mess shed altered to become the Commanding OfficerÕs quarters and the battery, which had in 1907 been turned over to the range and since closed down, was over hauled and became a workshop for the maintenance of ÒFish hydrophones. In January, an up-to-date listening and instructional room, StewardsÕ quarters, a CaptainÕs office and a telephone exchange were erected with material supplied by a contractor and, when on 4th April 1918, the establishment at Portland was occupied, it was possible to provide accommodation for and give instruction to 200 officers and men.

In December 1918, H.M.S. GIBRALTAR, Captain (Later Vice Admiral Sir Humphrey) Walwyn, arrived at Portland and commenced the work of demobilising the trawlers of the auxiliary patrol. About 200 of the latter which had been fitted with ÒNash Fish hydrophones were then lying three and four abreast right across the harbour to Bincleaves.

GIBRALTAR also had three P boats and six P C boats attached to her under the command of Commander Bilyeard-Leake.

Twelve months after her arrival at Portland, the A/S School was closed down and the seatfor operations transferred to GIBRALTAR, through certain shore building were still used for instruction in ÒNash Fish and ÒK Tubes. The main building was modified at considerable expense to house officers and ratings going through the riffle range.

A/S sea instruction was then carried out in ICEWHALE and a number of small drifters, the P and P C boats still being attached to GIBRALTAR. After the result of very successful trials of the first experimental Asdic set in the P boats and of the original Type 112 sets, the school was re-opened in October 1920 and named H.M.S. SAREPTA.

The first commander of the school was Commander Farguharson, but the whole establishment came under the command of Captain Howard in GIBRALTAR. The staff consisted of about five officers and fifty ratings and the objects of the School were:-

(a) To instruct officers and ratings sent to the school prior to them joining ships fitted with ÒNash Fish or other generally used hydrophones.

(b) To carry out shore experiments with and improve the hydrophone.

(c) To administer the tenders attached to the School and based on Portland and to carry out in them the necessary sea experiments with new material sent for trial from the Admiralty Research Laboratories, combined with the sea instruction of the officers and men concerned.

At this time, the officers lived in the north and the ratings lived in the south hut; about a year or so alapsed before the arranged building was taken over again for the ratings, necessitating it being re-altered to the same plan as it had been in 1919. Both huts were then used for officers accommodation and offices, the Commanding OfficerÕs residents being a small hut erected to the north ward of the other two.

In 1923, certain extensions were made to the school, including the taking over of all previous range buildings and also sites were levelled out and beds built for the birth of a garden. It was during this year that GIBRALTAR paid off and was replaced by HEATHER, the latter being fitted with the first Type 114 set.

It was also in 1923 that sound ranging received sufficient attention to cause the building of the R/S station, which with the employments of the masts in 1925, became available for W/T and R/S fixing; the R/S hydrophones were laid at the same time.

It was at the end of 1923 that, as a result of pervious experiments in VERNON, it was decided to lay the first submarine detecting loop off the Shambles; this was followed by others laid in 1924 and 1925 and a shed was erected as a loop room (later the Museum).

On 1st April, 1924, the school was commissioned as H.M.S. OSPREY, an independent command acting as parent ship to the first A/S flotilla. The latter was supplemented in 1925 by the addition of four R class destroyers, which had then been fitted with Type 115.

During the next few years, building developments at the school consisted of mainly sheds made of any available materials and roads, paths and gardens, the product of naval labour.

The Attack Teacher House (now the procedure teacher house) came into being in 1925; into it was placed instructional gear, then of a more or less experimental nature, which was added to and modified in later years.

Captain A/S continued to remain afloat in HEATHER with his staff until, as the result of the 1925 Unification scheme to co-ordinate all A/S experimental and design work, he moved to the present office in the dockyard. This move actually took place in January 1927. In addition to the staff of Captain A/S, the scientists who had previously worked at the Admiralty Research Laboratory, the Asdic section of the Signal School and the loop and Hydrophone section from the VERNON and the necessary clerical staff also joined the new establishment.

By 1927, it had become clear that the question of future building for accommodation and instruction at the school required planning and reviewing. The policy of heterogeneous jerry-building to compete with the increased requirements of the A/S branch was clearly no good. A programme for re-building the whole establishment was made out, the outcome of which was the Chief and Petty OfficersÕ mess (finished 1928) and the Warrant OfficersÕ mess (finished 1929). It was maintained by the then Officer of Works that the site was not suitable for brick building, hence the corrugated iron.

The programme had reached this stage when the advent of the Labour Party to power brought a veto on all building of a Naval or Military nature. Later however, a visit of the Civil Lord of the Admiralty convinced him that re-building was a necessity; he advocated that the buildings should be brick, to which the new Officer of Works agreed.

After two years delay, the building programme recommenced. By the end of 1931, the present Petty OfficersÕ exetension, the Stores block, the Guard room at the Main Gate and the recreation block had been completed. The present Petty OfficersÕ extension was then occupied by the ShipÕs company. The North block and the Royal MarinesÕ barracks were completed early in 1933. Lecture rooms and temporary accommodation had to be improvised during this building period. The proposal for complete re-building of the Ward Room, Office and Lecture Room block was discarded on economic grounds.

By 1933, however, the value of Asdics started to receive a greater appreciation at the Admiralty and it was decided to fit all new destroyers and submarines as well as many auxiliary craft with the new device. In order to compete with this new policy, greater accommodation and facilities were required.

Thus, just as the 1926-27 building programme was completed, another was embarked upon. In 1934, approval was given to commence work on the building of the new Ward Room block to be followed by the building of the new Lecture Room block. It was not possible to build these two buildings concurrently owing to the complete absence of any suitable accommodation for the ward room and offices. The ward room was finally completed and occupied in July 1936, though for a period of about 12 months after completion, it was necessary to use a certain number of cabins as temporary offices. The office and lecture room block was completed early in 1938.

The following buildings were completed during 1937:-

The south block to accommodate 180 ratings, the ÒSurface Craft house, the new ÒAttack Teacher house and the extension to the recreation block. The Type 115 room was converted into a chapel and the Petty Officers moved into their Òextension .

In fact, the ÒSwan Song of the school, in its old form, might be said to have been sung in September 1937, with the demolition of WHIPSNADE, a colony of Old Army huts in indifferent condition but inhabited by sailors to the end. On this same site of the old WHIPSNADE now stands the Parade Ground and Drill Shed.

Minor additions were made to the Captains A/S offices and the experimental department from its inauguration until in August 1936, when aa considerable building programme was started. This provided for the enlargement of the test rooms, laboratories, drawing office an the extension of the A/S flotilla workshop. In addition, provision has been made for the addition of an extra storey should further expansion be necessary.

The finish of the alterations to these buildings in June of this year (1938) will complete the biggest development in the A/S establishment.

"Section 3 History of the personnel of the A/S branch"

At the conclusion of the war, when R.N.R. and R.N.V.R. officers and ratings were demobilised, there was a danger that all knowledge of Anti-Submarine methods and practices would die, since very few R.N. officers and ratings had been employed on these duties. It was only by strenuous efforts that Captain A/S persuaded their Lordships to keep the four P.C. boats in commission and to carry out A/S practices with Nash Fish and Porpoise hydrophones.

Captain Walwyn had served in the Anti-Submarine division at the Admiralty and realised the need of an Anti-Submarine branch. He eventually obtained approval to start the branch and, later, to fit three P boats with Asdics and to commission them, but this had to be done without an increase in the total numbers of officers and men attached to Gibraltar and her tenders.

Prior to 1920, the only vessels fitted with Asdics were purely for experimental purposes, with a view to producing an installation for a sea-going ship. For this work, the only personnel required were a few officers and scientists. The main submarine detecting device was still the hydrophone.

Early in 1920, Asdic installations were fitted in P.31 , P.38 , P.40 and Icewhale and it was decided to train the few remaining active service hydrophone operators in Asdic work to form the personnel for these installations.

The scheme was ro have two types of rating, namely the S.D.1st class and the S.D.2nd class; it was not, however, to be a non-substantive rate such as it is now, nor was there to be any distinguishing badge, but extra pay was to be given for the performance of this duty. The S.D.2nd class was to be an operator, pure and simple, whilst the S.D.1st class was to have additional training to enable him to take charge of the set.

Ratings for the first S.D. qualifying course were drawn from the hydrophone oeprators in the P and P.C. boats, and, on the completion of this course, in August 1920, they were drafted to the P boats and Icewhale as S.D.Õs 2nd class and so the nucleus of the branch was formed. More men were required, however, and volunteers were called for from the Atlantic Fleet. The lists were open to S.T.Õs, S.G.Õs, Trained Men and Signalmen, the Trained Men being allowed to qualify for S.T. after passing for S.D.2nd class in order that they could obtain a non-substantive rate so as to be eligible, under the regulations, for advancement in the substantive rate. The response to this call for volunteers was not very good but was sufficient to meet immediate requirements.

At this time, there were available as Instructors, three A/S officers (more or less self-taught and self-qualified) and three Petty Officers who had had previous experience in the hydrophone service. There were no S.D. Instructors as we know them now.

On 14th October, 1920, the second qualifying course for S.D.2nd class was commenced; these ratings were drawn from volunteers from the Atlantic Fleet and they were qualified in February, 1921. Meanwhile, five of the S.D.Õs 2nd class had qualified as S.D.Õs 1st class, whilst three Petty Officers qualified as S.D. Instructors in July, after a course of four months at the A/S school and six weeks at the signal school. During 1921, a further four A/S officers were qualified.

By the end of 1921, the branch was, more or less, established, having seven A/S officers, three S.D. Instructors, seventeen S.D.Õs 1st class and twenty S.D.Õs 2nd class. There was still no non-substantive rate.

During 1922, there were very few new entries as no more ships were fitted with Asdics but, in 1923, approval was given for Home Fleet destroyers to be fitted necessitating a large increase in the personnel. Instructors were badly needed and, as there were few S.D.Õs 1st class eligible to take the course, it was necessary to invite S.P.O. Telegraphists and P.O. telegraphists to volunteer for this service. Eight did so and all were passed as S.D instructors at the end of 1923.

During 1924-25, a great advance was made in Asdic ship-fitting; four R class destroyers were fitted and attached to OSPREY for instructional and tactical exercises and two Fleet Flotillas were fitted, the sixth Flotilla in the Home Fleet and the second Flotilla in the Mediterranean. Subsequently, the first A/S Flotilla at Portland has undergone many changes to bring it to its present composition.

The training of ratings for the branch proceeded steadily until 1928, in which year it was realised that the flow of volunteers was insufficient to meet the requirements. This was largely due to the fact that the S.D. rating did not hold a definite non-substantive rate to enable him to obtain substantive advancement without having also to qualify as S.T. Obviously this system was most unsatisfactory and the whole S.D. branch was reorganised to include the new non-substantive rating of S.D. Operator and volunteers were now to be drawn from trained men. Prior to June, 1926, it was necessary for an accepted volunteer to gold a Superior for ability; this has now been waived and ratings with Satisfactory ability are acceptable.

By 1928 there were quite a number of Signalmen qualified as S.D. ratings. As they did not fit in with the complements of destroyers no more were taken after 1928. Most of those already qualified volunteered for service in submarines where they could, more readily, be absorbed but there are still at the present time (1938), two signalmen serving as S.D. ratings in the general service.

After many and repeated efforts, the distinguishing badge was introduced in 1930 and then the permanency of the branch was visible, as well as definitely, established. The S.D. distinguishing badge may not be worn, however, by any of the communication branch or by telegraphist detectors who are trained in OSPREY for the Asdic installations in submarines.

In 1930, the non-substantive rating of S.D.2nd class was abolished but ratings still holding this rating and unable to qualify as S.D.1st class were permitted to retain the rating until they left the service. There are now (1938) five of these ratings still serving.

In 1936, the pay of all S.D. ratings was raised by 3d. per day. This concession was granted in view of the importance of the work and the responsibility which the S.D. rating has to undertake in time of war. They pay of S.D. ratings is now as follows:-

S.D Instructors - 1/6d per day

S.D 1st class - 1/- per day

S.D. Operators - 6d. per day

NEW ENTRIES

The regulations state that ratings qualifying as Submarine Detectors must not be over the age of 25 on joining OSPREY, they must be assesed as Satisfactory or above for ability, have full normal hearing and must not suffer from excessive sea-sickness. This latter regulation is introduced owing to the large amount of time to be spent in small ships. Ratings may volunteer as Ordinary Seamen but they cannot be accepted until they have been rated Able Seamen.

Names of volunteers are forwarded to OSPREY on forms S.1303b (copy to the depot concerned) and may be forwarded at any time. If acceptable in OSPREY, the ship and depot are informed accordingly and the names are placed on a roster. OSPREY keeps the three depots informed of the dates of commencement of classes and the number of ratings required from each Home port for each class; the depots are then responsible that as many volunteers as possible are sent to OSPREY on the dates required. It is rarely possible for the maximum number to be made available for each course.

Ratings who fail to qualify, or who are found unsuitable during the course, are returned to depot from OSPREY and their names removed from the volunteer roster.

SERVICE IN OSPREY

As soon as a rating qualifies as an S.D. rating, OSPREY becomes his depot instead of his home port barracks. On completion of his course and at other times when awaiting draft, he remains in OSPREY. For this reason and because of the remoteness of Portland, Home service leave in OSPREY is extended to 28 days per year with one Long Week-end and one Short Week-end per month.

DRAFTING

There is a drafting office in OSPREY which, in reality, is a branch office of the drafting offices at the three home ports. Though OSPREY becomes the depot for all S.D. ratings, they still remain on the books of their own home ports and serve in ships manned from their home port.

As the branch is small, the drafting margin is insufficient to relieve a whole flotilla (56 ratings), on each occasion of re-commissioning and it is necessary, therefore, to relieve a proportion of ratings at every leave period in the Home Fleet and every ten months for those on Foreign Service. This system has the disadvantage of breaking up commissions as far as S.D. ratings are concerned, by periodical changed of 1 or 2 men per ship, but it is unavoidable.

As a general rule, each man will do his 2 years in the Home Fleet and 2 ½ years on Foreign Service irrespective of the dates of decommissioning, but it often happen that ratings are called in for higher qualifying courses before completing their allotted period in their ships.

Rosters are kept in OSPREY showing each ratingsÕ Longest at Home Basic data, record of service, etc. so that it can be seen at a glance who is due for sea, home or Foreign Service. Fifteen month sea service as Home and one year foreign are necessary for an amended basic date so that every endeavour is made for ratings to serve for at least those periods without being relieved.

All nominations for draft are made in OSPREY to the appropriate home port who conquer (or otherwise) and issue the necessary drafting instructions. OSPREY are responsible that ratings are nominated when required as sea relieves and for new commitments (ships building, etc.).

RATINGS FOR HIGHER NON-SUBSTANTIVE COURSES

The names of ratings recommended for higher S.D. courses are forwarded by Commanding Officers to OSPREY on Form S.1303b (copy to the depot concerned). If qualified under the regulations, these names are put on a roster in OSPREY and arrangements made for their reliefs when required for the higher course.

S.D. NUMBERS

The policy at the present time (1938) is to train sufficient ratings to meet the requirements on mobilisation and it is hoped to reach this figure by 1940. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for OSPREY instructional staff to work at full pressure for the next two years. It is anticipated that there will be over 1300 ratings in the branch by 1940.

VOLUNTEERS

The flow of the volunteers at the present time is satisfactory, the numbers being nearly equal to the heavy requirements, but there is still a heavy percentage of failures. This is due, almost entirely, to the high standard required of the S.D. ratings.

TELEGRAPHISTS DETECTORS

A very large number of submarines are now fitted with Asdics and the entire work of maintenance and operating is now done by the wireless ratings in the submarine. Every wireless rating now joining the submarine branch has to qualify as a Telegraphist Detector in OSPREY and such ratings already in the branch are sent to qualify as opportunities offer. These ratings may, subsequently, qualify as Higher Telegraphist Detectors and Telegraphist Detector Instructors. Two off the latter ratings are borne in OSPREY for the instruction of T.D. ratings.

There is no distinguishing badge for T.D. ratings but they receive special allowances when employed on these duties.

All drafting of T.D. ratings is done by DOLPHIN who arranged courses to meet requirements direct with OSPREY.

BOAT SWAINS A/S

Prior to 1931, there was no warrant rank in the A/S branch. S.D. ratings, who wish to advance to warrant rank, had to desert the branch to do so. Five of the original Petty Officer Telegraphists, S.D. instructors, took this step and reverted to the W/T branch to become Warrant Telegraphists. Two other ratings, non-telegraphists, had ambitions in this respect and as their cases are somewhat unique, they are worth relating.

(a) Petty Officer W.E. Wright was a Seaman Gunner before he joined the S.D. branch. He rose to become an S.D. instructor and requested to be allowed to qualify for warrant rank. EXCELLENT refused to consider him as a possible candidate for Gunner and VERNON were very reluctant to have him as a possible candidate for Gunner T. VERNON were eventually prevailed upon to take him much against their wish but, feeling quite certain that he would never succeed in the Whitehead part of the course, they did not think they were letting themselves in for anything. Wright passed the course with ease, in spite of no sea-goingtorpedo experience, was sent to sea as a T.G.M. and finally promoted to acting Gunner T to a date 1st January, 1931.

(b) Leading Seaman G.A. Saunders was a Seaman Torpedoman prior to becoming an S.D. first class when he was requested to be allowed to qualify for warrant rank. After the experience of Wright, the difficulties with regard to Saunders were more easily overcome. He was rated T.G.M. in febraury, 1930 and eventually promoted to acting Gunner T on 1st January, 1933.

The Boatswain rank was opened up to the S.D. branch in 1930 when it was agreed that Boatswains S/D would be employed as ordinary Boatswains, on promotion, and until a suitable A/S appointment could be found. The first five Boatswains S/D all qualified as ordinary Boatswains and the first three were employed as such on promotion.

Mr. Saunders (above), although not promoted to Gunner T until 1933, had entered the torpedo branch and was a T.G.M. in 1930. He was, therefore, ineligible for promotion to Boatswain S/D.

There are now fifty Boatswains in the A/S branch and three ratings are fully qualified in readiness for the next course (1938). The title was altered from Boatswain S/D to Boatswains A/S in May 1935 and, subsequently, all candidates are required to undergo a special course for Boatswain A/S in substitution for the ordinary BoatswainÕs course.

There are now sixteen authorised appointments for Boatswains A/S but until sufficient officers are available, the appointments are to be held by Lieutenants A/S.

In addition to promotions to warrant rank, there is one case of an ex: S.D. rating having qualified for the rank of Lieutenant under the Mate Scheme. He was Able Seaman N.C. Easey, S.D. 1st class and is now Lieutenant Easey of seniority 1st October, 1932.

"Section 4 History of the Anti Submarine School Crest"

THE HISTORY OF THE S.D. BADGE

The Anti-submarine School (OSPREY) crest was designed by Commander H.R. Sawbridge, D.S.O. in May, 1923, when he was the Commander of the Anti-submarine School. The following are the words of the designer:-

When designing a badge for the Anti-submarine service, many suggestions were considered which, though possibly appropriate at the present time, nevertheless were not such as might be expected to remain so, as the Anti-submarine service is still in its infancy, and recent developments have shown that the future is pregnant with possibilities, and future Anti-submarine apparatus is likely to be very different from present.

It was evident that if a badge were to be designed which would be applicable at the present stage and agreeable to future conditions, it would be necessary to produce one in nature emblematic.

At the outset, monograms and initials were rejected as being uninspiring and lacking in imagination.

Consideration was given to simple design showing e.g., an eagle holding a grenade in its claws a submarine impaled upon a trident a submarine rent by an explosion and so forth, but, finally, it was considered that an OSPREY with a Shark (or Dog Fish) as its prey absolutely met the case.

The OSPREY (Pandion haiiaetus) or Fishing Hawk was chosen for the following reasons:-

(a) It is strictly a piscivorous bird.

(b) It is practically universal, being found in nearly all parts of the world.

(c) It attacks fish submerged at a considerable depth below the surface of the water, suddenly darting or falling upon them, and if need be becomes completely submerged for the purpose. Owing to its sudden darting tactics after the detection of the quarry the Italians have named it Aquila Plumbina or Leaden Eagle .

(d) It has great powers of detecting fish submerged, and when young can even be trained to catch fish (q.v. Morris British Birds ).

(e) It is wont at times to hunt in company the similarity of their pursuit by no means seeming to interfere with that harmony which should ever prevail among members of the same family (ibid).

(f) It is also suggestive of the employment of aircraft and these are important factors in Anti-Submarine work.

The shark has been chosen as an emblematic of the Anti-Submarine quarry in that it is, so to speak, a pirate of the sea ad mortal foe of most other fish and an enemy of man.

(a) It moves for the most part near the surface.

(b) Its presence I often made known by the sight of its dorsal fin indicative of the submarines periscope.

(d) It is practically universal, but is less common in frigid zones.

(e) It is of extraordinary vitality.

(f) Threshers (a species of Dog Fish) have been known to attack even large whales.

(g) Sharks will follow ships for long periods.

(h) In some localities, where the water is comparatively shallow, Sharks are wont to ground on the botton during quiescent periods.

The crest for the Anti-submarine school has been designed on the above lines and includes the motto No Exeat ( Let him not escape Don t let him go etc.), and it is thought that a Ship s Badge on similar lines to be mounted over the Main Gates and on the Quarter Deck will be appropriate.

(Dated May, 1923)

THE HISTORY OF THE S.D. BADGE

May, 1921 A badge consisting of a pair of telephones with a star above for S.D.2ND class was in existence. Captain A/S informed the Admiralty that the authorisation could not be traced.
July, 1921 Above badge was forbidden by Admiralty. Promise of suitable badge when the branch is on a sound footing.
October, 1922 Approval given for submission of a design for a badge.
January, 1923 Suggestion of OSPREY and DOGFISH for a badge. This was the occasion of the production of the famous and classic document giving the reasons for adopting the Piscivorous Bird as our crest.
March, 1923 Whole question of a badge was again vetoed by the Admiralty.
September, 1924- Approval asked for badge as above.
October, 1924- Not approved by Admiralty.
March, 1925- Question again raised by OSPREY.
June, 1925- Admiralty again refused but ordered a conference for July, 1925.
July, 1925- Conference understood to be in favour but nothing happened.
December, 1925- Admiralty were requested to promulgate the decision of the conference. Reply- NOT approved.
November, 1927- Conference at Admiralty about the S.D. rate. No record of who proposed it or when.
September,1928- Approval given for badge, to be simpler than the several designs submitted to date. A submarine pierced by two harpoons was most popular.
January,1929- Captain forwarded to D.S.D. copies of all designs which had been suggested including the original Piscivorous Bird and Fish . This was done, apparently, for information only.
February, 1929- The original Bird and Fish was approved and manufactured- BUT-
August, 1929- On the Treasury being approached for a gratuitous first issue, they said No and, moreover, condemned the whole badge as being too expensive and excuse for an increase in S.D. pay.
September, 1929- Alternative designs submitted and the present one approved.
December, 1929- Free issue approved.
February, 1930- Sample badge displayed.
October, 1930- Badges issued.

"Appendices"

1. List of Captains A/S.

2. List of Commanders in Command and Commanders I in OSPREY.

3. List of Commanders X.

4. List of A/S Long Course Officers.

5. List of Boatswains A/s/

CAPTAINS A/S

Name/ Ship/ Date

Captain H.T. Walwyn, D.S.O. / GIBRALTER/ 1919-1920

Captain R. Howard-/GIBRALTER/ 1920-1922

Captain G.L. Massey, D.S.O. / GIBRALTER/ 1922-1924

HEATHER

Captain S.D. Tillard / HEATHER/ 1924-1926

Captain W.B. Mackenzie/ HEATHER/ 1926-1928

OSPREY

Captain A.J.L. Murrey, / OSPREY/1928-1930

D.S.O., O.B.E.

Captain J.G. Grace /OSPREY/ 1930-1932

Captain D.A. Budgen-/OSPREY/ 1932-1934

Captain H.E. Morse, D.S.O./OSPREY/ 1934-1936

Captain W.E. Parry/OSPREY/ 1936-1938

Captain A.C.G. Madden /OSPREY/ 1938-

COMMANDERS IN COMMAND AND COMMANDERS I IN OSPREY

Name/Duty/ Date

Commander W.N. Lapage/ In Command/1927-1919

SAREPTA

Commander J.P. Farquharson,/ In Command/1919-1921

D.S.O., O.B.E. A/S School

Commander H.R. Sawbridge/ A/S School/ 1921-1924

O.B.E.

Commander J.G. Grace/ OSPREY/ 1924-1926

Commander E.T. Wickham/ OSPREY / 1924-1926

O.B.E. Commander I

Commander R. Kerr/ Commander I / 1930-1932

Commander E.S.F. Fegan/ Commander I / 1932-1934

Commander A. Bowman/ Commander I / 1934-1936

Commander J.W. Farquhar/ Commander I / 1936-

COMMANDERS X

Name/Date

Commander C.N.E. Currey/ 1927-1929

Commander O.W. Cornwallis, O.B.E./ 1929-1931

Commander P.F. Cooper/ 1931-1933

Commander N.J. William-Powlett, D.S.C./ 1933-1935

Commander R.J.R. Dendy/ 1935-1937

Commander F.J. Walker/ 1937-

A/S LONG COURSE OFFICERS

1919

Lieut. Comdr H. W. Fawcett

Lieut. V. G. Shortridge

Lieut. G. St. J. A. Taylor

Lieut. N. J. William-Powlett D.S.C.

1921

Lieut. P. A. Maitland D.S.C

Lieut. M. H. Hopkins

Lieut. G. C. Steele V.C.

Lieut. F. J. Walker

1922

Lieut. P. F. Cooper

Lieut. J. W. Farquhar

Lieut. E. H. Mann

Lieut. N. A. Prichard

Lieut. J. W. Heath

1923

Lieut. J. A. Binnie

Lieut. A. H. M. Dunn D.S.C.

Lieut. B. S. Davies

Lieut. G. D. S Johnson

Lieut. J. C. D. Esdaile R.A.N.

Lieut. M. A. Wood R.C.N.

Lieut. H. G. K. Melville R.A.N.

1924

Lieut. H. R. Tate

Lieut. F. M. Mason

Lieut. K. B. Wilson

Lieut. A. S. D. Ryder

1925

Lieut. H. M. Newcomb

Lieut. R. J. R. Dendy

Lieut. R. T. Hamilton

Lieut. G. A. Neville

1926

Lieut. A. R. Pressey R.C.N.

Lieut. P. G. L. Cazalet

Lieut. D. V. Clift

Lieut. B. E. Kendall

Lieut. G. C. Ford

1927

Lieut. F. V. du Pasquier

Lieut. W. F. Hollins

Lieut. S. H. K. Spurgeon R.A.N.

Lieut. R. Jefferson

1928

Lieut. J. C. Hampson

Lieut. J. A. H. Hunter

Lieut. J. G. Farrant

1931

Lieut. C. D. H. Johnston

Lieut. C. E. E. Paterson

Lieut. E. H. Tilden

Lieut. A. W. Jackson

1932

Lieut. A. L. Lawford

Lieut. W. C. Hudson

Lieut. H. W. Falcon-Steward

Lieut. E. C. Bayldon

1933

Lieut. T. W. S. J. Lemon

Lieut. S. A. Cuthbert

Lieut. J. C. H. Nelson

Lieut. K. H. Fraser

Lieut. I. M. Carss

Lieut. A. W. A. Kettle

Lieut. P. W. Burnett

Lieut. A. J. H. Carslaw

1934

Lieut. V. D. Mansell

Lieut. C. R. S. Farquhar

Lieut. H. Day

Lieut. A. C. Price

Lieut. L. H. Landman

1935

Lieut. G. A. G. Ormsby

Lieut. P. M. Bliss

Lieut. J. Grant

Lieut. J. Clutton-Baker

Lieut. C. E. R. Sharp

Lieut. A. Gracie

Lieut. C. W. North

Lieut. A. W. Goldsmith

1936

Lieut. G. R. Cadiz

Lieut. B. McC. Smith

Lieut. R. Whinney

Lieut. G. J. Luther

Lieut. F. A. L. H. Watson

Lieut. J. P. Moose

1937

Lieut. H. C. B. Coleridge

May Lieut. V. D. Ravenscroft

Lieut. R. P. C. OÕSullivan

Lieut. E. G. Knapton

Lieut. D. R. Mitchell

1937

Lieut. Comdr. J. W. Jefford R.I.N

July Lieut. J. D. Gemmill

Lieut. R. M. Crawford

Lieut. R. M. D. Ponsonby

Lieut. E. M. Usherwood

1938

Lieut. G. O. Symonds

May Lieut. G. S. Corelett

Lieut. D. R. Mallinson

Lieut. J. B. C. Porter

Lieut. J. T. Kimpton

1938

Lieut. R. W. Mayo

July Lieut. G. H. D. Williams

Lieut. E. N. Walmsley

Lieut. J. L. Woollcombe

Lieut. B. S. Pemberton

Lieut. G. E. Luckett

Lieut. R. H. Colverwell

Lieut. A. E. M. Raynsford

Lieut. G. F. E. Knox R.A.N.

BOAT SWAINS A/S

Name Seniority

Mr. F. W. Lewis 1-7-31

Mr. F. H. Gray 1-10-32

Mr. D. M. Frost 1-1-33

Mr. F. H. Hollands 1-4-34

Mr F. J. N. Gallagher 1-1-36

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