St Tudno
Built by: Fairfield Govan, Glasgow. (Yard No 618)
Built for: Liverpool & North Wales Steamship Company Liverpool.
Launched: 2nd February 1926.
Engine: 4 steam turbines SR geared to 2 shafts.
Weight: 2326 Gross Tons,
Length: 319 feet
Breadth: 44.1 feet
Draft: 9 feet.
Speed: 19 knots.
Number of Passengers: 2,943
Requisitioned: September 1939
Returned to owner: 1947
Scrapped: Withdrawn from service at the end of 1962 season and broken up at Ghent 19th April 1963.)
Pre 1939. St Tudno was an excursion ship which sailed between Liverpool and Llandudno/Menai Bridge, a hundred mile round journey.
September 1939 Requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an Armed Boarding Vessel.
28 May 1940.HMS St Tudno participated in the evacuation of Dunkirk rescuing and estimated 4,000 troops.
June 1940. ST TUDNO (Cdr J C Collie) was at Chatham.
15 Dec 40. Frederick Bullen, Act/Leading Seaman, C/J 16867 Royal Navy (H.M.S. St. Tudno.) aged 46, died.
June 1941. Under conversation to a Depot Ship for minesweepers which were based at Queenborough, Kent, England. A depot ship is an auxiliary ship used as a mobile or fixed base for submarines, destroyers, minesweepers, fast attack craft, landing craft, or other small ships with similarly limited space for maintenance equipment and crew dining, berthing and relaxation.
1 July 1941. Arrived at Queenborough as Depot Ship for the Minesweepers.
From ROYAL NAVY SHIPS, 1 July 1941, Sheerness, Minesweeping depot ship - ST TUDNO (Capt P. S. Smith) at Sheppey.
January 1942. From ROYAL NAVY SHIPS, Sheerness, Base ship - WILDFIRE at Sheerness. Minesweeping Depot Ship - ST TUDNO at Queenborough Pier, Isle of Sheppey.
15 April 1943 HMS St Tudno moved temporarily to Holehaven (Canvy Island).
The Navy Land Base at Queenborough change of name from HMS St Tudno to HMS Wildfire III.
22 March 1944. THORNTON, Henry A, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 180327, St Tudno, DOWS. (Died of Wounds)
October and November 1944. HMS St Tudno was at the Scheldt Estuary where Queenborough Minesweepers gained high praise and many medals when they cleared the Scheldt Estuary of mines.
November 1944 to March 1945. St Tudno with the Queenborough, Minesweepers was working off the Dutch coast and clearing passages into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder.
Many of the commendations the crews of the Queenborough Minesweeper received concluded “and by so doing shortening the war.
May 1945. HMS St Tudno was back at Queenborough.
HMS St Tudno Badge presented to Charles Houghton.
WILLIAM HENRY VINE
Barry Vine, son of William Henry Vine, Petty Officer, Engineer, who served on board HMS St Tudno tells us about his Dad.
William Henry Vine was a mechanic who worked on the engines and Axillary engines of HMS St Tudno and the MMS (Motor Mine Sweepers) and BYMS (British Yard Mine Sweepers) which accompanied her in her mammoth task of clearing the mines from the coast of Europe, particularly the Scheldt and opening up the Port of Antwerp. William, while on the St Tudno went on to clear the mines from the Dutch Ports, opening them up for ships carrying food for a starving Dutch population.
While off Cherbourg, which was still occupied by the Germans, William recalls bullets hitting his ship.
As a mechanic, although based on the St Tudno, William was transferred from one minesweeper after another to undertake mechanical repairs.
William recollects that after a mine exploded, the Captain was often asked, “Permission to pick up a fry?” The fish killed by the explosion were recovered and fish and chips were on the menu for tea that night.
Captain Hopper had a Morris 8 car and more than once William was asked to undertake repairs to it.
The St Tudno was part of Operation Fortitude, sweeping mines to mislead the German high command as to the location of the invasion. Operation Fortitude was to create the impression that an invasion was aimed at the Pas de Calais.
Barry, Williams son, when a young boy, went on board St Tudno and met Captain Hopper.
Now the St Tudno had a problem… To entertain Barry, he would be given a wellington boot and go around walloping the cockroaches.
Fred with a friend on the Queenborough (Wildfire III) Pier waiting for the ferry to Southend for some R&R.
HMS ST TUDNO arriving at Terneuzen. Scheldt Estuary, Netherlands.
ST TUDNO
Minesweeper Depot Ship at Queenborough.
When the Accommodation/Depot ship arrived at the Naval Base, HMS Wildfire II at Queenborough in July 1941, the name of the base changed to that of the ship, HMS St Tudno.
HMS St Tudno was named after Saint Tudno who is the patron saint of Llandudno (also named after St Tudno.)
Fred on board HMS Rajah, a Lend lease aircraft carrier. After making two round trips to Colombo to pick up troops and personnel and return them to England, in April 1946, HMS Rajah was taken in for repairs at HM Dockyard, Chatham.
Watch these short videos about the Wildfire III Minesweepers.
Dunkirk Roll of Honour: https://youtu.be/ZT8etdAdjT4
Minesweepers: https://youtu.be/aTsYiZFzv5M
D-day minesweepers: https://youtu.be/ZjlA5LxCAsg
Clearing the Scheldt: https://youtu.be/8ELsc9T3Lbw
The Relief of Holland: https://youtu.be/GghYEFHmOfY
AWARDS AND CITATIONS WON BY OFFICERS AND MEN ON HMS ST TUDNO.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches. DSM, Distinguished Service Medal. DSC, Distinguished Service Cross. DSO, Distinguished Service Order. T, Temporary. (Temporary meant for the duration of the War) A, Acting (Usually preceded being made up to the higher rank.) Lt, Lieutenant. Lt-Com, Lieutenant Commander. RNVR, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. CPO, Chief Petty Officer. PO, Petty Officer. MSF, Minesweeping Flotilla.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
BARRETT, Gordon, C/JX260440, Coder, 3 Apr 45, MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the
Scheldt estuary of mines Sep-Nov 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
BOX, John William, Lt RNVR 3 Apr 45, MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines Sep-Nov 1944.
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
BOYCE, Herbert, Lt-Com. A/Electrical, RNVR. 3 Apr 45. DSC awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines Sep-Nov 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
CLAPHAM, John Arthur, C/JX262912, Signalman. 3 Apr 45, MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
DALBY, Ernest Robert, A/Lt Cdr RNR. 4 Sep 45, MID awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland.
2 Jun 43 MID (second) Minesweeping MID awarded Birthday Honours.
DSM, Distinguished Service Medal.
EACOTT, Francis James, C/MX71389, PO Wireman. 3 Apr 45, Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches and DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
GILLING, John Phillips, T/A/Lt Cdr RNR 11 Jun 42. Minesweeping. MID awarded King's Birthday Honours 1942.
1 Jan 43, DSC awarded New Year Honours 1943. 3 Apr 45
3 Apr 45, Second MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
GILROY, Frederick William, T/A/Lt Cdr RNR. 2 Jun 43, Minesweeping MID awarded King's Birthday Honours 1943.
13 Feb 45. 101st Minesweeping Flotilla MID awarded for courage and skill in minesweeping operations during the landing of Allied Forces in Normandy - Operation Neptune.
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross and MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
GREEN, John, T/A/Lt Cdr RNR, 1 Jan 44, Minesweeping - DSC awarded Ney Year Honours 1944.
3 Apr 45. MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
GILROY, Frederick William, T/A/Lt Cdr RNR. 2 Jun 43 Minesweeping - First MID awarded King's Birthday Honours 1943.
13 Feb 45, 101st MSF, MID awarded for courage and skill in minesweeping operations during the landing of Allied Forces in Normandy - Op Neptune.
DSO, Distinguished Service Order and MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
HOPPER, Humphrey Greenwood, A/Captain RN. 9 Dec 44, DSO. Minesweeping - DSO awarded for distinguished service in hazardous minesweeping operations in the mouth of the Scheldt and the Approaches to Ostend.
4 Sep 45, MID awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland. Op Fireball.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
JESSHOPE, Amos Wilfred, C/LX20966. CPO Steward. 3 Apr 45, MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
JOHNSON, George Stanley, LT/JX194152. Telegraphist. 3 Apr 45 MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of September to November 1944.
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
JOLLY, Leonard, T/A/Lt Cdr RNVR. 7 Sep 45, DSC. Minesweeping - DSC awarded for courage, skill and devotion to duty in HM Minesweepers in clearing the German Skaggerak mine barrier. Op Cleaver.
BEM, British Empire Medal.
LEE, Ronald Douglas,C/MX65247. PO Wireman. HMS St Tudno (Sheerness) for HMT Ebor Wyke (M/S) 8 Jun 44, BEM (British Empire Medal, awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.) Minesweeping - BEM awarded in King's Birthday Honours for putting out a fire on board his ship.
DSM, Distinguished Service Medal.
LUFF, William Henry, C/MX97188, Leading Wireman. 3 Apr 45, DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of September to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches four times plus DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
MOTSON, Norman Wingfield, T/A/Lt Cdr RNVR. HMT Ben Glas, 11 Jun 42. MID. Minesweeping - First MID awarded King's Birthday Honours 1942.
HMT Ben Glas, 1 Jan 43, MID. Second MID awarded New Year Honours 1943.
MMS 29. 14 Nov 44, MID. Third MID awarded for Op Neptune. (The Royal Navy side of D-day.)
HMS St Tudno. 3 Apr 45. MID. Fourth MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of September to November 1944.
HMS St Tudno. 4 Sep 45. DSC awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland.
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
Pictor, James Douglas, Temp. Lieut. R.N.R.. DSC. 01.07.1941. HMS St Tudno (minesweeper depot, Sheerness) (for minesweeping duties)
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
PISANI. N. L. J. Lieut.-Com, DSO, DSC. Lieut.-Com, Pisani was on the Scoot, (Dutch, flat bottomed boat) the Patria at Dunkirk. Admiralty, 7th June, 1940, DSC. The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following reward for good services in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk: Lieutenant-Commander Neville Lionel John Pisani, D.S.C., Royal Navy (Retired)
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
POUNDER, Reginald Deighton, P/MX66903, Chief Motor Mechanic Fourth Class, 4 Sep 45, MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland.
DSM, Distinguished Service Medal.
POWELL, Calvert William, C/J113341, Yeoman of Signals. 3 Apr 45 DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches three times plus DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
ROE, John Stanley, T/Lt RNR (later T/Cdr RNR) HMY Aronia, 1 Jan 41. MID. Minesweeping - First MID awarded New Year Honours 1941.
HMS St Tudno, 1 Jan 42. MID. Second MID awarded New Year Honours 1942.
HMS St Tudno, 11 Jun 42 DSC. DSC awarded King's Birthday Honours 1942.
HMS Liberty (Algerine Class M/S, now T/Cdr RNR) 13 Nov 45 MID. Third MID awarded for devotion to duty and outstanding endurance during mine clearance operations which entailed the working of very long hours in the Elbe and Weser rivers over the period March-June 1945.
DSM, Distinguished Service Medal.
SLATER, Owen George, C/MX52808, CPO Writer. 4 Sep 45. DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
TURNER, Douglas Harry, C/LDX4739. A/Yeoman of Signals. 4 Sep 45 MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for courage and determination while serving in HM Minesweepers in clearing a passage into Rotterdam, Yjmuiden and Den Helder thereby making possible the swift relief of Holland.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches twice plus DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
WHITE, James Thomson, WS2780. A/Skipper Lt RNR. HMT Larch (M/S) 11 Jul 40. MID. Minesweeping - First MID awarded for distinguished service.
HMS St Tudno. 11 Jun 42. DSC. DSC awarded in King's Birthday Honours 1942.
HMS St Tudno. 3 Apr 45. Second MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
MID, Mentioned in Dispatches.
WOODS, Cecil Giffard, P/MX67527. Chief Motor Mechanic (L). 3 Apr 45 MID. Minesweeping - MID awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
DSC, Distinguished Service Cross.
WRIGHT, Bernard Joseph Maxwell, A/Lt Cdr RNVR. 3 Apr 45 DSC. Minesweeping - DSC awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
DSM, Distinguished Service Medal.
WILLIAMS, Ernest, C/JX216194, Coder. 3 Apr 45. DSM. Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.
OFFICERS from the Navy List AUGUST 1940
Commander, RNR. J. C. Collie (ret). 8 Jan 40
Commander, RNR. P. O. Davis, RD. 5 Sept 39.
Lieut-Com. C. W. E. Corlett (ret). May 40.
Lieutenant, E. W. Arkle (ret) 24 Apr 40.
Lieut-Com(E) L. J. Fox (ret) 3 June40.
Temp. Lieut. (E), RNR, M. Inglis, Oct 39.
Shipt. Lieut – Com. H. R. Lillicrap (ret). 15 Jan 40.
Temp Sub-Lieut (E) RNR. I. G. Bowle, Oct 39.
Temp Sub-Lieut (E) RNR. A. Gardner. Oct 39.
Wt. Engineer, R. H. Wright (ret) 24 Apr 40.
OFFICERS from the Navy List June 41
Only one officer listed. This was when the St Tudno was being converted to a Depot/Accommodation Vessel.
Lieut-Com. N. L. J. Pisani. DSO, DSC. 22 Feb 41.
OFFICERS from the Navy List Aug 41
Captain, P. S. Smith, 30 June 41
Lieut.-Com, N. L. J. Pisani, DSO, DSC. 22 Feb 41.
Lieut.-Com. C. G. K. Hayhoe (ret), 1 June 41.
OFFICERS from the Navy List Feb 1942
Captain, P. S. Smith. 30 June 41
Secretary Temp. Paym. Lieut. J. Wharton, 20 Feb 40
Lieut.-Com. J. C. Fison (ret). 14 July 41
Lieut.-Com. C. G. R. Hayhoe, DSC (ret) 1 June 41
Lieutenant E. W. Arkle (ret) 24 Apr 40
Cd. Boatswain D. Milne, 1 June 41
For Minesweeping Duties.
Commander W. C. Johnson, DSO, DSC (ret) 1 May 40
Lieut.-Com. J. A. McArthur (ret) 26 July 40
Lieut.-Com. RNR . F. G. Rogers. 6 Dec 41
Temp. Lieut. Com. R.N.R. J. G. Gilling (act) 1 July 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. D. Pictor, DSC. 1 July 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. Green. 23 June 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. S. Roe. 1 July 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. E. R. Dalby. 25 Aug 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. E. F. Cockman. 22 Dec 41
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. H. C. Norton. 27 Nov 39.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. P. M. Herring. 27 Nov 39.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. G. L. Hanson . 21 Sept 40.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. G. J. Norris. 1 Nov 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. W. L. M. Merrett. 1 Nov 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. W. Johnson. 27 Nov 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. D. L. Owen. 3 Dec 4.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. W. G. Hewett . 5 Jan 42.
OFFICERS from the Navy List August 42
Captain. P. S. Smith, 30 June 41.
Secretary Temp. Paym. Lieut. J. Wharton, RNVR. 20 Feb 40.
Lieut.-Com. J. C. Fison (ret) 14 July 41.
Lieut.-Com. C. G. R. Hayhoe, DSC (ret) 1 June 41.
Lieut-Com. (E) L. J. Fox (ret) 1 July 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. C. G. Meacham. 9 Dec 41.
Cd. Boatswain. D. Milne. 1 June 41.
For Minesweeping Duties.
Commander W. C. Johnson, DSO, DSC (ret) 1 May 40.
Lieut.-Com. J. A. McArthur (ret) 26 July 40.
Temp. Lieut. Com. R.N.R. J. G. Gilling (act) 1 July 41.
Temp. Lieut. Com. R.N.R., J. R. Matthews (act),13 July 42.
Temp. Lieut. Com. R.N.V.R. H. C. Norton (act) 27 Nov 39
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. D. Pictor, DSC. 1 July 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. Green. 23 June 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. J. S. Roe. 1 July 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. E. R. Dalby. 25 Aug 41.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. F. W. Gilro. 24 Mar 42.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. P. M. Herring. 27 Nov 39.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R., G. L. Hanson. 21 Sept 40.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. B. J. M. Wright, 16 Mar 42.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R.W. D. Heath-Eves. 12 July 42.
Temp. Lieut. R.N.R. E. H. Batt. 26 May 42
Temp Chaplain. RNVR. Rev. A. R. Ferguson, BA (prob.) 10 Mar 42.
Temp. Elect. Lieut-Com. RNVR. E. B. Watton (act) 1 Dec 41.
Temp. Elect. Lieut. RNVR. H. Brown. 1 Dec 41.
Temp. Elect. Lieut. RNVR. S. Baker, GM. 22 June 42.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. J. T. White, DSC (act) 6 Nov 40.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. W. J. Jonsen (act) 15 Oct 41.
Sub-Lieut. W. A. E. Hall . 12 Feb 42.
Sub-Lieut. A. E. Anderson. 13 May 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. H. E. Lines. 18 Sept 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. H. L. Thorne.18 Sept 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. L. J. Barker. 14 July 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. E. R. Savidge. 24 June 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. C . W. Ellerby. 24 June 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. G. Warren. 20 May 42.
Temp. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. E. F. Coward (proby). 1 Dec 41.
Temp. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. G. O. Jones (proby) 15 June 42.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. F. R. Kindell (proby) 17 Feb 42.
Temp. Skipper RNR. J. W. Greene. 24 May 4.1
OFFICERS on the Navy List August 43
Captain. H. G. Hopper (act) 31 Oct 42.
Secretary Paym. Lieut. K. W. Roberts, 16 Feb 43.
Lieut. Com. G. J. King-Landale, OBE. 26 Aug 42.
Lieut. Com. E. J. Cuff. (ret) 15 Sept 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. C. G. Meacham. 9 Dec 41.
Lieut-Com. (E) L. J. Fox (ret) 1 July 41.
Cd. Boatswain. D. Milne. 1 June 41.
For Minesweeping Duties.
Commander. T. A. Jolliffe (ret) 10 June 43.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. G. Gilling, DSC (act) 1 July 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. M. R. Matthews (act) 13 July 42.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. F. W. Gilroy. 24 Mar 42.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. F. Tasker (act) 1 Sept 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. Green (act) 23 June 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. D. Pictor, DSC (act) 1 July 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. E. R. Dalby (act) 31 Mar 43.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNVR. B. J. M. Wright (act) 16 Mar 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNR. J. S. Roe. DSC. July 41.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. N. Lowes. 11 Jan 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. J. W. Box. 9 Feb 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. D. H. Hackett.19 May 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. V. P. Rogers. 5 July 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. E. Cotton. 1 July 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. A. Hensser. 14 July 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. B. F. W. Besemer. 12 July 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. A. M. Goddwin. 3 July 43.
Temp Chapline RNVR. Rev. C. R. Cassidy, AKC. 20 Nov 42.
Temp. Elect. Lieut-Com. RNVR. E. B. Watton. 1 Dec 41.
Temp. Elect. Lieut. RNVR. G. O. Jones. 15 June 42.
Temp. Elect. Lieut. RNVR. S. E. Jenner. 1 Feb 43.
Temp. Elect. Lieut. RNVR. P. J. Fell. 21 June.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. J. T. White, DSC (act) 6 Nov 40.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. W. T. Jonsen (act) 15 Oct 41.
Skipper Lieut. RNR. G. H. Greene (act) 31 Aug 41.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. D. C. Wallace. 5 Oct 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. P. E. L. Ehrke. 21 Oct 42.
Temp. Act, Sub-Lieut. RNVR. L. J. Robinson (proby). 28 May 43.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. G. M. Cox. 27 April 43.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. K. R. Brown (proby) 2 Nov 42.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. G. H. Turnbull. 5 Jan 43.
Temp Skipper. RNR. J. W. Greene. 24 May 41.
Temp Skipper. RNR. G. W. Smith. 29 Apr 43.
Temp. Elect. Mid. RNVR. D. N. Ellingham (prob). 16 Feb 43
OFFICERS in Navy List June 44. A few months later in October and November 1944 St Tudno would accompany its Minesweeping Flotillas to the Scheldt Estuary.
Captain. H. G. Hopper (act) 31 Oct 42.
Secretary Paym. Lieut. K. W. Roberts, 16 Feb 43.
Commander, RNR. H. W. Brammall, DSO, DSC. 20 Dec 43.
Lieut. Com. E. J. Cuff. (ret) 15 Sept 42.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. C. G. Meacham. 9 Dec 41.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. A. Howlett, Oct 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. E. H. Jeffery. Jan 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. A. J. Carr. 25 Jan 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. G. R. B. Smith. 25 Jan 44.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. (E) RNVR. W. W. Owen (act). Mar 44.
Cd. Boatswain. D. Milne.
1 June 41
For Minesweeping Duties.
Temp. Lieut-Com RNR. T. G. J. Norris (act) 23 Oct 43.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. G. Gilling, DSC (act) 1 July 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. M. R. Matthews (act) 13 July 42.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. F. W. Gilroy. 24 Mar 42.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. F. Tasker (act) 1 Sept 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. J. Green DSC (act) 23 June 41.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. E. R. Dalby (act) 31 Mar 43.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. B. J. M. Wright (act) 16 Mar 43.
Temp. Lieut.-Com. RNR. N. W. Motson (act) 10 Sept 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. N. Lowes. 11 Jan 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. J. W. Box. 9 Feb 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. D. H. Hackett. 19 May 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. E. Cotton. 1 July 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. J. L. Wallace. Sept 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. J. M. Lyons. Oct 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. C. Robinshaw. Oct 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. J. M. Alcorn. 19 Nov 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. I. O. Rogers. 23 Nov 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNV. D. R. Davies. 14 Dec 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. C. Edwards. 16 Dec 43.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. N. F Spanner. 25 Jan 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. R. L. Laurence. 6 Feb 44.
Temp. Lieut. RNVR. A. Hensser. 10 Apr 44.
Temp Chaplain. RNVR. Rev. R. N. Evans, BA. 24 Nov 43.
Temp. Elect. Lieut-Com. RNVR. H. H. Boyle. (Act.) 11 Oct 43.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. T. R. H. Cochrane. 5 Nov 43.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. G. H. Turnbull. 5 Jan 43.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. A. A. Burn. 7 Feb 44.
Temp. Act. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. W. S. Robson. 15 May 44,
Skipper Lieut. RNR. J. T. White, DSC (act) 6 Nov 40.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. P. E. L. Ehrke. 21 Oct 42.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. G. M. Cox. 27 April 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. A. J. H. Hampton. Nov 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. A. Stewart. 23 Nov 43.
Temp. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. A. L. Baker. Oct 43.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. L. J. Robinson (prob.) 28 May 43.
Temp. Act. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. W. R. Herriot. 5 June 44.
Temp. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. D. N. Ellingham. 15 June 43.
Temp. Elect. Sub-Lieut. RNVR. R. J. Gamble. 3 Jan 44.
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FREDERICK GEORGE ADAMS.
Information and photographs from Barry Adams, Frederick’s son.
Frederick George Adams joined the Royal Navy on the first of March 1943. With a background in engineering, George was enrolled as ERA 4th class (Engine Room Artificer). ERA’s were Petty Officers, senior engineers responsible for the maintenance and running of all engine and mechanical plant onboard ships of war. Fred also was awarded a Stokehold certificate which allowed him to take charge of a watch in the stokehold, the Engine Room of a war ship.
On the 29th May 1943 Fred was transferred to Wildfire III a major minesweeping base at Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey, in the Thames Estuary. During his time at Wildfire III, Fred served as an ERA on HMS St Tudno, the Royal Navy headquarter ship for the Wildfire III minesweeping fleet.
Fred was discharged from the Royal Navy on 26th September 1946. Like many of the men on the minesweepers, their war didn’t end when Germany surrendered. At the end of the war there were still tens of thousands of German and British mines to be cleared.
After leaving the Royal Navy in 1946, Fred worked for Trinity house out of Harwich, which was where he met his wife, Barry’s Mum.
HMS St Tudno. Note the gun on her fore and aft decks and the ship based barrage balloon behind.