TNA ADM 199 790

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Dynams 373,
B14/0/
1453
J.4099
1439
Messrs Vickers Armstrong Ltd
Wallsend on Tyne
20th. June I940
Sir,
In compliance with Nore General Order No.448 I have the
honour to forward the following amplifying report of proceedings
of H.M.S. "VREDE", under my command from 26th.May to 4th. June.
The original report was left with the Captain's Secretary,
H.M.S."LYNX".
2. I assumed command of H.M.S. "Vrede" at Tilbury at noon on
26th. May, having been sent from R.N. Barracks, Chatham that
morning with a crew consisting of I Lieutenant, I PEtty Officer
5 Seamen, I E.R.A. and 2 Stokers.
The Dutch crew were landed
under the charge of the Immigration Authorities and I gave the
Captain a statement to the effect that 45 worth of stores had
been left on board and that the ship and her papers had been
taken over in apparently sound condition.
3. The main engines, a six cylinder diesel type, were geared
direct to the shaft and the engine had to be stopped, and
restarted with starting air, for each movement of the screw.
The E.R.A. was unfamiliar with diesels but it was considered 108
that, with the experience of one of the stokers, a submarine
rating, the ship could be handled with safety. It was eventually
found that about four engine movements exhausted the air bottles
and that the auxilliary compressor took some 45 minutes to
provide enough air for one start. The auxilliary diesel
which drove the capstan and forward derrick was also old and
temperamental.
4. "Wiping" was completed by 0400 27th. May when a pilot was
embarked and "Vrede" sailed for Sheerness, being swung for
adjustment of compasses by a compass adjuster off Southend.
Whilst attempting to lay the ship alongside at Sheerness the
main engines failed, owing to lack of air, and the movement had
to be completed by tug.
5. During the remainder of the day charts and stores were
embarked according to an excellent establishment compiled by
N.S.O. in conjunction with the First Lieutenant. The assistance
of the storing and victualling departments was most efficient
and much appreciated.
6. At I800 "Vrede" was ready for sea but starting air became
exhausted before the engines would start. On starting up the
auxilliary compressor a breakdown occurred on the water
circulating pump.
7. Representatives from M.E.D. worked throughout the night and
at 0400 pronounced the machinery to be serviceable. At 0430
Tuesday 28th. "Vrede" sailed from Sheerness.
8. On closing. FRom