TNA ADM 199 792

Raw OCR

Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 132.

2nd June. 1940.
APPENDIX I.
188
Inquiry into the loss of H.M.S. Basilisk.
1. P.O. Tel Covington
190
Syko Machine and operating signals left in
office.
All W/T books burnt including Syko cards
burnt except Naval Syko 1st June.W/T sets not wrecked.
Several BR's burnt.
Communications.
Immediately after lights failed, connected up
4H to 51 ariel from Whalers davits to masthead.
Endeavoured to get into communication with Dover forces
and W/T.Set appeared to be working efficiently.
Appeared to be to much traffic in air my signals Jammed.
Very Good reception. Found by still remaining of main
aeriel; disconnected it from all other legs and then ran
lead from aeriel connection inside office to the 4H.
Retune set and again tried to get Dover forces and
Dover W/T. Reception throughout good until time of
abbndoning ship. Finding power to 4H not sufficiert
connected up 100 To receiving battery in series making
220V but gunfire from ship kept loosening contacts.
Signals appeared to be going out alright.
Firstv message sent out in Nyko " Have been hit"
broadcasting at regular intervals.
2nd. attack made "Help Bray" several times.
Last signal made "Send tuge require immediate assistance
offBray 17 ( in Nyko ). Possible non reception was
probable due to loss of powerin lead and jamming due to
heavy traffic ( Dover W/T., Trawlers on R/T and ships
in vicinity all broadcasting ).
Had 1t been possible to get 51 working could have
got signal through. Heavy fumes in office after 3rd. hombing
could not get at Syko machine and operating signals.
2.C.E.R.A. Nestlake.
Went into Engine Room as soon as steam had
cleared, opened all boiler Safety Valves. Found both
C.E.R.A's Griffiths and Sto. Futt in front of the
throttle killed. Platform generally wrecked,
particularly Port side, Bulkhead to after BR. blown
away ( from B.R. into E.R. ). Main and Auxillary Steem
lines pierced ( Port side ) Shut off Bulkhead Valves.
Plugged water pouring in through rivet holes. Shut off
remainder of Auxillary Sea Cocks, 1.0. stopped all leaks.
3. Cheif Stoker Ricketts.
Forward supply party. Went down after B.R.
after steam cleared.
Found 011 pump of port after fan and steam
pipes port side blown away.
Found 1 Stoker hanging on ladder (Sto. Manion )
1 P.O.in bilges
(Sto. P.O. Lowry)
2 in front of boilers, all killed
( P.O. Mahoney & Wormold)