TNA ADM 199 792

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Compitential
50
9339
ROOM 90, ARCHWAY BLOCK (s),
1940
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
No. 3/3 A.B./40
10th August, 1940.
ENQUIRY INTO THE LOSS OF H.M. HARBOUR
DEFENCE VESSEL AMULREE
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter .6245/40
of 1st August 1940, be pleased to submit to Their Lordships
the following report resulting from an enquiry held into the
circumstances attending the loss of H.M. Harbour Defence
Vessel AMULREE on 1st June, 1940.
2. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Graham Phineas Probert,
R.N.V.R., the Senior surviving Officer of AMULREE who was in
command of that Ship was examined on 9th August, 1940.
3. AMULREE was rammed on the starboard side forward
between the 3-pdr. gun and foremast by H.M.S. VIMY and sank
immediately.
4. No information, therefore, as to behaviour of
material was elicited, but the Officer in command spoke highly
of the structural characteristics of this vessel.
5. Since the VIMY was steaming at about 18 knots and
struck the AMULREE bow to beam it is not, having regard to
the size of the vessel, likely that the AMULREE, whatever
her construction, would have remained afloat.
6. It is, however, suggested, that vessels of this
type would, in the event of suffering collision or other
damage, be more likely to remain afloat if watertight doors
were fitted on the deck hatches leading to each compartment.
In the case of the motor room, where propulsion is by Diesel
engine, it would be necessary to fit vent shafts carried
above the deck.
7. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander Thomas
Aislabic Powell, R.N. (Retd.) and Commander (E) Charles Edward
Smith, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
a.Beatord
VICE-ADMIRAL.
Secretary,
Admiralty,
S.W.1.