Wreck of H.M.S. Bulwark
Proposed dispersal.
Notes of the Meeting held at the Admiralty on 10th February, 1938.
PRESENT:
Representing the Admiralty:-Rear Admiral F.T.B. Tower - Director of Naval Equipment. (Chairman)
Captain W.O. Benn, R.N. - Director of Navigation.
Commander R. Ramsbotham, R.N. - King's Harbour Master, Sheerness.
Mr. B. Pool - Assistant Director of Contracts.
Mr. P.N.N. Synnott - representing Head of Naval Law Branch.
Representing the Medway Conservancy:-Mr. F.F. Smith
Captain W.H.E. Nelson
Mr. G.A. Gill
Mr. D.L. Collard (Also representing the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom).
Representing Berry Wiggins & Co. Ltd.Mr. T McDermot
Mr R.C. Paterson
Mr. M.T. Knight
The Chairman pointed out that the wreck had been lying for twenty years in its present position; it was well buoyed and the main channel was clear. From the Admiralty point of view therefore, the position was not unsatisfactory. The Admiralty had been advised that there was no liability on law to oblige them to remove the wreck.
The King's Harbour Master, Sheerness, stated that in his view removal might be done in two ways:-
(a) Piecemeal dispersion which would leave obstructions behind on the bottom, and would therefore involve dredging afterwards. The cost would be very large; in fact it might be impossible to dredge with an ordinary dredger.
(b) The Coffer dam method; in a local Trinity House Pilot's estimate, this might cost £100,000 with the additional cost of dredging, which might amount to £50,000 afterwards.
The representatives of the Medway Conservancy said they considered dispersal and dredging would cost much less. They referred to the report from the Dover Industries, offering to disperse to a level of 35 feet below low water, for £10,000 plus the cost of explosives, which offer, they suggested, should be accepted. Local traders, pilots, fishermen and sailing ship owners had all voiced strong views on the presence of the wreck. These other interests used other parts of the river and not only the main channel. Traffic was increasing, and would continue to increase. While the wreck was well marked, this marking was no use in haze of fog. The area occupied by the wreck would be particularly useful as an anchorage.
The representatives of Berry Wiggins said that the wreck was a nuisance and a danger to ships leaving their jetty which has been built under the understanding that the wreck was to be dispersed. The Admiralty representatives pointed out that no such understanding existed. The King's Harbour Master, Sheerness, said that he thought the bank would continue to increase to the southwest, but never so much as to prevent ships berthing at the jetty.
Summing up, the Chairman stated that while (as previously pointed out) from the Admiralty point of view the present position was not unsatisfactory, the other interests were of opinion that dispersal of the wreck was desirable: to meet the wishes of these interests, the Admiralty would be prepared to offer assistance, but they could give no hope of doing the whole work as a charge to public funds. They suggested therefore, that the other interests concerned should consider making a contribution. Medway Conservancy and Berry Wiggins agreed to put this proposal to their Board, and Mr. Collard, speaking on behalf of the big ship owners, agreed provided the Admiralty would also pay a percentage.
Consideration was given to the question of securing the fulfilment of any contrast for the dispersal of the wreck. Medway Conservancy considered that the offer from the Dover Industries was practicable and would be completed. The King's Harbour Master, Sheerness, referred to the question of dredging after dispersal of the wreck, but it was suggested that after the wreck was dispersed, the silting problem might solve itself.
The following agreement was reached; (1) that the wreck should be surveyed (work on this was now proceeding) Dover Industries being asked to provide any available information in their possession.
(2) Dover Industries should be approached in connection with their offer to disperse the wreck; enquiries were to be made to ensure that this offer implied guaranteeing a clear 35 feet below low water, and the Contractor was also to be asked whether his offer included a similar guarantee in respect of the bank which had spread around and outside the actual area of the wreck.
(3) When an estimate of costs has been made, the question of division of costs between parties concerned would be considered.
(4) On behalf of the Admiralty, it was pointed out that the Department was not at present prepared to go beyond offering to provide the necessary explosives, at a cost of £4,000.