Head of Salvage Department.
Salvage Operations on S.S. “Richard Montgomery” at East Nore Sands.
On Wednesday 23rd August 1944, I proceeded to the vessel which was lying aground at East Nore Sands loaded with bombs, detonators and ammunition.
Three gangs of stevedores (Messrs. Watson & Gill) mustered at Chatham, left Sheerness at 9.0 a.m. and on arrival commenced rigging derricks etc. at Nos. 1, 3 and 5 holds.
At 9.45 a.m. *.s. “Empire Nutfield” arrived alongside and moored on the starboard side forward.
At 1.0 p.m. discharge of cargo (bomb fins) commenced at No.3 hold using two gangs, and at 2.0 p.m., after shifting timber etc. No.1. hold commenced discharging bombs, both to S.S. “Empire Nutfield”.
At 2.55 p.m. s.s. “Flathouse” moored alongside on the port side aft and discharge from No.5 hold commenced to No.1. hold of s.s. “Flathouse”.
At 4.30 p.m. discharge ceased for the day and gangs left for Sheerness arriving at 5.10 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No. 3 hold to “Empire Nutfield” 1,020 fin assembly parts
From No. 5. Hold to “Flathouse” 12 – 250-lb. bombs.
Steam tug “Atlantic Cock” supplying steam for winches at the after of the ship.
On Thursday 24th August, at 8.15 a.m. three gangs left sheerness for ss. “Richard Montgomery” and on arrival resumed discharging of No. 3 hold by hand to s.s. “Empire Nutfield” and from No. 5 hold to No. 1. Hold of s.s. “Flathouse” steam being supplied by tug “Atlantic cock”.
At 1.0 p.m. flexible steam pipe etc. was obtained from Sheerness Dockyard and placed on board and connected up at 2.30 p.m.
At 2.45 p.m. commenced discharging No.1 hold into No. 2 hold of s.s. “Empire Nutfield”.
At 3.0 p.m. discharge ceased at No.3 hold, as tide rose above the cargo and ** stevedore gang rigged derricks at No. 2 hold and cleared damage from No.1 hold.
At 4.30p.m. work ceased for the day and workmen landed at Sheerness at 5.10 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1 hold 20 – 500-lbs. bombs and 20 – 250-lb. bombs to No.2 hold of s.s. “Empire Nutfield”.
From No.3. hold to s.s. “Empire Nutfield” (No.3 hold) 1,000 Fin Assembly parts.
From No.5. hold to s.s. “Nuthouse” (No.1. hold) 307 – 250-lb. bombs.
On Friday 25th August three gangs left Sheerness at 8.45 a.m. to s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and on arrival resumed No.1. hold into No.2. hold of s.s. “Empire Nutfield” and No.3. old into No.3. hold of s.s. “Empire Nutfield”, and No.5. hold to No.1. hold of s.s. “Flathouse”, the tug “Atlantic Cock” supplying steam. At 3.0 p.m. tidy submerged cargo in No.3 hold and No.3. gang transferred to No.5. hold to clear damage. At 4.30 p.m. ceased discharging and workmen arrived at Sheerness at 5.0 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 254 – 250-lb. and 78 – 5—lb. bombs.
From No.3. hold to No.3. old s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 505 cases fuses.
From No.5. hold to No.1. hold s.s. “Flathouse” 409 – 250-lb. bombs.
On Saturday 26th August at 8.30 a.m. stevedores (three gangs) left Sheerness for s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 1, 3 and 5 holds, tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam. Work ceased at 11.30 a.m. and workmen arrived at Sheerness at noon.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 96 – 500-lb. and 25 – 250-lb. bombs.
From No.3 hold to No. 3 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 301 cases fuses.
From No.5. hold to No.1. hold s.s. “Flathouse”. 124 – 250-lb. bombs.
On Sunday 27th August at 8.45 a.m. three gangsa left Sheerness for the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, and on arrival resumed discharging No.s 1, 3 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam.
No.3 hold 29 cases of bursters were placed on deck forward ready for ****** transport to shore, work being started at this hatch at 10.30 ******* tide left the cases. At 10.30 a.m. the steampipe from tug “Atlantic Cock” was carried away by swell from passing vessels and was connected up again by 11.15 a.m.
At 3.0 p.m. the cargo in No.3 hold again submerged. Commenced discharging No.2 hold, part crew from s.s. “Empire Nutfield” engaged in breaking stowage and clearing the damage. Work ceased at 4.30 p.m. and workmen landed at 5.0 p.m. at Sheerness.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1 hold to No.2 s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 268 – 250-lb. abd 35 – 500-lb bombs.
From No.2 hold to No.3 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 65 cases fuses.
From No.3 hold to no.3 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 425 cases fuses.
From No.5 hold to no.1. hold s.s. “Flathouse” 295 – 250-lb. bombs.
On Monday 28th August three gangs left sheerness at 10.0 a.m. after inspecting accommodation prepared for the workmen by the Naval authorities. On arrival on board s.s. “Richard Montgomery” discharging was resumed at Nos. 1 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam. (Cargo at No.3 hold submerged throughout the day).
The 29 cases of bursters which had previously been placed on deck were loaded into the barge “Gladys” which was towed to Upnor by the tug “Tampeon”.
At 6.30 p.m. work ceased and stevedores were landed at Sheerness at 7.0 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 219 – 500-lb. bombs.
From No.2 hold to No.3 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 737 cases Cluster Fragmentation Bombs.
From No.5 hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 282 – 500-lb. bombs.
On Tuesday the 29th August at 8.45 a.m. four gangs left Sheerness for the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam. The tug “Atlantic Cock” towed “YC83” from Sheerness to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” with four submersible pumps for pumping Nos. 1 and 2 holds where water was making rapidly. These pumps were placed in position, one in No.1 hold and one in No.2 hold and the generator hove on board the s.s Richard Montgomery’s” deck aft and run when connected up.
At 6.30 p.m. work ceased and stevedores landed at 7.10 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 335 – 250-lb. bombs and 38 – 500-lb. bombs.
From No.2 to No.3 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 519 cases Fragmentation bombs.
From No.4 to No.4 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 778 cases fragmentation bombs, 99 cases of bomb assemblies, and 273 Fin Assembly parts.
From No.5 to No.2 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 300 – 500-lb. bombs.
On Wednesday 30th August at 7.15 a.m. pumping commenced at Nos. 1 and 2 holds to keep water below level of cargo. At 9.30 a.m. four gangs of stevedores after placing their baggage at the Barracks outside Sheerness Dockyard where they were to be billeted, left for s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam.
The cargo in No.1. hold was clear of water and in No.2 hold water was showing in the after end, which was cleared by noon.
Pumping continued throughout the day reducing the water in No.2 hold (when a space had been cleared to place the pump about 10-ft. below cargo level) to about 8-ft. below the tween decks. Water was reduced in No.1. hold to about 14-feet below the deck.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 435 – 250-lb. bombs.
From No.2 hold to No.3 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 803 cases Fragmentation Bombs and small arms ammunition.
From No.4 hold to No.4 hold s.s “Flathouse” 23 Bomb Assembly cases, 143 cases Wire Assembly parts, 196 Fin Assembly parts, 1 demolition Bomb, 10 cases Fragmentation Bombs.
At 6.30 p.m. work ceased and stevedores landed at 7.0 p.m.
On Thursday 31st August at *a.m. pumping was resumed in Nos. 1 and 2 holds to keep the water below cargo level. (Water was gaining in Nos. 1 and 2 holds at the rate of 2-ft. 6-ins. per day. At 8.15 a.m. stevedores – four gangs – left Sheerness and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 1, 2,4 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam.
At 4.50 p.m. signalled destroyer “D.11” which was proceeding to Sheerness to slow down. At 4.55 p.m. the destroyer proceeding at high speed broke the moorings of the two ships and the tug lying alongside the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”. The s.s. “Flathouse” which was just taking the ground rolled violently falling with each roll heavily on to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” causing heavy damage to the port side of s.s. “Flathouse”.
At 6.30 p.m. work ceased for the day and stevedores landed at Sheerness at 7.10 p.m.
A small motor pump from s.s “Empire Nutfield” was used to pump the fore peak of the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.
Cargo discharged:-
From No. 1. Hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 386 – 250-lb. bombs.
From no. 2 hold to nos. 3 and 4 holds s.s “Empire Nutfield” 669 cases Fragmentation bombs.
From No. 4 hold to No. 4 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 1,005 cases Fragmentation Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 450 – 250-lb. bombs and 80 Fin Assembly parts.
On Friday 1st September four gangs left Sheerness at 8.15 a.m. (also Dockyard Pumping Crew), and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam. The water in Nos. 1 and 2 holds was kept to about 7-ft. below the tween decks.
Work ceased at 6.30 p.m. No. 2 hatch was battened down as the deck amidships was submerged at high water.
At 7.0 p.m. the stevedores landed at Sheerness.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 190 – 500-lb. bombs.
From no.2 hold to Nos. 3 and 4 holds s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 805 cases Fragmentation Bombs and small arms components.
From No. 4 hold to No. 4 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 150 cases Fragmentation Bombs and 504 – 100-lb. Demolition Bombs.
From No.5 hold to No.2 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 415 – 250-lb. bombs and 116 – 500-lb. bombs.
On Saturday 2nd September at 8.15 a.m. four gangs and pumping crew left Sheerness for the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” and the s.s. “Empire Nutfield” supplying steam. Wind Southerly, fresh, Water in Nos. 1 and 2 holds kept to 7-ft. below tween decks. Work ceased at 11.30 a.m. and No.2 hatch battened down. Stevedores landed at 12.15 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.1. hold to No. 2 hold s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 65 – 500-lb. bombs.
From No.2 hold to Nos.3 and 4 holds s.s. “Empire Nutfield” 201 cases Fragmentation Bombs.
From no.4 hold to No.3 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 420 Fin Assembly Parts.
From No. 5 hold to No.1 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 63 – 500-lb. bombs.
At 1.0 p.m. the writer and Foreman Stevedore left Sheerness on the tug “Atlantic Cock” for the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” to watch her over high water as S.West wind was increasing in force with rough sea.
On arrival No. 4 hold was securely battened down with the assistance of Officers and engineers of s.s. “Empire Nutfield” and s.s. Flathouse” and another tarpaulin was placed on No. 2 hatch and battened down and the generator transferred to s.s. “Flathouse” for safety. At 2.30 p.m. the tug “Atlantic Cock” proceeded to Sheerness and ceased work. The Salvage Officer and Foreman Stevedore left the ship at 5.40 p.m. by “Peacemaker” and arrived at Sheerness at 6.20 p.m.
On Sunday 3rd September at 2.30 a.m. owing to strong SW – NW gale the s.s. “Empire Nutfield” left the s.s. “Richard Montgomery and proceeded to anchorage. Heavy seas were breaking over the vessel and washed the tarpaulins and hatches from No.2 hold causing the fore-end to flood and sink. Owing to the gale at s.s. “Flathouse” lying on the weather side was unable to leave the vessel.
At 9.15 a.m. four gangs left Sheerness and arrived at the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” at 10.0 a.m. Discharge was resumed at Nos. 4 and 5 holds, the tug “Atlantic Cock” supplying steam. The stevedores gangs were doubled, the work being difficult owing to the weather which remained bad, seas breaking over the s.s. “Richard Montgomery’s” fore feck all day making pumping impossible forward.
At 11.0 a.m. the s.s. “Empire Nutfield” proceeded to Sheerness and anchored.
At 4.30 p.m. work ceased and stevedores landed at 5.10 p.m.
Cargo Discharged:-
From No. 5 hold to No.1 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 195 – 1000 bombs.
From No.4 hold to No.3 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 34 – 1000 bombs.
Two stevedores gangs were released to-day.
On Monday 4th September at 8.30 a.m. two gangs left Sheerness for the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and on arrival resumed discharging Nos. 4 and 5 holds. Wind S.W. strong and freshening with rough sea, which prevented pumping forward.
A submersible pump was placed in No.4 hold and loose water was pumped from the fore end of the hold. Discharge continued throughout and at 1.30 p.m. weather became too bad for further work and after battening hatches stevedores left the ship for Sheerness on s.s. “Flathouse” and tug “Atlantic Cock” which arrived at Kethole Reach and anchored at 3.15 p.m. stevedores arriving at Sheerness by tug “Atlantic Cock” at 4.15 p.m.
Cargo discharged:-
From No.4 hold to No.3 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 26 – 1000-lb. bombs.
From No.5 hold to No.1 hold s.s. “Flathouse” 92 – 5000-lb. bombs.