[davpott]

Another chance for Ronangel to spread alarm with his links.Scroll down the comments he's right there.Mike Barker must be too busy with his job as Father Christmas to comment. 

I did notice somewhere recently that it was a terrorist target. I didn't bother read the details as I immediately gathered the source of the story.

[grandarog]

Another chance for Ronangel to spread alarm with his links.Scroll down the comments he's right there.Mike Barker must be too busy with his job as Father Christmas to comment. 

[helcion]

Interesting report with an excellent sonar scan of the wreck   -

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/bomb-ship-is-cracking-up-48058/

[kyn]

Unfortunately the following page is too blurry to read clearly enough to transcribe.

At 10.15 a.m. the “Panther” left the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” proceeded to Stangate Creek and towed the barge “Instow” to the “Yantlet” lying at anchor off the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.

At 5.50 p.m. stevedores and craft left the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” (Fresh easterly wind and rough sea).  The “Panther” towed the “Capella””, loaded, to Stangate Creek and the “Gondis” towed the “Teak” to Sheerness arriving at 6.20 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Teak” 140 – 1000-lb. Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to “Capella” 433 – 500-lb. Bombs.


The “Panther” towed the “Teak” to Stangate Creek (loaded).

On Tuesday the 19th September at 7.0 a.m. the s.v. “Yantlet” towed the “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” to pump the fore end of the vessel if the hatch coamings came clear.

At 8.15 a.m. two games left Sheerness on the “Gondis” after who had towed the “Capella”, loaded, loaded, to Stangate Creek, and the “Panther” towed barge “Pelton” from stagnate Creek to port side of the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and towed the “Instow” to starboard side.

On arrival discharge was resumed from Nos. 4 and 5 holds, steam being supplied by the “Gondis”.  The “Panther” towed the “Y.C.83” from the s.v. “Yantlet” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, and loose water and oil were pumped from cargo in No.4 hold over high water.

At 4.30 p.m. work ceased.  The s.v. “Yantlet” towed the “Y.C.83” and the “Gondis” towed the “Instow” and the “Panther” towed the “Pelton” to Sheerness arriving at 5.0 p.m.

At high water the s.s. “Richard Montgomery’s” stern stands sharply out of the water.  Her propeller and skeg are showing and work in holds is difficult.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Instow” 138 – 1000-lb. Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to “Pelton” 307 – 500-lb. Bombs.

The forward hatch coaming showed 4-ins. above water at low water today, and the pumping operation was postponed until the higher spring tides beginning on the 1st October.

On Wednesday the 20th September at 8.15 a.m. two gangs left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed the “Instow” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, the “Panther” towing the “Pelton” and s.v. “Yantlet” towing “Y.C.83”.

On arrival discharge was resumed from Nos. 4 and 5 holds and oll and water were pumped from No. 4 hold.

At 10.0 a.m. the “Panther” left the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and proceeded to coal hulk “C.109” in Medway and bunkered, returning to the vessel at 1.0 p.m. when the s.v. “Yantlet” left for Gravesend.

At 6.30 p.m. stevedores left on the “Gondis” which towed the “Instow” to Sheerness.  The “Panther” towed the “Pelton” to Sheerness and later towed the “Instow” (loaded” to Stangate Creek.

At 7.10 p.m. the stevedores landed at Sheerness.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Instow” 16 – 1000-lb. Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to “Pelton” 399 – 500-lb. Bombs.

On Thursday 21st September owing to dense fog two gangs were delayed and left Sheerness at 10. A.m. on the “Gondis” which towed the “Pelton” and the “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, and the “Panther” towed the “Didcot”.  On arrival discharge was resumed in Nos. 4 and 5 holds, steam being supplied by the “Gondis”.

Oil and water were pumped from No. 4 hold during high water.  At 6.30 p.m. stevedores and craft left the ship, the “Gondis” towing the “Pelton” and the “Y.C.83” and “Panther” towing the “Didcot” to Sheerness, arriving at 7.15 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Didcot” 119 – 1000-lb. Bombs
From No. 5 hold to “Pelton” 2 – 500-lb. Bombs, and 3327 fin assembly parts, completing discharge of No. 5 hold except for about 200 fin assembly parts stowed in the fore end of the ‘tween decks.

The “Panther” towed the “Pelton” to Stangate Creek (loaded) and the “Panther” was dispersed with.

On Friday the 22nd September owing to fog one gang was delayed from leaving Sheerness until 9.0 a.m., the “Gondis” towed “Y.C.83” and the “Didcot” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.

On arrival discharge was resumed from No. 4 hold, steam being supplied by the “Gondis”.

Oil and water were pumped from No. 4 hold.

At 6.15 p.m. discharging ceased for the day and at 6.30 p.m. the “Gondis” towed the “Didcot” and “Y.C.83” to Sheerness, arriving at 7.10 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Didcot” 120 – 1000-lb. Bombs.

On Saturday 23rd September at 8.10 a.m. the “Gondis” left Sheerness with one gang towing the “Didcot” and “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.

On arrival discharge was resumed from No. 4 hold and oil and water pumped out.

At 11.25 a.m. stevedores left the vessel on the “Gondis” which towed the “Didcot” and the Y.C.83” to Sheerness.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Didcot” 67 – 1000-lb. Bombs.

The “Gondis” towed the “Didcot” to Stangate Creek (loaded).

On Sunday 24th September during strong wind and sea, one gang left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed the “Queenbury”, and the “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgoemry”.  Discharging was resumed from No. 4 hold, on arrival and 175 – 1000-lb. bombs placed in the “Queenbury”.  Oil and water were pumped from No. 4 hold.

At 3.50 p.m. discharging ceased.  The “Gondis” towed the “Queenbury” and the “Y.C.83” to Sheerness arriving at 4.30 p.m.

On Monday the 25th September at *.15 a.m. one gang left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed the “Queenbury” and the “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.

Discharge from No. 4 hold was resumed on arrival and water and oil pumped out as discharge progressed.  At 5.50 p.m. discharge of No. 4 hold was completed and stevedores left the ship returning to Sheerness on “Gondis” which towed the “Queenbury” and the “Y.C.83” to Sheerness, arriving at 6.20 p.m.  The “Gondis” towed the barge “Queenbury” to Standage Creek and was dispensed with.

The total amount of cargo discharged to date is 3,175 tons, today’s discharge from No.4 hold being 124 – 1000-lb. Bombs.

J. W. Edwards
Assistant Mooring & Wreck Raising Officer.
12th October 1944.

[kyn]

On Wednesday 13th September at 10.0 a.m. the “Gondis” left Sheerness with two gangs and towing “March”; the tug “Panther” towed the barges “Barry” and “Cowes” and s.v. “Yantlet” towed “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.

On arrival derricks were altered to suit the work (vessel’s stern being high out of the water) and discharging was resumed from Nos. 4 and 5 holds, the “Gondis” supplying steam; the “Yantlet” at anchor preparing four steam pumps for pumping the fore end of the vessel.

At 7.45 p.m. stevedores landed at Sheerness.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “March” 6 cases Fragmentation Bombs. 887 – 100-lb. Demolition Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to “Barry” 320 – 500-lb, Bombs.

On Thursday the 14th September at 10.30 a.m., two gangs left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed “Barry” and s.v. “Yantlet” towed “Y.C.83” and “Panther” towed “Cowes” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.

At high water work was resumed in Nos. 4 and 5 holds the “Gondis” supplying steam.

The s.v. “Yantlet” prepared and laid a 3-ton anchor with 15 fathoms of cable chain and 120 fathoms of 4 1/2-in. wire off the starboard quarter of the vessel, and prepared another anchor for laying out.

Work ceased at 7.30 p.m. and stevedores left the ship on the “Gondis” which towed the “Cowes” to Sheerness, “Panther” towing “Barry” and s.v. “Yantlet” the “Y.C.83” arriving at 8.15 p.m.

Thick fuel oil was mixed with the water in No. 3 hold today and this was reduced by submersible pumps.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Cowes” 149 – 1000-lb. Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to “Barry” 304 – 500-lb. Bombs.

On Friday 15th September at 8.0 a.m. two gangs left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed “Barry”to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, - the “Panther” towed “Cowes” and s.v. “Yantllet” towed the “Y.C.83”.  On arrival discharge was resumed in Nos. 4 and 5 holds, the “Gondis” supplying steam.

The s.v. “Yantlet” laid a 3-ton anchor with 15-fathoms of cable chain and 120-fathoms of 4 ½-in. wire off the vessel’s port quarter and connected steam to and ran for testing purposes 4 – 8” steam pumps.

At 6.15 p.m. work ceased.  Bombs discharged from NO. 4 hold have been lying in fuel oil and are difficult to handle.  The s.v. “Yantlet” towed the “Y.C.83” to Sheerness, the “Gondis” towed the “Barry” and the “Panther” towed the “Cowes” to Stangate Creek loaded.

Cargo discharged:-

From No. 4 hold to “Cowes” 166 – 1000-lb. Bombs.
From No. 5 hold to “Barry” 333 – 500-lb. Bombs.

[Maid of Kent]

Just a quick thank you to helcion for the photo of the pilot boat - sent the link to my friends who are sitting watching the pilot 'jump' They were delighted

[kyn]

Proceeded to s.s. “ Empire Nutfield” and s.s. “Flathouse” at Kethole Reach with Salvage Officer and Foreman stevedore.

Later the tug “Atlantic Cock” towed “Y.C.83” from Sheerness and took on board the generator and equipment for pumping and towed her to Sheerness.  The cargo in s.s. “Empire Nutfield” was made secure for proceeding to sea.  Examination of s.s. “Flathouse” shewed leaking rivets in port bilge and further loading was cancelled.

The Salvage Officer and Foreman Stevedore proceeded to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” on the tug “Atlantic Cock” and stood by over high water.  Wind S.W. Strong to gale with rough sea and seas breaking over No.4 hatch.  The 19-ft. 6-in. draft mark was showing aft at high water.

On Wednesday 6th September at 8.0 a.m. two gangs left Sheerness on the tug “Atlantic Cock” which towed “Y.C.83” to s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.  The gangs were employed in shifting fin assemblies from lower holds of Nos. 4 and 5 to space in ‘tween decks in order to uncover bombs which would be required in the bottoms of next vessel loading.

The submersible pump in No.4 hold was used tor educe the water.

At 1.30 p.m. the tug “Atlantic Cock” connected up steam and a second pump was rigged and placed in No.4 hold.

At 2.30 p.m. No.4 hold was battened down again as tide reached top of the hatch.

At 3.0 p.m. work ceased and stevedores proceeded to Sheerness on the tug “Atlantic Cock” which towed “Y.C.83” arriving at 3.30 p.m.  The Salvage Officer arranged the hire of the barge “Princess Mary” for discharge tomorrow.

On Thursday 7th September at 8.0 a.m. owing to strong N.N.E. breeze and rough sea operations were cancelled.  The tug “Atlantic Cock” with “Y.C.83” left for s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and on rounding Garrison Point found sea too rough to proceed.  The “Y.C.83” was placed at North Wall and the tug “Atlantic Cock” with the Salvage Officer proceeded to the vessel and watched her over high water and later returned to Sheerness.

On Friday 8th September at 8.15 a.m. the tug “Atlantic Cock” left Sheerness with the “Y.C.83” with stevedores (two gangs) and pumping party and the “Cracker” towed barge “Princess Mary” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.  On arrival two gangs levelled off coal (34 tons) which was lying in the lighter and resumed discharging from No.5 hold, timber for dunnaging the barge and then bombs, the tug “Atlantic Cock” supplying steam.

One gang at No.4 hold hove up fin assemblies and stowed them on deck after filling vacant space in the ‘tween deck.  The weather was too bad to work on the weather side.  Loose water was pumped down from No.4 hold.  At 3.15 p.m. stevedores left he ship (fore end of No.4 hatch submerged), and arrived at 4.15 p.m.  At high water the vessel’s stern was standing out of the water at an angle of 35°.

Cargo discharged:-

From No.5 hold to “Princess Mary” 163 – 500-lb. bombs.

On Saturday 9th September at 8.30 a.m. two gangs left Sheerness on the tug “Atlantic Cock” which towed “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”.  The tug “Westcreek” towed the “Princess Mary” to port side of the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”, but owing to the strong N.*. wind and rough seas was unable to lie **** and the “Westcreek” towed her back to Sheerness.

Resumed discharging cargo from No.4 hold, the tug “Atlantic Cock” supplying steam (fin assembly parts) and No.5 gang placed fins which were stowed on deck into the “Y.C.83”.  Pumping loose water from No.4 hold was continued.

At 11.30 a.m. work ceased and stevedores landed at Sheerness at 0.10 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No.4 hold and from after deck to “Y.C.83” 1,166 fin assembly parts.

On arrival the tug “Atlantic Cock” was dispensed with.  The tug “Gondis” left Gravesend towing the barge “March” to Sheerness.

On Sunday 10th September at 8.30 a.m. the gangs left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed barges “Patna” and “Y.C.83” and tug “Westcreek” towed “Princess Mary” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery”

On arrival discharge was resumed from Nos. 4 and 5 holds, and continued until 5.30 p.m. the “Gondis” supplying steam.  Loose water was pumped from No.4 hold.

The “Westcreek” towed the “Princess Mary” to Stangate Creek and the “Gondis” towed “Patna” and “Y.C.83” to Sheerness.  Stevedores landed at 6.0 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No.4 hold to “Patna” 750 fin assembly parts and 89 – 100-lb. bombs,
From No.5 hold to “Princess Mary” 337 – 500-lb. bombs.

On Monday 11th September at 9.30 a.m. the tug “Craker” towed barge “Chanda” and the “March” to the port side of the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and the “Con**” left with two gangs and towing the “Patna” and “Y.C.83” to the vessel.

On arrival discharge was resumed from Nos. 4 and 5 holds the “Gondis” supplying steam.  Loose water was pumped from No.4 hold, and at 6.15 p.m. work ceased.  The “Cracker” towed the “March” and “Chanda” and “Gondis” towed “Patna” and “Y.C.83” to Sheerness arriving at 6.50 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No.4 hold to “Patna” 465 cases Fragmentation Bombs.
548 Fin Assembly Parts, 16 cases Fire Arming, 1 case detonators.
From No.5 hold to the “Chanda” 419 – 500-lb. bombs.

On Tuesday 12th September at 8.15 a.m. two gangs left Sheerness on the “Gondis” which towed “Chand**” and “Y.C.83” to the s.s. “Richard Montgomery” and tug “Advice” towed barge “March”.

On arrival sea was too rough to work on the port side and the Gondis” towed “Chanda” to Sheerness and returned and supplied steam.  Loose water was pumped from No.4 hold.

At 6.15 p.m. work ceased and the “Gondis” towed the “Y.C.83” and “Advice” towed “March” to Sheerness arriving at 6.40 p.m.

Cargo discharged:-

From No.4 hold to “March” 743 fin assembly parts, 103 cases Fragmentation Bombs and 36 – 100-lb. Demolition Bombs.

[kyn]

Thank you for adding the additional information.  It is good to have a lead on other vessels mentioned for those that want to look into it more.

There are another 7 pages or so to be transcribed when time permits.  It is interesting to read the report as this hasn't really been touched on yet.  As you say the conditions must have been quite uncomfortable and probably quite scary considering what they were doing!

[mikeb]

Very interesting Kyn, working conditions for the stevedores & ships crews must have been "difficult" at best. I hope they were paid well!

I thought it might be of interest to delve into the three ships engaged in the salvage, even if it adds nothing to the Richard Montgomery story itself:-

S.S. Flathouse was built in 1931 and broken up in 1961 at Grays Essex.

S.T. Atlantic Cock was built in 1932 and apart from war service when she was requisitioned (she was mined on the Clyde in 1941), spent her working life on the Thames. Scrapped in 1971.

S.S. Empire Nutfield Built in Dublin 1909 and was requisitioned in both World Wars. Empire Nutfield was scuttled in 1946 in the Bay of Biscay loaded with "obsolete chemical warfare ammunition"! I have not been able to find a photo of her.

[kyn]

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.

[kyn]

22 Hemyock Road,
Selly Oak,
Birmingham B29 4DG.
26/11/71

Mr. A.C.T. Slade,
Department of Trade & Industry,
Marine Division Branch 3B,
90 High Holborn,
London WC1V 6LP.

Dear Sir,

Re: Wreck of the SS “Richard Montgomery”.

Thank you for your letter of the 16/11/71, with regards to the above matter, and had your reference MNA 13/4/037 (4).  Please accept my apology for the delay in the reply, but I was away on a short holiday.

My idea is to blow up the vessel, thereby removing its danger.  To do this, we must first construct a steel dome around the vessel, with a hole at its apex that has a Diameter of two feet, to give the blast an outlet.  The hole will be covered with reinforced steel mesh wire, and some springs, thereby preventing any heavy metal to escape from the blast.

Though I have every confidence that this idea will be successful, I shall be only too happy to come down to London, and support my plan from any objections which may occur.

Trusting that I have been of some assistance.

Yours faithfully,

V.D.S.J. Persad.

[helcion]

Whoops !      The pilot boat photo left here vertical but has come up on the forum as horizontal.

I'm darned if I can get it the right way up  -  could one of the moderators kindly weave their magic on it   -   thanks.

How do you send 'portrait' format pix ?
Thanks again.

[helcion]

She’s still there !

Masts of the MONTGOMERY, taken from the WAVERLEY at pretty close to low water as she entered the Medway on 2/10/14.     
At least 15 Cormorants, can't read the large KEEP AWAY DANGER sign on one of the masts.

Plus, at no extra charge, the Medway pilot departing as the WAVERLEY headed back to towards the Thames a little later.

[Sentinel S4]

Sadly not. I did manage the Clearway before she was broken up, lovely little dredger with a three cylinder triple...... Enough said.

S4.

[howard]

Have you been on 'Shieldhall' yet S4?