Disperser and the South Stockton Shipbreaking Co. Ltd.

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Disperser and the South Stockton Shipbreaking Co. Ltd.

Postby CLYDEBRAE » Tue Aug 22, 2017 3:01 pm

The vessel is named "Disperser" and appeared in "The Sphere" on November 17th, 1951 (courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive), as part of a photo depicting storm damage to vessels lying in Penzance Harbour earlier that month. She was probably engaged in the demolition of "HMS Warspite" at Prussia Cove and later at Mazarion.
Built as "Mauch Chunk" she was, according to the RFA Historical Society, named "Limpet" on purchase by the Admiralty in 1915 and used on boom defence duties at Cromarty. They state she was assigned the Pennant Numbers X18 and X39 during this part of her career.
In May 1922 she was sold to the Tyne Improvement Commission being renamed "TIC Limpet". An article published in the "Shields Daily News" on March 9th, 1927 described her work as follows:- "Periodical overhauling and painting of the buoys to which the vessels in the Tyne are moored is necessary, and the Commissioners' vessel "Limpet" is now busy at the various tiers on the river doing this work. The "Limpet" is specially constructed for the duty, having a powerful lifting apparatus erected forward for hauling the monster buoys out of the water, while the operation of cleaning and painting is carried on. The number of tiers necessary on a busy river like the Tyne keeps this craft on active service almost continuously, and immediately a tier happens to be vacant, the buoys and moorings are examined and, if necessary, repaired without delay".
In March 1937 she was purchased by the South Stockton Shipbreaking Co. Ltd., specifically to be engaged in the demolition of "HMS Natal" then lying in sunken condition in Cromarty Firth. This contract had been won by the South Stockton Compoany and their new acquisition, renamed "Disperser", arrived Cromarty on May 16th, 1937, after preparation work had been undertaken at their yard in Thornaby. This occupied part of the former Richardson, Duck shipbuilding site leased by the newly formed company in October 1932. The first vessel to arrive for demolition was, I believe, T&J Harrison's "Gladiator".
Demolition of "HMS Natal" in Cromarty proceeded slowly, partly due to tidal conditions, inclement weather and the delicate task of divers laying explosive charges in a vessel which had lain semi submerged for over 20 years with significant amounts of armaments and ammunition still aboard. The outbreak of World War II interrupted proceedings and Captain George Abson, a Director of the South Stockton Company, who had relocated to Cromarty to oversee operations, remained aboard in command after requisition by the MoWT. In December 1939 she was reported working in Loch Ewe, and by April 1940 she was in Orkney.
On the night of April 14/15th, 1940 she sank in adverse weather conditions, reportedly at anchor, with the loss of all 12 hands, including Captain Abson. This was in position 58 59 59N, 002 57 36W, on a bearing 342 degrees and 7.9 cables from the pier head light, Kirkwall. Her mast remained showing. Eight of the crew were Cromarty men, and theirs was to be a public funeral, their cortege being led by the Provost, Magistrates, Councillors and burgh officials of the town. A Relief Fund for dependents was opened and it was described as the worst disaster to befall sons of Cromarty for over 100 years.
"Disperser" was refloated on June 23rd, 1943 and the Hydrographic Office instructed her obstruction to navigation be removed from charts. Towed to Lyness it is reported she was beached there on July 17th, and her "lifting crane withdrawn". She departed on August 11th, destination not given, for refitting and returning to service.
In the 1945 edition of Lloyds Register the MoWT are given as her Registered Owners with Wm.R.Aiken of Aberdeen shown as Managers. Sold to Philip Bauer in 1947 she arrived at the Llanelly yard of Rees Shipbreaking Co. Ltd for demolition on January 20th, 1953.
DISPERSER IN PENZANCE.jpg
CLYDEBRAE
 
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