HMS CALLIOPE

[northeast]

Just uncovered in the files

Her last departure from the Tyne
Completed in 1884 by Portsmouth Dockyard, 'Calypso' class corvette
Based on the Tyne 1907- 1951
HMS Calliope, a 2779-ton Calypso class screw corvette, her design was optimized for distant cruising service, with a fouling-resistant coppered hull, full sailing rig and relatively powerful engines. While so employed, as a unit of the Australian Station, Calliope performed one of the late 19th Century's most notable feats of seamanship when she escaped from the harbor at Apia, Samoa, during the violent hurricane that struck there on 15-16 March 1889.
In 1907, following the end of her active service, Calliope became a drill ship for the Tyne Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. She was employed in that duty for several decades, under the name Helicon between 1914 and 1931, and as HMS Calliope before and after those years. The gallant old ship was finally sold for scrapping in 1951.

[brianh]

Calliope took the name Helicon in 1915 to release the name for a "C" class cruiser. When the cruiser was scrapped in 1931 Calliope took her name back. She was berthed at Elswick throughout her service with the reserves except for a period during WW2 when she was moved to the Albert Edward Dock, North Shields (1939 to 12 August 1946) to act as the RN Base ship for the Tyne. She was replaced by the former sloop Falmouth which took the name Calliope serving until 1968 when Tyne Division moved ashore to South Shore Road, Gateshead.

[northeast]

The answer will probably lie in some ancient copy of Marine News, but the United tug looks to be a match for IRISHMAN / SCOTSMAN of 1929.

[brianh]

HMS Calliope (ex Falmouth) 30 August 1967 alongside at Elswick.

[northeast]

Thanks Brian, interesting because I must have passed her, only once did I venture upstream of Newcastle walking the north side to get a view of Dunston Staithes I guess around 1962-63'ish, the main thing I remember is that it was raining and dismal and can't recall seeing anything at all!

[brianh]

George - she was moored opposite Clayton and Davies the shipbreakers and on a grey day would have merged into the background.

[magoonigal]

Marine News just said..........

"The former Tyne RNVR Drillship CALLIOPE, well known for her escape in the Samoan hurricane in 1889, which was replaced by the former Sloop FALMOUTH earlier this year and had since been laid up in the Howden Dock, was towed round to Blyth 9/10/51 to be broken up by Messrs. Hughes Bolckow, Ltd."

[Totleyletters]

Hello,
I am an amateur local historian living in Totley, nr Sheffield. I've been lent a box, full of WW2 correspondence between a local lady and various officers and men who were serving at that time.
She was the secretary of 'Dore and Totley Minesweeper Trawlers Comfort Fund' and appears to have kept all records pertaining to its existence from 1941-46. The comforts sent seemed to be administered to the men largely via the Chaplain of HMS Calliope.
I hope to build a story around this and would welcome any links or access to information that anyone may have.
Thanks

[dustydog1]

Just uncovered in the files

The attachment CALLIOPE1884.jpg is no longer available

Her last departure from the Tyne
Completed in 1884 by Portsmouth Dockyard, 'Calypso' class corvette
Based on the Tyne 1907- 1951
HMS Calliope, a 2779-ton Calypso class screw corvette, her design was optimized for distant cruising service, with a fouling-resistant coppered hull, full sailing rig and relatively powerful engines. While so employed, as a unit of the Australian Station, Calliope performed one of the late 19th Century's most notable feats of seamanship when she escaped from the harbor at Apia, Samoa, during the violent hurricane that struck there on 15-16 March 1889.
In 1907, following the end of her active service, Calliope became a drill ship for the Tyne Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. She was employed in that duty for several decades, under the name Helicon between 1914 and 1931, and as HMS Calliope before and after those years. The gallant old ship was finally sold for scrapping in 1951.

Now this looks interesting. I have a photo of some RNVR on a ships deck and with a deck head of light sheet steel. Mixed cap tallies, and a trophy prize giving on going.
Can any one say what is happening, and what the large cup, trophy is for. Mid 1920,s

from Glass plate negative.
photographer J.H Cleet

[brianh]

As the picture was taken by Cleet it is most likely aboard HMS Satellite the sub division of HMS Calliope and moored at South Shields.