wightspirit Posted 9 July , 2014 Share Posted 9 July , 2014 I am trying to establish the identify of the commanding officer of the trawler Grenadier, part of the Auxiliary Patrol Force, during February 1917. I have seen her log for the period in question but there are no names or signatures recorded. The Grenadier was not a war loss so finding out who crewed her isn't so easy. The Grenadier was the first vessel on the scene following the sinking of the troopship Mendi and the report of the unnamed commanding officer makes for some matter of fact but pretty grim reading. Does anyone have any ideas please - and a photo of the Grenadier would be brilliant too. Dave W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little bob Posted 9 July , 2014 Share Posted 9 July , 2014 The Navy List for November 1917 (Corrected to 18th October 1917) Grenadier Chief Skipper RNR Edwin Barlow 5th July 1917. Skipper RNR Alexander Campbell. 8th July 1917. GRENADA GY323 was re-named GRENADIER when requisitioned in October 1914. Admiralty No. 714. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe R Posted 9 July , 2014 Share Posted 9 July , 2014 A previous post: Respectfully, Joe R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 9 July , 2014 Share Posted 9 July , 2014 According to Bob's post #2 both skippers were appointed to GRENADIER in July 1917, six moths after the sinking of MENDI. Earlier Navy List (Feb/May 1917) required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe R Posted 9 July , 2014 Share Posted 9 July , 2014 This will confuse some. It did me.http://www.llangibby.eclipse.co.uk/accidents%20&%20incidents/grenada.htm Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadsac Posted 10 July , 2014 Share Posted 10 July , 2014 Dave W. Not quite what you asked for but find here award of DSC to Skipper Barlow ; BARLOW Edwin 78WSA Chief Skipper RNR 84Q073 H.M.T. Grenadier Senior Naval Officer Newhaven 17.04.18 Gazetted Minesweeping Operations 01.04.17 - 31.12.17 DSC During his service as Leader of Trawler Minesweepers, has shown a keen and intelligent knowledge of his duties, and has carried out the clearing of minefields with much ability. A most efficient and reliable officer. Sadsac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 10 July , 2014 Share Posted 10 July , 2014 This will confuse some. It did me.http://www.llangibby.eclipse.co.uk/accidents%20&%20incidents/grenada.htm Joe GRENADA was a Hull trawler (H.947), hired under that name. GRENADIER was a hired and re-named Grimsby trawler (GY.323). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wightspirit Posted 10 July , 2014 Author Share Posted 10 July , 2014 Thanks to you all for your replies and help. Edwin Barlow looks promising so will see what I can turn up on my next visit to TNA. Dave W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 10 July , 2014 Share Posted 10 July , 2014 The June 1917 Navy List (eff date 18 May 1917) shows that the skipper of GRENADIER from 19 Jan 1917 was Skipper William ALLAN RNR (1646.SA). By 18 Jun 1917 he was skipper of the trawler BORNEO and was killed when she was mined off the south coast on that date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe R Posted 10 July , 2014 Share Posted 10 July , 2014 Thank you Horatio 2 for setting me straight. Joe R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wightspirit Posted 10 July , 2014 Author Share Posted 10 July , 2014 Horatio 2 that's excellent, thank you - seems the right man is William Allan. During my enquiries into these men I've found references to Chief Skipper as well as Skipper, RNR. Is it likely men of both ranks served on board at the same time? Dave W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 10 July , 2014 Share Posted 10 July , 2014 Not impossible, with the Chief Skipper taking command of a group of trawlers (eg for minesweeping) while the Skipper commanded the trawler from which the chief Skipper exercised command. However, two skippers in one small boat could make life a bit difficult and I should not think it was a common or popular arrangement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wightspirit Posted 10 July , 2014 Author Share Posted 10 July , 2014 Yes, that makes sense, thanks again. Dave W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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