Port Edgar in the First World War

Transcription

1 Port Edgar in the First World War As early as November 1911, the Admiralty had made enquiries regarding the use of Port Edgar as an oil fuel depot for Fleet destroyers and other small craft. In the spring of 1916, the Admiralty took steps to officially acquire Port Edgar and the surrounding land. Warships and fleet tenders had been using the limited facilities at the port since the outbreak of war. This followed the decision to build a self contained Torpedo Boat Destroyer Depot on the site. By early 1916, work had been progressing for some time to achieve this. The base was to be an annexe of the newly completed naval dockyard at Rosyth. The land at Port Edgar was owned by Vice Admiral Charles Dundas of Dundas, and the North British Railway. The property was acquired under the terms of the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA). Prior to the Admiralty taking this decision, an extensive survey was conducted. A detailed insight is given of how Port Edgar looked in these days, from this report written by the Superintendent Civil Engineer Rosyth in May 1916: The area claimed by the North British Railway includes the roadway on the south side of the property. The road being theirs is repaired by them. At the south west corner a piece of land is occupied by Messrs Toppham Jones and Railton, in connection with their Admiralty contract for dredging under agreement with the North British Railway company. They also have a timber jetty which is being built close to the lighthouse. At the eastern end there is a

2 temporary picture palace, and close adjoining it some wooden buildings used as a carpenter's shop. In the vicinity of Echline Burn, there is a slaughter house used by the butchers of Queensferry. A creosote works belonging to the North British railway is also in existence. A number of damaged rail trucks are stored on the railway line. Moored to the pier are three Galloway steamers. Also, the yacht Sheela, belonging to Lady Beatty. The steam yacht Sheelah, was privately owned by Admiral Sir David Beatty and his family. Admiral Beatty was the Commander of the Grand Fleet's Battle Cruiser Force at Rosyth. Beatty's ships were shortly to partake in the foremost naval action of the first World War, the Battle of Jutland. The Sheelah had been offered to the Admiralty as a hospital ship, the cost of fitting her out was borne by Lady Beatty. The description goes on to say that the land immediately to the west of the breakwater would also be requisitioned. Two cottages are mentioned both uninhabited, being in an unfit state. It was recommended that the whole of the land belonging to the North British Railway including the road and land to the west should be acquired under the terms of the DORA, so that the Admiralty would have complete control of the area. The railway company would retain the line east of the road bridge (within Port Edgar that is), and into South Queensferry goods station. A subsequent arrangement would be made for NBR. To maintain and work the railway into Port Edgar. The extent of the area acquired was the whole of the Shore Road from its junction with Hopetoun Road (excepting the schoolhouse) in the east to its junction with Society Road, and beyond towards the Fisheries in the west. The Navy's intention being to create a self contained, destroyer depot providing berthing and shore support facilities for up to 52 destroyers. In fact by the base's completion date, up to 66 could be accommodated. Upgrading the east breakwater in May 1917

3 The work required to achieve this was considerable, and included the dredging of the harbour and the upgrading of the east breakwater, which had never been completed by the NBR. The seaward end was in a poor state of repair, having been washed away over the years. It is believed that the stone to construct the original east breakwater, which was probably well over a hundred years old, was hewn from the freestone quarry which was situated immediately to the east of the current entrance to Port Edgar. The quarry became the "Pond " and years later was filled in to make way for the Forth Road Bridge berthing jetties which would have to be built, including "dolphins" to berth fuelling tankers. Shore facilities would include barracks, workshops, storehouses, a power generating station, a distilling plant, and for the ship's crews recreation and sporting facilities. To provide the fleet destroyers fuelling requirements an oil fuel depot was also built. Situated on the higher ground to the south east of the base, this would take the form of four giant oil tanks which survived up until the late 1950s when they were demolished to make way for construction of the Forth Road Bridge. The destroyers of the Grand Fleet were at this time supported by their depot ships. These vessels were large purpose built units fitted out with workshops and storerooms holding spare parts. They also carried trained expertise to rectify breakdowns and carry out maintenance. As well as engineering support the depot ship had gunnery and torpedo experts aboard. Medical and dental facilities were available along with living accommodation as required by the destroyer crews. Port Edgar would replace the depot ships and, once complete, all support staff and responsibilities would transfer ashore. About this time the naval dockyard at Rosyth was being completed. The Flag Officer for Scotland had been based aboard HMS Columbine, a converted vessel from the age of sail, since July Once the Admiral and staff moved ashore at Rosyth, the Columbine was decommissioned and sold. The name Columbine was chosen as Port Edgar's new name once in commission. The newly completed destroyer depot was commissioned as HMS Columbine in December Her first commanding Officer was Captain Apsley D. M. Cherry, Royal Navy. Captain Cherry had the onerous task of organizing the base into an efficient unit. He experienced labour problems with the many civilian staff at the base. The particular bone of contention was overnight and weekend working. In order to achieve his aim Cherry arranged for the civilian workforce to be replaced with naval personnel. The total number of sailors available including destroyer crews was some 6,000 men. Apart from the Metropolitan Police, who were responsible for base security, Port Edgar was now purely service manned. Work on the base had been progressing for some considerable time prior to its official commissioning. It is likely that destroyers of the Grand Fleet were using the partially completed jetties as early as spring Certainly by the beginning of May there were at least three destroyer flotillas based on the Firth of Forth. Many of these vessels utilizing the new Port Edgar facility were "M" Class destroyers. In the early summer of that year the world witnessed that most epic of naval battles at Jutland, the result of which is still debated among naval historians to this day. It is

4 true that the Royal Navy's ship losses and casualties were greater than that of her enemy. The Grand Fleet lost a total of 14 vessels, eight of which were destroyers. Some of the dead and the wounded were landed at Port Edgar after the battle, the wounded bound for the hospital at Butlaw. A number of the dead are laid to rest in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission section of South Queensferry cemetery. The Royal Naval Hospital Queensferry at Butlaw Those officers and men of the Royal Navy, who gave their lives at the Battle of Jutland may not have died in vain. The result of the battle may appear undecided but it did succeed in maintaining the German blockade. It has been said that "At Jutland the German's assaulted their jailer, but they remain in jail". So it was, for the remainder of the War. They only came out in any force on two further occasions. The two fleets were never to meet in such great numbers again. In 1917, the V and W class destroyer made its appearance. This class was destined to be the most successful and enduring destroyer of the 20th century. A total of 67 vessels were built. The V and W class was the epitome of a destroyer and many graced the jetties of HMS Columbine up until the late 1920s. Such was the durability of this class of destroyer, that almost half of them went on to see service through the inter-war years, and into the Second World War. The destroyer was developed from the end of the 19th century as a response to the rising threat of the torpedo boat. Vessels were designed and built specifically for the purpose of destroying torpedo boats. The actual name "destroyer" being derived from the term "Torpedo Boat Destroyer". This class of vessel not only eliminated the torpedo boat, but for a time replaced it. The main duty of the destroyer in wartime is that of the outer guarding of the battle fleet. This was achieved by forming a "screen" around the main units of the fleet, which could also be applied to a convoy of merchant ships, therefore providing protection against enemy attack. The destroyer had two main armaments - the 4.7" gun and the torpedo, usually mounted in triple or quad mountings on the upperdeck. The destroyer did have a third weapon, her greatest - speed. They were without

5 doubt the workhorses of the fleet enduring long and regular periods at sea in appalling weather. Their duties included submarine detection, patrolling, convoy work, and minelaying, all of which would bring them into close contact with the enemy. Life and conditions were difficult, crews enduring cramped and uncomfortable living quarters, stormy seas and the inevitable sea sickness. An idea of how life would have been for the men in destroyers at the time is vividly portrayed by Taffrail a.k.a. Captain Dorling RN, in his book "Endless Story". This brief extract describing a voyage taken from the Firth of Forth to a destination on the west coast of Scotland via the Pentland Firth: We duly sighted Girdleness, Rattray Head, and Kinnaird Head lights at about 1.20am, altered course to the north north west for Duncansby Head, about eighty miles on. Almost as soon as we left the shelter of the land, the sea became heavier and steeper, and the old ship began to tumble about with a violent corkscrew motion as only a destroyer can. We had eased to 14 knots, but the ship was pitching heavily into the head sea, flinging her bows dizzily into the air at one moment, and under water the next. Occasional green seas smashed over the forecastle and thudded against the bridge, while the spray drove and stung our faces like hail. On 17 November 1917, Port Edgar based destroyers along with major units of the Grand Fleet engaged the German High Sea Fleet off the Heligoland Bight. Naval Intelligence had reported that a large enemy force was carrying out minesweeping operations off the Bight. They were a considerable distance from their home base. "R" Class destroyers in 1918

6 Admiral Sir David Beatty wasted no time and sailed from the Firth of Forth with the 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron, the 1st Cruiser Squadron, two light Cruiser Squadrons and screening destroyers. What followed was a hot running battle. No major losses were sustained by either side. However the Light Cruiser HMS Calypso suffered shell damage and lost eight men including her commanding officer, Captain H. E. Edwards, to whom a memorial was erected in the graveyard at South Queensferry. Apart from one other occasion this was the last time that antagonists of the Great War were to meet before the Armistice was signed in November Life at Port Edgar became even more hectic following April 1918, to transfer the entire Grand Fleet from Scapa Flow to the Firth of Forth, some 150 warships in all. The main advantage to the Grand Fleet was that she was nearer to her enemy. However, the downside was a congested Rosyth, and anchorages above and below the Forth Bridge, only increasing the difficult ship manoeuvring, particularly in the strong tides. The jetties at Port Edgar must have been near to bursting point! Getting in and out of the Firth of Forth in these days was no easy task. As well as the inner anti-submarine nets, which were passed following the correct light sequence being shown on the Forth Bridge, there was also the outer anti-submarine defences to be negotiated between Eli and Fidra Island, at the entrance to the Forth, four separate defence systems in all. They were essential to the Forth's security. Earlier in the war, a late night intrusion by the German submarine U21 reached as far as the Forth Bridge before she was detected. Her attempt at destroying ships of the Grand Fleet thwarted, she made her escape into the North Sea, where three days later she torpedoed and sunk the light cruiser HMS Pathfinder, on 15 September This was the first ever warship destroyed by a torpedo fired from a submarine. An infamous episode of naval activity, involving Port Edgar destroyers, was the Battle of May Island. On 31 January 1918, a large force of warships sailed from their anchorages and berths in the Forth, to participate in an exercise code named EC1. Amongst this armada were 9 "K" class submarines, destroyers and several major warships. The whole force in line ahead stretched for 20 miles. The exercise conditions dictated that they keep radio silence and reduce navigation lighting. Shortly after 7pm, approaching May Island, the force came across a small group of minesweepers, their own side. In the mist and darkness confusion reigned. In the attempt to avoid the minesweepers, rapid course changes were made. As a result a collision occurred when K14 was struck by K22. What followed was a series of subsequent collisions and bungled rescue attempts. All of which resulted in the loss of 100 lives, two submarines and damage to five other vessels. Those who lost their lives are remembered by the monument erected at Anstruther in Fife. In November 1918 Port Edgar destroyers were tasked, along with other units of the Allied fleet, to escort the German High Seas Fleet into the Firth of Forth following the

7 Armistice. A unique gathering of warships, the vessel numbers only surpassed later by Operation Neptune on the occasion of the Normandy Landings in In the early morning of 21 November, the cruiser HMS Cardiff, sailed from her anchorage in the Firth of Forth. She was under orders to proceed east out into the North Sea. Here at a prearranged position she was to rendezvous with the German High Seas Fleet, in all 74 enemy warships. A condition of the recently signed armistice between Britain, her Allies and Germany required the enemy fleet to be surrendered for internment. Initially the armistice draft terms were without naval conditions as it was feared that they may have prejudiced acceptance of the more rigorous military ones. This angered Commander-in-Chief, Sir David Beatty he said, "Because ours was a passive victory is no reason why we should not reap the fruits of that victory, the destruction of German sea power". The First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss, agreed with Beatty, and pressed his demand. Naval "surrender" conditions were duly drawn up. Beatty had his way. The occasion warranted a royal visit when, on 20 November, King George V and Queen Mary arrived in Edinburgh to thank the Royal Navy. After arriving at Barnton station the Royal couple were driven to Port Edgar. His Majesty was received by the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, Admiral David Beatty. A guard of honour was present, comprised of men HM Ships Coster and Champion. The King addressed 5,000 officers and men of the destroyer flotillas, thanking them on behalf of the nation for all they had achieved in four years of war. On his farewell a hearty three cheers were given by the assembled sailors - some roar that must have been! Meanwhile Her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by the Principal Medical Officer of the Grand Fleet, visited the Royal Naval Hospital at Butlaw. She was received by Surgeon Commander Paul Star, the senior doctor in charge. Once HMS Cardiff had made her North Sea rendezvous, the next few hours were to be unique in naval history. The Cardiff lead the German fleet to a point west of May Island, at the mouth of the River Forth. Here ships of the British and allied navies had assembled in great numbers. Some 250 vessels had come to escort the might of the German navy to its surrender. The procession of ships was over 19 miles long! One can imagine the spectacle plus warships entering the Firth of Forth, anchoring above and below Inchkeith Island. A journalist for the Edinburgh Evening News wrote at the time: When the huge vessels came into view with a couple of British airships floating serenely above them, there was a curious mixture of feeling among the officers and men of the British and American squadrons. There was undoubtedly jubilation that the German Fleet was now securely gripped, intermixed with this were expressions of regret, pity and disgust to see this one time proud, arrogant and certainly extremely powerful fleet, creeping into the Firth of Forth under the protection of a white flag. The surrendered fleet remained at their anchorages off Inchkeith Island for the next three days. During this period Allied inspectors checked that each vessel was fully

8 de-ammunitioned and that all weapon systems were rendered inoperative. The fleet was then steamed northwards to make the 250-mile voyage to Scapa Flow, in the Orkney Islands, to begin its internment. The next six months saw a rapid deterioration of the interned ships and their crews. Meanwhile the Versailles Peace Conference decided their fate. Port Edgar after the war was over Scapa Flow in the winter is not a very hospitable place, battered by wind and rain almost constantly. The men were cold, miserable and uncertain of their own future. They were prisoners in their own ships. Little or no maintenance and cleaning had been done within their ships, causing equipment and services to malfunction, in particular the heating. All this added to their discomfort and discord and many of the men became restless and mutinous. The more serious troublemakers were sent back to Germany along with supernumerary crew. The senior German naval officer in command of the interned fleet was Vice-Admiral Ludwig von Reuter. The actual fate of this once proud efficient fleet was in his hands. The Versailles Conference terms were announced. Germany was asked to accept them by 21 June 1919, or hostilities would recommence. Admiral von Reuter was acutely aware of his fleet's position and was determined that the Allies would not take his ships. As early as 1 June, he had been making secret preparations to deny his ships to the Allies. The slow communication of the day coupled with von Reuter's remote position at Scapa Flow, were to be decisive factors in what happened next. On 20 June von Reuter had read a copy of the London Times dated 17 June. He read that the deadline for Germany's acceptance of the terms was 21 June. In fact the date had been extended to 23 June, unbeknown to the Admiral. Believing that Germany would not accept the terms, he assumed that the war would recommence. Later that day signals were exchanged between von Reuter's flag ship SMS Emden, and his interned fleet. The Royal Navy at Scapa Flow were due to sail for Grand Fleet exercises the next day, seemingly unaware that the German Fleet in its charge was about to destroy itself!

9 The following day units of the Grand Fleet duly sailed for exercises, leaving the destroyer HMS Westcott as guardship. At 11am on a pre-arranged signal, the German crews went below, deep into their ships. Here they opened up valves and sea cocks, allowing tons of sea water to pour into their vessels. Five hours later a total of 52 of the interned ships had been sunk. The 22 vessels that did not sink, were beached. The scuttled German Fleet was declared a total loss by the British Admiralty. For the next four years the German fleet lay in the depths, rusting and growing barnacles. It was only a matter of time before someone had the idea to salvage the tons of steel below the icy waters of the Flow. In 1923 the Scapa Flow Salvage and Shipbreaking Company decided to raise some of the scuttled fleet but before any vessel was raised, Ernest Cox of Cox and Danks Ltd came onto the scene and showed the world how to salvage. Cox began by purchasing the SMS Seydlitz and the SMS Hindenburg from the British Admiralty. Over the next 15 years he ingeniously salvaged many of the Kaiser's sunken fleet. Many were to be returned to the Firth of Forth to be broken up for scrap at either Rosyth or Inverkeithing. Source: Peter A Collinson, who served at the Port Edgar base in minesweepers, fifty years after his grandfather served in destroyers at the base in 1917.