10 Port Squadron Royal Engineers - Part III

So, Jim Balmer arrived in Singapore in 1960 ready to tackle the job of keeping some tugs and boats shipshape so that vital supplies could reach those fighting the terrorists 'up country'.

The 'craft' were there and, as we saw in part II, so were the people who were willing to give their all to the task in hand. And so to the necessary program of repairs. Jim's story continues ....

Contract Repairs

We undertook a major hull repair program in 1960-61 and this meant supervising the work in local shipyards. Z23 was the first to go, the hull being down to 1/16th of an inch of steel at the aft end. It was repaired and re-decked at the Singapore Slipway.

The Slipway

At a slipway, the vessel is placed on a large cradle which has been prepared with blocks to take the shape of the hull (flat in this case!) and is then hauled out of the water on the trolley.

 

The Diver

The man in the water is a diver. He feels with his toes where the hull is in relation to the blocks and signals instructions to the men on the winches and pulleys. When it is firmly on the first blocks, the cradle and vessel can be pulled clear of the water. The diver could stay under the water for unbelievably long times - and still had all his toes.

 

Z23 leaving the water. Cpl Parkin, the bo'sun, is on the right.

Corrosion - Happening in the wrong place!

The corrosion at the aft end is mainly electrolytic action between the bronze propellers and the steel hull. Zinc blocks should be fitted to protect the steelwork but these had been removed or painted over 'because they were corroding badly' - exactly what they are there for! It's either them or the hull, and they are a lot cheaper.

This is not the end of the story. Let's hope that Jim will find time to write with more of his fascinating saga, and perhaps he'll send us more photographs. If he does, we'll post them here very soon.

Go to the Port Squadron Story Page I

Go to the Port Squadron Story Page II