From Admiralty Weekly Intelligence Report (22 Dec 1944)
H.M.S. Princess,
Beatrix started life as a very modern Dutch cross-channel ship operating
between
She was subsequently taken over by the Admiralty, radically altered for her new job of assault landing ship, later known as Landing Ship Infantry (Medium), and now, mounting eight landing craft and accommodating a complete Commando, she entered her new and more exacting role under the command of Commander T. Brunton, R.N.
Her first 20 months
were more extensive than intensive, but included the first
In October, 1942, with part of the 1st Battalion of the -United States 6th Armoured Infantry on board, she joined the convoy for North Africa and, from the entirely successful landing west of Oran, this American column contributed largely to the speedy capitulation of that city.
The real work now
started. Our First Army. "Army " in name but not in numbers, was
already forging ahead into
The night was tense. The phosphorescent wake streaming behind as the ships pushed along at 20 knots seemed to glow like a flare path for the benefit of enemy planes. To the surprise of even the optimistic and the confounding of the superstitions, the run was uneventful. Bone was reached in the morning, the cargo and passengers landed in record time and departure taken without ceremony or hesitation.
The trouble started on the return trip and continued with great regularity for any trips to come.
H.M. Ships Royal
Ulsterman and Royal Scotsman now joined in. They too were accustomed to "ferry"
runs; the holiday traffic between
The quartet was aptly nicknamed by an officer of the Royal Scotsman "The Moonlight Squadron" owing to the apparently persistent synchronization of the runs with clear moonlight nights. The ships were also called less picturesque names by the troops, especially on rough nights. Bomb Alley Taxicabs can be printed: likewise, referring to the "Dutch" ships, "Carter'' and "Patterson"-which presently produced a surprise in the form of a very much appreciated token from the directors of the real firm.
The service was maintained throughout the winter, sometimes by the faster ships; mostly by all four, and in spite of some narrow squeaks from both bombs and aircraft torpedoes, all escaped without a scratch. The Princess Beatrix, however, still retains some dents in her deck and wheelhouse roof made by flying paving-stones disrupted from the quay at Bone on one particular disturbing night.
By the end of the Tunisian campaign the "P.B." as she had come to be called, had herself carried some 15,700 troops including some German and Italian prisoners on the later return journeys, and had steamed 12,000 miles.
The ships of the
"Moonlight Squadron" were specially thanked for their service; by the
Army Commander in a letter to Sir Andrew Cunningham, then Commander-in-Chief,
The foursome had
by now been broken up- by the departure of the "
It was just before
One night, soon after the Sicilian landings, the Queen Emma had a "near miss" while in Augusta anchorage, which caused her to be invalided home for further attention, and so another partnership was broken up.
In company with H.M.S. Prince Charles the "P.B.", was engaged in a minor landing near Cape Scaletta, which allowed a British Commando to .reach Messina on level terms with the Americans arriving from the north.
The working-up
exercises for
Stores were
running low and a trip to
The other L.S.I.s
which had come out from the
Christmas was
sandwiched in between rehearsals for a Commando raid, which took place at the
Preparations for
As the engines
were clamouring for some attention the Princess was diverted, after a short
stay in
Feeling somewhat
spruced-up, the ship emerged and re-engaged in the carrying trade round about
the Western Mediterranean, taking in, the new ground of
The advance of the
Eighth Army in Eastern Italy took the "P.B." round to the
From being a ]one wanderer, she now became a very small unit of the astonishing scene of activity which preceded the invasion of Provence, but it was with particular interest and considerable pride that it was found that she was to carry French Commandos. Almost-forgotten French was polished up and the "P.B.'s" hospitality renewed and the Commandos made to feel as at home as possible until the day when they were put down on their own soil in advance of the main assault "to realize the dream they had cherished for so many long years," as Colonel Bouvet gracefully acknowledged in a parting signal to the Force Commander.
Having seen the
enemy-held territory round the
* now 6 and 23
EXPLANATION
After the war, the "P.B." and were rebuilt and returned to their passenger trade - Harwich / The Hook, until they were finally phased out in 1968 and were honourably scrapped after 30 years service.
Their interesting
history is preserved in the maritime Museum in
A copy- of the
booklet, - in Dutch, came into our hands, but efforts at translation were
unsuccessful until "Scratch"
As a coincidence,
it would appear from correspondence with Mrs. Thomas, that it is almost certain
she was evacuated from Java, where she had been a Japanese P.Q.W, far three
years-, to
TO HIST0RY OF THE TWO DUTCH CHANNEL FERRIES
By L.L.Van Munching of the Maritime Museum
The "Queen Emma" was 'launched' in Jan 1939 by Queen Wilhemina (but stuck on the slips for 4 hours). The "P.B," followed on 25th March launched by Prince Bernhard.
For a brief period these ships were the world's fastest motorships at 24.5 knots, with twin engines totalling 12,500 HP. The gross tonnage was 4135 and maximum passengers 1800.
Channel crossings
Flushing/Harwich were started June/July 1939, but on outbreak of war on 3rd
Sept. both new ships were withdrawn to their "Home"
Several more similar journeys to
Emma's next run
was in convoy taking troops to
The rest of the
story emerges from the "log" except the reason for being exiled to
A brief
note
For a brief period these ships were the world's fastest motor ships at 24.5 knots, with twin engines totaling 12,500 BP. The gross tonnage was 4135 and maximum passengers 1800.
Channel crossings Flushing
/ Harwich were started June/July 1939, but
on outbreak of war an 3rd Sept., both new ships were withdrawn to their
"Home"
Several more similar
journeys to
Emma's next run was in
convoy taking troops to
The rest of the story
emerges from the "log" except the reason for being exiled to
IN GOOD COMPANY
By Thomas Woodruffe
Chapter 1X page 149
(The outward "Torch" convoy)
Here were the crack ships of our most famous lines; ships which bore
names as familiar as those of old friends from
Facsimiles
DAILY ORDERS. 3RD MARCH 1941.
Action Station approx. 0645.
0900 Coxns. of ALCs and MLCs muster at sick bay for first aid bags. During the forenoon ALC and MLC Coxn. To draw provision and water. ALC - 1 fanny of water and MLC - 2 fannies of water. Bottles of water to placed in boat lockers. Empty bottles to be drawn from Wine Steward. All bowsing in Pendants to be greased and ready for slipping. All heaving lines hand and boat ropes rigged. All defects to be reported to Lieut. XXXX. Boats will be armed P.M. P.M. hands will be piped down Negative Afternoon watch.
1625 Out pipes.
1630 Hands fall in. Arm and final preparation of all boats, ALC and MLC crews will not keep sea watch after 2000.
Watch Bill alteration for operation only: -
Shiers A.B. to No. 1 MLC, crew vice Brunskill sick.
A.McKillan A.B.. from fore supply action station to No.3 Fore 12 Pdr. Vice Shiers.
LOFOTEN.
DAILY ORDES. TUESDAY 4TH march 1941.
0345 Call hands. 0400 Galley for cccoa. Troops D.C. officers, ALC and MLC to breakfast.
0415 Landing craft lowerers to your station. Clear away boats and take weight on falls by hand. Take lifeline down and guard rails.
0430 Coxns of ALCs and MLCs draw spirits. Remainder of Crew men to your boats.
0445 Boat Stations – Troops. Action Pom Pom close up. P.O. Proctor and A.V. Taylor O.S. to close up aft. Pom Pom ready use locker and remain until action stations.
0515 Troops should be embarked.
0530 All boats to be in water. When boats are clear hands to actions stations. Landing craft lowerers to place survivor nets and ladders over the side when boats are clear.
0645 Troops land.
0700 Remainder of hands to breakfast.
Capts. of Tops to have heaving lines placed as follows: -
Capt Fx. 1 line abreast No.1 ALC 1 line abreast No.2 ALC
Capt. Tops 1 line abreast No.1 MLC. 1 line abreast No.2 MLC
Capt Fx. 1 line abreast No.5 ALC 1 line abreast No 6 ALC
SILENCE to be maintained during Operation.
Stamped
FIRST LIETENANT
H.M.S "PRINCE BEATRIX"
FOOTNOTE XXXX denotes unreadable name on original documents.
This I believe is a leaflet carried by
the
URGENT
From: The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. Princess Beatrix
Date: 24th February 1943 223/3
To: Senior Officer Assault. Ships & Craft. LARGS
(Copy to Flag Officer Commanding 12th Cruiser Squadron in H.M S. AURORA
A brief record of events between 13th November 1942 and 20th February 1943 is submitted as a continuation, of my, former letter 207/3 of 13th December 1942.
2. These chronological record is as follows: -
13-21 Dec. At
22 " Embarked troops and sailed at 1500 with Queen Emma (5.0.) ROYAL SCOTSMAN AND ROYAL ULSTERMAN escorted by destroyers.
23 Dec.0800 Arrived Bougie,
23;
Dec.0800 All ships sailed 1500 arrived BONA. Rain and wind and growing darkness.
Ships milling about in the narrow- harbour Finally secured alongside
24 Dec 0800 All ships plus SCYLLA sailed.
1900 QUEEN EMMA
SYLLA, & WISHART parted company for
"When may I expect the troops? " He replied "I do not think your signal should have been made by V/S in the: interests of. security". Observing that the troops had to march through the town and embark in full view, I rejoined, "How are the troops disguised". It is only fair to add that the N.O.I.C. far from being annoyed, appeared to be amused
25 Dec 0800 PRINCESS BEATRIX (S.O.) ROYAL SCOTSMAN,
Christmas day ROYAL ULSTERMAN, BICESTER, ZETLAND,
1730 Arrived BONA. Discharged troops.
26 Dec 0800 Same ships sailed,
27 " 0100
Arrived
23 Dec Celebrated Christmas Day, on board
29 " Reverted to 12 hours notice for engine repairs
30 Dec Heavy gale at night. Came to immediate notice. Under ARGONAUT's lee.
31 " Lull for about two hours in the forenoon. Shifted berth and secured stern to the mole with two anchors out ahead, Wind shifted 16 points and blew as hard as ever.
1 - 3 Jan ' 43 At
4
Jan Embarked troops, anchored OUT and sailed at midnight. PRINCESS BEATRIX
(S.0.) ROYAL SCOTSMAN, ROYAL ULSTERMAN escorted by LOYALWHEATLAND and
5 Jan 1700 Arrived BONA and discharged troops. Harbour lit up by burning ships resulting from a heavy Stuka attack three days before. Our own fighters were bogged by bad weather.
6 Jan 0800 Same ships sailed escorted by LOYAL and LIGHTNING
7 Jan 0200 Arrived
8-16
At
17 Embarked troops and anchored outside,
18 0030 QUEEN EMMA (S. 0.) PRINCESS BEATRIX ROYAL SCOTSMAN ROYAL ULSTERMAN escorted by ZETLAND? LAMERTON & AVONDALE sailed. Fighter protection excellent in contrast to previous experience losses had in fact, been incurred by coastal convoys from enemy aircraft - our fighter cover had been re-organised.
18 Jan 1800 Secured in Bona harbour and discharged troops.
19 " 0800 Same snips sailed from bona, LAMERTON shot down one S.N.79 after dark, The survivors stated they had made 4 runs at the ships. in the first the torpedoes refused to drop, in the second and third the aircraft found itself in a bad position for dropping and in the fourth he was shot down. I did not think enemy aircraft were about. There were night fighters with us showing on the RDF screen and the sky had just been reported as clear of the enemy.
20
Jan 0130 Arrived
1325 Embarked troops and anchored out,
21 Jan 0030 QUEEN EMMA PRINCESS BEATRIX, ROYAL SCOTMAN, ROYAL ULSTERMAN escorted by LAFOREY (D.19 & S.O.} Lamerton & ZETLAND, sailed.
1800 Arrived.BONA and discharged troops.
22 Jar. 0800 Same ships minus LAFOREY sailed,
23 " 0120 Arrived ALGIERS Waited for two hours far boom to open, entered harbour and secured alongside a merchant ship as ordered. Discovered my Galley funnel was abreast a hold filled with leaky tins of octane spirit. Shoved off, turned round, let go an anchor and came alongside stern first. Finally secured at 0435.
24 " Embarked Paratroops. Field Marshal Sir John Dill came aboard.
25
" 0030 QUEEN EMMA (S.O.} & PRINCESS BEATRIX escorted by WHEATLAND
&:
1730 Arrived BONA, Disembarked paratroops and embarked M.T.drivers.
26 " 0800 Same ships sailed. Attacked by torpedo planes after dusk. Narrowly missed by two torpedoes (rudder hard over)
2150
Arrived off
As soon as the moon rose, 2257 air, raids developed. At 0540 a mine exploded close under the stem and wrecked the master gyro compass. Its repair is described in my letter 219/5 of 12th Feb '43 copy of which is attached.
0900 Shifted into harbour and secured stern to mole with two anchors ahead.
28-31 At
1 Feb Embarked troops and anchored in bay.
2330 QUEEN EMMA (S.0.) Princess BEATRIX, Royal Scotsman, Royal Ulsterman, and Empire Pride (troopship) escorted by Bicester Lamerton & Zetland, sailed. A split pipe on the port engine' gave trouble during the trip.
2 " 1630 Arrived BONA. Discharged
troops.
3 " 0800 Same ships sailed.
4 " 0200 Arrived ALGIERS, entered harbour, secured alongside and an air raid developed at once.
1200 Embarked troops.
1915 QUEEN EMMA (S.0.) PRINCESS BEATRIX, LAMERTON & WHEATLAND sailed 18 knots.
5 Feb 0830 Arrive PHILLIPVILLE Discharged troops.
1730 Same ships sailed 19 knots. Saw Stronsay blow up an a mine at harbour entrance
6
0530 Parted company and entered
7-10 At
0800 Sailed, escorted by WHEATLAND 19 knots.
1900 Arrived ARZEW and secured alongside.
1220
At ARZEW for amphibious training of AMERICAN troops. Went to extended notice to
shift a piston skirt. On 16TH Feb. went to
3 The following REMARKS are submitted:
(a). Tempy. Lieutenant J.B. King (who was the 2nd lieutenant and had been in the ship 8 months) has been appointed first lieutenant vice McKay and promoted to Tempy. Acting Lieut.Commander By a Station appointment of the Commander-in-Chief.
(b) On the 2nd Jan, '43, HMS QUEEN EMMA being absent, I took it upon myself to precipitate the issue about being shifted round the harbour from berth to berth every day or so. In a total of 22 days in harbour I had been ordered to shift eleven tines and my reiterated representations to the Staff had no effect whatever. A shift tinder these conditions usually means working two anchors and heavy hurricane hawsers, and more important, no advantage can be taken of harbour time to effect repairs. I succeeded in attracting sufficient attention to put a stop to this burdensome practice, but at the cost of some personal unpopularity.
(e)(1v) Stores of all kinds are very short and this is a mounting bogey confronting all ships.
(h) Since the commencement of operation TORCH 10,705 troops have been carried in this ship to the combat zone.