Ex US Navy/Army Military Craft

[Hornbeam]

It looks like the “Golden Goose” is finally going to lay its last Golden Eggs which provided employment for thousands of us both at sea and on land over the years, I am referring to North Sea Oil which according to one of the Miliband Brothers (Labour) is going to be severely curtailed to meet the reduction in the new legislation in regards to Air Quality over G.B.
However for the shipping enthusiasts the very beginning of North Sea Oil Exploration provided some interesting shipping not seen since WW2.
The Americans were at the forefront of the hunt in looking for North Sea Oil and when they came over they sailed their own vessels to the North Sea this is one of them, admittedly not a good picture of one of the vessels but nevertheless an interesting use of a former LCI (Large) Landing Craft, I had just paid off from the “Baron Ardrossan” \(last time I ever used Valve Laths) and took the Lad around Hartlepool Docks when I came across this interesting Vessel, no idea what her name was but her purpose was interesting, as some members will be aware Landing Craft were built very strong in the Lower Hull (Bilge Area) in order to sit on the Hard to land whatever they are carrying on the Beaches and then if possible “Kedge Off” this strength made them ideal for Oil Surveys as in those days they used explosives rather than the Air Pistols which they use today.
Ron M may have a better picture as it was around “Bayou Chico” time when she was in the area.
If the “Talking Heads” on television keep poking the Russian Bear “RasPutin” air pollution will be the least of our worries.

[Hornbeam]

Another LCI (Large) up on the Beach between tides I would guess.

[Hornbeam]

Another ex American Navy vessel used in the early days of North Sea oil exploration, quite a racy little number. In her hay day a PC/Sub Chaser again built strong below the Waterline which she had to be looking for those infernal U Boats whilst dropping Kegs of High Explosives off her Stern.
Taken with the Lads Brownie 127 (now collectible apparently?) I blame the Chemist for the poor quality.

[Hornbeam]

Attached is a photo of a PC/Sub Chaser in Military Clothing, nice lines similar to the RN later design of the RN “Ford” Class which were built to serve the same remit ie the protection of Ports and Anchorage’s.

[Hornbeam]

Just as an aside this is what is used to Survey for Oil these days, capable of towing numerous Air Pistols, looks like half a Ship to me.
Decanting from IJmuiden I unfortunately I did not get her Flag State but if she’s British Dept ‘X’ at Bath wil have her already “Drawn Up” as a Minesweeper in the event of, just requires a bit of “Cut and Shut”
Divent worry E28 Bath have it all in hand as they did in 1982

[Hornbeam]

An interesting Craft with an even more interesting backstory, at onetime an RN Boat (aka the Taxpayer) and Crewed by R.N. Officers with a German Crew Post War, pre War she had been the floating venue of members of the Royal Family along with Post War visits by some of the Royal Family who sailed along the Rhine in her.
Amazingly the Wife of her first Owner a Mr H. Goering a Convicted War Criminal demanded this much loved family boat back claiming the building of the vessel was part of his Private estate and nothing to do with a Company who received a four year contract in the Hitler years for the Supply of Motor Transport.
She got the much loved family boat back, you have to wonder if there was a bit of skullduggery from higher circles bearing in mind the Edward connection with the Nazi Party along with others which was all kept very quiet at the time in order not to upset the British Public.
After this much loved sadly missed family boat was returned to Mrs G.she promptly sold it for a canny profit bearing mind the boat was well looked after by the RN aka the British Taxpayer some of whom were Bombed out of their homes by Mr H. G’s fleet of Aircraft.

[Hornbeam]

Just an additional piece of info to make the above local, the first Bombing Raid in England by Mr G’s Aircraft was on Middlesbrough.
Mr G’s Wife should read Widow.

[Hornbeam]

I do have a somewhat tenuous connection to Mr Goring as I have a piece of one of his Aircraft Engines sat in my back garden and has been for a number of years (old Engineers don’t throw anything away as it might come in handy one day) it fell to earth not far from where I live attached to an aircraft, I had intended to rebuild a aircraft around it but life got in the way
If Mr G’s family want it they can have it without a protracted Court Case, it is a heavy chunk of metal so they will have to pay for the carriage costs.

[Hornbeam]

I wonder how many are still around?