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HDML – Q1193 – Tamure (P3555)

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HMNZS TAMURE – P3555

The H.M.N.Z.S. Tamure coming into berth at Port Lyttelton with two sailors making preparations. Tamure is a 72 foot long motor launch built in 1942
Date 1970-09-12

Gray Harbour Ship Building Co – Aberdeen, Grays Harbour – Washington – Contract Number D.A.N.O.B.S. 587)

The four built by this Company were shipped to Auckland N.Z. from Vancouver on the Mt Robson Park. They were Q1191, Q1192, Q1193, Q1194. They arrived in Auckland on the 25th August 1843, all these craft were commissioned together on the 28th September 1943

Ten H.D.M.L. were retained by the R.N.Z.N. were,

          Q1183, Q1184, Q1188, Q1190, Q1191, Q1192, Q1193, Q1194, Q1348, Q1350

These ten  H.D,M.L. were reclassified as S.D.M.L. (Seaward Defense Motor Launch) in the mid 1950’s and were used in various roles.

Q1193 which was the Fijian Naval Volunteer Reserve S.D.M.L. Named H.M.F.S. VITI based in Suva was sailed to New Zealand when the Fijian Reserve was disbanded, She was crewed with volunteers from H.M.N.Z.S. ROYALIST and escorted to Auckland by H.M.N.Z.S. KANIERE. in 1959. Refitted and given the pennant number P3555 and handed to the Auckland R.N.Z.N.V.R. as a replacement S.D.M.L. for Q1194 Renamed Ngapona (II) in 1958. Survey 1959-68, Auckland. Sold 3/73.

Served in Fiji (RFNVR) 1955-59

R.N.Z.N.V.R. VESSELS NOW NAMED AFTER THEIR DIVISIONS

Q1193        P3561        Auckland Division           H.M.N.Z.S. Ngapona 1959

Also, in 1966 it was decided to refit and convert the four R.N.Z.N.V.R.  S.D.M/Ls the same as the Fisheries Protection vessels, so they could be supplemented in the Fisheries Protection role in their respective areas. They were also given fish names. In January 1967 the refits were started and by the end of 1967 all craft had been completed.

Q1193, P3561 Auckland Division, H.M.N.Z.S. NGAPONA – now  H.M.N.Z. S TAMURE.

HMNZS Tamure/Ngapona Flotilla of small ships against the backdrop of Rangitoto welcoming the arrival of the Chilean Navy training ship Esmeralda to Auckland. HMNZS Ngapona P3555 (later renamed Tamure) bottom left, the Stanley Bay ferry launch Aotearoa II top left, and the stern of the Navy tug Arataki extreme right.
Attribution
acknowledge Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
152800010
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/90662/

Left RNZN 1973 Sold for charter work. Sank at Tutukaka 1982. Salvaged. Rebuilt as launch Tamure 1987.

Possibly at Te Atutu. Now located at a marine yard in Kopu, Thames

HMNZS Tamure/Ngapona
HMNZS Tamure/Ngapona

Christchurch hosts NZ Army’s 2nd/1st Battalion celebrating 50 years – more photos on blog https://rnznships.com/

2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment may look quite different today to when it was formed 50 years ago but the quality and calibre of the soldiers in the South Island unit has not changed, says the battalion’s commanding officer.

01 July, 2024

The battalion celebrated its half-century anniversary over the long Matariki weekend with a charter parade through Christchurch’s central city, opening a 25-year-old time capsule, and ceremonies and social events at Burnham Military Camp. 

Friday’s charter parade drew large crowds as the battalion marched with regimental colours through Christchurch, joined by the NZ Army Band and unit veterans.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger inspected the parade in Cathedral Square before reading the historical charter document, acknowledging the unwavering support of the city in difficult times.

The charter formalises the relationship between the city of Christchurch and the South Island’s only Regular Force infantry unit.

2nd/1st Battalion has been among the first to respond to incidents and disasters in Christchurch and the wider South Island, such as the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 and the Covid-19 response – providing personnel to conduct security and manage quarantine facilities.

On Saturday, more than 500 former battalion members were ‘welcomed home’ to Burnham.

The contents of the 25-year-old time capsule showed a snapshot in time of the battalion including photos and kit.Battalion 50th 1

The New Zealand Army’s 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has marked its 50th anniversary with events in central Christchurch and at its home of Burnham Military CampBattalion 50th 3

The New Zealand Army’s 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has marked its 50th anniversary with events in central Christchurch and at its home of Burnham Military CampBattalion 50th 4

The New Zealand Army’s 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has marked its 50th anniversary with events in central Christchurch and at its home of Burnham Military CampBattalion 50th 6

The New Zealand Army’s 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has marked its 50th anniversary with events in central Christchurch and at its home of Burnham Military CampBattalion 50th 5

The New Zealand Army’s 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has marked its 50th anniversary with events in central Christchurch and at its home of Burnham Military CampScroll to previous imageScroll to next image

Major General (Retired) Ken Gordon was the Commanding Officer of 2nd/1st Battalion from 1976 to 1978, shortly after it was formed.

It was the highlight of a 37-year career that started when he enlisted as an 18-year-old and ended in 1987. A soldier’s kit was now a lot different.

“We were really just at the dog end of the war when I joined but everything has changed since,” he said. 

“When I look now at a soldier, I can’t imagine what they have on them – all the bells and whistles.”

Current Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Smith, says thousands of battalion members had served in New Zealand and on overseas deployments, including Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and Iraq.

Every unit member had made their own unique contribution to the history of 2nd/1st Battalion.

“While the battalion may look very different from the one formed 50 years ago, some things have not changed. 

“The quality and calibre of the soldiers who form the sections, platoons and companies of the battalion and the way the unit has just got on with the job of soldiering is the same now as they have always been.”

The battalion has laid down another time capsule, to be lifted in 25 years.

HMNZS Aotearoa arrives at RIMPAC 2024

The Royal New Zealand Navy maritime sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa is in Pearl Harbor, readying to be a major part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) contribution to Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC 24).

02 July, 2024

RIMPAC is a biennial multi-national combined exercise, hosted by the United States Navy, focused on all aspects of maritime-based warfare disciplines. It is the largest maritime exercise in the world, involving approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel.

The harbour phase of the exercise is currently underway which involves HMNZS Aotearoa’s crew attending planning meetings, symposiums, sports competitions and cultural exchanges.

HMNZS Aotearoa, which arrived in Pearl Harbor last week, will sail in company with the other participating ships on Monday 8 July 2024 for the sea phase of the exercise.

This will include a range of maritime warfare focused scenarios such as amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defence exercises, as well as military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

During this phase of the exercise, HMNZS Aotearoa will play a large part in sustaining the coalition force by resupplying other ships with fuel, food, spare parts and ammunition.

Speaking to a delegation of international visitors to the ship, HMNZS Aotearoa’s Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Welford, quoted an excerpt from the Navy haka explaining “this means we stand strong, we stand staunch, we stand together as sailors. This call aligns with the key theme of RIMPAC 24: partners integrated and prepared”.

The NZDF is contributing around 250 personnel to the exercise including the ship’s crew,  operational divers from HMNZS Matataua, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft and air  detachment, medical personnel, a dental team and other New Zealand Defence Force personnel operating in various headquarters and supporting units.

Photo by Seaman Juan Cordova, U.S. Navy  

HMS Wellington launches fundraiser for essential repairs as she wards off being scrapped

Alex Walters – 30th June 2024 at 12:06pm

HMS Wellington has been at her current berth on Victoria Embankment since 1948 (Picture: The Wellington Trust)

HMS Wellington, the last surviving Royal Navy vessel from the Battle of the Atlantic – the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War – requires essential repairs or risks being scrapped.

To avoid the 1,200-ton ship potentially being broken up, the Wellington Trust has launched a fundraising campaign to save the well-known landmark on the River Thames.

HMS Wellington was built in 1934 and served as a convoy escort ship during the Second World War, guarding more than 100 convoys of merchant ships.

The Wellington Trust says it is “determined that, unlike many other historic vessels and heritage sites, this unique ship will not be permitted to fall into any kind of disrepair”.

It aims to continue the restoration and maintenance to preserve the ship as well as fund its mission to educate and celebrate the history and traditions of the British Merchant Navy.

The Wellington Trust also aims to welcome more people on board to enjoy the legacy and soak up the atmosphere of the past, learning from guides and browsing through its history.

The Wellington Trust said: “All funds raised will both support Wellington’s conservation and preservation and develop a new business plan to make her more accessible to the public as a visitor attraction.”

You can donate by either contributing to the GoFundMe campaign here or by visiting the website by clicking here.

HQS/HMS Wellington (launched Devonport, 1934) is a Grimsby-class sloop, formerly of the Royal Navy. Built at Devonport in 1934, HMS Wellington served in the Pacific mainly on station in New Zealand and China before the Second World War.

During the Second World War, she served as a convoy escort ship in the North Atlantic. She is now moored alongside the Victoria Embankment, at Temple Pier, on the River Thames in London, England. From 1948 to 2023 she was the headquarters ship of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, known as HQS Wellington.

Royal Navy service

Wellington in April 1942.

Built at Devonport in 1934, HMS Wellington served in the Pacific mainly on station in New Zealand and China before the Second World War. As built, Wellington mounted two 4.7-inch guns and one 3-inch gun. Additionally, anti-aircraft guns were fitted for self-defence. Depth charges for use against submarines were carried. Wellington served primarily in the North Atlantic on convoy escort duties. She shared in the destruction of one enemy U-boat and was involved in Operation Cycle, the evacuation of Allied troops from Le Havre. During 1943 she was briefly commanded by Captain John Treasure Jones, at that time a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy Reserve, who would later be the last captain of RMS Queen Mary.

The Grimsby-class anti-submarine sloops of 1933-36, which included HMS Wellington, were the predecessors of the Black Swan class of 1939.

Honourable Company of Master Mariners[edit]

Port quarter view of HQS Wellington

It was always the ambition of the founding members of the company to have a livery hall. Up to the outbreak of war in 1939, various proposals were examined, including the purchase of a sailing ship, Archibald Russell.[citation needed] After the Second World War, it became apparent that the possibility of building a hall in the City of London had been rendered very remote. In 1947, the Grimsby-class sloop Wellington was made available by the Admiralty. The company decided to buy her with money subscribed by the members and convert her to a floating livery hall, an appropriate home for a company of seafarers. She was converted to Headquarters Ship (HQS) Wellington at Chatham Dockyard.

The cost of this conversion was met by an appeal to which Lloyd’s, shipping companies, livery companies and other benefactors contributed. It included the installation of a grand wooden staircase taken from the 1906 Isle of Man ferry SS Viper, which was being broken up at the same time. Wellington arrived at her Victoria Embankment berth in December 1948 to continue service as the floating livery hall of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.

In 1991, HQS Wellington was dry-docked at Sheerness for three months during which, apart from extensive steelwork repairs and complete external painting, she received a major refurbishment which included the refitting of all toilet facilities, offices and accommodation areas. Wellington was fitted with carpet, and displays were installed of the Company’s marine paintings and artefacts, gold and silver plate, ship models and newly discovered very early 18th-century charts.

Since 2014, Wellington has also served as the London postal address of the Flag Institute.[1][2]

The Wellington Trust[edit]

In 2005, The Wellington Trust was set up as a registered charity under English law.[3] Ownership of the Wellington was then transferred to the Wellington Trust, while remaining the headquarters of the HCMM.[4] On 12 April 2023, due to safety concerns, the Honourable Company left the ship, though they were developing plans for a new floating livery hall.[5][6] After a period of maintenance and compliance work, the Wellington Trust announced the ship is safe for public use and meets all statutory legal requirements and licences to operate. The first phase of the reopening of the ship to the public began on 2 October 2023. Wellington will continue to be a floating classroom and venue for events