H.M. S. CORNFLOWER
Condition of Hull.
Report by Commander J. Petrie, Commanding Officer
21st December, 1938.
During the refit of H.M. S. Cornflower in December 1938
it was found that the keelplate was in bad condition.
A member
of the Chief Constructor's Staff examined the hull on 8th
December and the following signal was made
"TO:
Commodore.
From: C.C.
Reference your enquiry about "Cornflower". Ship has been examined. There are several holes along the keel which are being patched outside and cemented inside. The life of the ship has expired and if it is desired to continue using here she should be critically surveyed as soon as possible. Last survey was in 1933.
1605.
Chit No.127.W.J.B. Hand P.L. TOR. 1632/8/12."
2.
All serious damage was mainly under the engine and
boiler rooms, where, by reason of the large radius of the keel-
plate approximately 12" to 24" athwartships rests on each block
when the ship is in dock,
3.
The matter was discussed with Commodore and Mr.McCammon
(Chief Constructor). It was agreed that if the ship were
undocked she might again develop a leak as had happened on 6th
December when undocking. A tender from Kowloon Dock to pour
cement mortar (1-3) over the inside of the keel for a depth of
6", a width of 10'-0" and combined length of 150'-0" was accepted
and the work immediately put in hand. The ship was undocked on
11th December, The bottom shows no leaks.
The ship now offers a fair degree of safety over a
period during which major repairs, replacement or alternative
accommodation can be determined.
5.
Thickness tests of plates at wind-and-water line would
probably reveal defects there.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.