H.M.S. NABOB Gallery

HMS NABOB gallery

Images marked ♠ are from the private collection of Mr George Billing, C/MX578266 , formerly the Captain’s Writer aboard HMS NABOB, January 1944 - March 1945. Images marked ♣ are from the private collection of Mr Michael Pullinger, whose father was an air mechanic with 852 squadron aboard HMS Nabob. Additional Images, marked © IWM, are reproduced under the terms of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence.

Most of these images are sized to fit the screen, however where possible those containing groups of personnel will open large enough to see individuals. Many, but not all, of these images are available in larger, high-res versions and copies can be supplied upon receipt of a photo request. If you have pictures or other memorabilia that you can contribute to this project please contact the Webmaster using the Offer of assistance form.

The Royal Navy Research Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License See our terms of use for conditions regarding using these images in other works.

Modification at Vancouver and embarking 852 squadron

The USS EDISTO on the slipway at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. Tacoma, Washington. She is almost ready to be launched and begin her fitting out.

In the floating dry dock at Burrard's dockyard in Vancouver. Photo courtesy CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum m Neg: VR995.30.22

In the floating dry dock at Burrard's dockyard in Vancouver. Photo courtesy CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Neg: VR995.30.08

HMS NABOB on completion of her modification work, mooreed in the streeam at Vancouver.

Naval ratings pass through the American canteen-style galley on NABOB. Photo ref: a168387-v6Library and Archives Canada

Naval ratings eating in the American canteen-style galley on NABOB. Photo ref: a168370-v6Library and Archives Canada

Electrical personnel adjusting the ceasefire circuit of the port anti-aircraft guns of NABOB during her workup. Photo ref: a168371-v6Library and Archives Canada

Divisions on the flight deck of NABOB while at Vancouver, British Columbia. Photo ref: a168394-v6Library and Archives Canada

The port after 5” gun crew closed up for live firing. Note the ready-for-use Depth Charge stowage in the foreground.Photo courtesy CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Neg: VR992.18.27

The Starboard pair of twin 40mm Bofors guns forward of the island with crews closed up for live firing. The guns nearest the camera have just been fired and the smoke from the breeches is still visible.Photo courtesy CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Neg: VR992.18.36

Another view of the Starboard twin 40mm Bofors guns forward of the island with crews closed up for live firing. This shot shows the rearmost gun of the pair opening fire. The gun director position is behind and above it. Photo courtesy CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Neg: VR992.18.37

View of the Starboard, aft, single twin 40mm Bofors gun with crews closed up for live firing. The gun director position is in the foreground. Photo courtesy CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Neg: VR992.18.38

View of the port aft, single twin 40mm Bofors gun with crews closed up for live firing. The gun director position is just visible in the top left of the picture. Photo ref: a168397-v6Library and Archives Canada

January 25th 1944: NABOB in the Georgia Strait off Vancouver, preparing to receive Avengers from 850 Squadron for flight operations experience. The squadron was in Vancouver, working up in preparation for use aboard EMPRESS. Photo ref: a133494-v8 Library and Archives Canada

January 25th 1944: Avengers from 850 Squadron, overfly NABOB in the Georgia Strait off Vancouver as she prepares for them to land aboard. The squadron was in Vancouver, working up in preparation for use aboard EMPRESS. Photo ref: DND/F-2186 Library and Archives Canada

January 25th 1944: NABOB stuck fast on a sand bar, one of 850 squadron's Avengers flying overhead. Her sistership RANEE, in the background, has arrived to lend assistance. Note that the censor had erased the radar and HF/DF arrays from both vessels. Photo: courtesy CCFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Neg: VR2002.172.066

On the bridge. Left to right: Lt. (A) (P) B. W. Rose RNVR (DLCO), Lt. Cdr R. J. H. Stephens (Commander-flying), and Captain N. H. Lay. ♠

NABOB at anchor in Vancouver harbour, looking east as work-up activities continue. Photo ref: DND/PA-168406 Library and Archives Canada

Writer A. Clarke, Leading Writer ?, Captain Lay, and his secretary Paymaster Lt. A. Collins RCNVR. ♠

NABOB’s Paymaster and writer staff.. ♠

Pilots of 852 squadron in the aircrew briefing room. ♣

The Avengers of 852 squadron parked on the port side of the flight deck as the ship began flight operations in February 1944 after being embarked at US Naval Air Station Alameda, San Francisco. ♣

February 17th 1944 Avenger JZ157 ('2C') flown by Lt. K. R. Stevens, RNZNVR has landed on with the arrestor hook up and, been stopped by the crash barrier, ending on its nose. ♣

Maiden voyage, Ferry trip to Liverpool

April 5th 1944: NABOB alongside April 5th 1944: NABOB alongside at Gladstone Dock, Liverpool unloading forty-five P51 Mustangs, which were earmarked in New York for passage to the UK. The Avengers of 852 squadron had been secured in the hangar for passage to the UK.

April 5th 1944: NABOB alongside at Gladstone Dock unloading forty-five P51 Mustangs, which were earmarked for passage to the UK. This dhot6 shows how tightly parked on the flight deck they were.

Working Up and Flying Exercises

July 2nd, 1944, Lt. Stevens, landing in JZ294 ('2R'), has skidded on the wet deck, braked and toppled into the port walkway. ♣

This is probably FN908 ('2O') piloted by the squadron C.O. Lt. Cdr Bradshaw. The arrester hook broke on landing, and the aircraft entered the barrier, damaging the prop and engine on July 14th 1944. ♣

One of 852 squadron's four Wildcat fighters coming in to land. These were added t othe squadron in late June 1944. ♣

Home Fleet operations: August 1944

July 31st 1944: NABOB follows TRUMPETER under the Forth Bridge as they leave Rosyth for Scapa Glow to join the Home Fleet. An Avenger from 842 squadron has just been launched to begin anti-submarine patrols ahead of the two carriers.

August 8th 1944: Avengers from 852 squadron participated in Operation OFFSPRING, their mission was to lay aerial mines in Lepsorev and Harhamsfjiord, Norway.(1)

August 8th 1944: Avengers from 852 squadron participated in Operation OFFSPRING, their mission was to lay aerial mines in Lepsorev and Harhamsfjiord, Norway.(2)

HMS BICKERTON was severely damaged by a German torpedo and was beyond salvage. Once all survivors had been taken off, the order was given for her to be sunk by a torpedo fired from HMS VIGILANT in order to scuttle her.

HMS KEMPTHORNE prepares to receive the first survivors from NABOB. She took off 210 men, 10 of whom were injured, by boat. ♠

NABOB is dead in the water after the torpedo hit. She has a 7-degree list and a significant increase in her draught at the stern. Many of the ship’s company have mustered on the port side as Captain Lay orders preparations to abandon ship. ♣

NABOB is dead in the water after the torpedo hit. She has a 7-degree list and a significant increase in her draught at the stern. Many of the ship’s company have mustered on the port side to jettison unnecessary equipment to lighten the ship.

NABOB is dead in the water after the torpedo hit. She has a 7-degree list and a significant increase in her draught at the stern. Many of the ship’s company have mustered on the port side to jettison unnecessary equipment to lighten the ship. Note the large amount of drifting debris behind the vessel. ♣

Gunners jettison 40mm Bofors gun ammunition to lighten the ship.

August 23rd: Avenger JZ249 ('2F') has been jettisoned after being damaged beyond repair when the squadron C.O.'s aircraft crashed into the aircraft park on the 23rd. ♣

Avenger FN875 ('2H') has been jettisoned as damaged beyond repair after the sAugust 23rd: quadron C.O., Lt. Cdr Bradshaw, crashed it into the aircraft park on the 23rd. © IWM A 25875

August 23rd 1944, while en route to Scapa Flow, NABOB stopped to make a second crew transfer, a further 205 men go over to HMCS ALGONQUIN by boat. TRUMPETER stands by. ♣

August 23rd 1944, while en route to Scapa Flow, NABOB stopped to make a second crew transfer, a further 205 men go over to HMCS ALGONQUIN by boat. Seen from TRUMPETER. ©IWM (A 25370)

August 23rd 1944, the flight deck is covered with inflated aircraft life rafts. Once the decision was made not to abandon ship, it was realised that all the Carley rafts and lifeboats had not been secured, so these dinghies and personal life jackets were the only life-saving equipment on board.

August 23rd 1944, while en route to Scapa Flow, NABOB stopped to make a second crew transfer, a further 205 men go over to HMCS ALGONQUIN by boat.

August 23rd: crew men from NNABOB approaching HMCS ALGONQUN. ♠

August 23rd: crew men from NNABOB approaching HMCS ALGONQUN. ♣.

NABOB is now able to maintain ten knots while heading for Scapa Flow. The photo was taken from TRUMPETER on August 23rd, 1944, after damaged aircraft had been pushed overboard and the second evacuation of men to ALGONQUIN. She is still well down at the stern, so work began next to remove and jettison her five-inch guns and the aft twin 40mm Bofors mounts to lighten the stern.

NABOB down at the stern but making 10 Knots heading for the safety of Scapa Flow seen from TRUMPETER. © IWM (A 25369)

August 25th 1945: The quarterdeck awash on passage to Scapa.

August 25th 1945: Captain Lay addresses the members of the ship’s company who remained on board: “Since we were torpedoed at 17:16/22 we have steamed 710 miles. At noon today, we had 486 miles to go to Scapa, but if the weather gets bad, there is an anchorage in the Faeroes only 256 miles away.” (1)

C. August 34th: Since the lift rafts and boats were lost when ‘abandon ship’ was called off, a large number of aircraft dinghies that had been inflated and tied to the flight deck as a backup measure for life-saving equipment. TRUMPETER is still in company on passage to Scapa.

Emergency repairs at Scapa and damage assessment at Rosyth Naval Dockyard

Walking along NABOB’s sloping deck after reaching Scapa. Left to right: NABOB’s XO, Commander R. Jackson, RNR; Sub Lieut (A) (O)) G. C. Jones, RNVR; Sub Lieut (A) (P) D. G. Jupp, RNVR; Captain H. N. Lay, RCN; and Lieut Cdr (A) (P) R. E. Bradshaw, DSC and two bars, RN, 852 Squadron C/O. © IWM (A 25373)

At Scapa. Left to right: Sub Lieut (A) (P) D. G. Jupp, RNVR; Sub Lieut (A) (O)) G. C. Jones, RNVR; Commander R. Jackson, RNR; Lieut Cdr (A) (P) R. E. Bradshaw, DSC and two bars, RN and Captain H. N. Lay, RCN look at the large number of aircraft dinghies that had been inflated and tied to the flight deck after the deck crash on the 23rd. © IWM (A 25374)

At Scapa. This photo is a testament to the skills of the damage control parties under Lieut. (E) K. Beecher, RCNVR, in controlling the flooding from the lower compartments and shoring up damaged bulkheads.

MAt Scapa.This photo shows the huge upward bulge on the starboard main deck.

September 10th 1944: De-ammunitioning HMS NABOB in the Firth of Forth before she is reduced to nominal reserve status.

September 18th 1944: NABOB arrives at Rosyth naval dockyard after emergency repairs were completed at Scapa. Tugs are manoeuvring her as she approaches the main dock at Rosyth. © IWM (A 25691)

September 18th 1944: NABOB arrives at Rosyth naval dockyard after emergency repairs were completed at Scapa. Tugs are manoeuvring her as she approaches the main dock at Rosyth. © IWM (A 25688)

September 18th 1944: NABOB arrives at Rosyth naval dockyard after emergency repairs were completed at Scapa. Tugs are manoeuvring her as she approaches the main dock at Rosyth. © IWM (A 25689)

IN drydock, the damage done to NABOB can be clearly seen - the hole in her starboard side exposed the Fleet Air Arm other ranks mess deck and a stores compartment to the sea.

Rosyth September 21st 1944: Electrical and Radar Branch personnel on NABOB Photo ref: a140979-v6Library and Archives Canada

Rosyth September 21st 1944: Personnel of the Diesel Department. Photo ref: a140986-v6Library and Archives Canada

In memory of those who died

September 1st 1944: Members of the ship's company of HMS NABOB attend the burial of FX 76721 Air Artificer 4th Class Peter T. Rothwell, at Lyness Royal Naval cemetery, Scapa Flow. ♠

September 1st 1944: Members of the ship's company of HMS NABOB attend the burial of FX 76721 Air Artificer 4th Class Peter T. Rothwell, at Lyness Royal Naval cemetery, Scapa Flow. .♠

September 30th 1944: The firing party from HMS COCHRANE arriving at Douglas Bank Cemetery at Rosyth. Twenty-one members of the crew of the escort carrier NABOB, who lost their lives when their ship was torpedoed during an attack on the TIRPITZ, were buried with full naval honours. ©IWM (A 25836)

September 30th 1944: The firing party from HMS COCHRANE arriving at Douglas Bank Cemetery at Rosyth. ♠

September 30th 1944: Senior officers attending the ceremony, Left to right: Admiral Sir J. Whitworth, KCB, DSO, C in C Rosyth; Vice Admiral Percy W. Nelles, CB, RCN; Captain Cyril G. B Coltart, CVO, RN; Captain H. N. Lay, OBE, RCN; Captain A. G. Davidson, RN, representing RANAS; Captain J. A. M. Sturges, RN; Vice-Admiral R. B. Davies (ret'd) VC, CB, DSO, AFC; and Commander E. A. Mount Haes, RN. © IWM (A 25832)

JSeptember 30th 1944: NABOB_24 The Reverend G Davies conducts the service at the graves of Church of England victims. © IWM (A 25833)

September 30th 1944: Mounrners pay thier respects to gollewgues lost in the explosion. ♠

Disposal

NABOB was paid off on October 10th 1944, and CVE-41 was returned to US Naval custody at Rosyth; she was stricken for disposal on March 16th 1946. Her hulk was sold for scrapping to Dutch shipbreakers. Here, she is seen arriving in the port of Rotterdam in April 1947, on her way upriver to the shipbreakers. However, she was not scrapped but resold and towed to Germany for rebuilding and conversion into a cargo ship by A.G. Weser. Image: courtesy of Wim Grund, Amsterdam via NavSource