HMS X-172
''X'' Lighter
HMS X-172 . 26/10/1919
Displacement: 160 grt.
Length: 32.2 m. Beam: 6.4 m. Draught: 2.2 m.
Propulsion: 1 x Bolinder 2cyl, ‘hot bulb’ oil engine, single shaft, 1 screw.
Complement: 0
Men Lost: 0
Armament:
Displacement: 160 grt.
Length: 32.2 m. Beam: 6.4 m. Draught: 2.2 m.
Propulsion: 1 x Bolinder 2cyl, ‘hot bulb’ oil engine, single shaft, 1 screw.
Complement: 0
Men Lost: 0
Armament:
X 172 was built by Beardmore, yard no 756.Managed by Robothams. On 30/4/19 towed by tug SONIA from Invergordon for North Russia, for the Russian Campaign of 1919. 7/6/1920 M.S. Hilton bought 20 X Lighters that included X 172 for £75,600.00. X 172 towed from Russia to Lerwick, Shetland. Info from David Mallard (www.xlighter.org)
ROYAL NAVY SHIPS RECEIVING NAVAL SALVAGE and PRIZE BOUNTY MONEY
from the London Gazette - August 1914 to December 1920
32025 - 20 AUGUST 1920
Notice of Intended Distribution of Naval Salvage Money.
Salvage of s.s. "Valacia" by Naval Working Party, Steam Lighter No. 62, H.M. Motor Lighters Nos. X24, X90, X109, X138, X155 and X172, and Oil Lighter No. C119 between the 3rd and 5th November, 1917.
ROYAL NAVY SHIPS RECEIVING NAVAL SALVAGE and PRIZE BOUNTY MONEY
from the London Gazette - August 1914 to December 1920
32025 - 20 AUGUST 1920
Notice of Intended Distribution of Naval Salvage Money.
Salvage of s.s. "Valacia" by Naval Working Party, Steam Lighter No. 62, H.M. Motor Lighters Nos. X24, X90, X109, X138, X155 and X172, and Oil Lighter No. C119 between the 3rd and 5th November, 1917.
From HD 1919/2798. (Loss of Lighter X 172 whilst in tow of the tug ''St Olaves'' 26.10.19 off Sumburgh Head.)
H.M.S. ''CYCLOPS''
26th November 1919
Sir,
In accordance with your instructions we held a full and careful enquiry, as far as possible
in the absence of the ten Commanding Officer, and the Officer of the Watch and are of the
opinion that :-
1. Lighter X172 was lost through the parting of the tow rope caused by the heavy weather
prevailing at the time
2. No steps were taken to recover her, apparently on account of weather, but the reason
was not ascertained owing to the absence of the Commanding Officer.
3. The Commanding Officer steered to close to Sumburgh Head considering that the wind
was against the tide, and Sumburgh Rost under these conditions is most dangerous.
especially with a lighter, in tow, and blame is, therefore attributed, apparently to him,
to the extent of committing an error of judgment.
4, There is not sufficient evidence to show why the Commanding Officer did not put back
into harbour before losing the lighter.
5. There is no evidence to show why the commanding Officer did not return to Lerwick:
according to the log he attempted to make Kirkwall that evening, and being unable to
do so on account of the weather, made for Immingham.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servants
(Signed) S.L. Wymer
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
(Signed) E.W. Peglar.
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
Captain Alan C. Bruxe, D.S.O., R.N. ,
H.M.S. ''Cyclops''.
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H.M.S. ''CYCLOPS''
26th November 1919
Sir,
In accordance with your instructions we held a full and careful enquiry, as far as possible
in the absence of the ten Commanding Officer, and the Officer of the Watch and are of the
opinion that :-
1. Lighter X172 was lost through the parting of the tow rope caused by the heavy weather
prevailing at the time
2. No steps were taken to recover her, apparently on account of weather, but the reason
was not ascertained owing to the absence of the Commanding Officer.
3. The Commanding Officer steered to close to Sumburgh Head considering that the wind
was against the tide, and Sumburgh Rost under these conditions is most dangerous.
especially with a lighter, in tow, and blame is, therefore attributed, apparently to him,
to the extent of committing an error of judgment.
4, There is not sufficient evidence to show why the Commanding Officer did not put back
into harbour before losing the lighter.
5. There is no evidence to show why the commanding Officer did not return to Lerwick:
according to the log he attempted to make Kirkwall that evening, and being unable to
do so on account of the weather, made for Immingham.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servants
(Signed) S.L. Wymer
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
(Signed) E.W. Peglar.
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
Captain Alan C. Bruxe, D.S.O., R.N. ,
H.M.S. ''Cyclops''.
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George Richardson, 1st Mate, M.M.R. (Evidence continued)
11. Q. What was the state of the weather at noon ?
A. Force 3, but before leaving Lerwick a north-easterly
gale was predicted.
The Engine Room register was examined and it was
found at the time of the lighter breaking adrift, the
speed of the ship was 85 revolutions.
Witness withdrew.
Charles Henry Kent. 3rd Engineer. M.M.R.
Called and cautioned.
12. Q. What speed does 85 revolutions give the ''St Olaves''?
A. About 8 knots.
Witness withdrew.
The deck log was produced, and used to plot
the ships position, movements, and to obtain
the state of the weather &c. &c.
11. Q. What was the state of the weather at noon ?
A. Force 3, but before leaving Lerwick a north-easterly
gale was predicted.
The Engine Room register was examined and it was
found at the time of the lighter breaking adrift, the
speed of the ship was 85 revolutions.
Witness withdrew.
Charles Henry Kent. 3rd Engineer. M.M.R.
Called and cautioned.
12. Q. What speed does 85 revolutions give the ''St Olaves''?
A. About 8 knots.
Witness withdrew.
The deck log was produced, and used to plot
the ships position, movements, and to obtain
the state of the weather &c. &c.
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Concur with paragraphs 1,2 and 4 of findings.
It is considered that a report from the Commanding
Officer is necessary. There is no information in these
papers to show what sailing orders were given to the
Commanding Officer, and what was the track of the
tug and tow.
It would appear from Questions and Answers No 11
and 12 that the sailing of ''St Olaves'' and her tow
should have been deferred until more favourable
weather conditions prevailed and the speed of the
tow was excessive.
The evidence is insufficient for an opinion in regard
to disciplinary action given. (n).
T T Harper
Director of Navigation
9th December 1919.
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It is considered that a report from the Commanding
Officer is necessary. There is no information in these
papers to show what sailing orders were given to the
Commanding Officer, and what was the track of the
tug and tow.
It would appear from Questions and Answers No 11
and 12 that the sailing of ''St Olaves'' and her tow
should have been deferred until more favourable
weather conditions prevailed and the speed of the
tow was excessive.
The evidence is insufficient for an opinion in regard
to disciplinary action given. (n).
T T Harper
Director of Navigation
9th December 1919.
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Submitted for directions as to whether any further action
should be taken in this matter, in view of the fact that the
Commanding Officer of H.M. Tug '' St Olaves'' is stated to
have been demobilized.
(sgd) F C Gentry.
For Hd of N.L.
22-12-19
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should be taken in this matter, in view of the fact that the
Commanding Officer of H.M. Tug '' St Olaves'' is stated to
have been demobilized.
(sgd) F C Gentry.
For Hd of N.L.
22-12-19
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As this Officer has been demobilized, no further action.
(sgd) M.E.B.
2nd N.L.
24-12-19
(sgd) M.E.B.
2nd N.L.
24-12-19
Sumburgh Head Sumburgh Rost
The Wreck
X-172 has no UKHO Wreck Card and to date has not been located.
