Ship No’s 177 to 179.

An order for 3 Hopper Barges ordered from Buenos Aires Southern Dock Coy Ltd. They were all of the same tonnage at 220 tons and they all had the same length overall of 133 feet with a beam of 23 feet.

ATHENIAN (Ship No 501)

TARRAFAL

Ship No 176


A Single Screw Water Carrier ordered by Ferro & Caloa of St Vincent.
At 257 tons with a length overall of 110 feet and beam of 26 feet 6 inches, I have no further info on this Vessel up to now.

Ship No’s 166 to 175.

Allocated to a large order from Beira Boating Company for 10 Cargo Lighters, these vessels were used in the unloading of larger Cargo Ships that were too big to get into the small harbours of the time.
Cargo would be unloaded from the Cargo ship onto the Cargo Lighter and taken into harbour, this way.
The lighter would most likely be towed by tug unless it was under it’s own power.
All the Cargo Lighters in this order were of the same size and weight, making it possible to set up the equivalent of a production line to produce them quickly and efficiently and increase profits for the yard and of course keep the customer happy, a fact that was very important as it was coming into a time when work would very soon dry up all around the world.
There were tough times ahead in a tough industry which was about to become a hell of a lot tougher.

The Lighters were all of 105 tons, with a length overall of 75 feet and a beam of 20 feet.

AJUDANTE

Ship No 165


Was an order from Wilson Son & Company for a Single Screw Tug at 105 tons, with a length overall of 60 feet and a beam of 15 feet. She was launched sometime in 1930 probably around June of that year.

I have no further info on her up to now and no photographs. So if anyone out there can furnish any more then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

POOLTA (Ship No 465)

Just one of over 20 ships built for New Zealand Shipping Companies.

Ship No 164.

An order for a smaller Sugar Lighter from Mauritius, this one being of 45 tons, with a length overall of 50 feet and 3 inches, with a beam of 17 feet and 2 inches.

Ship No’s 161 to 163.

Was an order for 3 Sugar Lighters, from Barahona Sugar Company, each of 80 tons, with a length overall of 74 feet and a beam of 20 feet.

KATHARINE II

Ship No 160


She was an order from the then (aptly named) “War Department”.

She was a Twin Screw Motor vessel of 180 tons, with a length overall of 114 feet and beam of 22 feet.

She was launched from the Leith yard on the 1st of May 1930.

A decade that was to start with “The Great Depression” and end with the beginning of World War II.

H.M.S.HERALD (Ship No 512) the lead ship here in the Med.

JJ13

Ship No 159


An order from Sir John Jackson Limited for another Grab Dredger Pontoon this one being 90 tons, with a length overall of 65 feet and a beam of 26 feet.

Ship No 158.

Order No 158 was for an un-named Grab Dredger pontoon of 50 tons ordered by the Crown Office.


The pontoon was 50 feet overall with a beam of 21 feet.

CEDRINA

Ship No 157


The second of the two ship order from the Argetine Navigation Company Ltd.

Another 775 ton Cargo Lighter, with a length overall of 201 feet and 8 inches and a beam of 36 feet 6 inches.

As yet I have not been able to find out any more info on this vessel.

SEAFORTH SOVEREIGN (Ship No 531)

CATALPA

Ship No 156


The first of a 2 ship order from Argentina, she was a 775 ton Cargo Lighter.

She was ordered by the Argentine Navigation Company Ltd. With a length overall of 201 feet and 8 inches, with a beam of 36 feet 3 inches.

SAO.PAULO

Ship No 155


Named after the Brazilian city of the same name, she was an order for a Twin Screw Salvage Tug for “Companhia Docas de Santos”

At 263 tons a fairly large sized tug for her time, she was 110 feet overall length, with a beam of 29 feet 6 inches with a freeboard height of 13 feet 6 inches.

She was the first ship of the new Decade to be launched at the Henry Robb Shipyard on the 2nd of April 1930.

S.A.WOLRAAD WOLTEMADE

Ship No 516 at the time the World's largest and most powerful Ocean going salvage tug.

BOMBO

Ship No 154

Was a Single Screw Motor Coaster, ordered by New South Wales Government, Australia. At 603 tons, with a length overall of 154 feet and a beam of 30 feet, She was the last Ship of the decade that was called the “Roaring Twenties” She went down the slips on 18th December 1929.
She had a fine service record during World War II

Bombo was requisitioned for naval service in February 1941 and fitted with a single twelve-pound gun, which was mounted on the forecastle head. Also installed, abreast of the foremast were two Oerlikons machine guns. Commissioned in Sydney in May 1941, under the command of Lieutenant Arthur S. Codling, RANR(S), she operated between Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart as an auxiliary minesweeper until November 1943. Bombo was then converted into a stores carrier and left Sydney in February 1944 and spent the next eighteen months in the Darwin and Northern Australian area. During wartime the vessel had a complement of thirty-five men and on many occasions she participated in gunnery practice with the Darwin defence forces by towing targets outside Darwin Harbour. Included in her ports of call over that period of time where the remote Islands of New Year, West Montalivet, Peron and North Goulburn. On September 11th, 1945, the steamer participated in the occupation of Koepang, Netherlands Timor by the Australian Army. With the end of hostilities, Bombo sailed from Darwin for the last time in late November 1945; however, she was not returned to her owners until July 1947.

Bombo sank off the Australian coast and the folowing is from a newspaper cutting telling they story of some of the survivors.

EXTRACT FROM 'THE SOUTH COAST TIMES' THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24th 1949


Ship Capsizes Off Wollongong

Twelve Drowned

Two survivors came ashore at Bulli on Wednesday morning after being ten hours in the water.

The two survivors are:

Michael Fitzsimmons (48) fireman, of Napier street, North Sydney, and Thorvald Thomson (57) also a fireman.

The body of another member of the crew was washed ashore north of Corrimal and Mr. A. Barnett, in his trawler Pacific Gull, recovered a second body believed to be that of the captain. Fitzsimmons was little the worse for his experience, but Thomson was suffering badly from exposure and was taken to Bulli Hospital for treatment.

The Bombo, a steel vessel of 640 tons was built in 1930 especially for carrying blue metal from Kiama to Sydney. On Tuesday she left Kiama shortly before noon for Sydney, a trip which usually takes about eight hours. She was carrying about 600 tons of metal, slightly less than a full load. A graphic story of the trip was told by Fitzsimmons; who claimed that the cause of the sinking was the shifting of the ship's cargo. He said after leaving Kiama they sailed the usual course but about 5 pm, when about 5 miles off Stanwell Park he noticed the ship listing to port. He said he heard the Captain A. R. Bell tell the chief engineer he was going to turn back and to keep the engines going slowly to keep steerage way on the ship.

They continued southward until about 9.30 pm. when, some four or five miles north east of Wollongong lighthouse, he heard that the Captain had informed the second engineer he proposed to drop anchor off Port Kembla until daylight. Fitzsimmons said he noticed the list was getting worse and than heard the Captain' shout "All hands on deck and lower the starboard lifeboat". "I tried to assist two sailors to lower the boat" said Fitzsimmons, ship began to list more so we grabbed the lifebouys and jumped. He said the captain and seven others followed them and no more, than no more than two minutes later the ship turned over on her port side and sank.

Fitzsimmons said the captain told them to keep together and they commenced swimming towards the beach, six of them clinging to two pieces of timber. Another man who was swimming weakly was helped to this board. "After paddling for some hours we became very tired," said Fitzsimmons, "and then we just hung onto the timber." The floated around until about 4 o'clock when the beach came into site and they recommenced to paddle. One man pointed out the plank might be dangerous in the surf, so one by one they left the plank and made for the shore. He said he managed to struggle ashore where he took off his lifebelt. He made towards a house where he saw a bread carter, Mr. Hobbs, of Hubbards bakery, who gave an overcoat and took him to Bulli police station.

Throughout yesterday a close watch was kept on the beaches and an aerial search was carried out.

Mr. E. F. Reid, of Wollongong and South Coast Aviation Services, with Mr. Brian Crump, as observer, made a two hour search in one of the companies tiger moth planes. Members of the Woonona Surf Club joined in the search with a lifeboat. Heavy seas and drizzling rain made the task more difficult for searchers. Late yesterday afternoon a Catalina search plane dropped flares over several objects floating in the water off Coldale.

Owing to very heavy seas, however, launches and boats were unable to put out to investigate the wreckage and pieces of similar were washed ashore at many beaches, but only a lifebouy found near Bulli beach has been actually identified as coming from the Bombo. Police and citizens have maintained watching squads on cliffs and beaches between Cronulla and Wollongong during the day.

Fitzsimmons was in a state of collapse when he arrived at the Bulli Police station with Hobbs and had to be carried into the station. He refused to go to hospital and declined a suggestion that he should have a sleep.He was provided with a meal at the home of Sgt P. Kennedy, Bulli station sergeant. Sgt. Kennedy also gave him socks, shoes, and clothing.

Propeller from the wreck of "Bombo"

DENESE

Ship No 153


A Single Screw Tug, ordered by T.B.F. Davis at only 15 tons, she was a small tug with an overall length of 40 feet and beam of 11 feet 9 inches.

As yet I have not been able to find out any more info on this vessel.

ARCHER (Ship No 265)

One if the many Tug's built by Henry Robb.

Ship No 152.

Was an order from The Crown Agents (Honduras) for a 60 ton Grab Hopper Dredger.
65 feet overall with a beam of 21 feet.

KONUI (Ship No 362)

Ship No’s 144 to 151.

Were the numbers allocated to an order for 8 Oil Lighters ordered by The Pure Cane Molasses Company Ltd all of the same size at a length overall of 87 feet with a beam of 17 feet 6 inches they were all of 45 tons.


A large order for the time as the decade was coming to an end.

LOCHSHIEL

Ship No 143

The first ever order from MacBraynes (1928) Ltd the company that is now running all the ferries in Scotland and is now called Cal-Mac.
Lochshiel was a 208 ton Motor Cargo Vessel, with a length overall of 105 feet and a beam of 26 feet, she was launched on the 8th of August 1929.
I am awaiting some more info on this Ship from Cal-Mac?

TOLVERNE

Ship No 142


Was a Grab Hopper Dredger ordered by the Truro Harbour Board. She was of 164 tons with a length overall of 115 feet with a beam of 25 feet.
Launched by Henry Robb’s on 30th August 1929

As yet I have not been able to find out any more info on this vessel.

NAVUA (Ship No 442)

LUNCHU (J.J.11)

LUNCHU (J.J.11)


Was the second vessel in the order from Sir John Jackson Ltd, another Paddle Train Ferry at 316 tons with length overall of 118 feet and a beam of 18 feet.

As yet I have not been able to find out any more info on this order.

SEMBAWANG (J.J.10)

SEMBAWANG (J.J.10)


Was an order for a Paddle Train Ferry ordered from Sir John Jackson Ltd.
She was 316 tons with length overall of 118 feet, with beam of 18 feet.

As yet I have not been able to find out any more info on this order.

Ship No’s 137 to 139.

Was a three part order for Sugar Carrying Barges for Mauritius to be used in the sugar industry on this beautiful Island just North of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.


They were all of 45 tons each, with length overall of 50 feet 3 inches with a beam of 17 feet and 2 inches.

RSS BRANSFIELD (Ship No 508)

Crashing through the ice in Antartica.

Ship No 136.

Was the second of the order from Belgian Marine for this the 2nd Grab Dredger slightly larger at 92 tons, with a length overall of 80 feet with beam of 32 feet.


I have been unable to find out any more info as yet.

Ship No 135.

Was an order from Belgian Marine for an as yet (un-named) Grab Dredger.
She was 68 tons with a length overall of 70 feet with a beam of 27 feet.

I have been unable to find out any more info as yet.

PHAROS.

Ship No 134

A Twin screw Salvage Tug, ordered by the Egyptian Government.
She was 303 Gross Tons, with a length overall of 125 feet with a beam of 27 feet.
She was launched 28th of May 1929.
To confirm that Robb’s built Ships were going all over the World.

A view of H.M.S.HERALD (Ship No 512)

Ship No’s 129 to 133.

Was an order for more Barges from the Port Captain at Beira Boating Company. The the allocation of Ship No 129 going to a Barge of 75 tons with a length overall of 50 feet with a beam of 12 feet.
The allocation of Ship No’s 130 and 131 went to 2 Water carrying Lighters, both of 75 tons with a length overall of 73 feet with a beam of 18 feet.

No’s 132 and 133 were allocated to 2 Cargo Pontoons, both of 50 tons with a length overall of 50 feet with beam of 33 feet 8 inches, this completed the order from Beira boating Company.

M.V. MONTERIA.

Ship No 128

Was a Twin Screw Motor Vessel, Passenger/Cargo ship, ordered by Snr,Dionisio Valez T.Cartegena, She was 287 Gross Tons with a length overall of 140 feet with a beam of 27 feet.
She was launched on 15th March 1929.

I have been unable to find any photographs or any more information about her, up to now.

ARCADIAN (Ship No 473)

One of the many ships built for the Ellerman Line.

Ship No’s 126 and 127.

Was an order for 2 Pumping Barges from Bangkok City,


They were both of only 35 tons with an overall length of 53 feet with a beam of 16 feet 4 inches.

CHUN PING

Ship No 125

Was an order from Priestman Bros Ltd, She was a Twin Grab Hopper Dredger, at 426 tons this was a sizable vessel for the yard at the time, with a length overall of 139 feet and 6 inches, and a beam of 29 feet 6 inches.

This was launched in December 1928, bringing to an end the first eventful 10 years of the yard, a decade that had seen a lot of growth, with the yard at this time having 6 building berths that launched into the sea.

I have been unable to find any photographs up to now.

MERSEY MARINER (Ship No 529)

Ship No 124.

From the same order from East African Lighterage this was an order for a Barge (Swim Ends) being 33 tons in weight with an overall length of 40 feet by 15 feet across the beam.

Ship No’s 118 to 123.

Was an order from East Africa Lighterage for 6 lighters all of the same 56 tons, with an overall of 63 feet and a beam of 15 feet 6 inches.

Ship No 117.

Was the last of the 3 Lighters ordered by Wilson Son & Company. She was 108 tons, and slightly smaller at a length overall of 90 feet with a beam of 21 feet.


I have been unable to find any photographs up to now.

Ship No 116.

Was allocated to a Dock Caisson built for Leith Dock Commission, and was of 220 tons, with a length of 73 feet, and 23 feet across, by 24 feet 6 inches high.

Ship No’s 114 to 115.

Was the first (un-named) of 3 lighters ordered by Wilson Son & Company, both with a gross tonnage of 140 and both the same size, being 95 feet overall with a beam of 24 feet.


I have been unable to find any photographs up to now.

PORT WAIKATO

Ship No 113

This ship may have been built originally in Dublin by Dublin Shipbuilders as Ship No 15 in 1920, and then ended up in Leith where the frames were dismantled and she was in effect re-built by Robbs.

She was a 668 gross ton Motor Vessel ordered by Captain A.F. Watchling of New Zealand., 180 feet length overall with a beam of 28 feet 9 inches. She was re-launched 1 st of October 1929.
M.V. Port Waikato was given the responsibility of providing the only means of communication between the Chatham Islands and New Zealand during World War II.
Sailing in somewhat dangerous waters where the threat of enemy submarines was a constant danger.

I have been unable to find any photographs up to now.

KAITAWA (Ship No 375)

One of the many Ships built in Leith for New Zealand.

AGUARAY

Ship No 112


Was an order from The Argentine Navigation Co Ltd, for a Twin Screw Motor Lighter (Cargo Ship) of 479 gross tons.
Launched 12 th September 1928, she had a length overall of 160 feet with a beam of 34 feet.
She flew under the Argentine flag and was scrapped in 1986.

I have been unable to find any photographs up to now.

ENCELADUS.

Ship No 111

Second of 2 Lighters ordered by Wilson Son & Company, 95 feet overall length with a beam of 24 feet.
I have been unable to track down any further info on this vessel up to now.

A Poster showing The South Steyne, Ship No 267

IAPETUS

Ship No 110

A 140 ton Lighter ordered from Wilson Son & Company, 95 feet overall length with a beam of 24 feet.
I have been unable to track down any further info on this vessel up to now.

MUDA.

Ship No 109


A Single Screw Tug, ordered from The Beira Boating Company followed and was allocated ship No 109.
She was 83 gross tons, with a length overall of 76 feet and 8 inches, with a beam of 18 feet.
I have been unable to track down any further info on this vessel up to now.

Henry Robb Newsletter/Advert from 1926.

FOREMOST 49.

Ship No 108

An order from Constants for a Bucket Dredger was next, she was of 564 gross tons, with a length overall of 157 feet and 6 inches, with a beam of 32 feet.

I have been unable to track down any further info on this vessel up to now.

ESK (Ship No 228)

Ship No’s 105 to 107.

An order from Wilson Son & Company for 3 Crane Pontoons was next on the list.


The Crane Pontoons were each of 90 tons, with a length overall of 70 feet, with a beam of 18 feet 6 inches.

Ship No’s 103 and 104.

103 was an order for a Grab Dredger, of 85 tons, overall length of 68 feet and with a beam of 35 feet, with Ship No 104 being allocated to a Concrete Mill of the same tonnage and size.


Both orders were from A.P.C.M.

Ship No’s 97 to 102.

Continuing through 1928, there were a lot of orders for Barges and Pontoons as countries no doubt strove to rebuild after what was termed “The Great War”
A large order for 6 Lighters followed and they were allocated numbers 97 to 102, the order was placed by Beira Boating Company.
They were all of 75 tons and with a length overall of 73 feet by 18 feet broad.

CARANDA

Ship No 96

Was an order for a Lighter for The Argentine Navigation Company, she was 776 gross tons, with a length overall of 202 feet, and a beam of 36 feet 3 inches, this was a somewhat larger vessel that would had kept the Riveters busy for a couple of months.

I have been unable to track down any further info on this vessel up to now.

BORTHWICK (Ship No 521)

Ships 92 to 95.

Was the rest of the order for Dumb Barges for Wilson Son & Co.


All being of 50 tons, with a length overall of 55 feet with a beam of 16 feet 6 inches.

Ship No 91.

Was an 8 ton Crane Pontoon for priestman Bros. 22 feet in length by 13 ft broad.

Ship 90.

A Dumb Barge for the Burmah Oil Company, only of 21 tons, with a length of 55 feet by 10 feet 6 inches broad.

Ship No’s 88 and 89.

A couple of Dumb Barges for Wilson Son & Co, being 57 tons, with a length of 60 feet by 18 broad, those orders were squuezed in between a few Ships and would have helped to keep the yard busy during 1928.

TRENTINO (Ship No 407)

Ships No’s 82 to 87.

With the numbers 82 to 87 being allocated to a large order for Dumb Barges, from East African Lighterage, all being the same size and tonnage.


They were 75 gross tons each, with a length of 73 feet by 18 feet broad.