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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: sheena58 on Saturday 18 April 09 18:59 BST (UK)
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Hi,
I have a photo which was given to me years ago by an aged, now deceased great Aunt. It is of a group of 16 men in uniform. It has the following written on it:
"2nd World War, BL.SEA Naval officers HMS NEMO". and on the back "1940 at 6 Regent Street".
"BL.SEA" is Brightlingsea in Essex and I believe HMS NEMO was based there on some kind of support duty but not sure what.
The reason I'm posting is because these men are nothing to do with my family at all (I suspect the aged aunt may have had a 'fling' with one of them!) and I would love to be able to share it with anyone who may have a relative on there. I havn't got it scanned at present so can't post it but if anyone believes they may have had an ancestor on board the HMS NEMO during WW2 please give me a shout and I'll see what I can do. I have hung on to it for all these years because I know how much I treasure my old family photos and I hate to think there could be someone out there who would feel the same about this one.
Sheena
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Hello Sheena,
A timber built boat called Nemo arrived in the Artro estuary NW Wales about 10 years ago, sunk, then wrecked and just last week cleared away by the authorities.
Research has shown that Nemo came from Brightlingsea & Clacton: we have pictures of her as a pleasure boat in Clacton. Also, that she was commandeered as a 'Liberty Boat' during the war and took part in the Dunkirk evacuation.
Very happy to send 2 images of her on the east coast and another of the wreck in the Artro estuary.
Would be very interested to see your photo to check if this is the same boat: there is some question about Nemo & Nemo II, apparently both based in the same area; your photo may help to clear this up.
Sincerely,
Brian Mac
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HMS NEMO was not a ship but a shore base at Brightlingsea. Opened 11/06/1940 closed 09/1945.
Used by vessels of the Auxiliary Patrol part of the Royal Naval Patrol Service.
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Dear Rootschat Senior,
Many thanks for the information. This would confirm that Nemo II was the pleasure boat listed as a 'Liberty Boat' by the RN Nore Command based at Brightlingsea; took part n the Dunkirk evacuation; later a pleasure boat at Brightlingsea & Clacton.
Attached photo of wreck, river Artro estuary, January 2010
Thanks again,
Brian Mac
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and what a sad end for a grand little craft with such a history behind it .
trevor
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Dear Rootschat Senior,
Many thanks for the information. This would confirm that Nemo II was the pleasure boat listed as a 'Liberty Boat' by the RN Nore Command based at Brightlingsea; took part n the Dunkirk evacuation; later a pleasure boat at Brightlingsea & Clacton.
Attached photo of wreck, river Artro estuary, January 2010
Thanks again,
Brian Mac
She certainly has the cut of a vessel which could have been used as a Liberty boat.
Although not listed anywhere as a RN ship you may find details of her wartime movements in the Red Lists
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=311&CATLN=3&accessmethod=5
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Dear Seaweed,
Thanks for that.
Further info from the source recommended:
NORE COMMAND
(Flag C-in-C Vice Admiral Sir George H D’O Lyon KCB ashore at Chatham)
Sub-Areas - Humber, Yarmouth, Harwich, Nore
Brightlingsea
Base Ship - NEMO at Brightlingsea
Liberty Boats (civilian manned) - BRITANNIA, CLACTON GAZELLE, NEMO II, all at Brightlingsea, GRACE DARLING at West Mersey laid up
What we would like to find out is how she got from Essex to Gwynedd!
Brian Mac
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The National Maritime Muesum has the following photograph
NEMO II (Br) 50.6 1923
Passenger launch, motor
Newton D King and Reginald J Lawes, Clacton-on-Sea
G9664 (4S) B 1948 Under way at Clacton with the pier in the
background. A copy negative.
From the description I suggest its the same as the black and white image you have posted.
I have found reference to her being involved in the River Blackwater Barge races in the 1970's.
There is a Martime Museum in Brightlingsea but it is only open in the summer months. They may have the information you require. Also it may be worth getting in touch with Clacton Library and
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/pages/about-the-registers.html
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Dear Seaweed,
Many thanks for this further info.
Great to get the probable 1948 date for the B&W photo.
Will contact the Clacton library and the Brightlingsea Martime libraray in summer as suggested.
Brian Mac
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That's very interesting. My picture would not clarify much in terms of the vessel as it's taken inside a building. The Museum at Brightlingsea is only open in the summer but they are very obliging so worth getting in touch. I did contact them before I posted on here. I will probably end up giving the photo to them at some point.
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Dear Sheena58,
Perhaps the photo was taken inside HMS Nemo, as it seems from the advice of others that HMS Nemo was a RN land base rather than a boat.
Thanks for getting in touch and for sparking off this string in the first place.
Best,
Brian Mac
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Yes, that would make sense. As long as it was at 6 Regent Street! I'm fairly familiar with Brightlingsea, my grandmother grew up there and I still have family there. Next time I'm down I'll pop round to Regent St to see what Number 6 looks like.
It's always good to get more conversations going on here. There's always something new to learn, even if it doesn't relate to the starting point of the topic! :)
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Sheena,
Let us know the outcome,
Brian Mac
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Scroll down until you reach HMS NEMO.
http://www.unithistories.com/units_british/RN_Nore.html
Then at HMS Nemo, at Brightlingsea, they set up an air/sea rescue service, under Commander Campbell. I knew him in peacetime, because he owned a steam yacht. Anyway, they gave me what was a high speed American motor yacht. They put five crew aboard, and they'd send us off to sea, three days at a time on patrol, just waiting for people to fall in the sea! Doing a lifeboatman's job really, under the Admiralty. That went on until we were so advanced in Europe, it wasn't necessary any more. We picked up a lot of chaps, it's surprising the number of chaps we did pick up during those years, I picked up 163 chaps who were alive and all right - not too badly injured. But we picked up a lot of poor devils we were too late for. Unfortunately, putting it bluntly, more dead ones than alive ones.
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Dear Bilge,
Thanks for the link and information.
It looks as though HMS Nemo was a land based RN unit at Brightlingsea 1940-45.
Nemo II, also based at Brightlingsea is the boat we are looking at: took part in Dunkirk; listed as a 'Liberty Boat' under RN Nore command; later a pleasure cruiser photographed in 1948 and 1958, latter at Clacton; probably took part in River Blackwater Barge races in the 1970's, turned up River Artro estuary, NW Wales about year 2000, since grounded and wrecked, removed and disposed of just last week!
We are very interested in how/why an old craft managed to get from Essex to NW Wales.......
Brian Mac
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The remains of Nemo II, which for many years have been on the sands at Llandanwyg, Gwynedd have recently vanished.
I took several pictures of the vessel on January 14 2011, and a few days later returned to the spot and they had gone, the only things visible were tyre tracks in the sand from a JCB type of vehicle.
I suspect the remains have been smashed and buried onsite.
The matter was well reported in the Meirionnydd edition of the "Cambrian News" on Thursday 10 February.
The secretary of the Llandanwyg and Pensarn Yacht Club was quoted as saying the boat had been taken away "as it posed a danger to the public".
This is outrageous, to think that a vessel with such a noble history should suffer such a fate, why was nothing done to preserve her, there is a Maritime Museum not far distant in Porthmadog, I feel sure that there are many preservation societies that would have been glad to have become involved in a project to preserve and save her for display.
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Dear Archiebase,
We saw the Cambrian News article.
There are a few locals interested in the history of Nemo II.
Have you seen the 1948 & 1958 photographs when she was a pleasure boat at Clacton?
Amazingly, took a photo of the boat from the same angle as the Clacton 1958
image only the day before it disappeared.
Several of us who live locally would very much like to find out more about
the transfer from Essex to Llandanwg.
Also more about the date of construction and registration with the Port of
London as well as clear documentary evidence of its participation in
Dunkirk.
Funny how an old wreck should attract the interest of so many.
BrianMac
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Dear Brian Mac,
Not a lot to add at the moment regarding history of Nemo II, all I know is what Google reveals.
I now live locally, been here about 4 years, used to come to area on hols from West Midlands, and remember seeing the boat then.
Went to Llandanwg on January 11 and took several photos.
Was amazed when I returned a few days later to find boat had gone, just broken bits of timber and a few pieces of metal remained, along with large tyre marks in the sand from either tractor or JCB type of machine.
So glad I have got the pictures now, only found out the history of Nemo from article in Cambrian News, if I had known earlier I would have tried to have raised public awareness to try and preserve her, find it tragic that something with such a history should ultimately be destroyed.
March 5 2011, I have heard locally that the engine was removed, and the remains burnt.............
Despicable, an act of vandalismn and contempt on the part of yacht club.
February 14 2012,
found a few pictures taken in November 2006 which may be of interest....
February 28, 2011
came across another picture of Nemo !! at Llandanwg, taken 26 December 2008.
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I can clear all this up for you. NEMO II was a launch used for pleasure trips by Newt (Newton) King of Clacton in the 1930s. In 1940 she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and used as a harbour launch for the new naval base at Brightlingsea, about 7 miles from Clacton round in the Colne Estuary. Because such harbour craft often gave their name to the base to which they were attached. The B'sea base was given the name "HMS Nemo" in June 1940. The launch stayed there till the base shut in 1946. For decades after the war it was a local excursion launch at in the 1980s I saw it being used by the Brightlingsea Sailing Club to lead yacht races. It was sold in the 1990s and I guess that is how it got over to Wales--but I can't say exactly how and when.
I dealt with NEMO (shore base and boat) in 2 books I published in the 1990s. See British Library Integrated Catalogue. If you do have details for last vendors and buyers of the launch, do let me know.
Julian Foynes
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Looked at excellent photo. What a sad end. Yes, that's the Nemo, with same colour paint I recall from 30 years ago. I have downloaded it and wonder if you'd have any objection to my printing it off for possible publication sometime (no plans to at present).
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Not sure which photos of Nemo II the J. Foyles reply refers to, but please do use any images submitted by Brian Mac.
Thanks for the information concerning Nemo II before & during WWII and the link with the HMS Nemo shore base.
Regarding her arrival in NW Wales: the name Mick Jones has come up at this end; she probably spent a few years in Barmouth in the 1990's before grounding in Pensarn harbour c.2000.
It would be good to find out when she was built and first registered with Port of London.
The sad end of one of the Little Boats, but great she is not entirely forgotten.
Brian Mac.
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Not a problem if any of my pictures are felt suitable for use, I have several more available if required.
Incidentally, there are some nice pictures to be found on Flickr, link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nick_wilkinson_merseyside/galleries/72157625112663749/
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Hi,
If anyone can give me any more info re the Nemo 2 I would be very grateful. My Father (Reg Lawes - he had worked over 40 years on the beach and his father over 50) was in partnership with Newt King for many years and subsequently took the whole ownership of the boat over. He much later sold it to Dick Harmon who also had a boat on Clacton Beach ( The Viking Saga) I moved away from Clacton some years later and have been trying to trace its history after then. As a child i did spend much time with my father on the beach with the boat. If anyone is interested I may be able to give a little more background history along with some personal photos etc. I have only just come to this site so hence no postings previously.
Thanks very much
Jerry Lawes
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Jerrylaws,
No doubt you have already looked at all the past postings and photographs submitted re. Nemo II.
We seem to be steadily piecing together her history.
Do you have any information as to her year and place of construction?
BrianMac
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Hi Brianmac,
Thanks,
I am searching for some docs i researched around 2000 - 2002, but unfortunately i couldnt find her then and its too late now. Meantime i can tell you in 1947 it was registered with 'Newt King' and i believe at that time my father worked with him on the boat at Clacton. It was then registered with my father as a co-owner in 1949. I do seem to recall my father mentioning once about being involved with Dunkirk, but he would never say very much in depth. At some point after that my father took sole ownership but at this point i cant confirm the date. Not having seen the boat or pictures of her for some time it was interesting to note both the raised bow end by what looks like 4 planks and also the enclosed wheel house. The black and white photo of her without them was how i remember it, so that must have been added sometime after around 1974 -75 ish as i think that was when my father sold her.
A couple of bits of info might help. I remember my father used to moor the boat off the end of Clacton pier overnight and occasionally he would let me go out to her first thing in the morning and bring her in to the beach before the start of the days business. I do remember on at least one occasion she did sink due to bad weather overnight and was obviously refloated. He did say that had happened once before then as well but i dont know the date. When he knew there was to bad weather we would take her along the coast to shelter in the estuary between Brightlingsea and Point Clear. During the winter months the boat would be taken along the river to a place called Rowhedge and taken out of the water for its annual refit to comply with the board of trade. Again on occasion i would go with him to help clean the paint work and repaint etc.
At this point i also can't tell you where and when she was built, but as soon as i have found some docs, pictures and more info i will get back to you with poss some better news, but hope this helps in the meantime
Regards
Jerry Lawes
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Jerry,
Thanks for the information.
What date would you place the Clacton colour postcard (on page 1 of this string)?
For some reason the date 1958 was given originally, but from what you say about the raised bow it is probably later.
From what we can peice together at this end, Nemo II was brought to Barmouth in the 1990's and used for a few years as a pleasure craft before grounding in Llandanwg harbour c. 2000.
Brian
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Brian,
I can definitely confirm that the picture of the boat painted blue with the raised bow is post 1973. The reason is that in the background at the top left you will see part of a modern steel roller coaster. Up until 1973 there had been a steel and timber roller coaster that had been called 'The Steel Stella' This was completely destroyed in a fire in 1973 and later replaced by the ride you can see in the picture. If you search for Clacton pier fire or steel stella that will confirm the same and you should also be able to view postcards of that structure. Also the red and white structure in the far distance was called the 'Jolly Roger' which was formally a theatre had been boarded up with galvanised tin sheets which looked awful (another sad end to an historic structure) and that was done around the same time. I would go so far as to suggest the picture could even be around 1975 - 76.
Still searching for the docs and pictures i have.
Regards
Jerry
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The Nemo ii was built in about 1928 on Southend Foreshore near the Kursaal.
There is a photo at the launch.
She was owned from 1928 to 1965 by my family, Great Grandfather John and Grandfather Newton (Newt) King in partnership with Reg Laws, and carried 70 passengers running half hour pleasure trips from the West Beach of Clacton on Sea. Crew at that time included my father Jack King and Billy Dale.
Newt did run her as a liberty boat at Brightlingsea in the second world war and later at…….
where she was used by the Admiralty in connection with testing radar and sonar before continuing as a tripper boat at Clacton in the 1950’s and 1960’s. It was said that only he could start the petrol-paraffin engine. The Brightlingsea /Point Clear naval base was called HMS Nemo. Whether after the Nemo ii or a coincidence is not known.
The Nemo was involved in the Dunkirk repatriation in 1940 with Newt in command but worked on the English side not crossing the channel.
Over the years she was ‘built up’. Initially completely open, with seating at low level, then was given over time a raised open steering position, a foc’sl, raised seating and latterly an enclosed wheel house.
After 1965 she continued under different ownership including Dick Harman, running trips from Clacton, Brightlingsea and Maldon until the 1980’s or 1990’s.
Interested to hear where she ended her life, working until the end. Not the first time sunk. There are photos of her sinking on her mooring off Clacton Pier and being raised.
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Having posted a message I have now been given access to the rest of the string and am pleased to see such interest in the Nemo - particularly Jerry Lawes - so apologies if I have added information already given.
And I had no idea that a book had been written by J foynes - will have to source it.
K
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Looks like the definitive Nemo II history from Foursquare.
We will do a little more work at the Wales end to obtain more hard information regarding the relocation to Barmouth then Llandanwg harbour which will complete the history of a small craft that has sparked the interest of quite a few.
BM
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Attached are some photographs which give a brief history of the Nemo ii from 1928 to 1965.
Everything else written I can confirm as being correct. There was only one Nemo at Clacton – apart from the killer whale on the pier in the 1970’s.
Jerry fills in the history from 1965 to the 1980’s. For the Harman period contact Andy Harman at the St Osyth Boatyard, St Osyth near Clacton on Sea.
I would be pleased to hear from Jerry again as I haven’t seen him since about 1975. (Jeremy then).
Keith K.
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The Crew.
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The Crew
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NEMO II - Sinking and recovery 1956 approx
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Hi Sheena just to let you know I live at no 6 Regent ROAD, there is no Regent Street, Brightlingsea Essex.My home is over a one hundred years old and I have been told it was used by the navy in the war.
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Hi Sheena just to let you know I live at no 6 Regent ROAD, there is no Regent Street, Brightlingsea Essex.My home is over a one hundred years old and I have been told it was used by the navy in the war.
Hi,
You're absolutely right, of course I meant Regent Road. My brain must have been in London when I wrote that! I'm fairly familiar with Brightlingsea as I visited quite a lot when I was a child. My grandmother grew up there and I still have one or two distant relatives there.
Interesting to hear about your house as this suggests the photo is more likely to be connected with the land base. The walls behind them appears to be panelled, so I don't know if that might give you an idea of where the picture was taken? How nice to have a house with a bit of history!
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Hi sheena thanks for the reply.Can I see the photo?
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It was interesting to come upon this thread while browsing the internet. I can confirm most of what Jerry Lawes mentioned. As a child we used to holiday at Clacton where my granparents lived and both my father and mother had met and married. My interest in all things boats found me hanging around the beach and the crew of the Nemo II took a liking to me and let me help them with ropes and anchors, etc. As I grew up I would spend all my six weeks school holidays on the beach helping out the Nemo II for which I got paid the princely sum of ten shillings a day, remember this was the late 50's. I think that I would have known Jerry or maybe it was his brother. I used to go to Reg Lawes house and pick up his lunch every day. I have a number of photos of the Nemo II on my wall at home and when I came across pictures of her as a wreck in Wales I felt very upset. I remember the sinking in the late 50's and think that it was on a Friday because we arrived at Clacton that night to get the bad news and I can remember Newt King nervously pacing the pier while the salvage operation went ahead some weeks after the sinking. When I left school and went to work I didn't visit Clacton very often but remember when Newt retired and sold his share to a chap called Sonny who was a motor mechanic. When Reg sold out Dick Harman who owned the Viking Saga bought in and after that I lost contact except I did see Dick at his boatyard in St Osyth in about 1997. Dick was the person who put the updated bow on and enclosed wheelhouse, I never cared for the alterations. Something of interest is that the Nemo II had a set of oars which were stowed under the seating and I remember Reg telling me that one evening they had rowed her out to the mooring.
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Sorry for the delay but I have only just got round to scanning the photo. Here it is.
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Have you all seen this article?
http://content.yudu.com/A1n8xu/navynewsapr10/resources/28.htm
Victims of MTB Honoured.
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I certainly hadn't seen it. Very interesting.
Thanks
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Dear Sheena
No 6 Regent Road (grey house near the bottom below Recreation Ground) was the Officers' Mess for B'sea Naval Base (HMS NEM0) from mid-1940 to late 1943. The officers in your photo are likely to include such as Captain Henniker-Heaton, Cdr Campbell, Cdr Collis-Bird, Lt-Cdr Eldridge, Lts Wolfe-Murray, Laine, Martin, Martino, Paymaster-Cap Nelson.
Are any named, in fact?
I wrote a 106-page history of the base about 19 years ago and would be most interested to see a copy of your photo.
Julian Foynes
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Hello Julian,
There are no names on the photo, which I have recently posted here (see previous page). I believe I'm right in thinking they are wearing volunteer reserve uniforms, but otherwise know nothing about the men at all. I would be very interested to know more about the base and, if you are able to identify any of the men that would be wonderful.
Sheena
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Dear Sheena
I'm probably being stupid but can't see your photo on the website. I may, as you say, be able to work out who the RNVR officers are from cross-checking.
Julian
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Hello Julian,
The photo is on this thread. If you scroll to the top or bottom where it says pages and click on 4 it should take you to the page where it appears. I've just checked and I can the image, not a link or attachment so hopefully you can too.
Sheena
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Dear Sheena
I've now seen the photo. I have one taken against the same background, taken at B'sea in late 1940 or early 1941, which appears to show the officer who is seated in your photo middle-front. I see he is the only RNVR Lieutenant-Commander, as opposed to lieutenant or sub-lt.
So he has to be Lt-Cdr Charles Corke, who commanded the "raiding craft" (American-built Lend Lease fast river launches) of the 7th Flotilla, based with NEMO between October 1940 and July 1942. The other officers are very likely those of the rest of his flotilla (there were up to 16 in all). I have ruled out the more senior B'sea officers, as they were RN, RNR or RN retired, and also those of the B'sea ML Staff, who were based at the Manor House off Church Road and who all appear in a photo I have.
Corke did not acquire his full complement till Spring 1941, so the photo must date between then and July 42.
At that date the officers and boats left for Newhaven, and took part in the Dieppe Raid. Corke himself, on board another landing craft, was killed during that operation and is commemorated by a plaque at the Colne Yacht Club.
I have met or corresponded with several people who knew him.
Julian
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Dear Sheena,
I am a volunteer at Brightlingsea museum, and we are trying to find out a bit more about the NEMO base. The string generated here is very interesting, and the photo.
Can I ask your permission please to use/display a copy of the photo in the museum at Brightlingsea? Is there a photographers stamp on the back of the photo?
Here is a link to the Brightlingsea Museum facebook page for your interest https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brightlingsea-Museum/229681147042987
Can I also ask the name of your Aunt? It would be very interesting to know her connection with NEMO.
I will show the picture also to my godfather, I believe he came to Brightlingsea with the Navy, very likely to NEMO.
thank you for posting , best wishes
Helena
Brightlingsea Museum
Hi,
I have a photo which was given to me years ago by an aged, now deceased great Aunt. It is of a group of 16 men in uniform. It has the following written on it:
"2nd World War, BL.SEA Naval officers HMS NEMO". and on the back "1940 at 6 Regent Street".
"BL.SEA" is Brightlingsea in Essex and I believe HMS NEMO was based there on some kind of support duty but not sure what.
The reason I'm posting is because these men are nothing to do with my family at all (I suspect the aged aunt may have had a 'fling' with one of them!) and I would love to be able to share it with anyone who may have a relative on there. I havn't got it scanned at present so can't post it but if anyone believes they may have had an ancestor on board the HMS NEMO during WW2 please give me a shout and I'll see what I can do. I have hung on to it for all these years because I know how much I treasure my old family photos and I hate to think there could be someone out there who would feel the same about this one.
Sheena
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Sorry, I've not been on here for a while,
Thanks Julian,
It's really good to find out more information even though it is a rather sad story.
Helena, I've sent you a private message.
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Hi, I'm new to this site but found it fascinating. The photo of the officers on HMS Nemo contains my grandfather 2nd right at the front. He served on it in 1941 as the 7th Coastal Flotilla.
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Hello, and welcome to RootsChat. It's an amazing and rather addictive site!
It's fascinating to find someone who is actually related to one of the men in the picture. It would be interesting to know a little bit about your grandfather. Was he a local man?
I'm not sure if you live anywhere near Brightlingsea, but the museum there has a display about HMS Nemo which is very interesting and the staff are really helpful. Well worth a visit if you can. :)
Sheena
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Hi
Like the other posters on here, I'm trying to unravel my late father's war record. One of the entries states that he was on HMS Nemo for the period 26 September 1941 to 12 January 1942 (a period of some 3.5 months). What would he have been doing in Brightlingsea? Would it have been some kind of training or working in home waters? Dad with in the Royal Navy, and although records show "Stoker 1st Class" we have since found out and obtained confirmation that he was in Combined Operations for for whole of the hostilites 1939-45. If anyone can throw any light on my query, I'd be most grateful.
Here's hoping
Ann ::)
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My uncle Lt Cdr C L Corke RNVR is the officer seated middle front row in the photo to which you refer and may be the one who had a fling with your Aunt (he was a bachelor!) Tragically he was killed in the Dieppe Raid in August 1942 but I have seen his memorial plaque in the Yacht Club at Brightlingsea
Best regards
Philip
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Hi,
If anyone can give me any more info re the Nemo 2 I would be very grateful. My Father (Reg Lawes - he had worked over 40 years on the beach and his father over 50) was in partnership with Newt King for many years and subsequently took the whole ownership of the boat over. He much later sold it to Dick Harmon who also had a boat on Clacton Beach ( The Viking Saga) I moved away from Clacton some years later and have been trying to trace its history after then. As a child i did spend much time with my father on the beach with the boat. If anyone is interested I may be able to give a little more background history along with some personal photos etc. I have only just come to this site so hence no postings previously.
Thanks very much
Jerry Lawes
I know you posted this some time ago, but I have only just come across it. I used to visit Clacton every summer with my parents back in the 50's and we always stayed with Mrs Theobald who lived opposite Newt king and his wife on St Osyth Road. We got to know Mr King very well and his son Jack, and often my brother and I would get free rides on the Nemo. In fact one of the few family fotos I have of my late brother is of him and me steering the Nemo in the open cockpit. There was great rivalry for us kids between the Nemo and The Viking Saga and I remember your father well.
I seem to remember that in the early fifties, Jack King had his own boat, a smaller one than his father's called the Jill.
I have very happy memories of those days and in fact have a large print on my bedroom wall (by courtesy of Frith and Co) of the Nemo with Clacton pier in the background with the steel stella.
My other memories are of the Queen of the Channel calling in at the pier to take trippers to France, and of the maroons going off and the lifeboat being launched, usually at least once each holiday.
I noted that the Viking took part in the Queen's golden jubilee sail past on the Thames. it's amazing she's still going-the boat that is, as well as her majesty.
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I have just discovered this post, is it still going? My father was with HMS Nemo in 1940, he told me that it was actually the "Anchor Hotel plus the bus shelter alongside it". Attached is an old postcard of it from before the war. (I also have four other photos of Brightlingsea from that time.)
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Last time I was in Brightlingsea the hotel was still there. The Nemo ll pleasure boat that had formerly been HMS Nemo's liberty boat, finally passed away somewhere in Wales some years ago. I have very happy memories of it at Clacton on Sea in the 1950's where it was owned and operated by Newton (Newt) King.
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NEMO II
Having read some articles, on line concerning Nemo II, I feel I, John Reginald Lawes, should add what I can to the story. This was effectively kicked off by sheena58, then Brian Mac and later, my step-brother jerrylawes. I am, perhaps, six years late with the following, having only become aware of all this fairly recently. Now having some time to spare, I thought I should try to complete the story, as far as I can, for the period I had firsthand knowledge of the “Nemo”. This is being done purely from memory, so, if anyone can correct any inaccuracies it will be appreciated.
“Nemo II” was one of three “Nemo’s”, each being larger than the previous “Nemo”. It may be of interest to know that in the early 50’s, my father, Reg (Reginald James Lawes) and Newt (Newton Davis King) went up to inspect “Nemo III”, on the Clyde, with a view to bring her to Clacton. However, this never came to anything. “Nemo II” was established in Clacton in 1928. When he, and Newt, took over the “Nemo”, I don’t know. Newt would seem to be involved pre-war, from photos on rootschat. Refer to rootschat.com, page 4, #32, Nemo Crew - 1930’s. Centre rear is Newt, and left rear, James (Jim) Laws, my grandfather. Yes, that spelling’s correct. When his birth was registered, literacy was not what it should have been. He made sure my father, as well as all other siblings, had their names correctly spelt. I do know my father ran a speedboat, “Lady Spray” from No.1, North Sea - Clacton Pier. When war broke out Nemo was requisitioned by the Navy, with Newt, and used as a liberty boat/MFV in Brightlingsea. My father, being a retained fireman, then became a full time fireman for the duration. After the war, “Nemo” was returned to my father and Newt. This suggests that one, or both, were running the Nemo for some time prior to the war.
When the Nemo was returned, she was taken to James & Stone (Brightlingsea) Ltd. shipyard, now posh housing. It’s from here that I can go from personal memory with winter re-fitting and working on the beach. Nemo had acquired a ”superstructure”, for want of a better description. This was to give weather protection to “all those who sailed in her”. This was removed, returning her to her pre-war specification. This was, basically, a big carvel built “rowing boat”. I can’t remember, exactly, when she returned to working from the west beach, but this was probably 1947. I can certainly remember this work being carried out, as I often went with my father, and Newt to “help”.
Later the “Nemo” had its winter refit at Rowhedge Ironworks Ltd. (Rowhedge Shipyard), as the fees were more favourable. Not having been to Rowhedge for very many years, I suppose it also became housing after closure in 1961? We would drive to Winenhoe, park the car, Newts Morris 8, and take the ferry over the river.
Continued..
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NEMO II Continued
Around 1950, she was re-modelled with a proper engine room, with wheel and controls above, and with some weather protection. I remember we went to the Boat Show, in London, where a new Thorneycroft diesel engine was ordered to replace the original petrol/paraffin (TVO) engine. In addition, the alterations involved a new deck, at thwart level, and seating around the gunn’els, with steel railings as a backrest, and, of course, for safety, as well as somewhere to mount lifebelts. Extra seating, was placed in the centre, for’ard and aft. Aft had life rafts for seating, as well as for life saving. Now she was licensed to carry 82 passengers. She remained like this for the remaining time she was in my fathers and Newts possession, and certainly into the 60’s. The later wheelhouse and fo’c’sle, “Viking Saga” style, being added after she passed to Dick Harman, who, previously, ran the Viking.
During the school holidays I worked, on the beach, with my father and Newt and other crew, making a total of four, plus me when available. At times, I would take the wheel when on pleasure trips and also taking the “Nemo” to/from Brightlingsea and Rowhedge. Crew members, at various times, included Albert Potter, Sid (or Syd?) Salmon, Dick Harman, Jack King and Billy Dale. Refer to rootschat.com, page 4, #32, for the crew around 1956. The dogs name I can’t remember, it belonged to a regular customer, but I am Unknown? in this photo. This connection with the “Nemo” continued for some time after I left school, when I worked weekends and holidays. I was not allowed to work full timeon the beach until I learnt a trade. When 15, I was made a licensed boatman, Clacton UDC No 21. I still have my hat with the Nemo II cap badge and licensed boatman badge. I also still have “Nemo’s” compass and the printing plate for the “Nemo” photograph which appeared on printed posters. Refer to rootschat.com, page 1, #1 second photo. My step-brother Jerry has Nemo’s bell.
When the “Nemo” was sunk, it was due to a storm coming up very quickly. Refer to rootschat.com, page 4, #33, where she and the Viking are at their moorings, and then Nemo’s recovery. Newt was the first to get down to the pier, but, due to the storms quickness and severity, no one could get to the Nemo to take her to safety. Perhaps the quickness, and severity, of the storm was a blessing in disguise, as Newt couldn’t swim. In these situations, the “Nemo” would normally be taken round to Brightlingsea, but on the few occasions, when a severe wind was in the wrong direction, she would go to Harwich. While Nemo was “out of service”, we used rowing boats, me from the east beach. I took, mainly, children for “a row with the boatman”.
Running from the west beach, in addition to “Nemo”, was the “Viking Saga”, “Jill”, (the last time I saw her, she was at St. Osyth, looking rather forlorn), then there were sister boats “Lady Essex” and “Lady Kent”. Running from the east beach for a while, was the “Skylark” with Jack King and a power boat, the name of which I can’t recall, run by Freddie Knight.
The very latest photos of the “Nemo” show that she came to very sad, and neglected, end. I would like to think I was involved, in a very small way, in her very best years.
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Hi Beamers, I think we may know each other from the Nemo, my name is Clive and spent my holidays working on the Nemo mainly after you stopped but I think certainly before, around the time of the sinking.
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Hi Clive, It's been a long while since our time on the beach. I must say my memory is rather letting me down, but I suppose that's what goes with anno domini! I did have quite a time down memory lane, putting together a history, as I know/remember it, about the Nemo. I also included more of my personal history, then had to précis it to get it to what's above. We have been in Derbyshire now for nearly 50 years; we can't be much further from the sea. Initially, and for several years, we missed the sea, but not so much now. There are no relatives left in the Clacton area, except for an old aunt of my wife's, so rarely get to Clacton. Maybe later this year? All the best, John.
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Hello all, don't know if the discussion is going on about the Nemo II, and it all been interesting, just thought I would add my little bit. The photo showing the vessel on the Palace Breakwater, Clacton was taken about 1984, I know this as its me in the Blue shirt between the two kids running towards the boat. I was working for Dick Harman as crew at the time. Hourly trips were getting harder and we did trips up to Colchester, taking school kids, dropping them on East Measea, and Rowhedge, as we took the tide up to Colchester, dropping them back at Brightingsea, at the end of the day.
When I let the boat, (as Dick brought the St Osyth boat yard and sold the boat) I joined the Coastguard, both Dick and I were on the Lifeboat, and ended up in charge of the Rescue side of the Coastguard.
Just as a foot note, HM Nemo was named after the boat, not the other way round. I have studied the picture f the wreck on the beach, and still can't see it as her, but I am sure your all right, and if that is the case, It makes me very sad, as that boat gave a lot of entertainment to folk and in Dick and my presence alone, we rescued at least 10 people from the sea, including a yacht on fire with a family of three in the Pyefleet, a Fisherman and crew off Clacton and three kids in an inflatable.
Now I meet Dicks grand kids, Jo and Ben, Andy's boys, they operate a windfarm vessel called Alliance, they do it with great style and I know Grandad would be proud of them.
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Hi Moffat Marine
I am unfortunately unable to see the picture of the Nemo at the Palace Breakwater for some reason but I have never seen a pleasure boat at the palace so it must be quite unique. I guess the low tide must have caused a move further down the beach as it silted up over the years. I have a good collection of Nemo photos over the years from the launch up to the 80's and then the wreck pictures in the 90's. it is most definitely NemoII registered London. I last spoke with Dick in 1992 at the St Osyth Boatyard, I had known him for about 40 years at that stage. He had an anchor on his cap that was originally mine. They were good days.
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As far as I can remember, the Nemo only worked, post war, from the breakwater adjacent to the pier on the West Beach, from a brow on the west Beach, and once, when there was an exceptionally high tide, directly from the prom. Sometimes, when there was an exceptionally low tide, passengers were disembarked on the breakwater, adjacent to the pier, on the East Beach.
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Hi John, I have attached the picture in question and it clearly shows her at the groyne near the pier. Also attached is an earlier picture at the same place, I think it is the best Nemo II picture I have seen. I have made an error the picure in question follows on page 8. Clive
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John, this is the picture in question. Clive
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Hi all again,
It's been a while since I last posted a comment on the subject of HMS Nemo. Further to my post about my grandfather in the photo. As I said before, he is sat 2nd from the right on the front row. His name Stuart James Vernon and ended the war as Lieutenant Commander DSC. He led force 'H' company on the Walcheren landings in '44 plus earlier had been involved in Dieppe, Solerno and others. I'm always interested in further info on him, his activities during the war, photos etc. I have a lot of wartime photos of him and his colleagues but don't know who most of them are.
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Hi Ajsv002,
Sheena has been notified of your replies to this topic.
Regards
Sarah
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I have just joined this website but have been following the Nemo II discussions with great interest. The picture shown by Ungy on 31 December 17 I suspect was "borrowed" from the Viking Saga website as I have the original picture (a large colour slide) and, as far as I am aware, only sent a copy to "Noddy" Cardy's sister to put on the Viking Saga website (however, this might already be third or fourth generation). I have a huge number of photographs/slides of Nemo II from her very early days at Clacton, right through until she departed in the 1980's. I am happy to share these (along with photos of Viking Saga, Jill, Surf Queen, Speed Queen, Sea Spray, Kiwi etc.) but would ask that people just acknowledge who took the picture (postcards are, of course, very much public domain and available to anyone and everyone, so no acknowledgement required).
Thanks, and sorry to come in to the discussion with a bit of a moan, as the info from everyone has been fascinating - nice to know I am not alone with my love of Clacton's pleasure boats.
Richard
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Hi Richard, I am not really sure where I obtained the picture in question and in no way would I have not credited you if I was aware of your ownership. These days all sorts of pictures crop up all over the place and I suppose that the only way to protect them is to watermark them. The picture doesn't appear to be on the Viking website. Apologies are in order. I have always had a love of Nemo II and have quite a lot of pictures that I have aquired over the years for my personal perusal. If you have read my earlier posts you will see that my young life revolved around Clacton Beach. I am online friends with Alan King whose father Laurie was skipper of the Viking Saga in the early years, Alan has an extensive collection of the VS and Clacton.
I am very interested in viewing your photo files if that is possible, because the whole pleasure boat thing brings back a lot of memories. I am in Melbourne Australia now for over 30 years and never saw the Nemo in your picture, the last time I went out on her with Dick Harmon would have been about 1983 when she was painted grey and I have stated I never liked the conversion, just never looked right. I last soke with Dick at the St Osyth boatyard in 1992 I think, when visiting the UK, he always followed his old boats and used to go and see them wherever they were. I have some early pictures from Maart Allcock, a musician who lives in North Wales and pictured her rotting away and posted it on his web site.