Case 3895
Volume 1
Invergordon Incident
1931
Narrative of Events &
Reports by Senior Officer Atlantic Fleet
Memorandum on measures taken
With the object of preventing the
Recurrence of a serious failure
Of discipline
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Papers Enclosed
1931:
M 02904
02260
02262
02263
02277
02317
02420
02617
Volume I – Reports & Narrative of events
Volume II – Report of Admiral Sir John Kelly on the state of discipline – Board decisions &c.
Volume III Not Secret – Ratings disembarked from Atlantic Fleet & drafted away – Re-engagements &c.
Volume IV Not Secret – Men discharged – Personal cases – representatives & Correspondence.
Volume V Not Secret – Men discharged orders &c. Consideration of Lists of names &c.
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Secretary.
Captain Attwood, the Deputy D.T.S.D., informs me that Board approval has been given to the writing of a monograph on the Invergordon affair, and he requests that Lieutenant Commander Owen, the officer detailed for the work, may be supplied with all the M. Branch papers on the subject. The actual decision has not been seen by M. Branch.
These papers, however, contain a number of very confidential Board minutes and one of them has a long minute by the late D.C.N.S. on Sir John Kelly’s report of the 9 th November. The Board decided that on that paper that a certain amount of blame attached to Rear Admiral Tomkinson. The late D.C.N.S. directed that this paper and M.02617 containing a narrative of events prepared by him were to be kept in M. Branch and not given to anyone without his special permission.
There seems no objection to the file of papers marked “A” being given to Lieutenant Commander Owen viz: M.02737/31, M.02904, M.02420, M.02317, M.02277 (excluding the Board minutes), M.02263, M.02262, and M.02260: but it seems doubtful whether the other papers, marked “B” ought to be given to him. (M.02855, the Board minutes of M.02277, and M.02617). Possibly, however, Admiral Kelly’s letter of the 9 th November, 1931, and Admiralty letter in reply of the 2nd February, 1932, in M.02855/31 ought to be given to him to complete the story.
Submitted for decision.
(Signed)
?SM? Phillips
Hd of M.
3/7/33
3rd July, 1933
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FROM WHOM |
DATE |
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MARKINGS TO BOARD |
SUBJECT Atlantic Fleet Discontent etc. Telegrams etc. M. Branch file |
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Referred |
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NOTATION ONLY |
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Referred to |
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Resident clerk |
RO eventually. |
M. 37 Safe ( Box 2) |
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From: R.A.C. B.C.S. To – Admiralty. |
DATE: 14.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1102 |
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Cypher G.G. (F.O.) From: R.A.C. B.C.S. Important. There was a slight disturbance in the Royal Navy Canteen Invergordon yesterday Sunday evening caused by one or two ratings endeavouring to address those present on the subject of reduction in pay. I attach no importance to the XXXXXXX incident from a general disciplinary point of view but it is possible it may be reported in an exaggerated form by the Press. Matter is still being investigated. 1025. 1st Lord. |
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From: S.O.A.F. H.M.S. Hood To – Admiralty. Cypher G.C. (F) IMMEDIATE |
DATE: 14.9.31 SENT: RECD: 2348 |
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Addressed Admiralty. 800 My 799 Further disturbance(s) took place among liberty men landed at Invergordon this evening. Liberty men have all returned on board but there is considerable unrest among a proportion of the lower ratings. The cause of the complaints appears to be the drastic reduction(s) in pay of ratings below Petty Officer when were on pre 1925 Scales of pay. Further telegram follows. 2315 1st Lord. |
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From: S.O.A.F. H.M.S. Hood To – Admiralty. Cypher G.G. (F.O.) |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: RECD: 0142 |
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IMMEDIATE
801. My 800. Having received reports from Flag and Commanding Officers I am of the opinion that it may be difficult to get ships to sea for practice this morning Tuesday. I have made the following general signal to the Atlantic Fleet in company begins The Senior Officer Atlantic Fleet is aware that cases of hardship will result in consequence of the new rates of pay. Commanding Officers are to make thorough investigation and report to me typical cases without delay in order that I may bring the matter at once to the notice of the Admiralty (70059). Message ends. 0210. 1st Lord. |
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From: S.O.A.F. H.M.S. Hood To – Admiralty. Cypher G.G. (F.O.) |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1025. |
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IMMEDIATE 802. Situation 0900 today H.M.S. REPULSE has proceeded to sea for exercises other ships have not proceeded and considerable portions of ship’s companies have absented themselves from duty. Attitude of all ratings towards their officers is at present correct. I have recalled ships now exercising and stopped leave of officers and men. Chief of Staff leaves here today arriving Admiralty early tomorrow morning. 0916. 1st Lord. |
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From: ADMIRALTY To –S.O. A.F. in Hood IMMEDIATE Cypher G.G. (F.O.) |
No. 912 DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: |
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Addressed S.O., A.F. in Hood. From Admiralty Immediate Your 802 Their Lordships entirely approve of the action you have taken. Full Stop Any representations which you think it right to make as a result of your investigations will be carefully considered by the Board Full Stop. Meanwhile officers should take every opportunity of laying stress on the fact that great sacrifices are being required from all classes of community and that unless these are cheerfully accepted by all concerned the financial recovery of the country will be impossible. Full Stop Similar changes of pay have been made in the Army and Royal Air Force. 1205/15 for HD. Of M.(appd. By 1st Lord and 1st S.L.) 1st Lord. |
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From: S.O.A.F. H.M.S. Hood To – Admiralty. Cypher G.G. (F.O.) |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: RECD:1534 |
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803. It seems clear that the chief causes of complaint are (A) the extent of the cuts of pay of Leading rates and below who were on old (B) the short interval before reductions take effect (c) thought alleged affirmation by Government on several occasions that ratings on old scales would continue to receive it during whole of period of their continuous service. As regards (a) the 10 per cent reduction on unemployment benefits is compared with an approximate 20 per cent cut in an Able Seaman’s pay and allowances and principle of equal sacrifice is appealed to. As regards (b) the short Interval is insufficient to allow married men to readjust their standard of living. Apart from this so many men have commitments in the shape of life assurance(s) house mortgage(s) hire purchase of furniture etc., that no mere postponement could save them and their families from heavy losses and in some cases actual want. I do not consider that the men will feel they have received justice unless reductions are more in proportion to their pay e.g. the pay of an Able Seaman to be reduced by six pence instead of one shilling I would urge a very early decision should be communicated by Their lordships Until this is received I regret in my opinion discipline of Atlantic Fleet will not be restored and may still further deteriorate. 1340. |
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From: S.O.A.F. H.M.S. Hood To – Admiralty. Cypher G.G. (F.O.) |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1900. |
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IMMEDIATE. 804. Situation 1800 today Tuesday H.M.S. WARSPITE H.M.S MALAYA H.M.S.REPULSE have returned to harbour. Conditions in ships during the day have varied. In some ships meetings (have been) held and no (work) done but in most ordinary daily routine has been carried out. Chief of Staff is travelling by [as in original document] (?(?) night train with further details. 1830/15 1st Lord (2) |
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From: Admiralty. To – S.O.A.F. H.M.S. Hood 913 |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: |
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Cypher G.G. (F.O.) Addressed C. in C., A.F. repeated Cs.in C., Nore, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Med., E.I., China A.A.W.I. Africa and R.A.C. N.Z. from Admiralty. IMMEDIATEYour 803. The Board of Admiralty will give their earnest and immediate consideration to the representations of hardship. Meanwhile you should impress on ships companies that existing rates of pay remain in force until 1st October and that Their Lordships confidently expect that the men of the Atlantic Fleet will uphold the tradition of the Service by loyally carrying out their duty. 1910/15. Sec. To 1st S.L. 1st Lord (2) |
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From: Admiralty. To – S.O., A.F. H.M.S. HOOD. 914. |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: |
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Cypher G.G. (F.O.) Addressed S.O.., A.F. in HOOD; 914; repeated to C-in-C., Nore 107; Portsmouth 686; Plymouth 810; Medn. 310; E.I. 807; China 193; A. & W.I. 342; Africa 892; and R.A.C. N.Z. 265; from Admiralty. IMMEDIATEIt is important that programme of exercises should be resumed as soon as your investigations are complete. As regards comparisons mentioned in your 803 it must be remembered that Naval cut is not on total emoluments but on pay only. For instance, in typical case of an A.B, of over 6 years’ service holding non-substantive ratings of Gunlayer 2nd class and Seaman Gunner with wife and 2 young children value of weekly emoluments is as follows – pay 31/6d. non-substantine pay 5/3d. badge pay 1/9d. standard ration and messing allowance 8/?3?d. kit upkeep allowance 2/1 ½ d. marriage allowance 15/- - total 64/4 ½ d. After 1st Oct. the value will be pay 25/8d. and all other emoluments unchanged except standard ration and messing allowance ?7?/10 ½ d. Total 57/8d. percentage deduction is therefore 10%. If unmarried, comparison would be – present emoluments 49/4 ½ d. after 1st Oct. 42/8d. percentage deduction 13%. It is impossible to contend that these reductions are out of proportion to reduction of 10% in unemployment benefits. Reductions of precisely similar basis are to be put into effect in Army and Air Force. 1945/15. F.16/8 1st Lord (2) |
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From: Admiralty. To –
C. in Cs. |
DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: |
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Cypher G.G. (F.O.) From Admiralty. IMMEDIATEMy 1910/15 and 1945/15 serious trouble having been reported I ships of the A.F. at Invergordon on account of cuts in pay due 1st Oct. these messages repeated to you for information. 1954/15. 1st Lord (2) |
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From: ADMIRALTY IMMEDIATE To |
No. DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: |
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Addressed C. in C. A.W.I. No. (344) C. in C. Med. No. (312) IMMEDIATE. Pending investigation and subsequent consideration by the Admiralty of representations as to the hardship caused by new rates of pay the Board have approved the temporary suspension of the Atlantic Fleet practice programme. 2035/15. Secretary toDeputy Chief 1st Lord (2) |
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From: ADMIRALTY To Senior Officer, Atlantic Fleet, 916 Cypher G.C. (F.C.) |
No. DATE: 15.9.31 SENT: |
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From Admiralty. IMMEDIATE. From Admiralty. My 915. It is desirable that the practices should be continued as soon as you have had time to complete your investigations. 2101 Secy. to Deputy Chief of 1st Lord (2) |
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From: S.O. A.F. To – Admiralty. IMMEDIATE G.C.(F.O.) |
DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: RECD: 0126 |
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815. your telegrams 913 and 916 I must emphasize that the situation in Invergordon will not be ?met? until a definite decision is communicated as requested in my 803 15 September. A continuation of the exercise programme is out of the question in the present state of mind of a considerable proportion of the crews. Your 914 will be dealt with in further telegrams. 0053/16 1st Lord (2) |
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From: ADMIRALTY To S. O., A. F,, in HOOD Cypher G.C. (C-in-C) |
No.917 DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: |
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From Admiralty. IMMEDIATE. Board of Admiralty have been engaged since early this morning 16 th in considering points represented by the Chief of Staff. The First Lord is now with the Cabinet. You will receive the earliest possible announcement of their decision. 1117. Sec. To 1st S.L. |
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From: S.O.A.F. in Hood. IMMEDIATE. IMMEDIATE G.C. |
DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1159 |
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IMMEDIATE. 806. I am sending officer to Admiralty by rail tonight with the remainder of the ships reports of the investigations (?fullstop) these reports indicate the views held in the different ships of which the following extracts are representative. H.M.S. DORSETSHIRE Cut was generally expected throughout lower deck. Opinions as to the extent of this cut vary between 7 points and 12 and a half per cent but were (?unanimous) that pay of all ratings should have been cut on percentage basis and that (?larger) percentage reductions imposed on the lower ratings operated unjustly. H.M.S.NORFOLK (?typically) men expected maximum cut of 6 pence a day and were staggered when the press news Saturday 12 th September announced cut of shilling was to be made. H.M.S. YORK Deep resentment is felt at cuts for following reasons cut is too heavy on junior ratings compared with senior ratings. Able seaman loses 25 per cent of his daily pay Petty Officer 14 CERA 8. The man who can least afford it bears the greatest proportion of the loss. These remarks also apply to Royal Marines. H.M.S.RODNEY. Cause of present trouble lies it is believed primarily in cut of pay of Able Seamen. There is in their view no explanation of 25 per cent reduction in their particular case and they are not open to arguments such as those advanced in the recent Admiralty letter they feel cut is unfair as compared with other ratings apart from size of cuts they further feel (corrupt group) sudden imposition leaves them no time to adjust their personal affairs. H.M.S.MALAYA. Man who has had his pay reduced from |
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From: To – Admiralty. 2. |
DATE: SENT: RECD: |
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12 to 11 shillings per day although in many cases hardly hit has some chance to adjust his mode of living on the other hand man who has been reduced from 4 to 3 shillings per day has no chance at all to do so. He may have entered into commitments from which he cannot escape even having got married in expectation of getting 28 shillings a week (quotation ends) I concur in these views. 1049/16 1st L (2) |
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From: S.O., A.F., H.M.S.HOOD. To – Admiralty. IMMEDIATE G.C.(F.O.) |
DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1207 |
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MOST IMMEDIATE. 808. I am of the opinion that the situation will get entirely out of control unless an immediate concession is made. Suggest (a) that percentage cut in pay (without allowance) for ratings below Petty Officer be proportionately that of higher ratings. (b) that marriage allowance be applied to those ratings under 25 who have married on old rates of pay. Further, I recommend that a representative of Board visit me to discuss matters on spot. 1148/16 1st Lord. |
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From: S.O. Atlantic. Fleet H.M.S.Hood IMMEDIATE. IMMEDIATE G.C.(F.O.) |
DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1225 |
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IMMEDIATE. 807. In continuation of my 806 examples such as typical cases given in your 914 have already been explained to ships companies and is not accepted by them as an exact statement of fact. It is the ?(equivalent) standard rate of pay which affects allotments of men to their dependants and cause in examples quoted loss of 18 per cent in their weekly income. This loss is greatly increased in case of married men under 25 years of age who are not in receipt of marriage allowance. Comparisons with Army and Air Force cannot appeal to men owing to different conditions and length of service. 1131/16 1st Lord (2) |
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The Board of Admiralty have under their earnest consideration the representations received from the Officer Commanding the Atlantic Fleet as to the hardships involved in certain classes of cases by the reductions ordered by His Majesty’s Government in Naval rates of pay.
Their Lordships have directed the ships of the Atlantic Fleet to proceed to their Home Ports forthwith.
Personal investigation will then be made by the Commanders-in-Chief and representatives of the Admiralty into those classes of cases in which it is alleged that the reductions press exceptionally on those concerned.
His Majesty’s Government have authorised the Board of Admiralty to make proposals for alleviating the hardship in these classes as soon as the facts have been ascertained by the contemplated investigation.
(manuscript entry)
This is the answer being given today in H of C.
1SL
Sec
Nav Sec have copies
(initials)
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To “A” Message Medtn. 28A Govt. Code |
No. DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: |
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NODECO. Steps are being taken to explain the contents of A.L. C.W.8284 of 10th September 1931 to ships companies prior to exhibition of A.F.O.2239/31 on Notice Boards. 1345/16 Sec. To 4th S.L. 1st Lord (2) |
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From: S.O.A.F. in .Hood. To – Admiralty. Cypher G.C.(F.O.) |
DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: RECD: 1424 |
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Addressed Admiralty. MOST IMMEDIATE. 809. Situation 1408 Fleet have been informed Cabinet were sitting ?(at noon). More ships have ceased ordinary harbour work and men are massing on forecastles at intervals adjacent ships cheering each other. Interference with running machinery and forced inter ?(ship) communication may be next step. 1406 1st Lord (2) |
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To S.O. Atlantic Fleet in Hood MOST IMMEDIATE. Peace Code |
No. DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: |
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From Admiralty MOST IMMEDIATE The Board of Admiralty is fully alive to the fact that amongst certain classes of ratings – special hardship will result from the reduction of pay ordered by H.M. Government. It is Their direction that ships of the Atlantic Fleet are to proceed to their Home Ports forthwith to enable personal investigation to be made by the Commander in Chief and representatives of Admiralty with a view to necessary alleviations being made. Any further repetition further refusals of individuals to carry out orders will be dealt with under the Naval Discipline Act. This order is to be promulgated to the Fleet forthwith. 1445/16 1st Lord (2) |
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DCNS
The ships of the AF having been ordered to proceed to their home ports, we should in the ordinary course request GPO forthwith to divert their mails to those ports.
Submitted for directions whether this shall now be done.
?WS? Coxwell
for Hd. Of M.
16/IX/31
Approved to Direct
Mails & inform S.O.A.F.
(inits)
16.9.31
MESSAGE. |
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To Nore 111 |
No. DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: |
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From Admiralty. IMMEDIATE The following signal has been made from Admiralty to S.O.A.F. in HOOD. The Board of Admiralty is fully alive to the fact that amongst certain classes of ratings – special hardship will result from the reduction of pay ordered by H.M. Government. It is Their direction that ships of the Atlantic Fleet are to proceed to their Home Ports forthwith to enable personal investigation to be made by the Commander in Chief and representatives of Admiralty with a view to necessary alleviations being made. Any further repetition further refusals of individuals to carry out orders will be dealt with under the Naval Discipline Act. This order is to be promulgated to the Fleet forthwith. 1640. 1st Lord. |
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To Nore 112 Peace code. |
No. DATE: 16.9.31 SENT: |
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From Admiralty. IMMEDIATE. My 1640/16. After H.M.S.HOOD insert begins fullstop before time of origin inset ends. D.C.N.S. 1st Lord (2). |