Hello,
Searching for the history of the AMC HMS Patuca, after searching the internet for many hours I found out she was built in 1913 for Elders&Fyffes Shipping. Became a AMC in 1914, 1919 Returned to E&F, scrapped 1935.
I also found she served in the 10th Cruiser Squadron in the North sea. What I'd like to know is any more detailed history on her service life, pointers on where should I look?.

My interest in the ship is due to finding a Cap tally to it along with a group of WW1 medals, to C3250 P.O W.JOY RNR. I presume that he served on the ship, but have no idea how to confirm this?.

Thanks for any help,

Jeff

HMS Patuca, AMC, 6103 tons launched 1913, armed 6 x 6 inch, 2 x 3pounder AA, 15.5 knots, 21st November 1914 to 17th July 1919, Pennant Nos M77 (1914), M1.90 (January 1918, M1.49 April 1918. was a Kite Baloon ship from 1917 to 13th December 1918.

Aye
Malcolm

HELLO JEFF

PATUCA suffered six deaths in the Great War.

1915 one rating and one MMR died of illness
1915 CDR Cecil H. France-Hayhurst (her commanding officer) died of illness on 24 Feb 15
1918 two RMLI privates died of illness
1918 one MMR died of illness

don

Thanks for the extra info, but forgive my lack of knowledge, would a Kite baloon ship be used for 'observation' or for 'anti aircraft' use?.

Thanks,
Jeff

A balloon tethered to a ship could spot a submarine more easily. Eventually they went to airships for anti-sub work.
Aye
Malcolm

[Hi
I saw the posting on the PATUCA. My Great Grandfather was on her from December 1914-about June 1917. I have a picture of him wearing the cap tally. She was crewed by Royal Naval Reservists, over a dozen were from Newfoundland. I have a battle history of the 10th Cruiser squadron which details the comings and goings of the Patuca. I also have a picture of her from 1919. She was origionlly a banana boat. I have more information.

Bryan Marsh

Hello,
Sorry I'm a bit late (4 years), but saw your reply on my post about HMS Patuca. I'd love to know further information.
Best regards,
Jeff Hayes

Jeff you might be interested in these files at the UK National Archives:
ADM 1/8454/87 HMS PATUCA. Loss of Armed Guard on 22 March 1916 1916
ADM 137/3600 Collision between HMS PATUCA and Swedish Steamer OSCAR II 1915 July 5-Aug 21
Ships logs ADM 53/54670 PATUCA 1914 Dec. 22 - 1915 Mar. 31 through to ADM 53/54677 PATUCA 1918 May 10 - 1919 April 26

Since opening this thread have you found his service cards? Microfiche copies are in BT377/7 at Kew (in service number order), the originals are at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. As he was in his third engagement with the RNR there will be cross references to his previous two service cards and to his next if he signed on again.

Jeff, find here awards to crew of AMC HMS PATUCA ;

ROBERTS Christopher N/E Cdr(E) RNR 82N056 Patuca
C-in-C Devonport 20.09.18 Gazetted
Cruisers on Escort & Patrols 01.01.18 to 30.06.18 Mentioned in Despatches
On the 26th October, 1915, when patrolling south of Iceland in a South Westerly gale, both main condensors were salting. He opened up both main condensors in turn and plugged the leaky tubes without reducing speed below 10 knots and reported ready for full speed within two hours.

WALLIS Joseph A N/E Lt. RNR 82N045 Patuca
Vice Admiral Commanding 10th Cruiser Squadron 21.06.18 Gazetted
In Tenth Cruiser Squadron to 31.12.17 Mentioned in Despatches
Has boarded 300 vessels at sea in all weathers at a very considerable personal hazard displaying good seamanship and great tact in dealing with neutral Masters. 1914 - 1917.

Have more such if you wish.

Sadsac

I don't know how to manage this bloog, but I'm very interesed in Patuca story and I have all the description of the collision with Oskar II at 1915 (Deeply sorry about my awful english). If you or any other member wants that story, please write to havasluis@hotmail.com
I am Luis Havas, argentinien vexilologist, aged 83, living at Mexico city.

Welcome to the forum Luis and thank you for your invitation, but it is unwise to put your email address in the open.
Could you post some of the information you have here?