Official Records relating to the cruise
Added 24th April 2023
In November 1923, Hood set off on what is, perhaps, her most famous voyage - a complete circumnavigation of the globe. This cruise, known officially as "the Special Service Squadron," would see Hood visit all the Dominions and many of the protectorates of the Empire in an attempt to engage them more closely in the idea of shared defence of the Empire and the sea lanes which were so vital to the trade on which it was founded.
To mark the centenary, we will be publishing here official records and other documents issued at the time which tell the story of the cruise and the men who served in Hood during it. This page contains extracts from key official records which recorded the planning of the cruise between March and October 1923.
Source: ADM116/2219 Empire Cruise - Special Service Squadron, The National Archives.
1st Sea Lord
I am considering the desirability, pending the proposed redistribution of Fleets, of sending a really representative Squadron of our most modern ships round the Empire (a) in order to follow up any agreements for co-operation at the Imperial Conference by creating Dominion interest and enthusiasm so that such agreements may be really carried out; (b) to let the local forces in Australia and elsewhere not only see our standard of work etc. but have an opportunity of doing joint exercises etc., and getting in touch generally, as a prelude to some more permanent system of interchange and co-operation; (c) to give our own ships more experience of long distance cruises and of waters practically unvisited by the Navy at large for nearly 20 years.
I discussed this idea with C.-in-C. Atlantic Fleet (whose ships would presumably be the ones borrowed for the purpose) and I attach a rough estimate of the route, fuel, consumption etc., made by his staff. My present idea is that the Squadron composed of say "Hood" and "Repulse" and a Squadron of modern light cruisers should during or immediately after the Conference, say some time in November, go (1) to South Africa, staying there three or four weeks; (2) India - Bombay or Trincomalee - stopping for a few days only; (3) Singapore (4) Australia and New Zealand where they should spend say two or even three months doing joint exercises etc.; (5) Vancouver (6) Panama Canal, and W. Indies and Bermuda; (7) Eastern Canada and Newfoundland for say a month before returning home.
I should like you to consider the possibility of getting part or whole of the China Squadron and possibly one or more of the Australian ships to meet our Fleet at Singapore and proceed together to Australia (with a view to future closer association between China Squadron and Australian Navy); also of leaving one of our cruisers behind in Australia for 6 months and taking an Australian cruiser with our Fleet to Canada and W.I. - this not only as experience to Australians but in order to show Canada what Australians are doing. There is also the question of paying courtesy visits en route at San Francisco and Seattle on the U.S. West Coast and one or more U.S. east coast ports.
There will, of course, have to be a supplementary estimate for fuel and I should like this worked out both for our ships and for the Australian ships (they would naturally find their own supplementary).
If an Australian ship came home with our Fleet via Canada, she might then be attached to A.F. for a while and go back vis Mediterranean. This bigger scheme would, I think, supersede the present proposal for an exchange of cruisers with Australia if that is only to come off towards the end of the year.
[Initials]
LSA
[Rt. Hon. Leopold C.M.S. Amery, M.P., First Lord of the Admiralty]
24.4.23
DCNS
To have the above idea examined as to what it would mean and cost etc.
[Initials]
B
[Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty, G.C.B., O.M., G.C.V.O., D.S.O., LL.D, D.C.L., First Sea Lord]
Added 25th April 2023
The following documents are referred to in Amery's memorandum above. He had clearly asked the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, about possible ship and extra oil consumption that would be incurred as a result of the cruise. At this early stage Queen Elizabeth and "R" Class Battleships also appear to have been considered. It is interesting to note that the voyage described is westbound. By the time of Amery's memorandum to Beatty - reproduced above - it had become east bound, and would remain so.
Source: ADM116/2219 Empire Cruise - Special Service Squadron, The National Archives.
Empire Round Voyage, Estimate Fuel
Referred to C.O.S.
The attached approximate estimate is merely a sort of “first consideration” and for circulation and modification as desired. Revised estimates could be made afterwards.
The Fuel Estimate does not include the amount which would have to be allowed for oil carriers – in this respect something can be saved by visiting places like Trinidad ad diverting cruisers from the nearest oil source3s. But the long stretch for instance from Panama to Fiji would need an oiler of say 8000 tons, presuming ships left Panama full up, and another two of say 8000 each at Fiji. A study of the Admiralty fuel resources would have to be made.
But certainly 6000 to 8000 tons ought to cover the cost of “Bunkers” for oiler services.
[Initials] RWS
[Engineer Captain Reginald W Shelton, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., Fleet Engineer Officer, Atlantic Fleet, H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth]
27/3 [23]
CinC
This brief review may be useful.
Initials
[Rear-Admiral William W Fisher, C.B., M.V.O., Chief of Staff, Atlantic Fleet]
28/3 [23]
On an Empire Voyage the total mileage allowed for is 28000 miles.
At an Economical Speed of 11 knots the time occupied is 144 days,
Presuming 30 ports are visited, and allowing 4 days in each port, the time spent in harbour will be 120 days.
And the total time of 264 days is approximately 9 months.
| Oil fuel for Steaming | Oil fuel for Harbour | Total Oil Fuel | |
| 4, QUEEN ELIZABETHS | 95000 | 8200 | 103200 |
| 4, REVENGES. | 89400 | 7000 | 96400 |
| 3, HO0D, RENOWN, REPULSE | 96000 | 6000 | 102000 |
| 5 DELHIS | 32500 | 3600 | 36100 |
|
Actual allowance 1922/23 12 months |
Actual consumption 1922/23 12 months |
||
| 4, QUEEN ELIZABETH’S | 46700 | 38000 | 2 of the months estimated |
| 4, REVENGE’S. | 37500 | 37000 | 2 of the months estimated |
| 2 HOOD and REPULSE | 34660 | 53000 |
1 month estimated. Includes 20000 for Brazilian Cruise |
| 5 DELHI’S | 18000 | 19500 | 2 of the months estimated |
For the remaining 3 months of the year, the ships engaged on such a cruise would be in harbour and refitting.
A Squadron of 4 Q.E.’s and 5 Delhi’s would require approximately 140000 Tons
And the same ships are allowed 67700 tons
Which means an addition of 75300 Tons
And allowing for economies made with ships on the Home Station, the Admiralty would have to consider an addition of say, at least 50000 to 60000 tons of Oil Fuel.
DISTANCE TABLE – EMPIRE ROUND VOYAGE
| Portsmouth | MILES | MILES | |
| To Gibraltar | 1160 |
Alternatively to St. Johns (Newfoundland) |
1900 |
| To Demerara or Georgetown | 3380 | To Quebec | 900 |
| Trinidad | 364 | To Halifax | 740 |
| To Bermuda | 753 | ||
| To Trinidad | 1337 | ||
| 4894 | 5630 | ||
| To Jamaica | 1000 | ||
| Colon and Panama | 560 | ||
| Fiji | 6302 | ||
| Aukland | 1140 | ||
| Wellington | 560 | ||
| Christchurch | 174 | ||
| Dunedin | 180 | ||
| Hobart | 1050 | ||
| Adelaide | 756 | ||
| Melbourne | 514 | ||
| Sydney | 583 | ||
| Brisbane | 515 | ||
| Thursday Island Torres Strait | 1615 | ||
| Singapore | 2504 | ||
| Rangoon | 1117 | ||
| Madras | 998 | ||
| Colombo | 590 | ||
| Bombay | 890 | ||
| Brit. East Africa | 2400 | ||
| Durban | 1800 | ||
| Port Elizabeth | 400 | ||
| Simons Bay and Capetown | 450 | ||
| St. Helena | 1696 | ||
| Sierra Leone | 1556 | ||
| Gibraltar | 1690 | ||
| Portsmouth | 1150 | ||
| 38489 |
Added 27th April 2023
This document also stands in isolation with no indication when it was requested. Clearly Captain Alister F. Beal, C.M.G., Deputy Director of Operations Division, had sought to the opinion of a "man on the spot" as to the likely effect of the visit of a squadron on public opinion in Australia. Commander Lancelot A.W. Spooner was a Gunnery officer who had spent two period of service loaned to the Royal Australian Navy - firstly from February 1912 to November 1914 and then from February 1919 to February 1923. He established an excellent reputation in Australia. When he wrote the memo reproduced below he had only just returned to England to take up an appointment in Plans Division of the Admiralty.
Source: ADM116/2219 Empire Cruise - Special Service Squadron, The National Archives.
D.D.O.D. [Deputy Director of Operations Division, Captain Alister F. Beal, C.M.G.]
In accordance with your instructions, I submit the following opinion on the probable effect which a visit of a squadron to Australia would have on public opinion there, in regard to the Navy.
I assume that at the forthcoming Imperial Conference, Australia may be advised, inter alia, that, as her present squadron is obsolete, it should be replaced by new ships at an early date. I assume also, that such a policy would be acceptable to the present Australian Government and that they would be able to advance it with a good chance of success.
If Australia was considering a replacement programme for her light cruisers, the new ships would presumably be at least as heavily armed as "HAWKINS", and I believe that a visit by a ship of that class, or a modern Light Cruiser Squadron, would prove a useful incentive.
Further, I believe that a visiting squadron would have a good effect on the R.A.N. ships, especially if it was mainly a business visit and included combined exercises and practices. Incidentally, it would direct public attention to the importance of oil fuel supplies. (The R.A.N. squadron is mainly coal burning.)
I am doubtful whether the visit of a squadron containing Capital Ships would have as good a general effect. It will be beyond the financial capacity of Australia to acquire or maintain capital ships for many years to come, and their presence might tend to discourage proposals to build lesser ships, which might appear to the public, to be of doubtful value in comparison.
Furthermore, a visit of capital ships to Australia might give rise to undue confidence in the power and mobility of the British Fleet, and might tend to stifle an inclination to improve the local navy, which latter is the only form of Empire naval contribution that it is wise to advocate. The visit of H.M.S. "RENOWN" in 1921 appeared to me to make Australians dissatisfied with their own ships and to question the wisdom of retaining them, but it did not occasion any public agitation for their replacement.
A visiting British squadron to Australia should encourage recruiting for the R.A.N., especially if an arrangement had been concluded for a regular exchange of R.A.N. ships with other stations, thus providing foreign service for Australian personnel, and avoiding the stagnation which is the worst feature of a small navy.
Signed
LA Spooner
COMMANDER, R.N.
27-4-23
[Newspaper clipping attached to the above:]
AUSTRALIAN NAVY'S
INDEPENDENCE
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)
MELBOURNE, APRIL 26
Mr. Bruce, Commonwealth Prime Minister, referring to the Imperial Conference, says that no Empire defence scheme involving the discontinuance of the Australian Navy as an independent unit would have his support. Australia, he declares, "would not look at it."
Added 30th April 2023
The cruise is starting to come together and the ships that will undertake it appear to have been settled upon. Clearly the concerns expressed above by Commander Spooner that the inclusion of capital ships might, if anything, put the Australian population off modernising their navy - have not held sway. Of course, the extent of the cruise meant that the anticipated reaction of the Australian public was only one aspect that would influence the choice of ships. In fact, events would show that the reception given to Hood and Respulse in Australia would be the most positive seen anywhere. An extensive provisional itinerary has been drawn up. This was referred to as Scheme A and was the first of three provisional timetables. Ports considered but excluded have noted as have some which remain in but in respect of which queries remain. Further information is requested for various Admiralty Divisions in respect of the anticipated navigational issues and the likely cost of the cruise in excess of the Estimates that would otherwise have been granted for the two financial years over which the cruise would take place.
Source: ADM116/2219 Empire Cruise - Special Service Squadron, The National Archives.
The attached itinerary for a cruise of a Squadron consisting of 2 Battle Cruisers and 5 Light Cruisers of the "D" Class is suggested as a basis for discussion, with the following remarks in reference to the proposals of the First Lord and C-in-C., Atlantic Fleet.
(a) Trincomali has been selected in preference to Bombay, as it appears desirable to favour Ceylon rather than India, in view of the desire to encourage interest in the development of Columbo and Trincomali for naval purposes.
(b) As regards Sydney, it is open to doubt whether the HOOD could negotiate the narrow passage at the entrance of the harbour with safety. Further information is desired on this point.
(c) Mombasa, Esquimalt, Seattle, Tacoma, Bermuda and Boston are considered impracticable for Battle Cruisers, and it is proposed that they should be visited by Light Cruisers only.
(d) Georgetown, Demerara, which is mentioned by the C-in-C., Atlantic Fleet, has been omitted, as Battle Cruisers could not approach within 17 miles of the town.
(e) Dunedin, New Zealand, has been omitted owing to its unsuitability for the accommodation of a Squadron.
2. It is requested that D. of N. [Director of Navigation] will remark on the suitability of the Ports selected and on D.O.D.'s [Director of Operations Division] observations; that D.o.S. [Director of Stores] will give an estimate of the cost of fuel (including that of oilers), stores, coal, etc., and that D. of .D. [Director of Dockyards] will remark upon how refits of HOOD, REPLUSE, and vessels of the First Light Cruiser Squadron would be affected if these vessels are selected for the cruise.
3. After action by D. of N, D. of S, and D. of D. it is requested that these papers may be returned to D.O.D. for further remarks.
Signed
HW Parker [Captain Henry W. Parker, C.B., Director of Operations Division]
D.O.D.
30.4.23
Cruise Schedule A
| Place: | Portsmouth |
| Stay Days: | |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 2850 |
| Passage Days: | 11 |
| Arrive: | |
| Leave: | 15 Nov. 23 |
| Mean Temperature: | |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | |
| Rain. Inches per month: | |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Sierra Leone |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1570 |
| Passage Days: | 6 |
| Arrive: | 26 Nov. |
| Leave: | 30 Nov. |
| Mean Temperature: | 81 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 79 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 5" |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | E W |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 8 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 10-14 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | St. Helena |
| Stay Days: | 2 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1720 |
| Passage Days: | 7 |
| Arrive: | 6 Dec. |
| Leave: | 8 Dec. |
| Mean Temperature: | 61 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 89 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.E. 5 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 24 |
| Comments: | Narrow Shelf, - open anchorage. |
| Place: | Cape Town |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 380 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 15 Dec. |
| Leave: | 22 Dec. |
| Mean Temperature: | 92 - 50 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 64 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 - 10 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Port Elizabeth |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 380 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 24 Dec. |
| Leave: | 28 Dec. |
| Mean Temperature: | 74 - 61 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 74 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | W |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 - 7 |
| Comments: | Open Bay. Bad swell. |
| Place: | Durban |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1540 |
| Passage Days: | 6 |
| Arrive: | 30 Dec. |
| Leave: | 6 Jan. 1924 |
| Mean Temperature: | 83 - 66 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 73 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | - |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 40-60ft. |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 30 ft. |
| Comments: | Big ships outside. |
| Place: | Dar-es-Salaam |
| Stay Days: | 2 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 100 |
| Passage Days: | 1 |
| Arrive: | 12 Jan. |
| Leave: | 14 Jan. |
| Mean Temperature: | 83 - 66 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 80 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 7 - 12 |
| Comments: | Bay. |
| Place: | Zanzibar |
| Stay Days: | (4) |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 230 |
| Passage Days: | (1) |
| Arrive: | 14 Jan. |
| Leave: | 19 Jan. |
| Mean Temperature: | 88 - 76 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 6 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 8 - 12 |
| Comments: | Battle Cruisers. |
| Place: | Mombassa |
| Stay Days: | (4) |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 2777 |
| Passage Days: | 11 |
| Arrive: | 15 Jan. |
| Leave: | 19 Jan. |
| Mean Temperature: | 85 - 77 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 74 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 5 1/2 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms:10 - 20 | |
| Comments: | Light Cruisers. |
| Place: | Trincomali |
| Stay Days: | 10 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1455 |
| Passage Days: | 6 |
| Arrive: | 30 Jan. |
| Leave: | 9 Feb. |
| Mean Temperature: | 85 - 75 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 75 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 8 - 13 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Singapore |
| Stay Days: | 10 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 2223 |
| Passage Days: | 9 |
| Arrive: | 15 Feb. |
| Leave: | 25 Feb. |
| Mean Temperature: | 88 - 73 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 79 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Fremantle |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 350 |
| Passage Days: | 1 |
| Arrive: | 5 Mar. |
| Leave: | 9 Mar. |
| Mean Temperature: | 82 - 61 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 55 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N. 4 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 6 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 9- 10 |
| Comments: | Open to Northward. |
| Place: | Albany |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1045 |
| Passage Days: | 4 |
| Arrive: | 11 Mar. |
| Leave: | 15 Mar. |
| Mean Temperature: | 72 - 56 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 68 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 10 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 - 7 |
| Comments: | Big ships 3 1/2' from town in St. George's sound. |
| Place: | Adelaide |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 514 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 19 Mar. |
| Leave: | 23 Mar. |
| Mean Temperature: | 81 - 59 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 47 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 - 7 |
| Comments: | Open anchorage - 3' from town. |
| Place: | Melbourne |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 486 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 25 Mar. |
| Leave: | 1 Apr. |
| Mean Temperature: | 70 - 52 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 72 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 5 1/2 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 |
| Comments: | Tide required thro' Port Philip Channel. |
| Place: | Hobart |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 560 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 3 Apr. |
| Leave: | 10 Apr. |
| Mean Temperature: | 63 - 48 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 75 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 12 - 13 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Jervis Bay |
| Stay Days: | 10 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 75 |
| Passage Days: | |
| Arrive: | 12 Apr. |
| Leave: | 22 Apr. |
| Mean Temperature: | 70 - 58 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 77 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 5 |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Sydney |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 515 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 23 Apr. |
| Leave: | 30 Apr. |
| Mean Temperature: | 70 - 58 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 6 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 7 - 10 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Brisbane |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1583 |
| Passage Days: | 6 |
| Arrive: | 2 May |
| Leave: | 9 May |
| Mean Temperature: | 74 - 55 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 74 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S. 1 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 6 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 26 ft. |
| Comments: | Big ships 8 miles from town (Approx.) |
| Place: | Lyttleton |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 174 |
| Passage Days: | 1 |
| Arrive: | 15 May |
| Leave: | 22 May |
| Mean Temperature: | |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 7 |
| Comments: | Big ships 3 miles from town. Light cruisers inside. |
| Place: | Wellington |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 560 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 23 May |
| Leave: | 30 May |
| Mean Temperature: | 58 - 45 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 78 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 5 |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.E. - N.W.3. Gales 4 days per month |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 6 1/2 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 9 - 10 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Aukland |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1140 |
| Passage Days: | 5 |
| Arrive: | 1 June |
| Leave: | 8 June |
| Mean Temperature: | 59 - 48 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 79 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 5 |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.E. - N.W.3. Gales 4 days per month |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 5 1/2 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 - 7 |
| Comments: | Tide required |
| Place: | Fiji |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 2780 |
| Passage Days: | 11 |
| Arrive: | 13 June |
| Leave: | 17 June |
| Mean Temperature: | 80 - 69 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 79 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 5 |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.E. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 12 - 18 |
| Comments: | Tide required |
| Place: | Honolulu |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 2340 |
| Passage Days: | 9 |
| Arrive: | 27 June |
| Leave: | 1 July |
| Mean Temperature: | 83 - 72 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 68 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 35 ft. |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 32 - 40 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Esquimalt |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | |
| Passage Days: | |
| Arrive: | 10 July |
| Leave: | 17 July |
| Mean Temperature: | 70 - 52 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 74 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.W. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 9 - 17 |
| Comments: | Light cruisers |
| Place: | Vancouver |
| Stay Days: | (7) |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | (130) |
| Passage Days: | |
| Arrive: | 10 July |
| Leave: | 17 July |
| Mean Temperature: | 74 - 53 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 70 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Small |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.W. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 5 1/2 - 6 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 7 - 20 |
| Comments: | Battle cruisers. Tide required. |
| Place: | Seattle |
| Stay Days: | (7) |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 801 |
| Passage Days: | 3 |
| Arrive: | 10 July |
| Leave: | 17 July |
| Mean Temperature: | 74 - 55 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 69 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Nil |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.W. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Comments: |
| Place: | San Francisco |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 3140 |
| Passage Days: | 12 |
| Arrive: | 20 July |
| Leave: | 27 July |
| Mean Temperature: | 58 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 85 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | Nil |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.W. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 9 - 12 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Panama / Cobon |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 555 |
| Passage Days: | 2 |
| Arrive: | 7 Aug. |
| Leave: | 11 Aug. |
| Mean Temperature: | 87 - 73 / 78 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 91 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 7" ev. day |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.W. 2 / Var. |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 48ft / 41ft |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | - |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Trinidad |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 200 |
| Passage Days: | 1 |
| Arrive: | 21 Aug. |
| Leave: | 25 Aug. |
| Mean Temperature: | 86 - 70 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 83 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 8", 20 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Barbados |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1825 |
| Passage Days: | 7 |
| Arrive: | 26 Aug. |
| Leave: | 30 Aug. |
| Mean Temperature: | 86 - 73 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 72 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 7", 20 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | E. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 15 - 20 |
| Comments: | Battle Cruisers. Open |
| Place: | St. Lucia |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1825 |
| Passage Days: | 7 |
| Arrive: | 26 Aug. |
| Leave: | 30 Aug. |
| Mean Temperature: | 86 - 73 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 88 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 10", 21 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 13 - 17 |
| Comments: | 2 L.C's. Open. (1 inside perhaps) |
| Place: | St. Vincent |
| Stay Days: | 4 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 1825 |
| Passage Days: | 7 |
| Arrive: | 26 Aug. |
| Leave: | 30 Aug. |
| Mean Temperature: | 86 - 73 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 88 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 10", 21 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 2 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | Deep |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 15 - 20 |
| Comments: | 2 L.C's. Narrow ledge. |
| Place: | New York |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 593 |
| Passage Days: | 2 1/2 |
| Arrive: | 6 Sep. |
| Leave: | 13 Sep. |
| Mean Temperature: | 80 - 60 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 76 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 4", 9 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 40 ft. |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 6 1/2 |
| Comments: | Big ships. |
| Place: | Boston |
| Stay Days: | (7) |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 380 |
| Passage Days: | 1 1/2 |
| Arrive: | 7 Sep. |
| Leave: | 14 Sep. |
| Mean Temperature: | 70 - 55 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 76 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 4", 9 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | S.W. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 30 ft. |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 5 1/2 - 6 |
| Comments: | Light cruisers. |
| Place: | Halifax |
| Stay Days: | 14 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 741 |
| Passage Days: | 3 |
| Arrive: | 16 Sep. |
| Leave: | 30 Sep. |
| Mean Temperature: | 68 - 49 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 87 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 4", 12 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | Var. |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 9 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 59 - 11 |
| Comments: |
| Place: | Quebec |
| Stay Days: | 7 |
| Distance to next place. Miles: | 2924 |
| Passage Days: | 11 |
| Arrive: | 3 Oct. |
| Leave: | 10 Oct. |
| Mean Temperature: | 55 - 36 |
| Humidity. Per Cent.: | 79 |
| Rain. Inches per month: | 3 1/2", 12 days |
| Wind. Force by Beaufort Scale: | N.E. 3 |
| Ports. Depth in Approach. Fathoms: | 5 1/2 |
| Anchorage. Fathoms: | 10 |
| Comments: | Tides required |
Stay: 194 days (Excludes New York / Boston)
Sea: 155 days
TOTAL CRUISE: 349 days
Added 9th May 2023
Below is the reply received by Captain Alister F. Beal, Deputy Director of Operations Division, to his memo of 30th April asking for clarification in respect of the potential difficulties arising in respect of visits to some of the ports under consideration for inclusion in the cruise. The following memo from Captain Frederick P. Loder Symonds, Director of Navigation, addresses these.
Source: ADM116/2219 Empire Cruise - Special Service Squadron, The National Archives.
The itinerary has been examined and remarks are offered below concerning certain of the ports.
Concur with (c) [that Mombassa, Esquimalt, Seattle, Tacoma, Bermuda and Boston are impractical for Battle Cruisers and should be visited by Light Cruiser only, (d) [Georgetown, Demerara should be omitted as Battle Cruisers cannot approach within 17 miles] and (e) [Dunedin to be omitted due to unsuitability of accommodation] of D.O.D's minute of 30/4/23. With regard to (b), see remarks below on Sydney.
| St. Helena | The anchorage is open and on a very narrow shelf in deep water (28 to 30 fathoms) and is not considered very suitable for a squadron of this size, unless it is important that the visit should be made. |
| Dar-es-Salaam | The visit will be paid in the N.E. Monsoon period and at this time a considerable swell may be expected in the bay. |
| Freemantle | Anchorage in Gage Roads, but Light Cruisers might go inside Freemantle Harbour. |
| Albany | It might be possible to berth Light Cruisers in Princess Royal Harbour but enquiries should be made of local Authorities. |
| Adelaide | Light Cruisers could go up harbour and berth alongside. |
| Melbourne | Dredging is in progress in Port Phillip Channel and latest information on depths should be obtained from local Authorities. |
| Sydney | Battle Cruisers, with the aid of tugs could negotiate the turns. It is considered that 2 additional mark buoys would require to be laid, and it is understood that this was done in the case of "Renown". There is room for 2 Battle Cruisers to moor off Naval establishment, Garden Island, but they would rather seriously obstruct the approach to the port, and local Authorities should be consulted as to berthing. Light Cruisers could be accommodated at Mooring Buoys. |
| Brisbane | The least depth of water on leading line is 33 feet. Springs rise 7 feet, neaps 4 feet. |
| Aukland | Least depth in approach is 5.25 fathoms. Tides rise 9 ft. Battle Cruisers could probably berth alongside as swinging room in the harbour is restricted, but local Authorities should be consulted. |
| Honolulu | Light Cruisers could lie alongside; Battle cruisers lie outside. The holding ground is not good but safe during the summer. Anchorage in 13 - 20 fathoms. |
| Esquimault | There are three Mooring Buoys in the harbour but it would be well to ascertain from local Authorities whether they are suitable for Light Cruisers to lie at. If these buoys are not available there are: 3 berths with 1 3/4 cables swinging room 1 berth with 1 1/2 cables swinging room so that one Light Cruiser would have to anchor outside. |
| Vancouver | Battle Cruisers would have to enter and leave at High Water slack. |
| Jamaica | The approach to Port Royal is very awkward for Battle Cruisers particularly in leaving, and it is considered that the North and Westward edges of Gun Cay should be buoyed so that the Eastern Channel can be used with a greater degree of safety. |
| St. Lucia | There is no swinging room in the harbour, but it is considered that 2 Light Cruisers could berth alongside each other at the North Wharf. |
| Quebec | Least depth of water in South Traverse is 5 fathoms. (Channel dredged to 30 feet in two places), but the tide can be arranged. |
Note: The visit to the West Indies is during the Hurricane Season.
[Signed]
Director of Navigation
9th May 1923
[Captain Frederick P. Loder Symonds, C.M.G.]
Added 17th May 2023
Below is the reply received by Captain Alister F. Beal, Deputy Director of Operations Division, to his memo of 30th April asking for clarification of the cost of additional oil fuel required to undertake the cruise. The following memo from A.E. Cocks Esq, Acting Deputy Director of Stores, addresses this.
Source: ADM116/2219 Empire Cruise - Special Service Squadron, The National Archives.
It is estimated that 110,000 tons of oil fuel would be expended by H.M.Ships "HOOD", "REPULSE" and 5 "DELHI's" during the world cruise as detailed in the enclosed proposed itinerary, which would involve an excess expenditure of 53,000 tons over the normal allowance. The estimated excess cost would amount to £160,000. The proportionate excess expenditure falling on the current year would amount to £97,000.
It is assumed that this Squadron would fuel at the following ports:-
Portsmouth
Sierra Leone
Cape
Mombasa
Trincomali
Singapore
Adelaide
Brisbane
Aukland
Fiji
Honolulu
San Francisco
Jamaca
Trinidad Bermuda
Halifax
Freighting of fuel to these ports would not cause any appreciable excess bunker consumption of oilers employed in transport.
With regard to sea stores it is estimated that the value of issues in excess of the normal would be approximately £50,000 for the 7 vessels for the whole period. Of this amount about £30,000 would represent the excess over current years estimate, making a total excess for the current year on account of fuel and naval stores of about £127,000.
[Signed]
Director of Stores
17/5/23
[A.E. Cocks Esq, Acting Deputy Director of Stores, Naval Store Department]