HMS Bronington and HMS Plymouth are both listed by the National Historic Ships Unit as part of the "THE UK NATIONAL HISTORIC FLEET" in the National Register of Historic Ships. This means that they are officially recognised to be of pre-eminent national or regional importance, spans the spectrum of achievement in UK maritime history and illustrates changes in construction and technology. Therefore they merit high priority for preservation in the long term and deserves significant public support.
With the exception of HMAS Curlew (ex: HMS Cheddiston) I was not aware that there was a Ton Class Vessel offered for sale until I decided to try and purchase HMS Egeria, the Ham Class based RN survey vessel. Unfortunately she was sold before I could visit the UK to purchase. My search for a Ham Class ship led me to various other naval vessels and eventually to the Ton Class and the Bronington.
I searched further and came across the RN Divers site on Multiply where there was an old discussion regarding the Bron and where I left a message.
http://rndivers.multiply.com/journal/item/198/HMS_Bronington_in_dire_straits
The reply came rapidly from Rob Hoole.
The following day I telephoned the Harbour Master and a Marine Surveyor and finally, only the day before yesterday Monday 27/09/2010, I received a verbal agreement regarding purchase. I immediately wrote back stating that I was prepared to purchase immediately and to abide by their conditions.
I will be giving power of attorney to a marine solicitor who also represents the surveyor and who will represent me in this matter.
Please do not start hoisting the Gin Pennant or dancing the Hornpipe just yet.
This is HMS Bronnington's last chance to be saved from destruction and to save her I will need help. No, I am not asking for your money (I might reconsider!) I need to find somewhere to take the Bron out of the water.
Her Displacement tonnage (fully laden) is stated to be 440-480 depending on the source. Her un laden weight must be around 370-80 tons. (Can anyone be more precise, please?)
Is there still a crane in the UK capable of lifting her and if so where is it? If not is there a unused dry dock that could be leased for about a year at a Very low cost?
Not only do I need one of the above, but I need it very, very soon!
The conditions of purchase are basically as follows. a) I must have her surveyed. b) She must be considered in "tow worthy" condition or be made so before she can be moved out of the docks into the river. c) She must be removed from the docks rapidly.
If the deterioration to her hull is too far advanced for the above to be carried out she must be dismantled where she is.
This brings me to my second option. I am beginning discussion with the owner of HMAS Curlew (ex: HMS Cheddiston) She is in Australia and apparently in seaworthy condition. I intend to purchase her and sail her back to England. This will mean that I will need a volunteer crew. (You ex Ton Association Members!)
More about that at a later date.
If the Broningtons hull is too far gone to be repairable I will dismantle her and use her to put the Curlew/Chediston back to original specification.
If all goes according to plan, there will be Two Ton Class vessels in seaworthy condition and if not there will be one.
I will do everything I can to save HMS Bronington, dismantling her will be a last resort.
I will keep you up to date, day by day if I have the time and internet access. Please do not hesitate to contact me "poshipping@aol.com" if you can help in any way. No, I cannot pay you but, I will promise you plenty of sea time and shore side visits if we can save her.
Phillip Sommerville
