HMCS Kamloops

[Alan Baker]

I am attaching a scan of a cover from this ship, which was a Flower-class corvette engaged on Atlantic escort duty. I am assuming that this was posted in UK as it bears a GB 6d stamp. The cancellation is "Post Office Maritime Mail". Is this assumption correct and can anyone (Frank) identify the censoring officer?

Also, the writer describes himself as "Chief Skipper Clattenburg". What is the status of this rank compared to RN officers? Was this only used in the RCN?

[Michael Dobbs]

Alan

Have you seen this site ? http://www.nauticapedia.ca/Articles/RCN_CO.php?input=1&Page=4
There are 'skippers' mentioned as either Chief Skipper, Skipper Lieutenant or just Skipper.  Scroll down and you will see your Clattenburg.  Click on the link and you will find some information about him, thus:

He was appointed as a Chief Skipper (Temp.) RCNR (With seniority dated 21/02/1942). He served in HMCS Kamloops. He was appointed as a Skipper Lieutenant (Temp.) RCNR (With seniority dated 21/02/1944). He served in HMCS St. Francis (In command) 1944. He served in HMCS Chicoutimi (In command) 1944. He served in HMCS Quinte (In command) 1944. He served in HMCS Husky (In command) 1945. He served in HMCS Acadia (In command) 1945. He served in HMCS Annapolis (In command) 1945. (He was demobilized.) (He was qualified with a Watchkeeping Certificate.)

Doesn't answer your query regarding the use of the word "skipper" but it does provide some useful background information.  The rank is found in the Canadian Navy List 1940 (official abbreviation: Skr or Ch Skr): http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Navy_List_1940_December_400dpi.pdf and I also saw a reference to Skipper in the (British) Navy List 1939.

It must be a proper rank as it even appears on an official headstone: http://wartimeheritage.com/whawwi/whawwi_mackinnon_norman_scott.htm

I found the following on Wikipedia if you wish to believe it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_captain#Skipper):
Skipper RNR was an actual rank used in the British Royal Naval Reserve for skippers of fishing boats who were members of the service. It was equivalent to Warrant Officer. Skippers could also be promoted to Chief Skipper RNR (equivalent to Commissioned Warrant Officer) and Skipper Lieutenant RNR.

Now I've go other work to do !

Mike  8)

[Frank Schofield]

Alan

Clyde Courtney Clattenburg

Listed as Temp Chief Skipper RCNR in the RCN seniority list 21st Feb 1942

In the same Navy List, he was appointed to HMCS Kamloops on 11th June 1943, listed as Temp Skipper Lieut, I think this rank was unique to the RCN, there are 80+other officers listed with this rank.

Chief Skippers and Skippers in the RN usually commanded the smaller vessels Trawlers, Drifters etc

It could be, the rank of Lieut was added when they served on larger ships in the RCN?

Sorry cannot trace the censoring officer (ending with Walker?) not listed on board Kamloops

Frank Schofield

[Alan Baker]

Many thanks for all this.

Regarding the censorship, if as I imagine this was posted in the UK, could the censoring officer be from another ship or shore establishment?