HMS SCORPION

HMS Scorpion was originally launched as HMS Tomahawk (as she was a weapons class boat) but was later renamed Scorpion because of extensive modifications. Two stern gun turrets were removed and "Limbo" launchers were installed (two 3-barrelled launchers, one port and one starboard). These were a sort of mortar that fired depth charges out to the side of the ship.

One of the Captains of Scorpion was N. A "Bill" Jewell However, during the early 1950s there was a very popular radio and stage comedian named "Jimmy Jewel". As a consequence, the crew of Scorpion (at that time) referred to the Captain as "Jimmy Jewel". This was both humorous and also an indication of how well liked that captain was by his crew. Of course, no one EVER called him "Jimmy Jewel" when he was within earshot!

Captain Jewell is most famous for being the commanding officer of the submarine HMS Seraph when she surfaced off the Spanish coast and released "The Man Who Never Was" into the water. This was part of one of the greatest allied intelligence coups of the war. At that time, Jewell was Lieutenant Commander N. A. "Bill" Jewell.

HMS Scorpion details contributed by Mark Parkin son of Scorpion crew member.

Limbo Launchers
A more accurate explanation of the Limbo Launchers shows that they in fact didn't fire the depth charges out to the side but fired them up and forward of the ship. This is where the Asdic could compute enemy submarine.
Bob Hill

Scorpion in Trabzon, Turkey.
I am writing about an experience that my husband, Barry Anderson, had with the crew of the HMS Scorpion. In 1962 - 1963, Barry was in the Air Force and was stationed at a remote tracking station in Trabzon, Turkey. Once, while he was there, the Scorpion was in the Black Sea, and one night their crew came ashore and spent time in the NCOE club on the base. They all partied pretty heavily, and one of the crew traded his dress uniform hat for a baseball cap that Barry had - several other sailors did the same thing with other Air Force guys. The next morning the captain of the ship marched all the crew back on base-he was not happy and demanded that they all get their hats back. My husband had already put the one he got in the mail to me back in the States. We have it to this day. The name inside the hat is "Billy Coopers" - would like to get in touch with him or his family. Maybe he would like to trade again for the hat!!!!
Nancy Anderson (please email webmaster with reply)

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