The following tale of Pusser bureaucracy is taken from Swept Channels by ‘Taffrail’ (Captain Taprell Dorling DSO, FRHistS, RN) published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1935.  It describes a WW I exchange of correspondence and signals started by the Skipper of a minesweeping trawler.  The names are fictional. 

 

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“From: Skipper Robert Johnson, HM Trawler ‘Polar Bear’

To: Commanding Officer, Y Division

1 Apr 19-.

I haven’t got no matches abord (sic).

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2nd Apr.  To: SNO

Submitted – Forwarded herewith request for matches made by Skipper of Trawler ‘Polar Bear’ under my command.

Adolphus Brown

Lieutenant RNR

Commanding Officer, Y Division

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To: Naval Store Officer, Granton

Forwarded, concurring in supply.

John Travers

Captain RN

Senior Naval Officer

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To: Senior Naval Officer

Noted and returned.

 

It is pointed out for your information that matches are not included in the list of establishment stores.  Instructions are requested.

Andrew Flannagan

NSO, Granton

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To: NSO, Granton

Please take steps as necessary to supply.

John Travers

Captain RN

Senior Naval Officer

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April 15th

MX.224.75/3317/62

To: Naval Store Officer, HM Dockyard, Rosyth

It is requested that matches, safety, boxes, 12 in number, may be forwarded as soon as possible for Armed Trawler ‘Polar Bear’ stationed at this Base.

Andrew Flannagan

NSO, Granton

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To: NSO, Granton

Returned, observing that matches, safety, are not included in the establishment of stores for Armed Trawlers.  Request duplicate pattern of article required in order that communication may be made with Director of Stores, Admiralty.

James Mitchell

NSO, HM Dockyard, Rosyth

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1st June

To: NSO, HM Dockyard, Rosyth

Forwarded herewith pattern as requested.  The matter is becoming urgent.

Andrew Flannagan

NSO, Granton

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Telegram.  July 3rd.

To: NSO, HM Dockyard, Rosyth

Reference my MX.224.75/3317/62 of April 15th, forwarding demand for matches, safety, boxes, 12 in number.  It is requested supply may be hastened.  0760.  NSO, Granton.

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July 8th

To: NSO, Granton

 

Reference from MX.224.75/3317/62 of April 15th and telegram 0760 of July 3rd, please state reasons for which these articles are required.

 

James Mitchell

NSO, HMS Dockyard, Rosyth

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July 10th

To: SNO, Granton

Submitted – forwarded.

Andrew Flannagan

SNO, Granton

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July 11th

To: Commanding Officer, Y Division

Note and return with your remarks.

John Travers

Captain RN

SNO

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July 13th

To: Skipper Robert Johnson, HM Trawler ‘Polar Bear’

Note and return with your remarks.

Adolphus Brown

Lieutenant RNR

Commanding Officer, Y Division

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July 15th

From: Skipper Robert Johnson, HM Trawler ‘ Polar Bear’

To: CO, Y Division

Sorry.  I made a bloomer.  I meant mattress.

Robert Johnson

Skipper RNR

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July 17th

To: Senior Naval Officer

Submitted – Skipper of HM Trawler ‘Polar Bear’ reports he made a clerical error.  The demand was for a mattress.

Adolphus Brown

Lieutenant RNR

Commanding Officer, Y Division

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July 21st

To: CO, Y Division

You are to caution Skipper of HM Trawler ‘Polar Bear’ to be more careful in future.  Mistakes of this nature entail much unnecessary work for all concerned.

John Travers

Captain RN

SNO

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July 23rd

Submitted.  Skipper Johnson has since been transferred to Archangel.  Request instructions.

Adolphus Brown

Lieutenant RNR

Commanding Officer, Y Division

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At the foot of this correspondence were further pencilled remarks, apparently in the Senior Naval Officer’s handwriting.  They are unpublishable.”

 

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