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A diver of some calibre.
Picture added on 23 February 2012 at 10:17
I have just come across this article & picture of my father, of which I have a copy, while browsing through the Orkney Archives I have been trying to find out where I could obtain the information on what he did to receive the two medals. My Brother Rodney and I have obviously heard stories of what he did, but have no certain facts. I would expect this information would now be available, but just do not know where to apply to for this. Would be most grateful if anyone can offer any advice, or further information
Added by Maureen Mckenzie (nee Thomson) on 10 December 2012
I have a copy of Jutland to Junkyard (1981) published by Paul Harris Publishing, 40 York Place, Edinburgh.
(First published in 1973 by Patrick Stephens Ltd.)
The above photo of your father is in the 1981 copy of the book (page 40) and it mistakenly names him as "Jimmy Thomas, a diver responsible for much of the successful salvage work"
On page 61 it states, "the diver James Thomson, who worked on nine of the capital ships raised, and H. Murray Taylor, a salvage officer, were both
awarded the MBE for dangerous work successfully accomplished in attaching wires to two live torpedoes which had not been fully discharged from a submarine"
It does not mention the name of the submarine.
I do not know if the subsequent reprints of Jutland to Junkyard corrected the error with your fathers name, I would like to think that they have.
Perhaps Nora Thomson in Lyness could help as I remember an article on Radio Orkney Facebook Page or the Orcadian which had a photo of Nora sitting beside a photograph of your father who was dressed in his diving equipment and it was a different photo to the one above.
I'm afraid I cannot remember the exact date but, to the best of my recollection, it was within the last 2 years.
If you wish I could email you a photo of the diving equipment your father dived in.
(First published in 1973 by Patrick Stephens Ltd.)
The above photo of your father is in the 1981 copy of the book (page 40) and it mistakenly names him as "Jimmy Thomas, a diver responsible for much of the successful salvage work"
On page 61 it states, "the diver James Thomson, who worked on nine of the capital ships raised, and H. Murray Taylor, a salvage officer, were both
awarded the MBE for dangerous work successfully accomplished in attaching wires to two live torpedoes which had not been fully discharged from a submarine"
It does not mention the name of the submarine.
I do not know if the subsequent reprints of Jutland to Junkyard corrected the error with your fathers name, I would like to think that they have.
Perhaps Nora Thomson in Lyness could help as I remember an article on Radio Orkney Facebook Page or the Orcadian which had a photo of Nora sitting beside a photograph of your father who was dressed in his diving equipment and it was a different photo to the one above.
I'm afraid I cannot remember the exact date but, to the best of my recollection, it was within the last 2 years.
If you wish I could email you a photo of the diving equipment your father dived in.
Added by George Grieve on 17 December 2012
Thank you Mr Grieve, I have the book Jutland to Junkyard, and the photo is also in the MI News when my Dad died. I saw the programme you mention on the TV 0ne night and have a DVD off it. We are still in touch with Nora on a very regular basis. I have very many of my Dad's photos and his medals. I would love an E Mail of my Dad's diving equipment, it is very kind of you to offer. We basically knew the story of the torpedoes, but we were told they were not live, but you have the correct version. This was always the problem, some said they were live torpedoes and others said they were not. We knew Sandy Robertson well and I am sure he said they were not live. I am pleased that you are able to give me this version. Did you know my Dad? Your name rings some bells with me, but I imagine you would be too young to remember him, unless like myself you are the other side of 75. It was most kind of you to reply, much appreciated
Added by Maureen Mckenzie (nee Thomson) on 18 December 2012
Hoy and Walls
After Jimmy Thomson was involved in extending my grandfather's house (Moasound) in Longhope, he asked my Grandfather if he would be prepared to fund the cost of the diving equipment.
The diving equipment was purchased in 1922 for the (then) princely sum of £102.
My grandfather used the diving gear once at the end of the Longhope pier. He said he would not do it again as he did not like to depend on anyone else to provide him with air.
Sandy Robertson, another well known and respected diver, was Jimmy Thomson's assistant during their introduction to diving.