A SURVEY OF COMMUNICATIONS ON HMC SHIPS
PART 1: TRIBAL CLASS DESTROYERS
JULY 1953
DEFENCE RESEARCH BOARD
DEFENCE RESEARCH MEDICAL LABORATORIES
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE CANADA
TORONTO, ONTARIO
[UNCLASSIFIED]
DRML Project No: 59-134-10
DRML Report No: 59-2
P.C.C. No: D77-94-20-09
H. R. No. 76
AUTHOR
W. R. Harper
Applied Experimental Psychology Section
APPROVED BY
M.G. Whillans MD
Superintendent
ABSTRACT
At the request of the Director of Naval Communications, a survey of
the communications system in use in Tribal class destroyers was carried
out on board HMCS Huron during exercises off the Bermuda Islands. A discussion
of the present layout of equipment in Radio Office 1 and the Crypto-centre
is given and recommendations made for constructing a new message centre
and repositioning the equipment. A modified message form is suggested with
a slight alteration in message handling procedure.
A SURVEY OF COMMUNICATIONS ON HMC SHIPS
PART 1: TRIBAL CLASS DESTROYERS
INTRODUCTION
1. For some time past doubts have been expressed concerning the effectiveness
of the communications system on board HMC Ships. Dissatisfaction has been
directed mainly towards the message handling procedures and the layout
of the equipment. In an attempt to remove the causes for the dissatisfaction
it was decided by the Director of Naval Communications (D. N. Com.) that
a survey should be made of ship’s communications, with special attention
given to ships with an immediate operational role. At present the only
ships in this category are the Tribal class destroyers. These are being
used in the UN Naval Forces in Korean waters. Modifications have been made
to fulfill various specific RCN requirements. Also, certain changes in
electronic detection devices and armament have made it necessary to fit
a different type of mast with some corresponding alterations to the adjoining
superstructure. Although no two of these destroyers are exactly the same
they are of the same general type so that the comments made here on HMCS
Huron will apply to the class as a whole.
THE PROBLEM
2. As on all destroyers the basic difficulty is that of finding adequate
working space to allow each crewmember to perform his allotted task efficiently.
This is particularly true in the Communications Department. The equipment
is operated by personnel in one branch of communications whilst the clerical
and other functions are handled by those in another branch. Since the allotted
space is inadequate for their combined tasks a certain degree of friction
has developed with a resultant decline in quality of performance. This
is aggravated by the layout of the equipment which in many cases has been
installed without an adequate evaluation of the methods of its operation.
3. Despite these stringent restrictions an effort was made to find more
working space. The terms of reference of this study did not permit any
structural alterations below decks nor was any other department in the
ship to be penalized for the sake of providing accommodation for communications
facilities.
4. Repositioning the equipment will offer a partial solution to the
difficulties described above. Possible solutions are limited by existing
structures and by certain basic requirements of construction which must
be adhered to. The most important of these is the question of top weight
as related to the centre of gravity of the ship. This is determined by
a series of finely balanced variables involving such factors as weight
and stowage of equipment and fuel, sea and wind state, etc. It is most
important that this report be read with the understanding that many limiting
factors have to be accepted.
METHOD
5. In order to appreciate the situation under working conditions, the
Tribal class destroyer HMCS Huron was visited during anti-submarine practices
and anti-aircraft exercises conducted off the coast of Bermuda. These exercises
were conducted in company with HMCS Portage, with HM Submarine Andrew acting
as the prey. For the A. A. exercises a towed drogue was used. The practice
of proceeding to sea each morning and returning to harbour each evening
was followed.
During the majority of the exercises, the cruiser HMCS Quebec flying
the flag of CANFLAGLANT remained in harbour and maintained shore watch
to CFH. The ships Huron and Portage maintained a voice circuit to HMCS
Quebec and to each other, An additional means of surface communication
was provided by flag hoist or lamp. Communication with the submarine while
submerged was carried on by a pre-arranged code of hand grenade detonations.
In the event of an emergency, the submarine and the surface ship could
have communicated with one another in Morse code transmitted on the ASDIC
apparatus.
PRESENT EQUIPMENT AND LAYOUT OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
6. A detailed description of each piece of equipment and its size and
technical capabilities will not be given here since this is available from
other sources (E. E. C.). At present the communications equipment is located
in two main offices known as Radio Office 1 and Radio Office 2. Previously
on this class of ship there were four radio offices Radio Office 3 is now
used for storage purposes and Radio Office 4 has been redesigned to house
the Electronic Counter Measure equipment. Radio Office 2 is used to house
certain duplicate radio sets which may be operated by remote control from
Radio Office 1. The aircraft early warning radar set (291M) is also housed
here. The room is generally kept locked.
Radio Office 1
7. The communications centre of the ship is the Radio Office 1 (Figs.
1 and 2) situated on the upper deck almost directly below the bridge This
office houses the main transmitting and receiving equipments comprising
types PV500, CSR5A, FRI2, TDZ, RDZ, TDQ, RCK, and RAK. In addition, certain
miscellaneous items are located here, such as the radioteletype equipment
(RA TT), stationery locker and the desk and filing racks required for signal
distribution and internal message handling.
The D/F set used almost exclusively by the navigation officer is also
contained in this office as this equipment is regarded as a communications
responsibility.
8. The operators on watch receive C/W and record the messages directly,
using standard typewriters which are set in wells in the workbench. Metal
padded posture type chairs are used.
Crypto-centre
9. The Crypto-centre (Fig. 1) is housed in a compartment originally
designed as an oilskin locker. It contains a CCM and a Typex machine, and
may communicate with the Radio Office by means of a hatch in the forward
bulkhead. The compartment also contains a large generator and starter motor
for the CM11 set, a fuse box and a stationery cupboard. There is no storage
space for rotors and confidential books during operations. A strong box
in Radio Office 1 is used for the safe custody of confidential documents
when not in use. The door from the Crypto-centre opens on a main passageway
facing the seamen's heads.
Bridge Communications
10. The bridge can receive and transmit by remote control on various
voice circuits to other ships or aircraft. In addition, it has communication
by several means with other departments such as gunnery, ship’s intercom
and engine room. There is a voice pipe to Radio 1, among other places,
which incorporates a message carrier hoist for passing message forms to
and from the Captain and Radio Office 1. Visual communications are operated
from the signal lamps and flag decks on the port and starboard sides of
the bridge.
PERSONNEL
11. It has long been the custom for the men serving in the visual and
radio branches of communications to be responsible to one authority but
to be given different training. Several years ago it was decided to amalgamate
the two branches and combine the training, in an effort to simplify the
manning problem. The theory was that each man would then be able to do
the work in either branch of communications. Unfortunately, the situation
arose where instead of a man attaining maximum efficiency in one branch,
he attained a relatively low degree of efficiency in two. This system of
training was discarded and the RCN reverted to the original policy.
12. On board ship there is a certain amount of rivalry between the two
branches, a rivalry that in itself might be desirable. Unfortunately, on
the Tribal class destroyers both branches are forced to work in close and
frustrating proximity. The message centre is staffed by visual signalers
and is situated in Radio Office 1 along with the radio operators. If the
recommendations given in Para. 16 are carried out, the friction resulting
from this situation should be materially lessened.
The communications staff consists of the following members:
Executive Officer i/c Communications
Chief Yeoman of Signals
Radio
1 Petty Officer (Telegraphist)
2 Leading Seamen
5 Able Seamen
Visual
2 Leading Seamen
5 Able Seamen
The watches worked are as follows:
To man the radio equipment : Dayman - Petty Officer
Per watch - three operators
To man the radio Message Centre: Two Daymen
One on watch silent hours
To man the Crypto-centre: One per watch (if there is an increase in
cipher traffic, two per watch will be required)
To man bridge: Two by day (visual signalers)
WORKING CONDITIONS
13. Radio Office 1 is clean and adequately lighted. The floor is covered
with ribbed rubber matting. The walls are paneled with insulated plywood.
The benches and storage cabinets are of similar construction. The compartment
is ventilated by means of forced air. Unfortunately, the Crypto-centre
has no means of ventilation unless the door is kept open. For this reason
the door of the Crypto-centre is kept open although this is not permissible
under present security regulations. A record of temperatures in Radio Office
1 and the Crypto-centre was kept by various watches during the period of
the exercises off Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Bermuda Islands. With the
outside temperature fluctuating from 65 degrees F. to 70 degrees F., the
temperature in the Radio Office and Crypto -centre was approximately 90
degrees F.
ROUTING
14. The routing of outgoing radio messages within the ship generally
follows the standard practice of the RCN (Fig. 3A). Under the present layout
the message is first drafted by the originating authority and taken to
the message centre within Radio Office 1. The operator, who is a visual
communicator, types the message on the standard four page NDCS form. After
typing, the form is taken by hand, usually by the originator, to the Captain
for approval and signature. The Captain of HMCS Huron has decreed that
all outgoing messages must have his approval before transmission. On the
bridge it is placed in the message passing bucket for delivery by drop
tube to Radio Office 1. If it is for transmission in plain language the
operator manning the appropriate circuit transmits
the message. The time of dispatch (TOD) is noted on the bottom of the
form and the message is logged in the circuit log. In order that loose
message forms may not be mislaid whilst waiting for the message centre
rating to handle them, they are held in a spring clip fixed to the set.
15. The signaler in the message centre types out the required internal
distribution according to the text on naval message forms. He uses a standard
typewriter and carbon paper. Unclassified messages are given an automatic
distribution to the bridge log and tee wardroom log. The originator receives
a copy of the typed message. The message centre retains two sheets of the
NDCS form. The reference and originator's copies are destroyed. In the
case of messages requiring encryption the message is handed into the coding
office via the hatch (Fig. 1). The Crypto-operator logs the encoded message
and passes this version to the Radio operator. The P/L version is handed
to the message centre for typing. In this case the distribution is limited
to the originator and the Bridge log. The routing of incoming radio messages
follows the standard practice (Fig. 4A). The message is received in code
or plain language (P/L) on the appropriate circuit by the radio operator
who logs it in the circuit log.
P/L messages are passed to the message centre. Rough copies of urgent
messages or messages of an operational nature are immediately passed via
the message handling bucket in the voice pipe to the Captain. Messages
of a routine nature are typed on the standard naval message form for distribution
in the same way as for outgoing traffic. Classified messages are passed
directly to the Crypto-centre from the Radio operator. They are decoded,
logged, and then passed to the message centre for immediate action or for
typing and normal distribution. The encrypted copy is filed in the message
centre.
16. Messages transmitted by flag hoist are not circulated in. this way
as they rarely refer to anything beyond immediate actions or manoeuvres.
Messages sent by signal lamp occasionally require circulation.
TRAFFIC
17. In an effort to gauge the amount of signal traffic during the exercises,
some figures of incoming and outgoing messages were obtained from the files
of Radio Office 1. As these files do not include all the details which
would supply this information, the figures are approximate.
Unclassified Traffic
Fleet broadcast incoming messages :44 per day
Ship-shore (HMCS Quebec) outgoing messages: 10 per day
Inter -ship communication
Incoming messages: 20 per day
Outgoing messages: 14 per day
Operational Voice circuits incoming and outgoing messages: 25-30 per
day
Classified Traffic
Incoming: 12 per week
Outgoing : 2 since Jan. 17, 1953
While HMCS Iroquois was on its latest tour of duty in Korean waters,
the Commanding Officer made a traffic analysis showing the volume of traffic
handled in the Task Element. This totalled 259 incoming classified messages
and 144 outgoing per month. From these figures it will be apparent that
the traffic figures for the exercises are of limited value in any endeavour
to establish link values for the use of equipment.
PROPOSED ALTERATIONS
18. The main difficulty in Radio Office 1 is caused by lack of space
which is aggravated by the inclusion of the Message Centre. Logically this
is the proper place for the Message Centre since all the communications
functions should be grouped in one area. Because other departments are
equally crowded, it is virtually impossible to reallocate the existing
space in the interest of the Message Centre. With this in mind, it
is suggested that a light-weight message centre be constructed inside the
base of the mast (Fig. 2). Here as elsewhere in this report, dimensions
can be obtained from the figures which are drawn to scale. This Message
Centre would be positioned at the after -end of the bridge using the deck-head
of the existing ECM antenna and Sperry gyro compartments as the deck. The
walls could be constructed from sheet aluminum and light-weight aluminum
furniture and fittings installed. No structural members need be erected
as sufficient support for the wall and deckhead plates will be given by
the mast members. Certain services such as light and heat would need to
be
installed. A method of receiving and passing messages from the after-end
of the bridge would be required. This could be provided simply by installing
a light-tight hand-through tube from the message centre to the after-end
of the bridge. A method of calling the bridge would be a further requirement,
and a simple buzzer OT bell signal would fulfill this demand.
19. A most important feature would be a means of passing of messages
to and from Radio Office 1. A simple installation such as a message container
attached to an endless cord revolving around two pulleys-one in Radio Office
1 and one in the proposed Message Centre, is a possibility (Fig. 2). This
would be contained in a copper or brass voice pipe similar to the existing
connection between the bridge and Radio Office 1.
20. The only foreseeable objection to this proposal is the question
of top weight. An estimate of the total weight has been made. The weight
of the alloy plates required for the bulkheads and deck-head would approximately
1267 lbs. (The total area of 352 square feet of .25 inches thick plate
times 3.6 pounds per square foot). The two men would have a total weight
of approximately 310 pounds. Allowing 200 pounds for miscellaneous fittings
such as furniture and wall files the total should be 1777 pounds [Web masters
note: This recommendation was never carried out]
21. Regardless of the decision to adopt the proposed Message Centre
some rearrangement within Radio Office 1 is required (Fig. 5). The
stationery should be stored in relatively shallow cupboards attached to
the port side bulkhead as near the deck-head as possible. This would give
additional floor space. The FM12 D/F set is not used enough to justify
its holding a position in Radio Office 1 since other equipment largely
supersedes it. However. the FM12 must be mounted close to the aerial; it
would appear that the best solution to the problem of placement is to retain
it in Radio Office 1 but to move it from the corner it now occupies. [Web
masters note: On HAIDA, the FM 12 remained in Radio 1 until1962 when it
was moved to the ECM office).
If a wall bracket was installed on the forward bulkhead in the position
previously occupied by the stationery cupboard this would be adequate for
stowage. The RATT (radioteletype) equipment should be moved from the corner
they now occupy to the bench formerly used as a message distributing centre.
This would leave the area formerly occupied by the RATT equipments for
the PO (Tel) to handle messages. The voice pipe from the bridge terminates
at this point as would the one from the proposed message centre. The focal
point of the activity in Radio Office will be in the starboard aft corner
so that the person servicing the voice pipes will be equidistant from the
Crypto-centre and the radio sets.
22. The Crypto-centre would benefit by being re-arranged. The entrance
is from the much used passageway which gives access to the seamen's heads.
The difficulties of enforcing security regulations in such a situation
are great, since the door of the Crypto-centre must be kept open for ventilation
(Fig. 1). It is suggested, therefore, that the passageway door be sealed
and a doorway be constructed in the forward bulkhead between the Crypto-centre
and the Radio Office (Fig. 5). This would mean that the only entrance to
the Crypto-centre would be through the Radio Office. (Webmasters note –
This recommendation was carried out) .
The additional alterations of equipment to improve the conditions
in the Crypto-centre would be:
(a) The starter and generator for the CM11 should be moved to a position
underneath the battery box, which is under the ladder leading to the C.P.O.'s
pantry. The starter box should be moved up as high as possible on the bulkhead.
(b) The battery box be placed on wall brackets to permit (a) above.
(c) The stationery should be stored in relatively shallow cupboards
installed on the after bulkhead as near the deck-head as possible.
(d) A bench is built across the port side (passageway door) of
the compartment to accommodate the Typex equipment. The bench on the forward
bulkhead be transferred to the after bulkhead. This would accommodate the
CCM and in addition will provide a desk area needed for doing book codes.
At present there is no. such provision..
(e) Small racks should be constructed on the bulkhead above the appropriate
cipher machines to hold rotors. In present practice, half full boxes of
rotors and loose rotors are left on the bench.
(f) With the removal of the starter motor and generator ample space
will become available for the storage of the strong box. The box will then
be in the area where it is most used.
23. The friction between the two branches of communications personnel
will be lessened if the proposed message centre is adopted. To a casual
observer, this friction may appear trivial, but most commanding officers
regard it as an unnecessary source of discord.
24. Air conditioning should be provided in the Radio Office and
Crypto-centre. This is of the utmost importance to any ship which has to
serve in the Far East. This installation would dissipate the heat generated
by the transmitters which, coupled with lack of ventilation and the outside
temperature, makes working conditions uncomfortable. (Web master note:
Never implemented in Tribals)
25. The routing of outgoing and incoming radio messages (Figs 3B and
4B) in the proposed message centre requires little change. The present
NDCS form is unsatisfactory for shipboard use.
An alternative form and method is suggested (Fig. 6). In the present
method the rough copy is typed on a message form,. signed, transmitted
and then up to five copies are typed for distribution. This necessitates
double typing and the destruction of two sheets of the presently used “readiest”
NDCS form. A smaller "readiset" form with six interleaved carbons supplied
in perforated rolls to be mounted on the back of a typewriter would obviate
these inefficiencies .. When the message was typed from the originators
rough copy, signed, and transmitted, it would be ready for immediate distribution.
The labour of typing would be reduced by 50 per cent and the amount of
paper used by approximately 22 per cent.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
26. To ease the cramped conditions under which the communications personnel
work the following recommendations are presented,
Radio Office 1
It is recommended that:
(a) The message centre be transferred to a lightweight structure built
inside the base of the mast, with a connection between the bridge and Radio
Office 1 so that messages can be passed to and from the message centre.
(b) The stationery cupboards be replaced by several shallow cupboards
fitted to the port bulkhead at the deck-head.
(c) The RATT equipments be moved to the forward port corner.
(d) The FM12 be mounted on a wall bracket in the space presently occupied
by the stationery cupboard.
Crypto -centre
It is recommended that:
(a) The passageway door be sealed.
(b) A doorway be constructed in the forward bulkhead leading to the
Radio Office.
(c) The starter and generator for the CM11 be moved to a position underneath
the battery box which is under the ladder leading to the CPO's pantry.
(d) The battery box be mounted on a wall bracket to allow for (c) above.
(e) Benches be constructed along the port side and after bulkhead of
the compartment.
(f) Racks be built for the rotors .
(g) The strong box be kept in the Crypto-centre.
Working Conditions
It is recommended that air conditioning be installed in Radio Office
1 and the Crypto -centre to dissipate the excessive heat in these offices.
Routing
The use of a modified message form is suggested. This should be supplied
in "readiset" seven copy rolls, perforated for easy tear-off. They should
be mounted on the rear of a typewriter.
All the recommendations have been discussed with the appropriate Department
Head on board HMCS Huron. No objections were raised by the Captain, Chief
Engineer. Electrical and Communications Officers to the installation of
the proposed changes.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDY
27. The time devoted to this investigation was not sufficient to gather
data that would throw light on the inter -relationship of equipments. Furthermore,
the exercises were such that data of the kind needed were not produced.
Possibly a study of certain types of ships in the RCN at an earlier
stage of development would correct some of the faults which are apparent
in Tribal Class destroyers. This refers in particular to:
(a) Destroyer escorts now under construction.
(b) HMCS Algonquin type conversions.
(c) HMCS Bonaventure (ex HMS Powerful) - aircraft carrier.
The order in which these are mentioned has no significance since the
priority would be determined by D. N. Com. or other Naval authority.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
28. The author wishes to express his thanks to the staff of D. N. Communications
for their assistance in arranging the visit to HMCS Huron.
The Captain of HMCS Huron, Cmdr, R. C. Chenoweth, was very kind in proffering
hospitality and in making available the services of the Chief Engineer,
Lt. -Cmdr. H. D. Minogue, the Electrical Officer, Lt. P.R. Munro, and the
Communications Officer, Lt. D.P. Brownlow. Their help was greatly appreciated.
The guidance given by Lt. D. O. Campfield was of great value.
