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The Invergordon Mutiny of 1931
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Initial disturbances
Initial disturbances
Ten warships of the Atlantic Fleet had arrived in the Cromarty Firth on the 11 September 1931; these were HMS Hood (the Navy's flagship), HMS Adventure, HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Malaya, HMS Norfolk, HMS Repulse, HMS Rodney, HMS Valiant, HMS Warspite and the HMS York.
On the night of the twelfth, a group of sailors met at a football field on land. They voted to organise a strike and left singing the Red Flag (a socialist song). A number of them made speeches criticising the cuts at the canteen ashore. The Officer of the Patrol reported this disturbance to HMS Warspite, the ship of the watch that night, and requested reinforcements. Captain Wake, commander of the Warspite, led the extra patrols and the canteen closed early. The crews left peacefully, although the sailors did make further speeches at the pier. Rear Admiral Wilfrid Tomkinson (in temporary command of the fleet whilst Admiral Sir Michael Hodges was in hospital) decided not to take disciplinary action over the disturbances. During the night HMS Nelson also arrived at Cromarty Firth.
Commander Edgar Warren describes his arrival at Invergordon during the muntiny (RNM)
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On the 14 September, HMS Warspite and Malaya left the harbour to perform planned exercises. Throughout the day, four more ships arrived at Invergordon which joined in further disturbances at the canteen and playing fields ashore. The Officer of the Patrol was able to address the assembly, but speeches, cheering and singing recommenced after he had finished. The sailors then returned to their ships, however many gathered on deck and continued their protests. Tomkinson informed the Admiralty of the protests, stating that the cause seemed to be the disproportionate pay-cut of 25% for some ratings.
John Russell describes his role as a Royal Marine at Invergordon (RNM)
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Importantly the protesters did not show any animosity towards officers as they had also endured the pay cuts. There was also no trouble in the cruisers, or on the battlecruiser HMS Repulse. It was rumoured, however, that crews on four other battleships intended to prevent their ships from sailing in practice manoeuvres the next day. In the early hours of the 15 September, Tomkinson considered cancelling the exercises.
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