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The Invergordon Mutiny of 1931
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The mutiny
The mutiny was organised both collectively as a fleet and on individual ships. On the morning of the 15 September 1931, HMS Repulse sailed on time at 06:30. However, sailors on the other four battleships due to sail had already begun to refuse orders. On HMS Hood and HMS Nelson, crews carried out the ordinary harbour routine, merely refusing to go to sea. On HMS Valiant and HMS Rodney, crews only carried out essential duties, including the provision of safety patrols and fireguards and did so without any recourse to their officers. The general method of signalling between the ships was by cheering and discreet semaphore signals. Whistling is forbidden in the Royal Navy because that was the method used for communication at the Nore mutiny in the 18th century.
Throughout the day, cheering crowds massed on the forecastles of all ships except HMS Centurion and HMS Exeter. On HMS Rodney, sailors dragged a piano on deck and sung songs. Sailors also ignored and ridiculed officers who issued orders and threats through loudspeakers.
HMS Valiant was unmoored and attempted to go to sea with a limited number of men on duty, but was unable to proceed. On Tomkinson's own ship, HMS Hood, striking crew members prevented officers and NCOs from unmooring the ship. Even some Royal Marines, expected to enforce discipline and break-up any mutiny, joined the strike.
Tomkinson suspended the exercises until further notice, cancelled all leave and called for the investigations of complaints to proceed as quickly as possible. Tomkinson also ordered HMS Warspite, HMS Malaya and HMS Repulse to return to harbour.
Commander Edgar Warren recalls his concerns about the spread of the mutiny (RNM)
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Read a transcript of this oral history
In the afternoon of the 15 September, Tomkinson again informed the Admiralty of the situation and its chief cause. He asked for an early decision to be communicated claiming he did not believe it would be possible to restore order, or prevent further deterioration of the situation, until a decision was received. The Admiralty stated that the cut in pay was only 10%, but this ignored the situation for those on the old pay rate. In a second telegram, the Admiralty instructed Tomkinson to resume exercises as soon as he had completed his investigations into the complaints. Tomkinson believed that this response showed he had failed to communicate the gravity of the situation and replied that it would be impossible to resume exercises in the circumstances.
On the morning of the 16 September, Tomkinson received the last of the complaints. He dispatched the Fleet Accountant Officer with these to give to the Admiralty, and sent extracts by telegram. Having discussed the situation with Rear Admirals Astley-Rushton (Second Cruiser Squadron, on Dorsetshire) and French (Second Battle Squadron, on Warspite), he reported his belief that the mutiny would worsen unless an immediate concession was made. He suggested lower ratings on the old rate should remain on that rate with a cut of only 10%, and marriage allowances should be extended to ratings under the age of 25.
Incitements to stop work were spreading from deck to deck. Crews on HMS Norfolk and HMS Adventure had joined those on HMS Rodney and HMS Valiant in only performing essential duties, with HMS Dorsetshire and HMS Hood set to follow suit. There were also reports that some of the Petty Officers were starting to join the strike. After numerous signals sent to the Admiralty by Rear-Admiral Tomkinson, they eventually directed him to order the ships to their homeports whilst the men's grievances were being considered. After further deliberation the ships made their way to their homeports. The sailors on the lower deck did not universally agree with this but it did stop the spread of mutiny.
To find out about the aftermath of the mutiny, select Next
