I am writing a book on the Cod Wars - many thanks to all those who have already contributed - any anecdotes, photos etc will be most welcome. I do not want my book to be just from the RN (or the British) point-of-view. I am trying to be objective.
One Q I have at the moment is on the subject of defences/counter-masures to warp cutting at the start of the Second Cod War (the 50 mile one).
On 4th Feb 1973 the RN & the BTF conducted trials of an anti warp-cutter rig from a trawler off Fleetwood. This rig was abandoned as too complex &
unstable above 6kts after further trials (not sure where) on 20th March. Instead the RN made & issued 12 simple cutters with a suspension float, inviting the BTF to produce more as required.
Does anyone know anything about these protection devices? Were the simple cutters ever used? Is it true that a trawler in late 1972 managed to catch
Odinn's screws by towing wires & ropes astern?
yours aye
Andrew

Andrew Welch
Capt RN Rtd
In HMS Charybis during the 2nd Cod War