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News OCTOBER 2001

£1.00

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NAVY'S OLDEST - AND BIGGEST FRONT LINE SQUADRON p21-23

DRUGS . u*%^ [*1*e*r

IN SCENES reminiscent of the Royal Navy's all-action recruitment advertisement featuring HMS Sheffield, sister ship HMS Coventry forced drug smugglers to abandon cocaine worth around £80 million following a high-speed chase through cays and mangrove swamps, writes Mike Gray. Fact mirrored fiction on the evening of September 3 when the Type 22 frigate's Lynx helicopter spotted a 'go-fast' speedboat off the coast of Belize in Central America. The boat was heading towards Mexico at a speed of 37 knots, and her three powerful engines, drums of fuel and crew of four appeared suspicious to the flight crew.

ceans away HMS Ocean leaves Plymouth for a three month trip to the Mediterranean and Gulf regions. She is part of a 24 strong maritime group taking part in exercises in the biggest maritime deployment since the Falklands. See page 4.

When the boat repeatedly tailed to respond to radio contact, the chase was on. Coventry, capahle of speeds of up to 30 knots, kept in the frame as the speedboat had to slow to refuel, and the warship's Lynx buzzed the boat, forcing it to change course for the reefs and cays which pepper the Belize coast. The Lynx had to return to the frigate to refuel, and took off again just after sunset to resume the chase. By using infra-red detection equipment, the go-fast was quickly traced and the Lynx was back in the hunt. Almost an hour after launching from Coventry, the Lynx was on hand as the go-fast, which had weaved and twisted through the sandbanks and small islands of the region, beached in mangrove swamps at Hick Cay, and the four-man crew fled into the surrounding country. The Navy helicopter then guided two Belize police patrol boats to the scene, where a tonne of cocaine was recovered. Police are still hunting the crew. Lynx Flight Commander Lt Nigel Cunningham, the Lynx observer, said: "It became very clear very early on that the vessel had all the characteristics of a go-

fast. As is normal with these boats, several large fuel drums were visible on the deck, and there was a central section that could have been used to hide drugs. "The crew on board were obviously agitated as we put them under pressure." Commanding Officer of HMS Coventry, Capt Philip Jones, said: "We have sent a very clear message to all those who participate in this deadly trade of drugs. "This operation saw each element of the counterdrugs effort at sea - warship, helicopter, patrol boats and co-ordinating shore headquarters - being used to best effect. "It has been a text hook example of the way in which many international agencies can work together effectively." Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: "I am delighted HMS Coventry has achieved such a significant result in the fight against drug-trafficking, and this seizure is testament to the hard work and close co-ordination of the many forces working together to prevent the passage of drugs. "My congratulations go out to the Commanding Officer and ship's company." HMS Coventry took over in the Caribbean from HMS Sheffield at the end of July, and should be back in her home port of Devonport at the end of the year. Lt Turn to page 19

• STUDENTS TAKE TO THE WATER p8 • LETTERS p6-7 • SEA CADETS p40-41

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

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Camperdown ship replica keel laid FRIENDS of Camperdown House are holding an Admiral's Banquet at the City Chambers on October 11 to mark the 204th anniversary of Lord Duncan's famous victory. Meanwhile, in Holland it is planned to build a full-scale replica of one of the ships lost from the Dutch fleet after the action in 1797. The Delft was severely damaged in the battle and was being towed back to England as a prize when she sank in ferocious weather off Scheveningen. Fifteen years ago a fisherman trawled up some artefacts from the Delft and this led to a

major underwater examination of the the hulk and the setting up of the Foundation for the Historic Ship Delft. With the help of Rotterdam City Council which required 10,000 contributing Friends to be enrolled and 30 companies as sponsors - a five-year project to build the replica has now started. The keel is of solid oak In four sections and comes from trees found in Denmark that by coincidence were planted almost exactly 200 years ago. More remarkably still, an elderly lady was

Degree scheme gets off to a flying start

found nearby who is a direct descendant of the Delft's second-in-command. At the unveiling of the keel she presented a locket with a miniature painting of her ancestor - while Cdr Hilary Foxworthy presented a 'Camperdown Plate' on behalf of the Lord Provost of Dundee. A Friends organisation has also been set up in Dundee, where a statue of Duncan was unveiled in 1997. • Detail from The Victory of Duncan by J. S. Copley, courtesy of the Trustees of the National Gallery of Scotland.

Picture: LA(PHOT) Mark Hipkin

A NEW in-Service degree scheme for RN aircrew was launched at the Armed Forces Careers Convention at Sandhurst last month.

TON UP FOR HOLLAND BOAT HOLLAND I,

the

Royal

Navy's first submarine, will celebrate her 100th birthday on October 2 with free entry for visitors. Built in 1901, the vessel foundered on her way to the breaker's yard in 1912 and was reeovered from the seabed in 1982. Now proudly housed in a purpose-built gallery and exhibition centre at the RN Submarine Museum at Gosport, she has been attracting thousands of visitors since she went back on display in the summer. Museum Director Cdr Jeff Tall said the boat had great international significance, being the only surviving example of the work of the Irish designer John Phillip Holland and the forerunner of all modern submarines. "It is fitting that the submarine has gone back on display just a few hundred yards from where she first saw service with the Royal Navy," he said. "We have come a long way since those pioneering days. When you t h i n k of the power and complexity of a modern submarine, and compare it with the Holland 1 with her crew of seven men and three white mice, it is a tremendous achievement."

Trafalgar Day at Exeter THIS year's Trafalgar Day Service in Exeter Cathedral will be held on Sunday, October 21 at 11.3()a.m. All who love the sea. ships and sailors are welcome - not just those connected with the RN. The Band of HM Royal Marines Commandos will play and there will be a parade of Sea Cadets marching from Eastgate to the Cathedral. Part of the collection will go to the Mission to Seafarers.

The 'Flying Start' scheme provides academic accredita-

tion

through

the

Open

University of the training undertaken by RN aircrew. It follows on from the pioneering work done in this field by the Royal Air Force through their 'Best of Both Worlds' scheme launched in August last year. Announcing Flying Start, Commodore Simon Goodall, Deputy Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency, said that to obtain an Open University degree it was necessary to gain 360 credit points through the successful completion of various modules. The OU had accredited RN flying training, enabling aircrew to gain a significant amount of the points needed towards a degree merely by completing their training. "Our aircrew will then be required to make up the gap through individual study from a range of modules. Depending on the student's choice, this can lead to the award of a general OU

degree or to a degree in a named subject. "With the introduction of the Flying Start scheme, young men and women will be able to join the Royal Navy as aircrew straight from school and instead of attending university. "However, they will not miss out on the chance of obtaining a degree - indeed, they will be able to start earning credits from the moment they join Dartmouth. "It will be no pushover our aircrew will have to find the time to study between busy operational commitments. However, we will offer them all the support we can and provide them with a grant of up to £2,075. "The advantage for the Royal Navy is that we will be able to attract people who aspire to be aircrew even younger, train them and provide them to the front line while their physical motor skills, which are essential to master a high performance aircraft, arc at their best."

Pension Society now open to all THE OFFICERS' Pensions Society has changed its title to 'Forces Pension Society' and opened up its membership to all ranks, serving and retired, their widows, widowers and dependants. Founded in 1946, the Society has always worked for the benefit of all ranks, but until now only officers were allowed to join. Now all ranks can become members for just £20 a year (£9 for widows. Pensions Secretary Lt Cdr D. T. Marsh told Mirv News:

"This major change in the Society's ethos has been sanctioned and supported by the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel) Air Marshal Sir Malcolm Pledger and by the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Peter Spencer - even though the Society often challenges the MOD party line. "We have negotiated exclusively with the MOD thai our members will have complete access to all benefits currently available to serving members of the Armed Forces via the Forces Discount Brochure.

"Even if our work doesn't affect

you right now, there may well come a time when it will. "Take, for instance, the current MOD pension review - are you confident the new scheme will be better than the old for you? Will you know what action to take when offered the choice of staying with the old or going with the new?" Today the Society has around 50,000 members. Independence from the MOD allows it to campaign vigorously to maintain the quality of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme and to have injustices and anomalies corrected. Recent examples are its War and Service Widows' campaigns in 1989 and 1995 which secured important changes in legislation. Write to the Membership Secretary, Forces Pension Society, 68 South' Lambeth Road. Vauxhall, London SW8 IRL or call 020 7820 9988 for further details and application forms.

Rare bird, Gloucester AKING up the famous "flying" position from thr film Titanic, Commanding Officer of HMS Gloucester Cdr David Heley fronts up a ship's company picture on passage in the Indian Ocean, from Diego Garcia to Penang.

T

During her seven month deployment, the Portsmouth-based Type 42 destroyer took part in a major series of exercises with the countries that make up the Five Powers Defence Arrangement - Britain, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. More unusually, she helped out the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation with important construction and maintenance work. About 100 of the ship's company were involved in work at the wildlife sanctuary for protected species of He aux Aigrettes - home of the endangered pink pigeon. They built aviaries for the pigeon and other endemic Mauritian species such as the Mauritian kestrel, Echo Parakeet and fruit bat and an enclosure for turtles. Other work included repairing a jetty and

building a footpath. Funding was provided jointly by the French Embassy and the British High Commission. The Foundation itself exists to protect rare species on the island following the most notorious extinction of all, the Dodo - of which the pink pigeon is its closest living relative. There are just 40 of them left on lie Aux Aigrettes. Said Weapon Engineering officer Lt Cdr Steve Morgan: "Everyone worked really hard and we achieved a great deal in a short time. People felt they were achieving something important in helping to preserve a wildlife heritage unique to Mauritius." HMS Gloucester was there in company with the French frigate FS Floreal - the first FrancoBritish visit to the island since the Battle of Vieux Grand Port in 1810 and the 13th port visit of the deployment. Many goodwill visits and activities took place, including sport against the local Mauritius Special Defence Force.

HMS Gloucester returns to Portsmouth this month.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001 3

YORK DOES A DOUBLE TAKE

FAMILIES Day in HMS York saw an aerial display by a Harrier T8 of 899 Squadron, based at Yeovilton. The aircraft was flown by Cdr Dickie Payne (right), latterly the ship's Executive Officer - and in the passenger seat was one of York's former Commanding Officers, Capt Steve Cleary, now Assistant Director Joint Warfare. A Hawk flown by Lt Cdr Clive Baylis RNR, a previous CO of 801 Sqn and now a First Officer with Virgin Atlantic, provided the photo chase.

New hands-on exhibition at College

Greenwich looks back through the 'Navy years' Periscope view THIRTY teenagers from Limekilns, Pattismuir and Charleston in Fife visited the nuclear submarine HMS Sceptre in Rosyth Royal Dockyard as part of the local Gala Celebrations, fostering ties between the Royal Navy and the local communities. They were given an in-depth tour of the submarine by the ship's company as part of a day full of activities. Other events included a visit to HMS Caledonia, the RN establishment at Rosyth, where they were given a presentatiion on the Royal Navy in the 21st century. They visited the establishment's gym where they took part in swimming and games and attempted the RN Fitness Test. In the afternoon the visitors were given Personal Leadership Task exercises to complete, with an award for the best team. HMS Sceptre arrived in Rosyth in May 1997 and has undergone a four-year refit. She is due to sail at the end of the year.

THE GREENWICH Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College is chasing RN memorabilia for a new hands-on educational resource to be launched early next year. The College is keen to show what life was like during "the Navy years" (1873-1998) and in putting together the exhibition is looking for information and artefacts that relate to the people who were working or training on the site during this period. It is especially hoping for donations such as Naval uniforms, photographs, mess books, medals, letters and personal recollections. The collection of Naval memorabilia will be used as part of a series of hands-on activity workshops that will teach inquisitive youngsters about life at the former officer training centre.

It is expected that the workshops will prove to be a big hit with schools and youth groups and a popular addition to the education services already offered by the site. David Green, Visitor Services Co-ordinator for the Old Royal Naval College said: "We regularly receive enquiries about what life was like at the College when the Navy was here. We aim to demonstrate this fascinating era to schools through hands-on activity workshops, where youngsters can learn about the past by actually handling items from history.

a personal service from a trained and enthusiastic guide and will be a valuable aid to classroom learning and the national curriculum. Groups will also be given the opportunity to explore the magnificent Painted Hall and Chapel, as these areas were important to the everyday lives of the College's residents. Anyone wishing to donate an item should in the first instance contact Rachel Dickenson or David Green with a description of the proposed donation.

"As handling sessions are such fun, they prove to be a highly effective way of learning." The workshops will offer groups

Tel 020 82r.y 47(S2 or 020 8269 4791 or write to Foundation I louse. 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SEKOLW.

Swansea in salute to Scott HIGHLIGHT of HMS Scott's six-day visit to her affiliated town of Swansea was a luncheon hosted by the Captain Scott Society. The Society has an annual dinner based on the menu from a dinner held in Cardiff in I ' J l l the night before Scott's expedition team left for the ill-fated trek to the South Pole. This featured strongly in the opening chapter of Beryl Bainbridgc's novel about the expedition. The Birthday Boys.

During her visit parties enjoyed the chance to tour the unique survey ship, including local police, fire brigade. Coastguard, air ambulance team and RNR/SCC units. The Lord Mayor, Cllr R. Francis-Davies took a very personal interest in the success of the visit which came after ten months operating in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean. At her berth at Kings Dock the ship held an official reception for him and for members of the Captain Scott Society, the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators and TS Scott, the ship's affiliated Sea Cadet unit. Completing a period surveying in the North Atlantic, I IMS Scott was due in her home port of Plymouth on September 28 for the first time in over a year - and then off again after a Iwo-week intensive training period to the Indian Ocean, where she will remain until returning to the UK in April 2002 to start her first major upkeep period. The ship uses a unique threewatch rotation manning system which enables her to remain at sea and to achieve over 300 days operational time per year. She is the only Deep Oceanographic Survey Vessel in the western world which utilises a high resolution multi-beam sonar system, enabling her to accurately survey hui>c tracts of the ocean.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

Argonaut 2001 ships fulfil busy exercise schedule as they head East

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RFA rescues 20 from boat A ROYAL Fleet Auxiliary supply ship on Exercise Argonaut has rescued 20 people from a sinking boat in the Mediterranean. The Captain of RFA Fort Austin,

dSte=Vjfi&li»"feV,

Capt Chris Knapp, received an emergency call, and within 15 minutes one of three Sea Kings of 845 NAS on board was on its way to a point 100 miles off Gibraltar. The helicopter crew - Lts Robert Fisher and G. Spence and Royal Marines Corporals D. Anderson and S. Goodman arrived to find 20 men in a Zodiac inflatable craft which was drifting and in danger of capsize. All 20, believed to be Moroccans, were winched on to the Sea King in an operation last-

ing 30 minutes, and flown back to the ship. They said they had been adrift for two days. Fort Austin passed the 20 on to the Spanish authorities at Cartagena. • HMS Illustrious alongside in Valetta, Malta. D.A. Butler.

The amphibious element of Exercise Argonaut 2001 steam in formation.

Training takes high priority

SHIPS

of

the

Exercise

Argonaut 2001 task group have already achieved plenty of use-

ful training - long before the

amphibious task group, led by assault ship HMS Fearless. Also featuring helicopter carrier

HMS Ocean, landing ships RFAs

Sir Tristram, Sir Bedivere and Sir Galahad, as well as support ships Fort Rosalie, Fort Austin and tanker Oakleaf, the group spent a week training off North Devon in The first of the three elements Exercise Channel Wader in order to give Royal Marines and ship's of the Royal Navy's maritime task group, the mine eountermeasures companies a chance to go through force, left Portsmouth in mid- their paces. Less than a fortnight later units August. The four ships - Quorn, of the carrier group, led by HMS Inverness, Walncy and Cattistock, Illustrious, left the UK. Frigates, destroyers and two supported by RFA Diligence and nuclear submarines, plus tanker coastal survey ship HMS Roebuck RFA Bayleaf, complete the mar- have already made several port itime task group. Rear Admiral visits, including Mallorca. While in the Eastern James Burnell-Nugent, Comman-

scheduled start joint-Service

Exercise Saif Sareea in Oman, the highlight of the deployment.

Mediterranean, the group conducted intensive training sessions with teams from Flag Officer Sea Training (POST), and as Navy News went to press the ships were heading south in the Red Sea. Next to leave the UK was the

the coast of Cyprus. • Coastal survey ship HMS Beagle is heading for the Gulf for her final deployment. Although not part of Exercise Argonaut, the ship did preparatory work for Saif Sareea last year. • See the Navy News website, www.navynews.cri.uk, for the latest news from Exercise Argonaut 2001.

EXERCISE Saif Sareea will not just be a proving ground

for troops and equipment. The joint-Service exercise, involving 21,500 UK personnel, will also be the first real test for a new Operational Welfare Package (OWP) which was introduced in April this year.

der of the UK Maritime Forces,

flies his flag in the carrier. Ships of the carrier group have been conducting port visits in the Med, while the amphibious group

split into two, allowing elements to

A review of operational welfare

train with Turkish forces and off

provision was completed in late 1999 as it became apparent that such provision had become inconsistent as the number of operations in different theatres increased. The review concluded there was a need for a single, balanced and comprehensive package, and following negotiations and the provision of extra funding, improvements were announced in April this year.

| Have You Missed Us? Limited stocks of back copies 1985-96 1997 - Present, all copies Ring Anne Young PORTSMOUTH 023 9282 6040 or order online at www.navynews.co.uk

As a result, all personnel and units deploying outside UK waters continuously for two months or more, or deploying into an operational theatre, under Permanent Joint HQ OpCom for seven days or more, should be issued with an OWP guide specific to that the-

"; ^ Navy News -The Paper that lives up to its name!

CR[EDIT CARD NEWS ^| (TwST

Q£

'

My onier is attache;d for: ....................

• Above: Sea

Cardhc)lders Name Cardhc)lders Addre ss: ..........................

........................................................ Tel: ....................... Card number: Expiry date Cardhcaiders signature:

Svvitc;h Issue No Amount (Min £5):

Welfare package gets trial in desert

Kings from the Tactical Air Group of the Amphibious Task Group offload personnel and equipment in Cyprus.

atre. Exercise Saif Sareea will attract the main elements of the OWP but in order to ensure all Service personnel are aware of their rights,

policy staff are embarking on a publicity campaign to coincide

with the Oman exercises. The results will be assessed after Saif Sareea to sec where lessons

could be learned. Folowing on early next year will be a major study into welfare support and facilities for the dependants and families of deployed

Servicemen and women. The OWP consists of a basic 'menu' of facilities which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of personnel in any operation, thus ensuring they receive the right level of support at the right time. This replaces the ad hoc welfare arrangements which had developed, and covers facilities such as communications with home (including 20 minutes of free telephone calls each week, free e-mails and e-blueys), publicly-funded laundering of uniform clothing, publicly-funded newspapers and books, NAAFI/EFI facilities and leisure and fitness equipment. Unaccompanied personnel

appointed or drafted to the Falklands are now in receipt of the OWP. Further details of the OWP are available as follows: For RN personnel, details are contained in RNTM 100/01, which

can

be

found

at

http://fleel.tiwts.mocl.uk/cincfleet/in

• Right: A member of 40 Cdo on exercise in Cyprus in

preparation for Exercise Saif Sareea in Oman.

elex.htm under the library short-cut. For Services personnel involved in Exercise Saif Sareea, the provision of welfare facilities can be found at: hllp://jcha.chr>t.i.inrirJ.uk/ex_ss2/

NAVY NEWS. (XhR 2(X)l

6

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

TflH letters

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Pensions Group wi cover a I costs Grimsby memorial REGARDING your report about the memorial to the Royal Naval Patrol Service unveiled at Grimsby on September 2 (July issue), it is, I believe, correct to say that this is the first of its kind in that town to commemorate the men of the RNPS who died during Ihe world wars. However, it is not the first memorial in the country to conimemorate such losses. There is already one at Lowcstoft, the central depot for the RNPS in World War II. The Lowestoft memorial, which was unveiled in 1953, consists of a column rising from a circular base 40ft in diameter, 50ft high and surmounted by a bronze galleon. Around the base arc 17 bronze panels bearing the names of the 2,385 officers and men of the RNPS, aged from 16 to late 60s, who have no known grave but the sea. But this is not the full story, there were many from the regular Naval depots around the country of the RN, RNR, RNVR, RNV(W)R and Hostilities Only personnel - who were drafted into the RNPS and were lost at sea. Their names do not appear on the memorial at Lowcstoft but on memorials at their respective depots - Chatham, Portsmouth etc - and therefore the actual number of personnel lost at sea whilst

serving

with

the

RNPS

is

considerably more than the figure quoted above.

Your report also mentions 39 vessels of the RNPS sunk by enemy action. I do not know how this figure comes out unless it refers to the number of vessels lost while working out of Grimsby.

Certainly the number lost all told was considerably greater. The RNPS was formed at Lowcstoft in 1975 and various affiliated branches developed at ports around the country, Grimsby, with its large fishing industry, being one of the biggest. For reasons of their own, the members of the Grimsby branch decided in the autumn of 1999 to

disaffiliatc from Lowcstoft and establish themselves as a separate entity styled "RNPS Veterans, Grimsby" - and they initiated and planned the new memorial there.

- M. G. Robinson, Minehead, Somerset.

.News

Questions of brooms and sloops... THE EXCELLENT Nelson Decade article by Colin White about Nelson's defeat at the hands of the French off Boulogne brought to mind something I was told on my very first visit to London in the early Thirties. Our school party had been visiting the Tower of London. On the Embankment, close to Traitor's Gate, I clearly remember our attention being drawn by a guide to

a Dutch vessel which was lying alongside a quay close by. She was "flying" a broom which

DURING the sailing era of the

had been hauled to the top of a

18th and 19th centuries, a vessel

flag halyard. We were told that this

was called a "ship" when it had three or more masts, all square rigged, and commanded by a Post Captain (the equivalent of today's

was because the Dutch had been granted the right to do so to commemorate Tromp's victories over our Fleet in British waters during the time of the Commonwealth which followed the Civil War.

At the time, Robert Blake was in command of the Fleet. He was soundly defeated by the Dutch, who had Tromp in command, in

battles off Kentish Knock and off Dungencss. After his victories, Tromp announced that the Dutch

had swept the British from the seas!

Is it right to assume, therefore,

visiting our ports still exercise this

not correctly he called a "sloop",

right? - R. Johnson, Burnley, Lanes. The Dutch Navy assure me that this is no longer the practice. Another tradition, also no longer maintained, was the waiver of

even though she wears the flag of a vice admiral? - Tony German, Ickenham, Middlesex.

Editorial Lines... Telephone: 023 9229 4228 Telephone: 023 9272 4163 (Mil 24163) (Mil 24194)

email: edit@navynews.co.uk

Leviathan Block, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 3HH

Business Lines...

Business Manager: Glen Gould

called a "sloop". It was therefore the rank of the commanding officer which determined what a vessel was called, not the type of vessel itself.

I wonder if any Dutchmen

Editorial & Business address:

Editor: Jim Allaway

four-ringed Captain). If the same vessel was subsequently commanded by a senior lieutenant, designated Master and Commander, it was

that as HMS Victory in Portsmouth is commanded by a lieutenant commander, should it

Fax: 023 9283 8845

Deputy Editor: Anton Hanney Assistant Editor: Mike Gray

great plague of 1865, Dutch ships were the only ones willing to approach the stricken city with supplies- Ed.

Telephone: 023 9272 4194

No. 567 48th year

dues for all Dutch ships entering the port of London. During the

Switchboard: 023 9282 6040 Subs & Accounts: 023 9282 6040 Distribution: 023 9272 5136 Adv: 023 9272 5062/9282 6040 Fax: 023 9283 0149

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A CALL for the RNA to support the Armed Forces Pension Group at their recent conference was defeated after concern was expressed that if the RNA became involved it could find itself facing a claim for costs if the case were lost. I would like to assure the RNA and its members that the only support we seek is that the RNA continues to allow their members to advertise the Group within the many and varied newsletters that arc published. Provision will he made within the Group to cover all costs that may fall upon it. The solicitors' costs to date have been met by the members and will continue to be. Our aim is to establish a right to have Service time between 1949 and 1975 recognised for pension purposes. We now have over 1,500 members and all Servicemen and women who served between the above dates arc welcome to join. P. Taffs, Chairman Steering Committee, AFPG

Original duck

Orkney and the other Island Class

out an exercise. During the exercise they managed to drop one of the conning tower Bren guns into the

sea, with horizontal snow falling across the fo'c'sle, one of my

as he hit the bulwark his hands desperately grabbed it. The ship then righted herself. We reckoned that Dave's fingernails had left grooves on the underside of the steel bulwark (known as the garden wall) and that he had to go below to change

his underwear. - Jim Jarvie, Dunfermlinc.

Chorley, BAE Systems, Riyadh,

back memories. In 1969 I was attached to the FECDT and happened to he in Paula Tioman when a submarine came in to carry

vessels. On the contractor's sea trials in Aberdeen Bay, doing anchor trials, beam on to the wind and the

He had nothing to hold on to -

It would he interesting to know if the design still survives on board or if the plastic/iron toy bath duck has taken over completely. - F.

READING the letters re HM submarines with guns brought

Hall Russell Ltd, Aberdeen at the time of the building of HMS

downhill fast.

'clanky' department during the first commission.

Butter fingers

I WAS Senior Naval Overseer at

starboard and he went "skiing"

were prolific on the overalls of the

Saudi Arabia.

Skiing in Orkney

young overseers was standing to port when the ship lurched to

an affectionate acceptance by the first ship's company - of which I was the Chief 'Pusser'. During the compilation of the ship's commissioning book, I was asked by the Supply Officer, Lt Mike Lynch, to design the 'alternative' ship's crest. This I duly completed and I enclose a copy of the original for publication. The design came from the ship's company's well-deserved reputation for being hard working and even harder playing during our time standing by and the slogan "Made in Scotland From Girders" was poached from IRN BRU, the well-known Scots hangover cure. The design was also made into embroidered badges and those

FOLLOWING publication of Lt Prince's letter (August issue) about the presentation of an iron duck souvenir to officers leaving HMS Iron Duke, I am compelled to write regarding the origins of

the name "iron duck". The phrase

water, further amplifying the old adage "The most dangerous thing

in the world is Jack with a gun". The date I rcceovcred the weapon was July 13, 1969 - does anyone know which submarine that would have been? - Terry

Gosling, Alford, Aberdeenshire.

(actually

pronounced TRN DUCK'), albeit somewhat derogatory-sounding, was actually coined by the Yarrow Shipbuilders (now BAE Systems) workforce building the ship at their Scotstoun yard and it took on

Letters to the Editor should always be accompanied by the correspondent's name and address, not necessarily for publication.email correspondents are also requested to provide this information.

Spey awash YOUR item regarding HMS Spey (August issue) "Quarterdeck awash after taking on 500 Rangers" brought back memories. I enclose a photo of her on convoy duty in 1942, with me as a 19-year-old Acting Leading Stoker at the time. - G. J. Heritage, Leicester.

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001 7

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letters

Midnight approaches for 'Cinderella Navy'I READ with interest a very small article mentioning the Boom Defence accompanied by a small picture of a Bar boat. We were sometimes referred to as the "Cinderella Navy". I was a leading seaman with the Barcarolle, commissioning at Ardrossan in 1945. We carried half a dozen riggers who were responsible for the maintenance, repairs etc for the booms - and there were plenty of them. These riggers had terribly hard and dangerous work which sometimes meant handling the largest of wire hawsers from Rosyth, the head depot. All the principal ports had booms at their entrances and exits which were constantly manned and controlled by the "boom boys". The special booms placed around the big ships like the King George V, Prince of Wales etc when at anchor at places like Scapa Flow implied constant attention at all times. Until the "Bar" boats came in, very old, converted Hull and Grimsby trawlers were used and they traditionally did a wonderful job, just as they did with the minesweeping. At one time we had a couple on the

boom across from Shoeburyness to Minster, Isle of Sheppey - one of the longest of all booms, about seven miles across with two "gates" midstream. We had quite a big space at Reykjavik harbour in Iceland where we made anti-submarine and anti-torpedo nets which were then loaded on to boom carriers to be delivered to the principal ports. There were even some smaller booms manned by civvies, such as Portland breakwaters. - G. Newstead, Upminster, Essex. The Boom Defence School was formed at Rosyth in 1925 to

ing nets in the Firth of Forth dur-

ing Admiral's Inspection in that year. - Ed.

teach the skills learned in World War I. It was commissioned eight months after the outbreak of World War II as HMS Rooke -

later the name of the parent establishment at Gibraltar. HMS Rooke played an important part in the Navy's war effort and the security which the boom defences gave to our harbours gave many ships' companies cause for gratitude. It carried out a number of bizarre trials such as the "Swiss Roll", a flexible, floating causeway of wood and canvas designed to carry vehicles. On July 1, 1946 HMS Rooke was renamed HMS Safeguard.

Frogmen blew hole big enough for three lorries REGARDING ScreenScene on

of action for six months. Thus the

Italian frogmen in Alexandria harbour on December 18-1'J, 1941 (August issue), Bob Baker stated that there were no fatalities. To put the record straight, we in HMS Queen Elizabeth, the other battleship involved, did not have time to clear lower deck and several men were killed. There was a further charge placed beneath an oil tanker. I remember that we had been dragging cables along the ship's bottom all night in anticipation of an attack, but still didn't escape. - W. R. Cullum, Andovcr, Hants.

Italians, with only six men, radically altered the balance of sea power in the eastern Mediterranean for a

AS A survivor of the daring, courageous and highly successful attack, I was serving in HMS Valiant as a midshipman when it took place. After the war I interviewed Admiral de la Pcnne and Cdr Marccglia. De la Pcnne was the leader of the attack boats and blew a hole in us through which you could have driven three lorries.. Marceglia's attack disabled Cunningham's flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth causing nine deaths. Both battleships were out

With the decline of importance attached to boom defences, Safeguard's role gradually changed - until she became the "Pooh Bah" of the Scotland Command, the establishment which handled everything nobody else could take on. It became a base for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, for Naval diving training and for seamanship and leadership training - functions which would continue at HMS Cochrane. It finally paid off in 1968 HMS Barbican is seen here lay-

long time. It is incorrect that the Italians captured by us were incarcerated in a lower deck cabin. They were placed in the cable locker, only feet away from their explosive

charge. You speak of the moral dilemma posed at the time of putting prisoners in danger. No moral dilemma as far as I was concerned. I would rather they were forced to speak and thus give us sufficient warning to enable us to close all watertight doors, rather than that they should be placed in the Ward Room with a cup of tea. The whole episode is described at firsthand in my book From Dartmouth to War, published by Buckland Publications ISBN 0

7212 0853 3. - Adrian Holloway, Stroud, Glos.

• HMS Queen Elizabeth viewed from HMS Valiant during operations against Sabang, Northern Sumatra in 1944.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

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Training craft aims to lead by example H

MS EXAMPLE has

returned to the Tyne after a busy summer deployment - making a little bit of history. The P2000, attached to the Northumbrian Universities RN

Unit (URNU), deployed in June, returning in August. And as she sailed upriver, she

became the first Royal Navy warship to pass under the new Millennium

Bridge - the 'winking eye'. When the bridge was lifted into position last November, HMS

Example, an Archer-class patrol boat, had to move to North Shields, as even her modest height prevented her from passing beneath while it was

in the 'down' position during build. But her summer trip took her away from the North East for several weeks. "We visited more than 25 different ports in the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK," said her Commanding

Officer, Lt Jason Clay. "In the Netherlands we went with

HM ships Raider and Explorer to the Ijsselmeer, a huge inland lake, which

was an excellent operating environment for us. We were thought to be the first White Ensign to go there. "We were well received by the Dutch and it generated a great deal of interest. "We also participated in Dutch Navy Days in company with HMS York, and Example had 1,000 visitors

in the course of the weekend." Example officiated at the Admirals Cup off Cowes, and as she headed > HMS Example approaches the Millennium Bridge across the River Tyne as she became the first RN warship to pass beneath.

east, there was a break from her programme as she acted as command

Geordie gunboat comes home T

HE CITY of Newcastle's adopted warship has visited the Tyne for the second time in 18 months - but Geordies had plenty of news to catch up with.

• HMS Newcastle encounters a choppy North Sea as she

leaves the mouth of the Tyne.

Destroyer HMS Newcastle has put in a 40,300-mile global deployment and an extensive maintenance and upgrade period since she last visited her namesake city in March 2000, but this trip was as eagerly

anticipated as recent visits to the Great Wall of China and the surf of Hawaii. And the self-styled Geordic Gunboat

proved a huge hit with the public when she welcomed more than 2,500 visitors

over the weekend, and her sailors exercised the freedom of the city by marching with bayonets fixed, flags flying and drums beating, preceded by a guard of honour and a Royal Marines band.

The visit was of particular interest to Lt Simon Kelly, who volunteered to be Guard Officer. Among those cheering the procession were Lt Kelly's mother and 101-year-old grandmother, Florence Knight, who had travelled 20 miles from Whitley Bay to be a guest of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Mrs Mary Carr. "It was a bit of a dream come true for me," said 27-year-old Lt Kelly. "To come back to Newcastle as part of the ship's company was amazing. I volunteered very early on to be Guard Officer at the parade." Cdr Steve Pearson said: "Although I have visited the city many times as Commanding Officer, this is my first

opportunity to bring my ship. "The ship's company and I have a

tremendous affection for the city, not least because of the amazing welcome that we are always given." Among the highlights of the five-day visit were the renewal of friendships with a number of the ship's affiliations,

ship for a search and rescue operation off Newhaven, helping to co-ordinate

a successful search for two divers. The Mayor and Mayoress of the craft's affiliated town, Whithy, were

entertained when Example called in to the fishing port, after which she returned to her rightful berth at

HMS Calliope in Gateshead. Example and her URNU sisters do not recruit as a primary task - they

have a more subtle role to play in the promotion of the Navy.

"We hope to educate a wide range of people," said Lt Clay. "We are about attracting people who we think, regardless of background, will have something to offer to the unit and a willingness to learn about the Royal Navy, so in future we can see a pro-Service culture among opinion-formers who are well informed about us."

Example's students come from five establishments, the universities of Newcastle, Northumbria, Durham

and Sunderland, and University College Stockton-on-Tees.

For Lt Clay his appointment meant a return to his old stamping ground - he graduated from Durham, in the days before the URNU was formed.

There are 51 students in the URNU, sometimes swelled by Naval cadets from Dartmouth, and the

P2000 can take 12 students at a time. Students generally get three training weekends each year, and one of the four two-week legs of the summer deployment, giving them 20 days at sea, in addition to drill nights. "On board they arc gaining experience in leadership, communication

skills, navigation and seamanship - it is an introduction to the Navy and

the maritime environment," said Lt Clay, a submariner by trade. It is not only the students who benefit from their time in Example - the ship's company of five, including the CO, get to turn their hand at many aspects of running a ship. "I have two CPOs, one leading hand and one AB, and one major factor is the multi-skilling they are expected to undertake," said Lt Clay. "The Executive Officer is a CPO Radar; he's expected to run the catering account, look after health and safety and students' welfare; he also gets involved in training. "At the other end of the scale is the Navigator's Yeoman, a Radio Operator (Tactical), who now finds himself minding a chart outfit. "And P2000s are very good at putting the Navy in the public eye. We can moor up in the centre of towns and go to harbours never visited by a warship before. "A consequence is that the RN generates publicity through our visits to places other ships cannot go." A typical example of this was when sister P2000 HMS Charger featured in the Lancaster Maritime Festival earlier in the year. The little ship received 600 visitors in two days, the equivalent to a frigate hosting 12,000 people. • Smiles - page 20.

including the Percy Hedlcy School for

children with cerebral palsy and speech and learning difficulties. The welcome was not quite so warm for the destroyer's sports team, however - the footballers lost 4-2 to veterans team Tync and Wear Metro, and a rugby XV lost 25-22 in a hard-fought game against RAF Boulmer. Newcastle General Hospital, and the local Sea Cadet units, were also on the sailors' list of places to call. One old friend who was invited back to see his shipmates was Salty Bear, the official mascot of Marine Park First School in Whitlcy Bay. Salty joined the ship in Bangkok for the second part of her global deployment with Naval Task Group 2000, reporting back to the school about his adventures in places such as Russia, South Korea, China, Japan, the United States and Belize. Salty brought 25 of his classmates to tour his old ship.

• Cdr Steve Pearson has just delivered a gift from the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Tyneside, to her Antipodean

counterpart. Cdr Pearson was part of the all-conquering RN tennis team on tour to Australia, and as CO of HMS Newcastle, was delighted to carry a gift from Mary Carr to John Tate, Mayor of Newcastle, New South Wales. Cdr Pearson also presented a Scottish and Newcastle Breweries tennis shirt and a Barbour tic - both Tyneside companies who supported the tennis tour and arc affiliated to the destroyer. Cdr Pearson said: "There was a real sense of deja vu during a tour with the same place names and a very similar history in Newcastle NSW, with mining and ship-building, and now an extensive central redevelopment." •

HMS Newcastle's

Honour.

Guard

of

Pictures: LA(PHOT) Paul Punter.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

International Festival of the Sea draws 250,000 D

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DAY OUT EAVY rain on the Sunday did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowds at Portsmouth's International Festival of the Sea - as is clear from the picture here of the Princess Royal, who despite the downpour walked all the route with her husband, Commodore Tim Laurence, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Michael Boyce.

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The other days were fine, and the event attracted 250,000 visitors and was seen by a worldwide TV audience estimated at 300 million. Three years on from the city's debut - the first IFOS was held in Bristol in 1996 - the festival took on a triService flavour as it also formed the first regular replacement for the Royal Tournament. The Defence 2001 element saw the Army and RAF stage major displays along the jetties of the base, alongside the Navy, and all three Services were involved in the daily highlight demonstration, when RAF aircraft, including a Nimrod and a Tornado, flew over the base as Army and Royal Marines personnel battled it out with "rebels" in No 3 Basin, protected by Merlin, Chinook, Sea King and Lynx helicopters. More than 40 naval ships from 11 countries were represented, including the US Navy's new destroyer USS Winson S. Churchill. But the four-day festival - reckoned by organisers to

be the biggest maritime event ever held in the country - celebrated every aspect of the sea, and welcomed more than 500 classic and traditional boats to Portsmouth, from a tiny coracle to 26 Tall Ships. A bustling Georgian street market reflected on the past of the Historic Dockyard, and street theatre and parades ensured everyone had a chance to enjoy the entertainment. More than 2,000 musicians performed around the base, which allowed visitors into areas normally closed to the public, with music ranging from sea shanties to major concerts by big-name bands. One of the star attractions, as in 1998, was a Royal Navy aircraft carrier - queuing time to board HMS Illustrious was up to three hours, but the wait was rewarded with a tour around the ship's hangar, featuring several displays (including Navy News !) and on to the flight deck to inspect aircraft

and enjoy an elevated view of the festival. Other displays around the base featured merchant marine activities - from dredgers to cruise liners - diving past and present, the fishing industry, marine sport, traditional skills and the environment.

'£8

Pictures by LW(PHOT) Lou Baverstock and CPO(PHOT) Wayne Humphreys

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001 Options

People in the News

Happy birthday - have a nuclear submarine

THE SUBMARINE Flotilla's youngest Commanding Officer took control of Trident missile boat HMS Vigilant at sea - at the age of just 18.

• Patrick Harper.

Beginner's luck A STUDENT at HMS Sultan took full advantage of his first opportunity to enter the RN/RM Sports Lottery - by winning the top prize. MEM Patriek Harper, who recently started his Part II training in the Mechanics Training Group, collected a cheque for £4,000. He is due to complete his training next month.

Local Acting Cdr Stephen 'Ted' Heath assumed the role of Captain of the nuclear missile vessel for the day from Commander Charles Reid, to mark his 18th birthday. Local Acting Cdr Heath, from Birkenhead, made a spectacularly meteoric rise through the ranks, having joined the Navy less than a year ago as a steward. Quick to get on with the job, he issued a few summary reprimands

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in the Control Room then witnessed Ship Control Officer of the Watch training before inviting two shipmates from the Junior Rates' Mess to lunch in his cabin. Alter a briefing he held a Defaulters Table, weighing into Lt Matt O'Toolc for not filling in the wardroom meal selection board and handing down a comprehensive package of punishments, including "one man's rations a day instead of the usual two and one scrubbing-out session in the galley after scran." Presiding over Attack Team Training in the Control Room, a successful engagement pleased the new CO no end, and the Officer of the Watch, Lt Jim McGuirc, was amply rewarded with a cup of tea and a Wagon Wheel, brought forward by the Captain's PA, Supply Officer Lt Julian Haigh. Sensitive to the welfare of his crew of 140, who were just coming to the end of a nine-week patrol, he had Lt Haigh shaken whilst offwatch to authorise an issue of icecreams to the ship's company. On relinquishing command, Local A/Cdr Heath was afforded the night off to recover from what was a traditional and memorable 18th birthday at sea.

Shiner is a hero again PETER Wright has hit the headlines for the second time in two years by saving the life of a strick-

en motorist. Acting PO Diver Wright (31), known as Shiner, of the Northern Diving Group at Faslane, was on a training course at the Defence School of Transport at RAF Lcconficld, East Yorkshire, when he came across a motorist who had sustained minor injuries in an accident, then suffered a heart attack. Shiner, at the time a Leading Diver, and a Royal Engineer who was with him resuscitated the motorist and kept him alive until an ambulance arrived. The victim made a full recovery - and arranged for a pewter tankard to be presented to Shiner. Engraved on it are the words To LS Diver Peter Wright, who saved mv life on 16th November 2000. The tankard was presented to Shiner by the Commanding Officer of the Northern Diving Group, Lt Cdr David Turner. Back in 1999, while at home in Heywood on leave, Shiner chased two young thieves who had robbed a shop, and managed to detain one until the police arrived.

PWO wins sword Name: ..............................................................................

THE PRINCIPAL Warfare Officer in HMS Grafton, Lt Cdr Andrew Bctlon, has been awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Honour as top student on the PWOs' course at HMS Dryad. He was presented with his prize by Rear Admiral Roger Lockwood, Chief of Staff to Second Sea Lord.

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• Shiner Wright.

Date at Palace for Elizabeth i Local A/Cdr Stephen'Ted' Heath takes charge of HMS Vigilant.

German and Australian are honorary Highlanders A TEAM of sailors, including a German and an Australian, from a Devonport frigate took part in the Montrose Highland Games. The 21 men and women of Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose were led by Lt Jim Pirrie, from Inverness, who made his debut in the cabertossing event. Also in the team were exchange officers Kapitanleutnant Axel Schulz of the German Navy and Lt Chris Smith of the Royal Australian Navy.

HMS Montrose, which is affiliated to Montrose and Angus, was visiting her namesake town, and as well as joining in the Games the frigate team

helped out at the Special Needs games. The ship's Commanding Officer, Capt Tony Johnstone-Burt, said: "It's a terrific honour to be

able to take part in the games and open it on behalf of Montrose and Angus." It was only the second visit by the ship to the town, and as the frigate entered the narrow channel, the sound of a piper from the ship's affiliated regiment, the Black Watch, could be

heard across the harbour. More than 2,500 guests and members of the public visited the ship over the four-day stay. Family members joined Montrose for the three-day passage back to Devonport.

A NAVY widow who has spent 22 years working for Drafty has attended an investiture at Buckingham Palace where she was presented with her MI3E. Elizabeth Dean, whose son John is a LCH in HMS Newcastle, has been Course Liaison Officer for the past 14 years at Centurion Building in Gosport. Her husband, CPO John Dean, died while in the Royal Navy in 1991.

Naval Mass is celebrated Ex-CPO heads contract NAVAL students, cadets and per-

A FORMER CPO caterer has been chosen to head up a £4 million contract to provide catering and cleaning services to HMS Caledonia in Rosylh. Richard Richardson is area manager for Eurest Defence Support Services, and the four-year contract represents the company's first Naval contract. Richard (44) was chosen to lead the implementation of the contract because of his strong Service background. He is a RNR member, currently attached to HMS Calliope in Gateshead He spent I1) years in the Navy, and was senior catering rate at several sites, including HMS Cochrane, HM Naval base Rosylh, and RNAS Yeovilton.

sonnel from all RN establishments in the West Country have celebrated the Annual Naval Mass. The Trinity Sunday Mass and reception took place at the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady and St Boniface in Plymouth. Msgr Tom Burns, the Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain and Director General of the Naval Chaplaincy Service, led the congregation, assisted by the chaplains serving local establishments.

Admiral hands out the Dolphins after repairs to her reactor cooling system, and after an intense period of work-up she embarked for Pcrishcr duties in June, which led into the summer Joint Maritime Course, allowing budding commanding officers to take it in turns as Duty Captain for up to 24 hours at a time, opposing surface units, aircraft and other submarines. After weapons firings and noise ranging, Tireless, under the command of Cdr Mike Wallikcr. returned to Devonport to allow the ship's company to fit in some leave and base port time. • Dolphins all round: OM Baz Syrett, OM Dave Willis, Rear Admiral Rob Stevens, Vice Admiral James Grossenbacher USN, OM Nathan Benn, MEM Andy Salmon! and Lt Al Marshall on board

AN AMERICAN admiral was on hand to present Dolphins to members of the crew of HMS Tireless who completed submarine qualification during their boat's Pcrishcr duties. Vice Admiral John J. Grosscnbacher, COMSUBLANT, accompanied by Flag Officer Submarines Rear Admiral Rob Stcvcns, was in the T-boat for the final phase of the submarine command course. Because the boat was dived at the time, the Dolphins could not be delivered in traditional fashion - in a tot of rum. Tireless left Gibraltar in May

HMS Tireless.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 20(11

People in the News

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Darren loses fight for life T i l l - W I D O W of a sailor who died following a long struggle against leukaemia watched as her husband's Long Service and Good Conduct medal was presented at a ceremony at HMS Sultan. Darren Barton's father Ernest accepted the posthumous award on behalf of Darren's widow Julie and mother Mary. I.MEA Barton (36) qualified for the award by serving 15 years with an unblemished record, and was determined to return to sea. He had twice put the disease into remission, through two bone marrow transplants, but with an immune system weakened by a four-year struggle for health, he died as a result of multiple organ failure alter infections set in.

• FATHER and son met up when their respective units

came together in preparation for Exercise Saif Sareea. CWEM(O) Steve Rule, of the assault ship HMS Fearless,

met his son, Mne Ryan Rule, of40Cdo, currently serving in HMS Ocean as part of the Embarked Forces. The two Rules met while 40 Cdo carried out exercises on a training

package between ships of the amphibious force.

• From left: Mitchell Hamilton, LMEM Soapy Watson, CPO Russ Scott and Gordon Walker with

Subversion 1 and Clyde the Action Man.

Subversion plot at Faslane A GROUP from Clyde Naval Base at Faslane took inspiration from the Submarine Service for their entry to a special Robot Warx contest. Gordon Walker and Mitchell Hamilton, of the Department of Engineering, built Subversion I with more than a passing resemblance to a nuclear submarine. It was built in spare lime on a tight budget. Subversion I made its first public appearance at the Faslane Fair, where it attracted interest from youngsters, then it went off to war at HMS Collingwood, with the team augmented by CPO George Hyde. The Faslane robot was up against stiff opposition in robots such as Collingwood's Mega Hurtz and Robot Wars veteran Grim Reaper, and Bigger Brother. The Scottish team lost on the judges' decision in the

Reservists sweep up on course TWO RNR mincwarfarc ratings have become the first members of the Reserve to successfully complete the RNR professional minewarfare course at the School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS) alongside their Royal Navy colleagues. AB(MW) Paul Adams (HMS Calliope) and SEA(MW) Neil Robinson (HMS Caroline) undertook a series of training modules aligned to the RN OM2 course, but staged at weekends. Both regulars and reservists joined up for the streamed ship m i n e h u n t i n g phase in the minewarfare section of SMOPS. The Reservists had to pass the same exams and practical assessments as their OM2 colleagues. Cdr David Crone RNR, Commanding Officer of HMS Caroline, was present at HMS Dryad for the presentation of certificates, and commented upon how well the students had risen to the challenge. Lt Cdr David Fcarnlcy RNR, head of the RNR Minewarfare Training Group, praised the outstanding co-operation of the minewarfare section staff, who had

conducted the minehunting training, the RNR officers and Senior ratings who had instructed during the six weekends, and HM ships Middleton and Chiddingfold, which had conducted the two sea weekend training periods. This marked the end of an 18month process which saw the Minewarfare Training Group and RTO Lt Lee Thorne RNR work closely with the SMOPS Minewarfare section to design and implement in order to produce highly trained ratings for service in Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels.

Test pilot post A FORMER Navy pilot has taken up a prestigious new post at QinctiQ, once known as DERA. Cdr Christopher 'Charlie' Brown is the new Commanding Officer at the Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) - the first Navy man to hold the post since 1969. Cdr Brown joined the Royal Navy in 1973 and was awarded his wings in 1975. He became a rotary wing tutor at the ETPS in 1998.

Pilots back after injury TWO Navy airmen who were ejected from their Harrier trainer during a crash have returned to flying duties. Lt Cdr Andy Walsh and Lt Jim Blackmorc were on a training sortie in the Harrier T8 in November at RN air station Yeovilton, just hours after Jim had gone first solo in the Sea Harrier FA2. The sortie was Jim's fourth in the T8, and was to be his first attempt at hovering. During take-off on the station's dummy deck, the engine lost thrust and the plane crashed from the top of the ramp. Both pilots were ejected and landed yards from the aircraft, but sustained back injuries. Both arc now back flying with 899 Naval Air Squadron - Andy teaching new pilots how to fly the Harrier, and Jim progressing as a student, having safely negotiated trip 4 this time round.

Pals reunited TWO wartime friends have met up again after 56 years - thanks to the pages of Navy News.

Joe Griffin saw a notice in the paper from Lennie Church, and realised he was a shipmate he had last seen on board HMS Hogue en route from Liverpool to the Far East in 1945. Mr Griffin, from Ilford, agreed to meet Mr Church at the International Festival of the Sea. "We had a couple of pints, and we are going to keep in touch now," said Mr Griffin. "I must say, I got a little bit emotional. We were ABs together in that ship when she sailed, and we went all over - Tokyo Bay, up the Yangtse River chasing pirates, that sort of thing."

first round against Anvil from RAF Kinloss. Since then the robot has been in refit, with a weapons upgrade just in time for a local heat of Robot Wars, which it won through. The confidence of the team is not high; Mitchell Hamilton commented that "the robot is likely to be coming home in a bin bag." Colingwood's challenger against the RAF, Army, police and fire service was built by POs Robert Bell and Robbie Robson and OM Dave Goscombe, and the team from Fareham was said to be slightly more confident about the forthcoming battle. Robot Warx has become something of a cult show on

BBC2. Presented by Craig Charles, who made his name on Red Dwarf, the show features robots beating seven bells out of each other in a scries of eliminators.

• Neptune band members CPO Chris Randall, Ms Gillian McCallan, David

O'Hanlon and Ms Diane Hughes with Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham, president of the RNVB Association. Inset: Johnny Campbell.

Neptune man captures true spirit of band festival A VETERAN musician with HMS Neptune's

Volunteer Band captured a prestigious trophy at the Royal Navy Volunteer Band Festival. Johnny Campbell (77) of Helensburgh took

the Daedalus Award, presented to the person "best demonstrating the true spirit of the

Festival". The band, from Clyde Naval Base at Faslane, managed a hat-trick of trophies at the Festival, held at HMS Drake in Plymouth.

Collingwood Trophy for best drum display.

Forking out for Fully Comp on a car that's back home in a secure

problems of marching

area feels like a rip off. Because we're ex-Services ourselves, we

rehearsals while under attack from midges, Drum Major Adrian Green took third place for his orchestration of accurate wheels and manoeuvres, while the band was just pipped for the title of best concert band. Bandmaster C/Sgt Craig Burns said: "I was proud of the way the band performed throughout the day, showing professionalism linked with enjoyment and effort.

know you sometimes get stuck with a poor deal on the essentials,

And despite the

Alison Bonnar took the Manadon Trophy for

"The prizewinners in the band deserved their

best soloist with her performance on the euphonium, while the band was also awarded the

moment of glory, but the band as a team shone throughout the day."

just because of the job you do.

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12

www.navynews.co.uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

Back to business for Ark Royal

Options• FA2 Sea Harriers from 800 Naval Air Squadron land back on board HMS Ark Royal for the first time since 1994.

ONE OF the most evocative names in the Royal Navy is back in the public eye with the return of HMS Ark Royal from refit in Scotland. And as she sailed into Portsmouth, watched by thousands along the seafront, it was something of a dream eome true for her Commanding Officer, Capt David Snelson. As a fighter controller, handling

• (Left) The flight deck crew of

HMS Ark Royal brace against the blast of a FA2 Sea Harrier launching while the carrier was off Portland.

Buccaneers and Phantoms, the then Lt Snelson had stood on the (light deck of the fourth Ark as she entered Devonport on a cold day, ready to pay off. He could scarcely have imagined then that he would command her successor as she prepared to rejoin the Fleet, with a rcdedication in Portsmouth next month. "For me it's a real thrill and a privilege." said Capt Snelson. "It's really quite an emotional moment coming hack to Portsmouth. "She was made just a little hit longer and wider than the other

Hard work ahead THE FIFTH HMS Ark Royal was launched on June 2, 1981 and commissioned on November 1, 1985, the last of the three Invincible-class aircraft carriers. The ships were designed to carry Royal Navy Sea Harrier fighter aircraft as well as various helicopters, principally the Sea King. But the changing face of global politics has resulted in a

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much wider and more flexible role for these ships, and the

Ark is the most modern exam-

seven years.

ple, able to support Sea Harriers, RAF GR7 ground attack Harriers, and the new Merlin helicopter.

Ark Royal has already welcomed her Harriers back on board 800 Naval Air Squadron flew on and off the ship in the Channel off Portland last month, the first such flights in seven years.

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Pictures by PO(PHOT) Dave Coombs • HMS Ark Royal returns to Portsmouth after her refit in Rosyth and (above left) exercising off Portland in the English Channel, with Sea Harriers.

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Merlin trials are scheduled for later this year, and the ship will undergo the gruelling and exacting task of working up to a state of readiness through operational sea training. If all goes well - and the ship's company exudes confidence - then Ark Royal will take over the role of Fleet Flagship in the spring from her sister HMS Illustrious. Next year will also bring Ark Royal's first operational deployment in more than

RN01

carriers when she was huilt, and now she is very different. "She has had the same changes as Illustrious and Invincible in terms of her flight deck and operating RAF Harriers, hut Ark Royal is now modified to operate Merlin maritime patrol helicopters, so there has been a good deal of extra work on her." Capt Snelson said that he expected Ark Royal, as the youngest of the carriers, to serve into the next decade, and to carry on until the second of the planned 4(),(H)(l-ton carriers enters service. Ark Royal was alongside in Portsmouth for five years from 1994, still configured for Cold War anti-submarine operations, when she was taken to Rosylh for a refit by Babcock Rosylh Defence Ltd reported to have cost £147 million. Her captain said thai the cachet of the name meant they were not short of volunteers when the ship's company was formed. Some served in her two sisters, and have now completed the collection. Around 250 members of families of the ship's company sailed with the 20,000-ton Ark on her 42hour passage from Inc Forth, and Flag Officer Surface Flotilla, Rear Admiral lan Forbes, joined her off the Isle of Wight to witness her entrance to Portsmoulh. "I'm pleased to see her back, and she is coming back in much better shape," said Admiral Forbes, who commanded sister ship HMS Invincible. "Carriers strike a chord with people. They are big bits of merchandise and they make a big mililary-polilical slatement. As a nation, we arc very proud of her." A Merlin, a Sea King, and four Harriers flew past the ship in the

Solent, and she fired a 15-gun salute as she entered the harbour, escorted by the historic World War II motor torpedo boat MTB 102.

NAVY NEWS. OCTOBER 2001

www. navvnews. co. UK

13

Ships of the Roval Navy No 551

Options

Stalwart of the convoys

Facts and figures

HMS MIDDI.irrON is only the second ship in the Royal Navy to hear the name - hut her predecessor made her mark during the Second World War, when she amassed six Battle Honours in less than four years of active service. The Type 2 Hunt-class destroyer, huilt hy Vickers Armstrong, was launched on May 12. l l )41 and completed the following January . She displaced 1.050 tons, had a ship's company of 168. and could reach speeds of almost 30 knots. At first Middleton was engaged in providing support for minelaying operations in the Atlantic and anti-aircraft protection for the North Russian convoys, for which she won her first Battle Honour. In J u n e l')42 she was sent briefly to the Med for Malta Convoy escort duty - Operation Harpoon - and her second honour, before returning to the Arctic. When Convoy PO 17 suffered heavy losses in early July, 1942, Middleton and three other destroyers ferried food and other supplies to Allied ships in Murmansk to allow regular Russian convoys to resume. She escorted convoys OP'4 and OP 15. then remained on Russian Convoy local escort duties u n t i l February l'M4. by which time shehad been fitted with radar. A one-month refit in Bristol preceded a move to Portsmouth Command, from where she escorted ships of the I5lh Minesweeping Flotilla to the beaches d u r i n g Operation Neptune, helping the forces ashore by carrying out bombardment and anti-aircraft duties. She was later involved in the sinking of four enemy troop craft, and was damaged by shore artillery in September 1944. Middleton returned to Portsmouth in 1946 and remained in reserve u n t i l 1955. She was broken up in February 1958.

Class: Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel Pennant number: M34 Builder: Yarrow Shipbuilders, Glasgow Launched: April 27, 1983 Commissioned: August 15, 1984

Displacement: 750 tons fully loaded Length: 60.3 metres Beam: 10.3 metres

Draught: 1.8 metres

• Mine countermeasures - and sometimes fishery protection - vessel HMS Middleton.

Focus shifts to fish

THE HUNT class vessel is a versatile warship - and the past few months have allowed HMS Middleton to illustrate the type's range of capabilities. After returning from Exercise Argonaut 2000, 2001 began with Middleton part of the 'On Call Force', a fourstrong group at between two to five days notice to deploy for live operations. While maintaining operational capability, availability of equipment and planning capacity in an already tight schedule, the ship managed to squec/e in port visits around the UK, including Swansea, Liverpool, Glasgow and Cork.

Middleton also carried out route

survey operations off the south and west coasts of the UK, minehunting along specified important sea lanes, sharpening essential skills. There followed a Joint Maritime Course off Scotland, where the ship operated with Canadian. Dutch, French and German units, before Middleton returned to Portsmouth for some maintenance and a change of focus. When she sailed again at the end of April she was beginning a 12month attachment to the Fishery Protection Squadron, patrolling fishing grounds up to 200 miles offshore, with visits to Swansea and Cherbourg. Port visits in recent weeks included Brixham and Lowestoft attracting thousands of visitors at fish festivals. Weymouth. Newlyn

tantly, a seven-hour transit of the Manchester Ship Canal to allow her to tie up at Salford Quays, close to her affiliated town of Middleton in Rochdale. Greater Manchester Radio hosted a breakfast show on board, interviewing members of the ship's company, and a cheque for £450. mainly raised through the efforts of OMs Whorton and Root, was handed to the Alderman Kay special needs school Middleton, the seventh of the

glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) Hunt-class mine countermeasures

vessels.

can

conduct

Speed: 14 knots Complement: 43 (5 officers) Main machinery: Two Ruston-Paxman 9-59K Deltic diesels; one Deltic Type 955B diesel for pulse generator and auxiliary drive; two shafts; bow thruster Weapons: One 30mm gun; four general purpose machine guns Sensors: Type 1007 radar; Sonars: Plessey 193 Mod 1, hull-mounted, minehunting; Mil Cross mine avoidance sonar, hull-mounted, active; Main sonar Type 1059

both

minesweeping and m i n e h u n t i n g

operations. The ship employs towed wire and influence sweeps to destroy certain types of mine, and a remote-controlled submersible to destroy particular types of mine located and identified by her powerful sensors. • The sharp end of fishery protection duties - pages 22-23.

Arctic .................... 1942-43

Malta Convoys ..... 1942 Atlantic ................. 1944 Normandy ............. 1944 English Channel ...1944 North Sea ............. 1944-45

(where she was guardship for the festival), and, perhaps most impor-

AIRCRAFT OF THE ROYAL NAVY

No 60

Fairey Fulmar THE FAIREY Fulmar was the Fleet Air Arm's first purpose-built, carrier-borne fighter to match the eight-gun armament of land-based Spitfires and Hurricanes. And it came at a crucial time for the Royal Navy, struggling to protect its Mediterranean convoys from the depredations of the Axis air forces. Developed from a light bomber project, the Fulmar, engined with the Rolls-Royce Merlin, first flew in January 1940 and just six months later, production Fulmar Is were entering service. They soon were deployed with 808 Naval Air Squadron in HMS Ark Royal and then with two other squadrons. By 1941 the improved Fulmar II was available, and five more squadrons received the aircraft which replaced such obsolete types as Blackburn Skuas and Rocs. Although deficient in speed - due to its having to accommodate a navigator to ensure its safe return in bad weather - the Fulmar was popular with its pilots who liked its endurance and, despite its size, its manoeuvrability. It enjoyed marked success, too, against Italian bombers - in six weeks in 1940, 806 Squadron in HMS Illustrious accounted for ten of them and another six enemy aircraft while covering the Swordfish attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto in November that year.

Fulmars in HMS Victorious also conducted the night reconnaissance which enabled Swordfish to make their successful attack on the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941. Its performance notwithstanding, the Fulmar also had its moments when ranged against aircraft as potent as the Messerschmitt 109 Fulmars of 800 and 809 Squadrons in HM ships Furious and Victorious shot down four of the German fighters during the FAA's attack on Petsamo in the Arctic. Fulmars also took part in the landings in North Africa and Sicily and, as night fighters, provided cover for Russian convoys in 1944-45. A total of 600 Fairey Fulmars were built equipping 16 Fleet Air Arm squadrons and flying from ten fleet and five escort carriers. However, the aircraft had disappeared from the front line by mid-1943 to be replaced by much more capable types such as the Seafire. The last Naval squadron to carry the type on strength was 700 which had Fulmars for training purposes until 1946. The Fulmar I (pictured) was powered by the 1,080hp Merlin VIII which gave it a top speed of 280mph. It had a climb rate of 1,200ft a minute, a range of 800 miles and a service ceiling of 26,000ft. It was armed with eight Browning machine-guns in the wings, with some aircraft carrying a Vickers gun in the rear cockpit.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001 Options

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

www. navy news. co. uk

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clear of borrowing more money to pay off existing debts, without first seeking independent adviee. The first step is to eonlact all creditors - they cannot help unless they are aware of the circumstances. They can also provide full details of the sum owing, arrears, penalty charges and the like, to allow all the options to be considered. Once the size of the problem is clear, a list of priorities can be drawn up, according to the guide. Certain debts take a higher priority than others - the penalty eould be imprisonment, losing a home, or losing goods or services. Thus debts such as mortgage repayments, tax bills and electricity charges must be dealt with before turning to secondary debts such as bank loans or catalogue sales, for which penalties may include county court judgments. The next step should he taken before any offers of payment are made, and that is to draw up a financial statement, including all sources of income and all spending. This should be revised constantly as circumstances change. Step four is to maximise income - t h a t may mean ensuring all allowances are claimed, such as the Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support and the Working Family's Tax Credit. Consideration may even be given to taking in a lodger, or seeking part-time work. I3y aiming to maximise income, not only will financial shortfalls gradually be eroded, but creditors will be reassured that the problem is being tackled in a practical fashion, and that all options are being explored. Expenditure should also be subjected to the same rigorous review. Variable items such as fuel bills

can be averaged out over the year, and the use of budget plans, tokens or stamps can help. Can the cost of running a car be justified - is the school run a vital use, or are there other ways of getting there? Other expenditure such as leisure costs, holidays, cigarettes, alcohol and lottery tickets may also be challenged by creditors. Be realistic in seeking to pare costs - this may be a blueprint for some time to come, so concentrate

on reducing non-essentials rather than basics such as food or heating. The stage is now set for negotiations with creditors, in priority order, again writing to them and setting out the reasoning behind your payment offer. And if the matter goes to the courts it may be a blessing in disguise - the legal rights involved can help solve financial problems while ensuring all dealings are fair. Within the Navy there are other options for those facing debt prob-

lems - normally the Divisional Officer is the initial point of contact, but senior UPO staff, the Naval Personal and Family Service (NPFS) and RM Welfare SNCOs can also help. Apart from certain security implications, referrals to NPFS or RM Welfare are usually covered by codes of confidentiality. For more details, see the RSR website at www.r.ir.t>ri;.iik, telephone 023 9229 W)%, or call the

Credit Action Freephone Helpline on 0800 591084.

Scottish Widows selected by MOD T

HE MOD has selected Scottish Widows as provider of its stakeholder pensions and Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme for the Armed Forces. Following a rigorous tendering process, the Scottish Widows Stakeholder Pension Plan will now be made available to more than 200,000 regular personnel and 50,000 reservists within the Services. Eligible personnel will include existing members of the Armed Forces Pensions Scheme for concurrency and all reservists. As sole provider of the AVC scheme, Scottish Widows will be the first company to offer a

money purchase plan to Forces personnel allowing them to make 'top-up' payments to their occupational pension scheme. Armed Forces minister Adam Ingram said: "Stakeholder pensions are part of a wider government initiative to ensure that there is proper pensions provision for all. "I am delighted that we have secured this arrangement for the Armed Forces. "This important initiative will allow all members of the Armed Forces earning under £30,000, including the Reserves, to bolster their pension." Mark Waring, senior manager of corporate business at Scottish Widows, said: "Scottish Widows is delighted to be selected as the provider

for such a prestigious organic sation. "We are committed to providing a comprehensive administration and communications package for the Armed Forces and are looking forward to working closely with their pay

and pensions staff in order to meet the needs of all Forces personnel. "We believe that this win reaffirms our commitment to being a first-class pension provider in both the AVC and stakeholder market. "This latest win for Scottish

Widows comes on the back of many major appointments for both group AVC and industrywide stakeholder schemes during 2001."

Are you in safe hands? WITH the demise of the Independent Insurance Company there has never been a more important time to consider who we trust to look after our insurance requirements. For Service personnel the problem is increased further as your lifestyle may not be fully protected by (he usual 'off the shell" insurance solutions. So how can you tell whether the insurance company or broker you are using is sound? What can you do to ensure that the Independent-type crash dcsn't happen to you, and how do you cope if something docs go wrong?

It could be you...

In truth, there is nothing to stop it happening to you! So what happens if you are insured with Independent or the same thing happens to your insurance company? Firstly is the scenario when a company continues to trade but does not take on any more new business. In this situation your claims will still be met and there is no need for you to rearrange cover until the renewal date of your policy. Your insurance broker will then find an alternative company for you. If the insurance company is forced to cease trading immediately, then alternative arrangements will need to be made straight away, and you may also have problems in getting any existing claims settled. You will, however, be entitled to compensation from the Policyholders Protection Board, a fund set up 25 years ago, to which all insurance companies contribute for just this eventuality.

What form of compensation

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can you expect? For motor insurance you can expect 100 per cent compensation for third party liabilities, but for other cover such as home insurance then you will only receive 90 per cent compensation, and unless yours is a hardship case you will need to wait some time for your claim to be settled. You will also be able to claim back 90 per cent of the unexpired portion of your insurance premium, but you may have to pay more for the replacement cover.

Are you covered for Service contingencies?

Even if your insurance company is sound, arc you certain that you are properly covered if you need to make a claim? Contents insurance that covers you if your home is temporarily unoccupied or if you choose to move in tenants is an everyday requirement for Service personnel, but many home insurance companies won't cover you or impose considerable extra premiums. Similarly, you should check that your travel insurance covers you for Service cancellation and that your personal accident cover includes war risks (although war between the major powers is usually excluded). What action can you take to safeguard your interests? With so many insurance companies involved in acquisitions, mergers and re-branding it is no longer easy to sign up with a company thai you instinctively feel comfortable with.

Your broker is better placed to

evaluate the strength of the insurer he is placing business with. A new regulatory body has also recently been formed - the General (Insurance Standards Council (GISC), which applies stringent examinations to ensure the viability of companies and brokers offering insurance services. Therefore, both your insurer and broker should be members. If not, ask them why? When choosing your broker you should also examine how equipped

'He says you to take a lie detector test first!'

they are to deal with your lifestyle as a member of the Services. Mere again an organisation has been set up to help you. SIIAP, the Service Insurance and investment Advisory Panel, is a collection of authorised insurance and independent investment advisers, recognised by the Ministry of Defence, and operating on behalf of personnel in the Services.

Members of SIIAP operate to a strict code of practice and all are specialists in their own area of expertise. Details of member firms arc available at Navy Unit Pay Offices, Army Regimental Admin Offices and from RAF stations at the offices of OC7PMS. Alternatively, check the website at www.siiap.orK

or

WHAT do you do when you learn that a close relative has passed away and they have recently changed their will to give it all (or most of it) away to an unexpected or undeserving person very often someone with whom they had close contact towards the end of their life? You could just say that life's just not fair and simply carry on with your own life or you could decide to do something about it! Several things can be checked including (a) Was the new will validly executed? (b) Was the deceased of sound mind and under no pressure from anyone when he or she signed it? (c) Did the will make provision for those people whom one (or the court) would expect to be provided for and for a reasonable amount of money? Claims can be made to establish (a) and (b) above to declare the will invalid, and if there was no earlier will, for the estate to be divided under the rules on intestacy usually giving it back to the next of kin in fairer shares. A 'caveat' lodged at the Probate Registry can prevent the issue of a Grant of Probate to dispute the later will.

An application to the court under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 to deal with (c) above can change the dispositions in the will in order to make reasonable financial provision for a spouse or former spouse or child or a person who was being 'maintained' by the deceased, but claims must be lodged before or within six months of the Grant of Represenation to the estate. Whatever the circum-

stances, take advice quickly from your local and impartial solicitor at Biscoe's Solicitors. For details of their free initial 30-minute Advice Scheme, contact Jean Evans or Geoffrey Salvetti at Southsea on 023 9282 8661,

Ellis

Calvey

or

Michael

McCredie at North End, Portsmouth, on 023 9266 0261, Alison Lee or Shirley

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or Gill Foley at Wickham on 01329833249.

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The information in this article was provided by SIIAP, an advisory panel of authorised insurance and independent investment advisers specialising in offering services to members of the Armed Forces. Members range from small, 'one-man bands' to national institutions with dedicated militarey departments

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

www. navy news. co. uk

Monevwise

Options

Are you in safe hands? WITH the demise of the Independent Insurance Company there has never been a more important time to consider who we trust to look after our insurance requirements. For Service personnel the problem is increased further as your lifestyle may not he fully protected hy the usual 'off the shell" insurance solutions. So how can you lell whether the insurance company or broker you are using is sound? What can you do to ensure that the Independent-type crash desn't happen to you, and how do you cope if something docs go wrong? It could be you... In truth, there is nothing to stop it happening to you! So what happens if you arc insured with Independent or the same thing happens to your insurance company?

Firstly is the scenario when a company continues to trade but does not take on any more new business. In this situation your claims will still be met and there is no need for you to rearrange cover until ihc renewal date of your policy. Your insurance broker will then find an alternative company for you. If the insurance company is forced to cease trading immediately, then alternative arrangements will need to be made straight away, and you may also have problems in getting any existing claims settled. You will, however, be entitled to compensation from the Policyholders Protection Board, a fund set up 25 years ago, to which all insurance companies contribute for just this eventuality. What form of compensation can you expect? For motor insurance you can expect 100 per cent compensation for third party liabilities, but for other cover such as home insurance then you will only receive 90 per cent compensation, and unless yours is a hardship ease you will need to wait some time for your claim to be settled. You will also be able to claim back 90 per cent of the unexpired portion of your insurance premium, but you may have to pay more for the replacement cover. Are you covered for Service contingencies? Even if your insurance company is sound, arc you certain that you are properly covered if you need to make a claim? Contents insurance that covers you if your home is temporarily unoccupied or if you choose to move in tenants is an everyday requirement for Service personnel, but many home insurance companies won't cover you or impose considerable extra premiums. Similarly, you should check that your travel insurance covers you for Service cancellation and that your personal accident cover includes war risks (although war between the major powers is usually excluded). What action can you take to safeguard your interests? With so many insurance companies involved in acquisitions, mergers and re-branding it is no longer easy to sign up with a company that you instinctively feel comfortable with. Your broker is better placed to evaluate the strength of the insurer he is placing business with. A new regulatory body has also recently been formed - the General (Insurance Standards Council (CISC), which applies stringent examinations to ensure the viability of companies and brokers offering insurance services. Therefore, both your insurer and broker should be members. If not, ask them why? When choosing your broker you should also examine how equipped

15

'He says you to take a lie detector test first!' they are to deal with your lifestyle as a member of the Services. Here again an organisation has been set up to help you. SIIAP, the Service Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel, is a collection of authorised insurance and independent investment advisers, recognised by the Ministry of Defence, and operating on behalf of personnel in the Services.

Members of SIIAP operate to a strict code of practice and all are specialists in their own area of expertise. Details of member firms arc available at Navy Unit Pay Offices, Army Regimental Admin Offices and from RAF stations at the offices of OC/PMS. Alternatively, check the website

WHAT do you do when you learn that a close relative has passed away and they have recently changed their will to give it all (or most of it) away to an unexpected or undeserving person very often someone with whom they had close contact towards the end of their life? You could just say that life's just not fair and simply carry on with your own life or you could decide to do something about it! Several things can be checked including (a) Was the new will validly executed? (b) Was the deceased of sound mind and under no pressure from anyone when he or she signed it? (c) Did the will make provision for those people whom one (or the court) would expect to be provided for and for a reasonable amount of money? Claims can be made to establish (a) and (b) above to declare the will invalid, and if there was no earlier will, for the estate to be divided under the rules on intestacy usually giving it back to the next of kin in fairer shares. A 'caveat' lodged at the Probate Registry can prevent the issue of a Grant of Probate to dispute the later will.

An application to the court under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 to deal with (c) above can change the dispositions in the will in order to make reasonable financial provision for a spouse or former spouse or child or a person who was being 'maintained' by the deceased, but claims must be lodged before or within six months of the Grant of Represenation to the estate. Whatever the circum-

stances, take advice quickly from your local and impartial solicitor at Biscoe's Solicitors. For details of their free initial 30-minute Advice Scheme, contact Jean Evans or Geoffrey Salvetti at Southsea on 023 9282 8661, Ellis Calvey or Michael McCredie at North End, Portsmouth, on 023 9266 0261, Alison Lee or Shirley Dotterill at Waterlooville on 023 9225 1257, Roger Salvetti or Gill Foley at Wickham on 01329 833249.

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www.navynews. co. uk

16 NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

Edinburgh shows off down south

Still more scope for Skill Force

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MANY children returning to school this a u t u m n have already hencfitted from the Ministry of Defence's Skill Force initiative. Now operating in 47 schools in 11 regions, it has given 1.20(1 children the chance to develop life skills which will improve their employment prospects. The initiative is being rolled out after highly successful pilot schemes in Newcastle and Norfolk. Children from the six pilot schools improved attendance, attitude and overall acadcic performance. per mic The new schools are in The Leicester, Great Yarmouth, Islington, Birmingham, Nottinghamshire, Rochdale, Knowslcy, Coathridge and Bristol. Secretary of State for Defence Gcoff Hoon, speaking at the Armed Forces Careers Convention, said: "Skill Force is just one example of how the Armed Forces work with the community. "Although not a recruitment project, Skill Force does help us to raise the profile of the Armed Forces as a career option amongst youngsters."

Vintage cars at Yeovilton VINTAGE cars mingled with vintage aircraft when the Aston Martin Owners Club took 15 of their members' cars, dating from the 1930s, to visit the RN HistoricFlight at RN air station Yeovilton.

AFTER a busy and eventful passage south, including a full round of defence diplomacy and exercises along the Pacific coast of South America, HMS Edinburgh arrived in the Falklands to take over from HMS Glasgow on Atlantic Patrol Tasking (South). Since then she has been engaged in a routine of patrols, including visits to the many settlements of the Camp.

Best of Collingwood youth on parade HMS COLLINGWOOD Volunteer Cadet Corps held their End of Term and New Entry Passing Out Divisions in the Armoury, the salute being taken by the establishment's Executive Officer, Cdr David Durston. He awarded prizes to Tom Batty (Best Cadet), Jamie Schneider (Best Dressed Cadet) and Liam Perkins (Best Sporting Achievement). A Certificate of Promotion was also awarded to Mrs Cheryl Bell, now a chief petty officer. Cheryl has been helping in the administration of the VCC unit for the past eight months - her four children are all cadets at Collingwood. • Cdr Durston presents the award for Best Dressed Cadet to Jamie Schneider.

Settlement visits have been carried out on both East and West Falkland and the visit teams have been well received by the islanders, treated to tea, cake and even roast lunch, reports Lt Cdr Phil Watcrhouse. The Type 42 destroyer hosted guests including Commander British Forces Falkland Islands for a demonstration of the ship's capabilities and naval life at sea. Later residents of Port Stanley also enjoyed a day at sea, when the ship's Lynx helicopter demonstrated its capabilities, as did two

RAF Tornadoes, a C130 Hercules, a VC10 and a RAF Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter. The Stanley Sea Day marked the conclusion of a highly successful weekend visit to the Falklands capital when some of the ship's company went further afield to

visit memorials at Bluff Cove and Tumbledown. The official reception on board

was attended by nearly 60 guests, including the Governor, Donald

Lamont. The ship visits Montevideo and South Georgia before returning to the UK in mid November.

And now we are six - for the time being NUMBERS of Royal Navy people working at HO British Forces Cyprus have recently doubled - to six. Backed by two Royal Marines, the RN contingent at Episkopi are employed in all branches of the HO, including operations, logistics, intelligence, personnel and communications. However, the 3,500 Army and RAF personnel in Cyprus will soon see Dark Blue numbers dropping back to normal levels. RN Liaison Officer Lt John Bower pointed out to Navy News that the 100 per cent increase had come about through a combination of staff handing over and short loan appointments.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

www. navvnews. co. uk

HeMna Hands

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New ship weighs in

Long swim is over RN CHAPLAIN Mike Brother- journey in January, and ton has completed a 237- aimed to cover the distance mile swim in the pool at RN by December. air station Culdrose, coverHe said he was delighted ing the distance from Helston to finish well within his time limit, but had not yet calcuin Cornwall to Portsmouth. Anglican padre Mike lated how much he has renowned for his imaginative raised for the Sharron Davies

NEW warship HMS St Albans has made her mark in the charity field with a sponsored cycle ride from Scotland to the Home Counties. The six cyclists from the last of the 16 Type 23 frigates rode 428 miles from Glasgow to St Albans in six days, raising at least £1,500 for the Royal British Legion. Some £650 was collected en route. Four of the six riders were ship's company, with the other two from the MOD's resident project staff. Supported by a further six people, the team was announced in St Albans by the city's Town Crier and greeted by members of the RBL and the RNA. Halfords were a major contributor to the project, donating bikes and storing and servicing them en route.

fundraising events, such as

'Swim for Life' campaign.

the Charlie Chaplain walk and a scooter ride through England - began his epic

research into muscular dystrophy.

The money will be used for

• Mike Brotherton celebrates with champagne at the end of his marathon swim. With him is Revd Stan Kennon, Church

of Scotland and Free Churches chaplain at Culdrose.

• The 800 NAS walkers reach the end of the road: from the front, Mark Quince, Bricky Brickell, Bomber Horners, Si Merrill, Si Bourne, OIlie Dale, Smudge Smith, Greg Mason and Brad Bradley.

• Drugs bust - page 19

Kent forges on HMS KENT is already generating more funds after handing over a £4(X) cheque. The frigate is on a seven-month deployment to the Gulf, and has already planned several events to boost funds for the Catholic Children's Society. Laura Richardson, of the Kentbased Family Makers branch of the Society, approached CWEA Bungy Williams on hearing the CPOs' Mess had raised £400 through horse racing nights and the mess fines box. The group provides places for children aged between 5 and 14 who have suffered a multitude of abuses.

Tree planted MEMBERS of 848 Naval Air Squadron helped raise £250 to commission a commemorative oak tree at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The tree, backed by 848 NAS Malaya Association, was planted in memory of members of the wartime squadron. Sir Roy Beldam, an Avenger observer in 1945. came up with the idea. Lt Martin Folding and CC Gary Holman, serving members of the Yeovilton-based squadron, attended the planting with members of the Association.

A blistering display NINE walkers from 8(K) Naval Air Squadron overcame blisters and injuries on a 200-mile trek which raised more than £3,000. Team 8(K) covered the distance from RN air station Yeovilton to RAF Cottesmore in eight days. Three sets of charities will benefit from the walk; 800 Naval Air Squadron's chosen charity, the Institute for Brain Injured Children, RAF Cottesmore's chosen charities, and South Witham Community School in Lincolnshire, which will use the

money to buy PE apparatus. The team received plenty of support along the way - the Army, RAF and TA provided accommo-

PETTY Officers from destroyer

October.

submarine went to their affiliated town at the Mayor's invitation to witness the switch-on of the famous Blackpool Illuminations. RS Paul Swaby, CPO Justin Beatty and LS Scan Reader took

Three cheques SAILORS from HMS Montrose have presented three cheques, for £200 each, to the ship's charities the Angus Riding for the Disabled School, Dorward House Residential Home, and Angus Playsehemes for Special Needs Children.

dation en route, Yeovilton supplied a support vehicle, and organiser CPO Mark Quince ensured that clothing, food and drink, first aid, routes and timings were all in order before they set off, as well as liaising with local police and other organisations. Other groups supporting the cause included Sir Donald Gosling's Gosling Foundation, Bullimores of South Witham, Rutland Plastics, Bourne Textiles, Warners Midlands and RFC Containers. A squadron auction day at Yeovilton, with prizes including five tank driving day tickets, also boosted the final figure.

Further details are available from KGFS London Marathon, 8, Hatherley St, London SW1P 2YY, tel 020 7932 0000, fax 020

7932 0095, email seafarers@kgfs.org.uk, or see website www.kgfs.org.uk m HMS NEPTUNE will be field-

ing a team in the race for Sparks, Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids. To join the Faslane team, contact Cassie on 020 7340 0685, email run@sparks.org.uk

Bandie on the run BAND C/Sgt Peter Curtis and colleagues from the Royal Marines Band are to cycle from Lands End to Portsmouth to raise money for the Cancer Research Unit at St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth. Any sponsorship would be welcomed via Marie Loney, PRO at HMS Collingwood, on 01329 332312. Peter is bandmaster of the establishment's Volunteer Band.

Submariners head for bright lights town's hospital a good turn into the bargain. Three ratings from the nuclear

MEMBERS of the Royal Navy and QinctiQ (formerly DERA) working in the Bahamas have presented a computer and printer, school books and children's games to Central Andros High School. The Britons, working on annual equipment trials at the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (AUTEC') ranges, passed on equipment which had been collected by staff at the Maritime Warfare Centre at Portsdown. School principal Robert Deal accepted the donation, along with payment for a two-year subscription to an Internet service provider. Funds had also been raised through a horse racing evening at AUTEC, organised by WO Tim Capcl and other British staff.

Runners sought for marathon teams

York project

SUBMARINERS from HMS Splendid headed for the bright lights of Blackpool - and did the

high school

A NEW Neighbourhood Watch scheme, supported by RN groups, has been introduced to Helensburgh married quarters estates. The scheme is managed and supervised by the RN Service Police HQ Scotland, in a joint initiative between MOD Police and RN Police. The scheme has also won the backing of Strathclyde Police. The scheme will cover around 1,000 properties, of which 800 are Service and the remainder private.

KING George's Fund for Sailors is seeking entrants to run in their colours in the Flora London Marathon on April 14, 2002. KGFS has 25 guaranteed places in the race, and with ballot entries the charity fielded 34 runners this year, collecting more than £16,500. The closing date is October 19, but KGFS need entry forms for processing by early

HMS York have raised £651 for the Millennium Project at St Leonard's Hospice in York, for a new in-patient annexe and redevelopment programme. Of the total, £344 was raised by PO Alf Newman, who ran in the London Marathon for the appeal.

AUTEC boosts

New watch scheme

Marathon row tops up fund THE MASTER at Arms of HMS Coventry, David Harris, knew the ship's Families Day was going to be a bit of a pain. Not because of the families MAA Harris had chosen to row 42,000 metres, the distance of a marathon, on the day. David, who ran the Inverness Half Marathon in March and the London Marathon in April, completed the row in 2h 51m. The money was presented to the British Heart Foundation, adding to the £4,000 or so already raised in marathons and half marathons by David.

17

the opportunity to hand over a cheque for £450 to the children's ward at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The money was raised as a result of Paul Swaby's efforts over the summer, when he successfully completed the Dumbarton and Helensburgh 10km runs. Paul said: "Most of the money

came from the lads on board, and I got some from family and friends.

"I raised money for the children's ward five years ago and this was a good chance to do something

again." HMS Splendid, based at the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane in Scotland, has been alongside conducting an extensive maintenance package over the past 11 months. She returns to sea for training this month, and will be ready for tasking again next year.

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18

www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2(K)1

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SWAN SONG AT SOUTHPORT AN 819 Sqn "cab" photographed on the beach at Southport with the Royal Navy Historic Flight Swordfish W5856 overhead during the squadron's last visit to the annual Sea Front Air Show. Due to disband in March 2002, 819 Sqn has been a regular visitor to the show in past years. It will lose its anti-submarine warfare role in November but will main-

tain its search and rescue job. The squadron's last ASW aircraft is currently embarked with HMS Chatham and is set to return to HMS Gannet in December. 819 Sqn was originally formed in 1940 as a Swordfish squadron and saw service throughout World War II until it was disbanded in 1945. Reformed in 1961 as a Wessex ASW squadron, it moved from its home in Northern Ireland at RAF

Ballykelly to RN air station Culdrose in 1971, where it re-equipped with Seakings before finally shifting to RN air station Prestwick.

Colour laid UP for Coastal Forces vets HMS SUTHERLAND was in Falmouth to support the Coastal Command Forces veterans Association as they laid up their Colours at the town's annual Sea Sunday Service and Parade.

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It was a particularly poignant afternoon as the veterans have paraded there every year since World War II. The ship's company provided the Parade Marshal, in the guise of CPO(OPS)(M) Jock Rennic and a contingent of Junior Ratings for the service and parade organised by Falmouth branch of the RNA. The Sutherland's Commanding

officer, Cdr Paul Thomas, took the salute during the march past. He said it was important that the ship's company acknowledged the

Coastal Forces on such an historic occasion.

"Naval history is all about sacrifice, about people who gave a great deal to defend our shores and sov-

ereignty," he said. "The members of the Coastal Command Forces Veterans Association did sterling work during the war, and it is with great sadness, I'm sure, that they lay up their Colours as their numbers

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"As serving members of Her Majesty's Navy, we are proud to acknowledge the debt we owe these men and women by honouring their Colours in their final year on parade." The Coastal Command Forces were founded to provide protection to shipping close in to the UK's coast during the early stages of World War II and one of its

Motor Torpedo Boats was the last vessel to leave the beaches at Dunkirk.

As the war progressed, their role expanded to mounting raids on the enemy coastline and by the end of

the war they operated as far afield as the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas.

In 1944 Coastal Command units acted as navigational leaders for the D-Day landings - and so hav-

ing been the last out of Europe at Dunkirk, became the first to return. Despite laying up their Colour into the care of the Church, the

Association is not disbanding and will continue to meet to remember old comrades. HMS Sutherland arrived in the town after post-maintenance trials and sailed four days later to con-

duct a further trial of her gunnery system. While in Falmouth she hosted a number of visits from local schools.

A cocktail reception allowed invited members of the local community to see at first hand one of the

Navy's newest Type 23 frigates while being entertained by the Caledonian Pipes and Drums.

The ship has now completed a comprehensive four-week sea training programme and is due to

exercise with the Norwegian Navy towards the end of the year as part

of the UK's commitment to NATO. • Cdr Paul Thomas takes the salute from the Coastal Forces Veterans as they march past, under the watchful eye of CPO Jock Rennie.

www. navy news. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2(K)1

The right place at the right time

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in the open sea. Lt Nigel Cunningham, the observer in the Lynx flown by Lt Steve Gamble of 815 Naval Air Squadron, said: "We had only just launched for a routine surface search, as we had been dong since the deployment began, when we picked up a radar contact. "The radar gave the speed of the

vessel at about 27 knots, which is fairly high.

"We closed it to investigate, and when we got to about five miles it was clear this was moving at high speed, which aroused our suspicions. "When we got to within about a

mile we could see it had all the classic qualities of what is known as

a go-fast - high-speed boats with lots of outboard engines on them. "In the front were approximate-

ly 25 fuel drums for the long

things go at. They use all the tricks of the trade, and lay up overnight

under tarpaulins. "The only real chance of detect-

ing them is if they are under way at speed, when you can probably • Lynx pilot Lt Steve Gamble (left) and Flight Commander and observer Lt Nigel Cunningham.

they were starting to get into the

island, reefs and cays along the

elled once more and returned for another hour to help at the scene

coast of Belize - they were getting into confined waters.

before being released.

"They were altering course fairly regularly - they were probably trying to find an escape route.

"It was a question of just keeping going, and putting them under pressure.

"It appeared the go-fast was going for a stretch of water straight between two islands, but at the last minute they turned hard right and straight into one of the islands -

were just going straight on their

black, so we were really on the limit. We were going round in circles over

"It was very rare for them to look up at the helicopter - they looked up perhaps two or three times in all. They were quite determined to crack on. We were doing this for about an hour when we returned to Coventry to refuel, and we also had a machine gun fitted to the aircraft - it took about ten minutes. "It was just getting dark, so we used the thermal imaging camera to re-locate them, and by this time

> The go-fast seen from Coventry's Lynx.

because of the sheer speed these

Caribbean crossing. "Most of them come from Colombia, and they often rendezvous with another vessel in the middle of the Caribbean, so they would get a few hundred miles. "It was probably heading for the border between Belize and Mexico. "We tried to contact them by radio, we tried waving at them, but there was no response at all - they

course.

Frigate is a model example

time, on these anti-smuggling sweeps, and such a success has an effect on the whole ship. The Commanding Officer of the frigate, Capt Philip Jones, said: "There was a sense of achievement on board the ship. "We arc very keenly aware that actually catching a go-fast is very difficult indeed for a warship

HMS COVENTRY was conducting anti-smuggling exercises with Belize defence forces when she tracked down a drug-laden power boat

straight up the beach and about 200 yards inland at about 40 knots. "It was quite a low-lying island, quite swampy with waist-deep water.

"We were getting a bit tight again for fuel by now, and it was pitch the go-fast on the beach. "We used the trainable lamp, although by this stage we had pretty much lost contact with the guys." By this time two patrol craft of the Belize Defence Force had arrived, guided in by the helicopter

circling and shining its powerful lamp on to the abandoned boat, and they found a tonne of cocaine

Lt Cunningham - who was number two in HMS Argyll's Lynx when it provided vital air support

seeing one, so we were very much in the right place at the right time.

"The patience of the snips that were here before us paid off."

Capt Jones said the frigate was on a four-day exercise with the Belize Defence Forces and Belize police trying to improve interac-

stop very quickly," said Capt Jones. "They are pretty determined to sec it through. With that amount of contraband on board they arc obviously going to think of their pickings - and perhaps the retribution which might follow if they fail. "We try to harass and harry them into making a mistake, or so that they run out of fuel, or perhaps the sea state deteriorates, so they will do something dangerous and lose their boat. "An American frigate recently

tracked another go-fast, and the boat went over. The crew had to be rescued. "So our best tactic is to harry

them and put them under pressure. "It did have a very positive effect on the ship's company. "I had tried to steel them against

the fact that we might not be successful in spotting any boats - but we struck lucky, and they are buoyed up by their success. "They are quite numbed and flattered by the interest in the UK. "But there is also a sense of

business as usual - we have another two-week patrol to look for

another boat." Capt Jones said he was pleased that the ship was proving a useful

asset so late in her Navy career.

unusual to actually find one of these boats. "It was also very rewarding, the fact that all the training and procedures clicked into place.

tion between the forces in tackling smugglers. The chase proved that such

efforts are paying off, and demonstrated the single-mindedness of such drug-runners.

"One thing that became very clear was that they were not going to

"This is our final deployment -

we decommission after we return to the UK," he said. "I am delighted that we were

sent on such a deployment in the months before we decommission, so that we can get the best out of

A DEVONPORT warship is the inspiration behind an exhibition designed to encourage people to cut pollution and waste. Visitors to the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, have been learning how RN ships reduce pollution at sea through a

detailed model of Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland, built by former marine engineer Peter Williams. Peter served in the cruiser Cumberland in the 1950s, when she was trial ship for several projects, including paint, decking, an automated 6in gun and Formica tops on tables. Mr Williams decided to build a 1:28 scale model. When he visited the current ship at Devonport for research, he was so taken with her that he built a model of that ship as well. That model is now demonstrating how warships dispose of waste. Aquarium interpretation officer Rolf Williams said: "With more than 250 crew, HMS Cumberland produces as much waste as a typical street. "There is sewage, plastics, fuel and all the usual litter to be considered. Nowadays this waste no longer goes over the side. "Peter's model draws attention to the fact that modern ships are cleaner than ever and that means

Plymouth Sound is, too. "If a Navy frigate serves as a model of good waste

management, how tight a ship do we run at home?"

the ship until the very end."

"We get training in low-level operations over the sea at night, so

all that kind of thing helps. We were quite familiar with all that.

"There could have been danger - at times we were flying quite close to them to get their attention.

"It would have been very easy

worth up to £80 million.

for them to have whipped out a small arm and had a pop at us."

At the request of the Belize forces, the Royal Navy Lynx refu-

twice a day, for about 90 minutes a

• USS Winston S. Churchill arrives in Devonport.

detect the wake. "Royal Navy warships can go through a whole patrol without

'... we returned to Coventry to refuel, and we also had a machine gun fitted to the aircraft ...' during the Sierra Leone hostage crisis last year - said the air crew's training had proved invaluable. "It was quite exciting - and quite a surprise. Although this is what we're here for it's quite

19

Helicopters generally patrol

Picture: LW(PHOT) Susan Rose (HMS Drake).

Churchill tours and trains ONE OF America's most powerful ships, bearing the name of an illustrious Briton, has been drawing huge crowds on her first UK visit. And the man responsible for navigating the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer is Lt Angus Essenhigh, the first RN officer to fill a

permanent Royal Navy billet in the 9,200 ton ship. The Winston S. Churchill made her first overseas appearance at the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth, where she was escorted into harbour by the historic motor torpedo boat MTB 102, which had carried Churchill and

Elsenhower to view the D-Day fleet in the Solent in 1944. A total of 36,000 visitors queued for hours to

climb on board the US ship over the weekend.

She then steamed to Devonport for a twoweek tailored training package under the auspices of Flag Officer Sea Training. The brand new ship - she was only commissioned in March this year - subsequently set out to visit a number of UK ports, with Cardiff,

Edinburgh and Newcastle on her schedule. The latest Arleigh Burke destroyers - Winston S. Churchill is the 31st of a planned class of 51 -

are considered by experts to be the most powerful ships of their size in the world. She is only the 16th US warship to be named after a foreign national - the fifth named after a

Briton - and the only one currently in service.

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www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS. OCTOBER 2001

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MARITIME FESTIVAL

MEET THE NAVY

LANCASTER , EASTER ZflQl

'You can stuff all the students you want into cabs for a skylark, Mid - but our visitors like a bit more space!

NEWSVIEW

Veterans mark 60th anniversary of Dervish's run to Russia

Hanging offences, past and present W ITH all the coverage and speculation that has flooded the media following the terrorist attack on the United States, further comment may seem superfluous here. But the strike on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon was immediately compared to Pearl Harbour 60 years ago. That was first of all an attack on naval forces - and naval forces will today inevitably be in the front line of any military response. The Royal Navy is in the forefront of operations against a whole raft of problems that confront us in the post-Cold War era - an era that now seems paradoxically even more fraught with uncertainty.

In hindsight, things were so much simpler when the superpowers were anxious only to maintain a balance. Since then, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the lid of Pandora's Box, hitherto kept firmly down by both parties, has been raised time and again; it is not likely that the recent conflicts in the Gulf and the Balkans would have emerged under the old order. The Royal Navy has had to deal with no less than 12 live operations in the past year alone - and the war, now fully declared, against terrorism has occupied part of its thoughts for several decades. In the same period it has also had to deal with civil wars in Africa, the scourge of piracy on the high seas - of growing tempo and ferocity in recent years - and with the drugs menace, in which huge sums of money are involved and which likewise threaten all our security and civilisation. Last month saw a major drugs bust delivered by one of HM ships. When a strike of equal value was delivered by another RN unit several years ago, it was buried by the news of the first crisis in Bosnia. A fortnight later, when Navy News featured the story, it was picked up by the media at large and given some measure of its true worth. We only make this point to underline the fact that America's tragedy, huge though it is, is only part of the problem that faces us both, as part of a naval police force that is now pushed to the fore as being a key element in addressing international concerns. Some of these go back a very long way. The Royal Navy's Fishery Protection Squadron, for instance, reflects those that date from medieval times - and today deploys the most modern surveillance techniques to combat them. Seven hundred years ago they were hanging offences, too.

Wyllie's bequest P

ORTSMOUTH Cathedral celebrated the 150th anniversary of the famous marine artist W. L. Wyllie's birth with an exhibition of sketches and his earliest work, never before seen in the city in which he made his home for most of his working life. After his death in 1931, both the front and back pages of the Daily Mirror were devoted to his funeral obsequies. It is hard to imagine such a tribute being paid to a marine artist or any artist, come to that - by a popular tabloid newspaper today. Wyllie left a much wider legacy than his pictures. He played a major role in the creation of the Society for Nautical Research, and in the dry-docking and subsequent restoration of HMS Victory, centrepiece of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It is not going too far to say that, without Wyllie, the

Historic Dockyard would not be the international attraction it is today - and so the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth might never have happened, either.

• Veterans on the flight deck of HMS Campbeltown hold a service to commemorate those who are "left at sea". The wreck of one of the Arctic convoy ships, Passat, lies below.

TRIBUTES TO CONVOYS AMD TO THE KURSK

M S C A M P - North Russia Club travelled from to those who died on board the UK to join their Russian counKursk." B E L T O W N the The three ships spent a day conterparts for what may have been, went to Russia owing to their advancing age, their ducting a number of exercises to play a cen- final pilgrimage of this kind. together against air, surface and They attended ceremonial mili- submarine targets including live tral role in honours, a wreath laying cere- firing of rocket-propelled depth commemorations to mark tary mony and a reception in their hon- charges (Russian) and guns from the 60th anniversary of the our followed by fireworks. both Services. first Allied convoy to delivThere was a fly past by an RAF i-J Repairs to HMS Campbeler vital supplies to the for- Nimrod. First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Nigel town's damaged propellers were mer Soviet Union. Esscnhigh was represented by being carried out in Norway by

H

On August 31,1941 - 70 days after the outbreak of war on the Eastern Front - the convoy codcnamcd Dervish arrived in Archangel.

It took ten days, braving ice cold seas in which a man overboard would survive only two or three minutes, and was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious, the cruisers HMS Devonshire and

Suffolk and 12 destroyers and minesweepers. Convoys continued until the end of the war and succeeded in delivering almost a quarter of all war

materiel received by the Soviets during the conflict - four million tons of food, arms and equipment.

In over 40 separate convoys to Russia, out of 811 merchant ships

Rear Admiral Mark Stanhope, Director of Operational Management Headquarters NATO Allied Forces North. Admiral Stanhope was in command of HMS London when she visited Murmansk and Archangel in 1991 to mark the 50th anniversary of Dervish. Earlier the Campbeltown passed the meridian where the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk lies - and, at the request of the Russian Navy, laid a wreath there in memory of the 118 men who died in her. The Service held on board, which was also attended by 15 British and Russian Arctic Convoy

91 were sunk. There were few survivors. On the return trips a further 35 ships were lost. Some 23 of HM

veterans, began with a lament played by a Scottish piper.

ships sent to guard them were also sunk. Dervish 2001 was organised as a celebration of this co-operation

ship's Commanding Officer, Capt

and in memory of those who did

not return from it. The Devonportbased Type 22 frigate Campbeltown spent two days in Murmansk where she joined the Russian Federation warships Zadorniy and Alexander Otra-kovski for passage to Archangel.

Some 70 veterans from the

Royal Navy divers as Navy News went to press. The ship, which had run

aground near Tromso, is being worked

on

by

members

Devonport, and it is understood that the repairs carried out will be

permanent. The Campbeltown will undertake basin trials to test the repairs, then return to the UK as planned. A ship's investigation has been launched into the grounding.

Royal Navy divers are trained to carry out repairs in situ in instances such as steering gear failure and propeller damage.

An introduction was given by the

Ahstair Halliday, and after a minute's silence a moving tribute

was made by Capt 1st Rank Anatoly Gavrilovich Uvarov, a former submariner and professor of

the Lenin Naval Engineering College. Capt Halliday told Navy News:

"We were in the Barents Sea to commemorate the Arctic convoys,

but we were honoured to be asked by the Russians to pay our respects

of

Southern Diving Unit 1, from

• HMS Campbeltown fires a 21 gun salute on arrival in

www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

21

The Royal Navy's oldest squadron, the Fishery Protection Squadron, is also its biggest in the front line. In a special threepage feature for Navy News, Lt Cdr John Waring explains it has much more to do than just worry about -

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THE PRICE OF FISH The FPS can justifiably claim to be the oldest squadron in the Royal Navy. As early as 1379, Yarmouth established its own armed fishery protection vessels. And in 1586 the Admiralty sent a ship to patrol the North Sea fishing grounds during the herring season - for which service it paid £100 per annum. Each autumn herring fishermen from Britain and other North Sea countries congregated off East Anglia and disputes inevitably arose. In those days, fishing crimes were classified as piracy and the culprits were hanged from the gallows at CrossSands, an offshore sandbank near Great Yarmouth. Nowadays the same offence is called poaching and those found guilty are merely fined. Among the many famous captains who have served with the FPS is Horatio Nelson, no less - in command of HMS Albermarle in 1781. The ratification of the North Sea Convention of 1883 (an international convention for regulating the policing of the fisheries in the North Sea) saw the majority of seafaring nations with fishing interests there agree to regulations for maintaining good order among fishermen. Fishery protection vessels distinguished themselves by flying a blue and yellow squared triangular pennant. Known as the International Fishery Protection Pennant, it is still flown by ships of the FPS engaged in fishery protection duties to this day. In 1891 the gunboat HMS Hearty became the first fulltime fishery protection vessel. Ten years later the squadron consisted of three ships based at Port Edgar near Edinburgh and by 1907 this had increased to seven ships. The 1960s and 70s saw Ton-class minesweepers involved alongside the first of the Island class, which was launched in 1977. In the 1990s the Squadron was actively involved in the "Tuna Wars" in the South West Approaches to the English Channel as well as in effective policing of the controversial North Sea sand eel fishery. In 1975 the FPS transferred to Rosyth and then moved to its present base at Portsmouth in 1994.

• ON PATROL: HMS Dumbarton Castle (foreground) and HMS Leeds Castle

'Ready to fight and win across a broad front' ROM late 2001 FPS, highlighting the valuable task all ships in the Squadron perthe Island-class that form. These versatile ships will be ships will be able to operate with helicopters replaced progres- and could be used in maritime sively by a new counter terrorism, anti-drug suror pollution control roles generation of Offshore veillance as well as their core tasking of fish-

F

Patrol Vessel.

HMS Tyne, the first of three River-class OPVs, is currently under construction at Vosper Thornycroft's Woolston yard in Southampton. The contract was signed in May this year and the ship is due to start her first patrol in December 2002. The River class will he leased from Vospers, initially for a five year period, and maintained by the company under Contractor Logistics Support. The ships will he bigger than the Island Class, with a length of 80m and displacement of 1,700 tonnes. They will be available to the Royal Navy for 320 sea days a year. This will be averaged across the three ships to allow extended maintenance periods (probably no longer than 12 days) as required. With an upgraded standard of accommodation - twin berth cabins with en-suite facilities for junior rates - these ships will represent some of the most modern and capable vessels in the Royal Navy. The River class will be manned on a three watch system with a seagoing complement of 28 and a ship's company of 43. The watch routine will be based on a two week rotation with each watch completing a month at sea followed by a two week stand down. The introduction of the River class has drawn attention to the • Below: artist's impression of the new River-class Offshore Patrol Vessel with (left) the first of class, HMS Tyne, in build at Vosper Thornycroft's yard at Southampton.

ery protection.

HMS Severn and HMS Mersey will follow HMS Tyne into service at six month intervals. The FPS represents the Royal Navy in the front line of home waters patrolling. Each ship and every person in the Squadron plays a vital part in sustaining the complex tapestry of Economic

Exclusion Zone control. As a new era dawns with the advent of the River class, the FPS stands ready to fight and win across a hroad front - from "Fish Tale to Fighting Teeth". • Lt Cdr John Waring is the Royal Navy's Fishery Protection Inspector. See over page.

Free Internet for the Navy NOW! Fed up with waiting for S L O W connections? When you dial into MilNetUK, your call is terminated on a modem in Telehouse in London, at the very centre of the Internet Visit www.milnet.uk.net Our service is tailor made for servicemen/women, there is no compulsory sign up* - we do not wish to know your name and address. (We know you are rightly nervous about giving your personal details to strangers). Our service is available to all members of the UK armed forces (serving and retired), their families and friends Every minute one of our subscribers is on-line will contribute towards a donation to service charities MilNetUK can be used from home or from work Every subscriber will have • Unlimited Internet access • Unlimited e-mail addresses using a choice of domains (incl yourname@royal.navy.org.uk • Up to 5 Mb free web space • Access our help lines Support for all modem standards, including ISDN (64k and 128k) There are 3 ways to get on line. • Send for our FREE CD which contains a host of software (eg IE ver 5, Outlook, etc), and is easy to install, (see below for details of where to write to) • Visit our Website (www.milnet.uk.net) and download our Connection Wizard program. • If you are running Windows 95 or 98, you already have all the software you need, read the small print below and get started on MilNetUK today. (Detailed instructions on how to setup Win95/98 are also on our web site) • In order for you to have access to our helpline and for us to allocate your free e-mail addresses, we must issue you with a customer number and password (We choose the number, you choose the password)

We also author web sites, register domains, and host them on our servers. (Info, e-mail jim@milnel.uk) The small print. If you wish to use our system to be connected to the internet straight away, please read the details below, if you need further assistance or help, please send for our FREE CD which has details of our helplines or visit our website. Our access number is 0845-6389845 In Windows 95/98 Dial up Networking you need to set up the username to "guest" (without the quotes) and password to "guest" (also without the quotes). After connecting to the internet, please visit our website at http://www.milnet.uk.net. to register you e-mail address(s) and for further information.

MilNetUK is a private limited Company run by retired service personnel. For free CD write to MilNetUK, PO Box 4111, Blandford Dorset, DT11 7YH, and quote ref NN1

IFWS O(1OBI R 20(11

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" BOARDERS AWAY: Boats are launched at long range to minimise risk of detection.

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satellite

position reports, - evertsing O -ONE is uptialed every two hours, you to got ng pershadowed it 'at extreme radar suade you that range before launching an early morning, long-range hoarding to measuring 22 afford minimum risk of detection. tonnes C. of I As one of your ship's three uualimixed species in the hold of fled Itritisli Sea Fisheries olfkcrs. a foreign fishing vessel. 15(1 it was your turn to he Boarding Officer, miles out in the south 13)' 11am all 22 tonnes of fish Western approaches on a have been assessed by you and cold January morning is d your assistant and compared with pleasant occupation, writes ligures declared in the skipper's

Lt Cdr John Waring.

It is made even worse by the at" that you arrived on board by scahoat at 6am alter a tour mule transit in sea state 4 As Officer of the Watch of an RN Fishery Protection Vessel you spent the previous evening tracking the boat you are now inspecting. It was first spotted by an aircraft dedicated to aerial surveillance of fishing vessels around the British Isles, its position relayed to you by secure radio link.

- he is fishing records required by law to record his catch daily. You were not able to speak the crews native tongue, but you had to tell him there was a problem with your assessment. Catch offences of the nature you suspect are liable for a maximi'im tine of ÂŁ50,($Xi, if sueccssfutly prosecuted. After discus.sini your analysis via radio with the fisheries authoritics in London, are instructed you 10 detain the fishing vessel into Milford I lavcn, nearly 2($) miles away, for further examination.

S

I

" ROUTINE INSPECTION: Lt Goi4on Btoc1ington, Operations Officer in HMS Middleton, can demand to inspect any fishing vessel within British Fishery Limits

this is anyway going to cost ili skipper around th,l)tKI in lost fishing opportunity for each day lit, boat is away from the iishin grounds. You have also asked him to hati I in his nets for inspection - liii which you have needed his eo operation! As well as eflforciflg the law, one of your roles - is to educate the fishing community, on aspects of' fisheries legislation. You have had to establish hether (if the he was aware European Union Fishing Vessel

Monitoring System regulations that have just come into force. Five hours into your inspection, the fishing vessel's crew are getting a hit restless. They have been at sea for nine days and can see their hard-earned share of the

profits slipping away. The owner is later irosccuted at Milford Haven Magistrate's Court - you are a key witness and fined ÂŁ67,500. Immediately after, the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency delivers another order for payment of 40,(Xl in fines from unpaid previous offences ... This is the task of the Fishery, l'ri ficet ion Squadron the Royal Navy's oldest squadron - on call throughout the year. The fishers limits of England. Wales and Northern Ireland cover over SI OM)(f square miles of sea and stretch 20(1 miles from the coastline and the Squadron has authority to hoard any British or foreign vessel within British Fiherv limits ( Bl'Ls) and any Britishregistered vessel anywhere around thc globe. Within HFts lie some (it* the world's richest fishing grounds. created by the comparatively shallow European continental shelf. Sixty per cent of all fish landed in the European Union is caught within these waters and at any one time there may he more than I JMXI vessels fishing within IIFLs. 'Ilic I-PS works in conjunction s tb Sea Fisheries the from the Inspectorate of Environment. Department Food and Rural Affairs (IWFRA), administering the laws and international agreements governing sea fisheries. Comprehensive aerial surveillance is provided b~ Direct Flight Aviation Ltd. Aircraft employed in this way arc distinguished by the callsign 'Watchdog'. 'fliey fly over

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" CONSTANT WATCH: HMS Shetland on patrol in the British Fishery Limits - 80,000 square ,rules of sea stretching out 2) miles from the coast. on which the Government unonievery square mile of E3FLs on tors the uptake of fish stocks, iiverage 36 times a year. Watchdog aircraft are also used negotiates fishing agreements with in night-time surveillance, where other nations and formulates contheir high-resolution infra-red servation measures. By providing

Sixty per cent of all fish landed in the European Union are caught within British Fishery Limits equipment is capable of seeing the wires that fishing vessels use to tow their nets -so confirming that are they actually fishing. I'hutographs of them lowing t Ii is can he used as evidence in gear court. By day, the aircraft fly low enough to enable the aircrew to read the name of each vessel sighted. Vessel identity and positional information provided by Watchdog is then used by FPS to the "surface ships help compile picture" of fishing vessel activity. lb reinforce this, each Fl'S ship can access satellite-derived information from which the position of most high seas fishing vessels can he plotted. Information on the amount of fish caught is transmitted to fisheries managers on a daily basis. Ii forms part of the overall picture

this data. the Royal Navy has a valuable role in the management of tine nations fish stocks. While the majority of fishermen are law-abiding and fish legitimately, there is no doubt that the presence of a Royal Navy ship acts as a deterrent. Not all methods of fishing we mutually compatible. Fishing wiffi trawls and towed dredges may lead to conflict in areas where fixed fishing methods - lobster pots, for example - are in usc. Fishing for certain species of fish or within distinct sea areas. such as sensitive spots in the middle of the English Channel. may lead to friction. Fishermen have been known to manoeuvre at high speed and in close proximity in each other, shining their searchlights into bridges and threatening to fire hares.

Fl'S ships are required to separate these vessels to prevent injury and reduce the chance of an international incident, 'the Boarding Team comprises an officer, who is the qualified Fisheries Officer British Sea IISI:0) accompanied by an assisLint (ABO). BSFOs include the irnimanding Officer tiiget tier with the First Lieutenant and either the Gunnery or Operations Officer, depending on ship type. BSFOs complete a three-week course run training jointi between DEFRA and the Fl'S include detailed study ol 'tiipics legislation but a key feature I' recognition of fish and shellfish () they have to distinguish over

species!

well as being file oldest. (lie Fislic r Protection Squadron is also the largest ron t line squadron in the Royal Nay. The purposebuilt Island-class vessels. lIMS Alderney. Anglesey. (iuernsc\. Lind isla me and Shet land form the backbone of the FI'S Offshore Division. Up to four I-hunt-class mine countermeasures vessels (M('MVs) also undertake a 12-IS month roulement with the FPS and form the inshore I)is ision. II MS Middleti in, ( 'hiddingfold. I lturworth and llrocklcsbv are the I hunt MC 'MVs currently assigned to ('ommander Fishery Meanwhile Protect ion. 11 MS

NAVY NI V'S. (XTUl3IR 21)ttl

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Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron -

Detention ol fishing vessels into commercial ports around the UK. sometimes at night. may require navigational plans to lie cortilifled al short notice. Search and rescue operations are frequent and involve the whole ships company. In the past IS nioritlis. these have varied from assistance to yachts in the North Last Atlantic to recovering downed aircrew. Also. the ITS tins been called upon lo provide a command platform for a Maritime and Ctsistguard Agency-instigated maritime disaster exercise. The fur hunt-class M('MVs are pivotal in the wider military utility of the HIS. As well as ful-

filling a large share of routine

explosive experts tin Etrolling, o4ard are involved in the safe disof World War II mines posal trawled up by fishermen. HMS Dumbarton Castle and Leeds Castle are stationed on in basis in the South alternating Atlantic for a three-year period. They provide the permanent seagoing Royal Naval presence in the region tinder the direction ot Commander British Forces lalkland Islands. ['he military and eisilinn of the J 'V arc comprehensive, han rig i cope with the normal id the maritime patrols in iii - ivi ron iii en I ally hostile and i emote part of th world as well its I lie possibility of acting asnCon) mand laikurrn in the event of a major Incident. The mission of the 1111V is one if deterrence achieved through an overt maritime presence in an area sx hich includes South ;eorga some 551) miles to the south east. It conducts in-theatre joint exercises with Army and RA[; units in order to enhance its capability- Support to the Resident Infantry Company, curthe (iurkhas. includes rently embarking up to 121) members of

coin-capabilities require-mew

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oper-ational "

" STANDING GUARD: The Fishery Protection Squadron maintains a permanent presence in the South Atlantic. to sonic ol the less accessible areas of 1 he islands for insertion by boat

i uutlvu rig and remote settlements during routine

Defence system.

More than just the price of fish, then - the Fishery Protection Squadron casts its

or helicopter. With its Air Picture Radar, the ship call he tasked at any time to provide radar cover arid contribute to tile Falkland Islands Air Reassurance to the local population is achieved through the

Patrols. lhe l'hI'V also contributes to the national task of I)ctcnce l)iplomiiev hr conducting lorcign visits to South America.

t-

" SIZE MATTERS: Lt Cdr Mark Hart, commanding officer HMS Middleton, checks fish to ensure they comply with regulations.

Leeds

I )umlirton Castle and Castle alternate as Falkland Islands Protection Vessel. When 1101 stationed in the South Atlantic. they maybe used in protection around the UK, in refit or tasked as an M(M Command Platform. [.'I'S ships are ideal platforms for training and practice of a variety of scan) :inshi p and warfarerelated skills - and they conduct

fish-..-y,

moreire frequent sc ahi Ia I launches than any other RN squadron. Young Officers have an excellent opportunity to reline their navigational skills in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The nature of the business involves close quarters rnanoeuvnng within 411(1 metres of ii fishing vessel and the ability to react to their often unpredictable move111c111%.

0 MORNING CALL.

information an the

iiitount of fish caught is transmitted to fisheries managers on a daily basis.

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www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

At Your Leisure

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A 'pannikin navy?' Not after the Emden, it wasn't

First blood: how the RAN won its spurs he Royal Australian Navy is 100 years old this year. It made its mark early on. First Australian involvement in the Gallipoli campaign was by a naval vessel, the submarine AE2 although it was the deeds of the "Diggers" ashore that captured the popular imagination and created the Anzac legend.

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The event that really put the RAN on the map, so to speak, actually occurred even earlier -

on November 9, 1914, when the light cruiser HMAS Sydney destroyed the German

raider Emden. The story is told

in The Royal Australian Navy (Oxford University Press) edited by David Stevens, Vol III of the Australian Centenary History of Defence.

Since the Sydney, commanded

by Capt (later Vice-Admiral) J. C. T. Glossop, RN, had the edge over

Emdcn in speed, range of guns and weight of metal, the result of the action - one of the few single-ship

encounters of World War I - was never really in doubt. Nevertheless, Glossop underestimated - as did British naval authorities generally - the effective range of the German 105mm guns and Emdcn made the first hits just after 0940. Sydney suffered four men killed and more than a dozen wounded, but these were the only RAN casualties. Thereafter, Glossop kept his dis-

tance, eking maximum advantage from his heavier weapons. Emden made only a dozen hits in total, and her fire soon slackened as Sydney's gunnery began to tell. By 1100 only one German gun remained in action and the Australian crew watched in awed fascination as a large fire took hold of Emden aft and their enemy crumbled. First the foremost funnel toppled, then the foremast, the second funnel, and then finally the third. Incapable of firing back and hoping to save lives, Emden's captain, von Muller, made for North Keeling Island, where the ship grounded at 1120. Sydney disengaged and sped after Emden's collier, Kuresk, which had come up during the action. Overtaking her shortly after noon, Glossop was unable to pre-

of the

"fMo'nth All NEW subscribers will receive 6 FREE postcard size pictures to kickstart an exciting and interesting collection of ships of the Royal Navy ONLY £10.50 FOR 12 MONTHS The featured ship for August is HMS Argyll. To receive a postcard size picture of her and of the next eleven featured ships, simply phone 023 9282 6040 or send your cheque/PO for £10.50 to the address below. Each month you will receive a glossy photograph helping you to build a comprehensive and interesting collection.

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Or buy online at wwvw.navynews.co.uk

• FIRST BLOOD: A cutter from HMAS Sydney takes off survivors from the grounded wreck of the Emden. vent her crew scuttling their ship to n't even tell how many men there and at the cost of a handful of lives, avoid capture. had been." seapower had removed the only Sydney had returned to Emden The final German toll was 134 immediate threats to Australian by 1600 and Glossop was surprised dead and 65 wounded from the 316 security. to find the German Ensign still fly- on board. Von Muller survived the In direct consequence, troop ing. After an inconclusive engagement, and Glossop allowed convoys were able to cross the exchange of signals, he closed in to him to keep his sword as a mark of Indian Ocean without escort for 4,000 yards and reluctantly fired respect. more than two years, and no soltwo further salvoes. The ensign dier was ever lost as a result of Sydney's surgeons workenemy action on his way to the immediately came down and the ed non-stop for more than Germans displayed a white sheet Middle East. 40 hours attending to the on the quarterdeck. In any accounting, this was an wounded - only four of extraordinary achievement whom died while in their summed up by the "bush poet" care. cenes on board were Banjo Patterson, then working as a some of the most horriEmden's earlier exploits had war correspondent: "We can hardfying Glossop could ensured that von Muller was sin- ly believe that Australia's first imagine: "My God. naval engagement could have been gled out for praise in the Allied what a sight!" he wrote. press, and the quality of Sydney's such a sensational win, for our peo". . . everybody on board was victory against a brilliant and cun- ple are not seagoing people and demented by shock, and fumes, ning foe was therefore all the our navy - which some of us used and the roar of shells bursting greater. to call a pannikin navy - was never among them. She was a shambles. The world's newsmen remarked taken very seriously." Blood, guts, flesh and uniforms Few people would make the on the far-sighted statesmanship same mistake again. From Navy were all scattered about. One of that had seen the creation of the our shells had landed behind a gun News to the RAN - "Happy 'King's Australian Navy' and the shield, and had blown the whole Birthday, one hundred definitely action had important strategic congun crew into one pulp. You could- sequences. In a matter of months not out."

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Britannia took some beating FROM her launch in 1897 right to the end of her phenomenally long career, which spanned four decades, King George V's yacht Britannia was famous for excelling in strong breezes.

She is maritime artist Steven Dews' all time favourite yacht and features several times in A Cloud of Sail (Airlife £35), a sumptuous collection of 55 of his works. Even well reefed and against much more modern yacht designs, she took some beating right through to the end of her life - which came when, on the King's orders, she was scuttled after his death by the Royal Navy off the Isle of Wight. She is seen here (foreground) pitched against Lulworth, Westward and White Heather II in the 1926 season.

www.navvnews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001 25

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At Your Leisure

Navy stars who won all the prizes

Devastation on delivery

The 1872 painting by William Frederick Mitchell of HMS Devastation comes from the National Maritime Museum collection and illustrates the jacket of Birth of the Battleship by John Beeler (Chatham £35). Her 14in armour was, at the time of her design, "impervious to any gun afloat except the largest at close quarters" but the rapid growth in the power of ordnance at this period meant that it was already inadequate by the time she was commissioned.

HE OFFICER corps of the Royal Navy during the long wars of 17931815 was one of the most suecessful military cadres in history, winning the vast majority of its battles, often in the face of daunting odds.

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The most glamorous and highprofile group was undoubtedly the frigate captains - often portrayed as the eream ol'lheir profession. Because independent action and rugged individualism were essential to their stories, it is not surprising that naval novelists have done much to foster the image. But is it true?

In Star Captains - Frigate Command in the Napoleonic

Wars (Chatham £20) Tom Wareham looks at the nature of frigate command and asks how and why such officers were appointed, what was expected of them, and how they were rewarded.

The picture that emerges is one of conscious selection and "fast track" promotion - not merely young men serving an apprenticeship before moving on to the command of a battleship, but a real elite with specific and highly prized skills. The romantic image portrayed in the novels of C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian was indeed close to the truth - frigate captains were outstanding officers whose careers followed separate paths from their less talented contemporaries. They were also, to a very great extent, in it for the money - not a charge that can be made at their modern counterparts. The real life Edward Pellcw, memorably portrayed by Robert Lindsay in the Hornblower TV series, did very nicely, thank you, from prize money awarded from the capture of ships. Against this, the author notes, a frigate captain's pay failed to keep pace with the enormous inflation between 1793 and 1800 and by the end of the war only increased enough to bring it back to its original worth.

Lowdown on sniping, plus Russia's top guns revealed w

ITH Sniper - The Techniques and Equipment of the Deadly Marksman (Salamander

£20) Sgt Major Mark Spicer has created something of a controversy - surely the ways of a

trained killer are better not described in such close detail?

ScreenScene

by Bob Baker

The Hunley - secret weapon of the South HE AMERICAN Civil War: cannons and cavalry, soldiers in grey blazing away with

T

muskets at soldiers in blue over a low

stone wall. But in fact the conflict had important naval aspects, too, and since it took place in an era of both sail and steam, gave rise to all sorts

of historical and technical curiosities. The Hunley tells the story of one such curiosity. During the Federal blockade of the port of Charleston, the Confederate army decided to try its luck with a submersible - you wouldn't want to call it a submarine - and came up with the Hunley, a Jules

Verne-like contraption, in which the eight-man crew turned the propeller by hand-crank. The film describes the set-backs (two separate crews were drowned during trials), the friction (between army and navy, between English and Irish crew members), the demand for results (Donald Sutherland on authoritative form as the Confederate general) - all against a background of regular bombardment from the Yankee warships off-shore. Finally the Hunley was deemed ready for action, though its weapons delivery system clearly left much to be desired: the "torpedo" (which would be termed a mine in later parlance) was mounted on a pole attached to the vessel's bows.

You might think this a pretty suicidal method of warfare, and you wouldn't be far wrong. In 1995, exactly 130 years after the engagement - the wreck of the Hunley and that of its victim, the Housatonic,

were found lying side by side. Hollywood madc-for-TV movies generally aren't much good, but this is certainly one of the better, more unusual examples. It's obviously a low-budget

affair, but the miniatures (of the warships and of Charleston harbour) arc detailed and quite convincing, and the digital manipulations aren't too annoyingly obvious. The film has already premiercd on satellite television, will doubtless be showing up on a terrcstial channel before long and is also available on video cassette. At anv rate it will be considerably easier to sec than Q-Ships, a British silent film of 1928. This old movie's topicality today relates to the post-refit return of HMS President to her berth (since 1922) on the Thames, between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. She was launched during World War I as, indeed, a O-Ship - tasked with seducing German U-boats into surfacing by posing as an unarmed merchantman, then opening fire with all sorts of concealed ordnance. Lt Cdr Harold Auten, who dreamt up the idea, and the great Earl Jellicoe himself were credited on the film as "technical advisers". Incidentally, a 1931 Hollywood movie, The Seas

Beneath, purported to show how Q-Ships were

devised by the US Navy. Indignant Brits retorted that in fact the Americans had spurned the subterfuge throughout the war. Evidently here is one of those controversies that recurs in different forms on a decade-by-decade basis.

Actually, it is his critics who are off target. "These days we are trained to take out equipment as much as

people," he says. "You write off his radio, and the enemy can't talk to each other. We save more lives

than we take." The subject is much in the news lately, with the film Enemy at the Gales, the so-called true story of a duel between two snipers in the ruins of Stalingrad. In fact, the Russian crackshot Vassili was probably the creation of Stalin's propaganda people, though the Soviets did produce many top-class marksmen - several of them women.

One of the most celebrated of these is Mila Pavlichenko, whose story is told by Albert Axcll in

Russia's Heroes (Constable

£18.99). Her marksmanship during the

defence of Odessa, on the Black Sea Coast, was the talk of the entire coastal Navy. Her fame became worldwide. Invited to America by Eleanor

Roosevelt in 1943 - before the Second Front opened in Europe, she brought the house down at a lunch in Chicago: "I am 22-year-

old and have already destroyed 309 enemy soldiers who have

invaded my country - I hope you will not hide behind my back for too long."

The book has an interesting section describing the activities of Russian submarines of the Northern Fleet - including a successful, if inconclusive attack on

the Tirpitz. Whether K-21 actually scored a hit is slightly questionable - that it got close enough to get off its torpedoes is not.

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HMS HERMES 1923 & 1959 By Neil Met art or the first lime in one volume, here are Ihc comprehensive histories of the two aireraft carriers named Hermes. The stories lake the reader

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from the 1920s into the Second World War. the late 1950s and 60s. through to the Falklands campaign and into the Indian Navy where the last Hermes serves as INS Viraat. There are 137 photographs, including seven in colour and a foreword by Rear-Admiral K. A. Snow, the Hermes' last CO. Hardback with full-colour laminated dust jacket.

Price £24 plus p&p. ISBN 1 901225 05 4 Also Still Available in Hardback: HMS EAGLE 1942-1978 £18.95 plus p&p HMS VICTORIOUS 1937-1969 £21.00 plus p&p HMS CENTAUR 1943-1972 £16.95 plus p&p THREE ARK ROYALS 1938-1999 £23.00 plus p&p TIGER, LION & BLAKE 1942-1986 £21.50 plus p&p ILLUSTRIOUS & IMPLACABLE AIRCRAFT CARRIERS £23.00 plus p&p Please add £2.50 p&p for Ihc UK & EU or £4.00 for worldwide surface mail. Payment by sterling cheque, postal order, or by VISA/MASTERCARD. Telephone/Fax orders welcomed. From FAN PUBLICATIONS. 17 Wymans Lane. Cheltenham. Olos OL51 9QA. Tel/Fax 01242 580290. or order from good bookshops.

www. navvnews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2(K)1 Options

Roval Naval Association

Festival crew attract recruits THE RNA's stand at the Festival of the Sea was organised by Area No 3 (The Southern Flotilla) and manned by shipmates from the Area, with the help of volunteers from Boston, Tenbury Wells and Ferndown. They were ably led by "Killicks of the Watches" David Evans, Fred Flood, Rita Lock and Tom Clayton. The heatwave on Friday and Saturday helped to provide a constant stream of visitors, including some ex-matelots who were helped to find their local branches with the aid of our non-computerised map showing the location of every UK branch and club. Other attractions on the stand were a book sale, prints of HMS Cossack and Drake's Golden Hinde. There was also a display of RNA recruiting posters through the ages. Sunday's crew thought they were back in the North Atlantic with the "monsoon" just after opening time but, undeterred (well, they were all matelots) the recruiting went on unabated. Back to fine weather on the Monday and more streams of visitors so the total of introductions to possible new members rose to 28. The raffle lucky numbers were drawn by Lt Cdr Guy Nicholls, Weapon Engineer Officer of HMS Marlborough, assisted by Lt Garrick John Miller USN, who is serving, on exchange, aboard Marlborough. Lt Miller's many duties include that of Adventurous Training Officer. The prizes included trips to Cherbourg (donated by P&O Ferries), to the Isle of Wight (Wightlink Ferries), framed prints and, most popular of all, "Shipmate Teddy Bear" who found a new home on the RNBT stand, right next door to the RNA stand. All together, a successful weekend with the promise of new members for the Association and some, we hope, lasting memories of the Royal Naval Association for the visitors to take home.

Mars casualties are no longer forgotten THE FORGOTTEN sailors of HMS Mars, killed in an explosion during gunnery exercises near the Fastnet Rock off the southern coast of Ireland on April 14, 1902, will be honoured, fittingly, on the 100th anniversary of

their deaths. A remembrance service will be held in a church in the town of Cobh, Co Cork, 100 years to

the day since the incident, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in a nearby graveyard, where nine of the 12 officers

AND COUNTY BRANCH

and men of HMS Mars are

buried. Cobh, once Queenstown, was a former RN base. The memorial day for the forgotten sailors is being organised by members of the Irish Naval Service, which restored the overgrown and neglected graves and erected a granite plaque, and the Cork and County branch of the RNA. The plaque bears the following names: Lts James H. Bourne and Tom C. Miller, CPO Edwin Sutton, POs George H, Hopkins and Henry J. Humphreys, LS Edward J. Brown and ABs Alfred Shipton, Septus H. Barnett, Thomas W. Porter, Samuel J. Thomas, Frank H. Barton and Ellis G. Collins. It is hoped that these names may ring a bell with a greatgrandchild, grandchild or relative of the deceased. If so, a warm welcome awaits them if they travel to Cobh for the memorial services. For details contact Mr John Gregory, Cork and County RNA Secretary, 44, Silversprings Court, Tivoli, Cork, Republic of Ireland, tel 353 21 4500979 (after 6pm) or Eugene McCarthy, email emmcarthy I (fveircom. net A recent visitor to Cobh was S/M Roy Jones, of Llandudno

• The memorial to the victims of the explosion on board HMS Mars in Cobh (left) and the plaque recalling the deaths of six submariners on HMS AS, when the Irish port was a Royal Navy base.

£50 PRIZE PUZZLE THI

orriccRS

NO KIN OF

H.M. SHIP "MARS" ' L01T THCIR LIVM THPCUOM A CUN ACCIOCM THAT OCCURRED OK BOARD THAT SHIP OH THE 14'.'

APRIL l»02

WHILST AT »A OFF THE SOUTH WIST COAST OF IRELAND

branch, who laid a wreath and flowers on the graves of the forgotten sailors. He was very impressed by the

restoration work carried out by

who also attend to the graves of five of the six crewmen of submarine HMS A5, killed when their boat was rent by internal

S/M John Gregory, ex-Army Sgt Victor Fitzgerald and CPO

explosions on February 16,1905. They deserve the highest praise,

Owen O'Keef, of the Irish Navy,

said Mr Jones.

Heroes in the van on hybrid 'ship' sV'

•

NEWBURY was treated to a display of Naval heroes when the Newbury and District RNA entered a float in the town's summer carnival. The theme of the carnival was 'heroes', which gave branch members a bit of a problem - how to choose a handful from the hundreds in the annals of the Navy. In order to reflect both the distant and more recent past, members created a hybrid ship for their float - part man o'war under sail, part battleship with heavy guns.

THE MYSTERY picture in our August edition was a Douglas Skyraider. The winner of our £50 prize for identifying the airframe was Derek Taylor of Colchester. This month's mystery vessel, ploughing towards our cameraman, started life as a conventional warship, but was later converted to became a floating classroom. What was her name? The

Name .

Address

Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake and Capt James Cook (representing men under sail); Admiral Sir

David Beatty and John Cornwell VC (from World War I); Lord

Louis Mountbatten and LS James Magennis VC (from World War II). The float was led by Branch • Newbury and District RNA'a hybrid warship - part man o\irar under sail, part heavy battleship.

Standard Johnson.

Bearer

S/M

Des

£50.

Complete the coupon and send it to Mystery Picture, Navy News, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth PO1 3HH. Coupons giving correct answers will go into a prize draw to establish a winner. Closing date for entries is November 12. More than one entry can be submitted, but photocopies cannot be accepted. Do not include anything else in your envelope: no correspondence can be entered into and no entry returned.

The winner will be announced in our December edition. The competition is not open to Navy News employees or their families.

MYSTERY PICTURE 80

And displayed along the flanks were the representative heroes: Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Walter

correct answer wins another

My answer

www. navy news. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

27

Roval Naval Association

Options

Rodney tie goes into postal auction

A SERVICE tie from HMS

Rodney has been put up for postal auction by Bude branch. HMS Rodney, a Nelson-class battleship which was completed in 1927 at a cost of £7.6 million, saw action against the Bismarck and fought at Salerno, Anzio and Normandy. She was scrapped in 1948. The tie, which is in very good • Members of Horsham branch at RNAS Yeovilton.

Fury at the end of visit to air station A VISIT by members of Horsham branch to RN air station Yeovilton ended on a high note when the group saw the Hawker Sea Fury of the Royal Navy's Historic Flight take to the air for the first time following a two-year restoration programme. The branch, along with friends from the RAFA, spent two days at the Somerset air station. The first day took in the Fleet

Air Arm Museum, and a visit to the Senior Rates' mess for a few jars in the evening. The second day included a visit to see the Sea Kings of 848 Naval Air Squadron, including a talk by pilots on the squadron. The encounter with the Sea Fury came when the group visited the Historic Flight, where they met Cdr Brian Woods, who is manager of the Flight.

Coventry A reluctance by Coventry branch to have their wives and friends visit the city centre at night meant the branch held its first midweek social between 1200 and

1700. Music and entertainment were laid on, and there were surprise guests in the shape of a young couple from New Zealand who had flown over to marry at Grctna Green. They were accorded 16 bells by branch chairman Terry Waterfield.

Thetford The Thetford branch has awarded life membership to two stalwart members, area delegate S/M John Jackman and standard bearer S/M Dick King. A social and delicious 'eats' provided by the ladies marked the 30th anniversary of the branch.

Officer, HMS Neptune. Cdr J.H. Leatherby was presented with an inscribed Quaich in appreciation of his generous support for the branch. The presentation party included chairman S/M M. Firth and vice chairman Lt Cdr A.V. Bayliss.

Weymouth As guests of the branch, six residents of the Royal Star and Garter Home took part in Veterans Weekend and, following the parade, manned a stall on the seafront to raise funds for the Home. They were assisted in this task by Falklands survivor Simon Weston, president of the Home.

Crieff In recognition of loyal service, founder member and secretary of the Crieff branch, S/M R. J. Turner, has been honoured with

A gala dinner was given by the Camberley branch to mark the retirement after 46 years of treasurer S/M Bert Fidler. A life member of the RNA, he was presented with a watercolour of a D-Day event, painted by chairman S/M Geoff Cook.

GEORGE and Laurel MacDonald of Worlingham, near Beccles, have celebrated their Golden Wedding, and were presented with a commemorative plate by the vice president of the Beccles branch, S/M Joyce Jones. Both George and Laurel served in the Royal Navy in World War II, and have been members of the RNA since 1985. They have both been active on the Beccles branch committee over the years. Laurel, from Yorkshire, is a life member of the Association of WRNS and is an active member of the Association's Norfolk branch committee. She is also involved in local charity fund-raising.

Hurworth hosts Chichester branch CHICHESTER branch has established an affiliation with the mine countermeasures vessel HMS Hurworth. Shipmates from Chichester recently toured the ship when she was in Portsmouth, and were then entertained. Following that a number of the ship's company were the guests at a buffet held in the Park Tavern, the Chichester headquarters, where gifts were exchanged. Further visits between branch and ship are to be organised subject to the ship's programme.

George, a native of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, served on Atlantic and Russian convoys, and is a life member of the Russian Convoys Veterans Club and the Castle-class Corvette Association. After the war he served as a Radio Officer in the Merchant Navy, employed by Marconi International Marine Communications company. One of his assignments was on RFA tanker Surf Patrol, on commercial contract to overseas oil companies. His assignment lasted for three years without coming back to the UK, the ship logging 200,000 nautical miles. In 1957 he was promoted on to the technical staff and retired in 1989 as Manager Eastern Area.

life membership.

of the US Naval Activities.

Chatteris

Bury

her.

Members of branches throughout No 1 1 Area thoroughly enjoyed the RN Northern Reunion, held at Yorkshire Air Museum. Prior to a parade and service they toured the permanent exhibition of vintage aircraft and watched a Spitfire display.

Leeds No1

Headingley

Shipmates of Leeds Headingly No. 1 were very impressed by the smart turn-out of cadets and the programme they put on, when they attended an annual inspection by Commodore Roger Parker of Leeds Sea Cadet unit, TS Ark Royal.

One of yesterday's forgotten heroes and today's town sweeper. Bill Larham, has been honoured by Chatteris Town Council by having a road named after him. For Naval service in the Battle of Anzio, he was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal.

Southend-on-Sea Friendship between the branch, which hosts the annual Pearl Harbour Remembrance Service, and the US Embassy was strengthened when members of the branch were invited to a social in the home of the US Deputy Naval Attache, Lt Col Kurt Stincmctz USMC. A buffet lunch in HMS Nelson followed by a visit to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise was enjoyed by members of the committee on the invitation of the Commander

Wartime memories were recalled and its military vehicles and regalia inspected during a 1940s weekend, held in conjunction with East Lanes Railway. Highlight was a massed military parade to music by the Lancashire Fusiliers Regimental Band and that of the Air Training Corps. The standards of Bury. Ramsbottom and Rochdale led the parade which included representatives of the White Ensign Association, the Coastal Forces, the RAF, the Royal British Legion and the Lancashire Regiment. The salute was taken at the railway station where a lone piper played during the wreath-laying. This popular weekend event, now in its third year, also included a military fair to raise funds for the Fusiliers Museum.

Incorporated by the Royal Charter

No 11 Area

Navy couple celebrate their Golden Wedding

Other ties and items have been used as raffle prizes, but it was felt

that the Rodney tic merited a different approach. Scaled bids arc invited - no cheques at this stage - by October 22 to Hon Secretary. RNA Bude Branch. 9. Shortlands. Pyworlhy, Holsworthy. Devon EX22 6SY. The highest bidder will be notified shortly afterwards, and the winning bid will be donated to Naval charity.

Around the Branches

Camberley

i George and Laurel MacDonald.

condition, is maroon, with a repeat of HMS Rodney and the ship depicted. Branch Secretary Bob Geldcr said the tie and other Naval memorabilia came into the branch's possession following the death of a retired officer who had served in

THE

ROYAL NAVAI I

I ASSOCIATION

j^

Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Once Navy, Always Navy Reg. Char. 266982

King's Lynn To raise funds for charity, the King's Lynn branch manned a stall (below) at the annual Sandringham Flower Show, which was attended by the Queen Mother, Prince Charles - and 40,000 visitors.

Rosylh and Fife Before leaving HMS Caledonia to take up duties as Commanding

The Royal Naval Association believes firmly that "welfare is not only money". It offers a broad range of support to people with a Royal Navy connection. We are 'all of one company' in helping the disabled, looking after the needy, cheering up the distressed, maintaining naval traditions, supporting naval cadets, enjoying social activities and re-uniting shipmates. The 500 branches in the UK and abroad offer an instant 'network' of local knowledge and opportunities to shipmates going to live in a new place or starting a new career. The association is for all serving and former officers, men and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, WRNS and QARNNS and their reserves. For details of RNA membership, please complete the slip below. NAME:.................................................................................................. ADDRESS: ..........................................................................................

.......................................................................... Postcode ................. SEND TO: THE GENERAL SECRETARY, ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

82, CHELSEA MANOR STREET, LONDON. SW3 5QJ

28

www.navvnews.co.uk

NAVY NEWS. OCTOBER 2001

Options

DRIVHG FORCES

As the on-the-road recruiting 'season' winds up this month, POA(AH) John Lynch of the Central Display Workshop, DNR Wroughton describes life on the road for the modern equivalent of the Press Gang ... e all know the scenario. Front line time completed, waiting for the new draft - and then it arrives, DNR Wroughton. What's that? Well, it's situated in the Wiltshire countryside, only six miles south of Swindon and the M4. Ideal for weekenders. On a disused RAF airfield, two aircraft hangars house the whole fleet of Director Naval Recruiting's vehicles. One is the MT hangar, the other is the stores complex, offices and civilian workshop. Accommodation is at RAF Lyneham, in single man cabins ten miles to the west. Wroughton's roles include providing all the careers offices throughout the country with up-to-date careers pamphlets and stores including promotional "gizzits". The busiest period is February through October, when vehicles and their crews are continually deployed to visit fetes, county shows, air shows, exhibitions and carnivals and to augment ships when open to visitors as part of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines ongoing recruiting campaign. During the closed period the vehicles are maintained and refurbished - and their crews are available to supplement their local careers offices with manning. There is a wide variety of vehicles, including simulator rides, carnival floats - based on a submarine and an aircraft carrier operation trailers, Merlin aircraft flight simulators and mobile display vehicles. The MDVs are used ona self-drive basis, co-ordinated by DNR Wroughton. Personnel drafted to Wroughton in a driver's billet will complete a HGV C+E course in Portsmouth. On successful completion, you will be allocated a vehicle to look after and given a full induction on all the different types of trailers, should the need arise to interchange crews. On the road the crew's typical day will be transiting to the

W

venue, parking up in a secure compound, usually co-ordinated by the local careers office.

• SOFT SELL: NA(AH) Andy Margerinson turns the full power of his charm on visitors to his mobile display vehicle.

Topmast spreads a little harmony NEW manning regimes set out in the Navy's Topmast ('Tomorrow's Personnel Management System') programme have been successfully trialed at Devonport.

Members of the Topmast Team, staff from the Devonport Drafting and Careers Management Liaison Office, departmental

coordinators from Captain F6 and staff members from the 2nd Submarine Squadron joined to test the proposed Topmast Squad system - for the Warfare Branch, at OM rate only. Topmast team member WO 'Doc' Findlay told Navy News: "We tested it with the lads down the mess deck onboard HMS Montrose and they thought it was great." WO Barry Cooke from Devonport DCMLO added: "The lads and lasses in Montrose were pleasantly surprised by the results. We showed that the Squad system would benefit individuals by giving them more structured leave, a better record of separated service and achievement of harmony and a greater ability to plan their careers."

Then on to the hotel to book in - and the rest of the night is your own. Quick dhoby, then down to town to sample the local hospitality. The following morning the shows generally start late a.m., so you arrive in time to set up the trailer. During the show you will be required to assist the careers adviser in dealing with the public, answering inquiries about career options, passing on your Naval knowledge to potential recruits and inevitably listening to some 'old salt's' sea dits. Once the show's over, again the time is your own. Most of the shows are over the week-end - but you won't get seen off, because for every day you work you will get time off in lieu. On the road, all hotel bookings are via Central Hotel Booking Service. Overnight and personal incidental expenses may be claimed back through the usual channels. Wroughton is a unique draft that requires hard working, adaptable and motivated individuals with sound communications skills and an ability to project the benefits of the service to the general public and potential recruits. So if you fit the bill and would like a challenge, then let Drafty know with a C240 for DNR Wroughton.

Better at warfare COMMODORE'S Warfare Prize this year went to Lt Cdr Martin Mackey - seen here receiving a pair of Zeiss binoculars from the Deputy C-in-C Fleet, Vice Admiral Jonathon Band at a ceremony at the RN School of Martitime Operations, HMS Dryad. Presented to the most improved student on the Principal Warfare Officers Course, the prize is sponsored by Alenia Marconi Systems. Lt Cdr Mackey is currently serving as Principal Warfare Officer in HMS Glasgow.

www. navy news. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

Options

Royal Hospital School

Education Bookings are now being

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At Wykeham House we offer a tradition of single sex education a happy yet stimulating environment a broad and balanced curriculum small class sizes to ensure personal attention a partnership between home and school excellent CCSK results a commitment to extra-curricular activities modern Information Technology suites and Lap Top facilities new School Hall, Music Room and Infant

taken for our next Navy News EDUCATION

SUIT 1.1: ML NT please contact the

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two Nursey Classes after School Care

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Headmasters Visit to Hampshire Presentation at the Portsmouth Marriot Hotel, Portsmouth, on Wednesday 28th November at 7pm

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Services Children's Education (UK)

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www. navy news. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

Options

At Your Service

Over to You

Reunions

HMS Highland Chieftain: Mrs J R Rawlings is searching for a book of signatures of people who sailed on this vessel. Her late husband sailed in her to South Africa in 1941 and signed the book in Canterbury in the 1980s. She has many letters from people who sailed in her and would like to see the book. Contact Mrs Rawlings at 11, Bramshott Close, Maidstone ME16 ORX, tel: 01622

believes they had just come in from Hong Kong. Can anyone provide a copy of the photo? Contact Mr Tiffin at 2, Falconry Court, 7 Fairfield South, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey KT1 2UR, tel: 020 8549 0326.

Garth Stapleton (ex CPO OPS R) seeks to borrow/copy photos of HMS Raleigh and HMS Dryad as they appeared in the 1960s,

prior to rebuilding. Also class photo of Raleigh 5/12/60 entry. Ring 01933 386065.

677744.

HMS Maidstone: Whilst the ship was at anchor at Sydney, Australia, just off the Harbour Bridge in 1945, some of the crew (Torpedo party) had their photo taken with the bridge in the background. Mr S.F. Tiffin

S/Lt (E) Reg Gunney RNVR: Peter Gunney is researching his late father's career, and wants to hear from anyone who served with him and can provide information about HMS Golden Hind (Sydney), HMS

Second World War ROLL OF HONOUR For Wigan/Leigh district I X(X) entries; 175 pp. A5 format Sample page or CX.50 lor hook from:

©Cfl ©DDK WM38DTM> Now you can reach a truly global audience! To find out more contact the Navy News Advertising Department on

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enclosing this ad\'tjn

IN MEMORIUM H.M.S. PANTHER In memory of shipmates lost 9th October 1943 when bombed and sunk in the Aegean. Belated thanks to H.H.M.S. MIAELES for rescuing survivors.

Were you in Convoy CE21 on 5th January 1941, the day Amy ditched in the Thames?

O208 735 400O

THE TRECARN HOTEL Babbacombe, Torquay The Naval Reunion Specialist

Contact Peter at 68, Maes y Coed Rd, Heath, Cardiff CF14 4HG, tel: 029 2033 0865.

HMS Birmingham 1952-54, Far East Commission: Ex-AB John Blythe is seeking any photos of interest taken during this commission. Also group photo taken of the British Consul and staff along with ratings that were invited to his house whilst visiting Kure, Japan. All expenses incurred will be repaid. Contact John Blythe, 3, Broadview, Cheriton, Folkestone CT20 3ES, tel: 01303 239347. HMS Pollux, radar training ship previously French minelayer. Did you serve in this ship or remember her? Bill (William) Clark was a stoker in the ship up until 1946/47. His son Mr N. Clark is also looking for a photo of her or any info relating to her history. Contact Mr Clark at Flat 2, 5 Wordsworth Rd, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7AN,

HMS EXETER, HMS SHEFFIELD, HMS NEWFOUNDLAND, HMS TENBY, HMS ARETHUSA, HMS CUMBERLAND. TON CLASS ASSOCIATION.

CASTLE CLASS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION and the PLYMOUTH RNA.

The Trecarn has 136 En-Suite bedrooms with colour TV. tea making facilities, and can accommodate up to 250 Guests, The hotel has a large Dining Room that can hold up to 300 Guests, as well as two spacious Ballrooms and Bar areas, ideal for any association regardless of its membership size. For Information please contact: BHYAH PITMAN • GENERAL MANAGER TEL: 01803 329292

"COLONY CLASS" CRUISERS

"

1941 - 1945 1:7()0th Scale Replica Models, measuring approx. 10" long, hand cast in metal and painted mounted on a wooden plinth with brass nameplate and hand made gift box.

HMS KENYA (photo) 1941, FIJI, NIGERIA, MAURITIUS, TRINIDAD, GAMBIA, JAMAICA, BERMUDA.

Llandaff

Bromley, Kent BR2 8DA, tel: 020 8249 3786,

or email: bailey.i@cwcom.net QARNNS: The first of the centenary

events takes place on October 14 at the Royal Hospital, Haslar, when a horse chestnut tree will be dedicated in the Garden of Remembrance. Contact Capt Julia Massey RRC, 18, Little Green, Alverstoke, Gosport

tel 0115

981 6067, email: n.clark7@ntlworld.com HMS Kite and Capt Walker RN: A memorial page to HMS Kite and a page on Capt Walker has been prepared for the web. See it at http://www.kemble.org.uk or email mikekemble@hotmail.com HMS Caledonia, The apprentices' story: The Old Caledonia Artificers Apprentices Association is calling for stories and reminiscences for their forthcoming book, to be produced in 2003, the centenary of the formation of 'boy artificers'. Tales of humour, pathos, information and grit have been obtained for 1937-50, but much is sought for the period up until closure. Info and articles to Gil Harding, Wellsbury, Little Entry, Wells,

PO12 2EU for more details. Weapon Mechanicians Association: Weekend/dinner October 19 to 21 at the

tel: 01749 672535 or

email: wellsbury2000@aol.com Info about the Association from Ron Stiles on 0161 449 9259 or email: ron@stile100.freeserve.co.uk Does anyone have pictures of HMS Mercury, any period from WWII until closure? Photos required for communications association (RNCA). Electronic copies to editor@rnca.org.uk or post to Danny Siggers, 30, Northcote Rd, Gravesend DA11 7BS. Hard copies will be returned asap. Can anyone help help Tracy Burns trace George McNicol, in the Merchant Navy in 1965 and who stayed in Glagow in Nurano St in Maryhill. He was about thirty years old then. Contact Tracy at 37, Mitchell St, Old Monkland, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, tel: 01236 604634, or email: graham_west@oil-

which exceed £3 million.

Today ARNO's 9,300 members are offered both financial and other advantages, the former very comfortably exceeding the annual subscription (£10 per annum or £150 for Life)

Tel: 020 7402 5231 Fax: 020 7402 5533 e-mail: ARNO@eurosurf.com www.eurosurf.com/ARNO

• Private Health Insurance • jewellery & China • Dining Out

Hnnual Year Booh with much useful and Interesting information H list of members names and addresses HM* MU* «e» ami Free financial, legal & property adulct Free or reduced cost medical consultations Re-Training Grants Regional Social Functions (subsidised) Group Holidays flbroad at favourable rates mall Redirection Home Exchange "Bank" mastercard Used Uniform Sales Facility Use of The Haual Club in fflayfair

for membership application form, please complete the following:

TO: LT CDR I M P COOHBES RN. ARNO, 70 PORCHESTER Tee. LONDON m 3TP Please send me details and a membership application form:

682836 or visit the website at http-//w ww.hmscossack.freeserve.co.uk HMS Ladybird (Sasebo-Japan 1950-53) Association annual reunion at the Trecarn Hotel, Babbacombe, Devon, from April 5 to 8.

Ulster, Urania and their next reunion Blackpool. For info Winston Churchill

Ulysses, will be holding from April 16 to 18 at contact R Durber, 4, Sir Place, Binley Woods,

come is extended to all old shipmates. A church service takes place at BRNC, Dartmouth, on April 21. Details from Tom

March 2002

or email: bobmullennium@hotmail.com

QARNNS reception in the Goldsmiths Hall on May 9 and a service in Portsmouth Cathedral on September 7, 2002. More details from Captain Julia Massey, 18, Little Green, Alverstoke, Gosport PO12 2EU Algerines Association (Fleet Minesweepers) 1942-62: 18th Reunion takes place in Portsmouth from May 9 to 13. Any prospective new members who served

on Algerine-class minesweepers can get further details from George Patience, tel/fax: 01456450659.

'Z' Class Destroyers Association: for information of the 2002 reunion on May 13 to

16 at the Royal Sailors Home Club, Portsmouth, and on the Association, please send (stamp) to: Steve Baker, 19, Quantock Way, BridgwaterTA6 7JZ, tel: 01278451418.

HMS Opossum hold their eighth reunion at the Trecarn Hotel, Babbacombe, Devon from May 24 to 27. All commissions of the

frigate (F33) from 1945 to 1958 are welcome. Details from Eddie Summerfold, 28, Greymont Road, Limefield, Bury BL9 6PN.

June

HMS Newfoundland Association 194259 hold their next reunion from April 19 to 22 at Babbacombe Bay, Torquay. A hearty wel-

HMS

Highflyer

1945-62:

GZH/GZP

Ceylon West calling! Contact John 'Ginge'

Winger! for news about the Association. First reunion in June at the Royal Sailors Home Club. Spouses welcome. Contact John, 35, Mundays Row, Horndean, Waterlooville POS

OHF, or email: john@jaywing.freeserve.co.uk HMS Glamorgan, Falklands Reunion. The 20 year Reunion will take place in the Home Club, Portsmouth, on June 15. Details from Jess James, 50, Lancaster Way, Northants NN4 SLY,

tel: 01604 660401,

Roxby, tel: 01260 279819.

email: jessjames@cwcom.net

March 8-11. A few seats are left on the coach to Yeovil. Details from Eric Buckner on 07799

HMS Ceylon (1943-60) Association welcomes shipmates from all commissions. Next reunion at the Broadway Park Hotel, Sandown, Isle of Wight, from April 26 to 29.

commemorating the Battle of Solebay and the 40th anniversary of the ship paying off for the last time. Contact Malcolm Clarke, 164,

204522.

Enquiries to J. McNeil on 01582 715056 or

Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol

G.T. Willerton on 01329 314166. HMS Whitesand Bay Association will

solebay@tosd.demon.co.uk

HMS Implacable 1944-58 Association: Reunion at the Grand Hotel, Exmouth, from

HMS Commonwealth (Kore, Japan 1945), HMS Return, HMS Glenearn Association: Reunion at the Grand Hotel, Exmouth, from March 22 to 25. A few seats are left on the coach to Plymouth. Details from Eric Buckner on 07799 204522.

HMS Bonaventure (X-craft depot ship

from Geoff Nightingale, 268, Galley Hill, Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 3LD, tel: 01442 263405.

May

March 14 to 18. Contact Mrs Polwarth on 01474 567137 or Mrs Anne Leahy on 01420 561168.

HM Submarine Courageous: The first

HMS Solebay fifth reunion, Southwold,

BS10

5DR,

hold their next reunion at the Royal Sailors Home Club, Portsmouth, on April 30. Details

1943 to 1947): Reunion at Weymouth from

tel: 0117

9622500, or email:

September Fourth

Destroyer

Squadron

Association (HMS Agincourt, Aisne, Alamein, Barrosa, Corunna, Dunkirk, Jutland

and Matapan) reunion from September 2023 at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham,

HMS Sheffield (Falklands 82): 20th Reunion takes place in Portsmouth on May

Kent. Contact Terry Parker, 54c, Cheriton Rd,

Folkestone, CT20 1DD for details.

reunion for the crew will take place on March 16-17. For details contact Chas Cooke, St Mary's Cottage, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6AE, tel: 01483 224325, or email:

chascooke@btinternet.com The second HMS Manchester Association - D 95: The inaugural reunion will take place in WOs, SRs and SNCOs Mess, HMS Nelson, on March 16. Full details from Steve Swain on 01634 684717 or lan Tidbury on MOD 9380 26706 or BT 023 9272 6706.

HMS Cassandra Association hold their next reunion at the Trecarne Hotel, Babbacombe, Torquay, from March 22-25.

Contact Bob Shead on 0114 230 7007 for details.

contents.html HMS Parrett: Seeking anyone who served in HMS Parrett, especially while on

RNAS Inskip, Preston, Lanes: An informal reunion weekend is planned to meet and to swing the lamp, have good food and drink and generally have a good time. For further details contact Eric Buckner on 0779 204522 (mobile). Elsie Charlotte Morey, known as Sue, Wren Writer 1941-45. Trained Raleigh, served at Seaford, East Sussex. Wren

MOD VETERANS' ADVICE UNIT HOTLINE;

08456 02 03 02 Monday to Friday 09.00-17.00 Answer phone service out of hours. Calls charged at local call rates.

Leicester Senior Service Club in August, returning to the same venue August 9-11 2002. Ship's company ring George (Ginger)

Brandon, Secretary, on 0116 267 3755. HMS Sumar: Based at Bermuda, Kingston, Jamaica, and Trinidad. Graham

R&R in Bundenberg, Australia, 1946. There

friends Doris, Joyce, Joan and Barbara. If

(Ray) Woodward was a telegraphist amongst 50 crew and three officers and served 194345. If there are any of the crew about, contact Graham at 18, Brentwood, Sale, M33 6NA,

are 11 in contact at present. Contact George Hopgood, 34, The Peacheries, Bognor Rd,

anyone knows of her present whereabouts

tel: 0161 9733060.

could they contact Les Landon on 01626

Chichester PO19

821371.

2NP, tel: 01243 779506.

HMS Torquay 1982-84: Looking for old

Braithwaite K468, HMS Curzon K513, HMS Gould K476, HMS Grindall K477 and HMS

shipmates, especially those from 3G Mess, with a view to a reunion in the near future. Please contact Mark T. Hayward, 10,

Harry Fine on 020 8455 9400 or Dave

Sussex RH11 9PY.

Kenilworth

Close,

Broadfield,

Crawley,

HMS Blankney: Seeking Charles Briggs,

tel: 01529 413410,

ex PO, who served with A.J.D. Morgan in HMS Blankney during WWII. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, contact Mr Morgan at 53, Mount Pleasant Road, Ebbw Mediterranean, is the period of the war which holds memories for W. Parsons. In particular he would like to contact ex RM Whitcombe (Jim) or any other shipmates. Contact him on

• Insurance & Assurance • AulomoMe Association • Mortgage and Legal • Travel & Accommodation

the reunion contact Geoff Lilley on 01473

EdwardFreathy@aol.com

1939: Bill Sanderson (Sandy) is seeking anyone who was at Wildfire and also HMS

Grants to members in need and bursaries for children Trade discounts including:

D57) 1938-1959: Reunion at Eastbourne in

April. To join the Association and more about

Coventry CVS 2BT, tel: 02476 542978.

Angela Bowler, SKYTREX LTD, Park House, 25 Park Road, Loughborough,

ARNO is both an officers charity and a membership association which is open to serving and retired commissioned officers of the RN,RM,QARNNS,WRNS,and their Reserves. Formed In 1925, ARNO's primary purpose is to assist officers and their dependants in need with grants and bursaries from the proceeds of its assets,

HMS Cossack Association (LOS and

Christmas reunion lunch at High Wycombe on November 24. Contact Edward Freathy, 'Elmbank', Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5NL, tel: 01628 523711, or email:

Vale, Gwent NP23 6JH, tel: 01495 305172.

Patron Her Moyesfy The Queen

Holding on 01455 557409 or email richard holding@hotmail.com

company of HM Ships, Ursa, Undaunted,

email: constance@Jk.packardbell.org HMS Wildfire, Sheerness March 20,

Royal Navy Officers

EdwardFreathy@aol.com

HMS Spartan: A small group is hoping to organise a reunion for HMS Spartan. This will be in the form of a dinner dance to be held in the Midlands, probably Leicester, sometime in April 2002. Anyone interested in attending please contact Richard (Scarf)

Hempstead HP3 8JH, tel: 01442 402034.

chosen model) along with your cheque or credit card details (visa/mastercard) to:

f

Gillingham

Calling Old Shipmates HMS Tenby J34. WWII 'Bangor' class minesweeper of the 9th Flotilla, and F65, anti-submarine frigate from 1955-73. Still searching for ex-ship's company. Call Phil Rowe on 0161 747 7325 or see website:

Sleaford NG34 7HR,

^

in

Dave Crees, 24, Leigh Road, Havant PO9

Ton Class Minesweepers Association (including Hams/Leys) will hold their pre-

HMS Constance Association R71 and D71 1945-51: Association and reunion details from Ernie Balderson, 43, Old Place,

Email!skytrexltd@compuserve.com iM.i-AM- ALLOW is DAYS DELIVERY

Hotel

2ET, 161:02392475100.

November

Riou K557, with a view to a reunion. Contact

^

Charles

4th, 2002. If you were in or know anyone in the Sheffield during the Falklands conflict, please contact Bob Mullen on 023 9271 0406

HMS Grenville Association 1943-46. in

Lingardon01926497514.

Leicestershire. LEU 3ED Tel: 01509 233298 Fax: 01509 210336

King

(Chatham) in April. Contact Edward Freathy,

All ex-Ship's Company and Flag Officers Staff, including guests, welcome. Contact John Marsden, 39, Hill Common, Hemel

Bear Hotel, Havant, Hampshire. Contact

Captain-class Frigate Association: Searching for crew members of HMS

lo order your model send your name, address and daytime telephone number, (and

arranged at

be some sociable drinking in the evening. Details from lan Bailey, 2, Birch Row,

http://www.freespace.virgin.net/jeffrey.mays/

Also available modified model: HMS CEYLON, UGANDA AND NEWFOUNDLAND 1943

being

Cathedral. The service takes place on October 10 and commences 1445. There will

Newport SC unit are looking for any exNavy or RM personnel to become instructors. Contact Nik Rayer, 17 Glaslyn Court, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran NP44 2JE, tel: 07889 535494, or email: Nikrayer@aol.com Christmas Island, especially NP 5555. A 'Pongo' is asking for help from anyone who has been on the island to provide tales, anecdotes and photos for a website he is creating. Currently it mostly consists of items from the Army, ex-Grapples and would like to involve the Naval side. Contact Peter Chatfield on 01304 206117 extn 128 or email: furkler@aol.com HMS Wakeful: Peter Brace seeks info on his uncle, AB Christopher Brace, who died May 29, 1940, when she was sunk. Also info about the ship itself. Contact Peter at 3, Ashcroft, Cooks Drove, Erith, Huntingdon PE28 3RA, or email: PPbrace1@cs.com

We have over many years been associated with the Royal Navy, holding Reunions lor:

is

Loch Class Frigates Association (including Bays) hold their AGM/Reunion at

SL8 5NL, tel: 01628 523711 or email:

HMS Llandaff: 25th year since the selling of HMS Llandaff. A reunion of her crew and others

April 'Elmbank', Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks

October

states-uk.com

2 days DBB £62.50 pp . 3 days DBB £82.50 pp _____(prices include Banquet meal)_____

'

attending a course there at that time?

Somerset BAS 2TP,

Call Ben Barker Lion T.V.

HMS Alacrity/MV Atlantic Conveyor Falklands 1982: If you served on HMS Alacrity, or MV Atlantic Conveyor as either Merchant or RN crew during the Falklands War please contact Steve Parker on 01752 348385 with regards to reunion events.

Pepys (Manus), HMS Nabstock (Mary-borough) and HMS Shrapnel (London) where he went for his commission. Was anyone else

Kashmir from October 1939. Contact Bill at 'Sandy-Garth',

4,

Springfield

Gardens,

LCF 10, which served mainly in the

Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 6JU, tel:

01634817768

01535 609774.

William (Bill) Wingrove nickname Winkle. Served in HMS Heron, HMS

HM Submarine Token, Malta 1959-61: Ex PO Oakman (Ping) would like to contact old shipmates and remember the burial at

sea of Taff' Nott. Telephone 01702 558308. HMS Antrim: Dave 'Buck' Taylor is trying

to trace Geoff 'Charlie'Jennings; they served together in HMS Antrim 1974-76, then at Whale Island 1977. Contact Dave Taylor at 16, Hilton Rd, New Invention, Willenhall, West Midlands WV12 SEE, tel: 01922 445754. or email: rowbuck@hotmail.com

Does anyone have any info on old shipmates of Jean Patterson: Ex-Wrens Lyn Sims, Doreen Boynton,Violet Howden and AB George Whiston, all stationed at Pompey 1948-1950. Please contact Jean Patterson. 31, Gardner Street, Glasgow G11 5NW, tel: 0141 339 9817, or email: jeanpat-

terson@freeuk.com HMS Gambia: Ken 'General' Booth, HMS

Gambia 1949-52, is seeking messmates from 27 and 29 Mess. Contact Ken on 0121 706 4652 or email: Kenboothrn@aol.com HMS Apollo: Steve Hutchinson served in 1988 with Eric Barty. Anyone knowing the

whereabouts of Steve is asked to contact Eric on 0776 258 7998 or email: enricobartino@hotmail.com HMS Arrow: Gerry Price is trying to contact anyone, especially Phil Bonniwell who served in the Arrow before, during and after the Falklands. Gerry was a POMEML aboard Arrow and left the RN in 1986 when he moved to Florida. Contact Gerry at 303,

Sunterrace Court, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33408 USA, or email: FALKLANDAR-

ROW4ME@aol.com Submariners Association, Belfast Branch: A new branch of the Association has been formed and meets on the first Saturday of the month at 1300 in the RNA Club, Great Victoria Street, Belfast. All ex- and serving submariners will be made welcome. Contact Douglas (Paddy) Erskine. 26, Sandhill Park, Belfast BT5 6DR,

tel: 028 9065 7591

email: i.d.erskine@lineone.net

or

Simbang (Singapore), HMS Ocean (Korea), HMS Condor and HMS Fulmar. Some shipmates were: Johnny Brooks, his best man, Bob Anderson, Vie Boyle, Harry Coombes,

Charlie Ayling, Les Tibbs and many more. Bill now lives in Canada. Contact him at 12, Briar Path, Brampton, Ontario, L6T 2A2 Canada,

or email: William.wingrove@sympatico.ca HMS Loch Lomond (Loch-class Frigates Association): Looking for shipmates from 1956-7 (and any other Loch chaps): Ted Murray, Peter Blogg, Jim Hancock and 'Gl' Roberts. Loch Class includes the Bay Class, who are invited to join them. Contact John Hanson, The Castle,

School Lane, Brickett Wood, St Albans, Herts AL23XS, tel: 01923 673263.

HMS Ganges/HMS Mermaid: Alf Dick (Dickie) would like to contact any of the lads who served with him from May 1949 to September 1952. Write to him at 16, Byron Crescent, Dundee, Scotland DD3 6SX, or tel: 01382827947.

HM Submarine Astute 1960-63: If anyone knows the whereabouts of Les 'Smudge' Smith or Maureen Jones (nee Evenden), widow of Gordon Jones, could they contact Mac Flowers. 51, Castle Street, Eastwood, Nottingham NG16 3GW, or tel: 01773 787857.

HML 861, 44th Minesweeping Flotilla, based at HMS Mosquito, Alexandria. Seeking news of crew and photograph of boat. Please contact Lionel Buckle, ex Cox'n, on 01296 713295 or email: lionel.r.buckle@amserve.net Friends of HMS Vidal, Survey Ship: A communication and contact point; regular newsletters, reunions and updated crewmember lists. All ex-crew members of all ranks and commissions are invited to contact Dave Parker, 11 a, Telferscot Road, Balham, London SW12 OHW, tel/tax: 020 8673 5392.

HMS Actaeon, South Atlantic 1946-53: A successful second reunion was held at the

HMS Bulwark, Albion and Centaur Association: The Association welcomes all previous ship's company and attached personnel from these three ships. Social events

please contact Al Stebbing on 0116 271 2418 or George Pawson on 01522 792871. HMS Newfoundland Association seek all shipmates to join in the Diamond Jubilee reunion from April 19 to 22 at Babbacombe,

next year. For more details contact Tom Roxby on 01260 279819.

George Cross Island Association: B.E. Wlllett served alongside PO 'Shirley' Charlotte McCall and PO Esme Cameron, Wrens in Phoenicia, Malta, from 1942-46. Can anyone help to trace them? Contact B.E. Willeft, 63, Eynsham Road. Botley, Oxford OX2 9BU, tel: 01865 862539.

HMS Impregnable: Still seeking anyone

are run in the Portsmouth area and their RO8

from Hawke, Grenville and Drake divisions,

Magazine is issued three times per year. Associate membership is available. Details from Leigh Easton, Glenmoray, Hayford

particularly Ginger Curls, R. Gooding, D.

Place, Stirling FK7 9JX,

or email: bul-

Grigg, J.E. Ingram and L. Meakin. Reunion next May at Chatham. Contact Fred Haycock, 0121 532 6141, email: mhay-

warks@lineone.net Website: http://www.bul-

cock@supanet.com

warkassoc.plus.com

Rick Barnes seeks anyone who served with him: FOF3 (1981), Drake/Defiance (1982) Hermes (loan draft. 1981) Hecate

Battle of the Atlantic Commemoration Service will be held in Liverpool in May 2002. Any veterans wishing to attend should

contact S/Lt Chris McLeary, HMS Eaglet, RNHQ Merseyside, East Brunswick Dock, Liverpool L3 4DZ, tel: 0151 mobile: 07779 208353.

(1982-84). Also trying to find Paul Davey who joined with him in 1981. Contact Rick at

707 3344, or

10569 Tenby Cove, Collierville, Tennessee, 38017 USA or email: gromit623@cs.com HMS Edinburgh: Looking for Andy

HMS Loch Fada: RM detachments,

Norman LS(M), HMS Edinburgh 1985-1987.

Persian Gulf, 1956-58, 58-59 and 60-61.

Contact Alan Bartram, 9, Baxter Close.

Contact ex-Cpl Ken Hillman. 023 9248 4354.

Crownhill. Milton Keynes MK8 QBE, or email: alan@bartrama.freeserve.co.uk HMS Victorious, 825 Squadron 1960-

Zeik Hathaway, LEM: HMS Newcastle 1957-58. All your old mates are asking after

you. Contact Wally Walsham on 01460 221361 or Sid Hindle on 0113 253 5269.

HMS Royalist: Wishing for a reunion

between May 31 and September 2 at the Stretton Hotel, Blackpool. Contact George Craddock on 0121 458 5621 or M Smithers on 01202 293360.

Lt (C/S) 'Tug1 Wilson, RM Careers Officer at London HQ Careers Office, High Holburn during the late 60s. If you have any

information regarding Tug's whereabouts,

62: Kenya Floods; Keith Rayne seeks Alan Parry or any of the crews. Contact at PO Box 16504, Atlasville, 1465 RSA or email:

raynekl@mweb.co.za HMS Collingwood: Tony Revitt seeks members of class entry June 4, 1954, Mech 13L or members of his mess as well as members of HMS Newcastle (last commission). He now lives in USA so write to 2043 Royal Pines Drive, New Barn, NC, 28560 USA, or

email: trevitt@aol.com

I Navy News Online carries updated reports and back' ground material, as well as a selection of articles from ' this edition of the paper. There is also a gallery of photographs, some of which have not been published in the paper. Check the website at

www.navynews.co.uk

Navy News on tape Navy News is available free of charge on tape from Portsmouth Area Talking News for those with difficulty reading normal type. For more details, contact 023 9269 0851 and leave a message on the answerphone with a contact telephone number. No special equipment is required to play the tapes, which are standard 90-minute cassettes.

www. navy news. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001 31

'Just being physically fit is no longer the way Royal Marines wish to be recognised'

Options

Crack troops in the post-Cold War clim The Royal Marines are the UK's leading front line troops - the toughest elite corps in the world. But these days they rely on brains as much as brawn. Trainee journalist Ritchie Troughton talked to Lt Col Kevin de Val: I would think simply being fit isn't all a Royal Marine has to be these days? What other skills are needed7 You're quite right. I think the

our training. At the end of any conflict, for instance after Sierra Leone, there was a large matrix of lessons learned. Those are then sent to the training design organisation who then look at what aspects across the board, from basic training to specialist training, can be incorporated into the training process.

perception of us just being physically fit, sliding down ropes and so on, is no longer the way Royal Marines wish to be recog- How do your troops prenised. There is no doubt that pare for adverse weather they are the best troops that we conditions and different can deploy - because of their training, they are fit, disciplined climates? and professional. But in addiBecause we are an expedition, command and control is very important with the digitilisa- tionary organisation we have to be prepared to work anywhere. tion of the battlefield. We are getting lots of differ- While the Royal Marines have a ent, new equipment. We've just tradition of being Britain's cold introduced the Viking vehicle - a weather warfare troops, we also very effective armoured vehicle, train for jungle conditions. We but it's complex, too, it is a send troops to Brunei on an sophisticated piece of technolo- annual basis, and also to Belize. And we also train for desert congyThe new replacement for the ditions. For instance, Royal Clansman radio, the Bowman Marines will be exercising in project, means Royal Marines will all have individual radios when they go into battle, so that each member is in contact with the other with a personal role radio. We've got Royal Marines now flying Harriers and they will also

be eligible for training in the new Apache helicopter, so our role is becoming increasingly hi-tech. So just to be fit is not enough. Having said that, of course, you do have to be fit and on the ball to operate this sort of equipment in harsh conditions, such as in Norway, where temperatures can drop to minus 30 or 40 degrees.

What measures do you take to insure thatlessons learned in the past don't happen again? We are constantly evolving

the rest through it. The joy of working in hot climates is that the climate itself won't kill you, whereas in cold climates the climate itself could kill you.

I see that the Comacchio Group is now known as the Fleet Protection Group. How has the role of the group widened? The reason for the change of name is that Comacchio was one of our Battle Honours, and it was felt that the name didn't adequately reflect what the unit did. Fleet Protection Group gives a better idea. The primary role of the FPG is to protect Britain's nuclear deterrent. Also, and increasingly, it provides teams to go aboard Her Majesty's Ships in areas where there are likely to be operations - whether it be drug running operations or threats to shipping

'For an adventurous spirit there isn't a better career. We are lucky that we have the sort of reputation that brings that kind of person to us'

Oman. I think of all the climates probably the most difficult to operate in is the mountain arctic warfare element. Adapting to the heat of the jungle or the heat of the desert is usually an easier thing to do. We train in one of those environments annually so there are always people who have got jungle experience who can take

or some sort of international crisis where trained infantry can be usefully deployed. For instance, in East Timor the first British Troops to land

ashore were the Fleet Royal Marines Standby Troop provided by the FPG. There are Fleet Protection Groups currently serving in the Gulf and in the Indian Ocean. It is an interesting job because the

• "The joy of working in hot climates is that the climate itself won't kill you - whereas in cold climates the climate could kill you" - Lt Col Kevin De Val talks to Ritchie Troughton. Marines can be in their barracks up on the West Coast of Scotland one day and be told "Right, we need you to go and join a ship in Indonesia tomorrow". The Fleet Standby Rifle Troop really are the immediate reaction troops of the Fleet.They usually have pretty spartan accommodation but they have proved their worth in Sierra Leone and in East Timor lately and they will do so in the future whenever we need to get capable British Troops ashore quickly.

What positive messages would you send out to possible recruits joining the Marines?

I have been in the Royal Marines for nearly 35 years. You realise when you join that you are part of a world famous elite. You have a camaraderie with people who have all done the same specialist training as you have - if you ask most Marines what's the most difficult thing they've done in their lives most of them will probably say the Commando Course Training at Lympstone. One of the joys about being in the Marines is that you change what you do every two or three years. You could find yourself for three years in a Commando Unit travelling all over the world, then leave and become part of a ships detachment, and then leave that and find yourself in a job in London. I think that for an

adventurous spirit there isn't' a better career. We are lucky that we have the sort of reputation that brings that kind of person to us. We still attract a very large percentage of county-standard sportsmen and young men interested in the outdoor life. I think the Marine Commando today is just as good as when I first joined.

"The key to Commando training is really having the right frame of mind. If you are focussed and determined you can accomplish much, much more." Q Ll Col Kevin de Val is in charge of public relations at the Headquarters Royal Marines at Whale Island, Portsmouth.

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Every keen prospective Leading Hand and Petty Officer wants to get a there arc still enough places to cater Do you have a spouse, who was 'And he's got an 'orrible laugh!' Leadership Course under his or her for most applicants. • Not rendering a new form on change either a Service person or a Civil Servant, has recently left of address (and probably preferences The following area details of jobs for which the Naval Drafting Division is seeking volunteers. General rules for volunteering apply the Services or Civil Service? as well), on marriage or on the birth of If so, have you rendered a a first or subsequent child. to change your marital RATE UNIT TYPE OF LOCATION JOB DATE ESTIMATED • Not saying that you are no longer a C141 category from CIS. C1C, C5S SERVICE REQUIRED DETAILS TIME IN JOB volunteer for Local Foreign Service. orC5CtoCl? There have been a number of recent (MONTHS) When did you last hug your instances when units have been asked DCMLO? to recommend ratings for LFS, only for You should all know by now NA(AH)/ RNAS Yeovilton: Shore Yeovilton Safety Diver Sept 02 18 Drafty to be told that they are no of the Drafting and Career CplRM Emergency (must be longer volunteers. Management Liaison Offices Underwater Ship's Diver Health warning: as a last resort you could still be drafted to LFS non-prefer- in Portsmouth (Building 1/163, Escape Unit trained) adjacent to South Jetty), ence if necessary to meet the require(Dunker) ments of the Service (NMA Devonport (Tyne Building in the Naval Base), Faslane GOSPORT'S signal 041310Z JUN 01 LAEM(M) HMS Sultan Gosport Initial Course Jan 02 18-24 Shore (Admin Building, HMS NEPrefers). Initial Training Instructor • Failure to fill in the form complete- TUNE), Culdrose (Building Group (Air L4) and Yeovilton (Building lyEngineering 178). It's easy to determine a rating's first

son or a Civil Servant

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They are intended to assist • Irrelevant comments such as "My girlfriend is a receptionist at the Duke the drafting and divisional sysof — Hotel" - and it was fully sup- tems, and Divisional Officers are strongly encouraged to visit ported by the man's DO and HOD! Is your Next-of-Kin information up- the DCMLOs to understand how they benefit all concerned. to-date? Each office is managed by a Have you recently:

Royal Navy ships are always in the news - in the year 2000 alone they were engaged in 12 live operations. Our calendar features some of the busiest units of the Fleet, and looks back through the Navy News files to pick up some past headlines when we reported on their activities around the world. A collector's calendar of splendid colour pictures printed on fine grade paper, wire bound at the head and with high quality spot varnish cover. Size approx: 37cm. x 28.5cm.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

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NoficeBoarcf

NAVY NEWS looks back through its pages to recall some of the October headlines of past decades...

THE TIME OF YOUR LIVES

40 years ago THE GUIDED missile destroyer HMS Kent was launched at Harland and Wolff's Belfast shipyard by the Duchess of Kent. The ship was the third of her class to go down the slipway.

30 years ago PRINCE Charles had officially entered the Royal Navy when he arrived at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth. SHIPS of the Hong Kong Squadron rescued 250

people when Typhoon Rose hit the area with wind gusts of more than 100 knots. HM ships Hubberston, Kirkliston and Bossington were involved in the operation which saved survivors from sunken and sinking vessels.

20 years ago

• 1981 - HMS London fired the Royal Navy's last broadside.

THE Royal Navy's last broadside was fired by County-class destroyer HMS London, the last operational warship in British service to have more than one gun turret. The firing was carried out during her deployment to the West Indies. London was due to be paid off at the end of the year, as were the frigates Brighton, Berwick and Falmouth.

Swop drafts m Appointments LCH J. Burns, HMS Drake (01752 555747) drafted HMS St Albans Nov. Will swop for any Devonport ship deploying or not.

OM(AW)1 J. K. Spencer, 3 Romeo Mess HMS York. Will swop for any Portsmouthbased ship not deploying. POWWtr G. Philip, UPO HMS Neptune. Drafted to DHFS RAF Shawbury end Oct

01. Will consider any shore draft in Scotland. Contact Neptune UPO ext 4431. PO(STWD) Y. Yorke, 2SL Admiralty House, Portsmouth ext 25363. Drafted to RNAS Culdrose October 20. Will swop for

any Portsmouth shore draft. CH Mills, HMS Drake H+B galley. Drafted to NP 1067 Kosovo December 12 until June 3, 2002. Will swap for any ship or establishment around UK. Ratings .seeking to swop drafts must meet the requirements of BR14, article 0506. In particular, they should be on or due the same kind of service - sea or shore; have time to serve in their current draft; be the same rate; and be of similar experience. All applications must be made on Form C240 to NDD, Centurion Building.

Rear Admiral I. A. Forbes to be promoted Admiral on December 1, 2001 and to be Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in succession to Admiral Sir James Perowne on January 10, 2002. Commodore M. W. G. Kerr to be promoted Rear Admiral and to be Naval Secretary in succession to Rear Admiral J. M. de Halpert on January 31, 2002.

Commodore N. S. R. Kilgour to be promoted Rear Admiral as FOSM vice Rear Admiral R. Stevens and to be Chief of Staff (Operations) Fleet, Flag Officer Submarines and Commander Submarine Forces East

Atlantic/Commander Submarine Forces North on September 18, 2001. Capt C. R. Style to be promoted Rear Admiral and to be Capability Manager (Strategic Deployment) in succession to Rear Admiral R. G. J. Ward in June 2002. Cdr P. D. Warwick to HMS Iron Duke as Commanding Officer, December 4, 2001. Cdr D. P. Reindorp to HMS Westminster as Commanding Officer, October 24, 2001. Lt Cdr M. I. Newland to HMS Quorn as Commanding Officer, December 9, 2001, Cdr M. J. Parr to HMS Montrose as Capt F, December 22, 2001.

Exeter comes of age HMS EXETER has celebrated 21 years of commissioned service. The Type 42 destroyer was launched on April 25, 1978, by Lady Joan Mulley - but the anniversary was also a cause for sadness, as Lady Mulley, described as "a tower of strength to the ship over the 23 years", died recently. During Exeter's 21 years of service: • More than 2,500 personnel have served in her • She has steamed more than 700,000 nautical miles - equivalent to more than 30 times around the world • Her galley has provided in excess of 4,500,000 meals. The celebrations to mark the destroyer's coming of age began with a dinner on board for all exCommanding Officers, with nine

out of the 12 able to attend. This was followed by ceremonial divisions at which the Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Granvillc Baldwin, was guest of honour. The ceremony and buffet lunch which followed were attended by representatives of the Sea Cadets and the warship's various affiliations. The current Commanding Officer, Cdr Chris Richards, said:

• The CO of HMS Exeter, Cdr Chrsitopher Richards, watches his wife Freya cut an anniversary cake with OM Amy Howard, who celebrated her 21st birthday at around the same time. "What makes HMS Exeter so effective is the men and women who have served in her over the years, and will continue to do so for many more to come.

"We arc also honoured to receive regular visits from the veterans who served in our predecessor during her heroic campaigns in

World War II."

Ship memorabilia goes to auction Osprey, HMS Boxer 1983, Waterman 1978, Lilah 1973, Holmwood 1973, Cairn 1965, TRV Lasham, Dunster 1969, RMAS Toreador, MV Fintry. Ship's honours boards: Spey, Orwell, Bicester. Ship's name board: Arun (two), The main items are: Cygnet, Spey (two), Phoebe, Ship's bells: HMS Spey 1986, Beaver (three), Bicester (two), HMS Blackwater 1985, HMS Orwell, Blackwater (two), London Itchen 1985, HMS Beaver 1984, (two), Brave (three), Boxer HMS Brave, Goosander 1973, (three). The auction will be held at John & Dennison Taylor, HMS VARIOUS items of ship's memorabilia will be sold at a marine auction, to be held by Phillips the Auctioneers. The sale will include 19 ship's bells and 22 ship's name boards, together with items such as tampions and honours boards.

Phillips early in the New Year, the exact date, time and location to be announced. Catalogues may be bought and

further information on the sale obtained from Richard O'Callaghan at Phillips on 0207 4688312. Any further queries should be addressed to Disposal Services Agency (Contractor Management), 7th Floor, 6, Hercules

Road, London SE1 7DJ, tel 0207 261 8916.

Deaths CPOMEA Mark R. Hayman, Drake CFM Sept 3. CPOAEA(M) Edward James Dodd. MASU Gosport. August 26. LMEADarren Barton, HMS Sultan. August 28.

LS(R) Anthony Henry Dalley, Neptune DLO. September 11. AB(D) Alan Guy Silcox, Fleet Diving Group. August 17. WO(MEM) Samuel J.C. McKnight, HMS

Neptune. September 15.

Surg Capt (D) William Shankley Turnbull. Served 1942-73. Appontments: RNB Devonport and HMS Tyne. Iron Duke, Appledore II, Lanka, Highflyer, Attacker, Royal Edgar, Royal Charlotte, Fulmar, Condor, Gamecock, Phoenicia, St Vincent, Rooke, Pembroke, Cochrane, Terror. On retirement as Dental Officer, St Helena. May 10, aged 85. Capt Edmund ('Splash') Carver DSC. Senior Observer to Tim Coode, CO of 818 Sqn in HMS Ark Royal who helped to sink the Bismarck. Aged 88. Cdr Reginald Dennis Robinson, president HM Rescue Tugs Veterans Association. June 5. Cdr Richard Jennings, DSO, DSC'

Gunnery Officer in HMS Exeter in Battle of the River Plate. Other ships include Calcutta, Revenge, Repulse, Wolsey, Pembroke, Nile, Sidmouth, Birmingham, Venerable, Glasgow, Rooke and President. August 16, aged 98. Lt (E) Cedric William King, RNVR. Served 1939-46. HMS Pembroke, Dolphin, Britannia II, Victory, Hornet, Mantis, Smiter and Mull of Galloway. August 27, aged 88. Lt Bertram Covill, BEM. Received three awards for same act of gallantry in the Battle of the Atlantic. The Adams Beck, in which he was a gunner, was bombed off the Irish coast in 1941. He rescued the Chief Engineer, trapped in the engine room, and supported him in thewater for two hours. Awarded BEM, Lloyds Silver Medal for Bravery and Royal Humane Bronze Medal. June 27, aged 87. Lt W. D. A. Waters, DSC, RNVR. Mentioned in Despatches for Beach survey work, Sword Area, Normandy with 712th

LCP(Sy) Flotilla 1943/44. Walcheren (Infatuate) DSC. Assisted Army preparatory work for crossing Rhine. A Iso served in HMS James Cook, HMS Tormentor, Warsash with 24th Landing Craft Flotilla at Dieppe. August 4, aged 81. S/Lt John M. Wood. FAA pilot, served with 812 Sqn, HMS Glory, Korea 1952.

Jack Bennett, ex-AB. Served HMS Morecambe Bay 1949-52. August 28, aged 79. Michael (Nobby) Nobbs, served 196271. Member of Aircraft Handlers Association. September 1. Joseph Harris, ex-Aircraft Mechanic 1st Class. Served 1945-47 in HMS Glory and Theseus. Member of Angus Branch FAA Association. Don (Trapper) Lawrence, ex-REL(Air). Served in HMS Ocean, Glory, Falcon 194850). Member of 14th Carrier Air Group and HMS Glory Associations. September 2. Alec Wiseman, LST 368 Member of Landing Ships Tank Club. Jean Goode, ex-Wren Standard Bearer of Derbyshire FAA Association. July 22. Gilbert Henry Hale, ex-LS Member of HMS Belfast Association, served in ship 1944-45. August 27.

William Henry Lansdown, ex-AB. Member of HMS Belfast Association. Served in ship 1950-53, Korea. August 27. Thomas Lewis Alan Judd, ex-RM. Member of HMS Belfast Association. Served in ship 1950-53, Korea. September 2. Dennis Arthur Standen, ex-PO Writer. Member of HMS Belfast Association. Served in ship 1948-50, Korea.. August 14.

Joe Weatherley, MBE, ex-Ldg Steward. Served 1939-46 in minesweepers on East Coast and in HMS Caesar. Member of 6th Destroyer Flotilla Association. September 2, aged 90. Alex Young, ex-W/M. member of HMS Faulknor Association. August 21. Eric Howley, ex-AB. Served 1954-56. Member of HMS Kenya Association. August 26, aged 64. Jim Draper, Member of HMS Morecambe Bay Association. Served in ship 1955-56. September 6, aged 74. Dan Scully, ex-QMS, RM. Served in HMS Ajax, London, and with SAS. Played rugby

for RN and RM. July 28, aged 77. John (Tug) Wilson. Joined as boy seaman in 1938 and served in HMSWarspite, Gambia, Corunna and Serapis and in HMS Cossack (Korea). Ex-CO TS Fulmar (now Vulcan), Thurso. August 12. aged 79. Victor Pollock, ex-AB Served 1939-46 in HMS Argus. Atlantic, Malta and Russian convoys. Edward John Hickman, ex-S/M. Served in HMS Talent, Thule, Affray, Subtle and Thermopylae. Member of London Branch of the Submariners Association. June 2001, aged 70.

Lt Cdr Howard (Joe) Instance. August Member of 14th Carrier Air Group 28, aged 85. Association. Paul A. Hurrell, ex S/M. Joined subPeter Goldsmith, ex-NA Armourer. marines in 1946, serving in HM submarines Served with 804 Sqn, HMS Glory, Korea H32, X25, X10, Tantivy, Artful 1951-52. Member of 14th Carrier Air Group, Thermopylae as an AB TD3. "Paul's generaHMS Glory

and

FAA Armourers

Associations. Eric (Blondie) Pitman, ex-POAM(A). Served 1939-48. 809 Sqn, HMS Victorious, Monab, Monara (Colombo). Member of HMS Victorious (1941-45) Reunion Association. August 7, aged 82.

Gordon Frederick (Tansy) Lee, ex CERA. Served 1948-73 in HMS Caledonia, Coquette, Fearless and Laymoor. August 22. M. I. Crawford, ex-CERA. August 24, aged 52. Alien Montefiore, ex-Aircraft Handler, served 1956-58. Member of Aircraft Handlers Association. June 19.

tion of submariners, whose time was spent in

these more arduous submarines, helped consolidate the professional traditions in which today's and future submariners take great historical pride" - London Branch, Submariners Association. September 8,

aged 76. Jess Goode, HMS Sparrow Association. September 10, aged 61.

ASSOCIATION OF RN OFFICERS Surg Cdr P. V. G. Dawson. Served: Forth, Drake, St Angelo, Mercury, Newfoundland, Sanderling, Cygnet, Peacock, Cheviot and Victory.

Cdr R.B. Jennings DSO DSC*. Served: Calcutta, Revenge, Repulse, Wolsey, Pembroke, Exeter, Nile, Sidmouth, Birmingham, Venerable, Glasgow, Rooke and President. Lt Cdr G. J. Knock. Served: Ceres, Lagos, Ganges, Protector, Drake, Jufair, Pembroke, St Vincent, Lochinvar, Arrow, Royal Arthur, Sultan, Cambridge and Nelson. Capt (X) L. W. Napier, DSO, DSC. Served: Olympus, Rorqual, Tigris and Vengeance. Cdr G. V. Parmiter. Served: Dundee, Bridgewater, Caledon, Renown, Ocean and President. Vice Admiral Sir Allan Trawby. Served: Duke of York, Dido, Cadiz, Albion and Nelson. Lt Cdr E. A. Tyrer, DSC. Served: Tartar, Aurora, Wanderer, Shikari, Illustrious, Cockchafer, St Angelo and Chaplet. ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION Jack Bilsborough, President and founder member, South Liverpool. Served throughout WWII and Korean War. August 11, aged 80. L. Dilworth, Capenhurst. Ex FAA Air Fitter. Aged 78. Cecil G. Dighton, Huntingdon. Extelegraphist. September, 2001. Les Aldridge, Norwich. Served 194146. Ex-AB served in Ganges, Pembroke, Bleasdale and Mendip. August 21, aged 78. R. (Bob) Jackson, Margate. Ex-CPO, ships include Rodney and Newcastle. W. (Bill) Grimmett, ex-STPO, DSM at Dunkirk, served in HMS Newcastle. Murray Goodwin, Wrexham. Ex-AB Gunner. Served in Glory and Tyrian. Harry William Thomas, Cwmbran. ExDEMS rating. Served 1938-46. June 27, aged 81. Alan (Charlie) Tremlett, President Cwmbran. Ex-PO Electrical. Served 194768. Ships include Vanguard, Howe, Ocean, Loch Fyne, Hampshire and Puma. August 19, aged 72. Eric W. Shawyer, Welwyn Garden City. Ex-LTel. Served 1933-1948. Ships include Pembroke, Cairo, Cardiff, Dilvara, Duncan, KNM Slepner (Norway), London, Prince of Wales (survivor of sinking), Durban, Anson, Superb and Tanganyika. August 24, aged 83 John O'Malley, Redcar. Ex-LSM. Served 1941-46. Ships include Waveney and Verulam. August 30, aged 78. Jimmy Deacon, Netley. Ex LDG/HSD. Ships include Brecon and Ilex. Dick Howard, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Ex LTel. Aged 79. and F. E. Downing, Capenhurst. Ex-LSig. Served 1941-46. Aged 79. Bertram Wells, Dartford. For 20 years National Council Member for No 2 Area. July 26, aged 80. S/Lt Howard Hemming, president Stratford-upon-Avon. August 7, aged 81. John Gamble, Skegness. Member of the Cossack Association. Aged 80. John Edward (Ted) Wheelhouse, chairman Haven. Ex-POStwd. Served 1952-75. Ships include Illustrious, Ark Royal, Bossington, Forth, Malcolm and Minerva. July 30, aged 65. Derek Hawthorne, standard bearer St Albans. Served in King George V and Duke of York. August 20, aged 74.

33

THE MARITIME SALE 16 January 2 002 New Bond Street, London

A regatta off New Brighton in the River Mersey, by Robert Salmon Signed and dated 1845, oil on board, 42 X 6iCM Estimate: £30,000-50,000

This auction will cover all aspects of maritime art and antiques, including pictures, models, instruments, ephemera and fine examples of mariners' craftsmanship.

Closing date for entries 16 November 2001. For expert advice or a free confidential valuation with a view to selling through Phillips, please contact Biba Woodall on 020 7468 8221 biba.woodall@phillips-auctions.com Phillips, de Pury & Luxembourg 101 New Bond Street, London wis ISR Fax: 020 7629 8876 phillips-auctions.com

PH I LLI PS A U C T I O N E ERS

34

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

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New Leaf Education Tel: 01302 859954 PO Box 460, DONCASTER DN4 9X1-

www.newleafeducation.co.uk

To advertise on our Recruitment pages call 023 927 25062 or 023 927 24226 R€TT MONTROSE

FIRE INSTRUCTORS RGIT MONTROSE Ltd was formed as a result of a recent merger of two long established safety training organisations, MSTI and RGIT. RGIT MONTROSE is a market leader in its field and we require Fire Instructors to join our team. Applicants should be qualified Fire Instructors and be competent to teach

modern firefighting techniques to personnel both at home and abroad, using the latest in operational equipment. Courses range from basic to advanced firefighting, including courses in teamwork, leadership, gas, helicopters, rescue and emergency command & control.

Applicants should have attained at least Sub-Officer rank in a local authority fire brigade and attended a general instructor's course or equivalent, e.g. CPO/PO Airman (Aircraft Handler) with Instructional Techniques, Breathing Apparatus Instructor and Fire Prevention courses. Previous training experience is

You will be an integral member of a submarine refuel team, whose responsibility it is to manage and perform the refuel process, as well as to manage and maintain the equipment and facilities. Ideally you should have either nuclear industry, or submarine operating experience. •j

Either a recognised trade apprenticeship, or an ONC is preferred. A willingness to undertake nuclear training, to work in a shift be required.

*

BUSINESS FOR SALE Established 20 yrs Main Road Position Lease Until Feb 2005

Business Web Site Full Training Available Equipment Included

To apply for these positions, please send your CV and current salary details to Yvonne Leece at Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4SG. Email, yvonne.leece@devonport.co.uk

DML

Fax. 01752323656.

OFFERS OVER £39,500 Plus Stock at Valuation Telephone 01436 678822

INVESTOR IN PEOPLE

D E: V O IM F> O R T

KEY OPPORTUNITIES IN GENERATION

PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS

We achieve excellence through the performance

Thames Power Services are currently seeking experienced personnel to

of our staff and are looking for individuals

operate this 1000 MW modern, gas fired, combined cycle power station

committed to maintaining and improving this standard.

situated in Essex.

Those with education and experience in Steam an Gas Turbine We offer a generous salary supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package as would be expected from a market leader in the electricity industry. Relocation assistance is offered where

applicable.

Competitive salary and benefits package will be paid to the

Please apply no later than 31st October 2001 with full CV to: The Personnel Dept (ref 0017) RGIT MONTROSE Ltd Forties Road, Montrose DD10 SET

a turnover of £400 million and with secure contracts we're looking forward to

pattern and to work in radiologically controlled areas would

TROPHY & ENGRAVING

required. Offshore/petrochemical experience would be an advantage. successful candidates. Previous applicants need not re-apply.

Plymouth

Leaving the Navy? Imagine working from home, part or full lime, running your own business with the support of a market leading company. Too good to be true? I've done il so what's

POLICE RECRUITMENT

Refuelling Engineers

DML Devonport is a recognised leader in shipbuilding and nuclear submarine repair

Ring 01273 609361 for an application form, or send CV to;

FRANCHISE FOR SALE

e-mail: alan.biles@bristow.co.uk

Fender Care Ltd Head Office Enterprise House

ill

MAINTENANCE ENGINEER

An FR Aviation Group Ltd and Bristow Helicopters Ltd Joint Venture Company

SO20 8DY

Ready to move on?

Require a

FB Heliservices Ltd

technology gained through working in the Armed Forces, Merchant Navy, Electrical Generating or Petrol-Chemical industries are invited to

apply. With an HND/HNC or a trade certification, you should have at least 3

years' experience in the operation of steam and Gas Turbines. Equally your self-motivation and good interpersonal skills will be backed by a demonstrable self-reliance.

THAMES

If you have the right experience and you're interested in making a career

POWER

reference no. 007/0801/PT, to Mavis Dulieu, HR Administrator, Thames Power Services, Chequers Lane, Dagenham, Essex RM9 6PF or

SERVICES

move to Essex then apply in writing enclosing a full CV quoting

Fax 020 8984 5005.

www. navy news. co. uk Options

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

35

Recruitment A Business Opportunities "WRENS

STEWARDS / COOKS Leaving the RN shortly? Want to GOOF OFF this winter? I own a small Guest House in the French Alps - I am currently recruiting Staff for this upcoming Ski Season.

pw^-, ! il ""H, P£jYAL Jiji%jr\jr N«V T

You must be available from the beginning of December 2001, minimum Age 25, a Full Driving Licence is essential. O O

• fl 1 1/1 <** ^ w Iw

For more information please contact:

Based in Dorset, is a rapidly expanding airline operating BAC1-1 1 and B737 aircraft. We currently have the following vacancies:-

<F*^1jMrJP ^\^ f^ f«Un5»°«™.™ L^.-™"1-

UNLICENSED AIRFRAME AND ENGINE FITTERS AVIONICS ENGINEERS

Dorset BH23 6EA.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 31 October 2001.

busy south coast university town.

This established fun business is rich in potential for hands on owner /managers. One of three shops in small chain, this outlet has enormous scope for increased turnover and high margin sales in a

rapidly growing industry. '"or details, serious principals only apply in writing to:

Mr Baxter @ 145A West Street, Fareham,

PO 16 my/.

/

/; ^-^ •f^'^f

v* -V^v^y

~^

for 3 years

Are you technically trained?

"

Recruiting r»xr o r , A > f i i 7 ^ RN & RM WOS, . O-KI/^/-\ Senior Rates and SNCOS

tO WOrk aS

* vehicle provided * short term accommodation provided * must be CORGI registered or prepared * based in Buckinghamshire Write or Call: SURAB UMITKI) 01494 520 340 44-47 Oxford Road, High Wycomhc,

/

C^ / C / f I*

CAl £28,491.90

/ ,_

V

X J I / ^

TIfn£j

London^

J

f jt^-4,

CA3«2,199.30 ficino ro

_, Coventry

^V_/;^ '^ ^ fC

rl« ,

X

Wtexham

.^T C '' ,,-' ^^ sUr-*

Careers Advisers at these locations:

FTRSra,eSofpay (review a lyl

^*~r-Manc hestt}\\ j r M. •*•• *^»»t-*jjt^i*'

~ Liverpool

is currently seeking

We are looking for technically

MARINES

A^^^-~ ^-^-^A &<rfqk

The Director of Naval

trained ex-service personnel to work in our growing heating and plumbing business.

te jSSik MM ^^P^'f ROYAL

^ with prospects for further •* i 2T year commitments.

Naval ^'/^/^^ Careers Service " ; ( MH***™*

Please telephone for an application form on 01202 581 1 1 1 to the Personnel Department at European Aviation Air Charter Ltd, European House, Bournemouth International Airport, Christchurch,

Sited in a main shopping street in a

-oj^fc-

ttip i/ft;

European Aviation Air Charter Ltd

for Saie:

/

Cr \J H

Michael - 0208-850-0939

Balloons and Party Shop

.

^ ry^-7 Enlist on a C^-5^ J"" /y Full-time Reserve Service -^ c^ ^ (Limited Commitment) -*$ $\f'/<i <d?.Vr"-~~-— •••. for service in a $ \fe< ^ specified location

service Pensions

will be abated so that your total remuneration will not exceed your basic pay on the last day of regular service.

Chatham ^

,.J^MBV-""~~—-/'

-p

V~~" '"\--^

~^

1-'~^\,, For further information please contact: DNR SO2 Support - Lieutenant Tina Gray PSTN: 023 9272 7760; Mil 9380 27760

To A d v e r t i s e O23

Bucks, MI'11 2KB

PETTY OFFICE]rl MEDIC AL ASSISTANT

YOU'LL FIND A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Telephone -

5O62

N6W!!

Aircraft engineering: take your career onto a different plane Engineering and Logistics opportunities • Boscombe Down, Wiltshire

WITH THE ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY

With a fleet of 22 ships operating around the world, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary supplies and supports Britain's armed forces, particularly

QinetiQ is a science and technology powertiouse.

adaptable, team-minded and eager to learn from

Formerly part of DERA, our newly privatised company has the freedom to exploit its vast resources and capabilities in the open market. One such resource is the Aircraft Test &

new experiences with the very latest hardware.

E/aluation group at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

the Royal Navy. All our ships are crewed by civilians - men and women who want to work to the highest possible standards, have a taste for adventure and are keen to make a real difference in their

This is a centre of excellence for the acceptance testing of aircraft and associated systems tor both military and civil customers. A broad range of services is backed by state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft

day-to-day roles.

You will provide the necessary back up in terms of primary care and occupational health, with substantial input into matters of health and safety. You will also be responsible for our ship's medical department and for the ongoing provision of first aid training.

Ideally, you will have completed the Royal Naval Medical Branch Senior Rates Professional Qualifying Course and possess a valid first aid instructor's qualification. In return, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous leave entitlement and a non-contributory pension scheme, as well as all the advantages of civilian terms and conditions.

9272

INVESTOR IN PEOPLE

and an engineering team of the highest calibre. With a growing portfolio of projects, from avionics systems trials to airf rame and propulsion developments, we're looking to add further capability in Fleet and Facilities Management the team that ensures our aircraft and ground facilities are always equal to every kind of challenge. There are superb opportunities across the board for a broad range of Technicians with

In whichever role and at whatever level you join QinetiQ, rest assured, the training resources and opportunities for career development are second to none. This is an especially exciting time as we explore new markets for our world dass expertise. And the rewards are equally attractive, with a generous pension and holiday allowance on top of highly competitive salaries.

all levels of experience, and as our need is likely

Isn't it time you aimed for new heights?

fax 023 9272 6021 or e-mail us at: rfarecruit@gtnet.gov.uk

Aircraft Technicians (Up to E22.500) are a top priority, to work on the QinetiQ fleet and aircraft under test for military release. The skills we're looking for include Mechanical, Avionic, Electrical, Armament and NOT for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. With near-current

Completed application form and CV to be returned by

experience and either a Service background or a recognised apprenticeship, you must be

Building, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth P01 3NH, tel: 023 9272 5371,

in aviation InventoryControl are also required. Logistics Managers (Up to £33,000) are required in the Logistics section to further new business initiatives. Relocation assistance may be payable if appropriate.

to be ongoing, we will welcome general enquiries regarding present and future vacancies.

Interested? Please contact, in the first instance, the Recruitment Officer, Office of the Commodore, RFA Flotilla, Room F4, Lancelot

Support Technicians (Up to E18,000) are needed in a number of key areas such as Hydraulic, Survival Equipment (including Air Delivery) and Battery Bay.People experienced

For an application form please contact Simon Jones at QinetiQ, Aircraft Test & Evaluation, Room 149, Bldg 627, MOD Boscombe Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP40JF Telephone 01980 662805. Email shjones@QinetiQcom Closing date is 26th October 2001.

The future has our name on it. Will it have yours?

www.QinetiQ.com/careers

31st October 2001.

The RFA is fully committed to equal opportunity policies.

www.rfa.mod.uk

QinetiQ

36

www.navynews.co.uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

Options

*T- Miscellaneous

WALL SHIELDS OF ROYAL NAVY SHIPS

LOST YOUR MEDALS? WE CAN REPLACE THEM NOW • WW1 TO PRESENT DAY IN FULL SIZE AND MINIATURE WE MOUNT MEDALS TO WEAR - COURT OR SWING STYLE PROFESSIONALLY SEWN AVAILABLE NOW THE GENERAL SERVICE CROSS, VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND MARITIME SERVICE MEDAL SAE FOR DETAILS & REPLACEMENT MEDALS LIST

Hand painted on wooden base 6in x 7in

£26.75 + £1.40

UK Postage.

REDUCED PRICES given for orders of 6 or more SPECIAL PRICES given for 10, 25, 50 and 100 CRESTED TIES TO YOUR OWN SPECIAL DESIGN

(minimum 36) specialist experience over 85 years

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GOLD WIRE BADGE Co

LOST MEDALS

REPLACED IN RECORD TIME FULL SIZE & MINIATURE .1 DAY MOUNTING SERVICE WRITE OR PHONK FOK QUOTATION

RAYMOND D. HOLDICH Trafalgar Square Collectors Centre 7 Whitcomb Street London WC2H 7HA

TEL 020 79301979 FAX 020 7930 1152 e mail:rdhmedals@aol.com www.rdhmedals.com

Tankard House, 25 Leadmill Road, Sheffield S1 3JA

NEWTON FERRERS. Nr PLYMOUTH. DEVON. PL8 1DH. Tel 01752 872672. Fax 01752 872723.

Tel/Fax: 017O6 846648 www.thegoldwirebadge.co.uk E-mail:- robroy@thegoldwirebadge.co.uk

To Advertise Telephone — O23 9272 5O62 NOW!!

Freelander from £11,710 tax free

WORCESTERSHIRE MEDAL SERVICE LTD

Wide range of quality garments. Low minimum order. Full colour brochure. Caps & Printed garments supplied. SKYDIVING (X)tJRSES IN FLORIDA Freefall Adventures, Florida are happy to offer Skydiving Courses for beginner to advanced students in beautiful Sebastian, Florida. Our Skydiving School is British owned and operated. Located on the east coast of Florida, this tropical paradise is a great place for your skydiving vacation. Come join us for extreme fun in the sun. Contact us for further details

Freefall Adventures, Florida 400 W Airport Drive, Sebastian, Florida 32958, USA

Tel:(561) 388 0550-Fax:(561) 581 4468 Email: skydiveMik@aol.com www.ffadventures.com

osun s Bookshop

LARGE SELECTION OF ROYAL NAVAL AND MARITIME TITLES For more details, Tel: 023 92826682 Fai: 023 92821881

E-Mail: karen@bosunsbooks.com I

Free embroidery proof. No origination charge. Embroidered Polos from IdMea, Sweats ISMea, T-shirts tS.OOea.

Specialists in Medals and Medal Mounting.

- FRAMED COLOUR PRINTS -

BD11 2JX Tel: 01274 688103 Fax: 01274 652524 www.bananamoon.co.uk

TIES, BADGES & PLAQUES By Mail Order SHIPS/SQUADRONS/ REGIMENTS/CLUB HM Services and custom-made for Clubs, Bands, Choirs, etc. Blazer buttons, medals, ribbons & sundries

Over Briar, Beech Well Lane, Edge End, Coleford, Glos. GL16 7HA

Tel/Fax: 01594 832200

REGIMENTAL TIES, blazer Badges, Cuff-Links, Buttons, Medals, Cap Badges, Militaria. £2.(X) for list. Cairncross (Dep. NN), 31. Belle Vue St., Filey, N. Yorks YO149HU. www.cairnxson.freeserve.co.uk

character toys delivered to your door

web:

Over 400 available Print laminated with canvas texture film to resemble an original oil painting sizeS'xW" for £35 plus P&P For list please send SAE to:

tel: 0121 355 6200 mailorder2000.co.uk

SEART, 5 THE CHASE. GOSPORT, HANTS P012 3TD ^_^

EMBROIDERED BADGES CUMMERBUNDSJIES

PURE NOSTALGIA Individually hand-built wateriine presentation model of your ship, perhaps long gone but never forgotten. Contact for further details: Ron Hughes, Model Shipwright, Feldemore, Bacton, Stowmarket Suffolk, IP14 4LF 01449 781741

Cummerbunds - Silk £25, Polyester £17,50 Cap Tallies, and Baseball Caps All made to order. Ross Art Embroidery 7 Wall Road, Gwinear, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5HA.

Tel/Fax: O1736 85O724

FOR SALE MODEL WARSHIP COLLECTION 1200-1250 SCALE

iWANTEDf H.M.S. Bell's

173 ships from the British, USA, German, Japanese, Italian and French navies circa 1914-1945 £4000 O.N.O. Phone/ Fax 01752-837647

Name Boards & Crests, Tread Plates Thomas Kerrigan, 12 Summerhill North, St Lukes, Cork IRL

00 353 214501573

^

Collector in UK monthly

Our Motor Insurance If you have our Kit & Contents Insurance

Call into your local branch of NAAFI Financial or call us on: 00800 76 76 77 77 +44 1603 205 209 Rest of the world

www.naafi-financial.coin

BBia QUALITY HAND SEWN SHfiS NATIONAL FLAGS & ENSIGNS.

ECONOMY 5FT X 3FT FLAGS £7.99 POLES, TABLE FLAGS & BUNTING FREE COWVR BROCHURE ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

ELPEES ENTERTAINMENTS Unit C6 Laser Quay, Medway City EsL Rochester, Kent ME2 4HU Tel: 01634 297708 Fax: 01634 297709 www.elpees-entertainments.co.uk

We belong to the Which? Webtrader Code of Practice

C3&WB

You can now buy and send your greetings cards, flowers and gifts for all occasions on-line.

©GD ©ODE miBmm

Send your special greeting from anywhere in the world, just visit

Now you can reach a truly global audience! To find out more contact the Navy News Advertising Department on

our new website.

All items posted guaranteed 1st class recorded delivery to your specified date anywhere in the U.K

www.navynews.co.uk

www.modorncards.com

PRINTED Teeshirts, Sweatshirts, Badges, Coffee mugs And lots more, all from one supplier

No artwort* or setting up costs on majority of goods High quality, competitive prices, prompt delivery.

BFPO tax-free service

Send for our new price list: Reynold Sports

51/52, High Street, Lincoln, LN5 SAP

Tel: 01522 513333 Fax: 01522 530383

EUR Disposable contact lenses on-line L E N S E S

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www.eurolenscontactlenses.com UK

0800 897275

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Italy

800015480

Holland

0800 0221447

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9009 93967

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Joys Roses & Flowers ~ A Gift of Love ~

Flowers For All Occasions — Not Just Christmas/Valentines Day/Mothers Day But For ~ Anniversaries, Congratulations, Births, Birthdays, To Whoever You Have Forgotten Flowers Sent To Any Address In U.K. &N.I. 12 Roses - Rcd/Ycllow/Pink/Whitc/Mixed. Plus Gyps ............................................. £13.85 24 Roses - Red/Ycllow/Pink/Whitc/Mixcd. Plus Gyps ............................................. £18.50 40 Frecsia & Ferns ....................................;............................................................. £14.75 Bouquet - DC Luxe. Mixed Flowers. 50 Flowcrs/Ferns/Gyps ................................... £20.00 Bouquet - Luxe. Mixed Flowers. 30 Flowcrs/Fcrns/Gyps ........................................ £17.50 Bouquet - Carnations, Mixed or Red/Ycllow/Pink/Whitc & Gyps. 30 Blooms ........ £17.50 Bouquets - Mixed Flowers. Range from ................................................. £11.50 - £20.00

All C/Cs Accepted & Cheques Made Payable To Joys Roses & Flowers, Flamingo, St. Sampsons. Guernsey. C.I. GY2 4WB Telephone 01481-246708 or Fax 01481-243406

0XVXNG ONTO TNt WT

Aquadyn Self Propelled Unit

HMS CORNWALL NTG2000 DEPLOYMENT BOOKS

On HMS CORNWALL for NGT2000, know someone who was!? Last chance to buy this excellent souvenir! Ideal Gifts for family and friends

PRICE £15 PER COPY Contact HMS CORNWALL Deployment Books Officer BFPO 256,

Apollo Bio-Fins Apollo Underwater Scooters

(01752)555150), for further details

or to place an order.

Modular Tech Kevlar BCDs New Tech Kevlar BCDs

Navy News Notice To Readers

Kevlar Dry Suits

New Tech Spear Guns CJ

EMBROIDERED

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*

Discounts to Members of HM Forces

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*H FLAGS GLOBAL

mailorder2000

Please send SAE for lists THE HERALDIC CO. (GB) NN

STRATSTONE OF MAY FAIR

From own original paintings

BANANA MOON WORKSHOP

48, Old Lane, Birkenshaw, Bradford,

export (£13,759 tax paid UK home use),

56 Broad Street, Sidemoor, Bromsgrove, Worcs B61 8LL Tel: 01527 835375 Fax: 01527 576798

Call now for a catalogue

EMBROIDERED LEISUREWEAR

Tel: 0114 272 5676 Fax: 0114 272 6651

e-mail: chrissy§toadhallmedals.com www.toadhallmedals.com

Officers Cap Badges ..................... C12.00 Gold Sword Knot ........................... C23.0O Leather Sword Belts ..................... £70.00 Sword Bags ................................... C30.OO

all prices include PAP

High quality pewter tankards, hip flasks, goblets, plates and much more. Engraved with Ship's Crests, Badges and Logo's to your own designs. Competitive prices. Full colour brochure. A R WENTWORTH (SHEFFIELD) LTD

TOAD HALL MEDALS

GOLD WIRE BADGES-ALL SHJPS ETC £11.00 WHITE LEATHER GAUNTLETS E22.00 STANDARD CARRIERS E25.00 STANDARD CARRIERS MADE TO ORDER E30.00 GOLD CORDS 8FT FOR STD El 5.00 STANDARD CARRYING CASE C30.00 BRASS INSERTS El 2.00 WHITE COTTON GLOVES £4.00 WHITE COTTON MASONIC GLOVES £5.50 NAVY /BLACK BERETS 6 V 7'<, £7.00 ANY ASSN BERET BADGE £4.50 R.N. S NAVAL DIVISION TIES £10.50 R.N. BOW TIES £10.50 BLACK CUP-ON TIES £4.50 R.N. BUTTONS LARGE £1.60 SMALL £1.50 R.N., R.M., R.FA WALL PLAQUES 7"X6" £17.00 PACE STICKS £60.00 W.R.N.S. STYLE HATS £22.00 FRIDGE MAGNETS MOST SHIPS £2.00 KEYRINGS MOST SHIPS £1.50 CAR NUMBER PLATES WITH YOUR OWN REG AND W/ENSIGN, RM, AIRBORNE BADGE £20.30 CAR GRILLE BADGE, W/ENSIGN, PARA REGT, ROYAL MARINES EliOO EMBROIDERED GARMENTS WINTER BLOUSONS, BLACK, R.NA, R.M. £22.00 NAVY BLUE V-NECK JUMPERS : R.NA. R.M. £12.00 WHITE PILOT SHIRTS R.NA, R.M. £12^5 SWEATSHIRTS R.NA, R.M., NAVY, GREY, £15.50

tt.OafeheadfVwe, Shaw,OUham, fanes. OL28TJ

the Pewterers FORMERLY CORIVO PRODUCTS

EVANS

INTERNATIONAL

MARINE DrviaiDN

TEL Q l ZO2 68O5Z2

Dec WAV WHARF

FAX CM 2O2 68O533

'EBT QUAY ROAD POOLE

INFO@flSLUCaPORTS.CO.UK

DOMSCT

WWW.BLUC9RORTS.CO.LIK

The publishers of Navy News cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of any

advertisement or for any loses suffered by any readers as a result Readers are strongly recommended to make their own enquiries and seek appropriate commercial, legal and financial advice before sending any money or entering into any legally binding agreement

LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANERS For Sale, Est since 1969. 3 bed flat above business. South Coast location.

£115,000 Genuine reason for selling.

Tel 023 9255 2750 Fax 023 9255 1191 Navy News Own Products If you are not satisfied with one of our own products sold through this paper, simply return it to us unused within 14 days and we will replace it free of charge or issue a full refund (including postage) This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights

www. navy news. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

37

Accommodation

Options

SUPPORT YOUR CLUB AM booking requirements in writing only, enclosing £5 deposit on each Family Room. Enclose a S.A.E. for your receipt. ACCOMMODATION: For Service Personnel, their families and dependents plus ex. serving personnel and R.N.A. members who may be visiting the Plymouth area. FUNCTIONS: We cater for all types of functions at very competitive prices. Ships Functions, Mess Parties, Wedding Receptions, Reunions of ships, past and present, we offer an ideal facility.

Royal Fleet Club Morice Square, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4PQ Telephone inquiries only Plymouth 01752 562723

Garian House Holiday Flatlets

Hampshire Court Hotel 29/31 Hampshire Terrace, Southsea PO1 2QF Delightful listed building, 1823. Central for seafront, stations, city centre, ferry ports etc. Private car parking Tea/coffee making facilities, colour TVs in all rooms + full

Self-catering flatlets, near sea and shops. Fully equipped. Colour TV, fridge, cooker, linen, etc. Ideal for a visit by family or girl friend. MINIMUM 2 PERSONS OR CHARGE TOR Charge f WEEKLY JULY & A U G U S T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £80 per J WEEKLY JUNE & SEPTEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £70 person | OTHER MONTHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £50

I Nightly (Out of Season) ............................ £10 ALL WITH OWN BATHROOM AND TOILET Guests, who anticipate a late arrival should inform the management before 2pm

English breakfast

Children 12 years or under - HALF PRICE if sleeping in the same room as adults.

Prices from £18 per person per night

Telephone (023) 9282 3522

BOOKINGS ARE SATURDAY TO SATURDAY ONLY DURING MAY - OCTOBER. MR CURTIS, 70 FESTING GROVE, SOUTHSEA, PORTSMOUTH, HANTS. TELEPHONE: 023-9273 3581 MOBILE: 0802-938559

Welcome to the...

HOLIDAY INN PORTSMOUTH & HOLIDAY INN FAREHAM Visiting the new "Explosion Museum of Naval Power" at Priddys Hard?

ASK FOR QUOTATION, CONTACT THE MANAGER

Only 7 miles from Fareham Holiday Inn, and 12 miles from Portsmouth Holiday Inn.

WITHOUT DELAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

All naval personnel who produce their ID card can stay for only £49.00 per room any night of the week* * (subject to availability).

Province Of Natal Hotel

For Reservations Holiday Inn Portsmouth: 023 9285 6333 CallHoliday Inn Fareham: 01329 844012

5, Creenhill, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7SR The Hotel was a gifl after World War 2

To Advertise your accommodation Telephone -

Its purpose is to provide holidays and shorl breaks for all serving and ex-serving RN, RM, WRNS or QARNNS

personnel and their reservists, families and close relatives. *50 yards from beach, safe swimming and fine sands. *Half a mile from the shops and station. *All rooms en-suite with tea and coffee facilities and colour TV 'Lift to all floors 'Residents bar 'Children and Pets welcome

ADVERTISING RATES

O23 9272 5O62 NOW!!

(excl. VAT) as effective from 1st April 2OOO

DISPLAY

'Double, Twin and Family rooms available

'We cater for small ships re-unions Group booking discounts available For more information Tel: 01305 784108 or Fax: 01305 770575 Registered Charity No 226446

iQRTSMOUT LADY

HAMILTON Closest B+B to Naval Base, 100 yards from main gate, HMS Victory/Mary Rose/ HMS Warrior/ Museums all on doorstep. 22 rooms most en-suite, singles/doubles/twins + family rooms, colour T.V, Tea+Coffee facilities, free house

; 023 9287 0505 J

UNION JACK CLUB

ftnperic.il m A HOTEL AA *

PLYMOUTH HOE

Lockyer St, PL1 20D Telephone: (01752) 227311

RAC *

Elegant Victorian Building with 22 Bedrooms - 5 Ground Floor. Nautical Flavour Cocktail Bar. Colour TV, Radio, Tea/Coffee/ Telephone all rooms. Most en suite. Large car park. Navy News Readers 10% Accommodation Discount. All Credit Cards accepted. Brochure & or Booking contact: Lt. Cdr. Alan Jones RNR (Ret'd) "A 'Personal Service'Comfortable Hotel"

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Motoring

MG flexes its sporting muscle again FREED from the shackles of successive managements

return to the race track at Le Mans and in the British

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RN team enters World Cup Rally

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A ROYAL Navy rally team has entered the challenging World Cup Rally 2001. More than 70 cars were due to be flagged off from a starting line at Brooklands Motor Museum as Navy News went to press. The Navy car will be driven by Cdr Rory McNeile with CPO Pete Hopkins as co-driver. Both are members of the RN Automobile Club, and their Peugeot 106 Rallye will be supported by the RN Sports Lottery, RNMSA and Directorate of Naval Recruiting. The team previously drove the car in the Network Q Rally of Great Britain, and have been seeded at 19 for the World Cup event. Their route will take them across the Channel, through France and Spain - including high-speed gravel tests - then over the Straits of Gibraltar into North Africa, where the real competition kicks in. Tough legs over tarmac and gravel surfaces in the Atlas mountains will take the cars to the edge of the Sahara Desert before they head north again via Portugal and Spain - a total of 10,000km in 20 days. Key to success is the ability to balance weight against speed - all spares and kit must be carried in the car throughout.

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:

I

Lt Gen A. S. Rao, Director General of the Indian National Cadet Corps, presents the Cadet Forces Medal to CPO John Stanley while Indian visiting the National Sea Cadet Training Centre at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth. John is the Training Support Officer/Instructor there and has been working for the Sea Cadets full time for eight years. He was previously attached to Sheffield Unit as an tar.

visitor

-I

.--,.

Coventry's winning ways -4 p

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- a

TS COVENTRY's team beat off stiff competition to win the armed section at the National Drill Competition at HMS Excellent this summer, while P0 Andy Lornas lifted the trophy for best guard commander. It was the first time the unit had qualified for the national final. So far this year they have also reached the finals in five-a-side soccer, sail boathandling, sailing and windsurfing making it one of their most all-round successful years ever.

A .f

!Lk ! Scott ties the knot

LAST month, as we reported in August, the Sea Cadet Corps was trying to gain a place in the Guiness Book of Records by tying the world's longest rope. Aim was to tie tens of thousands of one metre lengths in just five minutes and raise unit funds via sponsorship. The crew of HMS Scott raised ÂŁ170 to help its affiliated unit, TS Scott, the money presented to its Commanding Officer, Lt Peter Lewis and Lt Deirdre Lorimcr by the youngest member of the ship's company, SR Rachelle Ross during a visit by the survey ship to her affiliated town of Swansea.

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

wwwnavynews,co.uk

41

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Dream boat Jerwood starts to take shape

SHE'S SLEEK, she's fast, she's simply gorgeous - she's the new Sea Cadet motor vessel TS John Jerwood, on the stocks and due to be launched later this year. The John Jerwood, grant from the Jerwood designed to give young Foundation which sailed to seamen of the future the rescue when the Corps' hands-on experience of two veteran fleet tenders, ship handling, is under Alnmouth and Appleby, construction at Blonde- were withdrawn from sercell's Marchwood, Southvice, leaving only sail at sea. ampton yard. Purpose-built to plug Jerwood made the offer after reading of the cadets' power back into the Corps' offshore fleet, she will have plight in the national press classrooms, training bridge and negotions blossomed and accommodation for 12 into a fully funded package, cadets and four crew. signed and sealed in the The dream has come true admiral's cabin on board thanks to a ÂŁ1.2 million HMS Belfast. I

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0 TAKING SHAPE: TS John Jerwood - starboard side elevation

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Medal sent to Spain

COWES Week on the Isle of Wight saw the Sea Cadets out in force to give budding sailors a taste of adventure - Navy-style. From manning the gun line - the traditional race starting cannon - to pepping up the street party atmosphere, cadets from the two island units made Cowes Week their own and won civic praise for their smart turnout. Mayor of Cowes Cllr Geoff Banks gave the cadets his seal of approval as leader of IOW Council Clir Vic Morey declared: "The cadets are a great credit to the island - and a splendid example to the next generation." There was "serious fun" too as the Sea Cadet "sub-bus" crew put visitors through their paces "beneath the waves". Seagoing for the first time, the veteran London bus sailed in fine style - aboard a Red Funnel ferry - to take pride of place on Cowes sea front for the week-long festivities. " BUS PASSES: A monster from the deep chases cadets out of the sub-bus at Cowes.

A]' A small in ceremony Thrrcvieja, Spain, Cadet Lynn }lumphrics received a medal as a member of the UK's top Sea Cadet unit - Stonchavcn, Aberdeen.

Along with the rest of her unit, she should have received it from the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Peter Spencer, in London. Instead former Marine l)ennis I logct of the Royal Naval Association at Torrcvicja did the honours. Lynn retumcd the compliment by presenting the RNA branch with a Stonchaven plaque-, She was spending the ummer in Spain with her grandparents while her 14-year-old brother Kevin received a bone marrow transplant. Kevin, who has suffered from leukemia for seven years. has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for cancer research during that time. Stonchaven unit, which was formed in 1954, has won the prestigious Canada Trophy as the best unit in Britain on four previous occasions.

SEA CADETS have taken delivery of three new fast rescue craft which really do the business. For the technically mided, the boats are Humber Attaque 5.3m RIBs fully equipped with safety packs and GPS systems for training Royal Yachting Association advanced courses. Fitted with 5Ohp tilt electric start Mariner engines, with triple chinned hulls to give extra grip and stability in rough seas, the new RIBs will be stationed at Holyhead, Rosyth and Weymouth boat stations. For the less technically minded, they're just a whole lot of fun'

,

-,

42

www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2(K)1

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Rugby XIII edged out in thriller

Fencer aims for Scottish selection AN OUTSTANDING performance in the men's epee in the national Fencing Championships underpinned Lt Alisdair Baker's campaign to win a place at his third Commonwealth Games. Lt Baker RMR, currently on Full Time Reserve Service commanding 7 Troop, 'C' Company, 40 Commando, fought through the

early stages to he seeded 4th in the last 64. Three rounds later including a win over the British No 5 - Al was knocked out in the last eight, finishing sixth. Other members of the RNAFA at the nationals included Services ladies' epee champion S/Lt Sacha Brooks RNR (HMS Flying Fox), who finished 36th in the women's event, and Lt Cdr Matt Clark, 107th in the men's. Lt Baker (27) has represented GB at junior and senior level, and was in the Scottish team at the 1994 and 1998 Commonwealth Games. Al must now juggle deployments with 40 Cdo with nationallevel competitions to gain a top

THE Navy travelled north to the home of the Wakeficld Wildcats for their first fixture in this year's Inter Services Challenge Cup - and were just edged out in a thriller. The RAF were full of confidence after a comprehensive defeat of the Army , so it was not going to be easy for the Navy. Right from the kick-off both defences were dominant, but the Navy took the lead half-way through the first half with a fine 35-yard penalty goal from OM Whisky Walker. There were few clear chances lor either side, but just before halflime the RAF took a 4-2 lead with an unconverted try. The RAF stole in to score close

five ranking in order to secure a place in the Scotland squad. He is hoping to set up a club in 40 Cdo whilst on deployment. Other clubs being set up include HMS Fearless (Cpl Jumper Collins) and RNAS Yeovilton (Lt Cdr Dave Lewis. For further information, contact Lt Cdr Barton at HMS Sultan (93843 2329). • Three Navy fencers have been selected for the nine-strong UK Armed Forces team for a showdown in Canada. The Navy trio - Sacha Brooks, Lt Cdr Mark Barton and LAEM Mark Nccdham - will compete in Newfoundland in a military cham-

pionships against other overseas teams and universities.

Services team captain CPOETS

to the posts in the second period,

• Sgf Mike Beaton

Mike shows his mettle in Ironman A ROYAL Marines NCO has competed in the World Long Course championships in Denmark - a gruelling Ironman event involving a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km

A two-month deployment to Norway in January did nothing for his cycling training, but that was all ends her tenure as Chef d'cquipe forgotten as he took to the water in for the Services and RN teams. Frederica, along with 800 competiFrom the start of the Spring bike ride and a full marathon to tors from around the world. term, she will be assuming her new round it all off nicely. Mike recorded a personal best role as RNAFA vice-chairman. Sgt Mike Beaton, of 42 of Ih 1m, but the bike ride, in Commando, managed to secure windy conditions and with a sore 7th place in the Irish Ironman in back to contend with, was 5h 22 August 2000, sandwiched between nothing special, according to Mike. THE 2001 Concept II indoor RN two operational trips with the The run was over four laps, each and RM rowing championships one ending in the town centre Royals and despite the limited will be held at the Fleet endurance facilities on board RFA where thousands of people Recreation Centre, HMS Sir Tristram. This ensured him a cheered the competitors on. Tcmeraire, Portsmouth on Great Britain team spot. "The buzz and adrenaline rush November 8. The individual you get when the crowd receive (2,(M)Om) championships will start you is unbelievable - plenty of high at 1130, followed by a coaching fives, big smiles and loads of backsession, mini-sprint challenge and slapping push you on to the finish A 10km ROAD race will take the team (4,000m) championship, line," said Mike. place at HMS Collingwood on starting at 1430. The race time was 3h 33m, givSunday October 21, at 1100. There will be separate cateing a total Ironman time of lOh The race at the Royal Navy's gories for men and women, lightweapon engineering and com- 6m, placing him 4th out of 140 in weight and heavyweight, and sepamunications training stablishthe GB squad, and 19th in the rate age categories. Entry is free, ment in Fareham is open to world for his age group. and application forms arc availany runners, Navy and nonMike's efforts have been supable from LPT J. Werncr (023 Navy, and will be raising ported by 42 Cdo, the RM Sports 9272 5721) or Lt Cdr J. Waring money for multiple sclerosis. Association and the Sports Lottery. (023 9272 6375).

Louise Olliver (RNSETT) will attend in her final event before she

Oars ready

10k road race

Rowers make their mark THE Royal Navy's rowing squads have made their mark at a number of regattas over the summer, with individual successes at a number of venues. The season started with the Joint Services Regatta meeting, with crews from all three Services going head to head over 1,000 metres.

Although the Army proved to be the strongest team overall, the RN made some progress, regularly beating the RAF and getting close to the Army in the

closing stages of races. A number of individual scullers won their 'novice pots' at this event, and overall the team had a good start to summer sprint racing. Both the men's and women's

squads then went on to regat-

tas around the country, competing in all types and classes of boats. Rowers

travelled

from

Scotland and Portsmouth to Oxford, Stourport, Bewdley, Abingdon and Bristol to race -

and in all the regattas, the Navy had at least one boat in finals, while at Abingdon they got boats into six of the finals.

Adam Mayes won his single

sculling race in fine style at Abingdon, while at Stourport the women's double won the double sculls event. Anybody interested in rowing at any level should contact the Lt Simon Kelly, HMS Newcastle

(men) and Lt Louise Thatcher, HMS Lindisfarne (9380 22501) (women).

Sailors ski in the summer TWO members of the Royal Navy

Alpine ski championships and the competed in Australian Defence Australian Defence Force equivaForces skiing championships over lent at Mt Hotham in Victoria. the summer. S/Lt Mitchell took a second Lt Lars Brazier (846 NAS) and place, third, fourth and sixth in S/Lt Jamic Mitchell (750 NAS) slalom, giant slalom and knock-out were in a Combined Services dual slalom, while the British Forces team won both events overWinter Sports Association team which took part in the RAAF all.

giving a straightforward conversion, but the Navy responded immediately with a try from NA Nik Chatwin, converted by MEM Buck Taylor. At this point he RAF began to exert some superiority, confirmed by a converted try to give the airmen a 16-8 lead. An RAF try was disallowed for "crossing" at the start of a move deep in their own half, and the resulting penalty gave the Navy the opportunity for Mne Ben Mardlc to score a try, converted by Buck Taylor. Both sides coming close to scoring in a tense finale, but after a long period of injury time the whistle went with the RAF ahead 17-14

by virtue of a last-gasp drop goal and celebrating their first interServices trophy. It was a disappointing result for the Navy side, but some consolation can be taken by the performance of the Development team. Made up of a majority of Royal Marines, they totally outclassed their RAF equivalents, running out winners by 66-4. The continuing development of the game within the Services can be measured by the presence, throughout the afternoon, of leading members of the British

Amateur Rugby League management, as well as reporters and photographers from the Rugby League press.

Swimmers open clear blue water NAVY swimmers achieved a resounding victory in the interServices competition. Chief architects of the win were CPOPT Gary Thomas and cxCREA Sam Wakefield, whose team were so far ahead of the rest that they finished 39 points in front, and only three swimmers did not go up for a medal. The final tally was eight individual and eight team golds, four sil-

vers and six bronze medals. Worth special mention were the

performances

of

C/Sgt

Nick

Vaughan, Lt Kcv Walsh, CPO Mike Nolan, S/Lt A. Witt, OM lan Fairhurst and Mne Waugh, while in the ladies' event WAEA Gcorgina Essam and WMEA McClafferty won medals. Water polo players who could fill a squad place for a tour to the USA from October 2-18 should contact the Secretary RNASA on 02392724131.

Wembley date ROYAL Navy riders will be competing in a special inter-Services showjumping event at the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley Arena on Tuesday October 2.

Two out of three THE NAVY football senior squad started a short tour to

Canada on the wrong foot but soon got into their stride. Their opener against the Ontario Under-19s, many of whom had international caps, was on a

full-size indoor pitch, and although the 4-1 scorelinc flattered the hosts, the result was lair. A second game two days later, against the Canadian Military, ended with an 8-0 victory for the Royal Navy, with Andy Craven grabbing a hat-trick. He did even better in the third match, against a stronger military

side, when the Dark Blues pulled

off a 9-0 win and Andy notched four goals.

Although the game went ahead, against the unfolding tragedy in New York and Washington DC, the tour naturally ended on a sombre note, and coaching sessions in schools were cancelled. • The RNFA is seeking a public relations officer and/or webmaster to run the RNFA website.

Interested parties should contact the See RNFA, HMS Temeraire, Burnaby Rd, Portsmouth PO1 2HB, tel 023 9272 2671 or (mil) 9380 22671.

Veterans up to speed Tribute to Bimble A DARK Blue team representing the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency finished

third overall in the annual RM Lympstone to Poole race. A total of 88 miles, with pairs of runners tackling two legs of 22 miles over two days, took teams of four over a tough route, with a total climb of 6,600ft. The NRTA team - Capt Campbell Christie, Cdr Phil Burred, Cdr Brian Davies and

Lt Cdr Mike West, with Chris Davies in support - completed the course in 15h 58m, and were the first veterans team home. This was Capt Christie's tenth consecutive race, while Cdr Davies, who retires shortly at the age of 60, achieved a long-held ambition by competing. The team raised £80 for Fareham and District Sports

Association for the Disabled.

THE EIGHTH John 'Bimble' Munnings memorial novice triathlon at HMS Dryad attracted 92 entrants - including three of

Bimble's family; sister Diane, her daughter Hanna and son David. The event is a lasting tribute to POPT Munnings, the driving force behind the modern pentathlon and triathlon in the Royal Navy for many years. John, who promoted, assisted with and competed in many events, died in 1987. The event was previously hosted by HMS Mercury.

Navy fighters get their kicks NAVY martial artists scored several successes at the Armed Forces championships.

There was always going to be a competitive edge because of interService rivalry, and competitors were conscious that selectors were watching closely, as the first triScrvicc team is soon to be selected for a match against the US and Canadian military Tae Kwon Do squads next year in Canada. In the men's championships, the Navy did not enter the Tac Kwon Do team patterns events, and in the junior section took second in the individual sparring, through PO Flint, and third in team sparring, leaving the Navy in third

place overall. The senior team was more successful; although third in the team sparring, a first (Mne Lister) and third in the individual sparring was enough to put the Navy in the frame, and they took the overall result on a ballot. There were no wins in the Karate section, and the juniors ended third in all events.

• A Navy competitor gets stuck in to his opponent.

The seniors fared slightly better; they again took third in the team kata, but were second in team kumite and individual kumitc to

claim second place overall. In the women's event, S/Lt Grant was second in the Tae Kwon Do individual sparring event.

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2001

www. navy new s. co. uk

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Coventry wins her final final HMS

COVENTRY

have

taken the honours in the Midi Ships hockey cup in their final appearance in the competition. The frigate team took on a team from destroyer HMS York at HMS Temcraire, and despite difficulties for both teams - Coventry was storing ship for her deployment to the West Indies, while HMS York was on sea training - the match went ahead. HMS York's all-male team bombarded the Coventry goal,

Tennis players show how to beat Aussies

Navy wife wins place in Italian equestrian marathon

AFTER a summer of Australian domination, the Royal Navy has put the people from Down Under to the sword on the sporting field. The

RN

Lawn

NAVAL wife Lisa Franks has been selected to represent Britain in the European Endurance equestrian championships in Italy. As Navy News went to press, Lisa - wife of Lt Cdr Jeremy Franks - was due to be acclimatising for the 100-

Tennis

Association squad crushed the

mile event, held along the

Australian combined services representative side 9-0 in their own country during their

spending most of the match camped in the Coventry half. But the frigate's mixed team produced a gutsy, backs to the wall performance, and when they scored on the break and keeper WOM Spcncc brilliantly saved a penalty flick, they had a strong feeling that their name was on the cup, in their last year - the frigate is due to decommission next year. And so it proved, with a 1-0 win bringing the cup to Devonport and delighting the ship's LPT 'Postic'

recent tour. RNLTA chairman Commodore Peter Ebcrlc said: "After a summer of Australians winning everything, it was tremendous that the Royal Navy delivered a whitewash in the other direction." The ten-man team, led by Simon Brand, also played against three of the prestigious Sydney clubs and ai the Australian

National

Parcell.

Tennis

Centre

in

Canberra, remaining undefeated throughout. The fixture against White City, home to the New South Wales Open which was won by Tim Henman a couple of years ago, saw the closest match, with CPO Dolly Gray and MEM Chris Slinger winning the deciding rubber in the final set tie-break 10-8.

Hockey set get ready THE UNDER 23 inter-Command hockey competition, which also acts as a Navy trial, takes place

shores of Lake Trasimeno. Her full thoroughbred horse I'm Pollyanna - known as Polly - carried Lisa to team selection at a two-day selection event in Wiltshire, culminating in a 60-mile run through blazing sunshine and torrential rain. The Italian course is likely to be hot, hard and stony, but stringent veterinary checks are carried out throughout the event, and any signs of distress or lameness in a horse means immediate withdrawal. Endurance riding is not a recognised Naval sport, so Lisa and Polly are working hard to secure sponsors anyone interested in supporting them should ring 07977

932185 (days) or 01963 371479

(evenings).

over the weekend of October 6-7, with the outdoor competition at Burnaby Road and the indoor at HMS Collingwood. Players of any standard are welcome, and although it is a men's

competition, ladies can be included. The women's and men's indoor senior inter-Command competition will take place at HMS

Collingwood on October 28. Second claim ruling can mean that if you were not selected first choice for your own Command, you could appear for another Command if keen and if you make yourself available. The inter-Command outdoor senior event takes place at Burnaby Road on October 29 and 30, and again the second claim rules apply.

These

competitions

always

prove a popular gathering, and all players arc welcome. The secretary of the RN Hockey Association, Lt Cdr Alan Walker (HMS Temcraire, tcl 9380 24131) maintains a database of players interested and available for this year's competitions, including those away on deployment or unavailable for other rca-

> Cdr Steve Pearson presents an HMS Newcastle book to jockey Frankie Dettori

Ship's race proves popular THERE were so many entries for the HMS Newcastle Handicap Stakes at Newcastle race course that the event had to be run in two divisions. Racing in the first was the nation's favourite jockey, Frankie Dettori, on one of the favourites, but he was not placed. Cdr Steve Pearson, Commanding Officer of HMS Newcastle, took the opportunity to present Frankie with a copy of the ship's book. The first six-furlong race was

won by Princes Street, ridden by Tony Beech, who then proceeded to win the second division as well, this time on the fancied Haulage man. Cdr Pearson presented a print of his ship to owners Jimmy and Brenda Adams. There was likely to be some money on the third horse in the second race, Windchill, which had the distinction of being sired by the stallion Handsome Sailor. The race had been due to take place earlier in the year,

but was postponed because of the foot and mouth crisis.lt was rearranged to coincide with the

destroyer's five-day visit to the city.

More than 40 sailors attended the race, established after a chance meeting between Cdr Pearson and course General Manager Grant Knowles. Kay Forster, the course's Senior Commercial Executive, said: "We were delighted that the sailors attended, and we hope this will become an annual event."

Easy defence by RAF golfers With just a single point deficit going into the afternoon singles memories went back to the corresponding fixture last year when the Navy ladies whitewashed the Army in the afternoon. However, the Army had also remembered The RAF used their strength in depth to great effect in retaining the title rather too eas- the event for opposite reasons, and although there were good wins for both Briggs and ily for the other two Services' liking. POWRN Jo Marshall (RNAS Culdrose) plus a As this year's host Service, the Navy ladies sat half from Hoath, the Army managed to sumout the first day while the Army did battle mon sufficient reserves to win the match by 5X against the hot favourites. points to 3V:. The Army did manage to wrest a half-point The match against the RAF the following day from the three morning foursomes matches, but the RAF's top of the order in the afternoon's six was probably the biggest test most of the Navy singles managed to produce significant wins to golfers had faced. The test became even sterner after lunch sec the team through to victory by 7-2. The following day saw the Army versus the when the RAF team had taken all three points from the morning foursomes. Navy. This match was always going to be a close Only the final pairing of POWRN Wally affair with two evenly-matched sides. Dommcrshui/cn (MCTC Colchester) and The three morning foursomes could have McMurtry got close to their opponents, losing gone cither way almost to the very end. out on the penultimate green. Indeed the pairintis of Cdr Moira Hoath The Navy's only point in the overall 8-1 (AFPAA)/CWWTR Riz Davis (UK Element defeat came from Briggs in the top singles of the CINCSOUTH) and LWPT Wendy Briggs (HMS Wcstminster)/CWMETOC Carolc afternoon. Playing an opponent of the same handicap McMurtry (RNAS Culdrose) both halved their matches while CWDH Pam Jack ( H M S (six), the two put on a fine exhibition of golf, each performing below handicap scoring. Neptune) and partner POWWTR Lorna Morgan (DNM Gosport) lost narrowly. It was appropriate that the game went all the

ROYAL Navy lady golfers were always up against the odds at the recent inter-Service championships played at Cumberwell Park in Wiltshire, writes Cdr Gary Skinns.

way to the last hole, with Briggs claiming final victory by two holes. As well as being an all-round sportswoman of significant standard in many fields, her performances at Cumberwell Park have well and truly established her as the best lady golfer in all three Services. The event marked the final inter-Service appearance for three of the team, Morgan, Marshall and, most significantly, ladies captain of many years standing, Moira Hoath. She has been the mainstay of ladies golf within the Service for many years and most of the current crop of players would not have achieved their levels had it not been for her encouragement and organisation. A few new players have emerged and initiatives arc in train to find more players with a view to continuing competing at inter-Service level. Any lady interested in playing golf should contact either the Secretary RNGA (9380 27880), RNWSO (9380 23958 or 25767), Cdr Moira Hoath (Centurion 2763) or CWDH Pam Jack (Neptune 6627). The men's inter-Service championships were due to take place at Fullford Golf Club, York, as Navy News went to press.

takes place at the Nelson gym on

THE NEW Navy boxing season is under way, with the Portsmouth Area novice boxing championships on October 4 among the first of the major showcases (tickets at £5 from Officer of the Watch at HMS

Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 1700 to 1830 - and is not just for those seeking fame in the ring. "Boxing training is an excellent

way to keep fit, lose weight,

Nelson main gate).

increase strength and endurance, and also can be used effectively in preparation for the RN fitness test," explained O. Training takes place in other establishments in the Portsmouth area; contacts arc LPT Jay Stecle (Collingwood. Command coach), LPT Paul Newcombe (Excellent), LPT Ritehie Gray (Dryad), LPT Alan Nckrcws (Collingwood), LPT Mary Jones (Sultan).

And RN boxing coach POPT O Shillingford has high hopes for the coming months, with six of his squad now nationally ranked at different weights.

The highlight of the season is likely to be the inter-Services championships, which will be held at HMS Nelson in Portsmouth on January 24, 2002. Boxing training for all standards

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44

www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2(H)1

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St Al bans walks on water FIRST sight at sea - HMS St Albans successfully completes contractor's sea trials on a misty morning off the west coast of Scotland. The Type 23 frigate is due to arrive at Portsmouth in November.

Dukes keep

Show of force as war clouds gather

busy points HMS NORTHUMBERLAND has handed over her duties in the Gulf to sister ship HMS Kent - but she will not be heading home to Devonport just yet. The Type 23 Duke-class frigate is instead making her way east on the next phase of a seven-month deployment which began in May. Before her departure from the Gulf, she made a second stop in

Bahrain and visited the small emirate of Fujairah - where she enter-

tained the Deputy Ruler and two princes from the ruling family on board.

Meanwhile

HMS Kent

was

excercising with ships of the Royal

Jordanian Navy on her first operational deployment. She will be on Armilla Patrol in the Gulf and participating in

Exercise Saif Sareea before she returns to Portsmouth in March, and the visit to Aqaba, in the Gulf

of Aqaba off the Red Sea, allowed links with the Jordanian defence forces to be strengthened.

The ship's company had the chance to do some sightseeing before training and exercises were resumed - gunnery skills, flying training and boarding techniques have all been honed as the temperatures rose to 4o degrees C.

Sub contract for training THE

MOD has awarded the

British-led FAST consortium a 30year contract worth ÂŁ300 million to train crewmen for the Royal

Navy's latest Astute-class attack submarines.

FAST will build a new training centre at the Faslane submarine base in Scotland, which will be the

Naval tasking 'under close review' AS Navy News went to press the Royal Navy was out in force preparing for the the biggest series of exercises since the Falklands War - Argonaut and Saif Sareea in the Mediterranean and Middle East (see page 4). In the light of the American response to the terrorist attack

on New York an MOD spokesman told Navy News: "Clearly demands on British forces can change very quickly and we keep our commitments under close review. We can change operational tasking if the circumstances require." The Royal Australian Navy has

cancelled a review to celebrate its centenary planned at Sydney

Harbour on October 2-8. The Royal Navy was to have been represented by HMS Northumberland. Meanwhile a Royal Navy chaplain was joining P&O's cruise ship Aurora to coun-

sel traumatised passengers who were in New York at the

time of the attack. The Rev Simon Bradbury, a Roman Catholic chaplain with the Navy at Portsmouth, flew out to Canada to join the Aurora in Halifax, Nova Scotia for her return voyage to England. With him was the Mission to Seafarers Southampton chaplain Neville Jacob. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that no RN personnel were among the casualties at the Pentagon.

Jubilee plans take shape at Pompey DESIGNERS are working on the scenarios which will be presented to the Queen on her Golden Jubilee visit to

Portsmouth next June. The emphasis will be on

the Armed Forces in the 21st century, although there will be elements of retrospection and humour, planners have promised.

Buckingham Palace has already

approved outline plans, and the details are now being worked on. The private visit to the city by

the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be split between a viewing of a static display on the

Upper Lawn at Whale Island and a dynamic display, featuring ships and aircraft, staged in the Fountain

TWO CHINESE ships, the destroyer Shenzen and her support Fengcang, were due to visit Portsmouth Naval Base from September 30October 3. This will be part of a wider deployment to Europe that also includes plans for port visits in Italy, France and Germany. Purpose of the visit to the UK is to strengthen our bilateral navy-to-navy relationships and the UK/China defence relationships more generally.

project,

headed

is basing its plans around four objectives - that the Queen meets Service personnel, that there should be a joint approach, that the event looks to the future, and

that the Queen should have an enjoyable day. See November's edition for more details.

Pacific rowers hopes sunk THE PACIFIC Odyssey adventure of two Royal Marines Commandos attempting to be the

Sandown-class minehunter, allowing ships' companies, affiliated regiments and squadrons to man

abrupt end following a collision

believed to be the first time this

naval tradition will have been carried out by all three Serrvices. The specific cost of staging the event has been capped at ÂŁ1.5 million, and organisers hope that elements of the displays, and some of the ideas developed towards the day can be used again. Reservists, cadet organisations and the military support network, from logistics to personnel functions, will also be represented, and

first people to row the North

Pacific Ocean unaided came to an with a fishing vessel. Cpls Tim Welford and Dom

Mee were in the closing stages of their voyage when their 23ft boat Crackers was sunk, 1,300 miles from San Francisco. The pair were uninjured and

rescued by the fishing boat that struck them. They were later transferred under the guidance of the US Coast Guard to the container ship APL lolta, en route for California. Q Check our website for latest details.

Zip PC) Lighters with your crest Minimum order 50

home port for the entire class. Defence Procurement Minister Lord Bach said: "The Astute Class Training service is the biggest of its type in the Royal Navy and mirrors the progress we have made in using contractors to secure the best and most cost-effective training for RAF aircrew and Army armoured vehicles. "This new centre will turn out fully-trained crews, ready to take the Astute-class boats into operational service from 2005 onwards."

Joint force CAPTAINS of the participating ships of Standing Naval Force Mediterranean at the change of command ceremony held at Devonport on September 14, when Rear Admiral Gino Bazzari handed over to the new Commander STANAVFORMED,

9"770028"167078"

Commodore Somerville.

by

Commodore Geoffrey Edwardcs,

Lake area, which the VIPs will see from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The Queen will then sail down the harbour, probably on board a

and cheer ship as she passes -

Chinese ships visit

the visit

For full details complete the coupon below and send to: ZIPPO UK LTD. Unit 27, Grand Union Centre, 336B Ladbroke Grove, London W10 SAS Tel: 020 8964 0666 Fax: 020 8968 0400

Please send me full details about how to obtain Zippo lighters with my Ships crest NAME ___________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________

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Published by Navy News, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, and printed by Portsmouth Publishing and Printing Ltd, The News Centre, Hilsea, Portsmouth PO2 9SX

www.na vyne ws. co. uk Options

NAVY NEWS YOUNG READERS CLUB SUPPLEMENT. OCTOBER 2001

GAMGPUK GHOST SHIP!!

Welcome to our special Autumn supplement. Captain Plank and the crew have been sailing ON the sea for a long time but they are also interested about what's UNDER the sea. So they decided to bring you a whole supplement about the The Deep Seas - we hope you enjoy it!!!

An exciting discovery has just been made in Haiti in the West Indies. An underwater expedition has found the remains of fhe ship known as the Marie Celeste. x"~~x

The ship'became famous when, in 1872, it was found sailing off the Azores with no-one aboard. The Captain, his wife, their two year old daughter and the crew were all missing. The Marie Celeste became known as a ghost ship. After she was found she was sailed by other Captains for 12 years until her last Captain tried to commit a crime

that went wrong! He filled the ship with cheap cargo and then tried to sink it and pretend that the cargo was very valuable. He hoped the company that insured the cargo would pay him lots of money. Unfortunately the Captain ran the ship onto a reef and it refused to sink. The company inspected the cargo and found the Captain was trying to cheat them. He and his first mate were found guilty. The Marie Celeste still lies on the reef and the mystery of her missing crew will never be known.

FINDING OUT ABOUT THE OCEANS! c Workshop.

The oceans are \ fascinating places and scientists are always trying to find out more about them and the creatures that live in them.

Susie took a closer look at the RS5 Darwin.

Today, it's even more important with threats to the oceans from pollution and overfishing.

On board it has a Scientific

The Oceanography Centre at Southampton University operates two amazing ships that are used for exploring the oceans.

It has an overall length of 69.4m. It can take 18 scientists and cruise the oceans for 35 days.

Control Room, a Main Laboratory, a Controlled Temperature Laboratory, a Wet Laboratory, a Computer Room, a Dark Room and a Scientific

The /ABC shipboard computer system provides for the logging, processing, editing, display and storage of oceanographic data collected during research cruises. Susie thinks it would be excellent to go on one of the scientific missions and is considering studying the oceans at university when she is old enough.

The vessels are equipped specifically for deep sea oceanographic research and study and are UK registered

Class VII cargo vessels.

Win a Crayola PRO Shark's fin Drawing Case THE DEEP SEA SEARCH FOR HMS HOOD HMS Hood was a world famous battleship. She was sunk during the Second World Wor by the German battleship

Bismarck. Using the latest in underwater technology an expedition funded by TV's Channel 4 set out to find the wreck of HMS Hood.:, ,, The expedition used ROV's (remotely operated vehicles), sonar and digital cameras to locate the wreck of the enormous ship. They towed a sonar along a

I

planned search route and, on 20th July this year, they found her in the Denmark Strait.

men died when the ship went down and their families do not want the site disturbed.

They discovered that the ship was lying approx 9,200 ft down. It is broken into several sections.

But, the expedition did leave something behind a bronze plaque in honour of the sailors. The words on it are:

The team who found the ship, led by David Mearns, from Blue Water Recoveries and Rob White, from ITN, only took photographs and did not attempt to remove anything from the ship. This is important because 1415

You will be the envy of all your friends with the stylish

case in your schoolbag. The crayola PRO Shark's Fin Drawing Case is crammed full of top Crayola PRO gear, including Liners Drawing Pens, Brush Tips, Sketch and

Colour Pencils and Superfine Writing pens, all packed in a great green and blue

metallic case - that's shaped like a shark's fin.

The new Crayola PRO range is now available in stationery outlets nationwide including Asda, Office World, Staples, Tesco, Toys R Us, W H Smith and Wilkinsons.

I

"Roll of Honour"

In memory of our shipmates, husbands, fathers, brothers and

all relatives From the HMS Hood Association

2001"

ALL YOU HAVETO DO IS DESIGN A CHRISTMAS CARD WITH A NAVALTHEME (SOME OF OUR CREATIVE MEMBERS WILL LOVE GETTINGTHEIRTEETH INTO THIS ONE).

Send your completed design with your NAME, ADDRESS, AGE AND MEMBERSHIP NUMBER to:CRAYOLA COLOURING COMPETITION, THE GANG PLANK CLUB, NAVY NEWS, HMS NELSON,QUEEN STREET, PORTSMOUTH, PO1 3HH. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 2nd NOVEMBER 2001.

The Editor's decision is final - Relatives and employees of Navy News are ineligible.

11

www.navynews.co. uk

NAVY NEWS YOUNG READERS CLUB SUPPLEMENT. OCTOBER 2001

MAKE YOUR OWN DIVER

Options

WATERY MESSAGES.'

MESSAGE IN A BOTTiE Have you ever been tempted to put a message in a bottle and throw it f/-^. into the sea? Well, sadly, although it stfuncts like an adventurous thing TO do, S—"\ these days it will just aad \ to the already polluted V...X oceans and may get you into trouble with the/' N Maritime and Coastguard J Agency.

However one man in America had a bit of a surprise recently! 31 years ago John Porteous threw a bottle in the sea about 100 miles off the coast of ^-^ Baltimore in the USA. The message had some facts about a ship he was on.

Here's a good experiment to impress your friends and fami(yT) You will need:

A plastic drink bottle (1 or 2 litre)

o

bottle tightly. Now squeeze the bottle and watch what happens to your Diver (the pen top). It will sink! When you stop squeezing it rises again.

A plastic biro top

This is all to do with A small pieW-Bru Tad/C~~\ buoyancy and pressure. Tap Water ^-^ The pen top floats because it has air in it. Fill the drink bottle—-. When you squeeze the

right to the top wfth tap water. Stick the Blu Tack to the sharp end of the top so it is weighed down and floats upright in the water. A bubble of air should be inside now.

Put the top back on the

bottle the water puts pressure) on the air and makes it smaller. This means it is no longer able to suppafrTTr^e top and it sinks. I ) The pen / ^ top* diver^^^is also known as a "Cartesian diver". ( ) (

MESS DECK Well, you all sound like you had some great holidays! Thanks to Thomas Woods for sending us a picture of a pirate's ship, just like Captain Plank's!

Hello to Carly Salter you sound like you had a really cool birthday treat! Paul Kitching has been really busy drawing again. Here's just one of his pictures. Can you draw like Paul?

HELP THE OCEANS/ As you can see in this supplement the oceans of the world are amazing places!

If you would like to help protect the oceans then why not join in the World Wildlife Fund's

Oceans Recovery Campaign.

You can log on to

www.wwf-uk.org/orca and add your name to the WWF Oceans Recovery Petition.

Captain Plank has got all muddled up making a list of things that go underwater. Can you help him sort them out. (Answers on back page).

Technocat has given you some clues!

i. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Mbuseanir Suptcoo Leahw Karsh Revdi abcus Krewc pihs

a hundred this year! a long time to shake hands! Time to free one! It might be all white! Breathing below Dive to investigate

middle of the island. On the hill was a temple with a giant gold statue of Poseidon riding a chariot and pulled by winged horses.

E-MAIL IN WATER?

USS Dolphin was able to transmit data over three miles at a depth of 400 feet. The messages were sent to a relay buoy and then to land using sound energy. However it's much slower than ordinary modems - about 90% slower!

1

Send Captain Plank your pictures and they could appear right here in the Mess Gallery! Now you're back to school don't forget to keep writing. The crew are back to their lessons too and they need your letters to cheer them up!!

You can also find out if the WWF's Yellow Submarine Tour is coming your way.

UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF THE DEEP

In May of this year he received a call from a Sir Nicholas Nuttall in the Bahamas. Sir Nicholas had found the bottle on a beach and tracked him down. The two men have become good friends.

This year the US Navy has found a way to send e-mails from a submarine without surfacing or raising an antenna.

It's the first electronic petition to be presented to 10 Downing Street.

Disney has just made a film called Atlantis - the Lost Empire. It's all about an expedition to find a lost underwater city. In the film the cartoon characters go off in a submarine and have many adventures on the way. This film is just one of many stories and films about Atlantis, but did it really exist?

Susie and Jack have found out that the~f)'rst person to write alaout Atlantis was a famous writer called Plato.

Plato wrote his stories and books in ancient times, about 360 BC. In one of his stories he wrote about a city ruled over by the god of the sea, Poseidon. Plato made it sound like a wonderful place with a hill in the

But, according to Plato, the people of Atlantis became greedy so the great god Zeus decided to punish them. He gathered all the gods together and flooded their city. So, it was Plato who first mentioned Atlantis.

Since ;that day many people have been trying to find out if the incredible city really did exist. But nobody knows for sure if it was real or just a good story - what do you think?

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A

TOMB OF DOOM A kids action game where being scared Is fun!! Players must undertake one of the five mythic challenges to win a magic key. But only one of the eight keys unlocks the treasure chest. The others awaken the Sleeping Skull which explodes into life with grinding teeth, wobbling eyes and terrifying laughter that could waken the dead-

TO WIN ONE OFTHESE EXCITING AND ENTHRALLING GAMES SIMPLY ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:-

Q 1) How many mythic challenges are there? Q 2) What has grinding teeth, wobbling eyes and terrifying laughter that could waken the dead? Send your answers with your name, address and membership Number to:"TOMB OF DOOM' COMPETITION, THE GANGPLANK CLUB, NAVY NEWS, HMS NELSON, QUEEN STREET, PORTSMOUTH.PO1 3HH CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - 9th NOVEMBER 2001.

The Editor's decision is final. Relatives and employees of Navy News are ineligible.

www. navynews. co. uk

NAVY NEWS YOUNG READERS CLUB SUPPLEMENT. OCTOBER 2001

TEST tt)UR KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEEP/

Options

Try Technocat's quiz answers on the supplement back page.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

What ship sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912? What do divers wear on their feet to help them swim underwater? What do submarines use to keep a look out when under the surface of the ocean? What was the lost underwater city called? What was the name of the whale that has featured in lots of children's films? How does an Octopus confuse its enemy? How do Whales breathe? How many "arms" does a squid have? What does the f rench word "moules" mean? What is kelp?

GIANT 4 TO HELP RECOVER KURSK FROM THE DEEP On Saturday August 1^ 2000, the giant Russian nuclear submarine, Kursk sank in the Barents Sea, north of Norway, aft€r^ a number ofjgxplosions on board, f A Kursk is air-Oscar II Class submarine. Shevis_ special because she is believed to have secrets modern weaponry QJI ) board. In the days after the submarine sank, Russian, Norwegian and British divers all tried to reach the submarine to see if anyone was alive inside, but the conditions were very bad with continuous dark, rough seas. When the divers eventually managed to look in a hatch they found the submarine was flooded. Sadly the 118 crew on board had not survived.

Since the sinking there has been a lot of work done to bring the Kursk back to the surface. For several months divers have been working to clear away the silt and sand that is covering the submarine. Now, after months of careful planning, a huge lifting platform called Siant 4 is going to be towed in place. Underneath the platform will be 26 very strong wires called hoisting lines that will be attached to the hull to pull up the submarine.

The Barents Sea is close to the Arctic Ocean and can be very rough. To make sure that the submarine is not damaged when lifted special equipment has been put on the end of hoisting lines to enable them to react to the sea conditions.

AN UNDERSEA SPECIAL FOR HUNGRY URCHINS.'/

AMAZING UNDERWATER FACTS.' 1. In August this year four Austrian divers stayed under water for nearly two days to break a world record. They sat in a giant aquarium in a shopping centre for 41 hours. To stop them getting bored they played Ludo! 2. The first aqua-lung, allowing divers to breathe underwater was invented in 1942 by Frenchmen Jacques Cousteau and Emil

Gagnan. 3. Lighthouses, which show boats where there are dangers underwater, were first used in the Mediterranean. The first ones used torches of burning tar. 4. The Echo sounder, which records how

much water is below a boat, was invented in 1912. It works out the depth by bouncing a pulse of sound off the sea bed. 5. One of the biggest sharks ever caught weighed in at 1,199.3 kg. It was caught in South Australia by a man called Alfred Dean in 1959.

Befoce-the Kursk is lifted the badly damaged front section 6. There is enough salt in will be sawn offTsThe the oceans to cover all submarine isf hugejtind the continents with a this will be a difficult layer 150 metres thick. and dangerous job.^ There are still some S" 7. The deepest point in the oceans is 11,022 torpedoes and .missiles i n _ metres below sea level. this part of the It's in the Pacific submarine. Divers Ocean. cannot be used so the 8. Sharks have a job will be done by ^ fantastic sense of smell, they use it to robots. They will be home in on their prey. controlled from a The part of their brain platform above the sea. that deals with smell and hearing is twice If all goes to plan the the size of the rest. submarine will be 9. In the oceans off the carried underneath the Galapagos Islands, off platform and put in a the Eastern coast of dry dock in a port called South America, Murmansk in Northern bacteria grow in the Russia. hot underwater Everyone will feel very sad for the families of the crew who died on board, but it will also be an amazing operation if the submarine can be raised and brought back to land.

Captain Plank will keep you updated on what happens to the Kursk.

III

springs. Strange creatures feed on the bacteria including

worms 3 metres long! 10.The US Navy has used trained killer whales to retrieve lost torpedoes from the ocean bed

Why not surprise your friends and cook up something special from the sea. Jack has found this great recipe for...

You will need

CRUNCHY TUNA PIE

1 200g tin of Tuna ; 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce ; 1 spring onion, finely chopped

3 medium size potatoes, cut into thick chunks ; A knob of margarine ; 1 packet of ready salted crisps ; 50g of grated cheese 1. 2. 3.

Ask an adult to help you open and drain the tuna and chop the spring onions. In an ovenproof dish mix the tuna, tomato sauce and chopped onions Put the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, bring the water to the boil and

4.

then simmer for 15 minutes. When the potatoes are soft mash them with the margarine and spread over the tuna mix.

5. 6. 7.

Crush the crisps in the packet before opening it. Then sprinkle them over the mashed potato, sprinkle the grated cheese over the crisps. Bake the pie in the oven at Gas mark 6/200°C/400°F for 20-25 minutes until it is nice and hot. Serve with some nice crusty bread and your favourite vegetables.

DEEP SEA CHUCKLES/ What do you get if you cross a snowball with a shark? Frostbite!!

What's the difference between a fish and piano? You can't tuna fish!!

What do you call a baby whale? A little squirt!!

What did the sardine say when it saw a submarine?

tf\[} ^

Look, a can of people!!

What do you get if you cross a shellfish with a nuclear warhead? A guided mussel!!

What lies at the bottom of the sea and trembles? A nervous wreck!!

COULD YOU WORK UNDER THE OCEANS? Mas all this talk of underwater adventure

made you keen to work u/iclerNthe oceans when you're older? rt the Deck Hand has bee)i finding out about jobs under the seaTx

ROYAL NAVY DIVER Divers in the Navy expect to work in sprue of the most advanced ^-^ Minehunter ships in the world today. Divers are . used once the ship has_y found a target, using its minehunting sonar, to identify or even countermine an object. If you join one of the shore-based diving teams the range of tasks you will

perform is extensive. Underwater engineering on ships of the Fleet will feature in your day-to-day work; you will conduct a range of survey operations and then, perhaps, large engineering tasks including propeller blade removal.

On the road with the team whilst covering Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), life will be one long adventure, one day disposing of a Second World War mine dragged

up by a fisherman or just collecting, and disposing of, old pyrotechnics found by the Coastguard. To be a Diver in today's Navy you must be prepared to work in a small diving team capable of adapting to lots of different jobs. You will be taught Seamanship skills, essential Diver First Aid, Firef ighting and Damage /Control techniques.

If you would like to be a full time diver then the best thing to do is to start diving as a sport. You can take scuba courses at Dive Centres all around the country. To take an approved course you usually need to be at least 12 years old.

When you have some good experience you can then

CAN YOU START? To join the Royal Navy as a Diver you need to be over 18. You will be required to attend and pass a 4 day Aptitude Course at the Defence Diving School in Portsmouth where you will be expected to pass a Diver's fitness test. The basic requirement is to run 2.4 km in 11 minutes and you will also undergo a number of strength tests. Before attending the aptitude course you will need to complete a diving medical, the details of which are available at the recruiting office. A good general education is also needed.

COMMERCIAL DIVER Commercial divers are used for all sorts of jobs, such as repairing underwater pipes, clearing underwater problems on the bottom of ships and installing equipment underwater.

take the next step by taking the Commercial courses. These are approved by a Government body called the Health and Safety Executive and allow you to take money for doing diving jobs. One of the biggest diving schools in Great Britain is in Fort William in Scotland. There you can learn to use tools underwater, to go in Dive Bells and to control remote underwater equipment.

Diving as a job can be very rewarding, but you have to be pretty tough and very fit! Pictures of divers courtesy

of Andark Diving Tel: 01489 581755

www. navvnews. co. uk

IV NAVY NEWS YOUNG READERS CLUB SUPPLEMENT, OCTOBER 2001 ————————————————————————————————————————

50 PRESENTATION PACKS OF CHRISTMAS STAMPS TO GIVE AWAY TO OUR MEMBERS

Options

These lovely stamps featuring Robins are the first self adhesive Christmas Stamps issued by Royal Mail and will

be on sale from November 6th at post Offices etc. They can be bought individually or in books of 12 First(£3.24) ,——————-————,

°

*

anc|

24 Second (£4.56.) Royal Mail

Ordcrline 08457 641 641. On line at www.royalmail.com.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SET Send us your name. Address and membership number to:-

Robins Xmas Stamps, The Gangplank Club, Navy News, HMS Nelson,Queen Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3HH

The Press Gang is pleased to welcome Kathleen Adams. She was sent on a special assignment to the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth. Kathleen met our Young Reader's pages Compiler Tracey Clarke and got a bird's eye view of the show piece battle "Operation Island Storm" from RFA Argus. Captain Plank and Tracey would like to thank Cdr David Carpenter and Lt Mark Wakeford from the Festival of the Sea Press Office who helped Kathleen with her assignment.

Here's Kathleen's report... On Sunday, 26th August 2001,1 went to the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth harbour. The International Festival of the Sea has been held before at Portsmouth in

1998. The last time only the Navy took part, this year the Navy, Army and RAF were all there. For the first time ever the USS Winston S Churchill visited Britain as well as being the first time it fjtos

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visited a foreign country. This American ship will always have a Royal Navy Officer serving on her.I was lucky enough to stand very high up on the bridge of a big ship to watch the rescue. There were lots of explosions and aircraft flying about. In another part of the show there were lots of sailing ships, some were very small, some were very big, some were very old and some were very new. There was also a very large

Closing date - 9th November 2001 The Editor's decision is final - relatives ami employees of navy news are ineligible lo enler.

Birthday orange liferaft that could hold 101 people. There was a Georgian street market which was very busy, but it had lots of bargains. All the stallholders were dressed up in costume. Our base was a very old building which dated from the 1970's. Everybody was kind and helpful and I got to ride in a buggy.

ATTENTION - We are looking for more members to report on very special events. Could you be one of our Press Gang? Write Captain Plank a report about one of your favourite

subjects. Your report must be no longer than 200 words. Write your name and address on the back of the paper and send it to The Press Gang at the SangPlank Club, Navy News, HMS Nelson, Queen Street, Portsmouth PO1 3HH Your report must reach us by the end of 2001.

Press Gang members must be

The crowds waiting to visit Type 23 Frigates

Congratulations!

Tall Ships at IFOS

under 14.

Captain Plank's a pirate, of course - and the pirates flag is the "skull and-crossbones" or "Jolly Roger". A hundred years ago, when theV Royal Navy bought its first

submarines, the admirals didn't like them much. They said submariners were a bunch of pirates. But the submariners quite liked that idea. So, soon after in World War I, one of them flew a Jolly Roger when he came back from a successful patrol. Later on, in World War II, other submarine captains copied him - and soon all of them were doing it. As well as the skull-andcrossbones, they put other

things on the black flag as well - a red bar to show they had sunk a warship, a white one for an enemy merchant ship and so on. The RN Submarine Museum at Gosport has a big collection of

Thomas Anderson Charlotte Baker Rhys Barber James Barber-Batten Damian Barker Christopher Barnes Karina Barnet!

Scott Foster Andrew Fowler Robert Fysh James Gardener James Garrity

James Bennett Nicole Bernier Jack Best Joseph Bird Owen Bonini

Helen Gent James Harding Liam Hart

Ruari Box

Samuel Hayward

William Brirton Matthew Broxton Michael Burford

Joshua Burnham Daniel Butcher Bret Butler Richard Butler Joseph Buttrick Louise Carle Michael Carr Chloe Chappenden Sarah Clarke-Lens Charlotte Collier Charles Coundley Chloe Cox Meyan Cox

Hayley O'Grady Sean O'Rourke Darren Phillips Steven Quitter Rebecca Quinn Ellis Reader David Roach James Roberts Vicky Roberts Bernadette Roberts Sophie Rogers Adebambo Salawu Jack Sargeant Liam Scales Jacob Shanks Clark Simmon

Shaunna Evans Kelly Forster

Laura Haskins Adam Hawes-Wray Michael Holyoak

Joseph Hopkins Penelope Hughes Martin Hunter Roger Irwin Jackson Jenkins Rebecca Jones Floyd King David Kiriakidis

Zoe Smith Jack Somers Lisa Southworth Charles Stewart Maria Stone Donna Swarbrick

Paris Kirk Christopher Laiig Kit Leahy Stephanie Liss

Rebecca Swarhrick

Katie Lucas Jenna Lucey

Nikita Diamond

Charlotte McCaffrey Gabriella McCubbin Sam Miller Christopher Moore

Thomas Dickinson Kristin Dixon Matthew Drew Peter Dyson

Andrew Nevitt Lauren Newman Lawrence Newport Shaun Nones

Oliver Crossling Justiri Davis

George Tall Harriet Van Der Vliet Amy Wakeham Alexandra Waterhouse Clare Wales Meyan Watson Laura Watts Robert Watts Daniel Whalley Mikayla Wilson Katie Woodward

Claire York

these flags - some of them were sewn by nuns at a convent in Malta!

And some of them have some

YOU COULD WIN THIS LIMITED EDITION PRINT From Royal mail, of the 45p stamp which features a 'UNITY CLASS SUBMARINE' originally issued as a set of four last April. The Print is tastefully framed in brushed gold and contains the full set of four submarine stamps postmarked on the day of issue. Runners up will receive 'Unseen and Unheard's 20 page Prestige Stamp Book written by Commander Jeff Tall OBE, RN, which includes 4 stamp panes including these Flags and Ensigns stamps shown on the right.

very strange extra bits sewn on. There is even a railway

train, from when one of our submarines came to the surface and fired its gun at a train carrying enemy troops along the coast.

Captain Plank's favourite though is a can opener on a flag. The boat (submarines are 'boats' not 'ships') was brought to the surface by an enemy ship - but then rammed her, cutting open her bottom with one of her hydroplanes! Much later, in 1982, when HMS Conqueror came home from the Falklands War, she flew her own pirate flag - with a silhouette of a warship sunk and a dagger to show a secret

operation.

TO WIN ONE OF THESE SUPER PRIZES JUST ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

WHAT TYPE OF SUBMARINE IS FEATURED IN THE LIMITED EDITION PRINT? SEND YOUR ANSWER WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND MEMBERSHIP NUMBER TO:-

LIMITED EDITION PRINT, THE GANGPLANK CLUB, NAVY NEWS, HMS NELSON, QUEEN STREET, PORTSMOUTH, PO1 3HH.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 9th NOVEMBER 2001 The Editor's decision is final - Relatives and employees of Navy News are ineligible to enter.

Conqueror had been at sea for 90 days - most of the time under water - around the Falkland Islands, helping to protect the rest of the British Task Force.

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PAGE 2 ANSWERS ~1. submarine; 2. octopus; 3. whale; 4. shark; 5. scuba diver; 6. ship wreck PA&E 3 ANSWERS ~ 1. Titantic; 2. Flippers; 3. Periscope; 4. Atlantis; 5. Willy; 6. Releasing ink into the water; 7. Through a blowhole; 8. 10; 9. Mussels; 10. Seaweed