The Battery Observation Post (called BOP) on Robben Island This was the third line of protection of Cape Town Harbour against enemy submarines entering the harbour, which was daily on Duty for the Swans. The BOP, a double story cement building, was situated next door to the R.I Light House facing West onto the Atlantic Ocean. The Lighthouse was known to the Swans as “Charlie’s Candle”. This lookout post was reached by climbing up a steep ladder, with a hatch above, which was kept closed while Swans were on duty there, from dawn to dusk, even in misty weather. The Look-out room was fairly large with large wide glassed-in windows, three quarters around facing North, West and South over the Atlantic Ocean giving a clear view. There was a large pair of binoculars on a calibrated swivel stand, and a telephone connecting to Sub Depot to report regularly to the OOW every half hour. Two Swans were on Duty together, with the specific duty to report to the OOW, all activities in their range of vision, even down to the smallest fishing smack. Swans had to report the exact type of vessel coming past, and this was where the Ships’ Recognition part of the Technical Training Course was used every day. These movements of vessels would, at the same time, be registering on the LOOPS and the HDAs, for the OOW to adjust his electrical Instruments, when large vessels were moving across instruments’ paths. The Swans on duty at BOP also had to report any approaching or departing vessel in or out of the Harbour to the Port War Signal Station on Signal Hill, Cape Town. During sudden fogs, very large ships could suddenly loom out of the murk too close to the LOOPS, when the patrolling vessels would be scurrying around to investigate, after having been warned by BOP to the Watch Office at Sub Depot. No reading or knitting was allowed – when bopping you were strictly on a very serious visual Watch for enemy vessels. Doing Bopping Watch could be a cold and clammy time in winter. The Swans were very grateful to be issued later with sheepskin jackets, donated by the pupils of the Primary School for Girls in Rondebosch. These warm jackets were worn over their Bellbottom trousers and seamen’s jerseys. A few Swans were designated drivers, like the cheerful Viv Penny. 16 Nongqai Vol 12 No 12E SWANS
