Branch Circular #614 (November/December 2011) by RNA Rayleigh

HMS LIVERPOOL returns from operations off Libya

Branch Circular No 614

November/December 2011

Dear Shipmate Branch Secretary, Welcome to the November and December circular, the next edition will be produced towards the end of January for meetings in the first week of February. It might be a good idea to keep your eyes on the Daily Orders on the website for any updates over the holiday season. The HQ will close at 1200 on 23 Dec and re-open at 0900 on 3 January 2012. I would like to open with a HUGE thank you and well done for the many ways in which the RNA branches lead their local communities during Remembrance week. It was marvellous to see so many positive reports and so many shipmates turn out. I was particularly proud of the RNA contingent at the Cenotaph parade, which got good coverage on the BBC. You will be pleased to hear that the Shipmates campaign is off and running, with Andy visiting the resettlement offices to ensure that all Service leavers are aware of the help and support that the RNA can provide, we are getting the first of their resettlement addresses now. I am also thrilled to report that the mentoring of Phase 2 trainees in HMS COLLINGWOOD has got off to a great start, we have volunteers to fill commitments until May, but would welcome anyone who would like to come and spin some dits with some keen and lively young sailors here in Portsmouth, even submariners and waffoos are welcome! I know that there has been some confusion about the joining fee on the new membership form, please see note 12 which explains the situation. As we come to the end of the Year I would remind you that: • • • •

Annual returns will need to be done soon in the New Year. Branches with clubs must complete a return or risk losing their registration. That your nominations for National Council members in 1,3,4,5,10 and 12 Areas must be with me by 1600 on 17 February. As well as Standing Order Committee nominations. Any motion your branch wishes to put before the Annual Conference has to be with me by 1600 on 17th February.

The Conference Booking form and Delegate’s form will be in the January Circular, but worth sounding out your members for delegates and observers now. If you want to know more about the events planned give the HQ a ring. I know that some branches have been asking for information about gizzits for events during 2012. The National PR Advisor, S/M Steve Caulfield is working hard on this and ought to have some news early in the New Year. In the meantime we have plenty of Member-get-member car stickers, bookmarks, posters, referral cards and membership forms, just e-mail or ring and we will send them off to you. Steve also has the big pop-up banner and sets of 4 pull-up banners that you can book for your event. The National Chairman mentions Open Days for 2012, we intend to run at least 3 of these days in 2012, but if you can get 30-40 shipmates together we will consider running a day just for you, please chat to me about what you might have in mind. I would like to close by wishing you all a Happy Christmas and Great New Year, I am sure that Branches will have in mind those that might be lonely at this time and will do what they can to provide some comradely cheer. Thank you for the very many kindnesses that so many members and branches have shown me in my first full year as General Secretary, it has been a fun and inspiring year and I can’t wait for 2012!!! Yours in friendship

Paul Quinn General Secretary 2

Chairman's Chat

As we come to the end of a very full year I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Shipmates a very Happy Christmas and a Successful and Prosperous Voyage through the New Year. I would also like to thank all those Areas and Delegates who have made Keith and me so welcome on our visits to meet and interact with you. We didn't quite manage to fit in all 13 Areas and we look forward to completing a full house with visits to Scotland and Ireland in early 2012. In 2011 we have had over 100 visitors to our first three Open Days at Semaphore Tower. As well as making them welcome in our excellent HQ facilities the GS has also managed to organise a boat trip around the Dockyard for them all at no cost to them or the RNA, and even provided fine weather and a tot of rum too. We plan to continue these popular events next year as we had to turn away as many as we accepted because of the demand. I want to take this opportunity to thank our HQ Staff on your behalf for not only making these open days so successful but for their hard work, loyalty and cheerfulness in dealing with all the work we place upon them over the year. They are just a small team but we would struggle to find better. It is always a pleasure for me to go into the Office, and I wish them a well-deserved and enjoyable Christmas break on your behalf. We had a successful Conference in Plymouth and look forward to a similar event on Tyneside next year. Our membership decline has slowed up this year, which is very encouraging, and hopefully the initiatives we have started in 2011 will move into full flow in 2012 and stem the decline still further. We have a lot of work to do and I, Keith and the whole National Council will be doing our utmost to give you the RNA you deserve. In my visits to the Areas it has been obvious that there is overwhelming support for and belief in our great Association. I look forward to sharing with you all the opportunity to keep it at the forefront of the widespread Naval community. I treasure the times I have spent with many of you this year and hope for many more in 2012. I send you all my very best wishes, and sincerest appreciation for the support and encouragement I have received from you during my first full year as your National Chairman. Chris

Contents Daily Orders 1. RN Boy Seaman WW11 Memorial, Southsea-Update 2. SSBN Patrol Pins 3. Combat Stress - Mental Health 4. Online Donations 5. December Circular 6. Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal 7. Christmas Carol Service - Broadcast 8. IHG Weekend Stays - 35% off 9. Donations Received 10. Coronation Fleet Review- Documentary 11. Skipton RNA 12. Joining Fee – New Form 13. Tit-bit of Naval History 14. Finance corner from Michelle 15. SSAFA Forces Help - Mmentoring Iinitiative- Volunteers 16. Premier Bathrooms 17. Under Payment of State Pensions – Un-employability Supplement 18. HQ Open Day 19. Conference 2012 20. Virtual branch- It’s free! 21. Guess Where? 22. Veterans Debate in Scottish Parliament - Link 23. Book reviews - Late Christmas Presents 24. Welfare Seminar - Liverpool 25. The Royal Navy Day By Day - Book offer 26. Royal Marines Museum-Licensed for Civil Ceremonies 27. Woking Branch-Trafalgar Dinner and more! 28. Dagenham Branch visits HMS Dauntless Shortcast Longcast Ship’s Office 1. Branch membership renewal forms 2. Area and Branch updates 3. Club C3 application forms (loose leaf) Swinging the Lamp For the Branch Secretary and notice-board (included loose-leaf): 1. Nomination form for NCM and DNCM 2. Proposed motions for Conference 3. Nominations for Standing Order Committee 4. Branch Annual Return 5. Bankers Order form 6. Permit for RNA club 7. 2012 Diaries 8. 2012 Christmas cards 9. Premier bathing 10. Branch membership list 11. Royal Marines new CD

Glossary of terms NCM NC AMC FAC NCh NVCh NP DNP GS AGS Asap

National Council Member National Council Association Management Committee Finance Administration Committee National Chairman National Vice Chairman National President Deputy National President General Secretary Assistant General Secretary As soon as possible

Throughout ď ? indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts:

Financial Controller

023 9272 3823

FAX

023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops)

023 9272 3747 nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

AGS (Events/Marketing/Shipmates)

023 9272 0782

General Secretary

023 9272 2983

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

andy@royalnavalassoc.com

paul@royalnavalassoc.com

RNA HQ Staff continue to attempt to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if those Branch Secretaries able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e-message to HQ to nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

Daily Orders 1. RN Boy Seaman WW11 Memorial, Portsmouth Cathedral, Southsea-Update Plans have been approved to install a stone floor plaque in Portsmouth Cathedral as a memorial to the 534 RN Boy seaman aged 16 and 17 years old who were killed by enemy action during WW11. There will also be a Book of Remembrance which will list the Boy Seaman and the Ships in which they served. The cost of this project is approximately £8k and S/m Jim Reed, is appealing for donations, no matter how big or small. If you would like to make a donation please send cheques to; The RN Boy Seaman Memorial Fund 10 Cheltenham Gardens Hedge End Southampton Hants SO30 2UR We thank you all for being so generous, and to date the fund have received donations of almost £2k, (target figure, 8k). But there is still a long way to go as the dedication is planned for the 12 March, 2012, so please support our project!

2. P SSBN Gold or Silver Patrol pin (Bomber Queens take note) The Royal Navy has introduced a pin for those who have completed patrols of over 30 days in SSBNs – the deterrent submarines in the RESOLUTION and VANGUARD class. This pin is worn on uniforms and can be worn by veterans, but always with Dolphins. Veterans will not be entitled to a free pin, however they will be entitled to wear one once they are available to purchase from the contracted supplier. The decision as to whether a person is entitled to a Gold or Silver pin will be down to the Fleet HQ and your local Submarine Association. Gold pins are for those doing 20 patrols and over and the Silver pin for 1 to 19 patrols. The pins that were initially supplied for serving personnel have just run out, and they were not of the best quality, in the fact the pins snapped when changing them from one uniform to another, therefore a new supplier was found (the same that provides the Dolphin pin badge). The first set of these have just been issued to stores and due to the initial problems with broken pins are being snapped up by the serving personnel. At present the supplier is taking up the back log of serving personnel, but once that has been achieved The Fleet HQ will let us know the places that you can purchase them from. Anyone has any questions on this or any other please contact the GS (ex HMS REVENGE).

3. P Combat Stress: Mental Health treatment and support for Veterans of all ages Combat Stress provides a range of treatments and support to Veterans of all three Services and the Merchant Navy who suffers from mental ill-health as a result of their Service: 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619 or text 07537 404 719. This is a secure, anonymous, specialist mental health advice line for serving personnel and ex-Service men and women and their families, seeking help and advice when it comes to Service-related mental health issues Support in the Community, delivered by our UK-wide network of Community Outreach Teams Residential treatment programmes, at our three treatment centres in Surrey, Shropshire and 6

Ayrshire. To find out more about our Services for Veterans, please visit www.combatstress.org.uk We’re also proud to endorse Big White Wall an award-winning online forum. It offers a safe and open space to anonymously discuss any mental health concerns – and is free to serving personnel, Veterans, and their families. It is an NHS initiative and conversations are monitored and moderated by trained “Wall Guides”. Visit www.bigwhitewall.com

4. On-line donations You can now make an on-line donation to the RNA at http://www.bmycharity.com/charities/rna This may be passed to family, friends or when a memorial donation is a good idea.

5. P December Circular Due to leave in the HQ and fewer Branch meetings in the week following New Year there will be no Circular in December.

6. P Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal British veterans awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal have been given permission by Her Majesty The Queen to wear it for the first time during Remembrance events next Sunday and thereafter. The Government of Malaysia introduced the medal in 2005 and awarded it to British and Commonwealth veterans who served in the conflict in Malaya in the late 1950s and 1960s. Approval is not normally given for foreign medals to be accepted if British recognition for a campaign has already been presented. Previously, veterans had been able to accept but not wear the medal. It has now been agreed they can both accept and wear the PJM. This was done to recognise the generous gesture by the King and Government of Malaysia, and their wish to award the PJM in recognition of service given by many veterans in the difficult years leading up to and following Malaysian independence. If you think you qualify details of how to apply are on the RNA website www.royal-navalassociation.co.uk _________________________________________________________________________ 7.P Christmas Carol Services - Relayed into people’s homes Older people all over the country who are unable to attend church because of illness or disability are being given the chance to participate in the joy and celebration of a Christmas carol concert without having to leave their homes. The telephone charity Community Network is planning to relay two Christmas carol concerts directly into people’s homes via the telephone. This is an extension of the Virtual Branch system.

The charity will use the latest digital telephone conferencing technology to link up older people so they can enjoy one or both of the carol concerts as they take place. BT is funding the project, so there is no charge to those taking part. The carol concerts are taking place at two London churches on the following dates: 7th December, St. Peter’s Church, Eaton Square 20th December, St. Martin’s in the Fields, Trafalgar Square Before the concerts Community Network will send a programme to all those taking part allowing them to follow the service as if they were actually there. Each member of the telephone congregation is then phoned just prior to the service and linked up to the church. Furthermore, unlike radio or television broadcasts, the minister taking the service refers directly to those listening on the telephone; reinforcing the feeling they are part of the congregation. “The singing of carols is an important part of the Christmas celebrations for many older people, as it has been throughout their lives,” said Pat Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Community Network. “No longer being able to attend a Christmas carol service can cause them great sadness. Since Community Network held its first telephone carol concert over ten years ago we have seen the audience grow and received many letters and calls from people who have thoroughly enjoyed taking part.” Anyone, anywhere in the UK, who wants to take part FREE of charge should phone 0845 619 9992. Community Network will take your details and contact you this Christmas.

________________________________________________________ 8. Up to 35% off IHG weekend stays Enjoy up to 35% off next UK weekend break with friends or family at over 220 Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express hotels. Terms and conditions Offer applicable for reservations and stays made until 31st December 2011. Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights (some hotels may offer limited midweek availability – please check when booking). Discount represents a saving against our Best Flexible rate per room, per night for two adults sharing a standard double/twin room (inclusive of VAT). Room only, breakfast not included, with the exception of complimentary continental breakfast at Holiday Inn Express hotels. Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults. Offer valid on new bookings only, full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given. All bookings are subject to availability of rooms allocated to this offer at participating hotels. A maximum of 2 rooms can be booked under any one reservation. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions. The promotional rates are noncommissionable. Priority Club points do not apply. To take advantage of this great offer plus some great package deals please visit www.ihg.com/forces or call 0871 423 4874 quoting ‘Exclusive’ The offer is valid until 31st December 2011.

9. P Donations received for the Charities Fund Thank you for the donations received this month to the Central Charities Fund. St Barbara’s Garrison Church- Chatham Derek Pearson Charles Brown RNA - Belfast RNA – Romford

£140.00 £100.00 £ 96.50 £200.00 £ 50.00

10.1953 Coronation Fleet Review- Documentary Do you remember the Fleet Review in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II? The television company IWC Media are keen to speak to anybody who remembers the event – maybe you took part, or watched from the shore – for a documentary they are developing on the review. If you are interested in sharing your memories please contact Alex Leithead via email at alex.leithead@iwcmedia.co.uk, or by phone on 0141 353 8411. 11. Skipton RNA - Photos in Unusual Places! Skipton RNA had an open day in the town, and they took this photo of Kevin Griffiths the Town crier, shortly after this photo Kevin went onto win the best Town Crier in Britain!!

12. Joining Fee – New Form There has been some confusion about the joining fee on the new membership form. The joining fee of £3 applies only to HQ roll applications (to cover lapel pin and postage). Branch Hon Treasurers need only send the £10 joining fee to HQ. Many branches choose to have a branch joining fee which may cover a lapel pin etc, but that is a matter entirely for the branch. I appreciate this is not clear on the form and will revise when the membership form needs to be reprinted. Branches that have sent the £3 joining fee to HQ may reclaim it from Michelle. I offer my sincere apologies for not being clear about this. Paul, General Secretary.

13. Little known Tit-bit of Naval History The USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers, or reverse osmosis plants). However, let it be noted that according to her Ship's Log, "On July 27 1798 the USS Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 9

gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum. “Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping." Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British menof-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each. By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home. The USS Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky and 38,600 gallons of water.

14. Finance Corner – From Michelle I would like to say THANK YOU to those who have been prompt with their payment in response to my 3rd Quarter Accounts. POOLED FARES Pooled Fares are covered by Bye Law 3a and 3b; they have to be divided among all the branches and paid by all the branches even if a branch does not send a delegate. Breakdown on Plymouth 2011 Conference: 119 Delegates of 349 branches attended 2011 Conference. The total claims amount to approx £10,200 Divide £10,200 by 349 = £29.22 which is the average cost for a medium branch Large branches pay an extra 1/3 Small branches pay 1/3 less The reason why the figures are higher this year – almost twice as many delegates attended and less branches to bear the cost, due to closures during the last year. A Note to all the Membership Secretaries This only applies to Branches – Please make sure your shipmate pays their subscriptions into your branch bank account and not HQ bank account as this causes confusion when it comes to accounting for subs from branches. In case you do not have a branch Bankers Order Form there is a loose leaf one with this Circ. Answer to last month’s Mensa Test – A) Tuesday, B) Tuesday, C) 11th, D) Thursday, E) 27th Month - November

This month’s Mensa Test Replace the vowels in the following groups; they can then be paired to give four sweet treats. What are they? FRY

MRNG

CHLS

DRP

LMN

SCN

Answer in next month’s Circular

Due to this being the last Circular for this year, I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; I look forward to working with you all next year.

15 SSAFA Forces Help - Mentoring Initiative- Volunteers. Please find the link for SSAFA Forces Help on their new mentoring initiative for wounded, injured and sick service personnel as they prepare for civilian life. SSAFA Forces Help have appointed a project manager for the scheme and are currently looking for volunteers to act as mentors. Follow the link for more info. www.ssafa.org.uk/mentoring

16. Premier Bathrooms Just to let you know that the RNA has benefited from shipmates fitting a Premier bathroom – a great deal for the member and for the RNA with almost £1,000 to the Central Charities Fund. Details of the special RNA deal are in the Ships Office section. 17. Under Payment of State Pension, with Un-employability Supplement A member reports that a number of recipients of the state retirement pension (SRP), who also receive un-employability supplement (UNSUPP) from MOD, are due arrears or are being underpaid by Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). This dates from April 2006 when an obscure change in legislation authorised DWP to pay, with the SRP, the difference between UNSUPP and the Basic State Pension (BSP). Some people received payment from April 2008 of the difference of £1.00 pw, without application or notification that arrears were owed from April 2006. Our member, who has been paid his arrears for 2006/07 and 2007/08, has since come across eligible veterans who have not been paid the difference and a case where no SRP was paid from age 65/60. The difference (£3.60 for 2011/12) arose when the Basic State Pension was increased above RPI, but UNSUPP was not. If you think this affects you, application for payment of arrears should be made to DWP Norcross. - 01253 333834. and not MoD

18. HQ Open Day 4 Nov- Thank Yous received Dorchester Branch; Please Covey our sincere thanks for a very enjoyable day Friday last to all the staff. It was most enlightening to see the operations going on at HQ. From S/Ms George Osbourne and Dennis Matthews Dorchester branch. 11

Warwick Branch; Just a quick message to say thank you and all your staff for a wonderful day out at Portsmouth it was fantastic, we were looked after so well by all your staff they made our day with you very special. So again thank you all for a lovely day. Derek Fletcher Hon Sec Warwick Branch Note that we will be putting on at least 3 HQ Open Days in 2012, first one about Easter time.

19. Conference 2012 – forward info for Branches & Accommodation The 2012 Conference will be held at Newcastle 8, 9 and 10 June 2012. The outline programme will be: Friday 8 June All day: Evening:

AMC, FAC and National Council meet in Thistle Hotel Welcome reception at the Assembly Rooms, Newcastle

Saturday 9 June 1030 1900

Conference starts in the Assembly Rooms, Second Sea Lord as Guest of honour Gala Dinner or Buffet/Dance at the Assembly Rooms

Sunday 10 June Parade forms and marches to St Nicholas Cathedral Late am o/c o/c

Church Service at St Nicholas Parade forms and marches to Eldon Square memorial Laying of wreath at memorial

Please note that there will be no central booking of accommodation or travel arrangements, accommodation may be tight in Newcastle about this time, so worth starting to enquire soon. We have agreed with the Newcastle Convention Bureau that we will have a dedicated webpage for RNA bookings, this is the link www.NewcastleGateshead.com/NAVAL2012 It will have progressively more hotels in it as the Bureau contacts local establishments. This will be suitable for block bookings. This will cover mid-range hotels but not the many B&B in Jesmond and towards the Coast. Newcastle has an excellent metro system and the venues are very central, just opposite the Central Station. The local branch contact is Shipmate Ian McQueen, his e-mail is themcqueens@talktalk.net

20. Virtual Branch. It’s Free!! Have you heard of the Virtual Branch? Well it is FREE!.

Virtual Branch is a telephone system, with the help of CommunityLink, which enables members to "link" up by telephone anywhere in the United Kingdom and ROI. All you need is a landline and one hour every fortnight with the time and day sorted to suit all who would like to join in. The only criteria is that you must be a paid up Full or Associate member of the Royal Naval Association. At the pre-arranged agreed time an operator from Community Link calls you on your landline and then proceeds to call the others in your group. There are usually 6 to 8 in a group and one co-ordinator. Then it's all systems go and you can ‘Dit On’ and chat away about any subject for a whole hour. The co-ordinator is there to help fill any gaps or to move on from any possible friction. But of course, I would not expect any of that between any of our members! So come on Shipmates you must have lots of dits to swop! Many of our Associates, who are a vital part of our Association, must have stories to tell of their life in the other Services or their jobs in ‘civvy street’ so let’s hear 'em. If you would like to be a part of the Virtual Branch just contact Rita or Andy contact details below. We need your name, postal address and landline number. These details will only be made available to the co-ordinator of your group and the phone operator at Community Link. HQ 02392 720782

andy@royalnavalassoc.com

Rita Lock 02392 642 234 ritalock@sky.com National Welfare Adviser

21. Guess Where? An Ex RN Establishment Can you name the establishment and where it is? Please forward any other pictures to the HQ that you may have for ‘Guess Where’ so that we publish them in forthcoming Circulars. Answer again in next month edition.

Last Month’s answer!

HMS Vernon Main Gate

22. Veterans Debate in Scottish Parliament- Outcome! Follow the link to read a transcript of the recent debate in SP on Veterans issues. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6504&mode=pdf

23. Book reviews - Late Christmas Presents Titanic (A passengers guide) ISBN 9781844861484 Hardback £7.99 from : The Book People Limited, Catteshall Manor, Catteshall Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1UU- Order hotline: 0845 602 4040 A Passenger's Guide is a unique guide to all the aspects of the ship, incorporating authentic period literature - from sources including White Star Line themselves, Harland & Wolff shipyards, the International Mercantile Marine Company (White Star Line's owners) and important publications from the 1910's such as The Shipbuilder. Great book for the heads. Able Seamen (The Lower Deck of the Royal Navy from 1850 to the Present Day) ISBN 9781844861408, £25.00 from Bertrams, Tel 0871 803 6600 Brian Lavery returns with the second volume of his engaging social history of the Royal Navy's 'lower deck', exploring the world of the seamen (as opposed to the officers of the quarterdeck). I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in RN social history and the lower deck. Well worth a read! Nelsons First Love (Fanny’s Story) ISBN 9781445603650 - £20.00 from Amberley Publishing Telephone: 01453 847 800 Fanny was his loyal devoted wife – and his equally devoted widow – until she died in London in 1831 at the age of 70. Most biographers of Nelson have failed to give her more than a cursory glance, hypnotised as they have been by the dynamic sea captain and his mistress. She lived a long and extremely interesting life, partly in London, Bath, Paris or Devon. Moreover although she failed to give Nelson a child, she did give him her son by her first marriage, Josiah Nisbet, to whom the Admiral was deeply attached. Very informative, an indepth look at her relationship with Nelson. Highly recommended by HQ staff.

24. Welfare Seminar - 31 March 2012 – Liverpool The next RNA Welfare Seminar will be held on the 31st March 2012 and is to be hosted by the Liverpool Branch at their HQ. Further details and timings will be promulgated when they are confirmed.

25. .The Royal Navy Day By Day - Discount Offer - £40 hardback - Only to the RNA The Royal Navy day by Day is a much loved and used Reference Book by many branches. It has just been revised and re-published and we have a great deal for RNA members and branches who may want to update their copy. There are loads more photos and historic events recorded. HQ has a copy if you would like to drop in and see it. This book normally costs £50 hardback (Offer open to the RNA Only is for £40 to include P&P for UK addresses) The Royal Navy Day by Day has established itself as a familiar, dependable, often referred to and much-loved part of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. While so many books of naval history concentrate on the big events, The Royal Navy Day by Day also covers the smaller engagements in which sailors, Royal Marines, the WRNS, aircrew, submariners and members of the RFA and the Merchant Navy served so finely in peace and war. First published in 1979, this latest fourth edition, much expanded and thoroughly revised, includes the principal operations and administrative developments in the Royal Navy to the present day. 14

• • • • •

A record, not just of great battles, but of all that has gone into building the Royal Navy’s reputation for excellence down the centuries. Charting what the Royal Navy and Royal Marines did for the nation and what was done to them by the enemy, the sea and the Admiralty. Listing the Anniversaries of triumphs and disasters alongside the business side of battles and actions down the years. Richly illustrated paying homage to the continuing proud tradition of the Royal Navy in modern warfare and peacetime. Highly regarded in the Royal Navy and employed daily throughout the Fleet.

‘Probably one of the most well-thumbed and valued books Captain of Her Majesty’s Ship possess.’ Vice-Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham. Just to confirm, the offer is: Title: Royal Naval Day By Day ISBN: 978-0-7524-6177-9 Offer: £40 free p&p (UK Only) Duration: 01/10/11 till 01/01/12 Reference code (must be quoted in order to get the discount): HPRNA Buy book from: The History Press website www.thehistorypress.co.uk or Tel: 01235 465500 Kerry Green

26.  Royal Marines Museum-Licensed for Civil Ceremonies The Royal Marines Museum in Southsea, one of the most prestigious buildings in Portsmouth, is now licensed for civil ceremonies including marriages, civil partnerships, and renewal of marriage vows and naming ceremonies. Increasingly people are looking to use approved premises as the setting for their civil ceremonies, and the Royal Marines Museum is the perfect option for someone looking for an extra special venue. Nestled alongside the Southsea seafront, the Museum is a Victorian Grade II listed building, formerly the Officers’ Mess of Eastney Barracks. The Museum’s rooms are some of the most grand and impressive on the South Coast and vary in size to accommodate any size of ceremony and reception. The versatility of the Museum means it can host a civil ceremony and reception for a small intimate celebration or host up to 200 people. The experienced staff at the Museum and our partner catering company Red Caterers will ensure that every celebration is special by paying attention to every detail and delivering the highest level of service. Exclusive use of the Mountbatten Room, Minstrels’ Gallery, Trustees’ Dining Room, Band Room and Medal Room are available. Ceremonies can be held in the impressive Minstrels’ Gallery decorated with magnificent oil paintings, then guests can step outside in to the gardens for a glass of champagne, or have photographs taken on our grand sweeping staircase before joining guests in the magnificent Mountbatten Room to dine.

Donna-Marie Roulland, Event Manager said "For many years we’ve offered exceptional receptions and parties, but now being able to offer civil ceremonies will be a wonderful addition to offer people looking to hold their celebrations at the Royal Marines Museum". If you’re interested in finding out more about civil ceremonies at Royal Marines Museum or details on hiring the Museum for your wedding reception or private party please contact our events manager Donna-Marie Roulland on 023 9281 9385 or donna-marie.roulland@royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk 2

27. P Woking Branch-Trafalgar Dinner and more! Woking Branch have been very hard at work over the last 5 weeks packing in a tremendous amount of work both social, ceremonial and public functions. The 21 October so the annual Trafalgar Dinner with over 60 shipmates attending with their guests and were honored by the Mayor of Woking and his wife. S/M Rod Fraser who has headed up the team for selling Poppies for the branch has had to retire after collecting about £35,000 over a 25 year span and was thanked by all for his outstanding commitment and dedication. Armistice Day saw a large turnout for the annual Parade which took place in Woking town centre, there were 9 Standards and about fifty veterans and the stand-by shift from the Fire Service present, who all observed the 2 minuets silence in front of a crowd of about 1000. Remembrance Sunday once again saw the Shipmates on Parade and marching through the Town Centre, ably led by the band from British Airways. Again nine RNA Standards were on parade (in exceptional weather) whilst the remainder of the parade was made up of from representatives of the Naval and Air force Arms of the Cadets, 200 service personnel from Pirbright, and most Youth Groups from Woking. The Mayor took the Salute and wreaths were laid by all the groups.

28.  Dagenham Branch visits HMS Dauntless Dagenham Branch recently enjoyed a day out to visit HMS Dauntless in October. A contingent of fifteen made the trip South to enjoy the hospitality and a four hour tour of one of the newest additions to the fleet. CPO Blood Reid took great pleasure, proudly showing off this technical marvel of the modern age. We were pretty sure that he explained to us only a fraction of what this thoroughbred is capable of doing but even that left us gasping in wonder. We were lucky to have all fifteen members of the branch return as a good few were convinced that there was a place for them aboard and were willing to take the Queens shilling once again. We would like to wish the Captain and ships company all the very best for their future employments. Mark Smith Dagenham Branch ___________________________________________________________________________

Shortcast Portsmouth Field Gunners Association - 3/12/2011 Christmas Social. HMS Excellent WO & Snr Rates Mess. December 3, starting at 1900 to 2359. All Portsmouth Field gunners, Associate members, families and friends are welcome to join in the festivities. For more details log onto the website or email Rob Wyatt s://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189459244437937 HMS Prince of Wales & HMS Repulse Survivors Association 10 Dec 2011 For further information please contact the association secretary, Hannah Rickard, 19 Crossways, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8JP or telephone 0208 657 3915. Contact can also be made vie the website www.forcez-survivors.org.uk RNA Bristol Carol Service - 16/12/2011 The annual RNA Bristol Christmas Carol service will be held in the Lord Mayor's Chapel, College Green, Bristol on Friday 16th December commencing at 1900. On completion, the Keysham Town brass band will perform a melody of festive season music. Anyone visiting the Bristol area that evening would be most welcome to attend. For more information and to give an indication of numbers please contact; Mike Potter the Secretary 0n 01179 681 769 or Mrs Pittman on 01179 670968. RNA Headquarters Seasonal Closure Please Note that Headquarters will be closed as of 1200 on Friday 23 December, reopening on Tuesday 3 January.

2012 50th Anniversary Term Reunion of Supplementary List (Executive) Officers: - 7/01/2012 It is proposed to hold a reunion of the above entry on January 7, 2012 and will take place at the Floating Bridge Inn at 1430 and thence to BRNC for a conducted tour. This will be aimed primarily to those who live in UK and wish to mark the exact time and date of their fateful decision. It is further anticipated to hold a plenary reunion, to include WAGs, later in the year. Anyone wishing to attend the reunion should contact Lieutenant Commander J.F. O'Driscoll MBE (RN) Rtd 83 Recruitment, HMS Ganges 1966 - 3/02/2012 Looking for members of 332 Class for a reunion with their Chief, Harry Burgon. Those not yet found are Ken Hall, Jim Hutchison, Steve Jenkins and John Clarkson. The reunion will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5QT from February 3 to 4. Please get in touch with Keith Morison.

HMS Penelope Association Reunion - 17/02/2012 26th Annual Reunion at The New President Hotel, Blackpool FY1 2LG from February 17 to 19 (open to all who served in the cruiser 1938/44 or frigate 1963/92, or are relatives of those who did so). For details of membership and the reunion, contact the Secretary, Mike Bee or visit the website HMS Andromeda Association - 24/02/2012 HMS Andromeda Association: Annual reunion at the Britannia Hotel, Birmingham from February 24 to 26. Full details from Rick Matthews rickmatthews@btinternet.com HMS Undine & Urchin Association - 9/03/2012 HMS Undine & Urchin Association in company with Ursa, Ulster, Ulysses, Urania and Undaunted are holding their next AGM and Reunion at the Inglewood Hotel, Torquay from March 9 to 12. Contact Secretary, Chris Heslop. chris@cheslop.plus.com HMS Brilliant 30th Anniversary Reunion - 23/03/2012 Takes place from March 23 to 25 at Livermead House Hotel, Torquay. Further details at www.hmsbrilliant.com HMS Hermes Reunion and the 30th Falkland Anniversary 2012 The reunion and anniversary will take place between the 5-8 April at the Royal Maritime Club Portsmouth. T0 join the association and more information please contact the Secretary on ; 01752 787997 or email; richard.tipping@blueyonder.co.uk HMS Loch Fada Association - 13/04/2012 Reunion and AGM at Dauncheys Hotel, Weston Super Mare from April 13 to 16. All ex-F390s welcome & any who can’t make the ‘Lockie’ 2012 reunion. Details and booking forms from Frenchy at frenchy.delah HMS Aisne, last commission 1965-68 - 13/04/2012 HMS Newfoundland Veterans - 13/04/2012 The weekend will be held from April 13 to 16 at the Bancourt Hotel, Torquay. Details available from Alan Waite alan04@live.co.uk HMS Protector Association - 20/04/2012 2012 Grand Annual Reunion and AGM is to be held at The Suncliff Hotel, Bournemouth on the weekend of April 20 to 23. Early booking is highly recommended. Forms and further details available from Doug Harris at dougatspindrift@aol.com or downloadable from the website at http://www.hmsprotector.org/ HMS Glasgow (C21/D88) - 20/04/2012 32nd reunion will take place at the Haddon Hotel, Eastbourne from April 20 to 23. All ex-crew are welcome. Timings- 1400hrs, Location- BN21 4AJ - Tel +44 (0)1323 640953

HMS Hermes, Chefs 1968/70 - 21/04/2012 This years get together was a great success. The guest of honour was our Cookery Officer, Fred Motley who will be there again next year. The reunion will take place at the Royal Maritime Club on April 21. For more details contact Scouse ‘Ruby’ Enright. Loch Class Frigates Association - 27/04/2012 Annual Reunion takes place at The Ramada Bristol City Hotel, Bristol from April 27 to 30. All Members of the Association welcome. For details please contact Andrew Nunn Hon. Sec. LCFA at or see the website Membership is open to all who served on any of the Loch Class ships or their variants (Bay Class, Admirals Yachts, survey ships and repair ships). Some of these types of ships have their own ‘Associations’ but you can always join both. HMS Fisgard Series S41/44 - 27/04/2012 A 50th Anniversary Reunion for those who trained in HMS Fisgard in 1961/62 will take place at the McDonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham B2 4JQ from April 27 to 28, 1930 for 2000. Please register your interest and for further information contact Dave Uden dave-uden@talktalk.net HMS Fisgard Series 41 - 45 Artificers A Reunion is planned for the weekend 27th-28th April 2012 in Birmingham. For more details please contact; Bob Mason Bobmason65@btinternet.com HMS Sheffield 30th Falklands Reunion 2012 - 4/05/2012 Calling all HMS Sheffields D80,1982. HMS Sheffield 30th Reunion May 4 - 6 2012 at the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth. Any interest in this event, please contact Guy ‘Tug’ Wilson at guy4god.wilson@hotmail.com Royal Naval Hospital Haslar - 4/05/2012 The 2nd RNH Haslar Reunion for all RN Medics and Naval Nurses who trained or served there between 1955 and 1985 will be held in Gosport over from May 4 to 7, 2012. A Minimum of three separate events over the weekend, including a Sunday DTS with Shep Woolley. Tickets £25 per head for the weekend, with all Profits to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Contact David Rawson via Facebook.com/RNH Haslar Reunion Group or by email to david@sudcotes.karoo.co.uk HMS Ganges Association - 11/05/2012 Next year sees the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the HMS Ganges Association and we will celebrate this special occasion at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool from May 11 - 14. The reunion not only reunites old boys who trained together, but also those who have become friends from meeting at previous reunions. If interested, contact the Association or tel: 0845 900 2782 for more details, including the easy payment scheme and disabled facilities at the hotel. HMS Cleopatra Old Shipmates Association - 11/05/2012 Seeking new members to join us from both the cruiser and frigate. Wives/partners are also very welcome. We have 230 members and the subscriptions are only £6 per year. Our 27th 19

AGM and Reunion is being held at Babbacombe, Torquay from May 11 to 14, 2012. If you are interested in joining the Association then contact the Secretary, Warwick Franklin at warwick_franklin@hotmail.com Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association - 11/05/2012 The 2012 AGM & Reunion Weekend is confirmed for the Hilton Hotel, North Promenade, Blackpool commencing May 11. Three night package including Private Dinner & entertainment for just £130. Pool/Sauna available and on site parking. Please contact the Secretary, Denis Askham - DnsAskhm@aol.com HMS Minerva Reunion - 18/05/2012 HMS Minerva Reunion: This will take place on May 18 at the Commissioner’s House in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, where there will be an afternoon reception followed by an opportunity for a less formal get-together in a local hostelry. For more information contact Barry Miller at barrymiller166@btinternet.com HMS Cavalier Association - 18/05/2012 Reunion will take place from May 18 to 21 at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. Further information can be obtained from David Shardlow at davemooseman@aol.com HMS Danae First Commission - 18/05/2012 Reunion from May 18 to 19 at the Chesterfield Hotel, Chesterfield. Details on the website Further information from Dave Shoemaker dfedcrusher25@hotmail.com HMS Solebay Association - 18/05/2012 Will be holding it’s 15th annual reunion from May 18 to 21, at the De Vere Barony Castle Hotel, near Edinburgh EH45 8QW. A full weekend of activities is planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ship paying off for the last time. All ex-Solebay’s and their guests are welcome. For further details contact Malcolm Clarke 0117 9622500-or email at; Malcolm@solebay.org HMS Dainty - 25/05/2012 HMS Dainty, AGM and Reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn Harrogate w/e commencing May 25, 2012. Please contact David Erwin daviderwin@talktalk.net or HMS Dainty website for further details. HMS Antelope 30th Reunion -26 May 2012 The 30th anniversary of HMS Antelope will take place on SS Great Britain on the 26 May 2012, anyone interested please contact Dorothy Benn, Hon Sec, Stroud Branch ; 01453-757 984 dorothyandtimbenn@gmail.com Royal Hospital School, Holbrook- 23/24 June 2012 RHS Holbrook over the weekend of 23/24 June 2012 extend an invitation to as many as possible. A programme is being arranged for the School’s Tercentenary celebrations (RHS300) contact details are rjm@royalhospitalschool.org and they would welcome any communication with former Holbrook students. 20

A Night at “The SODS Opera” 2012 Coming to the Kings Theatre Southsea Sunday 29th July 2012. “A Naval Review” Last Year It Was “A Right Rum Do” This time it will be “A Night At The SODS Opera” Wanted from the local area, acts and volunteer crew to assist. email.guy4god.wilson@hotmail.com ________________________________________________________________________

RNA Longcast 1 Dec 3 Dec 19 Dec 23Dec- 3 Jan 2012 19 Jan 28 Jan 16 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 18 Feb 21 Feb 25 Feb 10 Mar 15 Mar 16 Mar- 2Apr 31 March 28 Apr 28/29 Apr 8 June 0900 - 1200 8 June 1300-1630 8-10 June 2012 10 June 25 – 30 June 30 June 2 July 4 Aug 25 Aug 7 – 8 Sept 20 Oct 8 Nov 11 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 24 Nov 8 Dec

IEST meeting (London) (GS) National Council Meeting- Portsmouth GS & Michelle on Christmas Leave HQ closed for Christmas and New Year GS visit to Yeovilton 10 Area AGM weekend Audit meeting HQ Motions, NCM & SOC election nominations Deadline AMC Meeting SOC Meeting Presentation to Commanding Officers (Desig) GS, AGS FAC Meeting National Council Naval CEO meeting (ST) Andy on Leave Welfare Seminar - Liverpool Portland Branch Annual Dinner (GS) 10 Area meeting and reunion weekend AMC and FAC National Council National Conference - Newcastle on Tyne SOC Conference Wash Up Seafarers Awareness Week Armed forces Day Mid Year budget review AMC Meeting (TBC) FAC Meeting National Council (Includes one day on Rule Review) Dorchester Branch Trafalgar Dinner (GS) Field of Remembrance Remembrance Day Budget Meeting GS, Hon Tres, Accountant AMC meeting FAC Meeting National Council

Shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office 2012 Branch membership renewal forms. The branch membership renewal form is included with the Circular this month. Branch Secretaries should note that this year we are asking for name, address, telephone and e-mail details for each member. It is absolutely essential that this information is provided, it is hoped that this will make renewal in future years much easier. We can help you if you need it. Secretaries should note that to conform with the new membership cards the annual renewal card has changed to a small self adhesive holographic sticker with 2012 on it. These can be stuck to the new and old card as needed. They are easy to lose! Area and Branch Updates Area 3

Branch Chichester

Frome

Luton & Dunstable

Change Shipmates are reminded that Chichester Branch holds its meetings at: The City Club, 13 North Pallant, Chichester Please note: Sec is Fay Lawton e-mail is fromerna@yahoo.co.uk Phone 07564 186458 Meeting address: Frome Rugby Club Gypsy Lane Frome BA11 2NA on third Thursday at 1930 Life Vice President RNA, S/M WG Clark BEM It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that my wife Lilian Joyce Clark aged 87 years passed away on the 12th of October 2011.

South Gloucestershire Please note the Secretary is; Margaret Singleton 18 Maisemore Yate South Gloucestershire BS37 8UR Tel; 01453 317177 Email; amelia1@blueyonder.co.uk

Stafford Branch

Please note that Stafford Branch meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and not Friday as laid down in the Yearbook.

Bromsgrove

Please note a change of address; Bromsgrove Sports and Social Club Worcester Road Bromsgrove Worcestershire B61 7AY 22

Todmorden

Salford

Liverpool Branch

Please note a correction to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circular â&#x20AC;&#x201C; S/m Frank Harrison is the new Secretary and Treasurer of Todmorden Branch and his address and contact details are below; Woodroyd Stansfield Hall Road Todmorden Lancs OL14 5NA 01706 814533 f.harrison47@btinternet.com Shipmates should be aware that Salford Branch have changed date and venue for their monthly meeting. New details are listed below; The Royal British Legion 231 Langworthy Road Salford M6 5PQ Meeting will now occur on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. For the present, could all communications relating to the Liverpool Branch be sent to their branch Treasurer: S/m J Anderson 10a Rudyard Close, LIVERPOOL L14 5PP Tele: 0151 475 09909

Swinging the Lamp - December

1 Dec

1588 Chatham Chest founded for relief of distressed seamen. The Chatham

Chest was a pension fund founded in the sixteenth century to help disabled sailors by deducting sums from seamen’s pay. The Chest had five locks, with five different keys held by five different officers. Despite this there was severe mismanagement of funds. Pepys set up a Commission to inspect its dministration. 2

1825 Defeat of the Burmese at Pagoda Point, above Prome. Diana and boats of

the Irrawaddy flotilla captured 300 war boats. 3

1946 Fleet minesweeper Middlesex (RCN) wrecked on Bald Island Point, near

Halifax, while going to the assistance of a fishing vessel in a storm. 4

1939 Submarine L 27 detected by prototype ASV in Hudson of 220 Squadron

RAF experimenting over the Channel. Side-scan confirmed as better than aheadscanner. 5

1578 Drake sacked Valparaiso.

1838 Ships’ libraries authorised by Admiralty.

1776 James Aitken, known as ‘Jack the Painter’, set fire to the Rope House in

Portsmouth Dockyard. He paid the price for Arson in a Royal Dockyard. 8

1778 Horatio Nelson promoted master and commander into the brig Badger.

1914 Commissioning of Ark Royal, purchased for conversion to seaplane carrier.

1941 Battleship Prince of Wales, flagship of Admiral Sir Tom Phillips, and battle-

cruiser Repulse sunk by Japanese torpedo aircraft off the E. coast of Malaya (03.33N, 104.28E and 03.45N, 104.24E, respectively). The first British capital ships lost to air attack and the last battleship and battle-cruiser lost in action. 11

1953 WRNS new-entry training establishment at Burghfield near Reading since

July 1945, commissioned as Dauntless. Paid off 14 August 1981 and training transferred to Raleigh. 12

1888 Establishment of two Schools of Signalling, one in Devonport arracks and the other in Portsmouth, originally in Duke of Wellington but eventually in Victory.

1711 The wall around Portsmouth Dockyard completed. ‘This WALL was Begun

the 4th June and finish’d ye 13th Decembr 1711.’ ‘In order to meet the needs of modern road traffic and with the approval of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty this gate built in 1711 was increased in width from 12ft to 22ft, November 1944’ – plaques at Victory Gate. 14

1864 Bombay (screw (81)) destroyed by fire and explosion off Montevideo.

Ninety-seven dead, including thirty-four Royal Marines, one of whom died at his post as sentry outside the Captain’s quarters. 15

1913 Tiger, battle cruiser, launched at John Brown’s. The Royal Navy’s last coal-

burning capital ship to remain in the operational fleet, paying off in 1931. 24

1653 Instructions for all commanders-in-chief of squadrons, flag officers in their

divisions and for all captains of ships at sea in the service of the Commonwealth, issued by George Monck, John Disbraw and William Penn aboard the Swiftsure – the first Articles of War, from which came the phrase ‘Naval justice is swift and sure.’ 17

1856 The abandoned discovery barque HMS Resolute, Capt H. Keller CB, RN,

found by an American whaler in the Arctic on 10 September 1855, was presented to the British people by the United States. 18

1677 Qualifying examination introduced for lieutenants, RN.

1915 Evacuation of Anzac and Suvla beachheads began at Gallipoli. Successfully

completed by 21st. 20

1963 ‘Ceremonial at Colours and Sunset .Henceforth, men hoisting and hauling

down the Colours are to keep their caps on. QR&AI Article 1349 will be amended accordingly.’ –DCI(RN)2369. 21

1841 Special uniform, with special buttons depicting an engine, devised for First

Class Engineers. 22

1956 Last British and French troops withdrawn from Suez. Prime Minister Eden

resigned 9 January 1957. 23

1805 The body of Vice-Admiral Viscount Nelson transferred from Victory at The Nore into Commissioner Grey’s yacht Chatham, which had come from Sheerness, and carried up the Thames to Greenwich.

1957 The small Naval Party employed on Christmas Island in support of British

nuclear weapon tests, NP 2512 and NP 5555, named HMS Resolution, received greetings from the Admiralty: ‘Their Lordships wish to convey Their appreciation to the officers and men of HMS Resolution of their work on Christmas Island on this the 180th anniversary of the discovery of the island by Captain Cook in HMS Resolution.’ 25

1962 ‘A messing supplement of 75 per cent of the basic daily rate of mess

allowance may be claimed for all officers and ratings actually fed in Mess on Christmas Day in HM Ships and Fleet Establishments. 26

1767 Catherine Nelson, wife of the Revd Edmund Nelson of Burnham Thorpe,

died aged 42 leaving eight children, including Horatio (9). 27

1831 Beagle sailed on five-year circumnavigation carrying Charles Darwin,

subsequently author of On the Origin of Species. 28

1975 Third Cod War. The first collision of the ‘War’ between Icelandic Gunboat

Thor and frigate Andromeda; fifty-six collisions were to follow, many severe enough to force the frigates to return to the UK. 29

1669 Mary Rose drove off seven Algerine pirates between Sali and Tangier, while

escorting a convoy. Battle Honour: The Seven Algerines. 30

1778 Capture of St Lucia by Admiral Hon. Samuel Barrington and General Grant.

Ships: Boyne, Nonsuch, Preston, Prince of Wales, Centurion, Isis, St Albans. 25

Frigates: Ariadne, Aurora, Carcass, Pearl, Venus. War of American Independence. 31

1950 Admiral Ronald Hopwood, author, poet and gunnery officer, died. Flag

Captain to Vice-Admiral Jellicoe in the Prince of Wales and Hercules 1910–12 especially The Laws of the Navy published about 1895 when a lieutenant:

Swinging the Lamp 1 Jan

January

1771 Capt Maurice Suckling entered his nephew,‘Horace’ (Horatio) Nelson, as a

midshipman in the Muster Book of Raisonnable (64) at The Nore. 2

1779 Chapel of Greenwich Hospital destroyed by fire, the loft containing many instruments and memorabilia accumulated by the Board of Longitude. Rebuilt by ‘Athenian’ Stuart and reopened in 1789. Renovated and rededicated in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, 1955.

1900 New Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert heeled over in dry dock in Pembroke

Dockyard while fitting out, leading to resignation of Sir William White, Director of Naval Construction. 4

2001 Final two Sea King helicopters of 845 NAS,Lt-Cdr S.R. Gordon RN, returned

to RNAS Yeovilton from their base in Split after eight years’ continuous service during which 845 Squadron helicopters operated 13,500 flying hours in support of UN and NATO operations in former Yugoslavia. 5

1943 US Task Force, including Achilles, bombarded Munda and Kolombangara Island (Guadalcanal campaign). Achilles damaged by Japanese aircraft.

1915 The foundation stone of the RN Hospital, Mtarfa, Malta, laid by General Sir

Leslie Rundle, Governor and C-in-C Malta. Originally known as the Royal Artillery and Naval Hospital, it was opened on 29 June 1920. Mtarfa took over all naval medical services when RNH Bighi closed in 1970. Mtarfa closed in 1978 and the building now houses the Sir Temi Zammit Secondary School. 7

1940 Ships on foreign stations to report to the Admiralty, in accordance with AFO

2109/39, on the suitability of earthenware butter dishes 8

1806 Body of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson taken upriver from Greenwich to the

Admiralty by barge, where it rested overnight before his funeral in St Paul’s Cathedral. 9

1760 Board approved construction of windmill to lift fresh water at Gosport on the

Weovil estate, site of Clarence Yard. 10

1806 Cape Town and its defences capitulated to the forces under Maj-Gen Sir David Baird and Cdre Sir Home Riggs Popham (Diadem). A Naval Brigade was landed. Battle Honour: Cape of Good Hope 1806.

1794 Capt Samuel Hood in the frigate Juno (32), having entered Toulon believing it was in allied hands, escaped after a midshipman saw that two port officers who had boarded Juno were wearing tricolour cockades.

1922 Victory moved into No. 2 Dock in Portsmouth Yard, the oldest dry dock in

the world, following a national appeal launched by the Society for Nautical Research. 13 Jan

1901 Operations in Gambia River by cruiser Forte, and gunboats Dwarf and

Thrush, which all landed armed parties. 14

1991 The first Wrens to serve at sea as members of a ship’s company sailed in

the frigate Brilliant. Operation Granby 15

1761 Following the loss of several ships in a New Year’s Day hurricane, Rear-

Admiral Charles Stevens resumed the siege of Pondicherry which, reduced by famine, surrendered on 15 January. ‘Thus ended the French power on the coast of Coromandel’ 16

1873 RN College, Greenwich established by Order in Council

1773 Capt James Cook made first crossing of the Antarctic Circle.

1919 The Admiralty announced a scheme for junior naval officers, whose

education had been interrupted by the war, to spend two terms at Cambridge University. Kipling wrote in The Scholars: ‘Hallowed river, most gracious trees, Chapel beyond compare, Here be gentlemen tired of the seas – take them into your care, Far have they come, much have they braved, give them their hour of play’. 19

1762 Harrison’s fourth chronometer passed first Board of Longitude test

(Deptford) at Jamaica. 20

1946 Completion of operation to scuttle 110 surrendered U-boats in deep water 30 miles N. of Malin Head. Operation Deadlight.

1843 Tenders invited for RN’s first ‘iron war steamer’ Trident. The Hon. East India

Company already had one: Nemesis. 22

1920 RN Dental Branch established by Order in Council.

1942 Four Swordfish aircraft of 830 Sqn, Malta, under Lt F.H.E. Hopkins, in bad

weather, torpedoed an escorted Italian storeship making for Tripoli, Libya. 24

1945 Clasp to Long Service and Good Conduct Medal introduced.

1841 Capt Sir Edward Belcher, HMS Sulphur, landed on Hong Kong Island ‘at 15 minutes past 8 a.m. and being the bona fide first possessors, Her Majesty’s health was drank [sic] with three cheers on Possession Point’.

1940 Admiralty Fleet Order required that officers given temporary Commissions

for the period of hostilities would in future, with certain exceptions, have had to serve at least three months on the lower deck. 27

1626 ‘A proclamation for the better furnishing of the Navy. Every ordinary Sailor

to receive 14 shillings a month besides an allowance out of it of 4d to a Preacher, 2d to a Barber and 6d to the Chest as proposed by the Lord High Admiral and approved by the Privy Council.’ The Lord High Admiral was the Duke of Buckingham; the Chest was the Chatham Chest. 27

1956 A Guided Weapons Group formally opened at HMS Excellent by Admiral of

the Fleet Sir George Creasy, C-in-C Portsmouth, in advance of the introduction of guided weapons into Fleet service. 29 Jan

1673 Navy Board offices near the Tower of London, which had survived the Great

Fire of London in 1666, were burned down. Some naval records and Pepysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; papers destroyed. New Wren designed offices on the same site were completed in 1684. Here the Navy Board remained until it moved to the new Somerset House in 1786. 30

1855 Royal Marines designated a Light Corps and became Royal Marine Artillery

(Blue Marines) and Royal Marines Light Infantry (Red Marines). 31

1938 Four hundred Birmingham citizens, led by the Lord Mayor, travelled by

special train to Portsmouth to present drums and silver bugles to the new light cruiser Birmingham, Capt E.J.P. Brind RN, before her departure the following day for the China Station. One of her midshipmen was Edward Beckwith Ashmore, the future First Sea Lord and CDS.

NOMINATION FORM ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DEPUTY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 2012/2014 (Revised RNA Bye-Law 7) For the attention of All Branch Secretaries in Areas. 1,3,4,5,10 and 12

Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member from any Branch within its own Area, as a Candidate for election to the National Council, and one full or full life member for election as the Deputy National Council Member subject to the approval of the Branch to which both persons belong. (See Note Below) Name of Nominee NCM...............................................DNCM................................................. Proposed by Branch ....................................................................... Area .......................... Address of Nominee NCM……………………………………............................................................................................ DNCM............................................................................................................................................ Brief history of nominees in the Association. Continue on separate sheet if necessary NCM

DNCM

Chairman ...................................................... (signed) ............................................(dated) Secretary ...................................................... (signed) ...........................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch. Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................ We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch. Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) ............................................................................. Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many National Council Meetings as is possible and to sit on any Committees to which I may be elected.

Signature of Candidate Dated ___________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1600 17th February 2012. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot 29

PROPOSED MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012 Proposals must reach The General Secretary by 1600 17th February 2012 Name of Proposing Branch: ........................................................................................... Motion / amendment

Explanation of the Motion / Amendment (Notes for Conference)

I certify that this Motion / Amendment represents the views of the Members of this Branch, approved at a Branch meeting by at least two thirds of those members at the meeting. If accepted, the branch delegate will propose it to the Annual Conference. Signed: ...........................................Hon. Secretary: ...........................................Date In seconding this Motion / Amendment I certify that it represents the views of the Members of this Branch, approved at a Branch meeting by at least two thirds of those members at the meeting. If accepted, the branch delegate will second it at the Annual Conference. Seconded By: ..................................... Branch. Signed ...........................................Hon Secretary ...............................................Date Notes a. A separate form is required for each Motion or Amendment b. A manuscript copy is acceptable for additional Motions or Amendments if the printed form is not available. c. The Motion or Amendment should be as short and precise as possible avoiding ambiguity. A Motion should normally start with the word `THAT' d. The explanation is to assist the Standing Orders Committee in understanding the intention behind the Motion so that they may be able to consider acceptance and the wording under Rule 15. e. Motions may be submitted at any time but must reach the General Secretary by 17th February 2012. f. Motions of Extreme Urgency should reach the General Secretary not less than 48 hours before Conference. (In accordance with Standing Orders S8(7) as amended at 1996 Conference.) g. Amendments to Motions should also normally reach the General Secretary not less than 7 days before Conference. However they can be submitted in writing direct to the Standing Orders Committee during Conference. h. Bye-Laws - Under Rule 19 only the National Council may make a Bye-Law. A Motion to Conference may propose that a Bye-Law be set aside or it may ask the Council to consider making or amending a Bye-Law. i. The Branch Proposing a Motion must have it Seconded by another Branch before forwarding it to the General Secretary (as carried at item 4 of 1995 Conference.)

Nominations for Standing Orders Committee 2012 For the attention of All Branch Secretaries Two members of the Standing Orders Committee are to be elected at Conference 2012, those standing down are eligible to be re-elected. (S/M Victor Allen and S/M Tony Avery). Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member as a Candidate for election to the Standing Orders Committee, subject to the approval of the Branch to which the candidate belongs. A nil return is not required. Name of Nominee ................................................................................................ Proposed by Branch ....................................................................... Area .......................... Address of Nominee …………………………………….................................................................................................... ........................................e-mail ....................................................

Postcode..................

Brief history of nominee in the Association. Continue on separate sheet if necessary

Branch Chairman ...................................................... (signed) ......................................(dated) Branch Secretary ...................................................... (signed) ......................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch. Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................ We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch. Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) ............................................................................. Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many Standing Orders Committee Meetings as is possible.

Signature of Candidate Dated ___________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1600 17th February 2012. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot. Nominations received after the deadline will not be included in the Ballot.

BRANCH ANNUAL RETURN CHAIRMAN

Name: Address for correspondence:

Telephone: VICE-CHAIRMAN Name: Address for correspondence:

HON. SECRETARY

Telephone: Name:

e-mail:

Address for correspondence:

HON. TREASURER

Telephone: Name:

e-mail:

Address for correspondence:

Telephone: HON. WELFARE Name: OFFICER Address for correspondence:

HON. PR OFFICER

Telephone: Name for correspondence:

e-mail:

Address for correspondence:

STANDARD BEARER

Telephone: Name:

e-mail:

Address for correspondence:

Telephone:

e-mail:

Address of Meeting Place Frequency of Branch Meetings

PATRON PRESIDENT VICEPRESIDENT

Name: Telephone: Name: Telephone: Name:

e-mail: e-mail:

Telephone: HON. CHAPLAIN Name: Telephone: HON. MEMBERS Name: Telephone: HON. MEMBERS Name: Telephone: This section is only for branches with a Club CLUB OFFICIALS CHAIRMAN Name: Address:

HON. SECRETARY

Telephone: Name:

e-mail: e-mail: e-mail: e-mail:

e-mail:

Address:

HON. TREASURER

Telephone: Name:

e-mail:

Address:

OTHER APPOINTMENTS

Telephone: Name:

e-mail:

Address: Telephone: Liaison with RN Ships, Establishments, RNR, SCC etc.

e-mail:

Ships in which Branch takes a special interest (e.g. historical, reunions)

Other Association Branches or Organisations within Branch. (e.g. RM Association, FAA. Association, SM Old Comrades, Ship Associations)

Any other useful information about Branch:

Signature of Hon. Secretary .......................................... 33

Date............................................

Balance Sheet as at 31st DECEMBER 2011 BRANCH FUNDS

Branch ..............................................

Accumulated Fund: Balance brought forward at 1st January Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for Year Less: Excess of Expenditure over Income for Year £ Represented By: Fixed Assets

Cost or Valuation

Freehold Land and Buildings Leasehold Land and Buildings Furniture, Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Other Deduct: Amounts Outstanding on Mortgage Current Assets Investments at Cost (Market Value at Balance Sheet date: £) Amounts due to Branch and Prepaid Expenses Balances with Bankers on: Deposit Account Current Account Cash in Hand Less: Current Liabilities Unsecured Loans Sundry Creditors and Accrued Overdraft BALANCE

Expenses

Depreciation

Net

Bank £

Chairman .................................................(signed) Secretary..................................................(signed) Treasurer.................................................(signed) Independent Examiners Certificate I/We certify that: a.

All annual subscriptions and entrance fees due from Members for the year have been collected and forwarded to Headquarters. b. All Branch accounts and supporting records have been examined and, as far as appears from my/our examination of these, proper books of account have been maintained by the Branch. c. The above Balance Sheet and attached Income & Expenditure Account have been prepared from the books and records of the Branch, and according to the information and explanations given to me/us by Branch Officers, and in my/our opinion, these are in accordance therewith.

Dated ...............................................

Income and Expenditure for Year Ended 31st Dec 2011 Income: Subscriptions due to Branch from Members for Year Full Members Associate Members Sale of RNA Goods Other Branch Income for the Year

£ Expenditure: Subscription due to HQ from the Branch for Year New Life Members Full Members Associate Members Purchases of RNA Goods Charitable grants and donation – as per attached schedule Other Branch expenditure for the Year

£ Excess of Income over Expenditure Or Expenditure over Income for Year

Independent Examiners Report I/We certify that the above information is in accordance with the Branch books and records for the year, so far as appears from my/our examination of these. Signed ........................................................ Dated ...................................................... Print name ....................................................................................................................

Analysis of Charitable Grants And Donations Made During The Year Ended 31st DECEMBER 2011

Income (fundraising, legacies etc) Donor or event

Amount

Total

Sub total

ÂŁ

Sub total

ÂŁ

Donations given RNA Central Charities Fund

BANKERS ORDER

Subscription to : The Royal Naval Association................................................... BRANCH To: The Manager..................................Bank FULL ADDRESS ............................................ ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ..................................................................... Post Code

...........................................

Please pay NOW the sum of £10 Ten Pounds and then £10 Ten Pounds annually on the first day of January until further notice starting 20....... the sum of

TEN POUNDS

To the credit of The Royal Naval Association ............................................ Branch Bank .......................................................... Sort Code ....................................... Account Number ......................................... Address........................................ ...................................... Quoting my name and initials: ............................... ................. (Block capitals) And charge my Account; Bank ................................................... Sort code ................................................... Account No .................................................. Signature ............................................................ Date ............................................................ Address ............................................................

Post Code Telephone

........................................................... ........................................................... ........................................................... ........................................................... No ...........................................................

APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL PERMIT FOR A REGISTERED ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION CLUB (To be submitted to RNA Headquarters by 25 November 2011) PART I 1. Name of Club in full ..............................................................................................................(a) 2. Registered Office Address ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................ Tel.............................................Post Code...................................... 3. Premises owned by : Club/Branch/Other..................................................................................(c) 4. Membership as at 31 October 2010 : Life........................Full........................Assoc........................ (e-1) ANNUAL PERMIT 2011 5. The Club committee hereby applies for the renewal of the Annual permit and undertakes to comply with all the conditions therein. (e) Dated ....................................... Signed by Hon Secretary................................................................ Dated ....................................... Signed by Chairman....................................................................... PART II The Committee of the ......................................... Branch of the Royal Naval Association has examined the above application and supports it. (b) The present paid up membership of the branch is: Life......................Full...................Assoc...................... (a) (b) Signed by the Branch Hon Secretary................................................................. Dated............................ PART III Number.......... Area in which the ....................................Branch is situated recommends that National Council approves this application. (b) Signed by the Area Hon Secretary .......................................................................Dated............................. PART IV This application is approved by the National Council. Signed on their behalf...................................................................

FORM RNA C/3 Notes (a)

Under Association Rule 16 the National Council requires all Branches forming a club to register it and its name with the appropriate authority through RNA headquarters, and thereafter to apply for an Annual Permit

(b)

The application for the Annual Permit should be submitted by the Club through the Branch and Area for their endorsement and onward transmission to RNA Headquarters by the 27 November 2010. If either the Branch or the Area cannot support the application, it should endeavour to resolve the reasons with the Club, but failing this should report full details to the General secretary with a copy to the National Council member for the area.

(c)

RNA Headquarters will issue the permit dated 1 January of the following year as soon as practicable. The administrative charge is £3 which will be automatically debited to the Branch account for the quarter ending 31 December. If premises are not owned by the Branch it is a condition that adequate facilities be provided by the owner for the conduct of Branch business.

(d)

If the Hon Secretary’s address for correspondence is not the same as the Registered office for the club, this should be shown after their signature The conditions specified on the Permit as being accepted by the Club include the following:

(e)

1 All members of the Club shall be members of the Association with not less than 20 being Full and or Life members as defined by clause 9(a) of the Royal Charter. 2 The Club will, in general, do all possible to further the objects of the Association and will support and encourage the work of the Branch with which it is associated. 3 The Club will abide strictly by its registered rules which shall not be amended without the prior consent of the National Council. 4 Two copies of the audited accounts of the Club shall be forwarded to the General Secretary each year. 5 The National Council shall be entitled to appoint a representative to inspect all documents, accounts and books of the Club on giving seven days notice. 6 The national Council and the appropriate Area Committee may from time to time pay a visit of inspection to the Club. 7 The National Council can give seven days written notice of cancellation of the permit and the Club shall thereupon cease to use the words “Royal Naval Association” in the title of the Club.

2012 Diaries Despite rises in VAT and postage it has been decided to maintain the cost of the 2012 diary to the 2011 prices. To make the most of the new style of diary provided for shipmates and allow members to keep their covers and RNA insert / address book; this year’s diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £4.

If you need a complete new diary eg Cover, RNA insert and Diary, they can be ordered at a price of £8. Cost includes P&P within the UK. Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.

To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order form From: .................................................................Branch Please provide ……………… 2012 RNA insert Diaries @ £4 .00 each £ ...................... Please provide ……………… Complete 2012 Diaries @ £8 .00 each

£ ...................... TOTAL £............

Deliver the order to S/M………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:…………………………… Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £.................. Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card Type ........... ...... Card No ........................................................................ Card in the name of:................................................................. Valid From: ................................ Expires ..................................................... . Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ............................................... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

Received....................................................

Sent out.................................................

2011 Christmas Cards This year there are two pictures in the Christmas card pack. You get five of each in a pack with ten envelopes for £5

Also available we have some of the HMS Daring card at £5 for a pack of ten, and the Semaphore card at £2 for a pack of ten. Cost includes P&P within the UK.

Orders should be sent to HQ Semaphore Tower and be accompanied a cheque for the total value.

From: .................................................................Branch/Member Please provide..........................HMS Victory Cards @ £5 per pack of 10 ....

£..............

Please provide ……………… Semaphore Cards @ £2 .00 for a pack of 10 £ ...................... Please provide ……………… HMS Daring Cards @ £5 .00 for a pack of 10 £ ...................... TOTAL £............ Deliver the order to S/M………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:…………………………… Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £.................. Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card Type ........... ...... Card No ................................................................... . Card in the name of :................................................................. Valid From: .........................Expires .............. Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ............................................... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:…………………………… 41

Branch applications New Members I D Card

2012 Renewal Cards BRANCH Return cards to NAME & ADDRESS

Post Code

TEL / E-MAIL:

NEW Membership Cards only RENEWAL Surname

Initials

Gift Aid

Example Jones J

Example Smith J

LIFE

FULL

ASSOC

Full

Assoc

Address Post Code, phone No, e-mail 22, Alverstoke Road, Alverstoke, PO27 7BB 02345 123789 billdunroamin@home.co.uk Please see enclosed application form for address as appropriate

Please note Renewal cards will not be issued for life members. This is for recording purposes only

THE BAND OF H.M. ROYAL MARINES

FEATURES Sailing, A Life On The Ocean Wave and Over The Hills with ALFIE BOE PLUS the ORIGINAL King’s speech – George VI speaking live to the nation in 1939, now set to music

AVAILABLE NOVember 2011 Order at

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