Semaphore Circular #629 (May 2013)

The Semaphore Circular No 629

May 2013

A number of Shipmates received their Arctic Star Medals this month.

S/M Fred Goode (bottom left), Gloucester Branch, presented by y the Mayor of Gloucester on 26 April.

Fred served in HMS DIADEM on six convoys, three into Murmansk.

S/M Fred Reynolds (Top Right) and S/M Fred Brindley (Top Left) from Burgess Hill Branch receiving their medals form Commodore Laurie Brockenshire CBE Royal Navy .

Find Semaphore Circular On-line ; http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/downloads or... RNA Website – Members Area – Downloads – Circulars – Code (Shipmate) 1

Dear Shipmates (Secretaries and our on-line readers) Welcome to our May Circular –you may have spotted that we have a new name – The Semaphore Circular, to make sure that on branch notice Boards etc that everyone knows what it is, also to make the point that is for ALL members and not just Branch Secretaries. If you think the name is a poor one, I have two comments 1.

2.

You should have seen the gopping ones from Andy that I rejected.

Come up with something better.

We are in the middle of an exceptionally busy period for our Branches.

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Battle of the Atlantic commemorations have been going ahead with great vigor – our own National Council member Shipmate Peter Reed, a WW2 veteran, attended the main national dinner in HMS ILLUSTRIOUS as our representative; and at the Service at St Paul’s with other RNA officials. Londonderry branch have dedicated their HMS ARK ROYAL is towed to the breakers yard wonderful statue, with a nice article for you to see. A huge BZ to them their planning organization and dedication are an example to us all. The RNA National Standard will be at the head of the Parade after the main Cathedral service in Liverpool, with RNA Shipmates in the position of honour at the head of the parade. S/M Bob Coburn is bringing the Scottish Area Standard down too.

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We have hosted 8 Australian BOA veterans at Semaphore Tower with the ever-popular boat ride and tot going down very well. The Queens Harbour-master flew the Australian White ensign from Semaphore Tower and Shipmates joined us for a Service at St Anne’s in the Dockyard.

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Plans are well advanced for Armed Forces Days all over the country. I am delighted to report that we have taken delivery of 3 very high quality robust gazebos for events, and Shipmate Steve Caulfield (our National Events Co-coordinator) has sent out over 50 boxes of gizzits for events.

Steve takes bookings for the gazebos which in future will come with a table and 3 pull up banners to ensure that it is properly dressed. Pusser’s Rum has part funded the gazebos so any rum related pictures in the gazebos will be welcomed. Steve can be contacted at stephen.caulfield@dhl.com

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Planning for the Biennial Parade should be well advanced with full details next month. Please let us know if you are coming.

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Finally Conference is nearly upon us. Please make sure that you have chatted over the Annual Report and Accounts; and motions so that your delegate knows your thinking. Over 700 shipmates are booked in to the Adelphi and nearby hotels, so it should be a great reunion.

Arctic Star. I understand that the number of applications from living veterans is over 3,700 and that the SPVA medals office has been overwhelmed, but are getting on top of it. Remember that all medal applications have to be verified for award and that this might mean going into archives if there is inadequate info with the application. All applications are dealt with in order of receipt – but waiting for evidence can cause delay.

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Shortening or bypassing the process to ensure early despatch is next to impossible – if someone is dealt with early it means someone (perhaps less vocal and more deserving) waits longer. I can champion an early despatch, but only in the case of imminent death and I will need to talk to health care professionals to verify. I have already refused a number to fit in with Armed forces Day parades etc.

The good news is that the medals office in Innsworth is hoping to have all the veterans’ medals out by the end of August, they then move to applications by widows then NOK. One issue that has arisen has been the problem of presentations, with the RNA appearing on national radio and the Times about the issue. Like all operational medals – including the modern Operational Service Medal - the Arctic Star is posted to the recipients. Apart from an initial presentation arranged in Downing Street for Cdr Eddy Grenville’s campaign team, neither the MoD or SPVA have any plans for presentations. The RNA has offered to arrange Arctic Star presentations at the Conference Parade in Liverpool and at the Biennial Parade in September.

Please pass our contact details on to any veteran you think would like this, you can also advertise the fact in the local press etc. Local presentations could be arranged if there is demand and I know that the City of Portsmouth has offered that chance to the RN. Again give the HQ team a shout. The news that veterans applications should be done by August means that the Biennial Parade is a great chance for a presentation.

Pensions I have had a number of questions about the Circ article regarding pension entitlement.

The pension you can claim at 60 only relates to service after 6 April 1975, with entitlement coming after 2 years of Service (including before ‘75). It is called the AFPS75 preserved pension. If you left the RN/RM/WRNS before 6 Apr 1975 then you have no pension entitlement if you served less than 22 years reckonable service as a rating or 16 years as an officer, equally there are no transfer rights or contributions to re-claim. If you feel you might be entitled then either try the SPVA website or give us a call.

Memorial You will be pleased to hear that we are down to our final 2 designs for the memorial for Charter Challenge 2014, and we hope to have some professional drawings/maquette for you to see at Liverpool – they will be on the slops table with Michelle with a feedback form.

Mailings. I am sorry to say that some shipmates have been bothered by marketing mailings from Club Together and Beneden health, which mentions RNA approval. I am chasing the company to find out where the data has come from, but rest assured it has now stopped (save one that was sent this week). This has nothing to do with the BUPA offer and seems to come from late 2009 early 2010 – still investigating.

After only a couple of months in the Chair Cdr Bob Williams has had to resign as Chair of the Standing Orders Committee for professional reasons. Cdr Paddy McLurg has agreed to officiate at Liverpool and give us time to find a replacement. If you might be interested in the job catch the GS during the Conference or drop a note.

Finally I am pleased to say that Shipmate Chrissie Hughes has joined us in the HQ part-time to run the Shipmates programme – she works next door in the Association of WRENS part-time too.

See you at conference, mine is a glass of red wine Paul General Secretary 3

Chairman’s Chat – May 2013 It has been two months since I last did a Chairman’s Chat and it has been quite an eventful two months for me personally. I went to Canada for 5 weeks to spend time with my son and his family, and especially my two grandchildren, and to celebrate my 1 year old grandson’s baptism. With a 5 year old granddaughter, Olivia, really finding her independence Gail and I had a much more demanding time than we have had in previous visits. My daughter-in-law is Polish and I am amazed at just how easily Olivia switches between Polish and English, often in the middle of a sentence.

As well as spending some lovely time with my family I also spent time with the South Ontario RNA Branch at one of their periodic lunch gatherings in East Toronto. I have tried to meet up with the Branch on each of my visits and have made some lovely friends. David Kemp, the Branch Chairman, had arranged for a Canadian Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to be presented to one of the Branch’s longest serving members, Jack McQuarrie.

David also presented me with a South Ontario RNA plaque which I delivered to HQ in April.

The Branch members are a very good social group but are unable to continue as an RNA Branch so will be decommissioning this year. However, I shall continue to meet up with many of them as long as my son continues to work in Toronto, and Gail and I have become very good friends with them, especially Megs Shellard, the widow of one of the Branch stalwarts Chris Shellard with whom I established an excellent relationship when we were developing the Overseas Branches representation on National Council pre and post the Torquay Conference. Megs treated Gail and I to a lovely lunch and we always look forward to meeting up with her. The Branch has done extremely well to continue as long as they have, considering the distances they have to travel. I wish them all well.

Not only did I enjoy a great time in Canada I also made a three day trip to Fort Collins in Colorado with my son James. This was as a result of a quite surprising discovery I made in late January. I won’t go into detail here as the Navy News took up the story and you can read about in the June edition!

Back home in April it has been all go since. I have met, with the GS, two sculptors interested in taking forward design ideas for the 2014 Memorial; with the GS and NP I met the President of the Dutch Naval Association in Portsmouth who wanted to discuss the IMC. I am attending BoA celebrations in Liverpool; will be in Portsmouth two days later when we will be hosting 8 Australian BoA veterans in HQ, on board the VICTORY, and at a service in 4

the Naval Base Church. While talking BoA I have to congratulate Londonderry and Area 12 for their excellent event. They achieved their BoA Memorial unveiling of a statue duplicating one in Halifax in Canada. If Charter Challenge 2014 is as successful I will be delighted.

Now we look forward to the Conference weekend in Liverpool which is a full house and promises to be a great weekend. Area 10 and Crosby and Trafford Branches have done a sterling job in their preparations and I offer my heartiest congratulations to Dave Tollerton and his team for their leadership and drive. I think Liverpool will set a standard for all future Conferences to aim for, and I know Area 8 will have their work cut out to match them in 2014. My only disappointment is that Mick Kieran, the National Ceremonial Adviser came out of hospital today after suffering a slight stroke, and may not be able to grace us all with his wit and wisdom on the Conference Parade. I know he will be keen to try and be there, and we all wish him well with his recovery. After Conference he will be leaving Area 8 where he has been a stalwart at Branch and Area level for over 20 years, and our loss will be Area 7’s gain as he is moving to Pembrokeshire. But he is keen to stay on as the NCA so we will all need to be on our toes for the Biennial Parade – especially the band as he won’t be wanting to chase after them for marching off too soon this year!

I look forward to meeting many of you at the two weekends in Liverpool and especially over the Conference weekend. I can taste those £1.80 pints now!

Yours Aye, Chris Dovey Caption Competition

Sadly no winner last month

What are Plymouth branch up to?

Clue: QPR went down this season

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Daily Orders

1. Londonderry BoA Commemorations 10-12 May 2013 2. Conference 2013 - Liverpool 3. RNA Whitehall Biennial Parade – Sunday 08 September 2013 4. Crown Carvery – Free Carvery to celebrate Armed Forces Day 5. Father’s Day Gift Idea..

6. Charter Challenge Memorial Appeal – Stafford Branch 7. The Third Nile Virus 8. South Coast Proms - BoA Veterans 9. Project Vernon 10. CCF Donations 11. Charter Challenge Donations 12. Finance Corner – Michelle 13. Guess Where?

14. Memory Lane 15. Crow ‘Road Kill’ Survey 16. Caravans available for Hire at Polzeath 17. MoneyForce Website launched 18. Armed Forces Day Nottingham 19. The Goldfish Club 20. Double Seven Reunion 21. HMS Milford L51 22. Remembrance Paving Stones at the National Memorial Arboretum 23. Medway Armed Forces Day 24. Yeovil Air Day 25. Combined Lawn Tennis Association – Adaptive Tennis 26. S/M Derek Mayes – Can you help?

27. BUPA Health Insurance Dea

“D’ye hear there” (Branch news) Shortcast Longcast Ship’s Office 1. Swinging the Lamp 2. Slops – Jack Dusties Corner 3. Delegate/Observers Conference Application

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For the Branch Secretary and notice-board Glossary of terms NCM NC AMC FAC NCh NVCh NP DNP GS AGS Asap Throughout

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 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

Assistant General Secretary (Shipmates Programme Manager Circular, Events & Marketing)

023 9272 0782

andy@royalnavalassoc.com

Shipmates Administrator

023 9272 0782

chrissie@royalnavalassoc.com

General Secretary

023 9272 2983

paul@royalnavalassoc.com

Admin

023 92 72 3747

admin@royalnavalassoc.com

michelle@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 Snail Trail Mail - Postal Address RNA HQ, Room 209, PP70, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT

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Daily Orders 1.

Londonderry BoA Commemorations 10-12 May 2013

The long awaited 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic was held in Londonderry over the weekend of 10th to 12th May 2013. HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO attended as the Guest of Honour along with other VIPs, notably Rear Admiral Chris Hockley, Brigadier Rob Thompson and Air Commodore Stephen Kell. HMS Bangor and HMS Pursuer also represented the Royal Navy over the weekend.

The weekend commenced on Friday with a commemoration for the crew of HMS Laurentic hosted by the Ulster Newfoundland Initiative. The ship was a WWI armed Merchantman vessel which was lost off the Co Donegal coast with huge loss of life and a large Newfoundland connection. On Friday evening HMS Bangor held a reception for Civic leaders, International representatives and veterans.

On Saturday at 1230 HRH unveiled the “International Sailor Statue” in front of a large international audience at a ceremony in Ebrington Square. Ebrington was known as HMS Ferret during the war and HMS Sea Eagle after the war. Once the Statue was dedicated HM Royal Marine Band, Scotland Beat the Retreat and on completion lunch was provided for approximately 450 guests hosted

by RNA Londonderry Branch and their sponsors. On Saturday evening, after a Civic Reception, HRH and the assembled guests enjoyed a Gala Dinner in the City Hotel.

On Sunday morning the shipmates mustered and paraded to St Columb’s Cathedral Londonderry for the annual Battle of the Atlantic Commemoration Service.

The Historic Cathedral was packed to the doors. HRH read one of the lessons along with Cdr. PCD Campbell, President Area 12 (Ireland). The “Derry-Newfy” Convoy Bell was used to toll the silence. A detachment of the RM Band Scotland took part in the service and added to a very moving service of remembrance, to the fallen of the Battle of the Atlantic. HRH took the Salute, as the parade made its way to the Cenotaph, and then laid the first wreath followed by Tri services and international representatives. A group of BOTA Veterans were given a round of applause as they laid wreaths on behalf of their fallen shipmates.

Canadian Sea Cadets laid wreaths of behalf of numerous Canadian naval associations. Finally HRH boarded HMS Pursuer which slipped and moved mid river Foyle to enable a wreath casting viewed by the assembled audience on the river bank. Lunch followed for 300 invited guests in the City Hotel again hosted RNA Londonderry Branch and their sponsors. On completion of lunch the last event of the weekend featured a private screening, immediately after lunch, of BBC’s new documentary, Dive WWII Our Secret History.

The Londonderry Branch of the Royal Naval Association wish to thank 8

all those who helped in any way to make this 70th Anniversary Commemoration and Statue unveiling so special. The International Sailor Statue now stands in, what was, the “Most Important Escort Base” in memory of those people from all nations who lost their lives during the Battle of the Atlantic.

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Conference 2013 - Liverpool

Daily Orders for conference is at the back of the Semaphore Circular, 10 Area will have a more detailed one available at the Adelphi. Look forward to seeing you there.

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RNA Biennial Parade - Whitehall Sunday 08 September 2013 ‘Heads-Up’

The RNA Biennial Parade will take place at Whitehall on Sunday 08 September 2013 at 1100. All Branches are cordially invited to parade along Whitehall and on completion attend that post march refreshments at the Civil Service Club. The reviewing Officer this year will be the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel CBE. An invitation has been extended via the Conference of Naval Associations for other Naval Service Associations to join us; both HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan have agreed to provide marching platoons. It is vitally important that we produce a large turn-out so that we don’t lose this unbelievable privilege so please make a date in your dairies and encourage as many Shipmates as possible to attend this prestigious event and show what a super association the RNA really is.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 2SL has agreed to present Arctic Stars at the Parade – if you know anyone who would like this let the HQ know.

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Crown Carvery – Free Carvery to celebrate Armed Forces Day

Shipmates may remember that last year to celebrate Armed Forces Day Crown Carveries offered all current serving and ex service personnel a free carvery throughout the week of the commemorative day. This offer was taken up by nearly 8000 service men and women from across the country. In light of last year’s success, it has decided to again offer a free carvery or free breakfast to all army, navy and air force men and women, past and present, between Monday 24th and Saturday 29th June. To take advantage of this free offer please visit www.crowncarveries.co.uk or www.facebook.com/crowncarveries to download the ‘Free Forces Meal’ voucher and present this along with a current ID card (or veteran lapel badge) to staff at their local Crown Carvery restaurant. To find your local Crown Carvery or for more information visit www.crowncarveries.co.uk

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Father’s Day Gift Idea..

I’m sure you will all agree... Here is a smashing idea for Father’s Day, Dads would love a bottle of what made Great Britain great, the rum of Nelson’s day Pusser’s Blue Label, original navy strength 54.5% ABV Pusser’s is produced in exact accordance with the Admiralty’s historical specifications for a blend of Caribbean rums and is 100% natural in that it contains no flavouring agents. It is the only brand of rum conforming strictly to the original Royal Navy rum because it is the original Royal Navy rum. No other rum has such history and authenticity.For stockists contact the UK distributor Cellar Trends at sales@cellartrends.co.uk www.cellartrends.co.uk <http://www.cellartrends.co.uk/ 6.

Charter Challenge Memorial Appeal – Stafford Branch

A member of the Stafford Branch has made a solid oak rum tub. His Branch would like the Rum tub raffled off to raise funds for the 2014 Charter Challenge Memorial Appeal. Included with the tub is an oak goblet which will be finished off with the name of the winning member or Branch inscribed round the rim. Five Books of Tickets Has were included in the last Circular. Tickets are priced at £2 each, and if just 10% of our members bought a ticket through their Branch we would raise over £5,000 towards the Memorial Appeal. Unsold Tickets should be returned to HQ. Ticket stubs and monies should also be returned to Nigel at HQ. Additional tickets or books of tickets can be requested from HQ. We also have six bottles of Pusser’s Rum to give away to six lucky runners up. Good Luck to you all. All those members buying a ticket would feel they had contributed something to the Memorial. Please support this raffle.

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The Third ‘Nile’ Virus

Even the most advanced programmes from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one. It appears to affect those who were born prior to 1965... They have the following symtoms; Send the same e-mail twice. Done that!

Send a blank e-mails!

That too!

Send e-mail to the wrong person. yep!

Send it back to the person who sent it to you. Aha! Forget to attach the attachment. B******y Thing!

Hit "SEND" before you've finished. Oh, no not again!

Hit "DELETE" instead of "SEND.." I just hate that!

Hit "SEND" when you should "DELETE." Oh No! IT IS CALLED THE "C-NILE VIRUS."

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8.

South Coast Proms - BoA Veterans

The Royal Marines Band Service and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity are looking for Battle of Atlantic Veterans to attend this year’s South Coast Proms. This musical extravaganza by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines will feature a new arrangement of the Battle of Atlantic Suite. Originally written by Dave Roylance and Bob Galvin this new version has been arranged especially for this year’s 70th Anniversary commemorations by one of the band’s own. The organisers are hoping that Battle of Atlantic Veterans from the local area will be able to attend the event, held at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth on the 5th and 6th July. They will be able to enjoy this and other music performed by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines from classic marches to music from the movies and a patriotic proms style finale, complete with fireworks performed to Holst’s Jupiter from the Planets Suite.

Captain Steve Green added: It will be a real privilege to make contact with local veterans, give them an opportunity to witness behind the scenes rehearsals for the Proms and visit our superb School of Music. It would be exceptional if this appeal was able to help us locate a Bandsman who is a veteran of the Battle of Atlantic.

Members of the Royal Naval Band Service served onboard during both World Wars often working within the transmitting stations as well as providing musical support to the ships company.

If you are a veteran of the Battle of Atlantic, either Bandsman or Sailor, or know someone who is please contact the Massed Bands Event Office on 02392 547203.

Tickets to the South Coast Proms can be purchased online or through the Box Office.

Box Office: 02392 312007 Website: www.southcoastproms.com 9.

Project Vernon

Project Vernon is a campaign to design, construct and install a monument, dedicated to the Naval and Military heritage of HMS Vernon, in Portsmouth.

The fundraising effort continues apace, reaching beyond the £120,000 milestone of monies raised towards the monument – the aim for 2013 being to significantly add to this sum. All donations would be warmly welcomed and supporters are encouraged to browse our Purchases pages for merchandise in the Website, at the link below.

All proceeds go towards the design, construction and installation of the monument. www.vernon-monument.org

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Donations received for the Central Charities Fund In Memory of S/m Fred Joyce In memory of S/m Reginald John Hall

Thank you very much

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£80.00 £81.35

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Donations received for the Charter Challenge 2014 RNA WHITSTABLE RNA – NUNEATON RNA – TENBURY WELLS RNA – DORCHESTER No 1 Area Llanelli

£ 100.00 £ 25.00 £ 100.00 £ 100.00 £1,000 (previously attributed to G Owen!) £ 500.00

Thank you very much

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Finance Corner

Sadly I have had to come back from my holiday, in the sun and so this month have nothing to report. (I can hear you all breathe a huge sigh of relief!........)

See you at the Conference, Best wishes: Michelle

13. Guess Where? An 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’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

HMS Terror - Singapore

14 Memory Lane – To celebrate the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, when he started at Man Utd, we have gone back 27 years to 1986.

For those of you who missed the computer age this is now a dinosaur! ( Eds Note -So I feel like I have missed it as well now!)

HM Ships had transferred from Ledgers and SAGA cards to OASIS (Onboard ADP in Ships!!)

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And Opposite is a RNA Shipmate calling HQ in 1986

Finally, here is a picture of a young Scotsman standing next to his first TV which he purchased with the proceeds of his paper round and pocket money.

He now works in the HQ and Yes it is Nigel! (he had hair then !!)

How things have changed during one managerial career!!

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Crow â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Road Killâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey

A recent Canadian Govt study, has found over 200 dead crows near Calgary, Alberta and there was concern that they may have died from the Avian Flu virus. A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and he confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu, to everyone's relief. However, he was also able to determine that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with large trucks, and only 2% were killed by car impact.

The Provincial Government hired an Ornithological Behaviourist from Toronto to determine the disproportionate percentages for the large truck versus car kills. The Ornithological Behaviourist determined the cause in short order.

When crows eat road kill, they always set-up a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. His conclusion was that:

The lookout crow could say "Cah"

Unfortunately........................................

he could not say "Truck."......................

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16.

Caravans available for Hire at Polzeath (Deepest, Darkest, Kernow!)

The Corps trustees, with the assistance of the RNRMC & Nuffield Trust, have purchased over the years four fully equipped 6-berth caravans and sited them on the Polzeath Beach Holiday Park, North Cornwall. The caravans are available for hire to the following personnel: 1: All RN/RM personnel 2: Ex-Serving RN/RM personnel 3: MOD civilians from RM bases Bookings are now being taken for 2013. Prices vary according to the time of year, ranging between low and peak season. Weekend packages are available out of peak season for only £75 If you require further information or wish to make a booking please contact: Donna Peters Amenities Booking Office Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone, EXMOUTH, Devon, EX8 5AR | (MoD telephone: 01392 414456 (Military telephone: 93785 4456 *email (military): CTCRM-BASE-AMENITIES@MOD.UK Opening Times : 09:30 - 13:30 Monday - Friday

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MoneyForce Website launched

Shipmates should be aware of the official launch of MoneyForce which is a new programme designed to improve the financial capabilities of members of the Armed Forces and veterans. The MoneyForce website www.moneyforce.org.uk provides easy to digest Armed Forces specific information to help personnel and their families plan their finances. The site is a terrific read and comes highly recommended by the General Secretary to RNA members as it is not just aimed at serving personnel The site is easy to understand, free to use and completely impartial (there are no adverts or links to financial providers). It highlights the sorts of financial considerations that personnel should be making at different stages of their life. It contains the following: • Managing money – useful information on borrowing, saving, budgeting and spending, as well as planning for the future.

• Your career – information about different stages of your military career – including pay and career structures, allowances, managing finance as you deploy, assignment in the UK or abroad and making plans for when you leave the Service.

• Life and family – information on managing life’s challenges – setting up home, marriage, divorce, children, holidays, booking the RNA Conference.

• Managing crises – useful information and guidance to help people through tough times • Tools – A Budget Calculator, a Car Cost calculator and a Credit Card calculator to help you make informed decisions and plan for the future.

• Advice on debt and how to go about managing it.

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18.

Nottingham Armed Forces Day - 29 June 2013

Branches/ Shipmates who wish to attend Armed Forces Day in Nottingham on 29 June 2013 are required to complete the booking form which you can find at the at the rear of this Circular. Please note that AFD is being arranged by Nottingham City Council in conjunction with 49(East) Brigade at Chetwyn Barracks and has had no input from Nottingham Veterans Organisations. Therefore Branches are requested to inform Steve Caulfield so that he can co-ordinate RNA applications.

Please also note there is currently no RNA Club in Nottingham as stated in the 2013 yearbook only a branch. The acquisition of a new premises is work in progress.

If you have any further queries please contact ; Sue Dewey OBE Veterans' Co-ordinator on mobile No 07710 098836 or e-mail susie.dewey@gmail.com

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The Goldfish Club

The Goldfish Club was formed in 1942 for Aviators Rescued from the Sea. Initially we had many hundreds of members but our numbers have decreased since then and we presently number around 450. Qualifying for membership is very simple you have to have ditched into the sea from an aeroplane, balloon, helicopter or any form of flying machine and subsequently been rescued from the sea. Our members are mainly serving or ex-serving RAF/RN, a number of overseas members and a few civilians. We are very proud of our very few remaining WWII members.

Each year we have an annual reunion weekend and this year we will be meeting in Torquay where the main event is a dinner dance at The Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. We have a number of RN members who are graduates of the college including the present Commander of the college. Holding the event there is especially appropriate in this the 60th anniversary of the RN SAR service. If you would like any further information on the Goldfish Club please visit our website www.thegoldfishclub.co.uk. Details of our forthcoming reunion can be found in the shortcast below.

20.

Double Seven Reunion

The Double Seven Reunion have just had a very successful weekend at Mill Rythe Hayling Island over the Weekend 12th to 15th April, which was attended by 176 people. The entertainment was excellent and the Sunday Church Service was attended by seven Standards which paraded under the direction of S/m Harry Cowell. The reunion continued in Hudson's Bar for the usual Sod's Opera, which was very entertaining. A super time was had by all!

NOW WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AGAIN :-'cause without it we can't do it ,can we’ There are two more weekends coming up Friday 4th October to Monday 7th £96.00 pp Plus £4.00 pp insurance and we also have the weekend 24th April to 28th April 2014 at the same price .

Please book soonest to avoid disappointment, as you will not regret it and thoroughly enjoy your weekend Please book direct with Katey Lansley (bookings and enquiries) 02392 460044.

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21.

HMS Milford L51. Are you or do you know anyone in this photo?

Nigel Innes, from Port Carling, Ontario Canada has forwarded the above picture of HMS Milford’s Football team. The photo was taken at Xmas Pass, which is the main road gateway through the mountains to Umtali, from the capital city of Salisbury, as was, Rhodesia. HMS Milford was alongside in Beira, Mozambique. Nigel’s Father served in HMS COURAGEOUS during theFirst World War and was a keen footballer playing for Rhodesia against England in 1925. The photo was taken professionally but unfortunately Nigel does not have any names for the sailors who appear in the photo. For information the little girl is Nigel’s little sister.

If any Shipmate could assist please contact Andy Christie 02392 720782 or andy@royalnavalassoc.com.

22. Remembrance Paving Stones at the National Memorial Arboretum The Royal Naval Association has been given early sight of this project and invites you to communicate this at the earliest opportunity to your organisations and members. It would be good to see the Navy in prime position!

Since the opening of the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in

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Staffordshire, visitor numbers have increased from 65,000 to 300,000. A recent research project showed that this figure is likely to increase to half a million in the next ten years.

A £12million appeal was launched to rebuild the visitor centre so that those making the journey to the Arboretum would be able to enjoy outstanding facilities. The appeal was launched by HRH the Duke of Cambridge, the Patron, in 2009, and has £4m left to raise. The Duke is also Patron of the Appeal. The Appeal Committee includes many prominent people including Admiral the Lord Boyce who commented as follows : “The National Memorial Arboretum, set in a beautiful landscape and with a multitude of evocative sites, is a truly moving place to visit. It is not surprising that it is becoming a venue which anyone who has had connections with men and women who have lost their lives on public service will want to visit. The concept of paving stones to populate Heroes’ Square, described below, will allow associations, units and individuals to have very special recognition; and they will provide an added dimension for the visitor. I most strongly commend the idea.”

The new visitor centre will include rooms for Education, Interpretation and Exhibition. There will be a beautiful Atrium area for groups to gather. There will be a large restaurant and small café, both with outside seating for the summer. There will also be a large Pavilion for functions of up to 300 people.

In the middle of this stunning new development is a courtyard called Heroes’ Square. To help fund the project, the appeal is offering a limited number of paving stones to be engraved with the names of associations and individuals. Each engraved stone will have plain paving stones around them so that they are not ‘crowded’. The stones are the Yorkstone Scoutmoor, chosen for their hard wearing qualities.

Large paving stones are being offered for engraving to Ships, Squadrons, Commandos, Establishments and Associations and will carry their badge or crest. These cost £3,000 each.

Smaller paving stones are offered for engraving in the name of individuals who have served this country, whether it be family or friends. These are offered at £600.

More information is available (from 1 May 2013) on the website www.thenma.org.uk/pavings

23.

Medway Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day will once again be celebrated in Medway with a special gathering of the Armed Forces and Veterans on Saturday 29th June. The event is once again promoted by Medway Council with the valued support of the Royal School of Military Engineering Chatham. As always this will be a free entry event for all comers. With the promise of more and bigger displays this year’s event has been moved to a new larger venue on the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham. New displays will include bandstand concerts, historic military vehicles, arena displays and a family funfair. Of course we will still have the traditional Military and Veterans parade, the drumhead service, and the immensely popular Veterans Hospitality Pavilion. All in all we have a good old-fashioned family event planned in tribute to the ‘Armed Forces Family’. For 17

your current information the short parade is expected to commence at 11.30 and the drumhead service is expected to end at about 12.30. Displays and activities will continue through the afternoon and on into the evening with musical entertainment and a patriotic finale ending at 2100.

This year the principal band will be that of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment representing our local infantry regiment. Once you know you are able to join us please send me a short note detailing: Your name, address, phone number, and importantly an e-mail address if you have one our, former arm of service, or if coming as a veterans’ group your group name.

We are keen to see as many veterans as possible enjoy this occasion and to that end I would ask you to pass this communication on as widely as you are able to your colleagues in the veterans’ community. When we get closer to the event we will distribute your event Admin Instructions which will include advice for access and parking. In replying please enclose a stamped and SAE of C5 size for our distribution of Admin Instructions. NB ‘C5’ size is half the size of this letter.

For further information please contact Bill Fowler 01634 570085 or 07930 415031 the AFD Veterans Liaison at Medway Council.

24.

Yeovilton International Air Day – Saturday 13 July 2013

Few events can rival the intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the International Air Day at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset on Saturday 13 July. The award winning show is one of the Southwest’s largest one day events, attracting over 30,000 visitors, and will return this summer with an action-packed day out for all the family. Alongside the thrilling flying display there’s plenty to see and do on the ground – so whether you’re a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned air show veteran, the experience will be amazing.

RNAS Yeovilton will take TEAMWORK as its theme for this year’s International Air Day and visitors will see Teamwork at first hand both in the air and on the ground. The breathtaking flying display will feature military and civilian display teams from the UK and abroad, as well as the resident squadrons performing spectacular role demonstrations such as the famous Commando Assault Finale. The ground displays will showcase modern Royal Navy assets and equipment with interactive displays showing the qualities, skills and professionalism of Royal Navy personnel working as a team to provide Front Line support to Protect our Nation’s Interests.

Confirmed participants include world class military aerobatic teams such as the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons. Undoubtedly, the stars of the show for many will be roaring displays by a Swiss Air Force F/A18 Hornet and a Czech Air Force Gripen making their only UK appearances this year. The noise will continue thanks to the return of the Belgian Air Force F16 and RAF Typhoon to Air Day representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology.

Amongst the helicopter displays will be the Royal Navy and Army’s latest aircraft - the Wildcat, and the return of a real crowd pleaser, the RAF Chinook. On the historic front, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane will be present along with the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s rare collection of naval warbirds. Their Swordfish (LS326) is a veteran of the Battle of the Atlantic, which this year marks the 70th anniversary, and will take part in the flying display in tribute to the courage and bravery of all those who served in the North Atlantic. In what could potentially be her very last display season the iconic Vulcan bomber XH558 will also be

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firing up her four mighty engines for another majestic performance over the Somerset skies.

There will be plenty more aircraft on display in the air and at close quarters on the ground.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of family attractions including performances from the Royal Marines Band and the Military Wives Choir Yeovilton, a fairground, vehicle exhibition, service demonstrations, field gun competition, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much, much more.

The discounted advance ticket booking form can be found at the rear of the Semaphore Circular but are also are available from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticketline on 08445 781 781.

25.

Combined Services Lawn Tennis Association â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adaptive Tennis

The Combined Service Lawn Tennis Association in conjunction with Help for Heroes (through the Battle back programme) and with support from the Tennis Foundation is offering opportunities to participate in adaptive disability tennis including wheelchair tennis for regular and ex servicemen/veterans. Sessions are being arranged at or near the Personnel Recovery Centres including Tidworth and Colchester. Additionally we are looking at possibilities of events being held near Catterick, Plymouth and Edinburgh. Sessions are also potentially available through existing Tennis Foundations programmes in locations such as the Delta Tennis centre in Swindon. These events and taster sessions will culminate in a Combined Services adaptive tennis event at RAF Halton on 27 July 2013 which is open to all standards.

Further details will be promulgated soon but if you are interested and wish to find out more details then please contact Vicky Gosling on 07545 474203 or via e mail victoria.gosling@btinternet.com or Ian 'Geordie' Haigs on 07527 943028 or e mail ian.haigs579@mod.uk.

26.

S/M Derek Mayes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Can you help?

S/M Derek recently visited Pegasus Bridge, in France, the scene of the glider landings in June 1944. He also visited a nearby British cemetery to pay his respects and came across several RN graves who had served in HM Ships Iris and Hamster. S/M Derek would welcome any information about these ships as after research he discovered that HMS Iris was to have been a Flowerâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;class Corvette, however she was renamed HMS Coriander before being launched in 1941, and was lent to the Free French Navy that year, being renamed Commandant Detroyat. She served until 1947 and was broken up in 1948. HMS Hamster did not approach on any records. He is very keen to shed some light on what happened? If you can assist please contact S/M Derek Mayes on 07899 705756 or derekmayes1804@yahoo.com

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27.

BUPA Health Insurance Deal

As promised please find below details of the exciting new deal that is being offered to RNA members from BUPA Health Insurance. They are offering an extension of the market-leading Armed Forces scheme to RNA veterans who have served; and their spouse and dependants. The offer to the RNA is first move into the veteran community. A Flyer at the back of the Circular provides more detail.

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST As a member of the RNA you can benefit from a discount on Bupa health insurance of between 53% and 78% – even if you change occupation or retire. Plus, your spouse/partner or dependent children can also join and take advantage of discounted rates, irrespective of whether you choose to join, or not.

An additional Discount is available to new customers joining Bupa before 1 December 2013.

Proof of HM Forces employment will be required. This offer may not be combined with any other discounts for which you may be eligible. BUPA reserves the right to alter or withdraw the discount without notice at any time on or after your first renewal date.

Reassurance for you and your family The HM Forces BupaCare Group Scheme is designed by Bupa to accommodate the unique healthcare requirements of MOD personnel and their families. With 15 years’ experience of looking after members of HM Forces and over 6,000 military personnel already under our care, you can rest assured that Bupa will be there to help protect your health – wherever your career takes you.

Why Bupa health insurance?

Whether you already have health insurance, or are considering taking out cover for the first time, it’s worth bearing in mind that almost three million people already trust Bupa with their health.

Unlike many other insurance providers, healthcare is, and will remain our only focus. With no shareholders, we invest our profits back into the services we offer so that we can continue to improve your health and care. In fact, we recently won Health Insurance Provider of the Year at the 2013 Consumer Moneyfacts Awards.

Who is eligible to join?

• Serving Armed Forces • MOD civil servants • Reserve Forces • Veterans • Partners/spouses of MOD personnel (even if the serving member decides not to join) • Child dependants of MOD personnel (under 21 years old, under 24 if in full time education) To find out more call free on 0808 256 4624* quoting reference F202 or visit bupa.co.uk/hmforces *Calls may be recorded and may be monitored. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No 3956433†. Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Registered in England and Wales No 3829851†. †Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: Bupa House, 15-19 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2BA.

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D’ye hear there’.....

‘

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Falmouth Branch Shipmates are advised that Falmouth Town Council are hosting this year Cornwall Armed Forces Day, which will take place on Saturday, 22nd June 2013. Detailed planning of the Falmouth event is now well in hand and an important part of the day’s events is the Parade of Veterans and Standards. Whilst timings have not yet been finalised, this will take place prior to the official opening ceremony in Events Square. The Parade will march from Church Street Car Park to Events Square for the official opening ceremony, during which presentations will be made by the Lord Lieutenant to eligible recipients of the Arctic Star and Bomber Command Clasp. Veterans’ badges will also be presented to those who have applied but not yet received them. Following the opening ceremony, there will be a reception for Veterans in the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall, the remainder of the day is your own! Associations/Organisations who would like to attend and participate are requested to contact Shipmate Ron Burdekin Falmouth RNA Hon Sec. He would appreciate if you could advise the following; - Will you/your organisation/branch be taking part in the Parade? Approximate numbers taking part (for catering purposes), will your Standard will be paraded.

The completion of the attached Pro Forma, at the back, and ‘Nil’ returns would be very much appreciated.

(NB If you would like your Arctic Star Medal presented, however a word of caution due to the large quantities of applications that SPVA have received form Veterans, if you have not already applied it is pretty unlikely you will receive your medal by 22nd June.)

Details of events planned for the day may be obtained on the Events page of the Falmouth website: www.falmouth.co.uk.

RNA Falmouth Branch - Advance Notice Falmouth Sea Sunday 21st July 2013 Falmouth Branch of the Royal Naval Association will again be coordinating the annual Sea Sunday Parade and Church Service on Sunday 21st July 2013 . Further information will be circulated in due course, meanwhile please note that the Parade will form up on The Moor at 1020 for the march to King Charles the Martyr Church for the Service at 1100. Parade will then re-form for the march past, and disperse in Events square, followed by a reception in the Maritime Museum.Royal Naval Association FALMOUTH BRANCH e-mail: Falmouth.royalnavalassoc@yahoo.com Secretary: Ron Burdekin Tel: 01326 221851 (H) 07810 404418 (M) 23, Glebe Close www.ryalnaval-association.co.uk/branches/no-04-area/falmouth/ Mawgan HELSTON Cornwall TR12 6AA

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RNA Plymouth Branch Plymouth Branch attended, complete with Gazebo, the Plymouth Naval Heritage Centre Open Day on 6th May. The Branch invited TS Manadon Sea Cadets to share part of the stand with us, and several Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets attended. The ‘Guz’ weather was as ever very pleasant and several hundred visitors had a great day viewing all the attractions, including guided tours of HMS Conquerer, the decommisioned nuclear submarine. A good number visited our stand with the prospects of several new members. The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Michael Wright, who is ex RN and served on HMS Hermes. He was accompanied by the Commander of the Naval Base, Devonport, Cdre Graeme Little OBE ADC RN. The VIPs who visited the Gazebo were reminded visibly and verbally of the RNA ‘Motto’..... "Once Navy -Always Navy".

RNA Plymouth - In Mourning It is with great sadness that the Plymouth Branch announced that their Honorary Secretary S/M Arthur Gutteridge is now officially in mourning due to the relegation of his beloved Queens Park Rangers, despite the employment of an ex barrow boy who managed to spend zillions and still get the club relegated..... He will hopefully have recovered sufficiently to receive belated commiserations at Conference .........

RNA Hanworth Branch Unfortunately Hanworth Branch monthly meetings have changed. They will now be held at 1100 on the last Wednesday of the month, except December. For further details please contact S/M Fred Wadley (Hon Sec) on tel 020-8898 2560.

RNA Dublin Branch During the visit of HMS Illustrious to Dublin recently 20 Shipmates from Dublin Branch were taken on an extensive tour by the ships ‘Tooth Farrier’ also known as the Cdr Anthony Dew the Ships Dentist!!. Prior to the Branch visit S/M Paul Stephenson, Dublin Branch Chairman, attended an official function which was hosted

by HE The British Ambassador Domnick Chilcott and the Commanding Officer Captain Martin Connell RN. It was 22

reported that the Ships Company enjoyed the ‘craic’ and had a ‘fecking’ great time.

The photos show, above Branch Members on Board HMS Illustrious, below left, S/M Paul Stephenson, Chairman, with Irish Defence Minister Alan Shatter at the Official Function Dublin and below right President Dr. Dermot Stones, Cdr Anthony Dew RN, the Ships Surgeon, and S/m Paddy O Keefe.

RNA Bridport – 75th Anniversary Bridport Branch has great pride and pleasure in announcing that on 1st September 2013 they will be celebrating their 75th anniversary. To commemorate this auspicious occasion the Branch is combining the annual Trafalgar Day Dinner and Dance with teh Trafalgar Day Service. The Dinner /Dance will be held at Highlands End, Eype, near Bridport on Saturday 19th October and the Trafalgar Day Service on Sunday 20th October 2013 at St. Johns Church, West Bay, Bridport.

Cdre Adrian Nance OBE RN has kindly agreed to be our principal guest and invitations have been extended to local dignitaries, Sea Cadet officers as well as branches within No.4 Area.

Shipmates are advised that there will be no parade because it’s just a good social occasion with the opportunity to “swing the lamp”. Please contact Alan Kidson (01308 420135) or email kidson@tiscali.co.uk for further details.

RNA Maidstone Branch - 25th Annual Sea Service The above service will take place at Aylesford on Sunday 21st July 2012 mustering from 1400hrs for a 1430 start at Aylesford Community Centre Forstal Road or ME20 7AU for ‘sat nav’ers’.

Standards will be paraded through Aylesford to the Church for the rededication service. The National President, Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO, is the principle guest and will take the salute, the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge and Malling and the Mayor and Mayoress of Maidstone will also be in attendance. On completion of the march past and return to the Community Centre there will be a Buffet and Bar which will be followed by a display by the Sea Cadet Band including the Sunset ceremony with the remainder of the evening spent with entertainment and a bit of lamp swinging and raffle until 2045hrs.

The cost will be £5.50 per ticket children under 12yrs £2.50 for buffet and entertainment Standard Bearers will be free so come along and give the National Standard your support. There will be a commemorative bar for the standard bearers. If Branches would confirm numbers wishing to

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attend and ticket requirements, tickets will be sent on receipt of payment or can be booked and paid for on the day so come along and enjoy yourselves All applications for tickets should be sent to the Secretary:S/M John Cooper 10 Froyle Close Maidstone Kent ME16 0RQ 01622 675895 john.cooper.773@btinternet.com RNA Dublin Branch – Wexford Graves Ceremony Dublin Branch was represented at an Ecumenical Service for the Dedication of new memorials at Templetown old grave yard Co.Wexford. The ceremony was organised by Noel Franklin Chairman Wexford Branch RBL and Dublin Branch RNA were represented by S/m's Paul Stephenson (Chairman), John Moore (Standard Bearer) and Liam Smith.

HMT Lock Eye was sunk on Friday 20 April 1917 by a mine from the German submarine UC-33, 1 1/4 Miles southwest of Hook Point. 7 Persons were lost with two unidentified seamen being found on the Wexford coast and interred at Templetown, one other identified sailor was found and returned to his family for burial. The George Milburn was sunk with all hands on Thursday 12th July 1917 by a mine from the German submarine UC42 - 1-1/2 miles south of Dunmore Point Waterford. 11 Crewmen were lost with two seamen found along the Wexford coast, only one being identified. Other locals remembered at the ceremony were : •

• •

Maurice Francis Guilfoyle 22 years, Able Seaman RNR HMS Adventure he died along with 8 other crew members 31/11/39 when ship struck a mine near the Thames Estuary.

John Charles Seymore Guilfoyle 24 years, Leading Seaman lost overboard in a storm N.E. Faroe Islands 16/01/1945.

Michael Walsh 27 Years Gunner Coast Regiment RA, died in Captivity as a Japanese Prisoner of War, Changi Singapore 5/3/1943.

After the Ceremony a plaque was presented to Dublin Branch RNA by Major General The O'Morchoe CB

CBE Chairman RBL Ireland and a native of Co.Wexford.

RNA Brixham Branch Shipmates should note that the follow changes have been made to the BRIXHAM branch committee : The Hon. Secretary Roger Strong has been replaced by: Vic Williscroft 27 Penn Lane Brixham, TQ5 9NR Tel 01803859298 email v.williscroft@btinternet.com The Treasurer Mike Sample has been replaced by: 24

Paul Fitzgerald 4 New Park Close Brixham, TQ5 9EF Tel 01803414220 email fitzgerald.paul@talktalk.net

RNA South Gloucestershire Branch South Gloucestershire Branch are celebrating Armed Forces Day in Page Park, Staple Hill, Bristol on Saturday 29th June from 10.00 to 16.00. A parade will leave from The Royal British Legion, Staple Hill at 11.25, (assembling at 11.00) followed by a Drumhead Service at 1200.

The RNA South Gloucestershire branch will be manning a stall to promote the Association.

Everyone is welcome. For further details please contact Marg Singleton the Hon Sec

RNA Vancouver Island Branch Vancouver Branch has become affiliated with the latest Type 45 HMS DUNCAN originating at the launch and will result in members travelling from Canada to attend the ships Commissioning Ceremony in September. The Branch will be presenting a ‘Maquette’, a scale model of a exact replica Canadian Native Tribal Totem pole, as seen in the photo opposite. This particular Totem was designed and carved by Mr Calvin Hunt to honour the Centenary of the City of Duncan April 2012.

The City was named Mr William Duncan the son of Scottish Settlers in BC Canada. The ‘Maquette’ is a metre tall and 1/10th the size of the actual pole. It was presented to the Branch by the Mayor of the City of Duncan Mr Phil Kent who is also intending to travel to the UK to attend the Commissioning Ceremony. Seen also in the photo is S/m Alan Hussey (Hon Chairman) and S/m Harry Cossey (Hon Sec).

RNA Netley Branch The Netley and District Branch of the Royal Naval Association in conjunction with the “Royal Air Forces” Association, and the “Royal British Legion”, are marking this Annual Day with a Parade, and March, followed by a Drumhead Service, and concluding with a Reception in the “Royal British Legion” Netley.

The Parade will form up at 1800 in the Recreation Ground, Station Road, Netley, and will March Off at 1830 with the Pipes and Drums of St Andrews Hamble. The Parade Marshal will be W/O Bob Bainbridge Royal Navy. The march is approximately 800 yards. The Salute will be taken at the British Legion Club by Major General James Balfour CBE a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire a short Ecumenical Service in the Club Car Park will be conducted by Archdeacon, the Venerable Ian Wheatley QHC, assisted by the Clergy of Hound. On conclusion of the Service Ceremonial Sunset will be observed, during which Flags of the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force will be lowered. An informal reception will follow in the Club where Ex MOD Rum is available. Standard Bearers will receive the usual Tot. Parking has been arranged at the 25

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roman Catholicâ&#x20AC;? Church in Station Road, which is just 250 yards from the muster station, and 550 from the Club.

Netley Branch cordially invite any Branch to attend with their Standards, to help them commemorate this extremely important day. They would like to know of those attending by latest Mid June. Cadets of all 3 Services have been invited and it is hoped that many Veterans will be able to attend as possible. Those that are able are asked to wear Uniform for this occasion, to let people know that we do still have armed forces, and make for a colourful Parade.

For further information please call S/M Brian Sandom on 02380452054 E Mail brian@thesandoms.com or S/M Paddy McClurg on 02380403889 E Mail paddymcclurg@tiscali.co.uk

RNA Brentwood Branch On Sunday 19th May the Standard and members of RNA Brentwood branch, together with Area 5 Standard and representatives of other RNA branches in Area 5 took part in a Parade and service to dedicate a new memorial to those fallen in service since 1946. The memorial (pictured) is in the ground of the Borough's war memorial. The parade was organised by RBL Brentwood and was led by the Royal British Legion Youth Band Brentwood. Also present were a detachment from the Royal Anglian Regiment, other ex-service organisations, Sea Cadets and other service cadets who all laid wreaths. Essex Police who did an admirable job controlling the traffic and also laid a wreath. After the dedication the parade marched past the Lord Lieutenant of Essex (Lord Petre) who together with the Mayor of Brentwood and the local MP took the salute. RBL provided refreshments to the marchers after Fall Out and to finish the afternoon the band beat Retreat.

RNA Brightlingsea Branch Brightlingsea Branch is Rededicating its Standard on Sunday 23rd June 2013. 2013 is the 20th Anniversary of the commissioning of the Branch and a Parade to St James Church and Rededication of the Standard is our way of celebration. All Area 5 Branches have been invited but any other Branches interested in helping us celebrate please contact the Hon. Sec at secretary@rnabrightlingsea.org.uk .

RNA Crosby Branch Shipmates are advised that Crosby Branch has a new branch Chairman and Secretary; Chairman - S/M Dave Tollerton, 2, Hornby Rd, Bootle, Liverpool L20 5BJ 0151 9334992 Secretary - S/m Anthony Daniels, 54 Elm Road, Seaforth, L21 1BL 0151 9281447 26

RNA Ashford (Kent) Ashford (Kent) Branch will be participating in the Ashford (Kent) Armed Forces Day event on Saturday 29th June 2013. The Branch will also ‘man’ a stall (amongst others) in the High Street at which a collection in support of the objectives of the Royal Naval Association will be taken. For further details please contact S/M Charlie Chaplin Ashford Hon Sec (01233 732980) charbara1968@waitrose.com

RNA Stirling Branch For information Stirling Branch will now be meeting in the RBLS Grangemouth Club. Meetings will remain on the 2nd Thursday of the month, except June (Conference) and December (Christmas party). For further details please contact Mike Hesketh ncmscotland@ymail.com RNA Bloxwich Branch RNA Bloxwich will be celebrating their Diamond Jubilee on 30 November 2013.

A Church service will be held at 18:00 followed by a Dinner/Dance at Walsall Football Club.

Shipmates and Standard Bearers are very welcome to attend. Further details can be obtained from the Secretary, Christine Hinder, on 01922 473613.

RNA Welshpool Branch S/M Ian Slater, Welshpool Branch Hon Secretary, has very kindly submitted an article below informing us of the branches activities which really does highlight how active our Branches are. BZ The last few months have been busy for the Welshpool branch. At our AGM in February we set out the branches initial list of charitable donations for the year, donating £50 each to RNBTF , Wales Air Ambulance, RNLI, and Blind Veterans UK. In March a bucket collection outside a supermarket raised £202 to be donated to the RMCTF to support Royal Marines wounded in recent conflicts and the families of the fallen.

Conscious of the fact that last year we actually donated more than we raised we have got stuck in to fundraising early this year with a highly enjoyable social in April and a coffee morning later in the month. As I write this we are organising to run a stall at the Welshpool Air Show in early June ( lets hope the promised gazeboes are on tap !!! ) and arrangements are under way for our Trafalgar Raffle which is our biggest fundraising event of the year.

The branch standard will fly at all up and coming events in the area, such as the Lord Mayors Parade in early June , and will be on parade at the 70th anniversary commemorations of the BofA in Liverpool later in the month.

The branch is not big in numbers , so if any “gash hands” who live in the area and are not already attached to a branch would like to help out , we meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the Welshpool Bowling Club ......and you would be sure of a warm welcome and a good pint !

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RNA Dereham Branch Shipmates should note that Dereham Branch has moved their meetings to a new venue Dereham Conservative Club, 7 Quebec Street, Dereham Norfolk NR19 2DJ Tel 01362 693198. Meetings will still be held on the 1st Tuesday of the month.

RNA Harrogate Branch Harrogate Branch would like to inform all Shipmates that the Branch will be supporting Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June 2013 Please contact Dougie Pointon dougieap@talktalk.net or tel No 01943 874471 for further details of their activities.

RNA Dorchester Dorchester RN A and Dorchester Town Council are organising an Armed Forces Day on Saturday 6 July 2013. The programme for the day will be: 1200 Veterans Lunch in the Corn Exchange 1325 – 1345 Parade of service personnel and veterans from North Square to the Borough Gardens. Mayor takes the salute outside of Barclays Bank.

1400 – 1430 Civic Service led by a former naval chaplain, Revd Geoffrey Walsh.

1430 – 1445 Presentation of Veterans’ lapel badges by the Mayor 1445 – 1520 Music by the Wessex Military Band 1520 – 1545 Display by the Nothe Fort Artillery 1545 – 1630 Music by the Dorchester Big Band Lunch will be provided free of charge but a small donation will be requested to help defray expenses. Further, the numbers for lunch will have to be limited on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Any Veterans attending who wish to apply for a Veterans’ lapel badge can obtain an application form from S/m Roy Dean or from the Veterans Agency direct. Any veteran who has a Veterans badge but has not had it formally presented to them may attend the Veterans badge presentation.

Veterans wishing to take part should contact S/m Roy Dean, 01305 853442; Mob 07788 892908; email roydeanxways@hotmail.com

RNA Basildon Branch – 40th Anniversary Dance Friday 21 Jun 13 RNA Basildon will be holding their 40th Anniversary Dance on Friday, June 21st, at Bowers United Sports & Social Club starting at 19:30 hours, entertainment, buffet, £7:50p per person. For further information please contact Sheila Reynolds, Branch Secretary on 01268 474261 or 07505 952 605 email: sheila_reynolds@hotmail.com

RNA Costa Blanca North Due to an impending change of Branch Secretary Shipmates are advised that no correspondence relating to the Branch should be forwarded to the previous Secretary John Sanderson until a

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replacement has been nominated, details to follow. For further info please contact NCM Scotland & Overseas Branches Mike Hesketh ncmscotland@ymail.com

RNA Plymouth Branch – Trafalgar Weekend -11-14 October 2013 The RNA Plymouth Biennial Trafalgar Weekend will be held at the Sefton Hotel, Babbacombe from Friday 11th October to Monday 14th October 2013. Gala Dinner. Formal Dress. 2 Nights £75.00 pp, Three Nights £110.00 pp. Anyone wishing to attend then please get the details from: Sue Gutteridge. (01752) 849176. email: suzannegutteridge@ymail.com

Shortcast 2013 Second HMS Manchester Association – 08 June 2013 The 12th HMS Manchester Reunion will be held in the WO SR & SNCOs Mess, HMS Nelson from June 8 to 9. For further details visit the website at http://www.2ma.org.uk/ or contact Steve Swaine at stevie27@hotmail.com or Ian Tidbury at iantids@ntlworld.com Type 42 Association – 13 July 2013 A reunion takes place on July 13, from 1400 to 2000, gates open 1330, at the Sports Field, HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth. AGM will take place between 1200 and 1300. Contact the secretary at kim_linehan@yahoo.co.uk Festival of the Forties 26th -27th 28th July 2013, We have been lucky enough to get the former airfield site at North Luffenham for next year’s festival. Yes.... It was very sad that this year’s event could not go ahead. But, lessons were very quickly learned... Things were put into place and with a group of very loyal family and friends...

Festival of the Forties has risen from the ashes very quickly indeed.!!!

We want you ALL to come back and give us another chance.... We are going to hold the very best new, bright and innovative 1940s festival in the UK. in 2013. With a completely blank canvas.... Lots of Hard Standing... Free Parking and new, fresh ideas.

There will be Public Camping. There will be fantastic displays. The Event will be Free to all Armed Forces and Veterans all Weekend ! There will be top entertainment for you to see and hear. Plus several Invited guest Displays and Groups.

We have taken the "True British Bulldog Spirit" from this year’s national events "Going for Gold" will be our slogan for the 2013 festival and to be honest..... What better way to do it!!!

After last year’s very successful themed emailing campaign, we have decided to use the "Commando Comics" Front pages Theme this year and hopefully you will all enjoy them.

If you require more information please contact;

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Matt Page, 2013 Festival of the Forties Organiser, 07771 668924 Type 42 Association Reunion – July 2013 There are plans hold the first Type 42 Association in Portsmouth – more information as it firms up.

HMS Orion Association – 07 September 2013 The annual reunion is to take place at the Holiday Inn Plymouth from September 7 to 8. For further information contact Kay West at kay.hmsorion@gmail.com

Goldfish Club Reunion - 13-15 September 2013 This year’s annual reunion weekends main event is a dinner dance at The Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth on Saturday 14 September. We have a number of RN members who are graduates of the college including the present Commander of the college. Holding the event there is especially appropriate in this the 60th anniversary of the RN SAR service. For further information please visit the website www.thegoldfishclub.co.uk or contact Stuart Clay on 01772 338137.

Algerine Association Reunion – 16 September 2013 Algerine Association Reunion: WRNS, RNA Groups NVA Assn. The Autumn Break will take place from September 16 to 23 at the Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island. En-suite accommodation and facilities for the disabled are available. The cost is £224 per person, half board with entertainment each evening. All welcome, bring family and friends.

HMS Berryhead Association - 15 September 2013 The first Berryhead renunion will take place on Saturday September 15, meeting place the Ibis Hotel, Bristol Centre, Explore Lane, Bristol BS1 5LL.. We have a Facebook page entitled "HMS Berryhead", it has a closed membership. I can be contacted. John Scott 02380 261563 or jgmsscott@hotmail.com HMS Jamaica Association – 13-16 September 2013 HMS Jamaica Association will be holding its AGM and re-union 13-16th September 2013 in the Britannia Hotel Coventry. Further details are available from Mac Wilkinson (Hon Sec/Treas) on 01843 582283 or boxcar@btinternet.com HMS Eagle 1952-72 Commissions – 27/29 September 2013 Friends of HMS Eagle are holding a 41st anniversary ‘Nautical Experience’ weekend reunion at the Northern Hotel, Aberdeen on 27-29 September 2013.On the Friday evening there will be a meet and greet in the McKenzie Room and on Saturday a very nautical gala dinner dance with entertainment in the Ballroom Suite. For4 further details please contact Bill Melvin 07741 300760 bill.melvin@virgin.net HMS Invincible (Falklands 82) Reunion – 27 September 2013

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Annual Reunion to be held at the Savoy Hotel, Skegness from September 27 to 29. For details contact Tim Jenkins at g0nz0bign0se@aol.com or see the website at http://www.hmsinvincible82.co.uk HMS Ocean Association – 27 September 2013 26th Annual Reunion and AGM takes place at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from September 27 to 30. A very warm welcome is extended to all ex-Oceans (R68 or L12), their families and friends, whether Association members or not, to join us on this happy occasion. For full details contact the Secretary, Jim Hogan JP at jimhogan1@sky.com HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association – 02 October 2013 Open to all who served in the Cruiser 1935/48 or Frigate 1963/84 or are relatives of those who did so, or indeed of those who served on any of the previous Ajax. The 48th annual reunion takes place at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham from October 2 to 3. A reunion dinner will be held on the Wednesday evening and a memorial service, followed by the AGM, on the Thursday morning.

The Association is always looking to increase its membership, particularly Frigate crew. For details of the reunion and membership, please contact the Membership Secretary, Judi Collis at h.m.s.ajax.rpv@gmail.com Full details of the reunion, membership and much more can be found on the Association’s new website at www.hmsajax.org HMS Tartar Association – 04 October 2013 HMS Tartar Reunion will take place at the Three Queens Hotel, Stafford, on 4th October 2013.

Further details from Ron & Brenda Brain, 01326 317814, e-mail: brain533@btintertnet.com Hong Kong Flotilla (Tamar) Association – 04 - 07 October 2013 Annual Reunion and AGM takes place from October 4 to 7 at the Grand Atlantic Hotel, Beach Road, Weston Super Mare, BS23 1BA. Total cost of weekend £125.10pp, (Single room extra £15pp). £25pp Deposit secures your place. All are welcome.

Did you serve in Hong Kong (Tamar) or supporting departments ? Then come to the Annual Reunion in October 2013. This vibrant association is for those who served in Hong Kong (& Tamar) The Hong Kong Flotilla association with HMS Tamar, Hong Kong, is one of the few associations actually growing as the years go on, more enjoy the comfort and familiarity amongst Royal Navy Veterans than ever. Hong Kong Flotilla have so much support from Full and associate members and their families, they now hold two Reunions per Year!

The Hong Kong Flotilla Flotilla (Tamar) was commissioned in 1949. It first comprised of IMS, MMS, Flame throwing LCA’s and ten Motor Launch patrol craft. Only the Ml’s were eventually retained to patrol throughout the fifties. The tragic Hong Kong Pearl River Incident when HMML 1323 was shelled by a Chinese Gunboat, when seven crew were killed, is commemorated at every Reunion. The Hong Kong duties were deemed to be on active service. Ten Motor Launches were equipped with a 6 pounder anti-tank (& enemy junks) gun, forward, and 20mm Oerlikon aft. The ML’s were replaced by Minesweepers in the late fifties and other category of patrol vessels were employed until our British departure from Hong Kong, in 1997.

Hurry and book as we generally fill the hotels. To book contact Peter Yeates at peter.yeates@tesco.net

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Type 21 Association – 10 October 2013 The third annual reunion will take place October 10/11. A finger buffet at St Leven’s Inn on 10th, with the AGM (lunchtime) and main reunion event on 11th at The Royal British Legion, Crownhill, Devonport.

If you served on any of these fine ships join up on line, tell all your oppos and indicate your intention to attend this year. Photos from previous reunions are posted on the website.

Contact David Woollard at davidwoollard813@btinternet.com or see the website at http://www.type21club.org.uk HMS Eskimo F119 Association – 11 October 2013 The 13th Annual Reunion, will be held at The Tillington Hall Hotel, Staffordshire from 11-14 October.

This year includes a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum on the Saturday. Sunday, we have been invited by the Officers and Cadets, to a parade at TS Eskimo's Sea Cadet Unit, Widnes, followed by a buffet, laid on by the Cadets.

We are a great bunch and have a great time and still have lots of stories to catch up with. Bring along your wife, partner, girlfriend or your friends, all are very welcome. The ladies are delightful and will not bite. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Contact Allan (Taff) Martin at clearwaterbrook4@aol.com HMS St Vincent AGM - 12 October 2013 The HMS St Vincent Association AGM will be held at St Vincent College, Gosport and the Reunion Dinner at Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea on 12 October. For further details please contact soapy_watson@hotmail.com or 01329 310078 and http://www.hmsstvincentassoc.org/ and bookings to IOW Tours on 01983 405116.

HMS Illustrious Association – 18-21 October The Annual Reunion will be held at the Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford from October 18 to 21. We will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Association. Further details from the Secretary, Diane Coleman at dianecoleman@talktalk.net

HMS Mohawk Reunion – 25 October 2013 To be held at The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Barrow in Furness. On the weekend, Friday 25th October to Monday 28th October 2013. This reunion will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Mohawk's launch in 1963. Details from the HMS Mohawk website : http://www.hmsmohawk.org.uk HMS Relentless – 30 November 2013 The first official reunion of the Association will be held on 30th November 2013 in Chatham and we would like to contact as many ex-shipmates as possible. Our website can be found at www.hmsrelentless.co.uk Any enquiries should be sent to: secretary@hmsrelentlessassociation or padre@hmsrelentlessassociation HMS Ariadne Reunion – 7 March 2014

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3rd Annual reunion is at Richmore Hotel (Tel: 01303 773435), 146 The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7NP from March 7 to 10 2014. Former members of any of the commissions are most welcome to attend all or part of the weekend. Please contact Dave Sprinks on 01761 239221 for more details.

RNA Longcast 25 May 01 June 14-16 June 14 June 16 June 21 June 22 June 22 June 23 June 28 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 6 Jul 13 Jul 13 Jul 21 Jul 21 Jul 26-28 Jul 17 Aug 24 Aug 24 Aug 7 Sep 8 Sept 20 Sep 11 Oct 12 Oct 12 – 14 Oct 18 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 19/20 Oct 21 Oct 12 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 23 Nov 30 Nov 7 Dec 17 May 2014 33

West Lothian Branch – British Pipe Band Championships HMS Collingwood Open/Field Gun Day National Conference - Liverpool NC, AMC and FAC SOC - Conference Wash Up RNA Basildon - 40th Anniversary Dance Cornwall Armed Forces Day (Falmouth) Armed Forces Military Show - Fulwood Barracks Preston RNA Brightlingsea Standard Rededication - St James Church HQ - Open Day 3 (SOLD OUT) Armed Forces Day - Nottingham Armed Forces Day – Plymouth RNA Armed Forces Day - Medway Armed Forces Event – King George’s Playing Field Rayleigh Armed Forces Day - Netley RNA Armed Forces Day – Staple Hill, Bristol Trafford Branch Recruitment Day –Eden Square, Urmston, Manchester Armed Forces Day – Dorchester RNA Area 2 Committee Meeting - Minster Working Men’s Club – Isle of Sheppey Area 6 Meeting – Eternit Sports and Social Club Meldreth (Royston Branch) Falmouth Sea Day RNA Maidstone Branch – 25th Sea Service Aylesford Village Hall RNA Stall Bristol Harbour Festival – S/Gloucester, Bristol and S/Bristol AMC Meeting FAC Meeting Area 2 Delegates & Observers Meeting –Gravesend RNA Club National Council meeting UJC RNA Biennial Parade - Whitehall HQ - Open Day 4 HQ - Open Day 5 (SOLD OUT) Area 2 Committee Meeting - Minster Working Men’s Club – Isle of Sheppey RNA Plymouth Biennial Trafalgar Weekend 12-14 October 2013 RNA Dublin Trafalgar Dinner RNA Falmouth Trafalgar Dinner Crosby Branch Trafalgar Dinner - GS RNA Bridport – 75th Anniversary and Trafalgar Night Frome Branch Trafalgar Dinner - GS FAC Budget Meeting AMC Meeting Area 2 Delegates & Observers Meeting – UJC - London FAC Meeting Budget for FY 2014 RNA Bloxwich Diamond Jubilee Dinner /Dance NC – Budget for FY 2014 National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood

Swinging the Lamp – June 2013

Date 1st

Year 1927

2nd

1981

3rd

1666

4th

1940

5th

1962

6th

1964

7th

1915

8th

1982

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Entry St Vincent, Boys’ Training Establishment commissioned at Forton Barracks, Gosport, by Capt P.L.H. Noble, RN, later Admiral Sir Percy Noble, C-in-C W. Approaches.

Ark Royal, fifth warship and fourth aircraft carrier of the name, launched by HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at Swan Hunter, Wallsend.

The third day of the ‘Four Days’ Battle’ against the Dutch. Monck withdrew towards the Thames to rendezvous with Prince Rupert. The Royal Prince (aka Prince Royal) (64), flagship of Sir George Ayscue, Admiral of the White, captured and later burned. St Paul also burned and Sevenoaks taken. ‘Ayscue was (and still is) the most senior English sea officer ever to have been taken prisoner in action’ – Rodger, Naval History of Britain, vol.2, p.75.‘Sir George Ascue [sic] is carried up and down the Hague for people to see’ – Pepys’ Diary, 16 June 1666.

Evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk completed. Operation Dynamo.

The planning for Operation Dynamo was set in hand on 22 May as German troops were driving the Allied armies into the sea. The aim was to evacuate 45,000 men in two days. Dunkirk itself and its harbour had been totally destroyed, and only two breakwaters had enough water alongside them to berth small ships. However, by remarkable effort from ports across southern England a swarm of small craft gathered and in the face of constant heavy bombing, E-boat attacks and mines, they continued evacuating troops until 4 June. A total of 308,388 men were evacuated in British ships and craft, 29,388 in Allied vessels – including 26,175 French troops. Six British and three French destroyers had been sunk, together with eight passenger ships. Nineteen destroyers were severely damaged.

Frigate Ashanti, Cdr David Hepworth RN, entered the Pool of London following the custom of the first of class paying an official visit to the capital. She was the first warship to come up the Thames on gas turbine engines and prudently came through Tower Bridge stern first to avoid having to turn with a single screw in the Pool on departure.

The first full production S2 (Spey-engined) Buccaneer aircraft (XN 974) made its maiden flight; eighty-four built for the Royal Navy VC: Flt Sub-Lt Reginald Alexander John Warneford, RNAS, for destroying Zeppelin LZ-37 near Ghent. First RNAS VC. Landing ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram abandoned after air attack off Fitzroy Cove, the former sunk by own forces and the latter salvaged. Sir Galahad sunk 52. 16.5S, 56. 45.35W. by HMS Onyx, 25 June 1982. DCI(RN) 83/88. Operation Corporate.

9th

1944

10th

1971

11th

1940

12th

1797

13th

1984

14th

1853

15th

1953

16th

1920

17th

1944

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Action off Ile de Bas (48.59N, 04.44W) between Ashanti, Eskimo, Haida (RCN), Huron (RCN), Javelin and Tartar, with the Polish Blyskawica and Piorun (10th DF), and four German destroyers.

German Z-32 and ZH-1 (ex-Neth Gerard Callenburgh) destroyed and Z-24 badly damaged.

First Type 42 destroyer, Sheffield, launched by HM The Queen at Vickers, Barrow. Her sister ship, Hercules, being built for the Argentine Navy, was laid down on the same slip ‘within minutes’ of the launching.

Sheffield had been damaged by an explosion two months earlier and, to prevent delay in her launching, the Argentine Navy agreed to materials intended for Hercules being used to repair the British ship. Tributes were paid to them at the ceremony. Sheffield commissioned 16 February 1975. Lost in action with Argentine forces in the Falklands War 10 May 1982.

Siege of Malta began with Italian air attack. *Siege continued until 20 July 1943 when 3,340th air-raid alert was sounded.

End of the mutiny at The Nore. There were 412 men brought to trial, fifty-nine condemned to death (twenty-nine actually executed), nine flogged, twenty-nine imprisoned and remainder pardoned after the Battle of Camperdown Frigate Jupiter collided with London Bridge after slipping from the cruiser Belfast in the Pool of London under her own power and having declined assistance of tugs. Court martial at Portsmouth 4, 5, 6 and 7 December; Severe Reprimand.

Chief Petty Officers. Admiralty Circular No. 121: ‘My Lords consider that it would improve the discipline of her Majesty’s ships, and be in other respects advantageous to the Service, to establish a class of chief petty officers, and they therefore direct that the following be established accordingly: Chief petty officers – Masters-at-Arms, Chief Gunner’s Mate, Chief Boatswain’s Mate, Admiral’s Coxswain, Chief Captain of Forecastle, Chief Quarter-Master, Chief Carpenter’s Mate, Seamen’s Schoolmaster, Ship’s Steward, Ship’s Cook. As an inducement to render themselves proficient in all branches of their duty . . . My Lords are pleased to direct that a higher class of able seamen be established under the denomination “leading seamen” . . . to be exempted from corporal punishment, except by sentence of a court martial, or for mutiny.’

Coronation Review of the Fleet at Spithead. Britannia still building, hence Surprise, dispatch vessel of C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, used as royal yacht. Only one battleship, Vanguard, flagship of Admiral Sir George Creasy, C-in-C Home Fleet, was present with 156 naval ships from sixteen nations. Fleet Air Arm flypast by 300 aircraft from thirty-eight squadrons. Only one RN ship present, the diving support ship Reclaim, was still in commission twenty-five years later.

Battleships Revenge and Ramillies, seaplane carrier Ark Royal and destroyers in action against Turks at Istria (until 21st) Allied landings to recapture Elba. On 16 June the 19th Minesweeping Flotilla swept a channel to the main landing beach at Campo Bay on the south coast of Elba, cutting forty-two mine moorings. A mainly French Commando force landed from thirty-eight RN landing craft under supporting fire from river gunboats Aphis, Cockchafer and Scarab. Operations Brassard and Cut Out. The CO of LCI(L) 184 reported that in the middle of the landings, which were not going well,

18th

1979

19th

1743

20th

1983

21st

1919

22nd

2004

23rd

1915

24th

1944

25th

1981

26th

1842

27th

1939

28th

1941

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‘a cheery soul from the shore hailed me with what sounded like “Can you make some coffee?” This seemed a little odd,’ continued the report,‘but it transpired that he was a press representative asking “Can you take some copy?”’ – Roskill, The War at Sea, vol.3, pt.2, p.80.

First fully operational Sea Harrier FRS1 (XZ451) delivered to the Fleet Air Arm at Yeovilton.

Frigate Nymphe (36) captured the French Cléopatre 20 miles W. by S. of Start Point. First decisive action in French wars. The Pellew brothers in action, Edward as Captain of Nymphe (knighted ten days later) and Isaac as a volunteer. Prize brought into Portsmouth 21 June. Battle Honour: Cléopatre 1793.

First OASIS fit ashore accepted, at Dolphin. Onboard Automatic data processing Support in Ships and Submarines. (Jack Dusty’s to note) German High Seas Fleet scuttled at Scapa Flow. Eleven battleships, 5 battlecruisers, 5 cruisers and 22 destroyers sunk: 3 cruisers and 18 destroyers beached.

Capt Carolyn Stait promoted commodore, the first woman to hold this substantive rank in the RN. Appointed Naval Base Commander (Clyde) 23 June.

First successful action of a RN decoy ship in anti-submarine operations. Disguised trawler Taranaki, Lt H.D. Edwards, towing submerged submarine C 24, Lt F.H. Taylor, intercepted by U-40, Kapitanleutnant Gerhardt Furbringer, off Aberdeen. U-boat put a shell across her bows and the trawler’s crew simulated panic. Telephone link to C 24 failed and she could not slip her end of the tow. Taranaki therefore cast off her end and with 100 fathoms of 3.5-in wire hawser, 100 fathoms of coir hawser and 200 fathoms of telephone cable trailing from her bows C 24 torpedoed U-40 (57.00N, 01.50W). C 24 surfaced but had twenty turns of the telephone cable wrapped around her propeller shaft.

Swift, destroyer, sunk by mine in Sword area, 5 miles N. of Ouistreham, Seine Bay. Operation Neptune.

John Nott, who succeeded Francis Pym as Secretary of State for Defence in January 1981, introduced 1981–2 Defence Estimates in ‘The Way Ahead’ White Paper. Drastic proposals to cut ships and personnel and reduce dockyard facilities dismayed the nation and the Navy. Number of destroyers and frigates to be cut to about fifty, including eight in reserve; only two of new carriers (Invincible and Illustrious) to be retained (Ark Royal still building); Fearless to go in 1984, Intrepid in 1982; manpower to be cut by 8,000–10,000 by 1986; Chatham Dockyard to be closed and Portsmouth much run down by March 1984. Most significantly,the carrier Hermes was to be sold to India and the ice patrol ship Endurance to be withdrawn from the South Atlantic. Both these decisions are generally acknowledged to have influenced the Argentine Junta’s decision to proceed with Operación Rosario, the invasion of the Falkland Islands in the following April Southampton (60), Conch and detachments of the 25th and 27th Regiments quelled the Boer insurrection at Port Natal.

Capt Lord Louis Mountbatten appointed to command the destroyer Kelly.

Cruiser Nigeria and destroyers Bedouin and Tartar boarded, rummaged and sank the German weather ship Lauenberg to the great benefit of Naval Intelligence Division.

29th

1940

30th

1997

Light cruiser Enterprise took bulk of bullion from Bank of England to Canada though the Captain did not qualify for Plate Money. Operation Fish. Enterprise was the fastest cruiser in service. First light cruiser to carry 6-in twin turret.

Hong Kong returned to China at midnight. Prince of Wales and former Governor, Mr Chris Patten, embarked in HM Yacht Britannia at 0022 1 July, completing British withdrawal. Ship sailed at 0045 and, with Royal Marine band playing ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Jerusalem’, amplified by ship’s broadcast, she led Chatham, Peacock, Starling, Plover and RFA Sir Percivale out of harbour. Group rendezvoused with seventeen ships of Ocean Wave Task Group commanded by Rear-Admiral Alan West, which had been standing by over the horizon. All ships steamed past Britannia on 1 July.

Conference Daily Orders Friday 14 June 2013 1730 1900 2000 2100 0100

Adelphi Hotel Evening meal starts in main restaurant (second sitting at 1830 – 350 each sitting) President’s top table of 14 in the Crompton Suite, Adm Potts met by NP and Pres 10 Area Cdr Harley (with Mrs Joan Harley) Reception event in the Ballroom, Adelphi Hotel. Disco Up Spirits (paid by individuals) Bar closes in Ballroom

Saturday 15 June 2013 0845 0930 0935 0945 0950 0955 1000 1010

O/C O/C O/C O/C 1045 37

St George’s Hall ; Concert Hall open to delegates and observers, tea/coffee served on entrance Lord Mayor and VIP arrives at the Concert Hall and are met by the National President and General Secretary VIP introduced to RNA National Council, Chair 10 Area, Chairman of Crosby and 10 Area in the Upper atrium area Delegates and Observers to be seated in the Conference Room.

National Council move to Concert Hall VIPs and National President move to main hall.

Bugler (Crosby and 10 Area SCC), Sound the Alert, March on RNA Standard (RNA National Standard Bearer) (Heart of Oak) Prayers by The Reverend Scott J Brown QHC (Chaplain of the Fleet and Hon Chaplain to the RNA) Silent tribute in memory of Shipmates who have Crossed the Bar. Last Post and Reveille (Bugler) The National President publicly welcomes Lord Mayor he opens the Conference.

Lord Mayor addresses Conference Rear Admiral Potts ACNS (Capabilty) addresses Conference The General Secretary reads the message from Her Majesty The Queen and other Associations.

Presentations of gifts to the Mayor and VIP by the National President (GS) VIP and mayor depart

Award of Trophies and awards by the National President Conference proceeds in accordance with the Agenda.

1300 Conference breaks for lunch 1400 Resume Conference – 1600 (or earlier) Draw Raffle Conference ends, march off the National Standard and Bugler - National Standard Bearer, Bugler. (Hearts of Oak then National Anthem).

O/C SOC, Crosby and 10 Area stewards and HQ staff clean tidy Concert Hall 1800 Adelphi Main Ballroom open for Gala Dinner. Reserved table in Ball Room for VIP to seat 14 1830 - 2300 Conference Gala Buffet .Dance in the Ballroom, Adelphi Hotel. Rig: Lounge Suit, RNA Rig, Black tie Seated Loyal toast (as is traditional) - toast by 10 Area rep. Entertainment by Litherland Sea Cadets, TS Starling, The Avengers 2100 Up Spirits 0100 Bar closes in Ballroom

SUNDAY 16 June 2013 0700-1000 0900 0900 1045

1050 1130 1145

Breakfast available in Main Restaurant and Pearce Room Mass for Catholics in the Empire Room (off the main Lounge) HQ Daily Briefing- Hotel main coffee area - allocate daily tasks Shuttle Buses start to take Shipmates to St Nicholas's Church. The Church has limited room so arrive early.

First coach for Standard Bearers and Stewards only. For those not marching but wish to see the march past wait for the later coaches so that those RNA Members wishing to go to St Nicholas's Church can get there on time.

Standard Bearers muster at the St Nicholas for a Rehearsal. (NCA, + TBC) Last coach runs Church Service, at St Nicholas Church. (Chaplain of the Fleet) VIP list • • • • •

O/C

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, the Mayor of Sefton, the Mayor of Wirral, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead and the Senior Naval officer from HMS Eaglet, Commodore Baum for the service and march RNA Muster ion Pier Head by Liver Building – (Uniform and/or RNA Rig ) The SCC Band, RNA Standards – March to Captain Allen memorial and conduct an “Eyes Right” (National President and Chaplain, Lord Lieutenant TBC) then halt.

(About 700 m) Act of Remembrance and the Blessing by the Chaplain of the Fleet.

Vice Admiral J H S McAnally CB LVO will lay a wreath at the War memorial on behalf of the Royal Naval Association; Address by the National President of the RNA from the memorial steps.

Dismiss

1430 1800 1800 2000 2100 0100 38

Sods Opera – Ballroom Adelphi Hotel – Salome muster outside MAA office.

Hot Wash Up at Hotel – HQ Staff – Crosby and 10 Area – Nat Chair Hotel evening buffet meal in restaurant Full evening entertainment in Ball room, singer Dan Martinal + Group Vivo Up Spirits Bar closes in Ballroom

39

Guide for bereaved families The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) recently made a grant to the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association (RNRMWA) to support their production of A Bereaved Families Guide, due for publication shortly.

Chair of the RNRMWA, Lesley-Ann George-Taylor, says, “We hope that this Guide will be one on which a spouse/partner, mother or father can rely as a safe source of information. All of us in the Association have lost loved ones and woken at two in the morning, confused, with no one there and not knowing what to do next. There are lots of facts on the internet but we wanted to produce something that you can hold in your hand and turn to whenever you need advice from people who are in the same situation.

“We are determined that this Guide will be a high quality publication that can be used by other charities and organisations such as the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’s Fund and Naval Personal and Family Service, as well as ourselves. As it costs more than we can afford, the RNRMC are very kindly paying for its production.

“We are grateful to the RNRMC for funding this Guide and the support it gives to all the umbrella charities that help so many people.”

The RNRMWA is run by a group of volunteers to support widows and widowers and recognised partners of service personnel. To find out more, please either visit www.rnrmwidowsassociation.org or telephone 023 9265 4374.

AHA Events Ltd Mayfair 1 The Square Barnstaple Devon EX32 8LS

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UK ARMED FORCES (SERVING & VETERANS) Air Day 2013 Ticket Booking Form

UK Armed Forces (Serving & Veterans) may buy an exclusively discounted ticket priced at £18 to Air Day 2013 with no handling fees. Any additional tickets required are available at the advance prices shown below.

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On the day

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Quantity

UKAF Adult (see note below)

£25.00

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Adult

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£

Senior Citizens (60+)

£25.00

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£

Child (Aged 5‐15 inclusive)

£10.00

£5.00

£

Souvenir Brochure

£5.00

£4.00

£

£35.00

£30.00

£

£20.00

£16.00

£

NA

£3.00

NA

Helicopter Pleasure Flight th

Photocall Pass only (Fri 12 July) Handling Fee

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NA

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AHA Events Ltd Mayfair 1 The Square Barnstaple Devon EX32 8LS

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Please complete in block capitals details of each additional eligible UKAF applicant : Name: Address (if different from applicant):

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Please complete in block capitals details of each additional eligible UKAF applicant : Name: Address (if different from applicant):

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Telephone:

Email:

HM Service Number:

Period of Service:

HM Forces Service or Unit:

Please complete in block capitals details of each additional eligible UKAF applicant : Name: Address (if different from applicant):

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