Semaphore Circular #634 (November 2013)

The Semaphore Circular No 634

The Beating Heart of the RNA

November 2013

FLY RNA to Semaphore Tower - ‘Hostesses’, Michelle and Chrissie in action during the Final Open Day of 2013 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 the November Circular, which is packed with important info, admin for the end of year and very important news. There will be one more circ this year (with you first week of December), but no Circ for January – since many branches don’t meet and the HQ is closed over the Christmas and New Year period.

I would like to open with a serious point. We have learned that despite what branches have been advised over the last few years, the main RNA insurance does not, and never has, covered branch events – only events organised by the HQ, such as Conference, Biennial, seminars, NC meetings etc. This affects the public liability certificate and coverage we thought we had for branches. I am working hard with the insurers to provide branch cover, but this will rely on practicality and affordability – I hope to have clarification well before Christmas. I am very sorry this has happened and the duff gen that mention in the Longcast was enough to ensure cover – it doesn’t.

If you have an event that requires cover within the next few weeks give me a call and we will see what can be done. Unreserved apologies.

A few important Admin details: • Elections for NCM/DNCM and SOC members for the relevant areas, forms at the back, watch the deadline there won’t be a Jan Circ to remind you.

• Those branches considering motions, the form is in the Circ again. Please don’t wait until the last minute, we have some big stuff going on with the Rule Review and we will need plenty of time to get the motions right in time to print the Conference Agenda.

• The annual Branch returns – finance and members for the end of year.

• We have taken out the clubs C3 form since I have written to all Club secretaries, but branches please remind clubs the return is due by December in the HQ. Particularly for Branch Secretaries there is a reminder about the Shipmates Programme and the importance of following up contact with you shipmate candidates. Don’t accept silence the first time, the Service Leaver may well be busy relocating or finding a job – anything up to 2 years after first contact is fine.

I am delighted to report that the Privy Council has approved our Conference motion and that as a result Associate members may now act as delegates for Area meetings and the National Conference, provided they have 3 years service. I have updated the Charter/Rules/ByLaws and the most up to date version is available in the members section of the Website.

I am also pleased to announce the Open Days for 2014, which can now be booked through Nigel and Andy, they are: • 11 April • 16 May (to allow attendance at the Standard Bears competition on the following day) • 27 June • 19 September • 10 October 2

HQ Open Day in Semaphore Arms

We shall follow the established format of coffee/tea on arrival, slops session, meet the staff; sandwich lunch and brief on the RNA by GS (get your cheque book out for the memorial), Boat tour of Portsmouth Dockyard and Harbour, cake and departure. If any branch would like to take more than 25 to a single day, please let us know as soon as possible in case we have to look at a separate day. We have run 6 Open days in 2013 – with well over 250 shipmates seeing what Semaphore Tower has to offer.

You will like to know that in early October I attended, on your behalf, the memorial service of Captain John Beadle CBE RN, an ex General Secretary of the RNA between 1980 and 1987. You can leave a comment for the family at www.beadle.gb.com should you wish; a nice website of his life.

More great news! We have agreed a terrific deal with the Historic Dockyard with a £10 oneperson one-day ticket for RNA members and their closest friends, with your up-to-date RNA membership card sufficient to prove your identity and eligibility. Details in the Circ, but this means that you can re-coup the cost of membership of the RNA with one visit to the Historic Dockyard.

The stunning Mary Rose museum is proving to be a spectacular national hit, when combined with Victory, Warrior, the new galleries at the Naval Museum and a harbour tour, makes this fantastic value (membership of the RNA I mean!!!!). We hope to have some more great value offers negotiated through CONA. Christmas is approaching so don’t forget your RNA Christmas Cards and Diaries. Also this issue we have suggested some of the better books sent to us for review, which might make a nice present.

A final thank you to Crosby and Frome branches for kindly inviting my wife Liz and me for their Trafalgar Dinners – it is great to get out to lively and interesting branches and see the true RNA at work having fun. The highlights for me were meeting a veteran of the bombing campaign when Malta won her VC and being quizzed as to why someone had not received their expenses yet!!!

We are delighted to put branch news in the Circ, so keep the pictures and dits coming in.

A stunningly difficult ‘Guess the establishment’ this edition – bet you all a pint no-one gets it before Remembrance Sunday (that is one pint for one winner – not 20,000 pints for the whole RNA).

On that subject I look forward to seeing some of you at the Field of Remembrance. This year the RNA will be represented at the Cenotaph ceremony by Shipmate Chris Dovey and Andy Christie, watch out for them on the Telly! The best of luck with your own Remembrance ceremonies

As ever, Paul General Secretary

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Daily Orders 1. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Deal 2. Naval Service Memorial - Update 3. Field of Remembrance 7 Nov 13 4. Memory Lane - Those were the days…

5. Shipmates Programme 6. British Military Tournament 2013 7. More Tommy Cooper Jokes 8. Reminder to Areas and Branches 9. Eh- Up Jokes 10. Donations for Central Charities Fund 11. Donations to Charter Challenge 2014 12. Finance Corner – Michelle 13. Guess Where?

14. Ushakov Medal Update 15. Bonjour -RNA Style!

16. Shipmate Norman Robinson 17. Eating in the 50s 18. Can you help?

19. Double Seven Reunion 20. Beating the Retreat 21. Christmas Pressies 22. Book Reviews

“D’ye hear there” (Branch news) Shortcast Longcast Ship’s Office 1. Swinging the Lamp

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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 CONA IMC 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 Conference of Naval Associations International Maritime Confederation 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.

STOP PRESS - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Discount Deal

Here is some really great news HQ have renegotiated our deal with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard please see below and remember if we don’t use it we could lose it….

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£10 ticket valid for one day for themselves and up to four members of their friends and family also at £10 each, on production of valid and in date association membership ID card.

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Tickets give access to Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, Action Stations, National Museum of the Royal Navy and Harbour Tours.

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Tickets must be purchased in person in the Visitor Centre as RNA membership card must be shown.

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No upgrades/refunds available after purchase and tickets are non-transferable.

Visit the world-famous historic ships at the home of the Royal Navy. Go aboard HMS Victory, flag ship of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Warrior 1860; the first iron hulled warship powered by sail as well as steam, and visit the brand new Mary Rose Museum for the best day out in the South of England. Portsmouth Harbour's leading attraction also includes the National Museum of the Royal Navy (new gallery), Action Stations and Harbour Tours. The famous Tudor warship, Mary Rose, has finally revealed all of her secrets 500 years after she sank in this exciting, new £27million Museum now open at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard! The ship that captured the world's imagination when she was raised from the seabed in 1982 is the only sixteenth century warship on display anywhere in the world and this brand new Museum built around her has reunited her with many of her 19,000 artifacts and crew in a unique journey through Tudor life. The most comprehensive collection of Tudor artifacts in the world will be showcased from personal belongings such as wooden bowls, leather shoes, musical instruments and nit combs complete with 500 year old lice to ship's objects such as longbows and two tonne guns. The Historic Dockyard is a great place to experience 800 years of naval history surrounded by working docks and historic buildings.

Visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk for full information about visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

2.

The Naval Service Memorial - Update

We are delighted to report that the National Arboretum has approved the RNA’s design for the Naval Service Memorial, and are really excited by the design. In fact they are so pleased with it; they have designated it as a ‘focal point’ of the Arboretum and will be moving at least one memorial to ensure that it is in pride of place in the Royal Navy section, visible from many points in the arboretum.

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Our sculptor, Graeme Mitcheson, has been meeting with glass manufacturers prior to signing a contract and we are in price negotiating mode at the moment. He is also meeting with stoneyards for the Kilkenny Limestone and white granite pavement. We are going to increase the size of the pavement so that the shadow ship is clearly shown in Spring and Autumn – and it gives a nice memorial space too. He hopes to start carving the figure in December.

We are also working now on the social side, which will probably be back at our Conference Hotel.

The Memorial will be dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum on 15 June 2014 (be there!!).

Donations can be made to the Royal Naval Association. Please contact Paul Quinn on paul@royalnavalassoc.com or 02392722983.

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Field of Remembrance – Thursday 7 November 2013

If branches wish to place a cross in the RNA Garden of Remembrance please place your orders with Nigel at HQ or directly with the Legion for Plot 288.

Again those who want to attend then please forward your details to Andy or Nigel as entry is by ticket only, which you can obtain from HQ. On the day you will also be required to bring a form of ID with you, and you will need to be through the garden gate by 1015 and muster at the RNA plot, where there will be followed by a short service. The National President and General Secretary will be in attendance and the GS can be contacted on his mobile – 07850 646755 (if required) Shipmates may also wish to be aware that there are four other Fields of Remembrance dedicated and open during the Remembrance period around the UK. They are located at Wooton Basset (Swindon), Cardiff, Edinburgh and Gateshead. Please see attached link for further information; http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/how-the-nation-remembers/fields-of-remembrance

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Memory Lane were the days.....

- Those

1970 - HMS Ganges Blake 6 Mess – Ready for Friday Rounds.

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5.

Shipmates Programme....

The RNA Shipmate Programme continues to correspond with all Service Leavers offering an ‘arm around the shoulder’ and to provide local information to assist with their transition to ‘civvie’ street. The Service Leavers are informed of their nearest branch and their details are forwarded either by email or letter to the Secretaries of those branches and the National Council Members for that area.

Secretaries then play a vital part in the process to make Shipmates happen – ‘Operation Press Gang’ by making contacting with the individual and encourage them to come along and attend a branch meeting.

Not all the Service leavers are young ABs leaving after a short period in the RN a great many have served their time and are busy organising their new lives so would really appreciate a call or visit from their local RNA. Even if they do not feel it is right to join at this time contact with the Service Leaver will continue to be maintained by RNA HQ at the 1, 3 & 5 year stage after they have left the RN/RM. The RNAs unique selling point is that we are the only organisation that offers this benefit to our Service Leavers, regardless of whether they progress to becoming future members; it is important for them to know that ‘there is someone out there who can assist’.

6.

British Military Tournament 2013

Back for a fourth year, the unforgettable and breathtaking British Military Tournament returns to Earls Court from 7th – 8th December. This year’s British Military Tournament celebrates ‘British Legends’ in a new and exciting show, which is set to have you perched on the edge of your seat.

(All serving and former members of the Royal Navy are entitled to a 10% discount for the event) Commentated by leading British actor, Anthony Andrews, alongside novelist and former SAS soldier Andy McNab, this year’s Tournament will present dramatic re-enactments, nail-biting high-speed chases, daring stunts, and for the first time ever, audiences will get a glimpse into the battlefields of the future using state of the art technology.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 SHOW INCLUDE: • The capture of an Enigma machine from a German U Boat • A motorised tribute to the heroes of the Battle of the Falklands • A battle re-enactment during the Arab revolt of 1916-17 led by Lawrence of Arabia • The breathtaking Musical Drive performed by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery • The legendary Command Field Gun Competition with teams from Powerful and Terrible • State-of-the-art technology and effects in a Battlefield of the Future

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Over the last three years, the British Military Tournament has raised in excess of £450,000 for the three individual service charities of Britain’s armed forces – the ABF Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. For more information visit the website www.britishmilitarytournament.com for more details and to watch a video of the 2012 highlights.

To celebrate our participation in the event and help contribute towards supporting every generation of our military family we have a special ticket offer for our friends and clients. Get 10% off any adult or child ticket until 30th November. Visit http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/pdqe3j to avail of the offer and enter the code PARTNER.

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More just like that jokes a la Tommy Cooper

A mummy covered in chocolate and nuts has been discovered in Egypt Archaeologists believe it may be Pharaoh Roche...

Seven wheelchair athletes have been banned from the Paralympics after they tested positive for WD40.

I've been charged with murder for killing a man with sandpaper. To be honest I only intended to rough him up a bit.

8.

Reminder to Areas and Branches – Falklands weekend

Areas and branches are reminded that when planning meetings and events that the weekend nearest 14 June is normally the Falklands Commemoration Weekend and that many RNA shipmates may want to attend events. I appreciate that the National Conference can be on this weekend too, but we are driven by accommodation availability for 600 to 700 people and other considerations, so that the RNA Main Conference cannot be guaranteed to be clear of that weekend. It will however, be part of the planning considerations.

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Eh-Up!! 4 Yorkshire Jokes (Very non PC, a must read)

Police have just released details of a new drug craze that is being carried out in Yorkshire nightclubs. Apparently, Yorkshire club goers have started injecting Ecstasy just above their front teeth. Police say the dangerous practice is called "e by gum!!" .............................................................................

A Yorkshire man takes his cat to the vet.

Yorkshireman: "Ayup, lad, I need to talk to thee about me cat."

Vet: "Is it a tom?"

Yorkshireman: "Nay, I've browt it WI us!" .............................................................................

A Yorkshireman's dog dies and as it was a favourite pet he decides to have a gold statue made by a jeweller to remember the dog by.

Yorkshireman: "Can tha mek us a gold statue of yon dog?"

Jeweller: "Do you want it 18 carat?"

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Yorkshireman: "No I want it chewin' a bone yer daft bugger!"

The last is always best Bloke from Barnsley with piles asks chemist "Nah then lad, does tha sell arse cream?"

Chemist replies "Aye a do, Magnum or Cornetto?"

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Donations received for the Central Charities Fund RNA – Littlehampton RNA – Edgeware Just Giving In memory of S/m RV Pritchard In memory of S/m G Heard

£116.00 £30.00 £20.00 £400.00 £140.00

Thank you very much

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Donations received for the Charter Challenge 2014 – Naval Service Memorial RNA – Area 1 £1000.00 East Antrim £ 25.00 RNA – Sherborne £ 50.00 RNA – Dorchester £ 20.00 RNA – Hemel Hempstead £ 50.00 RNA – Plymouth £200.00 RNA – Bradford £ 10.00 RNA – Crosby £250.00 RNA – Romford £100.00 RNA – Ashford £100.00 147 Falkirk £ 10.00 nd 2 HMS Manchester £100.00 LG & NS £ 5.00 The Ton Class Association £250.00

S/m M Thomson S/m M Lane S/m R Bucknall S/m JT Morison S/m R Grainger S/m T Smith S/m P Moulding S/m J Stone S/m Thistlewhaite S/m Monk S/m Hutchinson S/m Entwistle S/m MacClean S/m F Wills

£100.00 £ 20.00 £ 5.00 £ 25.00 £ 50.00 £ 10.00 £ 50.00 £ 15.00 £ 28.00 £ 82.00 £ 5.00 £ 10.00 £ 8.00 £ 20.00

Once Again very many thanks

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Finance Corner – Michelle

Welcome to this month’s Finance Corner with clocks turned back and winter upon us never mind it is just 50 odd fun-filled shopping days to Christmas...... Just a couple of church notices for you this month....

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Pooled Fares - All Pooled Fare invoices have now been produced and will reflect in your 3rd Quarter Branch Accounts, which I will be producing at the end of October.

Pooled Fares are covered by Bye Law 3a and 3b; they have to be divided among all the branches of the Association in the United Kingdom and Eire and paid by all the branches even if a branch does not send a delegate.

Breakdown on Liverpool 2013 Conference 99 Delegates of 325 branches attended 2013 Conference

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The total claims amount to approx £6,600 Divide £6,600 by 325 = £20.30 which is the average cost for a medium branch Larges branches pay an extra 1/3 Small branches pay 1/3 less •

Cheques - I am still noticing that some Branches are still sending me individual cheques for each and every item, this is not necessary. One cheque for the total, with items written on the reverse.

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Branch Year End Balance Sheets - Your Branch Year End Balance Sheets are attached at the rear of this Semaphore Circular.

Bye for now and take care Michelle

13. Guess Where? An Establishment!

Can you name the establishment and where it is? This former RNAS commissioned on 11 August 1943 and decommissioned in October 1963.

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 Fisguard - Torpoint (easy)

14.

Ushakov Medal Update

The HQ has been reliably informed that the Russians authorities are still working on the arrangements for the award of the Ushakov medal. There is a difference in the eligibility of the Arctic medal and the Ushakov and more potential claimants than the Russians were expecting. It is understood that the Russians only want to award to living claimants who actually visited designated Russian ports. A further meeting to debate this issue will take place at the end of October. We will provide an update when we can.

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Bonjour, Le Alcohol Test dans Le France...... (RNA Style!)

The French policeman stops this car and asks the Shipmate if he has been drinking. With great difficulty, he admits that he has been drinking all day, that his daughter got married in the morning to a French man, and that he drank champagne and a couple bottles of wine at the reception and a quite a few glasses of Pusser’s Rum afterwards.

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Quite outraged, the policeman asks the S/M if he knows why he has just been arrested and proceeds to carry out a breathalyser test. With humour, the Shipmate answers: Pardon me Monsieur Gendarme I don’t want to be rude but you do know that this is a British car and that my wife is driving... on the right side???.........

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Shipmate Norman Robinson

Shipmate Norman Fred Robinson, RNA Skipton Branch has been awarded his Arctic Star Medal, which recently arrived in the post!. He has very kindly forwarded an account of his time in HMS Belfast during an Arctic Convoy and the ships engagement with the Pocket Battleship Scharnhorst. S/M Norman never believed that as an eighteen-year-old grocer's assistant from Skipton in North Yorkshire, as far from the sea as could be, that he would one day be involved in the destruction of a German Capital ship.

The picture shows S/M Norman, 2nd from right front row, wearing his medal with members of Skipton Branch.

I was called up on 19 January 1943, and was sent for six weeks 'square bashing' at HMS Royal Arthur in Skegness (which had been a Butlin’s Holiday Camp before the war) where, after being assessed and kitted out, was then sent to the drill-ship HMS Cressy (formerly the frigate HMS Unicorn) at Dundee for six months training to become a Telegraphist, where I came away from the final exams with a 96.5 per cent pass rate.

I arrived in Scapa Flow on 3 October, and was billeted overnight on the First World War battleship Iron Duke. The following day I transferred to the cruiser HMS Belfast and on the 5 October we sailed on convoy duty JW55B. After seven days we arrived at Kola inlet, Murmansk, which was rather uneventful apart from rough weather with waves thirty foot high, ice forming as farther north we went. When crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time, I received my blue nose certificate.

The most memorable moments of my time spent in Arctic waters was taking part in the Battle of the North Cape, Norway against the German battleship Scharnhorst. HMS Belfast, Norfolk and Sheffield were the shield between Scharnhorst and the convoy JW55B. The dramatic sea battle started at approximately 0730 hrs on 26 December - Boxing Day 1943 when the Belfast detected the Scharnhorst on her radar, and illuminated her with star shells. HMS Norfolk was the first to score a hit causing the Scharnhorst to alter course. Contact was lost for a short while. Being below decks all that we knew of what was happening "up top" was relayed to us over the Tannoy system as events happened. We knew we were in action of course when firing the guns, especially broadsides, which were frequent. The battle lasted on and off for twelve hours. When I first realised what was happening and what the outcome might be I said a silent prayer. At that time I called myself a 'hit and miss' Christian; not fully committed.

Contact was remade in the early afternoon. Gunfire was exchanged during which HMS Norfolk received a direct hit and suffered a number of casualties. By this time the battleship HMS Duke of

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York with HMS Jamaica came on the scene and engaged the Scharnhorst with her fifteen inch guns. The action lasted until 19:45 which was the official time recorded of her sinking.

Prior to this I was sent with a hand message from the main wireless office to the RCO (Remote Control Office) on the bridge. It was dark apart from searchlights. Going up to the bridge I could see a glow in the sky which was the last moments of the Scharnhorst. Also there were large numbers of red lights bobbing about on the water. These were the German sailors who had abandoned their stricken ship. At this time of year it never became daylight except for a faint glow in the late afternoon for about one hour. Survival time in Arctic waters was no more than two minutes so these poor souls probably had succumbed to the harsh conditions. Of the crew of nearly two thousand men only thirty-six survived. Many more might have been saved but for the fear of lurking U-boats.

We left Kola Inlet 27/28 December and arrived at Rosyth on 3 January. After seven days leave we resumed the convoys and escorting two aircraft carriers with destroyers on raid against the Tirpitz.

We then started preparing for D-Day but that's another story.

So that is why every Boxing Day since 1943 up to the present day my thoughts go back to the North Cape, Norway and to the sea battle that occurred that day, and remember the tragic loss of life, both German and British, and have thanked God I survived.

Norman Fred Robinson

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Eating in the Fifties....

Pasta had not been invented.

Curry was a surname.

A takeaway was a mathematical problem.

A pizza was something to do with a leaning tower.

Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas time.

All crisps were plain; the only choice we had was whether to put the salt on or not.

A Chinese chippy was a foreign carpenter.

Rice was a milk pudding, and never, ever part of our dinner.

A Big Mac was what we wore when it was raining.

Brown bread was something only poor people ate.

Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves and never green.

Coffee was Camp, and came in a bottle.

Cubed sugar was regarded as posh.

Only Heinz made beans.

Fish didn't have fingers in those days.

Eating raw fish was called poverty, not sushi.

None of us had ever heard of yoghurt.

Healthy food consisted of anything edible.

People who didn't peel potatoes were regarded as lazy.

And finally‌‌ The one thing that we never ever had on our table in the fifties .. was elbows!

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18.

Can you Help - Frog and Onion Pub, Bermuda

Rob Dobson the Manager of the Frog and Onion Pub in the Old Cooperage at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda has contacted the Semaphore Circular to enquire if any Shipmates have any photos/anecdotes etc that could be displayed about the pub. The Dockyard closed in 1952 leaving just HMS MALABAR which unfortunately closed in 1995.

Royal Navy ships still visit Ireland Island and Hamilton occasionally, HMS Argyll visited last month and HMS Lancaster called in enroute to the Caribbean. Any Shipmates visiting Bermuda would be made to feel most welcome at the Frog and Onion and will be offered a discount on production of an RNA membership Card.

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Double Seven Reunion

NOW WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AGAIN :-'cause without it we can't do it ,can we’ The next Double Seven weekend will be 24th April to 28th April 2014 the cost will be £96.00 pp Plus £4.00 pp insurance.

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.

20.

Beating the Retreat – ‘Not a lot of people know this’...

'Beating Retreat' has its origins in the 16th Century when it was used as a signal to recall troops to barracks at the end of the day. During campaigns, it was often difficult to gather troops together after a day's fighting. Beating Retreat provided a signal to regroup, enabling a unit to be led as a single body to a safe encampment.

By 1727, Beating Retreat was a standard practice in the British Army. The order was described as follows: "Half an hour before the setting of the sun, the Drummers and PortGuards are to go upon the ramparts and Beat Retreat to give notice to those without that the gates are to be shut. The Drummers will not take more than quarter of an hour to Beat Retreat.

The drum was the earliest method for passing orders to troops. These drum beatings were later enhanced by the addition of fifes (or flutes) and the custom developed for Retreat to be signalled by the playing of marches with a 3/4 time signature. After the Napoleonic wars bugle calls began to supersede the 'Drum and Flute Duty' as the sound carried over a much greater distance.

Sounding Retreat has therefore always been the duty of the Buglers (or in the case of Beating Retreat - the Corps of Drums), with the addition of military bands being purely an enhancement to the ceremony, albeit a magnificent one, to entertain guests and spectators.

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21.

Christmas ‘Pressies’ Ideas

‘Pussers’ Rum piped onboard Harrods.

Harrods Wine & Spirit department is one of the first retail outlets to stock Pusser’s 15 Year Old Rum following its availability in the UK. After an absence of almost a year when global stock of this rum was depleted due to consumer demand, limited supplies to the UK became available in July. The Pusser’s is the original rum of the Royal Navy, blended to the specification laid down by the Admiralty more than 300 years ago. The issue of the daily tot to serving sailors was the longest standing tradition in the Navy but was discontinued on 31 July 1970, known as Black Tot Day. It had never been available for public consumption, but with permission from the Admiralty Pusser’s Rum was first sold to the public in 1980.

As a premium rum Pusser’s 15 Year Old is available in outlets like Harrods and specialty retailers such as Nauticalia. Pusser’s Rum is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For stockists contact the UK distributor Cellar Trends at sales@cellartrends.co.uk

RNA Diary 2014 and Christmas Cards It‘s that time of year again.........RNA Dairies and Christmas Cards are on sale and are ideal gifts as stocking fillers. The Diary is a bargain at £8 for full diary £7 with cover £5 for insert The 2014 RNA Diary is now available.

Cards are on sale at £5 for a pack of ten...

Cheap as Chips..

Please use the order form at the back of this Circular.

Christmas Books British Naval Swords and Swordmanship by John McGrath & Mark Barton – Published by Seaforth Publishing, Pen and Sword Books ltd (ISBN978-1-84832-135-9) ‘The comprehensive work brings together a mass of research dealing with all aspects of British naval swords, and, for the first time , offers a complete story of swords and swordmanship in one concise volume’ (Editor’s Note; A really beautiful book, full of interesting detail and excellent photographs of naval swords. Very high production values. Recommended for all.)

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Naval Air Celebrating a Century of Naval Flying by Philip Kaplan - published by Pen and Sword Ltd (IBSN 178159241-1) ‘Philip Kaplan details the journey from origin though early development into wartime deployment and carries it forward to post-war innovations and into modern conflicts such as the Falklands’ (Editor's Note – This is a comprehensive history of Naval Aviation, plenty of USN history of the main WW2 carrier battles and insight from aircrew. A great pressie for the WAFOO in your life) From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow (Volume 1 The road to War 1904-1914)

by Aurthur J Marder - Published by Seaforth Publishing (IBSN 978-1-84832-162-5) and From the Dreadnought to Scapa Flow (Volume 2 The War years; To the eve of Jutland 19141916)

by Arthur J Marder - Published by Seaforth Publishing (IBSN 978-1-84832-162-2) ‘The first two of five volumes which are still regarded by many as the definitive history of naval events leading up to an d including the Great war’ (Editor’s Note – Great read for the serious naval historian, this is a welcome re-publishing of a naval classic.)

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Monthly Book Review

The Voyages of Discovery – ‘The illustrated history of Scott’s ship’ by Ann Savours and published by Seaforth Publishing, Sword and Pen Books Ltd. (ISBN 978-1-84832-702-3) Review by shipmate Christine Tyrell I found the Voyages of Discovery an interesting well researched and illustrated book. Of particular personal interest to me, was Captain Scott’s epic journey to the Antarctic 1901-1904. One of the ‘Stokers’ on that expedition was William Hankly, my Grandfathers cousin. The book portrays, in detail, why the Discovery can truly be described as a remarkable ship – from withstanding the atrocious conditions in the Antarctic through to her resting place in Dundee.

(Editor's Note - you could also buy this as a Christmas Gift)

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‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Lee on the Solent and Stubbington Branch The Lee on the Solent and Stubbington branch dedicated their Standard in HMS Collingwood Church on Thursday 10th October. In attendance were branch members and their guests, 7 Standards from Area 3 Branches, Shipmates from Aldershot and Netley, The service of dedication was conducted by the branches Honorary ‘Bish’ the Reverend Janice Honey Morgan RN and invited guests included Shipmate John McAnally (National President) the Mayor and Mayoress of Gosport, Councillor John and Mrs Christine

U

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B

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b

h

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Bevis, Shipmate Bob Scott, Chairman Area 3, Shipmate Peter Reed Area 3 National Council Member and Shipmate Rita Locke MBE, Vice President.

The Standard was carried, making his Standard Bearer debut, by Shipmate Alan Port whose performance was described by a senior Area 3 Standard Bearer as “Very a good effort for a first timer...” ( High praise indeed! BZ Shipmate Alan and well done... )

On completion of the service a small reception was held during which the ‘certificate of office‘ was presented to the new Branch President Shipmate John Lavery by the National President.

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Forth Valley Branch Forth Valley will be holding their meetings on the 1st Monday of each month in the Grangemouth RBL commencing at 1930. For further information please contact Mike Hesketh on 01324 885557.

RNA Alresford Branch Alresford RNA is delighted to host a talk by Tom Tribe, who will give a fascinating and exciting talk about the two Australian Submarines, AE1 and AE2, their heroic voyages and stories of the crew. Tom will speak about the loss of AE2 during the Gallipoli campaign and the still unsolved mystery of the disappearance of AE1 off the coast of Papua New Guinea. The talk will be held at Alresford Recreation Centre, Pound Hill, Alresford, on Tuesday November 12th, starting at 8.30pm.

It is open to the public and there is no admission charge. The event is organised by the Alresford branch of the Royal Naval Association and will be preceded, at 7.30pm, by the Branch Mess Night meeting. Shipmates from other Branches are very welcome to join us for this as well: if possible, please let the secretary, Lesley Jones, know if you intend to come in time for the Mess Night, preferably by email on family@jonesberry.net or by phone on 01962 736573

RNA Atherton Branch Shipmates are advised that the Atherton Branch will be holding the following events leading up to Christmas; Friday 22nd November

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Sunday 24th November Association

Branch 30th Anniversary Dinner at the Jubilee Hall, Atherton Christmas Dinner, in Association with the LST & Landing Craft

For further details please contact Shipmate Peter Wilkie (Hon Sec) peter.3516@blueriver.eclipse.co.uk

RNA Fremantle Branch Fremantle Branch Chairman S/M Roy Sankey has written to the HQ advising that Fremantle Branch of the Royal Naval Association has now officially closed. Sadly a lack of members has caused the closure. The Standard has been laid up in the safe custody of TS Cockburn a branch of the Sea Cadets. Residual funds have donated to the Rockingham and District branch of the Royal Naval Association.

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RNA Portsmouth Branch Shipmates are advised that Portsmouth Branch meet in the Royal British Legion Portsmouth South, Fratton Bridge and not the Royal Naval Old Comrades Club, Lake Road it has caused some confusion recently. Also Shipmates are reminded that the main RN Memorial Service on Southsea Common on Remembrance Sunday 10th November at 0900 for 0930 will be held at the RN Memorial in the presence of three senior Tri-Service Chiefs, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and the Lord Mayor, prior to the main ceremonies in Guildhall Square.

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 Dublin Branch Dublin Branch were represented at Ecumenical Dedication Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath Laying to The Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and men who served in the Prince of Wales’s Leinster Regiment(Royal Canadians) whose home depot was in Crinkle Barracks Birr Co. Offaly from 1881-1922.

This was part of a weekend of events in the Birr area marking the connection with the Leinsters.

In Birr there is a memorial window for the Leinster Regiment at St Brendan’s church. A delegation from the Belgian town of Ledegem in Flanders came to Offaly and laid a wreath at the new memorial. On October 14th 1918 in a fierce engagement resulting in the award of two Victoria Crosses to Leinster Soldiers, the 2nd battalion Leinster Regiment led the advance into Ledegem on the first day of what is now known as the Battle of Courtrai. In that advance the Leinsters, supported by the 4/Worcesters, cleared the town of enemy forces and in so doing ended the four year occupation of a community that had become a major supply depot for the German occupation in West Flanders.

RNA Camberley Branch S/m Roy Roberts has relieved John Whitton as Branch Secretary. S/M Whitton will continue in his role as Branch Welfare Officer. S/M Roy will remain as Branch Rep, to attend Quarterly and Annual meetings - a position which he has held for about forty years!

S/M Roycan be contacted on Tel No 01276 27043, by e-mail at royrobertsr@tiscali.co.uk or snail mail at 197 Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2QD.

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RNA Brentwood Branch On Monday 21st October 18 members and guests of the Brentwood Branch RNA attended their annual Trafalgar lunch, celebrating the 208th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar and commemorating the death of Admiral Lord Nelson.

After an enjoyable lunch, S/M Ken Wright, the branch vice-chairman spoke about how Nelson was thoughtful of his men and in return loved by them. He then proposed the toast to The Immortal Memory, as you can see in the photo.

RNA Chard Branch It was a busy weekend for Chard RNA as they celebrated their annual remembrance to Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson.

The customary Trafalgar Night Dinner took place at Hornsbury Mill on Saturday 19th October 2013 and was supported by 29 members of the branch. The guest speaker for this esteemed event was Commodore David Pond RN (Ret’d), a local Chard boy who attended Holyrood School, went to Loughborough University where he graduated as a sports graduate and then entered the Royal Navy.

Photo above Left to Right Photo left to right -S/m Edna Noble, S/m Jim Noble, Dr Lesley Pond GP, Commodore David Pond RN (retired) and Lady Chairman S/m Paula Moon.

Commodore Pond gave an interesting, informative and entertaining speech of women on board naval ships from the time of Admiral Lord Nelson to present day, advising his wife, a former Surgeon Lieutenant Commander, also attending the function, had been one of the first females to serve aboard a Royal Naval ship. A presentation was made to Commodore Pond of a Pusser’s Rum hip flask and a bouquet of flowers to his wife Dr Lesley Pond GP for their attendance at this important naval occasion. Commodore Pond stated he holds Chard and its RNA in high esteem and always likes to revisit whenever he can.

On Sunday 20th October members of Chard RNA attended a Trafalgar Church Service at St Thomas’ Church at Cricket St Thomas. Ex-Royal Naval Submariner, Canon John Simpson officiated the service, his sermon covered the building of HMS Victory, facts about its crew and the God fearing mind of Admiral Lord Nelson during the battle of Trafalgar. S/m Edna Noble, wife of the President, played the organ to assist in the service.

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RNA Chard Branch (Continued) At the recent monthly meeting of the Chard RNA the members were both educated and entertained by one of the shipmates, S/m David Asprey of Ilminster.

S/m Asprey gave an entertaining talk about his time in the Royal Navy prior to enlightening those present about his current volunteering roles, in particular with Somerset Sight. During the talk members were made aware of the many problems associated with being blind or partially sighted with the use of aids and various glasses that when worn simulate various sight conditions such as glaucoma, tunnel vision, cataracts and retinopathy to name a few.

After the talk members made personal donations to S/m Asprey for providing such an interesting and informative talk, and later donated the proceeds of the raffle for that evening. The total raised was ÂŁ75 which S/m Asprey advised would be split equally between Somerset Sight and Chard Blind Club, which is a self-funding organisation that his wife, S/m Margaret Asprey (also a member of the Chard RNA) is a volunteer.

RNA Huntingdon Branch On Saturday 28th September 2013, members of Huntingdon & District Branch held a fund-raising event in Huntingdon town centre. Shipmates Pete Aston (Hon. Treasurer) and Karl Webb (Hon. Secretary) took the branch's newly purchased gazebo and tables; an RNA Pop-up Banner supplied

by HQ, and a few decorations, and took to the High Street for the day.

For those who do not know, Huntingdon is the wartime home of the RAF's Pathfinder Force, and so the population has more links to the RAF than any other service. However, we found that the local community were very pleased to see us, and enjoyed listening to our 'dits' - or were they just being polite!

During the day, our Social Secretary, S/M Hilary Meers, and her mum Barbara, came by to give us some support, some hot drinks and a quick bite to eat. We also had a visit from our Branch President, S/M Graham Holt and his wife, S/M Dawn Holt; they were clearly pleased with our efforts, and after a quick photo call, our President left us with a generous donation towards our chosen 'naval-related' cause, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

All-in-all, it was a long, but very successful day, the local community were extremely generous and we may have gained a few new recruits (including S/M Hilary Meers' mum, Barbara), but more important, we were able to spread the word as to the aims and values of the Royal Naval Association.

21

RNA Bristol Branch Bristol Branch invites you to join them at their Annual Carol Service by candlelight, with Keynsham Brass Band. It takes place in the Lord Mayors Chapel, College Green Bristol, on Friday 20th December between 1830 and 1930. Entrance is free, but a collection is taken during the service.

The service is followed by a Christmas Band Concert given by the Keynsham Brass Band.

Branch standards are also welcome to attend. For further information or if you would like to attend the 21st Carol Concert please contact Mike Potter (Hon Sec) on Tel No0117 9681769.

RNA Port Phillip Bay Branch Please note that the postal address of S/M Dennis Fryer, No. 002297, Hon Secretary, Port Phillip Bay Branch, is now: 23, Wensleydale Drive Mornington, Victoria, 3931, Australia. Phone: +61 3 5975 4573

RNA Morecambe and Heysham Branch Shipmates please note that Morecambe & Heysham Branch (Hon Sec) Dave Andrew’s telephone number has changed to 01524 572484. All other details remain the same.

RNA Saltash Branch On 11 September at Saltash Branch Chairman Shipmate ‘Tiny’ David Lockwood presented S/M John Stewart a Saltash Branch member and also Chairman of Area 4 with a cut glass vase engraved in Cornish (Kernowedease!) ‘May calm seas be yours’. S/M John is returning to Scotland with his wife Anne, who received a bouquet. The branch wishes them well for the future.

RNA Frome Branch Frome Branch held their Trafalgar dinner at the Fox and Hounds Pub, close to Frome, to celebrate the 208th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. The General Secretary Captain Paul Quinn and his wife Liz were the branches guests for the evening along with 43 other Shipmates who were also in attendance.

The photo opposite shows S/M Margaret Sallis, Branch President, presenting the General Secretary and Mrs Liz Quinn with an engraved fruit bowl during the evening .

22

RNA Soham and District Branch Soham and District Branch now meet at the ‘Five Bells’ Burwell, Cambridgeshire, CB25 0HD on the first Thursday of each month at 1200 for 1230.

For further information please contact S/M Dave Wright (Hon Sec & Treasurer) on Tel No 01638 610711.

Shortcast (Run in date order) 2013 The Neptune Association - 02 November 2013 The Neptune Association will be holding their AGM at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire on November 2. A short service will be held at the Neptune & Kandahr Memorial at noon followed by the AGM at 1400 in the Rose Room. We will remember the 836 men lost on HM ships Neptune and Kandahar on the 19 December 1941 - the Royal Navy’s 5th worst loss of life in WW2. Relatives and friends welcome. More information on the website at www.hmsneptune.com Submarine Renown Association – 22 November 2013 The 2013 reunion will take place in Leicester over the weekend of November 23 to 24. Further details: from subrenown@ntlworld.com 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 Aldenham Association – 15 December 2013 The annual Service in memory of officers and men who lost their lives on December 14 1944 when Aldenham was mined and sunk in the Adriatic (the last British-manned destroyer sunk in WW2) is to be held at the Church of St John The Baptist in Aldenham near Watford on December 15 at 1015.

The Ensign dedicated in 1982 will be laid up and a new Ensign re-dedicated and raised in front of the stained glass window and Book of Remembrance. Afterwards a small buffet will be held at the Aldenham Sports and Social Club (a short walk from the Church). All friends and relatives are welcome. Please contact the secretary, John Carder at johned.carder@ntlworld.com for further information 2014 HMS Illustrious Association - 16 January 2014

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The Annual service of Remembrance will be held at St James Garlickhythe, City of London EC4V 2AF, on January 16, starting 1310. It is 30th year of our Association and all "Illustrians" are welcome. Please contact Frances Garton at francis.garton@virginmedia.com for further information.

HMS Penelope Association – 21 February 2014 Open to all who served in the Cruiser 1938 - 44 or Frigate 1963 - 92, or are relatives of those who did so, are holding the 28th Annual reunion at Blackpool from February 21 - 23. For details of membership and the Reunion, contact the Secretary at mike.bee@ntlworld.com HMS Andromeda Association F57 - 28 February 2014 The 13th annual reunion will take place at the North Stafford Hotel, Winton Square, Station Road, Stoke on Trent ST4 2AE from February 28 to March 2. There is a full programme of events over weekend including an optional tour of the legendary Wedgewood Factory. All commissions all ranks and partners welcome. Full details from Rick Matthews at rickmatthews57@btinternet.com HMS Ariadne Reunion – 7 March 2014 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.

Loch Class Association - 21 March 2014 Annual Reunion takes place at The Royal Maritime Club, Queens Street, Portsmouth PO1 3HS (023 9283 7681 quote ref: 14093) from March 21 to 24. All members welcome. Membership is open to all who served on any of the Loch Class ships or their variants (Bay Class, Admirals Yachts, survey ships and repair ships). Some of these types of ships have their own ‘Associations’ but you can always join both. For details please contact Andrew Nunn Hon. Sec. LCFA at andrew.nunn@blueyonder.co.uk or see the website http://www.lochclassfrigates.com

HMS Duchess Association - 28 March 2014 The next reunion will take place at the Britannia Hotel, Coventry from March 28 to 30. All commissions are welcome. For details contact Sharky Ward at adie.ward@ntlworld.com HMS Cavalier Association – 04 April 2014 Annual reunion / AGM will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Chatham, from 4th April till 7th April 2014. All members welcome.Also the 70th Anniversary of HMS Cavalier. for details please contact :- Terry Willis Hon Sec. at terry.willis@hotmail.co.uk. or visit website http://www.hmscavalier.org.uk HMS Protector Association Reunion – 11-14th April 2014 A grand reunion and AGM will take place at the Suncliff Hotel Bournemouth from 11-14 April 2014.

For further information, details and booking form please see the website www.hmsprotector.org or Doug Harris at Dougatspindrift@aol.com or on the dog and bone 01495 718870.

Federation of Naval Associations - 09 May 2014

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AGM and reunion at Mill Rythe, Hayling Island from May 9 to 12. All Associations and former RN/RM/WRNS/QARNNS/RFA/MN etc., are welcome. Details and booking forms available from Robbie Robson at robbie.fna@virgin.net HMS Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association – 09 May 2014 The 2014 AGM and Reunion will be held at the Royal Clifton Hotel, Southport and will take place from May 9 to 11. More than 100 members have already booked. Please contact: Denis Askham at askhamd@orangehome.co.uk for further details.

Safety Equipment & Survival Association – 16 May 2014 FAA Safety Equipment & Survival Association Reunion will be held from May 16th to 18th at Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. Please contact Secretary Gordon "Pixie" Parkes at gordon.parkes7@virginmedia.com for further details.

HMS Broadsword Association – 24 May 2014 Bi-Annual Reunion and AGM will take place on May 24 in the WO & Senior Rates Mess HMS Drake Plymouth. The reunion is open to anyone who served in Broadsword. For more information go to http://www.hmsbroadsword.co.uk/ or contact Steve Bullock at Stevie.bullock@blueyonder.co.uk RN Party 6789 (HMS Saker) 25-29th Jul 2014 RN Party 6789 (HMS Saker) Mixed Manning Demonstration USS Claude V Ricketts DDG5 (ex Biddle) 1964/65 are holding their 50th anniversary reunion of the Mixed Manning Demonstration commission to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Washington DC. USA on 25 29th July 2014. For further information in the first instance please contact Pat (Spider) Raines tel.

00 34 951 06 9968 or 0844 774 t5448 e-mail info1@birdbuffs.net.

RNA Longcast 01/14 Nov 07 Nov 6/7/8th Nov 09 Nov 09 Nov 10 Nov 10 Nov 10 Nov 11 Nov 11 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 22 Nov 23 Nov 23 Nov 24 Nov 30 Nov 7 Dec 14 Dec 25

RNA Liverpool – Poppy Day Street Collection.

Field of Remembrance – Westminster Abbey RNA Trafford - Poppy Selling Trafford Centre Manchester RNA Lee/Stubbington Trafalgar Dinner National Standard Parading – Royal Albert Hall National Standard Parading – Remembrance Parade Orpington Cenotaph - Remembrance Sunday RNA Chatham Remembrance Sunday - Great Lines Gillingham National Standard Parading – 1100 Remembrance Parade Orpington RNA Chatham Armistice Day FAC Budget Meeting - Great Lines Gillingham AMC Meeting RNA Atherton 30th Anniversary Dinner – Jubilee Hall Atherton Area 2 Delegates & Observers Meeting – Gravesend RNA Club FAC Meeting Budget for FY 2014 RNA Atherton Christmas Dinner RNA Bloxwich Diamond Jubilee Dinner /Dance NC – Budget for FY 2014 Area 11 Meeting Newton Aycliffe Navy Club (Hosts Newton Aycliffe

Branch) 2014 01 Mar 05 Apr 11 Apr 16 May 17 May 13/14 Jun 15 Jun 27 Jun 19 Sep 10 Oct

Area 11 AGM & Area Meeting – The Clarence Working Men’s Club (Hosts York Branch ) National Standard Parading – HMS Cavalier 70th Anniversary HQ Open Day HQ Open Day National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood Conference – Royal Court Hotel Coventry Naval Service Memorial Dedication – National Arboretum Memorial - Staffs HQ Open Day HQ Open Day HQ Open Day

Swinging the Lamp – November 2013

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2001

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1948

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1994

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1962

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Entry RNR and RNVR amalgamated. WRNVR became WRNR. The Women’s Royal Naval Service formally integrated into the Royal Navy. Post of Director WRNS ceased 15 October 1993 RN Submarine Service centenary commemorated in a thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey.

‘All naval chaplains entered on or after this date to wear naval uniform. Chaplains already serving to have the option of wearing naval uniform or civilian clerical attire.’

RN Cookery School at St Omer Barracks, Aldershot, ceased training and moved to Raleigh, Torpoint, recommencing training on 4 January 1995.

RN Auxiliary Service (RNXS) formed from the RN Minewatching Service (RNMWS).

British forces landed in the Canal Zone, Egypt, following the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. Helicopter assault in Whirlwind and Sycamore aircraft by 45 RM Cdo launched from Ocean and Theseus on Suez. First major helicopter-borne assault from ships. ‘Whatever may be said of Suez – an amphibious success but a diplomatic disaster – it saved the day for the Royal Marines in particular and amphibious warfare in general’ – Col Ewen Southby-Tailyour.

First female PWO qualified; Lt-Cdr Vanessa Jane Spiller, PWO Course 111.

Capt Aston Dalzeel ‘Peter’ Piper died. The first RNR officer to be awarded the DSC in the Second World War (Ursula 1940) and two bars (Unbeaten 1942). First RNR officer to command a submarine (H 34 and P 55 – Unsparing). DSO 1944.

Second major fire in a year damaged forward hangar and several mess decks in the commando carrier Bulwark, alongside at

10th 11th

1902 1918

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1973 1967

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1966

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1967

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1953

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1916 1923 1909

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Portsmouth. Increasing concern about old and faulty wiring. Ship’s Motto ‘Under Thy wings I will (t)rust’.

First regulations for QARNNS published.

Armistice signed by Germany ending the First World War. RN strength 37,636 officers and 400,975 men, excluding RNAS transferred to form RAF on 1 April 1918 Edward Vernon born; Victor of Porto Bello in 1739 and he who watered-down the rum ration.

Second Cod War ended. HMG accepted the Icelandic 50-mile limit.

Order for first Type 42 guided missile destroyer placed with Vickers: Sheffield.

The White Ensign hauled down at Portsmouth in Striker, Cdr W.F. Charter RN, the last tank landing ship (LST) in the Royal Navy. She had commissioned on 5 March that year at Bahrain to maintain capability until Fearless entered service.

Eighth and last County-class guided missile destroyer, Norfolk, launched by the Duchess of Norfolk at Swan Hunter’s Ordnance officers became Ordnance engineers and exchanged dark blue for purple cloth between stripes.

HMS Splendid fired Britain’s first Tomahawk land attack cruise missile on US Naval Air Weapons Pacific Fleet Test Range at Point Magu, California.

Second clasp to LS&GC medal introduced with effect from 1 January 1952 Fleet submarine Astute, Cdr Andrew Coles RN, first of class, arrived at Faslane from her builders.

British Forces in final stages of departure from Aden.

HMY Britannia entered Portsmouth for the last time, escorted by Southampton with CINCFLEET embarked and berthed at South Railway Jetty. Commodore Royal Yachts, Cdre A.J.C. Morrow, rang down ‘Finished with main engines’ at 1135. End of 44-year career, having steamed 1,087,623 miles.

Laymoor, the last boom defence vessel manned by the Royal Navy and the last RN ship with steam reciprocating engines, entered port at Great Harbour, Greenock at 1100, wearing a paying-off pennant.

Approval has been given for White Ensign and Union Flags to be washed onboard, using ships’ laundries, at public expense, or by civilian laundries where Service facilities are not available. Experience has shown that great care is required when washing White Ensigns.

Satisfactory results can be achieved when using ships’ laundries provided that soap is employed.

Third Cod War, caused by Iceland’s unilateral extension of a 200-mile fishing limit. Frigate Falmouth first ship on scene.

Royal Navy shore headquarters in Aden, HMS Sheba, paid off three days before British Forces departed.

R-9 made first successful flight by an RNAS rigid airship.

Rank of ‘Clerk’ abolished.

Battlecruiser HMS Lion laid down at Devonport and Super Dreadnought HMS Orion laid down at Portsmouth. HMS Lion was the first battlecruiser with 13.5-in. guns and centre-line turrets, and the first warship to cost over ￡2 million RNAS St David’s, Pembrokeshire, closed to air traffic.

RNA........................................... BRANCH - BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2013 BRANCH FUNDS Balance B/Fwd from 31st December 2012 Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for Year

(OR)

Deduct: Excess of Expenditure over Income for Year £

Balance C/Fwd at 31st December 2013 Current Assets

Investments (i.e. Shares, Bonds etc) Balance in Deposit Account (if you have one) Balance in Current Account Balance in other Bank Accounts (Less) Un-Presented Cheques (i.e. Cheques written not yet cleared on Bank Statement) Cash in Hand (Petty Cash)

£

Outstanding Loans (if any) Creditors / Bank Overdraft BALANCE

£

Chairman

Sign...............................................................

Print Name ............................................................

Secretary

Sign...............................................................

Print Name ...........................................................

Treasurer

Sign...............................................................

Print Name ..........................................................

Account Examiner Statement I/We certify that: a.

All annual subscriptions and entrance fees due from Members for the year have been collected and forwarded to Headquarters. b.

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

Signed ......................................................................

Print Name ............................................................

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

Signed ......................................................................

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

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Print Name ............................................................

RNA.................................BRANCH INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ENDED 31st DEC 2013 INCOME: Life Members Full Members Associate Members Voluntary Subs to Branch Sale of RNA Goods Charitable Grants / Donations - Schedule A (see next page) Other Branch Income for the Year

TOTAL £ EXPENDITURE: Subscriptions to HQ - Life Members Subscriptions to HQ - Full Members Subscriptions to HQ - Associate Members Purchases of RNA Goods Charitable Grants / Donation – Schedule B (see next page) Other Branch expenditure for the Year

TOTAL £ Income over Expenditure / Expenditure over Income for Year

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£

THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION.............................................................................................BRANCH ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE GRANTS AND DONATIONS DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2013 AS PER BRANCH INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR

INCOME – Schedule A (Grants or donations received)

Amount Received

TOTAL £ EXPENDITURE – Schedule B (Grants or donations made by the branch)

Amount Paid

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

Signed ......................................................................

Print Name .............................................................

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

Signed ......................................................................

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

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Print Name .............................................................

.................................BRANCH REPORT 2014 (Note: This Report should be forwarded to H.Q. with a copy direct to the Area Secretary after the Branch AGM - Byelaw 11) and not later than 16th April 2014. It covers the reports to the National Council required by Bye-laws 17 & 18. One copy of the Annual Accounts & Report should also be sent to H.Q. Bye-law 31 c.

CHAIRMAN Name: Address: Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile: VICECHAIRMAN

e-mail:

Name: Address: Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile:

HON. SECRETARY

e-mail:

Name: Address:

Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile: HON. TREASURER

e-mail:

Name: Address:

Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile: HON. WELFARE OFFICER

e-mail:

Name: Address:

Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile: HON. PR OFFICER

e-mail:

Name: Address:

Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile: STANDARD BEARER

e-mail:

Name: Address:

Post Code..............................

Tel / Mobile: Address of Meeting Place Frequency of Branch Meetings Name & Address of Branch Bank

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e-mail:

OTHER INFORMATION PATRON

Name: e-mail:

Tel / Mobile: PRESIDENT

Name: e-mail:

Tel / Mobile: VICEPRESIDENT

Name: e-mail:

Tel / Mobile: HON. CHAPLAIN

Name: e-mail:

Tel / Mobile: HON. MEMBERS

Name: e-mail:

Tel / Mobile: HON. MEMBERS

Name: e-mail:

Tel / Mobile:

CLUB OFFICIALS CHAIRMAN

Name: Address: Tel / Mobile:

HON. SECRETARY

e-mail:

Name: Address: Tel / Mobile:

HON. TREASURER

e-mail:

Name: Address: Tel / Mobile:

OTHER APPOINTMENTS

e-mail:

Name: Address:

Tel / Mobile: Liaison with R.N. Ships, Establishments, R.N.R., S.C.C. etc.

e-mail:

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

Other Association Branches or Organisations within Branch. (e.g. R.M. Association, F.A.A. Association, S.M. Old Comrades, Ship Associations)

Any other useful information about Branch:

Signature of Hon. Secretary

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Date

NOMINATION FORM ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DEPUTY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL (June 2014 to June 2016)(Revised RNA Bye-Law 7) For the attention of All Branch Secretaries in Areas. 1,3,4,5,10,12 Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member from any Branch within its own Area, as a Candidate for election to the National Council, and one full or full life member for election as the Deputy National Council Member subject to the approval of the Branch to which both persons belong. (See Note Below) Name of Nominee NCM...............................................DNCM.................................................

Proposed by Branch ....................................................................... Area ..........................

Address of Nominee NCM……………………………………...........................................................................................

DNCM...........................................................................................................................................

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

DNCM

Chairman ...................................................... (signed) ............................................(dated) Secretary ...................................................... (signed) ...........................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................

We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch.

Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................

Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) ..............................................................................

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many National Council Meetings as is possible and to sit on any Committees to which I may be elected.

Signature of Candidate Dated ___________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1500 21st February 2014. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot

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PROPOSED MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2014 Proposals must reach The General Secretary by 1500 21st February 2014 Name of Proposing Branch: ...........................................................................................

Motion / amendment

Explanation of the Motion / Amendment (Notes for Conference)

I certify that this Motion / Amendment represents the views of the Members of this Branch, approved at a Branch meeting by at least two thirds of those members at the meeting. If accepted, the branch delegate will propose it to the Annual Conference.

Signed: ...........................................Hon. Secretary: ...........................................Date In seconding this Motion / Amendment I certify that it represents the views of the Members of this Branch, approved at a Branch meeting by at least two thirds of those members at the meeting. If accepted, the branch delegate will second it at the Annual Conference.

Seconded By: ..................................... Branch.

Signed ...........................................Hon Secretary ...............................................Date Notes a. A separate form is required for each Motion or Amendment b. A manuscript copy is acceptable for additional Motions or Amendments if the printed form is not available. c. The Motion or Amendment should be as short and precise as possible avoiding ambiguity.

A Motion should normally start with the word `THAT' d. The explanation is to assist the Standing Orders Committee in understanding the intention behind the Motion so that they may be able to consider acceptance and the wording under Rule 15. e. Motions may be submitted at any time but must reach the General Secretary by 21st February 2014. f. Motions of Extreme Urgency should reach the General Secretary not less than 48 hours before Conference. (In accordance with Standing Orders S8(7) as amended at 1996 Conference.) g. Amendments to Motions should also normally reach the General Secretary not less than 7 days before Conference. However they can be submitted in writing direct to the Standing Orders Committee during Conference. h. Bye-Laws - Under Rule 19 only the National Council may make a Bye-Law. A Motion to Conference may propose that a Bye-Law be set aside or it may ask the Council to consider making or amending a Bye-Law. i. The Branch Proposing a Motion must have it Seconded by another Branch before forwarding it to the General Secretary (as carried at item 4 of 1995 Conference.)

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Nominations for Standing Orders Committee 2014 For the attention of All Branch Secretaries To reach the General Secretary no later than 1500 21st February 2014 Two members of the Standing Orders Committee are to be elected at Conference 2014, those standing down are eligible to be re-elected. (S/M Allen and S/M Downey).

Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member as a Candidate for election to the Standing Orders Committee, subject to the approval of the Branch to which the candidate belongs. A nil return is not required.

Name of Nominee ................................................................................................

Proposed by Branch ....................................................................... Area ..........................

Address of Nominee …………………………………….......................................................................................................... ..................................e-mail ....................................................

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

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

Branch Chairman ...................................................... (signed) ......................................(dated) Branch Secretary ...................................................... (signed) ......................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................

We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch.

Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................

Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) ..............................................................................

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many Standing Orders Committee Meetings as is possible.

Signature of Candidate Dated ___________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1500 21st February 2014. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot. Nominations received after the deadline will not be included in the Ballot.

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2013 Christmas cards For Christmas 2013 a new Christmas card now in a smaller size than previous years. These are available with envelopes at £5 per pack of ten.

You can also still buy the St Albans Christmas card at £5 per pack of ten.

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

From: ................................................................Branch/Member Please provide................ Packs of2013 Christmas Cards @ £5 per pack Please provide ..............Packs of ten St Albans Christmas cards @ £5 per pack Deliver the order to S/M………………………………............

Address…………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………..................……………………………… …………………………………………….............. ………………………………………………………Post code…………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card Card No ....................................................................

Card in the name of :......................................................................................

Valid From: ..................... Expires ....................

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address if different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

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2014 Diaries The 2014 diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £5.

If you need a diary with the blue crested cover it will cost £7 If you need a complete new diary eg Cover, Diary plus Address book, they can be ordered for £8.

Cost includes P&P within the UK. Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.

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

Order form

From: .................................................................Branch Please provide ……………… 2014 RNA insert Diaries @ £5 .00 each £ ......................

Please provide ……………… 2014 Diaries with Cover @ £7 .00 each £ ......................

Please provide ……………… Complete 2014 Diaries @ £8 .00 each

£ ......................

TOTAL £............

Deliver the order to S/M…………………………………………………………

Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card Type ........... ...... Account No .................................. .

Card in the name of :.................................................................

Valid From: ................................ Expires ..................................................... .

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

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FORM RNA C/3 APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL PERMIT FOR A REGISTERED ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION CLUB (To be submitted to RNA Headquarters by 7 December 2013) PART I 1. Name of Club in full ..............................................................................................................(a) 2. Registered Office Address ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................

Tel.............................................Post Code......................................

3. Premises owned by : Club/Branch/Other..................................................................................(c) 4. Membership as at 31 October 2013 : Life........................Full........................Assoc........................ (e-1) ANNUAL PERMIT 2014 5. The Club committee herebye applies for the renewal of the Annual permit and undertakes to comply with all the conditions therein. (e) 6. The Club Committee confirm that the Club is registered with the FSA and has submitted their accounts.

Dated ....................................... Signed by Hon Secretary................................................................

Dated ....................................... Signed by Chairman.......................................................................

PART II The Committee of the ......................................... Branch of the Royal Naval Association has examined the above application and supports it. (b) The present paid up membership of the branch is: Life......................Full...................Assoc...................... (a) (b) Signed by the Branch Hon Secretary................................................................. Dated............................

PART III Number.......... Area in which the ....................................Branch is situated recommends that National Council approves this application. (b) Signed by the Area Hon Secretary .......................................................................Dated.............................

PART IV This application is approved by the National Council.

Signed on their behalf...................................................................

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Branch Annual Membership return and application form for;

Annual Renewal stickers required for 2014 BRANCH Return cards to NAME & ADDRESS

New Member’s Membership Cards Area

Post Code

TEL / E-MAIL:

RENEWAL for Existing Members Surname Initials Existing member

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Joined via LIFE shipmates

NEW Joiners requiring Membership cards FULL

ASSOC

Address already given

Yes

Full Assoc Address, Post Code, phone No, e mail Post code only - if Address already given.

Please include ALL your members

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