Semaphore Circular #637 (March 2014)

The Semaphore Circular No 637

The Beating Heart of the RNA

March 2014

National Vice Chairman and his ‘Press Gang’ Crew in action...........

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

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Dear Shipmates (Secretaries and our on-line readers) Welcome to the March edition of the Semaphore Circular, I hope you are avoiding the floods and keeping dry, my village of Hambledon is flooded out and I have a 9 inch deep 6 knot river and two 6 inch sewer pipes outside my garden wall.

I hope you enjoy the Naval Service Memorial update, there are some important points for Branches here, so please read carefully. Particularly, the time we need Standard bearers at the Arboretum, arrangements for those who want to come to the Memorial meal on Sunday evening, but who are not coming to Conference and the muster time for those doing the 400 metre Parade behind the Royal Marine Band.

Best of all the rum raffle tickets are enclosed with this Circular, demand may be high for this unique prize of an original gallon of genuine pussers rum. If you want more tickets then please give the HQ a call. Now for some business issues:  

    

The public liability insurance should be ready in a week or two and will be launched on the website and the next Semaphore Circular. For the avoidance of doubt, the fee of £110 is an annual premium and will cover all events that you arrange.

We have had some duff advice passed around the branches regarding the voting rights of Associate Members acting as a branch delegate at Conference. They will have full voting rights on all issues including amendments to the Royal Charter and Annual accounts and finance. It is understood that this clashes with the restrictions on their voting in branches – this is resolved in the Rule Review.

You will be pleased to hear that Andy Christie has been appointed by the National Council as Deputy General Secretary. This will mean that he will be my normal stand in if I am away on leave or duty.

If you are coming to the Arboretum for the Memorial dedication, but not the conference, you can come to the Sunday evening do, details in the NSM update article.

Please note latest arrival times and a Standard bearers rehearsal at the arboretum at 1030 on Sunday 15 June 14. No later than 1120 for those marching.

The deadline for branch conference motions has now passed. We have had very limited feedback on the Rule Review document, which will be put before Conference in June, we are therefore assuming that it is perfect.

Please get nominating your delegates for conference – the rule Review update makes this a vital part of the democratic control of the RNA, and we ought to have a good turnout. If affordability is a problem, then contact your NCM or HQ about the support that can be provided by the Branch and Club Support Fund.

I want to say a huge thank you for the wonderful donations from Branches and individuals to the Naval Service Memorial, we are at nearly £18,000 – which is a terrific vote of confidence in the project. I appreciate that the design is a little modern for some tastes – but the serving Navy had a big part in the design decision and it goes down well in the modern Navy – and is a great way of showing that the RNA is up-to-date and relevant. Which goes with the Mentoring and Shipmates Programmes.

Just this morning I briefed the Commanding Officer Designate course of 25 Captains and XOs of ships, who were all most impressed by the RNA’s vigorous programme of projects and the NSM in particular.

Do please show your ladies the latest addition the House of Bainbridge collection – with a really smart RNA short sleeve shirt – ideal for those long hot summer days to come.

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Anopther reminder that bids for PR materials and gazebos to the National Events Coordinator Shipmate Steve Caulfield on his new e-mail address of rna1958@icloud.com

Next month should see the Conference Agenda and Trustees Report for FY2013 with the Circ and a few lovely NSM bookmarks.

Fair winds and following seas

As ever, Paul General Secretary

Caption Competition What is Alex Salmond saying about the post independence Scottish Navy?

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Daily Orders

1. Naval Service Memorial - Update March Edition 2. Pussers Rum Special rates for RNA 3. Semaphore Circular – On-line readership 4. New RNA Branch Insurance Cover 5. National Standard Bearers Competition 17 May 14 6. RNRMC –Our preferred Charity 7. Shipmate John Hague BEM – Operation Rubble 8. Cricket Joke 9. RNA and NSM Lapel Badges 10. IMC Sailing Camp 11. Barrack Obama visits Glasgow Hospital 12. 70th Anniversary Normandy Landings 13. UK Holiday Group Deal 14. Donations for Central Charities Fund 15. Donations to Charter Challenge 2014 16. Finance Corner – Michelle 17. Guess Where?

18. Old Dog Joke 19. Double Seven Reunion 20. Stirling Armed Forces Day 21. Naval Museum – Dates for your Diaries 22. Request for assistance – Ashley Garber 23. Northern Ireland Veterans Association 24. Bombardment of Lowestoft Book – S/M Robert Jarvis 25. RN RC Community – Programme of events 26. Armed Forces Widow- Pensions 27. Request for Assistance – Transition to Civilian Life 28. RNA Ladies Clothing 29. Transport for London (TfL) for a Veteran’s Oyster Card

“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 DGS AGS Asap CONA IMC NSM Throughout

National Council Member National Council Association Management Committee Finance Administration Committee National Chairman National Vice Chairman National President Deputy National President General Secretary Deputy General Secretary Assistant General Secretary As soon as possible Conference of Naval Associations International Maritime Confederation Naval Service Memorial indicates a new or substantially changed entry

Contacts: Financial Controller

023 9272 3823

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

FAX

023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops)

023 9272 3747

nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

Deputy General Secretary

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

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 5

STOP PRESS Naval Service Memorial Raffle Details A raffle is being held with all profits donated to the Charter Challenge Naval Service Memorial Fund. The 1st prize is a gallon of 1969/70 original Royal Navy Rum, as seen in the photo opposite. (withthe National Chairman looking lovingly at it!) valued over £3,000 so well worth winning. The 2nd prize is a decanter of Pusser’s Rum and the 3rd and 4th prizes a bottle of Pusser’s Rum. Tickets are £1 each in books of five and are enclosed with this circular and available from HQ, they will also be on sale at Conference with the draw taking place on Sunday 15th June 2014 after the NSM Dedication. Please make cheques payable to RNA and mark cheques on the back ‘Charter Challenge ‘.

Daily Orders 1.

The Naval Service Memorial and Conference - Update

As you will expect work on the Naval Service Memorial (and Conference) has been at a high pace over the last four weeks.

The expected technical visit went ahead at the Arboretum, with all the main players represented including the Drum Major from the Royal Marine Band, Mick Kieran our Ceremonial Advisor, our sound engineer and the Arboretum events team. We were able to pace out and agree the Parade route, refine timings for the day and agree the main ceremony layout – lines of approach for Band, Guard and the RNA. The Arboretum has agreed the main support measures such as First Aid cover, golf buggy shuttle from the visitors centre to the memorial etc.

Some key emerging facts for the general RNA are these:    

There will be a standard bearers’ rehearsal at 1030 on the day of the event, so SB will need to be on the early coaches.

All RNA shipmates who intends to march will need to be at the Armed forces Memorial opposite the visitors centre at 1120 latest in RNA rig.

Wet weather routine is to wear RNA foul weather jackets.

We would appreciate some volunteers to supplement the Area 8 team on the day with various duties such as directing people to the site of the memorial, looking after people when they get there and shepherding VIPS to their seats. Give us a shout if you would like to help.

Graeme Mitcheson has now starteed to carve the Kilkenny limestone at his studio – with the first phase outside with an

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angle grinder, eventually to go inside when the chisel is the tool of choice! He is making quick progress. We hope to have a BBC TV film crew to capture what he is doing, prior to an interview in early April with him and the National President.

The GS and National Chair have been with Graeme to Proto Glass in Pewsey, to check and approve the tints for the glass panels. The picture shows Chris checking with David Proto on the Ultramarine Blue tints on the 15mm low iron glass that has been chosen.

The large glass panels have arrived at Proto and are beautiful.

I tried to take a photo for you, but the glass is so clear that none of the pictures work very well, see below.

Chris with the smaller panels – 7 deep!!!

The large panels end on

We have also been in contact with HRH’s office and the Lord Lieutenant, and have agreed the main points of protocol. We have also checked with HRH the wording of the information panel, which is now in the design phase with Graeme.

If you are mobility impaired and will want a seat at the Memorial Service please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve a seat for you. As a rough guide a Blue badge will qualify.

There will only be a limited amount of seating for VVIPs/VIPs and mobility impaired – since they cost £3 each on the day!!

Conference We have been asked by a number of branches, not attending the Conference, if they can come to the evening celebration at the Royal Court, starting at 1830. The answer is YES. You will have to book with the Royal Court directly and will cost £12.50 for the evening meal. I am delighted to say that those attending the meal will get a tot – courtesy of Pusser’s and a bit of celebration cake – and be royally entertained by Shep Wooley after John McAnally’s usual wandering dit spinning.

Some have been concerned about getting from the Coventry Britannia to the Royal Court, please don’t worry – we have about 200 booked and will be arranging coaches for the start and finish of the Gala Dinner and Sunday evening dedication do. Equally we have a fleet of 15 coaches to take us to the Arboretum and back – arranged by our new partner (through CONA), UK Holiday Group.

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Pussers Rum – Special Rates for RNA I am sure Shipmates would be delighted to know that there is now an official RNA rate for Pusser’s rum set up with Fine Wine Sellers (www.finewinesellers.co.uk) to receive

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the rate simply quote RNA rate when ordering.

(Editors Note: Bargain, what are you waiting for………)

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Semaphore Circular - On Line Readership

Shipmates would wish to know that On-Line readership of the Semaphore Circular has risen to over 900, well done. Readers are tracked on line by Google The Semaphore Circular Analytics so it is true Big Brother is watching you......

The Beating Heart of the RNA HQ really appreciates Branch Secretaries who tell their members how to find the Circular on line because it is a very important information conduit and the more Shipmates that read it the more informed our members are.

For those who don’t know... Open the RNA website...

Click on the Tab - Members Area Click on the Tab – Downloads Click on Circulars Click on 2014 Click on PDF (Marked Red) Semaphore Circular Month 2014 (in centre of page) Code : shipmate Click here to download the file At bottom of the Page – Do you want to open or save the Semaphore Circular open, save, cancel?

Click Open Or click here http://www.royal-navalassociation.co.uk/members/downloads/index.php?l1=circulars&l2=Circulars+2014 It really would be brilliant to reach the 1000 mark by the 1st April.

So please don’t keep the Semaphore Circular a secret.

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New RNA Branches Insurance cover

GS has informed all branches that the public liability cover that was thought to cover branch events, in fact, did not and never has – despite advice from the HQ. It has proved unaffordable to extend the HQ insurance for main RNA events to the branches (additional premium 2 tots short of £70,000). The good news is that it has been possible to negotiate a very, very good value deal on your behalf that Branches requiring cover can take out. Here is the info from our brokers:

A New Insurance Product for Royal Naval Association Branches Building on the relationship Coleman Insurance Brokers has enjoyed with the Royal Naval Association for several years, we are delighted to announce a new insurance product for RNA branches which will be available this spring.

Following consultation with the RNA, Coleman has chosen to work with 8

Ansvar, a specialist charity insurer, to formulate an insurance policy at very competitive premiums based on three core covers.  Public Liability cover with a limit of £5,000,000. This will cover RNA branches for their legal liability arising from bodily injury to third parties or damage to third party property arising during the course of normal RNA Branch activities.

 Employer’s Liability cover with a limit of £10,000,000. This will cover branches for their legal liability for injury to people employed by the branch or people working for the branch in a voluntary capacity.  Money - cover is provided for £2,000 in Transit and £1,000 in a safe in respect of monies collected by each Branch at any fundraising event The annual premium for these three sections of cover is £100 including 6% Insurance Premium Tax Branches can also select extra covers at an additional premium. Some of these covers include All Risks, Personal Accident, Trustees’ Indemnity and Business Interruption.

Cover is available to RNA branches based in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The policy will only be available on-line and RNA branches will be provided with guidance when the new product is launched in March.

Coleman and Coleman Insurance Brokers are trading styles of E Coleman & Co Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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National Standard Bearers Competition - 17 May 2014 The National Standard Bearers Competition will take place in HMS COLLINGWOOD, Fareham on the 17th May 2014.

Areas are invited to submit the names of qualified standard bearers for this event. The event is open to; 1. Area Standard Bearers 2. Deputy Area Standard Bearers (Deputy Standard Bearers are to be equipped with their branch standard and all associated equipment. (Sling, gloves and drapes).

3 The serving National Standard Bearer and Deputy National Standard Bearer 4. Where an area has not held an area competition a nominated standard bearer is permitted to enter.

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All standard bearers holding trophies are to return them on the day of the competition (cleaned and polished please). Competitors are respectfully reminded that they are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

Names of competitors are to be forwarded to Mick Kieran (NCA) at mick.kieran@virginmedia.com or by phone 07593573301. Entries close on 17 April 2014.

Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity – our preferred Charity

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The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is the principal, and chosen, charity of the Royal Navy and the Navy Board and now the RNA’s preferred (not compulsory) charity.

The RNRMC’s Chief Executive, Robert Robson, presented to our National Conference last year in Liverpool and many Shipmates commented on how their eyes had been opened to the scale of support that the Charity provides to naval friends and families throughout their lives by its grant making.

We hope that branches will also choose the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity as your preferred charity too.

We live in a world of sound-bites so here are a few about the RNRMC: 

Last year the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity gave £6.5m to people most in need: serving personnel, veterans and families. This included over £717,000 to the RNBT and £730,000 to the RN and RM Children’s Fund. So, by helping the RNRMC you, like the rising tide, “lift all boats”

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For serving Shipmates – in ships, squadrons, submarines, commando units and ashore – its funding is used to boost morale, improve facilities and ease the pressure that life in the Service can bring.

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But by far the largest amount goes to other (mainly) naval charities, including those that provide crucial support for parents and children as well as veterans experiencing difficulty with ill health, old age or hard times.

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The RNRMC gave £20,000 to support the RNA’s new Naval Service Memorial see separate update.

We urge you to get behind the national charity for the Royal Navy, and “our” charity For more information on the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, please call 023 9254 8128 or visit www.rnrmc.org.uk

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7.

Shipmate John Hague BEM - Operation Rubble

In January 1941, five ships sailed up the Clyde, carrying valuable war cargoes of steel, machine tools, aircraft parts and guns, nothing unusual in that except that these ships had been spirited from under the noses of the Germans. Thus begins one of the greatest sea adventures of the last war.

S/m John Hague of the Trafford branch was taken prisoner by the Germans at the 1st Battle of Narvik, when his ship HMS Hunter was sunk. Shortly afterwards the Allied Forces broke though the German defences and the Prisoners of war became an acute embarrassment to their captors, who were unsure what to do with them. Under armed guards, John, along with the other POWs, was forced to march in appalling conditions. In sub zero temperatures and blizzards when the snow frequently reached up to their chests, living off very basic rations including ‘Hard Tack’ biscuits, they eventually reached a ski resort on the Norwegian border ,and were set ‘free’ to travel over the border into neutral Sweden.

John spent most of his time in Sweden, working on a farm at Gunnurn. Later he went south to a place called Halsinmo; there the Chief Stoker in charge of the Royal Navy POWs asked for volunteers. Word reached the POWs that a plan was being formulated to escape, by stealing five Norwegian vessels ranging in weight from 5,000 to 10,000 tons, known as ‘Operation Rubble’ ,which had originally been bound for Britain with much needed war supplies, and were now interred in Gothenburg. S/m Hague then a young man of 20 was one of four Royal Naval ratings MV Ranja who along with three others AB’s Hunter, Johnson and Steel volunteered to crew one of the vessels, just enough to man the engines, a Mate and a Skipper, a Scot who worked out of Liverpool on an iron ore ship.

Each one of the volunteers were left in no doubt that this was a life or death situation, as the German Consulate was watching all shipping movements from the harbour closely, John said “We wanted to make a bid for freedom and home. " Having received their instructions, the volunteers waited for a suitable opportunity to take over the ships. On January 20th 1941 at around 1400, the plan was put into action, travelling down to the harbour in civvies, they boarded the ships. Even the weather was in the escapee’s favour, as a heavy fog hung over the water and it was a moonless night. One of the MVs sailed first, acting as a decoy, keeping dose to the Swedish shore, the other four MVs then left Gothenburg Harbour as the ships were coming out of the Skagerrak, they joined up with a German convoy by mistake. John could see the German gun posts on the coast, but fortunately they didn’t open fire, this may have been because the decoy ships were flying the Norwegian flag (a favourite ploy of the German Navy.) John's ship RANJA [see above] was an oil tanker and not only did they have to contend with the German Navy, (who once they realised that part of ‘their’ convoy had turned and were sailing in a different direction from the main body) began firing at the ships, they now had the Luftwaffe strafing the decks, and trying their best to blow the ships out of the water. As if this wasn’t enough there were also minefields to negotiate, and when these had been cleared it was every ship for herself.

John’s ship kept up a speed of 10 knots going flat out up to dawn, by then they had reached the North Sea, no one had any rest and John and his comrades were on duty for over 24 hours before they sighted a British destroyer and were escorted ‘home’ Along with the other volunteers, John received a telegram from the Admiralty thanking them for their ‘Spirited and courageousness which has enabled 5 merchant ships to reach 11

this Country with their valuable cargo.’ For his part in this ‘escapade’ John received the British Empire Medal. In November 2009, John was honoured with the King Olav Norwegian War Medal, which was presented to him by the Norwegian Naval Attaché Knute Haute on behalf of the Norwegian Government. He is believed to be the last UK survivor.

NB; Several months later, John received a letter from Naval Pay & Accounts stating that he had been overpaid by £8. 7.2d.

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Cricket Joke

What do you get if you mix the England Cricket team with an OXO cube......

A laughing stock (Boom Boom!)

9. Now on sale our new RNA and NSM Lapel Badges HQ has now received our fantastic two new lapel badges and they are available for sale. It is hoped that Branches will purchase them in large quantities costing £2.50 each with a recommended price of £3.00 enabling 50p per badge to go to branch funds. Single badge orders will cost £3.00 and any profits made by HQ from these badges will go towards the Naval Service Memorial Fund. So contact Nigel or Andy to place your order. Be warned they are all ready going like hot cakes!

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10.

IMC Sailing Camp 2014

The annual IMC Sailing Camp will be held in Varna Bulgaria from 31 July to 11 August 2014.

Places are available for six young people who will be 15-19 years old on 21 July 2014, who would like to attend this very enjoyable sailing camp. They do not have to be a Sea Cadet, they might just be a Shipmate’s grand-daughter or grandson.

But they must have their own Passport and be able to swim 50 yards in light clothing.

A programme for the sailing camp will be available shortly.

Proposed names should be sent to Nigel in HQ by the 11 April 14. Joining forms will be sent out to those selected and should be completed and returned to HQ with your cheque.

The cost will be available shortly, and is likely to be in the order of £50 with parents responsible for meeting the cost of travel to and from Varna. Flights available from Wizair for parents wishing to investigate travel costs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an opportunity to build on your existing sailing skills with an international dimension and to visit a really interesting destination as hosts of the Bulgarian Naval Association and Navy – if we send six young people it means that we get back all our IMC subscription in subsidies– so get nominating!!

Where is Varna?

Varna is the largest city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. It has an international Airport with flights from all over Europe. Bulgaria is an inexpensive holiday destination. To arrange your travel you might start here. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bulgaria/black-sea-coast/varna

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Barrack Obama visits Glasgow Hospital

Barrack Obama is visiting a Glasgow hospital. He enters a ward full of Scots with no obvious sign of injury or illness, He greets one - Hi how are you…. The patient replies: Fair fa your honest sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin race, Aboon them a ye take yer place, Painch, tripe or thairm, As langs my airm.

Obama is confused, so he just grins and moves on to the next patient.

The next patient responds: Some hae meat an canna eat, And some wad eat that want it, But we hae meat an we can eat, So let the Lord be thankit.

Even more confused, and his grin now rictus-like, the President moves on to the next patient, who immediately begins to chant:

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Wee sleekit, cowerin, timorous beasty, O the panic in thy breasty, Thou needna start awa sae hastie, Wi bickering brattle Now seriously troubled, Obama turns to the accompanying doctor and asks, 'Is this a psychiatric ward?' 'No,' replies the doctor, wait for it………… 'this is the serious Burns unit.'

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70th Anniversary Normandy Landings

The Ministry of Defence has announced it will support commemorations this summer to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings in France, taking place 5-6 June 2014. Personnel from all three Services will provide logistic and ceremonial support to the commemorations, known as “Normandy 70”, and will assist veterans of the campaign as they mark this historic anniversary in Normandy. Work is being led by a specialist logistics unit, Force Troops Command, and 3rd (UK) Division of the Army, the division that led the assault on Sword Beach seventy years ago.

The Armed Forces will support a range of events taking place in the Normandy region. Major commemorations will include ceremonies on the 5 June to mark the liberation of Ranville by the British 13th Parachute Battalion, the first village to be liberated on D-Day. Members of 16 Air Assault Brigade will mount a mass parachute drop to mark this occasion, which will be followed by a memorial service at the Statue of Field Marshal Montgomery at Colleville Montgomery.

On 6 June, a United Kingdom-France Service of Remembrance will take place at Bayeux Cathedral organised by The Royal British Legion and the Normandy Veterans Association, followed by a special event at the Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery.

A number of veterans will also attend an international ceremony organised by the French Government, and a service held by the Normandy Veterans Association at Arromanches.

The Ministry of Defence is working closely with partners across Government and with external agencies to deliver a fitting programme of commemorations to mark the anniversary. These include the Normandy Veterans Association, for whom this year will be of particular significance, as they have indicated it will be the last that they will officially mark. Later this year, the Association plans to officially disband and lay up their National Standard at a service at St Margaret’s, Westminster, London. Working with the MOD on events and support to veterans will be The Royal British Legion. Another partner is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the organisation that commemorates Commonwealth Forces who died in the two World Wars, and custodians of the cemeteries where Commonwealth casualties of D-Day are buried.

Veterans wishing to return to Normandy in June will be able to apply for financial support from the Big Lottery Fund, who last February extended their “Heroes’ Return 2 Scheme” till December 2015. This scheme enables veterans and their spouses, widows and widowers, and accompanying helpers to undertake the journey. Details of the scheme can be found at; www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_heroes_return.

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13.

UK Holiday Group Deal

As a member of the Conference Of Naval Associations the RNA has joined forces with The UK Holiday Group, one of Britain’s most successful holiday companies, to provide members with a special ‘Holidays & Travel Service’. As our official partner The UK Holiday Group will be offering unbeatable savings on a wide range of specially selected worldwide holidays by air, land and sea together with other services aimed to assist members with their travel and event requirements.

Special launch offers include:      

Amazing savings for all your group holidays, reunions, events and conferences!

Exclusive savings on a wide range of selected destinations – opening offers include the Channel Islands with 5 day breaks by air from just £299!

Fantastic self-drive hotel offers, saving up to 50%, on hotels thoughout the UK and Europe.

Great cruise offers saving up to 50% off published brochure prices!

An exclusive 10% saving on a wide range of UK and European coach holidays!

A bespoke service to help plan ‘Tailor Made’ events and group holidays for your association.

Your newly launched travel service is now underway and you can be assured of unbeatable offers right from the very start. It’s worth noting that you’ll also be helping worthwhile causes as The UKHG will make a donation to the association for every holiday that is booked!

For further details please call us ‘Lo-cost’ on: General enquiries: For current offers and services call the Hotline – 0844 264 2120 Or Email: conatravelservices@theukholidaygroup.com For groups and events (10 or more persons): Call the Group Travel Hotline – 0844 264 2122 Or Email: conatravelservices@justforgroups.co.uk

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Donations received for the Central Charities Fund RNA – Bodmin RNA – Harlow RNA – Market Drayton RNA – Riyadh

£350.00 £50.00 £100.00 £2985.00

Alice Wood Charitable Trust

£500.00

Thank you very much

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15.

Donations received for the Charter Challenge 2014 – Naval Service Memorial RNA – Dublin RNA – Brixham RNA – Gloucester RNA – Greenford RNA – Limavady RNA – Londonderry RNA – Ludlow

£97.29 £200.00 £50.00 £50.00 £25.00 £500.00 £650.00

S/m C Dovey S/m A Macleod-Carey S/m R Bias S/m B Elmy S/m Barlow S/m C Bunbury S/m C Osment

£250.00 £40.00 £40.00 £5.00 £10.00 £50.00 £40.00

S/m D Banks S/m G Patience S/m J Croney S/m J Vickers S/m K Elliott S/m R Barraclough S/m R Farr In Memory of S/m R Lawrence

£5.00 £25.00 £30.00 £50.00 £8.00 £50.00 £50.00

NSM Lapel Badges

£123.00

£111.00

Once Again very many thanks

16.

Finance Corner – Michelle

Dear Shipmates, I start finance corner with the sad news that my colleague Shipmate Rita Lock MBE, has lost her husband, Jan, on 10th February 2014. Jan was a TAG flying Swordfish during 2WW and was involved in the attack on the German Battleship Tripitz for which he was awarded a DSC. Jan will be sorely missed by his family and everyone who knew him, especially Rita for whom I would like to express my personal deepest sympathies.

S/M Rita asked me to pass on her thanks to everyone who sent cards, letters and e-mails with their condolences. She found it heart-warming that so many people have taken the time to contact her and all with one theme which is, ‘What a nice man Jan was’.

I would like to say a very big thank you to all those Areas, Branches and Individuals that have contributed to the Charter Challenge Fund. As at the end of 31 January 2014, the total funds stand at £19,227.00 this is made up of:RNA Branches Individual Shipmates NSM – Lapel Badges

£13,600.00 £ 5,504.00 £ 123.00

Anyone who would like to donate can not only send payment to HQ but you can also go on to www.bmycharity.com and donate under the Naval Service Memorial.

Annual Branch Returns I know all the Treasurers / Secretaries will be busy number crunching over your Annual Branch Returns for 2013, but if any of you are struggling on how to complete your Annual Return form please don’t sit there worrying just contact me or Rita and one of us will be more than happy to help. Once completed and signed, one copy should be posted to RNA HQ or sent electronically to either (michelle@royalnavalassoc.com or Rita@royalnavalassoc.com ) and one copy to your Area Secretary. Thank you.

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Branch Quarter Accounts As highlighted in December’s National Chairman brief branch accounts will now be produced once a term as follows: December (previous year) to March transactions: accounts sent in April April to July transactions: accounts sent in August August – November: accounts sent in December Standard Insurance The fee of £8.00 for your RNA Standard Insurance will remain the same for the period 18 March 2014 – 17 March 2015.

Ladies Clothing I know it’s very hard to think with all this rain & wind we are having, that Spring is only round the corner and the warm sunny weather will soon be upon us. So Ladies, the RNA HQ do hold stock for Ladies White Short sleeve Shirts as well as other Ladies clothing. Please see our range in paragraph 28.

Finally my sweet poem for this month....

A memory lasts forever Never does it die True friends stay together And never say goodbye

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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.

No looking on Google or wicki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

Institute of Naval Medicine in Alverstoke.

Remember if you hover over the picture in the pdf version with your cursor it will reveal the answer.

18.

Old Dog Joke!

An old Doberman starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a panther heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch. The old Doberman thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep shit now!"

Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as 17

the panther is about to leap, the old Doberman exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder, if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.

"Whew!," says the panther, "That was close! That old Doberman nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes. The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the panther. The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"

Now, the old Doberman sees the panther coming with the squirrel on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?," but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old Doberman says "Where's that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!"

Moral of this story... Don't mess with the old dogs... Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! Bullshit and brilliance only come with age and experience.

19.

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.

Stirling Armed Forces Day

Shipmate Brian Mackenzie, DNCM Scotland and Chairman Scottish Area wishes to highlight to Shipmates that this year’s main Armed Forces Day (AFD ) will be held in Stirling on Saturday 28th of June. He would also like to point out that in his view this might be the last AFD that will incorporate all the combined forces of the United Kingdom and as such, believes it is extremely important for us as all, as ex RN and serving RNA members. With this in mind, Scottish Area would like to put an open invitation out to all branches, areas to send as many representatives as they can to this event.

S/M Brian states that details are sketchy at the moment, but should be coming through over the next few months. The basic format will be very much like other AFDs, with a main parade on the Saturday followed by various events. If any shipmates will be coming to Stirling for this event, please contact Shipmate Brian Mackenzie , either by telephone (home) 01360 - 622767, ( mob ) 07799530085. Or by email at brianm669@aol.com

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(Editor’s note: The opinion expressed by Braveheart McKenzie is not necessarily the view of the National Council, the HQ staff, or anyone that reads a decent newspaper. But great idea to go to the AFD in beautiful Stirling in lovely Scotland, don’t forget to change your pounds at the border).

21.

Naval Museum of the Royal Navy – Dates for your Diary

Please see below two items for your diaries which the National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, are very keen for you to participate,.

HMS – Hear My Story Community Preview - Saturday 29th March, 2pm to 3pm Join us to sneak a peek at the new Babcock Galleries and HMS – Hear My Story exhibition a major exhibition situated at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Opening in April, it will tell the undiscovered stories from the ordinary men, women and ships which have made the Navy‘s amazing history over the last 100 years and impacted on all our lives.

Free event, all ages welcome, booking essential as spaces are limited. Please contact 02392 727595 or email community@nmrn.org.uk for details or to book.

HMS- Uckers Tournament - Saturday 21st June, 1pm to 5pm – Are you up for the challenge of avoiding an 8 piece ’dicking’.... ?

Come and play the traditional naval game of Uckers. See if you can beat the team from HMS Victory to become our first ever Uckers champion. Enter as a pair or on your own (we’ll team you up on the day). The winner gets a prize donated by the HMS Victory’s Senior Rates Mess.

Cost £2 entry on the day. Booking essential. Please contact 02392 727595 or email community@nmrn.org.uk for further information or to book.

(Editors Note; No WAFU suck backs....)

22.

Request for Assistance

Ashley Garber is a DPhil student at Oxford conducting research on regimental associations and he is hoping to learn more about the materials that Shipmates may have stowed away in the loft... He is particularly interested in materials produced by the RNA for circulation among ex-sailors during the period 1939 to 1969. This would include newsletters or circulars for members of the association, or materials sent to veterans who were not directly involved in the group.

If you can assist Ashley would greatly appreciate it. He can be contacted at 0780 186 8892 or via email at ashley.garber@history.ox.ac.uk.

23.

Northern Ireland Veterans’ Association

The Northern Ireland Veterans’ Association will be holding a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas Staffs at 11.30am on Saturday 20th September 2014.

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The service will commemorate and remember all those who lost their lives in service of the Crown as a result of the conflict in N. Ireland. The service will be followed by a parade down to the Ulster Ash Grove for the laying of wreaths.

The service is open to all and all Associations are welcome to parade their standards. It would be appreciated if Associations arranging for groups of their members to attend could notify David Langston at nivaservice2014@gmail.com

24.

Bombardment of Lowestoft Book - S/M Robert Jarvis

Shipmate Robert Jarvis of Lowestoft Branch who is also a volunteer curator of the Lowestoft War Memorial Museum has written a book as part of Lowestofts WW1 commemorations entitled The Bombardment of Lowestoft, 25th April 1916 (ISBN 978-09571769-1-1). It includes the strategic and tactical history of the raid, German and British contemporary accounts, and ‘then and now style’ comparative photographs of the damage caused in Lowestoft. The 1914 raid is also described, and photographs of some of the ships and aircraft that participated are included. It is a paperback, A4 and 114 pages and retails at £9.99. For further details please contact S/M Robert on 07799 836 965 or by e-mail at warmemorialmuseum@btinternet.com

25.

RN RC Community – Programme of Events Please find below the RN RC Community (which includes veterans) list of events for the forthcoming year. Shipmates who would like to participate in the Lourdes pilgrimages or the Annual Naval Masses or indeed the Solemn Requiem Mass for the Fallen in Westminster Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday should contact Ian Crabtree the Pastoral Assistant on 02392 725129 or e-mail ian.crabtree277@mod.uk.

3 Apr

1100

Council of Clergy

Aldershot

1800

Chrism Mass

Forces Cathedral, Aldershot

17-19 Apr

Holy Triduum

20 Apr

Easter Sunday

20 Apr – 27 Apr

HCPT-The Pilgrimage Trust Pilgrimage

Lourdes

15 – 19 May

International Military Pilgrimage

Lourdes

30 Jun – 3 Jul

Royal Navy Catholic Chaplains’ Continuing Professional Development

Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, Amport House, Amport, Near Andover

Annual Naval Mass

St John’s Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth

13 Jul

20

1000

27 Jul

1000

30 Jul

1200- Royal Navy Catholic Pastoral 1600 Action Group meeting

Mass/lunch/meeting. Venue London

DTBD Oct

1200- Royal Navy Catholic Pastoral 1600 Action Group meeting

Mass/lunch/meeting. Venue Portsmouth

7 – 9 Nov 9 Nov

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1030

Annual Naval Mass

Cathedral Church of St Mary & St Boniface, Plymouth

Remembrance culture weekend

London

Solemn Requiem Mass for the Fallen

Westminster Cathedral

Armed Forces Widow - Pensions

Shipmates may be interested in the article below which was submitted by the Forces Pension Society.

Are you an Armed Forces widow [naval widow?] on the AFPS 75 scheme. Have you overcome the trauma of your husband's death and perhaps found new love elsewhere, only to have it thwarted by the realisation that you will lose your pension if you remarry or live together? Choosing between love and solvency is the unpalatable choice faced by many Service [Naval] widows, a position exacerbated by the nomadic lifestyle of the Armed Forces, which has often made it difficult for wives to earn their own occupational or even full state pensions. And the Government has rubbed salt into the wound by publicly trumpeting its support for the Armed Forces Covenant, which exists to redress the disadvantages that our community may face in comparison to other citizens, and then failing to honour its principles. The current position is wrong and unfair. The Forces Pension Society wants to get it changed and to hear from anyone who finds themselves affected by these outdated rules, with a story to tell. We promise only to use your story with your express permission. If this affects you please get in touch with the Forces Pension Society at hugof@forpen.co.uk

27.

Request for Assistance – Transition to Civilian Life

Ian Wagstaff is a level 2 occupational therapy student currently studying at Coventry University.

He is currently generating a research proposal for an empirical research study that he will carry out in 2014.

The aim of the research is to explore the experiences of ex-Armed Forces personnel who have experienced the transition from Armed Forces to civilian life. This study attempts to understand the aspects and themes of a transition that previously has had little research attributed to before. This research will hopefully apply to many recent personnel who have left the Armed Forces, especially after the Governments recent budget cuts. The research will be concentrating on individuals who have left the armed forces within the past 10 years.

If you would like to assist Ian with his study, please contact wagstafi@uni.coventry.ac.uk and he will forward further information.

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28.

Ladies RNA Clothing

The new range of stylish Ladies clothing includes a White Shirt, Polo Shirt, Cardigans, V-neck, Jumpers and Gilet (Body Warmer) carefully selected by the House of Michelle.

White Shirt with RNA Logo £19.00 Short sleeve blouse with collar styling Fabric 45% Polyester 55% Cotton Sizes XS -3XL Colours- White

POLO SHIRTS with RNA logo £19.00 Short sleeve polo with collar styling Fabric 65% Polyester & 35% Cotton Sizes XS – 3XL Colours Navy, Light Blue & White

P O L O S H I R T S CARDIGAN - Navy Blue button with RNA w logo £20.00 i Long sleeve V neck cardigan with a 7t button fastening, made with a soft and comfortable h fine gauge knitted cotton rich yarn Fabric 55% Cotton & 45% Acrylic R Sizes 8 – 24 Colour Navy N A l o g o 22

£ 1

V -NECK JUMPER - Navy Blue with RNA logo £20.00 V-neck long sleeve jumper, made with a soft and comfortable fine gauge knitted cotton rich yarn.

Fabric 55% Cotton & 45% Acrylic Sizes 8 – 24 Colour Navy

GILET (Body Warmer) – with RNA logo £30.00 Softshell garment, highly breathable, Lightweight – easy to wear or carry, Water & Wind repellent.

Outer Fabric 96% Polyester & 4% Elastane Sizes 8 – 20 Colour Navy

Please order directly through Michelle michelle@royalnavalassoc.com or 02392 73823

29.

Transport for London (TfL) for a Veteran’s Oyster Card.

Thanks to Michelle Bainbridge for forwarding this useful article.

Whilst my hubby was reading his GI Newsletter he shouted to me (nothing new there !!) “this might be useful information for your Shipmates”.

For those who are unaware veterans of the armed forces can apply to Transport for London (TfL) for a Veteran’s Oyster Card. The Veterans Oyster photo card allows holders to travel free of charge on TfL bus, Tube, tram, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Over ground and some National Rail services at all times. Veterans Oyster photo card holders can also travel free of charge on other National Rail services in Greater London after 09:30 Monday-Friday and at all times on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. To be eligible you must be the named recipient of an ongoing pension or guaranteed income payment under the United Kingdom's War Pensions Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. You must not be in receipt of an equivalent concession such as a Freedom Pass issued by a London borough. To apply for a Veterans Oyster photo card, you should contact Oyster photo card team on 0343 222 1234. You will need to

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provide your full postal address over the phone and an application form will be sent to you. Full terms and conditions can be found on the website http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14424.aspx

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‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Falmouth Branch Shipmates will no doubt by now be aware, that at a special meeting of the Falmouth Town Council in December last year, Falmouth Branch of the RNA was granted the Honorary Freedom of Falmouth, the first RNA Branch to be afforded this high honour. (Editors Note: Unless you know different) The Freedom Ceremony will take place on Saturday, 15th March 2014, and will immediately follow the annual St Nazaire Parade and Memorial Service. The St Nazaire Society holds a memorial service each year to commemorate Operation Chariot.

In March 1942, HMS Campbeltown and sixteen motor launches departed Falmouth, in what has been described as “the greatest raid of all”. In total, 168 men were killed, and 214 were taken prisoner. During the raid HMS Cambeltown rammed the dock gates at St Nazaire, thus putting out of action the only dock capable of accommodating the Tirpitz.

Following the service on Prince of Wales Pier, the parade will return to The Moor for the presentation of the Freedom Document, after which the Branch will lead the march through the town “with drums beating, Colours flying and bayonets fixed” with the Freedom Scroll on display to all and sundry.

The Timetable for the day is:1020 Parade muster on The Moor 1045 March to Prince of Wales Pier 1055 Memorial Service 1115 Parade returns to The Moor 1130 Freedom Ceremony o/c Led by Falmouth Branch of the RNA, parade will march through the town to the Watersports Centre where the Salute will be taken at the Church of King Charles the Martyr.

Following the parade there will be a reception for invited guests. Falmouth Branch invites you to join us for this unique and prestigious event. Whether or not you are able to take part in the march, your support at the Freedom Ceremony would be greatly appreciated. To assist with planning, it would be useful if you could indicate:Numbers attending (marching): Numbers attending (not marching): Whether your Standard will be paraded For further details please contact Shipmate Ron Burdekin (Hon Sec) on 01326 221851 or falmouth.royalnavalassociation@yahoo.com We look forward to welcoming you on 15th March.

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RNA Market Harborough Branch Harborough Branch are very sad to announce that Shipmate Geoff Smith has crossed the bar on 15th January 2014 aged 88. S/M Geoff was WW2 veteran who survived the sinking of HMS Spartan during the Allied landings at Anzio. Geoff was an eighteen year old electrician on board HMS Spartan when the cruiser was bombed during Operation Shingle, an amphibious bid to outflank German defences. He was among the last surviving sailors from the five hundred brought out alive. Geoff was drafted to HMS Aurora after Anzio where his senior officer was the late British actor Kenneth More.

S/M Geoff went on to receive a Mention in Dispatches for capturing sixteen German prisoners during an operation on the Greek island of Levita. Geoff’s ardent wish was to pay a last visit the Italian fishing port where forty-six of his shipmates were killed on January 29th 1944. For the past sixteen years, Geoff had visited Anzio to remember his fallen Shipmates. The Mayor of Anzio said ‘Geoffrey Market has been a hero of the last century and will be remembered by the city’. Geoff leaves Betty his wife of 68 years, a daughter and a son, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and Shipmates in Market Harborough and Wigston Royal Naval Associations.

7 Area Shipmates are advised that S/M Gordon Williams NCM 7Area has relocated to Cardiff from Newport and can be contacted on the following number 07454 800804

RNA Perth Branch It is with great sadness that RNA Perth Branch announces that Shipmate Allister Stirton (Senior) crossed the bar on 23 December 2013. S/M Allister was a former Chairman and President of the Branch and will be sadly missed by all members and in the Scottish area.

RNA Mansfield Branch Mansfield Branch held its annual awards to recognise member’s exemplary and outstanding service. The Joint ‘Mansfield Matelot’ and ‘Bosun’s Call’ Trophy was awarded this year to Shipmate Tony Kemp.

The photo shows Chairman S/M Brian Dykes presenting the award to Tony.

(Editors Note; The shitehawk that arrived just prior to the photo being taken was later destroyed!!)

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RNA Horley Branch Shipmate Alf Lonsdale visited Singapore in November and paid his respects to the Ships companies of HMS Repulse and Prince of Wales. He then by chance ‘found’ his way onto HMS Daring who was alongside. There was also time for him to join the Ambassador, Chief of the Defence Staff and First Sea Lord for ‘fish and chips at the British Embassy. Not bad for an ex AB Gunner....

Alf is first veteran on the left and saluting the POW and Repulse Memorial in Sembawang Naval Base.

RNA Trafford Branch It is with deep regret that Trafford Branch of the Royal Naval Association report that Shipmate John Hague BEM has ‘Crossed the Bar’ at the age of 93. John had suffered ill health for a number of years, and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his devoted family.

The officers and members of the Trafford Branch extend their deepest sympathy to Carol, Chris and the Hague family in their sad loss.

John ‘signed up’ as a member of Trafford Branch on the commissioning night of the Branch on the 23rd of April 1986, and until ill health made it difficult for him to attend, he rarely missed a meeting.

Although John was a reserved person, he was always available and willing to lend a hand with fund raising especially for the purchase and dedication of the Branch Standard.

John kept in touch with the Branch gossip and was visited by the Welfare Officer regularly. He especially looked forward to receiving his copy of the Area 10 magazine ‘Vanguard’.

On Remembrance Day 2012, John was missing from his usual place at the local War Memorial, wrapped up warmly and proudly wearing his medals, this was one of the first times John had been unable to attend this special service.

John served in the Royal Navy from 1938 because John was interred in a neutral country; he was unable to continue in the Royal Navy and was discharged from the service in February 1942.

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S/M Hague’s War story can be found above in the main body of this Semaphore Circular. He will be missed by his family and all at Trafford Branch.

RNA Alresford Branch It is with great sadness that that Alresford Branch wish to inform Shipmates that Lady Janne Reffell, wife of Hon President, Admiral Sir Derek Reffell, has crossed the bar. She can be seen in the photograph below, seated at the centre of the top table during the recent Remembrance Lunch hosting WW2 veterans. Unfortunately this was to be the last time that the branch saw her and she was - as ever - gracious, warm, friendly and fully involved in the event. The branch will miss her greatly.

RNA Gloucester Branch Gloucester branch sadly report that S/M CPO(GI) Frederick (Fred) Gordon Goode BEM crossed the bar on 20th January 2014 aged 92.

S/M Fred joined the Navy on the 6th December 1938 aged 17 and left on 5th December 1961 having served in HM Ships Wildfire, Revenge, Express, Victory, Excellent, Diadem, St.George, Valkyrie, & King George V. He joined the RNA and served as Secretary, Chairman & lately Vice President of Gloucester RNA. He also served for 38 years as Gloucester Branch Secretary of the Burma Star Association and 13 years as Western Area Secretary of the Burma Star Association. Shipmate Fred was also a member of the Algerines Association and the GI Association. He was awarded the BEM in the New Years Honours for services to the Burma Star Association.

RNA Driffield Branch Please note that all RNA Meetings and Bingo! (Tombola) will from now on take place in the Bell Hotel, Market Place, Driffield. Same times same days as before.

RNA Wigston Branch Shipmates should be aware that with effect from 02 February 2014 the venue for Wigston Branch will be The South Wigston Conservative Club, Leicester Road, South Wigston Leicester. All mail should be sent to S/M Ivan Batt (Hon Sec) 12 Narrow Lane Aylestone Leicester LE2 8NA.

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RNA Brixham Branch Brixham Branch have been delighted to assist Torbay Sea Cadets in purchasing some new instruments for their excellent Band. The photo opposite shows the CO, Lt Steve Skingle, and the Cadets with their new drums being presented with a cheque for ÂŁ980 by Brixham Chairman Shipmate Joe Fleming. The presentation took place during a pre-inspection night on the 10th Feb. Also shown in the photograph are S/M Paul Fitzgerald (Treasurer) and the South West Deputy Area Officer S/M Jack Hind.

RNA Hull Branch On the 27th and 28th December 2013 the Hull Branch of the Royal Naval Association celebrated its 60th Diamond Anniversary with two days of events. On Saturday 27th December a formal dinner was held in the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Hull, attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshsire and Kingston upon Hull Mr Trevor Larsen DL and his wife, the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber Councillor Nadine Fudge, and the Lady Mayoress, Councillor David Gemmill Chairman of the Hull Sea Cadets and his wife, our National Chairman S/M Chris Dovey OBE and his wife, and our Area Secretary S/M John Rooney.

Also in the photo is our President S/M Ken Harman, our Honorary Treasurer Mrs Pearl Harman, our Honorary Secretary S/M Rev Duncan Harris, Event Organiser S/M Robert Reeves, our Vice Chairman S/M George Barker, Welfare Officer Mrs Sylvia Webb and two cadets from TS Iron Duke. During the evening the National President presented the 60th Diamond Jubilee Certificate to our Vice Chairman. A further presentation was made by our Vice Chairman to our retiring Standard Bearer for many years, S/M Jock Ogston BEM. An interesting speech was made by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant regarding his and his family's connection with the sea and a brief historical view of Hull's Maritime activities. Following the dinner an evening of entertainment was enjoyed by all.

On Sunday 28th December a Combined service of Christmas and Naval hymns took place in the 700 year old Holy Trinity Church, conducted by Canon Rev Neal Barnes and our own Chaplain Rev Duncan Harris. The Church was full, and our congregation which included all those previously mentioned, was joined by Mr Alan Johnson MP and his partner, and our No11 Area President, Commodore Paul Sutermeister, and many other members of No11 area branches. There was a parade of Standards including the No11 Area Standard and many Standards from the region. The Hull Branch Standard was re dedicated in a very moving ceremony. Following the service, a buffet was enjoyed by some, after which the event moved to the Minerva Public House and the Minerva Pier where the Hull Branch Naval Service Memorial stands. Many tots of 29

rum flowed and an afternoon of great enjoyment was pursued by all who stayed. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant was kind enough to give our National Chairman and his wife a guided tour of Hull's historical places, which was much appreciated. It appears from messages received from far and wide that the weekend was a great success and very much enjoyed by everyone who attended, and I would like to thank all those who assisted me in organising this event, and especially all those who attended from afar, remembering that this was a family and holiday time of the year.

(Editors Note; Who needs to be City of Culture when you can be in Hull RNA!!)

RNA Dublin Branch Dublin Branch members were present at the residence of HE British Ambassador in Dublin recently for the presentation of Arctic Star and Bomber Command medals. The photo opposite shows John Courlander who served as a Swordfish Pilot at the presentation of his Arctic Star being flanked by Shipmates OKeefe and Smith. The other Arctic Star and Bomber Command recipients were; o George Edward (Ted Jones) Arctic Star o Gerard Rowe (Posthumous) to his widow Olive Rowe Arctic Star. o Kempton Cooper Bomber Command Joseph Cornelius Fahy (Posthumous) to his daughter Pam Roche Bomber Command The event was organised by the Dublin Branch Royal Airforce Association and as we can see was attended ‘mob handed’ in the photo below by Dublin RNA shipmates. .

Dublin Branch ‘Mob’ attendees Seated; S/M's Ball, OKeefe, Smith, Stephenson (Chairman) Standing; Croxon, Williams, Hogan, Doyle, Mahony (Sec)

RNA Hull Branch Shipmates are advised that the branch now meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at The St Vincent Social Club, Queens Road, Hull, HU5 2QP Tel No 01482 348276, meetings start at 1300.

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RNA Waterlooville Branch RNA Waterlooville will be holding their Trafalgar Day Parade on Sunday the 19th October 2014. The Branch will muster at Forrest end opposite the Shell Garage on the A3 London Rd Waterlooville at 1120. The parade will march off at 1145 & proceed to St George’s Church where a short service & wreath laying will take place outside. On completion a 30 min service in the Church will be conducted. After the service the Parade will reform by the Super Stores & march to the RNA club in Aston Rd, for refreshments & a traditional tot for the Standards.

The branch would like to invite Shipmates and Standard Bearers from other branches to attend and would be delighted to see them. Shipmate Tony Crisp(Parade Organiser) would be grateful if any S/Ms and Standard Bearers wishing to attend would contact him to advise their attendance so he can arrange refreshments and catering at tony.crisp@tsactivemtc.org.uk.

RNA Beccles Branch Beccles Branch honoured their Standard Bearer Shipmate Frank Sparham recently after 30 years service as Branch Standard Bearer. To commemorate this magnificent achievement S/M Frank was presented with his very own Standard Bearer by Branch Chairman S/M Ted Thompson. S/m Ted thanked Frank for his 30 years service and said a public very well done. In reply S/M Frank said “ In June 1984,the RNA Beccles Branch Standard was dedicated in St Michaels Church, Beccles.

The Standard, at this ceremony was carried by my colleague, Shipmate Esmond Thrower. However, since that date, I have had the honour and privilege of carrying ‘our’ Standard to many different places up and down the country. To date I have recorded approximately 320 events which I have covered over the years, a record of which I am very proud.”

A very warm BZ from the General Secretary and all the HQ staff. Frank can claim a tot at the HQ!

RNA Londonderry Branch The Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations 2014 will be held over the weekend of 3 rd & 4th May 2014, in Londonderry N.I. Any Shipmate wishing to attend the commemorations and Saturday night dinner in the City Hotel would be most welcome. Please forward a cheque for £30.00 to me at the address below. Numbers for the dinner are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The outline Programme is as follows:-

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Saturday 3rd May. PM:- HMS Laurentic Commemorations Co. Donegal.

1900 for 1930 Dinner in the City Hotel, Londonderry.

Sunday 4th May. 1000. Muster at the Services Club, Spencer Road.

1030. March off to All Saint’s Church, Clooney for Service of Remembrance.

1200.(Approx) Fall in for March Past enroute to the Services Club where light refreshments will be served.

For further details please contact Frank Brown (Londonderry RNA Hon. Secretary) on 02871 291795. Cheques should be forwarded to 44, Myrtlefield Road, Kilfennan, Londonderry, BT47 5PG

RNA Huntingdon Branch It is with great sadness that the Huntingdon & District Branch has to announce that S/M Spike Milligan, our Vice Chairman, crossed the bar on Saturday 15th February 2014.

Spike joined the Royal Navy in 1943, his service saw him taking part in the rescue of HMS Amethyst, in April 1949 (the Yangtze Incident), whilst onboard HMS London.

Spike’s other ship and shore bases included HMS Caledonia, HMS Nelson, HMS Vernon, HMS Indomitable, HMS Theseus, HMS Newfoundland, HMS Terror, and HMS Gamecock, before leaving the service in 1957.

Spike was a great character, he would ensure that everyone was enjoying themselves during our annual dinners and BBQs, he was always full of life and even though he hadn't been well for a while, he kept us laughing with his stories of 'tripping over his flip flop' amongst other things.

Spike will be sorely missed, our condolences go to his family and friends. Rest in peace shipmate.

RNA Ferndown Branch Shipmate Joan Davison Hon Secretary can be contacted at Flat 8, Byron Court, Library Road Ferndown BH22 9JX.

2 AREA Area 2 held this year’s AGM at the Grand Burstin Hotel, scene of next year’s Conference and Reunion in Folkestone from Friday 14th – Monday 17th February. Area 2 was joined by shipmates from Area 10, who always enjoy a jolly!! On Friday shipmates were entertained by Shep Woolley, Saturday forenoon an area chairman’s meeting took place followed by the afternoon AGM which this year passed without too much ado.

Saturday night’s gala dinner was very well attended with the food and service rated ‘excellent’ and a fair sum raised by the grand raffle.

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On Sunday morning a drumhead service was held in the ballroom, photo above, conducted by the Ashford Branch ‘Bish’ the Reverend Cannon Colin Preece, National Area and Branch Standards took part along with Sea Cadets from Folkestone, T/S Invicta, to whom the retiring collection was donated. Overall a splendid weekend was had by all giving the area an insight and steer as to what is need for next year’s Conference. (Thank you to Mick Cox Area 2 PRO for this is article)

RNA St Neots and District For over 40 years St Neots and District branch, Royal Naval Association has attended community events between May and November. Every year the branch promotes the association and local good causes chosen by its members. Despite the recession our local community kindly donated £999. At our December meeting in the RAFA club the donations were distributed equally between three chosen good causes for 2013. Presentations were made to; St Neots Sentinels – represented by Mrs A. Steel and Mrs M. Palmer who are sponsored by Mrs Terry Brown from the RNA. Formed 32 years ago the Sentinels have performed every year at local events. Children, girls and boys, of all ages from 4 years old enjoy the fun and recognition this brings for them locally.

St Neots Armed Forces Day Committee – represented by Karen Pollecutt, PA to the Town Mayor is sponsored by Tom Mumford RNA Branch President. St Neots held its first Armed Forces day in 2012. Next year, 2014 will provide a day of recognition in the town for our servicemen and women.

Regatta meadows will be the focus of a myriad of interactive events on 5 th July.

East Anglian Air Ambulance – represented by Peter Plant (Accredited volunteer for St Neots) is sponsored by John Gibbs from the RNA. Peter brought us up to date about the work of the East Anglia service. During 2013 more than 1350 sorties were flown, on average 12 per day. There are two helicopters, one based in Cambridge and the other in Norwich. Running costs are £2,250 per sortie.

This year we are first to introduce night flying. Training is right up to date with learning provided by the likes of Professor Tim Hodges a Colonel in the army reservists. Did you know every year the Air Ambulance Service needs to raise voluntary donations of £7.6 million to keep the service viable?

(Thanks to Karl Webb for this article )

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Shortcast (Run in date order) 2014 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 Glory Reunion – 28 March 2014 The HMS Glory reunion will take place at the Savoy Hotel, Bournemouth from 28th to 31st March.

All old Glory shipmates are welcome. Details from Tom Stallard at margaretstallard@yahoo.co.uk 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 and 70th Anniversary of HMS Cavalier will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Chatham, from 4th April till 7th April 2014. All members welcome. For further details please contact :- Terry Willis Hon Sec. at terry.willis@hotmail.co.uk. or visit website http://www.hmscavalier.org.uk HMS Hermes Association – 10-14th April 2014 The next reunion of the Hermes Association will be held at the Imperial Hotel Blackpool. For further details please contact the Secretary Tony Pincher Martin on 02393 781722 or on the website www.hmshermes.org.uk HMS Loch Fada (F390) Association – 11-14 April 2014 The 17th annual reunion will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St. Helens Parade, Southsea, PO4 0NR from April 11th to 14th . To include AGM @ 1000 Sat 12th and Reunion Dinner @ 1900 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of K/F390 commissioning. The Mayor and Mayoress of Eastleigh Borough Council will be in attendance as our special guests representing the Borough who adopted the K/F390 Loch Fada as their replacement ‘Warship Week’ Ship after our predecessor was torpedoed & lost in 1944.

For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 email enquiries@iowtours.com & mention F390 or Frenchy Sec F390 on 01252 310767 email f390.sec11@virginmedia.com

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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.

HMS Aisne Reunion - 25 April 2014 HMS Aisne, last commission 1965-68: The 4th reunion will take place at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth from 25th to 26th April. All ranks, rates and partners welcome. Anyone interested please contact Nigel Jest at nigeljest@hotmail.co.uk HMS London 1947-49 Reunion – 25-27 April 2014 Reunion will take place at Lea Marston Hotel, Lea Marston, Warwickshire from 25th to 27th April.

The hotel is a two minute drive from junction 9 of the M42 or attendees can be collected from Birmingham mainline rail stations, Birmingham International Airport or Digbeth Coach Station.

Contact Mike Overton at michael.overton1@virgin.net or tel: 07702 387171 if you wish to attend.

There will also be a joint service of thanksgiving and Remembrance on April 27 at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 65th Anniversary of the Yangtze incident Yangtze Four Ship Association – 27 April 2014 April the 20th this year marks the 65th Anniversary of the start of the Yangtze Incident involving HM Ships Amethyst, Black Swan, Consort and London. The Incident cost the lives of 46 men of the Royal Navy before Amethyst made her daring escape 100 days later. A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 27th April involving surviving members of the four Ships Company’s, their families and friends and led by the Rev John Oliver O.B.E., R.N. who served in both HMS London and Black Swan.

As Chapel seating is limited please contact Mike Overton by telephoning 07702-387171 or email michael.overton1@virgin.net if you wish to attend. The HMS London 1947-49 Association will also be holding their annual Reunion over this weekend close to the Arboretum. Again anyone interested please contact Mike for further details.

RN Chefs, Cooks and Caterers - 2 May 2014 All RN Chefs, Cooks and Caterers are welcomed to the 3rd reunion which will take place from May 2 to 4 at the Nautical Club, Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham, B15 1ET. For more information contact: Colin Joy at colinbjoy@hotmail.com Algerine Association Reunion – 05 May 2014 The AGM will take place from 5th to 9th May at the Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island. Open to all who have served on Algerine Class Fleet Minesweepers and to any other RN Association members wishing to join us for an enjoyable weekend. For more details contact George Patience MBE on 01456 450659 or Mrs Anne Knight on 01463 223610 or Jim Squires on 01707 322919.

HMS Dunkirk Association The HMS Dunkirk Association 2014 reunion will be held in the Union Jack Club London on the 9th and 10th May 2014. For further information Contact Chairman J.Carroll (01692 678721) jcarroll@jandecarroll.plus.com

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Federation of Naval Associations - 09 May 2014 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.

Combined Field Gun reunion – 16th -19th May 2014 A re-union of the Combined Field Gun, (all divisions) will take place at the Parisienne Hotel Blackpool -244 North Promenade, Blackpool FY1 IRZ Telephone Number 01253 752424 over teh weekend of Friday the 16th May- Monday 19th May 2014. The cost will be £99 including breakfast and Evening Meal. For further information please contact Jim Finch Tel Number 01772434140.

Email Finchjmld@aol.com.

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 Hood Association – 18 May 2014 The AGM and Reunion AGM will take place at 1630 and 39th Reunion dinner 1900 at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth on 31st May followed by a Church Service at St Ann’s Church, HM Dockyard the following morning commencing at 1000. Finally a Service of Commemoration will be held on the 18th May at St John the Baptist Church, Boldre near Lymington commencing at 1100.

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 HMS Coventry D118 Association - 24 May 2014 Reunion will take place on May 24/25 at the GIs Association, Whale Island, meeting up from 1630.

Muster for church service at 1015 at the Still & West Public House, Old Portsmouth on Sunday.

Full details can be found on the website at http://www.hmscoventry.co.uk/reunion.php LGBT Armed Forces Veterans – 7June 2014 LGBT Armed Forces Veterans serving since the 1940s: If you have served in the Armed Forces since the 1940s, and identify as LGB or T, we would like to invite you to a Ball being held at the UJC (Union Jack Club) on June 7. The Ball is open to Veteran and Serving personnel from all three thervices who identify as LGB or T. Please contact Cpl Alastair Smith (Army LGBT Forum Events Assistant) smith.alastair@me.com

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HMS Liverpool Association – 14 June 2014 The thirtieth reunion takes place on June 14th at the GIs Association, Whale Island, mustering at 1200. Our association is made up of those who served on the Cruiser and the Type 42 Destroyer and new members are always welcome. For more information and membership details contact John Parker at info@hmsliverpoolassociation.org.uk HMS Diana Association – 04 July 2014 The reunion will be held from July 4 to 6 at HMS Nelson, Queen Street, Portsmouth. Reduced cost accommodation has been established at the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street. Any queries please contact the Secretary, John Fisher at johnjackie.fisher1@virginmedia.com SETT 60th Anniversary - 26 July 2014 All serving & ex serving SETT instructors / Officers / Doctors / Admin & Maintenance staff are invited to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of SETT at the Submarine Museum, Gosport on 26th July 2014.

The evening will be held over light refreshments with the opportunity to visit both the SETT and Submarine museum. Numbers are limited to 150 and guests must pre-book by 1st June 2014.

Please spread the word to any ex SETT staff you are in contact with. All enquiries and bookings should be made via Flo Ross on 07766484965 or by email: NAVYOPTRGFOSTNSMERASSPAG@mod.uk Further information available at www.subescapetraining.org RN Party 6789 (HMS Saker) 25-29th July 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.

HMS Gambia Association 12 September 2014 The AGM and reunion of HMS Gambia Association will be held at the Falstaff Hotel, Leamington Spa from September 12 to 15. It will include the Dedication of a Memorial Bench in the National Arboretum on the 14th. Contact IOW Tours on 01983 40516 or John Andrews, Social Secretary at babsjo2@hotmail.co.uk HMS Jamaica Association 19 – 21 September 2014 HMS Jamaica Association AGM and reunion will be held at the Britannia Hotel Coventry between 19-21 September. Further details are available from Mac Wilkinson 01843 582283 or at mgwilkinson33@talktalk.net Castle Class Corvette/Frigate Association – 26 September 2014 “Silver” and final Reunion September 26 to 29 at Torquay. Details and booking form from the Secretary Mike Biffen at biffen81@hotmail.co.uk HMS Tartar Association 3rd- 6th October 2014 The HMS Tartar Association reunion will be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hants, on 3rd - 6th October 2014. Further information can be obtained from the HMS Tartar 37

Association website (www.hmstartar.co.uk) or by contacting the Social Secretary at: linpowe@btopenworld.com HMS Lowestoft Association Reunion - 17-19th October 2014 The 4th annual reunion of the HMS Lowestoft Association will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St Helens Parade, Southsea PO4 0NR from October 17 to 19th 2014. All ex-Lowie's 19611985 and guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries@iowtours.com or email: ian@hmslowestoft.co.uk or visit http://www.hmslowestoft.co.uk The HMS Glorious, Ardent, and Acasta Association – 2014 Diary Dates 23 March - The Service of Remembrance in The National Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa, Malta GC Contact David Emery MBE 01782 397746 e-mail dg.david@hotmail.co.uk 04 May - Service of Remembrance 1100 hours at the Church Situated in The Village of Martindale Cumbria Contact David Woodcock 01229464414 e-mail dwoodcock123@btinternet.com 06 June - Service of Remembrance at The National Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire Contact David Emery MBE 01782 397746 e-mail dg.david@hotmail.co.uk 06 June - Social Evening, Holiday Inn, The Hoe, Plymouth 1930 Hours 07 June - Meeting on The Hoe, beside The Memorial for a Short Service of Remembrance 07 June - Social Evening, Holiday Inn, The Hoe Plymouth 1930 Hours 08 June - Our Main Service of Remembrance at 1030 hours St.Nicholas Church, HMS Drake, Davenport, Plymouth. Followed by a Buffet in the Warrant Officers and S/Rates Mess, HMS Drake.

9 November - The Remembrance Day Parade in London. Contact Greg.Monteith 01243 532916 e-mail gregmonteith@wsht.nhs.uk HMS Ajax Association The HMS AJAX and River Plate Veterans Association have been working hard on arrangements to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle in 2014. The committee are aware that there may be members of the RNA including associate members who may have served in either the cruiser (scrapped in 1949) or the frigate (scrapped sometime it is believed in 1982). Events planned for 2014 are as follows:12th April Dedication of a Memorial at the NMA at Stafford, followed by a lunch. Timings tbc.

14/15/16 June Events in the town of Ajax, Toronto to mark the event 13th December 2014 Lunch in Portsmouth to mark the actual 75th anniversary of the Battle.

There is an open invitation to those who served in HMS Exeter and Achilles and their families.

If there is anyone who wishes to find out further details they can contact Malcolm Collis on malcolm.collis@gmail.com and there is also the website http://www.hmsajax.org/ where additional information can be found.

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Royal Naval Hospital Haslar Reunion – 01/03 May 2015 There will be a reunion weekend from Friday 01 May until Sunday 03 May 2015 in the Thorngate Halls, Gosport for all personnel who served at RNH Haslar. For further details please e-mail haslarreunion@virginmedia.com

RNA Longcast 2014 01 Mar 08 Mar 15 Mar 05 Apr 25 Apr 11 Apr 16 May 17 May 13 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13/14 Jun 15 Jun 27 Jun 20 Jul 16 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 19 Sep 27 Sep 10 Oct 11 Oct 17 Oct 15 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 2015 01 May

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Area 11 AGM & Area Meeting – The Clarence Working Men’s Club (Hosts York Branch ) National Council Meeting - HQ Falmouth RNA - St Nazaire Memorial Parade, Falmouth National Standard Parading – HMS Cavalier 70th Anniversary No.10 Area Spring Conference / Reunion The Savoy Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9SJ HQ Open Day HQ Open Day National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood AMC – Royal Court Hotel Coventry FAC - Royal Court Hotel Coventry NC - Royal Court Hotel Coventry SOC - Royal Court Hotel Coventry Conference – Royal Court Hotel Coventry Naval Service Memorial Dedication – National Arboretum Memorial - Staffs HQ Open Day Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Sea Sunday AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ HQ Open Day Royal Naval Division – 100th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner- Leeds HQ Open Day Christchurch RNA – Trafalgar Dinner Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Branch Trafalgar Dinner.

AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversary

Swinging the Lamp – March 2014

Date 1st

Year 1956

2nd

1926

3rd 4th

1971 1941

5th

1946

6th

1993

7th

1810

8th

1940

9th

1686

10th

2004

11th

1927

40

Entry Submarine HMS Thorough, Lt-Cdr R.C.H. Mason RN, bombarded a terrorist position in the Malayan jungle, with her 4-in gun.

First naval engineer officer to be ADC to the King; Engineer Capt E.P. St J. Benn, commanding the RN Engineering College, Keyham. ‘His decorations include one presented by the Emperor of China in recognition of service as an instructor at the Chinese Imperial Naval College at Nanking in 1911’ – The Times.

Britain’s first nuclear submarine, Dreadnought, reached North Pole.

Successful Anglo-Norwegian raid on the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Operation Claymore. Ships: Bedouin, Eskimo, Legion, Prinses Beatrix, Queen Emma, Somali (D 6), Sunfish, Tartar. Close support: Edinburgh, Nigeria.

The start of the Cold War. Winston Churchill, speaking at Fulton, Missouri, said: ‘From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.’

Retirement of CPO W. Price, last of the ‘promised men’ who joined the RN in 1948 and in 1970 were guaranteed employment until age 65. He served for twenty-two years at the RN Detention Quarters, Portsmouth.

Vice-Admiral Cuthbert, Lord Collingwood, died on board his flagship, the Ville de Paris (110), one day out from Port Mahon, Minorca, having finally received permission to come home on sick leave; ‘then I may yet meet the French once more’. He had assumed command of the Mediterranean Fleet after Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson was killed in action at Trafalgar.

HMS Dunedin, light cruiser, and destroyer HMCS Assiniboine, took the German MV Hannover in the Mona Passage, between San Domingo and Puerto Rico, West Indies. Prize rebuilt at Bootle then Blyth as the first escort carrier and commissioned as Empire Audacity 20 June 1941; renamed Audacity 31 July 1941.

Pepys signed contract for purchase of rum in lieu of brandy for HM ships at Jamaica. (Oh Happy Days....)

The last RN court martial at which swords were worn. A sailor from Albion pleaded guilty at Portsmouth to two counts of being AWOL and one of behaving with contempt to a superior officer. Dismissed Her Majesty’s Service, deprived of one GCB and to suffer consequential penalties.

AFO 626/27 recognised ‘Heart of Oak’ and ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’ as the marches of the RN and RM, ‘Nancy Lee’ for the advance in review order and ‘Iolanthe’ as a Flag Officer’s salute.

‘Heart of Oak’ first performed in David Garrick’s pantomime Harlequin’s Invasion in 1759, the ‘Glorious Year’ of the march.

12th

2009

13th 14th 15th

1762 1943 1957

16th

1917

17th

1941

18th

2002

19th

1974

20th

1944

21st

1862

22nd

1911

23rd

1922

24th

2011

25th

1941

41

The first woman in RN to win the MC. Able Seaman Kate Louise Nesbitt (21), a medical assistant attached to 3 Cdo Brigade, for ‘exemplary gallantry’ during a Taliban ambush in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Kate, all 5ft tall, ran under enemy fire and saved the life of L/Cpl John List of 1 RIFLES who had been hit in the neck. Her MC was awarded by HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on 27 November 2009. Operation Herrick.

RNH Stonehouse, Plymouth, opened.

Corvette Hadleigh Castle fitted with first Squid A/S weapon.

RN Barracks and RNAS Lee-on-Solent amalgamated as a single establishment under a Captain RN, to be known as HMS Daedalus.

The post of Commodore RNB Lee-on-Solent lapsed.

Trawler Cambria achieved first operational cutting of a mine’s mooring cable with the paravane.

The first sinking of a U-boat due to radar. The old destroyer HMS Vanoc, Cdr J.G.W. Deneys RN, fitted with Type 286M radar and part of the 5th Escort Group escorting homeward-bound convoy HX.112 S. of Iceland, detected at night the surfacing U-100, which she rammed and sank; (61.04N, 11.30W). While she was hove-to rescuing survivors, the Group Leader, Cdr Donald Macintyre RN, in the destroyer Walker, depth charged an Asdic contact astern of Vanoc and brought U-99 to the surface; scuttled (61.00N, 11.30W). The respective submarine captains, Joachim Schepke and Otto Kretschmer were leading U-boat commanders; another, Prien, had been lost in U-47 ten days earlier.

Submarine HMS Trafalgar entered Devonport following operational firing of TLAMs against al-Qaeda positions in Afghanistan.

Ordinary Seaman Walter Talbot (73), who deserted the light cruiser HMS Calcutta at Montreal in 1920, walked up the brow of the frigate HMS Jupiter visiting San Diego and surrendered himself to the Officer of the Day. A swift signal to CINCFLEET from Cdr John Gunning secured Talbot’s even swifter discharge.

Submarine HMS Stonehenge, Lt D.S.McN.Verschoyle-Campbell DSO, DSC and bar, RN, operating from Trincomalee, reported lost to unknown cause with all hands on patrol off N. coast of Sumatra; the first of three RN submarines lost in the war against Japan. Her CO was the youngest officer to command a submarine (HMS Sealion) in 1943.

The Royal Marines divided into two separate corps, Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) and Royal Marines Light Infantry (RMLI), until 1923: the Blue and the Red Marines.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary established by Order in Council, but RFA celebrated its centenary on 3 August 2005.

Submarine H42, Lt D.C. Sealy RN, sunk with all twenty-six hands in collision with the destroyer Versatile, Cdr V.L.A Campbell RN, during 3rd Submarine Flotilla tactical exercises with the Atlantic Fleet off Europa Point, Gibraltar. The submarine surfaced 40yds ahead of the destroyer which was steaming at 20 knots. (Ed Note; Ooops) Carrier HMS Invincible towed from Portsmouth Dockyard to shipbreakers at Izmir, Turkey. ( Very sad day) First sea trials of Type 271 10-cm radar began on board the corvette HMS Orchis in the Clyde; rough weather trials on passage from Lough

26th

1955

27th

1943

28th

1967

29th

2001

30th

1811

31st

1995

42

Foyle to the Clyde on 1 April. The first equipment able to detect a periscope.

A 2cwt solid-silver ship’s bell, bought from the ship’s fund of the carrier HMS Ark Royal (III), sunk in November 1941, handed over to the Captain of the new HMS Ark Royal (IV) at Portsmouth by Mr W.F.H. Vatcher who was a chief cook in the carrier lost in the Mediterranean. The bell went to HMS Ark Royal (V). The Canteen Committee of the third HMS Ark Royal decided specifically to commission a new bell for the next ship of the name. It was cast during the war and held in the custody of the RN Barracks, Lee-onSolent. AFO 376/55.

Escort carrier HMS Dasher destroyed by a massive aviation fuel explosion and fire at anchor 5 miles off Little Cumbrae Island in the Firth of Clyde (55.40N, 04.57W). The ship sank in eight minutes with the loss of 379 men; the Captain and 148 men survived. The Admiralty concluded that the explosion was caused by inadequate protection of AVGAS tanks in the American-built mercantile hull. Later Lend-Lease ships were modified. After the loss of life in the battleship HMS Royal Oak in October 1939, this was the second biggest naval catastrophe at anchor in home waters in the Second World War. Fleet Air Arm Buccaneer aircraft from 736 NAS and 800 NAS operating from RNAS Brawdy bombed and set on fire the stranded 61,000-ton tanker Torrey Canyon aground for ten days on the Seven Stones reef between Land’s End and the Scillies (Channel Pilot: 50.02N, 06.07W). Destroyers HMS Barrosa and HMS Delight patrolled a 7-mile exclusion zone. Seven Stones lightship towed into Mounts Bay. Capt Philip Michael Kelly RM qualified as a Sea Harrier pilot, the first RM fixed-wing pilot to qualify for forty years.

Arrow engaged the battery at St Nicholas, to the northward of Ile de Re, and captured the French chassemarees Frederick and Paix Desirée.

HMS Malabar, HM Naval Base on Ireland Island, Bermuda, paid off for the second time.

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Delegate/Observers for the Annual Conference 2014 Coventry Those representing a Branch as a Conference Delegate will receive their pack and name badge at Conference.

Delegates are reminded of the need to sit in the delegates area and not with their Branch observers.

Branch

Area

Name of Delegate Delegate’s Address

Telephone No

Post Code

e-mail Number of Observers Names of Observers

*

Name of Branch Hon Secretary Contact telephone No: (if not branch Hon Sec) Contact e-mail address Name and Address for correspondence (if not branch Hon Sec)

*Please continue on a separate sheet with all your branch observers.

This will be the Branch secretary unless otherwise indicated.

NB: A Delegate will not be confirmed as such unless or until the Branch Balance Sheet for 2013 and Annual Subscriptions for Branch Members for 2014 have been received in RNA Headquarters (Rule 12 C). Should either not have been received in HQ, the Delegate's Status will be deemed to be that of an Observer.

44