Semaphore Circular #638 (April 2014)

The Semaphore Circular No 638

The Beating Heart of the RNA

April 2014

Shipmates Soapy Watson & Bob Jones ‘assisting’ Mr George Freeguard (Pussers Rum Ltd ) with tasting their new 40% proof Rum....!!

RNA members are reminded that hard-copies of the Circular are distributed to each branch via their Secretary, but “silver-surfers” can download their own copy from the RNA website at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk .(See below)

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Dear Shipmates (Secretaries and our on-line readers) Welcome to the April edition of the Semaphore Circular and a bumper posting to our Branches this month. This is probably the most important posting of the year, with the annual trustee report, annual accounts and Conference Agenda (as well as the brilliant Circular!!!). It is really important that Branches consider the annual report and accounts and raises any questions or issues of concern, which can be, in turn, raised by your branch delegate to Conference. We have tried hard to make the Trustee report easy to read with lots of photos and graphs to make the numbers more digestible. If you do have a question you can also raise with me at any time before or after Conference - I am delighted to address any question you may have.

You will see from the Conference Agenda that there are only 2 motions before Conference, both from the NC relating to the new draft Charter and Rules. The main document was sent in December seeking comment, with only one received. The supporting documents are on the website, or can be sent by e-mail or snail mail if you wish - but are variously parts of the 7 December document.

I am delighted to report that the First Sea Lord, Admiral George Zambellas will be with us for Conference, the Gala Dinner and the dedication of the Naval Service Memorial, and that he will be accompanied by Lady Amanda Zambellas – a real mark of the regard that the RNA is held, to have 1SL for a whole weekend.

The work on the Naval Service Memorial is going apace and I hope you enjoy the update. We have been busy sending out invitations to nearly 200 RNA and other VIPs. The key times for the RNA are: • • • • • • • • •

0900

1030 1115 1120 1130 1140 1200 1345 1800

Coach routine starts at hotels to National Memorial Arboretum (No charge) Standard bearers practice at the Naval Service Memorial.

Lord Lieutenant, 1SL, 2SL, Min(AF), Lord Mayor arrive Absolute last time for marchers to muster at the Armed Forces memorial.

HRH arrives Parade steps off, led by Royal Marine Band and Naval Guard.

Service starts Coach routine starts for return to hotels (no charge) Evening do at Royal Court kicks off

The National Council have commissioned a special pennant that may be worn in perpetuity by RNA Area and Branch standards parading on the day and will be presented at the Memorial. The pennant is in the colours of the glass sails of the Naval Service Memorial and is a celebration of our 60 years of the grant of our Royal Charter as well as a mark of respect to all shipmates commemorated by the memorial. Please give a shout if you need more tickets for the Rum Raffle, they are going fast.

Now for some important business issues:

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I am delighted to report that the individual branch insurance with Ansvar insurance is now up and running, with details later in the Circ. The premium is now been reduced to just under £100. The policy may be taken out by Areas wishing to insure Area events and fundraising, but the policy cannot be extended to branch events by the Area (for obvious reasons).

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I have received 2 nominations for DNCM 3 Area, so will shortly be in contact with branches in 3 Area to run an election for the position.

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We still do not have a nomination for DNCM 5 Area – will all branches in 5 Area please try hard to come up with a DNCM nomination, ring me if you can help out.

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The National Standard Bearers completion is being run in HMS COLLINGWOOD on 17 May, detailed programme is in this Circ. Come along and cheer your Area Standard Bearer on.

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A 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

I hope you are enjoying the better weather, you will be pleased to hear that the village where I live is no longer flooded and the sandbags have finally gone – makes a nice change to be out of wellies!!

As ever, Paul General Secretary

Last month’s Caption Competition What is Alex Salmond saying about the post independence Scottish Navy?

Winner of a bottle of Pussers Rum– "Please David; let me have just two frigates" Shipmate Paul Mawhinney Area 8 Secretary

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Chairman’s Chat – March 2014

I should start by apologising for not sending you a Chairman’s Chat in last month’s circular. I was still sulking over the Denver Broncos being annihilated in the US Football Rose Bowl Final :-( Now I shall visit Colorado at the end of the year to see the finalists play at home, but not the champions. Just hoping for another good Broncos run in 2014.

February and March have seen good progress on the RNA front. On 1 February I was pleased to attend an Area 5 Delegates Meeting in Harwich, a round trip in the day of 440 miles, but I picked up one of my younger brothers en route to keep me company and we had a very good journey both ways. Phil, an Associate Member of my Branch, really enjoyed having a drink and a laugh with the Area 5 shipmates, including one who had moved from Area 8 to Area 5 and whom Phil had met a number of times in the past at Area 8 meetings. The main significance of my attendance was to present a very well deserved Life Membership from the Area to its NCM, Dick Ascott. Dick has been an excellent NCM since taking over from Jan King, both in his Area duties and his contribution to the National Council. It was a pleasure to see him receive his LM. Also we have had visits to the Royal Court Hotel, the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) and Proto Studios in Pewsey, all in relation to the Conference weekend, and all were very successful.

The BBC have been to Graeme Mitcheson’s studio to start some filming on his development of the Sailor Statue, and Proto Studios began the screen printing of the glass panels last week after Graeme had settled on final colour choices following a viewing of sample colours in Pewsey.

Anyone interested in seeing some of the glass work commissions completed by Proto Studios can visit http://protostudios.com/commissions The DEMs memorial has been moved and the groundwork on the NSM begun. In April Caroline Wyatt will be interviewing the NP for the BBC coverage so we are full steam ahead for the unveiling in June.

The Independent Examination of the RNA Accounts was completed in February and the March NC was informed the RNA overall funds had increased by some £94K in 2013. The planned deficit operational budget of £148.7K came in at an actual deficit of only £107.7K, an excellent reduction of £41K, or 38% of that planned. With many of the costs expected this year still to be paid out we will be doing well to maintain our end-of-year 2013 level of reserves, but we will have achieved the provision of a NSM that we can all be proud of, and which will attract much attention by visitors to the NMA. At the March NC Meeting the Trustees approved a change of investment managers to Hoare’s Bank, so we are hoping this will see a steady improvement over the longer term in our investment funds and annual income. We have come out of the long period of recession in fairly good shape, so with calm seas and a following wind the voyage ahead should see us reap some rewards.

On the 15 March I and the NP were privileged to be guests of Falmouth Branch when Falmouth Council granted the Branch the Freedom of Falmouth. It was a very special occasion on a gloriously sunny day, and was combined with a service of commemoration at the memorial in Falmouth Harbour to the St Nazaire raid, in the presence of a survivor of the raid, a very sprightly at 92 yr old Falmouth member..

I stand to be corrected but I believe Falmouth is the first RNA Branch to be granted the Freedom of their home Borough. So in the year in which we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of being granted a Royal Charter, Falmouth have added a significant celebration of their own, and let us hope this will set a trend for others to follow.

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Many RNA branches play a significant part in their local communities, so there is no reason why they should not seek similar recognition in the future.

Enjoy the spring sunshine, Shipmates, and I look forward to meeting many of you this year in Coventry or at the NMA at Alrewas.

Chris Dovey

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Daily Orders 1. New RNA Branch Insurance Cover 2. National Standard Bearers Competition 17 May 14 3. Naval Service Memorial Raffle details 4. Naval Service Memorial and Conference - Update April Edition 5. HM Naval Base Portsmouth Deal 6. Pussers Rum Special rates for RNA 7. AB William Christmas 8. Mesothelioma and other Asbestos related Lung Cancer 9. RNA and NSM Lapel Badges 10. IMC Sailing Camp 11. D Day 70th Anniversary Normandy Landings 12. TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) for Veterans – RNA Volunteers Required 13. Donations for Central Charities Fund 14. Donations to Charter Challenge 2014 15. Finance Corner – Michelle 16. Guess Where?

17. Father Flanagan Joke 18. Double Seven Reunion 19. Request for Assistance – WW2 Veterans - Keeping Britain Afloat 20. Naval Museum – Dates for your Diaries 21. Ralf and Edna Joke 22. Joint Services HCPT 507 Group 23. Rayleigh Branch assistance please.

24. Shipmate Jan Lock DSM BEM 25. Book Review - The Royal Navy 1914-1918 (A photographic Record by Adrian Vicary) 26. PRIME (Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise) 27. Newly Patented South African Toilet Door Lock 28. Registration for the Anglo German Naval Arms Race and WW1 at Sea Conference 16-18 July 2014 29. RNA Ladies Clothing 30. UK Holiday Group Deal 31. Clarification of 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

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

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

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

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

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

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Daily Orders 1.

New RNA Branch Liability Insurance cover now available

We are delighted to announce that the new RNA Branches public liability insurance is now available from Coleman and Ansvar. In fact, RNA Maidstone is the first branch to go on cover via the online facility which is great news.

The process to obtain this insurance is relatively easy: Log on to • • • •

http://www.thecolemangroup.co.uk/index.php/commercial/rna-branches

On the right hand side it states ‘Click here for a quote’, click Click on the button that states ‘Get a Quote’, you will need to read the ‘Our Assumptions’ and either press ‘I Agree or I do not Agree’.

You will need to answer a few questions and then it will give you your quote, once you agree and happy with quote and paid They will then send you by e-mail your Branch Public Liability paperwork

However a reminder the insurance can only be purchased on–line as branches individually have to accept the terms and conditions.

Basically the insurance covers the following; The Community Group Connect insurance policy has been tailored to meet the needs of RNA branches located in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The policy covers the following range of activities: • RNA Branch meetings • Collections in local towns • Parading of standards • Fundraising events not exceeding 500 persons in support of the RNA This product is only available for purchase on-line and consists of the following covers for an annual premium of just under £100 including Insurance Premium Tax: Public Liability cover with a limit of £5,000,000 This covers your RNA branch for 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 covers your branch for legal liability for injury to people employed by the branch or working for the branch in a voluntary capacity.

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Money Cover is provided for £2,000 in transit and £1,000 in a safe in respect of monies collected by your branch at any fundraising event.

In addition the policy can be extended to cover: • All Risks • Business Interruption (Extra Expenses cover) • Personal Accident • Trustees Indemnity (for organisations which are recognised as having charitable objectives) If you select any additional covers, you will be charged an appropriate additional premium.

Finally Ansvar are available to assist with any technical issues with the on-line system and can be contacted on 01323 744149, the number is also on the website. Do not use it to try to get a quote.

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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.

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.

The Programme of events is listed below;

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0950 Officials arrive Collingwood (Andy Christie to meet at Main Gate).

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1000 Competitors and Guests arrive. (Changing Facilities available in Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess, adjacent to Parade Ground.)

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1010 Competition commences.

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1400 Competition concludes.

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1415 Prize-giving and refreshments in the WO &S/Rates Mess. (National President to present prizes)

This year it is intended to hold the competition on the Parade Ground however, if the weather is inclement the competition will take place in the SARC (Sports and Recreation Centre). The Association of Wrens Standard Bearer competition will be held concurrently.

There is limited accommodation available in the WO and S/Rates Mess competitors should contact Andy at HQ to book a cabin. He is acting as the sole RNA point of contact on behalf of the Mess Manager, cabins will be issued on a first come first served basis. Shipmates should not contact the WO & S/Rates Mess concerning 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.

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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. (with the 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‘.

(Ed: tickets are going like hot cakes, if you would like more let us know)

4.

The Naval Service Memorial and Conference - Update Work on the Naval Service memorial has been going at a great pace over the last month. The figure is now well advanced as you can see from the picture opposite and a life model who called in to see how the sculpture is coming on. Graeme Mitcheson, the sculptor and designer has also been working with Proto Glass on the glass colours and shade. This required run of a sunny days to get the main colours and the shadow colours right; using the samples made up by Proto Glass.

The picture below shows the set up outside Graeme’s workshop.

Interesting to see that the shadow colour can be quite different to the main colour (you will have to go to the website to see the effect), with some blues showing green – which I tell Graeme is fine Dave Evans (ex HMS Victorious) who called in since I remember extensive periods in the Atlantic when the ocean and I were green!! Since Graeme approved the colours for each panel the team at Proto Glass in Pewsey have been busy printing the 15mm panels with the right

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colours. This is done on massive screen printing machines, operated by real experts, the machine that is doing our panels is on the right and David Proto supervising the removal of one of the glass panels on the left. At this stage the panels are opaque and the coloured enamels easily rubbed off. The next step is for the panels to be sent up to Peterlee to be cured in an oven at 650 degrees for several hours, when the colour becomes part of the glass.

We have also now finalised the details of the info panel that will explain to visitors at the National Memorial Arboretum what the memorial is for – and the ideas behind its design. There is a very short video of the screen printing process on our NSM web page.

The BBC has interviewed Graeme in the early stages of the carving and we hope that the BBC Defence Correspondent, Caroline Wyatt will interview him and our National President on her return from Afghanistan.

I was mightily relieved to hear that the DEMS memorial has been moved on schedule to make room for the NSM and that therefore our ground contractor can make a start this week on the first pour of concrete. Once that has set the sleeves that hold the glass are bolted into position and a second pour of concrete to fix them into position. The granite pavement is then laid on top of the second pour.

The main work at the HQ has been the sending out of 200 invitations to VVIPs, VIPs and the main RNA Area guests.

GS has been in communication with the Lord Lieutenant and Kensington Palace with the detailed plan of the day, and all seems set fair. We were delighted to hear that the First Sea Lord has now confirmed attendance at BOTH conference and NSM dedication (as well as the Gala Dinner).

Not surprisingly changing programmes of some Fleet units mean that some Commanding Officers cannot come, but 3 finished panels are trying to get other units to the event. The RN guard will be Reserves and we will have a regular platoon from HMS COLLINGWOOD and HMS SULTAN courtesy of our mentoring programme.

One of the glass panels with white line representing the Arctic and Southern oceans.

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We have agreed the design and commissioned, on NC instructions, a pennant for those Areas and Standards who parade on 15 June to wear on their standards in perpetuity. The design will reflect the bright colours of the glass sails on the memorial – and will be presented on the day. We hope that this will help to encourage branches to parade on the day.

A reminder that there will be an electric buggy service from the visitors centre to the memorial during the dedication day; and that if you need to have a chair for the service you MUST let us know. There are only a limited number of chairs that will be available so please book up with Nigel or Andy. There will be plenty of room for shipmates own scooters etc.

Coaches will run from the hotels from 0900 to about 1015 to get everyone up in time; and from after the event for those wanting to get back to the hotel. There are coaches arranged for the evening do from the Coventry Britannia to the Royal Court. Any branch coming up for the day and wanting to come for the evening do, MUST book directly with the Royal Court and pay £12.50 per person.

Hopefully by next month the glass will have been cooked and laminated, the groundworks well advanced and the figure nearly complete. The rum is already here for the Sunday evening tot, so the biggest event in recent RNA history is really taking off – make sure you are there to join in the fun. It will help to know if you are coming, so please let us know by phone or e-mail.

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HM Naval Base Portsmouth Deal

Portsmouth Naval Base have updated their terms and conditions for the RNA, RMA and Wrens £10 day tickets from 4th April.

The ticket prices and the attractions included on tickets will change from the 4th April. The annual all-attraction tickets will increase in price and will also include extra attractions over in Gosport (Submarine Museum and Explosion) and in Eastney (RM Museum).

However, despite the increases the £10 day tickets which are set up for the RNA, AWRNS and RMA will remain the same and will include all the attractions within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and in Gosport and Eastney.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great day out for all the family! Offering a unique experience which spans 800 years of British Naval history and situated within a working Naval Base, the Historic Dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future - a must see for anyone visiting the south of England.

Your one day ALL-ATTRACTION TICKET includes entry to: • The new Mary Rose Museum: which launched in May 2013 as part of a £35million development and conservation project. This brand new, state-of-the-art museum is home to the remains of Henry VIII’s flagship, and an extraordinary collection of artefacts recovered from the sea after 400 years. HIGHLY recommended by HQ staff as totally brilliant!!!!

• HMS Warrior 1860: the world’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship launched in 1860 and never fired a shot in anger, yet changed naval warfare forever.

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• • • • • •

HMS Victory: the world’s oldest commissioned warship, HMS Victory still has a full-time Royal Navy crew. Walk her decks and you’ll get a sense of the men who sailed with Nelson at Trafalgar.

National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth: Britain’s official museum dedicated to the men and women of the Royal Navy past and present.

‘Hear My Story’ Gallery: A new exhibition at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth, telling the undiscovered personal stories from the men and women who have created the Navy’s history over the last 100 years, the century of greatest change.

‘Racing to War’ Exhibition: the first of a new series of exhibitions to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Telling the story of the last years of peace and the opening months of the war at sea.

Action Stations: dozens of interactive adventures, including Britain’s tallest indoor climbing tower, giving a taste of life in today’s Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Harbour Tours: a sailor’s eye view of the Historic Dockyard, and the warships of the modern Royal Navy

Visiting: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard opens at 10am. Last tickets are sold at 4.30pm (April – October) and 4.00pm (November – March). The Dockyard is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The dockyards offers a wide range of options for catering and retail; including Costa Coffee and Boathouse No. 7 Restaurant, the Georgian Tea Rooms, Nauticalia, the Mary Rose shop and café, the National Museum of the Royal Navy shop, Antique Storehouse and the Dockyard Apprentice Exhibition.

These tickets do not include entry to special events. Some of the attractions may run on timed entry at different periods of the year, and some may be closed at certain times during the winter.

General Enquiries - 023 9283 9766

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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 the rate simply quote RNA rate when ordering.

Details are as follows - Normally Pussers Blue Label normally RP £34.49 plus delivery of £4.99 (Delivery is £4.99 whether it is one bottle or 6) RNA discount price £29.49 plus delivery (as above) or 10% discount for 6 bottles or more.

(Editors note; What a bargain. …sold out last month – so get in there!!)

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7.

Able Seaman William John Christmas J93073

Shipmate Terry Christmas, who is the Welfare Officer at RNA Southend, kindly, forwarded this very interesting article concerning his Fathers AB William Christmas’ Naval career over two World Wars.

Terry was born on 13 June 1901 and at the age of 17 joined the Royal Navy, signing on for 12 years. He was drafted to Devonport where he completed his training and then to HMS Royal Sovereign where he saw action in the Dardanelles.

At the end of WWI he completed two three year tours in the Mediterranean on HMS Ceres and on HMS Valeron in the West Indies. On returning to the UK he was serving on HMS Walpole for another three years. For his final two years he served on HMS Liffy out of Grimsby as fishery protection patrols and as instructor at HMS Ganges, this was through to 1930. On leaving the Navy in 1930 he was placed on 10 years reserve. He became a postman and during the pre 1939 years he was a founder member of the Edmonton Royal Old Naval Comrades .

In July 1939, 6 weeks before the 2nd World War he was recalled to the Navy at Chatham Barracks and within three weeks he was drafted on a new destroyer (1938) HMS Escort and on 3rd September, with the war only 10 hours old, HMS Escort received a SOS to pick up survivors from SS Athenia carrying women and children to Canada. The photo opposite of my father proudly showing the silver tankard and cigarette case sent to the crew by the Walter Donaldson Donaldson Shipping Lines of Canada.

From September 1939 to March 1940 HMS Escort was operating in the north Atlantic and then deployed to the Med. Around 15 March 1940 HMS Escort was patrolling off Malta when she was hit by a torpedo. My father was on lookout duty. He sounded the alarm and was descending when the torpedo struck and he crashed to the deck and his “oppo” who was on watch under the f’wrd gun barrel, on impact the gun barrel broke the ratchet and crashed down on his head and he was knocked out cold as the ship was going down and my father threw some wooden steps over the side and then jumped in himself and the two of them clinging to the wooden steps and in about one hour they were picked up by HMS Belfast, which proceeded with survivors and caught the Italian submarine and sunk it, bearing in mind my father could hardly swim.

HMS Belfast pulled alongside HMS Hood who took survivors off as the HMS Hood was signaled to return to the UK,

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A copy of the telegram that my mother was so pleased to receive is above along with a photo that was on the front page of the Evening News displaying HMS Hood Tally Bands. He was given survivors leave and was to report back to Scapaflow to join the HMS Hood. Three days before he was due to go back off leave he had a telegram to report to HMS Wildfire, Sheerness where he spent the next 18 months delivering maritime mail to HM ships at Chatham. A lucky escape as the fate of HMS Hood was sealed by the Bismarck.

During the time at HMS Wildfire he had contact with my mother's brother, Leading Torpedo Rating Ronald Maclenan who was serving on destroyer HMS Juno. He was born on the same day as my father and they joined the navy together. He was trying to claim him to join the HMS Juno but it came through too late as the HMS Juno had embarked to join the Mediterranean fleet in Alexandra. The Juno was involved in the evacuation of Crete and was struck by Stuka bomb straight down the funnel and struck the magazine, the Juno sunk in 2 minutes, recorded as the fastest ship sinking in the World War 2. (My uncle Ron’s name is on the Epitaph in Portsmouth). Another lucky escape for my father.

In 1943 my father was drafted to the destroyer HMS Seraphis, where he earned his Arctic Star, completing three trips to Murmansk, Archangel and Polyarno. On the first trip he was presented

by King George XI as the oldest rating in the convoy aged 43. He then joined HMS Anson where he was in action going ashore in army uniforms in Norway to retake Oslo.

He was finally de-mobbed in 1946 where he returned to civilian life as a postman until he retired in 1966 with the Queen's Good Conduct Medal. My father joined RNA Southend in 1986 but sadly he crossed the bar two weeks later.

(Editors Note; Thank you very S/M Terry - your Father certain had an exciting ‘dit’ to tell.

We join you in saluting him)

8.

Mesothelioma and other Asbestos related Lung Cancer

The Royal British Legion is researching current compensation arrangements for veterans with mesothelioma and other forms of asbestos-related lung cancer. They are particularly interested in hearing from single or widowed veterans currently living with this disease. If you know someone who has been affected, please contact Harriet Deane, Policy Adviser, by emailing hdeane@britishlegion.org.uk or calling 020 3207 2126.

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 15

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!

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 end of 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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11.

D Day 70Th Anniversary

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.

12.

TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) for Veterans – RNA Volunteers Required

TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) was established in the Royal Marines in 1996 and is now used across the whole of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services. It is a proactive, peer-delivered, initiative for supporting individuals following exposure to traumatic events. TRiM is designed to reduce the barriers of stigma, and actively encourage sufferers to seek appropriate assistance. The key players in this process are the “Practitioners”. Practitioners provide mentoring support for individuals.

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The advantages of TRiM Practitioners assisting members of the Associations cannot be underestimated. Following a referral from the RNA branch or other source, they would visit the individual in their home environment and carry out an initial assessment. The short training will equip T4V practitioners to use listening skills to help with simple coping techniques, and to mentor or befriend. Importantly, also to signpost the person affected to the most appropriate help, which might be NHS or a veteran charity like Combat Stress – who will be using T4V as their first line of contact.

We hope to train 40 RNA Shipmates as TRiM Practitioners, who must be properly trained before going into the field. There will be two weekend training sessions in the autumn for up to 20 RNA volunteers in each session. One session will be held at Amport House near Andover and the other will be run at a location in Newcastle upon Tyne. Travelling expenses will be paid and accommodation provided.

Further information is available on the T4V website at http://www.trim4veterans.org Any Shipmate who would like to volunteer and signs up on-line is requested to copy in Shipmate VP Rita Lock (rita@royalnavalassoc.com) specifying North (Newcastle on Tyne) or South (Amport House Nr Andover)

13.

Donations received for the Central Charities Fund RNA – Rosyth & West Fife RNA – York

£100.00 £250.00

Thank you very much

14.

Donations received for the Charter Challenge 2014 – Naval Service Memorial RNA – Wisbech RNA – Ayslebury RNA – Newark RNA – Letchworth RNA – Corby S/m D Cair In memory of S/m G A J Le Voir In memory of S/m Jan Lock

£ 25.00 £100.00 £ 65.00 £100.00 £ 50.00 £ 10.00 £900.00 £315.00

NSM Lapel Badges (01 Jan – 28 Feb)

£257.26

Once Again very many thanks

15.

Finance Corner – Michelle

Dear Shipmates Firstly, I must tell you about my exciting day meeting one of the Royal Family. On the 26 February, HRH the Prince of Wales and his wife Duchess of Cornwall were visiting the Mary Rose in the Dockyard, Nigel (my colleague) and waited 18

for them to come out and talk to the crowd. Well, HRH Prince Charles did the walk & talk, HRH shook my hand and we talked for a while. I was so elated and was walking so fast I was skipping back to the office ! Nigel (nickname David Bailey) (he’s the RNA HQ photographer) took the photos. Think the boys got fed up with me twittering about how exciting it was, they suddenly developed selective hearing ! Well, it’s not every day you meet a Prince !

Back to work reality planet!

Many thanks to all those that have contributed to the Charter Challenge Fund.

As at the end of 28 February 2014, the total funds stand at £20,122.45 this is made up of:RNA Branches Individual Shipmates NSM – Lapel Badges

£13,990.06 £ 5,875.13 £ 257.26

To anyone who would like to donate not only can you 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.

STANDARD FUND The fee of £8.00 for your RNA Standard cover will remain the same for 18 March 2014 – 17 March 2015 LADIES CLOTHING Ladies, Conference is drawing closely and wouldn’t you all look so elegant & smart in rig.

Please note I will be on Annual Leave as from 14th April, returning to my office on the 22nd April Wishing you all a very Happy Easter Yours Aye Michelle

16.

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 Wiki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

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HMS Mercury – Leyden House in the foreground.

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

17.

Father Flanagan Joke

Father Flanagan, an elderly priest invited Father O’Connell, a younger priest from a neighbouring Parish to dinner.

During the meal the young priest could not help noticing how attractive and shapely the housekeeper was. Over the course of the evening he started to wonder if there was more between the elderly priest and the housekeeper than met the eye.

Reading the young priests thoughts, the elderly priest volunteered, “I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, my relationship with my housekeeper is purely professional”.

About a week later the housekeeper came to the elderly priest and said, “Father Flannigan ever since Father O’Connell came to dinner, I’ve been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle.

You don’t suppose he took it do you?”

The priest said, “Well I doubt it but I will write him a letter just to be sure”. He wrote, “Dear Father O’Connell I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation at dinner the other night and hope we have the opportunity to do so again. On another matter, we had a beautiful silver ladle which was a gift from a parishioner and it appears to be missing. I would be very embarrassed to invite her over as she would notice the ladle to be amiss, therefore it is very important that it is found. Now I’m not saying that you ‘did’ take a gravy ladle and I am not saying that you ‘did not’ take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that it has been missing since you were here”.

Several days later the elderly priest received a letter which read: “Dear Father Flanagan, I also enjoyed the dinner and conversation and hope not only that we do so again, but also that I be permitted to return the favour.

In reply to the other matter, I’m not saying that you ‘do’ sleep with your housekeeper, and I am not saying that you ‘do not’ sleep with your housekeeper.

But the fact remains that if you were sleeping in your own bed, you would have found the gravy ladle by now.”

18.

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.

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19.

Request for Assistance – WW2 Veterans - Keeping Britain Afloat

Julie Hodgkinson is working on a project called Keeping Britain Afloat, a partnership between Chatham Historic Dockyard and Legasee, a charity involved in recording and filming oral histories of veterans from all wars. This project involves recruiting and interviewing 50 veterans of Second World War convoys, the Royal and Merchant Navy as well as those involved in the dockyards. The interviews will be filmed and will form the basis of an exhibition at Chatham Historic Dockyard, school learning plans and an on line resource.

Julie would be very grateful if any WW2 Veteran Shipmates who would be willing to assist the project could contact her on telephone number 07500 409650 or e-mail Julie@legasee.org.uk

20.

Naval Museum of the Royal Navy – Dates for your Diary

Ab-Sail the Spinnaker Tower!

On 18th April 2014 at 2pm the National Museum of the Royal Navy will be holding a charity abseil at the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, to help raise funds our new HMS-Hear My Story Galleries and as part of our Public Appeal. Set to open on April 3rd, HMS - Hear My Story is a major exhibition situated in the brand new Babcock Galleries, and will tell the undiscovered stories from the men and women who have made the Royal Navy’s history over the last century.

The Public Appeal is the culmination of the fundraising activity which has been taking place over the last year and invites our community of supporters to play a vital part in preserving the national naval heritage. We hope to raise £5,000 with this adrenaline fuelled challenge. Vice Admiral Sir Anthony Dymock KBE CB, the Appeal’s Chairman, has courageously volunteered to abseil the 170 meters down the Spinnaker Tower, alongside Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel CB and MP to Portsmouth North Penny Mordaunt.

It promises to be a spectacular event, so if you can, come down and watch the event take place!

There will be plenty of NMRN staff on hand to chat and answer any questions you may have about the Museum and our upcoming projects.

If you would like to sponsor our fearless volunteers, and support the Museum, you can donate here via Just-Giving http://www.justgiving.com/anthony-dymock or you could send us a cheque made payable to the Royal Naval Museum.

Thank you for your on-going support!

(Editors Note – The NMoRN would like to thank the Shipmates for their fantastic response raising around £600! BZ)

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 21

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....)

21.

Ralf and Edna – It’s a cracker...

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool, Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end.

He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.

Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.

When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love.... I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness.

The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'

Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry.

How soon can I go home?'...

Happy Mental Health Day! You can do your bit by remembering to send an email to an unstable friend... I've done my part

22.

Joint Services HCPT 507 Group

Please read below a message from Richard Tipping concerning the HCPT pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Joint Services HCPT 507 Group are now taking enquires for this year’s respite break in Lourdes France which will incorporate the international Military Pilgrimage. Places are reserved for ex22

service personnel and their dependants with disabilities. We are accommodated at a specially adapted Hosanna House which facilities cover for a wide range of disabilities, with 1-1 caring and a full medical cover. The dates for this years respite break 15th-23rd May 2014. The band for this years pilgrimage will be the parachute Band, last year it was the Gurkha Band which entertained the group at Hosanna House. Also last year we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, at a mess dinner with the House chefs baking a cake, which didn't last long.

This year we will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of Great War, again we will be lighting a candle at the Grotto, so if you have any stories or would like us to remember anyone, or you know of anyone who would like to join us please contact me by e-mail richard.tipping@blueyonder.co.uk or by telephone 01752 787697.

23.

Rayleigh Branch assistance please.

Rayleigh Branch held an Auction earlier this month and one of the curios that went under our Auctioneers hammer was a 6-inch tall brass Matelot (in square rig) and RNA shield on a wooden plinth.

Does anyone recognise it?

Can anyone shed some light as to its original purpose and who the owner or manufacturer was?

Please reply to Andy 02392720782 andy@royalnavalassoc.com at The Semaphore Circular, or directly to Gary on 07847 288913 or RNArayleigh@outlook.com.

24.

Shipmate Jan Lock DSM BEM

Shipmate CPO Stuart (Jan) Lock DSM BEM and holder of the following Medals: 39/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Arctic Star, Burma Star, Victory Medal Malaya Medal and Bar, Coronation Medal and LSGC and Bar crossed the bar on 10 February 2014.

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Jan joined the Gosport Branch of the RNA in 1952 when he was still in the Fleet Air Arm and then served a further 16years in the RN. He held many positions in the RNA at Branch level including Secretary and he became Club Secretary in 1975 when everything had to change and all RNA Clubs had to become a Limited Company. Jan also served as Delegate for the Branch to National Conference and was also the Standard Bearer for many years. He was made a Vice President of the Gosport Branch in the eighties and remained loyal to the RNA despite suffering from dementia.

Jan was born in Plymouth in 1919 and joined the RN in 1937 where he served 2 years as a seaman on HMS Furious then in May 1939 he transferred to the FAA and trained as a Telegraphist Gunner. He final ended his service in 1968 as a trained Telegraphist/Navigator and a qualified Commissioned Observer.

Unfortunately Jan did not gain a commission because My Lords Commissioners decided that year not to appoint any Observers and when they did decide to recommence appointments Jan was too old to be commissioned. He was however very proud of the Crown above his wings which he was entitled to wear having qualified.

Jan served in many theatres of WW11 as shown by his campaign medals. The DSM was awarded for his part in the dive bombing raid on the Turpitz which was carried out in Barracuda dive-bombers. Jan served on many carriers and was often referred to as “ops 3” After being a seaman on the Furious in 37’ he ended up on her again in the FAA. After the war Jan he spent time instructing and training with helicopters. During this time he designed the safety tool (pick-up strop) still used today on SAR helicopters. Along with Lt Cdr Jimmy Sproule they designed the Sproule net used to scoop people from the sea and not injure their backs.

Jan wanted always said “he wanted to live to be 100 and be the Queens worst bargain” A play on the attitude of the pension not “maturing” until the serviceman was 55. He gave it maximum effort but felt slightly short at age 94.

25.

Book Review - The Royal Navy 1914-1918 (A photographic Record by Adrian Vicary)

This is a very timely book as we approach the 100th anniversary commemorations of the First World War. This is a very useul photograph record of all those RN ships that served during WW1. The photographs are very good and it was particularly interesting to see HMS CAROLINE in detail.

The author has included the main events that each ship was involved in and the eventual disposal of the ship.

I am sure there will be many other books coming out, but this will be a useful reference book for the next 4 years. £25 from Maritime Books ww.navybooks.com and 01579 343663.

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26.

PRIME (Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise)

Shipmates may be interested to know that the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (Prime) which is a national charity supporting older people who are not in work explore self-employment is now going to be delivering their services to ex-seafarers and their dependents thanks to funding from Seafarers UK. This is the first time The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) has specifically worked with people from a seafaring background and has planned a programme of activities to help anyone over the age of 40 who has spent their lives working in or around the sea to start their own businesses as a viable route back into sustained employment. In February, PRIME launched their services at Hull’s Maritime Museum on Tuesday, 18 February, with special guests The Right Hon. Alan Johnson MP and the Winner of the 2013 Mountbatten Maritime Award for best literary contribution, Rose George and the National Vice Chairman Shipmate Keith Crawford MBE. Going forward, the charity will be facilitating activities in London and Portsmouth exclusively for ex-seafarers. In London there will be a half-day introduction workshop in April, followed by a comprehensive business training course beginning in May, both taking place on HMS President. Portsmouth’s HM Naval Base will be the location for PRIME’s business training course at the end of April. The half-day workshops will introduce self-employment to out of work ex-seafarers and the longer business training course consists of three classroom days, spread over six to eight weeks, with coursework to complete following discussions on managing accounts and how to write a business plan.

PRIME will also be delivering services in the Humberside region and ex-seafarers are welcome to attend. These include introduction workshops in Hull, Grimsby and Immingham during March, a three-day business training course in Hull in April and business clubs in Hull Library, where aspiring entrepreneurs can network with other new business owners and share best practice.

There are close to 400,000 unemployed over 50s in the UK and nearly half have been without work for more than 12 months. In addition, there are a further 3.2 million 50 to 64-year-olds are economically inactive. In response, more-and-more over 50s are starting their own businesses and out of the 4.2million people who worked for themselves in 2012, 42% were over the age of 50.

Julie and Mark Bestford both spent 22-years in the Royal Navy, before leaving as Master-at-Arms. The couple began working across the marine industry in various locations around the world before resettling in Derbyshire. Thanks to training they received from PRIME, Julie and Mark were able to set-up their own business Boatwork Ltd (http://boatwork.co.uk/), assisting private boat owners, boatyards and water sport centres with maintenance and repairs.

Jennie Burraway, a Development Manager for PRIME, said: “We’re looking forward to working with the ex-seafarers and we hope our support will result in new businesses and new avenues of employment, making use of this much-valued community’s skills and experience to benefit their local communities, as well as the wider economy.”

For more information about PRIME: call 0845 862 2023 or visit: http://www.prime.org.uk/seafarersuk/

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27.

Newly Patented South African Toilet Door Lock

Allegedly it deserves an Oscar..... (Boom Boom)!!

(Do you get it... Forgive the pun)

28.

Registration for the Anglo German Naval Arms Race and WW1 at Sea Conference 1618 July 2014 Shipmates may wish to know that registration is now open for the National Museum of the Royal Navy's conference on the Anglo-German Naval Arms Race and the War At Sea up to the eve of Jutland. The conference keynote addresses will be given by Professor Nicholas Rodger, Professor Norma Friedman and Rear-Admiral James Goldrick (RAN). Conference speakers will cover: * * * * * * * *

The arms race and popular culture Imperial defence Use of intelligence Naval operations, strategy, and tactics Economic warfare in war and peace Naval leadership, education, command and control Technological and ship design developments The arms race from British, German and South American perspectives

The delegate fee will cover all refreshments during the conference, a wine reception and dinner on HMS Victory as well as a reception in the Museum's new 20th Century gallery and WW1 Special exhibition 'Racing to War'. Full fee- £150, Early Bird (Closes 01 May 14)- £100, Society of Nautical Research and Armed Forces- £100 and Students £75.

For further information please contact Dr Duncan Redford at the National Museum of the Royal Navy on 02392 720716 or e-mail Duncan.Redford@NMRN.org.uk

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29.

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

CARDIGAN - Navy Blue button with RNA logo £20.00 Long sleeve V neck cardigan with a 7 button fastening, made with a soft and comfortable fine gauge knitted cotton rich yarn Fabric 55% Cotton & 45% Acrylic Sizes 8 – 24 Colour Navy

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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

30.

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 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.

Special launch offers include: • • • • • •

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

Exclusive savings on a wide range of special departures to selected destinations.

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

Great cruise offers saving up to 50% off selected 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 holiday 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!

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For further details please call us ‘Lo-cost’ on: General enquiries: For current offers 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

31.

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

Last month we published details of the Veterans Oyster Card. A number of readers have pointed out that you need to be in receipt of a War Pension and a member of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme so to clarify, you need to be;

Receiving ongoing payments under the War Pensions Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants) Or receiving Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants) Ongoing payments are awarded to service personnel who have sustained a certain level of physical or psychological injury in the line of duty. If you received a one-off gratuity payment, and are not receiving ongoing payments, then you are not eligible for a Veterans Oyster photo card.

(Editors Note; Many apologies for the ‘duff’ information)

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‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Hull Branch Shipmates are advised that Shipmate Mrs Maureen Reeves, 130 Caledon Close, Hull, HU9 4EQ Tel No 01482 703389 email rob.reeves.rnahull@collector.org is the new Branch Hon Secretary.

There is also a change of day and venue for meetings.

The meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of every month starting at 1300 meeting at The St Vincent Social Club, Queens Road, Hull, HU5 2QP Tel No 01482 348276 and change of day and time of meetings to:- Every 3rd Thursday starting at 1300.

RNA Chatham Branch A Diary Date for Chatham Branch Shipmates; The Trafalgar Dinner will this year be held at the King Charles Hotel Gillingham on Saturday 18 October 2014. The approximate cost will be £30 so why not come along and join in and enjoy a brilliant Naval evening. For further information please contact Jim Stout at jim@baydrift.com or 01643 713523

RNA Carterton Branch For information branch meeting dates for 2014 are; Mon 21st Apr Mon 16th Jun Mon 18th Aug Mon 20th Oct Mon 15th Dec The meetings will be held in Browns Hall, Browns Lane, Carterton OX18 3JL commencing at 2000.

RNA Bracknell Branch Future plans and past memories were up for discussion among Bracknell’s ex-sailors at their annual general meeting on Wednesday 5th March.

The Committee for 2014 was duly elected and plans were made for forthcoming events. Former Bracknell Forest mayor Councillor Shelagh Pile remains Branch President and popular chairman 30

Norman Webber was re-elected. New branch treasurer is George Read. Remaining officers were re-elected, including branch secretary and welfare officer Joan Allen, entertainments officer Mike Daley, standard bearer Anthony Boddrell and publicity officer Terence Dilliway.

the

Very sadly the post of vice-chairman, previously held by founder member Robert ‘Bob’ Privett, was left vacant temporarily as a mark of respect for shipmate Bob, who crossed bar the previous weekend. Bob was an extremely popular shipmate within the branch and will be sorely missed.

Charities to benefit from donations from Bracknell RNA funds in 2014 will be the Royal Navy Police and Regulating Branch Museum, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, with their training ship Lord Nelson, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Earliest event for members will be a St. George’s Day dinner, at branch headquarters in Binfield Village Club on Friday, April 25th. A visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Lichfield is being planned for May, and the RNA shipmates will play their part in this year’s Bracknell Armed Forces Day, set to take place on Saturday, June 28th.

An open invitation is extended to all younger generation ex-Royal Navy servicemen to join and enjoy the comradeship of Bracknell branch at its meetings in Binfield Village Club at 8pm on the first Wednesday of every month

RNA Rayleigh Branch (1) Shipmate Cheri Ablitt a member of Rayleigh Branch has been named Shipmate of the Year for her years of service and dedication to the branch. S/M Cheri has been a staunch supporter of the Rayleigh branch organising social functions, mess deck suppers, fund raising events and catering since she and her husband joined the RNA in 1986 (Rayleigh branch’s founding year).

Cheri’s husband Bryan served in Destroyers during WW2, and was present at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Sweden after the war. Sadly, Bryan is no longer with us, but his enthusiasm and spirit lives on with Cheri.

S/M Cheri was awarded the Shipmate of the Year at the Rayleigh branch’s Annual General Meeting on February 26th. The presentation of shield and medallion was made by branch Chairman Bob Hill (left) and branch Secretary Alan Booth (right) – see photo above.

RNA Rayleigh Branch (2)

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It has taken many weeks and passed through many hands, but finally it reached its final destination in the grateful hands of RNA Rayleigh branch’s very own “Raving Reporter” Gary Daisley. The 70cl bottle of Pusser’s Rum first prize in the Semaphore Circulars issue #635’s double-header caption competition.

Gary is pictured on the left receiving his prize from Rayleigh branch’s new Vice-Chairman Terry Barker. Gary said “Thank you to everyone at HQ who made this possible. This particular bottle will give me great, great pleasure..!”.

RNA Dublin - British Embassy Branch A number of members from the Dublin Branch were recently entertained at a private Dinner party hosted by His Excellency, Shipmate The British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott at his private residence in Glencairn Co.Dublin.

Before the meal his Excellency gave a Power Point Presentation on what the President of Ireland could expect on his forthcoming State visit to the United Kingdom, this will be the first official State visit of an Irish President to the UK. The meal which followed the presentation was really excellent and the conversation at the meal table was really relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable by all in attendance. A Dublin Branch Plaque was presented to the Ambassador and he commented that he is looking forward to attending our social evenings and business meetings whenever possible.

The photo above shows His Excellency being ‘Press Ganged’ completing an RNA membership application form witnessed by Shipmates Moore, O'Keefe, Turvey, Croxon, Mahony, Smyth, Smith, Fenning, HE The Ambassador seated.

The photo above shows the Ambassador being presented with a Dublin RNA Branch Crest by S/M Paul Stephenson, Chairman and Dr. Stones, President. ( Editors Note – The scurrilous rumour suggesting that Dublin Branch live in the British Embassy is just not true........They only have their meetings there!!)

RNA Market Harborough Branch

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Cadet Jacob Hill being presented with a cheque by the Very Reverend John Morley, Chairman of the Market Harborough Branch of the Royal British Legion, with Lt (SCC) Shane Daley, C.O. of T.S. Fernie (Market Harborough) and Marcus Middleton, Vice Chairman of the Market Harborough Branch Royal Naval Association

RNA Maidstone Branch Maidstone Branch Annual Sea Service will take place at Aylesford on Sunday 20th July 2014 mustering from1400 for a 1430 start at Aylesford Community Centre Forstal Road or ME20 7AU for sat nav’ers. Standards will be paraded through Aylesford to the Church for the rededication service and on completion will March Past the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge and Malling and the Mayor and Mayoress of Maidstone. After the march past, all will retire to the Community Centre where there will be a Buffet and Bar plus entertainment and a traditional ‘Tot’ for the Standard Bearers. A Sunset ceremony will be performed followed by an evening spent having fun and frolics along with a bit of lamp swinging and raffle until 2045hrs.

The cost will be £5.50 per ticket children under 12yrs £2.75 for the finest buffet in the South East and entertainment. Standard Bearers will be free and made very welcome, so come along and give our National Standard your support.

Branches are requested to confirm numbers wishing to attend and ticket requirements as early as possible to help with catering for the numbers tickets will be sent on receipt of payment or can be booked and paid for on the day so come along and enjoy yourselves.

All applications for tickets should be sent to the Secretary:S/M John Cooper 10 Froyle Close Maidstone Kent ME16 0RQ 01622 675895 john.cooper.773@btinternet.com

RNA Chard Branch 9 go wild in Bideford...

9 members from the Chard branch attended 4 Areas 39th annual reunion dinner and dance recently. They were treated to a well organised fun-packed weekend that only the RNA can do. The Presidents ‘concert’ featured singing , jokes, ditties and performances by solo ‘artists’..... The Chard group, also known as ‘9 go wild in Bideford’ saw Malcolm Days polished performance of a Nat King Cole number being out done by Chairman Shipmate Paula ‘ I’m over the‘ Moon disco hit “What is a 33

Matelot and What is a Wren� (Available on the Chard record label!!) scoop the Tremlett Cup, as seen in the inset photo.

9 go wild in Bideford are...Shipmates Malcolm Day, Mike Kirkland, Helen Day, Margaret Asprey, Anne Allin, Paula Moon, David Asprey, Ron Allin and Dick Moon

RNA Selsey Branch Shipmates are advised that despite meeting at the Seal Hotel for 37 continuous years the Selsey Branch has decided to move base camp so that they can secure a venue that is a bit more peaceful for their meetings. Consequently with immediate effect the Branch will meet every 2nd Tuesday monthly at; The Selsey Club 2-4 Coxes Road Selsey PO20 9AN 01243 601057.

For further details please contact Shipmate Gavin Roriston (Selsey Hon Sec) at gavscottr@tiscali.co.uk or 01243 607485

RNA Driffield Branch Following the AGM of Driffield branch the new Hon Sec will be Shipmate Ron Dibble who can be contacted at ron.dibble@btinternet.com or telephone 01377252656. The chairman has also changed is now Shipmate Phil Dutton.

RNA Huntingdon and District Branch On Saturday 15th March 2014, shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch setup their stall in St Ives for the first charity collection of the year, and to promote the Royal Naval Association. An early, and windy, start saw shipmates Pete Aston (Branch Treasurer) and Karl Webb (Branch Secretary) attaching the gazebo to any secure point outside of Barclay’s bank in the high street, and although the day started a little cloudy, it turned out to be a good day to chat with the local community in St Ives. Pete and Karl were joined a few hours later by shipmate Hilary Meers (Social Secretary).

Shipmate Hilary Meers, an Associate member of the RNA, may not have served in the Armed Forces, but is dedicated in supporting the Association in any way 34

that she can; this is what the RNA is about, promoting our core values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship.

Further pictures can be viewed on the RNA Community site webpage: http://rnacommunity.com/huntingdon-district-branch-charity-stall-st-ives

RNA Royston Branch Shipmates are advised that Royston Branch Hon Secretary has a new e-mail address it is; Parry-28@virginmedia.com

RNA Norwich Branch

Norwich branch have funded a memorial bench in honour of Shipmate Ray Self who crossed the bar in August 2013.The bench has been fitted outside St Peter Mancroft church facing the Forum building one of the most notable positions in the city and close to the war memorial.

Ray was a prominent figure in getting the Norwich war memorial turned round to face the city hall, a project that took many years to achieve.

Ray served in the Royal Navy during the war years notably taking part in the D-Day Normandy landings. A founder member of Norwich branch he was always attending functions promoting the RNA. The bench was dedicated and blessed by Clifford Self Ray’s brother and the Norwich branch padre. The bench is engraved, In memory of Ray Self. Able Seaman Royal Navy. He served his city and country .1926-2013 Ray’s son Deryck on behalf of the family said “It means a lot to know that the RNA and the city thought so much of dad that he deserved this honour.It is brilliant”. Shipmate Keith Smith Norwich branch Hon Sec. said “It is a fitting tribute to Ray. What he achieved in the city and with the association was outstanding”.

Area 10 Shipmates from 10 Area (Crosby, St Helens, Liverpool and Runcorn) and Standards from 10 Area, Crosby and Runcorn attended the unveiling of a memorial to Lord Nelson in Springfield Park Knotty Ash on 14 March 2014. Also in present were the Area President, Area Chairman, Commander Germaine from HMS Eaglet and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool who carried out the unveiling.

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The Monument which a sandstone obelisk standing some 40 feet high was built in 1806 and paid for by a local business man. It was originally proposed to have it erected in Liverpool Centre but was deem to be unsatisfactory by the then Local Council, ( a more elaborate Memorial for Lord Nelson was later erected in Exchange Square Liverpool) as the result of that the donor had his erected in his own private grounds in Knotty Ash, these grounds then later became the home of the Alder Hay Children's Hospital and its stood in the ground ever since and over the years suffered from neglect. The Hospital is now being modernised and extensively rebuilt which meant the Monument had to be moved. The friends of Springfield Park heard about it and not wanting the monument to be demolished raised a sum of money and had it moved into Springfield Park Knotty Ash (Knotty Ash, as you are all probably aware, is the home of Ken Dodds Jam Butty Mines).

After the event Shipmates all withdrew to the aptly named Lord Nelson Hotel Knotty Ash for a few Nelsons Bloods. A short service which consisted of Nelsons Prayer was conducted by Rev John William's, Naval Padre.

RNA Longcast 2014 05 Apr 25 Apr 11 Apr 3/4 May 16 May 17 May 23 May 6/7/8 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13/14 Jun 15 Jun 21 Jun 27 Jun 28 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 20 Jul 16 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 19 Sep 36

National Standard Parading – HMS Cavalier 70th Anniversary No.10 Area Spring Conference / Reunion The Savoy Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9SJ HQ Open Day Londonderry - Battle of the Atlantic Commemerations HQ Open Day National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood Belfast Branch – 60th Anniversary Celebrations (Holiday Inn, Belfast) Area 12 – Meeting and Social weekend (Imperial Hotel Cork ROI) 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 Area 12 – AFD (Attendance Ards Airfield) HQ Open Day Netley RNA – Armed Forces Day Parade, Drumhead & Sunset Ceremony Area 12 – AFD (Attendance Carrickfergus) Dublin Branch – Annual BBQ (Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire) Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Sea Sunday AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ HQ Open Day

27 Sep 10 Oct 11 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 15 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 2015 01 May

Royal Naval Division – 100th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner- Leeds HQ Open Day Christchurch RNA – Trafalgar Dinner Dublin Branch – Trafalgar Dinner (Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire) Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Branch Trafalgar Dinner.

Chatham Branch – Trafalgar Dinner (King Charles Hotel, Gillingham) AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversary

Shortcast (Run in date order) 2014 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 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 Victorious Association – 23 April 2014 The annual meeting of the Victorious Association will be held on St Georges day, Wednesday 23rd April at the Victorious Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas to pay our respects to past shipmates. Please meet at 1200 at the memorial plaque or earlier in the

37

cafe area. The association is open to all commissions of R38 Aircraft Carrier and all commissions of S29 Submarine. For further details e-mail Stan McLellan stanley675@btinternet.com

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 Algerines Association Reunion – 05/12 May 2014 The AGM will take place from 5th to 12 th 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. This year members can come for the full week or the 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 the 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 HMS Liverpool Association – 14 June 2014 39

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 (Please see below) For information Shipmates are advised that the reunion advertised in last month’s Semaphore Circular was incorrect. Please see below 5/6/7 September.

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 Diana Association HMS Diana reunion is being held on the 5th,6th and 7th September 2014 at the Royal Beach Hotel Portsmouth this being the 60th Anniversary of the Commission of HMS Diana. For further information please contact J.Fisher at johnjackie.fisher1@virginmedia.com or telephone 01163678360

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

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“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 Association website (www.hmstartar.co.uk) or by contacting the Social Secretary at: linpowe@btopenworld.com HMS Victorious Association 3rd-5th October 2014 I would like to advertise the H.M.S. Victorious Association reunion in Coventry from Friday 3rd Oct to Sunday the 5th October The Association is open to all commissions of R38 Aircraft Carrier and all commissions of S29 Submarine. For further details please e-mail Stan McLellan stanley675@btinternet.com HMS Morecambe Bay & Bay Class Frigates 6th October 2014 HMS Morecambe Bay Association and Bay Class Frigates are holding a reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from October 6 to 8. All ex-Class Bays welcome together with relatives or friends. Contact Chairman, Doug Turk at doug.turk@ntlworld.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 Survey Ships Association - 24-27th October 2014 The Survey Ships Association will be holding its twentieth reunion at The Best Western Coniston Hotel, Sittingbourne on the w/e of 24th – 27th October. For information on membership and reunion please send a SAE to: The Secretary SSA, 8 Grosvenor Court, 74 East Lodge Park, Farlington, Portsmouth, PO6 1BY, e-mail: secretary@surveyships.org.uk, or telephone 023 9279 1258.

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 41

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.

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

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Swinging the Lamp – April 2014

Date 1st

Year 1916

2nd

1969

3rd

1845

4th

1941

5th 6th

1918 1915

7th 8th

1943 2008

9th

1982

10th

1781

11th

1940

12th

1943

13th

1899

14th

1977

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Entry East coast of England attacked by German airships. L-15, first Zeppelin brought down by shore gunfire, landed in the Thames estuary and surrendered to HMS Olivine.

The White Ensign hauled down at HMS St Vincent, the Boys’ TE at Gosport. Training ceased end of autumn term 1968 and closing ceremony held 8 December. All NE training from 4 January 1969 concentrated at HMS Raleigh, Torpoint. DCI(RN) 185/69.

The famous Rattler–Alecto Trial. In a series of trials to measure the relative merits of screw and paddle propulsion the frigates Rattler (screw) and Alecto (paddle), of similar size and power, were secured stern-to-stern off St Abb’s Head. The conclusions were far from conclusive but in one serial Rattler towed Alecto astern at 2.7 knots.

This was seized upon as proof of the overall superiority of screw propulsion.

Armed Merchant Cruiser Voltaire sunk by the German merchant raider Thor (Schiff 10) in Atlantic.

British and Japanese marines landed at Vladivostok.

False bow-waves to be painted on all ships to confuse submarine attack.

Submarine Tuna sank U-644 off Jan Mayen Island (69.38N, 05.40W).

40 Cdo RM began returning from a six month deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Three men killed in action. One GC (L/Cpl Croucher RMR), one DSO (Lt-Col Stuart Birrell), one MBE, three MCs and three MIDs. Operation Herrick 7.

P&O liner Canberra, taken up from trade, sailed from Southampton for the South Atlantic, with most of 3 Cdo Bde embarked. Operation Corporate.

Nelson’s ‘favourite ship’, third Rate Agamemnon (64), launched by Henry Adams at Buckler’s Hard.

Submarine Spearfish torpedoed the German pocket battleship Lützow (ex-Deutschland) north of the Skaw.

Lt-Cdr Robert Hichens, DSO and bar, DSC and two bars, RNVR, peacetime Cornish solicitor, killed in action in MGB 112 off the Dutch coast; the most highly decorated RNVR officer of the Second World War. His portrait by Lt-Cdr Peter Scott hangs in the Naval Club, Hill Street.

Landing party from torpedo cruiser Porpoise and screw corvette Royalist under Lt Guy Gaunt (Porpoise) repulsed a Maatafan attack at Samoa.

Sailors from the frigate Danae, visiting Rio de Janeiro from 14–18 April as part of a task force commanded by Rear-Admiral Martin Wemyss, invited on board the escaped ‘Great Train robber’ Ronald Biggs, on the run from a thirty-year prison sentence in Britain. A

15

th

1960

16th

1921

17th

1999

18th

1969

19th

1587

20th

1949

21st

1941

22nd

1982

23rd

1918

24th

1778

25th

1941

26th

1982

27th

1858

28th

1789

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political controversy ensued.

‘Their Lordships have decided to extend to Petty Officers under the age of 21 . . . the privilege of wearing plain clothes when proceeding on liberty from HM Ships, under the same conditions as is granted to Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers over the age of 21.’ – AFO 1069/60.

Allowance for milk for the Admiralty cat increased from 1s to 1s 6d a week.

USS Winston Churchill, an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, launched at Bath Yard, USA. Name changed to add the middle initial ‘S’ on 19 July 1999. Reciprocal exchange of officers established between this ship and HMS Marlborough. The Navigating Officer of USS Winston S. Churchill is routinely a Royal Navy officer.

The first incumbent was Lt Angus Essenhigh RN. (Current CO of HMS Daring) The Admiralty Board noted ‘with grave concern’ the giving of ‘Sippers’ and drew attention to QRRN Article 1839(3) which prohibited all ‘loan, transfer, gift or barter’ of spirits or other intoxicating drink.

DCI(RN) 466/69.

‘Singeing of the King of Spain’s beard’ by Sir Francis Drake (Elizabeth Bonaventure) at Cadiz. Ships: Dreadnought, Elizabeth Bonaventure, Rainbow and about thirty merchantmen. He wrote a memorable letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, too long to reprint but well worth looking up.

HMS Amethyst, frigate, fired on by Communist PLA batteries in Yangtze River east of Nanking. Opening of the Yangtze Incident.

German air raid seriously damaged Devonport naval base, including St Nicholas’ church.

Wessex helicopter from destroyer HMS Antrim retrieved SAS and FAA personnel from Fortuna Glacier, South Georgia in unusually bad weather. Operation Corporate.

St George’s Day attack on Zeebrugge to block the German U-boat exit to the sea. VC: A/Capt Alfred Francis Blakeney Carpenter (Vindictive), Lt-Cdr George Nicholson Bradford* (Iris), Lt-Cdr Arthur Leyland Harrison* (Vindictive), Lt Richard Douglas Sandford (C 3), Lt Percy Thompson Dean, RNVR (ML 282), Capt Edward Bamford, DSO, RMLI, Sgt Norman Augustus Finch, RMA (4th RM Battalion), AB Albert Edward MacKenzie (Vindictive). *Posthumous. Blockship operations at Zeebrugge and Ostend. Battle Honour: Zeebrugge 1918.

Drake taken by John Paul Jones in the American Ranger off Carrickfergus, N. Ireland.

Destroyer HMS Defender embarked 250 soldiers and the Yugoslav crown jewels at Kalamata in the evacuation from Greece. Operation Demon.

HM Ships Antrim, Brilliant, Endurance and Plymouth with Tidespring, elements of M Coy 42 RM Cdo and SAS retook Leith, thereby recapturing South Georgia, having retaken Grytviken the previous day. Operation Paraquet.

Capt Sir William Peel, VC, commanding the Naval Brigade from Shannon, died of smallpox at Cawnpore. Memorial raised in Eden Gardens, Calcutta.

Mutiny in HM Armed Transport Bounty, Lt William Bligh, at 0430, 30

29th

1910

30th

1942

45

miles from Tofua in Friendly Islands. Bligh and nineteen men, cast adrift in a 23ft open boat, began their epic voyage to Timor.

‘Officers and men selected for the submarine service are to be of good physique and capable of sustaining a considerable amount of bodily strain . . . and . . . not addicted to alcohol in excess.’ AWO 139/10...(Really!!)

Light cruiser Edinburgh torpedoed by the German U-456 in Barents Sea (73.08N, 33.00E). Convoy QP 11 – cover. Edinburgh was carrying 465 gold bars, each weighing 23lb. In 1981, 431 were salvaged from 780ft.

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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.

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