Semaphore Circular #639 (May 2014)

The Semaphore Circular No 639

The Beating Heart of the RNA

May 2014

The Memorial figure is now well advanced at Graeme Mitcheson’s studio

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 May edition of the Semaphore Circular. I would like to open with a call to action.

It seems from feedback that I am picking up that some Branch Secretaries are keeping the Semaphore Circular to themselves and not passing around the branch members. It is REALLY important that as many as possible get to see the Circ. It is part of feeling that we belong to something bigger than the Branch and knowing what is going on in the whole of the RNA. Best practice is to pass the Circ by e-mail for those that have the internet and to pass it round by hard copy to those who don’t. The Circ is always posted on the 23/24th of the month to the website at http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/downloads/index.php?l1=circulars and the code is ‘shipmate’. I know lots do this very well – but please consider this carefully.

The main event, of course is the dedication of the Naval Service Memorial with planning well advanced, please see the update in the Circ for how it is going. Key facts that you should bear in mind are: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rehearsal for standard bearers at 1030 at the new memorial All those marching to muster at the Armed Forces memorial (mound) no later than 1120, preferably earlier. RNA rig please, polished shoes.

Those going straight to the memorial should be in place at 1140 latest, in the marked areas.

Later and you might get caught up in the Guard, Band and Parade coming into the arena.

Those will mobility challenges will have a golf buggy taxi shuttle service from the visitors centre to the memorial. If they need a seat for the 45 minute service they MUST book it with HQ, contact Nigel.

We hope to have Sea Cadets to guide Shipmates to the right place.

We suggest that Ladies do not wear hats; the Arboretum can be a windy place.

We suggest that berets are worn only by Standard bearers, in order to keep the ceremonial simple. Not a prohibition, but a suggestion.

There is a 200 metre walk over grass from the roadways, ladies should wear appropriate footwear. This includes all Royal Marines dressing in women’s clothing and high heels.

In view of the expected numbers the Arboretum will be opening the marquee pod as a tea room and bringing in additional catering.

There is no realistic wet weather routine, other than putting on your smart RNA weatherproof jacket, people can wait in coaches until they need to be in place.

We will have St John’s ambulance in attendance.

Coach routine will run from the Coventry hotels from 0900 until 1000 and returns from 1330.

The coach is free to those staying in the Conference hotels.

Those who wish to attend the Sunday evening event must either be staying as part of the Conference package or purchase a ticket from the hotel directly on 0871 474 2755, starts at 1800, Shep Woolley is performing (doesn’t he always).

There will be a coach shuttle service from the outlying hotel(s), for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – free of charge courtesy of 8 Area.

I hope that sets the scene. Please give the HQ a ring if there is anything you are uncertain about.

Now to some more business related matters: • • •

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The Branch insurance is going very well and has now been extended so that Areas can

take out insurance for their events too. Its great value is now being appreciated.

For admin reasons we are changing the standards insurance to the ‘standards insurance fund’ – one for hon treasurers to note. No change otherwise.

There is a last minute chance for a young person to take a slot in the IMC sailing camp.

The IMC subsidy and the RNA one mean that the camp itself is only £50 for 11 days high

• •

• • • • •

quality international sailing training and experience. It isn’t cheap to get the young person to Varna, but such an exotic location doesn’t come around often. Give Nigel a ring.

Big thanks to 3 Area branches for their returns for the DNCM election.

The standard bearers competition is fast approaching – an important one with some very high profile events for the National Standard this year (D-Day in Normandy, Naval Service Memorial, Armed Forces Day in Stirling). Come and cheer on your favourite.

COLLINGWOOD should be a great venue.

You should be discussing the trustee report, accounts and motions for Conference and ensuring your delegate has a good idea of the Branch view.

Last call for delegates too!!!

We now have a nomination for DNCM5, thank you for that.

We still do not have a proposed Conference venue for 2016, can I ask Areas and Branches to really consider putting themselves forward, otherwise it is looking like the GS’s back garden with a burnt sausage for company and a parade to the pub!

Shep Woolley is doing a SODS opera in June in Pompey, do lend him your support, money raised is for SF(UK), tickets available at the King’s Theatre. Shep is always great fun.

STOP PRESS

STOP PRESS

STOP PRESS

I have just heard that the glass will be installed the week commencing 12 May. OK to go and look, but not to interfere with the work or get under the team’s feet!!!

Also just had some pictures from the toughening plant which show one of the panels after the enamel has gone translucent. This is the panel with the Atlantic spume lines. Hope you agree it looks fabulous!

The one below coming out of the furnace, a smaller panel from the centre.

As ever, Paul

General Secretary

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Chairman’s Chat – May 2014

Shipmates, I hope you all had a good Easter break and received lots of nice Easter eggs from your children or grandchildren. I had a very nice one from my Sister-in-Law with OBE written in white icing all over it!

This will be a very short Chat this month as it will be the last Semaphore Circular many branches will have time to study in detail before Conference. I want, therefore, to encourage you all to get your plans together in good time for the big weekend in June. Please get your bids in to the Royal Court Hotel Booking Office whether you are coming for accommodation over part or all of the weekend, or are just planning to come for the NSM Dedication and then attend the Event Reception at the Royal Court on the Sunday evening for the carvery supper and entertainment by Shep Woolley.

This will cost you £12.50 per person plus drinks and raffle tickets. The gallon of rum tickets are selling very well already and are being sent out to the Fleet as I write. We have already exceeded the income from the 2013 Conference Raffle so thank you all for your support. Perhaps we need to think of an annual raffle featuring 1 gallon, 2 half-gallons, and 4 quarts of Pusser’s Rum as Conference Raffle prizes every year!

Progress on the NSM is going very well. The NP and GS tell me that Graeme Mitcheson’s work on the Sailor statue is already looking very impressive, and I will be going up to visit Graeme’s studio and to the NMA just after Easter to see for myself and. The ground works have started, first pouring of base concrete and setting in of glass panel support boots, is complete ready for the second layer of concrete ready to take the granite plinth. I had my first event of the 60th Anniversary of the granting of our Royal Charter on the 29th March as guest of the Hereford Branch at their Charter 60 Celebration Dinner. A very good evening indeed in a lovely room with excellent food and company. We all felt very much at ease as it was in an upmarket retirement home!! And I was in photograph where I wasn’t the smallest person in the group – thanks to the presence of my good friend Roy Wood, President of Hereford, long-term NCM 7 Area and RNA LVP. Well done Hereford.

So, Shipmates, I look forward to a great get together in June for a good reunion weekend, a well-supported Conference to get our new Rule Book under way, and for us all to share in the pride of our gift to the Royal Navy – a majestic, imaginative and stunning Naval Service Memorial. See you there.

Chris Dovey

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Daily Orders 1. Naval Service Memorial and Conference - Update May Edition 2. Naval Service Memorial Raffle details 3. National Standard Bearers Competition 17 May 14 4. National Events Advisor 2014 ‘Gizzits’ Update 5. National Vice Chairmans ‘Gong’ 6. Pussers Rum Special rates for RNA 7. Type 42 HMS Liverpool Ships Bell 8. Irish Naval Association 9. Mesothelioma and other Asbestos related Lung Cancer 10. IMC Sailing Camp 11. Sir John Hawkins Alms-House Chatham 12. TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) for Veterans – RNA Volunteers Required 13. Donald Duck Joke 14. Finance Corner – Michelle 15. Guess Where?

16. The Resourceful Irish Joke 17. The Fast Ship in the Fleet Book 18. Rum Tub For Sale 19. Veterans UK 20. NAAFI Buzzes 21. Rewards for Forces 22. Beating the Retreat 23. Yellow 24 Joke 24. RNA and NSM Lapel Badges 25. New RNA Area/Branch Insurance Cover 26. Computer Fraudsters ‘Heads Up’

“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.

The Naval Service Memorial and Conference - Update

Work has been at full speed this month on the construction of the memorial and the planning of the main events surrounding the dedication. As you can see the carving on the memorial figure is nearly there, with surface texturing taking about another 2 and a half weeks. The figure is absolutely stunning, with a quiet elegance. The carving of the back of the figure and the ‘at ease’ cap position is particularly good.

The main glass panels have finished at the printing stage and have been taken up to Peterlee and have been through the first stage, where the enamel fuses with the glass and becomes translucent. They have also been through the toughening process (16 weeks at Ganges) and they have been heat soak tested – and proved sound.

The next step is lamination where the printed and coloured 15mm panel meets its 19mm mirror image and the laminating gel is put between – then back into the furnace for the gel to melt and fuse the glass together. David Proto who owns and manages the Glass Company is very very pleased with the way the panels have turned out.

The Ground works have now started and the DEMS memorial now moved back next to the Merchant Navy Memorial and looks stunning, much better placed – and the Bofurs 40/60 now points into the Naval Area in a more pleasing manner. Big thanks to the DEMS Association for allowing the move.

The ground works have now started with the excavation of the deeper foundations under the glass done last week. The National Pres was very impressed by this muddy hole, which shows the length but not the width of the final pavement.

The first pour of concrete for the foundations has been made. The very exacting job of precisely placing the template for the brackets for the glass panels was done this week. The picture shows the full size template and position.

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The picture below shows the brackets being drilled and secured in place. The next step is the second pour of concrete which will cover the side fins that you can see. The foundations of the rest of the pavement area are done at the same time giving the full pavement size.

The granite paving slabs then go in top leaving a small up-stand for the glass. The glass panels are then slotted into place and secured with a two part epoxy mix and sealed. Graeme will use a mock up of the figure to get the position just right, and then move the carved figure into position. He will have to drill a hole for a stainless steel rod that will keep the figure into position, also a thin layer of grout.

The information panel meanwhile is being made at Proto Glass. We have agreed the QR code that will be etched onto the panel which will lead those with smart phones to a web page about the RNA and our donors. The panel will be blue, have the white Ensign and be sand-blast etched with an explanation of the memorial, who it is for and the design by Graeme.

Meanwhile planning for the event is at full tilt. We have confirmed a 24 man guard from HMS FORWARD, and I am delighted to announce that the Reserves Colour will be paraded. We have now had confirmation from all the main VVIPS of attendance and we now know that Princess Michael will accompany her husband to the event. The Minister of State for the Armed Forces, the Rt Hon Mark Francois MP will attend as well as the First Sea Lord, the Second Sea Lord. 15 Commanding Officers of HMS Ships, submarines, air squadrons, commandos and reserve units have been invited.

The BBC will be covering the event and may (or may not) be providing a live feed. We hope that the Warsash Sea Cadet unit will help with route marking and orders of service. RNA Market Harborough branch have volunteered to help and they will form the bulk of the VIP welcoming party under the gentle command of Michelle Bainbridge. We will have 200 guests at the Royal Reception, with Area officials, guests and invitees making a large proportion of those attending in addition to the Royal Navy and Naval Associations guests. The evening RNA wide do is looking good and the dozens of bottles of Pusser’s Rum for the tot have arrived. Sales of the Raffle tickets are brisk too. A big thank you to all those donating to the memorial and selling raffle tickets – it is important that we keep momentum.

Finally I am looking for people to be interviewed by the BBC for whom the memorial is particularly important – please contact GS if you know of someone who is willing.

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2.

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)

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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).

•

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. This is your final opportunity to enter...

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National Events Advisor 2014 ‘Gizzits’ Update

If your branch is planning an event and you require one of the RNAs three Logo laden Gazebos or you think you have a case to apply for ‘Gizzit’ support then you need to contact the National Events Advisor Shipmate Steve Caulfield on 07780 000969 or e-mail rna1958@icloud.com This year’s Gizzits include Pens, National Service Memorial Fridge Magnets and Badges.

If, however you require membership literature i.e. Joining Forms, Car Stickers or RNA Kids Hats you will need to contact HQ.

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National Vice Chairmans ‘Gong’

The National Vice Chairman, Shipmate Keith Crawford, visited Buckingham Palace last month to receive his recently awarded MBE. The investiture was carried out by HRH Prince of Wales. I am sure all Shipmates will want me to pass on our congratulations to Keith on a thoroughly deserved award.

(Editors Note – Apparently it was not true that HRH asked Keith what hair dye he uses for his syrup!!)

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6.

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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Type 42 HMS Liverpool Ships Bell presentation

The Naval Regional Command Northern England and Isle of Man is hosting a ceremony on Friday 13 June at 1430 to present the Bell of the recently decommissioned HMS LIVERPOOL on permanent loan to the Church of Our Lady and St Nicholas, the recognised maritime church in the City of Liverpool. The ceremony will involve a church service followed by a short reception in HMS DAUNTLESS, all proceedings should be completed no later than 1800. Tickets will be issued on a first come, first serve basis and applications should be made to: Lieutenant Joshua Gorst Royal Navy on 0151 707 3434 or via email navynrcne-jsuoic@mod.uk

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Irish Naval Association

Shipmates may be interested to read the letter below sent to the National Chairman from the Irish Naval Association PRO Terry Cummins; Dear Chris On behalf of the Irish Naval Association please convey to your members the heartfelt thanks of all our members here in Ireland for the wonderful reception given to our Country and our President Michael D’O Higgins by Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip.

It brought a lump to everyone’s throat when our National Anthem was played as her Majesty greeted our President.

This surely will rate in Ireland as one of the highest points in our Countries relationship.

On another note it is also a wonderful gesture by the Royal Naval Association to invite the President of the Irish Naval Association Mr. Declan Pendred to be your guest at the unveiling of the Memorial on the 15th June by HRH Prince Michael of Kent and afterwards to the Royal Reception.

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It is nice to recall that in the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland both the RNA and the INA fostered such a good relationship and return visits on several occasions. Perhaps we set the standard for the reconciliations that have happened in recent years.

We all look forward to meeting you again in Coventry.

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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.

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IMC Sailing Camp 2014 – Update to deadline

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 16th May 14 (very latest). Joining forms will be sent out to those selected and should be completed and returned to HQ with your cheque.

The cost will be a heavily subsidised £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.

Sir John Hawkins Alms-House,Chatham - Vacancy

The Governors of the Hospital of Sir John Hawkins, Knight, in Chatham have a ground-floor one bedroom flat with its own separate kitchen and shower room/WC available now for occupancy by a man or woman who meets the qualifications of the charity.

Under an amendment to the Foundation Charter, the Hospital can provide for a needy or disabled person (well enough to look after him-or-herself – there are no carers or matrons) of any age who has served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, The WRNS, Queen Alexandra's RN Nursing Service, the Army, the RAF, or who has served and been mobilised for active service in any of the Reserve Forces, or the RFA or the Merchant Navy, or who has been employed in the construction, maintenance, repair and re-fitting of ships in the Royal Dockyards.

If there is no such applicant, the Governors may appoint the spouse or a dependant of any of the above.

The Maintenance Contribution for use of this flat, including water rate but not Council Tax or other utilities, is currently £140 per calendar month. Interested parties are invited to contact the Clerk/Administrator, Tracey Moreton at Sir John Hawkins Hospital, High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4EW. Email sirjohnhawkins@yahoo.co.uk

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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.

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.

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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)

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Donald Duck Joke Donald Duck and Daisy Duck were spending the night together in a hotel room and Donald wanted to have sex with Daisy.

The first thing Daisy asked was, "Do you have a condom?"

Donald frowned and said, "No." Daisy told Donald that if he didn't get a condom, they could not have sex.

"Maybe they sell them at reception" she suggested.

So Donald went down to the lobby and asked the hotel clerk if they had condoms.

"Yes, we do," the clerk said and pulled a box out from under the counter and gave it to Donald.

Wait for it...........

The clerk asked, "Would you like me to put them on your bill?" "Thit No!" Donald quacked, "I'd thuffocate!" (Boom Boom!!)

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Finance Corner – Michelle

Sadly Michelle went off on leave ‘upt north’ without providing a Finance Corner. She is visiting her home town of Hull, the City of Culture 2017. The picture shows her car parked next to the 3 star guest house recommended by the tourism department........ Only Joking!!

Hopefully she’ll be back next month as there are bills to pay!!!

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15.

Guess Where? An Establishment!

Can you name the establishment and where it is? Small clue it is still a naval service establishment to this day!

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!

It is the David Bruce Royal Naval Hospital at Mtarfa, Valetta , Malta which is now a boys' school.

Many thanks to Shipmate John Bailey for sending in the picture. S/M John was in HMS Fearless in 1972 when the ship had a couple of short visits to Valetta. He ‘knew’ a couple of QARNNS at the time and along with a few shipmates from the mess was invited up to the QARNNS disco at RNH hence his historical interest in the place!!

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

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The Resourceful Irish...

A great Irish text......... Paddy to his lady wife......

"Mary, I'm just having one more pint with the lads. If I'm not home in 20 minutes, read this message again."

17. The Fastest Ship in the Fleet Book To coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the launch of HMS Cavalier on 7th April 1944, Barry Knell , former Chairman of the HMS Cavalier Associaton has written a book that tells the story of the ship and men who served on all the Ships commissions. The book entitled ‘The Fastest Ship in the Fleet’-HMS Cavalier and her Men, contains over 350 pages and 250 photographs, published by the Historic Dockyard Chatham, it will be on sale in the Dockyard Shop. However advanced copies can be pre-ordered by contacting pbarnard@chdt.org.uk or by phone 01634 823844 The profits of the sales of which will be going towards her continued preservation.

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18.

Rum Tub - For Sale

Horsham branch have a Rum Tub for sale. It requires a bit of refurbishment and they would like to sell it for £100 and it would have to be collected. Anyone interested should contact Shipmate John Dale on 01403-262 129 or jjd93@sky.com

19.

Veterans UK

Shipmates may be interested to know that due to a merger between Defence Business Services and Veterans Agency (SPVA) a number of changes will take place behind the scenes, in the main name changes which should not affect the Veteran community. The use of ‘SPVA’ terminology will be phased out by 2015.

You may also like to be aware that the Veterans UK helpline’s with its new memorable number (0808 1914 2 18) and extended opening hours (0730-1830 (1700 Fri)) have proved very successful. Veterans UK are also now working in partnership with Combat Stress and The Samaritans to provide a 24 hour ‘crisis’ advice service if needed, which again, is already proving of great value to veterans in need of immediate support. These services complement our existing Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) who will continue to assist veterans one to one via the telephone or home visits where needed. Our Veterans UK website www.veterans-uk.info remains unchanged

20.

NAAFI Queue Buzzes

1.

Inheritance Tax - Exemption for Death on Duty. In the latest budget, an exemption from Inheritance Tax for members of the emergency services killed in the course of their duty was announced. This does already apply to Armed Force personnel in accordance with section 154 of the Inheritance Act. has prompted a number of members to ask why this doesn't apply to the Armed Forces.

2.

Please beware of Unofficial Sites......

Passports - https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport will charge you the normal passport renewal fee of £72.50, but won't charge additional handling fees. Other sites do. This is particularly important as the government is now encouraging all passport applications to be made on line.

E111 Renewal. Renewing a European Health Travel Card is FREE and easy. But if you use an unofficial site they will charge you up to £15.00.

Visa Renewal Sites. Beware if applying online for visas. Again, there are plenty of sites willing to take more money than you need pay.

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21.

Rewards for Forces Shipmates may be interested to know about Rewards for Forces who are the UK’s largest discount and benefits website for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Partners of those Serving or Ex-Serving. Their website is free to join and was set up to get high street companies to offer discounts as a thanks to our members for serving our country.

Veterans can sign up or fantastic deals with over 13000 local and national discounts. The scheme has gained significant traction from national press and is fully backed by The Sun newspaper and Rewards for Forces has recently launched an App that helps members access discounts codes and offers on the go.

Rewards for Forces was launched with the ethos of giving back to those who deserve these benefits and to say thank you for serving our country. Rewards for Forces recognises that wives and partners are also entitled to claim forces discounts and make savings for the whole family. With companies on board such as Merlin, Virgin holidays, Apple, Frankie and Benny’s and Burton’s Menswear, families can look to save anything from £500-£1000 annually. Rewards for Forces is free to join and gives access to thousands of benefits online at www.rewardsforces.co.uk.

22.

Beating the Retreat 3-4 June 2014 Over 400 military personnel and musicians will perform together in the biggest ever Royal Marines Beating Retreat, a pageant of military music and precision drill, to be held on 3-4 June at London’s Horse Guards Parade.

Shipmates are encouraged to get in quick as tickets to this historic event are selling fast. The vast majority of remaining seats are priced from just £12 and groups are welcomed to attend. This very Royal and world-renowned event, is performed every two years in celebration of the birthday of HRH Prince Philip. This year, the event is extra ordinary as it forms part of a busy schedule of UK-wide celebrations to mark the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Marines, known as RM350.

The event will see over 200 members of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines joined on parade by visiting bands from the United States Marine Corps and the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps

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and together over 400 personnel will converge to perform a musical spectacular that is not to be missed.

Lt Col Trevor Sawyer RM, Event Director said: “Our finest and most versatile military musicians will be on show at this year’s Beating Retreat. We’re hoping to play to a sell-out crowd so have been rehearsing since before Christmas. The programme contains ceremonial pieces as well as traditional marches and overtures.”

Ticket information Tickets are available from Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.uk/beatingretreat350 or by calling the booking line on 0844 847 2504. Shipmates: if you’re getting a group together phone the booking line to reserve your tickets – you can then have extra time to finalise numbers and organise your payment!

23.

Yellow 24 Joke A man goes to the doctors feeling a little ill. The doctor checks him over and says, "Sorry, I have some bad news, you have Yellow 24, a really nasty virus. It's called Yellow 24 because it turns your blood Yellow and you usually only have 24 hours to live. There's no known cure so just go home and enjoy your final precious moments on earth."

So he trudges home to his wife and breaks the news. Distraught, She asks him to go to the bingo with her that evening as he's never been there with her before.

They arrive at the bingo and with his first card he gets four corners and wins £35. Then, with the same card, he gets a line and wins £320. Then he gets the full house and wins £1000. The National Grid comes up and he wins that too getting £380,000.

The bingo caller gets him up on stage and says, "Son, I've been here 20 years and I've never seen anyone win Four corners, a line, the full house and the national grid on the same card. You must be the luckiest man on Earth!"

"Lucky?" he screamed. "Lucky? I'll have you know I've got Yellow 24."

"Flipping Heck" says the bingo caller. "You've won the raffle as well."

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

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25.

New RNA Branch Liability Insurance cover now available for Areas

Hot of the Press ...... After further negotiations by HQ Staff Ansvar Insurance have now agreed to sell this policy to Areas, subject to one restriction that is - if the function exceeds more than 500 persons they will have to arrange separate cover.

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.

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.

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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.

26.

Computer Fraudsters ‘Heads Up’

Shipmates may be interested to see a Computer Fraudsters e-mail that was received in the HQ last week and is an example of the latest tactic being used by them so please don’t be fooled; -----Original Message----From: Lt.Colonel.Rob Freeland [mailto:midwest@vodafone.com.gh] Sent: 09 April 2014 17:44 To: undisclosed-recipients Subject: From Lieutenant Colonel Rob Freeland My name is Lieutenant Colonel Rob Freeland ; I am an American soldier, serving in the military with the 3rd marine commando division in Afghanistan. With a very desperate need for assistance, I have summed up courage to contact you.I am seeking your kind assistance to move the sum of (US$12.7, million dollars) to you, as far as I can be assured that my money will be safe in your care until I complete my service here come next month, this is no stolen money, and there is no danger involved.

Source of money: Some money in various currencies was discovered in barrels at a farmhouse near Kabul during a rescue operation, and it was agreed by parties involved that this money be shared among us.

This was quite an illegal thing to do, but I tell you what? No compensation can make up for the risk we have taken with our lives in this hellhole, and I have been shot,wounded and survived two suicide bomb attacks by the special grace of God. This and other reasons has prompted me to reach out for help. The above figure I took as my share, and to conceal this kind of money became a problem for me, so with the help of a British contact working here and his office enjoy some immunity, I was able to get the package out to a safe location entirely out of trouble spot. He does not know the real contents of the package, and believes that it belongs to a British / American medical doctor who died in a raid here in Afghanistan, and before giving up, trusted me to hand over the package to his family.

I want to promise you 30% of this money for the assistance you will give to me but one passionate appeal I will make to you is not to discuss this matter with anybody. Should you have reasons to reject this offer, please and please destroy this message as any leakage of this information will be too bad for us soldier’s here in Afghanistan.

In less than 4 days the box should be in your possession and as I said earlier, I will give you 30% of the total amount and 70% for me. I hope I have been fair to this deal. Get back to me with your full information and I will proceed with the registration.

Thank you in advance, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Freeland.

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‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches Branch Officials – Changes for 2014 Branch Position Name Phone no Southend on Sea Hon Sec Norman Summerhayes 01702 465834 Cleethorpes Hon Sec M Charles 01472 693799 Morecambe Hon Sec Ernie Tacey 01524 854239 York Hon Sec Pat Farrington 01904 798306 Skegness Hon sec Gill Thwaites 01754 876817 Crosby Hon Sec John Arnold 07702 595918 Nuneaton Hon Sec Nicholas Harper 02475 017254 Sturminster Newton Hon Sec Vacant at time of going to press Saltash Hon Sec David Lockwood 01752 218572 Birmingham SheldonHon Sec Robert Rabone 07951 143383 No 1 Area Area Sec John Brett 020 8755 1697

RNA Brentwood Branch Brentwood branch are sad to announce that Shipmate Irene Anderson (nee West) has crossed the bar and her funeral was held on 13th March.

Irene an ex member of Brentwood branch served 1943 -46, WRNS supply, HMS Sultan, died aged 89. She was still a member of the Association of Wrens at the time of her death. She will be much missed.

RNA West Lothian Mrs Grace Peace, widow of 2WW Veteran Petty Officer Peter Peace was presented with his Arctic Star, at Crofthead House Care Home, Fauldhouse on 24th March 2014. Grace’s late husband served in HMS AMAZON in the North Atlantic, the Arctic Convoys, and in the Mediterranean during the Second World War. He saw action against enemy submarines, surface vessels, aircraft and the weather! He participated in many significant actions – the Atlantic and Arctic Convoys, the defence of Norway, the escort of HMS EDINBURGH on the voyage where she carried gold bullion, Operation Pedestal to Malta where SS OHIO brought in much needed fuel and the invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch). The Lord Lieutenant of West Lothian Mrs Isobel Brydie MBE presented PO Peter’s Arctic Star to Grace 21

Peace on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Mrs Peace, who was accompanied by her sons, was absolutely delighted to accept the Arctic Star on behalf of her husband. The presentation was arranged by Mr Alan Hamilton MBE and Ms Fiona Salem, Regional Support Officers for the Armed Services Advice Project (“ASAP”). Also attending the presentation were Commander Mark Buchan-Steele RN, Chief of Staff RNHQ SNI, CPO Brian Scullion and PO Ian Hamilton of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, Shipmate Karen Elliot (RNA HQ Roll), Tony Hooman (RBLS Livingston Branch), and Shipmates Dave Cutler and Bob McMorron (RNA West Lothian), and Graeme Morrice MP, as well as a number of residents and staff members from the care home.

RNA Aquitaine Branch On 19 March, Aquitaine Branch members attended the male and female RN Rugby teams fixtures against the French Naval XV at Toulon. In accordance with tradition both teams went down fighting, the girls lost 50-0 earlier, and the men 32-7. (However, we did win the reverse fixture last year in Blighty) The next day's paper noted that although the girls sang God Save the Queen, very sweetly - with two of Aquitaine Branch's Shipmates bellowing elsewhere – they were then followed by the 10,000 French folk, many in uniform, singing the Marseillaise with great vigour. The branch were really proud that there solitary White Ensign went down very well.

The Base d'Avion Navale's pipe band from Landivisiau, near Brest, with three Scottish pipes and the rest Breton, played "Scotland the Brave" as their first piece at the interval. The Aquitaine Branch's Scottish Chairman's shout of "Vive l'Ecosse!" was supported by a huge welcoming shout by the French all round.......

(They all thought that Chairman Ken was going to get his wallet out and buy a round of beers – They did not realise that it was last sighted in 1980 in HMS Cochrane!!!!)

4 Area Reunion Now we know what they got up to at the 4 Area Reunion in Bideford recently...... ‘Elvis has not left the building’ aka S/M Dave ‘The King ‘ Prowse being presented with the ‘Rose Bowl’ by 4 Area President David White.

And.........

S/M Maurice Brown and his Shipmates in crime singing High on a Hill.... One of their personal favourites after a few sherberts!!

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RNA Loughton Branch Sadly Loughton Branch RNA announces their closure and has arranged to Lay Up their Standard on Wednesday 4th June 2014 at St John’s Church, Church Lane, Loughton IG10 1PD. The service will commence at 1500 and will be followed by a modest social at the Loughton Royal British Legion, 118 Church Hill, Loughton IG10 1LH. The club is only a short distance from the church. The Branch will warmly welcome Standard Bearers & Shipmates (including those from Headquarters) at our Laying up of Standard Service.

Loughton shipmates will be continuing to meet and socialise as an ‘Informal Group’.

RNA Raleigh Branch Former Chief Petty Officer George Williams, 91, from Rayleigh Branch was presented with six war-time medals in a surprise ceremony arranged by his son Stephen. His son, Stephen, a solicitor from East Bergholt, heard many WWII naval stories from his father over the years including his service in a minesweeper at the D Day landings.

After some digging, Stephen found his father’s bravery should have resulted in some distinguished medals. His research confirmed that six medals were issued on 12 July 1950 and sent to an address in East Ham, London, but they never arrived. The blunder has now been resolved and S/m Georges medals: the 1939-1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the Pacific Star, the France and Germany Clasp, the War Medal 1939/45 and the Defence Medal. The medals were presented to him by Captain Warren Bairstow CSC RAN (Naval Adviser to the Australian High Commission) at the Royal Hospital School School’s Founders Day Divisions and chapel service .

In recognition of Mr Williams’ service in the Royal Navy, he and his son, Stephen, were invited to the when Captain Bairstow took the salute, followed by a chapel service. The presentation was preceded by a parade of 700 pupils.

For your information The Royal Hospital School was founded in 1713 to educate boys for service in the Royal Navy and until just 20 years ago most pupils attending the school had some seafaring connection.

RNA Eastbourne Branch Eastbourne Standard Bearer S/m Tom Brown has stood down after 15 years service. However he has been replaced by Shipmate Kevin Francis who can be contacted by e-mail (kevvfrancis@hotmail.com).

S/M Tom has not got away with it as he has been elected as Branch Chairman!!

RNA Grantham Branch Shipmates are advised that Grantham Branch has a new Branch Secretary and Chairman, names and contact details can be found below; 23

Secretary

Chairman

S/M Pat Preston 14 Easthorpe Road, Bottesford, Notts Tel 01949 844228

S/m Norma Carrick 5 Charles Avenue, Ancaster Village, Nr Grantham.

Tel 01400 230118

Area 2 The National Standard along with other Area Standards and Shipmates Members of Area 2 under the control of S/m Harry Cowell of Sittingbourne branch were present at the 70th Anniversary of the launch of HMS Cavalier at Chatham Dockyard on 7th April 2014. The day commenced with a private Celebratory Drumhead Service in the Royal Dockyard Church attended by HMS Cavalier Association members and invited guests including serving and former senior Royal Navy officers, the Mayor of Medway, The High Sheriff of Kent, The Lord Lieutenant for Kent and guest of honour Admiral The Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports. The service was led by the Reverend Andrew Huckett, Chaplain of the HMS Cavalier Association and a small ensemble for the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine (Collingwood) who provided the musical accompaniment for the Hymns.

Following the church service the Band of HM Royal Marines led a parade through The Historic Dockyard, including Service Association standards, a Royal Navy Guard formed by members of the ship’s company of HMS Lancaster and contingents of HMS Cavalier Association members, Sea Cadets and others. The salute was taken by Admiral the Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL as the parade passed HMS Cavalier. An ‘Up-Spirits’ toast to the ship was made with a tot of rum by parade participants, led by the Association members and a firing of HMS Cavalier’s guns drew the formal proceedings to a close, but not before the crowd sang “happy birthday” to the ship!

RNA Skelmersdale Branch The Hon Secretary S/M John Taubman would like to advise shipmates that he has a new e-mail address, after the last one was hacked (Grrrr) it is btaubman@yahoo.co.uk his phone contact details remain the same 07891-186 570.

He would also like to let Shipmates know that the Branch is holding it’s annual 'flight deck' penguin racing in aid of SAMA on 21st June. If any shipmates from nearby branches would like to attend could they please get in touch with me at the contact details above.

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RNA Hull Branch On Thursday 3rd April 2014 in the St Vincent Social Club, 3 of our members and a special guest from Hornsea were presented with their long awaited Arctic Star Medals by the High Sheriff of East Yorkshire, Mr Stephen T Larard. From left to right the picture shows S/M George Barker (Former Chairman of the Russian Convoy Club, HMS Fencer), S/M Bob Reeves (Chairman of the Hull Branch of the RNA), Mr Stephen T Larard, High Sheriff of East Yorkshire, S/M Leslie Colyer (HMS Zodiac), S/M Fred Moore (HMS Whirlwind), and in the foreground S/M Alan Young from Hornsea (HMS Middleton) Following the presentations a very enjoyable afternoon of buffet and lamp swinging took place. We offer our many congratulations of these very richly deserved awards. The High Sheriff informed us that his year in office was coming to an end, however, these presentations were one of the highlights of his year.

RNA Llandudno Branch Llandudno’s PRO S/M Matt Shields forwarded a dispatch form Welsh Wales to the Semaphore Circular so that Shipmates may read what Llandudno branch has been up to.

After the very busy year in 2013, see our Website - News and Events, our Branch is now looking forward to a full Calendar in 2014. We will be participating in local, regional events and Parades, and a delegation of our members will be attending the National Conference and dedication of the new Naval Service Memorial in June.

Some members will be attending the Area 10 Conference and Re-union in April at Blackpool. Planning is underway for our Annual Dinner, our yearly trip and of course Trafalgar Day in October, with invitations to local events also being planned and to commemorate the ending of WW1. We have a healthy Branch Membership, with local and also some members from defunct Branches in West and East North Wales. The local British Legion have kindly offered us the use of their large function room on a ground floor level in which to meet which will assist our older, not so agile members to attend. We are also hoping more ex RN members will be attracted with having more of a central shopfront location. Members of HMS Ganges Veterans association recently had their weekend in Llandudno and presented our Branch with a plaque, which we are hoping to display along with other memorabilia within the BL. Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 24 April 2014 in the RBL Llandudno, 7 Vaughan

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St, Llandudno, Conwy, LL301AB. Contact details and other information can be found within our Website www.rnallandudno.co.uk

The photo opposite shows the Branch presentation of a framed Mosaic to Branch Shipmate and Blind Veterans Llandudno member Alan Saunders, a veteran of Dieppe.

The photos above(top) shows the Vice Chairman Llandudno BL and Shipwreck Shields RNA Llandudno Secretary being presented with a plaque on behalf of HMS Ganges Veterans and in the other photo Llandudno President Keith Bradley and Chairman Sally Jones with the Branch presentation toward IT facilities for Blind Veterans Llandudno.

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 31 Jul 16 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 19 Sep 27 Sep 10 Oct 11 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 15 Nov 22 Nov 26

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 Redruth Branch - Culdrose Air Day AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ HQ Open Day Royal Naval Division – 100th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner- Leeds HQ Open Day Christchurch RNA – Trafalgar Dinner 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

06 Dec 2015 01 May

National Council Meeting - HQ Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversary

Shortcast (Run in date order) 2014 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 – 9th May 2014 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 HMS Illustrious Association - 9th May 2014 HMS Illustrious Association Southern branch reunion to be held at Conniston Hotel, Sittingbourne 9-12 May. Guided tour of Chatham Dockyard and visit to Eastchurch. Contact Frances Garton at frances.garton@virginmedia.com 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.

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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 The 2nd HMS Manchester Association – 07 June 2014 Reunion to be held in the WO, SR & SNCOs Mess, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth over the weekend June 7-8. For further details visit http://www.2ma.org.uk/ or contact Steve Swaine at stevie27@hotmail.com or Ian Tidbury at iantids@ntlworld.com

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 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 28

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 “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 Arethusa Association – 3/6th October 2014 The 27th Reunion of the HMS Arethusa Association will be held at the Hillcrest Hotel, Cronton Lane, Widnes WA8 9AR from October 3 to 6. Pleas contact Tom Sawyer at hmsarethusa38@btinternet.com for further details.

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 29

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 Dainty Association – 10 October 2014 Reunion to be held October 10-12 at the RNLI College Poole. For further details contact David Erwin at daviderwin@talktalk.net 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 HMS Cheviot Association – 24 October 2014 Reunion to be held at the Inglewood Hotel, Torquay Otober 24-27. Contact Basil Downing-Waite at bazval@btinternet.com 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.

HMS Diamond Association - 14 November 2014 Reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from 14 to 16 November. All welcome. For more information please contact Ray Shipley at shipleyraymond@yahoo.co.uk HMS Eagle Association – 14 November 2014 The 42nd Anniversary ‘Nautical Experience’ reunion to be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea November 14-16. Meet and greet Friday, various tours from the hotel Saturday with dinner/dance and entertainment in the evening. All commissions 1952-72 welcome with wives, partners and guests. Contact main organiser Danny du Feu at ddf.photography@gmail.com or events secretary Bill Melvin at bill.melvin2@btinternet.com

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2015 HMS Ariadne Reunion – 13 March 2015 The 4th annual reunion is will be held at the Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton, Lincs DN20 0AQ from 13th to 15th March 2015. A deposit of £20 made payable to Sally Clarke at ‘Just for Groups’ tel: 01603 886740. Total cost is £99pp for the weekend. Former members of any of the commissions are most welcome to attend all or part of the weekend. Please contact HMS Ariadne on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/37130765250/ for more details.

The HMS Glorious, Ardent, and Acasta Association – 2014 Diary Dates 04 May - Service of Remembrance 1100 hours at the Church Situated in The Village of Martindale Cumbria Contact David Woodcock 01229464414 e-mail dwoodcock123@btinternet.com 06 June - Service of Remembrance at The National Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire Contact David Emery MBE 01782 397746 e-mail dg.david@hotmail.co.uk 06 June - Social Evening, Holiday Inn, The Hoe, Plymouth 1930 Hours 07 June - Meeting on The Hoe, beside The Memorial for a Short Service of Remembrance 07 June - Social Evening, Holiday Inn, The Hoe Plymouth 1930 Hours 08 June - Our Main Service of Remembrance at 1030 hours St.Nicholas Church, HMS Drake, Davenport, Plymouth. Followed by a Buffet in the Warrant Officers and S/Rates Mess, HMS Drake.

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

Date 1st

Year 1952

2nd

1982

3rd

1941

4th

1916

5th

1861

6th

1976

7th

1909

8th

1945

9th

1975

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1806

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1943

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Entry ‘Reconstruction of the [carrier] HMS Victorious is being seriously delayed due to lack of particular craftsmen and shipwrights. There is obviously a surfeit of “maties”, and visitors to Portsmouth Dockyard are not impressed by the number of loafers who represent “Full employment” in the town’ – The Navy, May 1952.

HMS Conqueror torpedoed and sank the Argentine heavy cruiser General Belgrano off the Burdwood Bank, Falkland Islands (55.27S, 61.25W). Operation Corporate. DSO: Cdr Christopher WrefordBrown. The first sinking by a British submarine for thirty-seven years and the first torpedo attack by a SSN. The Mk 8 Mod IV torpedoes used were in their fiftieth year of service. Boat returned to Faslane flying Jolly Roger.

Admiralty House, Portsmouth, damaged in air raids on 17 April and 3 May. C-in-C Portsmouth moved his war HQ to Fort Wallington on Portsdown Hill.

Light cruisers Galatea and Phaeton brought down Zeppelin L-7 10 miles S. of Horns Reef light vessel. E 31 completed her destruction and rescued seven survivors.

Cockchafer, Firm and Haughty, with boats of Pearl, destroyed the pirate town of Tsingchow near Swatow, S.E. China.

Third Cod War – ‘Riding Off’ policy resumed. Collision between Icelandic Coastguard vessel Baldur and frigate Mermaid. Frigate returned to the UK with potentially serious damage No. 1 Rigid Naval Airship, unofficially known as Mayfly, ordered from Vickers Sons and Maxim for ￡35,000 under the 1909–10 Navy Estimates. She took exactly two years to build but never flew; she was wrecked being removed in high winds from her shed on 24 September 1911 after modifications but this marked the start of British naval aviation.

VE Day. The end of the Second World War in Europe. By the King’s command, the Royal Navy spliced the main-brace. A full meeting of the Board of Admiralty met in the bomb damaged old Boardroom; ‘the principal business’, recalled Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Cunningham, First Sea Lord, ‘being the drinking of a bottle of Waterloo brandy produced by the First Lord, Mr A.V. Alexander’.

HMS Ardent, Type 21 frigate, launched at Yarrow. Lost to Argentine air attack 21 May 1982. DSC: Cdr A.W.J. West, RN. Operation Corporate. The third successive Ardent sunk in action.

Capt Cochrane launched aerial propaganda attack on France (kites from Pallas).

Sloop Fleetwood and Halifax D/58 sank U-528 in S.W. Approaches.

Convoy OS 47.

HMS Brilliant, Type 22 frigate, destroyed three Argentine Skyhawk aircraft in the first operational use of Sea Wolf. Her Lynx helicopter

13th 14th

1889 1982

15th

1957

16th

1863

17th

1943

18th

1941

19th

2000

20th

1937

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was the first to fire Sea Skua in action. HMS Glasgow,Type 42 destroyer, damaged by bomb which failed to explode. Operation Corporate.

Officers’ tunic replaced by monkey jacket.

SAS landed by Sea Kings from HMS Hermes to destroy eleven enemy aircraft on Pebble Island. HMS Glasgow provided NGS. Active service declared for all units between 7° and 60°S, initially for three months. Everyone in the Task Force became subject to the Naval Discipline Act, with several interesting consequences, many fortunately putative. NAAFI personnel serving in HM ships though not elsewhere might enlist in the RN and enjoy all the benefits. Thus a canteen manager in Ardent remustered as a PO on 15 May and was awarded DSM for gallantry in manning a gun on the 21st. Everyone was also protected by the Geneva Convention ‘and if the worst happened was assured that his estate would be free of death duties’.

Britain’s first hydrogen bomb successfully detonated over the coral island of Malden, 400 miles S. of Christmas Island. HM Ships: carrier Warrior, broad pennant of Cdre R.B.N. Hicks RN, was Operational Control Ship; frigate Alert, surveying ship Cook, tank landing ships Messina and Narvik, ocean salvage vessel Salvictor, frigates HMNZS Pukaki and Rotoiti, RFA Fort Beauharnois, Fort Rosalie, Gold Ranger, Wave Prince, Wave Ruler and Wave Victor.

Further tests on 15, 31 May and 19 June. Warrior aircraft employed on collecting air samples, SAR, weather reporting and radar tracking. On conclusion three Grumman Avengers catapulted off the flight deck and deliberately ditched between Pitcairn and Callao on 31 July.

Operation Grapple.

Mates RN, a rank introduced by Earl St Vincent in 1802, became sublieutenants RN; their distinction lace of one .-in ring caused lieutenants, commanders and captains, until then distinguished by one, two and three rings respectively, to each ship one extra ring. Mates reappeared from 1912 to 1931.

Frigate HMS Swale sank U-657 S.E. of Cape Farewell (58.54N, 42.33W) with hedgehog and depth charges. Convoy ONS 7.

VC: PO Alfred Edward Sephton (Coventry) for gallantry in an air attack on cruiser Coventry south of Crete by German aircraft which had been attacking the hospital ship Aba. The medal was stolen on 25 September 1990 while on display in Coventry Cathedral; never recovered HMS Tireless, SSN, arrived at Gibraltar with reactor coolant defects.

Repairs took almost a year.

HM King George VI reviewed Fleet at Spithead. The first time a fleet review had been illuminated at night and the BBC commentator, who had clearly been well entertained, describing the scene as the lights were switched on simultaneously, told the nation ‘The Fleet’s all lit up – we’re all lit up.’ The recording is occasionally replayed, to the BBC’s credit. C-in-C Home Fleet, Admiral Sir Roger Backhouse, in Nelson; C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, Admiral Sir Dudley Pound, in Queen Elizabeth; 145 British and Empire ships present, with eighteen

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1941

22nd

2003

23rd

1822

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1939

25th

1982

26th 27th

1703 1940

28th

1891

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1940

30th

1906

31st

1968

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foreign vessels including Admiral Graf Spee.

‘Rarely can the flexibility of maritime power have been more convincingly demonstrated than by Ark Royal’s accomplishment in flying Hurricanes to Malta from a position well inside the Mediterranean on 21 May and crippling the Bismarck with her torpedo bombers 500 miles to the west of Brest six days later’ – Roskill, The Navy at War, WO2 Dave Pearce, RM, a member of a joint RN/RM expedition, became the first member of the Naval Service to climb Mount Everest.

Comet, the first paddle steamer built for the Royal Navy, launched at Deptford.

The Admiralty recovered control of the Fleet Air Arm from the RAF and renamed it the Air Branch of the Royal Navy. Rear-Admiral R. Bell-Davies VC, who had become a lieutenant-colonel RAF in April 1918 and reverted to the RN in May 1919, appointed rear admiral naval air stations which comprised Lee-on-Solent, Ford (Sussex), Worthy Down (Winchester), Donibristle (Fife) and Bermuda. The stations were commissioned the same day as HMS Daedalus, Peregrine, Kestrel, Merlin and Malabar. Dual RAF commissions held by RN officers terminated.

T42 Destroyer HMS Coventry sunk and frigate Broadsword damaged N. of Falkland Sound by air attacks. Atlantic Conveyor, carrying important helicopter reinforcements, damaged by two air-launched Exocets while in company with carrier battle group 85 miles N.E. of Cape Pembroke, and sank later. Capt Ian North DSC one of twelve men lost. This was Argentina’s national day but there was no sign of the eponymous carrier (25 De Mayo, originally HMS Venerable and then the Dutch Karel Doorman). Operation Corporate.

Death of Samuel Pepys, first Secretary of the Admiralty.

Animals in the Whale Island menagerie, mainly gifts to the Royal Family on overseas visits, were shot ‘in preparation for German air raids’.

Hearty sailed from Kinsale for her first fishery protection patrol. First RN ship dedicated to fishery protection work. Her blue and yellow pennant had been authorised for signatories to the 1883 North Europe Maritime Powers Sea Fisheries convention.

Destroyer HMS Wakeful, Cdr R.L. Fisher RN, torpedoed by German E-boat S-30 close to the Kwint Whistle Buoy off the Belgian coast after lifting hundreds of men of the British Expeditionary Force from Bray Dunes outside Dunkirk. The ship broke in two and sank quickly in 57ft of water with the loss of 690 men. Destroyer HMS Grafton sunk by U-62 nearby. Destroyer HMS Grenade and AA ship Crested Eagle sunk by German aircraft at Dunkirk. Operation Dynamo.

The modern battleship HMS Montagu, Capt T.B.S. Adair RN, ran aground on Shutter Point at the S.W. end of Lundy at 0212 in thick fog and was wrecked.

The RN Fleet Club Malta, formerly the Fleet Canteen, closed after seventy-one years’ service.

SUNDAY 27THJULY @ 7.30PM.

Once again the “Sons & Daughters of the Sea” will be bobbing up & down & rolling you in the aisles with songs &stories of “Life in a Blue Suit” Profits to the “Seafarers Charity” to benefit all that serve or who have served our Maritime Nation.

ALL SEATS £12.00 VETERANS £10.00

Heroes Haven Swanage Heroes Haven Swanage is a purpose built lodge which provides affordable holidays for disabled, injured and visually impaired serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces, their immediate family and carers.

Medical service personnel are also eligible to use the facility.

The lodge has been specially designed to cater for wheelchairs and for those that have suffered serious injuries to enjoy a “normal” family holiday.

Accommodating up to six people, and consisting of an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area.

Two separate double bedrooms lead through dressing areas and in to en suite wet rooms.

Situated on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, the lodge nestles in its own extensive landscaped gardens, which offers a tranquil setting for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing family holiday.

Within the grounds of Herston Leisure Holiday Park a seasonal on site store, bar, restaurant and launderette are also available to guests staying in the lodge.

The nearby seaside town of Swanage is a few minutes’ drive away; here you will find safe sandy beaches, interesting range of shops, cafés and restaurants and a vibrant night life. The Town is also host to a wide variety of music festivals throughout the year.

For further information visit our web site at www.heroes-haven.org.uk or contact us on info@heroes-haven.org.uk

Company Limited by Guarantee: No. 7219611 Company Registered in England: Herston Cross House, 230 High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2PQ Registered Charity No. 1139553