Semaphore Circular #642 (August 2014)

The Semaphore Circular No 642

The Beating Heart of the RNA

August 2014

Tuesday 22nd July 2014 - Wave Goodbye and say Hello......... HMS Illustrious flying her paying off pennant in Portsmouth and HMS Queen Elizabeth floating alongside in Rosyth.

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) 1

Dear Shipmates Welcome to the August Circular – I hope you are enjoying this fine weather and that those Conference hangovers are behind you! The last few weeks have been spent writing and receiving very many thank you letters and e-mails from people who really appreciated and felt proud of the dedication of the Naval Service Memorial. The NSM page on the website is full of info, links to videos clips and radio, TV and newspaper articles.

Congratulations to the many branches involved with Armed Forces Day and especially the Scottish Area with the National AFD in Stirling, lots of news in the Branch section to see.

There are a couple of follow-ups from Conference that are very important: •

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Conference was unable to decide a venue Conference 2016, due to technical issues with the 3 motions of urgency received by the Standing Orders Committee. However the good news is that you can have your say whether you were represented at Conference, or not. 3 Area and Perth Branch have put forward suggestions for Conference 2016 and we would like your views please. There is a tight deadline, so that hotels etc can be booked, so please get you input to me by 15 September. Please note that 10 Area have withdrawn their offer.

The National Council decided in June that we would move away from verbatim minutes at Conference to a more normal type of minutes. This means that a lot of money is saved on transcription and printing costs, and the minutes should be available a lot earlier and clearer to read. I am delighted to say that the Conference minutes are complete and attached for your information with this Circular, some 5 months earlier than last year.

We still have some of the wonderful NSM ties (as worn by members of the Royal Family and the First Sea Lord). Anyone wanting a tie please give us a shout, they are pure silk and are £24+ postage.

I am sad to report that Shipmate Fred Chambers OBE has crossed the bar after a long fight with illness. Fred was National Chairman and NCM for 11 Area for many years. His humour and marvellous presence on parade will be missed by many. We offer our condolences to Jean and Fred’s family and RNA home of Tyne Branch.

We are about to go into the main HQ staff leave period and as a result there will not be a September Circular, the next one should arrive with you for 1 Oct. Please bear with us, answering the phone and sorting membership and slops issues out – we are trying our best, but will be thin on the ground.

Big congratulations to S/M Chris Dovey who has now received his OBE at Buckingham Palace from the Prince of Wales. S/M Keith Crawford picked his MBE up earlier this year.

Other business points: • Please get your bids in for the Field of Remembrance and the Cenotaph parade.

• Please get your bids in for the St Paul’s seafarer service.

• We have updated the library with new acquisitions and the revised list is on the website.

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•

• •

The Branch insurance scheme with Coleman brokers and Ansvar insurance is going very well with over 60 branches signed up. Please note that the page has now been branded for the Conference of Naval Associations (CONA), but that it is the same scheme, now extended to the members of CONA. The UK Holiday Group has also re-branded itself as our travel advisors as CONA travel service. We get a much better deal being part of CONA with its better buying power.

The booking form for next years Conference in Folkestone is at the back; BOOK NOW.

Final point: We put the Circ to bed for the printer on the 23rd of the month – which is when it is normally posted on to the website by Chris Hore. This means that the deadline for articles is the 20th of the month – it is a huge job to pull all the input and info together, so articles received after the 20th are unlikely to be included.

I hope you have a lovely Summer and we will be back soon.

Kindest regards Paul Chairman’s Chat – August 2014 Shipmates, I hope you are all enjoying this magnificent spell of hot weather we have been having and that you are looking forward to a summer break. After your magnificent support at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) for the dedication of the Naval Service Memorial (NSM) you most certainly deserve a good break.

S/m Chris outside the Palace gates with Gail and family.

On Saturday, 19th July, I gave a talk to the volunteer helpers at the NMA on the background to, and development of, the NSM. The feedback I received from them on the NSM was great, and some of the nuances and concepts in the design on which I was able to enlighten them increased their enthusiasm for it even more. Every one of them agreed it was an innovation in memorial design at the NMA, and is already one of their favourite memorials, and for most the favourite.

Each duty volunteer gives a talk on the memorials in the Chapel after the daily 11am Remembrance Service. The large picture windows at the rear of the Chapel face out towards the Naval Area, and the blues of the NSM stand out brightly between the trees, and especially so in bright sunny weather. So many of the volunteers now draw attention to it in their talks. The footfall to it is amazing after such a short time. We should all be very proud of what we have created.

The only slightly negative comment I received was the difficulty some people have in reading the Tennyson poem, Crossing the Bar, inscribed around the pavement. As part of my talk I explained the significance of the wording. The volunteers found this particularly enlightening, and said it was even more important that this should be easily read. We will monitor this over the next year and if this is a consistent comment from visitors then we will look into improving the visibility. Graeme Mitcheson did consider painting the lettering in black, but felt this was not artistically in keeping 3

with the vibrant colours of the memorial. I can appreciate his argument, but sometimes common practicality may have to overcome artistic license, so we shall wait and see.

This week the National Council was sad to receive the news that RNA Life Vice President and former National Chairman of the RNA, S/M Fred Chambers OBE JP, had crossed the bar. Fred was an impressive figure on parade, very forthright in his views, and an excellent National Chair of the Association. I knew of him, and had him shoot down a couple of motions to Conference I proposed on behalf of my Branch or Area by his firm and forceful delivery of the National Council opposition. I never served with him on NC, David White having been in the Chair for about 5 years by the time I became an NCM. But I heard a lot about Fred and there is no doubt his heart and mind were very firmly behind the whole ethos of the RNA. I would certainly have liked to have known him better, and I’m sure I would have learned a lot from him, as I did from David. I shall attend his funeral in Gateshead, representing the National President, the National Council and the RNA, and I look forward to hearing more about him from his funeral service and from the many people who will be attending it. After a lengthy period when Fred’s illness effectively took him out of this world, may he at last rest in peace, to enjoy many a dit with his former shipmates.

The Conference & AGM 2014 Minutes, which are in a new and more traditional form of meeting minutes, are enclosed with this Semaphore Circular and I hope members will find them much more readable than the sometimes tedious verbatim minutes from previous years. The inclusion of photos will be welcome, as it has been with the National Council Annual Report to Conference.

The full recording of conference is still being made, and will form both a detailed reference if required and will maintain the historical archive element of past minutes. I am sure that for most members it will be an enjoyable read, and coming out so soon after conference is likely to be much more welcome than months later when members are more focussed on the next conference than the one just passed.

I wish you all a good summer break and I hope the weather continues for you all to make the most of it. I am off to Tanzania again at the end of August to see how the funds my local church has raised to support villages in the Maramba Deanery in the North Eastern region of the country. It will be particularly interesting seeing how projects we started in 2011 have progressed, and on 31 August my local vicar, who is also our Tenbury Branch padre, I and two other members of our congregation will attend the dedication of the new St Aidan’s Church in Maramba, for the building of which we have raised a sizeable amount of money over the last eight years. The date is actually St Aidan’s Day, so very appropriate for the occasion. I will be looking forward to meeting many old friends, and particularly seeing how some of the children I met in 2011 have developed in the intervening years. I am sure it will be as enlightening an experience for me as it was in 2011, when seeing the joy on children’s faces at being given a balloon, a pencil, a notepad, or a keyring wind-up torch was so humbling. They have so little, but they are so full of fun and laughter, that the resulting community spirit it engenders is just infectious. I won’t be looking forward to the high heat and humidity, but helping to bring a little extra something to their lives will more than compensate. Which I hope is what I have been able to do for Shipmates in the RNA. Thank you all for the support you have given to me, to Keith Crawford, to the National Council and to your own Area and Branch. Thank you for the kind words many of you have expressed to Area 8 for the conference weekend in Coventry, but most of all thank you for making 15 June 2014 a magnificent RNA day to remember.

Chris Dovey

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Daily Orders 1. Conference 2016 – Have your say 2. Quote of the Month 3. Field of Remembrance 2014 4. Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph 5. Joke – Another One for the Ladies 6. National Events Advisor - Assistance 7. Finance Corner 8. Donations received 9. Music for Heroes 10. Guess Where?

11. Preserved Pensions 12. Can you assist – Bay class Frigates 13. Memory Lane

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

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

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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

Throughout

indicates a new or substantially changed entry

Contacts: Financial Controller

023 9272 3823

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

FAX

023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary

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

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 6

Daily Orders 1.

Conference 2016 – HAVE YOUR SAY - Consultation with Branches

During the annual Conference at Coventry this year there was an issue with 3 motions of urgency proposed for the Conference in 2016. None of the motions were allowed to go forward for various reasons by the Standing Orders Committee. Conference voted that more detailed proposals should be put to Branches and for you to express your preferences. The Standing Orders Committee will review your preferences and award Conference 2016 as directed by Conference.

ALL REPLIES MUST BE WITH HQ NO LATER THAN 15 SEPT. Originally there were bids from 10 Area, 3 Area and Perth (Scotland). Since the Conference 10 Area has withdrawn their bid, leaving 2 bids for your consideration. They are as follows: 3 Area Dates:

10-12 June 2016

Location:

Wokefield Park, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3AH

Accommodation:

The hotels has 376 bedrooms and Conference facilities

Basic Package:

2 nights Fri-Sun £159 which includes Friday night welcome dinner Tea/Coffee throughout the day Sat breakfast Transport for non-delegate excursion Gala Dinner 3-course banquet meal Live entertainment Sunday breakfast Free use of leisure facilities (pool) Free Parking Single occupancy supplement may apply in double rooms, but there are plenty of single rooms.

Sunday night is an extra £57 dinner bed and breakfast

Notes: This is a de Vere venue. Wokefield Park is a traditional mansion house hotel near to Reading. It has a golf course and 250 acres of landscaped grounds. It has excellent Conference facilities for the Conference/AGM. Website is http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/wokefield-park/.

Unresolved issues at this point are bar prices, transport to and from rail/airport. The Sunday Service would be a drumhead service in the grounds or hotel conference room. The hotel is about 15 mins drive South of Reading This is a very low price for a prestigious hotel. Full rate for a Saturday or Sunday is £250 to £300 a night. Negotiated by UK Holiday Group for us.

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Perth (Scotland) Dates:

10-13 June 2016

Location:

3 Hotels The Station Hotel (68 rooms) www.perthstationhotel.co.uk The Queens Hotel (51 rooms)www.queensperth.co.uk The Salutation Hotel (82 rooms)www.strathmorehotels.com Accommodation:

The hotels are close to each other, about 100 metres apart in the centre of town.

Conference:

The Conference will be held in the Queens Hotel

Transport:

Hotels are next to the railway station, the bus station is 100 metres. Perth is 1 hour drive or 1 hour in the train North of Edinburgh (closest airport)

Basic Package:

Double or twins rooms are £73 per person per night Single room is £83 per person per night Includes dinner each night.

Gala Dinner for those not in the hotel is £27.95 Sunday night is an extra £57 dinner bed and breakfast

Notes:

A local Sea Cadet Band is available Church Service to be held in the Garrsion Church Parade about 400 metres, costs not yet fully known No info on bar prices

Branch Name .......................................................................................................

The Branch comments on the location of Conference 2016 are:

Signed ............................................................... Branch Role .................................

Return to General Secretary RNA HQ Room 209 Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT by 15 September 2014

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2.

Quote of the month!

I am sure Shipmates will recall that S/m Stuart Burrows form Oswestry Branch won the first prize of a gallon of original RN Rum, seen opposite with the National Chairman.

When asked to comment he replied; “Just about a year ago our first and only grandson was borne so very shortly I will be going too......... two “ tots” parties” Boom Boom......

Thank you Stuart it is obviously taking effect!

3.

Field of Remembrance - Wednesday 7 November 2014

If Branches wish to place a cross in the RNA Garden of Remembrance or want to attend the Field of Remembrance please forward your details to Andy or Nigel as entry is by ticket only, which you can obtain from HQ. Just an early ‘church notice’ that on the day you will also be required to bring a form of ID with you, and you will need to be through the garden gate by 1015 and muster at the RNA plot, where there will be followed by a short service. The National President and General Secretary will be in attendance and the GS can be contacted on his mobile – 07850 646755 (if required)

4.

Remembrance Sunday – Cenotaph - Sunday 9 November 2014

The Royal British Legion will once again be co-ordinating the Ex-Service Contingents attending the Cenotaph Ceremony & March Past on Sunday 9th November 2014. All those who have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces under British Command as well as War Widows / Widowers are eligible to take part.

If any Shipmate would like tickets for this year’s Ceremony (limited number available) please let RNA HQ know (by letter or email) by 31 August at the latest, please include your name, address and telephone number and a list of those attending. If any of your members require a carer for the day (one carer per participant) they must also be in possession of a ticket.

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Please note that those parading are likely to be standing in Whitehall for at least 1½ hours prior to the March Past then marching for a distance of over 1 mile, and quite possibly in inclement weather.

Further parade instructions will be sent with your tickets which will be despatched towards the end of September. If you have any queries regarding the Cenotaph Ceremony then please contact Nigel or Andy at RNA HQ. Also note; RNA tickets will only be available for members (so join them up!) and it is expected that those with RNA tickets will march with the RNA squad

5.

Another One for the Ladies Joke – A loving wife

A husband lies dying, his wife is by his bedside.

He says in a weakened voice “There is something I must confess”.

“Shhhh” said the wife, “there is nothing to confess”.

She holds his hand and caresses his head. “Everything is all right” she whispers.

“NO!!” the husband replied “ I must die in peace...I had sex with your sister, your best friend, her best friend and your best friend's mum!”

“I know,” she whispered, “That's why I poisoned you. Now close your eyes”....

6.

National Events Advisor – Request for assistance

From Steve Caulfield At the last AMC meeting one of the action points from the meeting was to request images from around the country of RNA events which show what are actively involved in.

The reason for the request was the problem of attracting people to displays at events , as per the recent report commissioned by HQ we are still having problems getting the message out what we offer to the ex service community.

The intention is to make a picture display to use at events showing what we are about.

We already have images from Nigel but I would like to look further into the areas.

Rather than be swamped with images I would request you bring this up at your next area meetings and if possible complete a disk with clear images that could be used.

We are looking for unique images that show as well as the formal parades the fun and other events we attend or participate in.

At the same time when you ask at your areas can I also request a reminder from the Navy News When sending articles to them for consideration they also are keen to have images other that parades and people in blazers standing in line (Ed. holding their private parts). The better we

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promote ourselves with interesting images and articles the serving members will read the articles not just bypass the pages.

I have addressed this mail to everybody on the National Council if you feel you have something please feel free to send something to me, the more the better.

Many thanks for your help Steve Caulfield National Events Co-ordinator

7.

Finance Corner - Michelle

Dear Shipmates, Well, I have got to say how lovely it was to stand on Semaphore Tower roof today and watch HMS Illustrious arrive into Portsmouth Naval Base for the final time in the baking hot sun! with 6 helicopters and a Sea Fury flying over her.

Shipmates, wish me well, as I am taking part in a 20 mile Charity Cycle Event, raising money for two charities Myeloma UK and Hannah’s Holiday Home Appeal (This charity was set up in memory of a fun and wonderful little girl. It offers breaks to families and children with life threatening illnesses. When Hannah was aged just 8, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Sadly after a year of treatments Hannah passed away peacefully at home, aged just 10. Whether undergoing treatment, recovering from or sadly coping with bereavement, Hannah's Holiday Home Appeal offers a FREE break:-Monday to Friday or Friday to Monday, which is for all the family.)

Moving on to RNA work Conference Delegates Expense Claim Forms Please note, the RNA HQ will only pay for Delegates Travel Expenses only, any other costs incurred (i.e. Accommodation, food /drink) should be raised with your Branch Officials.

Whilst I am talking about Conference / Memorial (and what a stunning Memorial, definitely a WOW factor!) the Memorial has to be maintained (routine cleaning). Therefore, the RNA HQ will receive an Annual Maintenance Charge; any branch wishing to contribute to the NSM fund can help us meet this cost.

Subscriptions I have noticed that RNA HQ is receiving several Membership forms with no form of payment attached. These will be automatically invoiced & entered to your Branch Account.

However, I have amended the Membership Form showing a payment section.

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

As at the end of 22 July 2014, the total funds stand at £31,564.02 this is made up of:RNA Branches Individual Shipmates NSM – Lapel Badges

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£19,502.06 £11,210.51 £851.45

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.

Yours Aye Michelle 8.

Donations received for Central Charities and the Charter Challenge – Naval Service Memorial RNA – Liskeard Miss Cumming Rotary Club of Basingstoke Dean Mr Hides Mr Harris-Burland (Mindworks Marketing) Mr McCarthy Ms Stuckey

£250.00 £25.00 £50.00 £50.00 £250.00 £50.00 £30.00

In memory of the late S/m William Needham

£50.00

Charter Challenge - Nil this month Once again thank you so much for your support.

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‘Music for Heroes’ with the Red Arrows On Wednesday 17 September, the Band of the RAF Regiment, the Band of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell and Royal Air Force Swing Wing will perform a very special charity concert at CAST, Doncaster’s new performance venue.

Conducted by Principal Director of Music Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs and Flying Officer Chris I’Anson, the internationally renowned military bands and big band from RAF Cranwell will offer a musical tribute to our heroes both in the air and on the ground.

Whilst also highlighting the 10th anniversary of the founding of the RAF Music Charitable Trust, the concert will celebrate the 50th display season of the Red Arrows – indeed some of the ‘Reds’ pilots will attend the concert to offer the audience the rare opportunity to meet with them during the interval.

The ‘Music for Heroes’ concert theme will also recognise the regular but little known duties RAF musicians also continue to undertake with ‘Out of Area’ deployments in support of other military operations around the world Founder of the charity, Malcolm Goodman says “it’s a real privilege to present this special concert at the wonderful new venue in Doncaster, and the unique opportunity for everyone to meet the Red Arrows is going to make this a truly memorable evening in support of our Royal Air Force charities”.

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Proceeds from the concert will go to the Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Forces Association, and tickets are still available for £14 (£12 concessions) from the CAST Box Office on 01302 303959.

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Guess Where? An Establishment

Can you name the establishment and where it is?

Please forward any other pictures to the HQ that you may have for ‘Guess Where’ so that we publish them in forthcoming Circulars.

No looking on Google or Wiki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

HMS Ganges. Home of that Mast.....and the Button Boy..

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

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Preserved Pensions

Shipmates should be aware that Veterans UK (the new name for SPVA), the MOD branch that now deals with Service pensions holds several million pounds worth of unclaimed preserved pensions and is seeking FPS assistance to trace those who may be entitled. The basic entitlement rules are: • • • • • •

Left before Apr 75 - no entitlement.

Left after 1 Apr 75 but before 1 April 78 - entitled if aged 26 or over with 5 years reckonable service.

Left after 1 Apr 78 and before 6 Apr 88 - entitled if 5 years or more reckonable service.

Left as OR after 6 Apr 88 - entitled if 2 or more years reckonable service from age 18.

Left as an officer after 6 Apr 88 - entitled if 2 or more years reckonable service from age 21.

Left after 6 Apr 05 as a member of a 2005 new scheme - entitlement after 2 years service, no age criteria.

If you know anyone in the categories above who thinks they may be entitled to a pension but has not claimed it they should contact veterans UK. They will need to be armed with their name, Service number, Service and Regiment where appropriate, DOB and discharge date.

Please see link to Veterans UK website http://www.veterans-uk.info/pensionscompensation.htm (Editor Note: A number of Shipmates are now considerably richer after contacting Veterans UK! Tots gratefully accepted by the Semaphore Circular editorial team….)

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Can you assist ?

Maritime Books have a problem - and RNA shipmates may be able to help. A well known naval author has just completed a lengthy history of the BAY CLASS frigates of the post war years but the book will not be published until more suitable good quality photographs showing both the ships and ship board life world wide are found. If you think you may be able to help (all material will be returned) please phone Steve Bush at Maritime Books ( 01579 343663) for an initial chat.....or e-mail warshipworld@navybooks.com Many Thanks

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Memory Lane - Life a few years ago!

The cheese never needed a fridge, And the bread was so crusty and hot, The children were seldom unhappy And the wife was content with her lot.

I remember the milk from the bottle, With the yummy cream on the top, Our dinner came hot from the oven, And not from a fridge in the shop.

The kids were a lot more contented, They didn't need money for kicks, Just a game with their mates in the road, And sometimes the Saturday flicks.

I remember the shop on the corner Where a pen'orth of sweeties was sold Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic?

Or is it....I'm just getting old?

I remember the 'loo' was the lavvy, And the bogey man came in the night, It wasn't the least bit funny Going "out back" with no light.

The interesting items we perused, From the newspapers cut into squares, And hung on a peg in the loo, It took little to keep us amused.

The clothes were boiled in the copper, With plenty of rich foamy suds But the ironing seemed never ending As Mum ironed everyone's 'duds'.

I remember the slap on my backside, And the taste of soap if I swore Anorexia and diets weren't heard of And we hadn't much choice what we wore.

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Do you think that bruised our ego?

Or our initiative was destroyed?

We ate what was put on the table And I think life was better enjoyed

‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Rhondda Branch On Tuesday 1st July 2014 the newly reformed Rhondda Branch held it’s re-commissioning ceremony which was attended by Hon Sec and NCM of Area 7 who carried out their commissioning duties at the ceremony.

The branch originally folded in 2005 and the idea to reform was taken when the branch standard was found in an attic! The committee have been very busy in the short time that they have reformed . They have held two awareness days at the local ASDA store with more days planned over the coming months, which resulted in an excellent article in the local paper, The Rhondda and Valley Times. As the standard wasn't laid up, the Branch was able to parade their standard at the Pontypridd and Cardiff Armed Forces day and were extremely proud to have paraded at the National Arboretum during the NSM Dedication. A number of Rhondda shipmates also travelled to the event and reported they enjoyed a great day out in the company of fellow shipmates.

The picture, above right, shows the founding members of the reformed branch Rob John, Standard Bearer, Steve Webster, Welfare Rep, Hon Sec Graham Warner and Chairman S/m Paul Gower. The Committee members would be absolutely delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining Rhondda Branch.( Their contact details can be found below) The Branch meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at The Mid Rhondda Central Working Men’s Club, Primrose Street, Tonypandy CF40 1BQ.

As the newest branch in the RNA the ‘reformed’ Rhondda Branch would like to inform and invite Shipmates to the Rededication of their Branch Standard will take place on Sunday September 28th 2014 in St Andrews Church Tonypandy commencing at 1330. Those Shipmates parading should muster at 1310 at De Winton Street car park, parking is free on Sundays.

Following the service, Shipmates are invited to join with Branch members at the Mid Rhondda Central Working Men’s Club, Primrose Street, Tonypandy CF40 1BQ for light refreshments and a tot or three!

The Hon Secretary would really appreciate if you would kindly, for logistics/catering purposes etc. forward him details by 22nd August please of Standard Bearers and S/m’s who will be attending.

It is hoped to have a short parade through Tonypandy (Police/Council permitting) of approx 5 minutes from De Winton Street car park to the church. De Winton Street car park will be the

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muster point and main parking area. Parking is free on Sundays. There is room for 50+ cars. Of course, there will be a raffle and all donated prizes gratefully accepted.

For further details please contact either the Hon Sec graham Warner at e-mail lakelandlovers@ntlworld.com or Mob 07954412262 or Chairman Paul Gower at 07446196733 or e-mail type21clubpro@gmail.com

RNA South Gloucestershire Branch Shipmate Bernard Vincent Allen Crossed the Bar on 24 May 2014 aged 82.

Bernie was a Royal Marine attached to 45 Commando and served in Cyprus, Malta and the Middle East. He was present at Floriana when the Kings Colour was presented to the Mediterranean Fleet by Princess Elizabeth in 1951. In civilian life he had a career in catering before joining the Corps of Commissionaires. He retired at the age of 71. He was a committee member of the Royal British Legion, Staple Hill Branch, 14 of those years as Secretary. He was Treasurer and Founder member of RNA South Gloucestershire branch and also a member of RNA Bristol South. He was a kind and considerate man and the first to offer help where needed. He will be sadly missed by his friends, colleagues and shipmates.

RNA Bromley Branch Deputy National Standard Bearer and Bromley RNA Standard Bearer Steve Susans and his wife Estelle have volunteered to commence duties as a Guide Dog puppy ‘Parent’.

Their first ‘furry child’ assignment ‘Eamon’ can be seen in the photo with his Foster Dad, S/m Steve, in uniform at the Sea Sunday Service in Holy Trinity Church Bromley where Branch members joined the Branch Padre, Rev Roger Bristow for hymns, songs, prayers followed by tea, cakes and poo clearing in the church hall.

Eamon is a pure black Labrador born 30 August 2013.

He joined them at 7.5 weeks old on 24th October 2013.

He will be leaving them on 21st October to continue on to specialist guide dog training. If he passes he will sent to a visually impaired person. S/m Steve says “Eamon is adorable but a bit naughty with a tendency to steal socks from laundry basket and food from the kitchen worktop and the baby gates now remain closed at all times! Although it’s been hard work Steve and his wife have loved it and will get another pup when he goes” 16

Steve and Estelle have volunteered to take up the challenge and do it free of charge as incredibly despite what Guide Dogs can do for disabled people the Government do fund these magnificent dogs.

If Shipmates would like to assist the Guide Dogs Association you can sponsor a puppy for as little as ÂŁ1 a week please see this link www.guidedogs.org.uk (Editors Note - BZ to Steve and Estelle for your valuable work)

RNA Aberdeen Branch I am sure Shipmates will be keen to know that the Aberdeen branch has now got its own Facebook Stream just search for: Royal Naval Association Aberdeen.

For further details please contact S/M Tom Watt at tomwatt209@hotmail.com

RNA Dublin Branch The photo shows the Wreath Laying at Islandbridge, Dublin on Saturday 12th July, The Ceremony is the Annual Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath Laying at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens which was organised

by RBL Ireland.

Wreaths were laid by Dr Dermot Stones, President Dublin Branch RNA and S/M Paul Stephenson Chairman Dublin Branch on behalf of the National Council, an also by Dave Rooney on behalf of the Submariners Association.

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Area 12 These proud shipmates from Area 12 took part in an amazing Armed Forces Day parade at Newtownards Aerodrome in Northern Ireland. It was great day for all the armed forces both veteran and serving

Scottish Area Shipmate Michael Hesketh NCM Scotland and Overseas (which may role into one title after 18 September!!) provided the pictures below of the Armed Forces Day in Stirling......

S/m Mike supping a McPussers!........ and below...

Keeping in touch with the opposition in case it all goes wrong on the 18th September...........

Mrs Hesketh with a member of the Youth Parliament!

Parade Ho! Quick March.

Shipmate Bob Coburn leading the parade with the National Standard.

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RNA Chard Branch The Chard Branch of The Royal Naval Association (RNA) held a charity band concert in order to support the National Armed Forces Day on 28th June 2014.

The event was held in St Mary's Church Chard and was well attended by many from both Chard and the near locality. Those attending were entertained by HMS Heron Royal Naval Volunteer Band who provided an excellent programme of music, the quality of which was exceptional. The first half of the concert was given over to tunes of the 1st and 2nd World Wars. During the intermission raffle tickets were available and refreshments were served by the ladies of the association. On resumption of the second half the band play a varied selections of fanfares, big band numbers, collection of nautical songs and the descriptive piece 'Doyen'.

The finale saw the presence of Chard RNA Standard Bearer Malcolm Day dipping the Branch Standard for the 'Last Post'.

To close the concert Chairman Shipmate Paula Moon gave thanks to the band for their wonderful performance and thanked those attending to support the RNA in their venture. From comments made by those leaving the concert, and phone calls received since the event ,it would appear that those attending enjoyed themselves and were impressed with the organisation of the event.

RNA Maidstone Branch Maidstone Branch are issuing an ‘UCKERS’ challenge to all Shipmates within 2 Area on Saturday 13 September 2014 commencing at 1200. There will be a Bar, BBQ and Raffle and of course plenty of Uckers!

Equipment will be provided to ensure no ‘dodgy’ dice being sneaked in and rules will be supplied for those whose memories are slipping.(i.e. no WAFU rules, double suck backs etc.)

There will be a prize of £50 for the doubles winners and £25 for the singles winner.

Please contact Shipmate Bowie on 01622 757477 to enter and for further details.

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RNA Worthing Branch The Hon Secretary at Worthing Branch, S/m Keith Merrett has forwarded an article reporting on his visit to the recent D Day 70th Commemorations at Quistreham which he thought Shipmates would enjoy reading about. The account is written by Shipmate Mike Andrews who, although living near Dieppe, represented the Worthing Branch who would like to thank him for doing such a brilliant job. Do remember to visit our website at http://www.rna-worthing.org Thursday 5th June - We set off for Deauville, which was the nearest town to the D-Day beaches we could book (even last year), which is a 40 minute drive away. We were not sure if we would actually make it, Julie having had a shoulder operation just two weeks before (her being the only driver) and myself having only come out of hospital the day before after two weeks of intensive tests. But we made it!

Friday 6th June - An 0330 reveille for an 0430 departure to arrive at Ranville before the road closures at 0600. As only 3 of our group were lucky enough to receive an invitation to the International Ceremony at Ouistreham, (we had to apply through an official organisation – French Paras), the rest of us went to Ranville. There were two Commemorations here, the first being at the 6th June Crossroads. Then the Parade marched (or ambled in my case) up to the Church, through a Guard of Honour of Army Air Corps and Paras and a crowd of applauding civilians.

There followed a Church Service and then into the adjacent British Military Cemetery, which is the second largest after Bayeux. I had the honour of laying the RNA wreath immediately after the Normandy Veterans who, for a change, were allowed to lay their wreaths before all the official dignitaries, which in my opinion should always be the case. There was a very moving religious service conducted in English by the Padre of the Paras. There were two military bands in attendance, one I believe was the Paras and the other a mass pipe and drum band, resplendent in their Scottish attire, and of course numerous Standards.

After a very long morning, it was time for a spot of lunch. The other French Paras with us then departed but we went to try and get through the ring of steel to get to Ouistreham. All routes blocked by the Gendarmes. However, when they saw an old git in a blazer, beret and medals, they gave us a sticker for the car and waved us through to Pegasus Bridge. There were old military vehicles everywhere and crowds milling around. We were given a free cup of tea at the Pegasus Memorial before noticing a large crowd heading towards the roundabout. We duly followed and around 10 minutes later were lucky enough to see all 19 Heads of State coming round with their huge security convoys and Gendarme escorts on motorbikes. We spotted the Queen who was waving, Obama who was flanked by three other cars on his outside and Putin who was followed by a vehicle carrying men in black, with black masks, pointing guns. They looked like something from outer space. Most other Heads of State just had a normal security car with them, but I suppose Putin and Obama are targets.

A little more lingering in Pegasus Bridge, yarning and meeting people from all over the world who kept stopping me and shaking my hand, we decided to try and get into Ouistreham. No luck. We came to a roundabout completely blocked by Gendarmes. Apparently they were all coming back that way. So after a few minutes, we had another bird’s eye view of the big wigs. However, after 20

a long, tiring and emotional day, we decided to return the next day to the Naval Memorial in Ouistreham.

Saturday 7th June - Leaving Deauville, we headed for the Tank Landing Craft, Naval & No 4 Royal Marine Commandos Naval Memorial at Ouistreham. I duly laid the RNA wreath. We went a little further on to watch the dismantling of the seating for the International Ceremony, then went onto Caen where we were to spend the next two nights. That evening we attended a Military Tattoo in Caen. 500 massed musicians from 9 different countries. It was magnificent to watch.

Sunday 8th June - Off to Caen Memorial. For those of you who haven’t been, it is well worth a visit if you are ever in the area. Brilliant museum, beautiful memorial gardens. Just a lovely place.

We proceeded to the British Memorial Garden and I laid a wreath at the Memorial to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Navy. The gardens are beautiful and entered by a rose arbour in the shape of a cross. We then went back inside to tour the museum, not forgetting a lovely lunch in the Terrace Restaurant. The final event of the day was a parade through Caen of all the bands that had taken part in the Military Tattoo the previous evening.

Unfortunately we didn’t get back from the Memorial in time to see this.

The whole of our visit was a most memorable occasion, filled with emotion, pride, gratitude and respect. We were so pleased to have been a part of this historical event. S/m Mike Andrews

RNA Basildon Branch Basildon Branch attend the Armed Forces Day at Barleylands, Basildon, on June 21/22 to promote our branch and the association and hopefully gain a few new members.

The weather was very kind to them, although numbers could have been better. Which was a shame as there was so much going on ie: Fun Fair for the Kids (which saw plenty of action from Basildon Shipmates!!), lots and lots of Army displays, Crab Air ‘stuff’, Help for Heros and plenty of others.

There were also air displays by the Gnats, Great War Display Team, Huey, Hurricane, Spitfire, Yak-52 and lastly BBMF Flypast.

To attract people into the Branch Gazebo, there were 2 ships of HMS Bluebell, one built by Hon Sec’s, S/M Shiela Reynold’s father some 50 years ago and the other by Gary Daisley (The Raving Reporter) of Rayleigh Branch, who along with Bill Vernon of Rayleigh Branch helped the branch out over the weekend. The Basildon Shipmates wish to say a big thank you to both of them. As well as giving away lots of Gizzets they held a free raffle and all in all they had a great weekend.

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RNA March Branch Shipmate Ted Rasell Hon Secretary March Branch forward this article for your enjoyment. It relates to a very unusual Service of Dedication and at the same service the Laying up of the same Standard that was dedicated...... Confused, I was until I read Ted’s article.

On Sunday 6th July, March Branch dedicated and laid up the replacement Standard of the Royal Naval Old Comrades Association, which was an exact replica of the original. In the beautifully restored St Mary’s Church, which was destroyed in 2010 by arsonists. The original Standard was destroyed when vandals used it to spread the fire which devastated the Church where it was laid up, March Branch RNA decided that as a mark of respect to our past comrades and to show the vandals and arsonists that they don’t always win, it would be replaced.

The service of Dedication and the immediate Laying up of the Standard was carried out by our Branch Chaplain, S/M Rev Anthony Chandler, in the presence of Mr FJ Grounds MBE, Deputy Lord Lieut of Cambridgeshire, Cllr Kit Owen, Mayor of March, Cllr Rob Skoulding, Deputy Mayor of March, S/M Richard Ascott, Area 5 NCM, S/M Tim Jarvis, Area 5 Chairman. S/M Paulette Rose, Area 5 Secretary, the Chairmen of many Branches from outside 5 Area, and 10 Standards, including the Standards of the Ganges Association and the Federation of Naval Associations. The small Church of St Mary’s was almost overflowing with about 90 Shipmates and guests in attendance.

Area 5 Standard and the Standard of March Branch were laid on the Altar, then the furled Standard of the RNOCA was marched in, advanced to the Altar rail, handed to the priest in charge to be laid on top of the other two Standards and unrolled by the officiating priest ready for the act of dedication. I was honoured and deeply moved to be asked to carry the RNOCA Standard. Following this service and the Royal Naval Prayer, the Standard was then Laid up.

It is believed this service is unique in that the Standard was Laid up immediately following its dedication, so our organising Sub-Committee Chaired by S/M Bill Barry and included our Ceremonial Officer S/M Les Lane, were treading new ground and had a few fretful times ensuring that everything was organised as it should be, in the event it went perfectly, On completion, after the act of Remembrance, the last post was played and two minutes silence observed, the RNOCA Standard was placed in its final position high over the Altar rail, back where it belongs.

Following the service we retired to the large garden of our Branch Chaplain, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our commissioning, there was a free welcome drink for all, either wine or beer, and of course, the obligatory tot of Pussers for the Standard Bearers, A rather sumptuous BBQ was laid on, cooked by two very good friends of our Branch, with a selection of delicious duffs to follow, I can confidently inform you that a jolly good time was had by all.

Ted Rasell, Hon Sec, March Branch Picture 1 shows the service in progress with the RNOCA Standard draped on the Altar, Picture 2 is the RNOCA Standard in its final position, and the last is at the 10th birthday party, the Bar being opened with the ships bell of HM Submarine L6 in the foreground.

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RNA Nottingham Branch Shipmates may like to read the following article courtesy of the Nottingham Post concerning Nottingham Branch.

After a two-year search for new premises, the Royal Naval Association has finally found a place to call home. However, the Nottingham-based club isn't out of the woods yet with the hunt now on for new members to secure the association's future.

The branch were made homeless in 2012 after their old premises in Arkwright Street were compulsorily purchased by Nottingham City Council as part of the tram works – they had been there for 45 years. Club president Stan Keetley, 87, of Arnold, has been a member of the branch for the past three-and-a-half years. The Second World War Royal Navy veteran said: "It is great to home down here and see everyone – I visit once a week." Mr Keetley spent 13 months on a minesweeper in the Pacific Ocean during the war and visited both Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.

Now based in Church Street, Lenton, the Association is largely funded by bar sales and internal fundraising. Club member Lawrence Barber, 65, of Sneinton, was relieved the Association has found a permanent home and was eager to keep the club going for future generations.

He said: "The new place looks fantastic and with the wooden floors and wooden beams it looks like the lower deck of a ship in Nelson's times. "It's great to have all the memorabilia and awards out again; while we were homeless everything had to be kept in a storage place in Lenton. "It is important to have a place that members can be proud of." Mr Barber, who was in the Royal Engineers as part of the Territorial Army for 15 years, added: "It is crucial that we get new members in to keep the club alive."

At its peak the club had more than 250 members but now the figure stands at only 97. All former or active Servicemen and women, along with their families, are welcome to join the club, which is open every day. Branch secretary Tom Rotherham, 62, believes the club is a vital resource for members and their families. Mr Rotherham, who grew up in the Meadows, said: "The Association helps people make the transition back into civvy life but also provides a good opportunity for people to socialise. "People of the military have a different sense of humour to civilians; there is more banter and competition." "It would be great to have some entertainment but that can cost up to ÂŁ100 a night and we just haven't got the money at the moment."

The new club house will officially be opened next Saturday at noon by Admiral John McAnally, and all are welcome to attend. A NET project spokesman said: "We are very pleased that the Royal Naval Association has found new premises that are suitable for them. We had helped them to locate several possible properties but it has taken some time for them to decide on a property that was right for them. "While it was only possible to give three to four weeks' official notice for the need to relocate, we had been forewarning them for several months before the contract for the project was signed to help them to prepare for this move. "We wish them every success in their new home."

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RNA Nuneaton Branch On Sat 28th June Nuneaton Branch held their Summer ‘Do’ at Coton Conservative Club to coincide with Armed Forces Day and mark the 100th Anniversary of start of WW1.

The event commenced with the guest the Deputy Mayor of Nuneaton & Bedworth Council, Councillor Barry Longden, and his wife Mrs Joan Longden, the Deputy Mayoress laying a poppy wreath at the clubs World War 1 Memorial, this was a sombre part of the evening but was quickly up lifted with a tot or two and a good old fashioned knees up with songs from WW1 & 2 songs featuring ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary, Pack up troubles in your old kit bag, Run Rabbit and others’ followed with music from all the era’s through to modern day.

RNA Nuneaton Branch are currently looking for new members to join. So if you are an Ex-Sailor, WRNS or Royal Marine, or have an interest in the Navy and wish to join please e-mail rnanuneaton@sky.com or check out our blog: http://rnanuneaton.blogspot.co.uk It is great fun, really.

HMS Illustrious Association (1) The HMS Illustrious Association would like to inform Shipmates that they will be holding a small service at Portland Liberty Boat Disaster Memorial at the Portland Marina on Saturday 11 October 2014 commencing at 1030.

The local Sea Cadet will lead the service. All are very welcome and if you require any further information please contact Mike Brockwell on 07971 084753

HMS Illustrious Association (2) Vice Chairman Mike Brockwell also had the sad duty of reporting that Shipmate Leabert Martin Francis had crossed the bar on 14 June 2014 aged 63. Leabert served on a variety of carriers and was well known throughout the FAA. He is a great loss to both his family and Shipmates across the Naval family.

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RNA Longcast 2014 12 Jul 20 Jul 31 Jul 15 Aug 16 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sep 19 Sep 27 Sep 10 Oct 11 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct 15 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 2015 14 Feb 21 Feb 27 Feb 06 Mar 07 Mar 01 May 19 Jun 21 Jun 20 Jun 15 Aug 22 Aug 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Nov 21 Nov 05 Dec

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Dublin Branch – Annual BBQ (Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire) Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Sea Sunday Redruth Branch - Culdrose Air Day Rules Revue - HQ 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) Area 5 - Area Quarterly meeting - Harwich AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ AMC FAC Motions for Conference - deadline SOC National Council Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversary AMC/ FAC / National Council /SOC Meetings - Folkestone SOC Conference Wash up Conference 2015 – Grand Burstin Hotel Folkestone AMC FAC National Council Biennial Parade - Whitehall AMC FAC National Council

RNA Members Benefits

UK Holiday Group /CONA Holiday Service •

Variety of special deals for both Groups and Individual. 1% of turnover thorough CONA Holiday Service is returned to the RNA. http://www.royal-navalassociation.co.uk/news/323/members-holidays-service

Funeral Service •

2 ½ % discount form Wessex Funeral Services

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

•

RNA member entry just £10 plus four guest at £10 each provides access to the all attraction including the Submarine Museum.

Pussers Rum – Special Rates for RNA 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

Legal Services

Free 30 minute legal advice with Coffin Mew. armedforces@coffinmew.co.uk 0800 827168

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Shortcast (Run in date order) 2014 Association of Wrens – 08 August 2014-05-20 National reunion to be held at Warwick University August 8-10. Friday evening informal fundraising fun; optional day coach trips to the National Memorial Arboretum & Warwick Castle Saturday with traditional Gala Dinner in the evening. Sales and displays with good socialising spaces in the reunion building. Campus centre has an indoor pool, mini-market, coffee shop, pub, ATM and bus stop to and from Coventry rail station. All ex Wrens, female Reserves, female serving and veteran RN personnel welcome including non AOW members. Contact HQ at office@wrens.org.uk HMS Orion - 5 September 2014 The 30th and final reunion of HMS Orion Association will be held at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth September 5-7. The weekend will include the Dedication of new Standard in St Nicholas Church, HMS Drake, Devonport. Contact Kay West, Secretary at kay.west28@btinternet.com 8th Destroyer Squadron Association – 5th September 2014 The Squadron are holding their annual reunion from September 5 to 7 at the Bridlington Royal Spa. Any former crew member of any of the 18 destroyers will be welcome. Further information from Cliff Longfoot at ongfoo50@hotmail.com HMS Diana Association 5/6/7 September 2014 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 HMS Ocean Association – 26 September 2014 Reunion at the Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford from September 26 to 29. Enquiries to Jim Hogan at jimhogan1@sky.com 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 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 Association website (www.hmstartar.co.uk) or by contacting the Social Secretary at: linpowe@btopenworld.com Regulating Branch & RN Police Crushers Association 3 October 2014 Annual Reunion takes place from October 3 to 4. It takes place at HMS Excellent, Friday in the GIs Mess at 2000 and Saturday in the WO & SR Mess at 1900. All retired Regulators and serving Naval Police are welcome. For more information see the website at http://rba93.com or contact the Social secretary, W Dick at maawgd@sky.com HMS Sirius Reunion 4 October 2014 HMS Sirius: “Amphibious Reunion” on October 4 at Nautical Club, Birmingham. Details available at www.hmssirius.info or Facebook page, H M S Sirius (make sure you leave the spaces) or contact Andy Ayres at Andrew.Ayres519@mod.uk RNH Stonehouse Reunion 3 October 2014 This will take place on October 3 and 4 at the Holiday Inn, The Hoe, Plymouth. Contact Sinbad Edwards at badsin178edwar@aol.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 Type 21 Association – 10/11 October The 5th Type 21 Reunion will take place on the weekend of the 10-11th October 2014 in Plymouth. Meet at 1900 on Friday 10th at St Levans Inn, St Levan Road, for Drinks and Buffet.

On Saturday 11th October the reunion will carry on at the RBL Crownhill, Tailyour Road, Crownhill commencing with the AGM at 1145 with entertainment by the ‘unashamed’ Shep Wooley at 1400.

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Finally the grand finale will commence at 1900 and will include a Hot Buffet, Ships Pictures and raffle, Type 21 gizzits will also be on sale. Sadly the Bar closes at 2345.

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 Illustrious Association 17-20 October 2014 The Annual Reunion and AGM will be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from October 17 to 20. Enquiries to the National Secretary, Diane Coleman at dianecoleman@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 Trafalgar Reunion – 17 October 2014 HMS Trafalgar Reunion will be held at the Maritime Club, Portsmouth from October 17 to 18.

Please contact Taff Pugh at michaelwilliampugh@gmail.com for more information.

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.

The HMS Glorious, Ardent, and Acasta Association – 09 November 2014 The Remembrance Day Parade in London. Contact Greg.Monteith 01243 532916 gregmonteith@wsht.nhs.uk

e-mail

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 29

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 HMS Relentless Association Reunion – 28th-30th November 2014 The 72nd anniversary reunion of the HMS Relentless Association will take place at the Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford from November 28th to 30th 2014. Any one who served on Relentless during the 40s, 50s or 60s commissions welcome. For booking contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries to Secretary@hmsrelentless.co.uk or visit our website www.hmsrelentless.co.uk

Shipmates may wish to know more about the HMS Relentless Association should read the article below.

RELENTLESS was an ‘R’ Class destroyer during WW2 and was the first such destroyer converted into a Type 15 fast anti-submarine frigate. She spent the war years on the Africa, East Indies and Far East stations and on returning to the UK at the end of WW2 was put into Reserve in 1946. Converted into a Type 15 frigate in 1951, she served as ‘Captain D’ 3rd Training Squadron in Londonderry under the command of Capt.Michael Le Fanu (who later became Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord). Placed in Reserve in 1955 she was once again pressed into service in 1963 serving in the West Indies, Mediterranean and Far East until finally being scrapped in 1971.

The HMS Relentless Association was only formed in November 2012 and from small beginnings, and for a ship that was scrapped over forty years ago, the membership continues to grow. Our Patron is Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Dalton who, as a young Commander was CO in 1966-67 and one of our more notable members is ex-Chancellor Nigel Lawson - now Lord Lawson of Blaby who was a Sub-Lieutenant on board in 1955.

Our next Reunion is 28th-30th November 2014 in Stafford where we will be dedicating a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to all those who served on board. It would be great to hear from any ex-RELENTLESS oppos or in fact, any of the other seven ‘R’ Class destroyers, or any of the other twenty-five Type 15 frigates.

You can find more information on our website, www.hmsrelentless.co.uk, you can email me at Secretary@hmsrelentless.co.uk, or call me, Steve Newton, on 02392 599 640.

HMS Ajax Association – 13 December 2014 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). So come along and join us on 13th December 2014 at a lunch in Portsmouth to mark the actual 75th anniversary of the Battle. There is an open invitation to those who served in HMS Exeter and Achilles and their families.

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

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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.

HMS Andromeda Association – 27 March 2015 HMS Andromeda Association reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn, Doncaster February 27-2nd March. Doncaster council adopted the ship in the 1980s and links with the council have been reestablished and it is planned that civic events will take place to commemorate the event. Details of the reunion and the weekend events can be obtained from Isle of Wight Tours on 01983 405116 HMS Camppbeltown Reunion – 03 April 2015 First mini reunion to be held April 3-6 in Guzz. Contact Florrie Ford at cf002e5349@blueyonder.co.uk 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 – August 2014

Date 1st

Year 2005

Entry Invincible entered Portsmouth for the last time to pay off.

2nd

1999

3rd

1941

4th

1960

5th

1915

6th

1944

Final performance of the Royal Tournament at Earl’s Court, in which the Royal Navy had participated since 1887. The centrepiece since 1907 was the annual naval field gun competition, a relic of the Naval Brigades in the Boer War, between the Home Ports, later joined by the Fleet Air Arm. Devonport was the last winner.

First operational success by a Fighter Catapult Ship. Hurricane fighter W/9277 launched by Maplin, formerly the Morant Steamship Company’s Erin, shot down a Focke Wulf 200 Kondor attacking Convoy SL 81 from Freetown (50.33N, 19.40W). Pilot, Lt (A) R.W.H. Everett RNVR, bailed out, was rescued and DSO. Vanguard, Britain’s last twentieth-century battleship, towed from Fareham Creek bound for shipbreakers at Faslane and briefly went aground off the Customs Watch House in Old Portsmouth near the Still and West tavern on Portsmouth Point. Similar reluctance displayed by battleship Warspite.

One of the first naval courts martial held on shore. Skipper James Sadler RNR of HM Trawler Vale of Leven dismissed the Service at RNB Devonport for being drunk on board and,to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline, for bringing on board two women ‘of loose character and behaviour’ and keeping them in his cabin until the afternoon of the following day. Things had changed since Prince William Henry commanded Andromeda.

Frigate Loch Killin and Starling, sloop, sank U-736 in the Bay of Biscay

7th

1980

Scylla began five days of hurricane relief work in Cayman Islands. Hurricane Allen.

8th

1914

9th

1968

10th 11th

1678 1942

U-13 made first submerged attack of First World War, firing a torpedo which missed battleship Monarch off Fair Isle.

Leander-class frigate Scylla launched at Plymouth, the last ship to be built in a Royal Yard.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich founded.

The old carrier Eagle, covering the Operation Pedestal convoy to Malta, torpedoed 65 miles S. of Majorca and 584 miles W. of Malta (38.05N, 03.02E) by U-73, Kapitanleutnant Helmut Rosenbaum, operating from La Spezia. Capt L.D. Mackintosh and 927 of her 1,160 ship’s company rescued by destroyers Laforey and Lookout, and tug Jaunty. Four Sea Hurricanes of 801 NAS airborne were recovered to Indomitable and Victorious. ‘The faithful old carrier, which had made no less than nine aircraft ferry trips and had despatched 183 Spitfires to Malta in 1942, sank in eight minutes. If we had to lose her it was appropriate that her grave should be in the Mediterranean, whose waters she had known so well’ – Capt S.W. Roskill RN, The

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12th

2000

13th

1934

14th

1816

15th

1945

16th

1956

17th

1997

18th

1923

19th

1941

20th

1896

21st

1915

22nd

1940

33

War at Sea, vol.2 p.304.

Russian Oscar II-class cruise missile submarine Kursk destroyed in explosion in Barents Sea. Cdre David Russell, DFOSM, led RN assistance party.

Metropolitan Police, hitherto responsible for establishment security, withdrawn at midnight from Devonport Dockyard.

Party landed from the frigate Falmouth, Capt Robert Festing RN, to take possession of Tristan da Cunha to prevent its possible use by French republicans to rescue Napoleon from St Helena. The frigate’s First Lieutenant, Lt David Rice RN, became the first Governor and, with Lt Archibald Dunlop RM, three midshipmen, the Assistant Surgeon and thirteen men, he held the island until relieved on 28 November by Capt (later General Sir) Abraham Josias Cloete, 21st Dragoons, with forty soldiers sent from the Cape to garrison the island.

VJ Day. Japanese surrender. End of the Second World War. From Cin-C Fifth Fleet to Fifth Fleet Pacific: ‘The war with Japan will end at 12.00 on 15 August. It is likely that Kamikazes will attack the fleet after this time as a final fling. Any ex-enemy aircraft attacking the fleet is to be shot down in a friendly manner.’

Frigate Loch Killisport, Cdr G.C. Hathaway RN, left Portsmouth for the Gulf and the East Indies Station with a Royal Marines detachment of twenty men embarked as part of the ship’s company. The Royals had hitherto served only in warships of cruiser size and above.

Destroyer Liverpool and RFA Black Rover assisted in evacuation of Montserrat following major volcanic eruptions. Operation Caxton.

Submarine L 9 foundered in hurricane at Hong Kong. Salvaged but scrapped.

Convoy OG 71, which left the Mersey on 13 August carrying military supplies for Gibraltar, attacked by a German U-boat pack W. of Ireland. The commodore’s ship, the Yeoward liner SS Aguila, with ninety service personnel including twenty-two wrens (twelve cypher officers and ten chief wren W/T special operators), torpedoed and sunk by U-201 (49.23N, 17.56W); Cdre P.E. Parker (Vice-Admiral, retd) and 156 souls lost. Master and nine others rescued by corvette Wallflower, another six by tug Empire Oak which was herself torpedoed and sunk with all hands by U-564 on 22 August. The convoy escort included the corvette Campanula, whose First Lieutenant, Lt-Cdr Nicholas Monsarrat, remembered the loss of the Wrens in his fictional character Third Officer Julie Hallam in The Cruel Sea in 1951. Future WRNS drafts were permitted passage in HM ships.

First RN wireless transmission (Defiance). Defiance, a wooden ship of the line, at Devonport, was the first ship to receive a morse transmission. Her captain, Capt H.B. Jackson, later Admiral of the Fleet FRS, developed the device, and worked with Marconi in his trials. Marconi’s first major trials of radio in Britain were not carried out until the autumn of that year. On 20 May 1897, the radio was demonstrated at ranges up to 2 miles by the Defiance at anchor, and Scourge under way.

Crew of sunken Ruel, while in their boats, fired on by U-38 (S.S.W. of Bishop Rock). First authenticated case of such behaviour.

Three Swordfish of 824 Sqn (Eagle) sank the depot ship Monte Gargano, a destroyer and the S/M Iride in the Gulf of Bomba, bound

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34

for a ‘chariot’ raid on Alexandria.

Opossum, Lt-Cdr J.R.G. Drummond RN, last of the Royal Navy’s thirteen Oberon-class diesel-electric submarines, paid off at Gosport.

Earlier that month the thiry-year-old boat was the first Western submarine since the Second World War to visit Severomorsk, the Russian Northern Fleet base.

The murder of child Fanny Adams at Alton, Hampshire (which led to Winchester’s last public hanging). Macabre and grisly details of how her body had been dismembered were given in court and widely reported. The introduction of tinned meat in the Fleet that year led to lower deck concerns about its provenance. The tins, however, became useful containers, hence ‘fannies’ for mess traps.

Battleship Warspite bombarded Brest Cruiser Highflyer sank the German armed merchant cruiser Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse off Rio de Oro, Spanish West Africa, only ten days out from Bremen.

Murder of Admiral of the Fleet the Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Drake and Hawkins left Plymouth on what turned out to be their last voyage, since neither returned. Drake died of yellow fever and Hawkins of dysentery HM Air Force Vessels Sunderland (Crabfat 1) and Stirling (Crabfat 2) transferred from RAF to RN, renamed Cormorant and Hart and, and commissioned at Gibraltar to form the Gibraltar Squadron.

The Royal Naval Association – ‘Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship’ – formed in 1950, received its Royal Charter from HM The Queen. Its purposes ‘to further the efficiency of the Service in which members of the Association have served or are serving, by fostering esprit de corps and preserving the traditions of the Service and thus to achieve those ideals for which Our Naval Forces have fought and perpetuate the memory of those members who have died in the service of their country; to relieve members of the Association who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress’.

Final day of trials of Col Cody’s man-lifting kite off Isle of Wight, with battleship Revenge (tender to Excellent) and TBDs Fervent and Recruit. Strong winds, searches for submerged mines outside St Helens Bay and occasional immersions – ‘the aeronauts have got up satisfactorily but were finding difficulty in getting down’.

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