Semaphore Circular #647 (March 2015)

The Semaphore Circular No 647

The Beating Heart of the RNA

March 2015

Chrissie Hughes (Shipmates Administrator), Michelle Bainbridge (Financial Controller) and Life Vice President Rita Lock MBE offer sage instructions to AB Andy Linton and AB Jo Norcross at HQ after they were ‘Volunteered’ for supplementary duties with the RNA! Andy and Jo commented later it is a character building experience!!

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)

Daily Orders 1. Welfare Seminar Update 2. IMC Sailing Camp 3. Gallipoli Event Whitehall 4. 75th Anniversary of Dunkirk Invitation 5. Guess Where?

6. Can anyone beat this Car Registration 7. Request for assistance 8. Finance Corner 9. Donations received 10. Free to a good home 11. Di from Llandrod Wells 12. Caption Competition 13. Can you assist 14. Spotters Corner 15. The Atheist and the Bear 16. Virtual Branch 17. RN VC Series – Captain Edward Unwin 18. Fifty Shades of Pussers Grey 19. Type 21 Memorial 20. Old Ships 21. HMS M33 Appeal 22. Down Memory Lane Longcast “D’ye hear there” (Branch news) 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 CONA IMC NSM Throughout Contacts:

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 Conference of Naval Associations International Maritime Confederation Naval Service Memorial indicates a new or substantially changed entry

Financial Controller

023 9272 3823

FAX

023 9272 3371

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

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

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

Dear Shipmate Readers, Welcome to the March Semaphore Circular, written on a cold drizzly day in Portsmouth. As you will see we have two RN sailors with us at present, AB Andy is helping Nigel with 3,500 entries into the HMRC website for Gift Aid, which will take him a month full time, after which he will be glad to get back to working part of ship. AB Jo is with us for longer and is helping Michelle in the Finance Office, so you may well get to know her on the phone.

Lots to get your teeth into this month, so a few business points first: •

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You should now be booked into the Royal Burstin Hotel for Conference, those on the free trip to France should have told the Hotel. You should already have registered your delegate and any observers. The Agenda should be out with the next Circular for you to see proposed motions and the NCM and DNCM candidates.

A reminder that when you arrive at the Hotel and park you MUST let the reception know, or you will be charged parking, apparently the company that runs the parking for the hotel is very strict.

You need to have chatted over your support of the Biennial Parade on 6 Sept. We hope to have marchers from many naval associations, and contingents from Ireland, Belgium and Holland, through our IMC contacts. A good knees up afterwards at the Civil Service club – with the cheapest beer in London.

Michelle provides some great advice and guidance on annual branch returns in her section – do please read it carefully both Hon Tres, Hon Sec and Chair to ensure this is done quickly and easily.

This month is the only call for the IMC Sailing Camp, with a tight deadline of late March for nominations. This is due to a late change in venue. The dates should be OK for most students in mid July, highly subsidized this should be a good adventure.

Last month I have advertised the Italian Naval Association’s major bash in Ravenna in May. No takers so far, so last call for expressions of interest.

A gentle reminder that the Branch insurance deal is available from Ansvar and a very interesting new personal insurance package that is tremendous value for money. Details are on the benefits page.

There are still places in the Gallipolli 100 march with over 48 RNA signed up for a great experience. Give Nigel a ring if you want to book a place or find out more about it.

I would also would like to remind you of the fantastic value of the RAC deal, absolutely unbeatable for motoring cover and will save you £££££.

I hope that those attending the Welfare Seminar have a great day, with a really interesting and relevant group of speakers. If you want a late place, that is no problem, just e-mail Rita Lock at rita@royalnavalassoc.com for further details and a place. I also hope you enjoy my ’50 Shades of Pusser’s Grey’ Chapter 1 – just as the movie comes out!!

Kindest regards Paul General Secretary

1.

RNA Welfare Seminar Update

The RNA Welfare Seminar will be held in the WO’s and Senior Rates Mess HMS Nelson March 28th 2015. The programme for the Seminar can be found below: Programme 0915 1000 1030 1100 1130 1200 1230 1315 1345 1415

Delegates arrive - Tea and coffee will be available.

Veterans with Dogs - Speaker Mr Craig McLellan.

Age Concern UK - Portsmouth Branch Speaker Mrs C Smith.

Hosanna House - Speaker Cdre Peter Swan T4V - Speaker Major Cameron March SSAFA - Speaker Alick Brown Lunch Veterans UK - Speaker to be announced Combat Stress - Speaker Mr Phil Shuttleworth MBE RNA Updates - Speaker S/M Rita Lock MBE

On Conclusion -

Open Forum (if required)

Please note, all the above times are flexible and can/will be fitted around the time each speaker requires, time has been allowed for any questions to the speakers A very final gentle reminder, please. To avoid disappointment .........Entry to the Naval Base / HMS Nelson requires that you bring photo ID and that you have passed your name to HQ for inclusion on the official list of attendees. Sadly failure to comply may result in Security Staff refusing your entry.

2.

IMC Sailing Camp 13 to 22 July 2015

This year’s International Maritime Confederation Sailing camp will take place in Croatia. There are six places for the RNA to fill. The camp will be based in Opatija with sailing off the Istrian coast of northern Croatia. Accommodation will be based in Lovran just south of the sailing centre. The nearest Airport is RIJEKA with flights there from London Stansted.

This sailing camp is subsidised by the IMC and RNA, participants need only find their own travel costs and make a nominal payment towards the total cost of the camp. (In the order of 60 Euros) Full details are currently being finalised but anyone interested in nominating a young person to attend should pass their details to Nigel at HQ by the 27 March. Further details will be available to those selected to attend.

3.

Gallipoli Event Whitehall 25th April 2015 - Update

The RNA along with other fellow Naval Associations was invited to form a platoon and take part in the Gallipoli Parade in Whitehall on Saturday 25th April 2015. Shipmates who applied to take part should muster and form up in Horseguards Avenue, at the Northern end of MOD Main

Building, accessed from Victoria embankment at 1000. There will be toilets available and hopefully a field kitchen for tea and 'bacon butties'. This location is being used because Horse Guards Parade is out of bounds on the day due to preparations for the London Marathon the following day. At the approprite time, Marshalls will step the contingents off and move them on to Whitehall.

4.

75th Anniversary of Dunkirk - Open Invitation from William Ramsey (Grandson of, Commander of Op Dynamo) Please below an open invitation from William Ramsey; I am the Grandson of Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsey, commander of the Dunkirk evacuation (Op Dynamo), then the D-Day Landings (Op Neptune). I lived in his home at that time, Bughtrig, Coldstream, Berwickshire, Scottish Borders, TD12 4JP. Where there is a statue of him in a Memorial Garden which is the same as the one at Dover Castle.

For the 75th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Dunkirk evacuation on 4th June 1940, I am planning a small commemoration service, not only remembering my grandfather, but all who were involved in Dunkirk, D-Day and the other operations which he was involved in (namely North Africa, Sicily and freeing up Antwerp).

It will be held at 1130am on Sunday 7th June 2015 at Bughtrig garden, followed by drinks. My wife and I welcome anyone who would like to attend, and especially any veterans of WW2, and their families. Naturally we would like to give a special welcome to the veterans of the campaigns in which he was involved in WWII (listed above). It would be helpful to have names and addresses and their reason for coming; I at least need to have an idea of numbers. Please contact me for more information via willspa@wills-art.com or 01890 840 777.

For anyone travelling from the south, we are 30 minutes in a taxi from Berwick-on-Tweed train station, which is 3.5hours from London Kings Cross. We could help people to find accommodation locally the night before. Our garden is open to the public (June to Sept), so anyone unable to come on 7th June is very welcome in those months; do please introduce yourself to the gardener.

The bronze sculpture was originally commissioned by English Heritage and stands at Dover Castle. The sculptor was Steve Melton. I commissioned a second one for the home which my grandfather was never sadly able to fully enjoy, as they moved in just before he was posted to Dover; he was away for the whole of the war, other than short bursts of leave, and was sadly killed in January 1945 in France.

Yours faithfully, William Ramsay

5.

Guess Where? An Establishment

Can you name this Naval enclave.

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 Hibernia Belfast.

6.

Can anyone beat this Car Registration

Following on from Shipmate Evan Jesseman, City of Inverness Branch, and Shipmate Martin Raine with his homage to HMS Hermes. Another anchor-faced Pusser, non other than the Raving Reporter himself Shipmate Gary Daisley has put forward his registration for consideration........

He asks does any Shipmate possess a Number Plate with a registration more ‘Jack’ than that??

7.

Request for Assistance Please.

Shipmate Gary Daisley otherwise known as Raleigh Branches ‘Raving Reporter’ would like some assistance please. Whilst browsing one of the on-line auction websites (that might qualify him for Spotters Corner!), he stumbled across this item, and wondered if anyone knew why the RNA used to have RNA Blazer Badges with a yellow scroll?

Answers on a post card to HQ or e-mail Gary at gddaisley@blueyonder.co.uk

8.

Finance Corner –

Dear Shipmates, I have just finished producing the Winter Termly Accounts ending 31/12/14 for 330 branches, if any of you haven’t received your paperwork either by snail mail or e-mail, please feel free to contact me and I will re-send.

Year End Returns – a couple of points I know all the Treasurers / Secretaries will be busy number crunching over your Annual Year End Returns for 2014, but if any of you are struggling on how to complete your form, please don’t sit there worrying, please contact either Rita or myself and one of us will be more than happy to assist.

Once completed and signed, please send one copy to HQ before the 30 April 2015 either by snail mail or E-mail to Michelle@royalnavalassoc.com or Rita@royalnavalassoc.com and one copy to your Area Secretary.

I have noticed that on the Year End Returns some branches who purchased RBL Wreaths have entered the costs under Grant / Donations on page 3, which is incorrect. Could I therefore request that as this cost is expenditure it should be placed on Page 2 – Income / Expenditure, under Expenditure. Thank you.

Charity Donations If any Branches are unsure regarding the requirements of donating funds to a Charity the General Secretary composed an article in December 2013 explaining the whole subject in detail, please see below.

A review of branch annual returns and accounts has shown many occasions when it seems branches may have donated to charities incorrectly. The rule is simple and depends entirely what is in the mind of the person donating money at the moment they do. This might be money in a bucket or collecting tin, buying tickets for a branch raffle or having an event to raise money for a specific project.

So, if you hold an event or collection and it is COMPLETELY clear for whom you are collecting during the collection, then the money can be passed to that charity (even if you are in RNA rig).

However, general branch and charity funds, profits from branch events and raffles etc can only be given to charities within our charitable object laid down in the Royal Charter. In brief:

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For serving or ex-serving members of the naval forces in need hardship or distress, and their dependents.

To further the efficiency of the Naval Service, including recruiting.

To provide facilities for bring members of the RNA together To perpetuate the memory of those who have served in the Naval forces.

To help members find employments To provide members advice on personal matters etc etc.

Therefore the charities that are fine are those charities that specifically help serving and ex-Naval Service such as RNBT, RNRMC, Pembroke house etc. Help for Heroes is fine since they look after Marines. Sea Cadets are good to help since that can come under recruiting. Joint service charities that look after all 3 services, but do help the Navy, are fine too, such as the Legion, BLESMA, Blind Veterans

SSAFA and the not Forgottens. I know that many branches have favourite charities they love to support that aren’t particularly naval. The point is to ensure that whoever is contributing knows where the money goes - a donor is entitled to assume that the money given to someone in an RNA blazer collecting with an RNA bucket will go for RNA charitable purposes. Here are some of the charities I have seen that may have been supported where a specific collection would be more appropriate – there is absolutely no call here for you to stop supporting them, just to ensure we collect within the Charity Law Rules and our Charter.

Action for Kids Air ambulances Cystic fibrosis Girl Guides Guards associations Scouts RAFA/RAFBF

Age concern Boys Brigade Donn’s dream house Stroke Clubs Jubilee Sailing Trust Xx boys football club The Sailors Society (Merchant Navy only)

Accordion Band Abbey restoration Dreams come true Headway Kidney cancer Parkinson UK Sunley foundation

Alzheimer’s Society Breast cancer Fishermans Mission Hospices Marie Cure Red Cross St John’s ambulance

I well appreciate that some of this may have been to pay for services (such as St John’s), but we have to comply with Charity Law. The great news is that Branches in 2012 gave over £175,000 to charity. There will not be any follow-up with branches about past donations this is a note for your future guidance only.

Branch Committees should also be aware that the RNA’s preferred charity is now the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity, who are in the best position to judge where the need is greatest in the Naval sector.

Furthermore would Branches also please kindly note that ; All branches need to be separately registered with Charity Commission if their gross annual income exceeds £5,000. If your Branch is registered the following applies; Income Less than £10,000 – Annual Update required or income more than £10,000 – Annual Report required Audit / Independent Examination Thresholds information Branch (Registered Charity) Income less than £25,000 No external scrutiny required (i.e. No audit or independent examiner) Income between £25,000 - £250,000 Independent Examination or Audit required unless Governing document stipulates one of the other Income between £250,000 - £500,000 Independent Examination (but independent examiner must belong to a specific body) or Audit required, unless Governing document stipulates one or the other Income in excess of £500,000 Audit is required Clubs Clubs are eligible to prepare Unaudited Accounts if the following criteria are met: Turnover did not exceed £90,000 and Total Assets were below £2,800.00

The Club’s membership must pass, at a General Meeting, a resolution allowing the Club to disapply the requirement to undertake a full audit for the year. Less than 20% of the votes cast must be against the resolution and less than 10% of the members entitled to vote must be against the resolution, or else the resolution fails.

If Turnover is between £90,000 - £5,600,000 and Total Assets below £2,800,000 he Club is eligible to substitute an Accountant’s Report in place of a full audit, but again the Resolution must be passed by the membership, as above. However, the Accountant’s Report must be carried out by a Qualified Auditor.

Subscriptions A branch return form, listing Honorary, Life and paid up members shall arrive to HQ no later than 30 April each year.

Can you please annotate on the membership form either payment enclosed or On Account.

Please note – No branches shall be permitted to send a delegate to Conference unless it has observed the regulations of the Association in regard to the return of payment of Subscriptions and Year End Returns.

Finally here is some good news.......

HQ is delighted to announce the Standard Fund fee from 18 March 2015 – 17 March 2016 will remain at £8.00 for another year.

Also.....You can see me in the photo opposite wearing the Naval Outfit that my Bobby got me for Valentines Day he said he liked me to dress in No 7 Night Working rig!!

Yours Aye Michelle

9.

Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge

Charter Challenge CQ Cufflinks Ltd Just Giving

£50.00 £30.00

In memory of the late S/m D Beadle S/m J E Merriman S/m E Sanders S/m W J Chivers MBE S/m J Hughes S/m T Long S/m J Goode

£358.00 £175.00 £90.00 £25.00 £50.00 £111.55 £149.00

Central Charities RNA – Belfast RNA – Market Drayton HMS Collingwood In memory of S/M J Oates

£500.00 £100.00 £660.00 £100.00

S/m B P Morgan S/m R W Berry S/m R Hall

£20.00 £75.00 £20.00

Thank you very much for your continued support.

10.

Free to a Good Home.

Shipmate Gary Daisley from Rayleigh branch is this hand-built model of a Flower Class Corvette Bluebell to be precise), as his tribute to the WW2 Convoy Escort ships on permanent loan to any Branch or CONA Organisation able to give this scale model a permanent home on public display.

offering (HMS Arctic RNA 72nd

The museum quality display-ready model has taken over 200 hours and not inconsiderable cost to complete. In its ice floe diorama seascape, the model measures a whopping 47”(L) x 15”(W) x 14”(H) - (that's 120cm x 40cm x 35cm in new money). Preference will be given to any group or organisation that can to collect from Essex and able to offer the model a permanent display position.

If you think you would be interested in acquiring this magnificent model for your branch or organisation, please contact Gary directly on 07847 288913, email at gddaisley@blueyonder.co.uk or by writing to S/M Gary Daisley, 10 Arundel Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4EF.

11.

Di from Llandrod Wells!!

A small boy named Di lived in a village in Wales called Llandrod Wells. None of his classmates liked him because of his stupidity, especially his teacher, who was always yelling at him "You are driving me crazy Di !!!!!"

One day Di’s mother came into school to check on how he was doing. The teacher told his mother honestly, that her son is simply a disaster, getting very low marks and even she had never seen such a dumb boy in her entire teaching career!!!! The mother was shocked at the feedback and withdrew her son from the school & even moved to another town!!!!!

25 years later, the teacher was diagnosed with an incurable cardio disease! All the doctors strongly advised her to have an open heart operation, which only one surgeon could perform......

Left with no other options, the teacher decided to have the operation, which was successful......

When she opened her eyes after the surgery she saw a handsome doctor smiling down at her!

She wanted to thank him, but could not talk. Her face started to turn blue, she raised her hand, trying to tell him something but eventually died!

The doctor was shocked and was trying to work out what went wrong, when he turned around he saw our friend Di, working as a cleaner in the clinic, who had unplugged the oxygen equipment to connect his Hoover!!!!! …don't tell me you thought that Di had become a bloody doctor !?!

12.

Caption Competition

What was Lee on the Solent and Stubbington’s Vice Chairman, Soapy Watson doing with New York’s Finest on Broadway?

(Editors Note – No he wasn’t rerecording YMCA by the Village People or In the Navy... and why was he wearing his No8 Trousers?)

13.

Can you assist Please – Churchill’s Funeral

Chris Clemens was a member of the Plymouth Honour Guard, whilst serving in HMS Cambridge, and would like to hear from any Shipmates who possess photographs of the Guard at Winston Churchill’s Funeral in January 1965.

14.

Spotters Corner

This month’s Spotters Corner welcomes our dear Shipmate Ken Napier who very kindly forwarded an article for last month’s SC concerning a French Stamp ……..

Dear Paul, Nigel and the team, STAMP. I think "Lettre Verte" may have got confused in translation. "Lettre Verte" on a French stamp, exactly equals a "2" on a UK stamp, ie second class. The postage stamp with our RNA

crest is a genuine standard second class postage stamp, valid all over France, and to such well known French destinations as Nouvelle Caledonie, Tahiti, Reunion etc, but featuring specially and paid for by us, our RNA crest. We have now refined this, and on the cross bar, we have "Aquitaine" - a stamp will be on our next letter to HQ with the next set of Subs. It does cost us a little more than a standard Lettre Verte stamp. And to get to Uk we have to add a second French stamp.

For those still with me and interested…………., a standard up to 20 gr letter from here to UK costs 95 cents ie about 70p UK, I've no idea what the cost is from Britain to here but I suspect more! Christmas was frightening.

Editors Note -Sadly there is still more to say!!

A Lettre Verte stamp, for use here in France, costs 68 cents, ie about 50p, first class here in France "Prioritaire" is 76 cents ie 56p. Prices went up on 1 Jan..

What excitement, Ken Napier, Aquitaine Branch 3..................2.....................1........................... Your back in the room !! (Only joking Ken we love you really) I think we will need a joke after that .....

15.

The Atheist and the Bear

An atheist was walking through the woods.

'What majestic trees!' 'What powerful rivers!'

'What beautiful animals!' He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. he turned to find a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again and the bear was even closer.

He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him...

At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!' Time Stopped. The bear froze.

The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.

'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?'

The atheist looked directly into the light. 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?...................''Very well', said the voice.

The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head and spoke: 'For what I am about to receive, may the Lord make me truly thankful, Amen.'

16.

Virtual branch – Telephone Conferencing Calls for the House-Bound

The ‘Virtual branch’ weekly telephone conference call scheme, which is sponsored by Seafarers UK (SFUK), has now been extended to cover all CONA members. The scheme which has been running successfully within the RNA for the last two years enables house bound shipmates to discuss/ spin dits debate issues with like minded people.

The RNA Welfare Advisor Rita Lock explains below how it works........

Once a group have been formed then the following takes place and only varies over the Christmas period.

Every two weeks at a set time everyone in the group receives a phone call which links them to the others in their group and they have one hour of conversation among themselves free of charge.

This is managed by Chris Rankin as a link for all Seafarers. There must be many interesting “Dits” from civilian life as well as the Services.

For anyone who wishes to join all that is needed is their name/address/phone number and email if available. It is also a help to know which Branch of the RN they served in to link them with like minded folk and if they have a nickname they prefer to be known by. Then they will receive a phone call to discuss which day/time group they want to be in.

What actually happens is that one of each group is the coordinator , he’s the one who keeps the conversation going if there is a lull. Not that you get many silences with 7 or 8 ex RN on line all chatting and time actually passes quickly. The person on the LINK end rings the coordinator first and then in no particular order calls the others in that group. You all chat away and 5 minutes before the end you hear a reminder that there is only 5 minutes to go. If one week you know you cannot be there for the next link due to hospital or whatever then just tell your coordinator. If something crops up and you are out then not to worry, they will still call you for the next link up in two weeks. Should you need to leave part of the way through your link then just tell your shipmates you have to go, no problem!

Training will be given to those who are able to be the coordinator of their group. This is only 3 one hour sessions by telephone.

Those joining can be in a strictly RN group or if they wish can be in a combination of RN and MN for added interest.

I hope this explains it to your members but any queries then please get back to Chris Rankin or myself. All members may make contact direct or through their Hon Sec we don’t mind which.

The person who organises these links is; Chris Rankin MBE MNM Projects Manager Seafarers Link chris@community-networking.org 01752 812674

07933 153 189

She will be more than happy to answer any queries, fix up a group or a link so please give her a ring or an email and see if this would be suitable for some of your members.

I will also be happy to answer questions or help if I can. I can be contacted at rita@royalnavalassoc.com or on telephone number 02392 642234.

17.

RN VC Series - Captain Edward Unwin VC CB CMG Royal Navy

In 1915, when planning began for the amphibious landing on the Gallipoli peninsula, Unwin proposed beaching the 4,000 ton collier SS River Clyde on the narrow beach beneath Sedd el Bahr at Cape Helles, known as V Beach, thereby allowing 2,000 troops to be landed together. At the age of 51, Unwin was promoted to acting Captain and given command of the River Clyde for the operation.

The view from the River Clyde of the lighters and Sedd el Bahr castle, 25 April 1915.

The River Clyde beached at 06:22 on 25 April 1915, and the plan called for a steam hopper to form a bridge from the ship to the shore. However, the Dardanelles current swept the hopper away so Unwin, accompanied by Able Seaman William Charles Williams, who had served under him on the Hussar and had been ordered to stay by his

side. (AB Williams was posthumously awarded the VC during the same action) They dived overboard and manhandled two lighters into position, lashing them together to form the bridge.

All the while they were under fire from the Turkish defenders. When Williams was mortally wounded, Unwin went to his aid and the lighter he was holding was swept away.

Unwin collapsed from cold and exhaustion, his place being taken by other men. After an hour of rest, he returned to the lighters until he was wounded and collapsed again. Once the attempts to land had ceased, Unwin went out a third time to attempt to recover wounded from the beach; according to one account he retrieved seven men. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation read: While in SS River Clyde, observing that the lighters which were to form the bridge to the shore had broken adrift, Commander Unwin left the ship, and under a murderous fire attempted to get the lighters into position. He worked on, until suffering from the effects of cold and immersion, he was obliged to return to the ship, where he was wrapped up in blankets. Having in some degree recovered, he returned to his work against the doctor's order and completed it. He was later attended by the doctor for three abrasions caused by bullets, after which he once more left the ship, this time in a lifeboat, to save some wounded men who were lying in shallow water near the beach. He continued at this heroic labour under continuous fire, until forced to stop through physical exhaustion.

—the London Gazette, 16 August 1915 In 1916 Unwin took command of HMS Amethyst and in 1917 became Naval transport Officer, Egypt. He later achieved the rank of Commodore.

18.

Fifty Shades of Pussers Grey

Shipmates we have a world exclusive for you, see below .............. Never mind the fuss being made about the recently released erotic novel concerning Bondage, Discipline (not naval discipline!)Spanking and masochism........

The worlds press are now gathered outside RNA HQ after discovering that the General Secretary has released the first Chapter as a taster of his version of the trilogy entitled Fifty Shades of Pussers Grey.

Fifty Shades of Pussers Chapter One - learning the ropes.

The White Ensign fluttered in the strong south westerly breeze as it reached the top of the Ensign Staff - Anastasia loved morning colours, the high piercing note of the bo’s’un’s call and the Officer of the Day standing stiffly to attention, with the Quartermaster by his side. Better still was the keen anticipation of the best part of her day, when the pipe for both watches was made. If she was quickly onto the Flight Deck, she would be able to watch the Buffer all the way to his position by the after taff rail. She felt a strong fluttering deep in her insides as the sight of this maritime god. The sight of his blue paint spattered ovies straining against his CSB belly was stirring

enough, but for Anistasia is was something more visceral. The Buffer was the custodian and expert in the ropes, shackles, wires and the way of binding them tightly. It was rumoured in the girls' mess that what he could do with a Turk's head could send a girl dizzy.

Soon enough she was working part of ship, chipping down the signal deck. This was not her favourite job, but later it meant the sensual stroking of the thick, pungent Pussers grey paint into the hard metal deck, working deep into every crevice, again and again. If she did it well there was every chance that her killick would let her down to the Buffer’s store. She had a plan to ask him to show her a bowline, which might be useful in the Red Room, but if she dared she had heard of a bowline on the bite - which sounded crazy................

For more of Anastasia's adventures in the world of the Seaman spec, order your copy of Fifty Shades of Pussers Grey from the RNA. To give a flavour of what is to come Chapter 2 is titled 'The Neil Robertson stretcher'.

Editors Note; Hot of the Press ..... Even the National Chairman has been at it !! he now is calling himself Christian Dovey...... (The leading male character is Christian Grey..)

19.

Type 21 Association - Memorial On Saturday 18th April 2015 the Type 21 club will be attending the National Memorial Arboretum to dedicate the newly installed memorial. Everyone is welcome to attend for further information please email Paul Gower, PRO at type21clubpro@gmail.com or via the club website www.type21club.org

20.

‘Real’ Old Ships

Shipmate Rowly Greer (Chelmsford Branch) contacted the Semaphore Circular to request that we publish some pictures of ‘real’ ships so that he might recognise them rather than the new ‘fandangled’ types from the modern Navy, so we invited him to send us a picture of his ‘older’ ship and it didn’t even have sails!! (Only joking Rowly)........

Above is a photograph of H.M.S. Crossbow, Weapon Class Destroyer, the forerunner of the Daring Class (No not the modern ‘fandangled’ one), taken 1950, Bay of Biscay, Rowly served on her for 20 months, twice being guard ship at the Cannes Film Festival Darling, He also visited Karlskrona in Sweden, visiting the Royal Swedish Navy and sailed completely round the British Isles for the Festival of Britain Cruise with the highlight being a visit to Middleborough, the most hospitable run ashore ever. The Commanding Officer /Skipper was Lt Cdr G.Kirby, triple DSC, who was promoted to Commander whilst en route during the cruise, Rowly commented that he was a great Bloke and that HMS Crossbow was good ship with some good mess mates.

21.

HMS M33

HMS M.33 is the sole surviving Royal Navy vessel from the Gallipoli campaign. Over 100,000 personnel from around the world lost their lives during the fierce campaign and the ship will be the backdrop to one of three events being commemorated nationally to mark the centenary when she opens August this year.

HMS M.33 is currently under wraps, as she is protected by tenting to keep her secure while conservation steps up onboard. Conservation specialists and volunteers are involved in stabilisation work on historic corrosion and the fabric of the ship, including her guns.

We are pleased to launch our first ever ‘Crowdfunding’ page to raise funds for the conservation of HMS M.33. In keeping with the centenary commemorations, we have set a target of £19,150 and with every donation made there is a little perk for you. To learn more please visit our page at indiegogo.com/at/m33

22.

Down Memory lane

This time in ‘Down Memory Lane’ there are two items of interest.....

Firstly, for those of you that were allocated Married Quarters in Rowner, Gosport you may be interested to know that the old concrete jungle is no more having recently been knocked down, the photos below show the before and after....

Shipmate Ray (The Oracle) Barraclough has very kindly loaned the Semaphore Circular his Pre joining up literature....

Gosh it makes you want to sign up again....

You can see below examples of length of service and pay scales in July 1961 below

RNA Longcast 2015 05 Mar 14 Mar 28 Mar 10 Apr 25 April 01 May 01 May 09 May 09 May 14 May 15 May 19 Jun 20 Jun

21 Jun 27 June 03 Jul 11 July 13-22 July 18 Jul 30 July 01 Aug 5 Aug 15 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 05 Sep 06 Sep 19 Sep 09 Oct 09-12 Oct 23 Oct 5 Nov 8 Nov 07 Nov 14 Nov 19-21 Nov 21 Nov 05 Dec 24 Dec – 4 Jan

SOC National Council Welfare Seminar – HMS Nelson HQ Open Day Gallipoli Parade Dublin Branch visit HQ Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversary Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Beccles Army V Navy rugby match - Twickenham Christchurch branch – 50th Anniversary Lunch HQ Open Day AMC/ FAC / National Council /SOC Meetings - Folkestone Conference 2015 – Grand Burstin Hotel Folkestone Trip to Boulogne Gala Dinner Drum Head ceremony - Folkestone Armed Forces Day – National event Guildford HQ Open Day Yeovilton Air Day IMC Sailing Camp Dublin Branch – Summer BBQ (Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire) Culdrose Air Day Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Southend On Sea Mid Year budget Review AMC HQ Open Day FAC National Council - UJC Biennial Parade - Whitehall Northern Ireland Veterans’ Association – Service of Remberance National Memorial Arboretum HQ Open Day RNA Plymouth – Biennial Trafalgar Weekend – GS attends Dublin Branch – Trafalgar Dinner ( Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire) Field of Remembrance – RNA plot and service with CoF Remembrance Sunday Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Harwich AMC IMC Executive Counicl FAC National Council HQ Closed for Christmas and New Year

‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches Prospective Branch..... RNA QATAR As the new branch of the RNA in Qatar takes off, we would like to invite anyone interested to their 1st Official meeting at a ‘favourable establishment’ on Friday 13th March 2015, time to be confirmed but will most probably start at around 1230. More information can be sought by contacting Amanda or myself (Mark) at rnaqatar@gmail.com

RNA March Branch March Branch has commissioned the production of a Boat Pennant for the use of those boat owners in their Branch. It is a very good quality item in two layers of linen enabling the RNA Badge and Branch name to be read from both sides, the size is 8.5 inches x 14 inches.

The RNA Badge and the Branch name are in white on navy blue, (See the attached picture.) Primarily for boat owners, this pennant will also look good on cars, caravans or even as an attractive statement in the home.

This very smart pennant can be made available to other Branches of the RNA, obviously with their own name in place of March. You can order through our President, S/M Bill Barry, Tel 01354 657779 or our Treasurer, S/M John Gowing, Tel 01354 655747. The cost will be £6.99 per pennant plus P&P, the minimum order is 50 pieces.

RNA Dublin Branch Dublin Branch was represented by the Chairman, Shipmate Paul Stephenson and Shipmate Pam Alexander at a recent reception organised by the Not Forgotten Association at St. James' Palace in London, in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence. The event was attended by more than 300 veterans of all ages, from across each of the services and following the reception, the guests were entertained to a Concert in the Palace's Picture Gallery

RNA Folkestone Branch It is with great sadness that Shipmate Tom Stallard of the Folkestone Branch ‘crossed the bar’ on 17th January 2015.

Tom served in the Royal Navy as a Yeoman but due to medical reasons his service was cut short after 13 years in 1960.

It was a privilege to have Tom as a member of our Branch, in which he served for 21 years, 10 of those as Chairman and for his achievements and loyalty appointed Life Vice President. He will be much missed.

RNA Cardiff Branch Cardiff Branch regretfully have to inform Shipmates that on Wednesday the 21st of January 2015 Marine George Williams S/N 7979, 3 Commando Brigade crossed the bar.

He enlisted in 1948 and left the service in 1955 having served in Malaya. During the war years he served in the Merchant Navy. His Funeral took place on Wednesday the 18th February, at St Andrews Church, Somerton Road, Lliswerry, Newport, South Wales. If you ever knew George, you would have loved him and his stories. He will be very much by Cardiff Shipmates and his loving Family.

RNA Basildon Branch Basildon Branch would like to inform Shipmates of the sad news that three members of the Branch have recently crossed the bar: S/M Edna Ayres, S/M William Barrass, S/M Leslie Day All will be sadly missed especially S/M Les Day as he was the founder member of the branch. Safe moorings all.

Area 10 Shipmates are advised that Shipmate Dave Wright was elected into the role of Area Secretary in place of S/M Charles Hutton. It is requested that all correspondence for Area 10 should now be forwarded to him at: 184, Masseyfield Road Brookvale Runcorn WA7 6AB Or alternatively on e-mail at rightseadog@aol.com

RNA Rhondda Branch

Rhondda Branch Shipmates gathered at Sainsbury’s superstore in Pontypridd on 31st January to attract potential new members, promote the aims of the RNA and of course raise funds for charity, as well as being a great team building exercise for all the Rhondda Shipmates and was seen as really successful event locally.

RNA Newport Branch Shipmates should be aware that the new Secretary is S/M Steve Mogg. His e-mail address is as follows: Stevemogg40@hotmail.com

RNA Lee on the Solent and Stubbington Branch Lee/Stubb Shipmate Pete Laggan, in an effort to avoid an appearance on defaulters for not appearing at the February Branch meeting, provided the following apology; see below, which on this occasion won him a reprieve from a visit to the table!!

Dear Andy, Please accept my apologies for the February meeting as I am travelling round the 'far flung'; which has included a 200 mile trip on the Burmese Navy's Gosport Ferry Class cruiser (picture attached).

On my return I will be claiming for Sea Pay, Hard Lying Money, LOA and an 'over 10'!

PS: I also travelled on the rail line that cost so many allied lives in WWII and will be travelling through places in India where many a soul fell in service to the Queen. Therefore, on behalf of shipmates, I will be lighting a floating candle and placing it on the River Ganges to remember those who have crossed the bar whilst on service in foreign climes.

Kind regards, Shipmate Peter Laggan

RNA Shrewsbury Branch Shrewsbury Branch advise that they are meeting at a new venue on the 1st and last Fridays of the month ; Shropshire Unison Club Abbey Foregate Shrewsbury SY2 6ND

RNA Cardiff Branch Shipmates and Branches may be interested in the article below that was printed in a magazine highlighting Associations, Clubs and local businesses in Cardiff. It is also a very good example for Branches who may wish to highlight themselves locally.

The Royal Naval Association The Association was first granted Royal Charter on 15th July 1954 and is established to further the efficiency and well being of the services, preserve its traditions and encourage recruiting; to foster comradeship and “esprit de corps� among those who have served or are serving in our

Naval Forces, to perpetuate the memory of those members of our Naval Forces who have died in the service of their country and to provide support and assistance to members and their dependents. It has over 20,000 members across 370 branches in the UK and overseas.

The core values of the association are:Unity – Loyalty - Patriotism and - Comradeship We have shared backgrounds and even the same unique language (Jackspeak!).

Our loyalty is to all our shipmates, our local communities, the personnel and dependants of the Naval Service, along with other charities or organisations with naval connections.

We are proud to have served our country and we do not forget those who have fallen for our country or who fight now. We are deeply honoured to represent them on both a national and international level.

RNA members are always there for their shipmates whether it's about a job, ideas for a day out or just an arm around the shoulder. We will never leave shipmates or their dependants in despair.

Full details of the Association may be found at :- http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/ The Cardiff RNA In 2003 the Cardiff branch of the RNA celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Founded in 1953 at the Royal Naval Reserve base, HMS Cambria, in Cardiff Docks, it then moved to various locations around the City including the Blue Lamp Club in Dumfries Place, Maindy Barracks and the Ashcroft Hotel on Newport Rd, before finally settling in at the Royal British Legion Club in Rumney. It is here that we hold our formal meetings at 19:30 on the second Monday of each month. Less formal get-togethers - 'Beanos' - are normally held fortnightly, on a Wednesday at around 12:30, at the 'City Arms' which is opposite the Millenium Stadium main entrance.

In addition we often have trips to other branches and establishments within the UK and host visits by other branches and visiting ships. In 2014 we visited the National Arboretum and were guests aboard HM Ships Kent, Dragon, Enterprise and Somerset during their respective visits to the City. If time and scheduling allows, we have arranged reciprocal social evening for ships crews.

Always present at the Citys’ Remembrance Sunday parade, our standard is also raised at the Castle to commemorate Armed Forces Day, during which we receive many visitors to our marquee in Cardiff Bay. The marquee is used to display and/or sell RNA literature and souvenirs, but it has proved to be a great opportunity for us to ‘meet and greet’ the public who are keen to learn of our own experiences of Naval life. Many visitors request photographs with members.

We are extremely proud of our place within the Cardiff community and have regular contact with local Schools and Colleges, Roath School in particular. This began with the discovery of an old plaque, bearing the names of those ex-pupils of the School who died in the ‘Great War.’ The plaque was found in an antique shop in the South of England and was passed to the RNA. It was duly forwarded to the Cardiff branch whose members presented it to the School. Our now annual visits to the School are always a great pleasure to the Cardiff Shipmates onboard HMS Enterprise, during members who are entertained with a show by her visit to Cardiff with the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir the children who also provide “bacon butties” George Zambellas. for the hungry sailors !

Trafalgar night, held on the nearest Friday to

21 October, has proved to be very popular and a great way to meet members and their partners from other branches in South Wales, including Newport and the newly formed Rhondda branch.

For the last 2 years the event has been held in the Holiday Inn. The event is paid for by those attending.

We are funded by members’ contributions, by fund raising events such as the “Navy nights” mentioned above and by public collections at local retail outlets around the city and in the city centre itself and We donate to many local charities. The Branch has about 25 members but we are always keen to add to our numbers. So, if you are interested, you are very welcome to attend our monthly meetings at the Royal British Legion in Rumney or our Wednesday ‘Beanos’ at the City Arms. Full membership is open to ALL who are serving or have served in the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Reserve or any other Naval orientated organisation - Service or Civilian. Associate membership is available to partners of members or to others who have an interest in “Things nautical!”

A visit to the Cardiff RNA website might also be useful. It is:http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/branches/no-07-area/cardiff There is also a facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-Royal-Naval-Association/167749753278332 Further information may be obtained from either of the following :Chairman:- Andrew Clark - eMail: clark-andrew@sky.com Secretary :- Roger Harris - email: rharris2010@live.co.uk PRO::- Ransford T Rogers – email: ransfordtrogers@gmail.com

RNA Helston Branch For information Shipmates are advised that Helston Branch have moved venues for their meetings to; Culdrose Community Centre, Hibernia Road, Helston Cornwall TR13 8DJ. The meetings times are – 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1930.

RNA Huntingdon & District Huntingdon & District Branch have a number of Royal Naval Association Trophy centre discs. The branch had these produced as we are sponsoring an award with our local Sea Cadets. However due to a minimum order amount there are quite a few remaining. If any branch would like some for a donation to cover our costs please contact the Treasurer, Pete Aston on 07801504678 or ppaston@live.co.uk

RNA Reigate Branch Reigate Branch Shipmates gathered for their Branch Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 11th February, an unexpected guest arrived. S/M Dave Howlett had travelled all the way from New South Wales, Australia to attend the meeting. Dave’s wife, Irene, followed him in bearing a large container of her famous bread pudding much to the delight

of the older members present. While the rest of the crew were still recovering from the surprise, our Life Vice president, Bob Pearce, shook his hand and said, “What the hell are you doing here Dave”? He replied, “I’m not going to sit back and let you lot elect a new committee without me being here”!

Luckily for Dave and Irene their visit had coincided with the birth of their Grandson.

RNA Rayleigh Branch Rayleigh Branch Parade Detail reporting for duty........Practiced, drilled, ready and looking forward to joining this year’s Gallipoli Commemoration (25th April) and RNA Biennial Parade (6th September) in Whitehall this year.

(L to R) Ian Hendry, Terry Barker, Bill Vernon, Alan White, Dave Bishop, Gary Daisley & Jim Hammond (Branch Chairman) lead last November’s RBL Remembrance Parade through Rayleigh High Street.

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

Coleman/Ansvar Insurance Discounted Branch and House hold Insurance - 01323 744149 http://www.thecolemangroup.co.uk/coleman-insurance-brokers/organisation-specific/cona 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 attractions including the Submarine Museum, RM Museum and Explosion!.

Legal Services

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

Breakdown Service RAC Breakdown and recovery service asec@arno.org.uk or 0207 4025231

Type 42 Association - Reunion 002 15 July 2015

Shortcast (Run in date order) 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 Duchess Association - 20 March 2015 The next reunion will take place at the Hadleigh Hotel, Eastbourne from March 20 to 22. All commissions are welcome. Contact Sharky Ward

HMS Surprise Reunion – 20 March 2015 The HMS Surprise Reunion weekend will be taking place at the Hadleigh Hotel, Eastbourne during the weekend of 20-23 March 2015. All former ship’s company are very welcome.

Interested in attending or getting in touch with your former shipmates? Contact Geoff Prentice at Geoff.prentice@virginmedia.com HMS Resolution Association Reunion – 20/22nd March 2015 The annual reunion for the HMS Resolution Association will take place at the Hallmark Hotel Hull.

Come and meet and greet old shipmates with a chance to catch up and celebrate. Early bookings discount is available before 31st January 2015. (Hotel website – http://www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/our_hotels/hull) The Association is open to all former crew members of HMS Resolution. For further details please contact events-manager@hmsresolution.org.uk or visit the website at http://www.hmsresolution.org.uk/home.php HMS Undine and Urchin Association Reunion – 20 March 2015 HMS Undine & Urchin Association in company with Ursa, Ulster, Ulysses, Urania and Undaunted are holding their next reunion at The Smiths Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset from March 20 to 23. Cost £120pp for 3 nights half board with entertainment included. Details available from Secretary Chris Heslop at chris@cheslop.plus.com HMS Campbeltown Reunion – 03 April 2015 First mini reunion to be held April 3-6 in Guzz. Contact Florrie Ford at cf002e5349@blueyonder.co.uk HMS Loch Fada F390 Reunion – 10-13 April 2015 HMS Loch Fada F390 18th Annual Reunion & AGM will be held at the Mercure Sheffield Parkway Hotel from 10th to 13th April 2015. Business will commence at 1030 on the Saturday with TOT time at 1200 and Reunion Dinner at 1900. Rounding off the weekend with a Coach outing to The Royal Armouries in Leeds on Sunday 13th. For further info & booking forms contact IOW Tours

on 01983 405116 or call F390 Sec Frenchy on 01252 310767/email Frenchy.delahaye@ntlworld.com/ 91 Ayling Lane, Aldershot,Hants.GU11 3ND Captain Class Frigates Association – 10 April 2015 To mark the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII, the Captain Class Frigate Association will hold a Final Reunion at the Warwick Hilton Hotel, Stratford Road, Warwick from 10 to 12 April 2015.

The guest speaker will be a distinguished Naval Personality. This will be our member’s last chance to meet with former shipmates. Book direct on 01926 499555.

HMS Dunkirk Association – 17 April 2015 Annual reunion from April 17 and 18 at the Royal Maritime Club (Home Club), Portsmouth. For more information contact John Carroll at jcarroll@jandecarroll.plus.com HMS Glasgow (C21 0r D88) Association – 17/20th April 2105 HMS Glasgow (C21 & D88). Reunion to be held at the Queens Hotel, Paignton over the weekend April 17-20. Further details from Gary Eaton at Geaton8@aol.com HMS Protector Association – 24/27th April 2015 HMS Protector Association is calling on all members plus ex ships company who served onboard between 3rd October 1955 to October 1968 to join us at a commemorative 60th anniversary reunion of the first sailing to the Antarctic and the Falkland Islands. The reunion will take place in the Aztec Hotel, Bristol over the weekend 24th-27 April 2015. Members of the 1965 commission are not forgotten as we will be also celebrating the 50th anniversary. It is also the Association’s 16th reunion and AGM. Reunion booking forms and membership application forms can be downloaded from www.hmsprotector-association.co.uk and further details can be obtained from the reunion organiser Doug Harris (01495 718870) at Dougatspindrift@aol.com or PRO Pete Latham (0161 7248164) at peterlatham49@yahoo.co.uk HMS Euryalus Association – 24 April 2015 HMS Euryalus Association: In Bury, Lancashire, the centenary of the Gallipoli landing in which HMS Euryalus was involved, is being commemorated from April 24 to 26, and all who have been associated with the WW2 crusier or frigate are warmly welcomed.

Programme include Black tie dinner, Royal Marine Band Concert and a Parade, Church Service and march past. Any queries to me J Lean at jblean@btinternet.com or Florrie Ford at charlesford1@blueyonder.co.uk or tel: 0191 423 4186. Details can be found on Lancs Fusiliers website at http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/news/newsevents.htm and updates on the Euryalus website at http://www.euryalus.org.uk/home.htm 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

HMS Phoebe Association – 01 May 2015

HMS Phoebe Association, Cruiser (C43) & Frigate (F42): Have their annual reunion from May 1 to 4 at the Chatsworth Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All ex crew are welcome to join us.

Please contact the secretary, Roy Pavely at roy.pavely@virginmedia.com Federation of Naval Associations - 08 May 2015 The FNA AGM and reunion wil be held at Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone from May 8 to 11. All Associations and former RN/RM/WRNS/QARNNS/RFA/MN etc are most welcome. Details and booking forms available from Robbie Robson at robbie.fna@virgin.net HMS Wizard and Cadiz Association - 08 May 2015-02-17 Reunion at the Inglewood Palm Hotel, Torquay from May 8 to 11. Membership is open to all who have served in Battleclass V & W Destroyers and Type 15 Frigates. For more details contact Jim Watkins at jimandleah@hotmail.co.uk HMS Bulwark, Albion, Centaur Association – 09 May 2015 2015 AGM/Reunion will be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea and will take place on May 9.

Did you serve on any of these light fleet carriers? Our association is open to anyone who served at any time on these ships. We send a magazine three times per year and run events including AGM/Social, sea trips with our current ships Albion & Bulwark and anniversary commemorations at home and abroad. We also sponsor sea cadets from our affiliated SCCs on one sail and two motor Training Ships. Membership is all of £8 per annum.

Enquiries to Leigh Easton at ngsfo@tiscali.co.uk or the website at http://www.bulwarkassoc.co.uk or write to Glenmoary, Hayford Place, Cambusbarron, Stirling FK7 9JX. HMS Hermione Association – 22 May 2015 HMS Hermione Association will hold it's annual reunion from May 22 to 24 at the Best Western, Marks Tey Hotel, London Road, Colchester, Essex. Anyone wishing to join us will be made most welcome that also includes families of those lost onboard. For more details contact Cheryl, ref: Hermione Weekend at info@marksteyhotel.co.uk or tel: 01206 210001 HMS Opossum Association – 29 May 2015 Reunion will be held at Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough from May 29 to June 1.

All Opossum's from the ships five commissions 1945-1960 as well as the submarine (S19) 19631990 and their wives/partners are most welcome.

Contact IOW Tours, 3 New Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 9JN or email: enquiries@iowtours.com tel: 01983 405116 or contact Eddie Summerfold at robopovan@btinternet.com HMS Glorious, Ardent & Acasta Association (GLARACs) – 5/6/7th June 2015 The 75th Anniversary of the sinking of HM Ships Glorious, Ardent & Acasta will be commemorated over the weekend 5/6/7th June 2015 in Plymouth.

Friends & Relatives of those lost on the 3 ships are invited to a Memorial weekend

in Plymouth, starting Friday 5th June 2015, culminating with a Sunday Church Service and Buffet lunch in HMS Drake, Devonport.

Unfortunately due to current security entry into the Naval Base is by prior arrangement only and so families and relatives who wish to attend will need to contact either David Emery or David Woodcock (contact details below). They are also the main point of contact should anyone require any further details.

David Emery MBE, Tel. 01782 397746, or email dg.david@hotmail.co.uk or David Woodcock, Tel 01229 462414, HMS Liverpool Association – 13 Jun 2015 Reunion takes place on June 13 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 11th MCM Squadron – 13 June 2015 A reunion is being planned for the 5 requisitioned trawlers, Cordella, Junella, Farnella, Northella and Pict that became mine sweepers.

The reunion will take place on June 13 at the New Clarence Pub, Hull. A commemorative service will take place on June 14 at 1400 in Holy Trinity Church, Hull in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of East Riding of Yorkshire and the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull. The ships bell of HMS Northella is currently behind the bar of the ‘Admiralty Tavern’, Trafalgar Square and they have kindly accepted to loan the bell for the service. Full details can be found on the 11th MCM Squadron Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2567254 ... 1/?fref=ts More details from Jon Major at major_jon@hotmail.com HMS Jamaica Association - 18-21 September 2015 HMS Jamaica Association AGM and Reunion will be held at the Burlington Hotel Eastbourne over the weekend 18-21 September 2015. Please contact Mac Wilkinson (Hon Sec/Treasurer) on tel no 01843 582283 or e-mail mgwilkinson22@talktalk.net.

HMS Arethusa Association - 03 October 2015 The 27th and final Reunion at the Melbourne Ardenlea Hotel, Shanklin, Isle of Wight from October 2 to 5. All former serving members of this ship and Association and families/guests welcome.

For further information contact Tom Sawyer at rolandsawyer3@sky.com HMS Ulster Association – 02/05 October 2015 There will be a reunion weekend from October 2nd, 2015 to October 5th, 2015 at Smiths Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare. Further details and to download booking forms see www.candoo.com/ulsternorrie/reunions.html - or please e-mail ulster@candoo.com Not internet friendly? Call Norrie Millen at 01626 779409 and leave message if no answer. The re-union is for all commissions 1943-1980.

HMS Tartar Association - 03 October 2015

Annual reunion at the Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough from October 3 to 5. All ex-Tartar’s and wives are welcome, come and meet up with old shipmates. Bookings to be arranged by IOW Tours on 01983 405116 HMS Fife Reunion – 17 October 2015 The HMS Fife reunion will take place at HMS Nelson Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess on 17 October 2015, 1900-2359. For information about this reunion or to register your interest in attending please contact Warrant Officer 1, Darren Emmerton at darren.emerton459@mod.uk HMS Lowestoft Reunion – 9 October 2015 The 5th annual reunion of the HMS Lowestoft Association will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St Helens Parade, Southsea PO4 0NR from October 9th to 11th 2015. All ex-Lowie's 1961-1985 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 For information, the HMS Lowestoft Association held their 4th Annual Reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea over the weekend 17-19 October, celebrating 53 years since the ship first commissioned. The successful and memorable event was attended by 150 ex Lowie’s, partners and guests, including 3 former Commanding Officers, Admiral Sir John Treacher, Captain Jimmy Chestnutt and Captain Charles Buckle. Vice Admiral Sir John Webster the Navigating Officer from the first commission and Vice Admiral Sir Nicholas Hill-Norton the First Lieutenant from 1971-73 were also present.

Swinging the Lamp - March

Date 1st

Year 1967

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1911

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1812

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1944

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1996

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1987

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1918

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1872

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1942

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1941

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1971

Entry RN NBCD School at Tipner reverted to its traditional name of HMS Phoenix, remaining a tender to Excellent. DCI(RN) 176/67.

First four officers, chosen from over 200 applicants, reported to the Royal Aero Club’s aerodrome at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey for pilot training in private aircraft provided free of charge: Lt C.R. Samson, scout cruiser Foresight; Lt R. Gregory, armoured cruiser Antrim; Lt A.M. Longmore, HMTB 24 and Lt E.L. Gerrard RMLI, cruiser Hermione.

Board contracted with Portsea Island Water Works Co. to supply fresh water through - elm wood pipes at 6d, under supervision of ‘a trusted person from the Yard’ at cask filling point near Victory gate.

Destroyer Onslaught and Swordfish B/816 (Chaser) sank U-472 off North Cape (73.05N,26.40E). Convoy RA 57.

Flag of FOSNNI shifted from Pitreavie, Rosyth, to Neptune, Clyde Submarine Base.

Cross-Channel ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized off Zeebrugge.

RN clearance divers assisted in rescue operations and returned on 10 April to help recover bodies.

King George V designated the King’s Squad and instituted King’s Badge for Royal Marines under training.

The wood screw frigate Ariadne, sailing to Gibraltar, hove to when a seaman fell overboard from the main topmast crosstrees 130 miles off the Portuguese coast (40.15N,12.10W) In an unsuccessful rescue attempt both ship’s cutters were swamped and two officers, Sub-Lts Jukes and Talbot, and eight men were drowned.

Albacore aircraft of 817 and 832 Sqn (Victorious) made an unsuccessful attack on the German battleship Tirpitz off Norway A seven-hour air raid on Portsmouth by an estimated 300 German aircraft. Destroyer Witherington seriously damaged, ‘about’ twenty-five men killed in an air raid shelter in HMS Vernon, RNDQs partly demolished, RN Barracks church destroyed, the Old Naval Academy ruined (Navigation School housed there moved to Southwick House – AFO 4109/41), and a bomb in No. 1 Dock blew a hole 8ft by 15ft in the port bow of HMS Victory. Three bombs hit Admiralty House but did not explode. ‘It’s going to be a long job digging them out but we are not going to put off a cocktail party arranged for tomorrow . . . we will warn our guests . . .’ – Admiral Sir William James, C-in-C Portsmouth.

British forces captured Baghdad, Mesopotamia. River gunboats: Butterfly, Firefly, Gadfly, Mantis, Moth, Snakefly, Tarantula.

Battle Honour: Mesopotamia 1915–17.

Frigates Loch Ruthven and Wild Goose sank U-683 in S.W. Approaches.

Admiral Sir Peter Hill-Norton promoted Admiral of the Fleet at the end

th

1958

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1929

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18th

1977

19th

1982

20th

1794

21st

1944

22nd 23rd

1899 1917

24th

1960

25th

1945

26th

2004

27th

1976

28th

1942

14

of his appointment as First Sea Lord.

Final parade at Ceres, RN Supply School at Wetherby, before paying off on 31 March and moving to Chatham Hulk of the ironclad Warrior (launched in 1860) arrived at Pembroke Dock in tow of naval tugs St Clears and St Mellons for employment as a berth for RFA tankers. She had been surplus to requirements since Vernon moved ashore in 1923. Admiralty Memorandum of 2 April 1925 had offered the hulk for sale but there were no takers.

Frigate Aff leck, destroyer Vanoc and three US Catalina aircraft sank U-392 in Straits of Gibraltar.

Capt Lawrence Oates, 5th Inniskilling Dragoons, died in Antarctica by walking out into a blizzard in a vain attempt to improve the chances of survival for Capt Scott’s party: ‘I am just going outside and may be some time.’ It was his 32nd birthday.

‘Achilles, Bridge, Engage’: minehunter Maxton fired four live 40mm Bofors rounds into the frigate Achilles near the Mull of Kintyre.

Illegal Argentine landing and hoisting of national flag on South Georgia. Endurance sent from Falkland Islands to remove it.

Landing party from Zebra captured Fort Louis, Martinique. Bienvenue retaken. Cdr Faulkner, who had taken the prize, was made post on the quarterdeck of Boyne and appointed to command the Bienvenue, which Jervis renamed: ‘Like yourself, sir – Undaunted.’

Revd H.C.W. Mauger, RNVR, of 42 RM Cdo, killed in action in Arakan.

Sixteenth and last chaplain to be killed on active service in the Second World War. Miniatures replaced medals for officers in ball dress.

The painting of Boy John Travers Cornwell VC at his 6-in gun in the light cruiser Chester at Jutland, commissioned by the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London and painted by Frank Salisbury, presented to the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Edward Carson, at the Mansion House. The restored painting hangs in St Paul’s church, HMS Raleigh, Torpoint, and was rededicated on 20 March 2009 Yarmouth, first of nine Rothesay-class antisubmarine frigates, commissioned at John Brown’s, Clydebank, by Capt H.R. Hewlett RN, shortly to be Captain (F) Sixth Frigate Squadron. The first ship to be equipped with the new Seacat missile.

World’s first deck landing of a high-performance twin-engined aircraft; a de Havilland Mosquito Mk 6 from RAE Farnborough on Indefatigable off Ailsa Craig and Arran piloted by Lt-Cdr Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown RNVR. Mersey, offshore patrol vessel, commissioned in Canada Dock, Liverpool.

Third Cod War. Four collisions between Icelandic Coastguard vessel Baldur and frigate Diomede which was seriously damaged. The ‘Avoid damage to frigates’ policy was promulgated that evening (lifted 6 May 1976).

VC: Cdr Rupert Edward Dudley Ryder (MGB 314), Lt-Cdr Stephen Halden Beattie (Campbeltown), AB William Alfred Savage (MGB 314), Lt-Col Augustus Charles Newman (Essex Regiment), Sgt Thomas Frank Durrant, RE (ML 306). Savage and Durrant awarded posthumously. Attack on St Nazaire by light forces under Cdr R.E.D. Ryder (MGB 314) and Commandos under Lt-Col A.C. Newman.

Destruction of lock gates of the Normandie dock. Operation Chariot.

29th 30th

1798 1971

31st

1951

Ships: Atherstone, Campbeltown, Tynedale, MGB 314, MTB 74, ML: 156, 160, 177, 192, 262, 267, 268, 270, 298, 306, 307, 341, 443, 446, 447, 457.Battle Honour: St Nazaire 1942.

Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson hoisted his flag in Vanguard.

The first 383 Fleet Chief Petty Officers announced to take effect from 30 September 1971.

Bermuda Dockyard closed and became a ‘fleet anchorage’. HMS Malabar paid off in a ceremony at noon attended by seven officers and twenty ratings. Bermuda to remain HQ of America and West Indies Station.

National Ceremonial Advisor planning the Conference/Reunion Parade.

First ever sighting of Mick not in shorts in February