Semaphore Circular #649 (May 2015)

The Semaphore Circular No 649

The Beating Heart of the RNA

May 2015

Shipmate Alf Lonsdale, Chairman RNA Horley Branch presents the ‘Best Bed Space’ prize to AB Cartledge at the recent HMS Collingwood Victory Squadron, Senior Officer’s Rounds. The RNA sponsors two prizes Best Mess and Best Bed Space and provides the Guest of Honour.

S/m Alf is pictured with AB Cartledge and HMS Collingwood’s former Commanding Officer Captain Steve Dainton CBE Royal Navy.

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

Daily Orders 1. Short Notice – VE Day WW2 Veterans 2. Welfare Seminar Report 3. HQ Open Day 4. Stop Press Scam Warning 5. Victory Squadron Rounds 6. Joke - B & Q Greeter 7. Pembroke House Garden Party 8. Guess Where?

9. Finance Corner 10. Donations received 11. Agamemnon Hosing Association – New Board Members 12. RN VC Series – AB William Williams 13. Guildhall Cathedral VE Day Concert 14. Royal Marine Humour 15. RNRMC News 16. Rude Joke Alert 17. Nigel’s Clothing Extravaganza 18. More Model Ship Building 19. Pussers Rum 20. Engine Room Association 21. Royal Maritime Club 22. National Bird Competition 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

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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 3

Dear Shipmates, A warm welcome to the May edition of the Semaphore Circular, we have enjoyed wonderful weather on the South Coast – which has made for a lovely Easter. I would imagine we are all hard at work preparing for the many Summer and Autumn events in our calendars – with Conference, Armed Forces Day and the Biennial March at the top of the fun list. So let me lead off with some admin matters: • First up … please take a look at the URGENT call for WW2 veterans for the celebrations in London on 8 and 10 May. Not much time after you have received this Circ to take action, but if you have a WW2 veteran who would like to attend please ring me asap.

• May meetings will be the second and last chance to chat over the Conference Agenda and motions before Conference. So please make sure that you have looked at the Annual Report and Accounts and the Agenda and have flagged and questions. In the first instance - I am delighted to answer questions or provide clarification or further information as you would wish (either by e-mail or on the phone). Also please make sure that your Conference delegate understands the branch position on the various motions before Conference.

Please don’t raise the motions with me; they are entirely a matter for the SOC and proposing branches.

• We have some remaining stock from 8 Area marked with the Naval Service Memorial.

They are fantastic value for money, well made and smart. In fact my two pregnant daughters have grabbed a cosy fleece each – ideal for the job. Details in the Circ.

• Don’t forget planning for the Biennial March at the Cenotaph on 6 September. The Met Police have not asked for stewards yet, so no call for volunteers this month.

Shipmates will be interested to know that our great friend Vice Admiral Sir David Steel CBE has now stood down from his post as Second Sea Lord and is now an official veteran!! Shipmate David has asked to still get the Monthly Circular – I assume for the quality of the jokes!! His replacement as Second Sea Lord is Vice Admiral Jonathon Woodcock OBE who is a great friend of the RNA and was the CO of HMS RALEIGH and worked with the local branches to set up the Phase 1 trainee mentoring programme. We wish Shipmate Jonathon the best of luck as he starts his very busy and demanding appointment.

We are in the process of training and inducting Shipmate Alan McGrath as a volunteer branch support officer as a trial. Alan is based near to Manchester and therefore will initially make contact with the more Northerly Areas and branches. He will be available to come and visit branches to help with all aspects of running a branch – such as the Hon Sec job, Treasurer’s books, chairing meetings, understanding the Rule Book, organising affordable trips etc. He is there entirely for you and will only come if invited – with no report to the HQ. He is an ex-Jack Dusty. If you think you might like to come please contact Andy or me.

I have been up to the National Memorial Arboretum this week to see the repair to one of the panels, where a crack during the fabrication process emerged last autumn. The panel is being replaced under guarantee.

I am delighted to say that the defective panel came out cleanly and without damaging the other panels thanks 4

to some highly skilled glass engineers, very detailed planning and some amazing crane driving.

We have also used the opportunity to replace the information panel. We had had a lot of feedback from Shipmates that in some lights the panel was hard to read. I checked myself in January and this was entirely true, so a much clearer panel with a different technical approach has been installed. I will cover this in more detail in next month’s circular.

While I was there I was able to give a chat to the HMS VICTORIOUS Association about the memorial – what a nice bunch.

I shall be up at the Arboretum on 27 June, Armed Forces Day to give chats about the memorial during the day. I would be grateful if anyone would like to join me during the day to help out, again please give me a call or e-mail. I do appreciate that many of you will be committed to local events.

Finally, the runaway winner of the bottle of rum for best Naval Service Memorial picture goes to S/M Dave Evans.

Kindest regards Paul General Secretary

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Chairman’s Chat – May 2015

As I write this, the sun is shining from a bright blue sky and bringing very welcome warmth to the fields and orchards of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. I remember when I was in my mid-teens getting weekend and school holiday jobs with a haulage contractor, and from early summer to late autumn we would go out on the lorries in the late afternoon each weekday to load up with fruit and vegetables to deliver overnight to the main markets in Liverpool and Blackpool. They were fun times and earned me quite a bit of pocket money which, coming from a relatively poor working family with 4 younger brothers, enabled me to pay my own school dinner money and still leave enough for me to spend at the weekend on playing cricket for my local team in Tenbury. With no computers, iPads, video players, mobile phones or games machines, playing sport for the local teams was a big thing to look forward to at weekends and gave me immense pleasure. As school under 15 team cricket captain I even found myself captaining the local Tenbury 2nd XI men’s team on occasions when the team captain and vice-captain were both unavailable. On one such occasion I scored 86 not out, hitting the last ball of our innings out of the ground, across the main road, which runs alongside the ground, and into the local gasworks. I‘m not very big now and have always been small so hitting sixes was not a common occurrence for me, but that particular one has always stuck in my mind. I was reminded a couple of years ago, by a current Tenbury cricketer who gave me a copy of a score sheet from a 1960s match I played in, when I opened the batting and scored 127 not out in an all out team score of 163. I don’t remember anything of that match at all, but the 6 into the gasworks I can still see in my mind now.

By now all branches will have received copies of the Annual Report of the National Council and the Annual Accounts for 2014, together with the Agenda for the RNA Annual General Meeting and Conference 2015 in Folkestone in June. We will all have differing memories of 2014 but near the top of the list of key moments for many of us who were there will be the unveiling of the Naval Service Memorial. It was most certainly the highlight event of my 27 years in the RNA and many members who have served much longer than me have said it is their most memorable occasion too. In our 2014 Accounts, despite some excellent fundraising led by the GS, we had anticipated taking a fairly heavy dip into our reserves to pull off such a prestigious memorial and event. The bad weather in late May required us to take extra measures to provide suitable ground cover so that the still soft ground didn’t create any real problems for our many guests.

This all added to our costs. But at the year end we were pleasantly surprised to find that our funds had held up far better than we had expected. We didn’t do so well on legacies, we brought forward the updating of the website into 2014 from 2015, and there was a delay in our investments becoming effective with Hoare’s Bank with our fund manager waiting for more favourable market conditions to invest, all of which affected our balance sheet. But Hoare’s Bank has been outperforming the FTSE index and the website has seen many online members joining, the vast majority being in the right age bracket to give us confidence for a continued influx of future branch officers and committee members. Our overall assets, despite a drop of just under £123,000 over the year, still exceed £1.6M, so the RNA is still in good shape to continue onwards and upwards.

Keith Crawford and I are still in recovery mode from our separate problems but we are both looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible at Folkestone in June. Keith is 6

progressing steadily from his stroke, though not as quickly as he would like, but he is now much more mobile. He is having physiotherapy to help and with good luck and a fair wind we hope he will be able to take a full part in the Conference weekend. I have started my chemotherapy, which has gone fairly well apart from after the first session when one of the drugs I was given to counteract any sickness and nausea from the chemo gave me persistent hiccups, which lasted for nearly 5 days! That drug was removed after my second session and while I still had a few hiccups it was nothing like the hour upon hour spasms I had the first time. The cumulative effect of the chemo is becoming apparent in extended periods of tiredness but that is now two sessions down and ten to go, finishing on 1 September. So I hope to be 100% fit again for the Trafalgar and Remembrance periods. I want to thank all of you who have been kind enough to send best wishes to Keith and me, they are very welcome and much appreciated. It is true RNA comradeship at its best.

Another example of that comradeship was the Welfare Seminar held in HMS NELSON at the end of March. Rita Lock had arranged a very good group of speakers and a record turnout of 88 attendees gave them a very attentive and interested audience. A lot of very useful information was provided and some good question and answer sessions showed how valuable the day proved to be. My sincere thanks go to Rita for her organisation and expertise, and also to the many attendees who contributed to making it our most well-supported Welfare Seminar ever.

Finally, I just want to wish you all a joyous late spring and summer with continued blue skies and sunshine, and I hope it will continue well into June so that we can have a great conference weekend, both inside and outside the Grand Burstin Hotel. We currently have over 400 people booked in for the weekend and about half of those taking the trip to Boulogne. There is plenty of accommodation still available for a very cheap three day event so if you were undecided before I encourage you to go for it now. But remember to use the booking form in the Circular and not ring the hotel direct to be sure of getting the response you want. I look forward to seeing many of you there – and hope I am free of hiccups when I talk to you!!

Chris Dovey

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1

SHORT NOTICE.... WW2 Veterans - VE Day Celebrations

The General Secretary has been contacted by the National events team at the British Legion to see if there are any Second World War veterans who would like to parade at two events on 8 and 10 May following a general public call published in national media. The RNA National Standard will parade on both 8 and 10 May. He would be grateful if there is anyone you think might want to go (and be fit enough) to pass their contact details to the GS who will deal directly with you.

Please forward your name and if you would like, that of a nominated carer by phone 02392 723747 or e-mail paul@royalnavalassoc.com remember time is of the essence in enabling your participation.

Please see below the programme of events and criteria for attendance; In terms of eligibility to attend, the criteria is that all veterans are 85 years and over and that they played an active role during the Second World War in terms of either military, medical and emergency services, the Home Guard, Land Army or in any one of the reserved occupations.

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Friday 8 May: Attendance at the Cenotaph Service of Remembrance at 3pm, followed by a late afternoon reception at the Foreign Office.

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Sunday 10 May: Attendance at the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey at 11 am, followed by a march from the Abbey, through Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade into St James’ Park where there will be a veterans’ lunch reception hosted by The Royal British Legion.

•

The final option, taking into account the limited number of places available within Westminster Abbey, would be simply to participate in the march at the conclusion of the Abbey Service and to attend the veteran’s lunch reception.

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Welfare Seminar.

The Welfare Seminar was held on 28 March 15 in the WO & S/Rates Mess in HMS Nelson. Over 88 delegates attended to hear a very wide range of speakers and one golden ‘Labrador’ including; Mike Bailey Veterans UK Welfare Service Craig MaClellan and Boo Veterans with Dogs Craig MaClellan with Boo and his Choc Lab Fudge 8

Alick Brown Catherine Smith Cameron Marsh Peter Swan Phil Shuttleworth

SSAFA Age Concern RMA TRiM Support RNHCPT Combat Stress

The Seminar was without doubt an outstanding success with Shipmates thoroughly enjoying the event. Feedback revealed that they found the Seminar enlightening with the speakers targeting specific areas that impact upon RNA branches and their members’ issues on a daily basis.

On completion, the Welfare Officers had acquired a great increase in their knowledge from which the RNA will benefit substantially. They are already making enquiries as to when the next Seminar is!!

Finally, BZ to Shipmate Rita Lock MBE for organising the event and attracting a ‘top draw’ set of speakers especially Boo the Labrador, who did a star turn wandering around the audience showing off how clever she was!!

3.

HQ Open Day - 15 April 2015 HQ staff hosted 27 Shipmates from a variety of branches but the main contingent coming from Alresford. They enjoyed a sandwich lunch in the Semaphore Arms, (which overlooks Portsmouth Harbour entrance), a brief on the RNA and its current initiatives and issues, a Harbour tour on the SD Norton and finally cake and a cuppa. The photo opposite shows the Shipmates coming ashore after handing in their ‘Station Cards’.

Amongst the S/Ms visiting HQ were two WW2 Veterans, Shipmate Les Nugent who served in Landing Craft carrying Americans sailing from Weymouth and arriving in France on D Day and Shipmate Peter Reed who served in HMS Cotillion during WW2 and newly retired Area 3 NCM who was celebrating his 90th Birthday at sea!.

The ‘on watch’ HQ hosting team of Andy, Nigel and Chrissie were joined by Shipmates Rita Lock MBE and Soapy (Flying Fox) Watson tea wetters and doorman extraordinaire!!

4.

STOP PRESS.... Scam Warning

Fraudsters have set up a bogus website claiming to be the official site of National Savings & Investments (NS&I) And are contacting members of the public, cold calling them and offering the chance to invest in 65+ Bonds (also known as Pensioner Bonds). Members of the public who are 9

searching for the official Website (for example on search engines) may be directed to the fake one which then asks them to supply contact information. Victims are then receiving a follow up email and/or phone call from the fraudsters who are requesting evidence of identity documents and bank account details either over the phone or by sending the victims fake forms to fill out.

A common name that appears on the emails sent by the fraudsters is ‘Kevin Archer’.

Shipmates are reminded that a few small actions may save you lost of aggravation and money and help you avoid being a victim of fraud: • Do not pass personal or banking information to companies that cold call you.

• Please note that the only domain name (website address) that is legitimate is www.nsandi.com • National Savings & Investments (NS&I) do not make sales calls to potential customers (cold calls) so do not enter into discussion with cold callers claiming to be NS&I. • The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau is committed to tackling all types of fraud and the Cyber Prevention and Disruption Team aims to do this by disrupting and taking down fake and fraudulent websites.

If you have been a victim of fraud or suspect a company of fraud please contact the Action Fraud team on 0300 123 2040 or via The online reporting tool at www.actionfraud.police.uk

5.

Victory Squadron – Senior Officer’s Rounds The Spring term Senior Officers’ Rounds were conducted in Victory Squadron HMS Collingwood on 18 March 2015. The RNA sponsors two prizes, best bed space and best mess at these rounds and provides a Guest of Honour. The GoH this term was Shipmate Alf Lonsdale who is Chairman of Horley Branch and a WW2 Veteran.

As part of the RN training package Senior Officers’ Rounds provides the Trainees with an opportunity to prepare their messdecks to a high standard, reporting to a Senior Officer, probably for the first time in their Naval careers and are expected to provide a sense of occasion. The Commanding Officer of HMS Collingwood Captain Steve Dainton CBE Royal Navy and the current CO Designate Course (Commanders about to take command of a Ship, Submarine or Squadron) conduct rounds with the RNA guest of honour.

On completion of the awards ceremony, Shipmate Alf was ‘whisked’ away to the Senior Rates Mess were, I am reliably informed, (By the Victory Squadron Warrant Officer, Fish Fisher) that he ‘swung the lamp’ into the middle and was then up at ‘O’crack sparrow’ waiting for a youngster to collect him for breakfast!!

If you are interested in becoming the RNA Guest of Honour please let Andy know and he will place your name on his waiting list.

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6.

B & Q Greeter Joke

Young people forget that old people had a career before they retired.....

Charlie, a new retiree-greeter at B & Q, just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.

One day the boss called him into the office for a chart.

"Charlie, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job when you finally get here; but your being late so often is quite bothersome."

"Yes, I know boss and I am working on it."

"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear.”

“Yes sir, I understand your concern and I will try harder.“ Somewhat puzzled, the manager went on to comment, “I know you have just retired from the Royal Navy. What did they say to you there if you showed up in the morning late so often?"

The old man looked down at the floor, and then smiled. He chuckled quietly, then said with a grin, "They usually saluted and said, 'Good morning, Admiral. May I get your coffee, Sir'.........

7.

Pembroke House, Gillingham - Annual Garden Party Shipmates are invited to attend the Annual Garden Party at Pembroke House on Saturday 25th July 2015 from 1200 until 1600. Entrance is £17.50 per head which includes a BBQ, subsidised cash bar and entertainment from Shep Woolley and singer Michael Peters.

If you would like to attend please contact Kelly at Pembroke House by phone 01634 852431 or by e-mail kellykirtley@pembrokehouse-rnbt.org.uk

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8.

Guess Where? An Establishment

This month can you name this former Naval establishment.

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

No looking on Google or Wiki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

In 2018 MOD Worthy Down will become the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration and all Naval Logistic Training will transfer from HMS Raleigh to Worthy Down.

The site was in commissioned in the RN as HMS Kestrel and used as a flying station by the Fleet Air Arm. During this time the site was featured on the news when Lord Haw-Haw (William Joyce) claimed HMS Kestrel was sunk by the Kriegsmarine. In 1950 it was placed in a state of care and maintenance until 1952 when it was re-established as HMS Ariel II and used as an engineering training school.

9.

Finance Corner –

Dear Shipmates, A big thank you to the many Hon Treasurers and Secretaries that have been getting the Year End return to us. We know it is a pain in the bo**om, but vital in running the RNA. Anyone struggling or needing advice please give a ring, we love to chat and help you out.

Yours Aye Michelle

10.

Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge

Central Charities RNA – Bodmin RNA – Orkney RNA – IOM Ramsey

£300.00 £50.00 £50.00

Charter Challenge Nil donations this month ‘In memory of the late....’

S/m F Cotton

£56.00 12

S/m E Cook S/m Betty Price S/m D Long

£10.00 £25.00 £50.00

Thank you very much for your continued support.

11.

Agamemnon Housing Association – New Board Members

Agamemnon Housing Association provides affordable, sensitively managed sheltered housing for people over 60 years of age in the Portsmouth area. Priority for housing will be given to those who have served as ratings or other ranks in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS, Army, RAF and their surviving partners or relatives.

Our Board, in wishing to accelerate its own development towards excellence in Governance, has identified the potential for a small number of new members to join us. We would love to hear from you if you have an interest in seeing predominantly ex-Service people become adequately housed at an affordable cost. We are specifically looking to recruit members with strategic finance skills and experience of housing finance would be an advantage. Interest is, however, also welcomed from people who feel they have some experience and knowledge of the affordable housing sector, the communities we serve and who simply want to deploy their skills to ‘make a difference’.

These are voluntary positions, however all reasonable expenses will be paid. The role requires attendance at Board meetings which are typically held every quarter in Portsmouth. For more information please contact our CEO, Pat Burns on 02392 387086 or email him on pat.burns@agamemnon.org.uk

12.

RN VC Series - AB William Williams VC DSM & Bar

William Williams VC, DSM & Bar (5 October 1890 – 22 October 1965), was an unusual recipient of the Victoria Cross being selected by his Ships Company. He was from Amlwch on Anglesey and at age 26 was serving as a seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve during the First World War. On 07 June 1917 AB Williams was serving in HMS Pargust (a Q ship) in the Atlantic when her engine room was damaged by a torpedo fired from the U-boat SM UC-29. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling and betraying the ship to the enemy.

The Pargust's 'panic party', the decoy crew carried on every Q ship for the purpose of leaving it apparently abandoned when attacked, took to the lifeboats and the U-boat then surfaced, believing the Pargust to be a crewless and defenceless merchant vessel. When the U-boat was 13

about 50 yards (46 m) away, the captain of HMS Pargust gave the order to fire and the submarine was blown up and sank.

Shipmates may not be aware that in the case of a gallant and daring act in which all men are deemed equally brave and deserving of the Victoria Cross a secret ballot is drawn. The Ships’ Company selected Lt Stuart and AB Williams to be the recipients of the award.

Their Citation read; 20 July 1917 - Victoria Cross - The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the following honours, decorations and medals to Officers and men for services in action with enemy submarines: - To receive the Victoria Cross. Liet. Ronald Neil Stuart, D.S.O., R.N.R.. Sea. William Williams, R.N.R., O.N. 6224A. Lieutenant Stuart and Seaman Williams were selected by the officers and ship's company respectively of one of H.M. Ships to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant dated the 29th January, 1856.

13.

Guilford Cathedral VE Day Concert To mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day, the men, boys and girls of Guildford Cathedral Choir directed by Katherine DienesWilliams will be performing music written in response to the events of WWII as well as other choral works of reflection and remembrance. The Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay will make their Guildford Cathedral debut with a set of wartime favourites. The music will be interspersed by readings chosen and read by Dame Penelope Keith.

Premium tickets (£45) include reserved seats at the front of the nave and a 2 course (VE Day themed) supper with a glass of wine or soft drink in the Refectory starting from 5pm.

Unreserved tickets (£20) are behind the premium tickets.

Premium ticket supper menu is VE Day themed featuring;

Run Rabbit Run - Seared chicken breast with sage and onion light cream sauce served with confit rabbit croquettesD Day Landing - French classic of slow cooked beef with onions, smoked bacon and mushrooms 'Woolton Pie' (V) - A medley of root vegetables topped with potato pastry All served with seasonal vegetables ~~~ Marmalade Bread & Butter Pudding - Sticky marmalade bread & butter pudding served with vanilla ice cream Victory Trifle - Victoria sponge soaked in blackberry compote layered with thick creamy Devon custard topped with vanilla whipped cream 14

A glass of house wine or soft alternative Please note that on this occasion, the Refectory is only open to those who have pre-booked premium VE Day Concert tickets.

The online box office gives you details of the ticket prices (which includes the 3% booking fee), please use this facility to book your tickets. If you would rather speak to a person, please call Penny Peters in the Music Department on 01483 547868.

For further information please contact - Penny Peters, Music Department Secretary, Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill GUILDFORD GU2 7UP DDI: +44 (0) 1483 547868 www.guildford-cathedral.org www.facebook.com/GuildfordCathedral

14.

Royal Marine Humour!!

Just in case you are having difficulty reading the words in the photo .....

There may be trouble ahead All site visitors please note that while there is: Moonlight

Love

Music

Romance

It is advised that you: Face the music

15.

Dance

Royal Naval and Royal Marine Charity Update

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) has issued over ÂŁ2.4 million in funding to 26 charities that support Naval Service personnel, veterans and their families across the UK. Each charity plays a vital role supporting sailors and Royal Marines by carrying out projects that, for example, provide emotional and financial assistance to their children and dependents. Other schemes will see older and disabled ex-Service men and women assisted with transitioning into 15

employability after life in the Service, or help them cope with combat-related stress or physical ailments.

The number of applicants seeking financial support from the principal charity of the Royal Navy represents the largest ever, increasing by 15 per cent over the same period last year.

Robert Robson, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: “As a grant-making charity it is our job to identify where the need is greatest within the Naval Service community and support as many of our beneficiaries as we can through the grants we make; in this case to the frontline charities making a difference to people’s lives.

“The ability to distribute £2,430,280 to the veterans’ community and families is central to our vision of a world in which our sailors, marines and their families are valued and supported for life.”

The funds will benefit a number of charities who are well known on both a regional and national level, such as the Plymouth Drake Foundation, which is a community charity supporting Naval Service families in the naval city through leisure and arts projects; Combat Stress, which helps ex-service personnel suffering from psychological injuries and mental health problems; and the Sailors Children’s Society, which is aiming to support over 300 disadvantaged Service children in the UK with its grant of £120,000.

Other beneficiaries in the latest round of funding include those who have long-standing relationships with us as a major source of their funds. The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT), which provides support to Royal Naval ratings and Royal Marines other ranks and their families; and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund (RNRMCF), which is the only charity dedicated to supporting children whose parents work, or have worked, for the Naval Service.

The grants will also help a number of charities that have successfully been awarded funding for the first time, including the SSAFA Norton House at Headley Court in Surrey, which provides a place to stay for families who have a loved one undergoing treatment or rehabilitation at Headley Court and SSAFA St Vincent’s, which is a residential care home for Forces veterans on the Isle of Wight.

The list of newly awarded applicants also includes Broughton House, which is the sole independent provider of nursing and residential care for veterans of the armed forces and merchant navy in the North West; Royal British Legion (RBL) Industries, which helps ex-Armed Forces personnel gain independence through employment; and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Widows Association, which provides support, guidance and comfort to those who have experienced the trauma of bereavement.

Anne Carr, Head of Grants at The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: “The range of organisations and projects we have identified is wide. Each year we endeavour to increase our levels of support to Naval and military charities and therefore welcome applicants for our 2016 programme, which will open in September 2015.”

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Summary of funding: The funds will reach charities across the UK throughout the year. Please find below full list of charities.

RNRMC Benevolence Grants awarded (March 2015) Alabaré Blind Veterans UK Broughton House Combat Stress Erskine HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust Hong Kong Locally Employed Personnel KIDS Not Forgotten Association Plymouth Drake Foundation Poppy Factory Poppy Scotland Queen Alexandra Hospital Home Regular Forces Employment Agency (RFEA) RN & RM Widows' Association Royal British Legion (RBL) Industries Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund (RN&RMCF) Royal Sailor's Rests (Aggies') Royal Star and Garter Homes Sailors Children’s Society SSAFA Forces Help-Norton Home Headley Court SSAFA Forces Help-St Vincent’s SSAFA - Casework Stoll Veterans Aid TOTAL

£ 35,000 10,000 26,000 60,000 30,000 28,000 6,000 50,000 10,000 10,000 87,000 15,000 40,000 83,698 25,000 61,250 978,432 581,000 20,900 10,000 120,000 10,000 10,000 60,000 33,000 30,000 2,430,280

Finally Shipmates may wish to know that a commerative medal is being issued in support of RNRMC. The medal is being sold to raise both funds and awareness of the charity and is being limited to just 999 worldwide.

Designed by World Challenge Coins in conjunction with the Charity it features a colour enamel logo finished by hand on one side, with a synopsis of the Royal Navy engraved on the rear side. Struck to a proof finish and plated in sterling silver the medal comes with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing your number in the edition limit. It is completed with a hand crafted wooden presentation case featuring the three colours of the Royal Navy flag.

Speaking of the partnership, Lauren Wileman, Head of Fundraising said: “Challenge coins carry such a rich military history and are still a very popular 17

trading item with today’s Serving personnel, so the partnership seemed like a natural fit for the Charity.

“It’s particularly exciting to think that our coins are likely to travel the world with the Naval Service, spreading the work of the charity in the process.”

The medal will initially be on sale to military personnel, with a limited amount available to civilians. If you would like to have the opportunity to own one of the 999 available and directly help support the work of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity visit worldchallengecoins.co.uk/RNRMC.

16.

RUDE JOKE ALERT – Featuring Nudity & Sexual Content (This is a good un!!)

A woman was having a daytime affair while her husband was at work. One rainy day she was in bed with her boyfriend when, to her horror, she heard her husband's car pull into the driveway.

'Oh my God - Hurry! Grab your clothes and jump out the window. My husband's home early!'

'I can't jump out the window. It's raining out there!'

If my husband catches us in here, he'll kill us both!' she replied. 'He's got a hot temper and a gun, so the rain is the least of your problems!'

So the boyfriend gets out of bed, grabs his clothes and jumps out the window!

As he ran down the street in the pouring rain, he quickly discovered he had run right into the middle of the town's annual marathon, so he started running along beside the others, about 300 of them.

Being naked, with his clothes tucked under his arm, he tried to blend in as best he could.

After a little while a small group of runners who had been watching him with some curiosity, jogged closer.

Do you always run in the nude?' one asked.

'Oh yes!' he replied, gasping in air. 'It feels so wonderfully free!'

Another runner moved a long side.

'Do you always run carrying your clothes under your arm?'

Oh, yes' our friend answered breathlessly. 'That way I can get dressed right at the end of the run and get in my car to go home!'

Then a third runner cast his eyes a little lower and asked, 'Do you always wear a condom when you run?'

'Nope.. just when it's raining.'

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17.

Nigel’s Colthing Extravaganza - Bargain Basement Buys.

HQ has taken on the remaining clothing stock from Area 8 which was produced to raise funds for Charter Challenge 2014 – The Naval Service Memorial to you and me.

These are now available at sensational cost price, plus actual postage.

Polo shirts £7 plus pp £3 total £10 Sweatshirts £10 plus pp £4 total £14 Thick Fleece zip tops £11 plus pp £5 total £16 They are really good quality and a real bargain, If visiting HQ on an open day they are pp free!

Don’t hang about..... Cheap as Chips ...........Remember

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First come first served.

More Model Ship Building

In the last Semaphore Circular Rayleigh Branch were pleased to see that our S/m Gary Daisley's fine model of HMS Bluebell had found safe anchorage with the Runcorn British Legion Museum.

However, this posed the question, amongst Shipmates, of how many other RNA Members have built or are building model boats or indeed any other type of model. Another Rayleigh member is currently building a scale model of a Battle Class Destroyer which has taken almost two years so far and Shipmate Alan Booth had previously built a section of HMS Victory many years ago and his current project is a section of another wooden walled ship.

The model of HMS Victory in the photo is on loan from TS Tormentor, Warsash Sea Cadets and is on display in the HQ Conference Room.

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If you are currently building a model I am sure Shipmates would be interested to see some photographs. So please send them into Andy@royalnavalassoc.com.

19.

Pussers Rum – New supplier

I am sure that Shipmates will be delighted to hear that that a new supplier, Drinkfinder, has been engaged by Cellar Trends on behalf of Pussers Rum. Best of all the new supplier will supply the rum at a discounted price for RNA members. Please see below how to contact them........

• • • •

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Log in to www.drinkfinder.co.uk or phone 01326 340226 Insert promotion code royalnavy15 when checking out/ prompted This will reduce the price prior to checking out.

Agreed promo price £29.99 (reduced from £32.99)

Engine Room Association

On the 19th April the Engine Room Association, many of whom are RNA Members visited the National Arboretum, where those able to walk to the Naval Service Memorial did so to have a closer look at it.

During the visit Shipmate Trevor Howard spoke to a number of other visitors to the Arboretum who had walked over to look at the Memorial and also to take photos of it, overall they were very impressed with the memorial. They were even more impressed when Shipmate Trevor explained what the different colours of the glass represented. (After all he had sailed on all five oceans!)

For further information and membership details concerning the Engine Room Association please contact the Secretary S/m Bob Styants on 0121 422 4115.

The photos above show some of the Members, namely the Chairman S/m Buck Taylor and Secretary S/m Bob Styants, both of who are RNA members standing in front of the Naval Memorial.

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21.

Portsmouth’s Royal Maritime Club - A new lick of paint

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Steven Wylie and the Lady Mayoress formally opened new facilities at Portsmouth’s Royal Maritime Club in March.

Generous grants from Help for Heroes, Seafarers UK and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) have paid for • a completely new ground floor H4H Bedroom Suite; • a new H4H disabled lift serving the Ballroom balcony and Club rooms; • a new ground floor H4H Unisex disabled lavatory; • refurbished ground floor Seafarers’ Gentlemen’s Heads and refurbished ground floor RNRMC Ladies’ Room.

The colour theme has been red, white and blue throughout.

The Royal Maritime Club is a charity providing leisure facilities for Navy and Merchant Marine seafarers, other servicemen and women and their families. The Club hosts a variety of military charity functions and events, including Veteran’s Outreach Support’s headquarters and monthly drop in days and the local SSAFA office.

The Royal Maritime Club aims to maintain facilities that are fit for all our servicemen and women in the 21st century, ensuring that all its functions, activities and sources of enjoyment are available to every member. Enquiries to: http://royalmaritimeclub.co.uk/

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And Finally ...................... National Bird Competition

Shipmates we have been asked by the Association of WRENS to assist them by voting for the WREN to be voted as the National Bird. It would coincide with the WRNS100 and wouldn’t that be a fantastic to start to the celebrations So here is where we come in................ Hit the following link http://www.votenationalbird.com/

Oops not that one but this one

The vote buttons show the ‘Top Ten Birds’ and you simply click on the picture and enter your email address. One vote per person.

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RNA Longcast 2015 01 May 01 May 09 May 09 May 14 May 15 May 19 Jun 20 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 27 Jun 03 Jul 11 July 13-22 July 18 Jul 23 Jul 30 July 01 Aug 5 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 05 Sep 06 Sep 19 Sep 09 Oct 09-12 Oct 14 Oct 23 Oct 5 Nov 8 Nov 07 Nov 14 Nov 19-21 Nov 21 Nov 05 Dec 24 Dec – 4 Jan

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) ARNO AGM + Reception, HMS President Culdrose Air Day Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Southend On Sea Mid Year budget Review AMC 70th Anniversary of VJ Day 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 Annual National Service for Seafarers, St Paul's Cathedral 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 Council FAC National Council HQ Closed for Christmas and New Year

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D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Alresford Branch It’s behind you........

Shipmates from Alresford Branch had a lovely day out visiting HQ for an Open Day on 15 April. Chairman Shipmate David Ottley finally found HMS Alliance after it had magically ‘disappeared’ during the Open Day..................

Now where’s the B*****Y thing gone......

A spot of recognition training is required me thinks!

RNA Skipton & District Branch

On the 25 March 2015 the Skipton Branch organised and hosted over 70 people at the Skipton Golf Club to attend the presentation ceremony for 5 Ushakov Medals and amongst the recipients was Skiptons’ very own Shipmate Norman Robinson.

The presentations were made by Mrs Lisa Vokorina and Mr Vadim Retyunskiy who had travelled up from the Russian Embassy in London.

As well as the Ushakov medal the recipients were awarded with an additional peace medal, which had been freshly minted in Russia to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the end of the WW2 on 8 May 1945.

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RNA Llanelli Branch Llanelli Branch unveiled a Blue Plaque in Llanelli last Saturday. The Blue Plaque was displayed as a memorial to Petty Officer Francis Dunn, a shipwright, who died whilst serving in HMS Erebus during the ill fated Franklin expedition in 1846 which tried to locate the North West passage. In 2014 the wreck of HMS Erebus was found off O’Reilly Island in King William Sound Arctic Canada.

PO Dunn and his fellow shipmates have no memorial.

The Plaque was unveiled by the Branch President, Surg Lt Cdr Louisa Morris RN. Louisa is a Llanelli girl whose Grandfather, Elwyn Morris (Uncle Elwyn) to his friends, was one of the founder members of the branch.

RNA St Neots & District Branch During 2014 St Neots & District raised over £2,400 for local charities at various events and giving £600 each to the following charities; The North Brook Equestrian Centre provides horse riding and grooming tuition to those with a disability. Increasingly help is being given to injured servicemen. It is a local establishment based in Offord Cluny dedicated to the well-being of all ages from tots to mature persons; it encourages confidence and independence for those less fortunate than others by passing on practical knowledge of how to groom and bond with horses. Andrea Pavet-Golding manages the centre and can be seen here accepting a cheque for £600 from her sponsor Elaine Rice a member of the St Neots Branch. Andrea explained the donation will allow the centre to install mirrors around the riding ring where riders will be able to view their posture and improve their riding abilities.

‘Dogs for the Disabled’ was formed in 1988 in the UK to help adults with physical disabilities who need assistance with everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. Typically help is given by picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, helping

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with dressing and undressing, loading and emptying the washing machine, and most important of all providing real companionship.

In 2004 the charity started to train dogs to help children with physical disabilities, and last year trained their 100th child partnership. Then in 2007 Dogs for the Disabled also started providing assistance dogs to support families with a child with autism. This was a service that was so well received that in 2010 the PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops & Support) programme was developed to help families affected by autism to train a pet dog to support the family.

Since formation over 730 assistance dog partnerships have qualified, and by next year more than 1,000 families should have been supported by our PAWS service.

Marie Carden was invited by Maureen Ridley to give a talk to members about the work Marie and her dog Blue do to raise awareness of ‘Dogs for the Disabled’ in Cambridgeshire. Prior to Marie’s introduction Blue walked round introducing himself putting members at ease. Following Marie’s talk the RNA was delighted to present a cheque for £600 to ‘Dogs for the Disabled’.

During the course of the year 2500 Squadron of the Air Training Corps can be seen around St Neots most weekends supporting many good causes. The squadron plays a major part at regular events in the town such as Remembrance Sunday and Armed Forces Day when their band can be seen and heard playing at the ceremonies.

Keith Ridley, NCM 6 and former Chairman of the St Neots Branch, was aware that the ATC band needed funds to expand their band with 3 or 4 silver bugles. As a token of thanks to the ATC Keith sponsored them for an annual award made by the RNA to local good causes. Keith can be seen here presenting a cheque for £600 to the ATC on behalf of the Branch.

Kati Page, a member of St Neots Branch introduced Karen Johnson of Babac Bees, a local children's musical theatre school. Kati Page can be seen here presenting a cheque for £600 to a youngster who attends the school.

During the presentation Karen told us Babac Bees encourages children between 4 and 18, regardless of ability, to enjoy working within a group learning team work, fitness and friendship. Formed in 2013 Babac Bees gives children the chance to perform at local events and other musical theatre experiences. Last August the children performed at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and in December at Hinchingbrooke arts centre.

As a newly formed group Babac Bees needs to extend its wardrobe, scenery and microphones a difficult task as our aim is to keep costs to families as low as possible. This donation from the RNA will help towards these costs in the year ahead.

(I think that deserves a BZ from the General Secretary) 25

RNA Cardiff Branch Cardiff Branch are very saddened to inform Shipmates that Shipmates Colin Foley, has crossed the bar, aged 81 Colin served as an SBA with 42 Commando in the late 50s /early 60s and always wore his Green Beret with pride. He transferred to the RAN in 1961 until 1967 luckily during his time ‘down-under’ he missed a draft to HMAS Voyager – he was in sick bay - just before it collided with HMAS Melbourne in 1964.

He was also member of the Royal Marines Association attending many functions and although a ’Barry Boy’ and fighting off Cancer he travelled to every RNA monthly meeting in Cardiff. He even made arrangements for his own funeral!

The branch has lost a very courageous shipmate. He will be greatly missed.

RNA Londonderry Branch Shipmates would like to be aware that the Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations 2015 will be held over the weekend of 9th & 10th May 2015, in Londonderry N.I. All Shipmates who wishes to attend will be most welcome.

The outline Programme is as follows:Saturday 9th. May. PM:- HMS Laurentic Commemorations Co. Donegal.

1900 for 1930 Dinner in the City Hotel, Londonderry.

Sunday 10th. May. 1000. Muster at the RBL Waterside**, Iona Terrace.

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

1200.(Approx) Fall in for March Past en route to the RBL Waterside.

1300. Light refreshments will be served. **PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE For further details please contact S/m Frank Brown, Hon. Secretary, Londonderry RNA. 4, Myrtlefield Road, Kilfennan, Londonderry, 26

RNA Limavady Branch Limavady Branch Chairman, Shipmate Ray Cook, aided by S/m john Pudney, recently presented a cheque for £500 to Ray Burrows Chairman of the Ulster Aviation Society. The Ulster Aviation Society are currently in the process of bringing an ex Royal Navy Phantom XT 864 from RAF Leuchars in Scotland to add to their collection of naval aircraft which include a Wildcat, Seahawk, Gannet & Buccaneer all housed in their hanger located at the former WWII airfield at Long Kesh, Co Down.

(Editors Note - S/m Ray Barraclough, RNA Hon Treasurer, has already been sighted hanging about near Long Kesh in his FAA white Warrant Officers Overalls and ‘Grubber’ Surcoat hoping to be invited in with his genuine 26VX NIV Grub Screw so that he can tinker......)

RNA South Harrow Branch South Harrow Branch has very sadly lost a very popular member of their Branch. Shipmate Gerry Nash crossed the bar on 03 March 2015 after losing his wife three weeks earlier.

Shipmate Gerry trained as a Stoker mechanic during the WW2 and saw service in Algerine-Class Minesweepers and spent most of time in the RN clearing mines in the Mediterranean. On completion of his service he returned to his civil occupation and volunteered to help as an adult Sea Cadet Petty Officer. Although an engineer he not only provided seamanship instruction at weekday parades but practical boat work on the Thames at weekends. Gerry also acted as ‘Umpire’ during the Sea Cadets ‘raid’ on HMS Dolphin in May 1961 when 8 teenage cadets ‘raided’ the establishment on foot and by canoe over a whitsun weekend to test the bases security.

Gerry joined the RBL and soon found out there was a local RNA where he went onto serve for ten years as the Hon Secretary for South Harrow so diligently.

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RNA March Branch It is with great regret that I have to inform Shipmates that our Chairman, Lt Cdr, Terence C Shad, crossed the bar suddenly and unexpectedly in the early hours of Thursday 9th April aged 83 years.

Terry joined the RN as a boy seaman aged 15 in 1946 and gained rapid promotion, he was a Petty Officer at the age of 22 and promoted to the Wardroom in 1961 aged 30.

He served in HM Ships Impregnable, Gambia, Wizard, Wrangler, Flamingo, Highflyer, Implacable, Ocean, Cook and Eagle, He joined March Branch in 2006 after moving from Cornwall where he was a member of the, now disbanded, St Mawgan Branch, and was elected as our Chairman in 2009. A good shipmate and oppo, he will be sadly missed

RNA Brightlingsea Branch Brightlingsea Branch held their annual Memorial Service to those crew members that lost their lives aboard MTB 667 in Brightlingsea Creek on March 5th 1943. The Official records show that the following naval personal were killed.

HARRIS, Charles E, Act/Chief Motor Mechanic, P/MX 77635, HEANEY, James,Ty/Act/Petty Officer, D/JX 145621, PHAIR, Frederick, W Leading Motor Mechanic, P/MX 99285.

The Service was conducted by Reverend Anne Howson, Hon. Chaplain to the Branch and was attended by Shipmates from Brightlingsea and Rayleigh Branches with Standards representing; Brightlingsea, Dagenham, Rayleigh and the Royal British Legion Standard Brightlingsea Branch.

Wreaths in remembrance were laid by, Brightlingsea President S/m Jim Burrow and Chairman S/m Roy Ashby, the last post was played by S/m Bill Scales (Former Chief Shipwright RN). On completion a buffet lunch was consumed in the RBL Club.

Shipmates may be interested to read a brief history of the events surrounding MTB 667 provided by Shipmate Jim Hammond and why Brightlingsea hold an annual Memorial Service.

The following has been researched from Brightlingsea Museum by the late Alf Wakeling (first curator Brightlingsea Museum and avid historian) and the late Joe French former President RNA Brightlingsea Branch.

Brightlingsea at the time was known as HMS Nemo, under the command of a Royal Naval Captain.

The newly constructed Motor Torpedo Boat 667, had been brought to Brightlingsea in early March 1943 from the builder's yard at Burnham-on-Crouch for final fitting out, trials and storing, and most of the Ship's Company had been sent on leave prior to departure abroad. A skeleton crew remained aboard to look after the boat and supervise minor modifications to be carried out in Aldous Shipyard.

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The first sailor to go aboard MTB667 on the morning of 5th March 1943 found to his horror, that some of the crew were dead and the rest very ill.

An urgent signal for medical assistance brought a party of naval personnel including Surgeon Lieutenant Haywood . He found three men were dead from some unknown cause and the others in poor shape. The bodies were removed to the mortuary and the sick men were sent to Naval Sick Quarters at 'Ashmore' in Church Road.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the casualties were the result of inhalation of methyl bromide. A toxic gas, which had leaked from the boat's fire extinguishing system.

RNA Brightlingsea Branch's past president, the late Joe French a Native of Brightlingsea was tasked with arranging the funerals whilst serving as Leading Writer to the Captain HMS Nemo at the Manor House. A Naval funeral took place at All Saints Churchyard Brightlingsea on 9th March 1943 for Chief Motor Mechanic Charles Edward Harris and Motor Mechanic Frederick William Phair. The body of Petty Officer Cox'n Heaney was taken elsewhere.

At the time of the annual Remembrance Service we also remember S/Lt J. Dean who was killed when he fell between an Italian "I" Boat and 667 when attempting to board during an action in the Adriatic. We also remember all other service personnel resting in All Saints Churchyard of whatever nationality and in particular the grave close by Harris and Phair of which there is very little confirmed information. (HMS Duchess of Rothesay) Shipmate President Joe French never forgot these sad incidents and when the RNA Brightlingsea Branch was formed in the early 1990s started the Annual Service of Memorial at which the Commanding Officer MTB 667 Lt. Cmdr. C. J. Jerram R.N.V.R. was present in those days. Jerram had a distinguished career aboard 667 being the 28th Flotilla Leader of American built boats in the Adriatic and at the retaking of Greece.

RNA Corby Branch S/M Lilian Drayton passed on Sunday 01 March 2015. She was a member of the RNA for many years in her own right, whilst also the well loved wife of S/M Eric Drayton, President of Corby Branch. They were married for 71 years and she will be sorely missed by Eric, their daughters and fellow Shipmates .

RNA Rayleigh Branch 1 Congratulations to our Shipmate Eddie Dray who is just finishing his term of office as Chair of the Council. It is unbelievable the amount of time he had to spend on public duties but still managed to keep in touch with our branch.

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RNA Rayleigh Branch ‘OPERATION SWEET PEA’ HQ received a brief from Shipmate Alan Booth and I am sure Shipmates will be equally interested to learn about Operation Sweet Pea..........

Towards the end of last year we were invited to look round a military living memorial so our Chairman, Vice Chairman, Standard Bearer and myself as Secretary were shown around the site and were surprised there were no memorials to the Royal Navy, only one to the Royal Marines. In the discussion that followed we were offered two sites, side by side, one for the Royal Naval Association and the other for the Royal Navy. which we accepted subject to us being able to raise the finance for the project. Fortunately this has now been achieved and plans we submitted have been accepted and work should start within the next couple of weeks.

We are also in the process of organising the ceremonial and dedication of the two memorials which will take place on Wednesday, the 8th July, at the White House Farm, Rettendon, Essex. The ceremony will commence at 13.00 hrs. lasting approx. 30 mins, after which a buffet will be served and visitors free to wander around the Memorial Ground and visit the two small museums. It will be all ticket on the day.

In attendance will be our National President V. Admiral JHS McAnally CB LVO,, Mark Francois MP & Minister of State Armed Forces, Our Padre Mike Lodge, Rural Dean at Diocese of Chelmsford, Chair and past Chair of Rayleigh Town Council, Standards and Shipmates from RNA Branches and Standards from other Services.

We are hoping for a really good turnout of Standards and Shipmates as well as representation from the Royal Navy.

Any Shipmate and or Standard Bearer wishing to attend should contact Shipmate Alan Booth, Secretary Rayleigh Branch on: alanrna.sec@outlook.com 07857 883873 RNA Rockingham Branch Rockingham and District Branch Western Australia celebrated St Georges Day at the home of two of our members, Bill and Sylvia Avron-Cotton.

The weather was perfect with a nice mild 29C for the lunch of Roast Beef, Yorkshire Puddings and all the trimmings.

Fair dinkum!

RNA Tyne Branch 30

The Tyne branch meeting on Friday 27 March was a really special occasion.

Shipmates gathered along with the President of 11 Area, Commodore Paul Sutermeister RN(Rtd), for the presentation of USHAKOV Medals to the Branch Chairman, S/M. Arthur (Tug) Wilson, 89, and to S/M. Bob Eke, 93. He then congratulated our eldest member S/M. Mick Logan who was celebrating his 103rd Birthday.

The photos on the right show Cdre Sutermeister presenting the medals and left chatting to S/m Mick.

RNA Hanworth Branch Thirty-six members, wives and friends attended a week-end visit to Stratfordupon-Avon and the National Memorial Arboretum followed by a wonderful lunch at the Alrewas R.B.L. There was good weather for their stay at Stratford on Saturday but cold for the train ride at the Arboretum on the Sunday. The Branch Members enjoyed seeing the new Naval Memorial plus some of the many other memorials that had been placed since our last visit.

The visit ended with a wonderful lunch at the local RBL where we received a warm welcome from their members. All agreed that the visit was most enjoyable, interesting and well worth while.

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RNA Dagenham Branch It is with deep regret that Dagenham branch has to report that yet another of our dear shipmates has crossed the bar, sadly the forth in so short a time.

Shipmate Alderman John Davis will be remembered for his beaming smile and his unfailing readiness to help his fellow man. He was a past mayor of the London Borough of Barking and a respected local councillor. He was, for several years the branch welfare officer and sick visitor and received the RNA Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his support for the branch. John served in the Royal Air Force and being rather small in stature, even up to the time of his passing, never failed to tell everyone he met that he had been the rear gunner in a Spitfire. Shipmate John will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

RNA Huntingdon and District Branch In the past two months, Huntingdon & District Branch have been celebrating three high profile events in the local community. At the beginning of March, Shipmate Victor Lucas DL became the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire after Her Majesty formally selected his name using a bodkin to pick out his name on the list of nominations. Sadly, the number of public engagements that Victor will attend in his official capacity (over 500) means stepping back from RNA events for the year.

A leave of absence was granted by the Branch President, shipmate Graham Holt, and with the best wishes from his shipmates for his year in office, Victor departed for an adventure of a lifetime.

Also in March, shipmates Graham and Dawn Holt celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Once again, Her Majesty The Queen was instrumental in their remarkable achievement by sending a letter of congratulations on reaching sixty years of marriage. Lieutenant Graham John 'Brutus' Holt and Petty Officer Dawn Marie Boud began their married life at St John's Church, Blackheath on the 19th March 1955. Their anniversary celebrations took place with family and friends in attendance, and they even recreated the traditional cutting of the cake with the same Sword that they used sixty years ago.

Finally, on the 12th April, Shipmate Pete Aston ran in the Cambourne 10K run as part of the Cambridgeshire Festival of Running 2015. This was a major achievement for Pete as he had only started training in January, and was, in his own words, a ‘selfconfessed non-runner’. Pete may not have had recognition from Her Majesty at this event, but he certainly had recognition from the crowds. Sporting an RNA running top, the Association was called out as Pete reached the finishing line as the crowds cheered him on.

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Area 1 Shipmates are respectfully reminded that all correspondence for Area 1 should be forwarded to; S/M John Brett 94, Fifth Cross Road Twickenham TW 2 5LB Thank You

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!.

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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)

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Shortcast 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 Algerines Association It is still not too late to join The Algerines Association 31st Annual Reunion at Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island from Monday 4th May to Monday 11th May costing £220 per person which includes an excellent choice of menu, good entertainment, comfortable accommodation and all amongst friends with stories to tell about their experiences. Come and join us.

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 35

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 Hood Association – 17 May and 23/24 May 2015 Service of Commemoration at St John the Baptist Church, Boldre near Lymington at 1100 on 17 May. AGM at 1630 and 40th Reunion dinner 1900 at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth. May 23. Church Service at St Ann’s Church, HM Dockyard, Portsmouth at 1000, May 24.

For further details of all these events contact Chairman Keith Evans on 01428 642122.

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 36

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 Eagle Association – 11-13 September 2015 Friends of HMS Eagle are holding their 43rd reunion in the North Queensferry over the weekend of the 11-13 September 2015. All ex ‘Eagles’, their wives, partners and families are invited. For further details please contact Bill Meevil 01224 820603, 07741 300750 or Danny Du Feu 07966 258103. There is a ful programme with visits and entertainment ‘laid on’ 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.

Regulating Branch & RN Police Association – 02 October 2015 Regulating Branch & Royal Navy Police Association: Annual Reunion takes place from October 2 to 3. It takes place at HMS Excellent. 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 Arethusa Association - 02 – 05 October 2015 HMS Arethusa a Leander Class Frigate was launched in 1963, commissioned into the Royal Navy in November 1965 and after twenty four years of active service worldwide, was decommissioned in March 1989. She was the eighth ship to bear this name.

One of twenty-six Leander Class Frigates built for the Royal Navy, she was the last warship built on the Isle of Wight at the shipyards of John Samuel White & Son in Cowes, just above the chain ferry.

In 1989, following her de-commissioning, a group of former RN personnel who had served in her got together to form the “HMS Arethusa Association”.

The Association has held twenty-six reunion gatherings in various parts of the UK, all of which have been attended by eighty to one hundred former crew, families and guests. Also represented in the Association were members of the 7th HMS Arethusa, a Cruiser in commission from 1935 to 1950, with meritorious service in the Second World War. On the weekend of 2nd to 5th October 2015, HMS Arethusa Association is to hold its 27th, and final, reunion, on the Isle of Wight at The Melbourne Ardenlea Hotel, Shanklin, to commemorate fifty years of service by the ship and the Association. Following this, the Association will disband and carry on as a social group for those members remaining.

Anyone who has been associated with this ship, either during the building, during her active service and the follow up Association is invited to attend this reunion.

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Full details can be obtained from – Isle of Wight Tours Ltd., 3 New Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9 JN. Telephone: (01983) 405116. Email: shirley.winn@iowtours.com Or – The Honorary Secretary, HMS Arethusa Association (Tom Sawyer) Email: rolandsawyer3@sky.com HMS St Vincent Association – 02/05 October 2015 The H M S St Vincent Association AGM and Reunion Dinner welcomes all members to the re union weekend 2015 which is being held over the weekend Friday 2nd October – Monday 5th October 2015 at the Royal Beach Hotel Southsea Portsmouth. The AGM will be held in the establishment (By kind permission of St Vincent College) on Saturday 3rd October. The AGM commences at 1100 ( Doors open at 0900), and so plenty of time to re new acquaintances, visit the Museum, buy your replacement “slops” and luncheon afterwards in the College Dining Hall.

Coaches will be laid on from the hotel to take you across to the College in Gosport as part of your re union package.

If you wish to attend and haven’t completed your attendance form during the last re union weekend, then attendance forms will be mailed to all members in early December from Isle of Wight Tours. The address of Isle of Wight Tours is:Isle of Wight Tours, 3 Lake Road, Lake, Sandown Isle of Wight, PO36 9JN, Telephone 01983 405116 Or Soapy Watson on 01329 310078 (M) 07786565485, soapy_watson@hotmail.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 Ajax and RPVA Association - 07 October 2015 The 50th Annual Reunion is to be held at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham, Kent. Dinner on 7th October, with Church Service and AGM on 8th October. Family members of crew who served in cruiser and crew members who served in the frigate are most welcome.

Application forms available from Malcolm Collis at malcolm.collis@gmail.com or download from http://www.hmsajax.org/ 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 38

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.

Type 21 Association - 9-10th October 2015 The Type 21 Association reunion will be held on Friday 9th and Sat 10th October 2015.

Attendees should travel down the ‘pointy head Highway and muster in the St Levans Inn The programme for Saturday is - AM - AGM, PM Evening Events to be confirmed. for more information please contact ; Paul Gower PRO & Events Organiser Type 21 Club 07446196733 www.type21club.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/type21club/ HMS Llandaff F61 Association - 9/11 October 2015 The annual reunion will take place in Scarborough 9th - 11th October for details http://www.hmsllandaff.co.uk/reunion2015.htm. We are always looking for old members of the crew to come and swing the lamp and share a moment or two of your past.

HMS/m Repulse Association – 16 October 2015 HMS/m Repulse Reunion Association are holding their next reunion from October 16 to 19 at The Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. For more information or booking forms contact Frank Scutt at frank.scutt@gmail.com or see the website at http://www.hms-repulse.co.uk HMS Naiad Association - 16-18th October 2015 HMS Naiad Association reunion will take place at the Liner Hotel Liverpool over the weekend 1618th October 2015. For further please see the website or e-mail antony1960@hotmail.com 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 Survey Ships Association – 24 – 27th October 2015 The Survey Ships Association will be holding its twenty-first reunion at the 4* Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel, Derby, on the w/e of 24th – 27th October. For information on membership and reunion please send a SAE to: The Secretary SSA,17 Eliza Mackenzie Court, Lindisfarne Close, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2SB, e-mail: secretary@surveyships.org.uk, or telephone 023 9232 4795.

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HMS Relentless Reunion – 27 November 2015 The 3rd annual Reunion of the HMS Relentless Association will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St Helens Parade, Southsea, PO4 0NR from November 27th to 30th 2015.

All ex-Rusty R’s 1942-1968 and their guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries@iowtours.com. Or contract Association Secretary on 02392 599640, email secretary@hmsrelentless.co.uk.

Swinging the Lamp - May

Date 1st 2nd

Year 1891 1976

3rd

2008

4th

1945

5th

1940

6th

1957

7th

1971

8th 9th

1797 1941

Entry Gunnery School on Whale Island commissioned as Excellent.

Fire in HMS Warspite caused ￡5,914,000 damage: a failure of a coupling released lubricating oil in the DG compartment. DCI(RN) 737/78.

The RN Hospital Gibraltar paid off. The gates were closed by the youngest member of staff, MA Kirsty Taylor, watched by the last CO, Surg-Cdr Martin Randle RN. Task transferred to the Princess Royal Medical Centre at Devil’s Tower Camp.

Formidable, fifth of the name, operating off Sakishima, hit by kamikaze aircraft and demonstrated the superiority of the armoured flight deck over the wooden flight deck in USN fleet carriers.

Minelaying submarine Seal surrendered after prolonged attack in Kattegat. Commissioned into Kriegsmarine 30 November 1940 as UB. Scuttled at Kiel 3 May 1945. Lt-Cdr R.P. Lonsdale honourably acquitted at Portsmouth court martial 11 April 1946.

‘Off caps’ at payment replaced by hand salute. Hitherto cash was placed in sailor’s inverted cap.

New TORs for the Captain HMS Royal Arthur. Primary Purpose: To train personnel to lead men. DCI(RN) 505/71.

Sailors’ Bill passed to improve Service conditions.

Boarding party from destroyer Bulldog captured secret Enigma signalcyphering equipment from U-110 in N. Atlantic (60.31N, 33.10W), the greatest intelligence coup in British, or any other country’s, naval history. Bulldog (Cdr A.J. Baker-Cresswell), Broadway and the corvette Aubrietia were part of the escort of convoy OB 318. U-110 surfaced and abandoned ship after a depth-charge attack by Aubrietia. A boarding party from Bulldog led by Sub-Lt David Balme spent several hours on board the submarine, unknown to the German survivors who had been hastened below decks in Bulldog. Donitz therefore remained ignorant of this extraordinary compromise of U-boat cyphers and refused to accept the fact into the 1980s. Cdr Baker-Cresswell 40

appointed DSO and Sub-Lt Balme received DSC from King George VI, who remarked that this was perhaps the most important single event of the whole war at sea. The Captain of U-110, Kapitanleutnant Fritz-Julius Lemp, who died with his boat, had sunk the Donaldson liner Athenia on the first day of the war, when in command of U-30.

10th

1968

11th

1918

12th

2007

13th

1915

14th

1944

15th

1829

16th

1956

17th

1993

18th

1803

19th

1943

20th

1953

HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother opened the Clyde Submarine Base.

Submarine E 35 sank U-154, a cruiser-type submarine off Madeira (36.45N, 12.00W).

Gieves, the naval tailors and outfitters, which traded throughout the twentieth century at 22 The Hard, closed their shop in the Gunwharf (lately HMS Vernon) and so ended a presence in Portsmouth dating back 222 years. The almost legendary position of Gieves in the Royal Navy is commemorated in stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel of Portsmouth Cathedral in the High Street of Old Portsmouth where, at No. 73, the company opened for business as Meredith’s in 1785.

Battleship Goliath sunk by the German manned Turkish destroyer Muavanet-i-Miliet off Gallipoli.

Generalmajor Heinrich Kreipe, captured in a raid mounted by Maj Patrick Leigh Fermor and Maj Stanley Moss of SOE on 26 April near Heraklion, taken off in darkness from Rodakino on coast of Crete

by ML 842 and taken to Mersa Matruh in Egypt.

Experimental manually propelled paddle steamer launched at Portsmouth. One hundred and ninety men produced 3 knots.

Diana, Daring-class destroyer, steamed through nuclear fallout following the second atomic test explosion at Monte Bello Islands in the Pacific. Serial repeated after second explosion on 19 June 1956.

‘The Chiefs of Staff wanted to know how the ship and men would stand up to such an ordeal’ – Capt J.R. Gower DSC, RN, HMS Diana White Ensign hauled down at Tamar, Hong Kong Central, and RN base moved to Stonecutters’ Island.

Britain declared war on France marking the end of the Peace of Amiens and the start of the Napoleonic War. Vice-Admiral Viscount Nelson appointed C-in-C Mediterranean 16 May and hoisted his f lag in Victory 19 May. Admiralty ordered Nelson to establish a position off Toulon that would ‘be most proper for enabling you to take, sink, burn, or otherwise destroy, any Ships or Vessels belonging to France’.

Frigate Jed and Sennen (ex-USCG Culler) sank U-954 in N. Atlantic (54.54N, 34.19W), destroyer Duncan and corvette Snowflake sank U-381 (54.41N, 34.45W), Hudson M/269 sank U-273 (59.25N, 4.33W).

Convoy SC 130.

The reintroduction by Admiralty of the term ‘Fleet Air Arm’ after a lapse of seven years ‘during which the air forces of the Royal Navy have been known officially as naval aviation’ (The Times), announced in a written answer in the House of Commons. ‘In deciding to reintroduce the title Fleet Air Arm the Admiralty had been greatly influenced by the strong appeal of its glorious wartime associations. This decision will be generally welcomed throughout the Fleet. The nebulous term naval 41

21st

1998

22nd

1982

23rd 24th

1918 1941

25th

1982

26th

1940

27th

1960

28th

1798

29th 30th

1917 1942

31st

2001

aviation has never been popular . . .’ – The Times, 21 May 1953. On the same day the Fleet Air Arm memorial at Lee-on-Solent was unveiled by HRH The Duchess of Kent commemorating the 1,931 officers and men ‘who died in the service of their country in the Second World War and have no grave but the sea’.

Destroyer York, with RM FSRT embarked, detached from Operation Bolton in Gulf area to stand by for possible Australian-led national evacuation operation in Indonesia. Released 20 July. Operation Garrick. Another instance of the flexibility of sea power.

Landings at Ajax Bay, Falkland Islands. Cdo Logistic Regt RM landed and provided support for the three-week-long campaign. Argentine patrol boat Rio Iguazu beached after attack from Sea Harriers in Choiseul Sound. Operation Corporate.

AMC Moldavia torpedoed and sunk by UB-67 off Brighton.

Hood sunk and Prince of Wales damaged by the German battleship Bismarck in Denmark Strait. Swordf ish aircraft (Victorious) torpedoed Bismarck. FAA Sqn: 825.

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

Evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk. Operation Dynamo – lasted until 4 June. Battle Honour: Dunkirk 1940.

Frigate Leopard arrived at Portsmouth from the South Atlantic having steamed 1,144 miles up the Amazon, the furthest any HM ship had been up the river since HMS Pelorus in 1909.

First Sick Bay introduced by Lord St Vincent in the Mediterranean Fleet.

First air/sea rescue (by flying boat).

Battleship Ramillies damaged and British Loyalty (tanker) sunk by Japanese midget submarine at Diego Suarez.

Herald paid off after twenty-seven years’ Hydrographic service. Last of class of four, sister ships being Hecate, Hecla, Hydra.

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