Semaphore Circular #654 (November 2015)

The Semaphore Circular No 654

The Beating Heart of the RNA

November 2015

The new stock of RNA house flags have arrived and are available for purchase, details in the Circ. Shown at sea during our last Open Day.

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 Longcast 1. Biennial Parade Cenotaph 2. Field of Remberance/ Remberance Sunday 3. RNA House Flags 4. Battle of Jutland Commeoration 5. Guess Where?

6. Joke – Meanwhile at VW 7. Donations received 8. RN VC Series – Commander Daniel Beak 9. Finance Corner 10. Joke Goodnight Kiss 11. His and Her Calendar 12. Pussers Rum Donation to RNRMC 13. Can you assist Please Dr James Pugh 14. Veterans UK Customer satisfaction survey 15. Collectors Corner 16. Open Days 2016 17. Joke the Irish Angler 18. Order Forms for Diaries, Crimbo Cards and His & Her Calenders 19. Real Old ships 20. Battle of the Somme Centenary 21. In Flanders Field 22. Dinner n the Fifties 23. An Ode to a three badge Stoker “D’ye hear there” (Branch news) Ship’s Office 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 Shipmate friends, Welcome to our bumper November edition packed with information, reports and news. We have just come to the end of a lovely Indian summer and HMS VICTORY had her Trafalgar signal displayed yesterday, albeit on just the lower masts. I hope you enjoy this edition, let me get straight to the important stuff: •

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Big congratulations to Shipmate Mike Hesketh on his appointment at National Vice Chairman, Mike is NCM Scotland and the overseas branch rep. Also a huge thank you to Shipmate Keith Crawford on his retirement as NVCh and a very successful term of office. The photo shows Mike and Keith shaking hands at the Biennial Parade.

Congratulations to Shipmate Ivan Hunter on his appointment as Chair of the Standing Orders Committee and the new National Advisor on Charter, Rules and Bye-Laws (NCBA). S/M Ivan has stood down as NCM12 and has been replaced by S/M Paul Stephenson (DNCM12), who takes over as NCM. S/M Ivan will not be a Trustee, but will attend NC and AMC as an advisor – thus maintaining his independence as Chair SOC. The Rule changes passed at Conference ‘15 in Folkestone have now been approved by HM the Queen in the Privy Council. This now means that Associate Members who have been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the NC now have same full voting rights as a Full or Life member. The NC has passed a Bye-Law that now allows all members to be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation. Sometimes a Full member will have done a great job at a Branch or Area level and do not manage the full 10-year qualification for Life membership. Branches can now seek a CoA for Full or even Life members too. There will be no change in badge for Full or Life members, but the Associate Members with a CoA has a different coloured lapel and blazer badges and membership card.

The Rule changes have also included changes to what used to be called ‘Disciplinary’ hearings, now called ‘Complaints’. Also the NC has approved a new Complaints and Compliments Policy. This is a significantly revised document with very clear procedures and draft letters to prevent mistakes. The policy is available to download from the membership section of the website. If you have a potential complaint/disciplinary issue please contact the Area Sec or GS to ensure that you are on the right track. Branches without internet access should contact the HQ as necessary.

The Conference minutes have been circulated, and placed on the website, along with previous minutes. Anyone wanting an audio file of the Conference should contact the GS, since it forms part of the official record (it doesn’t get any more interesting second time around!).

There is to be a slight change to our membership stickers system. In future those branches with a club will be issued with green stickers and branches without a club with white ones. This is to enable a legally compliant club membership card.

We are now approaching the time to think of branch motions for Conference 2016. The deadline is 19 February 16 with the GS, which gives you a couple of meetings to get heads together. As a reminder, branches will be unable to raise subscriptions motions this time, although the Charter allows the National Council to do this.

Please also start considering who will attend Conference ‘16 as your delegate. Shipmates will only be allowed to act as delegates if the form reaches the HQ at least 7 days before 4

• • • •

the Conference and the Branch has submitted its accounts and paid its membership dues (in accordance with the Rule Book). Shipmates will not be accredited as delegates if they turn up at the Conference without notification and a booking at the hotel is insufficient.

Delegate forms are at the back of this Circ.

Nomination forms for NCM and DNCM elections are also at the back of the Circ, again they must be with the GS by 19 February 16.

Nomination forms for the members of the Standing Orders Committee are also at the back of the Circ. Due to resignations there will be vacancies for 3 members this time.

Please note the dates for the 2016 HQ Open Days are on page 18, please book early.

Branches with Clubs should ensure the Club submits the C3 form by 15 Dec 15.

I am delighted to report that we have now sourced RNA house Flags for purchase. They are normally £65 plus P&P when bought singly, but we have purchased in bulk and can offer one flag for £25 which includes postage and packing (2 Flags £50 etc). They will also be issued as prizes for the President’s recruiting and Gift Aid awards at Conference. We have also restocked with the RNA hats – branches or Areas wanting an outfit of hats for 2016 should contact Nigel – a contribution to postage is normally requested.

We have some spare tickets for the Remembrance Sunday Parade at the Cenotaph, please contact Nigel if you are interested. As in previous years there will be an RNA gathering at the Civil Service Club (Darts room), afterwards with sarnies provided. You might even persuade the National President to buy you a drink! Those who want to place a cross in the RNA plot at the Festival of Remembrance should know that the Plot is 288 this year.

You may be interested to know that we should shortly be getting details of Veteran access to MoD appointed credit unions. Credit Unions are non-profit and offer affordable loans and reasonable returns on savings – so much better than Pay Day lenders. Hopefully, details next Circ.

I have some requests from Branch secretaries to split up the Circular when loaded onto the website, so they can print off the bits they want. Firstly, it is easy to only print out the pages you want on the printing dialogue box. Secondly, by far the best scheme is for branch secretaries to send the Circ out to all their members with an e-mail address. We will take a look at what we can do, but at present I am reluctant to split up the Circ. If there are bits you never look at please let me know so we can stop doing them. Each edition takes many days to put together for both Andy and I and we don’t want to waste time doing things that aren’t useful. Also anyone wanting help in managing their computer, emails, printing etc; then we have the CONA admin support assistant who can take you through it – just give one of us the nod and we will put you in contact with this free service. I am sure that your Area committee officials will also help out.

Finally it was great to see such a good turn-out for the Biennial Parade and I hope you enjoy my report later in the Circ.

The best of luck with your Remembrance events, I was over in Whale Island this lunch time and saw the RN Cenotaph Guard practising their drill – I have to say they looked great!

As ever, Paul 5

Chairman’s Chat - November 2015 I am writing this chat on Trafalgar Day and have already enjoyed a very good dinner with Stroud Branch on the 17th October, I have another with Market Harborough Branch on the 24th, and then join Selsey Branch for their dinner on 6th November. Many of you will be having your own dinners around this time and if they are as good as the one I enjoyed with Stroud you will also have great evenings.

We have had a significant change around at National Council since the meeting in September. Mike Hesketh has taken over as National Vice Chairman from Keith Crawford; Vic Allen is the new NCM 2 Area and Paul Stephenson steps up from DNCM to NCM 12 Area. Paul’s promotion was as a result of Ivan Hunter resigning as NCM 12 in order to take on a new role as Chairman SOC and National Advisor on the Royal Charter, Rules and Bye-Laws, or NCBA. Despite seeking nominations as Chairman SOC in the circular none were forthcoming. Ivan, after his experience on the Rule Review Team and his timely involvement at the Conference in Folkestone, was approached by the National President to see if he would consider taking on the role, and after some appropriate negotiations, he agreed. He now heads off shortly to Western Australia to celebrate – but not on RNA expenses!!

We have had some good moves on the RNA front in recent weeks. Firstly, we have been invited to become principal Naval partners with the Woodland Trust (WT) in developing a Jutland 100 Wood. This will have over 6000 trees planted, one for each sailor lost in the Battle of Jutland, the biggest Naval battle of WW1, the centenary of which is being commemorated on 31st May 2016, which will also be the launch date of the project. The GS and I met with representatives of the WT on 2nd October and I represented the RNA at a briefing for Princess Anne, Patron of the WT, in Stafford on 14th October. Both WT and their Patron are very enthusiastic at having us involved. The final decision rests with the NC in December, and there will be some documentation about the project being sent out to Branches shortly. There will be major events around the Jutland Centenary, especially in the Orkneys, the home of the Grand Fleet, but the Jutland 100 Wood project will allow many branches and individuals to become directly involved.

Secondly, we received recently a legacy for £107,000, which is very welcome after two poor years. The FAC also took about £24,000 out of our expenditure budget in the Mid-Year budget review and thanks to further careful budgetary control by HQ Staff we now anticipate our 2015 finances to be showing a relatively small operating deficit. There is no room for complacency but it is nice to know the legacy trail has not gone completely cold.

As we move out of the Trafalgar period into the Remembrance season I thought you might like to read the attached piece I delivered out at my local Church on Remembrance Day some 12 or so years ago. Area 8 had organized a trip to the WW1 battlefields in Flanders earlier that year and we visited several War Graves Commission cemeteries in Flanders, as well as attending the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres. A visit to the cemetery at Essex Farm really made an impact on me. I did some research when I got back and put this article together. I sent it to my local vicar in case it might be of use in preparing a sermon for Remembrance Day. Instead, I was asked to read it out to the congregation myself as part of the Service.

In going through some old files recently I came across it again and felt it might be appropriate to include in this Semaphore, this being the centenary year of the events it refers to and the time being so close to Remembrance Day this year. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did the visit to Essex Farm Cemetery.

I hope you all have a good and successful Trafalgar and Remembrance season.

Best regards,

Chris Dovey 6

1.

Biennial Parade – Cenotaph 6 September 15

The RNA and many sister Naval Associations mustered in Whitehall for the Biennial Parade on Sunday 6 September. I am delighted to report that over 500 members paraded with about another 70+ observers, with a strong turn out from the Ganges Association and the Irish Naval Association. It was a great example that the Conference of Naval Associations is bringing our associations together without affecting anyone’s independence or identity. From the International Maritime Confederation we welcomed a full minibus from our Belgian friends, with Cdr Maryse Bussel laying a wreath. We had 58 standards on parade which was very pleasing, with National Standards from the RNA, Association of WRNS, the RMA, the Merchant Many Association, INA, Ganges and Belgium. We were also joined by 80 Phase 2 sailors from HMS COLLINGWOOD (greenies and dabbers) and HMS SULTAN (Clankies and Waffoos).

We were led by a combined Sea Cadet band from Hearne Bay and Poole, which provided a great beat to march behind. Sea Cadets from TS Tormentor (Netley), handed out orders of service and formed a platoon in the parade for the return march up Whitehall.

Shipmates started to arrive from 0920, and the Civil Service Club provided an excellent service of tea and coffee, changing and heads, for all.

The National Ceremonial Advisor, Shipmate Mick Kieran, briefed the standard bearers on a modified routine from last time, to make forming for the return parade as simple as possible. The Deputy National President Shipmate Commodore Mark Slawson gave the usual pre-march b****cking, before haring off down Whitehall to join the VIP party!

The parade made it safely down to the Cenotaph with the Met Police providing a rolling roadblock. Once all was squared away the VIP marched on. We were very lucky indeed to have Vice Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB, the Fleet Commander as the Reviewing Officer; The Minister for the Armed Forces the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt (also a Lt RNR); the Rt Hon Mark Francois the previous Min (AF) and great friend to Rayleigh branch, Mr Julian Fellows the Chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee (very important) and Captain Philip Russell RN the Captain (Sea Cadets).

Our National President, Vice Admiral John McAnally welcomed everyone to the parade 7

and thanked them for such a good turnout. The service of remembrance was then led by the Fleet Chaplain The Venerable Ian Wheatley QHC. There was a chance for anyone to lay a wreath on the Cenotaph after the VIP party, and the chance to sing lustily to the usual Naval hymns.

The Fleet Commander addressed the Parade and commented on the importance of the RNA and other naval associations in the Nation and the role in commemoration. The Service was simple and touching with the Chaplain of the Fleet having a down-to-earth and easy manner.

The VIP party repositioned at the Earl Haig memorial for the March past while the National Council moved up and the Parade Marshalls organised the Shipmates for the return march up Whitehall. There was great interest shown by the hundreds of tourists that stopped to witness the Parade and service. Having been briefed carefully beforehand the Sea Cadets set off at a good pace for the many veterans, saving me the need to send off the DNP to slow them down which happened in 2013! It was wonderful to be led by such a strong turn out from the Regular Navy, with the parade taking up much of Whitehall in its marching order. The Fleet Commander took the salute/review and joined the Shipmates in Whitehall Place after all had gone by.

We were then very privileged to be address by the Minister for the Armed Forces, who talked about the Government’s commitment to the RN and the importance of veteran organisations – as an RNR officer herself this is something that came across has very heartfelt and honest. The Minister had been warned that she was keeping the shipmates from the bar and kept it short and sweet. There then was a great chance for shipmates to meet and chat to the Minister and the Fleet Commander after the parade was dismissed both in Whitehall place and in the Civil Service Club.

Then we had a marvellous scrum in the Club, who did a great job in keeping the sandwiches and chips coming until all the Shipmates had something and even the Phase 2 sailors had enough! Standard bearers got their tot of course.

I am very pleased to say that some of the Met Police joined us for tea and coffee (being on duty they couldn’t 8

have a tot). I cannot speak too highly of the Met Police for this parade. There was a lot of behind the scenes planning beforehand with a big effort by the Met counter-terrorist teams to keep us safe and not be intrusive. Shipmates did notice a much more substantial police presence this time, but that all the officers were very smartly turned out and exceptionally friendly and chatty.

So, in summary, we had a really marvellous day with very good support from across the RNA and our sister associations and IMC members – and a very kind turnout from busy VIPs (who all really enjoyed their day) and the Civil Service Club did us proud.

Paul Quinn OBE General Secretary

2. Field of Remembrance - Wednesday 4 November 2015 /

There is still an opportunity for Branches to place a cross in the RNA Garden of Remembrance by contacting Nigel at HQ, the crosses cost £10. However sadly there are no more tickets available for this event. For those Shipmates with tickets a small reminder that you will be required to bring a form of ID with you, and you will need to be through the garden gate by 1015 and muster at the RNA plot No 288, where there will be a short service. The National President and General Secretary will be in attendance. GS can be contacted on his mobile – 07850 646755 (if required).

Remembrance Sunday – Cenotaph - Sunday 8 November 2015 The Royal British Legion will once again be co-ordinating the Ex Service Contingents attending the Cenotaph Ceremony & March Past on Sunday 8th November 2015. All those who have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces under British Command as well as War Widows / Widowers are eligible to take part. Sadly the RNA ticket allocation has been exhausted Please note that those parading are likely to be standing in Whitehall for at least 1½ hours prior to the March Past then marching for a distance of over 1 mile, and quite possibly in inclement weather. You are also gently reminded that the Parade instructions are on the reverse of the ticket.

3.

RNA House Flags

A number of Branches asked HQ if they could arrange for House flags to be made available through ‘slops’ once again for Branches to purchase. Like the House flags last sold in 2010 they are single sided and measure 3 by 6 feet. We have managed to negotiate a special price of £25 including P&P and they are available now. Any Branch interested in purchasing one is requested to 9

contact Nigel at HQ e-mail nigel@royalnavalassoc.com or phone 02392 723747

4.

Battle of Jutland Commemoration

Shipmates will be interested to know that the Culture Secretary has announced the Government’s plans to commemorate the Battle of Jutland, which brought together the two most powerful naval forces of the time in the largest naval battle of the First World War. There will be a series of commemorative events in the Orkney Islands on 31 May 2016. This will be an opportunity for people in the UK to come together to honour those on both sides who lost their lives during the Battle of Jutland and to recognise the pivotal role of the Royal Navy in the First World War. Secretary of State John Whittingdale said: “These commemorations will be an opportunity for the country to come together to honour those who lost their lives during the Battle of Jutland. The pivotal role that the Royal Navy played in the war effort cannot be underestimated and we owe a great debt to those brave souls who gave their lives.

“But behind the scenes of conflict there are also the contribution of Scotland and the people of Orkney who supported the war effort - we must remember their sacrifice too and ensure their stories are told for generations to come.”

Commemorative events will include: • • • • • • • • • •

A service at St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall on Orkney Mainland A commemorative event at the Royal Navy Cemetery at Lyness on the island of Hoy A wreath-laying ceremony at sea on Jutland Bank by British and German ships The Royal Navy will support commemorations in the Orkney Islands with a major warship The opening of HMS Caroline in Belfast as a museum and visitor attraction The laying of commemorative paving stones to commemorate the four Victoria Cross recipients from the Battle of Jutland Orkney Islands Council’s wider programme of cultural and educational activities The commemoration of Jutland casualties buried in Sweden, Norway and Denmark Commemorative events at naval memorials in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham Commemorative activity in Germany in Wilhelmshaven, home to the German High Seas fleet, and at the Laboe Naval Memorial in Kiel.

The Battle of Jutland centenary events are a key part of the UK Government’s four year programme to commemorate the First World War. Additional information about how descendants can attend will be announced at the end of the year.

Jutland brought together the two most powerful naval powers of the time in the most pivotal naval engagement of the war with 6,000 British and 2,500 German personnel lost.

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We will honour those on all sides who lost their lives during the battle. This will also be an opportunity to recognise the impact that the battle had on the Orkney Islands and the role that Orkney played in hosting the Grand Fleet throughout the war.

The Portsmouth event is planned for Tuesday 31 May 2016, which is the day after the Spring Bank Holiday and during the half term week. It is intended that a platoon of Naval Association Veterans and their Standards will march from Southsea shopping centre to the Naval Memorial on the sea front followed by a Drumhead Service.

GS note: The National Standard and National President will be involved in the Orkney events – further RNA involvement will be communicated when known.

5.

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!

HMS Simbang, RNAS Sembawang, Singapore, paid off. Originally the Bukit Sembawang Rubber Estate bought by the RAF in 1936 and transferred to the RN in 1939. Latterly commissioned 4 September 1962 as HQ 3 Cdo Bde.

6.

Joke..... Meanwhile at the Volkswagen transmissions test centre....

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7.

Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge

Central Charities No donations on this occasion Naval Service Memorial RNA – Tenbury Wells RNA – East Antrim RNA – Chichester Charities Trust Linnaean Lodge S Miles-Taylor

£15.00 £5.00 £5.00 £4.44 £50.00 £40.00

‘In memory of the late....

Mrs E Moon Mrs B Boss AWS Holland A Margrett Ted Clapp Wiiliam James Reed

£60.00 £75.00 £132.50 £91.50 £29.37 £101.81

Thank you very much for your continued support.

8.

RN VC Series - Commander Daniel Marcus William Beak VC, DSO,MC & Bar Royal Naval Volunteer Service.

Daniel Beak was born in Southampton on 27 July 1891 and died on the 3rd May 1967 aged 75. He joined the RNVR as a Rating but before seeing any action he was promoted S/Lt in May 1915. He arrived in France in May 1916 and after being appointed adjutant of the Drake Battalion on 2 March 1917, he ended up commanding his battalion as an acting commander between 19 March 1917 and 3 April 1917. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant-commander on relinquishing command, and attached to headquarters.

He was awarded the Military Cross in January 1917 and a bar to the MC in July 1918 in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field. His citations read as follows; For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and initiative and materially assisted in the capture of the enemy line. He set a fine example throughout. and 12

For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and initiative and materially assisted in the capture of the enemy line. He set a fine example throughout.

After attending the Senior Officers’ course he was promoted temporary Commander and appointed as CO of Howe Battalion followed by a transfer to Drake Battalion, where he was mentioned in despatches and then awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order on the 26th July 1918. His citation is below; For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night attack by the enemy the right flank of his division was left in a dangerous position. He arranged for a flank to be formed in that direction, and subsequently covered the retirement of two brigades with a composite rear-guard which he organised and commanded. His initiative and presence of mind greatly assisted in extricating these brigades from a very difficult situation. Throughout, the skilful handling of his battalion was particularly noticeable.

He was in action again in Logeast Wood France during the period 21/25 August 1918 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross where although wounded he still succeeded in attacking a number of machine-gun posts and captured 9 German prisoners, again his citation was as follows;

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the under-mentioned Officers, Noncommissioned Officers and Men: — T./Comdr. Daniel Marcus William Beak, D.S.O., M.C., R.N.V.R. For most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty during a prolonged period of operations.

He led his men in attack, and, despite heavy machine-gun fire, four enemy positions were captured. His skilful and fearless leadership resulted in the complete success of this operation and enabled other battalions to reach-their objectives.

Four days later, though dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire and led his men with splendid courage to their objective.

An attack having been held up he rushed forward, accompanied by only one runner, and succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing back nine or ten prisoners.

His fearless example instilled courage and confidence in his men, who then quickly resumed the advance under his leadership.

On a subsequent occasion he displayed great courage and powers of leadership in attack, and his initiative, coupled with the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, not only enabled his own and a neighbouring unit to advance, but contributed very materially to the success of the Naval Division in these operations.

Commissioned into the Royal Scots Fusiliers as a Captain serving in Ireland during the ‘Troubles’. By 1938 he had transferred into the South Lancashire Regiment and had reached the 13

rank of Lt Col by August 1940 he had become a acting Brigadier, Commanding the 12th Brigade, GOC Malta and 151st Infantry Brigade and Mentioned in Despatches for the third time. Sadly he fell out of favour with Montgomery who dismissed him after Operation Pugilist( the attack in Tunisia against the Italian/German 1st Army) He retired from the Army as an honorary Major General in February 1945 (Editors Note - What a Bally Hero!!!!)

9.

Finance Corner

Dear Shipmates, Year End ReturnsThey are still 15 Branches who have not submitted their accounts to HQ for 2014. Can I please ask for a copy to be returned to HQ ASAP. They are: Area 2 Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8 Area 10 Area 11 Area 12

RNA Isle of Sheppey, RNA Loughton RNA High Wycombe, RNA Swindon, RNA Cardiff, RNA Merthyr Tydfil, RNA B’ham Cotteridge, RNA B’ham Shard End, RNA Bloxwich RNA Kendal, RNA Todmorden, RNA Birkenhead, RNA Redcar, RNA Stockton RNA Banbridge

Please note the Year End Returns as per the Rules & Bye-Laws Page 40 B19, (c) should normally be returned to HQ by the 30 April. If you have any queries regarding your Year End Returns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Rita.

Pooled Fares All Pooled Fares invoices have now been produced and will reflect in Autumn Termly Accounts, below are the breakdown of the costings: Folkestone 2015 Conference 97 Delegates of 298 branches attended the Conference Total claims amounted to £10,057.34 Divide £10,057.34 by 298 = £33.75 which is the average cost for a medium branch Large Branches pay a 1/3 extra Small Branches pay a 1/3 less

Yours Aye Michelle

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10.

Joke - Goodnight Kiss (Warning may bring back memories!)...

One night a chap takes his girlfriend home. As they are about to kiss each other goodnight at the front door, the chap guy starts feeling a little horny.

With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and smiling, he says to her, "Honey, would you have sex with me?"

Horrified, she replies, "Are you mad? My parents will see us!"

"Oh come on! Who's gonna see us at this hour?" he asks, grinning at her.”

"No, please. Can you imagine if we get caught?"

"Oh come on! There's nobody around, they're all sleeping!" "No way. It's just too risky!"

"Oh please, please, I love you so much!"

"No, no, and no. I love you too, but I just can't!"

"Oh yes you can. Please?"No, no. I just can't."

"I'm begging you..."

Out of the blue, the light on the stairs goes on, and the girl's older sister shows up in her pyjamas, hair dishevelled, and in a sleepy voice, she says: "Dad says to go ahead and have sex with him, or I can do it... or if need be mum says she can come down herself and do it. But for God's sake, tell him to take his hand off the intercom!"

11.

His and Her Calender

The brand new 2016 ‘RNA His and Her Calendar’ is now on sale from Nigel’s Bazzar......

Cheap as chips at £5.00 (which includes cost of posting).

So let’s have your orders by snail mail, phone or e-mail.

12.

RNRMC/ Pussers Rum

For nearly twenty years, Pusser’s Rum has supported the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) (and the Tot Fund and Sailor’s Fund before it) with funding towards the well-being of personnel across the naval services; honouring tradition and their strong historical links with the Royal Navy. On September 9th Passer’s Rum made a substantial donation to the RNRMC, a cheque for £20,000 was presented by Gary Rogalski, President 15

and CEO of Pusser’s Rum, and accepted on behalf of the Charity by its Head of Community Funds, Lauren Wileman.

The long-standing partnership between Pusser’s Rum and Royal Navy has seen the brand make sizeable donations to the Charity, which over the past 18 years is in excess of 250K. Explaining the relationship Gary Rogalski, said: “We have made annual contributions to the RNRMC since 1998, and will continue to do so for many more years to come.

The donation always gets put to very good use so it is our pleasure to once more be passing over a generous cheque to support the charity’s efforts towards the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.” Due to Pussers’ close historical connection with the sailors of the Royal Navy (more specifically the issuing of the ‘tot’ of rum on board ships); the donation will be used to fund activity that enhances the well-being, and boosts the morale, of personnel across the naval service be the sailors, submariners or Royal Marines.

For information Shipmates may like to know that RNRMC is the principal, and chosen, charity of the Royal Navy. Last year it gave £7.2m to people most in need: serving personnel, veterans and families. For those in uniform – in ships, squadrons, submarines, commando units and ashore – it boosts morale, improves facilities and eases the pressure that life in the Service can bring.

Through their grant giving to other military charities they provide crucial support for parents and children as well as veterans experiencing difficulty with ill health or old age.

13.

Please can you assist

HQ received the letter below from Dr James Pugh at the Centre for War Studies at the University of Birmingham. Any Shipmate who may be able to assist should contact Dr Pugh at the contact details at the bottom of the letter.

Dear Members of the Royal Naval Association, My name is James Pugh and I am a Teaching Fellow with the Centre for War Studies at the University of Birmingham. I am currently conducting research into the Royal Navy during the Second World War, with a particular focus on the experience of fatigue during operations – e.g. tiredness, strain, lack of concentration and trouble staying awake. One of the measures adopted by the Royal Navy to help personnel sustain wakefulness during lengthy or strenuous operations was the use of stimulants such as amphetamine sulphate. These stimulants were generally provided as Benzedrine tablets, sometimes known as ‘energy tablets’ within the Service. I would be very grateful to hear from 16

former personnel who had experience of utilising these tablets on operations during the Second World War, and I have a short questionnaire available for completion. In addition, I would be delighted to hear from personnel who have experience of stimulant use on operations in the period after the Second World War. Responses can be anonymised on request.

I hope my studies can make a contribution to ongoing debates relating to problems of fatigue within the operational context; problems that continue to affect personnel in Navies around the globe. I view substances such as Benzedrine (and their modern equivalents) to be legitimate and important tools in the battle to make personnel more effective in their roles and safer when serving on operations.

Kind regards, James Dr James Pugh Centre for War Studies Arts Building University of Birmingham Edgbaston Campus B15 2TT Email: j.n.pugh@bham.ac.uk

14.

Veterans UK - Customer Satisfaction Survey 2015

Defence Business Services, of which Veterans UK is a part, are running a Customer Satisfaction Survey. The on-line survey is for both Serving Personnel and Veterans to give their views and feedback on the service they have had from them, and to help them understand, from the people who use their services, how they can do better. The survey is open now and closes on the Friday 12th December. If you would like to give your feedback on your experiences, please complete the Defence Business Services Customer Satisfaction Survey 2015.

15.

Collectors (Spotters) Corner

I feel certain that Shipmates will enjoy the article below forwarded to HQ by Rayleigh Branches very own raving reporter Shipmate Gary Daisley. A most impressive and worthwhile candidate for entry into the Spotters Hall of Fame!!

Over recent years, I have noted many RNA shipmates now adorn their blazers with a plethora of lapel badges and insignia. It was whilst mingling at the biennial parade in 2013 when I first spotted a “RNOCA� badge and have since done some investigating (as one does).

I discovered that the formation of the Royal Naval Association in 1950 consolidated many older naval clubs and associations, including a number of Royal Navy Old 17

Comrades Association branches. Branches which had spawned from the former “National” Royal Navy Old Comrades association setup between the wars by Commander C. L. A. Woollard, R.N. (Ret.) and Mr. Thos. Oakley Hon. Gen. Secretary in January 1935 (acknowledgement and kind thanks to the Worthing RNA Branch website at www.rnaworthing.org).

My current collection includes the following…

1: RN&RM Assoc. Cambridge; 2: RN&RM Assoc. Hull & District; 3: RN Wrens Assoc.; 4: RN Old Comrades Assoc.; 5: Associate Member RN Old Comrades Assoc.; 6: National RN Old Comrades Assoc.; 7: RNA QE2 Diamond Jubilee; 8: RNA Honorary Member; 9: RNA Associate Member; 10: RNA Associate Member (Cert. of Appreciation); 11: RNA Full Member; 12: RNA Life Member.

Yours Aye, Gary Daisley Rayleigh Branch – Royal Naval Association.

16.

HQ Open Days 2016

Last year HQ hosted 5 Open days attended by Shipmates from the following Branches; Dublin RNA, Christchurch, Ferndown, Lee on the Solent and Stubbington, Exeter, Selsey, Alresford, Birmingham Central, Rayleigh, Chesham, Peterborough, Swindon, Corby, Marlborough and Hemel Hempstead. A fantastic time was had by all. The programme for the day includes a tour of HQ, lunch in Semaphore Tower and 1 hour Boat tour of the Harbour, which includes all the major RN sites around the harbour and many now with other uses.

It would be lovely to see Branches from further afield so If you would like to come down and stay a couple of days or overnight in the Portsmouth area to visit the other Naval attractions please contact HQ who will ensure CONA Holiday service seek out the best priced accommodation.

This year the Open Days will be held on the following dates; Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday

08 Apr 2016 13 May 2016 01 July 2016 19 August 2016 07 October 2016

Branches who would like attend should apply to HQ. Bookings will be accepted on a first come first serve basis with the caveat that a Branch that has never been will be treated as a priority.

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17.

Joke - The Irish Angler.....

The rain was pouring down. And there standing in front of a big puddle outside the pub, was an old Irishman, drenched, holding a stick, with a piece of string dangling in the water.

A passer-by stopped and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Fishing" replied the old man.

Feeling sorry for the old man, the gent says, "Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me."

In the warmth of the pub, as they sip their whiskies, the gentleman cannot resist asking, "So how many have you caught today?"

"You're the eighth" says the old man.

18.

Order Forms for Diaries, Christmas Cards and Calenders.

Shipmates are reminded that the order forms for RNA Diaries, Christmas Cards and our brand spanking new His and Hers Diaries can be found at the rear of this Edition.

19.

Real Old Ships

Shipmate Cecil Bouch has very kindly forwarded a letter with details of his three year wartime service in HMS Savage, pictured opposite, saying that he enjoyed every minute of it.

He started by explaining that during an Arctic Convoy JW 65 in March 1945 that he had just seen HMS Lapwing, which was the adopted ship of his town of berth Saffron Walden, just before she was sunk. Two months later on 8th May 1945 he was ashore in Oslo where he saw German Soldiers with rifles while the ship was escorting German Cruisers to Wilhelmshaven.

Cecil’s joined the ship in February 1944 and left it in April 1947. During his time in HMS Savage the ship took part in no less than 8 Arctic Convoys and Op Neptune (D Day Landings), annoyingly he still hasn’t received his Legion d’ honour medal.

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20.

Battle of the Somme Centenary

Shipmates will be aware that the RN will be commemorating the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 2016 mainly centered around Scapa Flow and locally in Portsmouth. However, the following information was received from the TRBL concerning the Battle of the Somme Centenary.

Summer 2016 will see the world remember the centenary of The Battle of the Somme, the most infamous battle of the First World War which resulted in over 420,000 British casualties between 1st July and 18th November 1916. There will be an international commemorative service on 1st July at the Thiepval memorial in France, preceded by an overnight vigil the night before. The UK government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), along with the French government’s Veteran’s Ministry, has taken exclusive responsibility for the delivery of this event and thus it will not be Legion-run as it is normally. The Legion will still have representatives in attendance from our National Officers, Board of Trustees and our local Somme Branch, in addition to a number of Standard Bearers who will be participating in the event.

All other Legion staff, members and supporters will have to enter an online ballot should they wish to attend. Tickets will be limited to 8,000; 2,000 of these have been committed to the French. A site for registering interest in attending the Thiepval event was launched by DCMS on 1st July 1015 and the online ballot opens on the 28th September. Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/register-your-interest-in-the-2016-somme-centenary-ballot The Legion will retain an advisory role for the Thiepval event and in helping with peripheral events in France on 1st July. It will also be involved with simultaneous events in the UK, which will include an event in a prominent northern city, an event at the NMA and a whole range of smaller events in communities throughout the nation. Furthermore, the Legion will commemorate each of the 141 Days that the Somme battle raged on, both in the delivery of a daily service at the Thiepval Memorial and by facilitating community events around the UK. More information about how to get involved in the daily event at Thiepval and the UK community events will be made available in the coming months – so watch this space for regular updates!

21.

In Flanders Field

I am sure Shipmates will be interested to read the article below that Shipmate Chris Dovey forwarded to HQ it follows on nicely form the Battle of Somme Centenary.

In Flanders Fields.

On the 2 May, 1915, Lt Alexis Helmer of the Canadian Field Artillery, was killed on the battlefields of Flanders. In as much as any death can ever be considered an insignificant event, that of Lt Helmer was, when it is taken in the context of the appalling number of losses 20

suffered in the Great War. However, his death had a profound effect upon one John McCrae, a Canadian Army Surgeon struggling to tend some of the battlefield casualties at a dressing station set in the bank of the Ypres (pronounced “Yeeper”) Canal during the Second Battle of Ypres, or “Wipers” as the troops of the Expeditionary Force called it. Lt Helmer was a colleague and very close friend of John McCrae, and on hearing of his death McCrae was moved to compose the poem “In Flanders Fields”, widely accepted as the inspiration for the poppy becoming the universal emblem of remembrance. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains a small Cemetery at Essex Farm, just North East of Ypres, and McCrae’s poem is set in bronze on a stone plinth, overlooking the remains of the concrete bunkers that formed the Dressing Station in which he worked. It is difficult to stand there and read the poem without shedding a tear.

John McCrae's commanding officer records that 'this poem was born of fire and blood during the hottest phase of the second battle of Ypres'. The battle began on 22 April 1915 and lasted 17 days. Total casualties have been estimated at 100,000 on each side. Half the Canadian brigade in which John McCrae served was killed, many of the bodies rolling down the banks of the Ypres canal into McCrae’s Dressing Station. Shortly afterwards a profoundly weary McCrae was posted away from the front line, to a military hospital in Boulogne. Friends were worried by the change in him. He worked ceaselessly at the hospital until January 1918, and was about to take up a post with the British army. But he fell ill with double pneumonia, exacerbated by asthma, gas attacks, and then meningitis, and he died on 28 January. The battlefield treatments he did so much to advance and improve were unable to save him, and he is buried in the War Graves Cemetery at Wimereux, just north of Boulogne. We will always remember him.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS by Lt Col John McCrae MD In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard among the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.

22.

Dinner in the Fifties

I am sure this will nudge a few memories........

Pizza? Sounds like a leaning tower somewhere.

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Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas time.

All chips were plain.

Rice was a milk pudding, and never, ever part of our dinner.

A Big Mac was what we wore when it was raining.

Brown bread was something only poor people ate.

Oil was for lubricating, fat was for cooking.

Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves and never green.

Cubed sugar was regarded as posh.

Chickens didn't have fingers in those days.

None of us had ever heard of yogurt.

Healthy food consisted of anything edible.

Cooking outside was called camping.

Seaweed was not a recognized food.

'Kebab' was not even a word, never mind a food.

Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days, and was regarded as being white gold.

Prunes were medicinal.

Surprisingly muesli was readily available. It was called cattle feed.

Pineapples came in chunks in a tin; we had only ever seen a picture of a real one.

Water came out of the tap. If someone had suggested bottling it and charging more than petrol for it they would have become a laughing stock.

The one thing that we never ever had on/at our table in the fifties...was elbows, hats and mobiles phones!

23.

An Ode for a three badge Stoker.....

Never let a stoker steer the ship Or you’re in for a very unpleasant trip, For it’s known that stokers can’t read or write And they don’t have a very good judgement of height, So keep the stoker below, sending smoke up the funnel And let someone else steer the ship through the tunnel.

For we know of a stoker, with his very own boat Who just could not wait, to get her afloat He set off on a trip down the River Great Ouse But this silly old stoker was so full of booze He forgot that a stoker should be below deck And now “Pussers Rum” is a sad looking wreck.

Navigation he thought, was a “piece of piss” That a stoker could do, with the odd “near miss” True, the trip down the river, went without hitch But on the way back there was a bit of a switch For as he was thinking he was doing just fine Our stoker encountered a “no entry” sign.

He spun the wheel and the rudder and steered her to port To go through a tunnel, or so he thought.

“Slow ahead, keep a look-out, take her gently through” 22

Was our stokers command to the rest of the crew.

They made sure that to port and to starboard were clear But they never looked upwards, oh dear, oh dear.

Scrapping and snapping, he inched the boat through To come out of the darkness and into the blue.

As eyes came accustomed from darkness to light It was clear “Pussers Rum” was a sorry old sight.

Gone was the windscreen, the canopy and mast The dreams of a stoker as skipper were all fading fast.

But fear not three badge stoker, there are shipmates at hand To restore “Pussers Rum” and to make her look grand.

Should you invite them aboard, for a chat and a tot Please ensure all the moorings lines are secured with a knot.

For imagine the fear that your shipmates would feel, To be out on the water, with a stoker at the wheel.

( Editors Note – If you see this boat named Pussers Rum beware the Commanding Officer!! Is a Stoker and NCM!)

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RNA Longcast 2015 31 Oct 5 Nov 7 Nov 7 Nov 8 Nov 14 Nov 14 Nov 20 Nov 19-21 Nov 21 Nov 05 Dec 24 Dec – 4 Jan 2016 6 Feb 13 Feb 20 Feb 28 Feb 4 Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 8 Apr 7 May 7 May 13 May 10 Jun 10 Jun 10 Jun 10 Jun 11-12 Jun 12 Jun 01 Jul 1 Aug 6 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 26 Aug 10 Sep 7 Oct 5 Nov 19 Nov 26 Nov 10 Dec

NI Festival of Remembrance – National Standard parades Field of Remembrance – RNA plot and service with CoF Festival of Remembrance – Albert Hall National Standard parades Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Harwich Remembrance Sunday AMC 6 Area Quarterly Meeting – 1300 -Eternit Sports and Social Club (RNA Royston) Lee on the Solent & Stubbington Charity Concert – Holy Rood Church Stubbington IMC Executive Council FAC National Council HQ Closed for Christmas and New Year Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Harwich AMC Meeting FAC Meeting National Arboretum – 1991 Gulf War Memorial unveiling SOC (Consider Motions National Council Meeting Welfare Seminar – Crown Hotel Weymouth HQ Open Day National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Beccles HQ Open Day SOC AMC Meeting FAC Meeting National Council Meeting National Conference SOC (Conference Wash Up) HQ Open Day HMS Queen Elizabeth departs Rosyth for Portsmouth (exact date TBC) Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Southend on Sea HQ Open Day AMC Meeting FAC Meeting National Council Meeting HQ Open Day Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Harwich AMC Meeting FAC Meeting National Council Meeting

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D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches 6 Area The 6 AREA Quarterly meeting which was due to be held on the 21st November 2015 has had to be rescheduled due to a diary clash at the venue. The meeting will now be held on Saturday 14th November 2015 commencing at 1300 in the same venue, ETERNIT SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB (ROYSTON RNA). For further information please contact Graham Parry, 6 Area Secretary - parry-28@virginmedia.com

RNA Woking Branch The Woking 2015 Armed Forces and Veterans Day Parade was held in the towns Jubilee Square. The square was bathed in sunshine and was again the focus of attention for the annual parade of veterans, cadets and serving personnel, organised by RNA Branch Secretary SM Rod Fraser.

The parade was attended by Woking Mayor and Mayoress, Derek and Rosemary McCrum and other local dignitaries. The service was led

by Rev Chrissie Lacey and music was provided by the Almac Bisley Brass Band and Bisley Ladies Choir. The parade was graced by ten standards which included those of the Royal Naval Association, the Merchant Navy Association, the Royal British Legion, and the Ghurkas. A wreath was laid by Peter Dickens of the South African Legion UK Branch, as well as by representatives from other organisations.

The band played and the Mayor took the salute. As veterans marched past, an enthusiastic public applauded to show their appreciation for the sacrifices of those who died for their country, as well as to surviving veterans and those currently serving.

The photos were taken by Sophie White Woking Branch also “Raised the Red Ensign” on 3rd September a small group of veterans, including members of the Royal Naval Association, a representative from the Ghurkas, and Standard Bearer of the National Sea Training College Association (Gravesend), John Delamere, attended a brief ceremony to mark Red Ensign Day, in memory of those Merchant Navy personnel who gave their lives during WW2.

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The event was hosted by Woking Borough Council, and a message from HRH the Earl of Wessex was read out by deputy Mayor, Cllr Anne Murray. His message reflected the hoped that people will support the campaign by Seafarers UK to “remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.”

The Red Ensign was raised at 10:00 and was followed by a minute of silence in memory of those who gave their lives, so that Britain would be fed and its very survival ensured. Winston Churchill stated that the war could not have been won without the actions of these brave men. John Delamere said that the importance of these events was to raise the public’s awareness of the huge contribution and sacrifice made by the Merchant Navy during the war. He was pleased that in recent years the Merchant Navy has at last been represented at the Ceremony of Remembrance held annually at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside members of the armed forces. He hopes that Merchant Navy Day will reinforce the public’s awareness.

GS Note: The Merchant Navy Association marched with us at the Biennial and is a member of CONA. Area 5 Area 5 is pleased to announce that Shipmate Terry Barker (Rayleigh Branch) has become the new Area Standard Bearer. Terry can be contacted on his mobile No – 07954 185367.

RNA Newton Abbot Sea Cadets from TS Canonteign, the Teign Valley unit recently assisted the fund raising effort of the local Royal Naval Association Branch on a street collection at the market place in Newton Abbot town centre and helped raise an excellent £436 pounds, a big thank you to all who gave money on the day.

The RNA branch is a long term sponsor of Teign Valley, with each organisation mutually supporting each other's activities; Cadets often assist the older generation of ex-RN service personnel and in return benefit from their seamanship skills and experience.

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Shipmate Tony Portman regaled the young Cadets with his second world war experiences on the battleship HMS Nelson and how, at their age he was at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk the foremost naval school in the country in the late 1930s joining the Royal Navy in the second year of war as a 16 year old boy sailor.

RNA Cardiff Branch On Sunday the 18th October, the Cardiff Branch President, Cdr. Peter Machin, accompanied by several other shipmates attended a surprise 90th Birthday party in Llanharry for ex-Telegraphist Mr Trevor Jones. The President presented Trevor with several HMS Dragon mementos including, the ships’ crest, photographs of previous and present ‘Dragons’ and documentation listing the ships movement around the time he was serving in her. The event was also attended by the Mayor of the Rhondda, Councillor Barry Stephens accompanied by his wife Babs.

Trevor joined the R.N. in 1942 as a 17 year old junior Telegraphist and served on 2 Arctic convoys. On D Day he was onboard HMS Dragon whose crew, including the Captain, were mainly Polish ! The ship was forced aground but Trevor managed to step onto an American LST without getting his feet wet ! Shortly after D Day Trevor was sent on a 6 week ‘specialist’ course on decoding Japanese telegraphic traffic and was subsequently drafted to the signals HQ in Ceylon, where he stayed until returning to the UK in 1946.

Trevor was born in Barry and moved around a few towns in South Wales before settling in Llanharry, where he is a regular at the local Working Mens’ Club, where the birthday celebrations were held.

RNA ST Neots & District Branch The latest ‘Hot Press’ in St Neots went very well with the Branch recruiting two youngsters......

Shipmate Lt Phillip (Pip) RNVR who is 100 years old who is a former Arctic & Malta Convoys Veteran and is known as John and 94 year old Shipmate Jack Millard who also an Arctic Convoy Veteran.

Their joining routine featured a visit to RAF (United States Air Force) Molesworth where they were invited to attend a lunch to celebrate the 240th birthday of the United States Navy.

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RNA Warwick Branch The ‘at the beginning’ and ‘end’ photos attached show the current Branch Chairman Shipmate Derek Fletcher in his role as newly retired Assistant Sgt at Mace in which he served for 36 years 1979 to 2015. (Editors Note - I am sure that deserves a BZ )

RNA Bloxwich and RNA Shrewsbury In the middle of September, Shipmates of Bloxwich RNA paid a very, very enjoyable visit to the town of Shrewsbury. After an afternoon of exploration in and around the town that gave us Charles Darwin and Percy Thrower, members gathered to a warm and wonderful welcome from Shrewsbury RNA. Over the evening the entertainment was excellent, the raffle was full of potent liquids and the buffet was superb and generous. A card was provided by Bloxwich RNA and the lucky winner won £40 in cash with an additional £40 raised for Shrewsbury RNA. Bloxwich RNA look forward to a visit from Shrewsbury RNA in the new year.

The photo above shows Committee members of Bloxwich and Shrewsbury RNAs strike a pose during a great evening of entertainment and hospitality.

RNA Rhondda Branch On Thursday 17th September 2015. Paul Gower the Hon Chairman of the Rhondda branch Attend Mount Edgcome Hospice in St Austell as the PRO for HMS Avenger, this event was in celebration of the Hospice’s 35th anniversary. The Guest of Honour was the Duke of Wessex who, spent over an hour talking to those involved with the hospice.

The Duke spoke to S/M Paul about the ships affiliation with the charity and his role in the ship.

The Hospice is still lucky enough to have memorabilia from the Ship and pictures to prove how some of the money was raised at the time for the hospice.

RNA Bletchley Branch On Saturday 3rd October 2015, shipmates from Bletchley & District RNA celebrated the 50th anniversary of their formation with a service at St Mary’s Church in Bletchley. Joining in on Bletchley RNA’s celebrations were representatives from No 6 Area, including the Area President and members of No 6 Area committee. The guest of honour was Lady Patricia King, wife of Bletchley & District’s late President, Vice Admiral Sir Norman King; Escorts for Bletchley’s Standard, and supporting the event, was carried out (smart and seamanlike) by Bletchley’s Naval 28

Cadets. Looking after proceedings was S/M Dave Corrigan, Bletchley & District’s Hon. Secretary & Standard Bearer. Dave ensured that everything ran like clockwork, and despite delays caused by the World Rugby match taking place in Milton Keynes, gathered the Standard Bearers from No 6 Area and marched them to St Mary’s Church to line the route for VIPs and guests attending the Service.

Once all VIPs, guests and shipmates were seated in the church, S/M Dave Corrigan marched on the Branch Standard and followed by the Standards from No 6 Area, Bletchley’s Branch Standard was placed on the altar for the start of the service. The Minister of St Mary’s Church, Dr Robin Rowles, welcomed everyone before giving the opening sentences and leading the first hymn, Jerusalem. Prayers and readings followed and included a sermon from Bletchley’s Branch Chaplain, Reverend Steve Barnes.

After the Blessing of the Standard, a final prayer and the National Anthem, the ceremony concluded with presentations to Lady King and Bletchley RNA. Shipmate Dennis Matthews presented an RNA crest to the Branch Chairman, S/M Garry Potter. With the ceremony and presentations complete, it was time for a tot of rum to be issued to the Standard Bearers and then everyone stood down, spun a few dits, and enjoyed a buffet meal provided by Bletchley Branch.

Bletchley & District Branch have a great history, from a small beginning in a run-down hut to a purpose-built building, they have come a long way since their formation, BZ shipmates, we hope the next 50 years are just as successful.

RNA Huntingdon Branch As we enter the last quarter of 2015, Huntingdon RNA continued with their busiest PR campaign to date. On Sunday 6th September 2015, Shipmates Bill Small and Karl Webb joined the mass gathering of RNA, CONA, and visiting Naval forces personnel at the Cenotaph for the Biennial Parade at the Cenotaph. Chairman of Huntingdon Branch, S/M Bill Small, paraded the Branch Standard, whilst Huntingdon’s Hon. Secretary, S/M Karl Webb paraded the Standard from St Neots (their Standard Bearer is NCM and marched with the National Council). As always, this was a great event and a chance to meet new oppos.

Two weeks later, shipmates Karl Webb and Graham Murray represented the RNA at a Battle of Britain Parade and Thanksgiving service at Huntingdon’s War Memorial. Castle Hill in Huntingdon was the home of the RAF’s Pathfinder Force during WWII. 29

On the 4th October, shipmate Karl Webb joined members of No 6 Area to celebrate Bletchley RNA’s 50th anniversary at St Mary’s Church, Bletchley. Finally, on the 11th October, shipmate Pete Aston ran a half marathon in Peterborough in aid of Blesma, the Limbless Veterans Charity, Pete has only been running for fitness since January so this was a major achievement for him. At the time of writing, Huntingdon Branch are preparing to celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar with their annual dinner on the 24th October.

If any shipmates, or potential new members, wish to visit the Branch, please note we have a new meeting venue; our monthly meetings now take place at the Falcon Tavern, Huntingdon (Oliver Cromwell’s Civil War HQ).

9 Area No9 Area opted for a Summer Barbeque at the Lincoln Branch Club this year instead of the Summer Luncheon of years past.

We decided on a completely relaxed dress which went down well given the temperature on the day - this had nothing to do with the heat coming off the three barbeque grills we had going! The day was thoroughly enjoyable and the exercise will hopefully be repeated in the same fashion next year!

No bottles of Pusser's remained loaded at the completion of the evolution!!!

RNA Lincoln Branch Members of Lincoln RNA Branch, Lincoln Submariners Association Branch and members of the Royal Naval Element, RAF Waddington visited the National Memorial Arboretum in September.

For many it was their first visit and they found it a reflective and thought provoking experience.

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RNA Margate Branch Margate Branch Hon Sec Mick Cox forwarded an article concerning the Branches visit to Coventry recently.

After enjoying the Coventry conference last year I thought I would ask our branch if we could a have weekend break there and as we were well transported between the Britannia hotels by CONA just for groups travel so I asked them for a quote. The price was ridiculously cheap that we had to take up the offer. Members and guests left Margate in a brand new coach on Friday and arrived mid afternoon at Britannia hotel Coventry city where we were met by our guide Chris, this coincided with a festival where all attraction in town were free of charge. On Saturday we set off for the Arboretum and attended the daily service held at 10:50, (if you’re thinking of going this is a must it will help you understand the place.) Whilst there we met up with shipmates from the HMS Plymouth association who were holding a Falklands memorial service which some of us attended, meeting with old oppo’s. Sunday we had a drive around the countryside ending up in Stratford upon Avon, after finding the local Wetherspoon’s for lunch we then took in the culture spending a pleasant afternoon by the canal side market and street entertainers. Monday after breakfast we drove back home and all agreed what a great weekend we had, not one moan or groan, thanks go to just for groups travel who took all the work out of organizing the trip and our social secretary shipmate Bernie Taft for making this possible.

RNA City of Inverness Branch

Four members of City of Inverness branch attended the unveiling of a commemorative panel to HMS Natal in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Captain Chris Smith RN, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland and Mrs Rosalind Cahil, grand-daughter of the Captain on 30th September 2015 at Cromarty harbour.

RNA St Helens Branch I am sure Shipmates would be very interested to read the very interesting article below which was forwarded by Shipmate Trevor Howard St Helens Branch Hon Sec. One of the St Helens Branch members, S/m Fred Dorning, 96 years old, and his son John, who is an associate member of the St Helens Branch, recently went on a cruise in the Mediterranean.

The first time Fred had been in the Mediterranean was in 1941 when he was serving as a stoker on board HMS Illustrious. As his son John thought it might be the last time that his father would be going to the Mediterranean, and anywhere near where the HMS Illustrious had been attacked, 31

and bombed by German aircraft on 10th January 1941, John asked his father if he would like to hold an Act of Remembrance, to remember all his ship mates, who had lost their lives on that fateful day. S/m Fred Dorning said he would.

John then got in touch with the Captain of the Cruise Liner Black Watch, who gave his permission for an Act Of Remembrance to be held.

Although the ship had been attacked at 1230hrs on the10th January, the Captain of the Black Watch calculated that the Black Watch would be in the approximate position, in the Mediterranean, where HMS Illustrious had been attacked at 2330hrs.

At 2330hrs S/m Fred Dorning, his son John, and a number of other passengers, who were mainly ex-service personnel, mustered on the upper deck, one was the daughter of Sgt Hyslop RAF who had been killed on board HMS Illustrious on that day, another was a person who had served aboard HMS Illustrious 1V, and was recovering from cancer. S/m John Dorning had brought six red roses with him from the UK, these had been kept chilled by the ships florist. S/M John Dorning related some of his father’s memories of that fateful day to those present, before the Red Roses were cast over the side in Remembrance of 83 ships mates killed on that day. A further 100 were wounded, some of them serious on that day. After a two minutes silence those who had taken part retired to one of the ships bars where S/m John Dorning treated all those who had attended the Act Of Remembrance to a Tot or two.

HMS Illustrious made it into dry dock in Malta, where the Germans made repeated attacks on the ship, it was during those attacks that S/m Dorning received injuries, which cause him to be discharged from the Royal Navy.

RNA Forth Valley Branch Members of RNA Forth Valley and their Standard were at the Annual Memorial Service for Submariners on Saturday 12th Sept at 11.00hrs. The Service was held at The Submarine Memorial at City Quay Dundee. Dundee was the base for submariners from which British, The Netherlands, Free French, Norwegian and Russian submariners and our own Royal Marine Commandos sailed on raids off the coast of mainland Europe.

The Service was conducted by Reverend Pat Lang and The Lord Provost Bob Duncan read a moving speech to the audience. The Roll Call (of those killed in Submarines deemed "Still on Patrol") was read by Charles Webster DL, and The Binyon`s Ode was read by Denis Rawle The Memorial service was well attended, even though it was torrential rain throughout.

Ed Note: So the height of the Scot’s summer then!

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RNA Worthing Branch One of Worthing Branches members lives in Dieppe with his wife and throughout the year lays wreaths on our behalf of the branch at several memorial services, which provides the branch with a strong connection to the French Para's Association. The article below is a report on proceedings at the Operation Jubilee commemorations by Shipmate Mike Andrews which took place on the 18/19 July this year. The photo shows Mike thumbing a lift in a jeep....

DIEPPE COMMEMORATIONS OPERATION JUBILEE 18/19 AUGUST 2015 – BY S/M MIKE ANDREWS TUESDAY 18 AUGUST Saint Aubin le Cauf Homage to the memory of two Canadian Spitfire pilots who crashed in the village. Posy laid on behalf of RNA Worthing by Gerard Vattré, President of the UNP (Union Nationale des Parachutistes) Section 761 Rouen-Dieppe and a good friend of Worthing Branch RNA. Vertus Canadian War Cemetery Night Vigil A very moving ceremony carried out in candle light with solemn and silent procession. There are 7 watches, one for each of the countries involved in the raid on Dieppe. I was given the great honour of taking part in the fifth watch with other veterans, and Julie was with me to make sure I didn’t fall over. No chariot. Grass too wet.

WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST Vertus Canadian War Cemetery Religious Service Unable to attend due to swollen legs. My apologies shipmates.

Memorial at Puys (Blue Beach) Making my way to Puys beach in my chariot with my trusty coxswain Julie, the RNA wreath being carried by Marie Jose (Gerard’s wife), I arrived safely and was decanted from the chariot into the VIP tent. Sitting quietly waiting for the ceremony to begin, I was confronted by a very smart Captain RN who saluted and said ‘I recognised your RNA badge on your blazer so I thought I would have a few words’. He wanted to know where I was from and how did I come to be at the ceremony. I told him the whole story that I was a member of RNA Worthing and resident at Puys.

He seemed satisfied and said very well done, saluted, turned to go, then said ‘by the way, my name is Chris and I am the Naval Attaché in Paris’.

The laying of the RNA wreath went very well with the help of Gerard and Marie France (yes, that is her surname), who is a veteran parachutist nurse, and was laid with dignity. My chariot safely aboard the coach, we started the journey to the Square Canada in Dieppe.

Square Canada in Dieppe This is quite a long ceremony, for within the gardens there are four memorials. Once again, I was put in the VIP tent in my chariot between a veteran colonel of the French Foreign Legion and a Norwegian veteran RAF Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot and of the Dieppe raid.

I did not take part in the parade around Dieppe.

As usual, thousands of people turned out to watch the parades.

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CROSSED THE BAR - Obituaries Harry Hamilton – Belfast Branch Shipmate Harry Hamilton took part in the D Day landings going ashore with the Americans on Omaha beach then later served in Egypt. Harry became a great and loyal member of the Belfast Branch until he crossed the bar in August. He will be much missed.

Ray Gaw – Belfast Branch Shipmate Ray Gaw served throughout World War Two and was wounded. He was eventually demobed in 1945. He became a outstanding member of the Belfast Branch and organised the first RNA Conference to be held in Belfast. He was a loyal member up until he crossed the bar in August. He will be much missed.

Alan Sheppard – Rockingham & District Branch Alan Sheppard served in the Royal Marines from 1939 until 1951 ashore and afloat in; RMB Stonehouse, HMS Renown (Arctic Convoys), HMS Anson, HMS London part of bodyguard for Winston Churchill, RM Battalion (116th Royal Marines Brigade) landing in Scheldt, Holland and fighting through to Berlin with the Occupation Force Germany/France.

He was discharged in 1951 as he was a miner before the war and experienced miners were required to work in the coal mines. He was a long term member of Rockingham and District Western Australia Branch. And crossed the bar on 27 August 2015.

He will be sadly missed. “Rest Easy Royal”

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Lucy Lawson – City of Ely Branch The City of Ely branch regret to announce that their most senior member Lucy Lawson has ‘crossed the bar’ aged 97. Lucy was the widow of Leading Seaman Myles Lawson MID, lost in HM Submarine SNAPPER in 1941. Lucy managed to combine working in wartime Sheerness dockyard with raising 3 children; she also served in the RNXS 1971-1983 and was a member of the Sittingbourne and Sheerness branch of the RNA before joining Ely in 1989.

Lucy was a very popular and respected member of the branch who bore her many years of widowhood with great dignity. She will be greatly missed by all.

Clive John Goble – Folkestone Branch Folkestone Branch sadly announce that Clive Goble a Branch Committee member crossed the bar on 9th September aged 80. Clive was a Leading Seaman in the Royal Navy between 1950 and 1960. He joined the Folkestone Branch of the RNA in 2007 and will be greatly missed by his fellow Shipmates.

Monica McKay - Huntingdon & District Branch It is with deep regret that Huntingdon & District Branch announce that shipmate Monica McKay (nee Stonebanks) Crossed the Bar on Thursday 13th August 2015.

Monica joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1947 as a Radar Operator; her training began at HMS Harrier. It was whilst serving at HMS Harrier that Monica met her future husband, Jim McKay, a Royal Navy Sick Berth Attendant. From HMS Harrier, Monica was drafted to HMS Seahawk in Cornwall. Monica returned to HMS Warrior in 1952 where she was discharged from the WRNS on the 15th March 1952. Following the RNA’s motto of Once Navy, Always Navy, Monica and Jim have been active members of Huntingdon & District Branch, only stepping back from active participation in recent years due to Jim’s health.

Monica will be remembered with fondness by her shipmates, our thoughts are with shipmate Jim McKay and his family. Photographs show Monica in her youth and at our Trafalgar Night Dinner in 2013 (Monica is second left, next to Jim McKay).

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Harry Allen – Margate Branch Harry crossed the bar on Sunday 4th October aged 88. He had been chairman of Margate Royal Naval association branch for over 15 years. Harry joined the Royal Navy in 1943 after altering his date of birth. He did his training at HMS St George on the Isle of Man and on completion joined the colony class cruiser HMS Jamaica. The ship saw service in the battle of the North Cape and claims her part in sinking the German pocket battleship Scharnhorst with gunfire and torpedoes. She carried out many convoys to Russia for which Harry was recently awarded the Ushakov medal at the Russian embassy. Jamaica then saw action during the D Day bombardment and was later detached to the Pacific just before the war ended there. His final claim was that Jamaica took the then King George V1 to the Channel Islands for the liberation celebrations where he made many friends and continued visiting until recently.

On leaving the navy Harry became the proprietor of the Albert garage in Margate and ran a very successful business specializing in automatic gearboxes. He kept up his naval ties via the Sea cadets at T/S Mermaid where he was a cadet from the age of 10. Harry went on to do many thing for the unit which 20 years ago changed its name to T/S Jamaica in his honour as their president.

Harry was made a life member of the Royal Naval Association in 2013 he will be sadly missed at our meetings along with his rendition of his song keyhole in the door which brought a smile to everyone. Find a safe anchorage Harry.

Charlie Hemmings – Basildon Branch Basildon Branch sadly announces that S/M Charlie Hemming's - crossed the bar on September 7th, 2015 at the age of 91.

Charlie served on HMS Ganges, Pembroke St. Angelo, Lanerton, NP1739 and Hurricane from 1939-1956. His naval career saw him serving on the Arctic convoys as well as seeing action in the Mediterranean, the Baltic and South Pacific. He was recently decorated with the Arctic Star Medal and also presented with the Russian Ushakov medal for courage and bravery at the Russian Embassy in London last year.

Charlie's Grandson took him to Scapa Flow where he was based to pay tribute to his comrades and see parts of the Orkney Islands that he saw as a boy sailor. Charlie will be very much missed by his family and branch members.

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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

37

Shortcast (Run in date order)

Shortcast 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.

2016 HMS Penelope Association - 19 February 2016 30th Annual Reunion to be held in Blackpool from February 19 - 21. Contact the Secretary, Mike Bee at mike.bee@ntlworld.com for details of membership and the reunion.

HMS London F95 – 27 February 2016 90/91 Gulf War crew reunion on February 27, 2016 at the Union Jack Club, London. Contact Ian Farmer on Facebook, or ijfarmer@sky.com. There are only 144 spaces available.

Royal Naval Engineering Association – 18 March 2016 Royal Naval Engineroom Association: 23rd Annual Reunion on 18 to 21 March at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. New members welcome. Monthly news sheet for ‘out of towners’. Details from Bob Styants at bob.styants@btinternet.com HMS Phoebe Association – 29 April 2016 HMS Phoebe Association, Cruiser (C43) & frigate (F42): Have their annual reunion from April 29 to May 2 at the Parkbury Hotel, Sandown, Isle of Wight. All cruiser/frigate shipmates are welcome to join us. Please contact Bob Hobbs at Robert.hobbs1949@sky.com for more information HMS Newfoundland and HMS Kenya – 8 April 2016 HMS Newfoundland & HMS Kenya: Veteran’s annual get together will be held from April 8 to 11 at the 3* Carlton Hotel, Torquay. This invite is open to any shipmate, RN or RM, who has served on board and is also open to those who have not been members of the past associations and those who have served in other ships of the Colony class.

There are no official meetings only trips ashore, lamp swinging and a Gala dinner so why not join us? Details available from Alan Waite at alan04@live.co.uk HMS Loch Fada F390 Association – 8 April 2016 The 19th annual reunion will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Chatham from April 8 to 11, includes AGM at 1030 on 9th with TOT time at 1200 (no mismusters) & Reunion Dinner at 1830.

A coach outing to Greenwich on Sunday or the Walking Bus to Chatham Historic Dockyard. For

38

booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 email: enquiries@iowtours.com & mention F390, or Frenchy Sec F390 at f390.sec11@virginmedia.com RN Shipmates Association – 8 April 2016 Has your Association hung up its banner? Are there now too few to have a reunion? There is no need to miss out on the camaraderie we are all used to and there is no need to ‘forget’ your old shipmates.

An RN Shipmates Reunion will take place at the Tillington Hall Hotel Staffordshire from April 8 to 11. Friday and Saturday see us finding old and new shipmates with a lot of Lamp Swinging.

Sunday will see us at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas where you can lay your own wreath to past shipmates. Reunion enquires and booking forms from enquiries@iowtours.com or Stamped self-addressed 9 x 6 inch envelope to RN Shipmates Reunion, 7 Heath Road, Sandown, IOW PO36 8PG. You don’t even need to have belonged to an Association. All the planning has been done for you. Just come, ‘Swing The Lamp’ again and …… remember.

HMS Bulwark, Albion and Centaur Association – 6 May 2016 The 2016 Reunion Weekend is booked the Bosworth Hall Hotel & Liesure Spa, Market Bosowrth, Warwickshire from May 6 to 8. Please contact the Secretary, Denis Askham at DnsAskhm@aol.com for details

HMS Sirius F40 1966-1993 Reunion - 18 June 2016 50th Anniversary of Commissioning Reunion at HMS Drake on 18 June 2016. Details available at www.hmssirius.info or Facebook page, H M S Sirius (make sure you leave the spaces) or contact Andy Ayres at andrew.ayres519@mod.uk or andyrayres@gmail.com HMS Lincoln Association - July 2016 The HMS Lincoln Association from the 68/69 commission are planning their 2016 reunion in the City of their name Lincoln. On September 12, 1970 the ships company having marched through the streets were given the freedom of the City. The association are now in the planning stages of returning for a reunion in July 2016, and early indications are that the City authorities are delighted it’s going to happen, and joint events are being organised.

The association would like to hear from any ex Lincoln crew members from both commissions and of course any who took part in the Freedom march, who would either have been 68/69 commission or the 70/71 commission there was a mixture of personnel from both.

They are invited to contact Mike (Yorky) Sutcliff at hmslincoln@yahoo.co.uk to see if they would like to join us for this rather special reunion event.

WRNS - 12 August 2016 A 50th anniversary reunion is planned for all ladies who joined the WRNS during 1966, event to be held on 12th August 2016 in Portsmouth. If you would like to join us, and/or know anyone else who would like to, please contact either Barbara Cotton (nee Binks, Victory 206) at barbaracotton46@btinternet.com or Maxine Higgins (nee Parish, Theseus) at maxine_higgins@yahoo.co.uk We look forward to renewing and making new friendships HMS Valiant Association – 13 August 2016 39

The 50th Anniversary reunion and celebrations will take place in Plymouth Dockyard and HMS Drake on August 13, 2016. The proposal is to have a ceremony on the jetty next to Submarine Valiant.On completion there will be a reception and buffet lunch at the Senior Rates mess. There is an indoor and outdoor bar and in the evening will be a small buffet supper. The event is open to everyone who served on HMS/m Valiant throughout her career. The day is intended to be a family affair to be enjoyed by all.

Please indicate your wish to attend and numbers to reunions@wearehmsvaliant.com so that regular updates re hotels and arrangements can be sent to you. Please include when you served on Valiant plus department and a contact phone number.

Swinging the Lamp - November

Date 1st 2nd

Year 1918 1956

3rd

1943

4th 5th

1650 1918

6th

1943

7th

1975

8th

1942

9th

1980

Entry G 7 lost in North Sea. Last British submarine loss in First World War. CPO William Pettit Coop, BEM, of 23 Collins Road, Southsea, presented with a second clasp to his Good Conduct Medal by Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Creasy, C-in-C Portsmouth. With one exception, CPO Coop, aged 63, was then the oldest serving rating in the RN having served continuously since 1 February 1911.

DAMS SS Storaa torpedoed in attack by German E-boats S100 and S138 of the 5th S-Boat Flotilla on Convoy CW221 off Hastings; twentyone men lost. In 2008 the wreck was designated by MOD under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

Black Prince burned by Parliamentarians.

The former Cunard liner Campania, purchased in 1914 and converted to carry aircraft, foundered in the Grand Fleet anchorage off Burntisland in the Firth of Forth after dragging her anchor during strong squalls in the middle watch and colliding with the battleship Royal Oak and then dragging into the bows of the large light cruiser Glorious. No fatalities. The RNR OOW in Campania, who had not let go a second anchor and had not called the Captain, was dismissed his ship.

Kite, Starling and Woodcock sank U-226 in N. Atlantic (44.49N, 41.13W), and Starling and Wild Goose sank U-842 (43.42N, 42.08W).

Another black day for the Royal Navy. The ‘infamous’ DCI T641/75 announced that black nylon stockings for Wrens (Vocabs 45500-05) were to be replaced by black tights. ‘BR81 and BR96 will be amended’.

The Navy had not fully recovered from the withdrawal of the Rum ration in 1970 when this further blow landed. A vigorous but futile ‘Fight Tights’ campaign was led by the FAA. The black stockings calamity ‘had a devastating effect on morale’.

VC: Capt Frederick Thornton Peters (Walney), Oran harbour. Landing in North Africa. Operation Torch.

Second major fire in a year damaged forward hangar and several 40

10th

1920

11th

1942

12th

1992

13th 14th 15th

1973 1808 1918

16th

1941

17th

1999

18th

1861

19th

1941

20th

1957

21st

1914

mess decks in the commando carrier Bulwark, alongside at Portsmouth. Increasing concern about old and faulty wiring. Ship’s Motto ‘Under Thy wings I will (t)rust’.

Destroyer Verdun sailed from Boulogne with the body of Britain’s Unknown Warrior (from the Ypres Front) and was received at Dover with a field marshal’s 19-gun salute from Dover Castle. The coffin was covered with the same Union Flag that had covered those of Nurse Edith Cavell and Capt Charles Fryatt, both executed by the Germans.

Submarine Turbulent sank Benghazi: a satisfactory revenge for Medway since she was the German depot ship for Mediterranean Uboats, and took down forty torpedoes Plans to transfer RN Operational Sea Training from Portland to Devonport and the closure of Portland Naval Base by April 1996 announced by the Armed Forces Minister.

Second Cod War ended. HMG accepted the Icelandic 50-mile limit.

Boats of Polyphemus captured the French Colibri off San Domingo VC: Cdr Daniel Marcus William Beak, DSO, MC, RNVR, for heroic leadership including a single-handed attack on a machine-gun nest in France at Logeast Wood. (Gazette date.) First naval recipient of cross on crimson ribbon.

Corvette Marigold sank U-433 off Gibraltar (36.13N, 04.42W). First kill using Type 271 centimetric radar in a U-boat trap, which brought personal signal from First Sea Lord.

Sea King helicopters from Ocean provided humanitarian relief after major earthquake in Duzce area, Turkey. Within hours the frigate Northumberland was engaged in disaster-relief operations on the island of Anguilla in the wake of Hurricane Lenny.

Wood screw gunboat Kestrel defeated a superior force of Chinese pirates and dismounted the guns in their shore battery at Ching Keang, Chu san.

Sydney (RAN) surprised by the German disguised raider Kormoran (Schiff 41) off the west coast of Australia. Both ships sunk. Wreck of Sydney found on 17 March 2008 in 2,470 metres at (26.14.37S, 111.13.03E), 250km S.W. of Carnarvon, W. Australia, 12nm from wreck of Kormoran, found a few days later.

Admiral Lord Mountevans, ‘Evans of the Broke’, died at Golaa, Norway. He was second -in- command of Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition and he gained added fame for his dashing action off Dover in the destroyer Broke in 1917. Between the wars Teddy Evans commanded the Royal Australian Squadron, was C-in-C South Africa and C-in-C The Nore.

Three RNAS Avro 504 biplanes flew from Belfort on the Franco-Swiss border to bomb the German airship factory at Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance, destroying an associated gas plant. The loss of Antwerp having put German airship facilities at Dusseldorf and Cologne beyond flying range, the RNAS aircraft were crated and sent by rail to Belfort. The attack flew N. of Basle and followed the Rhine on a 250-mile round trip over the Black Forest in what Admiral Sir John Fisher, First Sea Lord, praised as ‘a fine feat of endurance, courage and skill’. The senior officer, Sqn Cdr E.F. Briggs, was forced down and captured. Fl/Cdr J.T. Babington and Fl/Lt S.V. Sippe returned to Belfort.

41

22nd

1943

23rd

1982

24th

1983

25th 26th

1914 1943

27th

1987

28th 29th 30th

1916 1945 1808

First and unsuccessful raid by Welmans 44, 45, 47 and 48 at Bergen.

These were the third and smallest types of British midget craft, built at Welwyn Garden City to the design of Col Welman of the Interservice Research Board.

Cdre Sam Dunlop, who commanded RFA Fort Austin in the Falklands, invested with the DSO and CBE at Buckingham Palace, the first Merchant Navy DSO since the Second World War. Fort Austin operated Sea Kings in San Carlos Water under repeated air attack where Dunlop displayed ‘leadership, steadiness and aggression, and was an immense inspiration’. He died aged 85 on 17 July 2008.

First OASIS accepted afloat, in Exeter. Luddites have construed the acronym to represent ‘Only Adds Stress In Ships and Submarines’.

Submarine D 2 sunk by German patrol craft off Wester Ems Convoy KMF 26 from Oran to India via Suez attacked at dusk by thirty German aircraft in Gulf of Bougie off Algeria (36.56N, 05.20E) British troopship HMT Rohna hit by a glider bomb and sank in thirty minutes.

Over 1,000 US soldiers lost together with five officers and 115 men from the ship.

New landing ship logistic, RFA Sir Galahad, handed over by Swan Hunter. The first ever service of dedication for a RFA vessel together with presentation of Battle Honour Falklands 1982 took place at Marchwood Military Port on 3 December 1987. DCI(RN) 83/88.

RNAS aircraft destroyed the Zeppelin L-21, 8 miles E. of Lowestoft.

First RN helicopter ASR (Sikorsky R 5).

Capt Lord Cochrane’s defence of Fort Trinidad, Rosas.

42

2016 Diaries The 2016 diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £5.

If you need a diary with the dark blue crested cover it will cost £8 Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.

To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order form

From: .................................................................Branch/ Member Please provide ……………… 2016 RNA insert Diaries @ £5 .00 each £ ......................

Please provide ……………… 2016 Diaries with Cover @£8 .00 each £ ......................

TOTAL £............

Deliver the order to S/M…………………………………………………………

Address……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Card in the name of .......................................................................................

Credit Card/Debit Card Number............................................................................................

Valid From: ................................ Expires ..................................................... .

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… …………………………….................. Post Code:……………………………

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The 2015 Christmas card

These are available with envelopes at £5 for ten.

Orders should be sent to HQ Semaphore Tower and be accompanied by a cheque or payment details for the total value.

From: ................................................................Branch/Member Please provide............. Packs of ten Snowy Memorial Christmas Cards @ £5 per ten.

Please provide ..............Packs of ten Victory Christmas cards @ £5 per pack Deliver the order to S/M………………………………............

Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ..................…………………………………………………………………………….............. ………………………………………………………Post code…………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card No ................................................................... ....... .

Card in the name of :......................................................................................

Valid From: ......................Expires ....................

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address if different from delivery address Address……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

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The 2016 His’n’Hers Calendar is available price £5.

To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order form

From: .................................................................Branch/ Member Please provide ………………..... 2016 Calendar @£5.00 each TOTAL £............

Deliver the order to S/M…………………………………………………………

Address……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Card in the name of .......................................................................................

Credit Card/Debit Card Number............................................................................................

Valid From: ................................ Expires ..................................................... .

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… …………………………….................. Post Code:……………………………

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Form C3 APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL PERMIT FOR A REGISTERED ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION CLUB (To be submitted to RNA Headquarters by 15 December 2015) PART - The Club Name of Club in full .....................................................................................................................

Registered Number ...........................................................................................................................

Registered Office Address ......................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Tel.............................................Post Code......................................

Premises owned by : Club/Branch/Other..............................................................................................

Club membership as at 31 October ‘15 : Life........................Full........................Assoc........................

ANNUAL PERMIT 2016 The undersigned certify that: The Club is registered with the FCA and has registered the annual accounts/financial statements.

The Club is a going concern and solvent under the terms of the Insolvency Act 1986 and this is anticipated for the year of this permit application.

The Club, at its AGM, agreed to abide by the Rules for Clubs laid down by the Association; reviewed its approved Bye-Laws and believes them to be current and appropriate.

Hon Secretary ........................................(Signed)..............................(Print name) .......................Dated Chairman............................................. (Signed)........................... (Print name) ........................Dated Treasurer............................................. (Signed)........................... (Print name) ........................Dated PART II - The Branch The Committee of the ......................................... Branch of the Royal Naval Association has examined the above information and it is satisfied as to its accuracy.

The Committee hereby applies for the renewal of the Annual permit and undertakes to ensure all the conditions therein are complied with.

The present paid up membership of the branch is: Life......................Full...................Assoc......................

Branch Hon Secretary........................................................(Signed)........................................... Dated PART III - The Area Number.......... Area in which the ....................................Branch is situated recommends that National Council approves this application.

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Area Hon Secretary ......................................................... (Signed)..............................................Dated PART IV - The Council This application is approved by the National Council, the Bye-Laws, if amended, are approved On behalf of the Council........................................................(Signed) .........................................Dated Notes and conditions (a)

Under Association Rule 11 the Council requires all Branches forming a club to register it and its name with the appropriate authority through RNA headquarters, and thereafter to apply for an Annual Permit

(b)

The application for the Annual Permit should be submitted by the Branch having first received the Area’s endorsement, to RNA Headquarters by the 15 December 2015. If either the Branch or the Area cannot approve the application, it should endeavour to resolve the reasons with the Club, but failing this should report full details to the General Secretary with a copy to the Council member for the area.

(c)

RNA Headquarters will issue the permit dated 1 January of the following year as soon as practicable.

(d)

If the premises are not owned by the Branch it is a condition that adequate facilities are provided by the owner or lessee for the conduct of Branch business.

(e)

If the Secretary’s address for correspondence is not the same as the registered office for the club, this should be shown after their signature

(f)

The conditions specified on the Permit as being accepted by the Club include the following: 1. All members of the Club shall be members of the Association Full and or Life members as defined by article 7 of the Royal Charter.

2. The Club will, in general, do all possible to further the objects of the Association and will support and encourage the work of the Branch with which it is associated.

3. The Club will abide strictly by its registered rules which shall be those approved by The Council and accepted by the Licensing authority. Amendments to the Rules may only be made by the Council; they shall apply to each Club. Clubs are to use the registered Model Rules for the RNA, which ensures that they are always compliant with the Law and RNA Charter.

4. Each Club shall review its Bye-Laws annually and submit amendments to the Council for approval.

5 Two copies of the audited accounts of the Club shall be forwarded to the General Secretary each year.

6 The Council shall be entitled to appoint a representative to inspect all documents, accounts and books of the Club on giving seven days notice.

7 The Council and the appropriate Area Committee may from time to time pay a visit of inspection to the Club.

8 The Council can give seven days written notice of cancellation of the permit, whereupon the Club shall thereupon cease to trade under the title of the “Royal Naval Association” and to use the RNA registered model Rules.

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PROPOSED MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2016 Proposals must reach The General Secretary by 1600 19 February 2016 Name of Proposing Branch: ...........................................................................................

Motion / amendment

Explanation of the Motion / Amendment (To be included in the notes for Conference)

Hon Secretary ............................................................................(signed).........................(dated)

Name of Seconding Branch: .........................................................................................................

Hon Secretary ............................................................................(signed).........................(dated) Notes a. A motion is submitted in the name of a Branch. Secretaries of proposing and seconding Branches are certifying that the motion or amendment reflects the view of the Branch meeting (not a committee); and that voting was conducted in accordance with Rule 20. b. A separate form is required for each Motion or Amendment c. A manuscript copy is acceptable for additional Motions or Amendments if the printed form is not available. d. The Motion or Amendment should be as short and precise as possible avoiding ambiguity. A Motion should normally start with the word `THAT' e. The explanation is to assist the scrutiny of the Standing Orders Committee in understanding the intention behind the Motion so that they may be able to consider its presentation so it can be improved and implemented as soon as possible (Conference Bye Law C4) f. Motions may be submitted at any time but must reach the General Secretary by 19 February 2016. g. Motions of Urgency should reach the General Secretary not less than 48 hours before Conference.

(In accordance with Conference Bye Law C6.) and include an explanation about the urgency. h. Amendments to Motions should also normally reach the General Secretary not less than 7 days before Conference. The provision for the submission of amendments during Conference is in the Conference Bye-Laws. i. Bye-Laws. A Motion to Conference may propose that a Bye-Law be set aside or it may ask the Council to consider making or amending a Bye-Law. j. The Branch Proposing a Motion must have it Seconded by another Branch before forwarding it to the General Secretary. (Conference Bye Law C3a)

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Nominations for Standing Orders Committee 2016 For the attention of All Branch Secretaries Three members of the standing Orders Committee need to be elected/re-elected at Conference 2016.

Those standing down are eligible to be re-elected. (Trevor Howard) Each Branch may nominate one Full or Life member as a candidate for election to the Standing Orders Committee, subject to the approval of the Branch to which the candidate belongs. A nil return is not required.

NAME OF NOMINEE ………………………….................................................................

PROPOSED BY…………………………............................ BRANCH

.......................

ADDRESS OF NOMINEE …………………………................................................................. ………………………………………….......………………………………………........................ .......................................................................................................

E mail ...........………………………………………….......

Post code ......................................

Brief history of nominee in the Association. Continue on separate sheet if necessary.

CHAIRMAN

.............................................................. (signed).......................................(dated)

SECRETARY .............................................................. (signed).......................................(dated) If the Candidate is not a member of the proposing Branch, this section must be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ….......……………………………………….................................................................

We support this Nomination.

Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) Candidate I accept this nomination and promise to attend as many Standing Orders Committee Meetings as is possible.

Signature of Candidate ………………………………………….................................................................

This form must be returned even if no nomination is made. It must be, despatched to be received at HQ no later than 19 February 2016. Nominations received after this date cannot be included in the Ballot. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot.

49

NOMINATION FORM ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DEPUTY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 2016/2018 (Revised RNA Bye-Law 7) For the attention of All Branch Secretaries in Areas. 1,3,4,5,10,12, Scotland Each Branch may nominate one Full or Life member from any Branch within its own Area, as a Candidate for election to the National Council, and one full or life member for election as the Deputy National Council Member subject to the approval of the Branch to which both persons belong. (See Note Below) Names of Nominees NCM ...................................................

DNCM ..........................................................

Proposed by .......................................................... Branch

..................... Area

Address of Nominee NCM…………………………………….......................................................................................... …………………………….................. e mail .......................................................................

DNCM........................................................................................................................................ ……………………………....................

e mail .......................................................................

Brief history of nominees in the Association. (Continue on separate sheet if necessary) NCM

DNCM

Chairman ....................... (signed) ............................................(dated) Secretary....................... (signed) ...........................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate is not a member the proposing Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................

We are aware of the above nomination.

Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................

Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) ..............................................................................

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many National Council Meetings as is possible and to sit on any Committees to which I may be elected.

Signature of Candidate .................................................................. Dated ............................

The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1600 19 February 2016. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot.

50

Delegate to Annual Conference 2016 Branch secretaries should note the following before submitting their application. (a) Each Branch must comply with Rule 16(c), (No Branch shall be permitted to send a delegate to the Conference unless it has observed the regulations of the Association in regard to the return of balance sheets, the payment of subscriptions and the formation of Branches. This provision has no application to the right of, and expectation for, ships and establishments to send a delegate to the Conference.) but subject to Rule 10(c), (Associate members are eligible to act as a Branch Delegate at Area meetings and Conferences, provided that they have completed three years continuous membership of the Association immediately prior to election as Delegate) and has been in commission for at least three months by the date of a Conference shall be entitled to nominate one eligible Association Member as its Delegate to attend a Conference. (a) Each Branch nominating a Delegate shall send details to the HQ to arrive not less than one week before the date of Conference. A Branch may change its nominated Delegate provided the Council is notified not less than twenty-four hours before the Conference.

Branch

Area

Name of Delegate Car registration

Passenger Name

Delegate’s Address

Telephone No

Post Code

e-mail Number of Observers Name of Branch Hon Secretary Contact telephone No: (if not branch Hon Sec) Contact e-mail address Name and Address for correspondence (if not branch Hon Sec) NB: A Delegate will not be confirmed as such unless or until the Branch Balance Sheet for 2015 and Annual Subscriptions for Branch Members for 2016 have been received in RNA Headquarters (Rule 16c).

Should either not have been received in HQ, the Delegate will not be accredited and will be admitted as an Observer (without Pool Fare cover).

51

RNA 2016 BOOKING FORM 10th - 12th JUNE DE VERE VENUES – WOKEFIELD PARK (Near Reading) ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE BY POST/EMAIL USING THIS FORM – NO TELEPHONE BOOKINGS

Please note the first person listed in the ‘Accommodation Requirements’ should be the Lead Name on the Booking Form to whom all correspondence will be sent.

Prices:

th

th

th

th

th

th

1) 10 -12 June (Fri-Sun) 2 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £159 per person _____ 2) 10 -13 June (Fri-Mon) 3 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £198 per person _____ 3) 11 -12 June (Sat- Sun ) 1 Night dinner, bed and breakfast: £90 per person _____ th

4) 9 June (Thursday – Officials Only) supplement dinner, bed and breakfast: £59 per person ____ 5) Saturday Gala Dinner Only: £30 per person _____ Accommodation Requirements: (The first person named should be the “Lead Name” to whom all correspondence will be sent) Note: * A limited number of rooms are available for Single occupancy without supplement. If singles are over-subscribed a supplement of £15 per night may apply.

Arrival Surname

Day

Day

Depart Double Twin

Accommodation Type

Title

Initial

Single* Other

1. _____

____

____________________

________

______ _____ _____

_____

______

2. _____

____

____________________

________

______ _____ _____

_____

______

3. _____

____

____________________

________

______ _____ _____

_____

______

4. _____

____

____________________

________

______ _____ _____

_____

______

Special Requests/Mobility Issues: (Not guaranteed) including accommodation and parking, special needs and dietary requirements etc. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Lead Name Address: _________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Optional Insurance: We can provide comprehensive insurance cover for a premium of £10 per person. Full details will be provided for your consideration once your application has been processed and accepted.

CHEQUE/DEBIT CARD Payments

Post Code:_________Tel. Number:______________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________ Cheques payable to “Just for Groups!” Non-refundable £25 per person Deposit (Please see box opposite if you wish to pay by Credit Card)

* CREDIT CARD * 2% charges apply If you wish to pay using a credit/debit card then please tick here: _______ Once your application has been accepted we will contact you to arrange RETURN THIS APPLICATION TO:payment.

Deposit: _____ @ £25 = £_________ Lead Name Signature:_______________________

Date: ________________ th

Note: Final Balance Payment: Is due on or before 12 May 2016

Just for Groups! The Old Bakery, Queens Road, Norwich NR1 3PL Tel: Admin 01603 886742/Sales 01603 886740 Email: sales@justforgroups.co.uk www.justforgroups.co.uk