The Semaphore Circular No 661
The Beating Heart of the RNA
July 2016
The No 3 Area Ladies getting the Friday night raffle ready at Conference!
This edition is the on-line version of the Semaphore Circular, unless you have registered with Central Office, it will only be available on the RNA website in the ‘Members Area’ under ‘downloads’ at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk and will be emailed to the branch contact, usually the Hon Sec. 1
Daily Orders 1. Conference 2016 report 2. Remembrance Parade 13 November 2016 3. Slops/Merchandise & Membership 4. Guess Where? 5. Donations 6. Pussers Black Tot Day 7. Birds and Bees Joke 8. SAIL 9. RN VC Series – Seaman Jack Cornwell 10. RNRMC Charity Banquet 11. Mini Cruise 12. Finance Corner 13. HMS Hampshire 14. Joke Time 15. HMS St Albans Deployment 16. Paintings for Pleasure not Profit 17. Book – Wren Jane Beacon 18. Aussie Humour 19. Book Reviews 20. For Sale – Officers Sword Longcast “D’ye hear there” (Branch news) Crossed the Bar – Celebrating a life well lived RNA Benefits Page Shortcast Swinging the Lamp Forms Glossary of terms NCM NC AMC FAC NCh NVCh NP DNP GS DGS AGS CONA IMC NSM Throughout
National Council Member National Council Association Management Committee Finance Administration Committee National Chairman National Vice Chairman National President Deputy National President General Secretary Deputy General Secretary Assistant General Secretary Conference of Naval Associations International Maritime Confederation Naval Service Memorial indicates a new or substantially changed entry
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Contacts Financial Controller
023 9272 3823
FAX
023 9272 3371
michelle@royalnavalassoc.com
Deputy General Secretary 023 9272 0782
andy@royalnavalassoc.com
Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops) 023 9272 3747
nigel@royalnavalassoc.com
S&O 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) Snail Trail Mail - Postal Address RNA Central Office, Room 209, PP70, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT 3
Dear Shipmate, Welcome to the July Circular – I write this introduction as the country goes to the poll to decide our future in Europe, so by the time you read this we will know the result and our future. I am delighted to say that the comradely tone of our debates at Conference was much better than the REMAIN and LEAVE parties managed in the lead in to the referendum! It has been an exceptionally busy month for the RNA, with the NP, National Standard and me attending the moving and brilliantly managed Jutland commemorative service at Lyness cemetery on the island of Hoy in Orkney. Bob Coburn (our National Standard bearer (NSB)) was in the position of honour and right by HRH The Princess Royal, the Prime Minister and the German President for the wreath laying. You may have seen him on the TV managing his standard in very breezy conditions – but what was not shown was the freezing breeze going up his kilt (OK trousers) for an hour and a half before that! Our Hon Chaplain Ian Wheatley did a marvellous job on the drumhead service and needed the couple of tots I provided afterwards. Scapa Flow is indeed a cold and bleak place (all the trees blew away) – and gave a moving pause for thought at what the Grand Fleet sailors had to manage in 1WW for 4 years; and what large parts of the RN during 2WW had to do for 6 years. You will be pleased to hear that I managed to get a tot to retired First Sea Lords and the killick that rang the CALLIOPE bell and stood for 2 hours in the freezing cold holding his clapper! I represented the RNA at the unveiling of a commemorative stone to Boy Seaman Cornwell in Leyton (reported later), where the lad came from. There were big RNA turn-outs at the major commemorative services on 31 May in Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. A huge thank you to the many Shipmates who attended the many Jutland services to remember and commemorate their sacrifice and duty well done. I have an apology to make - last month I told you that the Conference dates for Perth had changed, then provided the old dates! The dates next year are: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 June 2017. Booking Forms are attached at the back of the Circ. I hope you enjoy the Conference brief and the great photographs taken by Nigel. We had a good Conference at Reading, but you will see that some elements did not go so well, particularly the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night. Our travel partner, CONA Travel, have been like Rottweilers with De Vere hotels and have negotiated a substantial refund and compensation package which will mean a £70 refund for all who booked through them (this will go out directly from CONA Travel). The De Vere letter is at the back of the Circular. This goes to prove the great value that CONA travel brings and the wisdom of using them – BZ Harold Burke and his team. I am off to Cleethorpes on Friday 24th for the main Armed Forces Day event with the NSB, again representing the National President. I know that many of our branches have been planning and getting gizzits from Nigel and Steve Caulfield. I want to say a big thank you for representing the Royal Navy and the RNA on the regional and local scene and keeping our beloved RN at the front of people’s minds. This is very important work and will become harder as the memory of Afghan and Iraq fades. 4
We are progressing Project Semaphore and should have the application process nailed down shortly, I’ll probably write hard copy and electronically to all branches and Areas about how this will work within the next 4 weeks or so. Andy, Nigel and I presented our Ship’s Wheel to the National Memorial Arboretum this week, for placing onto a purposed-built information shelter in the naval memorial area and overlooking our Naval Service Memorial. The wheel has been refurbished in the Dockyard (yes a real rabbit job) and looks marvellous. We had a chance to look round the new visitors centre (see background to the photo above) – which is going to be AMAZING. Sadly we can’t show you pictures from inside yet, but this is going to be a most impressive centre and our NSM information totem will be on the main route into the arboretum in the permanent exhibition area. I took the chance to look over the NSM, which is in very good nick and being kept in good order. The arboretum has put some hard standing by the info panel which really helps and the new info panel is really easy to read. The RNA bench is comfortable and in a great position as you can see from Andy and I lounging on it! The National Council has agreed to kick off the RNA’s campaign for getting the Jutland Wood established with sponsorship of 2 specimen oak trees on the avenue of 14 oaks commemorating the 14 RN ships sunk at Jutland. Can I ask you to encourage sponsorship of a commemorative tree for £20 – for which you get a very nice certificate. Mind you, any ex-Harrier pilots can sponsor an acre of woodland for £15,000! This is not just RNA, but other associations and members of the public with a naval connection. If you want sign-on forms let me know. Finally, a reminder that we are coming into the main leave season for Central Office staff during July, August and September; taking just one of the four of us out means a lot of extra burden on the others – this is no problem but I would ask for your patience and understanding if our service for queries, slops , claims or membership isn’t as slick as normal. Off to check my European health card (just in case).
All the best from me and the Central Office (HQ) team Paul
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Chairman’s Chat - July 2016 Shipmates, I was totally surprised and very humbled to receive a spontaneous and prolonged standing ovation after delivering a personal statement to Conference 2016 at the end of my National Chairman’s Report. We only had 68 delegates and perhaps half that number of observers present in the Hall and so I feel I want make this Chairman’s Chat, possibly my last, a repeat of that statement for you all to read. “This will be my last report to Conference as your National Chairman. I shall not be seeking re-election in September and will be leaving the NC before the end of the year. It had always been my intention not to serve at National level beyond the age of 70. I reached that in early 2015 and having undergone two major cancer operations in the preceding 3 months, with 6 months of chemotherapy to follow, that decision was even firmer in my mind. Sadly, my great friend and National Vice Chairman for 5 years, Keith Crawford, had suffered a severe stroke and decided he could not continue in National Office. I thought that both of us going together was not in the best interests of the RNA and, as I was then feeling so well, I sought re-election last year. But the last few months have not been easy for me. While recent scans have shown no sign of either my bowel or liver cancer returning, the chemotherapy has left me with some embarrassing and quite debilitating side effects. I have, reluctantly, accepted that I am not fit enough to continue the job, and be as fully committed to it as I would want to be. I have been National Chairman for 6 years, starting in that office the same day as Paul Quinn took over as GS. It has been a great pleasure working with him during that time and I thank him for all the excellent advice and support he has given and the great friendship he has shown to me. The same comments go to the National President with whom I have worked closely for a little longer. It has been a productive time and lot of fun and I thank you both most sincerely. I would have laughed if someone had told me 32 years ago when I left the RN as a run of the mill schoolie that in years to come I would be telling a Captain what to do and pulling the leg of a Vice Admiral. But I started on that path just 4 years later when I joined the RNA, rekindled the Naval camaraderie I was missing in civvy street, and I have enjoyed it enormously ever since. It has been a pleasure to repay to you members what I hope was as dedicated a service as I had received from your shipmates in my Naval career. I have even had the pleasure of serving on National Council alongside one of my former Fleet Air Arm class trainees – I taught him a bit about electronics then and he has taught me a bit about accounts since. Thank you, National Treasurer. There are so many other people I want to thank too; the many colleagues I have worked with on National Council; the Branch and Area Committee members in Area 8 who have given me great support and friendship for over 20 years; that also applies to the warmth of welcome I have received from the many other Branches and Areas I have visited; the very many members with whom I have had email or telephone contact; our small but committed Central Office Staff to whom we all owe so much; and Kevin Cornelius for his hard work and sound advice on our 6
behalf. But most of all I want to say a special thank you to my wife, Gail. When I was Branch Secretary she was known as the Secretary’s Secretary. She has also been the Secretary of the Area 8 Treasurer, and Area DNCM and NCM, the National Vice Chairman and National Chairman, plus to all the other voluntary and charity roles I have held locally in Tenbury Wells. She was a true Naval wife and has been unstinting in her support for me as an RNA wife – she would even say an RNA widow for much of the time. She is delighted I have at last decided to step down and it is now time for me to give her all the support she deserves. We have seen huge changes in the RNA over the last 6 years. To name just a few: the Partnering Agreement with the RN; rebranded the RNA and launched a highly successful website with on-line membership; developed and unveiled the hugely popular and successful Naval Service Memorial at the National Arboretum; brought in many new lines of RNA branded clothing; established a significant improvement in the management of RNA accounts; run 6 successful conferences; developed the RNA’s first ever future strategy; evolved the most innovative and respected Naval Service Leavers Transition programme ever; received high acclaim as a prime Naval Partner in the Jutland 100 Wood Project; won an award of £650K for funding Project Semaphore to combat digital social isolation of Naval Veterans; instituted the very popular HQ Open Days; developed CONA into a large and successful Naval veterans forum; and brought in the Mentoring of Part 1 and 2 RN Trainees. Also, we have produced much-improved monthly circulars, annual conference minutes and trustee reports, and have some worthy shipmates enjoying the Patron’s Lunch on the Mall tomorrow. I am pleased and immensely proud to have played just a small part in much of that. I am sure we have made the RNA more attractive. It is important for us all to remember that we members don’t own the RNA, but are just its current custodians. We have kept held high the torch passed on to us by our past members who have crossed the bar, and it is now up to us to ensure that torch is carried forward to maintain a strong and thriving RNA for future generations of our Royal Navy Shipmates and Oppos to join. Thank you, Shipmates, and I wish you all well in your endeavours.” Shipmates, I have had a great time serving on National Council for the past 10 years. As your National Chairman for six of them I know I have not pleased all of the members all of the time, and even some of the members for none of the time, but my actions have always been driven by what I felt was in the best interests of the RNA as a whole. The RNA has been such a huge part of my life since I left the Navy, and it has been my most earnest desire to try and help make it so for generations of sailors to come. It has been a pleasure serving you, enjoying your support and friendship, and soon I shall return to being just an ordinary branch member alongside you all, keeping the flag flying in our local communities for not just A Naval Association but for THE Royal Naval Association.
Yours Aye, Chris Dovey
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Daily Orders 1.
2016 Conference Report – Wokefield Park Reading
The Association met for its annual reunion at the Wokefield Park Hotel Reading from Friday 10 June to Sunday 12 June. 300 Shipmates booked into the Hotel and met on the Friday night for a ‘meet and greet’ – which really meant several beers in the bar with the footy on the large screen TV. The main Conference room was available, but the layout of the hotel meant that there were plenty of quiet corners for shipmates to have a good natter and catch-up. Shipmates arriving on Friday afternoon were met by the Area 3 team led by S/M Bob Scott (Area Chair) and the tireless S/M Soapy Watson. The Conference got underway promptly at 1000 with 71 delegates registered for attendance. The Conference room was ideal for the job, being roomy well-lit and quiet (except when the motions were being discussed)! Bob Coburn marched in the National Standard and Rev Ian Wheatley opened with a prayer and brief reflection that included an excellent joke. Councillor Quentin Webb opened conference and welcomed the RNA to West Berkshire as the Chair of the West Berks District Council. He stayed for the first hour of Conference and left with the traditional flask of 54% Pussers Rum! We had only heard on the previous Tuesday that the Commandant General of the Royal Marines, newly in post, had been called at short notice to Brussels, and could not deliver the keynote speech and update on the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. It was sadly too late to find a replacement. So S/M Ivan Hunter the new Chair of the Standing Orders Committee got us going with the approval of the standing orders for Conference. The National President then made his address to Conference. He started with paying tribute to 3 Area for organising their end of Conference and recalling the contribution of shipmates who have crossed the bar, in particular S/M David Tollerton (Crosby) and S/M Alan Booth (Rayleigh). He reflected on some of the successes of the year, the Biennial the new Shipmates and Oppos programme and Project Semaphore aimed at digitally isolated naval veterans. He noted the many Jutland commemorations, the Patrons Lunch on the following day and the important Jutland Wood project which the RNA was the main partner with the Woodland Trust. He finished with his observation that the RNA was in great health as a vigorous and forward-looking organisation. He also said he was looking forward to the subscriptions debate to much ironic laughter So we got on with the President’s Prizes With 8 Area winning the Tasker Bowl, 9 Area the Sword; Plymouth the Brigg’s Dirk, Sleaford the Rose Bowl and Almunecar and Riyadh the overseas certificates. 8
Well done to all! He took the chance to present Warrant Officer1 Jan Cox with her Vice President badge following her appointment by the NC the day before replacing WO1 Tim Bowers who has now left the RN. He then presented the new Area Standard bearer sashes to representatives from each Area; which made a fine show. The Chair of the SOC announced the results of the elections Area NCM DNCM SOC Election (Supervised by NC) 1 Foley Lloyd 2 places available 3 Scott McLean 4 Knight Haig S/M R Ascott - 48 votes elected S/M J Tubman - 43 votes elected 5 Ambrose Hamond S/M T Howard - 42 votes 12 Stephenson Purkis The Hon Treasurer then traversed the rows and shinnied up the columns of the Accounts in briefing Conference on the 2015 Financial Year (not repeated here since the Accounts have been sent to branches (and to save 1,000 trees). A question was asked about the reduced PR budget, as counter-intuitive to increasing membership, a technical question about pooled fares and one about accountancy fees. The National Chair made his annual report of the NC to Conference, covering the details of 2015 and the many achievements during the year. However he surprised Conference by announcing that he is to stand down as National Chairman in September due to ill health. He thanked his wife Gail, his branch and Area colleagues, Central Office staff and the NC. You can read most of what he said in his Chairman’s Chat in this edition of the Circular. He received a 5 minute standing ovation from the delegates, which was a really moving tribute to his marvellous term of office, tissues were required on the top table! Then followed two presentations, the first regarding Project Semaphore made by the GS and Lt Sharon Brown RNR, the Project Manager. Progress on the project was reported and many really excellent questions were asked. Mr Karl Mitchell took the delegates through the Jutland Wood project and welcomed the NC decision to lead the RNA push with sponsorship of 2 specimen oak trees in the avenue of 14 oaks representing the 14 RN ships lost at Jutland. We then moved to the motions part of the day (the Conference follows the AGM before it). There was one motion of urgency to hold the 2018 Conference in Dublin which was unanimously passed when the fact that Guinness comes from Dublin was pointed out. A big thank you to Dublin branch and 12 Area for their offer to hold the conference in Dun Laoghaire at the Royal Marine Hotel. The first three NC motions were technical rule tidying-up and went through quickly and unanimously. We then moved on to NC motion 4, to increase subscriptions to £14 with effect from 1 January 2017. The motion was proposed by NCM2 who pointed out that subscriptions were the only guaranteed income for the Association and had remain unchanged for 11 years. Speakers spoke against and for the motions; bringing up issues of affordability, effect on club 9
associate members, the increase is once only a year and the price of a pint. The NP as Chair reminded delegates to vote with their conscience and if an increase was not now then did it mean that subs never increased. Is this the time? The vote was 54 votes For and 14 Against, so the motion was carried. We then went to Motion 2 which proposed smaller increases in future years. Again NCM 2 spoke to the motion reminding delegates that Conference 2015 had asked for smaller regular increases rather than a ‘cliff edge’ – and allowed future planning. Most delegates spoke against the motion the crux of the argument being that the NC should come to Conference for an increase when they know what the finances are like in those years. 30 votes For and 40 votes Against, so the motion failed. NC motion 6 was about the removal of the £100 cap for Life membership. A relatively short debate followed and the motion was carried 57 For and 9 Against. We then went to NC motion 7 which proposed a differentiated fee for a Certificate of Appreciation. NCM 4 put the NC case that the CoA now provided full voting rights for AM and the fee recognised that fact. CoA to FM or LM did not confer new rights, hence the differentiated fee. There were several speakers against, some of whom raised the issue of affordability for small branches. NCM 4 in his right of reply said that any AM that was deserving of a CoA should not be stopped by a worry about fees and the branch should apply to the club and branch support fund through their NCM. The vote was For 43 and Against 21 (4 did not vote) although NP announced that the majority was insufficient the Chair of the SOC pointed out later that the required two-thirds majority of votes cast (not delegates present) had been met and the will of Conference was that the motion passed. GS announced this the following day at the Church Service. Raffle results: 1st Mr J Elliotl nd 2 A Sexton 3rd David Forest th 4 Bob Wheatley
Sleaford Stafford Middlesbrough Cheltenham
Thirsty delegates repaired to the bar after the Conference was closed. The Gala Dinner followed, which frankly was pretty disappointing. Service at table and the bar was slow due to understaffing and some tables did not get every course (GS included). Our travel partner CONA Travel took this up with De Vere hotels afterwards, who have apologised and every delegate who booked and paid through CONA travel will received a £70 refund and compensation payment (BZ CONA Travel). Apology letter at the back of the Circ. A simple Service followed on Sunday morning with 17 standards parading, held indoors since the rain was falling. Several members had to leave early to get to London for the Patron’s Lunch. They missed a great sermon by Ian Wheatley who proposed that Jesus was, in fact a matelot!
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2. Remembrance Parade 13 November 2016 - Very Important Changes to Ticket Allocation Process. (******Register by 17 July 2016, details below******) Reflecting the current heightened security requirement and in order to maintain the continued protection afforded to those attending the Remembrance Sunday Parade in London a number of significant changes have had to be made to the process for obtaining a ticket to allow shipmates to march in the parade. This will ensure that the Metropolitan Police continue to provide security at the current level. The changes below have been approved by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, whose responsibility it is for co-ordinating and managing the national remembrance parade and their delegated representatives: TRBL; MoD; HQ London District. There will be a maximum of 10,000 places available- the intention being to achieve a balance of representation that accurately reflects the wider Veteran community, including the Commonwealth. It will seek to include as many Veterans Associations and Military Charities as possible. Due to the heightened security measures the Met Police will need to conduct individuals security checks on all participants. Therefore Basic Personal Information will be required in advance for each applicant and ticket holders will need to bring photo ID and a document showing proof of their address for access to the parade at Horse guards via manned Police entry points. Finally the criteria for participation have changed and are as follows; Category 1 -
Ex-Service Personnel holding a campaign medal
Category 2 -
Civilians deployed on operations in support of the Military (includes; Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Civil Servants)
Category 3 -
Ex-Service Personnel with no campaign medal
Category 4 -
Bereaved Spouses (husband/wife/partner who died on operations)
Category 5 -
Veteran association representatives
Category 6 -
Military Charities and associated Civilian groups
All Shipmates hoping to march in the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph must forward the following details to Nigel at Central Office (HQ) – nigel@royalnavalassoc.com by Friday 17July 2016 Title/Rank, First Name (This must be the name on the photo ID), Last Name, Date of Birthday (DD/MM/YYYY), Place of Birth, First line of address, Town, Postcode, Service number (Where applicable), Criteria (As per list above)
Individually Named tickets will be despatched in October. Shipmates please be aware that there will be a compulsory ‘no ticket no entry’ policy in operation on the day. 11
3. Slops/ Merchandise and Membership Shipmates are advised that Nigel will be on leave between 11 July – 02 Aug and 15 Aug – 23 Aug so all routine requests for Slops/Membership will be dealt with on his return from these periods. If there is an urgent requirement please leave a message on the answer phone (02392 723747) and other members of staff will deal with it. Thank you for your forbearance.
4.
Guess Where? An Establishment
This month can you name this 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 hovering or looking on Google or Wiki!! Answers in next month’s edition. Last month’s answer!
RM Bickleigh Barracks. 5.
Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge
Central Charities Fund C Foston
£100.00
Naval Service Memorial Fund No Donations on this occasion ‘In memory of the late....’ Stanley H Hiles Raymond Bruce Stuart Pernham
£99.44 £475.02 £50.00
Thank you very much for your continued support.
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6.
Pussers Black Tot Day
Shipmates may wish to visit the attached link to the Pussers Black Tot Day site that is now up and running http://pussersrum.com/blacktotday/ Pussers will be listing events on the site by location so people can find BTD events near them and there is also a section in which you can sign up to host an event!
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The Birds and The Bees!! Joke. (Beware Adult content!) Little Johnny keeps asking his Dad for a television in his bedroom, to which his Dad keeps saying ‘No’, but after prolonged nagging, the Dad agrees.
Several nights later Johnny comes downstairs and asks, “Dad, what’s Love Juice?”. Dad is horrified, and after looking at Mum, who’s also gobsmacked, proceeds to give his son the dreaded sex talk. Johnny now sits on the Sofa with his mouth open in amazement. Dad asks, “So, what is it you have been watching then, Son?”. Wait for it.............. Johnny replies, “Wimbledon (Courtesy of Plymouth Branch)
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SAIL - New Citizens Advice service for RN Veterans Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line (SAIL) is the only Citizens Advice service dedicated to seafarers across the UK.
SAIL has been giving support to merchant seafarers and fishermen for 20 years. It has now expanded and can give free advice to anyone who has ever served in the Royal Navy. We can also help their partners, widows and widowers. Of course, this includes CONA members (which includes the RNA). Advice is given by phone, email or letter. All advice is free, fast and confidential.
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SAIL can give advice on all of these and many more – • • • • • • • • •
Benefits Pensions Debts and money problems Housing issues Problems at work Maritime charity grants Consumer problems Family-related issues Immigration
SAIL has 6 advisers, all of whom are professional and fully trained. SAIL is independent from the Government, and from the Royal Navy. How to get advice You can contact a SAIL adviser in any of these ways •
Call 08457 413 318 or 020 3597 1580 between 10 and 4 on weekdays. You can request an immediate call back if the call is expensive for you. There’s an answer phone service at other times. • Email advice@sailine.org.uk • Use the contact page on the SAIL website www.sailine.org.uk/contact-us There's more information on the SAIL website www.sailine.org.uk
9.
RN VC Series - Seaman Jack Cornwell VC Royal Navy
Celebrating the Battle of Jutland this month’s RN VC is Boy Seaman First Class John (Jack) Travers Cornwell VC. Jack Cornwell was born on 8th January 1900 into a working class family in Leyton Essex. He attended Walton Road School and left at the standard age of 14. In October 1915 he gave up his job as a delivery boy and joined the RN. He was drafted to HMS Vivid, Keyham Naval Barracks in Plymouth where he completed his basic training as a sight setter or gun layer. At Easter 1916 Boy Seaman First Class Travers joined HMS Chester in Rosyth. On 31 May 1916, HMS Chester was scouting ahead of the 3rd Battlecruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland when the ship turned to investigate gunfire in the distance. At 17:30 hours, the Chester soon came under intense fire from four Kaiserliche Marine cruisers each her own size which had suddenly emerged from the haze and increasing funnel smoke of the battlefield. The shielded 5.5-inch gun mounting where Cornwell was serving as a sight-setter was effected by at least four nearby hits. The Chester's gun mountings were open14
backed shields and did not reach down to the deck. Splinters were thus able to pass under them or enter the open back when shells exploded nearby or behind. All the gun's crew were killed or mortally injured except Cornwell, who, although severely wounded, managed to stand up again and remain at his post for more than 15 minutes, until Chester retired from the action with only one main gun still working. Chester had received a total of 18 hits, but partial hull armour meant that the interior of the ship suffered little serious damage and the ship itself was never in peril. Nevertheless, the situation on deck was dire. Many of the gun crews had lost lower limbs due to splinters passing under the gun shields. British ships report passing the Chester to cheers from limbless wounded gun crew laid out on her deck and smoking cigarettes, only to hear that the same crewmen had died a few hours later from blood loss and shock. After the action, ship medics arrived on deck to find Cornwell the sole survivor at his gun, shards of steel penetrating his chest, looking at the gun sights and still waiting for orders. Being incapable of further action, Chester was ordered to the Humber port of Immingham. There Cornwell was transferred to Grimsby General Hospital, although he was clearly dying. He died on the morning of 2 June 1916 before his mother could arrive at the hospital. Three months later HMS Chester’s Commanding Officer, Captain Robert Lawson, recommended that Cornwell be considered for a Posthumous Victoria Cross which was endorsed by King George V. His citation by Admiral David Beatty reads; "the instance of devotion to duty by Boy (1st Class) John Travers Cornwell who was mortally wounded early in the action, but nevertheless remained standing alone at a most exposed post, quietly awaiting orders till the end of the action, with the gun's crew dead and wounded around him. He was under 16½ years old. I regret that he has since died, but I recommend his case for special recognition in justice to his memory and as an acknowledgement of the high example set by him." Jack Cornwell was initially buried in a common grave (Square 126 Grave 323) in Manor Park Cemetery, London, but his body was exhumed on 29 July 1916 and he was reburied with full military honours also in Manor Park Cemetery Square 55 Grave 13. Jack Cornwell's father Eli, who died on 25 October 1916 from bronchitis during home service with the Royal Defence Corps, was buried in the same grave on 31 October 1916. On 16 November 1916, Cornwell's mother received the Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace. Court painter Frank Salisbury made a portrait of Cornwell, using his brother Ernest as a model, depicting him standing in his post. Boy Cornwell Memorial Fund was also established. After that, the rest of the family was effectively forgotten. After Eli Cornwell's death on 25 October 1916, his stepbrother Arthur Frederick Cornwell was killed in action in France on 29 August 1918. Impoverished Alice Cornwell died at Stepney on 31 October 1919 at 745 Commercial Road in rooms she was forced to take when her son's memorial fund refused financial aid at the age of 48. The two of her children remaining at home were granted £60 a year in a pension from the fund after Alice's death, but this proved insufficient and they both emigrated to Canada in the early 1920s. Jack Cornwell's elder half-sister, also named Alice, loaned Jack's Victoria Cross to the Imperial War Museum on 27 November 1968. 15
Salisbury's portrait of Cornwell hangs in the Anglican Church within the Royal Navy's Initial Training Establishment HMS Raleigh, perhaps selected as an appropriate place also because the ship's Chaplain, The Rev. Cyril Ambrose Walton, was also killed during the action. The picture above shows the General Secretary (2nd from left) at the 100 year commemoration of Jack Cornwell’s death which was held in his birth place of Leyton. RNBT now has custody of the 6 Cornwell houses bought by the Memorial Fund, and are run and operated for naval veterans.
10. RNRMC – BofJ Charity Banquet More than £130,000 has been raised for naval charities in memory of those who served and died at the Battle of Jutland at a fundraising banquet held at Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor of London. The dinner, hosted by Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, President The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Vice Admiral Sir Donald Gosling, President of the White Ensign Association (WEA), was attended by some 250 guests. The event’s Guest of Honour were the Lord and Lady Mayoress of London, Lord and Lady Mountevans. More than £30,000 of donations on the night were raised through a silent auction. The activity offered guests a collection of unique and one-off items, ranging from experience days with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, to a flight with intrepid aviator Tracey Curtis-Taylor, who recently flew 14,600 miles from the UK to Australia in her classic open cockpit bi-plane, the Spirit of Artemis. Other prizes included a track day in an Aston Martin DB5, an engraved 4” shell recovered from Portsmouth Harbour and a day at Commando Training Centre Lympstone. Further noteworthy guests included the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sir Philip Jones, and Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, who, alongside RNRMC Chairman Bill Thomas, signed a Charter between the Royal Navy and the RNRMC, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to support its principal charity. Robert Robson, CEO of the RNRMC, said: “It has been a humbling occasion to honour the memory of those who served at the Battle of Jutland. We are fortunate that today charities such as ours exist that can support the needs of serving personnel, veterans, and their families, whether in times of 16
peace or at war. “We are extremely grateful for the donations raised at the dinner. They will be directed to where they will have the greatest impact on people’s lives, whether in this generation or the next.”
11. RNA & Naval Associations Deployment to Ireland on the MV Marco Polo (Renamed HMS Marco Polo) - ‘Mini Cruise’ 29 Sep -02 October 2107 HOOTRDCOTUDCASDHTHS (Handsoutoftherigofthedayclearofftheupperdeckcloseallscreendoorsandhatcheshandstoharbourst ationsassumeconditionthreeyankeecloseallredopenings) Assume NBCD State 3 Condition Y Hands to Harbour Stations..... The HMS Marco Polo is under sailing orders.... Sail - Liverpool Friday 29 Sept 17 at 1900 Alongside – Dublin 0800 Sat 30 Sep 17 Sail – Dublin 1900 Sat 30 Sep 17 Alongside - Cobh (Cork) 0800 Sun 01 Oct 17 Sail - Cobh (Cork) 1400 Sun 01 Oct 17 Alongside – Bristol 0630 Mon 02 Oct 17 Get Your Station Cards ready and dig out your Steaming Boots, White Chefs T Shirts and slippers for evening rig. Buy your ‘Ikkies’ from the Ships Office and fill in your Bedding Card when your lifejacket is issued. Leave.....leave your civvies in your locker! Never mind the three cans a day rule on this War Canoe the ‘Tot’ is back in vogue and you can drink as much as you want with the ‘Drinks inclusive package’ of just £15 per person (Sadly you have to buy 3 days worth !!) This includes; House Brands Wine, Draught Beer, Spirits which includes RUM! and other alcoholic drinks by the glass from all Bars (Excluding premium brands). HMS Marco Polo is a 22,000 ton cruise(r) ship fully stabilised and air conditioned. All that is required is a £100 deposit per person to confirm your place on this unique cruise. This Mini-Cruise is currently exclusively booked for RNA Shipmates and CONA Association Colleagues but this can only continue for a limited period and if the available places are not booked the cruise company have the option to open this cruise up for the general public to fill up the available places. So Shipmates are requested to book up as early as they possibly can so that this does not occur and the cruise remains as a ‘naval deployment’. The booking form is in last month’s Semaphore Circular. So why not come along and swing that lantern........... 17
12.
Finance Corner
Dear Shipmates It was lovely to talk too so many Shipmates at Conference, hope you all had a safe journey home. Look forward to seeing you all again in the hot & sunny climates of Perth!! Delegates Expense Claim forms – Conference 2016 Reading Treasurers / Secretaries – can you please remind your Branch Delegates who attended Conference, to complete their Expense Claim form and return to Central Office, no later than 31 July 2016, in order for me to calculate Pooled Fares. PLEASE NOTE - Expenses will not be paid if claimed after the deadline. Year End Returns 2014 They are still 10 Branches who have not submitted their accounts to Central Office for 2014. Can I please ask for a copy to be returned to Central Office ASAP. I have informed your Area NCM that you have still not submitted your accounts, so they might offer what assistance is required; or you can ring Rita or me. They are: Area 2 Area 6 Area 8 Area 10 Area 12 -
RNA Isle of Sheppey, RNA High Wycombe, RNA Swindon, RNA B’ham Cotteridge, RNA B’ham Shard End, RNA Bloxwich RNA Kendal, RNA Todmorden, RNA Birkenhead, RNA Banbridge
Year End Returns 2015 Please note the Year End Returns as per the Rules & Bye-Laws Page 40 B19, (c) should be returned to Central Office by the 30 April 2016 Approx 50 Branches still haven’t sent their 2015 Year End Returns to Central Office. If you require assistance or guidance in completing the form, please ring me or Rita and we’ll be more than happy to assist you. Audit / Independent Examination Thresholds & Guidance information A few Shipmates are a little confused over the Branch Thresholds & guidance, so I will try and explain to make it a little easier for you. Here goes! Income less than £25,000 No external scrutiny require (i.e. No audit or independent examiner) Meaning – It might be advisable to have someone else from the Branch examine the Accounts for accountability.
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Income between £25,000 - £250,000 Independent Examination or Audit required unless Governing document stipulates one of the Other Meaning – can be any person with the relevant ability and experience in finance. i.e. retired Bank Manager etc. If someone in the Branch (besides the Treasurer) has relevant experience then that would be ok. Income between £250,000 - £500,000 Independent Examination (but independent examiner must belong to a specific body) or Audit required, unless Governing document stipulates one or the other Meaning – must be a qualified Accountant from a regulatory body. Hope that helps. Termly Accounts Branch accounts have now all been either posted or e-mailed to Treasurers / Secretaries for the period ended 30/04/16. If you haven’t received your paperwork please contact me and I will resend. Yours Aye Michelle
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HMS Hampshire
S/M Brian Sandom (Netley Branch) contacted Central Office to highlight the tragic loss of HMS Hampshire, a Devonshire Class Armored Cruiser, after hitting a mine just off the Orkneys. The ship was carrying the Secretary of State for War Field Marshall Lord Kitchener to Russia on diplomatic mission. Due to the gale-force conditions, it was decided that the ship would sail through the Pentland Firth, then turn north along the western coast of the Orkney Islands. This course would provide a lee from the strong winds, allowing escorting destroyers to keep pace with her. She departed Scapa Flow at 1645 and about an hour later rendezvoused with her two escorts, the Acasta-class destroyers HMS Unity and HMS Victor. As the ships turned to the northwest the gale increased and shifted direction so that the ships were facing it head on. This caused the destroyers to fall behind HMS Hampshire. As it was considered unlikely that enemy submarines would be active in such conditions, Captain Savill, CO of HMS Hampshire ordered the escorts to return to Scapa Flow. Sailing alone in heavy seas, Hampshire was approximately 1.5 mi (2.4 km) off the mainland of Orkney between Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head at 1940 when an explosion occurred and she heeled to starboard. She had struck one of several mines laid by the German minelaying submarine U-75 on 28/29 May 1916, just before the Battle of Jutland. The detonation had holed the cruiser between bows and bridge, and the lifeboats were smashed against the side of the ship by the heavy seas when they were 19
lowered. About 15 minutes after the explosion, she sank by the bow. Of the 655 crewmen and 7 passengers aboard, only 12 of the Ships Company who managed to get on two Carley floats managed to reach the shore alive; Kitchener and his staff were lost. Why Shipmate Brian wanted to highlight this tragic loss was that his Uncle, Gilbert Sandom was one of the sailors lost. Gilbert James Sandom was Brian’s Fathers Eldest Brother born in 1895 and only 21 years when lost he gave the ultimate sacrifice in HMS Hampshire. S/M Brian has now visited Lyness Cemetery and laid a wreath in his memory at the Royal Oak Buoy in 2011, 2012. This year on his 84th Birthday he will also be laying a wreath on 5th June in Orkney where the Princess Royal is to meet some of the families. Gilbert can be seen in the photo above with a bunch of Stokers. He is the tall one back right with Marine hat. RIP.
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Joke Time...... It’s a cracker....
A young Bosuns Mate is on the gate at HMS Nelson. The Chops M (Chief Gunner) walks up to him and says "Right lad, the Queen is visiting on public duties I want to know the minute she gets here, do you understand? The minute she's here you let me know". "Yes chops" says the young Bo’s’uns scrote So 10 minutes later a big limo pulls in through the gates, the bosuns mate stops the car, pops his head in and says " s’cuse me ma'am are you the Queen? " "No I'm princess Ann" "ok sorry to delay - you proceed The next Limo pulls in and he sticks his head in the window “s’cuse me are you the Queen “? No I am Princess Margaret OK sorry to delay you ma’am please proceed Next Limo pulls in and the same again he sticks his head in the window and asks “Scuse me Ma’am Are you the Queen” “Yes I am the Queen” “Right” he says “ If I were you I’d make myself scarce love cos the Chops M is lookin for you! (Courtesy - Sam Tantum T42 Facebook)
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15.
HMS St Albans – Deployment
Lt Tom Pinfold RN, from the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) in Bahrain, has very kindly forwarded a brief for Shipmates information on the tasking of HMS St Albans during her nine month deployment from UK waters. (For information HM Ships now deploy for nine months at a time, I know for some of our readership this is a dog watch compared to two year deployments but this is 2016!) In November 2015 HMS St Albans left her home port of Portsmouth for a nine month deployment focussing on maritime security operations in the Middle East. Tasked to Operation KIPION, the ship’s main role was to contribute to the security and stability of the region by projecting UK influence to both regional and coalition partners. Her deployment has helped to ensure access and freedom of manoeuvre for maritime trade and secured wider UK interests in the region. St Albans’ maritime security operations have been centred around counternarcotics boardings in support of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and in particular, two CMF task forces, CTF 150 and CTF 152. While on patrol, a Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) incident was resolved by St Albans when she rescued two Pakistani Nationals. The men were then successfully disembarked into the care of the Pakistani Coast Guard who repatriated them back to their home nation.
The picture shows HMS St Albans in the foreground escorting the FNA Charles de Gaulle
The Ship also provided Carrier Escort Support to the USS Harry S Truman and FN Charles de Gaulle Carrier groups, supporting the current fight against Daesh. Wider Defence Engagement activities included a visit to Gibraltar, Kuwaiti Staff College days, capability demonstrations in Qatar with support from the British embassy, and support to Bahraini forces. In what has been a high tempo and diverse operational deployment in an unforgiving climate, the Ship’s Company of “The Saint” have quietly and professionally gone about their core business; delivering above and beyond what is expected from the Royal Navy and her coalition partners. Each and every member of HMS St Albans ship’s company should be justifiably proud of what they have achieved at the spear point of operations. Now the focus begins to shift to the journey home and reuniting with loved ones.
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16.
Paintings for Pleasure not for Profit Shipmates may recall from the Feb edition that S/M Peter Foston, who is an HQ role Member, paints Marine Watercolours for pleasure not profit. He recently forwarded a donation of £100 from a recent commission for a shipmate. The painting featured HMS Eagle in Malta. If any Shipmates are interested in having a painting of his/her ship painted S/M Peter charges from £175 unframed and will donate any profit to the RNA. The paintings come unframed as sadly the carriers tend to
smash the glazing!
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Book – ‘Wren Jane Beacon goes to War’ by Douglas J Lindsay
Please see below details of the book is now available on Kindle for £3.99. The first three chapters are available free on the Kindle’s book website page. Equally the paperback is available from Createspace on the same Kindle website page, at £6.99. It takes three to five days to reach anyone ordering it. All these are available by clicking the appropriate button on the book’s Kindle website page, which you don’t need to own a Kindle to access – anyone can do it by Googling Amazon Kindle, selecting books and putting the Wren Jane etc title in the strip at the top. The ISBN is 9781530445943. It can also be downloaded onto a Kindle, of course, or onto any computer by use of a simple app. This is World War Two story with a difference. It was not just the men who went to war but women too, as this action-packed story tells. Set against a sweeping panorama of the war and the Royal Navy, Wren Jane Beacon goes to War shows just how close to the action a girl could get. Brave and feisty, independent of spirit so always at an angle to authority, from the start of the war she does brilliantly as the Navy’s first experimental boat crew Wren. But the story is much more than bullets and stormy seas; human life in all its complexities is there as she comes of age under extreme circumstances. The young Jane Beacon not only has to overcome the entrenched chauvinism of the Royal Navy; she also learns about herself and her sexuality. She soon finds out that having an affair in a warship is a major naval taboo. Almost chucked out when it comes to light, only her exceptional performance in the boats saves her. As a rating she learns to live with the lower deck and its own particular ways but coming from a comfortable upper middle-class family she is just as at ease in the wardroom which in itself is a source of strife. As she develops, neither corporal punishment nor naval bloody-mindedness can put her off. Typical of her impulsive nature, she takes a naval cutter to Dunkirk without permission to help with the evacuation and does great things, much to the annoyance of Naval authority. World War Two saw the UK’s armed forces massively expanded and, as always, the fighting and dying was done by young men drafted in whether they liked it or not. This time, the conscription also took in the UK’s women on a mass scale, and without them the war would not have been won. While their work was mostly in support and production, there were some who got close up to the front line activities and Wren Jane Beacon goes to War is the story of one who did. It is much more than “a ripping good yarn”, as one reviewer put it, although it is all of that. Quite 22
instinctively she lives, loves and works close to the edge and the tale shows women can be heroes too but always with a warm human side.
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Aussie Humour
19.
Book Reviews
All the books mentioned below are available from ‘NavyBooks’, the new brand name for what was ‘Maritime Books’, at www.navybooks.com. RNA members can obtain a 5% on-line discount on all books (except Bargain & Bin End categories) using Code ‘RNA 101’ when at the Checkout Cart. British Warship Recognition – Richard Perkins
£50.00
In the inter-war years Richard Perkins, a keen amateur photographer and avid collector, amassed one of the world’s largest personal collections of warship negatives.This he eventually bequeathed to the National Maritime Museum, where it still forms the core of the historic photos naval section. While he was actively acquiring photos, he found that many were neither identified nor accurately dated, so he began to compile an album of his own drawings. His main concentration was on features differentiating ships of the same class and, wherever possible, precisely dating alterations to their appearance, all portrayed in exquisite multi-coloured annotated line drawings. This project grew into an enormous resource covering virtually every Royal Navy ship from 1860 to 1939, when security restrictions forced Perkins to stop work. 23
This material was also donated to the NMM, where it was bound into eight large folio volumes and became a key reference for the curators of historic photos, but unknown and almost inaccessible to the interested public. This makes this first publication an event of the utmost importance for every enthusiast and ship modeller – it reproduces all the drawings at full size and in colour, and will eventually form a multi-volume set of unique reference value. Blockade – Steve R Dunn
£19.99
The Royal Navy’s role during WWI in denying Germany access to the sea, trade and vital resources was crucial in helping win the war on the Western Front; the ‘Northern Blockade’, located across the inhospitable waters between Iceland and Scotland, was to bring the German economy to its knees and destroy her home front morale. Likewise, the Royal Navy’s success in negating Germany’s attacks on British commerce prevented much suffering in Britain, and the author vividly describes the final destruction of German surface vessel commerce warfare, culminating in the hard-fought battle between the raider SMS Leopard and two British warships. The American reaction to the British naval blockade and to Germany’s war on trade and her treatment of American sailors taken prisoner is looked at, while the changes in strategy on both sides through the war and the use of converted liners and armed merchant vessels as warships (AMCs) are examined in detail; it lays before the reader a highly significant but, until now, much neglected aspect of the First World War. Phantom Boys – Richard Pike
£20.00
The newest addition to Grub Street's popular 'Boys' series, which includes books on the Buccaneer, the Hunter and the Harrier (Vol 1 now available – Vol II out shortly) Originally developed for the US Navy, this twin engined supersonic longrange fighter-bomber first flew in the spring of 1958. It then entered service for the US Navy in 1961 and in 1969 with the Fleet Air Arm and the RAF in the UK. Throughout the twenty chapters of this book, thirteen contributors take readers across the world with adventures in the Falkland Islands, the USA, UK, the Far East and Germany. There are anecdotes of reconnaissance missions, encounters with USSR Tupolevs, record breaking flights and life on HMS ARK ROYAL. For the general reader and the enthusiast.
Devonport Built Warships – Lt Cdr Ken Burns DSM
£20.00
In August 1689 the Admiralty raised the possibility of building a dry dock somewhere within the Devonport harbour limits. Within 12 months, the first two Devonport Warships had been launched. Many, many more followed, including some illustrious
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and historic names HMS ROYAL OAK, HMS WARSPITE and HMS EXETER. The last warship to be launched at Devonport was the frigate HMS SCYLLA, launched in 1968 and completed in 1969. The last large vessel to come off the slip was the Research Vessel Crystal, launched in 1971. Lt Cdr Ken Burns published the first edition of this book in 1981 - this revised, updated and reformatted edition includes new images, more details and extended captions for every warship built in the dockyard since 1860. A reference book for the enthusiast and generalist to enjoy. 200 pages with over 90 full-page B&W images.
Warships in Focus – Michael Lennon
£19.99
Michael Lennon’s earliest memories are of catching the Isle of Wight ferry from Old Portsmouth in the 1950s – passing HMS VERNON & HMS DOLPHIN, the mine-sweepers, submarines and torpedo boats moored alongside and seeing HMS FORMIDABLE laid up at anchor in the Solent. In 1963 he was given his first camera and he hasn’t stopped taking photos of warships since.This magnificent collection of crisp, black and white photographs captures all kinds of warships over a period of 50 years – Aircraft Carriers, including two ARK ROYALs, Destroyers, frigates, fast patrol craft, sweepers and submarines, two A Class HMS ANDREW and HMS ASTUTE spanning almost 50 years, as well as naval auxiliary vessels such tug boats, fleet tenders and ferries. A cracking bargain – 178 ship pictures with captions putting the ship, the photograph and the background into context. Pure naval nostalgia.
Pen and Sword Books Please find attached information regarding the new titles in Pen & Sword and Seaforth Maritime genre. Contact 01226 734241 e-mail psmarketing@pen-and-sword.co.uk Web www.pen-and-sword.co.uk The Zeebrugge Raid 1918 is the latest addition to Frontline’s ‘Voices From the Past’ series telling the story of courage and sacrifice through the use of newspaper reports, official documents and the accounts of those who were there. ISBN: 97814738767 Cost £25 Monitors of the Royal Navy deals with the origins of monitors and how they evolved from the bomb ketches of the 18th Century as well as looking at the various classes of monitor that were designed and built and explores the careers in both World Wars including the particular impact they had on the various campaigns in which they fought. ISBN: 9781473877 Cost £14.99 The Victoria Cross at Sea is a detailed study of the the sailors, marines and airmen awarded Britain’s highest honour covering The Crimean War to the Second World War. ISBN: 9781473876 Cost £25 The Kaiser’s Battlefleet German Capital Ships 1871-1918 is the first book to tell the full story of the capital ships of the Imperial German Navy which began its history with a handful of foreignbuilt ironclads, and ended it with the second largest battlefleet in the world, a fleet that would be all but vanished a year later. Covering both battleships and what would be classified in Germany as ‘large cruisers’, it weaves an illustrated history of the technical evolution and modification of these ships into that of the Imperial Navy itself. ISBN: 9781848322 Cost £35
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British Battleships 1919-1945 is a masterpiece of research and the comprehensive text is accompanied by tabular detail and certainly the finest collection of photographs and line drawings ever offered in such a book. For this new edition the author has added some 75 new photographs, many of them having never appeared in print before, and the book has been completely redesigned to fully exploit the superb photo collection. A delight for the historian, enthusiast and ship modeller, it is a volume that is already regarded as an essential reference work for this most significant era in naval history and ship design. ISBN: 9781848321304 Cost £45 Blockade looks at cruiser warfare and the starvation of Germany in World War One, a vivid and fast paced account of the Royal Navy’s blockade of the North Sea that brought the German economy to its knees and subsequently helped win the war on the Western Front. ISBN: 9781848323407 Cost £19.99 The Jutland Scandal brings together the account of Admiral Sir Reginald Bacon written in 1925 and the account published two years later by J.E.T Harper in one volume for the first time, revealing the failings of senior officers and the distortions of the early historians. This book tells the truth about the scandal that developed following the largest battle ever fought at sea. ISBN: 9781848329379 Cost £25 Skagerrak gives voice to many of the German Navy participants, from a German perspective, on this tumultuous battle fought over 100 years ago. ISBN: 9781783831 Cost £25
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For Sale – Officer’s Sword
A GIEVES & HAWKES RN SWORD PACKAGE inc. sword, knot, leather belt & leather padded case. Bought in 1991 the sword is in excellent condition. £1,150. Contact Eric on 07989 569996 or epbsneyd@hotmail.com for further details.
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RNA Longcast 2016 01 Jul 09 Jul 17 Jul 27 Jul 6 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 03 Sep 10 Sep 7 Oct 21 Oct 21 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 5 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 12 Nov 13 Nov 19 Nov 26 Nov 10 Dec 23 –3 Jan 17 02-04 Jun
HQ Open Day Dublin Branch Summer BBQ at the Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire Maidstone Branch – Annual Sea Service CONA Conference Meeting – Semaphore Tower Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Southend on Sea FAC Meeting HQ Open Day FAC Meeting AMC Meeting Merchant Navy Day – Fly the Red Ensign National Council Meeting HQ Open Day Dublin Branch Trafalgar Night Dinner at the Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire - (Deputy National President Guest of Honour) Inverness Branch Trafalgar Night Dinner – GS is GoH RNA Chard -30 year Commissioning Anniversary and Trafalgar Night Dinner Lee on the Solent & Stubbington Trafalgar Dinner – (DNP GofH) Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Harwich Banbridge Remembrance PArade Field of Remembrance – Westminster Abbey NS at Albert Hall Remembrance Sunday – NVCh and GS at Cenotaph AMC Meeting FAC Meeting National Council Meeting HQ Closed for Christmas RNA Conference – Perth
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D’ye hear there’..... News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Ferndown Branch At a recent Branch meeting one of Ferndown’s two serving members, Lt Liam Andrews the Executive Officer of HMS Ledbury and his wife Alice, who is an Associate Member, attended the meeting despite their very hectic work schedule. The photograph opposite is the proof! However the other Shipmate ALSM Steve Farmer serving in HMS Artful sadly couldn’t get back in time from Orlando! was radiantly represented by his wife Hannah Farmer, who is also an Associate member. Also ‘photo bombing’ the picture is Ferndown Chairman S/M Mick Arnold MBE. Finally, on the extreme right of the photo is the newest prospective member and secretary in waiting for the Branch, Miss Isobel Farmer. Unfortunately due to service commitments their visits are not as regular as they or fellow Shipmates would like. (Editor Note; Where is Shipmate Isobel’s RNA Hat?)
RNA Bristol Branch Bristol Branch and friends visited the Poppy Factory in London, at the end of a very enjoyable and in formative visit; they donated £50.00 which had been raised on the coach via a raffle. In the picture presenting the cheque to Brian Love, Poppy Factory Senior Guide, was Gordon Grant, Branch Chairman, Mike Potter Branch Secretary, and Social Secretary Janet Pittman, along with Branch members, and friends.
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RNA Spalding Branch Spalding Branch Secretary, Shipmate Terry Day, who is a retired Firefighter, recently entered the 2016 European Police and Fire Games which was held in Huelva, Spain, in the Grand Master “C� category (60-64 age range). The Games which are held biennially and draw over 5000 competitors from all corners of Europe, competing in to 72 different events. Although there was a local heatwave during competitions, with temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius, which made competition very difficult and very exhausting, Terry nevertheless obtained a Gold Medal for Shot Putt, Silver Medal for The Hammer and Bronze Medals for Both Discus and Javelin. BZ Terry. Hope you were not selected for drug rum testing afterwards......
RNA Bolton Branch Very sadly Bolton Branch Hon Sec, S/M Tony Smith would like to inform Shipmates that S/M Ken Curran aged 94 has recently crossed the bar. Ken served in the RN in WW2 as a DEM(S) rating on SS Poplar, MV Polperro, SS Westcliffe Hall, SS Empire Zephyr, SS Perak and as a member of the Ships Company of HMS Rodney. He was a popular member of the Branch who rarely spoke of his wartime experiences in the Atlantic and Burma. He was also a member of the Burma Star Association and will be much missed by all his Bolton Branch Shipmates. RIP Shipmate.
RNA Cheltenham Branch Shipmates from Cheltenham Branch and local RBL members attended the Cheltenham RNA & RBL Jutland Church Service and muster of Standards on 31st May. The service and parade was held in The Church of St Mary's, Cheltenham. A wide variety of guests from the local community were invited including; Ex-Service Associations, local youth organisations and any living relative from servicemen who had paid the ultimate sacrifice during WW1. The GoH was the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Mrs Chris Ryder. She was escorted to her seat by two serving R.N ratings from Cheltenham's GCHQ Joint Service Signal Unit who also read out a list of the 12 Cheltenham and 7 Gloucester R.N personnel who died at the Battle of 29
Jutland on 31 May 1916. Thirteen Standards were on parade at The Parish Church, Eleven Standards lined the knave while the two Cheltenham Standards R.N.A and R.B.l were laid over the alter. A bugler was supplied by the Gloucestershire Constabulary Police Band. On completion of a moving and graceful service, Wg Cdr Roberts, Chairman of Cheltenham RBL, thanked the Mayor, Guests and Standard Bearers for joining us in the Act of Remembrance. The Standards and guests retired for tea and stickies, served by the Church Ladies and appreciated by all. In conjunction with the Remembrance Service Cheltenham Hon Sec S/M Bob Wheatley was invited by Cheltenham Council to contribute to the Council’s WW1 1914 -1918 exhibit. He printed over fifty photos of WW1 R.N. Ships and listed the actions in which Cheltenham Officers and Men who had died whose names are on the Cheltenham War Memorial. The pictures were also on display at the Jutland Remembrance Service.
RNA Isle of Sheppy Branch Sunday 22nd May 2016 after 30 years the Isle of Sheppey branch has decommissioned and laid up their standard. In a touching service held at T/S Kent SCC unit conducted by Naval Padre Reverend Gordon Warren, branch members and shipmates from Area 2 along with Sea cadets witnessed the Branch Standard being placed in a specially made cabinet to be held in perpetuity for safe keeping. Branch Chairman S/M Michael Withington said it was a sad day as the island has had a great association with the Royal Navy as a dockyard, Naval Air Station Eastchurch, and the original HMS Wildfire. The branch has been forced into folding by ageing membership, ill health, and not being able to form a committee. Photo shows the laid up standard with branch members L-R Tony Southgate, Mick Withington, Len Osborne, and Ken Upsdale.
RNA Bude Branch Branch Members and R.B.L. members, were delighted to support the Static Display and Act of Remembrance at St. Marwennes Church - Marhamchurch on Sunday 29th May. Branch Standards from RNA Bude and local RBL Standards and were on display. The combined and very informative presentation by RNA & Old Cornwall Society contained items relating to casualties relevant to Marhamchurch, Stratton and Bude. "The Battle of Jutland" was the major naval confrontation of WW1 and occurred 31st May/1st June, 1916. The opposing dreadnoughts of the day on both sides fought themselves to effectively a stalemate - but it was the last time the German Navy put to sea in strength against British forces in that war. Within the Church Service, a poignant reading of Rudyard Kipling's "My Boy Jack" was presented and the traditional "Exhortation". A fitting tribute to thousands of sailors who 'crossed the bar' on 30
both sides within the sea battle. The Branch would like to thank the Church Ladies who kindly offered 'Tea & Stickies' on conclusion. Bude Branch would welcome any additional Full or Associate Members - (no age limits!) - for further details contact Hon. Sec. Bob G: 01409-253791
RNA Littlehampton Branch S/M Patrick Cox was presented with a Life Membership Certificate by Chairman S/M David Lawrie on 12th May 2016. Patrick served with the Fleet Air Arm as a LAM, his last ship was HMS Eagle. He joined the RNA branch in 1994 and did many years as the Standard Bearer. He also became Treasurer and now vice-Chairman of the Branch
RNA Newton Abbot Branch Branch Chairman S/M Nigel Wilson has forwarded the details of the latest goings on down at Newton Abbot Branch.... (well it is in Devon!) Another busy week for the Newton Abbot branch. On Saturday 28 May, we presented a Battle of Jutland display in the Town Centre, funded by the Newton Abbot Civic Society. The display consisted of a timeline of events, Ships lost and casualties from both Fleets. The reverse side, showed other ships damaged in the battle and also a section about the locals that lost their lives during the battle. TS CANONTEIGN SCC assisted manning the display with displays of their seamanship and piping skills throughout the day. Even though a small branch, we had a good day fund raising, we manned the display for 7 hours, drawing in the crowds and also attracting 3 potential new members . The display and promotional materials about the Royal Naval Association is a positive way to attract new members, Showing what we do and getting involved in the local community. (Shipmates Brian hall, Dave Cair, Richard Underhill, Nigel Wilson and Tony Portman). On the 3rd June we held our annual Mess Dinner. Our guest of Honour was the Mayor of Newton Abbot who was suitably impressed with the Naval Tradition of good food, fine wines and having a good time. After Toasting The Queen, the RNA and Absent Friends, a cheque was presented to Shipmate Simon Fawcett Vice-Chairman of TS CANONTEIGN Trust. Guests
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included members from RNA Torbay, the RMA and the Royal British Legion. Our week ended with “Decoration Day� This is a Service of Remembrance by the Royal Canadian Legion in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada on the 1st weekend of June, where there are some 100 graves of British Servicemen who were killed whilst training in Canada during WWII. The Royal British Legion Newton Abbot, organise a reciprocal Service of Remembrance at Woolborough Cemetary Newton Abbot, where there are some 28 War Graves, 3 of which are Canadian Finally, Shipmates are reminded that Newton Abbot will be hosting an Armed Forces day on Saturday 1st July 2017 and all branches are very welcome. RNA Buxton and High Peak Branch In 2005 the Buxton & High Peak Branch planted an English oak tree in the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. They have now repeated the exercise and on 31 May 2015 another English oak tree was dedicated to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of Jutland. The Chairman of the Branch, Shipmate Trevor Johnson, was joined by the Deputy Mayor of High Peak Council, Cllr Matt Stone, and representatives of other organisations in Buxton including Cadets from our local Sea Cadet Unit, TS BULWARK to dedicate the tree. One of the images attached shows 'The official dedication of the oak tree planted to mark the Centenary of the Battle of Jutland. RNA Chairman Trevor Johnson leads the ceremony.' The other image is 'The official dedication of the oak tree planted to mark the Centenary of the Battle of Jutland. Buxton Sea Cadets Chlefisher, Thibault Colson and Aaron Naden with Petty Officer Rebecca Luckman.'
RNA Ipswich Branch Ipswich branches of the RNA & RBL worked together to organise a service to commemorate the Battle of Jutland. The drumhead service took place in appalling weather conditions, at the MN Memorial on Ipswich waterfront on bank holiday Monday 30th May. Considering it was blowing a gale, there was a good attendance of Veterans to support the 16 Standards from various Associations, and it was a successful occasion.
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Those joining us included members of the Ipswich branches of the F.A.A., M.N.A., W.R.N.S., H.M.S. Ganges., K.V.A. and T.S. Orwell ; V.I.P.s included the Mayor of Ipswich and Deputy Lord Lt of Suffolk, and the service was conducted by Suffolk County R.B.L. Chaplain. The Branch would like to thank everyone who supported them especially those from other Branches who travelled with their Standard Bearers. The Branch also hosted a very successful Battle of Jutland concert in the evening, performed by the popular Ipswich Hospital band, that concluded with the Act of Remembrance and Sunset.
RNA City of Glasgow Branch On Thursday 28th May Shipmate Lt Cdr George Troup RNR (Rtd) received the BEM for his services to the Clydebank Sea Cadets and local community over the past 60 years. George has organised and commanded every Armistice Parade since 1974 and still continues to do so, he also organises and commands the Memorial Service for the Clydebank Blitz victims. His proudest moment was when he organised and commanded the largest ever parade in Clydebank in 2001 for the 60th Anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz. There were 5 bands to separate the marchers led by the Band of the Royal Marines from Portsmouth, with platoons from the RN and a full ships company from the Polish Navy backed by many others including the Argyll and Southern Highlanders Reserves. S/M George continues to organise these events at the request of the Provost and Clydebank Town Council George has gained many awards over the years. He became the Commanding Officer of TS Queen Elizabeth in 1973 and advanced to Lt Cdr in 1975 and then in 1988 became the District Officer for Clyde North which covered from Fort William to Irvine some 18 cadet units in all. George took over as Chairman of TS Queen Elizabeth Cadet Unit in 1999 and still remains Chairman to date. More importantly he is also a valued member of The City of Glasgow Royal Naval Association. This was followed on 7 June 2016 when four Glasgow Branch shipmates were invited by Erskine Hospital to attend a service of remembrance in the Glasgow Cathedral. The guest of honour was HRH the Princess Royal. The service was to commemorate 100 years of Erskine Hospitals service to the physically and mentally wounded servicemen, women and families of all wars past present and future. Erskine was set up in 1916 and has helped 85.000 servicemen and women to date.
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Area 8 S/m Frederick Charles Moreton, sadly not a member of the Association, was a Bernardo's Boy who joined at the age of 14 as an Artificer and served from 1939 to 1952 on Battleships and then afterwards on Mine Sweepers he Crossed the Bar in January at the age of 90. A support worker from the Sheltered Accommodation, were Fred resided, contacted Birmingham Central Branch to see what assistance the RNA could give as he had no known relatives. His funeral took place at Perry Barr Crematorium on Monday 25th April and the Chairman and Hon Secretary from Area 8 along with members from Birmingham Central Branch attended the funeral. The following is a message sent to the Area 8 Chairman, from a friend and neighbour of Fred’s, Tony O'Donnell. “I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for all the help and support given by you and all the RNA Association and their wives on Monday. It was a wonderful send off for Fred. The Reverend Ruth and the Co-op Funeral service also expressed the same feelings. Again Very Many Thanks.”
RNA Belfast Branch Belfast Branch commemorated the Battle of Jutland at the opening of HMS Caroline. The Belfast Branch held a Jutland Night on Friday the 27th May commemorating the 100 year anniversary with a ‘100 pence’ for all drinks night at the Naval Club. Our guests were the Captain and crew of HMS Ramsay who thoroughly enjoyed the night. We also had a church service parade on the 29th May and were once again joined by the Captain and Ships Company of HMS Ramsay.
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RNA Huntingdon and District Branch On Tuesday 31st May 2016, a series of events took place to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland. Shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch attended a flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies hosted by the Town and District Councils. National television broadcasts showed the Princess Royal with VIPs, including the Prime Minster, at St Magnus Cathedral in Orkney on a warm but overcast day. In Huntingdon the weather was not so good. However, the persistent rain and heavy winds did not prevent the community gathering outside of the council HQ to watch the Royal Naval ensign (belonging to Captain Victor Lucas, former Commodore of HMS Collingwood -- and a shipmate from Huntingdon & District Branch) being blessed by another branch shipmate, the Reverend Andrew Milton, before being hoisted by WO Robin Wood who is based at RAF Wyton. On completion of the flag raising, Standard Bearers from the RNA, RBL, and the ATC managed to keep their Standards flying high as a quick procession led back to the town’s War Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. Finally, due to the weather, VIPs and guests made their way into the Town Hall on completion of the wreath laying, and listened to speeches from Chair of Huntingdonshire District Council, the Deputy Mayor, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, and also from shipmate Victor Lucas himself, whose grandfather had served at the Battle of Jutland. Photographs show the RN ensign prepared for hoisting whilst Standard Bearers battle to take up their positions, the Reverend Andrew Milton with umbrella (not singing), and shipmate Bill Small holding on to the Branch Standard whilst the ensign is hoisted.
RNA Maidstone Branch Shipmates are cordially invited to the Maidstone Branch Annual Sea service will take place at the Maidstone civil service Club, recreation close, Maidstone Kent ME14 5AZ on Sunday 17 July 2016 commencing at 1400. Standards will be paraded at 1440 and march from the Club to St Lukes Church for a service of rededication. The reviewing VIP will be the Mayor and Mayoress of Maidstone, Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling. A tot for all
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Standard Bearers followed by a Sunset Ceremony will be performed at 1800 and on completion of that ; Fun, Frolics, Lamp Swinging and a Raffle. The cost will only be £5.50 for adults and £2.75 for nippers under the age of 12. Please contact S/M John Cooper, 10 Froyle Close Maidstone ME16 0RQ Tel 01622 675895 Email john.cooper.773@btinternet.com for information and tickets.
RNA St Neots & District Branch On Saturday the 18th June saw the St Neots and District Branch commission their newly purchased gazebo at the St Neots Armed Forces Day Event which took place one week ahead of the National Armed Forces Day. Over 4,000 members of the community showed their support including two Chelsea pensioners. The photographs depict spontaneous singing along with the D Day Darlings [Gareth Malone you have competition so watch out]. It was a successful day for the Branch raising almost £400 for the Association and local good causes.
St Neots Armed Forces Day Committee Chairman S/M Keith Ridley and his ‘Stokers Mate/ Worker Bee’ S/M Maureen Ridley met with up with a couple of Chelsea Pensioners who were last seen leaving the event at a great rate of knots after Keith regaled them with salty tales about his recently cruise in the Caribbean....... Branch Shipmates eventually caught up with them and discovered they had to switch their hearing aids off during one of Keiths renditions concerning his visit to Pussers Rum in Tortola!! The photo shows S/M Maureen in action describing her ‘Abba’ move to the poor pensioner.
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CROSSED THE BAR – Celebrating a life well lived Alan Peter Booth– Rayleigh Branch It is with deep regret that Rayleigh Branch announces that Shipmate Alan Booth (Rayleigh Hon. Secretary) Crossed the Bar on Wednesday 13 April 2016 at the age of 81. S/M Alan joined the RNVR in 1950 and in 1952 joined the Royal Navy, reporting to Victoria Barracks, Southsea for initial basic training, after which he was drafted to HMS Implacable to complete his training. He was then drafted to HMS Pembroke for a short period before joining HMS Aisne until April 1954, when he returned to HMS Pembroke for discharge on 5 May 1954. He then returned to HMS President, London Division of the RNVR, where he served for several more years and this allowed him to serve several weeks each year on RN ships. He moved to Rayleigh with his family and in 1988 joined the Royal Naval Association, Rayleigh Branch. Within a few months he took on the position of Branch Hon. Secretary which he held for nearly 28 years. S/M Alan was an excellent organiser and also a keen golfer and decided to organise golfing days to raise funds for charity. He chose SSAFA, The Armed Forces charity. It started in a small way and grew in size, with golfers from the services and civilian life attending these events from all over the country, raising substantial sums for this charity. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Alan had to give this up and passed it on to SSAFA to continue this yearly event. However, he would, when health allowed, present his trophy personally. Alan was a Life Member of the Association. Even in ill health Alan worked with the Branch Chairman to set up a Royal Navy and Royal Naval Association Memorial at Rettendon in Essex, which was dedicated in July 2015 in the presence of the National President and General Secretary. With his quiet way and calm attitude, he will be sorely missed, not only by his wife Iris and family but also by Shipmates from Rayleigh, Area 5 and those in other areas that knew him. S/M Alan’s standing in the RNA was recognised by the attendance of the National President at his funeral, together with his Shipmates from his Branch, Area 5 Officials and Area Branches. Central Office staff would like to add our thanks for Alan’s life as a wonderful RNA shipmate – he will be missed.
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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 •
Significant discount form Veterans UK www.veteranfunerals.co.uk Tel 07889 009393
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
Organisers of Reunions should be aware the CONA Travel will match or better any other ‘like for like’ Reunion/Group Trips bookings so why not give them an opportunity to impress you. 0844 264 2122 conatravelservices@justforgroups.co.uk 38
Shortcast 2016
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. The Fisgard Association – 01 July 2016 20th Annual Up Spirits and Sods Opera featuring Shep Woolley at the Royal Maritime Club on July 1 with July 2 seeing a visit to the Fisgard Museum, HMS Sultan and the Green and White Dinner Dance at the WO & SRs Mess, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth For more information contact Mike Bell for Up-Spirits & Sods Opera at mick_bell@hotmail.com and for the Dinner Dance contact Bradley at bradleys@mountpleasantcottage.wanadoo.co.uk or check http://thefisgardassociation.org or see the Fisgardian. 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 President - 13 August 2016 A reunion for current and former Shipmates of HMS PRESIDENT in London has been arranged on board HMS PRESIDENT, London RNR Unit for 13/08/2016 at 12:00. All current and former Shipmates of the Unit are welcome to attend. A 'HMS PRESIDENT Reunion' Facebook page has been set up or further details can be obtained from rcopland47@yahoo.co.uk. HMS Valiant Association – 13 August 2016 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 39
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. HMS Falmouth 82-85 (Last Commission) 26/27 August 2016 Reunion in Sheffield August 26 & 27 2016. For those that served on her during this period please PM me for further details. Mark 'Bill' Bailey HMS Swiftsure – 3 September 2016 HMS/m Swiftsure (Swiftsure 86 + 30): First reunion to be held September 3 at The Weston Mill Social Club, Plymouth. £5.00 per person. Buffet included. All who served onboard including partners welcome. For further information contact antonybadman@hotmail.co.uk HMS Tiger Association (C20) – 23 September 2016 Reunion will take place at the Heronston Hotel, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan from September 23 to 26. Further information can be obtained from Dennis Andrew at dax2brid@hotmail.co.uk HMS Ocean Association – 23 September 2016 Reunion from September 23 to 26 at the Aztec Hotel, Bristol. Open to all who served in HMS Ocean (R68) or HMS Ocean (L12), and their guests. Programme includes a gala dinner, and a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Full details from Malcolm Clarke, malcmobile@gmail.com or Isle of Wight Tours at shirley.winn@iowtours.com or telephone 01983405446. HMS Crane Association – 23-25 September 2016 HMS Crane Association U23/F123 (1942-62): Reunion and AGM at the Doubltree by Hilton Hotel, formerly the Gateway Hotel, Nottingham from September 23 to 25. All ex-Cranes and friends welcome. Details from Joe Smith at cranebird@btinternet.com HMS Bristol Association – 24 September 2016 HMS Bristol Association’s planned reunion is to be held at the RNGI’s Association, Whale Island, Portsmouth, on Saturday 24th September 2016. It is hoped that members and their Guests will have the opportunity to go onboard HMS Bristol for a tour around during the afternoon, before retiring to the RNGI’s Mess to partake of some refreshment and victuals. Shep Woolley has been booked to entertain us thus rounding off the evening with his usual Maritime repertoire and possibly a joke or two. Further details are as yet not forthcoming at present as the Association’s Committee are still finalising the event and specific details will be published shortly.
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HMS Arethusa Social Weekend – 30 September 2016 HMS Arethusa: Social weekend at the Savoy Hotel, Skegness from September 30 to October 3. For further information contact Isle of Wight Tours at enquiries@iowtours.com or tel: 01983 405116. Regulating Branch & RN Police Association – 30 September/ 03 October 2016 The Regulating Branch and Royal Navy Police Association was founded in 1993 as a non profit organisation for the benefit of all Regulators whether currently serving or have served in the Royal Navy to keep in touch, renew friendships and to occasionally meet at social functions. We have an active membership of 200 on our books with a high retention rate but, like all voluntary organisations, we are always anxious to recruit more people to our membership. The prime focus is in preserving the rich history of the Branch primarily through the maintenance and administration of our museum which is located in Southwick Park, Portsmouth (HMS DRYAD as was). The Association has benefitted from members from all parts of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and mainland Europe and there is the opportunity to meet old friends at our reunion and AGM which, this year, will be held at the Aztec Hotel, Bristol during the weekend 30 September and 3 October 2016. I would encourage all ex-Regulators to learn more about the Regulating Branch and Royal Navy Police Association by browsing our comprehensive website and perhaps you will be further convinced of the value of our efforts so that you will decide to join us and assist in meeting our goals. http://www.rba93.com or contact David Lodrick david.lodrick@ntlworld.com HMS Vanguard Veterans - 30 September 2016 Battleship HMS Vanguard: Reunion from 30 September to 2 October at the White House Hotel, Worcester, tel: 0904 1619222. Full details can be obtained from the Secretary, Mrs C Harris at sandc.harris@btinternet.com HMS Eagle Association – 07-09 October 2016 HMS Eagle - Commissions 1952-72: ‘Friends of HMS Eagle’, are holding a 44th Anniversary ‘Nautical Experience’ Weekend Reunion at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Bristol, from October 7 to 9. After the very successful last 9 Reunions held around the UK – All ‘Eaglets’ plus wives/partners & guests are very welcome to celebrate the 44 years since the ‘Mighty E’ decommissioned in Portsmouth in 1972. There will be a ‘Meet & Greet’ on the Friday evening in the ‘Park Suite’, followed on the Saturday with various Tours from the Hotel, including visits to Brunel’s ‘SS Great Britain, ‘Harbourside’ boat and railway trips’ plus Heritage Museums. The evening is taken up with a very Nautical Gala Dinner and traditional ‘Up Spirits’ enactment, followed by dancing and entertainment in the ‘Ballroom’, which includes the local Sea Cadet Unit, ‘Bristol Adventure’ performing ‘Colours’ & 41
‘Ceremonial Sunset’. (All Commissions 1952-1972 are very welcome. Hotel accommodation at very good rates. For details, please contact Main Organizer, Danny du Feu (Ex-L/Sea(Boats) Email: ddf.photography@gmail.com or Events Sec. Bill Melvin (Ex-L/PTI) Email: bill.melvin2@btinternet.com. See you there!
HMS Lowestoft Association – 7-9 October 2016 The 6th annual reunion of the HMS Lowestoft Association will take place at the Aztec Hotel, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS from October 7th to 9th 2016. All ex-Lowie's 1961-1985 and guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries@iowtours.com or email: ian@hmslowestoft.co.uk or visit http://www.hmslowestoft.co.uk HMS Tartar Association – 07 October 2016 Annual reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from October 7 to 10. All ex-Tartar’s and wives are welcome, come and meet up with old shipmates. Bookings to be arranged by IOW Tours on 01983 405116. Contact linpowe@btinternet.com for further information. HMS St Vincent Association - 07/10 October 2016 The annual reunion will be in the Royal Beach Hotel Southsea over the weekend 7/10 October with the AGM on Saturday in St Vincent, transport is included. For further details and for booking contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries@iowtours.com or ring Soapy Watson on 07786 565485 or 01329 310078 RN Writers Association - 14 October 2016 The World's Oldest Military Association. The 129th RNWA Reunion Dinner takes place at the Union Jack Club, London on October 14. Serving and ex-serving Writers and serving Logisticians (Personnel) and guests welcome. For further information, see the website www.rnwa.co.uk for full details and a booking form or contact: RNWA Secretary Les Heyhoe at les@heyhoe.com Ton Class Association – 14/16 October 2016 The Ton Class Association will be holding their Annual reunion over the weekend Fri 14-16 October 2016 in the Toorak Hotel, Torquay. For further details please conatact the Hon Secretary Peter Down at peter.avoca@talktalk.net or TCA website www.tca2000.co.uk
HMS Resolution Association – 16 October 2016 The HMS Resolution Association are holding their annual reunion at Barrow this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of HMS Resolution. The reunion dates are from October 16 to 18. 42
The reunion includes a visit to the launching slipway, courtesy of BAE Systems. Contact the secretary at mwil896215@aol.com or find the full information on the association and reunion on our website http://www.hmsresolution.org.uk Bay Class Frigates Association – 17 October 2016 Reunion at Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from October 17 to 19, 2016. All ex-Bay Class men and guests welcome. Contact Doug Turk at doug.turk@ntlworld.com for details. HMS Llandaff Association - 14-17 October 2016 HMS LLANDAFF (16th) REUNION to be held at The Afton Hotel, Eastbourne. All Ex Plumduffs are welcome, for booking forms and details please contact Slinger Wood at kevin.wood@blueyonder.co.uk or 07961124459. Booking forms can also be downloaded from the web site www.hmsllandaff.co.uk HMS Glamorgan 1st Commission 50th Anniversary – 14/15 October 2016 HMS Glamorgan 1st Commission 50th Anniversary celebrations will take place over the weekend of 14/15 October 2016 in the RNA Leamington Spa Club, Riverside Walk, Adelaide Road, Leamington Spa CV32 5AH. Further details are available from the HMS Glamorgan Facebook Page Survey Ships Association - 28-31 October 2016 The Survey Ships Association will be holding its twenty-second reunion at the Aztec Hotel, Bristol on the w/e of 28th – 31st October. For information on membership and reunion please send a SAE to: The Secretary SSA, 17 Eliza Mackenzie Court, Lindisfarne Close, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2SB, e-mail: secretary@surveyships.org.uk, or telephone 023 9232 4795. Operation Musketeer - 5 November 2016 Did you serve at Suez? Were you involved on the Ports Said Landing on November 5 & 6, 1956. To commemorate the 60th Anniversary I am attempting to organise a reunion of RM, Para’s, RAF, RN,and Fleet Air Arm personnel who took part, most of whom will be over 80 now, so numbers are reducing. The reunion will take place in Stafford over the weekend of November 5/6 and will include a visit to the Arboretum. For more details contact G C Polli ex SNCO RM at gcpolli@gmail.com HMS RELENTLESS Association - 25/27 November 2016 The annual reunion of the HMS Relentless Association will take place at the Aztec Hotel & Spa, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS from November 25th to 27fth 2016. All ex-Rusty Rs 1942-1968 and guests are welcome. For booking and more information contact IOW Tours Ltd on 01983 405116 or email enquiries@iowtours.com Alternatively, contact the Association Secretary on 02392 599640 or email secretary@hmsrelentless.co.uk
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HMS Iveston (Jan –May 1991) - Reunion There will be a 26 year reunion for the Ship’s Company involved in this memorable five month deployment to be held in the Portsmouth area on 1 July 2017 for all those wanting to attend. We recently held a 25 year reunion where 40% of the crew attended and we would like more to attend the next one. Anyone who served on the Iveston during this deployment who wants more information, or if you know of someone who served onboard during this period, please contact Shaun at shaunmckeever@yahoo.com
Swinging the Lamp - July 2016
Date
Year
Entry
1st
1946
2nd
1917
3rd
1940
4th
1930
Good Conduct Badges awarded after four, eight and twelve years’ service instead of after three, eight and thirteen. First regular convoy of merchant ships sailed from Hampton Roads, Virginia for UK. French warships seized in British ports on the day of the British attack on the French fleet at Mers-el-Kebir. A generally smooth operation except in the French submarine Surcouf in Devonport Dockyard. A boarding party of armed Royal Marines and submariners led by Cdr Denis Vaughan Sprague, CO of HMS Thames, resulted in shooting in which Sprague, Lt Patrick M.K. Griffiths of HMS Rorqual and Leading Seaman Albert Webb of HMS Revenge were killed or mortally wounded. The re-opening of the new Semaphore Tower spanning the road to South Railway Jetty in Portsmouth Dockyard. The former tower, built in 1778, had been destroyed by fire at Christmas 1913. The formal ceremony was performed by Vice-Admiral L.A.B.Donaldson, Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard and Admiral Sir Percy Grant, Admiral Superintendent 1922–5. Admiral Grant turned the key to the tower door and Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes, Cin-C Portsmouth, was first up the stairs. The mast on top of the new tower had been taken from the former German light cruiser Nürnberg interned on 21 November 1918 and scuttled at Scapa Flow in 1919. built in 1778, had been destroyed by fire at Christmas 1913. 44
5th
1840
6th
1944
7th
2002
8th
1950
9th
1917
10th
1943
11th
1935
12th
1776
13th
1943
14th
1974
15th
1971
16th
1940
17th
1984
Capture of Tinghai, Chusan, by Cdre Sir Gordon Bremer (Wellesley). Ships: Algerine, Alligator, Conway, Cruizer, Wellesley, Young Hebe, Rattlesnake (transport). Steamers: Atalanta (IN), Queen (Ben. Mar.). Cato and Magic, minesweepers, sunk in first use of German Marder one-man submarine. Twenty-six deployed, and nine lost to gunfire in Sword area, Seine Bay. Operation Neptune. Nottingham, Type 42 destroyer, grounded and severely damaged on Wolfe Rock, Lord Howe Island, off east coast of Australia. Destroyer destored in Australia and transported back to Britain on board the heavy-lift ship Swan. Repaired in Portsmouth Dockyard and undocked one year to the day later, 7 July 2003. The first British casualties of the Korean War. The light cruiser Jamaica, Capt J.S.C. Salter RN, bombarding Communist targets on the E. Coast of Korea near Imwon-jin (Rimuonma on the chart), took a direct hit from a shore battery at the base of the mainmast close to a gun mounting. Six men killed. Battleship Vanguard, 4th BS, Grand Fleet, destroyed by magazine explosion at 2320 while at anchor in Scapa Flow; 804 men lost. Allied landings in Sicily. Operation Husky. Battle Honour: Sicily 1943. The invasion started with the landing in the early hours of 10 July. Before nightfall British troops had entered Syracuse and next day the port, capable of taking 5,000 tons of stores a day, was in British hands virtually undamaged. During the operation the naval and air forces landed 115,000 British troops and 66,000 Americans. Admiralty Fleet Order No. 1684. ‘The order to “Splice the Main Brace” is to be regarded as authorising the special issue of a ration of one eighth pint of rum to each officer or man of or over 20 years of age who desires it. Officers and men under 20 years of age may receive a special issue of one-twentieth pint lime juice and 1 oz. sugar, and a similar issue may be made to other officers and men who do not desire the rum ration. No money in lieu is allowable. The issue of the special rum ration is to be made under the general conditions laid down in King’s Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, Art.1827, Clauses 2 and 3, except that the time of issue may be arranged as considered desirable.’ Capt James Cook sailed from Plymouth in Resolution on his third and last voyage of exploration to the Pacific. Submarine Unruly sank the Italian S/M Acciaio off Salerno (38.35N, 15.49E), and destroyers Echo and Ilex the Italian S/M Nereide off Taranto (37.25N, 16.07E). Carrier Hermes and frigates Andromeda and Rhyl evacuated British subjects from Kyrenia, Cyprus during Turkish invasion. Submarine Service dolphin badges first issued at ceremonial divisions. FOSM made presentations at Dolphin. Other divisions held at Faslane; Vickers, Barrow; Dounreay; Birkenhead; Chatham and Devonport Destroyer Imogen, Cdr C.L. Firth RN, sunk in collision with light cruiser Glasgow in thick fog off Duncansby Head (58.34N, 02.54W). Destroyer caught fire and was abandoned; eighteen men lost. Devonshire, first of the County-class guided missile destroyers, expended as a target in the English Channel. 45
18th
1961
19th
1918
20th
1997
21st
1588
22nd
1942
23rd
1938
24th
1915
25th
1944
26th
1953
27th
1973
45 and 42 Cdos RM relieved on station in Kuwait where they had been landed by 845 NAS (Whirlwinds) from Bulwark (supported by Sea Vixens of 892 and 893 NAS, Centaur and Victorious). 42 Cdo left on 20 July. Seven Sopwith Camels (from Furious) destroyed the Zeppelins L-54 and L-60 in their shed at Tondern, Schleswig, Germany. First Division of 1st BS with 1st and 7th LCS and destroyers, in support Assault ship Fearless, Capt Malcolm Williams RN, rendezvoused in the northern Red Sea with the fleet tanker RFA Olna and HMY Britannia, Cdre A.J.C. Morrow RN, returning from the handover of Hong Kong, to conduct the last replenishment of fuel at sea between three all steam- powered ships in British naval history. (Editor’s Note – Especially for Stoker Ridley)(GS note remember that nuclear submarines are steam driven – skimmers what can you do?) The first engagement with the Spanish Armada off the Eddystone. The enemy ‘was constrained to give way and to bear up to the Eastward. His Lordship appointed Sir Francis Drake to set the watch that night.’ 10th S/M flotilla returned to Malta from ten week exile up the Mediterranean, to find its piggery in maximum production and to prepare for Operation Pedestal. Heavy cruiser Shropshire rescued survivors from the Danish steamship Bodil bombed and sunk by aircraft (probably German) off Minorca during the Spanish Civil War. The first success by a RN surface Q-ship deployed in antisubmarine operations. The 400-ton auxiliary fleet collier Prince Charles (Lt W.P. Mark-Wardlaw, seconded from the staff of Admiral Hon. Sir Stanley Colville, Flag Officer Orkneys and Shetlands, and whose merchant service crew had volunteered to a man), armed with concealed two 6-pdrs and two 3-pdrs, sank U-36 (Kapitanleutnant Ernst Graeff) off North Rona Island, 100 miles W. of Scapa (59.07N, 05.30W). British Eastern Fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir James Somerville, carried out a second attack on the Japanese base at Sabang on the N.W. tip of Sumatra. His flagship, the battleship Queen Elizabeth, fired her guns against an enemy for the first time since the bombardment of the Dardanelles in 1915. The carriers Illustrious and Victorious attacked airfields at dawn, and three battleships bombarded the harbour and shore installations while seven cruisers and ten destroyers engaged batteries and radar stations closer inshore. The Dutch cruiser Tromp and British destroyers commanded by Capt R.G. Onslow RN, engaged shore targets at point blank range, the destroyers firing torpedoes into the harbour in an action which Somerville described as ‘spectacular’. Operation Crimson. Aircraft maintenance carrier Unicorn liberated SS Inchkilda, which had been taken by three Chinese pirate gunboats and which she surprised off Ockseu Roads. Fleet Laundry Training Unit at Drake closed due to lack of use following the employment of Chinese laundrymen in home waters. DCI(RN)T.238/73. 46
28th
1914
29th 30th
1917 1963
31st
1963
First successful aerial torpedo drop. Sqn Cdr A.M. Longmore (later ACM Sir Arthur Longmore) in a Short Folder seaplane flying from Calshot near Southampton. Curtis H-12 f lyingboats 8676 and 8662 sank UB-20 in North Sea. Minister of Defence, Peter Thornycroft announced in the House of Commons that Britain was to build a 50,000 ton aircraft carrier and that ‘agreement had been finally reached between the Royal Navy and the RAF on the question of a common aircraft’. She was to be named HMS Queen Elizabeth. Fire in cruiser Lion at Singapore caused ￡11,222 damage. DCI(RN) 983/65.
47
RNA 2017 BOOKING FORM 2nd- 5th JUNE (Fri-Mon) PERTH ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE BY POST/EMAIL USING THIS FORM – NO TELEPHONE BOOKINGS (Unless 8 weeks prior to travel)
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. Unless agreed otherwise your hotel will be automatically allocated subject to availability. Prices:
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2 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £169 per person _____
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3 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £199 per person _____
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3 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £219 per person ______
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4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £259 per person _____
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1 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £89 per person _____
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Surname
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Single
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Special Requests/Mobility Issues: (Not guaranteed) including accommodation and parking, special needs and dietary requirements etc. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Transport options to Perth by Coach or Air may be arranged subject to sufficient interest. Details on request. Note: You will be allocated to one of the following hotels – Station Hotel, BW Queens Hotel, Mercure Hotel and/or The Royal George Hotel. All meals will be in your allocated hotel other than the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Station Hotel. Lead Name Address: _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 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)
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