Semaphore Circular #662 (August 2016) by RNA Rayleigh

The Semaphore Circular No 662

The Beating Heart of the RNA

August 2016

Shipmates from Plymouth Branch visiting the RNA National Memorial at the National Arboretum (They even allow tailored shorts!)

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. Project Semaphore Update 2. Slops/Merchandise & Membership 3. Guess Where? 4. Donations 5. Do you know who I am?? 6. RN VC Series – Cdr John Linton VC DSO DSC 7. Irish Joke 8. RNRMC Charity 9. Finance Corner 10. Wonderfully British 11. RNA Stowmarket 12. Car registrations Again 13. Book Review Navy Books 14. Pen and Sword Reviews 15. Tax Free Pensions 16. Wanted New Home 17. Warning Shipmate Joke 18. Mini Cruise 19. SAIL

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

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 August Circular – well what a four weeks since my last introduction! The referendum result announced and wholesale change of leaders at the top, including the Prime Minister. Much more important, however, is the fact that summer has arrived and we have been enjoying some lovely warm days. Portsmouth has been a-buzz with the America Cup races, with a narrow win for Team GB. I had the great privilege to represent the RNA at the National Armed Forces Day event at Cleethorpes. Over 200,000 turned up for 2 days of events and the main parade salute was taken by the Duke of Kent and David Cameron when he was PM! A big Bravo Zulu to the excellent turn-out of RNA standards and marchers in the 100-strong naval squad. Also a big BZ to S/Ms Steve Caulfield, Keith Crawford and Yvonne Crawford at the RNA gazebo. Steve nabbed a brilliant spot and Keith spent the whole weekend folding the extremely popular RNA hats. The Branch news section has some great reports on AFD in the main regional centres – a big thank you for representing the RNA and the Royal Navy on this important day. I have had the privilege of presenting to the massed Warrant Officers of the RNR three Saturdays ago, I extended a warm invitation for Reservists to join the RNA – and to be candidates on our successful Shipmates and Oppos programme. It was good to hear that many of them knew their local RNA and wanted to work closely. Some post Conference details: • • • •

•

A welcome to S/M Dave Ambrose onto the National Council as the new NCM for 5 Area. I have met and briefed Dave, who is a most enthusiastic and experienced RNA shipmate. The annual subscriptions go up to £14 with effect from 1 January 17. I know some branches like to pay subs early, but if you do it will have to be at the new rate, no discount for early payment I am afraid. The admin charge introduced for the Certificate of Appreciation will not come into effect until the Privy Council has approved the changes to the Rules passed at Conference. I will let you know when that is, but will not be before the beginning of October The NC is VERY keen that the new admin charge for the CoA should not stop someone being put forward because of cost reasons. Branch secretaries needing help should contact their NCM, with the application, for assistance from the Club and Branch Support Fund. I have now produced the Conference minutes and these will be e-mailed to you with this Circular. Hard copy to those branches still off-line. The minutes are also available on the website at http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/downloads/conferenceminutes/

On the subject of Conferences, I am aware that some branches are concerned about getting to Perth for the 2017 Conference. Final details are to be decided, but we hope to run coaches to Perth using CONA Travel Services. We will have to see what the demand is. Our first thoughts are to run coaches from Portsmouth and Plymouth (possibly more) with pick up points on the way. Delegates will not be charged to travel on the coach and observers and others will have a subsidised fare (not yet known what it will be). Please Contact CONA travel to register interest, 4

use the contact details on the Conference booking Form, telephone is 01603 886742. Once we have an idea that this could be a runner from your registration of interest, then we will harden up on the details. More info in next month’s circular. But please give them a ring asap so we can book the coaches, if this is wanted by the membership. Each branch should have received a hard copy mailing with details and applications for iPads under Project Semaphore. Please read the article in this Circ. I would ask branch and Area Welfare Officers to really get weaving on encouraging volunteers to sign up and candidates who want an iPad to apply. I’d also like to draw your attention to the article from SAIL, the Sailors Advice Line. This successful service has now been extended to serving and veterans members of the Naval Service. This is accredited by the Citizens Advice Service, and means that you can get top quality advice on the phone for free. You will also be receiving a mailing regarding a new veterans counselling service being run by our partners at Blind Vets UK. This is for everyone, not just for those with vision issues. This might be for you if you have suffered traumatic stress during your service, bereavement, divorce or other major loss. This is a top quality programme and the RNA is partners in its delivery with BVUK. A reminder that we are in the summer leave period and the team is depleted between now and September. In particular Nigel conducts a number of CCF leadership camps and is not around for slops or membership queries. May I ask you please to hold off if you can? If not then we will do our best, but we cannot manage Nigel’s exceptional 24-hour turnaround service. Finally, we will do a Circ for September, but not for October, since Andy is off on leave.

All the best from me and the Central Office (HQ) team Paul

Daily Orders 1.

PROJECT SEMAPHORE – Update

A letter has been sent out hard-copy to all branches regarding the process for registering interest for an iPad, or to volunteer in the distribution and training of those receiving them. I hope you saw that we sent 5 sign-up forms. The application process for volunteers and candidates for the iPad project are now online. You can find the details on the Member's area under 'what we're doing' but can be found at the link below too:

ROYAL-NAVAL-ASSOCIATION.CO.UK

http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/campaigns/1/ There are 3 terms we use which are ‘volunteer’, ‘sponsor’ and ‘candidate’ (sometimes referred to as end user!). Volunteers are those that would like to help the identified candidates through getting the iPad and custom training and future support. Volunteers will be offered a training iPad for them to support the candidates, and the training to go with it. Sponsors are those who wish to assist in a more reduced capacity by identifying suitable candidates in their branch or area and assisting the candidate’s online or written application. There will be no expectation that a Sponsor (unless signed up to be a volunteer) will attend specific training or be issued a training iPad. Last but certainly not least we have the 'candidates' those who qualify for the project and who are willing recipients. There have been many questions regarding the eligibility of candidates over the last few weeks. In short candidates: • • •

Should not currently be on-line themselves. They may have a family member who does email for them or other service – this does not preclude them getting their own iPad. Must be 65 or over. Have served in the RN/RM/Reserves/WRNS/QARNNS/RNXS etc. A full RNA member qualifies. No requirement regarding length of service, reason for discharge, pension etc. A naval veteran not in the RNA qualifies and could be sponsored by their local RNA branch.

The IPads will be fully ready to go when issued and will come with their own RNA protective cover; they remain the property of the RNA but on PLR. We are addressing the issue of broadband provision and volunteers will be briefed during training. Whilst the Aged Veterans’ Fund does not apply to Associate Members it has been agreed that Branch Secretaries or Treasurers who are AM, may apply in their branch role. This is so that the full benefits of going on line may be passed as much as possible to Full members who are not on line. If you fall into this category, please highlight to the Project Manager so your application can be treated appropriately. She can be contacted at sharon@royalnavalassoc.com Potential volunteers please complete the application process online before 1 Sep. This will allow the Project Manager and Albion ( the iPad providers), to create a training plan depending on locations, numbers and 6

need. Any questions please ring Central Office and we will do our best to sort it out. 2. Slops/ Merchandise and Membership Shipmates are advised that Nigel will be on leave between 15 Aug – 23 Aug and 19 Sept to 30 Sept 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.

Guess Where? An Establishment

This month can you name this former Naval Air Station with unusually four runways? No hovering or looking on Google or Wiki!! The answer will be in next month’s edition. Last month’s answer!

BRNC Sandquay Jetty.

Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge

Central Charities Fund RNA - Scarborough RNA – Littlehampton

£ 25.00 £152.01

Naval Service Memorial Fund M Ridley K Ridley

£ 60.00 £105.00

Other Donations Edinburgh Trust

£1000.00

‘In memory of the late....’ No donations on this occasion Thank you very much for your continued support.

Do you know who I am (Bet we have all met someone like this!!)

This happened at a New York Airport. Well done to the Stewardess who had managed to retain her sense of humour while dealing with a ‘prat’! read on......... A crowded United Airlines flight was cancelled. A single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travellers. Suddenly, an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS." The agent replied, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these folks first; and then I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?" Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. "May I have your attention, please?", she began, her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him with his identity, please come to Gate 14." With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the United Airlines agent, gritted his teeth, and said, "F*** You!" Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry sir, you'll have to get in line for that, too."

RN VC Series - Commander John Wallace Linton VC, DSO, DSC Royal Navy

John ‘Tubby’ Linton was a submariner who was born in Newport Wales on 15 October 1905 and very tragically died in action on 23 March 1943 aged 37. Joining the RN in the early 1920s he was given command of the submarine HMS Pandora which was operating in the Far East before arriving in Malta where it was destroyed in a German bombing raid in March 1942. He was then transferred to HMS Turbulent as her Commanding Officer. From the outbreak of the war in September 1939 to March 1943 which was the month of HMS Turbulent's last patrol in the Mediterranean, Commander Linton was responsible for sinking over 90,000 tons of enemy shipping, including a cruiser, a destroyer, a U-boat and 28 other ships. In addition Turbulent destroyed three trains by gun fire. In his last year Commander Linton spent 254 days at sea, dived for nearly half the time, his ship was hunted 13 times and had 250 depth charges aimed at her 8

Sadly HMS Turbulent is believed to have hit a mine whilst on patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea on 23 March 1943 there were no known survivors. Commander Linton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for valour in command of HM Submarines. His citation read; The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross for great valour in command of HM Submarines to Commander John Wallace Linton, DSO, DSC, Royal Navy. From the outbreak of war until HMS Turbulent's last patrol, Commander Linton was constantly in command of submarines, and during that time inflicted great damage on the enemy. He sank one cruiser, one destroyer, one U-boat, twenty-eight supply ships, some 100,000 tons in all, and destroyed three trains by gunfire. In his last year he spent two hundred and fifty-four days at sea, dived for nearly half the time, and his ship was hunted thirteen times and had two hundred and fifty depth-charges aimed at her. His many and brilliant successes were due to his constant activity and skill, and the daring which never failed him when there was an enemy to be attacked. On one occasion, for instance, in HMS Turbulent, he sighted a convoy of two merchantmen and two destroyers in mist and moonlight. He worked round ahead of the convoy and dived to attack it as it passed through the moon's rays. On bringing his sights to bear he found himself right ahead of a destroyer. Yet he held his course 'till the destroyer was almost on top of him, and, when his sights came on the convoy, he fired. His great courage and determination were rewarded. He sank one merchantman and one destroyer outright, and set the other Merchantmen on fire so that she blew up

7. un!)

Paddy Joke (Very many apologies to all those on the Emerald Isle, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gud

Baptizing an Irishman An Irishman is stumbling through the woods, totally drunk, when he comes upon a priest baptizing people in the river. He proceeds into the water, subsequently bumping into the priest. The priest turns around and is almost overcome by the smell of alcohol. Whereupon, he asks the drunk, "Are you ready to find Jesus?" The drunk shouts,"Yes, I am." So the priest grabs him and dunks him in the water. He pulls him back and asks, "Brother, have you found Jesus?" The drunk replies,"No, I haven't found Jesus!" The priest, shocked at the answer, dunks him again but for a little longer. He again pulls him out of the water and asks, "Have you found Jesus, brother?" 9

The drunk answers,"No, I haven't found Jesus!" By this time, the priest is at his wits end and dunks the drunk again -- but this time holds him down for about 30 seconds, and when he begins kicking his arms and legs about, he pulls him up. The priest again asks the drunk, "For the love of God, have you found Jesus?" The drunk staggers upright, wipes his eyes, coughs up a bit of water, catches his breath and says to the priest, “Are you sure this is where he fell in??”

RNRMC – HMS Collingwood Nursery to receive £1million for transformation

Nursery-age children of Royal Navy families have celebrated the launch of a near-£1million refurbishment project, to include an outdoor play area and garden, thanks to charitable funding from series of local and national organisations. Staff and children from the Woodentots nursery gathered at their HMS Collingwood recreation area on Friday 15 July to thank those who have pledged contributions toward an ambitious programme of redevelopment works, which will start this autumn and be completed mid-2017 (subject to final funding). At Woodentots’ ‘graduation’ ceremony, 11 children expressed their gratitude by singing songs and presenting gifts to a number of special guests, who included the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE and his wife Joanna, who was presented with flowers. Mrs Woodcock, who greeted the newly qualified graduates, said: “The children were a delight. We very much enjoyed hearing about what they wanted to be when they grew up in their ‘leaving song’. It’s been a pleasure to be here and learn about the exciting future developments that are coming to Woodentots, made possible by naval charities.” The children posed with some of the contributing organisations with cheques while a presentation, delivered by the Woodentots Parent Staff Association (WPSA), took place.

Finance Corner

Dear Shipmates Year End Returns 2014 They are still 9 Branches who have not submitted their accounts to Central Office for 2014. Can I please ask for a copy to be returned to HQ ASAP. 10

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 - RNA Isle of Sheppey, Area 6 - RNA High Wycombe, Area 8 - RNA B’ham Cotteridge, RNA Bloxwich Area 10 - RNA Kendal, RNA Todmorden, RNA Birkenhead, Area 12 - 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 and Areas 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. Yours Aye Michelle

10.

Wonderfully British.....

In a train from London to Manchester, an American was berating the Englishman sitting across from him in the compartment. "The trouble with you English is that you are too stuffy. You set yourselves apart too much. You think your stiff upper lip makes you above the rest of us. Look at me... I'm me! I have a little Italian in me, a bit of Greek blood, a little Irish and some Spanish blood. What do you say to that?" The Englishman lowered his newspaper, looks over his glasses and replied, "How very sporting of your mother!"

11.

RNA Stowmarket Commissions

Shipmates will be very interested to know that another new Branch has been commissioned and S/M Pete Chivers the Stowmarket PRO has forwarded this dispatch from deepest Suffolk. Who said “can it really happen?” With a lot of hard work and commitment it can. Sunday 5th June 2016 saw the residents of Stowmarket in Suffolk wake up to what would be a gloriously sunny day and the commissioning of a new branch of the Royal Naval Association in their town. 11

Stowmarket has always had close links with both the Army and RAF, and indeed both have associations that meet regularly at the town’s Royal British Legion. But what about the Royal Navy? Well a group of Navy and Marine veterans at a remembrance parade eighteen months earlier thought the same. What had started as a brief discussion after being mustered and marched at that parade, was now a reality. Being commissioned requires the support and guidance of RNA HQ, and it was wholehearted, with shipmates from Area 5 on hand from the beginning for face to face discussions. The RNA’s motto was to the fore, “Once Navy, Always Navy.” Those who had become quickly known as the ‘Stowmarket Seven’ now had to work hard to pull things together and arrange a commissioning ceremony. The day was set for Sunday 5th June so it would coincide with the centenary of the Battle of Jutland. The commissioning day was a great success, with Shipmate Richard Ascott of the RNA National Council conducting the commissioning and swearing in the members of the new branch, as well as overseeing the election of its committee. The branch was also honoured to have in attendance at its commissioning, Bury St Edmunds Member of Parliament, Jo Churchill, who kindly accepted the offer of becoming the branch Patron, along with Jo’s husband Peter, Major Barry Humphreys MBE, Stowmarket Town Mayor and his wife Tracey, Councillor Dave Muller, Stowmarket Deputy Town Mayor and his wife Lois, Brenda Ascott, wife of Richard, and shipmates Tim Jarvis, Paulette Rose, Dave Butler and Peter Down. Many others from the local community and local branch of the British Legion also attended the commissioning and programme of events. Peter Down gave an enlightening presentation and film on the Battle of Jutland, with the commissioning order also including The Naval Prayer, The Marine Prayer, Arctic Prayer, ‘Up Spirits’, raffle and auction for initial branch fund-raising. The branch welcomed ‘new’ faces to the commissioning and has successfully raised funds that will permit it to purchase a standard, which it is hoped will be dedicated in time for Stowmarket’s Remembrance Parade on Sunday 13th November 2016. Stowmarket’s founding members are: Chair Olga Anderson, Deputy Chair Chris Faulkner, Secretary Nigel Rozier, Treasurer Sean Andrews and fellow Shipmates Gary Dade, Pete Chivers and Steve Searle who feature in the attached photo.

12.

Car Registrations Again….

This Car Registration was spotted in The Mall approaching Admiralty Arch by none other than former Stoker and now NCM Area 6 Keith Ridley! I think someone has had editorial license here……..

boom boom! 13. 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.

HARRIER BOYS – Volume Two Bob Marston

£20.00

New Technology, New Threats, New Tactics 1990 - 2010 In this second volume of Harrier Boys, as with the first, the history of this remarkable aircraft in service with the UK armed forces is illustrated through personal reminiscences of the people that worked with it. The book begins with explanations of the mature concept of operations with the Harrier GR3 in the Cold War and progresses through the evolution of the Harrier II, starting with the GR5 and updates to the Sea Harrier, while the potential battles to be fought necessitated everchanging tactics and technology. The UK Harrier story ends with the closer integration of the RN and RAF forces, before the aircraft's all too early retirement in 2010, possible decades before other countries forsake this unique capability. U.S. BATTLESHIPS £52.95

Norman Friedman

Naval historians and enthusiasts alike will find U.S. Battleships to be the most comprehensive reference available on the entire development of U.S. Battleships, from the Maine and Texas of 1886, through to the Montana class of World War II, up to the recommissioned Iowas.

STEEL AND ICE

Lawrence Paterson

£20.00

The U-boat war against Russia was as fierce and unrelenting as the land war that raged along the Eastern Front between 1941 and 1945. From Wolf Pack attacks on Russian convoy traffic and military vessels to closequarter combat undertaken by small U-boats transported by land and river to the Black Sea, the Kriegsmarine wrestled for control of the seas fringing an embattled Soviet Union. Previously untold in English, Lawrence Paterson explores the tremendous clash between the Kriegsmarine’s U-boats and the Red Navy 13

– a struggle that lasted from the opening salvos of Operation Barbarossa to the final chaotic days of Germany’s defeat. Containing rare colour and black-and-white illustrations, this fascinating book is one that no one interested in the Second World War should be without. THE KAISER’S BATTLEFLEET

Aidan Dodson

£35.00

This book is the first to tell the full story of the capital ships of the Imperial German Navy (1871 1918), which began with a handful of foreign built iron calds and ended with the second largest battlefleet in the world, a fleet that would be all but vanquished a year later. Covering both battleships and what would be classified in Germany as 'large cruiser' (armoured or battle-cruisers in British parlance). The book is arranged as a chronological narrative, with technical details, construction schedules and ultimate fates tabulated throughout, thus avoiding the sometimes disjointed structure that can result from a class-by-class approach. Heavily illustrated with line work and photographs, many from German sources, the book offers readers a fresh visual look at these ships, beyond the limited range of images available from UK sources. This entirely fresh study will appeal to historians of WWI German naval developments as well as to enthusiasts and model-makers.

14.

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 Endless Story, written by Captain Taprell Dorling, and published in 1931, remains the most evocative and comprehensive account of the operations of the Navy’s small craft in the Great War. The emphasis is on the North Sea and Channel, which witnessed both the most famous battles and the most appalling conditions, but the book also includes the Gallipoli campaign, warfare in the Mediterranean, and ranges as far as the Pacific. A bestseller in its day, this new edition makes a classic work available for the firs time in more than eighty years. ISBN 9781473882 Cost £16.99 Operation Menace investigates the Allied expedition of September that year, with De Gaulle present, which unsuccessfully attempted to break the French at Dakar away from the Vichy Government. Additionally, Marder tells the story of the Admiral Sir Dudley Pound, Flag Officer Commanding at Gibraltar at the time, who was relieved from his post after allowing a French naval squadron to slip out of the Mediterranean and so jeopardise the Dakar operation. Using Admiralty and Cabinet papers, as well as private sources of information, Marder weaves a skilled course through all the complex material to produce a masterly case study of how an operation is mounted and how it can go disastrously wrong. It is a classic, tragi-comic illustration of the fog of war. ISBN 97818483239 Cost £16.99 Naval Policy Between the Wars Vol 1 & 2 was first published in 1968 and 1976, the two volumes of this work still constitute the only authoritative of the broad geo-political, economic and strategic 14

factors behind the inter-war development of the Royal Navy and, to a great extent, that of its principal rival, the United States Navy. Roskill extracted perceptive and balanced conclusions that have stood the test of time. ISBN 978147387740 Cost £ 19.99

15.

Tax –Free Pension

Shipmates may be interested to know that if they have been awarded any of the medals below they are entitled to a tax free pension. Please see the link; Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/1/section/638

16.

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Victoria Cross,

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George Cross,

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Albert Medal,

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Edward Medal,

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Military Cross,

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Distinguished Flying Cross,

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Distinguished Conduct Medal,

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal,

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Distinguished Service Medal,

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Military Medal,

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Distinguished Flying Medal

Wanted new home……….

Wheelchairs For Free Shipmate Brian Sandom (Netley Branch) has a couple of wheelchairs at no cost if anyone is in need. Electric Willowbrook Chair For Sale He also has a Fully Reclining Electric Willowbrook Chair for sale. S/M Brian using his very best sales technique which he learned in the Stokers Mess says. “This beast also massages, but as far as I know does not wipe the extremities” He says it is a great bargain at £50. Anyone interested should contact Brian at 02380 452054 or e-mail brian@thesandoms.com

17.

Warning Shipmate Joke.

Courtesy of Shipmate Glyn Johns at Mansfield Branch......... A crusty old battleship Admiral died and found himself standing before Saint Peter at the pearly gates. Saint Peter welcomed him warmly, "Come right in, Admiral! You've served your country well and you may enter Heaven!" The admiral looked through the gates and stepped up to Saint Peter, "Just one thing, sonny. I hope there are no Chiefs here. They are the rudest, most obnoxious variety of human ever, and if there are any of them here, I'm not going in; I'd rather go to the other place." "Don't worry, admiral," said Saint Peter, "No Chief has ever made it into Heaven. You'll find none of them here." So, the Admiral goes on into Heaven. Moments later, he comes upon an amazing sight... It is a swaggering figure in blue, white cap cocked slightly on his head, a mostly empty bottle of Pusser's rum in one hand, and a beautiful woman on either arm. Incensed, the Admiral rushes back to Saint Peter and gets in his face. "Hey! You said there were no Chiefs here! So what the hell is THAT?!?" "Don't worry, Admiral," says Saint Peter gently. "That's God. He just THINKS he's a Chief."

18. 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...........

19.

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. 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 17

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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

RNA Longcast 2016 6 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 03 Sep 10 Sep 7 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 2017 09 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 11 March 02-04 Jun 02 Jun 03 Jun 27 Jul 25 Aug 26 Aug 09 Sep 10 Sep 29 Sep - 02 Oct 21 Oct 17 Nov 18 Nov 09 Dec

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 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 Independent Examination Motions Deadline SOC FAC AMC National Council Meeting RNA Conference – Perth AMC /FAC / National Council Meeting/SOC SOC (Wash up) Mid-year Budget Review FAC AMC National Council Meeting Biennial Parade CONA Cruise ( Liverpool –Dublin- Bristol) RNA Chard -30 year Commissioning Anniversary and Trafalgar Night Dinner FAC AMC National Council Meeting

D’ye hear there’..... News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Chatham Branch A big BZ to Chatham Branch who recently celebrated their 70th Birthday in June. The branch regular meeting was ‘toppers’ with Shipmates were eager to share the birthday cake and of course a small LARGE tot to celebrate such a magnificent occasion. The Branch membership turned up again in large numbers (perhaps the promise of a tot! Worked again) for Chatham Armed Forces Day along with members of the Public supporting this special event.

RNA Plymouth Branch Thirty- seven members visited the National Arboretum, the Naval Memorial naturally being of great interest. Shipmates Steve Palmer and Barry Young, both survivors of HMS Ardent paid tribute at the Ardent Memorial and accompanied by their wives enjoyed immensely their nostalgic first visit to the Arboretum. A very warm welcome on the Saturday evening by the shipmates at RNA Tamworth rejuvenated tired legs, their Chairman Shipmate Bob Mason ensuring that everyone crossing the Gangway downed a hospitality Tot. A visit to Stratford on Avon on the return journey completed a memorable weekend. Next up was Plymouth Armed Forces weekend. Following on from the success of previous Armed Forces Day inspired Plymouth City Council to hold the event over two days. Plymouth Branch once again privileged to be sited in the Royal Navy Village, with an estimated 80,000 visitors to the event over both days ensured a busy time for the Branch. Sixteen Branch members participated over the weekend distributing somewhere in the region of 4000 RNA hats, publicising the Association with a wide range of ‘Gizzits’ and distribution of 200 copies of the June edition of Navy News. 20

In addition to Association marketing material an excellent range of photographs displaying Branch activities encouraged full patronage of the Stand and membership enquiries throughout both days. The First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC visited the Stand, enjoying the usual token of hospitality and sharing familiar banter, other visitors included Penny Mordaunt MP, Minister for Armed Forces (since moved on); Oliver Colville MP, Cdre Paul Halton OBE COMDEVFLOT, Cdre Ian Shipperley, Naval Base Commander Devonport, Lord Mayor Cllr. Pauline Murphy, Consort Cllr Brian Vincent and Ian Bowyer, Leader Plymouth City Council. The branch would like to show its appreciation to WO1 Alex Orr EWO, the Royal Navy AFD coordinator, for his invaluable help throughout the weekend and ensuring that our Publicity Stand was in a prime location within the village.

RNA Bude Branch Bude Branch deeply regrets to advise that Shipmate Brian Braund has very sadly Crossed the Baron the 10th July, he was aged 81. Brian who served as a Stoker during his RN time was a founder Member of Bude Branch. He had served as Branch Chairman R.N.A. and was also a loyal supporter of the Bude & Stratton Branch, R.B.L. He will be missed by the Branch

RNA Woking Branch On Saturday the 25th of June Woking branch held their Annual Vets and Armed Forces Parade. The Branch paraded through the town to Jubilee Square for a short service in front of the War Memorial. The parade was led by the Band of the Surrey Army Cadets Corp of Drums followed by 3 National Standards: namely The Fleet Air Arm; The Merchant Navy and The Merchant Navy Greenwich College along with 11 various other Standards. Among the Veterans from other local Associations was the South African Legion England Branch. A large crowd welcomed the parade into the square for a short service, which was conducted by the Vicar of St Pauls Church, the Rev Richard Hays with the Almac band playing the hymns and the Bisley Ladies choir leading the singing. Following the exhortation and the Last Post the Naval Prayer was said to remember all those who took part in the Battle of Jutland and also for all those Royal Navy and Merchant Navy shipmates who were lost in subsequent wars. The salute at the review was taken by the Mayor of Woking, Madame Cllr Mrs Ann Murray . The parade ended at The Railway Club with refreshment and a gathering of Veterans and their guests.

RNA Rayleigh Branch Rayleigh Branch’s very own ‘raving’ reporter is back reporting on events in Essex! Shipmates attended the Armed Forces Day Flag Ceremony at Castle Point, Borough Council office on the 31st May 2016 in Memory of the Battle of Jutland. Shipmates Tony Reekie, Phil Edwards, Jim Hammond & Dave Bishop can be seen opposite after the laying of a wreath. The new mayor of Castle Point Steve Cole and members of the Royal Naval Association and Royal British Legion attended a ceremony at the civic offices to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland. Wreaths were laid at the memorial in the civic offices and prayers said by the Rev Christine Robinson. The delegation was treated to a Civic Reception complete with cream teas!

30th Anniversary Mess Dinner - Rayleigh Branch celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a Black Tie Ball. The immensely successful Dinner/Dance was held on Saturday 2, July at the Saxon Hall, Rochford with Guest of Honour, the Right Honourable Mark Francois (MP for Rayleigh and Wickford). (Seen here with S/m Jim Hammond) The guest list included RNA Rayleigh Branch members, committee members, spouses and family members, Rayleigh Town Council officials and representation from RNA Area 5. Special thanks to S/M Iain Hendry and his team for successfully pulling off a shining example of naval organisation, which was both well planned, and brilliantly executed. BZ. Please see the Branch Facebook page for photos.

Rayleigh Branch President Bob Hill and his wife Helen (on the left) and Vice Chairman Terry Barker with wife Eileen (on the right) are seen celebrating the joyous news that there may be a possibility of a TOT!! To celebrate the Branch’s 30th Anniversary................ 22

Finally Rayleigh Shipmates having been reliving their days onboard! Shipmate Dave Mead led an invasion of Pirates at the Langford Pumping Station’s “Museum of Power” near Maldon in Essex on Sunday 26 June. Dave took a break from his role as the Welfare Officer for Rayleigh Branch to keep adults and children entertained at the family fun day. Dave Spends much of his spare time with s/m Alan Walker (Basildon Branch President) building and maintaining a model village at the Museum.

RNA Haven Branch Haven Branch ‘deployed’ for their annual weekend trip during the period 1-4 July 2016. The branch chose the Anchorage Hotel in Babbacombe as their base; organised by Isle of Wight Tours Ltd, it was well attended with 29 members/partners/guests. Most of the Saturday was taken up visiting the Devonport Heritage Centre, the visit being in two parts. First a tour of the Heritage Centre which, contains extensive displays, memorabilia and information on all aspects of the Royal Navy and its history in Devonport. The second part was a tour of HMS Courageous, a Cold War fleet boat, which to those “skimmers” amongst us, was a bit of an eye opener. On both tour’s of about 2 hours duration, members were accompanied by a guide, an ex RN and a volunteer. There were no charges for the visit’s/tours, but donations are most welcome as the Centre is self-funding and visits are by prior appointment only. Strogly recommended to other Branches it was really, worth a trip. Sunday was mostly taken up by a visit to the White Ensign Club in Exeter. However, in our hotel Shipmates had heard about the “Shrouds of the Somme” in Netherhay Gardens, Exeter and decided to visit. The “Shrouds of Somme” comprised of 19,420 12” figures each encompassed in a hand-stitched shroud and arranged in rows on the ground. The project was the work of a local artist who personally stitched the shroud of each figure. He started stitching the shrouds in December 2013 and finished July 1ST this year. During our visit, a gentleman stood on a small bridge overlooking the figures and was broadcasting the name and age of the soldier that each of the shrouded figure represented. It was a very humbling experience. 23

The gang then proceeded to the White Ensign Club where they were made very welcome providing a tot (and queen’s) and an excellent buffet which was followed by a lovely afternoon of enjoyment with like-minded hosts.

RNA Reigate Branch Reigate Branch has moved from strength to strength recently. The Branch have almost tripled its membership in just over two years and are now 58 members strong. Their three latest joiners, Andy Kerr who served for 25 years ending his career as a CPO(WEM)R. Peter Scott, a sprightly 90 year old WW2 veteran who served between 1943 and 1946 and at the other end of the scale, 26yr old Joe Carse who served for 4 years as a Medic attached to 45 Commando. All three were warmly welcomed by Chairman Ian Page at the July meeting The Branch attended the Jutland 100 memorial held at Reigate Town Hall and got drench in the torrential down pour that accompanied the ceremony. On completion, when the members sought shelter in the Town Hall, a lady bystander was heard to remark; ”Oh look at the poor things, they are soaked to the skin”! To which she received the reply from a Shipmate, “Madam, we are Royal Navy. We are supposed to get wet”!

Shipmates can be seen opposite with the metal ship crest that came off the 3rd HMS Ark Royal and was presented to the Borough along with the Ships Battle Ensign. The Borough adopted the Ark during WW2 and it is believed that these items were presented prior to her being sunk off Gibraltar in 1941

RNA City of Glasgow Branch One Shipmate from Glasgow Branch and four there heroes of the D-Day landings have received France's highest decoration of honour in recognition of their bravery. The Scottish veterans were presented with the Legion d'Honneur medals at a reception in Paisley Town Hall. This was a service in a numbers of ceremonies being held throughout the UK to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944.

Those honoured were Gerald Fisher 91 (City of Glasgow RNA), John Sneddon 90, Henry Bryce 91, Daniel McNicol 92 and Robert Faulds 96. All served in the Royal Navy. French Consul General for Scotland, Emmanuel Cocher, presented the former servicemen with their medals in recognition of their war efforts. He said: “ I am truly honoured to present these veterans with the Legion d'Honneur. France will never forget the bravery they showed the liberation of France 70 years ago.”

RNA Stowmarket Branch Members from Stowmarket Branch where honoured to be invited to take part in the Stowmarket Town Council and Royal British Legion Stowmarket Branch commemorative service on the centenary of the start of the World War 1 Battle of the Somme. The battle, which started on the 1st July 1916, would last until the 18th November of the same year, with more than one million men being wounded or killed. Shipmate Pete Chivers, blew the commemorative whistle at precisely 0730 to mark the time when the British started their attack at the Somme exactly one hundred years previously. Stowmarket RNA’s chair, Olga Anderson, gave a reading of “Aftermath” during the solemn ceremony, a poem by Siegfried Sassoon. Pete said; “It was a great honour to be asked to blow the whistle to start the commemoration”, with Olga adding; “it was a very poignant service to remember the sacrifice of so many, which in the later phases of the battle included the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division.” A wreath was laid at Stowmarket’s remembrance gates by the Town’s Mayor, Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE on behalf of the townsfolk, before the names of those who lost their lives from the local area were read out. RNA Chard Branch The Branch hosted their annual Sea Sunday service in support of the Mission to Seafarers which this year was their 160 year anniversary. The service as usual was held in St Thomas Church in Cricket St Thomas and was attended by eight members of the branch this being down on the usual turn out what with individuals being out of area on the day and illness, the civil populous attending... was also low this year as the clientele of the hotel had been whisked away on an early morning coach ride. Our standard was present at the service and was paraded as usual by shipmate Malcolm Day our branch standard bearer. This year, saw shipmate Dave Asprey give the reading in the absence of shipmate Jim Noble who with Edna and his family were away celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary. On completion of the service the members present adjourned to the Cricket St Thomas Golf Club to partake in tea and coffee and many yarns whilst waiting to be joined by other members for the annual Sea Sunday dinner which this year was a carvery meal. After the meal the ladies of the branch ran their usual raffle which raised £45 The money raised in the Mission to Seafarers envelopes 25

at the service raised ÂŁ110.60p which has been sent off to them. All in all both events were most enjoyable and the company as usual was excellent, well done all those involved.

Chard President S/M James 'Nobby' Noble and his wife Edna celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on the 25th of June this year. Jim and Edna who share their 84th birthday within months of each other met while they were at school living in Berwick-upon-Tweed. In 1947 at the ages of 15 they started dating. 1951 saw Jim 'Nobby' join the Royal Navy as a Stoker and four years later the couple became engaged and were married on June 25th 1956. Some four years later after seeing service in the Far East, Mediterranean and home waters including the Scapa Flow area of Scotland Jim left the Navy. On leaving the service in 1960 Jim joined the Light House Service where he served for a term of 5 years. The couple have been living in Chard for the past 51 years where Jim could be seen in various parts of Chard and the surrounding district on his rounds delivering the Royal Mail for many years and retired as Postal Manager. During this time both Jim and Edna joined the newly formed branch of the Royal Naval Association in 1987 and during his time with the Branch Jim has been involved with branch welfare, being its delegate at area meetings and being their President for the past 20 years, a post he holds to this day. Both Jim and Edna were really pleased to receive their card from the Queen in celebration of their 60 year marriage and gathered for a weekend with their daughter Barbara and son in law in Bideford recently to celebrate. At the last RNA meeting on Thursday 14th July the happy couple passed around the greetings card from the Queen and subsequently posed for their photograph. Everybody at Chard wish the couple many more years together. BZ and very many congratulations from everybody at Central Office.

RNA Inverness Branch The photo opposite shows some of the Ships Company from HMS Blyth who were parading with Inverness RNA Shipmates and RBLS Veterans at the Inverness Highland Games and Armed Forces Parade at Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 16th July. 26

True to form the RN displayed a good sense of humour replacing their RN Hats with their “new style ‘RNA Hat’ headgear” which they can be seen modelling after the parade, I hasten to add!!

RNA Huntington & District Branch During the busiest period of the year, Shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch attended six national and community events and one overseas visit to the battlefields in Belgium and France. Beginning with s/m Bill Small attending National Conference (and parading the Branch Standard on the Sunday), Shipmates also took part in the annual Armed Forces Day celebrations; on Friday 24th June, S/M Bill Small paraded the Branch Standard for the Flag raising ceremony at Castle Hill House, the Reverend (S/M) Andrew Milton said prayers and Blessed the Armed Forces Day Flag, whilst S/M Karl Webb was duty phot. The following day, Huntingdon Shipmates held a combined charity stall with their affiliated Sea Cadet Unit, T.S. Cromwell. This was the first time the Sea Cadets had joined the RNA in manning a stall and it proved to be a very successful combination (BZ to those representing their Branch, we were extremely proud of you). At midday, the Branch Standards of Huntingdon RNA and Huntingdon Sea Cadet Corps were paraded alongside those from the Royal British Legion and Royal Air Force Association. The Branch Standard was also paraded by S/M Karl Webb at a Freedom of Huntingdon Parade (for service personnel based at RAF Wyton), Battle of the Somme ceremony, and the annual Sea Sunday Service at the Town’s War Memorial where S/M Pete Aston’s daughter Maisie laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch with S/M Graham Murray acting as stand in phot (it was also good to see RN and Merchant Navy ensigns flying from the Town Hall). Shipmates Karl and Hilary Webb attended a Summer Reception at Buckden Towers (formerly known as Buckden Palace) hosted by the President of the Royal Society of Saint George’s Huntingdon Branch, Sir Hugh Duberly, H.M. Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire. Finally, Shipmates Bill Small and Nino Crean attended an annual Battlefield tour in Belgium and France. Photographs show: S/M Bill Small parading the Branch Standard as S/M Andrew Milton Blesses the Armed Forces day Flag; Huntingdon Shipmates, Sea Cadets, and Armed Forces personnel with the Mayor of St Ives on Armed Forces Day; S/MPete Aston and his daughter, Maisie, laying a wreath during the Sea Sunday Service; S/M Karl Webb attends a Summer Reception at Buckden Towers. Area 7 27

Area 7 Chairman Shipmate Mike Starkey has very kindly forwarded an article concerning Area 7 participation in the South Wales Armed Forces Day. The South Wales Armed Forces Day was held in Caerphilly this year on Saturday June 25th. Area 7 of the RNA was well represented with many members marching in the parade and others manning the Cardiff branch gazebo; available in the gazebo were various RNA “gizzets” and numerous tots of Pussers. The parade started at the upper end of Caerphilly, through the main street and ending at Caerphilly castle. It was a very big parade comprising of serving members of the Armed Forces, Cadet Forces and Public Service authorities (police, fire brigade etc), marching bands and of course the Armed Forces veterans. The veterans and accompanying Standards were situated at the rear of the parade, with Standards to the fore and I was one of the veterans. When the veterans turned left from the muster point to march down the main street, I noticed two things: that we had our own band directly in front of us (all in step then) and that there was a considerable distance between the platoon ahead of us and ourselves. The reason for this gap puzzled me for a while and my only conclusion was, that this was deliberate by the organisers that we were more or less on our own for a big “chuck up” by the attending public; that is what I like to think was the reason anyway. What did surprise me was the very large numbers of the public lining the pavements, there were literally hundreds and hundreds of them, all waving and applauding. After the parade, a “Drumhead Ceremony” was held in the grounds of Caerphilly Castle, with the music provided by the Royal Marine band of HMS Collingwood. Excellent setting, music and event. After the “Drumhead Ceremony”, everybody’s attention was to an adjoining area where displays and exhibitions from all services of the Armed Forces were located, together with the Cadet Forces and veterans organisations. A very large turn-out. Refreshment facilities were also available. The weather held good until mid-afternoon, when heavy showers occurred. The Cardiff gazebo was well utilised. All together an excellent day.

Area 6 28

On Saturday 16th July 2016, shipmates from No 6 Area gathered at the Chesham Royal British Legion Club for their quarterly meeting, which this month, was hosted by Chesham and Amersham Branch. The meeting was, as always, very informative, shipmates were briefed on the proceedings at National Conference, current financial position, and also of plans for an annual dinner/reception to coincide with our AGM in 2017. However, the highlight of the meeting was the report from Bletchley & District’s shipmate Dave Corrigan, Standard Bearer for No 6 Area. Dave said that he had attended the National Standard Bearers’ competition (also with the Association of Wrens (AoW) National Standard Bearers’ Competition) at HMS Collingwood. Shipmate Dave has been attending the annual competition for a number of years, he said he will be the National Standard Bearer one day and that this year he felt that he had a great chance to win. Following an inspection of the 8 RNA, and 5 AoW, Standard Bearers, each was put through their paces with each routine being judged for accuracy and timing. All the competitors had put in some excellent performances; the results were always going to be close. Shipmate Bob Coburn had made a slight error in his drill, but the judges felt that overall, he had just beaten Dave to the title. Shipmate Dave’s performance had earned him the title of Deputy National Standard Bearer, he brought his trophy and National Standard Bearers’ sling to show the No 6 Area Committee and delegates. Everyone from No 6 Area knows the effort that shipmate Dave puts in whilst performing his duties, we know he will achieve his aim to become National Standard Bearer, but this year is still an excellent result and everyone showed their appreciation of his efforts. BZ shipmate, we look forward to seeing you on parade, smart and seamanlike as always.

RNA Chesham and Amersham Branch On Sunday 3rd July 2016, shipmates Tim Pridham, Brian Brown and Stan Seal from Chesham and Amersham Royal Naval Association attended a commemoration event to remember the 100th anniversaries of the Battle of the Somme (1 July – 18 November 1916) and the Battle of Jutland (31 May – 1 June 1916), the day was also used to mark the end of the annual Armed Forces Day celebrations. Laying wreaths at the War Memorial were shipmates Brian Brown and Tim Pridham (accompanied by his daughter Annabelle), Chilton District Councillor, Mimi Harker, Bob Parrin from the Chesham Branch of the Royal British Legion, and Stan Seal from Chesham & Amersham Royal Air Force Association (Stan is also an Associate member of

Chesham & Amersham RNA). The Branch Standard was also paraded during the commemorations. Shipmates from Chesham & Amersham were also busy on the 16th July; they were the hosts for No 6 Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarterley meeting, a first (but by no means last) visit by No 6 Area Committee and Delegates. BZ shipmates. Photograph: l-r S/M Tim Pridham (with daughter Annabelle), S/M Brian Brown, Cllr Mimi Harker, Bob Parrin (RBL) and S/M Stan Seal RNA Newton Abbot Branch Newton Abbot Branch recently had a stall at the town carnival using a fantastic trailer display put together by the Chairman Nigel Wilson, which displayed information about Naval Divisions at the battle of the Somme. Branch members believe he obviously has way too much spare time! On a financial front the event was not the most successful ever but it was positive in getting the RNA out into the community with many people chatting to the members who manned the stall. Every year S/M Dave Cair and his wife Nicola (Newton Abbot Hon Sec & Hon Treasurer respectively) lay a wreath at the war memorial on 14th June to commemorate the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Dave was AB(R) serving on HMS Intrepid during the Falklands. They also plant a cross in remembrance of an old school colleague from the Isle of Wight, Andrew Swallow, who was KIA whilst serving in HMS Sheffield.

RNA Rhondda Branch

Rhondda Branch and Rhondda Sea Cadets held a joint celebration to commemorate HM Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 90th birthday. It was also an occasion to help reward the Sea Cadets for their outstanding efforts throughout the year. Permission has been obtained to use the photo of the future Chief stoker and also newest member!

RNA Dublin Branch Thanks to Shipmate Nick Purkis (Hon Sec Dublin) for reporting on activities in Dublin. On 21/06/2016 Shipmates from Dublin Branch held a Patron’s Lunch in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday, at the Royal Irish Yacht Club. As well as being a chance for Dublin Shipmates to honour Her Majesty, the day was also sad for the Branch, since it was also an occasion for the Shipmates to say farewell to our guest of honour, H.E. The British Ambassador to Ireland, Shipmate Dominick Chilcott. Toasts were given to both the Queen and the Ambassador and Branch President, Shipmate Dermot Stones presented the Ambassador with a personalized bottle of Jamieson Irish Whiskey as a memento of his four years in Dublin. The Ambassador has been a great supporter of the Dublin Branch and all veterans organisations within the Republic of Ireland and the Branch are very sad to see him go, but wish Shipmate Dominick and his wife Jayne all their best wishes as they start their new life back in London. On Saturday 9th July, Shipmates from Dublin Branch took place in the Annual Commemoration Service at the Islandbridge War Memorial Gardens in Dublin, which this year was organized by the Irish Government, to commemorate those that had fallen at the Battle of the Somme. Afterwards, Branch Shipmates and their guests enjoyed another fine annual summer barbecue at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. The Shipmates were delighted to be joined by H.E. The British Ambassador, as well as guests from The Irish Guards Association, RBL ROI Midlands Branch, Shipmates from Belfast and Londonderry Branches, Commander John Gray RN (SNONI), and the ROI Royal Airforces Association. On Friday 15th July, H.E. The British Ambassador invited Shipmates from Dublin Branch RNA as well as guests from other veterans’ organisations, to afternoon tea at his official residence, Glencairn in South Dublin, to say a final farewell, as he and his wife Jayne prepare to end their four year tour in Dublin. The Shipmates were looked after extremely well by Shipmate Dominick and Jayne, as well as the British Defence Attaché, Colonel Max Walker.

CROSSED THE BAR – Celebrating a life well lived George Marsh– Uttoxeter & District Branch The Uttoxeter and District RNA led by their Chairman David Emery MBE attended the funeral, at his family's request, of S/M George Marsh who ''Crossed the Bar'' on June 8th 2016 aged 90. Members formed a Guard of Honour and the Standard was borne by S/M Phil Davis preceded the funeral procession The Ceremony took place at St. Margaret's Church, Tean in Staffordshire. George Marsh was born in 1926 into a naval family and tragically George lost his father a Gunnery P.O. who was lost while serving aboard HMS Ardent when she was sunk on June the 8th 1940 along with HMS Glorious and HMS Acasta in Norwegian waters. Members of The GLARAC Association also attended the Funeral George joined the Fleet Air Arm and served for 22 years achieving the rank of CPO and served in various Ships and Establishment travelling the world. After leaving the RN Shipmate George served the RNA as Hon. Sec. of Stone Branch for many years and was a strong supporter of GLARAC. He will be much missed by all in the Branch and even more so by his wife and five surviving children.

Jim Leggett – Basildon Branch S/m Jim Leggett was originally a Member of the Colchester Branch where he carried the Branch Standard and having moved to Basildon to be nearer his family he transferred to the local Branch and in 2004 and became the Area 5 Standard Bearer. Jim was very proud to take the Standard wherever it was required, with Conferences at Torquay, Londonderry and France to name but a few. He also travelled to the Orkney Islands for their Standard Dedication Service together with a fellow RNA Member and both were made very welcome. With a short break when he sustained a leg injury he continued as Standard Bearer until June 2015. His last Parade was the RNA Conference at Folkestone. Jim always said that when his illness got so he could not carry the Standard with pride he would stand down and this he did with great reluctance. As a token of thanks for his dedicated years of service, S/m Tim Jarvis, Area 5 Chairman presented Jim with a framed Certificate of Appreciation at the Area Meeting in February. Standard Bearers and Shipmates joined Family and Friends at the Funeral, and S/m Paulette Rose, the Area 5 Secretary gave a short eulogy of Jim's life as an RNA Member. He will be very much missed by all.

Les Bryant – Rhondda Branch It is with great sadness that Shipmates are informed that Shipmate Les Bryant of Rhondda Branch has Crossed the Bar. Les was 91 and a Veteran (Stoker) of the Arctic Convoys. He was awarded the Ushakov medal by the Russian Government for his part in the Arctic convoys. Les was a very bright alert gentleman who will be sorely missed by his wife Maisie and his daughters.

John (Jack) Shaw – Sutton-in-Ashfield Branch S/M 'Jack' was a former RNA member in the ill-fated Sutton-inAshfield Club/Branch, until ill health stopped him. S/Ms Brian (Chairman/President), Rick (Branch Standard Bearer) and S/M Glyn Johns attend the funeral recently and helped provide S/M Jack with a fitting send-off on his final deployment. S/M Glyn was contacted by Jack’s Daughter, Jackie Stirland who requested RNA representation as she knew how much Jack had enjoyed his time as a member at Sutton-in-Ashfield. Shipmate John (Jack) Shaw, a Mansfield lad, was in the D-Day Landings on the 6th June 1944. He served onboard ML 120 he said “he lived a very charmed life” and had been “very lucky” he said the ship arrived at JUNO beach at lunchtime and in his words “all the muck and bullets had finished” A few days later he even walked to Bayeux with some Soldiers and nearly got knocked over by a staff car containing Churchill and Montgomery. Jack was very disappointed as they didn’t bother to stop and offer him a lift!! RIP Shipmate.

Lieutenant Frank Bennett RNVR Frank Bennett of Newcastle-under-Lyme, a WW2 Lt RNVR, died recently aged 98. Frank was not a member of the RNA but he was always extremely proud of his wartime service in the RNVR and his family got in touch with RNA Central Office to see if it would be possible to have some Naval support at his funeral service.

This request was passed on to NCM 8 Area, as Frankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home town came into Area 8. With no branch in Newcastle-under-Lyme, nor nearby Stoke on Trent, the NCM approached Uttoxeter and Stafford Branches, the ones nearest by. Both Branches provided an RNA Standard accompanied by supporting Branch Members, and the Area 8 Chairman and Secretary also attended. The Area NCM also attended, and wore his National Chairman badge of office, probably for the last time, to honour a special WW2 Veteran. Frank Bennett was involved in the, at the time, Top Secret, Operation PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean). This was a pre D-Day landings operation to plan for the laying of a fuel pipe line from the UK to Normandy to provide the vast quantities of fuel required supporting the post DDay land operations, thereby avoiding the significant threat by German submarines to tankers supplying fuel across the Channel. Frank was involved in pipe line trials across the Severn Estuary and in the laying of the actual line across to Normandy. He was mentioned in despatches for climbing up onto the huge towed pipeline drum at one point and releasing the pipe when it got jammed. He was the captain of the towing vessel. Frank was a great family man, a father, grandfather and great grandfather, and his family were very grateful of the support the RNA gave in proving RNA Standards and a Guard of Honour. All RNA members who attended were honoured to give Frank a good Naval send-off and support his lovely family.

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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

Shortcast 2016 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 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 Gambia Association – 16 September 2016 AGM and reunion at Tillington Hall, Stafford from September 16 to 19. Contact Shirley Winn of IOW Tours at enquiries@iowtours.com or tel: 01983 40516 or John Andrews at babsjo2@hotmail.co.uk 36

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. 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’ & ‘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 Type 21 Club - 08 October 2016 The Type 21 Club annual reunion will take place in the Crwon Hill British legion Club on Saturday 08 October between 1930 -2235. The capacity is 200 so please make sure you book up early to guarantee your place. Sign up and pay at www.type21club.org

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. 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 HMS Newfoundland & HMS Kenya - 31 March 2017 Veteran’s annual get together will be held from 31 March to 3 April at the 4* Sketchley Grange Hotel, Burbage, Leicestershire. Reunion includes 3 nights half board accommodation, Gala Night Saturday night. Saturday coach tour to Nottingham and River Trent Cruise including a cream tea and sandwiches. Sunday coach tour to Leicester (King Richard III) and Foxton Locks. Also three night’s entertainment. If you served on any of the Fiji/Uganda class cruisers, aka the Colony Class, you and your family members are welcome to join us. There is no official business, just a weekend of meeting friends 40

and lamp swinging so come and join us. Also available for 2 nights. Contact Isle of Wight Tours, tel 01983 405116 or Alan Waite at alan04@live.co.uk 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 - August 2016

Date 1st

Year 1808

2nd

1917

3rd

2005

4th

1960

5th

1914

6th

1940

7th

1941

Entry Crocodile, frigate, landed Sir Arthur Wellesley in Mondego Bay in command of the Portuguese Expeditionary Force. Start of the Peninsula campaign. A classic example of littoral warfare. Sqn Cdr E.H. Dunning landed a Sopwith Pup on board the converted large light cruiser Furious under way in Scapa Flow, the first man ever to land an aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier. He was killed on 7 August attempting a further landing on the same ship. Invincible, Capt Neil Morisetti RN, (the fourteenth commanding officer since Capt M.H. Livesay RN commissioned her on 11 July 1980), paid off at Portsmouth after twenty five years’ service. She was the adopted ship of the city of Durham and had visited forty countries and steamed 850,000 miles. One of three RN ships with Falklands battle honours from 1914 and 1982 (Bristol and Glasgow). Vanguard, Britain’s last twentieth-century battleship, towed from Fareham Creek bound for shipbreakers at Faslane and briefly went aground off the Customs Watch House in Old Portsmouth near the Still and West tavern on Portsmouth Point. Light cruiser Gloucester detected Goeben in Messina by wireless interception (first RN use of ESM in war). German Type C magnetic mine exploded under examination in mining shed at Vernon: five killed. Gold stripes to be worn on only the outer cuff, a wartime economy 41

8th

1979

9th

1854

10th

1942

11th

1969

12th

2000

13th

1942

14th

1877

15th

1945

16th

1917

17th

1943

18th

1805

19th

1995

measure. Lt -Cdr Nicholas Monsar rat , RNVR, (‘Montserrat’ on birth certificate) author of The Cruel Sea (1951), ‘one of the greatest triumphs of fiction in the English language’ (DNB), died. His ashes were scattered at sea by the Royal Navy. VC: Cdr J. Bythesea and Stoker W. Johnstone (Arrogant) overcame five soldiers with important dispatches on the island of Wardo in the Baltic and brought them all back safely. William Johnstone probably a ‘Swede’ was the first lower-deck recipient of the VC. ‘Pedestal’ convoy passed Gibraltar en route for Malta. 700S Naval Air Squadron received its first Sea King at Culdrose. Commissioned 19 August and commenced flying operations next day. Russian Oscar II-class cruise missile submarine Kursk destroyed in explosion in Barents Sea. Cdre David Russell, DFOSM, led RN assistance party. Light cruiser Manchester, Capt Harold Drew RN, escorting the Pedestal convoy to Malta, torpedoed in the early hours by the Italian MTBs MS-16 and MS-22, 6 miles off Kelibia, Tunisia (36.50N, 11.10E). Having lost all main engine power, Capt Drew ordered the ship to be abandoned and scuttled, prematurely in the opinion of his subsequent court martial. Some men were taken on board the destroyers Somali and Pathfinder. The remainder got ashore and were interned by the Vichy French in very bad conditions in a desert camp until released after the Torch landings in November 1942. William Henry Smith, the son in W.H. Smith & Son, newsagents, made First Lord of the Admiralty by Disraeli. Smith was lampooned the following year as Sir Joseph Porter in W.S. Gilbert’s comic opera HMS Pinafore: ‘Stick close to your desks and never go to sea, and you all may be rulers of the Queen’s Navee.’ Disraeli was criticised ‘for conferring the Admiralty on a London tradesman’ and Smith blackballed by the Reform but he proved an able administrator and died in post as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports at Walmer Castle on 6 October 1891. VJ Day. Japanese surrender. End of the Second World War. From C-in-C Fifth Fleet to Fifth Fleet Pacific: ‘The war with Japan will end at 12.00 on 15 August. It is likely that Kamikazes will attack the fleet after this time as a final fling. Any ex-enemy aircraft attacking the fleet is to be shot down in a friendly manner.’ (Saros) Q-ship, ex-Bradford City, sunk in Straits of Messina. Light cruisers Euryalus and Penelope and destroyers Jervis and Paladin bombarded Scalea, Calabria, S. Italy. Vice-Admiral Viscount Nelson, having pursued Villeneuve to the Caribbean and back, anchored at Spithead and hauled down his flag in Victory on 20 August. ( Last seen riding off to cuddle with Emma Hamilton!) Destroyer Southampton provided relief assistance to island of Montserrat until 31 August following volcanic eruption. Operation Harlech. From 6–15 September the destroyer with RFA Oakleaf engaged in relief operations in Anguilla following widespread 42

20th 21st

1917 1967

22nd

1940

23rd

1993

24th

1935

25th

1942

26th

1914

27th

1896

28th

1996

29th

1942

30th

1954

damage in wake of Hurricane Luis. Acton (Q 34) sank UC-72 in Bay of Biscay (46.00N, 08.48W). Frigate Loch Fada, the first and last of the Loch Class Frigates serving in the Royal Navy, sailed from Singapore and arrived at Portsmouth 11 October to pay off after twenty-three years’ service. While escorting Convoy BTC.81 on 27 February 1945 she sank U-1018 South. of the Lizard, and next day, with Labuan and Wild Goose, and Liberator H/112 of the USN, she sank U-327 off The Scillies. Loch Fada took Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus to exile in the Seychelles in 1956 and after paying-off in 1967 she was used as a floating test bed for the Sea Wolf missile on the MOD range in Luce Bay, Scotland. Three Swordfish of 824 Sqn (Eagle) sank the depot ship Monte Gargano, a destroyer and the S/M Iride in the Gulf of Bomba, bound for a ‘chariot’ raid on Alexandria. Opossum, Lt-Cdr J.R.G. Drummond RN, last of the Royal Navy’s thirteen Oberon-class diesel-electric submarines, paid off at Gosport. Earlier that month the thiry-year-old boat was the first Western submarine since the Second World War to visit Severomorsk, the Russian Northern Fleet base. The Royal Marines for the first time in their history provided the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, the Bank of England and ‘for the Hyde Park magazines’. The specially formed battalion of sixteen officers, 349 rank and file and 110 band and drums under Lt-Col T.L. Hunton, were quartered with the Coldstream Guards at Chelsea Barracks. The visit to London ended on 19 September with the battalion exercising the privilege of the Royal Marines of marching through the City of London with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed. Marne, Martin and Onslaught sank the German minelayer Ulm 100 miles E. of Bear Island and rescued sixty men. This was one of the very few occasions when Ultra intelligence was sent without cover to those not privy to Ultra as a source. Cruiser Highflyer sank the German armed merchant cruiser Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse off Rio de Oro, Spanish West Africa, only ten days out from Bremen. Rear-Admiral Sir Harry Rawson (St George) bombarded the Sultan’s palace at Dar-es-Salaam and sank his gunboat Glasgow. Ships: St George, Racoon, Philomel, Thrush and Sparrow. The action lasted forty-five minutes and has been called ‘the shortest war in history’. Prime Minister John Major attended a ceremony at Neptune, Clyde Submarine Base, to mark the paying-off of Repulse and the end of the Polaris programme. Polaris monument unveiled. Eridge torpedoed off Daba (31.07N, 28.26E). Towed to Alexandria but CTL. The Royal Naval Association – ‘Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship’ – formed in 1950, received its Royal Charter from HM The Queen. Its purposes ‘to further the efficiency of the Service in which members of the Association have served or are serving, by fostering esprit de corps and preserving the traditions of the Service and thus to achieve those ideals for which Our Naval 43

31st

1939

Forces have fought and perpetuate the memory of those members who have died in the service of their country; to relieve members of the Association who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress’. Issuing Prices for service provisions on repayment and expended for General Mess purposes included: Herrings in Tomato Sauce: 1lb tin, 414⁄ d Lard: 1lb tin, 812⁄ d (except on the China station, where the price will be communicated by the Victualling Yard). AFO 2496/39.

RNA CLEETHORPES & GRIMSBY BRANCH We would like to thank all who visited the Cleethorpes & Grimsby RNA during Armed Forces Day National Event 2016, hoping that you all enjoyed yourselves and that you will come back and visit us again. Yours Aye Branch Committee

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Please see email below received from our Armed Forces Major Events Team Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry this has taken a bit of time but on behalf of the Armed Forces Events team I would like to thank everyone for their help and assistance in making this the “best” Armed Forces Day ever. An estimated 200,000 people turned up and I’m delighted to say that the only feedback we have had has been positive. HRH and the PM thoroughly enjoyed the day and were blown away with the size of the parade and the crowd that came along to support it; some were moved to tears by the event. We have received a letter from the Armed Forces Minister who said they were justified in selecting Cleethorpes (NE Lincs) as it was the biggest AFD in the history of the event. Please be very proud of yourselves and that of your members and associates, secondly, If you look at all of the various AFD parades on line you will notice that Cleethorpes this year was the smartest and most disciplines parade; that is thanks to our Servicemen & Women, Our esteemed veterans and the Cadet forces. At some point we will have a wash up – debrief meeting in RAFA and start to move on to 2017. Planning is already well ahead for 2017, we cannot let next Year drop off after building up to the success we have had. To that end we have taken the steps to move our AFD back 1 week from the National AFD, this will now be held on Sat 1 July 2017 with a families day on Sun 2 Jul. As there is a chance that AFDNE may be in the North of the Country next Year, assets would not be available to use at Cleethorpes and Standard bearers may choose to go to the National; we want them here. This Year our parade size was restricted by MOD, next year the gloves are off so we can have the largest parade ever. Would you please pass on our thanks as we are unable to send out to all those who attended. Many thanks Regards

Gavin Vice Chairman RAFA Grimsby, Cleethorpes Branch. Gavin Marshall, Armed Forces Events Team Knoll House, Knoll St, Cleethorpes, DN35 8LN 01472 324416/ mobile 07776174712 gavin.marshall@nelincs.gov.uk /www.armedforcescleethorpes.co.uk

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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:

2 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £169 per person _____

3 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £199 per person _____

3 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £219 per person ______

4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £259 per person _____

1 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast: £89 per person _____

1) 2 -4 June (Fri-Sun) 2) 2 -5 June (Fri-Mon) 3) 1 - 4 June (Thu-Sun) 4) 1st-5 June (Thu-Mon) rd

5) 3 -4 June (Sat-Sun)

Accommodation Requirements: (The first person named should be the “Lead Name” to whom all correspondence will be sent) Note: *A limited number of rooms are available for Single occupancy without supplement. If singles are over-subscribed a Depart Accommodation Type supplement of £15 per night may apply. Arrival Title

Initial

Surname

1. _____

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____________________

2. _____

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3. _____ 4. _____

Day

Double Twin

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)

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

Date: ________________ nd

Note: Final Balance Payment: Is due on or before 2 April 2017

Optional Insurance: We can provide comprehensive insurance cover for a premium of £10 per person. Full details will be provided for your consideration once your application has been processed and accepted. CHEQUE/DEBIT CARD Payments* CREDIT CARD * 2% charges apply. If you wish to pay using a credit/debit card then please tick here: _______Once your application has been accepted we will contact you to arrange payment. RETURN THIS APPLICATION TO: Just for Groups! The Old Bakery, Queens Road, Norwich NR1 3PL Tel: Admin 01603 886742/Sales 01603 886740 Email: sales@justforgroups.co.uk www.justforgroups.co.uk