THE MOORINGS ISSUE 75
MARCH 2019
Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy
ASTARIA IS BORN
The winning entry in the 2018 Rayleigh Branch Photo Competition taken by S/M Les Holyome of the Astaria Model Village during a Branch visit to the ‘Museum of Power’ in Langford, Maldon.
Incorporated by Royal Charter
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION RAYLEIGH BRANCH (No.5 Area)
BRANCH CONTACTS RNArayleigh@outlook.com President:
Bob Hill
01268 780449
Chairman:
Jim Hammond
01268 414616
Vice Chairman:
Terry Barker
01268 456165
Hon. Secretary:
Gary Daisley
01268 555570
Hon. Treasurer:
Joan Crick
01268 741303
Membership Secretary:
Bill Vernon
01268 772775
Standard Bearer:
Dave Bishop
01268 770521
Welfare Officer:
Dave Mead
01702 307922
Social Secretary:
Mike Sandbrook
01702 801103
Padre:
Rev. David Oxtoby
01268 971814
BRANCH INFORMATION email: RNArayleigh@outlook.com tweet: @RNArayleigh
Meeting Venue: Royal British Legion 2 London Hill, Rayleigh SS6 7HP Tel: 01268 776503 Meeting Dates: Fortnightly (see back cover). Registered Charity: Registration Number 1069148 2
Rayleigh Branch AGM Awards From the front cover S/M Les Holyome receiving the trophy as Photographer of the Year from S/M Vice Chairman Terry Barker and (bottom) S/M Dave Mead receiving his Shipmate of the Year medal to go along with the freshly engraved shield. Dave will hold the shield until next year’s AGM. Both stories continue on page 9.
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Extract from the Semaphore Circular February 2019 Dear Shipmates, Welcome Very best wishes to everyone for the New Year from the new General Secretary. I should introduce myself. I joined the Andrew at FISGARD as a Tiffy Apprentice in September 1982 and after the first year of common training I was streamed towards the clanky side, so trotted off to Caledonia to complete my MEA apprenticeship. Bizarrely, after joining the Navy “to see the world”, I was mildly disappointed to find myself about 19 miles down the road from Glenrothes where I was at school! Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun, especially runs ashore in Edinburgh where I was to meet my future wife, Anne. I played a lot of sport, rugby was my game and so I thought it reasonable to put my chit in to re-cat as PTI. I was a little surprised when my DO refused to support my request. Instead, he suggested I submit another Request Form to raise my CW papers. So, a little while later, I found myself going round the buoy and starting again at Dartmouth. In all, I was in the training pipeline for nearly 7 years before getting my first compliment appointment at the Clyde Submarine Base. At least I didn’t need language training! Lots of ships and lots of jobs later, including a sprinkling of joint assignments which saw me both in Iraq and Afghanistan, I ended up in 2016 as Captain of the Base in Portsmouth with the task of preparing the Base for the arrival of the new carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Having followed the complete development of the carrier programme from the genesis of the idea which emerged from George Robertson’s Strategic Defence Review of 1998, it was a huge honour to be a part of the delivery and be there for the ship’s first entry into Portsmouth in August 2017. Retiring after 37 years service, I was given the very great privilege of taking the salute at the Passing Out Parade at HMS Raleigh in late September where I said to the youngsters on parade that I would be more than happy to trade uniforms with anyone on the Parade Ground for the opportunity to do it all again. 4
Please understand then, that it gives me huge pride to continue in the Naval family and be able to serve you as the General Secretary of your Association. Paul Quinn gave me the best possible handover (thank you Paul) and has certainly left big boots to fill which I shall endeavour to do, although I have no intention of assuming his “Man at C&A” fashion sense as the tank top will be firmly retired! I should say, he was very grateful for his send off and we have published his letter of thanks at the end of this circular. You should be aware that while I will seek to make improvements where I can, I have no intention of altering the course of the ship and any touches to the tiller will all be suggested through the National Council. What I have come to realise already though is that there is a huge patchwork of military charities out there who are specialist in some shape or form to a particular need or group and there is plenty of assistance available should it be required. I think our role in that is to act as an intelligence network to look out for our oppos or spouses who are maybe less able or fortunate as others and report this up through our Welfare Reps so that we can take positive action to remedy or assist. I think the message is, don’t be shy to come forward and seek assistance should it be necessary. So, on to some naval news. It has eventually been announced that HMS Queen Elizabeth (QNLZ) will go back to Rosyth in early summer for her first planned six-week docking period with a plan to sail again for the US to do more fixed wing flying trials during the autumn using British F35s. Meanwhile, HMS Prince of Wales (PWLS) is still on target for delivery and we should see her in Portsmouth before the end of the year. As we dipped out a bit on the QNLZ first entry to Portsmouth because she came in two days early to beat the weather. I’ll see if we can arrange something here for PWLS first entry for those interested in witnessing this historic occasion. I wonder if there are any surviving RNA members who were on the previous glorious vessel of that name? In case you missed it, the announcement has been made for the naming of the last of the eight Type-26 frigates, HMS Edinburgh. Notable for me as I did my Midshipman’s Fleet-time in the previous ship of that name when she was a shiny new T-42 with 5
Bob Williams and then Alistair Ross in Command. This completes the naming of the T-26 City Class and Edinburgh joins the previously named Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle and London. The T-26 will replace the Towed Array fitted T-23s and will be based in Devonport. Frigates are getting bigger; the T-26 is 60ft longer and 2,000 tonnes heavier than their predecessors, equipped with bow and towed array sonar, Sea Ceptor air defence missiles and a 5” main gun. Also, I’ve been asked a favour from Rear Admiral Bath, the Naval Secretary. As President of Navy Cricket, he tells me they have a shortage of umpires and scorers. Given this is quite a time consuming activity, it’s difficult to get Service people to participate. As it tends to appeal to an older demographic, he’s asked if there is any interest within the RNA? You wouldn’t have to be umpires or scorers already. They would be prepared to pay for individuals to do courses, etc. It’s more about your interest in RN cricket, willingness to be involved and preparedness to give up some time. If there is an interest, please contact Central Office (02392 722983) and we’ll put you in touch with the right people. I’m sure there might be the odd ticket for internationals and certainly the annual Inter-services 20-20 at Lords as a perk. Forthcoming events for your diaries: • The Jutland Wood tree planting event at Langley Vale on 16 March is firming up and we would welcome representation from members who feel up to it. Having been to a previous event the format commences at 10:00 with a cup of tea while there are a few words of explanation and remembrance followed by tree planting and lunch. Secured by 15:00. Several Sea Cadet units have expressed an interest, so at least there will be some youth there to crack any heavy lifting! • 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the focus of commemorative activity in the UK will be here in Portsmouth on 5 June. The RBL are leading in conjunction with Portsmouth City Council and we are close up with planning and will share more details when known. If you are thinking of coming down for these events, we strongly advise you to book accommodation in the city early. It may be busy and we anticipate that the Royal Family will be represented. What we do know is that the RBL have put on a cruise around the 6
Channel area which includes heading up to Dunkirk, the event here at Portsmouth on 5 June and then moves across to France for D-Day itself on 6 June; returning to Portsmouth 8 June. The deadline for applications is 4 February and those fortunate individuals who have been selected, will be informed by the end of February. • National Conference planning continues with a great conference in store at St Neots in Cambridgeshire over the weekend of 7-9 June. Please get your nominations for delegates into Nigel. • For those of you who may have served in Northern Ireland on Op Banner, you should be aware that the RBL are putting on a commemorative event at the National Arboretum on 14 August. Details are on the RBL website. • Being an odd year, it means it’s a Biennial Parade year, which is in Whitehall on 8 September. Planning is already underway, and details will follow. So, with the content I have already seen in this edition, it seems that there is plenty going on this year. Let’s make it a good one! Finally, I was delighted to see the RNA being represented at Prince Charles’ 70th birthday by fellow septuagenarians Shipmates Jayne Miller from St Neots & District Branch and Anne Cox and Anne McKinnon from Glasgow Branch. I hope you enjoyed your afternoon tea at Spencer House. Best wishes from the Central Office Team, Bill Oliphant General Secretary
Membership Awards This year’s Rayleigh Branch AGM also saw Long Service Membership Certificates awarded to Helen Hill and Harry Potter for 20 years of loyal membership to the Branch. Congratulations to you both. 7
S/M Les Holyome’s winning entry in RNA Rayleigh’s Photographer of the Year Competition.
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Rayleigh Branch AGM: 6 February 2019 This year’s AGM saw re-elections for S/M’s Terry Barker (Vice Chair), Gary Daisley (Secretary), Dave Mead (Welfare) & Mike Sandbrook (Social). The remaining positions of Chair, Treasurer, Membership & Minutes Secretary will be due for re-election next year. The position of PRO/Press Officer remains vacant. I would like to add a thank you Dave Rasch, Director and owner of Phoenix Photographic in Rayleigh High Street for judging the photo competition and for help with prize costs. A special thank you to all off the Branch and Committee Members who have given their time freely to help make Rayleigh one of the most dynamic branches in the area and noted nationally as amongst the most progressive and proactive branches around. Congratulations also to Dave Mead, for winning this year’s Shipmate of the Year award. S/M Jim Hammond (Chairman) said “Dave had done an admirable job as Welfare Officer and has made the role his own. He has also taken on the job as Branch Deputy Standard Bearer and with in-house training has taken to this position wholeheartedly at short notice. Since being a member, he has represented the Branch at the annual Remembrance Parade in Whitehall every year and lays a wreath on behalf of the Branch. His is dedicated to the Branch and is one of the first to step forward volunteering for any task that arises.“
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Warship Week: 14-21 February 1942 In the February issue of The Moorings, we featured the tragic plight of the Motor Torpedo Boat MTB-667 and the annual memorial at ‘All Saints Church’ in Brightlingsea (Tuesday 5 March 2019). But did you know that Rayleigh had adopted its own Motor Torpedo Boat during Warship Week in 1942? Warship Weeks were British National savings campaigns during the Second World War, with the adoption of a Royal Navy warship by a civil community. A level of savings would be set to raise enough money to provide the cost of building a particular naval ship. The aim was for cities to raise enough to adopt battleships and aircraft carriers, while towns and villages would focus on cruisers and destroyers. Smaller towns and villages would be set a lower figure. Once the target money was saved for the ship, the community would adopt the ship and its crew. Local charity organisations, churches and schools would provide the crews of the adopted ship with gloves, woollen socks and balaclavas. Children would often write letters and send cards to the crew. When possible, officers and men from the adopted ship would visit the local community. To celebrate their visit, a parade would often be organised in their honour. During the early parts of the war, the Royal Navy not only had lost many capital ships but was facing increasing pressure to provide escorts to precious convoys in the Atlantic. While there was not a shortage of sailors, ships sunk by enemy action had to be replaced. Between 1941 and 1942, the concept of National Savings was introduced by the British government. Each region in the country was provided with a savings target to achieve. This was based on the region’s population, with each general level of savings having a class of warship assigned. This became known as Warship Week, due to its similarities with War Weapons Week – which was a drive to replace the materiel lost at Dunkirk through a savings campaign. The ship’s commanding officer would exchange plaques, objects and photographs with the city or town that reached the target set, and an adoption would begin. The number of warships adopted was over 1,200 and this number included battleships, cruisers, 10
destroyers and trawlers. The total amount raised for the war effort was £955,611,589. A community would sponsor a ship through individual savings in government bonds and national savings certificates. The campaigns were organised by the National War Savings Committee with the full support of the Admiralty. There were a total of 1,178 warship weeks organised during the campaign’s duration, involving a total of 1,273 districts. A press announcement quoted the adoption of eight battleships, four carriers, forty-nine cruisers, three hundred and one destroyers, twenty-five submarines, one hundred and sixty-four corvettes and frigates and two hundred and eighty-eight minesweepers. Other national war campaigns included the 'Wings For Victory' Week to purchase bomber planes, a 'Spitfire Week' to purchase fighter planes, a 'War Weapons Week' and a 'Tanks For Attack' Week. The Ship’s Crest from His Majesty’s Motor Torpedo Boat MTB-207 permanently housed at the Rayleigh Mill. The inscription reads “Presented by The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, Rayleigh (Essex) to commemorate the adoption of HMMTB207 during warship week Feb 21st 1942”.
Essex Warship Weeks: Barking: HMS Undaunted, U-Class Destroyer; Benfleet: MTB-32, Motor Torpedo Boat; Billericay: HMS Lark, Black Swan Class Sloop; Brentwood: HMS Antelope, A-Class Destroyer; Canvey Island: HM ML-115, Harbour Motor Launch; Chelmsford: HMS Hardy, V-Class Destroyer; Chigwell: HMS Brighton, Town Class Destroyer Type-6; Chingford: HMS Reading, Town Class Destroyer Type-4; Clacton-on Sea: HMS Clacton, Bangor Class Minesweeper; Colchester: HMS Unruffled, U-Class Submarine; Dagenham: HMS Evenrode, River Class Frigate; East Ham: HMS Sahib, S-Class Submarine; Halstead: HMS Harrow, Albury Class Minesweeper; Hornchurch: HMS Hurricane, Ex-Brazilian Destroyer; Ilford: HMS Urchin, U Class Destroyer; Leyton: HMS Traveller, T Class Submarine; Maldon: HMS Rockrose, Flower Class Corvette; Rayleigh: MTB 207, Motor Torpedo Boat 21-Feb-42; Rochford: HMS Magnolia, Trawler Minesweeper; Romford: HMS Raider, R-Class Destroyer.
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Have you noticed this? Dotted around the RBL Hall in Rayleigh, you will find tiny clues about the history of the RNA in Rayleigh and Rayleigh’s involvement with the Royal Navy during the war years. Look out in the next issue of The Moorings for further ‘sightings of significance’. The plaque reads “This plaque is presented to HMMTB-207 to commemorate her adoption by the citizens of Rayleigh in Essex during warship week. February 14th –21st 1942.
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Diary Dates
HMS MTB667 Memorial Service Tuesday 5 March 2019 All Saints Church, Brightlingsea.
Auction Night Wednesday 6 March 2019 Proceeds to Annual Mess Dinner - All welcome!
Mess Deck Supper Friday 15 March 2018 (8pm) Tickets from S/M Mike Sandbrook.
Bluebell Steam Railway visit Tuesday 11 April 2019 Uckfield, East Sussex (S/M Mike Sandbrook)
RACE NIGHT!!! Cine Horse Racing Friday 12 April 2019 (7:30pm) tickets from S/M Mike Sandbrook.
RNA v RBL
Darts Match
Friday 3 May 2019 (8pm) S/Ms Dave Bishop & Dave Harding
Rayleigh Trinity Fair Sunday 9 June 2019 (11am-5pm) Rayleigh High Street
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