TCA Affiliated Sea Cadet Units

Newsletter of the TON Class Association
Edition 166
February 2014
TCA Affiliated Sea Cadet Units
Founder: Jack Worth MBE
TON Class Association
Patron HRH The Prince of Wales
P6
P 10
IVESTON
P 14
KELLINGTON
P 20
HIGHBURTON
P 24
Contents
Editorial ................................. 1
Chairman’s Corner .................. 2
Who’s Who & Coming Events . 3
Chaplain’s Chat ...................... 4
Sea Cadet Corps ..................... 5
HMS HUBBERSTON................. 6
Aberford & Stickleback ........... 9
Battle of Pulau Aur ............... 10
TS BOXER & IVESTON .......... 14
Reunion Booking Form .......... 18
TS KELLINGTON ................... 20
TS HIGHBURTON ................. 24
Nostalgia Corner ................... 27
Haulbowline Revisited ........... 28
HMS Hermione ..................... 29
Kent & Notts/Lincs News ....... 30
White Rose & Hants News..... 31
MCMV News ......................... 32
Slops ................................... 33
Membership Update .............. 34
Post Bag .............................. 36
TCA Membership
£10 per annum
£100 Life
www.tca2000.co.uk
Editorial
Spring Committee Meeting
will be held in the Hallmark Hotel, Derby on
Saturday 8th March 2014, commencing at 13.00. Members are encouraged to attend
and turn it into a social weekend. Booking form in October’s edition of TON Talk or
from Hon Sec. Contact Terry Hall [derby.submariners@talktalk.net] for advice on
avoiding road works in Derby.
AGM & Reunion
will be held at the Toorak Hotel, Torquay on Friday 10 Monday 13 October. Booking form at centre pages of this edition.
Congratulations to Sub Lt Tim Clyburn (SCC) RNR, C.O. of TS Kellington and
his wife Emily on the birth of their daughter Abigail.
Electronic TON Talk Trials were conducted in October and December 2013 by
e-mailing the printer’s proof [pdf file] to a dozen selected members in eight countries.
We appear to have the wrong e-address for four of them: George Dixon - Ontario,
David Humphreys – Dunedin, Peter Jackson - Florida, Mark Newdick - Connecticut
please e-mail Hon Sec with your current e- address.
Three replied that they preferred to receive a paper version; one because he could
lend it to friends in hospital and another because he enjoyed browsing through back
numbers while watching the sunset on a tropical isle with a cool beer to hand – was he
winding me up ?
Mike Williams – Alaska, replied within 20 minutes of transmission to say he had
received the electronic version on his tablet in his daughter’s car while being driven
through Ohio – there’s a technological achievement we can brag about !!
Three members in UK said they would like to have the electronic version. One lives on
the Isle of Wight, so he could claim to be overseas.
This edition has been e-mailed to all who requested it and others can also trial it by emailing to Hon Sec. The March Committee meeting will decide about the future of an
electronic version.
The Chief Yeoman has taken the Editor to task, reminding him that signals in
the International Code from HM Ships should be preceded by the Code/Answer
pennant [red and white vertical bars]. TON Talk is not really an HM Ship, but conscious
of the debt owed by the OOW to the Signals Branch, we hasten to comply – see inside
back cover.
Deadline for the April edition is 22 March
pjd
1
Chairman’s Corner
Our Patron His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales
celebrated his 65th birthday on November 14th 2013. Our Membership
Secretary Dennis Cook prepared a congratulatory birthday certificate which
was duly forwarded to him. A reply was received from his Equerry informing
that our Patron was delighted and asked me to convey his warm good wishes
and thanks to the artist, Dennis Cook, Admiral Lippiett and all members of the
Association.
Hearty congratulations to our President Rear Admiral John Lippiett on
being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the
New Year’s honours for service to British Heritage for his hard work and
commitment as Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust. A very well deserved
‘BRAVO ZULU’ from all in the Ton Class Association.
Donation – Mrs Anne Brown widow of the late Frank Brown who sadly
Crossed the Bar in April 2013 has very generously forwarded a substantial
donation to TCA funds. Anne disclosed that “It was something that Frank
would have wished”. Our Treasurer has added it to the TCA No. Two Account,
which is used for projects etc.
Reunion 2014 – This year’s reunion looks set to be a good one judging
from the many comments made in cards and messages received over the
Christmas period from members indicating their attendance. If you do not
wish to be disappointed get your form off a.s.a.p – see centre pages.
Our Guest of Honour this year is the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David
Steel CBE, BA, FCIPD, FCILT. Early in his RN career he served in HMS
YARNTON and HMS LEWISTON.
Back numbers of TON Talk from Edition 53 to date are offered by the
wife of the late Lt Cdr Gerald Mitchell who lives near Weymouth. Contact
Dennis Cook for details.
John Soanes
2
TCA Who’s Who
President
Rear Admiral R John Lippiett CB CBE
Chairman
John Soanes,
8 Arran Close,
Scotts Meadow
Torquay
TQ2 7BU
Tel: 01803 328450
E-mail: jsoanes@btinternet.com
Membership Secretary
Dennis Cook,
5 Manvers Street,
Worksop,
Notts
S80 1SD
Tel: 01909 481 745
Mob: 07919 897275
E-mail: denniscook@fsmail.net
Welfare Officer
Anthony ‘Charlie’ Farnes,
1 The Boltons,
Purbrook Chase,
Waterlooville
PO7 5QR
Tel: 07904 488958
E-mail:
Charliefarnes@yahoo.co.uk
Hon Treasurer
Stuart Johnson
30 Maple Close,
Chase Town
Burntwood
Staffs WS7 4RP
Tel: 01543 675 901
E-mail:
deeziandjohn@yahoo.co.uk
Hon Secretary &
Editor, TON Talk
Peter Down
39 Anderson Close
Needham Market
Suffolk
IP6 8UB
Tel: 01449 721 235
E-mail: peter.avoca@talktalk.net
Director, Historical Records
Bob Dean
37 Larcombe Road
Petersfield
GU32 3LS
Tel: 01730 233596
E-mail
fenton1135@hotmail.com
Vice Chairman &
Reunion Secretary
Peter Harrison,
Foxhollow
Sheviock
Torpoint
PL11 3EL
Tel: 01503 230 216
E-mail:
peterharrison@eclipse. co.uk
Chaplain
Rev. John Oliver OBE
Allandale
Thacka Lane
Penrith
Cumbria CA11 9HX
Tel: 01768 892 096
Coming Events
March
Fri 7 –
Mon 10
TCA Spring Committee Meeting
Hallmark Hotel, Derby
All TCA members welcome – Make it a social weekend
Booking form in October edition of TON Talk or from Hon Sec
Thurs 27
Kent Area Springtime Lunch, Folkestone.
Details from Chris Green Tel: 01303 254520
dtbr
Notts & Lincs Spring Dinner, Spalding
Contact Richard Gleed-Owen Tel : 01623 631086 richardgleedowen@yahoo.co.uk
Sat 24 Mon 26
Coniston Old Hands Bank Holiday Weekend in Coniston
Details from Chris Green Tel: 01303 254520 green943@btinternet.com
Sat 7
Cruise on the Ouse
White Rose Branch, York, Contact Pancho.Brett @talktalk.net Tel: 01302 883331
Fri10 Mon 13
AGM and Reunion
Toorak Hotel, Torquay
Booking form in this edition
green943@btinternet.com
April
May
June
October
3
Chaplain’s Chat
My subject in this edition is not as originally planned – so let me explain.
As President of the RBL in Penrith I have been tasked to play a major part in
the planning of an all-day vigil in the Parish Church on 4th August to
remember the outbreak of World War One in 1914. Although some way
ahead, planning is taking place and the “little grey cells” are struggling !
So far I have two ideas, apart from the services to take place at the start and
finish of the day. Firstly is to get young people to read aloud at hourly
intervals the names of all those killed, whose deaths are recorded on the
memorial in the Parish Church – over 300 in total, and secondly to perform
regular readings of War Poetry. Hopefully this can not only remind everyone
of the awful suffering endured in war but also inspire the present generation
to work for true peace.
I’m sharing this with you for two reasons; firstly to invite you to give me any
other ideas to make the day a meaningful event and secondly to suggest that
these two ideas might be worth mentioning to your own community planners
for 4th August. A cheek I know, but what are friends for ?
I am also currently composing a service to be held in the National Arboretum
on 27th April to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Yangtse Incident
when 46 sailors from HM Ships AMETHYST, LONDON, CONSORT and BLACK
SWAN were killed. It was an action in which the Royal Navy can take
justifiable pride and the Four Ships Memorial in the Arboretum is a fitting
tribute.
Hence my present mind set – although in a sense it is extra-parochial, I hope
that it is a reminder to us all of the Navy Blue family to which we all belong.
We will remember them.
Blessings,
John
4
Both at sea and on shore,
the Sea Cadet Corps
offers opportunities for young people to find new confidence
and inspiration. Across the UK 14,000 cadets from 400 units,
supported by 9,000 volunteers, are challenging themselves
and developing new skills through lots of activities based on
the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy and Royal
Marines.
The range of activities undertaken includes: sailing, rowing,
kayaking, canoeing, orienteering, first aid, navigation,
cooking, adventure training, windsurfing, power boating, meteorology, expeditions,
diving, field craft, shooting, summer camp, plus regional and national competitions.
Many of the qualifications gained by cadets are accredited by the leading UK training
bodies - so they stay with cadets for life and, if cadets fancy a challenge overseas,
there are opportunities through an International Exchange programme.
The Sea Cadets has one of the longest continuous histories of any youth organisation
in the country. Sailors returning home from the Crimean War (1854–1856) formed
Naval Lads' Brigades to help orphans in the back streets of sea ports. The first was in
Whitstable and the concept rapidly spread to other ports and inland towns. The Navy
League, a popular national organisation in Edwardian times, dedicated to supporting
the Royal Navy, adopted the Brigades in 1910.
In concept the Sea Cadet Corps provided training and character building for young
men based upon the traditions and practices of the RN. Many, but not all, of the cadets
went on to serve at sea in the RN or Merchant Service. Admiralty provided
sponsorship though the uniforms and an annual inspection and local businessmen
funded premises and paid the wages of instructors, who were predominantly retired
naval Chief Petty Officers and Bos’ns. In 1941 a parallel organisation, the Girls Nautical
Training Corps, was formed. GNTC merged with the Sea Cadets in 1980.
In 2004 the Sea Cadet Association amalgamated with the world's oldest seafarers'
charity, The Marine Society, to improve coordination nationally. Links with the RN are
maintained by serving RN officers appointed to senior roles within the combined
organisation.
Since 2009 TCA has donated funds from the raffle held at our Annual Reunion to
provide sailing scholarships for our three affiliated Sea Cadet units. Selection of the
cadets and choice of sailing opportunity is left to the units, so that they may maximise
the benefit for the cadets. The cadets are requested to feedback details of their
experiences to TCA. These “logs” are always of great interest to TCA members.
Sea Cadet Units welcome people with RN experience as instructors and members of
Unit Management Committees – an opportunity for TCA members to volunteer.
5
HMS HUBBERSTON
FIRST MINE HUNTER EAST OF SUEZ
Reminiscences - November 1964 to October 1966
by Cdr Mark Whelan, CO and his First Lieutenant Peter Hicks
HMS HUBBERSTON, affectionately known as “Hubble Bubble” or just
“Bubble“ commissioned at Chatham in November 1964 having been brought
forward from reserve and converted to a mine hunter. She was the third after
KIRKLISTON and IVESTON. Following trials, workup and the last minute
mounting of a second 40mm Bofors, in May 1965 she sailed unaccompanied
to Singapore via Gibraltar, Malta, Suez, Aden, Cochin and Penang.
The passage was uneventful except for an anxious few days waiting for an
RFA freighting tanker in the lea of the Kuria Muria islands off the coast of
Oman. Strong winds prevented anchoring and the tanker was delayed sailing
from the Gulf so, as fuel and fresh water started to run low, there was
speculation on how far across the Indian Ocean the ship could go. Fortunately
the rendezvous was achieved, particularly as there were no large scale charts
of Karachi or Mumbai on board !
June saw HUBBERSTON’S arrival at the Singapore Naval Base (SNB) in
reasonably good shape but without active rudder propellers. Thanks to metal
fatigue in the transmission system they had dropped off during the long sea
passage! Alas, this failure served as a warning, for as time went by, defects on
her then unfamiliar and advanced equipment operating in the tropics with a
temperamental air conditioning system became uncomfortably frequent. This,
plus more than enough Deltic engine changes, placed considerable strain of
the ship’s technical staff, who did their very best to cope. Sadly “Chief,” an
ERA 1, subsequently died of asbestos poisoning.
th
Having joined the 6 MCM Squadron (Black Foot), which was part of the
Inshore Flotilla (IF), HUBBERSTON was kitted out with 2 inch rocket
launchers, Vickers machine guns and boiler plate protection. Soon after arrival
a mine hunting demonstration for the Commander-in-Chief and senior staff
was well-staged, but did not excuse the ship from her full share of duties in the
Indonesian Confrontation. Notwithstanding, in addition to patrolling at night,
she conducted seabed surveys of the channel from the Changi buoy to
Loyang and the SNB. Finds of interest included a sunken railway train engine
and two unexploded Japanese WW2 bombs. The latter were rendered safe.
6
HUBBERSTON in the Johore Strait
© Crown Copyright – reproduced under Open Government Licence
From June 1965 to August 1966 HUBBERSTON undertook day and night
patrols in the Singapore and Malacca Straits and off Borneo. She also
participated in riverine operations and hearts and minds campaigns in support
of the Royal Marines and Army in Sarawak. Incidents in both East and West
Malaysia included detection and sinking of suspect sampans – one without
occupants and another carrying unfortunate Indonesian ex -infiltrators, who
under a newly introduced but insufficiently announced scheme, were
legitimately returning home having served time in Kuala Lumpur prison. The
pall of black smoke from the burning sampan attracted unexpected air cover
from the RAF. Interdiction fire with 40mm guns was directed against a target
area not far from Kuching, Sarawak; the outcome of which is still awaited !
She spent time as a night radar picket for the Hampshire Regiment Tawau
Assault Group’s boat observation positions off Pulau Sebatik, Sabah. A goodnatured exchange led the Group’s o/c to call upon the ship’s naval
communications to send first of June “Minden Day” greetings to the late Lord
Mountbatten, Hon Colonel of the Regiment. The Earl’s prompt response was
quickly relayed to the Hampshires, but the jolly episode did raise a few dark
blue and khaki eyebrows!
7
Mine countermeasure exercises were a welcome break from patrolling. The
first was held in August 1965 off Pulau Tioman and, as the only hunter then on
the Far East Station, HUBBERSTON was tasked with searching for particular
exercise mine lays and to inform the directing staff of the effectiveness of
collective sweeping efforts. Later she was given wider exercise tasks. In
December, whilst en route in the NE monsoon to an exercise off Hong Kong,
the forward instrument space and other compartments mysteriously began to
flood to the bafflement of all on board. Fortunately the ship was in company !
Dry docking in a civilian yard on arrival revealed that the sacrificial zinc
anodes straddling the dome had broken in the heavy weather thereby
loosening the through-hull securing bolts and working them into the woodwork.
Short notice prevented necessary docking preparations, so the ship was
supported by what seemed to be hundreds from the Chinese workforce as the
dock drained and newly cut timber shores placed. In June 1966 the ship
participated in a SEATO exercise in the approaches to the Bangkok River. It
was a pity that two embarked USN UDT divers were unable to take full
advantage of their time on board, because they were cleared for daylight
diving only and the ship was mainly tasked at night as this was when sonar
performance seemed to be the best.
At one stage HUBBERSTON was ordered to search for two crashed aircraft. A
Buccaneer from HMS EAGLE was reported ditched some 70 miles off the
coast of Johore and marked with a Dan buoy. An unsuccessful search in
reasonable hunting conditions was eventually called off, because an RAF
Javelin had crashed in muddy waters off Changi airfield. Despite worse
environmental conditions, parts of the latter aircraft were quickly detected,
identified and recovered. The pilot was not found.
Throughout, the command team, sonar crew and divers enthusiastically faced
the new challenge of unfamiliar hunting conditions in the capricious waters of
the Far East - it certainly made life interesting! As more hunters joined the
Station, so expertise built up.
HUBBERSTON was in Sandaken, Sabah, returning to Singapore from patrol
when Ratification of the Treaty of Bangkok was announced on 11 August
1966, thus ending the Confrontation. As an unexpected reward, the ship’s
company was invited by a local Chinese businessman to a splendid dinner.
8
Before refitting at the end of the month, she was despatched to Penang for a
VHF radio trial. Malaysian west coast ports, which had hitherto been used in
more arduous circumstances, were happily revisited on passage and provided
a very pleasant and befitting finale for a busy and rewarding foreign married
accompanied seagoing commission.
More about Seaward Defence Boats
Lt Stewart Hamilton RNR
Prompted by Commander Thurstan’s recollections of HMS Tilford, in TON Talk 164,
may I offer my own memories of Seaward Defence Boats.
As a National Service Midshipman I joined HMS Aberford at Portland in January 1956
where she operated in company with HMS Camberford and HMS Shalford as the
Seaward Defence Squadron for HMS Osprey. I was the Asdic Officer exercising most
days with the midget subs HMS Minnow and HMS Stickleback in the harbour and out in
Lyme Bay. End-on they presented very little to ping off, so our detection rate was
chancy.
We had an additional little propeller driven by an electric motor for silent running at 4
knots when listening with hydrophones. Occasionally we got the chance to fire off a
pattern of depth charges. This, only ten years after the war, was our response to the
perceived threat of attack on our harbours. After five months' pinging in Portland I was
posted to the sunnier climes of Cyprus with HMS Rodington.
HMS Stickleback [XE51] one of a class of
four XE midget submarines built in 1954-55 for
covert operations.
Improved from the original X-Craft that
attacked Tirpitz and the second batch of craft
that crippled Takao and cut telegraph cables in
the South China Sea, XE craft were armed with
two side charges each of two tons of Amatol
explosive and 20 limpet mines to be placed by
the diver. Crew of 5: two officers, an ERA and two seamen who included one, often
two, divers using oxygen re-breathing sets.Surface displacement 36 tons, Powered by
a Perkins P6 6-cylinder 50 hp diesel engine and batteries. Maximum surface speed
6.75 knots and 6 knots dived.
XE-51 was used in the development of the “Cudgel'”nuclear mine which could have
been laid in hostile ports. She was sold to the Royal Swedish Navy in 1958 and
renamed Spiggen (Stickleback). She was returned to UK in 1976 and presented to
the Imperial War Museum Duxford, where she is currently on display.
9
Battle of Pulau Aur
Old Singapore Hands will recall with affection the group of islands 30-50 miles north of
Horsborough Light off the east coast of Johore, chief of which are Pulau Tioman, the
big one with the distinctive twin peaks, known as the “Assses Ears” [below] (or, to
local fishermen, the “Dragon’s Horns” in reference to an ancient fable), Pulau Aur, the
small round dumpy one and Pulau Tinggi, with its distinctive conical shape like a coolie
hat.
In the late 1950’s P.Tioman was a location
for the film “South Pacific” and in our time
the area was used for fleet exercises,
Captain D’s inspections and MCMEx’s, plus
the occasional banyan on a truly tropic isle.
But did you know that the area was once
the site of a significant naval battle ?
Not the fracas that followed that disastrous banyan when Stokes and the Bunting
buried the beer in the sand “to keep it cool” !!! , then could not find it again ... No, this
was a real sea fight in which the Brits saw off the French on 14-16 February 1804,
about 18 months before Trafalgar.
So why is this battle not mentioned in the popular annals of our naval history ?
- Possibly because the Royal Navy was not involved ...
The victory was won by the merchant service by ships of the East India Company.
The Honourable East India Company, also known as “John Company”, had a monopoly
on British trade with India and China, dating from its charter granted by Queen
Elizabeth I in 1600. Relations between the RN and John Company were at best
strained. Conditions of service for officers and men were much better aboard Company
ships: more generous and comfortable living space, regular wages, no flogging,
opportunities to carry private/personal cargo and a certificate that gave immunity from
the press gang when on shore. Unfortunately this immunity did not extend to being at
sea and many a homeward bound Indiamen lost many of its best hands to
impressment on a warship when making landfall in the Channel.
Unemployed Lieutenants RN without ships would compete for berths in the Company;
regular wages and private trading being a greater incentive than glory after a few
months on the beach.
At that time the risks to merchant shipping from piracy and privateering were serious
in many waters and John Company’s response was to the arm its ships and to build
them so they resembled warships; the famous “Blackwall frigates”, with rigs and sail
plans similar to warships, a few light calibre guns, plus dummy guns, both full size
10
wooden models and wooden muzzles, known as “Quakers”,
positioned at dummy gun ports painted on the ships’ sides [pictured
right, with some idle rigging].
In January 1804 the Company had assembled in Canton a fleet of
sixteen twelve-hundred ton Indiamen bound for London, together
with eleven smaller vessels bound for India; all loaded with cargoes
of tea, silk, porcelain and other exotic goods, valued at over
£8million [£596 million in today’s values]. As was common
Company practice, this fleet was not escorted by warships. It relied on its own
resources for defence against pirates and privateers.
However Britain had been at war with Revolutionary France, and later Napoleon, for
many years, despite the fragile short term Peace of Amiens in 1804. The RN Blockade
of Continental Europe had disrupted French trade with its overseas possessions and
Napoleon was eager for some counter-stroke. A powerful commerce raiding squadron
comprising the 74-gun ship of the line Marengo, two heavy frigates Sémillante and
Belle Poule, the corvette Berceau and a Dutch brig Aventurier, had been despatched to
the East Indies under the experienced Rear Admiral Charles Alexandre Léon Durand de
Linois. Intelligence about the composition and value of the Canton Fleet had been
gathered through Dutch, French and Portugese traders in China and Batavia (now
Java), so Admiral de Linois assembled his force at Pulau Aur, a suitable position from
which to ambush the Canton Fleet as it approached the Malacca Straits. [N.B. At this
time Singapore was still a tiger-infested swampy island of no significance. It would not
be bought by Sir Stamford Raffles until 1819.]
The Company fleet was commanded by Commodore Nathaniel Dance aboard the Earl
Camden. He was an experienced officer who had been in John Company’s service since
he first went to sea aged 11. He had previously made 13 voyages to India, one to the
Mediterranean and one to the West Indies. On one voyage to India he and his ship
had been captured by French and Spanish ships and he spent six months on parole in
Spain. Ultimately he served the Company for forty-five years, seventeen as Captain
and Commodore.
The Company too, had intelligence sources and in additional to the habitual hazard of
pirates all the way from Hong Kong to Singapore to the west and Bugis to the east,
was aware that de Linois’ raiding force had entered the South China Sea. Disinformation had been spread among the merchant community, possibly assisted by a
few greased palms, that three of the Indiamen were actually 64-gun navy battleships.
Commodore Dance also had at this disposal a significant amount of relevant expertise
on RN tactical practices; a naval lieutenant was taking passage in his ship and at least
three of his captains had previously served in the Royal Navy. He resolved that if de
Linois should appear, he could bluff him that the convoy was strongly armed and
protected, and so hopefully minimise any losses.
11
Accordingly when the French squadron was sighted,
the larger Indiamen hoisted the Royal Navy (Blue)
ensign, while the rest of the convoy hoisted the
gridiron flag of the East India Company [right].
The “pretend battleships” formed the traditional
naval line of battle, and placed themselves between
the convoy and the enemy.
Aware that every telescope on the French ships would be watching them, deck cargo
was struck below to give the appearance of decks being cleared for action, dummy
wooden guns were run out and officers were instructed to wear their blue topcoats to
resemble RN uniforms.
The convoy did not panic or scatter, as a collection of merchant ships might be
expected to do in the face of a powerful raiding squadron, but remained in formation,
protected by the screen of the three pretend battleships. All of this gave de Linois
cause for thought. If the opposing force really did have three line of battle ships, he
would be outnumbered and outgunned, and no matter how valuable the prizes waiting
to be taken, his ships would inevitably suffer damage. He was far from the nearest
French base, Isle de France, (Mauritius) in the Indian Ocean, that could offer him
repair facilities. Loss of yards or topmasts would render him vulnerable to storm
damage or further naval action, so caution would be the prudent course of action.
He therefore shadowed the convoy though the night, expecting that some of the ships
might try to slip away, as would have been expected of merchant ships. But next
morning they were all still there and, when he tried some long rage shots and
attempted to cut off the rear merchantmen, not only was fire returned, but the
“protecting battleships”, the East Indiamen Royal George, Ganges and the
Commodore’s ship, Earl Camden, reversed course to close him, as if seeking action, as
would have been expected of an aggressive Royal Navy.
After forty five minutes of close range, but rather ineffectual, gunfire, (the Indiamen
only had light 8-pound guns not the 32 pounders carried by the RN), de Linois was
convinced that he was facing a superior force of warships, so he broke off the action.
Commodore Dance then reinforced his bluff by ordering his “battleships” to chase the
French across the South China Sea for a further two hours before resuming their
original course to take them into the straits.
Without detracting from Commodore Dance’s achievement in saving an extremely
valuable cargo, de Linois was not so much defeated as deceived. Dance’s bravado had
wrought a psychological victory over de Linois.
In London the achievement of a convoy of merchantmen not only escaping without
loss from a French squadron, but going so far as to attack, drive off, and then pursue
their would-be predators, was widely hailed as a signal victory.
To Napoleon’s fury, he learned of this reverse through his spies in London where the
news broke to jubilant crowds. He wrote ”… the conduct of Admiral Linois is miserable
12
… Tell him that he showed a lack of moral courage – the courage I value most in a
leader … Also tell him that I hope he will have done something for the honour of the
flag before he returns to France …”. Such encouragement finally broke the Admiral’s
spirit.
Commodore Dance was rightly praised for his action. Had it failed, the loss of eight
million pounds of cargo, plus the value of so many ships, would have broken the East
India Company and probably the insurance market of Lloyds with it. The knock on
effect of the loss of these pillars of the national economy would have been enormous;
potentially de-railing the war effort against Napoleon and the future history of Europe.
From a strategic viewpoint, the engagement at Pulau Aur could be argued to rank
alongside Trafalgar.
King George III knighted the Commodore and
awarded him an annual pension of £500 [£34,000
today]. The Bombay Insurance Society awarded
him £5000 [£338,000 today] plus plate worth 200
Guineas . The Company awarded him a ceremonial
sword worth £100 and a silver vase.
Other captains received sums of £1000 and £500,
plus swords and plate to recognise their parts in the
action. The Company also distributed £50,000
among the officers and men of the Canton Fleet,
with ordinary seamen receiving £6 [£400 today].
Commodore Sir Nathaniel Dance
1748-1827
RN reaction was muted. Vice Admiral Rainer, CinC
of the East Indies Station, commented on the
“fortunate escape made by the China Fleet” as a
“most extraordinary circumstance”.
Sour grapes, some might think …
These days those islands are enjoying a tourist boom, part of the vibrant and buoyant
economy of Malaysia. Pulau Tioman boasts several de luxe air-conditioned hotels, of
international standard, with regular ferry and air connections with Mersing and
Singapore. Most of the tourism is concentrated on the north west edge of the
“teardrop” shape of the island; an area not frequented by the RN in times past. Pulau
Tinggi and Pulau Aur are more geared to the backpacker and diving enthusiast, but all
still retain their charm as largely unspoiled classical tropical islands.
Perhaps it would be appropriate for us old Singapore hands on the 14th February this
year, the two hundred and tenth anniversary of the battle of Pulau Aur, to raise a glass
of Tiger Beer to the memory of Commodore Sir Nathanial Dance.
With acknowledgements to Commander Steven Maffeo USNR
“Most Secret and Confidential - Intelligence in the Age of Nelson” ISBN 1 86176 152 X
plus supporting information from Wikipedia and the Malaysian Tourist Board.
13
TS BOXER & TS IVESTON
Thurrock Sea Cadet Unit
by Sub Lieutenant Ross Calver (SCC) RNR, Officer in Charge
and Lt Cdr (SCC) George Wilson RNR, XO TS Iveston
The Thurrock unit was formed in 1942, based at Tilbury Docks. Our capabilities were
vastly increased when we acquired the de-commissioned minesweeper HMS
IVESTON in 1993. As the scope of training aboard IVESTON increased, we moved the
Unit BOXER ashore to nearby Thurrock. In recent years we have had some challenges
with accommodation but this has not dampened the enthusiasm of cadets and
instructors.
We currently have 43 cadets and 15 uniformed staff, 3 civilian instructors and 18 other
adults on the Unit Management Committee and as Unit Assistants. 2013 is proving to
be our most successful. The unit gained its highest result in recent years at our Annual
Inspection and is now ranked 5th in the London area. Our cadets and their Trinity
pulling boat were among the flotilla of 55 Sea Cadet craft in the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.
We paraded at Remembrance Sunday in Thurrock and provide Guards of Honour for
dinners held by our sponsors, the Worshipful Company of Founders. We also paid a
visit to The Menin Gate at Ypres.
The unit is fortunate to receive grants from TCA, the Worshipful Company of Founders
and Thurrock Rotary Club to provide sail training for cadets aboard TS ROYALIST and
TS REBEL. We combined a Christmas Carol Service at St Clement’s Church with our
annual awards evening, All the winners of awards were chosen by the cadets
themselves, without influence from the Instructors
14
TS IVESTON is an integral part of Thurrock Sea Cadet Unit.
She is located within the secure area of Tilbury Docks and provides floating
accommodation and up to 700 cadet training places annually in engineering, sailing
and boatwork for Sea Cadets in Thurrock, Essex and London. As well as being a
National Sea Cadet Centre for Marine Engineering, TS IVESTON also holds national
governing body status to award sailing, power boating, rowing and BTEC qualifications.
In mid-February 2013, just as we were getting ready to start this year’s training
programme, the Port of Tilbury advised that, with immediate effect, we could no
longer discharge waste from IVESTON’s heads directly into the dock.
A solution was eventually found by positioning four good quality, chemical portaloos at
the bottom of the gangway. The Port provided almost 90% of the costs, the remainder
coming from our Unit funds. We were back up and running by June 2013 and have
been busy ever since.
We had several training weekends in June and July and a set of week-long Marine
Engineering and sailing courses in mid-August with Cadets from our own Unit and from
all over the UK attending . The visiting cadets were really taken with the ship, which
was good news. During September and October, we have had a training weekend
every other weekend.
2014 promises to be just as busy, The Marine Engineering courses are very sought
after, both in our own Area and in surrounding areas, so we may have to start the
training year early in February with courses at least every other weekend, through until
May. We are also hoping to have two National courses in the ship next year; the name
IVESTON, will be on everyone’s lips for some time to come!
15
Sea Cadets from TS WHIRLWIND, our sister unit in Orpington, Kent, just across the
river, now participate in the maintenance and shipkeeping of IVESTON. This is
recognised by alternating between the two units the award of the FISKERTON cup and
a Runner Up cup for dedication to the tasks of maintenance.
At the Awards night in December 2013 TCA Hon
Sec Peter Down presented the FISKERTON Cup to
Leading Cadet Lewis Haynes of BOXER and the
Runner Up Trophy to Cadet Francois Pinaar (no
relation to the rugby star) of WHIRLWIND. Peter
had been First Lieutenant of HMS FISKERTON in
1962-63, so he has a special affection for this
trophy.
During 2014 we plan to have at
least
monthly
waterborne
training weekends for Cadets
from BOXER and WHIRLWIND
Units
It also hoped that we can host
several other training weekends
for Units from within London
and the surrounding areas to
allow as many young people as
possible to benefit from the
facilities we have built up in and around the ship and to give them a taste of life
aboard an historic warship. In an exciting recent development we have been
approached by the local Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps Units enquiring
about weekends for their Cadets in IVESTON. We hope that this may result in an
interesting tri-service training evolution !
As far as the machinery is concerned, all three generators continue to give good
service with routine oil and filter changes and a check of tappets being all that is
necessary. The galley range is as reliable as ever and cooks for a ships company
averaging 32 heads whenever the ship is operational.
Last October, the sea water outlet pipe corroded and dropped off No1 generator
engine while it was running! This was spotted by a member of staff on the CCTV
16
system we have installed and the engine was stopped before too much water had
flooded into the generator room. It took a while to pump out. And afterwards we
calculated that about 35+ tonnes of water had entered the ship! All generator outlet
flanges and pipes have now been replaced by stainless steel ones, inlets remain in
copper / bronze and are in good order.
Some of the ventilation fans are starting to give some problems, mostly with the
commutators needing to be machined and undercut, but remarkably, there are a few
fans which just seem to keep on going; probably those with the correct grade of
carbon brushes fitted!
The ship’s topsides (upper deck, casings, funnel, masts etc) were painted last summer
and continue to look good. The hull now needs a coat of paint – a job for next
summer, All Volunteers to help accepted ! The condition of the wooden decking
continues to give problems, although much less than previously, now that the foredeck
has been clad with good quality ¾” waterproofed plywood (this came free of charge
from the Olympic site) The ply was used to give a good finish to some of the concrete
structures and is water proof, weather proof and sealed.
We clad a section on the starboard side in way of the life raft location over the summer
and this has stopped many (but not all) of the leaks in this area. The next job will be
to clad the port and starboard sides of the foredeck in the same way and then to give
the plywood additional protection from the weather and from the foot traffic.
Cadets like to gather on the foredeck, sitting on the fans, windlass motor etc and just
generally chat, which is something young people rarely do these days and something
we would like to encourage, therefore whatever we put on the deck has to be robust.
The shopping list for plywood, sealant, flashing, primer and heavy duty epoxy floor
paint is estimated to be in the region of £1250.
The ship’s hull generally remains watertight with a regular inspection of the various
water and fuel tank spaces, chain lockers, fore peak etc
In general, IVESTON is as alive as ever with a definite future in training our Cadets
and, who knows, maybe our sailors of tomorrow ? Cadets enjoy having a taste of life
onboard a real warship, being able to explore and take away an experience very few
will ever have the opportunity to enjoy.
IVESTON was first commissioned on 16th October 1964, so her 60th birthday is just
around the corner and we are considering arranging a suitable celebration.
17
TS Kellington
Stockton Sea Cadet Unit
by Sub Lieutenant Tim Clyburn (SCC) RNR, Officer in Charge
The Sea Cadet unit in Stockton on Tees currently has 18 cadets, 3 uniformed staff and
2 civilian instructors.
In 1993 HMS Kellington became the Unit HQ Ship but unfortunately due to problems of
maintenance and vandalism (NOT by cadets !), in 2007 the ship had to be broken up
in situ. The unit then struggled to find a suitable home for some time.
Earlier this year the building we were using had to be closed for some twelve weeks
for re-wiring. Happily the new unit Chairman, Mr Lindsay Eccles, found the unit a
temporary base during the shutdown. Lindsay owns the replica Bark Endeavour, which
provided an excellent backdrop for the unit’s Royal Navy Parade and Unit Review in
April 2013. The Area Officer was suitably impressed !
The Unit Management Team has been strengthened and we are now seeking to further
improve the facilities that the unit has to offer. Our immediate aim is to raise around
£6000 to replace our old ASR pulling boats with more modern Trinity 500 craft.
With the river Tees on our doorstep and an international white water canoeing centre
just a few miles downstream, it is not surprising the boatwork in all its forms is a
frequent activity for the cadets of TS Kellington.
TCA’s donation this year assisted to provide power boat training for ten cadets.
TS Royalist – the ultimate sail training experience for Sea Cadets
18
Junior Cadet Ben Howard receives the Maud Hopkins Memorial Shield for
the best junior cadet, from unit chaplain, Rev Fr Harry Hopkins.
Junior Cadet First Class Harry Savory receiving the Star Award from mascot
Roary for the best effort selling tickets to a Middlesbrough Football Club
game where the district was fundraising .
19
In September 2013, Cadet Lauren Bewick (14), who has been with the Stockton unit
for three years, sailed 100 nautical miles from Brixham to Weymouth aboard the Sea
Cadets flagship, TS Royalist, with 24 Cadets from units across the UK. Lauren
particularly enjoyed climbing the rigging and the practical lessons in coastal navigation.
Lauren said “This opportunity has given me so much confidence in myself and I
learned much about teamwork. I still can’t believe I actually climbed the mast. I have
made many new friends for life. One extra special memory was being at the bow of
the boat and I saw five dolphins jumping in and out of the water, but my favourite was
being on watch because I had to work out the navigation and steer with the wheel – it
took some time to get the hang of it, but I got there in the end. The whole week was a
once in a lifetime experience”.
On Trafalgar day, 21 October 2013 the unit held its AGM and Annual Awards evening.
The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Kathryn Nelson, presented the unit with a
Pennant in recognition of achievements in efficiency judged by the Royal Navy
Inspection Team in April.
Thanks are due to the Unit Management Team and all parents for their consistent and
generous support throughout the year which has enabled us to achieve so much.
We would be pleased to welcome any TCA member living close by who might assist
maintain contact between TCA and Stockton Sea Cadet Unit.
20
The old gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery.
He had insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, should perform
the operation.
As he was about to get the anaesthetic the father asked to speak
to his son.
" Yes, Dad, What is it ?"
"Don't be nervous, son. Do your best and just remember, if it
doesn't go well and something happens to me, your mother is
going to come and live with you and your wife …”
Thanks to Jenny Hughes ex-Killick Wren Communicator, now in Oz
Advertise in TON Talk
Quarter Page mono £ 10
Half Page mono £ 15
Full Page mono £ 25
Rear Cover Colour £ 50
Advertiser to provide print-ready artwork
20% discount for 3 issues (six months) payable at booking
Contact Hon Sec
peter.avoca@talktalk.net
I like pigs.
Dogs look up to you,
Cats look down on you,
But Pigs treat you as equals.
21
TS HIGHBURTON
Huddersfield Sea Cadet Unit
by Lieutenant Craig Dawson (SCC) RNR, Officer in Charge
Huddersfield Sea Cadet Unit was founded in 1941 and currently has 31 Cadets, 8
Uniformed Staff and 2 Civilian Instructors.
During the year 2012/13 cadets gained 109 qualifications including 19 specialisations,
44 boatwork, 4 offshore, 13 rowing and 29 proficiencies across four disciplines
Cadets averaged 33 hours boating each and have advanced faster than the target of
one rate per year. This has resulted in the unit being awarded a Burgee for
outstanding performance.
We had a very good take up of the Unit Easter camp at Thrapston. A good selection of
ages and abilities participated. Boatwork awards were completed, including RYA Sail
and Power and SCC rowing. The camp offered Stage 3 sail courses to extend cadets’
current skills. Later at the Pennine Sailing Club near Holmfirth, Stage 2, 3 & 4 courses
were delivered to cadets by the Unit staff.
We are reviewing the practicality of the unit owning and operating a minibus to
transport cadets to activities. This will hopefully become a reality by the end of 2014.
The high standard of cadets competing at the West Yorkshire Drill competition in
December 2012 resulted in an invitation to compete in the Unarmed Drill Section at the
Area Competition but unfortunately this was subsequently cancelled due bad weather
Training for the West Yorkshire rowing regatta in June has been conducted on
weekends and evenings. HIGHBURTON were runners –up in the open Girls and Open
Boys categories. Our Junior Section (10-11 years) joined forces with South Elmsall
cadets to sample competitive rowing.
The Unit has assisted the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and
hosted the Royal Marines Visibility team.
Cadets have greatly benefitted from the newly purchased T500 rowing craft and 22
spray suits. The Unit Management Committee continue to work on updating unit
equipment and we took delivery of a second T500 in November 2013.
Over the last two or three years our focus has been mainly on recruitment and
diversification of qualifications. We are now seeing a good return on that work. More
cadets are joining and more cadets are staying for longer periods.
22
Cadets have taken advantage of SCC opportunities in windsurfing and the Duke of
Edinburgh Awards (DoE) and interest in established activities such as Adventure
Training and Seamanship remains high; just recently 8 cadets have completed their
Bronze DoE Award.
Reverend David Earl, who has been Chaplain to the unit for 20 years, is
presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal with other award winners.
T.S. Highburton Open Girls rowing team at the 2013 regatta
23
Cadet Holroyd on the wheel of TS John Jerwood, while
Cadet Danny Lever gets to grips with the engine
AC Faulkner at the helm of a Bosun
dinghy at the Unit Easter Camp
AC Hanson-Lunn receiving the
TCA Award from Pancho Brett
24
NoatN
Nostalgia Corner
TONs, Hunts and Rivers in close formation
Another very atmospheric photograph brought to our attention by member Clive
Haycocks. First published in September 1990 edition of Navy News.
Picture by LA (Phot) Ball of 819 Sqdn HMS Gannet.
FLOTEX 90
MCMVs of 1, 3, 4 & 10 MCM Squadrons
SHERATON won the Minehunting Efficiency Trophy
and the units enjoyed a visit to Dundee.
Subsequently 10 MCMS, led by HMS Ribble, Lt Cdr Adrian Legge RNR, went on
to Esbjerg to exercise and socialise with the Royal Danish Navy.
Ships’ pennant numbers are not very readable in this picture but it appears that five
Hunts form the leading V, with one TON astern and Rivers in the trailing five, with
two P2000 Patrol Craft bringing up the rear.
Does anyone remember the exercise and can name the ships ?
25
HAULBOWLINE REVISITED
Book Review
A fascinating book by TCA Member Tom Hamilton, CPO in the Irish Naval
Service and subsequently Catering Officer in the naval dockyard at Haulbowline for five
years. It has 230 pages with many colour and mono photographs and plans.
The island of Haulbowline dominates Cobh harbour, one of the largest and most
sheltered natural anchorages in Europe, about ten miles to the south east of Cork on
the south coast of Ireland. Britain had a presence in this area from Tudor times up to
the independence of Ireland in 1922. Cobh was then known as Queenstown and
Haulbowline was a significant naval base, a role which continues today as the main
base for the Irish Naval Service.
Tom traces the history of the dockyard through a fascinating blend of photographs and
extracts from reports and newspapers from times past. He enlivens the narrative with
some amusing dits that will resonate with many British sailors with Irish family
connections.
The ship moored in front of Haulbowline Island c.1893 is believed to be HMS Hermione
She had an interesting history - see opposite.
Haulbowline Revisited is a self-published book. It can be obtained direct from
Tom
Hamilton
at
10
Willowbank,
Culuainnard,
Cobh,
IRELAND
tom007hamilton@gmail.com for £20, including P&P.
26
HMS Hermione (6th ship of that name) was a “protected cruiser” i.e. armour plated decks
and waterline, of the Astraea class, launched at Devonport in 1893.The eight ships of the
Astraea-class were an upgrade of the preceding Apollo class. Their armament and range was
much the same as their predecessors, but being flush decked and higher amidships, meant that
their displacement was increased, making them drier and more stable in a seaway and their
armament, situated higher, made them better gun platforms. All of the Astreas spent much of
their service in the East Indies, China and Pacific – the classic role for cruisers of protecting
Empire trade routes.
Displacement: 4,360 tons. Length: 320 feet.
Beam: 46ft 6ins. Maximum draught: 19 ft.
Twin screw, 8 cylinder boilers with. triple
expansion engines of 9,000 Indicated Horse
Power,. Speed: 19.5 knots using forced
draught. Range: 7000 nautical miles at 10
knots on 1000 tons of coal.
Armament: 2 x QF 6 inch guns fore & aft, 8 x
4.7 inch QF, 10 x 6pdr, 1 x 3 pdr, plus 4 x 18
inch torpedo tubes. Complement 318.
In January 1896 HERMIONE, Captain Charles Arbuthnot, was one of a squadron of two
battleships and four cruisers, termed the Particular Service Squadron [later to be renamed the
Flying Squadron] commanded by Rear Admiral Alfred Taylor Dale with his flag in the
battleship REVENGE. This was formed as a precautionary measure in response to the telegram
sent by German Kaiser Wilhelm to President Paul Kruger of the Boer Republic congratulating
him on the repulse of the Jameson Raid. [An outrageous attempt at land-grabbing of the african
goldfields engineered by Cecil Rhodes with the secret support of Prime Minister Chamberlain,
later denied to Parliament - Editor]. The Flying Squadron was held in readiness for ten months,
and was briefly attached to the Mediterranean Fleet before being disbanded in November 1896
- all part of the build up of international tension that led to the First World War.
In 1900 HERMIONE, commanded by Captain R S D Cumming, played a minor part in the
Third China War [aka Boxer Rising]. In 1906 she went into reserve at Portsmouth, refitted in
1907 and was sent to the Cape Town Station. In June 1909 she joined the 3rd Cruiser Squadron
at Portsmouth and in July joined the Home Fleet. In 1909 she ran aground twice; in February at
Zanzibar and in August off Killingholme in the Humber. She was re-floated after both
groundings with only slight damage In September 1910, she became a sea-going depot ship for
the first naval airship of the lighter-than-air type at Barrow, but when this project was
abandoned, HMS Hermione rejoined the 4th division of the Home Fleet in January 1912.
At the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, she became guard ship at Southampton, later
becoming HQ Ship for motor launches and coastal motor boats from December 1916 until
December 1919. Sold off October 1921 and resold to the Marine Society in 1922, she became
Training Ship WARSPITE and was finally scrapped in September 1940.
Acknowledgements: Wikipedia and www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk
27
Kent Area News
The King Charles Hotel at Gillingham was the venue in early December for the Kent Area
Christmas lunch. Twenty-four members and wives were present and we were pleased to welcome
new TCA member John Scrivens and his wife Esther. TCA Welfare Officer Charlie Farnes and Jan
also joined us and he was very pleased with the outcome of the raffle which raised £70 for the
Welfare Fund.
Nottingham & Lincolnshire Area News
Present at Dinner on 27 November at The Chesters in Balderton [Newark] were 18 members of
the Branch plus guests David & Carol Maltby of the Algerines Association.
Our 2014 Spring Dinner will probably be a mid-week in April in Spalding, Lincs at noon, followed by a
cruise on the River Welland under the command of 'Captain' Terry Carter. Seating is limited, so please
give names ASAP to either Richard Gleed-Owen [01623 631086 richardgleedowen@yahoo.co.uk] or
Peter Wilderspin [01636 892689 - p.b.wilderspin16@gmail.com].
28
White Rose Branch 2014 Programme
Buster Brown reports that at the meeting on 7th December the following was agreed:
Initial enquiries had been made about a weekend break in Scarborough but we felt the price was
too high (we are for the most part Yorkshiremen) but Stuart MacDonald (our man in
Scarborough) was tasked with further research with a view to holding either a Friday/ Saturday
or just a Saturday night stay on 7th/8th of March 2014.
On the 7th of June we plan to take a river cruise along the Ouse in York, sailing at noon, followed
by a meal in a local hostelry. Allan Brown and Trevor Watson were tasked with finding
somewhere that would accommodate a group of rowdy pensioners.
We will again be having a dinner on Saturday 6th September before attending the All Services
Remembrance Parade at Eden Camp, Malton North Yorkshire on Sunday 7th.
Can I emphasise that although we are the White Rose branch of the TCA, we welcome any ex- or
serving Minesweeper/Minehunter members from anywhere - we even welcome members from
Lancashire. The more the merrier.
Hampshire Area Lunch
Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth 5 December
Back row: Laurie Johnson, Les Sharp, David Miles, Bob Dean, Sam Cook Gerry Oliver, Eddie Savage,
Brian King, Edward Freathy.
Ladies: Valerie Savage, Paddy Miles, Sue Johnson, Dee Dean, Margaret Oliver, Jackie (with Les).
29
MCMV NEWS
by Rob Hoole
NEW YEAR HONOURS
Congratulations to WO2 ET(ME) Paul Hutchinson on being appointed an MBE for his
services as the MEO of HURWORTH, QUORN, and ATHERSTONE during the past
three years.
Operation KIPION MCM
Recent months have seen crew changes for the Gulf-based minehunters SHOREHAM
(MCM1 Crew 4 vice Crew 8), RAMSEY (1/2? vice 1/6), ATHERSTONE (2/2 vice 2/4)
and QUORN (? vice 2/7) and I am still unsure of some of their dispositions.
ATHERSTONE’s new crew was immediately involved in a joint exercise with US Navy
units. The crews of RAMSEY and QUORN flew in to RAF Brize Norton in January and
enjoyed a reunion party with their families at a hotel before dispersing to enjoy their
late Christmas leave.
In November, two hundred sailors from the deployed ships, Forward Logistic Site, Fleet
Support Unit and the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) headquarters
participated in a Service of Remembrance in Bahrain. QUORN and ATHERSTONE
hosted Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support & Technology while
alongside in Abu Dhabi. 10-man teams from the ships engaged in a 'Plastic Man' (vice
'Iron Man') fitness in Bahrain. Cdr Jim Byron, Commander UK Mine Countermeasures
Force (UKMCMFOR), presented the winner's trophy to AB (D) Tom Hilder representing
QUORN. Also in November, eight personnel from SHOREHAM paid a visit to St
Christopher’s School in Manama, Bahrain.
Hunt Class
LEDBURY (2/6) returned from her autumn Baltic deployment with SNMCMG1
(Standing NATO MCM Group 1) and visited Swansea in December. Also in
December, a team of eight from CHIDDINGFOLD (2/5) raised £1,500 for the Royal
Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) by cycling 152 km from Portsmouth to their
namesake village in Surrey for lunch and back again. There is no recent news for
BROCKLESBY (2/1), CATTISTOCK (2/4 vice 2/2), HURWORTH (2/3 vice 2/1) or
MIDDLETON (2/8) although she is believed to be completing a major refit.
Sandown Class
GRIMSBY (1/5 vice 1/7) completed a post-deployment regeneration package and
visited Hartlepool, Newcastle and Grimsby in October/November. She is preparing to
deploy to the Arabian Gulf later this year. PEMBROKE (? vice 1/5) has recently
completed a £3.9M Support Period (Docking). BLYTH (1/1 vice 1/2) completed OST
(Operational Sea Training) in November. There is no recent news for BANGOR (1/8
vice 1/4) or PENZANCE (1/3).
See the ‘Latest News’ page of the MCD Officers’ Association website at
www.mcdoa.org.uk for more recent updates and photos.
30
SLOPS
Item
Price
Item
Price
TCA Baseball Cap
TCA Beret Badge
TCA Blazer Badge, Gold Wire
Embroidered Blazer Badge
Bar Brooch Slide
Car Sticker, Round
China Mini Bell
Mouse Mat
TCA Lapel Badge
Key Fob, Leather
RN Beret, Blue. Various sizes
£ 9.68
£.7.50
£ 15.85
£ 9.77
£ 4.00
£ 1.25
£ 4.50
£ 4.00
£ 5.80
£ 3.75
£ 15.00
TCA Mug
TCA Tie, Blue
TCA Tie, Maroon
Blackfoot Tie
Teddy Ton
TON Talk Binder
TCA Wall Shield
TON First Day Cover
th
TCA 10 Anniversary Print
th
TCA 25 Anniversary Badge
TON Profile badge
Gold or Silver colour
£ 8.60
£ 9.25
£ 11.60
£ 13.00
£ 10.00
£ 7.73
£ 25.00
£ 2.50
£ 5.50
£ 6.00
£ 8.50
CLOTHING
Prices on Application
- State size & colour required
TCA Badged
Blazer Badge with Ship’s Name
Polo Shirt, Navy
Polo Shirt + Ship’s Name
Sweater, Navy or Maroon,
Polar Fleece Jacket, Fruit of Loom
Pilot Shirt, Long Sleeve
Pilot Shirt, Short Sleeve
Sweat Shirt
Arctic Fleece Reversible Jacket
Embroidered Book Mark
Items personalised with ship motif, name, number & badge
Caps, Navy Blue, with Oak Leaves or Plain Peak
Polo shirts, Sweat shirts, V-neck Sweater
SPING SALE - SPECIAL OFFERS
1 x Pilot Shirt, white, long sleeve, collar size 15. TCA Crest was £21.50 now £5.00
1 x Round Neck Sweatshirt, Navy, Large with TTalk Logo was £26.52 now £8.00
3 x Polo Shirts, TCA Logo, Navy, Small (chest size 34 -36) were £17.50 now £8.00
3 packs of Notelets (5 in a pack) were £2.50 now £1.00
All prices include P&P
Please make cheques payable to TON Class Association
Laurie Johnson 4 Downham Close, Cowplain, Hants PO8 8UD
Phone: 023 923 65729
e-mail:lawrencejohnson@hotmail.co.uk
31
Post Bag
From: Second Officer Pauline
Paddon WRNR (née Arnold)
From: Cdr John Galpin RNR,
Corbridge, Northumberland
When the August edition of TON Talk
was passed to my husband, I was
delighted to see there was an article
by Dougie French. What a varied
career he had in DG.
With reference to your comment in
“Pets Corner” in December’s TON
Talk, I have just checked with the
DVD and Noel Coward’s ship in “In
Which We Serve” was HMS TORRIN.
I used to be a DG Wren in the
Reserves and he was often at Fort
Rowner near HMS Sultan where we
did most of our training. It brought
back names of long forgotten
people, Hugh Chester, Mr Lynn, and
Mr Russell amongst others.
With reference to “Op GZIRA” and
the Signals Training Centre at HMS
PHOENICIA, Malta; in 1947 it was
the Transit Barracks and I was
Captain of the Heads there for a
fortnight that year while awaiting the
arrival of HMS PHOEBE.
One of my training periods was at
the Portland range with a Scottish
Wren officer who used to get up in
the morning, at an unearthly hour, to
watch BBC recordings for an Open
University degree.
Gone
are
those days! We also met up with him
for a run ashore. It was at the
prestigious Royal Dorset Yacht Club
(where I think he was a member),
and which at that time was located
on Weymouth seafront.
Военно-морской Флот
Российской Федерации
After I was promoted I was
also friends with one of the Wren
officers from Flying Fox in Bristol,
and out of blue she announced that
she and Dougie were getting married
and moving to Scotland.
Thank you for an interesting little
magazine.
32
Mike Critchley of Maritime Books is
organising what looks to be a very
interesting 14-day trip to the Ukraine and
Russia from 15 - 31 July.
It will include Russian Navy Days in
Sevastopol, sight-seeing in Kiev, plus
visits to the battlefield of Balaklava
[Charge of the Light Brigade], Black Sea
Fleet Museum, preserved ships and
submarines and a winery.
Price - £2495, includes flights, hotels
entry charges and most meals but NOT
visas or personal insurance which will be
required.
Contact Mike at Maritime Books
Tel:
01579
343663
or
mike@navybooks.com for full details
Forward thinking by the International Code of Signals 1969
Code - Charlie Hotel Two
Space ship is down and requires immediate assistance
[at latitude & longitude, by separate flag hoists]
However, not all space ships carry a Bunting and have halliards
Sea Cadets
Adventure and personal development, with a Navy ethos
Photographs courtesy of Sea Cadet Corps