NAVY NEWS, FEBRUARY 2010 21
● Troops of the Royal
Irish Regiment board HMS
Clyde in Mare Harbour
Picture: Cpl David Parnham
● Action stations on the bridge of HMS
Clyde during Exercise Cape Bayonet
Picture: Cpl David Parnham
the same
in quick succession, flying off the of high-profile memorial events For the majority of Clyde’s
remaining soldiers. throughout the year, including ship’s company, the six-month tour
During this the ship was ready to Battle Day, which commemorates to the Falklands is the culmination
provide direct fire support to troops the Battle of the Falkland Islands of a couple of years in the Fishery
ashore using her 30mm gun. in 1914. Protection Squadron, where they
The company was landed in For this Clyde provided a will have served in one of the
under an hour, at which point ceremonial guard before hosting a three UK-based River-class ships,
Clyde remained 600 metres off the cocktail party on board in Stanley Severn, Mersey or Tyne.
beach to provide direct fire support for the Falkland Islands’ Governor In addition to an exciting and
and air defence to the beach-head and Legislative Assembly. varied programme in challenging
as both troops and ship came under Most recently, Clyde has conditions, Clyde sailors also get
attack from RAF interceptors. welcomed the new Atlantic Patrol to experience a unique variety of
Lt Cdr Wilson said: “This Task (South) ship HMS York into activities such as helicopter trips,
exercise has demonstrated Clyde’s theatre. battlefield and wildlife tours and
ability to operate in a joint The two warships were joined plenty of adventurous training.
environment and forward-deploy by RFA Gold Rover early “Six months on board Clyde
a significant military force, at will, in the New Year for a series of in the Falklands flies by and
around the Falkland Islands. “vigorous” exercises including a the programme is diverse and
“As such, we provide a niche replenishment at sea (RAS), air rewarding – no two days are the
capability to Commander British defence manoeuvres, gunnery and same and I thoroughly commend
Forces in support of any operation force protection evolutions, all it to anyone who is looking for a
ashore, proving Clyde’s littoral testing the ships’ ability to work as challenge,” said Lt Cdr Wilson.
manoeuvre capability. part of a small flotilla. “The Clyde team really feels
“Both the ship’s company Clyde and York will now conduct that they are an integral part of
and the soldiers of the RIC regular joint patrols of the Islands the mission in the South Atlantic
were magnificent – determined, in support of Commander British Islands and enjoy contributing to
motivated, thoroughly professional. Forces’ mission. a unique and demanding theatre
“The exercise has been a great In addition to her varied patrol of operations.
success.” cycle, Clyde pays regular visits “The mission in the Falklands is
And after the heat of battle, to Stanley to maintain her strong fundamental to the Islanders’ right
what could be better than tea and relationship with the locals. of self-determination and the Royal
● HMS Clyde in Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia
stickies? Sailors attend drill nights at the Navy will continue contributing to
Clyde spends a lot of her time in Sea Cadet unit, TS Endurance, that mission for as long as they
Picture: Matthew Salmon
the more remote parts of the Islands, which is affiliated to the patrol want us here.”
regularly visiting settlements and vessel, and also work with the
putting sailors ashore to meet the Falkland Islands Defence Force.
locals, usually involving a chinwag Every opportunity is taken to
over tea and cake. host Islanders on board when her
The ship contributes to a number programme allows.
● HMS Clyde battles through heavy seas while
on passage from the Falklands to South Georgia
Picture: Matthew Salmon
020-021.indd 2 20/1/10 16:41:58
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