38 NAVY NEWS, JULY 2010
July 1970
‘SPECS for specs’ was the buzzword as it was announced that regulations about wearing spectacles were to be relaxed.
officers below commander rank were allowed to wear glasses for distance viewing for the first time, provided their unaided vision was up to the required serving standard.
affected officer recruits, who were acceptable in the Seaman specialisation “with one long-sighted eye and one short-sighted eye”. The rules were changed
The policy change also Under the new rules seaman
THE TIME OF YOUR LIVES 1970198019902000
We fl ick back through the pages of Navy News to see which stories were drawing attention in past decades...
to increase the number of potential officer candidates coming forward.
And in the hope that it would improve seamen officers’ eyesight generally, by encouraging the use of spectacles.
July 1990
RFA FORT Victoria notched up a number of firsts when she was named in June by the Duchess of York at a ceremony at Harland and Wolff, in Belfast.
July 1980
HMS SPEEDY, the Navy’s first hydrofoil and ninth ship of the name, was commissioned in HMS Vernon on June 14, with Vice Admiral Sir John Fieldhouse, Controller of the Navy, as principal guest at the ceremony.
The innovative ship had been built by Boeing Marine Systems, of Seattle, and fitted out by Vosper Thornycroft in Portchester.
Honours
Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath
As Knight Grand Cross Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope As Knight Commander Lt Gen James Benjamin Dutton Royal Marines As Companions
The first HMS Speedy had been commanded by Lord Cochrane, whose great- grandson presented a picture of the ship in battle to her new namesake.
The new ship was also given an oil painting of Seattle and a photograph of the fifth Speedy, which was built by J I Thornycroft in Chiswick in 1893.
Major Gen Garry Stuart Robison Royal Marines Vice Admiral Peter John Wilkinson
After her commissioning HMS Speedy set out for trials and crew training in Portland, to be put through her paces in a variety of roles.
May 2000
She was the first ship to bear the name, the first auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) to be built for the Royal Navy, and the first Royal Fleet Auxiliary to be armed. Fort Victoria was designed
to provide the Royal Navy with a one-stop supply vessel for a wide range of dry stores and liquids, including diesel and aviation fuels, using the newly- developed replenishment at sea system.
EVERY sailor and Royal Marine was awaiting the new PDR, or Personal Development Record, a breakthrough in principle and in technology. It was the first time that individuals could record, review and plan their career paths and show civilian employers the transferable skills they had achieved during their time in the service. Each PDR was an A4 ring- binder with pockets for various forms, certificates, appraisals and floppy disks.
The second ship of the class, RFA Fort George, was on order from Swan Hunters. ● HMS Speedy leaves Portsmouth Harbour on sea trials in May 1980
Ask Jack
(starboard) with a guy called Francis Phillip ‘Nobby’ Hall in communications mid 1980. We both left the Navy around 1988-90 and kept in contact until I got posted overseas to Barbados with my current company Shell. He use to live in Rainham, Kent and us in Romford, Essex but moved house and we never received his new address. From Barbados we then got moved to Houston, Texas where we currently live. If you know the whereabouts of Francis, Steven Leftly would love to hear from you, contact him at
maggieleftly@yahoo.co.uk or write to 914 Dallas Street, Unit 307, Houston, Texas 77002, USA. Apprentice J Fothergill: I collect books and have come into the possession of a volume entitled Wonders of Salvage with the inscription ‘HMS Caledonia – Presented by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Apprentice J Fothergill for Meritorious Work – dated 1947’. I am most anxious to return it to its rightful owner and am mindful that he would now be in his 80s and may no longer be with us, though his family might like to get in touch. Contact Mr R F Quinton, 10 St Nicholas Road, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8HT or tel: 01491 202602. John Fleming Lynch: I am writing in an attempt to locate my uncle, or his grave. He is/was John Fleming Lynch, born in New Zealand on February 3, 1931. He joined the Royal Navy and in 1959, on returning to England after leave, his address was given as Portsmouth Barracks and occupation
the whereabouts of David ‘Taff’ Dyte originally from Tredegar. We served in HMS Diana 1960-63. Contact Charlie Zammit at
chaszam@onvol.net or write to 58 St Rita Street, Birzebbuga, BBG 1902, Malta. HMS Renown: I served on HMS Renown
HMS Diana: Seeking information of Reunions
HMS Bronington: Calling all ex crew members of HMS Bronington in 1976. We are hoping to have a reunion of the crew members serving on board at the time of Prince Charles, in the summer of 2010, this is yet to have a proper date or venue at the moment. However is likely to be either London or Gloucester. Anyone interested that would like to get in touch with me Mike Sinker (ex Leading Cook) at either
m.sinker@
hotmail.co.uk or telephone me on 01395 516997.
SOON
There will be a joint Hood Association and Neptune Association Service to re-dedicate both Hood and Neptune Memorials at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire on July 9 at noon. The Hood Memorial was erected in October 2008 in honour of the 1,415 men who lost their lives on May 24 1941. The Neptune Memorial was erected in July 2005 in honour of the 837 men who lost their lives on the two ships HMS Neptune and HMS Kandahar on December 19 1941. Relatives and friends are welcome. HMS Hood website at
http://www.hmshood.com
HMS Hood, Neptune and Kandahar: JULY 2010
and HMS Neptune website at http://www.
hmsneptune.com Wrens of HMS Seahawk, RNAS
Culdrose: Reunion at the Culdrose Air Day on July 28. Wrens and men are invited. This is the 50th anniversary reunion since being stationed at HMS Seahawk, come and have fun on Air Day, meet up with old friends. Contact Beryl Dodds née Ogden on 01209 203935 or Jimmy Carr on 07884 314825.
HMS Ceres (Wetherby 1946-58): The 8th reunion of HMS Ceres will be held from August 12 to 14 at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Anyone interested should contact Richard Knight at
knight.ceres53@ntlworld.com or tel: 01937 581404.
1941-45: Reunion from September 10 to 12 at the Britannia Hotel, Coventry. Fleet Air Arm veterans most welcome. Family and friends welcome. Three nights £130pp half board. This is excellent value. Contact John Grossett on 01943 600588 or Alf Lonsdale on 01293 432049. HMS Comus: Reunion from September 17 to 19. Meet at the Maritime Club, Portsmouth
British Pacifi c & East Indies Fleets SEPTEMBER 2010 AUGUST 2010
on Friday, AGM Saturday with evening Buffet Dinner and Dance in the Victory Club, HMS Nelson. For more information contact Bryan Cox at
bryanvcox@hotmail.com or tel: 01903 232720.
HMS Invincible Communications Association (Falklands) ’82: Annual reunion to be held in Leicester from September 24 to 26. For details contact Tim Jenkins at TJenkins@hwfi
re.org.uk or tel: 07753 766875 or see the website at http://www.
freewebs.com/hica82 or Mick Kessell on 01293 552601. Electronic Warfare (EW) Branch Reunion
Dinner: The annual EW reunion will take place in the WO&SR’s Mess HMS Collingwood on September 24 and costs £25. Open to all former and current serving EW Senior Rates. Further details from PO ‘Deacs’ Deacon at
ajdeacon@aim.com or tel: 07867 897736.
HMS Crane U23/F123 (1943-62) Association: Reunion and AGM to be held at the Gateway Hotel, Nottingham from October 1 to 3. All details from Joe Smith at
crane.bird@
tiscali.co.uk or Tony Nuttall on 0115 9526363.
HMS Superb (Cruiser) Association: Reunion takes place at the King Charles
OCTOBER 2010
Hotel, Gillingham, Kent from October 1 to 3. For more information contact Fred Kinsey at
fred@hmssuperb.co.uk or tel: 01223 871505.
reunion will be held at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth from October 1 to 3. Formal dinner on 1st, AGM/reunion on 2nd with DTS on 3rd. Contact the social secretary, Derek ‘Tiger’ Moth at
d.moth@
btinternet.com or tel 01908 663149 or the secretary, Martin Slater at
sec126club@btinternet.com or tel 0151 286 6992 for further information. Type 21 Club: The fi rst offi cial Type 21
HMS Plymouth Association: This year’s
from November 5 to 7. This reunion is the last for our president, Captain Canning (Rtd) as he is standing down as president. It will consist of all those wishing to make a weekend of it, meeting up on the Friday at the Pied Bull at 1930. The main reunion will take place on Saturday night with a formal dinner at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Chester at 1900, the AGM will be in Chester Town Hall at 1430 on the Saturday. All ranks and rates are welcome for further details contact Michael Roche at
michaelroche1@btinternet.com or tel: 01752 811206.
Club reunion will take place in Devonport from October 8 to 10. Meet on October 8 at 1900 in St Levan’s Inn, Inaugural T21 Association meeting at 1200 on October 9 at the Royal British Legion, Crownhill. The main reunion is also at the RBL Crownhill starting at 1930. The weekend is open to anyone who served on a 21 at anytime in their illustrious careers, take up so far is very high with 200+ anticipated. Contact Mark Brocklehurst at
mark@sharplesgroup.com or see the http://
type21club.ning.com
HMS Broadsword (Type 22 Frigate): The bi-annual reunion will take place in Chester
NOVEMBER 2010
reunion will take place in Leicester from November 19 to 21. Further details: email
subrenown@ntlworld.com or tel: (0116) 2912195.
RN Shipmates Association: Following yet another very successful RN Shipmate’s reunion at Sandown this year, we have moved to the superb Shanklin Hotel (yes you will still get your ‘Sea Time’ in) here on the Isle of Wight. No ship’s association? No RNA near you? Miss the camaraderie? Then ‘swing the lamp’ and have a tot at the RN Shipmates Reunion from February 4 to 7. Price includes car ferry fare, (plenty of
FEBRUARY 2011 Submarine Renown Association: 2010
free parking) day coach tour, buffet lunch, visit to Shipwreck and Maritime Museum, Gala Dinner and more. Details from RN Shipmates, Mike Crowe at
mike@rneba.org. uk or 7 Heath Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8PG, but hurry, bookings from the regulars are coming in already, they know a good thing.
reunion to be held at the Royal Court Hotel, Coventry from April 29 to May 2. A dedication service will be held at the National Arboretum, Alrewas on May 1 at 1100. Contact Doug Harris at
dougatspindrift@aol.com or tel: 01495 718870 or visit the website at http://
www.hmsprotector.org
HMS Protector Association: Annual APRIL 2011
Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association: The 2011 AGM and reunion weekend is confi rmed for South Downs Holiday Village, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester, commencing May 13. Three night package including gala dinner and entertainment for just £119. Please contact the secretary, Denis Askham at
dnsaskhm@aol.com or write to Bryden, Boyndie, Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB45 2LD or Tel: 01261 861742. Bound to be very popular.
MAY 2011
as a Naval Rating. We know he served in ships which observed nuclear testing, and that he possibly became ill in later years as a result. I believe he didn’t like his fi rst names and preferred to be called David. He would be 79 if still alive but we do believe that he is deceased. We will be in the UK in early September and would love to at least see his grave and get a photo for the family. If you are able to provide any information please contact Stewart Summersby at goldfi
sh.129@hotmail.com or write to 57 Tahara Street, Hamlyn Heights, Victoria, Australia, 3215.
David Thompson: I am trying to trace my nephew David Thompson who is about 21 years old and has recently joined the navy. I have not seen him since he was about three years old. His former home address was Castle Street, Noram, Berwick upon Tweed. He has a sister called Donna. I have recently divorced and my ex wife has asked me to give him some items from his grandmother that his parents would not allow him to have as a child. If you know where David is, please contact Andrew Thompson at thompson_
andrew_s@solarturbines.com or write to 1 Rue De La Rance, Ereac, 22250, France. St Vincent: Seeking John Endicott originally from Clyst, Honiton, Devon having lost touch with him when we left St Vincent Training Base. When we left in 1954, he gave me a wallet which I still have (no money in it). I left the Navy in 1965. Contact Roger Cluett- Kendall, 5 Tan Row, Tan Lane, Bourton, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5AR or tel: 01747 840951.
RNAS Dale, c.1944: Ex-Wren W/T Op Mavis Hollins (now Asplin) and living near Skegness. Does anyone remember me? I would love to hear from you. Contact me on 01507 463224.
Bob Warby, MTBs: Looking for information and or anyone who knew Bob Warby. From what we know he was a Leading Hand, Motor Mechanic on board HMTLC 321. Also want to fi nd out what sort of address Mess 2, ‘Pehin Pehin’, RN Dockyard, Chatham was? If you can help please contact Colin Banks, 65 Donaldson Street, Mackay, Queensland, 4740, Australia. HMS Vernon: Marika works for the Aspex Gallery at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and is researching the history of HMS Vernon and in particular the Vulcan Building, in which the Aspex Gallery is situated. She would like to interview ex-forces people who were based at HMS Vernon and would appreciate any photographs that they could use. The research results will initially go on the gallery’s website and hopefully, with some funding, will be an exhibition at the gallery by the end of the year. If you could help please contact Marika Bernard at
marika.bernard@
yahoo.co.uk or tel: 07824 665854. Invincible-class carriers:
Proudfoot was an AB on board Reaper and is now in a home. I would like to get some pictures of the ship and the crew for him. I’m willing to pay postage to get copies, even
producing a mainly photo book covering the history and development of Invincible class carriers requests help from former/serving crewmembers who have personal pics of the three ships at work, fl ight deck activity, on operations, on exercise with other navies (particularly USN) etc and would be willing to allow them to be used. Full credits given for pic source. Please contact Mark Healy at
cognitivengineer@aol.com or tel: 01202 849006 or post to 329 Sopwith Crescent, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1XQ. All will be looked after and returned. HMS Reaper, escort carrier: Charlie
Author
Yeovilton Air Day on July 10 are: Katherine Daniels, Chudleigh Knighton,
Devon; Midlands;
Plymouth; Chris Watson; Mr L J Eldred, Prestwood, Gt. Missenden;
Hampshire.
Julie Hawkeswood, Somerton; WO1 Andy Marshall, Plympton,
Mr M J Hughes, Conwy; Mr C Jacobs, Southville, Bristol; Mrs Pamela Phillips, Plympton, Devon; Phillip J Goodbody, Titchfi eld Common,
Winners of a pair of tickets to Simon Sims, Stourbridge, West
Cdr Nick U S MacDonald-Robinson to HMS Bulwark as CO during upkeep from July 13.
from July 12.
CO from September 14. Surg Cdr Stuart M Collett as CO Med Group on Herrick 14 from June 1.
as CO from September 8. Capt Jeremy Kyd to HMS Ark Royal as
Forces Gibraltar as Commander British Forces from September 14.
Cdre Thomas M Karsten to HQ British
Lt Peter H Vincent to HMS Smiter as CO Capt Steve Dainton to HMS Cumberland
£1,500 – LNA(SE) A J Senior; £500 – Art App R I Vincent-Spall. May 29: £5,000 – Lt A J Hewitt; £1,500 –
May 22: £5,000 – CPO C J Mitchell;
– PO P E Garland; £500 – CPO AEA(L) C D Halls. June 14: £5,000 – PO MEML C J Wojcik;
Lt S Blake; £500 – CPOMEA G C Evans. June 5: £5,000 – PO D C Beever; £1,500
£1,500 – Mne A Cahill; £500 – Logs T A Young.
come and collect if you live in Scotland. Thanks in anticipation. Contact Albert Valler, 14 St Andrews Court, High Street, Burntisland, Fife, KY3 9AL or tel: 01592 870129.
HMS Ladybird (Sasebo, Japan 1950- 53 Association): It is with great regret that in view of diminishing numbers and age related problems, it has been decided that HMS Ladybird (Sasebo Japan 1950-53 Association) will cease to hold any further reunions. However, the association will continue in name and any future contact should be made through the vice president, S/M Robin Tubbs at Robintubbs@talktalk. net or tel: 023 8089 7923.
Competition Assignments
packs for the Navy was about 70 tonnes and fourteen 40ft articulated lorries were required to deliver them all.
Diary dates
www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and- support/establishments/naval-bases-and- air-stations/rnas-culdrose/rnas-culdrose- air-day-2009
Saturday July 30-31:
www.navydaysuk.
co.uk
Portsmouth Navy Days: Friday and
Portsmouth Navy Days: Sunday August 1:
www.navydaysuk.co.uk
AUGUST
www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and- support/establishments/naval-bases-and- air-stations/rnas-yeovilton/rnas-yeovilton- air-day-2009 Culdrose Air Day: Wednesday July 28:
Yeovilton Air Day: Saturday July 10: JULY The total weight of PDR
Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire As Commanders Cdre Campbell Stuart Christie Capt Michael Edward Farrage Capt Richard Farrington Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff As Offi cers
Cdr Matthew James Avison Cdr Darren Cartwright Col Robert Graham Cundy Royal Marines
Cdr Kevin Gomm Cdre Steven Charles Ramm Capt Ian Michael Robinson Royal Naval Reserve Cdr Thomas Grenville Sharpe Cdr Paul Kenneth Shawcross Cdr Steven Luigi Smith As Members Lt Jeffrey Richard Bevan WO1 WS(AWT) Andrew Neil Collings
Maj Nicholas Alan Griffi ths Royal Marines
Keenan
Chaplain John Hill WO2 ET(ME S) Kevin Alan
Lt Cdr Brian Stuart Leyshon Maj Christopher Sydney Middleton Royal Marines WO1 (MAA) Susan Morgan WO2 Gavin O’Connell Royal Marines
Sutton
Trevarthen Queen’s Volunteer Reserves
Medal
Maj Mark Gibson Royal Marine Reserve
Appointments to the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire As Member 1/O Richard Lavender Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Swap drafts
HMS Iron Duke will swap for any Plymouth- based ship deployed, deploying or not. Contact
309-POUW3@a.dii.mod.uk.
Sports lottery PO(UW) Pollard-Rice currently serving in
LLogs(CS) Rachael Talton Lt Cdr Dain Jason Thorne WO1(CIS) Timothy Mark
Appointments to the Appointments to the
Sgt Stephen Kenton Perry Royal Marines Lt Cdr Richard Michael John
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