The Semaphore Circular No 652 The Beating Heart of the RNA August 2015
RNA Falmouth branch members manned a stall at an Armed Forces concert at Princess Pavilion, Falmouth, given by the Military Wives Choir from RNAS Culdrose, on 27th June.
Following the concert, the choir posed for a photoshoot - note the RNA hats, they are getting everywhere!
RNA members are reminded that hard-copies of the Circular are distributed to each branch via their Secretary, but “silver-surfers” can download their own copy from the RNA website at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk .(See below) 1
Daily Orders 1. Biennial Parade Update 2. More Biennial Stuff 3. Field of Remberance 4. Remberance Sunday 5. Annual St Pauls Seafarers Service 6. 2016 Welfare Seminar 7. Guess Where? 8. Joke – Greek Bailout Explained 9. Finance Corner 10. Donations received 11. Honours MBE/BEM 12. RN VC Series – Rear Admiral Eric Robinson 13. HQ Open Day 14. Joke – Blind Pilots 15. His and Her Calendar 16. RNRMC News 17. Legion d’Honneur Award 18. HMS Illustrious Memorial Service 19. Cooking Lessons 20. Can you assist HMS Sturdy 21. Joke – Sex and Good Grammar 22. Even more Model Ship Building 23. Unashamedly Shep Woolley 24. RNRMC New Chairman 25. Joke – The Australian/Indian Taxi driver 26. Order Forms for Diaries, Crimbo Cards and His & Her Calenders
Longcast
“D’ye hear there” (Branch news)
Ship’s Office Swinging the Lamp
For the Branch Secretary and notice-board
Glossary of terms
NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NCh National Chairman NVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary DGS Deputy General Secretary AGS Assistant General Secretary CONA Conference of Naval Associations IMC International Maritime Confederation
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NSM Naval Service Memorial Throughout indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts:
Financial Controller 023 9272 3823 [email protected]
FAX 023 9272 3371
Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops) 023 9272 3747 [email protected]
Deputy General Secretary 023 9272 0782 [email protected]
Shipmates Administrator 023 9272 0782 [email protected]
General Secretary 023 9272 2983 [email protected]
Admin 023 92 72 3747 [email protected]
Find Semaphore Circular On-line ; http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/downloads or... RNA Website – Members Area – Downloads – Circulars – Code (Shipmate)
RNA HQ Staff continue to attempt to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if those Branch Secretaries able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e-message to HQ to [email protected] 3 Snail Trail Mail - Postal Address RNA HQ, Room 209, PP70, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT Dear Shipmates,
As I write this introduction to the Semaphore Circular the America’s Cup boats are sailing out from the Dockyard for their practice day and it is blowing a complete hooley – God save sailors on days like to day!! No doubt the SAR helicopter will be busy later. The buzz around Portsmouth has been great.
You might be interested to know that M33, a monitor that saw service at Gallipoli, will shortly be opening to the public as part of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket. I had a preview visit this week and it is a great visit, with a VG video explaining what M33 got up to. M33 is a very basic riveted ship that was built in 7 weeks and painted in 1918 dazzle camouflage, tiny but with 2 6” guns. Remember that if you present your RNA membership card at the Dockyard ticket office you will get an amazing £10 deal for a day ticket that is almost 60% off the normal price – and will pay for eighteen months subs!!!
I have been given notice that S/M Paddy McClurg intends to stand down as the Chair of the Standing Orders Committee. This is a National Council appointment. Applications from, or suggestions for, suitable persons would be very welcome – please send to the GS. I would be delighted to chat over with anyone what the job entails, please contact me directly.
There is one important change to the arrangements for the Biennial Parade. Following a meeting with the Met Police about security, they would like all vehicles to be parked on Whitehall Place and not on the Embankment. I have sought an extension of the period for parking and that should be forthcoming. The Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt (Lt RNR) and theFleet Commander have confirmed his attendance and he will be accompanied by the Warrant Officer of the Naval Service, WO1 Steve Cass, one of ours! We expect a good turnout from our fellow CONA associations with Ganges and Type 42s sending good numbers.
I had the great privilege of attending RNA Rayleigh Branch’s memorial dedication at the ‘Living Memorial’ – known as Operation Sweet Pea’. A great day with a very good turnout of VIPs including our National President as the Guest of Honour. A great effort by the branch to design and install a memorial – which includes 2 Admiralty Pattern 10A stockless anchors! I even fulfilled a boyhood ambition of seeing 2
Dagenham Girl Pipers doing their stuff.
The IMC Sailing Camp finished this week with a roaring success for our 6 sponsored cadets, all of whom came from the Sea Cadets and were accompanied by a Sea Cadet instructor. They had a fantastic 10 days sailing. There was a big thank you from them to the RNA for its sponsorship of their camp fees.
A reminder that the His’n’Hers calendars are on sale and proving to be very popular, with great RNA images on each month.
A reminder that from 1 January 2016 the old style membership card will be invalid. The old style cards will be replaced free of charge. Branch secretaries should contact Nigel with their requirements, taking care to get the membership category right, since there are separate cards for Full, Life, Associate and Associate with Certificate of Appreciation.
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Chris Dovey and I were joined by NCM6. Keith Ridley and his wife Maureen for the Armed Forces Day at the National Memorial Arboretum to give presentations on the Naval Service Memorial. We were in a fantastic position with the main arena between the NSM and the SAMA memorial, meaning we were at the heart of activities. We showed many hundreds of folk the memorial – and the designer/sculptor, Graeme Mitcheson joined us for a few hours. A great day.
We have had our summer CONA Conference with 30 associations represented and the Second Sea Lord attending. We have funds for a CONA admin assistant from Greenwich and SF(UK), which will be available for RNA Areas and branches, details to follow.
Due to staff leave over the summer period there will not be a Circular in October, not Sept as indicated last month.
Have a great summer
Paul
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Chairman’s Chat –August 2015
Not a lot to say this month, but I would like to thank all those Shipmates who took time and effort to communicate with me on the Subscriptions debate at Conference. If I, and all the other NCMs, had received before Conference the many views expressed to me post-Conference the National Council could have been better informed of the feeling of the Membership when we discussed the motion at the Council meeting at Conference. I had received negligible comment, or requests for clarification, on the Council decision to propose a £5 increase. Some comments since said Council should have put out a clear justification before Conference. Had we been aware of the apparent widespread feeling about the issue we would have done so, but no branch suggested this, no member asked for it, and no NCM proposed it at Council. We really didn’t think it was necessary otherwise we would have done. It is very easy to be wise in hindsight. Several comments I received said Council had had plenty of time since Conference 2014 to put out details in the Semaphore Circular. But we hadn’t even considered the subscription issue until the November FAC meeting when the poor legacy and donation income for 2014 became apparent. Council in December asked NCMs to put the suggested £5 increase to their Area meetings to obtain feedback for the March Council meeting when the motion to Conference would be finalised. There was little or no feedback from any Area, so the Council, understandably, presumed there was no major issue. With the benefit of hindsight, we would have put out a statement, and I am sorry we didn’t. It was pointed out to me that Branches are the power of the RNA, and I don’t disagree with that, but with power comes responsibility, and no Branches to my knowledge exercised that power in giving their views to NC, which holds the administrative and governance power within the RNA. Nor did any Branch other than Falmouth propose an amendment to the NC motion, so once again no other Branch exercised their power. However, as I said last month, the RNA is a democratic organisation, Conference made its decision and NC must adhere to and act on that decision, which we will do.
Talking of subscription rates, I met the wife of a former Chief Artificer a couple of weeks ago whose husband of more than 60 years had been admitted to a nursing home as she was no longer able to care for him properly at home. She had tried hard to do so over the past year but had to admit defeat. The nursing home was 11 miles away; she had given up driving, and was relying on costly taxis or community transport to visit him three times a week. On top of this she was using up their savings to pay substantial nursing home fees. They have sufficient savings to cover this for several more months so are not eligible for support funding at this time. My branch is going to take over taking her for visits at no cost to her, which helps a little. She has been so appreciative of the help the Branch has offered her in the light of her husband’s 45 or so years of service to the RN, 22 in uniform and the rest as an MOD(N) technical civilian employee, that she decided to join the RNA as an AM. She filled out an application form to pay by direct debit, and said she would inform her bank of the monthly charge of £10. She was quite shocked to discover that it was only £10 per year! I take her to visit him, and meet him myself, this afternoon.
Thank you again to those Shipmates who have fed their comments to me and other NCMs since Conference. The more you communicate with your Area and NCMs the more informed the NC would be on your views. We all hold the RNA in trust for the benefit of current and future members, and it is incumbent on us all to think of the RNA as a whole, as well as doing our best for our own branch. It has been a great organisation for me to be part of, enjoy, and work for over the past 27 years, and I hope to go on for many years enjoying the real comradeship I have long enjoyed to date.
Have a good holiday season and I look forward to meeting many of you at the RNA Biennial Parade in Whitehall in September.
Chris Dovey
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1. Biennial Parade Update
The Biennial Parade will be held at Whitehall on Sunday 6 September. ALL PARKING IN WHITEHALL PLACE,. The programme is as follows 0900 HQ staff on site, meet with Met senior officer. 0910 Set security points 0915 Civil Service Club opens for coffee and toilets (80 metres from Coach parking) 0930 Parking for coaches and minibuses in Whitehall Place (pass required from HQ) All coaches + Cars to be clear of Whitehall Place by 1300. 0945 All Vehicles to be parked, 0950 Whitehall Place and South Whitehall closes. 1010 Standard bearers brief by NCA 1025 Parade musters and is briefed by Parade Commander. 1040 Parade steps off, from Whitehall Place 1055 Fleet Commander, Min (AF), NP, VIPs join the parade
1100- Service starts, 2 minute silence 1102 Service at Cenotaph led by the Chaplain of the Fleet 1127 Parade steps off, review by Fleet Commander 1140 Parade addressed by NP/FC 1145 Parade dismissed in Whitehall Place, address by Min (AF) 1146 Issue of Standard Bearers ‘Tots’ outside Civil Service Club 1147 Bar opens in Civil Service Club - FC and VIPs meets Shipmates 1200 Sandwiches and Chips served at no cost to participants 1200 Parking restrictions restored in Whitehall Place
Rig Will be uniform for those serving and RNA rig with medals or equivalent for everyone else, polished shoes. Berets for standard bearers, optional for marchers. Standards should wear the NSM pennant (if entitled).
Briefs Standard bearers should note the early brief for them at 1010 in Whitehall place by the National Ceremonial Advisor.
Security. All should carry photo ID and their RNA membership card.
Band The band will be the Poole and Hearne Bay Sea Cadets.
Guests. We hope to have contingents from the Irish Naval Association, Belgium and many friends from CONA. We will have a first presentation of WW2 medals to one veteran. The Chaplain of the Fleet, our Hon Chaplain will conduct the service. TS Tormentor Cadets will attend, act as stewards and march
Wreaths. Any branch, Area or individual may lay a wreath during the ceremony, please let Nigel know if you would like to.
Mobility. The march is of the order of 450 metres there and 450 back with just over an hour on our feet. Those with mobility issues should make their way to the front of the FCO where an area will be reserved.
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2. More Biennial Parade Stuff... RNA Uxbridge Invitation.
Any RNA Member who is attending the Biennial Parade in Whitehall London on the 6th September are most welcome to visit RNA Uxbridge after the parade on your way home , we will lay on a free buffet and Tots to all that pop in !!!
So shipmates instead of getting ripped off with London Bar prices ( average £4--£5 a pint ) come and join us at a proper RNA Club where you can purchase properly discounted beers for example Draft Tiger at just £2 a pint, Real Ale at £3 a pint and all other beers from £2.70 a pint.
All the Club asks is that you let us know in advance that you intend to visit for catering purposes. Tel 01895 230071 e mail [email protected] web site www.uxbridgerna.com
For non navigators the post code is UB10 9PG. The Club is located west bound just off the A40 at Hillingdon 14 miles from the west end turn off junction after RAF Northolt and is on the left at the end of the slip road , Nearest tube station a 2-minute walk from Hillingdon Station on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines. Chairman RNA Uxbridge Kevin (Slinger) Wood would be delighted to welcome you there.
3. Field of Remembrance - Wednesday 4 November 2015
If Branches wish to place a cross in the RNA Garden of Remembrance or want to attend the Field of Remembrance please forward your details and ticket requirements to Nigel in HQ. Just an early ‘church notice’ that on the day you will also be required to bring a form of ID with you, and you will need to be through the garden gate by 1015 and muster at the RNA plot, where there will be followed by a short service. The National President and General Secretary will be in attendance and he can be contacted on his mobile – 07850 646755 (if required)
4. Remembrance Sunday – Cenotaph - Sunday 8 November 2015
The Royal British Legion will once again be co-ordinating the Ex-Service Contingents attending the Cenotaph Ceremony & March Past on Sunday 8th November 2015. All those who have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces under British Command as well as War Widows / Widowers are eligible to take part.
If any Shipmate would like tickets for this year’s Ceremony (limited number available) please let Nigel in RNA HQ know (by letter or email) by 30 Sept at the latest, please include your name, address and telephone number and a list of those attending. If any of your members require a carer for the day (one carer per participant) they must also be in possession of a ticket.
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Please note that those parading are likely to be standing in Whitehall for at least 1½ hours prior to the March Past then marching for a distance of over 1 mile, and quite possibly in inclement weather.
Further parade instructions will be sent with your tickets which will be despatched in early October – so bid early to ensure your ticket. If you have any queries regarding the Cenotaph Ceremony then please contact Nigel or Andy at RNA HQ.
Also note; RNA tickets will only be available for members (so join them up!) and it is expected that those with RNA tickets will march with the RNA squad
5. Annual St Pauls Seafarers Service 2015
The Annual Seaferer’s service will be held on 14 October 2015. Ticket requests please to Nigel in HQ before the 31 August.
6. 2016 Welfare Seminar
Following on from the very successful 2015 Seminar, Shipmates have requested that the seminar be held over a short weekend which would provide delegates and guest speakers a chance to have: a more dedicated wash-up period; answer individual queries; and allow time for networking. As a result it has been decided that the 2016 Welfare Seminar will be held on Saturday 19 March 2016 at the Crown Hotel, Weymouth commencing at 0930.
The cost will be as follows: 18th – 20th March 2016 Fri – Sun Dinner bed and breakfast £99.00.
18th – 21st March 2016, Fri – Mon Dinner bed and breakfast £139.00
19th March. Saturday only Dinner bed and breakfast £49.00
Saturday lunch for delegates will cost £4.95 per person (you must be attending the seminar). Saturday lunch for non-delegates will cost £8.50 per person. Sunday lunch (2 Course) will cost £9.95
For Information The Crown Hotel has some rooms that have 3 or 4 steps to negotiate but no more than that and have a good proportion of walk-in shower type rooms and level access from the lifts. (Shipmates are kindly requested to note that if this is an essential requirement then please state that on the form when you book.).
The Welfare Seminar application form is attached to the July Circular and it is important that all applications need to be made through the method shown on the form and please not to HQ.
If you have any further queries then please ring UK Holidays on 01603 886744. If out of hours please contact S/M Rita Lock MBE on 02392 642234 or by e-mail [email protected]
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7. Guess Where? An Establishment
This month can you name this former naval establishment? Please forward any other pictures to the HQ that you may have for ‘Guess Where’ so that we can publish them in forthcoming Circulars. No looking on Google or Wiki!!
Answers in next month’s edition.
Last month’s answer!
Rosario Block, HMS Dolphin Gosport.
8. Joke..... Greek Bailout Explained.....
The rain is beating down and the streets are deserted. Times are tough, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit.
On this particular day a rich German tourist is driving through the village, stops at the local hotel and lays a €100 note on the desk, telling the hotel owner he wants to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one to spend the night.
The owner gives him some keys and, as soon as the visitor has walked upstairs, the hotelier grabs the €100 note and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher.
The butcher takes the €100 note and runs down the street to repay his debt to the pig farmer. The pig farmer takes the €100 note and heads off to pay his bill at the supplier of feed and fuel. The guy at the Farmers' Co-op takes the €100 note and runs to pay his drinks bill at the taverna.
The publican slips the money along to the local prostitute drinking at the bar, who has also been facing hard times and has had to offer him "services" on credit. The hooker then rushes to the hotel and pays off her room bill to the hotel owner with the €100 note.
The hotel proprietor then places the €100 note back on the counter so the rich traveller will not suspect anything.
At that moment the traveller comes down the stairs, picks up the €100 note, states that the rooms are not satisfactory, pockets the money, and leaves town.
No one produced anything. No one earned anything.
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However, the whole village is now out of debt and looking to the future with a lot more optimism.
And that Shipmates, Ladies and Gentlemen is how the bailout package works!
9. Finance Corner –
Dear Shipmates, Not really much to say, except .....
Year End Returns There are still 17 Branches who have not submitted their accounts to HQ for 2014, please do so asap They are:
RNA Camberwell, RNA Isle of Sheppey, RNA High Wycombe, RNA Swindon, RNA B’ham Cotteridge, B’ham Shard End, RNA B’ham Sheldon, RNA Bloxwich, RNA Cannock Chase, RNA Birkenhead, RNA Kendal, RNA Pendleton, RNA Todmorden, RNA Wallasey, RNA Wigan, RNA Redcar, RNA Banbridge
Also, please note the Year End Returns as per the Rules & Bye-Laws Page 40 B19(c) must be returned to HQ by the 30 April. If you have any queries regarding your Year End Returns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Rita.
Subscriptions Just a reminder – if a branch member is paying by Direct Debt, they need to pay their Subscriptions to their relevant Branch Bank Account and not HQ’s Subscription Bank Account. HQ’s Subscription Bank Account is purely for HQ Roll Members only.
Delegates Travel Expense Form Delegates – I would just like to say a big Thank you to those keeping their costs down, it is very much appreciated.
Yours Aye Michelle
10. Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge
Central Charities
RNA – Lee on the Solent & Stubbington £60.00
Charter Challenge Helen Edwards £5.00 Rachel Lee £50.00 C Severn £15.00 ‘In memory of the late....’ S/m Gerald Townson £100.00 S/m Eileen Moon £30.00 S/m A Blair £195.00 Thank you very much for your continued support.
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11. Honours - BEM / MBE
Branches who are considering nominating a Shipmate for an Honour such as the British Empire Member (BEM) or Member of the British Empire (MBE) are strongly urged to contact the General Secretary for advice on how to go about writing a nomination and how the nomination process is handled. We strongly welcome suggestions and nominations.
Please do not submit directly to the Cabinet Office, since they are referred to the GS anyway and this leads to a very significant delay as the paperwork wends its way through both Ministries. We are included in the MoD awards system which does not require supporting letters and is easier to achieve an award than through the main Cabinet Office system.
12. RN VC Series - Rear Admiral Eric Gascoigne Robinson VC OBE
Lt Cdr Eric Gascoigne was awarded the VC during the 1st World Wars Gallipoli Campaign.
Eric was born in Greenwich in 1882 he joined the RN in 1897 and saw action early putting down the Boxer rebellion on the China Station in HMS Endymion, he was wounded in action and mentioned in despatches. At the outbreak of WW1 he was appointed to the Battleship HMS Vengeance in the Mediterranean which was soon deployed to the Dardanelles as part of the Gallipoli Campaign. It was there on the 26th February 1916 he was selected by Admiral John de Robeck to lead a joint raiding party of Sailors and Marines to assault a Turkish gun battery at Orkanieh which had withstood gunfire from the Fleet. His Citation read as follows:
Admiralty, 16th August, 1915 The following awards have been made in recognition of services during operations in the vicinity of the Dardanelles prior to 25th–26th April:-
The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant-Commander (now Commander) Eric Gascoigne Robinson, R.N., for the conspicuous act of bravery specified below. Lieutenant- Commander Robinson on the 26th February advanced alone, under heavy fire, into an enemy's gun position, which might well have been occupied, and destroying a four-inch gun,[17] returned to his party for another charge with which the second gun was destroyed. Lieutenant-Commander Robinson would not allow members of his demolition party to accompany him as their white uniforms rendered them very conspicuous. Lieutenant- Commander Robinson took part in four attacks on the minefields – always under heavy fire.
—The London Gazette, 13 August 1915
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Footnote;
Eric Gascoigne later Commanded HMS M21 (a monitor like M33), where he was awarded a Mention in Despatches and was badly wounded at Anzac Cove where he was a liaison Officer. Following this period of service he was awarded the OBE and promoted to Captain. He retired from the RN in 1933 as a Rear Admiral at age 51 but immediately offered his services when WW2 broke out and served for a further three years commanding convoys across the Atlantic. After the war he finally settled in the village of Langrish near Petersfield and died peacefully in his sleep in the RN Hospital Haslar in1965. He was buried in an unmarked grave in St John’s Church, Langrish.
For unknown reasons, his grave was without a headstone until 1998, although a large plaque to him was dedicated by his sister in 1969 near to the altar. Following investigations by the Naval VC Association, his grave was discovered and a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone erected. The dedication ceremony was attended by over 150 friends, relatives, masons and servicemen; also many Standards from the Royal Naval Association from across the country. Admiral Derek Reffell gave the eulogy which stated: "The admiral was a hero, but more importantly he was a naval man from the finest mould. Now at last we can accord him the dignity he deserves."
13. HQ Open Day – July 2015
The HQ had an Open Day on Friday 03 July 2015 with Shipmates from a number of Branches including; Christchurch, Peterborough, Rayleigh, Ferndown, Chesham and a number of HQ Role members. The HQ received this lovely e-mail form Shipmate John Lallyette the Hon Sec of Peterborough Branch
Dear HQ Staff,
On behalf of the Peterborough Branch of the RNA, I should like to express our grateful thanks for a truly splendid day in the company of Headquarters Staff on the occasion of their Open Day. We all enjoyed the the time in your company immensely,and the boat trip around the harbour, was for many a real eye opener. The hospitality shown to us all was exemplary and was much appreciated. For those members of the association who have yet to experience this tour, I would not hesitate to recommend it, as a marvellous, and most rewarding experience. Once again our grateful thanks, and continued success for future visits.
Yours aye John Lallyette
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14. Joke
Two men dressed in Airline Pilots uniforms walk up the aisle of the plane. Both are wearing dark glasses, one is using a guide dog, and the other is tapping his way along the aisle with a cane.
Nervous laughter spreads through the cabin, but the men enter the cockpit, the door closes, and the engines start up. The passengers begin glancing nervously around, searching for some sign that this is just a little practical joke.
None is forthcoming....
The plane starts moving faster and faster down the tarmac and the people sitting in the window seats realize they're headed straight for the water at the edge of the runway.
As it begins to look as though the plane will plough into the water, panicked screams fill the cabin. At that moment, the plane lifts smoothly into the air.
The passengers relax and laugh a little sheepishly, and soon all retreat into their magazines, secure in the knowledge that the plane is in good hands. In the cockpit, one of the blind pilots turns to the other and says,
'You know, Bob, one of these days, they're gonna scream too late and we're all gonna f*****ing' die!'
15. His and Her Calender
The brand new 2016 ‘RNA His and Her Calendar’ is now on sale from Nigel’s Bazzar......
Cheap as chips at £5.00 (which includes cost of posting).
So let’s have your orders by snail mail, phone or E-mail.
Brilliant Stocking filler for Christmas......
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16. Royal Naval and Royal Marine Charity Update
Impact Report 2015: Working together, achieving more
Through our work – and that of our Group charities – we gave £7.6m to provide financial support, help and advice and, in cases of hardship and distress, life-changing essentials to our beneficiaries.
We distributed more money, and made a greater and more profound impact, than in any other year in the history of the Charity.
Our support is truly ‘through life’ and in 2014 we gave £3.7m to care for our beneficiaries, from children to the frail and old. Our major grant funding to other charities enables them to provide direct care to those in need, and through The Royal Navy Officers’ Charity and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund we provide direct help to individuals who fall on difficult times.
We also gave £3.9m to provide assistance to Naval Service personnel and their dependants. Our grant- making aims to ease the pressure that life in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines can bring. Last year was an extraordinary year with a spike in grants made in support of the 350th birthday of the Royal Marines where we supported Commando units in marking key anniversaries and as they disengaged from active operations. Significant gifts from major donors for specific restricted projects also increased in-Service grants to higher than usual levels.
Supporting sailors and marines through-life
We support elderly veterans in care homes and the service personnel of today, who protect our country 365 days a year. We also care for their families – partners and children – when they can not.
“Our focus for giving is as much on the veteran community as it is on the front line. In the UK alone, there are 800,000 people in our beneficiary group. We exist to support them – today, tomorrow and for life,” says Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB DL, President, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
Our partnership with Greenwich Hospital provides funding for specialist charities that deliver essential services on our behalf. The work of these charities as immediate as providing emergency housing, clothing and food for people living in hardship; or it can be as forward- leaning as to fund equipment, medical bills and respite breaks for families with ill children.
Hugh Player, Director of Greenwich Hospital comments: “We are proud to support those who serve, or have served, and their dependants. That is our charitable responsibility and our aim is to do more, and in more ways, for more people, in the coming years.”
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Several of our Group charities additionally issue grants directly to individuals. The Royal Navy Officers’ Charity, for example, provides financial support to former officers who have fallen on tough times and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund supports all Royal Marines, including those who obtained debilitating injuries during recent conflicts.
We also work at the smaller end of the spectrum, to boost morale and ease the pressure that life in the Service can bring. During 2014, our team awarded 642 minor amenity grants – those less than £5,000 – which enabled quick access to funds for service personnel, helping to make a positive difference where the public purse cannot.
Thank you
In 2014, our supporters made a significant difference to the charity and Naval Service family. Thank you for your generosity and goodwill.
Our band of donors and corporate partners continues to grow and without your help much of the support we deliver to our beneficiaries simply would not be possible.
To all of our valued friends your continued support is vital and very much appreciated. If you want to support our cause, please make a donation – through payroll giving or single/regular donation – by joining one of our fundraising challenges, volunteering, or supporting us through your workplace. Thank you.
Visit http://bit.ly/RNRMCimpact for our full report.
17. Legion d’Honneur Award
The Government of France has told the UK Ministry of Defence that it wishes to recognise the selfless acts of heroism and determination displayed by all surviving veterans of the Normandy landings, and of the wider campaigns to liberate France in 1944, by awarding them with the Legion d’Honneur.
This recognition extends beyond the troops who actually landed on and fought their way up the beaches 70 years ago, and will include Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel who operated in support of the landings. Requests for the award should be made using https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/d- day-70-application-form-for-award-of-the-legion-dhonneur , or hard copy at rear of Circular, which will be processed by the Ministry of Defence, who will forward the details to the French authorities. The French authorities will then make all the final decisions on the awards. Any veterans wishing to apply for the award, or anyone enquiring on their behalf, should either send the form to: Personnel and Training – Defence Services Secretary – Commemorations Floor 6 Zone C Ministry of Defence
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Main Building LONDON SW1A 2HB Or email it to [email protected]
STOP PRESS ...... Further Update from the General Secretary
We have had a number of queries regarding the slowness with which the Legion D’Honneur is being sent out to those D-Day (and supporting) veterans who have made their application. GS had a chat to Captain Chris Clough RN, the Naval Attaché in Paris about this issue. He reported that initially the French authorities were surprised by the large number of applications (over 3,500), and they were initially reluctant to increase the presentation rate of 50 a month (to all recipients French and English), in order to preserve the value and standing of the medal. The UK Ministry of Defence offered to help and provide personnel and after initial rejection this offer has now been taken up and they hope to have completed 1,000 this month and all remaining medals within 6 months. Anyone that has a particularly urgent requirement due to ill-health please contact the GS and we will let MoD know to see what can be done.
18. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS Memorial Service
The HMS ILLUSTRIOUS Association wrote to the Semaphore Circular to remind us of a little known disaster.
During the late evening of Sunday 17 October 1948 the Liberty boat left Weymouth Pier heading for HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, It was a 36ft Pinnace with 5 crew and 45 men onboard. The weather conditions were atrocious with gale force winds and rain squalls and as it passed through the northern entrance of the breakwater the weather state became worse resulting in the liberty boat shipping vast amounts of water and floundering some 50mts astern of the Carrier. Rescue boats were immediately launched including the Weymouth Lifeboat and incredibly brave ships company who dived off the ship to rescue their shipmates. Despite all their efforts tragically 29 sailors lost their lives. On the 17 October 2010, 62 years later, the then 1ST Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope GCB OBE ADC, unveiled a beautiful Memorial stone, shown in the picture above, with HMS ILLUSTRIOUS provide 29 Sailors to represent those that had perished on that tragic night.
A Small memorial service will be held at the Memorial on Sunday 17th October 2015 commencing at 14.30. The Memorial is situated in Portland Marina, Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset DT5 1DX. Alternatively you SatNavers can use DT5 1SA which is the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy Osprey Quay. Anyone who would like to attend would be very much welcomed. For further information please contact : Miss Ann Lefley (Hon Treasurer) 01903 771394 e-mail [email protected] or Mr Mike Brockwell (Vice Chairman) 01293 520352.
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19. Cooking Lessons......
A Shipmate’s good lady wife goes away for the weekend leaving specific instructions for her husband to ‘Chef it Up’ for his dinner......
What could possibly go wrong!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately he was an Engineer...... and
She told him to put his dinner in at 120 degrees......
Scran
Protractor
20. Can you assist? HMS Sturdy
HQ recently received the e-mail below from Dawn Springett in Erina, NSW, Australia.
Hello from Australia,
October 30th 2015 is the 75th anniversary of the loss of HMS Sturdy on the Isle of Tiree in the Western Hebrides. My father, Harry Springett, was a survivor of this tragic event and I feel it is my legacy to try and locate family, descendants and friends of the crew. I have the only known photographs of members of the crew in a football match against the French in Toulon in 1940. Many years later my father wrote about the tragedy as did other crew members. In 2010 we held a memorial service on The Isle of Tiree and a commemorative plaque was unveiled. If any of your members have a link to this tragedy I would be very pleased to hear from them. Please contact me directly on [email protected]
Dawn Springett Erina, NSW
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21. Joke - Sex and Good Grammar
On his 70th birthday, a man was given a gift certificate from his wife. The certificate was for a consultation with an Indian medicine man living on a nearby reservation who was rumoured to have a simple cure for erectile dysfunction. The husband went to the reservation and saw the medicine man.
The old Indian gave him a potion and with a grip on his shoulder warned, "This is a powerful medicine. You take only a teaspoonful, and then say: "1-2-3.' When you do, you will become more manly than you have ever been in your life, and you can perform for as long as you want."
The man thanked the old Indian, and as he walked away, he turned and asked: “How do I stop the medicine from working?"
"Your partner must say 1-2-3-4,’ he responded, "but when she does, the medicine will not work again until the next full moon."
He was very eager to see if it worked so he went home, showered, shaved took a spoonful of the medicine, and then invited his wife to join him in the bedroom. When she came in, he took off his clothes and said: "1-2-3!" Immediately, he was the manliest of men.
His wife was excited and began throwing off her clothes, but then she asked: "What was the 1- 2-3 for?"
Wait For it......
And that, boys and girls, is why we should never end our sentences with a preposition, because we could end up with a dangling participle......
22. Even More Model Ship Building
Shipmates may be interested to hear about the current models that Rob Griffin is building mainly featuring HMS Bristol.
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The model of HMS Bristol is 1/72 scale. Rob is obviously a busy boy as alongside HMS Bristol he is working on HMS Tiger at 1/96 scale and also HMS Phoebe and HMS Guernsey.
23. Unashamedly Shep Woolley and the Ansome Cabin Boys - Shantie Night
Unashamedly Shep Woolley and the ‘Ansome Cabin Boys are holding a Trafalgar ‘Shantie Night’ in the Square Tower Old Portsmouth on 21 October 15.
There will be plenty of Shanties and a Rum and Sailors Supper all for a bargain at £15. For ticket information please ring 02392 754559 or e-mail
24. RNRMC Introduce New Chairman
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) appointed Bill Thomas as Chairman of the Board of Trustees on 14 July 2015.
Bill Thomas is a proprietor of Hopton Estates and an independent Non-Executive Director of Xchanging plc, the Co-operative Bank plc and GFI Sarl. He is the President of the Alumni Association and a Council Member at Cranfield University. He chaired Labour’s reviews into defence procurement and small business policy and retired from Hewlett Packard as a Senior Vice President having led their European service business. He served on the President’s Committee of the CBI for nine years.
On speaking of his appointment, Bill Thomas said: “The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have been central to Britain’s past and are critical to Britain’s future. Our Charity’s vision is of a world in which our sailors, marines and their families are valued and supported, for life. Over the next five years we will build on the success the Charity has achieved under the chairmanship of Vice Admiral Sir Richard Ibbotson, which has seen it reach more beneficiaries through an increasing grants programme. This will require excellent operational execution and close working with our charity partners, with the Royal Navy and with our supporters and donors.”
He added: “I am pleased to be joining the Charity at this exciting time and very much look forward to leading the Board through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
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Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, President of the RNRMC, said: “I am delighted to welcome Bill to the Charity. He brings an enormous amount of experience from the world of business and his other charitable interests and a passion for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines that he has gained from working with the MOD over many years. He will continue our focus on our beneficiaries and build on the momentum that The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity has developed.”
Bill Thomas succeeds Vice Admiral Sir Richard Ibbotson – a decorated naval officer and former Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet – who led the Charity through an important period of change and maturity.
25. Joke. The Taxi Driver (Warning Features Nudity and Sexual Innuendo!!)
A drunken woman, stark naked, jumped into a taxi at Fortitude Valley in Brisbane.
The driver opened his eyes wide and stared at the woman. He made no attempt to start the Cab.
"What's wrong with you Fella, haven't you ever seen a naked woman before?"
"I'm not staring at you Shiela, I am telling you that it would not be proper, where I am from..."
"Well, if you're not bloody staring at me Mate, what are you doing then?"
"Well, I am looking and looking, and thinking to myself, where is this lady keeping the money to pay me?!"
26. Order Forms for Diaries, Christmas Cards and Calenders.
Shipmates are reminded that the order forms for RNA Diaries, Christmas Cards and our brand spanking new His and Hers Diaries can be found at the rear of this Edition.
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RNA Longcast
2015 01 Aug Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Southend On Sea 15 Aug AMC 15 Aug 70th Anniversary of VJ Day 21 Aug HQ Open Day 22 Aug FAC 05 Sep National Council - UJC 06 Sep Biennial Parade - Whitehall 19 Sep Northern Ireland Veterans’ Association – Service of Remberance National Memorial Arboretum 03 Oct RNA Bletchley Branch 50th Anniversary Celebrations 09 Oct HQ Open Day 09-12 Oct RNA Plymouth – Biennial Trafalgar Weekend – GS attends Babbacombe Hotel Babbacombe. 14 Oct Annual National Service for Seafarers, St Paul's Cathedral 21 Oct Christchurch Branch – Trafalgar Dinner 23 Oct Dublin Branch – Trafalgar Dinner ( Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire) 31 Oct NI Festival of Remembrance – National Standard parades 5 Nov Field of Remembrance – RNA plot and service with CoF 7 Nov Festival of Remembrance – Albert Hall National Standard parades 7 Nov Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Harwich 8 Nov Remembrance Sunday 14 Nov AMC 20 Nov Lee on the Solent & Stubbington Charity Concert – Holy Rood Church Stubbington 19-21 Nov IMC Executive Council 21 Nov FAC 05 Dec National Council 24 Dec – 4 Jan HQ Closed for Christmas and New Year 2016 13 Feb AMC Meeting 20 Feb FAC Meeting 28 Feb National Arboretum – 1991 Gulf War Memorial unveiling 12 Mar National Council Meeting 19 Mar Welfare Seminar – Crown Hotel Weymouth 7 May National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood 10 Jun AMC Meeting 10 Jun FAC Meeting 10 Jun National Council Meeting 11-12 Jun National Conference 20 Aug AMC Meeting 26 Aug FAC Meeting 10 Sep National Council Meeting 19 Nov AMC Meeting 26 Nov FAC Meeting 10 Dec National Council Meeting
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D’ye hear there’.....
News from around the Areas and Branches
RNA Forth Valley
Forth Valley Branch recently decided to create a Submariners Division within the Branch. Whilst the Submariners are all members of the RNA they have their own individuality within the branch. (They are only occasionally allowed to go deep!) The branch thought that this was an excellent way to encourage shipmates to join the RNA as well as joining individual branch specific associations. After all, everybody joining the RN starts off as an AB/Mne wearing either a blue or Khaki suit but is eventually aligned with a specific branch, but are very much still members of one Ships Company. Most of these sections formed their own associations which by today have a shortage of numbers and are starting to fail. Trying to keep these smaller associations alive, we decided at Forth Valley to encompass them within the RNA but let them still have their originality, Submariners, Fleet Air Arm, Type 42 etc etc. This way we can keep these associations alive and have more people in the Royal Naval Association.
(Editors Note; I feel sorry for the Provost of Falkirk who was just visiting the Branch and was being put under immense pressure by Shipmate Mike Hesketh who has looking to double the size of his one man Airy Fairey / WAFU section!!!!! )
RNA Plymouth Branch
Plymouth Branch attended the Armed Forces Day in Plymouth. The Branch Stand was throbbing and packed all day with visitors from as far afield as Shrewsbury and Llandudno!! The event in ‘Oggie Land’ was very successful with an estimated an estimated attendance in the region of 25000 +.
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'Team Plymouth' Gazebo was sited in the ‘Naval Village’ and Shipmates were all delighted with the day and the positive projection of the RNA, they even had a visit from the former CINCFLEET Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent KCB, CBE, ADC.
Oh and don’t forget ......
RNA Plymouth will be holding their 11th Biennial Trafalgar Weekend on Friday 9th October to Monday 12th October 2015 at the Babbacombe Hotel, Babbacombe. Cost will be 3 nights (Friday to Monday) Dinner, B&B (Gala Dinner Saturday) £115.00 or 2 nights (Friday to Sunday) £80.00
For further details please contact Sue Gutteridge, Social Secretary. RNA Plymouth. Tel: (01752)849176. [email protected].
RNA St Ives Branch
Arctic and WW2 Veteran Pip Harrison completed his century recently. Pip celebrated his 100th Birthday with friends and family in June with a party at St Ives Golf Club, where he was a previous President and still a member. Pip served as a Signalman during the war and during one two year period completed 11 Arctic convoys serving in the destroyer HMS Intrepid, for which he thoroughly deserved being awarded the Arctic Star. Pip marched in the Cenotaph Parade in 2013 and is planning to go again this year!
Pip is pictured with his Birthday Card from HM the Queen with fellow Veterans and ‘nippers’ Jack Milliard (94) and Royal Marine Harry Bellars (93)
RNA Birmingham (Central) Branch
On receiving intelligence that former sailor Russell Howard enjoyed a naval visit to his care home Commander Phil Dennis MBE Royal Navy, Commanding Officer HMS DARING and RNA Birmingham Branch Shipmates Charlie Hussain and Vic Hocking accompanied Commander Phil on a visit to S/m Russell’s care home. He was so pleased to see them and really enjoyed spinning a few dits about his time onboard HMS CONCORD during the Yangtze Incident in 1949, and the dramatic escape of HMS AMYTHYST. Birmingham Central Branch RNA now
24 visit on a regular basis and it is amazing what comfort these visits can achieve. (Ed comment: What no Tot!!)
RNA Market Harborough Branch
Market Harborough Branch took part in the Armed Forces Day celebrations in Welland Park in Market Harborough. The day was opened by the High Sherriff of Leicestershire with a flag raising ceremony and a muster of veterans and local cadet forces and soldiers from the Defence Animal Centre. The parade was led by Lt Adam Slonecki Royal Navy with entertainment provided by a choir from a local school and the Band of 1084 (MH) Squadron ATC Band there were also displays by the dogs of the Army Defence Animal Centre and the Sea Cadets gave two displays in the arena during the day. There were static displays from the Police demonstrating their hi-tech cars and the Fire Service showing off their Fire Engine alongside food stalls and a bouncy castle.
The day also featured the RBL Riders Branch riding through the town before arriving at the Park for the public to admire their cherished motorbikes. The WW1 re-enactors pitched their tents and gave drill lessons to volunteer youngsters. The Royal Naval Association had a caravan and awning where they dispensed coffee and tots and encouraged as much recruiting as possible. The closing ceremony was led by Chairman of the local Council and was completed with a Sunset ceremony which included the Sea Cadets. Sadly the planned Spitfire Flypast could not take place because of the gusty weather. Branch Shipmates had a great day out and are already ‘revving’ up for next year.
RNA Liss and District Branch
Shipmates should be aware that Liss and District Branch have changed their meeting night to the Third Tuesday of each month. This means that the next meeting of the Branch will be held on TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2015 at 2000 and thereafter on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Shipmates enjoyed a presentation provided by S/M Robert Fosterjohn, a member at Liss, on Tuesday 1st July 2015. The subject concerned ships that had been associated with the town of Petersfield and included HMS Petersfield and HMS Primula. S/m Robert was providing the presentation on behalf of Petersfield Courthouse Museum and was much enjoyed by all who attended.
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RNA Dartford Branch
Semaphore Circular has received a despatch from Shipmate Barry Somerset from Dartford Branch which I am sure Shipmates will enjoy. This is a classic example of why the Royal Navy is the Senior Service......
On the 1st Jan 2015 we took over the running of the hall from the Royal Air Force Association, who could no longer maintain it. As you can see we inherited a sad building that needed some tender, loving care that only Jack and Royal could supply. The results are for all to see and we are confident we would pass evening rounds regardless of who they send. Any Shipmates in the area will be most welcome to join us for a tot at 2000 (8pm in old money) on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
Before ugly ‘Crab’ Version After Beautiful RNA Version
RNA Christchurch Branch
Christchurch branch celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a celebratory lunch held at Hoburne Holiday Park which was attended by Mayor Cllr. Denise Jones and her Escort, which incidentally was one of the last events during of her year in office.
After being welcomed by S/m Chairman Dennis Morris an excellent meal was enjoyed. Among the 80 members and guests were Commodore Jamie Miller CBE, Regional Commander Wales & Western England, who presented Certificates to S/ms Ron Checketts and Christine Payne to mark their long service and commitment to the Association and S/m Paul Quinn OBE, RNA General Secretary, who read a letter of congratulations from Her Majesty the Queen.
S/m Joe Waterman then proposed the Loyal Toast and S/m Mike Parker, Vice-Chairman, proposed a Toast to the Royal Naval Association & Christchurch Branch. The Toast to ‘Our Guests’ was proposed by S/m Stuart Major. Area 4 President S/m David White, replied congratulating the Branch and its members for the continuing growth and success since nearly closing 5 years ago.
The Chairman invited the Mayor to address members and she spoke knowledgably about the Royal Navy mentioning many ships and historical events. She referred to the work of the RNA in fostering comradeship among all sea-going veterans and serving personnel saying how important it is for friendships to continue throughout and after serving in Her Majesty’s Forces. S/m Ron Checketts cut a cake made by Bournemouth Catering College and S/m Eric Barnes was an excellent Master of Ceremonies
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The event was closed by the Chairman who thanked everyone for attending and said that we were all invited to spend the rest of the day as guests of Hoburne Park.
Christchurch Branch have also submitted a claim for the ‘Its the Rum that does it’ competition following on from Chatham’s and Bexhill Branch’s submissions......
Christchurch can muster; One 98 year old – Father of the Branch five other active Shipmates over 90 years young.
Sadly for Christchurch Bexhill still are still in the box seat and on course to win a bottle of pussers...
RNA Kingston upon Thames Branch
Would Shipmates kindly note that Kingston upon Thames Branch has ‘changed Berth’. Monthly meetings will now take place at the;
Sea Cadet HQ, TS Steadfast, Thames Side, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1PX Tel No 0208 5466600
The monthly meeting takes place, 1st Thursday of each month commencing at 2000
RNA Cardiff Branch
Shipmates from Cardiff Branch attended Armed Forces Day in Cardiff. The public turnout was excellent with supporters lining the whole route of the march through Cardiff centre. After a drumhead service in the Castle grounds, the Cardiff RNA HQ manned a gazebo in the adjoining Coopers Field where members of the public were invited to chat about the Association and sample a wee sip of rum. Many showed interest in joining the RNA and three actually completed the registration form. (BZ)
Visitors to the Gazebo included the Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan , an Air Vice-Marshal and the Armed Forces Minister Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP along with their respective retinues !
On the same day, the Branch was presented with a medallion which was struck in 1991 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. Mr Bob Monroe, who presented the medallion, obtained it from his recently deceased ex-RAF friend, James F Chandler, who had been a Japanese prisoner of War after the fall of Singapore. It is believed that the medallion was initially only presented to the
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survivors of the dual sinking, so how the medallion came into Mr Chandlers possession is not known but both the JAVA and Far East POW Association are trying to assist in providing an answer to this mystery. However it is however a very poignant gesture especially with the Anniversary of VJ Day due to be celebrate in a couple of months time. Cardiff Branch are intending to present the Medallion to the new HMS Prince of Wales when it is commissioned.
RNA Lydd and Dungeness Branch
On July the 1st Lydd and Dungeness Branch celebrated 60 years as a Branch by having an informal get together with wives. The guest of honour for the evening was the Mayor of Lydd, Tom Dawes and his wife.
It is sad to report that S/M Tony Browning is the only surviving founder member of the branch remaining as one of the others crossed the bar two months ago.
The highlight of the during the evening saw the Mayor kindly presented a Life Membership certificate and Blazer Badge to S/m Bob Slatcher. and a Certificate of Appreciation to S/m Phylis Tozer, which recognised all her hard work visiting sick members at home or in hospital.
RNA Harwich and District Branch
Harwich Branch organised a ceremony to commemorate the 33rd Liberation of the Falkland Islands on Sunday 14 June 2015. The ceremony was organised by S/M Trevor Potter and attended by 30 representatives from the Harwich area. A number of Associations were represented including; RNA, RBL, Merchant Navy Association, Royal Air Force Association and a delegation of Veteran Paratroopers.
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The service was conducted by the appointed Chaplain to the branch, Reverend Christopher Woods RN(Rtd) and a wreath was laid at The Minesweepers Memorial by S/M Andy Goodman of Harwich & District Branch RNA.
The Last Post was played.
RNA Limavady Branch
Shipmates are advised that the e-mail address for the Limavady Branch Secretary Liz Deery is now [email protected]
Limavady Shipmates recently manned the World War One display at Bushmills RBL World War exhibition for ten days & hopefully produced a new member or two.
RNA Chard Branch
On Sunday 12th July Shipmates attended the Chard Branch summer lunch at the Howley Tavern where they enjoyed a lovely meal supplied by Sue and her team.
The next social activity for the group will be in August where they will be attending the South West Deer and study centre for an evening of up close viewing of the deer in their care. (Followed by the Branch Autumn lunch featuring Bambi!!!)
Chard Branch arranged and attended the annual Sea Sunday Service held on behalf of the Mission to Seafarers at St Thomas Church, Cricket St Thomas on Sunday 12th July. The church was well attended by the contingent from Chard RNA, locals and guests who were staying at the Manor run by Warners.
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The Chard standard was in attendance presented by S/m Malcolm Day and the service was conducted by Canon Hugh Williams who gave an excellent address covering the many occupations carried out at sea in order to keep the UK supplied with goods due to being an Island.
During the service the collection was on behalf of the Mission to Seafarers and raised £150. Chard RNA would like to thank all those who contributed to this worthy cause.
RNA Huntingdon& District Branch
Shipmate Karl Webb has filed a despatch from deepest Huntingdon.
Huntingdon & District Branch continue their publicity campaign in Cambridgeshire with attendance at flag- raising events, charity stalls, and memorial services. The latest events included the Armed Forces Day flag-raising service outside the wartime home of the RAF’s Pathfinder Force; shipmate Karl Webb paraded the Branch Standard alongside those of the RBL and RAFA on Thursday 25th June. The following night, Karl Webb and Graham Murray were joined by St Neots shipmates Keith and Maureen Ridley to attend a Beating the Retreat ceremony, carried out by the RM Band of HMS Collingwood, at the home of the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire (and Huntingdon Branch shipmate), Victor Lucas.
On Armed Forces Day, shipmates Karl Webb, Pete Aston, and Graham Murray manned a charity stall in St Ives (Cambs), once again, the Branch Standard was paraded by Karl Webb. The following weekend saw shipmates Pete Aston, Nino Crean, Graham and Becky Murray man another charity stall at the Godmanchester Gala where they were visited by the town’s Mayor and Mayoress. Finally, on Sunday 12th July, shipmates Bill Small, Karl Webb, Pete Aston, Graham and Becky Murray attended the annual Sea Sunday Service at Huntingdon’s War Memorial. The RNA, RMA, and SCC represented those who have served, or will serve at sea.
Photographs show shipmate Karl Webb parading the Branch Standard at the AFD flag-raising event, the RM Band ‘Beating the Retreat’ at the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire’s annual reception and finally, Bill Small with the Standard Bearer from T.S. Cromwell SCC for the annual Sea Sunday Service.
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RNA Rayleigh Branch – Operation Sweet Pea
The dedication and unveiling of the Royal Naval Association and Royal Naval Memorials took place at the Living Memorial, Whitehouse Farm, Rettendon, Essex, on Wednesday the 8th July.
The design and planning for this event went back to October 2014 and from a patch of grass has risen a fine memorial in honour of all those Naval personnel killed in conflicts and wars since World War II.
140 Shipmates, Guests and families were in attendance and the parade of 24 Standards were led by the Dagenham Girl Pipers in front of Shipmates from RNA Branches all over East Anglia and other military organisations. Also in attendance was 90 year old Doug Shelly who served on the Russian convoys. The ceremony was conducted by the Revd. Canon Mike Lodge, Padre to the Rayleigh RNA. John Bessell of the Royal Artillery Association fired the 25 pounder field gun at the Exhortation and Reveille.
Guest of Honour was the National President of the Royal Naval Association, Vice Admiral JHS McAnally CB LVO and in support Lt. Cdr. Mark van Denburgh RN.
In 2003 Frances and Peter Theobald, owners of Whitehouse Farm, gave 10 acres of their land to set up set up memorials for members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in conflicts around the world. When 4 members of Rayleigh RNA paid a further visit in January 2015, Peter and Frances had released a further 10 acres of land, so RNA Rayleigh decided to set up both an RNA and Royal Navy Memorial. Apart from the gift of land, Peter and Frances also did the manual work and local displays on the site.
This project is very much work in progress with plaques etc., to be added to the memorials and should any Branch wish to take advantage of this, contact should be made through Rayleigh RNA either through Chairman Jim Hammond 01268 414616, e mail [email protected] or Secretary Alan Booth 01268 743545 e mail [email protected]
RNA Dublin Branch
Shipmates from Dublin Branch attended the RBL Annual Ceremony of Remembrance at the National War Memorial at Islandbridge in Dublin on 11July 2015. This year, the Branch was particularly honoured to be asked by the RBL to steward the event, which was ably performed by
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Shipmates Paul Stephenson, Liam Smith, Maurice Keene and Nigel Brislane, all of whom looked immaculate in their RNA Rig.
The Ceremony was attended by Irish Government Ministers and a large number of Ambassadors. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Branch by the Branch Secretary Nick Purkis, alongside National Council Member Ivan Hunter and Area 12 Chairman, Robert Buchanan. The Branch Standard was carried by Shipmate John Moore.
The following day, Branch Members were also invited to attend the Irish National Commemoration at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham at which the President of Ireland laid a wreath on behalf of the Nation, to all Irish men and women killed on active service or on service with the United Nations.
RNA Dagenham Branch
Dagenham branch recently had the pleasure of supporting the newly elected mayor of Barking and Dagenham during his inauguration. Several of our 80- year olds completed a one and a half mile march through Barking town centre accompanied by the pipes and drums of the world renowned Dagenham Girl Pipers; together with the Barking and Dagenham Metropolitan Police Cadet Force, local scouting groups and the standards of RNA Dagenham, Royal British Legion and the Borough Colours paraded by the Police Cadets.
A service at St Elizabeth’s church was conducted by the Bishop of Barking and big eats with unlimited suitable goffas was provided by the council when we arrived back at the Town Hall. This branch has historically enjoyed the membership of several past mayors and councillors and it has been hinted that the new mayor may well decide to join the branch.
RNA Tenbury Wells Branch
The Tenbury Wells Branch of the Royal Naval Association has recently celebrated 30 years as an active local Worcestershire RNA organisation. It was first commissioned on 20th June 1985, and Trevor Jones, one of the early members still in the Branch today, said they had hoped in those initial days that the Branch might be able to continue for at least 10 years. Not only have they trebled that but they are one of the most active of the 34 branches in No 8 Area RNA, the Midlands Area. Trevor, who has been a Branch Officer for most of the last 30 years, is the current President of No 8 Area, Branch Vice Chairman Jim Goode is the Area Chairman, Branch Secretary Ken Holloway is a former Area Chairman and now an Area Life Vice President, and Branch Chairman Chris Dovey OBE, was the Area Treasurer for seven years and is the current NCM for the Area and also the National Chairman of the RNA.
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The Branch held a 30th Anniversary Dinner on 11th July attended by 57 members and guests, with Jack Andow from Ludlow as their Guest of Honour. Jack was originally in the Tenbury Branch but transferred to the Ludlow Branch when it was later commissioned. Unfortunately the Ludlow Branch closed down in December 2014 and Jack returned, with others, to Tenbury. He has been a great supporter of the Branch over the years and his award of the BEM in the 2015 New Year Honours List was just recognition for his long commitment to the RNA and his fund-raising activities for many charities. His speech at the Dinner highlighting his receipt of the BEM and meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace was typical Jack, full of fun and good humour.
On Sunday 12th July the Branch handed over its old Branch Standard to St Mary’s Church in Tenbury for laying-up and then dedicated a new Standard during the normal Sunday morning Service. T he new Standard was also dedicated to the memory of two of the Branch’s most respected Shipmates, George Baker and Roly Jones, both WW2 veterans who raised a lot of money for the Branch over the years. George served throughout WW2 on the battleship HOWE on Arctic Convoys, in the Mediterranean, at Okinawa and off Japan. Roly was in the Naval Patrol Service and served in the North Sea, the North Atlantic and on Arctic Convoys. Their families were invited guests to the both Dinner and the Laying-Up and Dedication Service.
The whole celebration weekend was an enjoyable and memorable event for the Tenbury Branch, and it now looks forward to at least another 10 years representing and supporting serving and ex- serving Royal Navy veterans in a small market town in Middle England, 80 miles from the sea.
The photos above show- New Standard carried by Roy Lewis and escorted by Owen and Ed Cox from Worcester Sea Cadet Unit with Trevor Jones. And New Standard with the son of George Baker and widow and daughters of Roly Jones. L to R Bob and Veronica Crump, Martyn Baker, Roy Lewis, Rose Jones, Liz and Ian Brasnett.
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CROSSED THE BAR - Obituaries
Bill Churchill - Dagenham Branch
S/M Bill Churchill passed away on 14th May 2015 and Dagenham branch is deeply saddened to report that yet another of our shipmates has crossed the bar. The sixth, in such a short period.
S/M Bill has been a valued member of the branch for more than fifteen years. Being an accomplished ballroom dancer (seven!) he was always an enthusiastic supporter of our social functions and always ready for a bit of ‘lamp swinging’ and advice to our younger members. Bill saw wartime service in HMS Malcolm and also HMS Ajax.
He made a contribution to a website( www.legasee.org.uk/keeping-britain-afloat/the-archive/bill- churchill/) where his story can be heard together perhaps with some of your own shipmates. He was given a true Royal Naval Association send-off which included the Romford branch standard and a tot or two.
George Townsend – March Branch
Sadly March Branch has informed HQ , with much regret, that S/M George Townsend has crossed the bar aged 85. George has been suffering from lung cancer for some time but died suddenly on the 17th June. George was proud to be known as an 'Airy Fairy' having served in the RNAS from February 1948 till August 1955. He served in HMS Bulwark and HMS Hermes but was then transferred to Admiralty and worked with the Naval Attaché. He will be much missed by the Branch.
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RNA Members Benefits
UK Holiday Group /CONA Holiday Service
• Variety of special deals for both Groups and Individual. 1% of turnover thorough CONA Holiday Service is returned to the RNA. http://www.royal-naval- association.co.uk/news/323/members-holidays-service
Coleman/Ansvar Insurance Discounted Branch and House hold Insurance - 01323 744149 http://www.thecolemangroup.co.uk/coleman-insurance-brokers/organisation-specific/cona
Funeral Service
• 2 ½ % discount form Wessex Funeral Services
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• RNA member entry just £10 plus four guest at £10 each provides access to the all attractions including the Submarine Museum, RM Museum and Explosion!.
Legal Services
Free 30 minute legal advice with Coffin Mew. [email protected] 0800 827168
Breakdown Service
RAC Breakdown and recovery service [email protected] or 0207 4025231
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Shortcast (Run in date order)
Shortcast
HMS Eagle Association – 11-13 September 2015
Friends of HMS Eagle are holding their 43rd reunion in the North Queensferry over the weekend of the 11-13 September 2015. All ex ‘Eagles’, their wives, partners and families are invited. For further details please contact Bill Meevil 01224 820603, 07741 300750 or Danny Du Feu 07966 258103. There is a ful programme with visits and entertainment ‘laid on’
HMS Jamaica Association - 18-21 September 2015
HMS Jamaica Association AGM and Reunion will be held at the Burlington Hotel Eastbourne over the weekend 18-21 September 2015. Please contact Mac Wilkinson (Hon Sec/Treasurer) on tel no 01843 582283 or e-mail [email protected].
HMS Ocean Association - 25 September 2015 28th Annual Reunion Dinner and AGM will be held at the Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford from September 25 to 28. A warm welcome is extended to all ex-Oceans (R68 or L12), families and friends, whether Association members or not. Details from Secretary, Jim Hogan at [email protected]
Regulating Branch & RN Police Association – 02 October 2015
Regulating Branch & Royal Navy Police Association: Annual Reunion takes place from October 2 to 3. It takes place at HMS Excellent. All retired Regulators and serving Naval Police are welcome. For more information see the website at http://rba93.com or contact the Social secretary, W Dick at [email protected]
HMS Arethusa Association - 02 – 05 October 2015
HMS Arethusa a Leander Class Frigate was launched in 1963, commissioned into the Royal Navy in November 1965 and after twenty four years of active service worldwide, was de-commissioned in March 1989. She was the eighth ship to bear this name. One of twenty-six Leander Class Frigates built for the Royal Navy, she was the last warship built on the Isle of Wight at the shipyards of John Samuel White & Son in Cowes, just above the chain ferry. In 1989, following her de-commissioning, a group of former RN personnel who had served in her got together to form the “HMS Arethusa Association”. The Association has held twenty-six reunion gatherings in various parts of the UK, all of which have been attended by eighty to one hundred former crew, families and guests. Also represented in the Association were members of the 7th HMS Arethusa, a Cruiser in commission from 1935 to 1950, with meritorious service in the Second World War.
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On the weekend of 2nd to 5th October 2015, HMS Arethusa Association is to hold its 27th, and final, reunion, on the Isle of Wight at The Melbourne Ardenlea Hotel, Shanklin, to commemorate fifty years of service by the ship and the Association. Following this, the Association will disband and carry on as a social group for those members remaining.
Anyone who has been associated with this ship, either during the building, during her active service and the follow up Association is invited to attend this reunion.
Full details can be obtained from – Isle of Wight Tours Ltd., 3 New Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9 JN. Telephone: (01983) 405116. Email: [email protected] Or – The Honorary Secretary, HMS Arethusa Association (Tom Sawyer) Email: [email protected]
HMS Eskimo F119, 1966-68 Commission - 02 October 2105
The 15th Annual Reunion, will be held at The Best Western Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from October 2 to 5. All Eskimo Commissions are welcome to attend, bring along your wives, girlfriends, family and friends, but please contact Taff Martin first to make sure he has your contact details before Booking Information of the reunion are sent to you. Looking forward to seeing you there. Contact Allan (Taff) Martin at [email protected]
HMS St Vincent Association – 02/05 October 2015
The H M S St Vincent Association AGM and Reunion Dinner welcomes all members to the re union weekend 2015 which is being held over the weekend Friday 2nd October – Monday 5th October 2015 at the Royal Beach Hotel Southsea Portsmouth. The AGM will be held in the establishment (By kind permission of St Vincent College) on Saturday 3rd October. The AGM commences at 1100 ( Doors open at 0900), and so plenty of time to re new acquaintances, visit the Museum, buy your replacement “slops” and luncheon afterwards in the College Dining Hall. Coaches will be laid on from the hotel to take you across to the College in Gosport as part of your re union package. If you wish to attend and haven’t completed your attendance form during the last re union weekend, then attendance forms will be mailed to all members in early December from Isle of Wight Tours. The address of Isle of Wight Tours is:- Isle of Wight Tours, 3 Lake Road, Lake, Sandown Isle of Wight, PO36 9JN, Telephone 01983 405116 Or Soapy Watson on 01329 310078 (M) 07786565485, [email protected]
HMS Ulster Association – 02/05 October 2015
There will be a reunion weekend from October 2nd, 2015 to October 5th, 2015 at Smiths Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare. Further details and to download booking forms see www.candoo.com/ulsternorrie/reunions.html - or please e-mail [email protected] Not internet friendly? Call Norrie Millen at 01626 779409 and leave message if no answer. The re-union is for all commissions 1943-1980.
HMS Tartar Association - 03 October 2015
Annual reunion at the Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough from October 3 to 5. All ex-Tartar’s and wives are welcome, come and meet up with old shipmates. Bookings to be arranged by IOW Tours on 01983 405116
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HMS Ajax and RPVA Association - 07 October 2015
The 50th Annual Reunion is to be held at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham, Kent. Dinner on 7th October, with Church Service and AGM on 8th October. Family members of crew who served in cruiser and crew members who served in the frigate are most welcome.
Application forms available from Malcolm Collis at [email protected] or download from http://www.hmsajax.org/
HMS Lowestoft Reunion – 9 October 2015 The 5th annual reunion of the HMS Lowestoft Association will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St Helens Parade, Southsea PO4 0NR from October 9th to 11th 2015. All ex-Lowie's 1961-1985 and guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email [email protected] or email: [email protected] or visit http://www.hmslowestoft.co.uk
For information, the HMS Lowestoft Association held their 4th Annual Reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea over the weekend 17-19 October, celebrating 53 years since the ship first commissioned. The successful and memorable event was attended by 150 ex Lowie’s, partners and guests, including 3 former Commanding Officers, Admiral Sir John Treacher, Captain Jimmy Chestnutt and Captain Charles Buckle. Vice Admiral Sir John Webster the Navigating Officer from the first commission and Vice Admiral Sir Nicholas Hill-Norton the First Lieutenant from 1971-73 were also present.
HMS Jupiter Association - 9 October 2015
Reunion and AGM will be held in Middlesbrough at the Thistle Hotel from October 9 to 11, to mark 40 years since Jupiter was adopted by the City. Anyone who served on Jupiter, a member of TS Jupiter, has a story to tell about the many visits, or would like to join us during the weekend please contact [email protected] or visit www.hmsjupiter.co.uk
Type 21 Association - 9-10th October 2015
The Type 21 Association reunion will be held on Friday 9th and Sat 10th October 2015. Attendees should travel down the ‘pointy head Highway and muster in the St Levans Inn The programme for Saturday is - AM - AGM, PM Evening Events to be confirmed. for more information please contact ; Paul Gower PRO & Events Organiser Type 21 Club 07446196733 www.type21club.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/type21club/
HMS Llandaff F61 Association - 9/11 October 2015
The annual reunion will take place in Scarborough 9th - 11th October for details http://www.hmsllandaff.co.uk/reunion2015.htm. We are always looking for old members of the crew to come and swing the lamp and share a moment or two of your past.
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HMS Repulse Association – 16 October 2015
HMS Repulse Reunion Association is holding their next reunion from October 16 to 19 at The Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. For more information or booking forms contact Frank Scutt at [email protected] or see the website at http://www.hms-repulse.co.uk
HMS Glory Association - 16 October 2015
Our next half yearly reunion will be at the Ascot Hotel, Derby from October 16 to 17 with a Trafalgar Dinner on Saturday night. Any former shipmates are invited. For more information contact Bernie Cohen at [email protected]
HMS Naiad Association - 16-18th October 2015
HMS Naiad Association reunion will take place at the Liner Hotel Liverpool over the weekend 16- 18th October 2015. For further please see the website or e-mail [email protected]
HMS Fife Reunion – 17 October 2015
The HMS Fife reunion will take place at HMS Nelson Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess on 17 October 2015, 1900-2359. For information about this reunion or to register your interest in attending please contact Warrant Officer 1, Darren Emmerton at [email protected]
Survey Ships Association – 24 – 27th October 2015
The Survey Ships Association will be holding its twenty-first reunion at the 4* Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel, Derby, on the w/e of 24th – 27th October. For information on membership and reunion please send a SAE to: The Secretary SSA,17 Eliza Mackenzie Court, Lindisfarne Close, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2SB, e-mail: [email protected], or telephone 023 9232 4795.
HMS Relentless Reunion – 27 November 2015
The 3rd annual Reunion of the HMS Relentless Association will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St Helens Parade, Southsea, PO4 0NR from November 27th to 30th 2015. All ex-Rusty R’s 1942-1968 and their guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email [email protected]. Or contract Association Secretary on 02392 599640, email [email protected].
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Swinging the Lamp - August
Date Year Entry 1st 1983 RN Supply School moved from Chatham, mainly to Raleigh at Torpoint but Cookery School to Aldershot. 2nd 1999 Final performance of the Royal Tournament at Earl’s Court, in which the Royal Navy had participated since 1887. The centrepiece since 1907 was the annual naval field gun competition, a relic of the Naval Brigades in the Boer War, between the Home Ports, later joined by the Fleet Air Arm. Devonport was the last winner. 3rd 2005 Invincible, Capt Neil Morisetti RN, (the fourteenth commanding officer since Capt M.H. Livesay RN commissioned her on 11 July 1980), paid off at Portsmouth after twenty five years’ service. She was the adopted ship of the city of Durham and had visited forty countries and steamed 850,000 miles. One of three RN ships with Falklands battle honours from 1914 and 1982 (Bristol and Glasgow). 4th 1967 Helicopters from the carrier Hermes landed Royal Hong Kong Police on top of skyscrapers in anti-communist raids. Carrier Bulwark stood by with 40 Cdo embarked during riots 30 May to 12 June. 5th 1583 First settlers arrived in Newfoundland. Golden Hind, Delight, Squirrel and Swallow. 6th 1915 First flight of a seaplane from a ship using take off trolleys; a Sopwith Schneider single-seat floatplane piloted by Ft-Lt (later Air Marshal Sir) William Welsh took off from the converted Cunarder Campania. Seaplanes were hydrodynamically inefficient because fixed floats degraded flying performance; deployed over the North Sea they could not match the Zeppelin in speed, altitude or rate of climb, much to Jellicoe’s regret. The little aircraft also could not cope with any sea state and the floats frequently broke off under stress of taking-off and landing. One part solution was to launch seaplanes directly from a ship. Welsh’s flight was the first to employ wheeled trolleys or dollies attached to the floats which permitted operations in a rougher sea state than hitherto. Landing retained its character-forming qualities. Campania was the first ship to be termed a ‘fleet carrier’ – a title given her by the CO, Wing Captain (later AVM Sir) Oliver Schwann RN. 7th 1815 Napoleon sailed from Plymouth in Northumberland to exile in St Helena. 8th 1968 Leander-class frigate Scylla launched at Plymouth, the last ship to be built in a Royal Yard. 9th 1946 The new battleship Vanguard, Capt W.G. Agnew RN, entered Portsmouth for the first time and secured alongside South Railway Jetty. She had been accepted from John Brown’s on 9 August while at anchor at Spithead. 10th 1866 Second Naval Discipline Act passed: brought the system of naval justice more closely into line with the English criminal law. 11th 1415 Henry V sailed from Southampton: ‘fair stood the wind for France’.
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12th 1940 German air raid damaged RN Barracks, Portsmouth, Whale Island and HMS Hornet, the coastal forces base. 13th 1934 Metropolitan Police, hitherto responsible for establishment security, withdrawn at midnight from Devonport Dockyard. 14th 1981 Closure of Dauntless at Burghfield. WRNS training moved to Raleigh at Torpoint. 15th 1944 Landing of US and French troops in southern France begins. Operation Dragoon. Battle Honour: South France 1944. Convoys were sailed from Naples, Taranto, Brindisi, Malta, Palermo and Oran. A total of 86,575 men, 12,520 vehicles and 46,140 tons of stores were landed over the beachhead in the sixty-four hours following the first landing. The Navy was called upon to provide gunfire support, and much ammunition was used, the cruiser Argonaut firing 394 5.25-in shells, and Aurora 316 6-in shells. 16th 1956 Frigate Loch Killisport, Cdr G.C. Hathaway RN, left Portsmouth for the Gulf and the East Indies Station with a Royal Marines detachment of twenty men embarked as part of the ship’s company. The Royals had hitherto served only in warships of cruiser size and above. 17th 1962 ‘There is evidence that unsatisfactory results are being obtained when painting HM Ships because the paint is not being adequately stirred beforehand . . . the hand stirrers shown in AFO Diagram 14/62 should be made by ships, depot ships staff or bases as appropriate.’ – AFO 1573/62. 18th 1919 VC: Cdr Claude Congreve Dobson RN, Lt Gordon Charles Steele RN. CMB raid on the Russian Baltic fleet base at Kronstadt on Kotlin Island, Gulf of Finland. Change of ROE allowed Rear-Admiral Sir Walter Cowan, hitherto restricted to blockading the Russian fleet to prevent Bolshevik aggression against the newly independent Baltic littoral states, to take offensive action. Lt Augustus Agar had demonstrated the capability of operating fast, shallow-draught CMBs in heavily-mined enemy waters when he torpedoed the Russian heavy cruiser Oleg on 17 June. The Kronstadt attack (Operation RK – Roger Keyes), with seven CMBs was led by Cdr C.C. Dobson RN and supported by diversionary bombing by RAF aircraft operating from HMS Vindictive. Lt Steele took command of CMB 88 when his CO, Lt Dayrell-Reed was mortally wounded. They sank the battleships Petropavlovsk and Andrei Pervozvanni, and the submarine depot ship Pamyat Azova for the loss four naval officers and four men, four RAF officers and one airman, three CMBs and aircraft. A brilliant action which thrilled the RN but embarrassed the British government which was then in sensitive negotiations with the Bolshevik authorities. Shades of Navarino. Dobson and Steele gazetted on 11 November 1919, the first anniversary of Armistice Day.
19th 1971 Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service Reserve established. First Sister enrolled, at Severn Division, 15 December 1971. 20th 1970 A three-day court martial ended at Cochrane with five ABs from minehunter Iveston being found guilty of mutiny when the ship was lying at Ullapool on 5 and 6 July. The sentences ‘to be Dismissed with Disgrace’ were reduced on review by the Admiralty Board to ‘to be Dismissed from Her Majesty’s Service’. On the day of the mutiny a man described as a ‘tramp’ had been entertained in the Wardroom
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and, although irrelevant to the case, this provided the press with a focus for wide publicity and ridicule of naval administration. 21st 1990 HM ships authorised to enforce UN embargo on ships trading with Iraq. Operation Granby. 22nd 1918 Hood launched at John Brown's, Clydebank, by Lady Hood, widow of Rear-Admiral Hon. Horace Hood, who had been killed in Invincible at Jutland, 31 May 1916, the day Hood was originally laid down. At 860ft 7in overall, the longest warship ever built for the RN, and the heaviest warship at that time to hoist the White Ensign. 23rd 1956 Light cruiser Newfoundland bombarded CT targets in the Kota Tinggi district of Johore, Malaya, with 101 6-in shells. 24th 1935 The Royal Marines for the first time in their history provided the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, the Bank of England and ‘for the Hyde Park magazines’. The specially formed battalion of sixteen officers, 349 rank and file and 110 band and drums under Lt- Col T.L. Hunton, were quartered with the Cold stream Guards at Chelsea Barracks. The visit to London ended on 19 September with the battalion exercising the privilege of the Royal Marines of marching through the City of London with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed. 25th 1972 RN Museum, Portsmouth, established. 26th 1904 Russia, at war with Japan, sent cruisers Petersburg and Smolensk to the Red Sea to intercept war contraband sailing under neutral flags to Japan. Britain, neutral but pro-Japan, banned combatant ships from British and Empire ports. The Cape Station cruisers, Crescent, Pearl, Brilliant, St George and Forte began a search for the Russian ships On 26 August and they were found by Forte on 6 September at Zanzibar. 27th 2010 Submarine Astute, first of class, commissioned at Faslane. 28th 1595 Drake and Hawkins left Plymouth on what turned out to be their last voyage, since neither returned. Drake died of yellow fever and Hawkins of dysentery. 29th 1957 Light cruiser Nigeria, launched 1939, transferred to the Indian Navy, after a major refit at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, and commissioned as INS Mysore. She relieved light cruiser Delhi (ex-HMS Achilles) as flagship of the Indian Navy. Paid off 1985. 30th 1985 ‘The Admiralty Board have decided that from the date of this DCI, the individual title “Fleet Chief Petty Officer” is to be abolished and “Warrant Officer” used instead for all purposes . . . The change will acknowledge the fact that Warrant Officers receive a Warrant of Appointment like Warrant Officers in the Army and RAF and thus emphasise their equivalent status and position. It neither entails nor heralds the granting of additional privileges.’ – DCI(RN) 339/85. 31st 1992 First women join Royal Marines, as musicians.
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2016 Diaries
The 2016 diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £5.
If you need a diary with the dark blue crested cover it will cost £8
Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.
To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT ------Order form
From: ...... Branch/ Member
Please provide ……………… 2016 RNA insert Diaries @ £5 .00 each £ ......
Please provide ……………… 2016 Diaries with Cover @ £8 .00 each £ ......
TOTAL £...... Deliver the order to S/M………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………
Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ...... made out to The Royal Naval Association
OR debit the ...... Branch for £......
Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Card in the name of ...... Credit Card/Debit Card Number...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………
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The 2015 Christmas card
These are available with envelopes at £5 for ten.
Orders should be sent to HQ Semaphore Tower and be accompanied by a cheque or payment details for the total value. From: ...... Branch/Member Please provide...... Packs of ten Snowy Memorial Christmas Cards @ £5 per ten. Please provide ...... Packs of ten Victory Christmas cards @ £5 per pack Deliver the order to S/M………………………………...... Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ...... ……………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………………Post code………………… Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ...... made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ...... Branch for £...... Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card No ...... Card in the name of :...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address if different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………...... Post Code:……………………………
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The 2016 His’n hers Calendar is available price £5.
To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT ------Order form
From: ...... Branch/ Member
Please provide ………………..... 2016 Calendar @ £5.00 each TOTAL £......
Deliver the order to S/M………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………
Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ...... made out to The Royal Naval Association
OR debit the ...... Branch for £......
Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Card in the name of ...... Credit Card/Debit Card Number...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………
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£15