DS T H E T R A D E 253 JOURNAL 499

Derbyshire Submariners Newsletter Issue Number 253 November 2020

Freedom of the City of Derby to RN Submarine Service Granted 28 April 2002

EDITORIAL CONTENT

Page/s Subject Remembrance is obviously at the forefront of our thoughts as 01 CONTENT & EDITORIAL we move into November with the 02 UPDATE FROM DERBY’S BOAT! first frosts and 0o temperature

03/04 POLITICALLY INCORRECT PAGES which would normally indicate it is time to dig out the Long Johns for 05 JEFF BACON © TWO TIFFS 11/11. However, as you will all be 06 THE SPEARFISH TORPEDO aware due to the present increasing Covid

07 UK STRATEGIC COMMAND Restrictions everything is cancelled. I have ensured our two WWI Submariners Graves have been 08 WORLD NAVY NEWS visited and due sole homage on behalf of DS with 09 COLD WAR MUSEUM PLANS IN GUZ the laying of the two individual crosses on their

10 DS DONATE £200 TO MUSEUM graves in Nottingham Rod Cemetery R.I.P.

11 GENERAL ROYAL NAVY NEWS Sun 25 October, 02:00hrs

12 WORLD NAVY NEWS TWO In case you are getting up an hour early to work and as I was 13-14 S/M DETECTION TECHNOLOGY told putting it in Oct newsletter 15 RN MUSEUM REDUNDANCIES was sensible, BUT we would

16 TRAF DINNER 2020 Tony Greaves have forgotten it by the end of the month so being as this 17-18 NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK publication date for members 19 UK SUBMARINE NEWS is 21 Oct, ‘Yer it Tis’ again

20 SA NEWS & DS 2021 SUBSCRIPTIONS Traf Dinner Cancelled as advised but the White Ensign was proudly flown from 21 SOCA 1990’ the the Stanley Flag Pole to mark the occasion. 22 DERBY REMB & MEDIVAL RN! DS Submariner Trophy. Obviously, Tony G’s 23 POPPY GIN & REMEMBRANCE Virtual 2020 Traf Dinner on Pg 16 cannot

24 DS 2020 DIARY & LONGCAST accommodate the prestigious presentation of this

trophy. The voting forms were sent out and returned to me in sealed envelopes and it is my intention to leave them intact until 2021 when we

can make a proper presentation at either the DS BIRTHDAYS 2020 Freedom of the City Dinner in April or at least at our Trafalgar Dinner later in October 2021. 02 Nov Albert Barlow 04 Nov Stan Smart Forecast Well, our hopes and Prayers for an ‘End 09 Nov Colin Watson in Sight’ to the current pandemic have been well 12 Nov Jenny Williamson and truly dashed. Apart from being in medical lock 13 Nov Derek Brough down with COPD I now find Erewash & it seems to

come Derby restrictions tightened. Que Sera, Sera A POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Terry Hall Experience is something you don’t The Trade Journal Newsletter Editor get until just after you need it! Hon. Sec/Treasurer, Derbyshire Submariners’ [email protected] 1 HMS Ambush Current Sitrep the team that has raised over £1000 for the Dolphin Dear Terry, I hope this letter finds you safe and Paediatric Ward of the Royal Derby Hospital. healthy; the last few months have been incredibly Normally during this period in particular there would difficult for many people and you will no doubt have be many functions and visits to celebrate historic been affected by the response to the COVID-19 occasions and cultivate connections. Unfortunately, pandemic. I wanted to write to you to introduce given the current government guidance, I cannot myself as the new Commanding Officer having authorise functions or travel to support affiliates’ joined HMS Ambush earlier in the summer. I have functions. This is disappointing for all but included my biography for your information. I have understandable as we all do our part to overcome our most recently spent the last three individual and national challenges in these years as the XO of HMS Artful. At unprecedented times. I appreciate your the start of my tenure as XO in HMS understanding and support at this time. Following Artful, the submarine was deep in a the eventual relaxation on restrictions, whenever that complex maintenance period which may be, I look forward to welcoming our new and included several the upgrade existing affiliates onboard HMS Ambush and packages HMS Ambush is currently repledging our support to all of you across the receiving. I am very aware of the strains such a country. Again, I hope you are safe and well and period can put on people, especially where there is have and enjoy a favourable festive season when it uncertainty around the end date and for us, this arrives. Regards, Nicholas S Stone. Lt Cdr RN CO ambiguity has only been compounded by CV. Nick Stone joined the RN in 2003 as a University While 2020 has afforded many the opportunity to Cadet. Following initial training in Type 42 Destroyers nourish their domestic lives it has presented deployed to the S. Atlantic and Med, Nick attended bespoke challenges to the maintenance period. Coventry University studying International Disaster However, even during the height of restrictions, our Management. On his return from Uni he completed resolve to return HMS Ambush to sea did not waiver his bridge watchkeeping training in HMS Ark Royal and our Ship’s Company continue to provide and HMS Tyne before qualifying as a submariner in unrelenting support, through new ways of working HMS Trafalgar. Following a year with HMS Triumph and modified behaviours, to the programme. as the Casing Officer, Nick attended Intermediate Having now been able to fully understand the effect Command and Staff Course (Maritime) at Shrivenham on the programme from the delays in work before taking up the role as Asst Military Advisor to the associated with the Coronavirus response, it is Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Capability) in becoming evident there will be three phases in the MoD London. After he completed this rewarding job, process of becoming ready for sea. The first of these Nick passed Intermediate Warfare Course and was will run until the end of 2020 and focus on regaining assigned to HMS Tireless as the NO. He left the boat the momentum of the major work packages of the as it was decommissioning after a Mediterranean maintenance period. The second phase will patrol and an East of Suez deployment. The commence after Christmas Leave and run until successful completion of Principal Warfare Officer Easter consisting of individual and self-training in (Submarines) course resulted in a short assignment preparation for the challenges of starting Operational to HMS Talent as the Tactical Systems Officer prior to Sea Training. There is also a heavy administrative the submarine entering RAMP in mid-2015. Nick requirement with getting a submarine back to sea transferred to HMS Triumph as the Tactics and Sonar and this will be particularly focussed on during this Officer and assumed the role as Operations Officer phase. After Easter Leave, the submarine will again after he returned from an operational sea ride with be fully crewed and be ready to commence the third USS Springfield in early 2016. BOST, IRF and phase which includes the shore simulator training strategic intelligence operations followed during which package necessary for proceeding to sea. The time Nick was selected for the Submarine Command realistic headmark for commencing the sea training Course. He passed Perisher 1-17 following the sea period is June 2021 with the submarine assuming full phase in HMS Torbay and joined HMS Artful in Aug operational readiness by Aug 2021. When these 2017 as the XO. He played a key role in getting the packages are complete and HMS Ambush does submarine to sea for her first ever force generation eventually sail, she will be the most operationally following the completion of a particularly complex capable submarine in the Royal Navy. maintenance period. This culminated in the

The current restrictions reduce opportunity for submarine deploying on successful high intensity interaction with our affiliates along with our ability to operations for the first time since build. Having been fund raise but this has not deterred the Ship’s lucky enough to have a short period in temporary Company. Last week saw a valiant effort from a Command of HMS Artful, Nick departed from the cohort of eleven who ran, under the direction of the submarine on her return to HMNB CLYDE. He joined Navigating Officer, an Everest Challenge. The HMS Ambush in Jun 2020 to take Command through team ran shuttles of Glen Fruin, which overlooks the remainder of her extended maintenance period. HMNB Clyde, until they climbed a combined total of Nick lives in Cullompton in Devon with his wife Louise 8,848 metres. A tough but rewarding challenge for and their son Nathaniel. 2 UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT PAGES Women & Men Ever notice how all of women's problems start with Men? Mental illness, Menstrual Ralph an Ex RN Sailor and Edna an ex Wren were cramps, Mental breakdown, Menopause, both patients in a mental hospital. One day while Guynecologist, and when we have real trouble, it's they were walking past the hospital swimming pool, a Histerectomy.. Now you know that you stand no Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank chance in any argument, just accept you are wrong to the bottom of the pool and stayed there. Edna it is a lot quicker argument!! promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse A School Teacher had twenty for children in her became aware of Edna's heroic act, she class. She presented each child in her classroom immediately ordered her to be discharged from the with the first half of a well-known proverb and hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally asked them to come up with the remainder of the stable. When she went to tell Edna the news she proverb. Their insight to life may surprise you and said, ‘Edna, I have good news and bad news. The keep in mind these are 6-year old’s and the last good news is you're being discharged, since you one is an absolute classic. First Part of Proverb Answer were able to rationally respond to a crisis by Don’t change horses Until they stop running jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. Strike while the Bug is close I have concluded that your act displays sound It’s always darkest before Daylight Saving Time mindedness. ‘The bad news is, Ralph hung himself Never underestimate the power Of Termites in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you You can lead a horse to water But how? saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead. ‘Edna Don’t bite the hand that Looks dirty replied, ‘He didn't hang himself, I put him there to No news is Impossible dry. How soon can I go home?’ A miss is as good as a Mr. You can’t teach an old dog new Maths Since Youngsters of Today have their Texting If you lie down with dogs you’ll Stink in the morning Codes ( LOL, OMG, TTYL, etc.) the Oldies decided Love all, trust Me not to be outdone by these kids, and now have The pen is mightier than the Pigs developed our own codes too: An idle mind is Not much ATD At the Doctor's Where there’s smoke there’s Pollution BFF Best Friend's Funeral Happy the bride who Gets all the presents BLT Bacon Lettuce and Tomato A penny saved is Not much BLM Bacon Lettuce and Mushroom Two’s company, three’s The Musketeers BEM Bacon Egg Mushroom Don’t put off till tomorrow what You put on to go to bed BTW Bring the Wheelchair A bird in the hand Is going to sh1t on you BYOT Bring your own teeth There are none so blind as Stevie Wonder FWIW Forgot Where I was Children should be seen and Not Spanked or Grounded GGPBL Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low If at first you don’t succeed Get new batteries GHA Got Heartburn Again When the blind lead the blind Get out of the way Better late than Pregnant! TFT Texting from Toilet WAI Where am I? IT BEATS GREEN SHIELD STAMPS WC Who Cares? A petrol station owner in Dublin was trying to The Birds & Bees. A father asks his ten-year-old increase his sales. So, he put up a sign that read, son if he knows about the birds and the bees? ‘I do 'Free Sex with Fill-Up.' Soon Paddy pulled in, filled not want to know ‘the child blurted out whilst his tank and asked for his free sex. The owner told bursting into tears. ‘Promise you will never tell me’ him to pick a number from 1 to 10. If he guessed the boy said through his tears. Confused the father correctly, he would get his free sex. Paddy guessed asked gently what was wrong. The boy sobbed, 8, and the proprietor said, 'You were close. The ‘When I was six, I got there is no Easter Bunny number was 7. Sorry. No sex this time.' A week speech; At seven I got there is no Tooth Fairy later, Paddy, along with his friend Mick, pulled in for speech. Then when I was eight you hit me with the another fill up. Again, he asked for his free sex. The devastating news that there is no Santa Clause proprietor again gave him the same story, and Speech. If you are now going to tell me that grown- asked him to guess the correct number. Paddy ups do not get laid; I’ll have nothing left to live for! guessed 2 this time. The proprietor said, 'Sorry, it was 3. You were close, but no free sex this time. Men & Women: Have you ever wondered why you As they were driving away, Mick said to Paddy, 'I get a hard time from your other half? I have been think that game is rigged and he doesn't really give advised it is because: - away free sex.' Paddy replied, 'No it ain't, Mick. It's Woman has Man in it; Mrs. Has Mr. in it; not rigged at all at all. My wife won twice last week.' Female has Male in it; She has He in it; Madam has Adam in it; My Oppo asked me what do I think I will have Okay, it all makes sense now. achieved by the end of this year. I said, ‘How would I never looked at it this way before: I know? I do not have 2020 vision. 3 The Cruise Diary. Dear Diary Day 1 All packed for Some Covid 19 Points of Humour the cruise ship, all my sexiest dresses and make- My Wife is a very keen DIY enthusiast. Every time up. Really excited. I ask her to do something, she says; ‘Do it Yourself’ Dear Diary Day 2 Entire day at sea, beautiful and saw whales and dolphins. Met the Captain today, seems like a very nice man. Dear Diary Day 3 At the pool today. Also, some shuffle boarding and hit golf balls off the deck. Captain invited me to join him at his table for dinner. Felt honoured and had a wonderful time. He is very attractive and attentive. Deary Diary Day 4 Won £800.00 in the ship's casino. Captain asked me to have dinner with him in his own cabin. Had a luxurious meal complete with caviar and champagne. He asked me to stay the night but I declined. Told him I could not be Have you Noticed these days that social unfaithful to my husband. gatherings seem to be six of one thing and half a dozen of the other? Dear Diary Day 5 Pool again today, got sun burnt, and went inside to drink at piano bar for rest of day. I Saw All those Silly People panic buying at the Captain saw me, bought me several large drinks. shops today. Why can’t they be sensible like me? Really is charming. Again, asked me to visit his I am using all the stuff I bought in March! cabin for the night. Again I declined. He told me if Two Submariners were bragging about their I did not let him have his way with me, he would sink precious darling wives. One of them says to the the ship. I was totally shocked. other, ‘Mine are so good at social distancing, she Dear Diary Day 6 Today I saved 1600 lives; Twice. won’t even call me.’

My Girlfriend tried to make me have sex on the Owing to Covid 19, the seven dwarfs bonnet of her Honda. I refused. If I’m going to have have suffered badly. Sneezy is self- sex, it’s going to be on my own Accord. isolating and being watched over by Some Leic RNA Newsletter Humour Doc. Sleepy has been in bed When at the supermarket, I always pick the cashier throughout the crisis, and Dopey who’s most likely to have sex with me. Always end doesn’t care. Bashful is too shy to up at self-service checkout. show his face and because of the rule

‘I used to think I was marvellous in bed, until I of six, Grumpy has been locked out of the cottage. He is not Happy! discovered all my girlfriends suffered from asthma.’

‘The man who invented Cats’ Eyes got the idea Ran Out of Toilet Paper and started using lettuce when he saw the eyes of a cat in his headlights. If leaves. Today was just the tip of the iceberg, tomorrow ‘romaines’ to be seen. the cat had been going the other way, he would have invented the pencil sharpener What’s the Best Way to avoid touching your face?

A glass of wine in each hand. Submariners v. Regulating Branch. The Regulating Branch in Dolphin (Fort Blockhouse) had their office in Alecto Colonnade Regulating Office, which was not a place any Submariner wished to be tannoyed, or summoned to as it always was Bad News. The following alleged incident or even just the thought of it amply demonstrates the conflict between the Submariners and the Surface Fleet Regulating Branch and is based on a Chief who walked into the office and seeing two Leading Wren Regulator’s sat at their desks (looking much like two kitbags with fingers) the Chief says in a very loud voice, ‘Okay then, which one of you is reading and which one is writing?’ The Jossman (Master at Arms) in his office shouts, ‘Chief, I think that you © Matt Cartoons the Telegraph telegraph.co.uk. should go away and come back later and address my staff in a more civil manner’. Fifteen minutes You know who Buys up all the toilet paper? Answer: Assholes. later the Chief returns, walks back into the regulating office and says, ‘Alright, you’ve had fifteen minutes I’ll Tell you a Coronavirus Joke now, but you’ll now, which way round is it?’ have to wait two weeks to see if you got it. 4 JEFF BACON © CARTOONS THE SILENT RANKS

I wear no uniform, I can understand an American Submariner being No Navy Blues or Whites. discontent with being called a Submariner as we are, But I am in the Navy, as they prefer the Sub Mariner Version or of course, In ranks rarely seen. Bubblehead, which in RN slang is used for a ship’s Salutes I do not give diver. The Royal Navy Version for a skimmer My husband is the one who does addressing a Submariner, is a far simpler ‘Deeps’. This I cannot forget

I’m not the one who puts my life on the line THE TWO TIFFS My job is as tough A Baby ‘Tiff’ was trying to impress the Coxswain I am the one left behind with his expertise and ‘know all knowledge he had My husband is a Patriot, Brave and Proud learned at Dolphin on his The call to serve his country, Part One Training. The Not all understand

Coxswain, as all Coxswains My husband makes the Sacrifice are, very patient, listened for But so, do the kids and me. 15 seconds and told the I love the man I married, baby Tiff, ‘Listen, it’s really Royal Navy is his Life. quite simple. Add the But, I stand among the Silent Ranks number of times we dive to Known as the number of times we surface. Divide that The Navy Wife number by two. If the result does not come out Bless Them All even, don’t try to open the hatch’. NEVER TRUST THE PRESS It was the Scotland/Wales Rugby International weekend in Edinburgh and as the crowds made their way down Princes Street towards Murrayfield, a Rottweiler suddenly lunged towards an eight- year-old Scottish lass, with its jaws wide open ready to attack. The crowd nearby gasped in horror but, quick as a flash, a man in red jumped out of the crowd, grabbed the dog by the throat and throttled it. As the dead dog lay there, and Photos are the two Alma Mata of the Submarine Service, the crowd cheered in admiration, a HMS Dolphin and Clyde Submarine base Faslane. journalist from the Glasgow Herald who had witnessed the heroic Finding & Thanking Our WWII Veterans deed, went up to the man and said The Not Forgotten Assn will thank our remaining 'That was brilliant, I can see the World War ll Veterans, who have been denied their headline now - ‘Welsh rugby fan 75th anniversary celebrations by Covid-19. While a saves young girl from certain death'. The man sense of normality is returning for many, the harsh replied, 'No you've got it wrong. I'm only here for realities of the pandemic still exists for our veterans, the rugby!' Don't worry said the journalist, 'I can see who have been forced to spend VE and VJ Day at the headline now - 'Welshman saves girl from jaws home. For our new centenary project, we will send of Rottweiler.' The man replied, 'No you're wrong up to 5,000 WW2 veterans a gift, to thank them for again. I'm not Welsh; I'm an ex Baby Chef their service and the phenomenal generation they Submariner born in the Midlands, and an ardent represent. Any veteran of the RN, Army, RAF & Nottingham Forest Fan. The Scots journalist said, Merchant Navy who served during WW2 (1939- 'Don't worry; I can see the headline now - 'An 1945) and who lives in the UK is eligible to receive English Submariner B*****d Strangles Family Pet' the gift box -known as the Forgot You Not Box. 5 World's Most Advanced Torpedo' Close to submarine in Guam. While Britain had previously Entering Service with Royal Navy considered deploying one of its new aircraft carriers Forces Net 15 Sept 2020 to the South China Sea area, those plans appear to The world's most advanced torpedo is almost ready have been ruled out due to cost. But a submarine for service with the RN after extensive trials in assignment would be cheaper and, in many ways, Scotland. The Spearfish - which has been British more useful to regional security. It would also submarines' weapon of choice since the early complement the RN's upcoming carrier deployment 1990’s, is undergoing a £270m upgrade which through the South China Sea next summer. The includes a new warhead, safer fuel system and an first point to note is that Britain's Astute-class enhanced electronic ‘brain’. Around 100 engineers nuclear attack submarines are some of the world's and experts from BAE Systems in Portsmouth have finest. Fast, quiet, and maintained by well-trained spent nearly six years improving the torpedo, the crews, the submarines also support the 2076-sonar RN said. During its penultimate trial, it was ‘fired’ system. This array of capabilities allows the Astute repeatedly at frigate HMS Sutherland as scientists, boats, of which three are currently operational, with engineers and sailors studied its performance. The another presently in sea trials, to detect enemy trial took place over four days on special ranges surface and undersea warships at long range. This near Kyle of Lochalsh which is 10km long, 6km maximises their potential of being able to stalk and wide, up to 200 metres deep and peppered with sink a target before being seen. Moreover, with state-of-the-art sensors. The torpedo's software U.S. and British submarine forces operating in very and hardware enhancements were tested, while close coordination and with extensive exchange Plymouth-based HMS Sutherland did its best to programs, a forward-deployed Astute boat could fend off the weapon's attacks, using a mix of rapidly integrate with the U.S. fleet. evasive manoeuvres and advanced acoustic counter-measures to lure it away. Submarines have another value interest here. Namely, that U.S. aircraft carriers cannot confidently operate with the measure of range and security needed to penetrate Chinese ballistic missile strongholds within the First Island Chain. In turn, mastery of the undersea domain will be crucial to prospective victory in any conflict. The more Australian, British, and Spearfish was set to ‘run deep’ for safety reasons, American submarines that so the ‘battle’ was played out on the displays in are in the South China HMS Sutherland's operations room, where the shrill Sea, the more Chinese sound of whistles announced a torpedo in the water. warships and supply The Navy said the warhead is six times more convoys will be held at risk. powerful than that carried by the smaller Sting Ray This will undermine torpedo, fired by ships such as Sutherland or China's ability to sustain its forces. Guam would be launched from Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. It especially beneficial as a forward station in that it can break the back of frigates, destroyers, and has the existing infrastructure to support an Astute- similar-sized warships, and take out any underwater class submarine. Four of the U.S. Navy's 31 Pacific threats, the service added. During the trial this theatre attack submarines are already based out of week we have put our elite training into action, using Guam. This location means they are just three days a variety of underwater sensors to locate and track submerged sail to the middle of the South China the weapon, said AB Matthew Brown, one of the Sea. In the event of conflict, Guam would thus underwater warfare specialists who has been support a surge of submarine forces into the fight. tracking Spearfish. Having one of the most advanced and capable torpedoes in the world fired There's also an obvious political advantage to any at you certainly puts the pressure on. It will be forward deployment. As it attempts to steal the introduced to frontline hunter-killer and nuclear- South China Sea, China is relying on being able to deterrent submarines over the next three years and prevent an alignment of nations against it. Beijing will be in service into the 2050’s. A final trial of knows that its potential to succeed here will be Spearfish will take place at British Underwater Test greatly reduced if the U.S. is able to establish a naval and Evaluation Centre later in 2020 before the alliance against it. Were Britain to forward deploy a weapon is declared operational and delivered to the submarine in support of that alliance, it would deter submarine fleet. China from its present ambitions and encourage

The US Should Host a RN Submarine in Guam other nations to join the alliance. Considering that Tom Rogan, Washington Examiner 12 Sept 2020 China's global strategy rests on the presumption that Reflecting rising tensions between the U.S. and it can intimidate and bribe its way to a position of China in the South China Sea, the Pentagon should hegemony, the more nations that reject that invite Britain's Royal Navy to station an attack approach, the less likely China is to succeed. 6 What do You Really Know about UK that they can focus on their all-important job of Strategic Command? keeping us all safe. Samuel Connell, HM Government 15 Sept 2020 6. We support global relief efforts, helping to make the world a safer place. Personnel within There’s a good chance that you know a lot about the Strategic Command remain on high readiness to UK’s Armed Forces: the British Army, the RN, and the deploy at a moment’s notice anywhere in the world RAF. The Three Armed Services, combined with a they are needed. When other nation’s face a crisis, large number of other organisations, make up the ranging from hurricane recovery in the Caribbean to Ministry of Defence (MoD). But within the MoD there supporting developing nations in their fight against are some organisations it’s likely you haven’t heard of terrorism, we respond quickly and effectively. or, if you have, then you probably don’t know a great 7. We employ some of the best cyber specialists in deal about. One of those organisations is UK the country. The internet and computer technology Strategic Command. It sounds important? That’s have changed all our lives for the better. Unfortunately, because it is. UKStratCom, as it’s known in the MoD, there are people out there that would exploit this is one of the most important parts of UK Defence and incredible technology to try and do us harm. Strategic it deals with joint capabilities. A joint capability is when Command cyber specialists work tirelessly to help all 3 services of the Armed Forces work together with protect us from this new and growing threat. Civil Servants and civilian contractors to achieve a 8. We helped in the fight against COVID-19. desired goal. In reality this means that Strategic Strategic Command’s medical specialists assisted Command covers an enormous range of the NHS in the fight against CODVID-19; our logistics responsibilities and ensures that the UK can operate specialists helped to ensure that PPE got to those on land, at sea, in the air, in space, and within the that needed it most; and our personnel helped with digital world. So, here are 10 things about UK’s mobile testing centres across the UK. Strategic Command you probably don’t know: 9. We manage all overseas, UK-led joint military 1. We take care of everything for tens of operations. Our HQ’s are just outside of London, thousands of service personnel. Strategic where we manage more than 23,000 people all Command’s remit is vast. There are 11 top-level around the world, who work 24 hours a day, 7 days organisations that sit under the Strategic Command a week, to defend the UK and our allies, wherever umbrella and many of those also have sub- and whenever we are needed. organisations that sit under them. As such, UK Strat 10. This Means that we Help make the UK a Global Com has an impact in every area of what’s going on Military Partner with World Leading Capabilities. in wider Defence, even IT and medicine. 2. We Direct the UK’s Elite Special Forces (SF) all Royal Marines Commandos Win Fight to Keep around the globe. As the home of the Directorate of Ranking System SF’s, some of the world’s best, Strategic Command Forces News 12 Aug 2020 coordinates and facilitates short-notice and high-risk RM commandos have won their fight to keep their operations to defend the UK and her allies. longstanding ranks. The elite unit was unhappy with 3. We Transport essential supplies to personnel, the decision, to give them the same ranking system ensuring they have everything they need to keep as the RN in a move to further integrate the force. us safe. An Army marches on its stomach. Ships, While the RM are part of the Navy, they are seen as aircraft and vehicles need fuel. These are the basics, a distinct unit with a unique identity. The U-turn but there are thousands of components and means the Marines will continue to use the same individual pieces of kit that are required to ensure that ranks as the British Army. Maj Gen Holmes, the we remain fighting fit. To achieve this, the UK Armed Commandant General of the RM’s, said it had been Forces relies on the logistic expertise which is an ‘emotive’ issue. ‘The 1st Sea Lord recognises our coordinated by Strategic Command. distinct identity. It’s who we are and what drives our 4. We help design state-of-the-art weapon fighting power and spirit,’ he said. However, RM’s will systems. Some of the best scientific and start wearing a new uniform later this year as part of engineering minds have worked with Strategic the Future Commando Force programme, designed Command personnel in designing cutting-edge to overhaul the way they operate. The RN says it is technology that ensures we remain at the forefront of the most significant transformation and rebranding development and innovation. From state-of-the-art programme since WWII. It will see Marines wear a weaponry on our new aircraft carriers to life-saving Navy ensign for the first time in their 350-year history. medical technology, Strategic Command helps to It is designed to differentiate the Corps from the Army, ensure the UK is prepared to meet any threats. yet symbolise its connection to the RN. One of the 5. We take care of our Overseas Bases, most striking differences in the new uniform is the everywhere from Cyprus to the Falklands, where change from the arched RM’s Commando shoulder military personnel are ready to defend the UK flash to a Velcro rectangular patch. Maj Gen Holmes and our allies. Each year both military and civilian said integration would deepen, but insisted: ‘We will personnel are deployed to our overseas bases. not dilute our ethos, or Commando standard. If Strategic Command ensures those bases, and the anything, the way we need to operate in the future will people working hard within them, are looked after so be even more demanding.’ 7 WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS ‘bombarding’ it and from where it came from, the Turkish submarine had no idea. And how would it Greece 1 Turkey Lost know? The Turkish submarine cannot see helicopters Aegean Tensions: Turkish submarine had difficult anyway, but neither could the Greek stealth night surrounded by Greek helicopter & stealth S/M submarine, type 214, ‘Papanikolis’. Of the 11 total P.Antonopoulos Greek City Times 24 Aug 2020 submarines that Greece has, four are state-of-the-art There is undeniable superiority of Greek submarines type 214-Papanikolis, made in Germany. There is a over the Turkish ones, something that the Turkish fifth, the ‘Ocean’, which has been upgraded and has lieutenant commander of the ‘Type 209’ submarine, about the same operational capabilities as the other of older technology and German construction, four 214’s. But what does stealth or invisible discovered. Nevertheless, the Turkish submarine submarine mean? And what is the superiority of these wanted to illegally navigate last Wednesday night submarines over the Turkish ones? First of all it can near Evia, an island connected to mainland Greece operate at a depth of 400 meters, it is quiet and has by only a bridge. Specifically, the Turkish submarine an aerobic propulsion system, which means that it wanted to navigate between Andros and Kafireas does not need to climb to the surface to recharge its (Cape Doro) to test the Greek reaction. That batteries. And of course, it has advanced electronic Wednesday was a day full of Turkish provocations in systems, which make Greek submarines dominant in the Southeast Aegean as only a few hours earlier the the Aegean. The Turks have a total of 12 submarines, Turkish frigate Kemal Reis, in its attempt to provoke old technology, but they have ordered, without the Greeks who were watching the movements of the receiving them yet, six types 214 from Germany. The Oruç Reis research vessel, attempted to collide with Greek Sikorski, but also the (older) naval cooperation the Greek frigate Limnos but itself got hit and heavily AB-212, do not only have sonar systems and damaged, as reported by Greek City Times. submarine detection, they also have torpedoes, The commander of the Turkish submarine thought something that the Turkish commander of the that the entire Greek naval force would be in the area submarine knew, who on that Wednesday escaped where Turkey had illegally announced where it will as soon as they could from Greek territorial waters. do seismic research and that it would monitor whether or not the Oruç Reis had laid cables on the U.S. Joint Force Command Norfolk Greek continental shelf. So, a Turkish submarine Reaches Initial Operational Capability wanted to approach the Greek shores thinking that it RCN & USNI News, 17 Sept 2020 would not be noticed, testing the reaction of the NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC-NF), Greek Navy. As soon as it started to get dark, the the new HQ that will oversee operations in the Turkish submarine found itself constantly diving off Atlantic, has reached initial operational capability Andros. The Turkish submarine thought, according and says it will be ready for full operations by the end to a senior Greek Navy officer quoted by To Vima, of 2021. Announced in late 2017 in response to that it would surprise Greek defence authorities as increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic, JFC- they turned their attention elsewhere and might get a NF was created to exist alongside the US Navy’s glorious mention of exceptional seamanship from the (USN) reactivated Second Fleet, which oversees commander at the Turkish port of Aksaz after the USN operations in the same area. JFC-NF’s first Kemal Reis had been humiliated. major task will be participating in NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender, which will take place next The Turkish submarine descended that night to a summer and focus on moving NATO forces across depth of 120 meters and began to squat, as if it were the Atlantic to assist with a security crisis in Europe. in Turkish waters or as if performing an exercise. It took under a minute for the Greek anti-submarine Finland/Norway/Sweden strengthen Nordic forces to locate it. The location of the Turkish Security as they sign Landmark Defence Deal submarine was done immediately, not only by a RCN News & Barents Observer, 24 Sept 2020 Greek ‘invisible’ submarine, but also by air from anti- The defence ministers of Finland, Norway, and submarine helicopters (Sikorski type SH-70). And as Sweden have signed a ‘Statement of Intent on soon as they found it, they immediately started Enhanced Operational Cooperation’ that will expand ‘digging’ it out. No one would have liked to be in the defence cooperation and coordination between the position of the Turkish commander of the submarine, three Nordic states. The agreement prioritizes joint because almost all night the helicopters of the Greek operational planning in the North Calotte area, the tri- Navy and the submarine that was found in the area border area at the northern end of the Scandinavian started ‘bombarding’ the Turkish one with loud sonar peninsula between the Barents Sea and the Gulf of waves/frequencies. Bothnia, while building on the Nordic Defence

The closer the Sikorski flew to the surface of the sea, Cooperation (NORDEFCO) agreement aimed at the louder the sound of the sonar frequency was enhancing defence cooperation due to Russia’s heard by the Turkish captain and his submarine increased military activity in the region and the Arctic, crew. And, most importantly, the Turkish submarine which have also brought the nations closer to NATO; did not know where this sound was coming from. while Norway is a member of the Alliance, Sweden They knew it was sonar frequency, but who was and Finland are Enhanced Opportunity Partners. 8 RN Plans Major New as the only other decommissioned nuclear Cold War Museum for Plymouth submarines, FS Redoubtable (in Cherbourg) and HMS/M Courageous will be the centrepiece USS Nautilus (New England), do. ‘A small team, of the new attraction led by Rear Admiral John Weale, who retired as Max Channon Plymouth Live 14 Sept 2020 head of the Silent Service earlier this year, is The RN has announced an ambitious plan to build working with Plymouth City Council, the RN, MOD, a major new museum in Plymouth. The Cold War the Courageous Association and National Museum Maritime Heritage Museum will feature the hunter- of the Royal Navy to look into the feasibility and cost killer submarine HMS Courageous as its of the project, for which they need an estimated centrepiece. The decommissioned nuclear £40,000. ‘If successful, the project team believe the submarine at museum will give tourism and employment in Devonport Naval Plymouth an important boost, underline the case for Heritage Centre at the nuclear power (both in the Navy and civilian life), the historic South Yard is skills, engineering and technology it brings to the currently closed to the region, and generally raise the profile of the RN in public until early 2021 the South West. ‘The team have set Christmas as for an extended the deadline for initial fundraising for a essential maintenance comprehensive study to be drawn up next year period. Prior to this, it which will determine whether establishing the new could only be visited by museum is feasible, and if it is, how much it will cost advanced booking, but and how long it will take to build. In the current still attracted around climate, it could take up to a decade to complete.’ 5,000 visitors a year. You can support the fundraising via the link However, it's believed https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hmscourageous she could attract around 150,000 people to Plymouth annually. The Editor: A proposal was put to DS Members that a 285ft (87m) long, 4,300 ton, Churchill Class, donation of £150 from Derbyshire Submariners was decommissioned nuclear submarine, the only put to help save Courageous and the creation of the exhibit of its kind in the UK. A RN spokesperson new proposed Cold War Museum. The funds were said: ‘An ambitious ten-year plan has been drawn from the sad closing of the Federation of launched to create a Cold War naval museum in Naval Assns (FNA) and all members were asked to Plymouth with the hunter-killer submarine HMS vote Yes/No via phone or email to the secretary Courageous at its heart. regards this decision. Over 50% of Members voted Yes within two days, and one DS member kindly ‘The Cold War Maritime Heritage Museum aims made a personal donation of £50 to add to the total to give voice not just to the Silent Service, but also thus making a donation of £200 to aid the the surface fleet, RAF Maritime Patrol Aircraft and foundation of a Cold War Museum from other units and formations who were in the thick of Derbyshire Submariners. The vote to date is the action until the last days of the Soviet Union in unanimous, but the donation deferred until 30 Sept 1991. ‘The museum, planned for the naval base’s as the announced closing date to vote. historic South Yard as part of Some people see this project of a Cold War the city’s Museum as being solely about preserving HMS/M Oceansgate Courageous, whereas it is about preserving a regeneration nuclear-powered submarine that served in the Cold project, also War as an example of the life we all lead, the tasks intends to we all carried out and the jobs we all did. It is celebrate appreciated this was a task also carried out by the Plymouth’s rich SSK’s prior to nuclear submarines with T, A, P&O naval history and the work of the dockyard to and possibly the Upholder Class which was a support ships and submarines, and dispel many of primary task for so many since WWII. I understand the myths around nuclear power. ‘The centrepiece some have responded along the lines of ‘It should would be nuclear-powered hunter-killer HMS have been Valiant, Sovereign or any other of the Courageous, in service between 1971 and 1992. many ‘S’ Class laid up in Plymouth; but that is ‘She’s been opened to the public on a limited basis missing the point. Courageous happens to be for nearly two decades, with tours offered by available, in a good state of repair and already fitted volunteers who have also painstakingly restored her for visitors, thus she has been selected not because over that time to reflect how she appeared in the she is any more special than many other boats. It 1980s at the height of the Cold War. is not a tribute to just Courageous personnel and

‘At present she hosts around 5,000 visitors every crew members, but Courageous will be preserved th year, but the team behind the Cold War museum as an example of a 20 Century SSN Submarine to believe she could draw 150,000 people annually – show the public what we did, and how we lived. 9 JUST GIVING BY Ian Whitehouse Illustrate the History of the Cold War through https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hmscourageous recorded testimonies, and artefacts - ships, Weʼre raising £40,000 to determine the feasibility of submarines, maritime patrol aircraft and their crews. establishing a Plymouth based Cold War & Maritime Open to the Public the preserved nuclear-powered Heritage museum with HMS Courageous as a submarine, HMS Courageous so that they may prime exhibit understand the life and experience of submariners The Cold War was the open yet restricted of all nations. confrontation that developed after the end of WWII Explain the unique Role Plymouth played during the in 1945 between the West and the Soviet Union Cold War in supporting ships, submarines, maritime across many fronts of the globe; it ended with the patrol aircraft, their crews, training and families. collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. For most of Explain the significance of maritime power for the period it involved an island nation like the UK. a secretive Support the Plymouth Oceansgate regeneration underwater project of Devonport dockyard, by aligning 20th competition and Century technology with the planned 21st Century submarine rivalry in Maritime Technology Innovation Centre (MTIC). the North Atlantic and Promote the Southwest as a central hub in the UK Pacific oceans for STEM, innovation and technology. involving ships, Demonstrate the capabilities of industry and submarines and businesses in the Southwest. maritime patrol Promote Tourism in Plymouth and the Southwest. aircraft. The UK has many military museums, but The first phase of this ambitious project is to few dedicated to a single period and confrontation. complete a rigorous feasibility study in 2021 to The history of the RN is curated primarily by the determine practicality, costs and timelines. To National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) based deliver this will cost an estimated £40K which, with in Portsmouth. Plymouth, arguably the port with the your help, we hope to raise by Christmas 2020. longest association with the Navy, has only the Every contribution, great or small, will help us make small, locally managed, Devonport Naval Heritage this ambition real. Your support in being able to tell Centre as its maritime museum. Space and other the unique underwater Cold War story with the constraints mean that it does not include the more maritime history of Plymouth and the Submarine recent and technical history of the Cold War. Service, before it is lost, is greatly appreciated. The A campaign to preserve the late 20th century RNRMC have kindly agreed to support this project nuclear powered submarine HMS Courageous has and handle all initial donations. The Feasibility therefore been developed and its scope expanded Study Fund is managed by the Royal Navy Royal to propose the creation a Cold War & Maritime Marine Submarine Fund (RNRMC SMF). Should Heritage Museum located, we hope, in part of the there be a surplus left in the fund after Oceansgate regeneration project of South Yard, commissioning the Feasibility Study it will be Devonport. The Museum will have a strong theme donated to the Submarine Memorial Fund. If do about Plymouth and the role played by the city in not manage to hit our target we will aim to carry out supporting submarines, ships and crews during the much of the feasibility study as possible, liaising Cold War, with HMS Courageous at the heart of the with the Oceansgate Project team to maximise project on permanent display in its own dock. 'value for money'. Combining modern technology with Cold War artefacts the museum will tell a story about how Editor: As stated on Page 9 Derbyshire technology and innovation was and is used in the Submariners voted to make a donation to this maritime domain, demonstrating the transition from project which was actioned on Sunday 6 October academic theory, through technical innovation to 2020 on line with a sum of £200. real capabilities. An exciting and unique proposition that combines STEM with a window to career Oct 4, 2020 developments in the Southwest, it also promotes Plymouth as the UK’s Ocean City with a rich This donation contributed by Derbyshire maritime history. Submariners agreed unanimously on a Oceansgate architects have created for us a Members Vote is part of the money we as concept design for the proposed museum which can be seen here Concept video A short video members of the Federation of Navy Assns outlining the current Courageous visitor experience (FNA) received when it was sadly wound up. is here Visitor intro. If our vision can be achieved it would explain the importance of maritime power to £200.00 the UK, raise public awareness of Plymouth and offer a number of other specific benefits. The objectives of this project are to: Donate Now 10 RN says Veterans were Within Their Rights to Falklands Veteran to Razor Blades Fly White Ensign M. Mohan-Hickson The News 25th Aug 2020 Neil Fatkin Portsmoth News 20 Aug 2020 Former Royal Navy carrier HMS Hermes turned INS The RN has said a group of veterans flying the White Viraat the longest serving Aircraft Carrier in the Ensign at their sheltered housing complex were world is to be dismantled in India. INS Viraat, which within their rights to do so, but planning regulations was formerly known as HMS Hermes while in the mean the landowner’s permission is still needed. A service of the RN, is set to be scrapped. The last of dispute erupted between the residents of Trafalgar the Centaur class-carriers, she was commissioned Crt, which provides sheltered accommodation for AF in 1959 and served in the Falklands War. HMS Veterans, and the chief XO of the Church of England Hermes was sold to India in 1986 after three SSAFA’s Housing Association (Cessa), Patrick decades of service with the RN and she served as Keefe, who oversees the accommodation. As a the Indian Navy’s leading warship until 2017. The ‘commissioned officer of the RN’, Mr Keefe said he carrier was decommissioned and was eventually was authorised to remove the RN’s flag in sold to Shri Ram Shipping. There had been accordance with the QR’s for the RN which he said proposals from several state governments in India state that the flag can only be used onshore at civilian to purchase the ship and turn her into a museum, buildings which are ‘exceptionally authorised’ and but they did not come to fruition. She was then sold doesn’t include Trafalgar Court. In a letter to by online auction. residents after removing the flag, Mr Keefe stated: The carrier was laid down by Vickers-Armstrong at ‘Trafalgar Court is not specifically authorised to fly the Barrow-in-Furness during WWII and was due to be White Ensign in accordance with the QR’s for the RN. called HMS Elephant, however construction was I’ve therefore directed that it be removed.’ However, suspended in 1945 before being resumed in 1952. a RN spokeswoman has said this is not statutory law She remained unfinished until 1957. HMS Hermes and should not be a reason for prohibiting the flying entered service with the RN in 1959 and had a of the White Ensign. The spokeswoman said: ‘There nearly 60-year career first with Britain and then is no UK statute which limits the use of the White India before she was decommissioned in 2017. Ensign on land, or indeed any of the national flags, During her time with the Indian Navy, the warship and accordingly, no ‘permission’ is required to use spent 2,250 days at sea and sailed 588,288 nautical one. ‘However, in accordance with the Merchant miles. Hermes was deployed as INS Viraat on shipping Act 1995 it is an offence to fly one on a boat peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka in 1988 and the or ship, unless authorised by warrant.’ Residents had Kargil War in 1999. Soon after she was been left angry after the flag had been removed. decommissioned, plans had emerged for her to be Speaking at the time, former RN Radio Operator, Joe transformed into a floating museum of luxury £90m Ince, 76, said: ‘It was our intention to fly the RAF, hotel. But ultimately both proposals failed to gain Army and White Ensign flags on different weeks and any traction. In the UK, Cornish businessman Andy on special occasions. ‘When we found the flag had Trish, who was a young naval airman on board the been taken down all the residents were very angry, aircraft carrier during the Falklands War in 1982, put we feel it’s very disrespectful to the Armed Forces.’ forward a £20m bid to bring the ship back to the UK However, this may not be the end of the dispute as and turn her into a ‘living museum’. She sold at Mr Keefe has also cited planning law which requires auction for £4,053,490.29 (£4 Million) and was the landowner’s permission to fly any flag other than towed from Mumbai for scrap on 19 Sept 2020. the national flag. While Mr Ince said the group had been granted permission from Cessa’s director of Outbreak of Coronavirus Confirmed housing, Mr Keefe confirmed in the letter that they do at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint not have his permission. ITV 18 Sept 2020 There has been an outbreak of coronavirus at a RN Editor; Wonderful to see the RN at last respecting base HMS Raleigh in Torpoint in South East Cornwall. the ex RN Pride to the White Ensign many of us It has been confirmed that there has been a 'small Served under. I was rebuked at a fellow number' of positive coronavirus cases at its base. A Submariners funeral in the late 1970’s for spokesperson confirmed that, ‘none of the affected supplying a White Ensign for a funeral of an Oppo personnel have left HMS Raleigh in the previous by a Senior Army Officer stating it was insulting to week.’ A passing out parade planned for Friday 18 see the White Ensign on the coffin instead of the Sept was cancelled due to the outbreak. The exact Union Flag. As I said the family had requested HIS number of cases is not yet confirmed. A Royal Navy Naval Flag be used on the Coffin, and as he was a spokesperson said, ‘We can confirm that a small WWII Veteran, I saw no reason why a Man who number of personnel at HMS Raleigh tested positive Served under the White Ensign should not be have for Covid-19 and are under medical supervision. it covering his Coffin to show his Respect to the Personnel identified as having been in contact with Flag, The Monarch and the Country he Served those who have tested positive are self-isolating in line Under. If it makes the Family of the Deceased with Public Health England guidance. The individuals Proud and Honoured as we who salute them on are being treated in line with PHE guidance. It would their last patrol, I will never argue with the request. be inappropriate to give further detail. 11 WORLD NAVY NEWS Russia has Several Thousand Nuclear Objects Dumped on its Arctic Sea Floor Swedish Navy Trials Next Generation Torpedo Now, the Most Dangerous will be Removed Andrew Drwiega Armada News 03 Sept, 2020 RCN Outlook & Barents Observer, 04 Aug 2020 Both the Swedish RN and the Finnish Navy are Rostam, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, anticipating the arrival of a new generational torpedo says it will soon begin operations to remove the most designed for the challenging waters of the Baltic hazardous nuclear waste objects that were dumped Sea. The Swedish Defence Procurement agency into remote locations in Russia’s northern waters. FMV and the Swedish RN (RSwN) have just Reports suggest that upwards of 18,000 radioactive assisted Saab in trailing its new Saab Lightweight objects were dumped in these areas between the Torpedo (SLWT) from a Gotland-class submarine 1960s and 1980’s, though Rosatom says that it is and from a Visby-class corvette. The tests were currently only concerned with six of the most conducted during Feb and Mar 2020 at sea ranges dangerous objects, which include fuel rods from a outside Karlskrona, on Sweden’s east coast in the nuclear-powered icebreaker, four submarine Baltic Sea. Both the Swedish RN and the first reactors, and two complete submarines that still foreign customer, the Finnish Navy, have contracted contain their reactors. Rosatom says that 95% of the Saab to provide them with a modern, digital homing remaining objects have been rendered safe by time and wire guided torpedo. The RSwN needs a and the material on the surrounding seabed, which replacement for its Torpedo 45 currently in service, has negated their radiation to normal background while the Finnish Navy made a decision to bring levels. One of the submarines, the separate back torpedoes as weapons for its four upgraded reactors, and thousands of containers of nuclear Hamina-class fast attack craft as well as the new waste were dropped in areas east of Novaya Pohjanmaa-class corvettes of the Squadron 2020 Zemlya, between the Barents Sea and the Kara Sea. Programme. These ships are due to be constructed A study conducted by the European Commission between 2022-2025 with first sea trials beginning in says it will cost nearly €278 million to recover the six 2024. The full Squadron is scheduled to be objects, which includes decommissioning the old operational by 2028. The RSwN’s two A26 reactors and creating long-term safe storage for the submarines are scheduled for delivery by 2025. irradiated material. It is expected that foreign nations Secretive Seawolf Submarine Makes Port Call will contribute funds to assist the effort, and Norway In Europe For The Second Time In Two Months alone has contributed more than €140 million to Joseph Trevithick The Warzone 21 Sept 2020 nuclear clean-up activities in Russian waters. he U.S. Navy's first-in-class submarine USS Seawolf has appeared sailing on the surface in HMS Ganges: Bid to Save 'Architectural Gem' Scotland heading toward the major U.K. Royal Navy Swimming Pool base in Faslane. This comes nearly a month after BBC News 26 Sept 2020 the service made the unusually public disclosure A former soldier has started a campaign to save an that this secretive boat, which is known to take part old RN swimming pool described as ‘an in sensitive intelligence missions, among other architectural gem’. HMS Ganges in Shotley Gate, activities, had visited Tromsø, Norway. Iain Suffolk, was a training centre for recruits between Cameron, a ship and plane spotter in Scotland, 1905 and 1976. Plans are approved to build 280 grabbed shots of Seawolf heading toward Her homes there, but campaigners said there was ‘an understanding’ the pool building would be renovated, not demolished. Developer Galliard Homes declined to comment, but Shotley Parish Council said it was ‘not financially viable’. Colin Darroch, a local resident and ex-Army officer, said Majesty's Naval Base Clyde (HMNB Clyde) on 21 the building had ‘an elegant flowing symmetry to the Sept, 2020. HMNB Clyde is home to the bulk of the design, best be described as an architectural gem’. RN's submarine force, including its Vanguard class ‘It is a fabulous building with the potential to be a ballistic missile submarines and Astute class attack truly outstanding facility,’ he said. ‘There has long submarines. At one point a pilot launch boat is been an understanding and expectation the pool visible alongside the submarine, either helping would be retained and restored.’ Within days of it guide it upstream toward the base or otherwise going online, nearly 1,000 people had signed Mr coordinating with members of its crew who are seen Darroch's petition calling for it to be saved. Shotley standing the hull aft of the sail. As a whole, the U.S. PC said the pool had reached ‘a non-financially Navy is generally very tight-lipped about the viable state of disrepair’. Planning permission for activities of its submarine force, also known as the the 280 homes was granted in 2015 by Babergh Silent Service. It typically offers even fewer details District Council, who said ‘We are not aware of any about the trio of Seawolf class boats, which are feasible business plan to indicate the building is understood to have significant additional capable of being restored and operated on a viable modifications to carry out intelligence gathering and basis. ‘The pool is not a listed building, and the other specialised mission sets. owner is within their right to take this action.’ 12 Prospects for Game-Changers in (SSNs and SSKs), frigates and maritime patrol Submarine Detection Technology aircraft fitted with a variety of sensors. Today, there’s S.Brixey-Williams The Strategist 22 Aug 2020 evidence of a move away from this model towards Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) has always been a unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned game of hide and seek, with adversarial states surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned underwater looking to adopt and deploy emerging technologies vehicles (UUVs) fitted with equivalent sensors, which in submarine stealth or detection to give them the are more expendable and are becoming cheaper to strategic edge. The advantage has shifted back develop, produce, modify and deploy at scale. and forth, but, on the whole, it has proved easier to Navies are indicating that this is the direction of hide a submarine than find one: the oceans are travel; as Robert Brizzolara, a US Office of Naval wide, deep, dark, noisy, irregular and cluttered. Research programme officer, states: ‘The U.S. Technological change can alter the balance of military has talked about the strategic importance of military power, however, and parallel technological replacing ‘king’ and ‘queen’ pieces on the maritime trends facilitated by the ‘digital revolution’ may chessboard with lots of ‘pawns’. gradually make submarine detection more reliable. A prime example is the US Navy’s medium Certain scientific or technical breakthroughs and displacement USV, or MDUSV. The prototype investments may even prove to be game-changers launched in April 2016, Sea Hunter, was reported to for submarine detection, defined here as a have demonstrated autonomous SSK detection and combination of technologies that significantly tracking from the ocean surface from 3.2kms away, reduce or even eliminate a state’s confidence that requiring only sparse remote supervisory control for its submarines can elude tracking and remain patrols of three months, using a combination of undetected most of the time. ‘advanced hydro-acoustics, pattern recognition and History cautions that there can be no jumping to algorithms. Since the range and resolution of conclusions, however. Truly game-changing ASW acoustic sensors are highly variable according to technologies have been awaited for decades, and oceanic conditions (such as depth, temperature and are by nature difficult to predict. This was clearly salinity), the range may well go further in favourable expressed in Western deterrence and arms-control conditions; a Chinese estimate puts it at 18 literature in the 1970’s and 1980’s, which reflected kilometres. Since SSKs using air-independent fits of ‘transparent oceans anxiety’: a persistent and propulsion or running on batteries are virtually silent, partially unfalsifiable disquiet that a technological MDUSVs should theoretically be capable of pursuing innovation could make the oceans transparent and SSNs and SSBNs (whose nuclear reactors undermine strategic stability by making US nuclear- continuously emit noise) at greater distances, and powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) sitting there are reports that they will be armed. Whereas ducks in a bolt-from-the-blue first-strike attack. the new US FFG(X) frigate costs a sizeable US$1 Technologies available towards the end of the Cold billion per ship, MDUSV platforms are reported to War were insufficient to give seekers the advantage cost only US$20 million each and so could that some analysts predicted and, as Owen Cote conceivably be produced at scale to autonomously notes, also contributed directly to the development of or semi-autonomously seek and trail submarines. effective countermeasures that ensured the Former US deputy defence secretary Robert Work survivability of US SSBNs. After the Cold War, the has suggested as much: ‘These will be everywhere.’ notion that submarines (above all, SSBNs) were Signal Processing ASW relies on separating tiny ‘invisible’ became politically unassailable. submarine signals from background ocean noise, Several articles and studies in recent years have primarily by using active and passive acoustic revisited the survivability of SSBNs, for which sensing (sonar) and magnetic anomaly detection game-changers would perhaps have the greatest (MAD), and it looks likely that these will remain the consequences for international security. As most important signals in the near future. However, Norman Friedman notes, ‘strategic submarines the range of signals may grow as sensor resolution, seem to be key to strategic stability’, providing what processing power and machine autonomy reach the is generally believed to be the most survivable necessary thresholds to reliably separate other, nuclear second-strike force. Friedman marshals ‘quieter’ kinds of signal. As Bryan Clark notes, ‘While some of the limited evidence available in the public the physics behind most [non-acoustic detection] sphere, but is deliberately cautious about making techniques has been known for decades, they have bold and certain predictions. The technologies not been exploitable until very recently because outlined here relate primarily to emerging ASW computer processors were too slow to run the capabilities developed by the US, which has higher detailed models needed to see small changes in the levels of transparency about its SSBN capabilities environment caused by a quiet submarine.’ and nuclear strategy than other countries, but it may However, he adds there’s now ‘the capability to run be assumed that similar technologies will proliferate sophisticated oceanographic models in real time’. to other navies. Sensor Platforms. ASW No breakthroughs have been publicly disclosed, traditionally relies on a limited number of costly though an independent investigation by British manned platforms such as attack submarines Pugwash in 2016 identified light detection and 13 ranging, or LIDAR, using blue–green lasers; anti- disrupt ocean fauna. Recent techniques under neutrino detection; and satellite wake detection as development at the Massachusetts Institute of signal types that may merit further examination. Technology’s Laboratory for Undersea Remote Higher processing power can also enable digital Sensing, which use particular features of the ocean sensor fusion, whereby different kinds of signal are as acoustic waveguides for efficient long-range synthesised and analysed together, and better propagation, offer the potential for significantly simulations of the baseline ocean environment, which greater ranges to detect and classify submarines would show up anomalies in greater contrast. under certain conditions. The POAWRS (passive

Persistent Observation Tracking submarines across ocean acoustic waveguide remote sensing) system large areas of ocean remains a key challenge for was able to ‘detect, localise and classify vocalising ASW. Manned platforms have limited ranges, and [marine mammals] from multiple species while the US Navy’s passive sonar system, SOSUS, instantaneously’ over a region of approximately is still in operation in parts, it is geographically 100,000 square kms, and detect quiet diesel-electric bounded and requires substantial modernisation to surface vessels ‘over areas spanning roughly 200 detect today’s quiet submarines. This gap has been kilometres in diameter’ (30,000 square kms). The partially filled by modern acoustic sensor arrays like active variant (OAWRS) can localise manmade the fixed reliable acoustic path, but in relative terms objects as short as 10 metres over areas 100kms in these cover very small areas of ocean. Distributed diameter (8,000 sq kms), provided the resonant remote sensing networks, however, which link frequencies scattered by the object are known. interoperable manned and unmanned sensor Crucially, by using many frequencies transmitted at platforms together as nodes in a larger system of once multi-frequency measurements, the system systems, could be used to scale up persistent can distinguish fish or seafloor clutter from manmade observation across wider areas. Networks in targets. POAWRS can also be mounted on development include the US Defence Advanced unmanned vehicles and used to detect larger Research Projects Agency (DARPA) distributed agile manmade objects like submarines, even if their signal is partially mitigated by acoustic cloaking. submarine hunting program, which is developing ‘a scalable number of collaborative sensor platforms to Today’s MAD Magnetometers can detect a detect and track submarines over large areas’, and submarine’s ferromagnetic hull at a maximum range PLUSNet (persistent littoral undersea surveillance of several hundred metres. The use of more network), which aims to create ‘a semi-autonomous sensitive magnetometers with a range around an controlled network of fixed bottom and mobile order of magnitude higher, known as sensors, potentially mounted on intelligent [unmanned superconducting quantum interference devices, or platforms]’ in littoral zones. SQUIDs, has been limited by their oversensitivity to

Networks of this type could be greater than the sum background noise and their need for super-cooling. of their parts, with nodes able to carry heterogeneous However, in June 2017, an announcement by the sensors, cross-reference positive signals from Chinese Academy of Sciences, which was later multiple directions and domains, and move and taken down, claimed that a Chinese team had respond to get a better look at signals using real-time produced a ‘superconductive magnetic anomaly swarming. A video of a 56-strong ‘shark swarm’ of detection array’, which technical experts indicated Chinese USVs conducting complex manoeuvres on could have ASW applications and could contribute the sea surface has demonstrated that USV swarming to a wider strategy to create a ‘Great Underwater is already possible, and the size of swarms can be Wall’ to monitor underwater traffic in and out of the expected to grow considerably just as it has for UAVs. South China Sea. One expert in magnets estimated It’s easy to imagine fleets of MDUSVs being used in that such an array could have a range of 6kms or the same way, potentially much further apart. Some further. If this technology can be proved to work and technical challenges remain, including scaling up to be mounted on unmanned platforms, it could have blue water and improving underwater communication, significant implications for shorter-range submarine autonomous decision-making, self-location and detection, though these reports remain unverified in battery life, but none appear insurmountable and the public domain. some of the physical limitations felt by a single vehicle Data Transmission Speed Most data can be can be mitigated by swarming. transmitted in ‘nearly real time’ through air.

Sensor Resolution While it seems likely that the Undersea communications are more challenging, proliferation of distributed remote sensing networks as radio waves are heavily absorbed by water. could decrease the importance of extending sensor While acoustic signals can be used, this has range and resolution as the quantity of platforms goes remained an expensive technique involving up, the two principal ASW sensor types (sonar and significant processing power. As a workaround, MAD) have, or are hoped to enjoy, significant DARPA’s POSYDON (positioning system for deep improvements in resolution on their Cold War ocean navigation) program looks to relay data antecedents. Acoustic sensing in peacetime relies between UUVs via low-frequency acoustic mostly on passive sonar, as active sonar ‘pings’ of messages to USVs, and from them by radio to adversary submarines risk a hostile response and satellites, which can make use of radio waves. 14 Meanwhile, a team at Newcastle University in the UK National Museum of RN Facing Redundancies has developed ultra-low-cost acoustic ‘nano Forces Net 22 Sept 2020 modems’, which can send data via sound up to 2kms The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) for use in short-range underwater networks. has started a consultation on proposed Improving the ‘intelligence’ of each node in the redundancies and restructuring following effects of network so it can discriminate useful data and the coronavirus pandemic. Restructuring proposals minimise data packets would also increase the speed include 32 full-time equivalents being reduced from of transmission. Hurdles still remain, but it seems that a full complement of 234, with 82 roles initially low-cost workarounds can be found. placed at risk of redundancy. The NMRN, which

Conclusion The introduction of autonomous, has sites in Portsmouth, Gosport, Yeovilton and unmanned platforms mounted with improving and Hartlepool, reopened its doors to the public in Aug. digitally fused sensors, integrated within cooperative An enforced closure during lockdown led to it losing systems, will enable wider surveillance of the ocean. 60% of its annual admissions income. A total of One effect may be to elevate the reliability of 81% of the museum's income in any normal year is submarine detection and, in some circumstances, self-generated. A statement from the museum said: these technologies could prove to be game-changers ‘We fully understand that this consultation continues that tip the balance in the favour of ASW. a difficult period for our staff, many of whom have Nevertheless, because the history of science and supported the museum by taking furlough leave, technology is littered with unforeseen obstacles and returning to work under flexible furlough and elusive breakthroughs, and because many of these working incredibly hard to reopen our sites in Portsmouth, Gosport, Yeovilton and Hartlepool. technologies are currently classified, it’s difficult to offer any kind of firm timeline for changes in ASW. ‘We also recognise that other staff have worked According to James Clay Moltz writing in 2012, some tirelessly while we have been closed to protect the ‘emerging autonomous-tracking technologies are ships, aircraft and collections that we care for on likely to be widely available within the next 20 years, behalf of the nation. ‘The autumn/winter period [raising] the prospects for successful ASW against would not generate sufficient income to recover lost US Forces. If this proves correct, in spite of the U.S. ground even in a normal year. ‘Like many in the world-leading stealth technologies, it would imply that heritage and museum sector we anticipate that the nuclear-capable states in the Indo-Pacific deploying recovery of visitor numbers will stretch well into relatively noisy SSBNs might have even weaker 2022. ‘It is clear, therefore, that we need to act prospects of survival by the early 2030’s. This would swiftly and make changes now.’ Professor Dominic have important implications for India’s first-generation Tweddle, Director-General, NMRN, said: ‘The hard Arihandt-class SSBN and China’s Type 094, for work and commitment of all staff, as well as the example. As the technological picture becomes emergency financial support from the RN in clearer, future work will need to continually evaluate 2020/21, has meant that we have been able to the relative gains and losses in detection and reopen and successfully welcome back visitors. survivability that these technologies could provide to ‘The dedication and sheer bloody-mindedness of each state, and offer tangible responses to reduce the staff team and key partners has also meant that strategic nuclear risks both in the region and globally. despite being closed we have delivered a number This piece was produced as part of the Indo-Pacific of key projects, LCT 7074, the walkway under HMS Strategy: Undersea Deterrence Project, undertaken Victory, the soon to be launched Diving Deep by the ANU National Security College. This article is exhibition, telling the tale of HMS Invincible, and the a modified version of chapter 19, ‘Prospects for partnership with the Mary Rose Trust. ‘I am game-changers in detection technology’, published in unbelievably proud of what has been achieved over the 2020 edited volume. The future of the undersea these last six months and therefore unbelievably deterrent: a global survey. Support for this project sad that this day has arrived,’ he added. was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation. The museum said its priorities are ‘the wellbeing of Mystery Deepens Around Unmanned Spy Boat our staff and ensuring that we are best placed to Washed Up in Scotland continue to attract more than 1.8 million visitors a David Hambling, Forbes 07 Oct 2020 year and showcase the ongoing impact of the RN Last week a small unmanned vessel washed up on on the nation’s history and its role on the global the rocky Scottish Isle of Tiree, about a 100 miles stage’. The National Museum of the RN, from the U.K.’s nuclear submarine base at Faslane. established in 2009, tells the story of the four It was identified as a Wave Glider, a type made by fighting forces of the British RN: The RM’s, the FAA, U.S. company Liquid Robotics, which is capable of the Submarine Service and the Surface Fleet. The traveling thousands of miles and is used by both the Museum Group includes the RN Museum, the FAA USN and RN as well as other Govt agencies and Museum, the RN Submarine Museum with HMS scientific researchers. The local Coast Guard have Alliance, Explosion, The Museum of Naval been unable to trace the owner so far, but the craft’s Firepower, the RM’s Museum, HMS Victory, HMS configuration suggests it was on a secret mission, & Caroline, HMS M33, HMS Warrior and NMRN it is not British military, but is operating in UK waters. Hartlepool, home to HMS Trincomalee. 15 Trafalgar Dinner 2021 By Tony Greaves You don’t sit down until the Guest of Honour has As it Would have Been entered along with the rest of the top table. There Well if not for the ‘You Know What’, it would have could well be a slight give away they are coming as been one on the highlights of the Derbyshire there is normally another whistle blowing by you know Submariner’s Social Calendar for the year, the who or sometimes in the past the Derby Sea Cadets. aforementioned Trafalgar dinner. So, I thought I We then have the health and safety brief from you would put my thought on the events on the evening know who, which I am sure considering most on the as I know they would have happened as people have been before know off by heart. I would somethings never change. I would have set out just say, the toilets are there, and if you need to go from home to get the big red arrow bus to Derby as just go, if there is a fire, leg it out of that door ensuring I have stated before, I am a sensible rating who you take your drink with you, and Tony as Rum Bosun knows I might have been poisoned by Pussers Rum grab the rum on your way, End on Dit. We will then the night before, not to mention the beer, red wine start to eat and chat, and on course drink throughout not forgetting the Bailey’s as a night cap to make the evening. There will be the raffle draw which on a me sleep! I will arrive at my berth in plenty of time personal note I hope I win some white wine, handy for to enable be to relax before the main event, the kids Xmas boxes. There will also be the hopefully my room will be sorted; unlike one year presentation of the Derbyshire Submariners Trophy when the Vice Admiral [Terry Hall] was a little late to a DS Member, which I must admit is nice to win paying the balance but it soon got sorted especially having been voted the recipient once. Of course, we when we threatened to fetch him to sort it out!! I can must not forget the Red Rose Stems to the ladies in still remember the look on the girls face behind the room! Oh, and one for Jim Hunt who has to take reception; not sure if it was fear or dread? one home his wife Ann; I think it is to only to prove he

Anyway, after my bath & dhoeby I will head over to has actually been to the Hallmark for the Trafalgar the posh side of the Hotel Complex, to where the Dinner and not just been all night at the Oak and dinner is taking place, and head straight for the bar Acorn pub, which most DS Members call Jim’s Office. as I have had to walk about 100 yards, and I will be There will on course be the Loyal Toast with Rum and thirsty. I might have even had to walk fast if it was Port toasted by the Guest of Honour. I think the raining ,not run I hasten to add, only because an old speech would have been quite interesting this year, Killick many years ago told me, good submariners and I wonder how Nelson would have coped at the don’t run unless the bar is about to shut, or you are Battle on Trafalgar with Corona Virus amongst his on a promise which is a nice way on putting what he crew? He would probably would have given them an actually said!! Anyway, back to the events in hand. extra tot on top of the gallon they had already had, I then check to see if the seating arrangements and told them to get on with it. Because, if it did not have been changed from the mountain on happen as it did, the Royal Navy past and present for information, I was sent by the Vice Admiral many a year would not have had an excuse for a little beforehand every year. I live in hope that I have drink and dinner around 21 October each year. In my been put by mistake on the top table, as I am sure I opinion though, it’s not that they have ever needed much on a reason to hold a social occasion? would not have been put there intentionally? I also at this point get my name ticked off on the Vice It will now be time to up anchor and change berth to Admirals clip board which he will be hanging onto the bar for more fun and games, until the bar either has if his life depends on it. Somebody moved/hid shuts, or everybody slips off to bed; normally the bar it once and it caused a major problem until it was shuts first and we then totter off to our bunks. After found. Nothing to do with me, honest! a good night’s rest, it is time to enjoy the buffet

Now was the time to do a bit on mingling, and to breakfast, it has been known for some people to miss check if there are any single ladies who need it due to having a bad reaction from the liquor the entertaining; but alas there never is. At this point I night before. And yes, I am talking about you Mr do look out for Jim Hunt, as I know from past Chairman, but give him his due, it was his first time experience when he goes to the bar to get a pint on the top table last year, and he did send his lovely and they tell him the price he has been known to go wife down to apologise for him and we approved her a bit giddy, and we don’t want him to fall before he joining us for her breakfast. Time to depart and has had his dinner. After buying some raffle tickets reflect on another enjoyable evening, which yet again it will then be time to listen out for a shrill blast on will be mainly down to Terry that DS can’t do without the Bosuns Pipe. I am now a seasoned campaigner and as I have said before every branch on the and do now know it is a boson’s pipe, not an air leak submarine service needs a Terry. Well I hope you and it means scran is ready. On the way to the enjoyed reading my thought on what might have Edale Room will be the very familiar face on Ricky, been, and I am sure God willing we will all be there our head waiter for the evening with a big warm next year in person to remind each other what fun we smile and welcome to us all. Having got to my place have had in lock down and in my case work, sorry to I check all essentials are there namely: 1 bottle on end on a swear word for some, but basically all stay red wine, 1 x wine glass, 1x port glass, 1x rum glass, safe and I hope to catch you next time around the 1x set on fighting irons and of course 1 x chair! buoy! Stay safe Tony G 16 NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK The real mystery lies more with the way the Royal

This mystery picture regards two ‘A’ boats was Naval Historical Branch and the British Ministry featured by the Friends of the Submarine Museum of Defence go so easily fooled by Dickinson, seeking identification of the two boats concerned Alexiades and Gambin in believing in and then transiting the Manchester Ship Canal with the validating their deliberate and Fraudulent Claim question Who, What, When and Where? that the wreck of HMS Urge is off Malta. https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest- activity/news/2019/october/31/191031-ww2- submarine-urge-found-off-malta Because the RN Historical Branch are custodians of one of the two sets of Admiralty War Diaries that read Quote Submarine URGE (Lt Cdr E P Tomkinson DSO) was sunk by Italian aircraft off Ras el Hilal. Cdr Tomkinson, Lt D B Allen, Lt J M S Poole DSC, Ty/Lt J S D Ransome DSC RNR, twenty-eight ratings and 11 RN rating passengers for Alexandria were lost. Unquote

Because a Statement of Identification (of a U Class The best feedback to date is from Robin Whiteside submarine sonar-located at Marsa el Hilal in 2012) who replied; ‘That’s me on Tiptoe on the left and was submitted to Navy Command HQ (Mr Nick Keith Holliday in Alcide in the summer of 1967’. Kelsall) in 2015 and because the discovery was There are also seven other SSK’s on the revealed in the British Press: Google search: HMS Manchester Ship Canal to be identified thus maybe Urge Marsa El Hilal 2015 Misson. if you had a ‘Jolly’ for a run ashore in Manchester up Because the five-page Operational Report of the the canal, it would be appreciated if you can advise Italian Regia Aeronautica, about the attack of their Who, What and When and I will pass the information CR42 dive-bombers on ‘an Enemy Submarine’, at on to the Friends of the Submarine Museum? Marsa el Hilal Libya, 29 April 1942 were forwarded to Mystery of Missing Submarine HMS Urge Navy Command HQ (Mr Nick Kelsall), in 2017.

Kent Online 04 Nov 2019 Because practically all Authors and Historians The mystery of a RN submarine which vanished confirm the loss of HMS Urge to Italian aircraft, at without a trace more than 70 years ago has finally Ras el Hilal, Libya; Akermann, Rohwer, Evans, been solved. HMS Urge had left Malta’s Grand Dancer, O'Hara, Clayton.

Harbour on 27 Apr, 1942, bound for the Egyptian port Because the sonar images published by Dickinson, of Alexandria. Also, on board were 11 RN Alexiades and Gambin are of HMS Pandora & passengers and a journalist. The fate of HMS Urge HMS P39 (both known to have been dumped off remained a mystery until now, after a team from the Malta after the war) and because the wreck shown University of Malta found the sub’s wreck two miles on the video footage (with very narrow Free off the island’s coast. It had sunk with the loss of all Flooding Slots instead of the standard Oval Holes hands after striking a mine. The discovery came after on the after Casing) is surely HMS P33, as this type Francis Dickinson, grandson of HMS Urge’s captain, of Slot is seen on the wreck of HMS P32, built in the Lt Cdr Edward Tomkinson, requested the team to same shipyard! The deliberate and fraudulent search an area which had been heavily mined during Claim is there for all to see on the sonar images and the Nazis’ two-and-a-half year siege of the island. In video footage: ALL Three Documents publicly 2015, a Belgian diver claimed to have found the claimed to be of one same unit; HMS Urge. sub’s wreck off the Libyan coast but it was not https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/lost-submarine-wwii- HMS Urge. HMS Urge was commissioned in Dec found-scli-intl-gbr/index.html 1940, and had been paid for by money raised by the https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/wwii-mystery-solved- people of Bridgend, South Wales. In its short career hms-urge-discovered-off-malta/ it had a number of successes, including sinking an In due time, the wreck of HMS URGE will be Italian cruiser earlier in 1942. confirmed to be at Marsa el Hilal because the Truth can't be concealed for ever! J.P. Misson.

Yeah. My Surgery is Taboo, telephone, Blood test Strictly by Appointment, OPD. is a Laugh. Again, strictly by Appointment, not sure of what to do? Dentist saw me, but I had to Pay, for the PPE, £50, Ouch! I think 11 Nov will be a no Go, due to Six Only, pointless even trying to do it. Thanks for helping our Editor:- The above Report is disputed as being Old Captains Son, Re Bell, say Terry do you correct by the Belgium Diver, JP Misson who remember this; Permission to smoke Chief? ‘Not if I claims the boat off the Libyan Coast IS HMS catch you, away they went Moan moan drip drip. Urge and counters the claim with the following John Rickwood, HMS Kenya Assn 17 ‘A’ Class S/M’s. Terry, many thanks, your NL Terence Woodward Ex-FNA. Thank you Terry, brightened my day. PS: David Hill has produced Great use of FNA monies, Take care. Terry two glossy books on the old gun submarine X21, Editor: See Articles this newsletter Page 10 one a sort of novel about the boat and crew, and the DS Cold Warm Museum Donation. Terry, Thanks other larger showing David's fantastic drawings of for this fantastic donation and thank all your DS every aspect of the interior. David was well known Members too. E-mail already sent, great that you’re years ago in producing the book on the ‘A’ Class spreading the word so effectively. Ian Whitehouse with John Lambert (sadly deceased). I used it a lot for articles. David resides in Auckland NZ, he Jean Pierre Misson. Update 8 Oct 2020 moved to NZ about a year ago. I was asked by [email protected] George Malcolmson of the S/M museum to make JP has just added two Posts on YouTube. For contact and that I have done, reading the draft novel those not wishing to sign up you can still view the for him, though we have never met. Through me he videos no problem, just tick No Thankyou to join! has been in contact with JP re submarine The first undertaken by a Sunderland ex appearances, he is quite the expert and gets Submariner condenses the evidence that per JP’s commissions from all over the world for submarine claim that HMS Urge is off North Africa and not as pictures; art really. Also; claimed by the University of Malta, just outside the https://www.liveabout.com/the-barrel-of-bricks- harbour. The second video shows the cluster of 3298827. I remember hearing this on the radio submarines and other vessels again off North Africa many years, ago, spoken in very exaggerated tones just a bit down the coast in an Italian WWII minefield with pauses. It was worth reviving especially if which was uncharted at the time. ‘performed’ by someone with talent as was all those https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLfhHeejUFs and years ago. Peter in NZ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgj8HXss3o4&t=360s Editor; I Know it’s not fact, but it still made me smile Peter & Joyce on Holiday Bridlington Oct 2020 when I read it again having like you heard it in excess of twenty or more years ago!! After having done the newsletter for over 20 years and always had a joke or two in, it is impossible not to repeat somewhere along the line besides my argument is when I spoke to a chap in his 30's who did not know what a Tiger Beer Can Spanner was it made me think how old I am getting! Having said that Not Feedback, but a couple of pictures supplied by as he said, ‘I have only one of our founding Derby SOCA Members who ever known ring pulls on titled these pictures from his holiday in Bridlington cans and not drunk much beer out of cans!!’ I seem as ‘What a difference to the weather a Day Makes!’. to remember cans of Tiger Beer were almost our I would have titled it, ‘What a difference a day staple diet in the 60-70’s out the Far East! makes if you have not been told to stop at home!!’

U Boats Articles. Terry, the NL letter mentions Bob Cliff Funeral Markeaton Crem. As is known rubber covered U Boats, there is an excellent article numbers are restricted and indeed a lot are even by a retired RAF Wing Cdr Derek Waller who put a lot now still advised medically to stay at home. of effort into researching the politics and fate of the Recently retired from Toyota our Chairman, Colin captured U-Boats after WW2. He covers every Watson represented DS at the Funeral with both his aspect, in particular re' your newsletter and acoustic son and daughter very grateful and appreciative. tiles etc he tells of the two VII Boats the RN temporarily We Remember Submariners (WRS) kindly sent a brought into service after the war, one covered in wreath to Dawn, Bob’s daughter but sadly due to a rubber by the Germans and similar boat just as built CV mix up it was not presented at the funeral. On without rubber. Then put a crew and skipper aboard being advised both Pamela Durant of WRS and each for comparative trials (didn't actually commission myself started an investigation both ends to locate them, I suspect it was political. I think they had been it and it appeared it was delivered locally but put in allocated to the USN. It is a comprehensive article a store ready then the person went sick. On well worth reading and I suggest you use the locating it and a sincere apology, the wreath was browser's Find for 'rubber' to get the right part. Indeed picked up by Dawn Bob’s daughter, who the whole article is worth reading; commented ‘The wreath is beautiful’. Thank you! http://rnsubs.co.uk/articles/u-boats/lisahally.html if you’re DS obtained permission from the WH PC for a real keen, he put some stuff on U boat net family distanced laying by the Family over https://uboat.net/articles/ Peter H NZ Remembrance time. Thank you to all involved. 18 First New Royal Navy Award to Crew of HMS Talent Big Navy Rescue Op to Save Lost Whales Royal Navy Press Release 25 Sept 2020 Mark McGivern Daily Record 01 Oct 2020 Crew of veteran hunter-killer submarine HMS A major RN rescue operation is to be launched after Talent are the first winners of a new award a pod of whales accidentally steered themselves into recognising those who go above and beyond the the main water channel to the UK’s nuclear call of duty. The sonar team from the Faslane submarine fleet. Fears have been rising for the based boat, Talent’s ‘eyes and ears’ beneath the safety of a family of northern bottlenose whales that waves – are the inaugural recipients of a RN accidentally ended up in the Gareloch, near the Commendation. The new awards replace the long- Faslane Naval Base near Helensburgh. Their standing commendations presented by the Fleet welfare would have been a major concern for Commander, focusing on operational effectiveness environmental groups but the location of their and the Second Sea Lord, rewarding efforts across accidental new home has sparked a red alert for the all lines of development. Under the Navy’s Navy. The disorientated whales, hundreds of miles Transformation programme, they’ve been merged from their normal homes, have been much closer to and renamed to enhance their significance and the shore than is normal for the species and they make receiving a commendation a particularly have shown signs of distress, including weight loss. special moment in someone’s career. Talent spent The British Divers Marine Life Rescue group was her 30th birthday at sea, away from home, where scheduled to draw up a detailed rescue plan with the she’s spent much of her life. We can proudly say RN in crisis talks at Faslane, involving at least six that age is no barrier to delivering excellence. The flagship boats with marine vets on board. Other local award was presented on the back of yet another boat owners were awaiting news of any part they demanding patrol by the attack submarine, played could play in shepherding the stricken whales out against the backdrop of the global pandemic. towards more suitable, deeper waters in the North

Talent helped train the submarine commanders of Atlantic. The rescue, aimed at shepherding the tomorrow by hosting trainees on the Silent Service’s mammals out to deeper waters, will take place, (in)famous command course, Perisher, widely depending on water conditions and the location of regarded as the most mentally-challenging military the pod. Thousands of people, from all over the UK, selection course in the world. The T-boat also have already gathered at Garelochead and nearby linked up with The Flying Tigers of 814 Naval Air places to catch sight of the whales. The joyful Squadron for a winching exercise, with a Merlin sightings soon turned to concern after news emerged at the ailing condition of the whales. helicopter hovering just metres above the T-boat, the powerful draught from its rotors compounding Local mariners have been contacted about the the difficult nature of transferring crew. The rescue mission and boats that were due to be visiting submarine has also worked with the RAF’s new P8 HMNB Clyde at Faslane have been diverted in the Poseidon patrol aircraft, as the aviators tested their meantime. A Faslane spokesperson said: ‘We are ability to hunt submarines by peppering the ocean aware of the presence of northern bottlenose whales with hi-tech sonobuoy listening devices in the hope in the Gareloch and are in contact with British Divers of picking up the submarine’s movements. And Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to see if we can Talent joined forces with HMS Queen Elizabeth to provide assistance. ‘The RN takes its environmental help develop some of the tactic’s submarines will responsibilities very seriously and continues to work use to protect the carrier and her task group for with the relevant UK authorities to ensure all practical many years to come. measures required to reduce environmental risk and

In Talent’s case, she’s been heavily in demand this comply with legislation are taken. ‘A necessary year and last, and the sonar operators stood out in series of safety checks is observed and an particular among an already impressive crew. It is environmental risk assessment is carried out before down to them to constantly listen out for potential any underwater task is undertaken by MOD, to minimise any potential risk to marine life.’ threats to the Trafalgar-class boat: hostile submarines, hostile ships, hostile aircraft, all can be The spokesperson said any disruption to the huge identified by a well-honed team and Talent’s Exercise Joint Warrior event, which combines the impressive sonar suite. It’s a challenging, navies of 11 nations on Scottish waters, would be painstaking job, one made all the more demanding able to make contingency alterations if the rescue aboard the T-boat by a busy programme and requires it. The spokesperson added: ‘Participants considerable fluctuations in personnel. As a result, will be made aware of the presence of the whales the lean-manned and junior department often and the latest sightings we might have for them. All sacrificed leave and personal downtime to maintain participants are aware that environmental protection and improve the submarine, and also helped with remains a priority for the Exercise and we are the training of other departments to maintain safety prepared to amend the programme if these whales and preserve seamanship standards. Throughout remain in an atypical situation.’ The coastguard the small and extremely busy team demonstrated informed us that some parts of the river will be closed excellent leadership and dedication – making them in Greenock to assist the efforts while they try and worthy winners of the new distinction. remove the Whales back out to sea. 19 SA NEWS DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS SUBSCRIPTION 2021 DS at present also has the 31 Dec as expiry of Embankment Remembrance Parade London Annual Membership which is requested to be paid Hello All. We now have no option other than to go on time so that the DS Financial Books can be for the reduced Ceremony at the Embankment with closed, and for the Treasurer to bring all books, just six taking part to comply with the current cheque accounts and End of Year figures to be guidance. The six will be Commodore Jim Perks submitted to the DS Auditors and allow a AGM (as the Senior Submariner), myself (as Chairman), Report to be raised for the AGM early April. As the Iain (as Parade Marshall), the Chaplain, the SA Membership Sec states this year due to Covid National Standard Bearer (and representing the 19 the process will be a bit slower, thus all members Branches) and a Junior Rate - to be nominated by are requested to ensure they are up to date with the Jim Perks - representing the Serving Submariners. payment before Christmas. If any member is not I realise that this decision will cause some upset continuing with membership. please advise me and that many Assn Members will be very soonest. so I am not bothering you with reminders disappointed but it is the best option in the current and of course this saves wasted printing & postage. circumstances. I will put an item in the ‘In Depth’ News Letter to go out as soon as possible. DS Membership. As for the last 20 years with me as Regards Barrie Downer SA Chairman 6/10/20 Treasurer we advise out to members (In writing to All) with a form advising of renewal and we try to save SA Subscriptions. Dear Branch Official. SA postage by sending out new DS Membership Cards, Membership reports have been sent to all Branch the new year sticker as appropriate for those Officials (Secretary, Membership, Treasurer and members with dual SA membership. As in the past Chairman) of your branch, Please Do Check what I this is advised with both the Nov/Dec copies of your have sent you and bring to my attention if there are monthly newsletter to both postal and internet members so all members have a direct hard copy. any discrepancies with what you believe to be true. This is your opportunity to double check my work. SA Membership. I have agreed again this year to This Report is set up for 2021 Subscriptions. act as collecting agent for those who desire SA Membership renewal. This must be with me by COVID-19 This year has been difficult for us all with 14 December 2020 to complete banking and the Covid-19 and with the Governments rule of 6 likely SA Paperwork and raise a cheque to send to SA to to be here until at least March next year, it is going reach the renewal date of 31 December. SA only to make it even more difficult for you at branch level accept one cheque per branch due to cost thus if to be in communication with all your members, you miss the SA deadline agreed with your SA especially when it comes to collecting next year’s Derbyshire Sec (Tony Greaves) you will have to subscription. Some of you will already have thought make your own arrangements direct to SA. SA about this, others not perhaps. May I suggest that members are also reminded that per our AGM this year you do not leave things to the last minute decision a £2.50 Annual Service charge is due to and make some plans into collecting these earlier DS for those with SA Membership whether you pay that you normally would. by Direct Debit or it is arranged Annually by us to This may also be the time to seriously consider cover all the associated DS administration costs. asking your members to pay National direct by Renewal Costs. Both DS and SA have remained Direct Debit. Now I know there has been a lot of static for some years with both being £15 per opposition to this in the past, but we collect all annum each. As stated, SA Members are Subscription during the first week in January and as requested to pay a £2.50 Admin Charge per year to long as the branch is fully paid up for all current DS. I stress ALL payments to ‘Derbyshire members then there is also no reason why for those Submariners’ as it is highlighted, if you add Assn, branches we can’t release funds back to those Association, Branch etc, the cheque is refused and branches where we collect their branch fees as well. incurs a £4 bank charge which is your responsibility. I know this will not be for everyone but to pay I obviously attempt to ensure these are not National by Direct Debit then direct them to the presented, but I did have one bounce last year but Website at: the member kindly paid that charge when advised. https://www.submarinersassociation.co.uk/member ship/direct-debit-payment Direct or On-Line Banking. As treasurer I do have online access to our banking, thus 2021 Stickers I am in the process of sorting out the hope to stay on top of renewals. 2021 stickers which I do have, I will be posting them All banking paperwork which will as soon as I most probable sometime next week, be sent out to you in printed form could I ask you to just drop me a quick note when and needs to be disposed of they arrive with you. As always, I do thank you for responsibly and correctly by your understanding and co-operation. shredding, burning, or a minimum Kind Regards. David Woolterton action of tear up into small pieces, Membership Secretary Submariners Association eating the pieces is optional! 20 SOCA NEWS Late 1990’s early 2000 The Sailors Dictionary

Stoker S.J.STANLEY CS/K/X/165 (Or the ones that dd not make Jackspeak!!) HM Submarine PERSEUS Engineering As a result of the Kursk memorial service the Derby Naval Cutter; Knicker elastic Branch organised at Soldiers Corner, Barbara Grub Screw Lunch time intercourse Stanley the sister of Sidney James Stanley who Endless Belt Night out with a sailor Insulated Screw Barmaid with gumboots on. was lost when the Perseus went down contacted us. She kindly passed on Midget Submarines Canal Zone 1956 documentation referring to Sid SOCA News 1956 Stanley who was lost on the The Skipper cleared lower deck. ‘Right men, this is Perseus. The documents made the position we are in. we have got to get two X Craft interesting and moving reading. plus the Depot Ship through the Canal, negotiating The first letter 4 Jan 1942 advised obstacles and hidden dancers to achieve our Sid has been reported missing objective of flying the White Ensign in the centre of while on war service. A further Janner land. We letter dated 14 May 1943 advised on possibly four slipped berth at ships company from Perseus survived the loss of Dartmouth Creek early the vessel in Dec 1941. On 4th March 1954 Sid’s next morning with the Admiralty account was settled as Killed in Action! Depot Ship Maggie Residue of Wages £14 3s 7d leading the way, War Gratuity £ 9 10s 0d closely followed by Naval Prize Money £ 4 4s 9d Sprat and Minnow sailing in line ahead for the mouth

Especially at this time of the year, it brings it to the of the Canal. The weather was good with a slight fore very strongly, REMEMBER For Our westerly wind as we started to negotiate the Canal. Tomorrow, They Gave Their Today. The We reached the first obstacle without hindrance. documents and details have been forwarded to the ‘Right’ said the Jimmy. ‘Stoker and one LEM make a RN Submarine Museum for viewing and archiving. foray ashore and open the lock gates. With deft navigational skills, the Depot Ship & her charges were manoeuvred through this and four more locks.

Opposition to our approach was very muted apart from a few disgruntled lock keeps, who were suspected of being friendly agents planted by MI6 to ensure our safe passage and a startled brown and white cow, The Song of the Submarine hanging its head over a wire fence. We finally reached SOCA News Mar 1998 our destination, the Central Basin, during the late

The Song of the Submarine afternoon. We were welcomed by friendly natives and I roam the seas from Scapa Flow local Janner Chief, adorned with his regalia of Mayoral To the Bight of Heligoland; Chains. Oggies and rough cider were freely handed In the Dover Strait around in return for which we allowed them to sample I lie in wait the aroma of the great unwashed. As a special treat, On the edge of Goodwin’s Sand the Tiffies were lined up for their perusal. During our brief stay we agreed to field a team for one of their I am here and there and everywhere, native games they called cricket. This proved to be Like the phantom of a dream. disastrous for us as they all sported pristine white And I sing Ho! Ho! uniforms against our number eights, or boiler suits in Through the winds that blow, the case of Donk Shop Fusiliers. The reflection of the sun on their whites and the alcoholic scrumpy haze, left us at a disadvantage. Farewells were made and we departed from Janner Land to friendly salutations such as ‘You’re not coming back are you?’ Canal Zone Egypt you ask! No, no Jack. Canal Zone Exeter 19 July 1956.

Ben Beeney, Sussex 21 Derby's Annual Remembrance Service on the Medieval Texts Reveal False RN Origins Market Place Cancelled Due to Coronavirus Flinders University, Adelaide 23 Aug 2020 Instead, Derby City Council is organising an online Svc Alfred the Great, King of Wessex from 871 and King Martin Naylor Derby Live 26 Sept 2020 of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 to 899, is widely Derby’s Annual Remembrance service has been touted as establishing England's first Royal Fleet cancelled. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has but research led by Flinders Medieval Studies has sadly put an end to hugely popular event which found evidence that the Anglo-Saxons' first each year sees hundreds pack into the Market recorded naval victory occurred 20 years before Place to pay their respects to those who gave their Alfred was crowned King of Wessex and 24 years lives to their country. Instead, the city council is before his first recorded naval victory. The working research, Kingship and Maritime Power in 10th on a way Century England, by Matthew Firth and Erin Sebo, for Derby has been published in the International Journal of residents Nautical Archaeology (DOI: 10.1111/1095- to be able 9270.1242). ‘The Nationalistic rhetoric that as to grown up around the RN remember and its central role in those who British Empire identity made the since at least the 18th ultimate century has given rise to sacrifice from their home environment with an some questionable 'facts' online, pre-recorded service. It plans to broadcast around its origins. The it at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, 8 Nov. Cllr idea that Alfred founded Mick Barker said: ‘It is of course very disappointing the Navy is widespread, and the claim has been that we’ve had to cancel the traditional Market Place uncritically reproduced by such reputable service, but our priority at this time must be to keep authorities as the National Museum of the RN, people safe in their home environment. ‘We are Encyclopaedia Britannica and BBC's history hopeful that our plans to safely pre-record a service webpage.’ Firth and Dr Erin Sebo from Flinders will all come together in the next couple of weeks so University's College embarked on studies to identify our veterans and the people of Derby will be able to how important naval power was to early medieval pay their respects for a safe and Covid compliant kings, and began finding evidence to question environment.’ Alfred the Great's status as the founder of the RN.

MoD People and Veterans Announces the Using a combination of 10th century historical texts Winners of the National Competition and the growing archaeological evidence for to Inspire a New Memorial for Submariners medieval ship design, the new research shows that Johnny Mercer MP, Minister for Defence People Alfred was not the first English monarch to and Veterans, announced 30/9 the category and coordinate a fleet to defend the country against overall winners of a national competition to find Viking attack. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles report inspiration for a memorial which will be installed at an engagement in 851 involving an ealdorman the National Memorial Arboretum next year. The Elchere and King Æthelstan of Kent (839-c.853), overall winning design was by the Groves Family. who reputedly defeated a Viking force near

Sandwich, the first recorded instance of a victory for an English Fleet. It implies that a tradition of defensive naval action existed from at least the reign of Alfred's father, Æthelwulf of Wessex (839- 858). The first recorded naval engagement of Alfred's reign is an attack on a fleet of seven ships in 875; the second being a skirmish with a flotilla of only four vessels in 882. There is also evidence that the legend bestowed on Alfred the Great as a naval visionary has greatly elevated his capabilities and

successes at sea. ‘Alfred's ship designs, as For details of the winners and runners up go to the described in the records, were impractical and failed competition page of our website. All the winning as a maritime force in its first naval battle against designs have gone to our three professional more experienced Viking sailors. Maritime power designers who are now competing for the final was important to good Kingship, but there is little design, inspired by these excellent entries. Now all evidence of continuity between the ad hoc fleets of we have to do is raise £300,000 pounds! Please the 10th century and the emergence of a RN. help us. Thanks for your support. ‘Suggestions of vast patrol fleets maintained by his Yours sincerely, Tom Herman, Project Officer successors are both logistically and technologically https://www.submarinermemorial.uk/donate/ impossible,’ says Firth. www.flinders.edu.au 22 Every Poppy makes a Difference to the at sea. They are unable to leave their ships, world Lives of our Armed Forces Community travel restrictions having denied routine crew Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal changes. For many seafarer’s life is hell right now, Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we are working hard without them your life might be hell too! Let’s salute with our members, staff, volunteers and partners to Merchant Seafarers, our essential workers at sea, create a range of ways for people to get involved in and at the same time Remember, our Royal Navy this year's Poppy Appeal. From buying a poppy in protecting all shipping and our country. Whilst many your local supermarket or making an online donation, in the UK are bickering and arguing about restrictions to doing your own fundraising with family and friends. and complaining they are unable to have their Like so many things this year, the Appeal has had to holidays, and see their families the Men and Women adapt to the threat of Covid-19. We're calling on the of the Royal and Merchant Navy continue to do their public to support us like never before, because every duty as those of us did before them. The word poppy counts. How you can Support the Appeal this Freedom has many meanings but the accepted Year; There are many different opportunities to version is:- Freedom is the power or right to act, support the Appeal this year, including taking part in speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or remote activity like ordering poppies through the post restraint, and the absence of a despotic government. for your neighbours and local community; printing a The right to freedom of association is recognized as poppy and displaying it in your window, or a human right, a political freedom and a civil liberty. undertaking a virtual Poppy Run, but every poppy All Grand Words, but as in all history someone counts and we would be grateful for your continued has to make the sacrifice to enable it for the support in any way you can. majority. Those serving their country in all the https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give Armed Forces often live and work in hostile

Derbyshire Distillery environments and the little poem in Col 2 Pg 5 After months of planning and preparation we are demonstrates the sacrifice of families of RN incredibly proud to announce the launch of the Submariners stuck at home and similar to ALL loved Eleventh Hour Gin £22.99. The concept for the new ones of those at Sea. My only controversial gin was the brainchild of ex comment to the response I heard recently, ‘Yes, but Serviceman, Richard Aspinall, they chose that Life’, is it just shows how Selfish and sales manager at Derbyshire uncaring this country has turned with the attitude of I Distillery, who wanted to do am Alright Jack! It certainly does not make me proud something to support the work of to be British, but I am very proud of every Seafarer the RBL. The gin is the result of and after nearly 30 years associated with Royal exhaustive testing, trialling and Navy, including when Michael Fish said it was only a experimenting to create a storm and the props were out of the water in the Bay perfectly balanced gin, of Biscay on a minesweeper to over two years out delivering a fresh nose and silky the Far East on a ships commission (Which was smooth finish. £3 + vat from the wonderful in the 1960’s) is a prayer from the heart price of every bottle sold will be that They Are All Remembered Please. paid by Derbyshire Distillery to RBL Trading Ltd, First Veterans Railcard Given to which gives its taxable profits to the RBL Charity Captain Sir Tom Moore number 219279 and Poppyscotland Charity number Forces Net News 14 Oct 2020 SCO14096, according to sales made. Support our Captain Sir Tom Moore has been presented with heroes today and purchase your bottle directly from the very first Veterans Railcard at his home. The our Derbyshire Distillery website. WWII veteran called the occasion ‘wonderful’. The https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/ Veterans Railcard offers discounts on rail journeys Thank you to my daughter Zoe for this info advised to me for veterans and people travelling with them. Also Remember on 8 Nov 2020 Speaking about the new The seven seas are an unforgiving environment railcard, MoD People and and, while sailors sometimes enjoy calm seas and Veterans Johnny Mercer a prosperous voyage, heavy seas, storms, said it is a ‘fantastic way’ hurricanes and danger are ever present as with any to underline the ‘gratitude’ person working at sea. Over 100 merchant owed to former service seafarers died last year. Early this year cruise ships personnel. ‘’For younger veterans, it will also help were at the centre of another storm, Covid 19. Over boost employment prospects, allowing more 50,000 other ships, bulk carriers, general cargo, flexibility in their travel to work or job interviews,’ Mr specialist & container ships, tankers, ferries and Mercer added. The card pays tribute to all three trawlers, have continued to ply the seas wearing our services, using the colours featured on the Red Ensign or Blue ensign or flags of other veterans' flag for its design. From 5 Nov, an seafaring nations. Twenty million containers are estimated 830,000 veterans who are not currently crossing the globe right now. Of the world’s 1.6 eligible for existing railcards will be able to purchase million merchant seafarers, some 300,000 are stuck a Veterans Railcard and make use of its benefits. 23 DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS DIARY PROGRAMMES & EVENTS Items marked Cancelled CV are those that have been advised officially to DS by organisers, or decided by DS as Cancelled in the case of our own meetings and social events. Who could have envisaged what a terrible year 2020 would turn out to be 11 months ago? However, it is hoped all DS members will

comply with Page 20 Col 2 Please? Basically, 2020

has been a very unique Leap Year. It had 29 days

in February, 300 days in March and 10 years in

April, and each month has got progressively longer

TBC Submariners Embankment Parade Six Named Only thereafter?

04 Nov Chaddesden Children’s Svc, Chad Cancelled CV HMS/M Vigilant Crew Suffers COVID-19 06 Nov DS Meeting Jubilee Club Chad, Cancelled CV Outbreak After Visit to U.S. Sub Base” 08 Nov Remembrance Sunday Derby Cancelled CV RCN & USNI News, 14 Oct 2020 11 Nov Armistice Day – Nottm Road Soldiers Corner Reports suggest that upwards of 30 crew members 11 am Derby & District Service Cancelled CV from the RN (RN) ballistic missile submarine 11 Nov DS Armistice Day 11/11 Submariners Graveside (SSBN) HMS Vigilant have tested positive for Services WWI Submariners ERA John Brooks & C16 & Sig Charles Buttle C25 Cancelled CV COVID - 19 following a port visit to the US Navy’s

11 Nov DS Armistice Day Coffee Morning Jubilee Club (USN) Submarine Base Kings Bay, in Georgia.

O/C Soldiers Corner Service Cancelled CV Members of the crew purportedly

25 Nov Lunch Club Bartlewood Lodge, Cancelled CV violated isolation rules meant to

keep the crews safe from infection by travelling as many as 300 kms away from the base during their

visit, though UK officials said they would ‘not 04 Dec DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Cancelled CV comment on matters related to submarine 05 Dec Army Cadet Band Xmas Concert. Cancelled CV operations.’ USN representatives did not respond 09 Dec Christmas Lunch Weds Noon Cancelled CV to questions regarding potential exposure of personnel at King’s Bay as a result, but instead said that its COVID-19 response had been refined after 2021 the outbreak earlier this year on the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, and it had since seen greater success in containing infections. The RN operates four Vanguard-class SSBNS and shares a common stockpile of Trident II missiles with the USN that are 01 Jan DS Meeting. No Formal January Meeting Held stored at King’s Bay, though the warheads for those 09 Jan Truculent Memorial Svc, Chatham Cancelled CV missiles are maintained and stored at the RN’s

TBD D&DExSvc AGM Council House, Derby Coulport Naval Armaments Depot in Scotland.

27 Jan DS Luncheon Club Sir John Warren, Ilkeston

07 Feb DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Fri 12:00

TBD Notts Vets Assn 10:30 NCC W.Bridgeford

24 Feb DS Luncheon Club Kings Corner Oakwood Well another very full monthly newsletter to keep all Derbyshire Submariners informed and in these dire times give you something different to read on predominately submarine current affairs as well as 05 Mar DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Fri 12:00 a delve into historical subjects. You the DS readers

11 Mar Commonwealth Day Flag Raising PHilton Gdn determine the content so please do give feedback.

TBA Ton Class Spring Meeting, Portsmouth NEWSLETTERS ONLINE TBA Coffee Morning RMA 10-12 Derby Council Hse Current & One year Back Issues on Derbyshire TBA SA AGM/Reunion Holiday Inn, Leic Before 14/2 Submariners Web Page 31 Mar Luncheon Club The Blue Jay, Alvaston www.godfreydykes.info/derbyshire_submariners_page.html 28 Mar Advance Clocks 1 Hr at 02:00am Views & comments of this newsletter do not always TBD To be Decided TBA To be Advised reflect the official policy, or the decisions of the Derbyshire Submariners 24