DS T H E T R A D E 261 9 JOURNAL

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

Derbyshire Submariners Newsletter Issue Number 261 June 2021

EDITORIAL PAGE/S CONTENT

01 CONTENT & EDITORIAL I appreciate this NL has come around quick with two in May. But it did clear the ‘deck’ of all the 02 WELFARE FLEECEWAR prepared stuff I had accumulated over lock-down! 03/04 POLITICALLY INCORRECT PAGES To date no ‘Drip Chits’, not even from Jim. Keep

05 JEFF BACON © TWO TIFFS your feedback coming and it’s that which determines what goes in your DS Members 06 IMPORTANT DS PROPOSAL RE SUBS Newsletter. 07 KRI NANGGALA 402 UPDATE Well, the Good news is another Astute is due to 08 A REPORTERS DEATH ON HMS URGE Commission at Barrow. Astute class submarine

09 RN RULING THE WAVES? HMS Anson has been in the water for a number of weeks and is now in the final stages of construction 10-11 1 OF OUR IS MISSING and commissioning, say the . The RN 12-13 HMS THETIS SINKING & SALVAGE say that the final stages of the boat’s completion

14-15 MARITIME STRATEGY & SECURITY were complicated by the pandemic, which placed particular challenges and demands on the complex 16 WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS operation to lower the hunter-killer into the water. 17 NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK The Edinburgh Military Tattoo this Aug has been 18 MY DAD BY PETER JOHNSON cancelled for the second year running & the Stanley

19 2004 EUROPEAN NAVY ENSIGN! Wellington Bomber Annual Commemoration and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BOBMF) Flypast has also 20 MAYFLOWER, MAGS & FEEDBACK been sadly been cancelled but re-booked for 2022. 21 COLD WAR CENTRE SITREP HMS Queen Elizabeth The RN’s Flagship has 22 LORD OBJECTS TO MORE TRIDENTS sailed into its home base of Portsmouth for an

23 S/M D1, SPEARFISH & POLICE SUB unscheduled stop 19/5 ahead of its first operational deployment to the Far East. The £3 billion aircraft 24 RNSM NEWS DS ROUNDUP carrier has just taken part in a major exercise off the coast of Scotland and had intended to carry out its

final deployment preparations while in the Solent along with the other ships of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG). But the poor weather forecast for the coming days including heavy winds has caused the 65,000-tonne warship to return to Portsmouth Naval Base while some of the other DS BIRTHDAYS 2021 CSG ships have headed to Devonport. 11 June Terry Hall Since When did Roughers prevent the RN from Sailing? Information & Comments Welcome Please? 25 June Kevin Lawson

22 July Michael Roberts COVID 2019. Sadly, still a very uncertain time and 23 July Max Horton QGM Caution appears the main watchword for most. 26 July Ian Worrall Unlike, the Govt DS has no firm date of 21 June regardless as a Lunch Club without facilities of a

A POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH fully open pub and more importantly Member’s who feel it is safe to venture out.

The Best Time to Join Derbyshire Terry Hall Submariners was 20 years ago. The Trade Journal Newsletter Editor The Second Best time is Now. Hon. Sec/Treasurer, Derbyshire Submariners’ [email protected] 1 WELFARE MATTERS Mental Health Awareness Week Courtesy of National RNA Welfare Section Veterans UK. Find out You may have seen that this week is National about your Armed Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign we Forces Pension or are getting behind because we believe our mental make a compensation health deserves just as much care and attention as claim for any injuries or our physical health. The RNA was formed in the bereavements. Veterans UK is part of the early 1950’s in the wake of the WWII, when Ministry of Defence (MoD) and has its own thousands of men were being demobbed and trying dedicated helpline. to adjust to life back on ‘civvy’ street. It was those https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ve men who came together to share a pint/tot with their terans-uk oppos, in a time when they needed to talk about shared stories/horrors, or to just be around people Veterans Gateway who really understood the last few years of their life. quickly and easily It was set up as a lifeline, essentially to ease the find the resources stresses on ‘mental health’ that life in the Navy and you need by using during wartime had inflicted on them. Camaraderie Veterans Gateway, from healthcare and housing and community were, and continue to be, crucial advice, to financial information and support with healers during stormy weather. The Assn is now personal relationships. open to those serving, those now demobbed and the families of those with loved ones still serving or https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/ having served the RN. The mental health repercussions of serving in the Navy cannot be Combat Stress. Access mental health support to overlooked and can affect everyone with a personal deal with issues like link to the service. Our Assn exists to make those Post Traumatic challenges more surmountable, through the support Stress Disorder of our tightknit community of individuals who share (PTSD), anxiety and a unique part of their life. Here are a few links for depression. https://combatstress.org.uk/ you to familiarise yourself with, which may help you, an oppo or a family member in times of need… Cobseo, The The Samaritans Did you know you can call Confederation of Samaritan’s anytime for emotional support? Service Charities. Their telephone number is 116 123 Gain access to organisations Shout. A free, confidential, 24/7 texting service for offering services that meet your specific needs support during an emotional crisis: You can text Shout to 85258 and have your voice heard by Government Committees and groups. Relate Relationship support for everyone Telephone Contact 0333 257 4042 SSAFA. Soldiers, Sailors, Air Rethink Advice and information about different Forces Association is a UK charity mental health challenges that provides lifelong support to Telephone 0121 522 7007 serving men and women and

veterans from the British Armed ACTION FRAUD. This is the UK’s national reporting Forces and their families or dependents. centre for fraud. You should report all types of fraud https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ to Action Fraud whether or not you choose to report it to another agency such as Trading Standards or TRBL. The Royal British Legion your bank as well. It’s quickest to report fraud to https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ Action Fraud online using the online reporting tool, 0333 258 5463. The Royal but you can also report by phone on 0300 123 2040 British Legion, sometimes called Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. If you can’t hear or the British Legion, is a British speak on the phone, you can use Relay UK with an charity providing financial, social and emotional app or a textphone support to members and veterans of the British on 18001 then 0300 123 2050. Action Fraud collates Armed Forces, their families and dependants. the reports and will give you a crime reference number, which can be helpful if you need to tell your DS Members Please Note any member not on bank you’ve been a victim of fraud. It passes details the Internet and thus access the ‘Links’ to all the of all fraud reports received to the National Fraud above or as DS Chair of the Welfare Team you Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). You can forward a are always able to contact myself or the suspicious text message from your phone to Action Chairman on any Subject matter. Terry Hall Fraud free of charge by sending it to 7726. 2 UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT PAGES Medicals for Those Approaching 80! I recently

Derbyshire Girls are Best Three chaps were picked a new primary care doctor. After two visits sitting together in a pub (Obviously pre-lockdown) and exhaustive tests, he said I was doing ‘fairly bragging about how they had given their new wives well’ for my age. A little concerned about the duties to perform. Harry, had married a woman comment, I couldn’t resist asking him, ‘Do you from America and bragged that he had told his new think I’ll live to be 80?’ He asked, ‘Do you smoke wife to do the dishes, and all the cleaning in the tobacco, drink beer or wine?’ ‘Oh no,’ I replied. house. He said it took a couple of days but on the ‘I’m not doing drugs, either!’ Then he asked, ‘Do third day he came home to a clean house and all you eat rib-eye steaks and barbecued ribs?’ I the dishes were washed and put away. Edward had said, ‘No, my former doctor said that all red meat married a woman from Oxford, and bragged that he is very unhealthy!’ ‘Do you spend a lot of time in had given his new wife orders to do all the cleaning, the sun, like playing golf, sailing, hiking or the dishes and the cooking. He told them the first cycling?’ ‘No, I don’t,’ I said. He asked, ‘Do you day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was gamble, drive fast cars or have a lot of sex?’ ‘No?’ better and by the third day his house was clean, the I said. ‘I don’t do any of those things.’ He looked dishes done and there was a huge meal on the at me and said, ‘Then, why do you give a damn!’ table. The third man from Derbyshire said that he had married a Yorkshire girl. He boasted that the The Four Cats! Four men were bragging about duties he had ordered her to do were to keep the how smart their cats were. The first man was an house cleaned, the dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed and hot meals on the table every Engineer, the second man was an Accountant, day. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the third man was a Chemist, and the fourth man the second day he didn't see anything, but by the was a Civil Servant. To show off, the Engineer third day most of the swelling had gone down and called his cat, 'T-square, do your stuff.' T-square he could see a little bit out of his left eye. Enough pranced over to the desk, took out some paper to make himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher, and pen and promptly drew a circle, a square, mow the lawn and do all the ironing. and a triangle. Everyone agreed that was pretty smart. But the Accountant said his cat could do The PM’s Visit to Scotland. Boris Johnson had better. He called his cat and said, 'Spreadsheet, been learning Ventriloquism and wanted to test it do your stuff.' Spreadsheet went out to the out his visit to a Grampian Sheep Farm. The kitchen and returned with a dozen Cream Slices conversation went something like this: from Birds. He divided them into 4 equal piles of PM: ‘That your dog?’ Cream Slices. Everyone agreed that was pretty Jock: ‘Yep.’ good! But the Chemist said his cat could do PM: ‘Mind if I speak to him?’ better. He called his cat and said, 'Measure, do Jock: ‘Dog no talk.’ your stuff.' Measure got up, walked to the fridge, PM: ‘Hey dog, how’s it going?’ took out a quart of milk, got a 1-pint glass from Dog: ‘Doing all right.’ the cupboard and poured exactly 1 pint into the Jock: (Look of shock!) glass without spilling a drop. Everyone agreed PM: ‘Is this Jock your owner?’ that was pretty good. Then the three men turned (Pointing at the Jock) to the Civil Servant and said, 'What can your cat Dog: ‘Yep.’ PM: ‘How’s he treating you?’ do?' The Civil Servant called his cat and said, Dog: ‘Real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds 'Jolly Jack’, do your me great food and takes me to the loch twice a stuff.' Jolly Jack week to play.’ jumped to his feet, Jock: (Look of total disbelief) (He was an ex-RN PM: ‘Mind if I talk to your horse?’ Submariner Cat like Jock: ‘Horse no talk.’ his owner was a PM: ‘Hey horse, how’s it going?’ Submariner Chef). Horse: ‘Cool.’ He ate the Cream Jock: (Extreme look of shock!) Slices, drank the milk, PM: ‘Is this your owner?’ (Pointing to the Jock) sh1t on the paper in Horse: ‘Yep.’ the circles, squares PM: ‘How’s he treating you?’ and squares, screwed the other three cats, Horse: ‘Pretty good, thanks for asking, he rides me, claimed he injured his back while doing so, filed brushes me down often and keeps me in a lean-to a grievance report for unsafe cat working to protect me from the mean weather.’ conditions, put in for Workers' Compensation, Jock: (Look of total amazement) and went home for the rest of the week on sick PM: ‘Mind if I talk to your sheep?’ leave. And that my Friend is why everyone wants Jock: ‘Yes the Sheep Tells Lies!’ to work for the Government. 3 The DEA Sniffer Dog A man had just settled into Don’t Trust a Lawyer. A madam opened the brothel his seat next to the window on the plane when door in and saw a rather dignified, well- another man sits down in the aisle seat and puts his dressed, good-looking man in his late forties or early black Labrador in the middle seat next to the man. fifties who said his name was Keir Starmer. 'May I The first man looks very quizzically at the dog and help you sir? She asked. 'I want to see Valerie,' the asks why the dog is allowed on the plane? The man replied. 'Sir, Valerie is one of our most second man explains that he is a Drug Enforcement expensive ladies. Perhaps you would prefer Agency (DEA) Officer and the dog is a 'Sniffer dog'. someone else', said the madam. 'No, I must see 'His name is Smithy and he's the best there is. I'll Valerie,' he replied. Just then, Valerie appeared and show you once we get airborne, when I put him to announced to the man she charged £5000 a visit. work.' The plane takes off, and once it has levelled Without hesitation, the man pulled out five thousand out, the agent says: Watch this.' He tells Smithy to pounds and gave it to Valerie, and they went 'search'. Smithy jumps down, walks along the aisle, upstairs. After an hour, the man calmly left. The next and finally sits very purposefully next to a woman for night, the man appeared again, once more several seconds. Smithy then returns to his seat and demanding to see Valerie. Valerie explained that no puts one paw on the agent's arm. The agent says, one had ever come back two nights in a row as she 'Good boy', and he turns to the man and says: 'That was too expensive. But there were no discounts. woman is in possession of marijuana, so I'm making The price was still £5000. Again, the man pulled out a note of her seat number and the authorities will the money, gave it to Valerie, and they went upstairs. apprehend her when we land'. 'Say, that's pretty After an hour, he left. The following night the man neat,' replies the first man. Once again, the agent was there yet again. Everyone was astounded that sends Smithy to search the aisles. The Lab sniffs he had come for a third consecutive night, but he about, sits down beside a man for a few seconds, paid Valerie and they went upstairs. After their returns to his seat and this time, he places TWO session, Valerie said to the man, 'No one has ever paws on the agent's arm. The agent says, 'That man been with me three nights in a row. Where are you is carrying cocaine, so again, I'm making note of his from?' The man replied Chelsea. Really, she said. seat number for the police.' 'I like it!' says his seat 'I have family in Chelsea. 'I know.' Said Starmer. mate. The agent then tells Smithy to 'search' again. 'Your sister died, and I am her solicitor. She asked Smithy walks up and down the aisles for a little while, me to give you your £15,000 inheritance.' The moral sits down for a moment and then comes racing back of the story is that three things in life are certain. to the agent, jumps into the middle seat and 1. Death proceeds to poop all over the place. The first man is 2. Taxes and really amazed out by this behaviour and can't figure 3. Being screwed by a lawyer. out how or why a well-trained dog would behave like this, so he asks the Agent, ‘What's going on?’ The Covid has Changed People. The last year it has agent nervously replies, ‘He just found a Bomb!’ been noted that many people have taken up walking for exercise. I am convinced that in the The Vicars Parrots. A Lady approaches her priest case of a lot of older Mariners the sole reason for and tells him, ‘Father, I have a problem. I have two this taking up walking is so that they could hear female talking parrots, but they only know how to heavy breathing again! The conclusion is that say one thing.’ ‘What do they say?’ the priest these same people have got a lot of exercise the inquired. ‘They only know how to say, 'Hi, we're last year, just to get Over the Hill! prostitutes. Want to have some fun?’' ‘That's terrible!’ the priest exclaimed, ‘but I have a solution A MAN DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN. to your problem. Bring your two female As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly parrots over to my house and I will put Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. them with my two male talking parrots. He asked, 'What are all those clocks?' St. Peter I have taught them to pray and read the answered, 'Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on bible. My parrots will teach your Earth has a Lie-Clock. Every time parrots to stop saying that terrible you lie the hands on your clock phrase and your female parrots will move.' Oh,' said the man, 'who's also learn to praise and worship.’ clock is that?' 'That's Mother ‘Thank you!’ the woman responded. The next day Teresa's. The hands have never the woman brings her female parrots to the priest's moved, indicating that she never told a lie.' house. His two male parrots are holding rosary 'Incredible,' said the man. 'And whose clock is beads and praying in their cage. The lady puts her two female parrots in with the male parrots. that one?' St. Peter responded, 'That's Immediately, the female parrots say, ‘Hi, we're Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have prostitutes, want to have some fun?’ One male moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two parrot looks over at the other male parrot and lies in his entire life.' 'Where's Boris Johnson’s exclaims, ‘Put the beads away, Jack. Our prayers clock?' asked the man. 'Johnson's clock is in have been answered!’ God's office. He's using it as a ceiling fan.' 4 JEFF BACON © CARTOONS What Makes Your Voice so Gruff, Jack Tar?

Not just a RN Why is it so, Old Jackie! extraordinary My Tot, my Pipe and Wingers Lad, ‘twas Rum and Bum and Baccy. situation to be in when working What made you sail the seas, Jack Tar with a superior, What made you cross the Main? especially when To walk on India’s coral sands they will not ask to see Africa and Spain. for advice. And did you go to war, Jack Tar, Sadly, not and did you fight the foe? everyone is not We sought them out, and sunk them lad, of the mind to Wherever they would go. drop someone What sort of ship was yours, Jack Tar in the Poo, when a-serving King and Queen? Sometimes Literally! The fatal mistake indicated We called them ‘Boats’ not ships, my lad above is the supervisor in the past has bawled I served in Submarines. someone out for not doing as he said must be How many boats were lost, Jack Tar done, and his minion lets him see the results! how many boats were lost?

THE TWO TIFFS Seventy and more, my lad th quite awful was the cost. Birth Control. After having their 11 child, the Chief Tiff was told by his wife that enough, was And do you think of them, Jack Tar enough, as the social wouldn't buy them a bigger even though the years have fled? bed and they weren't strong enough to nick one They’re ever in my thoughts, my lad from Naval Store, the Tiff went to his doctor and So, I wear this Poppy Red. told him that he and his wife didn't want to have Blood Red for Remembrance, lad any more children. The doctor told him there was and not of craven white, a procedure called a to honour all my Oppo’s, lad vasectomy that would fix the who fought the gallant fight. problem but it was This Poppy does not Honour War, expensive and not covered for War, my Lad, is Hell, by Pusser. A less costly It’s a symbol of Remembrance, Lad alternative was to go home, for all the men who fell. get a firework, light it, put it So, wear your Poppy proud, my lad in a beer can, then hold the this flower of Flanders Red, can up to his ear and count to 10. The Chief Tiff and say a prayer of thanks, My lad said to the doctor, 'I am the smartest guy in any to Salute our Glorious Dead! ship I serve on, but I don't see how putting a Mick Jones firework in a beer can next to my ear is going to help me.' 'Trust me, it will do the job', said the Editor: I was privileged to have known the well- doctor. So, the man went home, lit a banger and known Merseyside Leprechaun Mick Jones. After put it in a beer can. He held the can up to his ear sinking a major unit of the Italian navy in the Straits of and began to count: '1, 2, 3, 4, 5,' at which point Messina in WWII, HMS/M Unbroken came under a he paused, placed the beer can between his legs heavy and sustained attack from enemy escorts. After so he could continue counting on his other hand. what seemed hours under attacks even the cool Lt. Cdr Mars thought this was definitely the It is Well Known that the old RN Artificers were end of the line for them all. Now short of air and generally known standing in silence in the sweltering control room Mars for taking text was handed a scribbled message on the back of a books and Woodbine packet which had been passed around the instructions very group to much smothered laughter. It read: AB J. literally. This Jones D/JX 254129 Requests Immediate Transfer evidenced by the to General Service. This broke the tension and picture sent to eventually Unbroken was able to limp away from me of one of our danger to lick her wounds and fight another day. For 50 odd years after WWII Mick was a member of the two Tiffs carrying Merseyside SA and during its golden days of the out the last Ballet de Scouse Sods Opera as a star performer command in a playing reunions and naval establishments raising Fire at his place of Work! thousands of pounds for charity. June 2008 RIP 5 PROPOSAL FOR DS AGM 2022 Or, not at least until it has been discussed with all As Secretary & Treasurer I have a Proposal for SA members and submariners? If any site it should the 2022 DS AGM. From 01 April 2022 Annual DS be removed as it is to the RN Submarine Museum Subscriptions will become due Annually. No DS Memorial Garden where it can still be on view to the Subscriptions will be collected as normally due on public and all Submariners. One of the main 31 December 2021 and payment on 1 April 2022 reasons put to the SA Conference at the time was will cover until the following year 31 March 2023. In the NMA is central to the whole UK. It is being other words, Subscription Free for 3 months Jan- replaced by a grand and worthy memorial but this Mar 2022 for all PAID UP DS Members! If this is was the best of the best available at the time and agreed by the Membership it will be ratified at the all submariners dug deep into their pockets to AGM in March 2022 and included in the DS ensure it was dedicated and looked after by the Constitution and Rules. submariner community. To me, a Sad Decision.

Those DS Members who have SA Membership will still be due in Nov/Dec 2021 and Nov/Dec 2022 as Specialist Naval Publisher and Bookseller normal. To remain within the rules SA Membership Navy Books have announced that their New Web is due 31 Dec Annually, but to meet the criteria of site is now Live! Still the NavyBooks you know and payment by 31 Dec it is necessary to collect a bit love, but with an improved look and feel and better before Christmas and preferably before, in functionality. They hope you enjoy! Check it out at November. I am happy for SA Members to pay www.navybooks.com Free UK mainland delivery early for the following year with their DS Subs as on orders over £100. The the balance sheets can easily be managed and this May/June issue of Warship payment is In from Members and out to SA. It will World is out, and now lessen the Secretary/Treasurer workload around available to purchase via an the busy end of the year. It is obviously not a annual subscription or as a problem to DS Only Members, and SA Members single edition, full details on can alleviate another Christmas Bill by paying early their website. For those for the following year, or do a DD to SA and have subscribers who are awaiting the £2.50 per head Administration charge added to Pictorial Review please be reassured that they will your DS Membership Fee due on 1 April to cover be finalised very shortly. We apologise for this delay SA postage and secretarial work as per the DS but unfortunately furloughing staff and enduring Constitution. lockdowns has caused regrettable casualties in our

STATUS QUO. All paying DS Members have a production schedule. We thank you for your vote on this so please let me know by email, patience. phone or letter a Yes or No. Obviously, if you feel to maintain how we do it at present, that's fine by We look forward to Welcoming You Back me. just return a No Vote and the decision will stand and if rejected the proposal any.

The Arboretum SA Memorial. The old Memorial will be removed when the new one is built. The NMC are in discussion with the Arboretum to determine what will happen to the Dear Members, Guests and Friends, We are two plaques that are on the pleased to announce that we will be reopening the memorial. If the decision is to Royal Maritime Club on Monday 17th May 2021. demolish the old Memorial, they Our reservations team are available now, 9am - will salvage the two Plaques and 5pm, to take your booking, so please call 023 9282 we will find a new home for them. 4231 or email [email protected]. We The Chairman will write a letter to closed our doors in line with the Government the Chairman of the Memorial Committee following directive back in November 2020 along with the rest discussions with the President. of the hospitality industry to keep our staff and guests safe, and we are now very excited to reopen SA Derbyshire instructed Terry Hall who put the in time for the Summer season. We are very much Proposal to the NMC AGM and Derbyshire were the looking forward to welcoming you back and hope to main architects to achieve the original memorial at create the same warm welcome that we always the fledgling NMA and this was the maximum (Two hope to deliver, whilst adhering to our stringent new Sided Plinth) allowed at the time. The original health and safety measures. Thank you so much Memorial commemorated Submarines Lost and the for all the countless messages of support and the SA VC's individually. Why should it be removed patience that you have shown to us during this from where it was properly installed and Dedicated challenging time. We look forward to seeing you and removing the plaques elsewhere is not an soon. Kind regards, John P Alderson excuse to remove it from this prime National site. General Manager, Royal Maritime Club & Hotel 6 's Sunken Submarine may have Been Hit bottom to the north, and there's a trench between by a Powerful Force known as An Internal Wave two mountains, ’said Rr Iwan Isnurwanto, Anne Barker ABC News 30 Apr 2021 Cdr of the Command and Staff As an Indonesian navy submarine crewed by 53 School. ‘The wave was about two nautical miles men glided below the surface of the Sea [in speed] and the volume of water was about two during a routine training exercise, it may have to four million cubic litres.’ Admiral Iwan explained been hit by an invisible but powerful force that an internal wave could render the crew helpless in dragged them to the the face of nature. ‘It would be nature's will,’ he deep. Indonesian said. ‘Once the water carried the sub and pushed navy officials suspect it down, what else could we have done? No safety an internal solitary measures could have tackled that problem. wave, known to occur There's a big possibility that this was what in the seas around happened.’ Other theories include a missile, a Bali, may have blackout, and a weighed-down submarine. Other caused the sinking of theories about what happened to the submarine KRI Nanggala 402, and the loss of its 53 crew. have also emerged. Some have suggested that The vessel sank to a depth of 838m, far beyond the sub was hit by a missile from a foreign vessel, the reach of rescuers. As the personal effects of or even experienced a power blackout. But naval crew members floated up and the oxygen supply officials say the submarine was still detected as it on board slowly dwindled, officials said there was began its dive for the drill, and ‘the lights no chance anyone survived. The question were on’, meaning there was only a small chance remained: What went wrong? that an electrical blackout was to blame. They also

Many theories have been put forward but deny that the sub was overloaded, a theory authorities now say there is evidence an suggested because there were 53 crew on board underwater wave, that can exert an intense but only 34 beds, instead arguing that the crew vertical pull below the sea surface occurred in the were divided into three shifts and took turns to around the very time the submarine sleep. The sub was originally for 33 personnel, disappeared last Wednesday morning. The sub then it was modernised to comply with our need to was passing through dangerous waters, the have 50 personnel onboard, Admiral Iwan said. Lombok Strait between the islands of Bali and Lombok is said to be famous for generating Officials say the sub was also designed to carry intense internal waves on an almost fortnightly up to eight torpedoes, weighing about one tonne basis. NASA, the US space administration, said each, but only had four at the time of the disaster. the combination of strong tidal currents, a rough Many other experts point to metal fatigue from ocean floor and the exchange of water between cracks or corrosion, and the sub's age, as more two channels, one shallow and one deep, ‘tend to likely causes. The KRI Nanggala 402 was built in combine about every 14 days to create an 1978 and was last overhauled in 2012, almost a exceptionally strong tidal flow’. Indonesian navy decade officials believe this natural phenomenon is a ago. It was more likely explanation for the submarine disaster due for than other theories put forward in recent days. another refit last year but So, what is an internal solitary wave? Internal this was waves are virtually imperceptible on the ocean's delayed surface. But underwater, they can reach because of the pandemic. Retired Australian Rr towering heights. Rr Admiral Muhammad Ali, a Adm James Goldrick said ‘material failure’ is the former Cdr of KRI Nanggala 402, and now an most likely explanation for the sub's loss. Causes assistant of planning and budgeting in the could include a material or mechanical failure Indonesian navy, said an internal wave was leading to catastrophic flooding of one or more effectively ‘A strong current which can drag the compartments, he wrote in The Conversation this sub vertically so it would sink faster than it should. week. ‘It does not take much loss of buoyancy Our suspicion falls on natural conditions. for a submarine to lose control of its depth. There Because an internal solitary wave occurred at could have been a fire, something particularly that time in the north of Bali,’ he told Indonesian feared by submariners in their enclosed media this week. Indeed, navy officials say environment. Or there could have been human images from Japan's Himawari 8 satellite, as well error. But short of retrieving the submarine or its as European satellite Sentinel showed there were parts from the seabed, investigators may never large underwater waves that coincided with the be able to determine the exact cause of the KRI Nanggala 402 sinking. ‘It moved up from the tragedy. 7 Will Indonesia be able to retrieve the ship from 'Piratical' Reporter's Death on Second World the bottom of the sea? The KRI Nanggala 402 War Submarine Urge Confirmed lost contact with navy authorities around 4am on John Ezard The Guardian 15 Nov 2003 the morning of April 21, soon after it was given ‘My own darling,’ the war correspondent Bernard permission to dive for a torpedo firing exercise. Gray wrote to his wife an hour before he sailed, ‘I'm Search ships and a helicopter reported an oil slick going away now on a trip which is dangerous. It's the in the area, and the smell of diesel fuel, a few last thing of its kind I shall ever do. I'm doing this for hours later. Ships from around the world joined the children.’ His promise turned out to be true; it a massive search over several days, until tell-tale was his last trip. Gray, who was billed by the objects from the missing sub were found floating newspapers he wrote for as ‘the man who goes in the Bali Sea on Saturday, including prayer everywhere’, ended up at the bottom of the sea. mats, part of the torpedo firing mechanism and oil Yesterday, more than 61 years later, his fate was for the sub's periscope. An underwater scan then uncovered at the request of his grandson. He was revealed as the only unofficial passenger to sail on confirmed the sub had sunk to a depth of 838m a British submarine in WWII, and the only journalist and split into at least three parts, the hull, the to die in one. He was killed with 43 other men when main section and the stern. A remotely operated enemy aircraft bombed the submarine HMS Urge on camera documented the sub's final resting place her way from Malta to Egypt in May 1942. Today on the sea floor. Indonesian military authorities Gray would be called a ‘self-embedded’ journalist. are now grappling with how, or if, they can raise Working for the Sunday Pictorial, a now defunct the sub from such a depth, given the logistics of Mirror Group newspaper, he lived up to his such a task and the huge expense. reputation as a ‘richly piratical’ reporter by using

Rear Admiral Goldrick said there is precedent for well-placed friends to wangle his way on board HMS raising at least parts of a submarine from an even Urge. He was eager to cover the Egyptian desert campaign, the war's biggest story at that time. greater depth than the KRI Nanggala 402. The United States' 1974 mission codenamed Project But he and HMS Urge had run out of luck. His fate Azorian involved the covert recovery [from much was disclosed in an inquiry by the Royal Navy deeper water] of large components of a sunken Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire. Naval Soviet missile-carrying submarine, he said, embarrassment over Gray's exploit meant the referencing the sinking of the K-129. Nevertheless, museum had no trace of his name. ‘Even today, bringing some 1,300 tonnes of metal back to the people got quite edgy when I asked about him,’ said surface from a depth of more than 800m remains a the museum's archivist, George Malcolmson. After formidable proposition. The options to find the Gray disappeared, the navy told Sunday Pictorial remains of the crew members Indonesian military executives only that he had left Malta on an and marine experts say the Nanggala's depth and unnamed submarine. A year later, solicitors for his its rupture into several parts, means there are only family pleaded with the Admiralty for information to a couple of feasible options for raising the sub to the help them wind up his estate. Eventually the surface. They solicitors received an unsigned letter purporting to could attach be from the Admiralty. It said: ‘Unofficial inquiries tubes or balloons show that he almost certainly took passage in HMS with air or a Urge for Alexandria and was subsequently lost. No buoyant liquid to evidence of his survival has been found.’ After the hull, or lift the recent checks, the museum has decided that this sub with steel letter proves the circumstances of Gray's death. It cables from a has added his name to its records. Gray covered crane or barge, the British retreat from Dunkirk, which was as was done with the Kursk, on which all 118 crew commanded by Lord Gort. Gort was also Governor members died. But both options are expensive, of Malta while Gray was there. Mr Malcolmson said logistically daunting and would require intensive it was possibly this contact that secured his fatal use of remotely operated vehicles. Raising the front place on HMS Urge. of the sub also could also pose a risk to rescue teams by having to handle explosives from the This article dated 2003, is 12 years before I put the torpedoes that may also be damaged. For now, the image of Urge on the table! I wouldn't like to navy is focused on recovering smaller items, using be in the shoes of those who have fooled the NHB, a remotely operated vehicle that can lift objects up the Families, the Public, nor in the shoes of those to 150kg. Families of the 53 crew are demanding who did nothing to help establish the truth. Those at the very least the navy bring the remains of their entombed at Marsa el Hilal are waiting for Justice, loved ones to the surface for proper burial, even if they are not at Malta, and this can only come the submarine can't be recovered. The sad reality, through the Loyalty of their brethren in the as some Indonesian media suggest, is the 53 crew Submarine Service. (whether active Submariners will remain forever at sea on ‘Eternal Patrol’. or ex Submariners) and from no one else! J.P. Misson 15 May 2021 8 Ruling the Waves: What role will the Royal Channel. By comparison, the French Navy only Navy Play in Britain’s Future? possesses twenty-two ships and while the Italian Jack Cross Strife Staff 4 May 2021 Navy has more vessels than the British, it has far If one were to take a cursory look at a historical fewer aircraft. While the current trajectory of naval narrative on British power over the past several expansion is positive purely in terms of military hundred years, there is always one recurring capacity, it is unclear how the British government is theme: the role of the Royal Navy. From the defeat going to use this as part of a wider strategy to further of the Spanish Armada to victory in the Falklands Britain’s foreign policy objectives. Already British War, naval power has played a key role in defining naval forces take part in a wide range of NATO and British power. But now that Britain seeks to carve other allied exercises, from the Mediterranean to the out a new role for itself in the post-Brexit landscape, Pacific. This also covers a wide range of objectives, what role should the RN play in this? from anti-piracy operations to the enforcement of Back in Nov 2020, Boris Johnson arms embargos. Withdrawal from the EU prevents declared that the most clear-cut British participation in operations Atalanta (protecting route to strengthen British power commercial shipping in the ) and was in ‘building more ships for the Sophia (enforcing the UN arms embargo against RN’. The effective deployment of Libya), thus reducing the country’s global presence. naval resources can help promote a nation’s global The challenge here is for the new naval expansion to presence and Britain already has significant naval be put to use, rather than purely exist as a signal of commitments around the world. But while a British re-engagement. Existing government reenergised RN may certainly score some nostalgia publications on Global Britain include aims for points with calls to Britannia and the waves she greater naval deployments, however it is unclear as ruled, it is unclear if there a want or a need for to exactly where these will be. The British another major naval power on the world stage. Nor government’s announcement to seek membership of is it clear whether British policymakers have a clear the Trans-Pacific Partnership could potentially see a vision for exactly how expanding the RN can further significant reorientation of British strategic interests, the country’s foreign policy aims. It is important to with naval applications as well. This year the Carrier first look at the current state of the Royal Navy. Strike Group, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth will take part in exercises in the Pacific Region, as part of the Throughout the period since the end of the WW2, Five Powers Defence Arrangements. These British naval capacity has been in steady decline exercises will involve visits to key players in Asia, with fewer vessels in use today than in any time in such as India, Japan and , highlighting the past fifty years. Since the end of the Falklands the diplomatic nature of this venture, in War, Britain’s last conflict with a significant naval demonstrating British security capabilities to foreign theatre, the number of submarines, and governments. Only time will tell if this military frigates possessed by the RN has more than participation will translate into political influence. halved. However, in more recent times, the RN has seen some significant additions to its surface fleet, So, will any of this naval activity to have a serious including two new aircraft carriers HMS Queen impact on Britain’s diplomatic fortunes? Naval power Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Ships such as on its own can no longer turn a nation into a great these are particularly useful in helping to enhance power, especially in the post-colonial era. In seeking Britain’s global presence as it allows for a combined to ensure power in the future it is natural to look to deployment of sea and airpower. It is yet to be seen past success for inspiration however it is rarely so if the necessary aircraft and support vessels will simple as to write the past into the present. Just as also be built to protect these new carriers. Britain is with much of the rhetoric around Global Britain, also able to maintain a naval presence around the there is a risk that the government is trying to world, through its various naval bases such as recreate a world which no longer exists. Historically, those in Cyprus, Bahrain and its Overseas British naval power was focused on the protection of Territories. The new defence funding announced trade and empire. But now the seas are largely free last year includes significant benefits for the RN, of pirates, colonialism is at an end and so, what role with new ship building projects and upgrades to is there for the Royal Navy? While it nonetheless existing vessels. But none of this is going to have provides an excellent tool to help Britain retain its an immediate practical impact on British diplomacy, global role, one shouldn’t get carried away and think given that large naval ships can take several years that it can become a panacea to cure all of the to build. Nevertheless, from this position, the future country’s diplomatic ills. With poor relations with the of the RN looks promising; it has established itself EU and a US administration which is not positively as one of the most powerful navies in Europe, with predisposed towards the UK, the British government a total of seventy-seven operational vessels as of must take every opportunity to improve its Aug 2020. This is in spite of the decision taken to international standing. A more vigorous naval policy suspend the Naval Reserve until April 2021, which could allow Britain to take on greater security had domestic rather than broader strategic commitments around the world, establishing a implications, with an impact on border patrols in the position as an indispensable ally. 9 ONE OF OUR SUBMARINES IS MISSING inspected and eventually Lt Woods, the torpedo Jan Meecham Blog 15 Jan 2020 officer, noticed that in order to dive, numbers five and six torpedo tubes should be full of water if no HMS Thetis (N25) was a Group 1 T-class torpedoes were carried. Chapman sent Woods submarine of the RN which sank during sea trials forward to check whether they were full or not, a job in Liverpool Bay, N. Wales on 1 Jun 1939. A total that should have been done by the builders that of 99 men lost their lives as a result morning in preparation for the trial. The torpedo When, on the first of June 1939, the new British tubes on a submarine have two doors, one at each submarine HMS Thetis dived for the first time in the end. The outer one, usually referred to as the bow- open sea, everything was done in slow time and cap, is normally closed except just prior to firing a each step was carefully checked and rechecked. torpedo. The bow-cap is operated by hydraulics The Capt, Lt Cdr Guy Bolus, evaluated each and its controls in the torpedo room are only operation before allowing the next stage of the diving operated under the orders of the torpedo officer. procedure to continue. There were 103 men on The rear door is in the torpedo room and is only board that day, twice the normal crew. The extra opened when the bow-cap is securely closed, in people were Admiralty overseers, representatives order to load a torpedo or withdraw one for from the builders and sub- servicing. The operation of the rear door is manual contractors who had worked on and achieved by pulling on a lever on the door itself. the submarine, and the Mersey Naturally, there are a number of tests necessary to River pilot who had guided them ensure the torpedo tube is empty of water and that down the river and into Liverpool the bow-cap is securely closed before opening the Bay. There were also two men rear door. Lt Woods glanced at the bow-cap from City Caterers of Liverpool operating levers but these gave no indication of who were there to serve the cold whether any of the bow-caps were open or closed. lunch that the builders On previous submarines the operating lever had traditionally provided on such only had two positions, open and shut, but on the occasions. Because she was a new vessel that had Thetis, the levers had been redesigned. They now not yet been accepted into the RN, there was a had three positions, open, shut and neutral, with the casual, somewhat ill-defined division of lever always returning to the neutral position after responsibility. Technically, the submarine was still an operation. This new design was not liked in the owned by the shipbuilders, Cammell Lairds of submarine service. There were many who , and not by the navy. Although the RN considered that the neutral position made the personnel were actually operating the vessel, the system more confusing and therefore more men from the dockyard were involved with how the dangerous. Tragically, they were proven right. machinery and systems were performing. Perhaps The first test that Woods tried was to operate a test- due to this lack of cohesive operation, someone, it cock on the rear door of each torpedo tube, which was never established who, had opened the outer allowed two holes to align with the inside of the door to number five torpedo tube, and then omitted torpedo tube. If there was water in the tube, it would to close it. At that stage of the trial, this open outer run out of the test-cock. If the bow-cap was open, door posed no immediate problem to the submarine. water would spurt out of the holes under pressure. Thetis spent the morning on the surface carrying out When Woods tried this test, no water came out of various trials and tests. After lunch, the any of the tubes. What no one knew until later was gave those personnel who would not be involved in that when the sub-contractor had sprayed enamel the diving trials an opportunity to leave the on the inside of the torpedo tube doors, he had submarine and transfer to the accompanying tug. sprayed over the test-cock holes and blocked them. No one, as it happened, not even the river pilot or There was a reamer in the torpedo room, provided the two caterers, chose to disembark. Instead, they to clear the test-cock holes of any accumulated decided to experience a dive in a submarine, a debris, but as the Thetis was brand new, the Lt did decision that would ultimately cost them their lives. not feel he needed to use it. He did, however, walk By half-past one in the afternoon, while Thetis was forward between the torpedo tubes to inspect the going ahead at half speed on her electric motors, bow-cap indicators, to ensure they showed that the the ballast tanks were flooded in pairs so that the caps were shut. Shut they appeared to be, but the submarine sank slowly and on an even keel. For indicators were marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 5, instead of in some reason, when she had only her conning tower the correct numerical order, so that the second dial above water, she would not dive any further. She from the bottom actually indicated number six-tube, continued like that for about an hour, unable to not number five. It was also very difficult to see the submerge fully. Captain Bolus and 1st Lt Chapman last dial, number five because there was a conferred with the builders’ representatives and horizontal bar directly in front of it. To complicate Captain Oram, the Cdr of the submarine flotilla in matters further, the arrows on all the indicator dials which the Thetis was intended to serve for a period other than number five showed ‘shut’ on the left side after her trials. The plans of the submarine were of the dial. The dial for number five torpedo tube 10 showed ‘open’ on the left side. All of the indicators, Her only attendant vessel was a civilian tug, therefore, were pointing in the same direction, that Grebecock, which was rather old, with a radio that was simply a design fault waiting to become a could reach only 120km on a good day, but the 1st disaster. There was one other test that Woods could June 1939 was not a good day for anyone involved have done, and that was to open a drain-cock in the operation. The two accompanying naval between the torpedo tube and the bilges. If he had officers on board the Grebecock had experienced done this, the noise of water under pressure going some anxiety about the dive because the Thetis had into the bilge from number five-tube would have gone under quite suddenly with a flurry of bubbles alerted him to the fact that the bow-cap of number at the bow. This was abnormal, but they decided five-tube was open. According to his tests, however, not to worry as no smoke candles had been fired to Woods was happy in his own mind that the bow-caps indicate an accident or distress. Actually, one had were closed and all the torpedo tubes were empty of been fired but the wind had blown the smoke flat on water. There were a number of other experienced the sea surface and the Grebecock hadn’t seen it. torpedo men in the compartment, and all were of a Meanwhile, down below, the very steep angle of the like mind. Woods then took the opportunity to carry bow was gradually easing off. By 3.40pm, just an out one of the many jobs he had to do that day, which hour since the torpedo tube had been opened, the was to inspect the inside of the tubes and the submarine settled on the bottom of Liverpool Bay. especially the bow-cap seals, which had previously Captain Oram, Bolus, Chapman and Woods, along given some trouble. He ordered all of the rear doors with Mr Baily, the Admiralty constructor, discussed to be opened, one-by-one. When Leading Seaman what best could be done. The only way to save Hambrook tried to open the rear door of number five- themselves without assistance from the surface tube he reported the operating lever to be stiff and was to pump the water out. Before this could be the door most reluctant to open. When finally, it accomplished either the rear door or the bow-cap of gave, a solid wall of water burst in. Everyone was the open torpedo tube would have to be closed by stunned by the sudden and unexpected event, and someone brave enough to enter the flooded Hambrook was momentarily trapped by the weight torpedo room. and pressure of the gushing water. Woods was Immediately both Woods and Chapman convinced that the tube itself had fractured and that volunteered for this task. Capt Bolus decided that trying to shut the rear door against the inrush of water Chapman should make the attempt. The plan was was hopeless. Had he attempted to reach the bow- to enter the forward escape chamber from the rear cap operating lever, and got the bow-cap shut, a door in the un-flooded accommodation space. tragedy might have been averted. But with the When the door was closed, the chamber would be sudden flooding, the submarine had begun to dive flooded with seawater while Chapman breathed and it was now, bow down and speeding up. In the pure oxygen from his Davis submerged escape control room, alerted to the emergency, the captain apparatus (DSEA). Once the pressure reached the gave orders for the submarine to surface. But the same level as that in the flooded area, the front door bow was already too heavy with water and she of the chamber could be opened and Chapman continued towards the bottom. could climb into the forepart of the submarine, make In the torpedo room, Woods ordered everyone to his way to the tube space and shut the rear door, or retreat to the torpedo stowage compartment. With even operate the lever closing the bow-cap. After some difficulty they all scrambled aft, stopping to this, he would return via the escape chamber, and shut the double heavy watertight doors on the way. the water could be pumped out and discharged Just then seawater got into the electrics and the through the bilge pump. High hopes were held for lights fused and although one door was closed and this approach, and if the man who had volunteered clipped, in the darkness, one of the clips for had been a trained diver there would have been no securing the second door fell down, which reason why it could not have been quickly prevented the door from being properly closed and successful. But there were no trained divers fastened. Unable to see what they were doing the onboard, and in those days, no one had ever used men could only a DSEA set in water deeper than five metres.

abandon that door There were two factors against the attempt being and move aft through successful. The first was the nature of the breathing the watertight door in sets. The DSEA set was an oxygen re-breathing number two bulkhead set designed for shallow depths. When oxygen is while they still had the breathed at a depth of 10m, which is twice the opportunity. When surface pressure, it becomes poisonous. It affects this was done, and the door closed, Woods went aft different people in different ways. Some people are to the control room to report to the captain. The able to breathe oxygen at depth for some time submarine, meanwhile, hung with her bow in the without any ill effects, while others become mud and her stern sticking up at an angle in about nauseous and even unconscious quite quickly. The 50 metres of water. She had dived at 1.40pm and second factor was pressure. When entering the was not expected to surface for three hours. forepart of the submarine, the pressure would 11 change from ordinary atmospheric pressure in the that anyone above water was aware of their un-flooded section to 6kg on every square predicament. It was decided to spend the night centimetre of the man’s body. The human body is lightening the stern of the submarine by discharging mostly liquid and is able to withstand this change, drinking water and fuel oil in order to get the aft but in the lungs and hollow bones or sinuses of the escape hatch closer to the surface. This would give head, the air pressure has to be equalised. This is the men a better chance of making successful usually achieved by blowing against a pinched nose escapes where the effects of oxygen poisoning and or a nose clip, but the technique has to be learned pressure were minimised. At first light, two men and is not easy for everyone. If this clearing of the would go up to the surface with a message ears is not achieved, the pressure outside the head describing the conditions inside the submarine and pushes in on the eardrums, causing acute pain. details of the help they would need. When they finally rupture, the diver experiences pain, dizziness and disorientation. Lt Chapman became dizzy from the effects of oxygen poisoning before the escape compartment was even full of water. His attempt had to be abandoned. Woods was convinced he could succeed where Chapman had failed and asked the captain if he could make a second attempt. Captain Oram and Bolus conferred. They agreed to another attempt, but because they were rather alarmed by Chapman’s oxygen poisoning decided that two men must go. The second man would remain in the escape compartment in case Woods became unconscious from oxygen poisoning once inside the torpedo room. There would then be someone to shut the Meanwhile, above water, the observers aboard the forward door of the escape chamber. If it were left Greebcock were getting worried. They sent a open, the after door could not be opened against message to the Cdt in charge of submarines in the pressure, and the use of that chamber for later Portsmouth. Being junior officers, they were escapes would be lost to them. Mitchell, the reluctant to call a full emergency, but they did wish Torpedo Gunner’s Mate, volunteered to go with to alert the command of their anxiety. ‘Please Woods. With DSEA sets strapped on, they climbed inform us what time Thetis should have surfaced,’ into the chamber once more and waited as the they asked. Their inadequate radio could not even water rose. Woods blew against his nose clip and reach the 50km to the Liverpool radio station but swallowed hard to equalise the pressure, but was eventually retransmitted by another ship. This Mitchell could not get his ears to clear. The pain message was then sent by landline to Portsmouth quickly became so acute that he had to bang on the GPO where it was transcribed as a telegram. But hatch with a spanner to signal the people outside to the telegram boy’s bicycle had a puncture, and as drain the water down. the wording of the telegram didn’t appear urgent to Woods asked the captain for one more chance, and the postmaster, he allowed the boy to spend half an reluctantly Bolus allowed the second coxswain, PO hour repairing it before pedalling off to the Smithers, to accompany Woods. But this time, as submarine command offices. Even then the Cdr the water reached up around their chins, Smithers didn’t immediately take an aeroplane to Liverpool signalled that he could not go on. He had the same but instead boarded an old, World War I oxygen-poisoning symptoms as Chapman, with and sailed down the English Channel, around dizziness and pain around the heart. When the two Land’s End and up the Bristol Channel to Liverpool men were released from the chamber it was Bay. By the time he arrived, he was too late to take obvious that even Woods, shivering from his any effective action. He did, however, order a second attempt, could not be expected to try again. destroyer that was close to the submarine, HMS That plan was postponed, and in the event was Brazen, to divert and rendezvous with HMS Thetis. never tried again. It seems now a great pity that In the meantime, down in the submarine, the further attempts were not made. Had there been fitters were kept busy adapting pipe- trained divers on board, it is probable they could work in order to achieve the necessary pumping. have quickly overcome any difficulties that Woods Leading Stoker Arnold was keen to assist with this and his companions suffered in their daring and found himself talking to a fitter called Frank attempts. The captain decided to prepare the Shaw. Shaw remembered Arnold from a previous submarine for assistance from above. If they could submarine, the Sealion, and knew he was the sort of get a surface vessel to connect high-pressure air to man that could be relied on in an emergency. replenish the submarine’s dwindling supply, they Getting about inside the submarine was difficult could blow the water out and regain sufficient because the jettisoning of liquids had achieved a buoyancy to surface. But by 8pm there was no sign steep, stern-up angle. 12 Warrant Engineer Roy Glen calculated that part of 5m-deep tank, he had lost consciousness and his the stern was now above water. Unfortunately, this life was only just saved by an instructor who drained class of submarine had only six torpedo tubes, all the tank quickly. The four men climbed into the forward. If there had been after-tubes, as there were chamber, a tight squeeze, and turned on their sets on some other submarines, it might have been as the water rose above their heads. Arnold was possible to open one or more to replenish the air looking through the little glass window in the door, supply, which by now was foul with a high waiting for the glint of sunlight that he had seen percentage of carbon dioxide. It might even have when Oram and Woods went up, which would been possible for everyone to escape through stern indicate that the upper hatch had been opened. tubes. By morning, conditions inside the submarine After 20 minutes he knew something was wrong. were very bad. The men’s eyes were watering and He ordered the chamber to be drained and the door they were panting for breath. The worst effect was to be opened slowly. To his horror, the dead body that they were unable to concentrate as the lethal of Kenny fell out. One of the fitters lived just long carbon dioxide insidiously attacked their thinking enough to explain that he thought the hatch was processes. It was decided that Captain Oram should jammed. The four bodies were taken below deck carry the message about their situation to the surface and laid out of sight. Shaw and Arnold volunteered tied to his wrist, and he asked for a volunteer to for another attempt and in silence, they adjusted their accompany him. Lt Woods and two seamen DSEA sets and climbed into the chamber. It was volunteered immediately, without even knowing what now 10am on Friday. They had been breathing the the task was. Oram said he would prefer an officer same air for 20hrs and sharing it with over a hundred with knowledge of the torpedo compartment to others. Arnold gave Shaw a string of instructions, accompany him. For the third time, Woods put on a which Shaw tried to understand with his tired, DSEA set and made his way up the sloping deck to oxygen-starved brain. As the water rose up over the escape chamber in number five bulkhead. They their heads Shaw reached up, released the clip, and entered the escape chamber and as it was flooding pushed against the hatch. It didn’t move. He began there came a series of dull explosions from to panic but Arnold indicated they should wait a little overhead, signal grenades. longer, even though his body was reacting violently to breathing pure oxygen. He vomited into the The destroyer Brazen had arrived to assist and by mouthpiece of his escape set and there was nothing sheer chance had spotted the stern of the submarine he could do about it but hope the set would still sticking up out of the sea. Oram and Woods made a function. They tried the hatch again and this time it successful escape and reached the surface safely. opened fully. Shaw went up quickly, Arnold followed, As soon as they had gone, Roy Glen ordered Arnold and for the first time in 20 hours he allowed himself to drain down the chamber, but in their impatience to to think of his wife and family. get two more men out they opened the door too quickly and a few gallons of water slopped out. Had Back inside the submarine, a hand wheel was turned the boat been on an even keel the water would have to close the hatch, which then needed to be turned drained straight into the bilges, but because of the back the other way to allow the hatch to open again. angle, the water ran forward on to the main motors Unfortunately, it was not turned back far enough. and the switchboard. There was a crackle of When the next pair attempted to escape the hatch electrical circuits shorting and a thick cloud of would open only a few inches. Lt Poland, the young suffocating smoke as a small fire broke out. navigating officer of Thetis, hammered on the hatch Chapman ordered everyone present to put on with a heavy spanner. He could see sunlight but DSEA escape sets and the door of the motor room must have realised that he was not going to make it. was closed. When the smoke had subsided Closing the hatch, he signalled for the chamber to be Chapman ordered the door to be opened and the drained. By the time the door was opened, both he breathing sets closed down so they could be saved and his companion had died of their exertions. Their for an escape later. But the fire had eaten up much bodies were taken aft to lie with the other four. A of the remaining oxygen and breathing was now further attempt to open the hatch was equally painful. Any physical effort was very difficult. useless, and those still alive inside the submarine waited in hope of rescue from the surface. The older men, in particular, were in a bad way, sitting or lying around through lack of energy and The navy was totally unprepared for this accident. unable to do much at all. Chapman realised that Most of the vessels that had divers and salvage things were now desperate, and decided to send up equipment aboard were too far away to help. On four men in the next escape attempt. He pointed to the surface, a whole squadron of destroyers had Leading Stoker Kenny, Stoker Hole and two of the gathered around the exposed stern of Thetis, but shipbuilders who were close to the chamber and still there was not one naval diver on board any of them. wearing DSEA sets. What Chapman did not know A civilian diver from the salvage vessel Vigilant did was that Kenny was one of the men who could not manage to make one dive during the slack water tolerate breathing oxygen under pressure. Only a between tides, but because of his lack of submarine few months previously, on a training escape in a knowledge, he achieved nothing.

13 It was around 2.45pm when someone inside the Maritime Strategy and Security submarine made a fatal error. A few younger men The Merchant Navy Association decided to try again to open the hatch and two of From Past to Present Full Ahead them entered the escape chamber. At some stage, Britain used to be intensely proud of its seafaring while the water was flooding in, one of them decided traditions. Now it sometimes seems as though he could not continue. In an error of judgement we're ashamed to admit that our Navy once ruled possibly caused by the disorientating effects of the waves. To ensure the UK’s wealth and carbon dioxide poisoning, he opened the forward security we need a maritime strategy. In door into the motor room without waiting for the Greenwich, the custodians of the Old Royal chamber to be drained. Seawater poured into the Naval College were considering a change to the submarine at the rate of a tonne a minute. No one ‘brand name’ by erasing the words Royal Naval, had any reserves of strength to stop it. At 3pm, the and thus its history from the title. I am glad to say watchers on the surface were horrified to see the that they now realise the misguidedness of such stern of the Thetis swing around and sink slowly a move. ‘I cannot say I am surprised’. There has beneath the waves of Liverpool Bay. There were 99 men still inside as she went down and they died been a terrible trend towards airbrushing the RN because of a number of small mistakes and out of the modern picture, sometimes literally. In omissions that had compounded on one another to 2012 I was furious to find a brochure promoting cause a disaster. The British public were stunned the London Olympics with a photograph of Tower and saddened by the tragedy and much criticism but HMS Belfast was missing? It had was directed at the men who had come to the been photo-shopped out, presumably because rescue. It was inconceivable that the rescue ships some committee felt a fighting ship had no place could not get the men out of a submarine whose at the peaceful Olympics. The fact is that without stern was sticking out of the water for over eight ships such as HMS Belfast, which fought in the hours. Mistakes had been made by the submarine Arctic convoys, at the battle of North Cape and in crew, but the blame really lay with the Admiralty and the D Day landings, modern Britain would not its lack of preparation for such an accident. exist. We, owe not merely our prosperity and

security to the RN but our very survival. During the salvage attempts, divers spent hundreds of hours on the wreck, attaching cables and making ready to lift the submarine. Some three months after the tragedy, when she was almost ready for lifting, Thetis claimed her hundredth victim. PO Diver Perdue was finishing work on the wreck and about to come up when he called over his telephone, ‘Hold on! Lower me down. I’m caught up on something.’ The diver working alongside went to help untangle him, a delay that would not have been thought important under normal circumstances. But Perdue was suffering from unsuspected lung disease. When he arrived on During the Stuart reign, in the 17th century, a deck and his helmet was removed, he complained forgotten slave trade was feeding off Britain. of a pain in his chest. He collapsed and died shortly Corsairs and pirates from North Africa were after. Salvage work continued until the Thetis was raiding the coasts of Wales and the West Country aground and it was possible to re-enter the seizing the inhabitants, sometimes whole villages submarine to remove the bodies, which Leading at a time, to sell them into slavery. Local stoker Arnold assisted with. The bedraggled Thetis, assemblies banded together and sent their on a slight list with her periscopes bent, was towed back to her birthplace of Birkenhead. She was representatives to plead with the King and examined and refitted and once again Parliament for protection. The government took commissioned into the navy as HMS Thunderbolt. the historic decision to increase Britain's navy, to safeguard our waters. Politicians quickly saw the When she entered service the second time, she benefits not just in terms of security but also for was fitted with a modification on the rear door of trade. Our nation flourished and mastery of the every torpedo tube. Known as the ‘Thetis-Clip, it seas quickly became a key element in was a device that only allowed the door to be opened in two stages. If during the first stage, it was government policy. By 1810, during the realised that a bow-cap was open, the door could Napoleonic wars, the Royal Navy had more than be screwed shut again. 150 battleships and nearly 300 frigates (today we have 13) in its fleet. There were 120,000 men at https://janmeecham.wordpress.com/2020/01/15/on sea, about 2% of the population, and the entire e-of-our-submarines-is-missing/ force cost a third of the national budget. To keep © Roger (Jan) Meecham’s Blog our naval stores supplied, 4,500 merchant ships 14 crossed the sea from Scandinavia every year, to patrolled to ensure our nation’s safety. Again, ensure we had enough timber, pitch and rope to there are too few ships. Britain's naval strength stay afloat. And for a century, until Germany was the decisive factor in victory 100 years ago, began building dreadnoughts in the run-up to the when the Royal Navies blockade starved First World War, Britannia had unquestioned Germany into submission. Our brave seafarers supremacy over the oceans. Its mastery allowed on merchant convoys in the North Atlantic and the infant United States to develop in peace. It the Arctic kept these islands and our allies ensured the charting of the world’s oceans. The supplied during the First and Second World Royal Navy played a major role in the abolition of Wars. Without a powerful navy we are the slave trade and lost some 10,000 men, vulnerable. Our modern ships are effective primarily to disease, in the process. Piracy was because they are so well equipped, with the best almost eradicated. The RN was built on an trained crews in the world, but we have too few of egalitarian spirit, where particularly in the 18th them. Successive governments have chipped century an ordinary sailor could rise to be a away at the Royal Navy budget, in part because captain or even an admiral, and many did. The so many politicians suffer from sea-blindness, sons of the aristocracy were not automatically they fail to understand how fundamental the sea guaranteed becoming a lieutenant: they had to is to our nation’s wealth and survival and cannot prove their ability by passing a stringent imagine we might be threatened at sea. examination first. Children dreamt about As regards shipping and the broader maritime growing-up to go to sea and almost every family issues, the Department of Transport published its had at least one man in the navy. ‘Maritime 2050 Strategy, Navigating the Future’, Some of our best-loved folk songs and nursery on 24 January 2019. At the Royal Society on 6 rhymes are about naval life from 'Bobby Shafto's March, we explored the new strategy and how gone to sea, silver buckles on his knee' to 'What science, technology and innovation can help shall we do with the drunken sailor?' Life at sea deliver it over the next three decades. In addition, shaped our language. Many of our common a number of peers and MPs and the House of idioms and expressions began at sea. But we are Commons Defence Committee have started forgetting our maritime tradition partly because it raising maritime questions on a regular basis. is no longer as visible. Once every seaport was Recently I asked a question relating to the new a mass of ships. But today, the ports have moved Type 31e frigates. There were also questions out of town. Most people don't see the container raised on the Maritime 2050 plan and one on the ships and super-tankers, yet their lives rely on use of carriers east of Suez. The continuing them. An incredible 95% of our imports and pressure on the defence budget is putting the exports by volume are still moved by sea, government commitment to running both carriers including 25% of the UK’s energy supply and at risk. This is really ‘spoiling the ship for a 48% of our food supply. The City of London is ha’porth of tar’ and negating serious investment the maritime global leader with the largest share in that capability. It is symptomatic of what has of worldwide marine insurance and shipbroking. been happening to the Royal Navy under successive governments for the last 30 years. In 2015, the last year for which there is a full set We are an Island Nation and we must never again of figures, the UK maritime sector contributed accept a National Security Strategy that does not £37.4 bn and 957,000 jobs to our economy. even mention we are an island. ‘The day we Reliable and timely ship movements are forget our maritime traditions is the day we risk fundamental to the UK’s national security, though losing everything’. Admiral the Lord Alan West few people ever think about it. That's because GCB DSC PC MNA Patron we assume that the seas are secure. The Royal

Navy has kept them safe for 300 years, after all. Hostile Trolls Report But we cannot afford to take that for granted and by Georgetown University the need for security at sea is a global Russia and China have become increasingly requirement. Shipping forms the sinews of our skilled in employing professional online trolls, but global village. Indeed, international trade at whereas Russia’s trolls could largely be current levels is only possible thanks to the characterised as disruptive of Western states, maritime sector. As a nation we also have China’s have a more defensive goal: to protect responsibility for vast areas of ocean around our China’s ‘Image Sovereignty’. In ‘A Different Kind 14 overseas territories. These waters need to be of Army’, Georgetown University Analyst Ryan protected and policed but we are unable to do so. Fedasiuk outlines how China has militarised its Our navy is too small. Similarly, we must protect trolls to manage domestic internet commentary, our own exclusive economic zone and fisheries. and may be poised to turn this army outward. Our territorial seas need to be effectively 15 WORLD MARITIME NEWS Russian Navy Commissions Project 885M Northern Fleet Gets First Yasen -M class S/M U.S. Navy will Build Airport Infrastructure in Jane’s & Barents Observer, 06-10 May 2021 Norway to Meet Upped Russian S/M Presence The Russian Federation Navy (RFN) commissioned RCN News & Barents Observer, 16 April 2021 the Yasen-M class nuclear-powered cruise missile Norwegian and American officials have submarine (SSN/SSGN) Kazan in Severodvinsk on concluded a new Supplementary Defence Co- 7 May. Kazan will be the first of the improved M operation Agreement (SDCA) that will allow the variants of the class to be put into service with the U.S. & NATO allies to use Norwegian air and Northern Fleet, joining the first-in-class Naval facilities for operations in the vicinity of the Severodvinsk completed in 2014. First laid down in Norwegian Sea. The agreement opens the 2009, the delivery of Kazan was originally airbases at Rygge, Sola and Evenes, and the scheduled for 2017 but was repeatedly pushed Ramsund naval station for Norwegian-US joint back due to technical defects, though the class as operations. While officials were careful to state a whole is regarded as stealthy and well-armed, the agreement would not allow a permanent US with Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles and the Kalibr presence in the country, it was suggested that the missile for land strike missions, and sources US could build hangars for P-8 Poseidon maritime suggest that further vessels in the class may be patrol aircraft at the airfields or fuel and logistics armed with the Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile. facilities at the naval station. Commentators The eight planned submarines will be split evenly suggest that base access will greatly enhance between the Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet.

NATO’s ability to monitor Russian submarine China Bolstering its Submarine Ocean activity originating from the Northern Fleet base in Surveillance Capabilities neighbouring Murmansk and Arkhangelsk. RCN News & Jane’s, 10 May 2021 Norway is set to receive its first of five ordered P- Commercially available satellite imagery 8 aircraft in 2022 and a recent agreement purportedly shows that China is constructing three purchase four air-independent propulsion- new acoustic surveillance vessels which could equipped (AIP) Type-212CD (‘Common Design’) dramatically increase its ability to track submarines. submarines from Germany should also greatly Two Type 927 Dongjian-class vessels are being augment the country’s ability to monitor fitted out while another larger vessel of a similar subsurface activity in the North Atlantic. design appears to be under construction. When completed, the People’s Liberation Army Navy What We’re Reading on East-West Positions (PLAN) will have five Type 927s in service. These RCN News Brief 12 May, 2021 vessels feature a small waterplane area twin hull Following the end of the Cold War, the West, and (SWATH) design which is similar the US Navy’s the US in particular, ambitiously and optimistically USNS Impeccable, which is also tasked with the engaged with China economically on the grounds detection and tracking submarines with passive and that political liberalisation would follow in China. active systems including an advanced towed array However, this strategy has proven to be incorrect, that benefits from the ship’s quieter twin hull design as while China has undoubtedly developed and diesel-electric propulsion systems. While the economically, it has not opened up in any 927s are said to be 90m in length, the larger vessel meaningful liberal sense. In ‘What the West Gets is estimated at 100m overall, though there are no Wrong About China’, In ‘What the West Gets further details on its potential mission or equipment. Wrong About China’, two long-time China scholars Sources also suggest that the PLAN’s surveillance argue that the West’s reasoning was based on capabilities are augmented by similar platforms that three flawed myths, that economic and political are operated by non-military departments like the opening are inextricably intertwined, that Institute of Acoustics of the Chinese Academy of authoritarian systems are illegitimate and doomed, Sciences, which has operated its own research vessels. and that Chinese preferences are similar to Westerners’, and provide compelling debunking of Chinese Navy to Help Indonesia each. Meanwhile, an open question about the Salvage Sunken Submarine Chinese military is whether its lack of recent combat France 24 & RCN News, 04 May 2021 experience against a (near-) peer rival means that Indonesia says it has accepted assistance from the People’s Liberation Army is at a significant China to recover the wreckage of the submarine disadvantage in any conflict with the US (which, to Nanggala which was lost on 21 April with its 53- be fair, has also not fought a peer in decades). member crew. The vessel had broken into three While ‘China's Military Has No Combat Experience: pieces and was resting at a depth of 800m. Three Does It Matter?’ doesn’t answer that question - only unspecific Chinese vessels are now said to be actual combat can do that - it does outline several joining an Indonesian drill ship in the recovery factors that contribute to military effectiveness operation, though details of the proposed and reduce the impact of inexperience. recovery have not been made public. 16 NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK From Jeff Dykes. You have already answered

Info Request WWII Submariner. Ryan Baren much so I won’t go over that ground. If he exists I’m wondering if you can help/ point me in the right the MoD [as you have given the web URL] will be direction. My grandfather passed away in 2018, aged able to answer all his questions. The official No 92. He served as a submariner in WW2. His Prefix is that of a Chatham rating as you did espy. submarine was sunk off the Malacca straits and it was The actual number is academic for us but since the an unusual case as only 3 of them survived to the leave pass is a dated 4 Aug, 1945 and issued from surface. He didn’t talk a lot about his time in the war an Army Camp it is WW2 and untraceable. Had he however what he did say over the years was the 3 of died during the war it might have been easy to ascertain. Japan surrendered on the 15th Aug them survived on an island which was part occupied nd Japanese, living in a cave and foraging for food. I although VJ was not until 2 Sept. The camp is in have found only one case of a sunk submarine which the Far East U.S. Command, the remit of General meets this criteria and that is the HMS Stratagem MacArthur, for it states that both Palo and Tacloban https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?16196. are out of bounds to him, and they are both places However, my Grandfather is not mentioned in any in the Philippines. However, it goes on to say both of records, in fact I cannot find his name on any war places are out of bounds unless on official duty and records what so ever. He was Able-Seaman the leave pass allows him to travel to Tacloban, so Leonard Cyril Baren. Do you know how I can try he is going on a duty trip. Judging from the other and find out more information regarding his time pictures sent to me I would guess his name is Baren served? Thanks Ryan whose name is on picture 3 which is page two of the durable slops sheet [soap and baccy list].

On Behalf of DS I Responded. Good Morning Picture 2 with six names on it was the standard Ryan. Good Morning Ryan. 1. The link you supplied Pusser [Naval] issue to durable slops still extant is pretty comprehensive on the Stratagem, when joined in 1953. Two bars of Pussers hard including full crew list at the time of her sinking and [soap] for dhobying purposes were issue fortnightly many reports which appear to stem from the and Duty-Free tobacco was usually issued at the Submarine Museum Archives which is at Gosport same muster. Difficult to read but they have taken our old Alma Mata and where Submarines were first pipe tobacco and usually tickler is available for based. After Lock-Down you would find it a those wanting to roll their own fags, and ready- fascinating visit. Searching the internet are many made fags either blue liners when stationed ashore reports and one I came across was on HM or RN Ships Only when afloat. Because these Submarine Stratagem | COFEPOW. It does not give matelots are in an army camp, they could be us any answers to your query but very factual on released POW's captured when their submarine the sinking. 2. I could not find Leonard Cyril Baren sank, but released as the allies got ever closer to on Forces War Records or a couple of other sites Japan its occupied islands, finally moved south to but as a survivor of WWII it is understandably the Philippines for their safety. harder to find survivors than those who sadly did not Picture 3 is page two of the soap and tobacco list. on sites such as the CWG and other sites available as especially since the 1970's everything is covered Answer an Able Seaman Baren serving in an Army by the Data Protection Act. 3. From your camp established in the Philippines [with other Grandfathers date of death and age it means he Junior Rates] just days before the Japanese was born in 1926 meaning when Stratagem was surrender. The surrender was taken by General lost in Nov 1944 he would have been 18. If one of MacArthur himself in Tokyo Bay. Hiroshima and the family has access to your Grandfathers Service Nagasaki were destroyed by atomic bombs but Documents you will be able to see his Service and Tokyo, famous for reinforced paper house was more importantly obtain his Official Number the incessantly bombed by the USAF with conventional crucial information to find information from any bombs and incendiary bombs by the tens of Source? 4. There are records pre-1970's held in thousands, causing rampant fires at ground level, the RN Submarine Museum but with the present where untold countless thousands suffered a death Covid situation not an option at present. I would by burning to death. Given the immediacy of a suggest you first establish your Grandfathers nuclear blast, burning to death was probably a far Service in the RN from the official source. Get a worse death than instant death when seconds copy of military service records - GOV.UK before one was a normal human, being that is, if the (www.gov.uk) If you get a copy of his RN Service Japanese could ever be considered normal human Records you should find your answers to your beings? Jeff. questions. I will put a piece in my next Derbyshire Newsletter to seek Answers. Editor: I have heard from Ryan, and he will contact MoD for his Grandfathers Service documents, and Editor: Ryan had some documents which included hopefully that will give him the Answers he seeks an Ashore on Duty chit which showed his Official and nice to see a story of a family member seeking Number and his slops chit which Iater, after consulting out what his Grandfather did in WWII especially in with Jeff Dykes gave the following answers. a Theatre of the Far East. 17 My Dad It was whilst reading the letters page in Country. I joined the RN as a Boy Seaman in 1949 Feb 2021 edition of the RBL Magazine that my and did my years training at HMS Ganges. In 1950 attention was attracted by the mention of the word I’d joined a destroyer and I was out in the Enfidaville in a letter from a Peter Conn, telling the Mediterranean with the Home Fleet, exercising off story of his father’s death, as my Dad was killed the North Coast of Africa. Whenever I could, I there too in March 1943. My Dad, Sgt Kenneth sneaked into the chart room to scan the charts for William Johnson, 2651633, joined the Coldstream Enfidaville, but never found it. Many years later, Guards in 1923, at the age of 15, by pretending to after I’d left the RN, I went on holiday to Tunisia with be 18 years old. Whilst stationed in London he met my partner Joyce Skidmore. It was a holiday where and married my mother Elsie Muriel Byatt, and you specified the class of hotel you wanted to stop when WW2 was declared on the 3rd Sept 1939, I at, but they decided on the destination. We boarded was 7 years old, and had a sister Betty aged 9, and a coach at the airport to take us to our hotel, and on my Dad had been demobbed. Very shortly after the the way there I could hardly believe my eyes when declaration of war he re-joined his old Regt at we passed Enfidaville railway station. Once at the Pirbright. In the meantime, my sister Betty and hotel I asked if there were War Graves there, and myself had been evacuated to Exeter. because the the hotel manager said there were, and arranged Blitz of London had started. We were reasonably for a taxi to take us there the following day. happy at the first place we were billeted, and were treated as one of the family, but then we were moved several times and hated where we finished up living. I wrote to our mother telling her how unhappy we were, and that we were going to run away and come back home to London. A few days later I received a letter from Mum, telling us she was coming to Exeter, and to be sure to meet her at the railway station. The following weekend we met As we walked through the gate at the Enfidaville War Mum at the station. She took one look at us, and Cemetery an attendant came to see if he could help told us she was taking us back home with her. us, and I told him we’d come to see my father’s grave. We lived in Wayford St., Battersea, near Clapham He produced a small reference book, and there was Junction, but Mum took us to Elstree, a village on my father’s name, rank and official number, and the outskirts of Northern London, where they were details of all of his family, including our names. I was famous for making films, but we’d never heard of the first one of his family who had been able to come the place. Mum had of course, as that’s was where and visit him, as my mother wasn’t fit enough to travel Dad was stationed with the Coldstream Guards in there later in life. It was a very special day for me and requisitioned houses up Barnet Lane. Dad had a Joyce. It was so satisfying to see how well problem on his hands. Right out of the blue his maintained the cemetery was, and a surprise to see family had arrived at his military base, and needed graves of Army, Navy & RAF personnel, where you’d somewhere to live. He had friend in the village who just expect to see soldier’s graves. What was so sad could put Mum and Betty up, and I finished up on to see were the ages of the young men who’d the floor of the ‘barracks’ with Dad for the next few sacrificed their lives for King & Country. days until Mum found a cottage to rent. In 1942 Dads regiment left Elstree, marching out of the Whilst serving in the Royal Navy I volunteered for village to the tune of ‘Let’s Have Another One, the submarine service, and very much enjoyed Before We Leave You’. I think Mum loved living in serving onboard them, first as an Asdic Operator, the village, we’d started going to school there, so then a Torpedoman, as I’d gone tone deaf. When I we stopped put. We eventually received an air mail left the RN, I came back to Derby with my wife letter from Dad, with a picture he’d drawn of himself Sheila Mary Wilson, where her parents lived. Derby sitting under a palm tree in the desert! It didn’t seem eventually set up a branch of Ex Submariners, and much later that poor Mum received the dreaded I became their Standard Bearer, and carried the telegram telling her that Dad had been killed in standard with pride on many parades, and funerals, action on the night of the 16/17 Mar, 1943. and felt it an honour to be able to do so. I also joined Sometime later Mum received a photo of Dads final several other Naval Associations, and the RBL, as resting place marked by a simple white wooden there are many worthwhile military events that you cross at a cemetery in Enfidaville. can’t take part in unless you are a member of a related ex-military Assn. I’m now 88 years old, and Sometime after the end of WW2 Dads name was had to give up carrying the Standard, but now ‘Pipe added to the War Memorial in Elstree, and we felt the Side at Naval funerals on the Bosun’s Call, ‘To very proud he’d been remembered. I felt even send Comrades on their Last Patrol’. prouder that on one Remembrance Sunday, many Peter Johnson P/SSX864713 years later, I was able to parade the Submariners Standard there in memory of my Dad, and all the Hope you’re both keeping well. Enjoyed ‘May Too’ other men who’d sacrificed their lives for King and newsletter. Hope you find this of interest. CU Soon Peter 18 A Look Back at Feb 2004 DS Newsletter Sorry for my outburst on a very emotive subject

European Union Whilst we are a non-political but in this particular instance I know I am not on Assn and thus not interested in politics we my own because our ‘Buddy’ Branch, Leicester cannot stand by and listen to the absolute crap have asked us to second their motion to fight this of the Politicians who suggest that we remove proposal if the need arises and as we discussed the Union Flag from the White and Red Ensign at the January meeting this I will do. Just to get and replace it with a blue circle with fairy stars in the venom out of my system on this emotive a ring. If I offend any member with this subject and because I know the wives of members comment, I unreservedly apologise for my enjoy this Newsletter, I ask their forgiveness when outburst but the proposal to change our Sea I say these Politicians without mothers or fathers Ensigns or in fact any other Ensign of this need to ensure that adequate family planning Country offends me very deeply thus only precautions are taken when they expressing my personal view. make love to themselves with Paxo to prevent any other amoeba being In the late 70’s in the RBL National Magazine I born which if they had chocolate entered into a discussion with a very high- brains would not fill a Smartie! ranking Army Officer who stated I was wrong in Incidentally if they do pursue this providing a White Ensign for a Coffin for a hare-brained idea, they are likely to funeral of an ex-Matelot, and totally out of order enjoy copious quantities of Paxo in half-masting the Union Flag at the funeral. My Stuffing from many people. The bottom line is mitigation was the man had served under the Leicester Branch have a proposal to conference White Ensign and deserved to which in very polite terms be buried under one, and also, indicates what we as he deserved the salute of the Submariners think of their Union Flag he has served. tin pot ideas and suitable Technically wrong, but then as suggestions telling them a Submariner I was always taught that to go away and multiply. sometimes CDF, common sense is a more We as a Branch have seconded that motion and sensible course than the book. I remain will reiterate our strong feelings on this assault on adamant to this day that at a funeral it is not our proud heritage by namby pamby politicians. them that have gone that suffer, but those that Incidentally when I brought my last car the firm are left. If we can add purpose to a person’s life was advised if they wished to sell it to me that they by saluting their service to King or Queen and did not put a fairy starred duster on my number Country as appropriate, I feel this is right and plate but the Union Flag or they would be one sale proper, and very little salute to them, given the less. Before you ask, no the White Ensign was not sacrifice of the individual to their country. and an option else I would have had that!!! more importantly the easing of the bereavement by those close to the person. Coffee Mornings & Lunch Clubs, Thanks to the hard work of members this event was on par I remember well the parade and the final striking profit wise with previous Coffee Mornings with of the White Ensign in Alecto Colonnade in takings of £168.34 and the event was followed by Dolphin. The Booty band playing its heart out, the a successful Luncheon Club social next door at tears on every Submariners the Sir John Warren pub. We also did well out of cheek, and the biggest its publicity wise with a pre-event volunteer parade of article in the Ilkeston Advertiser as well Submariners ever as a follow up article. Saga FM assembled. We honoured advertised on the radio for us on at our Flag, the White Ensign, least three occasions and likewise the event was our Country and our Monarch and we proudly mentioned on Radio Derby and both the Ilkeston marched out of Dolphin as we passed Flag Officer Advertiser and Derby Trader sent photographers Submarines for the last time to the event. I have also received an enquiry as in our Alma Mata. No to membership as a result of the publicity, so snivelling bureaucrat of overall I feel the event was worthwhile but very whatever nationality will stop much showed that we have to put a lot of hard me from feeling proud to hoist work into this type of event to benefit not only on the Ensigns of this proud the day but prior to it as well. Editor; Not a lot country even if I have to sit changed with my views in nearly 20 years but and hand sew the bloody things up myself! sadness at the loss of 2020/21 Derbyshire The Queen's Colour (commsmuseum.co.uk) Submariner Social activity due to the dreaded CV 19 Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony Submarines Feature in Magazines May 2021 All at Sea May 2, 2021 Thanks to Kevin Millar MNA This July, the major international Mayflower 400 commemoration event, Mayflower 400 Four Nations Ceremony, will take place on Plymouth Hoe, with free tickets available. The UK’s flagship Mayflower 400 event and grand finale to commemorations takes place on 11 July on the biggest stage Plymouth Hoe has ever seen, after being postponed due to the pandemic. The production tells the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ journey in search of religious freedom and explores the impact of this on the world. Singers Ships Monthly Magazine has a big feature representing choirs and schools from throughout ‘Beneath the Waves’, Submarine Focus and other the region will be interesting articles, but despite them being kind to accompanied by the full offer copyright permission to reproduce it would fill concert orchestra of HM too much of our NL but the magazines are available Royal Marines Band from News Agents or contact on line. Plymouth. Together they https://shipsmonthly.com

will perform new music, Warship World also Feature the latest Astute accompanied by actors and bespoke film footage Launch in Barrow. In the May/June issue they narrated to tell this unique story. For the first time feature a fascinating article from Anthony R. Wells ever, this commemoration event will include leading on the need for a new generation of multifunctional representatives of the Native American naval officers who are intelligence trained and Wampanoag tribes, who have historically been experienced. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE excluded from the narrative despite having been Warship World is packed with high calibre editorial greatly affected by the Mayflower’s arrival and delivering the latest information about the RN and subsequent European settlement. navies around the world including new additions to

All four nations involved in the story, the UK, USA, the fleet, new technology and the latest in Netherlands and the Wampanoag tribes will be weaponry and capability. represented by high-ranking dignitaries who will PETER HULME Sun, 16 May, 2021. Hi Terry, speak during the ceremony and reflect on what the thanks for the kind words. regarding the Affray, as far historical voyage means for the world today. Adrian as I am concerned, I would be quite pleased to see Vinken OBE, chair of Mayflower 400, said: ‘This is a reference to my Affray article plus appendix, in your the major moment for the international Mayflower excellent newsletter. The E-Mail for article 400 commemorations and the culmination of all the http://rnsubs.co.uk/articles/lost-found/affray- activity that has been taking place around the world theory.html The chlorine was always a possibility sea to mark this significant global anniversary.’ The water+lead plates+sulphuric acid = Chlorine gas, event is being ticketed to due to Covid-19, with all though I have never seen any reference to Affray, but tickets free. However, they must be booked prior to I had no idea how much chlorine gas there would in entry. Gates will open at 1pm, with the ceremony a submarine accident or how it would distribute taking place from 3pm to approximately 4.30pm. through the boat. A reference on Facebook posted Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and about the man being awarded the MiD for going into drink, as well as blankets or camping chairs as to test submarine after she had been raised and then seating will not be provided. Free tickets are it was realised there had been an error and the cells www.visitplymouth.co.uk/mayflower400ceremony left in to create the normal mass, but apparently, they normally removed the acid, but in this one case failed Terence Woodward Tue, 11 May at 12:39 to do so. I know nothing of the chemistry. But after Thank you. You are a credit to the RN and more so reading the book, I was encouraged to write the to yourself. I appreciate all you do. Hope others do appendix because of the scientific nature of the trials, too. Yours Terry with experts on site investigating all aspects of the Hi Terry, Thank you all for your support of Mick and effects on submarines dived deep and depth his funeral arrangements, hopefully you are charged. I write within my limits about the more improving in health and please send my best technical aspects of submarines of the past that you wishes to all the members of the Derbyshire and I and many of your members served in, though Deeps. God Bless Them All. Very Best Wishes the ranks are thinning and if they don't get read now Take Care. Tim Sharratt what is the point? Best regards. Peter 20 Cold War Centre - Update 2. The Cold War Centre and the National Museum Following the successful fund-raising effort of late of the Royal Navy (NMRN) have complementary 2020 the Project Team aims in their desire to portray the Cold War. The of Admiral John Weale, NMRN quite rightly is seen as having a leading role Ian in taking forward any programme of work to deliver a Cold War Centre. Shipperley, Captain Ian Bartlett, Cdre Paul Pine 3. Until very recently it had been assumed that a and Cdr Ian Whitehouse pre-requisite for full public display was for the has been developing the submarine to go through a full re-cycling process. Feasibility Study. An initial review led the team to This has been the weakness of any plan; the develop 19 possible options. Subsequent release date has always been 10 years into the comprehensive analysis has identified only 2 with future preventing any sensible costings or indeed sufficient merit to be considered further: Option enthusiasm for the project. However, a new set of 2: An ‘improved as-is’ model that would build on circumstances is emerging that could see the current visitor experience by improving the Courageous being released to move to an booking process, access, transport and security alternative berth in MoD controlled South Yard processes while developing a modern ‘digital within 3-4 years. The Study has identified the criteria that need to be satisfied to allow this and has footprint’ to market the attraction. This can be developed a route map through them; there are no implemented for a relatively low cost and then current red flags to report. (we hope) supported by revenues from ticket sales. And Option 4: The co-location of the Cold 4. Within four years the last Devonport based War Centre and the Devonport Naval Heritage submarine is planned to re-locate North along with Centre in Bonaventure House supported by the submarine school at HMS Raleigh. With future Courageous in 1 Dock. The two options create generations of submariners based in the North, the the possibility of a phased approach, starting with number of retired submariners to act as guides and speak with first-hand knowledge and experience the low cost, low risk Option 2 to establish proof about the Cold War and submarines will dwindle. A of concept and deliver a digital component of the window of opportunity exists over the next few years Cold War Centre. Then following on, once the to gather relevant assets and document experience totality of the project and its costs are understood before it is too late and the opportunity lost. and agreed, with the capital and infrastructure investment to place Courageous in a permanent The Study has made significant progress and dry dock and create a full Cold War Centre. more work is scheduled, with a particular focus on dock options for Courageous. In addition, Key Findings: efforts must also be made to develop the digital 1. The choice of submarine to preserve was option, win the full support of the NMRN and align critical. It could be any of the submarines the ambitions of the different stakeholders (e.g. currently in lay-up awaiting the re-cycling Study Team, NMRN, Plymouth City Council and process, some of which have historic resonance: Industry); all seems achievable. Conqueror (saw action in the Falklands Conflict), Valiant (first British design SSN), Dreadnought The Project Team has meet twice with the senior (first British SSN); all however, have been Review Group (that includes senior nuclear extensively dismantled internally and are in no fit engineers, industry representatives, the current state to be restored. Courageous, on the other Naval Base (Devonport) and a hand, has already been restored to a safe Trustee of the National Museum of the Royal exhibition standard at no cost to the MoD by a Navy (NMRN)). With their helpful advice and volunteer group of specialists; a skilled and support good progress made. With their broad dedicated workforce with personal connections to agreement the Study Team will now embark on the boat. Thousands of hours have been the next stage of the Project which is to expended in developing, maintaining and understand the ‘Rough Order of Magnitude’ collecting period artefacts and photographs (ROM) costs of preparing and readying 1 Dock to which add colour and depth to the visit accept Courageous and to develop the case to experience, many of these period pieces are encourage the NMRN to include the Project unique to Courageous. It is unlikely that such a within its strategic programme for wider force or the same level of undertaking could be developments in Devonport. The team hopes to replicated in an alternative submarine. make a formal proposal to the NMRN Board in October. Courageous has also ‘cooled-down’ to a lower condition than either S or T Boats, so, for all of Should you wish to learn more please contact these reasons the Study recommends Commander Ian Whitehouse ([email protected]) Courageous for preservation. for more information.

21 UK’s Trident Plan Incompatible with Non- The announcement in effect meant an increase in Proliferation Treaty, Peers Told the UK’s overall nuclear weapon stockpile from Patrick Wintour The Guardian 19 May 2021 180 to 260 warheads, representing a rise of more The UK will have stepped back from its than 40%. The review justified the measure ‘in obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation recognition of the evolving security environment, treaty if it goes ahead with plans to increase its including the developing range of technological nuclear arsenal, the civil servant who was in and doctrinal threats. The CND legal opinion charge of the Foreign Office until last autumn has states: ‘The announcement by the UK warned. The surprise conclusion by Lord government of the increase in nuclear warheads McDonald, the former permanent secretary at the and its modernisation of its weapons system Foreign Office, has been backed by two constitutes a breach of the NPT article VI.’ That academics at the London School of Economics article places an obligation on signatories to who were commissioned by the Campaign for pursue disarmament negotiations in good faith. Nuclear Disarmament (CND) to examine Boris The opinion points out the UN secretary general’s Johnson’s pledge. McDonald, seen as a cautious office has come to the same conclusion. The civil servant, told the House of Lords: ‘I opinion adds that the UK would be in breach of understand that a continuous at-sea deterrent international law were it to use or threaten to use needs us to be able to deploy two boats from time nuclear weapons against a state party to the NPT to time. The new ceiling allows both boats to be solely on the basis of a material breach of the fully armed. But that does not increase latter’s non-proliferation obligations. deterrence. It is expensive and incompatible with our obligations under the nuclear non- It also finds the UK would be in breach of proliferation treaty. international law were it to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons in self-defence solely on the grounds that the future threat of weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical and biological capabilities or emerging technologies, could have comparable impact to nuclear weapons. Foreign Office ministers in the past have always upheld the importance of the NPT, reflecting a view inside the department that is evidently not shared in the Cabinet Office, or the Ministry of Defence.

When asked about the NPT in the Commons in November last year, the Foreign Office minister © Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA HMS James Cleverly said: ‘The United Kingdom’s Vigilant, one of the UK’s four nuclear priority is to reinforce the non-proliferation treaty.’ warhead-carrying submarines. The MoD said: ‘Maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent capability at a minimum credible level is ‘In 1968, the non-nuclear-weapon states fully consistent with our international legal accepted that as their permanent status in obligations, including those under article VI of the exchange for two things: the sharing of the non-proliferation treaty. ‘The UK’s independent benefits of peaceful nuclear technology, and that nuclear deterrent exists to deter the most extreme nuclear-weapon states would work towards threats to the UK and our Nato allies. Our nuclear disarmament. The government assert stockpile ceiling is a maximum if required, not a that the objective is untouched, but the target nor our current number, and is kept under announcement is a step away from its review.’ The ministry stressed that so long as the achievement.’ The CND opinion was led by Prof UK maintained a deterrent it will work for the Christine Chinkin, a long-time consultant for the preservation and strengthening of effective arms UN, and Dr Louise Arimatsu, a former fellow at control, disarmament, and non-proliferation the Nato Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre. measures, considering the prevailing security They found the proposed increase constituted a environment. breach of article six of the non-proliferation treaty Editor: I thank the DS contributor who passed (NPT). CND is considering seeking a judicial this news item to me. I found it no surprise that review to declare that the UK’s decision set out in Lord McDonald has taken this action though it the integrated foreign and defence review could be a coincidence that he was promoted to breaches UK obligations. The integrated defence the Lords this year after’ taking an early bath’ from review said the UK would ‘move to an overall the Civil Service when not chosen for the new nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 £160k+ post he desired at Whitehall, nor that his warheads’ and replace its existing nuclear claims are fully backed by two academics who are warhead to ensure continued deterrence with commissioned by CND? modern nuclear systems. 22 Royal Navy Submarine Wreck Off Devon Coast successfully fired by Astute-class nuclear-powered Given Protected Status submarine HMS Audacious during the testing at the Forces Net 14 May 2021 Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre off The submarine was used as a target for Royal Navy Andros Island, south-west of Nassau. Its training exercises after it was decommissioned and performance at maximum operating depth was scuttled off the Dartmouth coast and the wreck of analysed and its homing abilities were challenged this early British submarine off the coast of Devon with the introduction of countermeasures. The trials has now been given protected status. Known as in the Bahamas were the latest in a string of crucial HMS/M D1, it was the forerunner to the Royal tests on the upgraded heavyweight torpedo since the Navy's patrol decision was taken to enhance it in 2010. The submarines improved weapon went through its final trials off the and saw coast of Scotland with HMS Talent earlier this year. service during The Spearfish has been the Submarine Service's the First weapon of choice for three decades. World War. The wreck, The S/M Sent to Sink Stephen Lawrence's Killers which sits S.Wright & D.Jones Daily Mail, 7 May 2021 upright and How police used bugged golf carts, an undercover largely intact on the seabed, was identified by divers 'taxi driver' and even a RN Submarine to eavesdrop capable of working at depths of more than 40 on the men they suspected metres. It has now been granted protection by the had murdered Stephen Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Lawrence, until now top- the advice of Historic England. This means divers secret plan, codenamed can still dive the wreck, but its contents are Operation Purlin has never protected by law and must remain in situ. been disclosed. The Suspects had always chosen Lead diver Steve Mortimer said the team expected words carefully, seldom saying anything in public. to find the wreckage of a German U-boat, but were Lurking discreetly somewhere off the NE coast of ‘thrilled to discover a ground-breaking British Scotland, a RN submarine received top-secret signals submarine instead’. ‘Every diver dreams of and relayed them to the mainland. Ordinarily, identifying a historically important wreck,’ he said. operators in its cramped radio room might be listening ‘It's tremendous that D1 is now protected but divers out for vessels from Russia's mighty Baltic Fleet can still visit.’ Launched in 1908 and commissioned ploughing through the North Sea. But the 'intercepts' in 1909, the vessel was also the secret prototype for they anticipated couldn't be further removed from the Navy's D-Class submarine, the service's first those they usually pick up while playing seaborne cat- diesel-powered submarines. and-mouse with foreign powers.

Delivered in a South London twang punctuated with Navy's Upgraded Spearfish Torpedo Declared expletives and raucous laughter, they are the Ready for Frontline RN Press Release bugged private conversations between five young The upgraded torpedo has been declared ready and men, holidaying 30 miles away in the Highlands. And will be introduced to all frontline RN Submarines by though their chatter might seem banal, it could be of 2025. The weapon has been described by the Navy enormous importance, not to the UK defence as the ‘World's most advanced Torpedo’. It features department but to murder squad detectives at a new Scotland Yard. Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to warhead, death by a gang as he waited at a bus stop in London a new, in 1993. Why, you will no doubt wonder, was their safer fuel banter being covertly monitored, Cold War-style, by system, a a Navy S/M? It took place in the spring of 1999, six smarter years after the murder. It was said that the RN electronic submarine was perhaps the most crucial, and 'brain' and certainly the most unusual tool in the Scotland Yard a fibre- kitbag. 'In 1999 we were just about at the end of the optic guidance link with its parent submarine to analogue period. Whatever the precise improve its accuracy and lethality. Cdre Bob Anstey, methodology, it was incredible stuff, the sort of the SNO responsible for the programme and Deputy derring-do one sees in nerve-jangling espionage Director Submarines, described it as an ‘important films. However, we now know the ulterior purpose of milestone’. The weapon has achieved Initial why a mysterious submarine surfaced off Dundee. Operating Capability and Cdre Anstey says the Navy remains ‘focused’ on achieving the ‘ultimate aim’ of Editor: The article speculates on the Comms used Full Operating Capability. Despite being declared with definite ‘Red Herrings’ on methodology operational, the torpedo has undergone three days likewise the use of library photos of an Astute of extensive deep-water trials on a special range in Submarine which were not in Service at the time! the Bahamas. Five of the heavy torpedoes were 22yr old news, and Not from the Silent Service!! 23 NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF RN S/M MUSEUM Re: Paul William Heath [email protected] 17/5 Tom Herman Friends of RNSM 17 May 21 I wonder if you could help. My father-in-law has very

GODFREY DYKES recently died and we were looking for any pictures Many of you will know Godfrey Dykes, a from his time on HMS Resolution. His name was submariner, communicator Paul William Heath DOB:14/04/1940 and he would and Friend. For many years have been on there 1966-69ish. Greatly appreciating your help at this time. Helen Heath Godfrey has run a fantastic website with a wealth of naval The Submariner Memorial Fund 21 May stories and facts. To ensure Announced. Today we passed the halfway point in the data is not lost it is in the our fundraising which continues to go well. This is process of being transferred to through the generosity of so many of you: individuals, the Royal Navy Communications Branch companies and charities. Next week the NMA Board Museum/Library website. Much of the submarine will consider our formal application and if all goes related stuff is here but there is submarine gold-dust well, we can then order production to start. This peppered around the other sections too. For would allow us to dedicate the memorial in May example: Boy Telegraphist WW1 Submarine Story 2022. Tom Herman. which is a must read. Here is a taster: 'The wind was rough and the sea mountainous. The motion of the boat was a perpetual swinging, swaying, racking, rolling and listing. Inside the humidity was intolerable; moisture condensing on the cold steel hull ran in streaks to the bilges; food turned rotten and had to be thrown overboard. Bread became soggy and mildewy. Paper dissolved. Our clothes I reiterate my comment in the Editorial on page one were clammy and never dry and whatever we it is the DS Members who steer how your Trade touched was wet and slimy. The air we breathed Journal moves forward so Feedback is essential. was a mixture of hydrogen and chlorine from the Despite pubs reopening (hopefully) 21 June and it batteries, foul air, the smells of cooking and appears according to the media everyone is off unwashed bodies, of arsenic and oil fuel and finally abroad on holiday with distancing out of the window carbon monoxide. No wonder we hardly spoke to there is still a lot of trepidation about coming out and each other!' Best Regards Tom Herman, fully socialising? As this newsletter takes us into Digital Lead, Friends of RN Submarine Museum July and in normal times due to holidays August is shelved meeting wise a decision will be needed GODFREY (JEFF) DYKES HON. DS MEMBER mid-July as to how we progress out of Lockdown? & DS WEBMASTER by Terry Hall I know Jeff has been working tirelessly to transfer his webpages over to the Collingwood Site to ensure a lifetime of Navy Things are saved for the future. I also feel very privileged that his Web Pages have been freely available in, and to reference in our Derbyshire newsletters for over 20 years. DS are very much in debt to his

Friendship, knowledge and support, and long may it In the meantime, remember your Submarine continue. Training and stay safe, and least we can all say the

On the same theme quoted above by Tom Herman I canned and powdered food diet is not one any of us still remember one of Jeffs articles that in WWI due would clamour to get back to. but I think we all to losses that some HMS Ganges trained Radio admire the efforts of our Chefs, Past & Present. Telegraphists were drafted straight to Operational NEWSLETTERS ONLINE Submarines at 16yrs-old., though there are records Current & One year Back Issues on Derbyshire of a 14yr old soldier casualty. Many articles and Submariners Link Web Page Below books contain details of these young lives lost in www.godfreydykes.info/derbyshire_submariners_page.html Combat at such a tender age making it important that Views & comments of this newsletter do not always We Do Remember Them, not for Giving their Lives, reflect the official policy, or the decisions of the but them having their lives Taken from Them. Derbyshire Submariners 24