'; E ;\ S TIN DIE S' S T-:\:-~r 1'0 N -- - / As this magazine had to be published before GAMBIA left Trincomalee on December 31st, 1955, it was notpossible to cover the last stages of the commission, viz. the cruise to Calcutta and Madras and the passage back to the United Kingdom. To all those who have contributed to the magazine, many thanks, particularly to Leading Ainnan McCarthy for photographs: to Coder (Ed.), Jamesfor assisting in the checking and arrangement ofproofs and to the publishers, the Ceylon Daily Newsfor their help and cooperation. For any ewors or omissions, my apologies.

P. 0. Stanley, Editor.

The photograph opposite portrays the African Elephant, national emblem of Gambia and badge of the Ship, cast in silver and presented to H M. S. GAMBLA by the people of Gambia in September. 1946. g;

"God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-Hung battle-line, Beneath whose awful Hand we hold DOIninion over palIn and pine­ Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet Lest we forget-lest we forget! "

These words from Kipling's Recessional, written some sixty years ago, sound strangely out of date to liS today, for we no longer think of ourselves as holding "dominion oyer palm and pine". Rather do we think of a great growing partnership between the many peoples, of different races, creeds and colour, . who together constitute the British Commonwealth of Nations and Empire.

But the idea underlying the verse which I have (luoted is not out of 'date. Vve who have been privileged in the last year to visit so many of the countries of the British community of nations have, I think, often been conscious of what Kipling meant. We have been aware that our position is not one of right or dominion, but of duty; that we are not masters, but servants; not overlords, but trustees-trustees for a Great Idea; trustees for what is perhaps the greatest experiment in human relationships that the world has ever seen . And we have been aware that the measure of the success of our country will be not what we get out of the Commonwealth and Empire, hnt what we put into it. Capt. W. EVERSHED, 0.5.0., R.N. As sailors, we can play no small part in strength­ ening this great partnership between old nations wealth are the guardians of these ships. Our life k and new, between brown, black and white, in the fast year has lain on and around the great between Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and artery of empire that runs through the Mediter­ Christians. It cannot be too often stated, or too ranean and across the Indian Ocean, and on the strongly emphasised, that among the many ties subsidiary arteries that join it to southern Asia that bind so great a diversity together, the ceasc­ and East Africa. Wherever we have been we have less movement of merchant ships trading between been made most welcome because we are seen to its many component parts is the most tangible and be "a security for such as pass on the seas upon the most indispensable one, For these ships are their lawful occasions", and because our hosts havc the very life-blood of the Commonwealth, The recognised in us the determination of British great ocean passenger ships, the "dirty British people that the seas shall remain open for the coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack", the tankers shipping on which their standard of life-and from the Gulf, the dhow from Aden or Zanzibar, indeed their life itself-depends. the cargo liner and the tramp steamer- all these different types and many more besides are And I believe that the bearing of the men of this engaged year in and year out on that constant ship, 'whether on ceremonial occasions of state or interchange of goods, of raw materials and manu­ on the football field, whether on exercises with factured products, on which the Commonwealth other navies or at informal parties in friendly ships thrives and grows in stature and wealth and well­ and friendly homes, whether on duty or on liberty. being. has been such as to leave a sense behind them that the guardianship is in good hands. We in the Navy, together with ollr comrades in the air forces and other navies of the Common- If that is so, we have indeed played our part.

2 1-1. M. s. GAlVIBIA

M.S . Gambia is one of the Colony Class Recommissioned again in 1950 she fo rmed part Cruisers which came into service at the of the First Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean. H • beginning of the last war. She was built by She saw service in the Persian Gulf during the dis­ Swan, Hunter and \Vhigham Richardson at pute with Persia over the Anglo-Iranian Oil Wallsend-on-Tyrie and was launched by Lady Company's Refinery at Abadan, and also in Port Hillbury in November 1940. Said during the trouble over the Suez Canal Zone. She also took part in the normal fl eet activities Her first commission, from 1942-1943, was spent and during a replenishment exercise collided with with the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean under PHOEBE as a result of which she sustained slight Admiral Sir James Somerville,when the Royal damage to her bow. Navy had been driven out of the Pacific by the Japanese after the loss of the PRINCE OF WALES GAMBIA recommissioned again in the United and the REPULSE. This Fleet was all that lay Kingdom anqm1ce Ulme joined the Med. Fleet, between the Japanese and Ceylon, Africa and the returning to E ngland for the Coronation Review Middle East. at Spithead. This was followed by a spell of duty at Port Said. Then came the earthquake disaster Her next commission was from 1944 to 1946 in the Greek Islands, when GAMBI A was the when she was manned by men of the Royal New I1rst ship to the rescue at the stricken town of Zealand Navy. She was first of all in the Easten1 Zacynthos in the island of Zante. Fleet and then as the tide of war turned against A highlight of this commission occurred when the the Japanese she became part of the famous ship formed one of the escort into Malta which British Pacific Fleet under Admiral Sir Bruce welcomed the Oueen on her return from her Com­ Fraser. She took part in the Okinawa campaign monwealth To{~r. Another event of note was the when the Japanese defended this very strong winning of the Med. Fleet Regatta, thus becoming island fortress practically to the last man; bom­ 'Cock of the Fleet'. Later, at the end of the com­ barded the Japanese coast, fired the last shot of the; mission she brought the Emperor Haile Selassif' of Pacific War, and was finally present in Tokyo E thiopia to England for his State Visit. Bay for the surrender-of the Japanese Fleet . Now another commission is nearly over. For In 1946 GAMBIA was recommissioned by the the greater part of the past year GAMBIA has Royal Navy. She continued to form part of the been the Flagship of Vice Admiral C.F.W.Norris, Pacific Fleet, spending most of her time in J apa­ C.B.,D.S.O., Commander-in· Chief, East Indies nese waters, v,,'hile the Allied Occnpation of .Japan Station, based on . Trincomalee, and has visited was being stabilised and the Far East Station got Eas1 Africa, the Persian Gulf, Pakistan and India. back to a peacetime footing. At the end of this It is about some of the people and events connected commission she returned to United Kingdom t o with tllls commission that VO ll will read in the refit in 1948. pagE's that follow. .-

...... " ..... ~7 ""H ~ ____ ' ~ '"; ~ .. --___ H'~ "_"_: ;.!(!' . ':/'

Gambia entering harbolll' Wqt ~amhta illqrnutrlt

LATE EDITION 8th FEBRUARY, 1955 FUTURE FLAGSHIP COMMISSIONS Moving Ceremony Aboard Cruiser (From Cur Special Correspon:: ent) YING in Dry Dock at Devonport bcneath L heavy wintry clouds, H.M.S. Gambia was re­ commissioned today. This marks the st.art of a Gencral Service Commission for this 8000 ton "ruiscr, destined to become the flagship of the Commander-in- Chief, East Indies Station.

~tarting early this morning batches &f the Ship's COmllany arrived at regular intervals from the Royal Naval Barracks and moved into their new home. Commissioning CeremonJ' Then at 11 a.m. they were assembled on the Boat Dcck fOr the commissioning cerClmOllY. }'irst a short religious service was conducted by the Chaplain (Reverend D. Welsh) with music pro, vided by the Band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth. Included were the traditional hymns anll the moving prayers for the safety of sailors at sea. Afterwards Captain W. Evcrshed D.S.O., R.N., addressed his new Ship's Company and gaye them an outline of the programme fOr the Commission. The ship, he told them, is nearing the comple­ tion of a refit and would sail for Malta at the earliest possible date, which would be in about four weeks. At M alta the ship would work up in company with H .M.S. Newfoundland. also newly commissioned (for service in the Far East). The work-up would be a period of in­ Clear Lower Deck tense activity as weapon-train­ .L'he Captain then proceeded to yaurse;f. He hop · ~d that amos!. ing facilities in the East Indies de3cribe lifp. on the East Indies memorable and enjoyable veal' lay are very poor. After the work-up Station, He p:J ~ nt ed out that It ahead. Many new places to visit. the two shIps would sail in com­ was a very la:'ge station , spanning new faces to meet, endless uppor­ pany for Trincomalee, exercising two continents. many countries tunities for almost every sport ancl on the way. and a multitude of differ·ent races. the knowledge that H.M.S. Gam­ religious outlooks and political bia would be performing a vital creeds. The Ship's Company would function for the cause of peace. Weathf'l' have the good fortUne to see most * Of them. Flag showing is not an The tight packed ranks of sailors A dee}) depression is moving ld:e pleasure cruise but an import­ broke away. talking thinkin.'!; and l'apidly into the Plymouth area. ant asoect of our forei.g;n pilicv. wonderin(s. For many the lure of Forecast. Dull. overcast becoming The White EnSign is still held: in the East beckoned excitedly. Among gloomy. Winds of gale force from very high regard and Britain's b~st the o;der members of the Ship ' ~ the South west. Frequent snow, ambassador abroad was undoubted­ Company there would be the ' ly the British sailor in traditicna\ stresses and strains of separation hail and blinding rain squalls. and well-loved uniform. He told frOm loving; families, And so as Visibility very poor. FURTHER hiR audience never to forget this the first fe w drops of rain spal.­ OUTLOOK. Worse if possible. tact. But. he went on , that L tered across the deck. H. M. S . not to say that you will not enjoy Gambia was re-born. 4 ~nmhtn Qtqrntttrir

SPECIAL EDITION 8th MARCH, 1955 CRUISER'S SAILING DELAYED Engine Defects MEAN EXTRA LEAVE On board the cruiser GAMBIA AT Devonport today, the Cap­ tain cleared Lower Deck to make an important announcement to the Ship's Company. The ship's programme, he informed them, had been upset by an engine defe ~ t which would delay sailing for about three weeks. This unfortu nate development had started a chaiu of reactions which would affect the ship's programme for the next three months. The date which could not be altered was the start of the cruiSe to East Africa scheduled for May 27th. The ctelay in sailing would mean the abandonment of the ship's private r:ruis~ to Indian ports. thus robbing the ship of its on:y chance to get 'away on Its own. The work------­ up period in Malta would have went on to anIlOUnC

Unstuck ON BOARD H.M.S. GANIBIA AT GIBRALTAR (By Our Special Correspondent)

The snow and frost of England seem far away as Main Street, Gibraltar is a second home to the this ship lies alongside the Navy House in the British sailor. Its shops stock everything from all pleasant spring sunshine of Gibraltar. For many over the world. Watches, cameras, jewelry, of the Ship's Company this is their first 'foreign' clothes of all descriptions, stockings for the girl port, and a better introduction to the wider world friend (you won't be seeing her for eleven months). could not be found than this ancient historic But be careful Jack- the Yanks are in and the fortress whose craggy rock towers over the town prices are up. "But for you Jack-no we don't and dominates the wide sweep of the bay. put the prices up (not much anyway)". Here the modern and ancient worlds meet in an exuberant cosmopoli tan bustling whirl. Great Already at five in the evening the strumming of gleaming blocks of fla ts look down on dark narrow guitars and the fascinating clatter of the castanets streets. Sleek chromium-plated cars jostle ghar­ comes through the Western type swing doors of ries. Black-haired flashing eyed girls-short swar­ the bars. At the entrances to the shops eager thy men-thousands of sailors from the powerful salesmen compete for the custom of the newly ships of the American Sixth Fleet that lie across the arrived sailors. harbour-over all lies that subtle intangible essence that is Gibraltar. Down past the square, the shadows lengthen over the baked earth of the football pitch where the GAMBIA XI are playing their first away game. Other members of the Ship's Company have gone to explore the Rock on foot or by Bus Tour; to see the scene of the epic siege of 1779-1782, when a small British garrison withstood the combined forces of France and Spain. They may see some of the famous Barbary Apes, and legend has it that, as long as there are Apes on the Rock, the British will stay. Lights begin to twinkle along the hillside. The shops in Main Street are now a blaze of light, while above the babel of voices the guitars rise to a frantic crescendo. "Step inside Jack-Lolita is about to The 'Rock' perform".

!lalta ~.(U.

HE familiar blue skies reflectcclin the blue waters seem:::d to have deserted the Island Twhen we steamed into Grand Harbour on Good Friday morning to the accompaniment of squally showers. Joe Tonna, that great old friend of the Navy, who knew practically every Senior Officer when they were Sub Lieutenants, was one ofthe first on board. "This weather" he exclaimed with a violent gesture, " It is terrible. A month ago we were bathing-now look at it". People may have blamed it on the Atom Bombs but the more discerning among us soon came to recognise it as 'GAMBIA we3.ther'.

However, weather or no, we were not destined to stay in Grand Harbour for long. Early on Easter Monday, while the rest of Malta relaxed, the ship slipped out for the first week of the Returning by Dghaisa. A/avol/rite method o./getfing (Conti1114,ed on pPRe 19) to and from the ship of Malta. 6 BETT'ER LATE THAN NEVER!

(Gambia entering harbour lVi,h~ Admiral's Flag 011 Foremast)

FROM •. S.B.N.O . CEYLON. ROUTINE.

TO, .,. ADMIRALTY, UNCLASSIFIED.

INFO . . C IN C E.L 1 80330. Z,

TRINCOMALEE 17TH MAY.

ARRIVAL H . M. S.GAMBIA.

D.T,G . . . 180330.Z. MAY '55.

ORIG .. Q.H.M. 18TH MAY. TIP. P/L. TOD .. 0916EF. R.W.

7

- , Vice Admiral C. F. W. Norris, C. B., D.S.O., Commander-in- Chiej; East Indies Statioll i.l' piped alward his Flagship for the/irst time.

The Commander-ill-Chief inspects the Royal Marine Gum:d 8 . TIlE' I~ and r CrUB

'IT is said that aile half of the ship does not know hats" position. To get the hook and snch tackJc how the other half lives. Perhaps if this were as is attached thereon to move up or down. the . not so, a certain group of officers would be officer raises the arm attached to bat P. with the charging a certain group of ratings entertainment bat pointing in the desired direction (i.e. Up or tax for services rendered. This is no concert Down). The speed is controlled by a clockwise party, but a real life entertainment given qui te wrist movement (the remainder of the body is unknowingly and entirely free of charge. kept perfectly still) assisted by the occasional verbal command such as "Handsomelv" and r am referring to that stupendous act of the day others too difficult to print. To tr~in this that is heralded by the call of "First duty hands juggernaut left or right, the:: officer shows extreme muster on the boat deck, crane driver close up". initiative by again using bat T. (possibly because :Nothing much in that you may say, hut wait, these T. is thei-irst letter of the word "train"; hut it does are merely the assistants; the star of the evening not do to delve too deeply into such matters). has yet to appear. To the uninitiated, all that To avoid confusing the crane driver more than is happens is that an officer appears and super­ necessary, he indicates his preference for left or intends the hoisting of the ship's boats, but to right by' extending his T. arm to its full extent in members of the P . & T. Club this is the deciding the desired direction. After a series of such factor of the evening's performance. According movements he finds to his delight that there is a to the officer's style and popularity the balcony hoat on the end of the hook, which he lays on the audience will assemble and watch with critical boat deck like a new-born babe (I think that is eye and comment with voice to match. To what the shipwright said, anyway r know he describe each individual style would take far too mentioned midwives). His job completed, the long, so r will attempt to generalise by studying officer replaces the bats to the bottom of the crane the particular groups. (edges of bats together; handles making an angle Firstly, we have the "this-exercise-will-be­ of etc. etc. and returns happliy to his lair to read carried-out-in-the-manner-Iaid-down" type of up the latest in A.F.Os.) . officer. He marches smartly up to the crane where Our second group for study is the "Goodness­ he takes a firm grip on two bats (marked P. & T.) knows-what·all-this-is-about-but - we - had- better­ and then places himself in an advantageous posi tion. make-a-show-of-it" t y P e of 0 ffi c e r. We He then stands at ease with the bats crossed in believe that this type first came into circulation front of the body; this indicates that he is ready because of people doing a sub. for oHi.cers in group one. His whole approach to the job. is essentially nonchalant otherwise he may be branded as incompetent. He saunters up' to the crane and grabs the bats breaking immediately into a very neat juggling act that would astound Bertram Mills. This puts the remainder of his team entirely at ease, for here they see a man so completely confident that he actually tosses the sacred bats into the air. If they could only read his mind and see that he is only throwing them about because he cannot think of any other possible use for them. He wonders out on to the boat deck and throws up :111 arm, watching closely to see if this has any effect on the crar:e. The hook rises and makes a careful mental note that left arm is "Up & Down." With this information at his fingertips he now waves both arms in a casual manner, at the same time looking over the side of the ship so that the crane driver will get the general idea that there is something waiting to he picked up down there. He watches the boat being hooked on and then places his arms at odd angles to his body. This sign could mean "P up and '1' left" or at the to start and that he thinks evervone else should be. same time it could be "T up and P down". It t. The right hand (attached to l)

."'.... The total amount of cash received and paid out --- during the commission is nearly half a million pounds. The following currencies have been used :- The third and last group is the "Oh-dear-Oh­ dear-what-shall-I-do" type of officer. This is Sterling Pakistan definitely the learners' group and is usually al­ Gibraltar Iraqi th.ough not always o~tained from the gunroom. Maltese Iranian HIS whole approach IS wrong; he is timid; and East African Mauritius before he starts it is obvious that the 'crane and Seychelles not he will be the master of th.e situation. He Ceylon Indian Ethiopian col~ects. the bats and .stu~ie~ them carefully to see and Maria Theresa dollars whIch IS P. s,nd whIch IS r. and then with his fingers drumm~ng a nervous tattoo on the bat POST OFFICE SAVINGS handles, he walks out to where he thinks is the right place for him to be. He is quite right in his The total amount deposited ... guess because he has placed himself where the The total amount withdrawn crane driver cannot see l).im at all, so the chance of accident is reduced. He knows the basic FOOD AND DRINK principles laid down by I'lro.up one, but he tries to carry off the nonchala~t manner of group two. Add these errors to his nerVous state and you will \Ve have eaten :- Inve some idea of what happens. He p's up when tons of meat h : should T left and T's down when he should not 35 do anything. In short everything suddenly goes 6;\: bacon " potatoes out of control, and many a member of this class 174 " has been dragged away to the sick bay screamino­ 27 " sugar " P Up. T Down", whilst beating his head with gt butter and margarine the bats. This last action seems to have the 92 ,600 loaves of bread desired effect for they often return to the sta"e 127,000 eggs competely free of their nervousness. Their fir~t attempt is the only one that really draws the 47,000 tins of milk crowds because after thev are so cautious that it 2,000 gallons of rum becomes a little horing. - and enough tea for nearly a million cups of tea.

10 THE EAST' AFRICAN CRUISE' MAURITIUS Here for the first time we gave a performance of the Concert Party which was very well received, HE first stop, with the Flag flying from the and here also we saw for the first time the appear­ foremast, was Mauritius. We all felt, I ance of the 'grippo board' in the Regulating Tthink, that on our reception there, and on Flat. our enjoyment of the first official visit as Vice Admiral Norris' flagship the success of the cruise, Shortly after our arrival we landed the Queen's or even the commission, depended. Colour for the Queen's Birthday Parade, where the arduous training on the playing fields ofTrincoma­ Well we think it was a success and we lee paid dividends, and all felt pride at the part cer~ainly did enjoy the friendly reception played by Gambia's ship's company. that we had from all on the island-from the From the multitude of activities that went on in interested natives who queued up in their hundreds Mauritius we have selected the 'First Banyan' for to get on board when the ship was open to visitors, inclusion in the Commission Book. After this one from the units of the Army up at Vacoas and above the pattern of the banyan has been repeated from all from the British and French residents who Zanzibar to Dar-Es-Salaam and Seychelles and of overwhelmed the ship with their hospitality. course, in the home of the banyan, Trincomalee. You will read elsewhere of the sporting activities Wherever there is a chance of the day off, a clear during oui' stay, a formidable programme against sky and a sailing wind, the cry will go up "Anyone tough opposition that was a foretaste of the number for a Banyan?" and if you went, this is the sort of of games to be played on the cruise. thing you might have found.

-:'~-'-:l:,.. : .....

. ~. . .~

Queen's Birthday Parade. 11 EXPEDITION TOMBEAU or TH'}~ FIRST BANYAN Wanted: T wo whalers' crews for an over­ were summoned and eventually the locals were night Banyan to Tombeau Bay. m ade to understand our needs. We were led, A committee was quickly formed under the accompanied by a host of children to the village chairmanship of Lt. Cdr. Butt, the leader of the food store. There it was!- tier on tier of liquid expedition, to discuss the ways and means. refreshment! With much discrimination and after considerable thought (aided by some bottles of It was soon realised that an expedition of this beer), suitable wines were selected. With the load calibre had to have a really good system of supply­ evenly distributed and spirits soaring once again, food being the major item on the agenda. P .O.(S) it was decided to retrace our steps. Only a short Hutcheson was nominated as food caterer and distance was covered before the load had to be never was so much gathered in , in so short a time. lightened by the simple expedient of emptying a There was nothing shaky about his organisation. bottle or two! A little later still it was decided E very item, even a tablecloth was provided. that the loads were too heavy and so a taxi was T he crews were quickly formed and what a hired (don't ask me how a taxi suddenly appeared motley, some say ghastly, collection they were. on the scene). After being driven at breakneck 'Legs' Leverton took charge of the second whaler speed by a driver who must have had more than a and with him went 'Tiger' H epburn (famous for fair share of 'St irling Moss blood' in him we hurried­ his cliff-climbing exploits) 'Guts' Lambert (the ly got out and passed round another bottle of wine best cook in the company), 'Skins' Horne, 'Oggie' to soothe our shattered nerves. The walk back H orne, 'Darkie' J ames, 'Bagsy' Baker (the man along the path to the beach then started. Sudden­ who invented the bellows for sailing), and two ly a sound brought everyone to a standstill! It Sea Rovers, E verett and Knocker, form ed the rest was repeated. No words were needed- everyone of the crews. was t hinking the same thing-Chickens! Chickens T he day of the Banyan dawned bright and clear for dinner it would be, by hook or by crook! and with the minimum of delay the expedition got The sound was traced to its sources-a worker's under way. The sugar cane telegraph must have village. After a bit of bartering and having con­ been working for after an uneventful journey a vinced them that we were the personal represerita­ landing was m ade. tives of the Commander-in-Chief, a price was fi xed No sooner was foot set on shore than a committee and we departed, the proud possessors of the se­ of welcome composed of the local inhabitants cond biggest cockerel in the village. appeared. The wonders of education soon solved On our r:eturn, the problem of who could pull, the language diffi culties and barring a shaking of pluck and kill a chicken (or vice versa !) was solved the head over the insanity of the E nglish, friendly by detailing off the caterer for the opera tion­ relations ,vere established. After we had all ad­ a job he performed admirably. The t able was mired a small ketch under construction in a clear­ spread and suitable wines selected while our cook ing and looked at the local fresh water system­ produced a magnificent meal. Lt. Cdr. Butt then a running stream-a large table and benches were proposed the first t oast- to chicken! Suddenly placed at our disposal, a camp site was selected someone jumped up with a cry of "It's vinegar! " . and a fire was lit. Sure enough it was. Fortunately only two bottles A swim was indicated after all the exertions of of our precious stock were found to be useless. the day and led by two fearsome looking creatures Owing to the language difficulties we had obviously wit h masks, flippers and spears, the party (nega­ not been properly understood. tive cook) took to the water. Soon the pleasant What a dinner it was­ aroma of cooking pervaded the air and drew Shell fish. the swimmers and the spearmen who had failed to Chicken fried in butter. provide us with a fis h course, out of the water. Boiled potatoes. What a cook ! 'What catering! What fo od ! Heal­ Green peas. thy appetites soon produced clean plates and Tinned fruit cocktail. satisfaction was expressed hy all. And of course the best wines (vinegar optional) After lunch the majority voted for a siesta, but After dinner all settled down for an early night­ some of the hardier and more venturesome types clustered around with feet towards the fire. A decided to go and explore. After a silver collec­ good night's rest; an early swim and then a huge tion, fully booted and spurred the explorers (I breakfast of herrings in tomato sauce and scram­ was one of them) set off . bled egg. Leaving the camp site we struck a path which The camp site was then demolished, the fire seemed to hold untold possibilities. Spirits were buried and the boats prepared for sea. An off­ high and within the first hour several miles of shore breeze bore us away and we returned to sugar cane were passed uneventfully. Soon thirst Port Louis harbour after a truly marvellous Ban­ made itself felt and spirits began to flag when at yan which was enjoyed by all. last signs of habitation were found . Interpreters P.G.L. MOMBASA MEMORIES but mangrove). But the modern district of the city has changed very much during the last ten years. On what were wide open spaces along the Kilindini Road have sprung up houses, schools , shops and offices. The harbour installations have increased tremendously but still cannot keep pace with impatient ships that have to wait for days before they can unload. To help reduce the tw"o­ year backlog of imports and the pulse of balding shipowners, building and development goes on apace and the hillside overlooking the jetties is being gradually scraped awav to make room for bigger warehouses. Though the air is hot and humid it quivers with activity. This is no place where the white man lazes under a palm tree; he works hard and long in air-conditioned c:iTlces. His wife and daughters shun the coffee-cups and tind employment as secretaries and typists. Here for the first time since leaVing Malta OIW could gaze into glass-fronted shops and be temptecl to buy presents for relatives and friends. From t.he street hawk, too, delightful inexpensive (after the essential bargaining) African curios in carved wood could be purchased-ebony heads of nati v(~ maiclens, elongated giraffes in comical pose or A I~L Y in the bright morning of June 14th-­ (C01'ltinucd on pegt 29) so long ago-our "lean grey shape" (as the E~'Mombasa Times' later described the ship) slipped quietly into the ship-strewn harbour of l\pprcrintinn Kilindini and berthed dong-side the fuelling jetty until the following afternoon. Even Her Britannic Majesty's Flagship of the East Indies Station was not permitted to attach itself t o the African IDe. TIlE C/IIIIRMIIN AND COtJNCI:.LORS or continent for a longer period than this in this rh(' Afncan Advisory Cou:'icil of Mombas.a wish to rreon) thriving port--so great is the demand for wharfage facilities. Nevertheless we subsequently anchored all r Ihanlts lor the kindness t rod gCnt'rosity extended to in midstream for a full fortnight--our longest stay ('rtain of our number and also to other African notablt'!l at an:v port during the cruise. Irom lJ:hcr par~ of t~ Colony L"ld Protectorate Qf Kenya Mombasa Island is not part of Kenya Colony but is in Kenya protectorate which also incorpora­ on the occa.sion of the visit of n .M.S. G,;mbia' lo Mamba"". tes a Io-mile wide coastal strip on the mainland We wish to say that we were most impressed by our visit rented from the Sultan of Zanzibar. Consequently official calls were even more numerous and pro­ to H.M.S. G.mbia and puy that your pro:C'Ction at the tracted than usual; but when the last blue wisp of me- rehan! ships of the Commonwralth may alwlY." M smoke from the saluting guns had drifted away and . ttended by ,ood for tune, and tha t yaur .rnbILuadot'Ship the captains and Queen's representatives departed, a swarm of voluntary members of hospitality committees invaded us and finalised the details of ceremonies, concerts, dinners, dances, entertain­ ments, games, sundowners and safaris organised for our mutual pleasure. For many the step ashore was their first on African soil and eager interest lit their eyes. Y ct even to those who had visited it before-mainly in the war years-Mombasa was exciting. It was true that the Portuguese Fort Jesus, now filled with Mau Mau malefactors, was outwardly the same; towering over the Arab quarter's narrow streets, it still guarded the entrance to the Old Harbom, where during the North East Monsoon 1:0 rhl (mpraln the dhows from Arabia still congregate in hundreds eHicm II" mIn If and discharge their cargoes of carpets and curios. t1. m. ~

J1ombasa- 0 73 0 on I une 20th 1955 "IS all the gear ready? " . "Enough warm Sixteen porters, two guides, a cook and eleven clothing?" .. 'Where's the barrier cream?". climbers and we are off. Up through villages. "Y ou'll never make the boat!" Cases and Children sing in a little school. Bee-hive huts. bags thrown into the stern sheets. Clatter of Under a tree a small boy with big eyes and a finger feet on the ladders--everyone's here. The cox­ in his mouth watches us go by. Then no more wain's whistle and "Bear off forrard!". Eleven huts and the way is steeper and narrower. Climb men watch GAMBIA getting smaller in the pink up for two hours. A rest in a clearing--a sandwich morning light.. Leaving the real life, the earnest lunch. Move on again, into the rain-forest now. life for a space, to go up into the mountains. Mud on the path and the smell of wet wood. Bismark Hut, ten miles from the hotel AND in Alongside the jetty. Ashore in a rush. Three four hours; not too bad. Smoky fire, hot supper, vans waiting. "Load the gear quickly!" Nip hard woode~ bunks and sleep. through Mombasa. Not much traffic. "Stop the car, I must buy some sun-glasses". "Hold on a The breakfast was good. Out of the hut at a minute 1 must cash a Traveller's Cheque". Five quarter to nine and up through the forest on minutes drive and there's the bus-a local bus, hot a steep slimy path. Ii1to wet meadows after an and cramped. Throw the kit up on the roof, high hour. The forest is below and fine rain is falling­ already with sticks of furniture and a pram. Lurch the wind cutting hands and wrists. Sandwiches along the road--a break at Voi for lunch. On and a smoke, but it's warmer to keep moving. again- in front the brown dry tarless road. Be­ Two climbers pass us-- one of them had got to the hind, the swirling dust for half a mile. Hills-­ top. They go down into the mist, we climb on. the gearbox screams in first! Himo at last and Over four hours from Bismark and rain all the way. change the bus for an old Ford van. Race up the "What's that ahead?-darker than the mist". road with a boiling radiator. Ahead, the mountain "Peter's Hut!". We're at 12,500 feet and we've fills the sky: cloud over the peak. Here's the come eleven miles today. "Light the fire". hotel. Wash off the dust. Strawberries and Cook food. Wring out wet clothes and hang 'em cream for tea. The blessed coolness of the air at up somehow. "Can't find a line". "Use your 4500 feet and the sight of a log fire. How good to boot laces!". "What's this, a visitor?". A girl sleep under a fur counterpane, two hundred miles called Teddy, climbing alone with guide and por­ from Mombasa. ters! Descending now, having made the top.

~lIIl11l1mllllllllllmllllllll l l lll lllllllmlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ll llllllllll lll llllllllllllllllllll~ i~ :' I~

I§ ~ I~ ~ = I I ~ i ~ ~ ~ Taking a well earned rest at tlie sl/l11l11il . ~ ~ ~ ~IIHllilllmllm : llIfmmllllllllll lllll lllllllllll ll lllllllllllllm ll lll ll ll lll llllllllllllllllnlllllllllllllllll~

14 Introductions all round-she'll stay the night in all right but the legs are soft and the head is splitt­ our hut. "Double up some of you and give the ing. Suppose I should fail with only ninety yards girl a bunk to herself!". Supper arid a sing-song to go. But is it really so important to go on, around the fire. Early to bed but not much sleep­ having so nearly got there? What's a hundred the air is getting thin. and fifty feet compared with nineteen thousand? The party straggles out-the minutes pass and the Morning. Gum-eved and half asleep, a sailor first two have made it! They wave encouragement. swings off his bunk on to the floor. "Who's A few more yards and the first rocks of the crater pinched me bloody boots?- Sorry Teddy". Break­ lip are won. At last the arms can help the tired fast and a blue sky. Cloud hides the rain forest. legs. Stumbling and swaying and panting and Look up- -Kibo peak, sharp and white and call­ cursing, the rock is scaled and suddenly, quite ing-. Put away the cameras; say goodbye suddenly there's an end of climbing. The view is to Teddy; form the thin line and climb on. No­ more wonderful than one could have imagined. thing now, only sparse grey grass. Ma\venzie The scree rolling down to Kibo Hut; Mawenzie's rises, cruel as a saw edge; white snow and brown lower slopes circled with cloud; the white sun rock-a plane crashed there two weeks ago . Up stuck in the hard blue sky. But finer still is the on the saddle~a stop for sandwiches. Far away a sight of the great crater. A mile across, rimmed glint of light- Kibo Hut. On and on across the with ice and rock and drifted snow. Full of pinna­ desert plain, the hut getting no closer. Heads cles and caves and bridges and lakes of ice-blue thrown back to see green ice on the crater three ice and green. thousand feet above and tomorrow some of us will stand up there, looking down on the saddle. The The photographs have been taken. We've all hut at last! Supper and a smoke. Eleven in a had a little sleep (you may sle2p even at 19,000 hut with four bunk, and a stretcher. But nobody feet if you are really tired). Today we have stood sleeps at 16,000 feet if he's fresh from the coast. A higher than any man in Africa, perhaps in the terrible night and the headaches are getting world. It is time to go down. For some the scree worse. is easy now-- for some it is treacherous. The lucky ones go flying down, a cloud of brown dust A quarter past one, the door opens--hot sweet behind them. The others, striding short and tea, but we dare not eat. Boots on and warm slowly, rest often. E ventually the hut is reached. clothes; face covered with sticky grease and we Soon there is food ready and tins of tomato juice to follow the lantern into the darknes!'. The guide banish thirst. Sleep for hvo hours and then the chants slowly~ perhaps it is a prayer-what long march over the saddle and down over broken matter, follow the light! Dig stones, little stones, country to Peter's Hut. More food and more thick dust, running up, tip up, worse than fifty sleep. MQrning comes quickly. A good break­ degrees. One step up, slip half a step back. Take fast and we swing down the path to Bismark Hut another step. Know before you take it that half and lunch. On again, walking through the rain. vour labour is lost. And another and another. Dripping clothes, blistered feet and at length the Hurry and you'll tire too quickly. Go slowly and hotel. Hot baths, clean linen, pay off the porters, you'll never get there. This is scree. Eyes away take supper and sleep soundly on a soft bed. from the circle of light-it makes the headache worse. Eyes back and you nearly fall. "Come on Two idle precious clays go hy. Thf' third day stragglers, we're not half way there yet". On a comes and with it an ea rly start and the run down bit more and a rest in Hans Meyer's cave. ''I'm to Tanga where the little ROSALIND waits to bleeding like a pig!". "Stuff your muzzle with take us awav from the real life, the earnest life, cotton wool". Follow the lamp- -to rest is not to back to GAlV!B IA lying low and g- rey off Zanzibar. conquer. Slowly and more slowly we go on. The sun rises, ruby red. Rose petal clouds cover the W.R. saddle. Mawenzie looks like an island in the sea. But do not look at Mawenzie-look at the scree. l'ifteen paces and rest for a minute. Ten paces and rest for two minutes. Six paces and rest for 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 three minutes. There's nothing in our world but the scree and the headaches and the scree and being sick and the scree and "get a move on you bleeding cripple" and the scree--the steep scree. ~J o unt .Kilimanj aro is not a difficult mountain to dim b in the true mountaineering sense of till' \~' e strike the Jirst snow- -the surface holds and a \\'Ord , but nevertheless the 'going' is tough and to pace is a pace again. n ut the air is mean stuff-­ accustom on eself t.o an altitude of H),600 feet in there's no life in it. How sweet to stop. The three days is no mean achievement. It is under­ heart calms itself, the breath comes easier. How stood that this is the first timc that such a large wonderful to suck a piece of ice and soothe the party has reached the top at the first attcmpt. bard dry throat. The patch of snow ends. ;\[OI:e scree. Snow and scree alternate, and the top IS onl~ ' a hundred yards away. The will is there 15 ZANZIBA.------,R

The Sultan af Zanzib2r ri:tun;s the C~mnl1n :l ? r-in-Chi ef' sCali

Three daps were spent at Zallzibar. A great alfractioll was Ihef;rel1'ork diyplay r; iren by tire Ship 16 ZANZIBAR TO DAR -ES - SALAAM IN A WHALER

H E shortest distance by sea from Zanzibar at sea. The Captain had other ideas, however, to Dar-es-Salaam is almost forty-fi ve miles. and sent the pinnace out to look for us. She missed TIn a whaler, given suitable weather condit­ us on her outward journey and finally took us in ions and a fair wind, it was reasonable to suppose tow at about 2300 when wc had some five miles that the passage could be made in about fi fteen to go. The wind by now had dropped completely hours. Therefore, when six of us set off from thc and ,ve were making very little headway against ship at 0930 on Thursday 30th June, we quite the ebb tide. We were all rather glad of some help expected to arrive at Dar-es-Sa!aam during the as we had not bargained for another night at sea. following morning in spite of the head winds and Altogether we had sailed almost one hundred miles adverse tides that we might encounter . and taken thirty-eight hours, over t wice our original optimistic estimate. We found out later, The crew consisted of Lt. H ayhoe. Mids. from the local yacht club members, that this trip Maire and Gibbons, Mechanician Senior, Yeoman had never been done in less than about twenty­ Benfi eld and Able Seaman Hall. As we left thc hve hours I shelter of Ras Shangari Point, our expectation of a head wind was confirmed and, after exchanging As this was t he only opportunity during the parting messages with the Gambia we settled down East African Cruise for passage sailing of any sort to a long beat. During the forenoon the wind was those who went were very glad to have done so in sufficiently westerly to allow us to sail close hauled spite of the discomfort of living in an open boat down the channel between the coast of Zanzibar and the incomplete success of the venture. Island and the reefs to go about and make for the open sea. In the afternoon the wind backed to sou'sou'east and towards sunset became verv P. T. H. light from the south east, at which time we had ]\1. T. G. just passed Chumbe Island only eight miles from Zallzibar as the crow, or perhaps, in this case, seagull, fli es I

Soon after dark the wind freshened a little and became steady from sou'sou'east again which DAR -ES - SALAAM brought our destination almost dead to windward. Ariadne Bank buoy had been passed at 1830 and, A 1'1'ived Friday J II ly 1St 1955. at 2200, relying on the rough fixes possible with a boat's compass, we estimated that we were rather OVING into Dar-es-Salaam was a pJ easure near the African coast and went about. The new and possibly more fascinating than the en­ tack took us right across the Zanzibar Channel. M trance to Kilindini H arbour during our visit We remained on it until Pungume Island light was to Mombasa. There is not nearly the bustle and due north of us at 0300, and went about again. activity of Kilindini though Dar is without doubt As day dawned the wind veered slightly to due of great import and, surprising as it may seem, south and land was visible on the horimn ahead serves not only Tanganyika but the Belgian Congo. of us. The description of our entry by the local press On apprqaching the coast some white buildings was as usual deservedly flattering, and the selection could be made out a few miles to the southward of the local populace gathered along the sand~ ' which could only be the " suburbs" of Dar-es­ front at the time was interesting. Having shaken Salaam, and which later we found out to be the the dust of Zanzibar off at 0800 Gambia berthed at I~ . A. R garrison some ten miles south. At 1350, most conveniently a few hundred yards midday, when the Gambia passed in the distance, from the Custom House Steps which we used as a \\'c were beating past the small islands off the landing place, and very much in view of the local shore with still a few miles to go; and thc wind [Jopulation. was dropping. On two occasions we mistook gaps between islands for the entrance to Dar-es-Salaam The Commander- in-Chief and t.h e F 1 a g harbour. This was an easy mistake to make Captain were very soon involved in their long list because, with a small reproduction of the original of official calls with His E xcellencv The Officer chart as our only guide, it was difficult to identify Administering the Government (the "Governor was objects on the shore of which there were very few. away), the Mayor, the Commissioner of Police and so on. The quarterdeck soon assumed its usual It soon became obvious that we would not get in scene of busy ceremony with the Guard, Band and before dark and we settled down for another night Ceremonial Piping Party very full y emp loyed 17 Entering Dar-es-Salaam Harbour. Th.e beginning of a wonderFul week.

glvmg tlle salutes and paving marks of respect This is not meant to be a chronicle of events but with th(~ precision that is so essential on these a few reminders of the first days happenings are occasions. It is diJicult to tell who works hardest not felt to be out of place, and the visit to lVIoro­ there at these times, the Senior Commissioned goro is a perfect example of how delighted til( SC' Gunner and his piping party, the Guard, the Band, countrymen of ours are when one of H. lVI. Ships or the Commander with immense restraint co­ visits them and how wholeheartedly they set out ordinating the lot. to show their welcome.

In the meantime a truly representative section The first day had soon flown and along came of sports and social clubs, the Woman's Service Saturday with a host of private invitations League and other organisations, not forgetting commencing; the following are a selection of the the BREWERY, have arrived to see what delect­ list from which the Ship's Company had to choosc:- able entertainmellt, \'isits, challenges etc. we are prepared to take 011, '2 ratings for the whole day and again on Sunday' By the time we had settled down and taken a 'Curry lunch for 4' deep breath it was fairly late in the afternoon, but '2 young ratings afternoon and evening (anyone a soccer team was ashore weighing in to the keen on fishing)' i\.frican students of St, Joseph's College, the Com­ '2 young seamen, tea, drive and a private film mander-in-Chief, Cavtain and Officers were about show' to entertain large numbers of local residents on '2 senior ratings-dinner etc .. (?)' the quarterdeck, and a pretty representative '2 senior ratings-entertainment and meals cro'wd of the ship's company were preparing to for one week' have a go at a "line" or "house" at the Railway 'II senior ratings-accommodation and enter­ Club, or possibly a general reconnaissance of Dar. tainment for one week' In addition at 2200 that night a sports party left '4 Marines-drinking and dancing' and so for lVIorogoro, about ISO odd miles away. This on; again proof of the friendship which trip had intrigued us for some time as it appeared these people have for our service and how from the information available that our represent­ pleased they are to see us. atives (21 strong) were required to spend the weekend playing all or any of Rugger, Hockey, This of course was a relatively small part of the Tennis and Cricket. In the event they played ship's activities it is not easy for a small European Rugger, Cricket, Tennis, Squash, Golf and Snooker. community to entertain 800 men, but they had a They won the rugger, lost the cricket, the rest were jolly good go. Many others went on larger parties friendly, and they vvere subsequently entertained such as bathing and picnics at Kunduchi, a by almost the total populat1on of the district. pleasant spot indeed. 18 The harbour offered splendid sailing with an There were many other things in our Dar visit enthusiastic Yacht Club open to alL and a not that we will long remember but one that must inhospitable aftermath to the afternoon's sport. stand out and is doubtless recorded else\'ihere in The Gymkhana Sports Club welcomed us all this volume, the McMichael Cu p. We beat Dar with open arms and bars. The grounds were used at Rugger and took the Cup away with us. first time for years. We kept it until Aden then back to the full and we were n eVf~r surprised to see Rugger and Cricket, Soccer and Hockey, if not at it went. We hope the new Flagship will uphold the same time (due to lack of grounds in the one our e};ample. place) then quite certainly in the same afternoon. In addition a few staid members would be ambling round the golf course and some not so staid members smashing away on the tennis courts. Considerable thirsts were slaked in the bar and t he Club's gesture in extending their bar hours from 1 900 to 2000, and, after the first day or so, to 2100, so that there could be no chance of a parched throat I e a v i n g the premises, was appreci­ ated, and the appreciation demonstrated con­ vincingly by large numbers; no names but a few pretty hearty and fruity laughs vvere heard around that bar. We mnst not forget the British Legion and the Railway Club on Saturday night, you were in good company there. Monday the 4th July was an important day in our visit. American Independence Day? Yes, but also the First Brewery Visit, by courtesy of the The Mac Michael Cup ill Good Hands. East African Breweries, a Run round the Brewerv starting at 1000 (we hear the party that did it ii-l The officers? Didn't you notice them, they got fifteen minutes were a bit puffed by the time got a,'ol1l1d , its all in the line book. down to sampling). They didn't chuck out till 'liVe hope we made some contribution in return dinner time, but though strains of various for their efforts ashore. This ship welcomed melodies floated out of the buses on the return visitors, both organised parties and on open days. trips, we gather ambassadorial restraint had been They no doubt enj oyed the opposition at sport as well exercised, though the samples undoubtedly much as we did, and there is no doubt the Royal were thoroughly appraised. Marine Band played a large part with their 'Beat Apart from dancing we displayed a certain Retreat' in front of Government House? and the amount of skill at indoor games, and the Railway fIrs t class music supplied at the various dances and Club and. British Legion were entertained to some fu nctions. By no means least and certainly not high class snooker and darts. The Women's to he forgotten, on hoard or in Dar, "Up Spirits." Services League earned all our admiration in A deli.1htful place Dar-es -Salaam with vvonderful laying on a supper one night for 50. penpk.

MALTA G.C (Continued fr.'in page 6) 'work-up'. We did a Director Test as far as I Kingsway and it is as though you have never rememb~r (I.'ve always thought that if the guns been away. That is the charm of Malta. pOl11ted 111 dIfferent directions one stood a better chance of hittinl? the target but I " m informed by And what about Malta after dark? Are the attractions of Floriana better than Val etta's my Gunnery fnend ~ that this is not the case!). famous 'Gut'? Everybody has his own opinion, As we anchored 111 Marsaxlokk each night and only returned to Malta at week ends our but all who have been to I\1alta before must agree opportunities for sporting and social activities that the beer is greatly improved. were few . However as you wIll read in the Well there was not much time to savour the Sports section some games Wffe played. flesh-pots, explore the catacombs or even to buy However what of the Island itself. Malta is a budgerigars (of which only one survives at the rarity in the modern world in that it never changes. time of writing), before yet another week of Whether the wanderer returns after six months or work-up commenced. six years, the same old sights and sounds (and And so it was with a certain amount of relief smells) are there. The dgaisamen still scorn to that we said goodbye to friends, and on April 21st use a motor. The Barraga lift is as shaky and we turned our faces to the East to join Q1Jf proper apparently ramshackle as ever. Walk down Station. . 19 THE SEYCHELLES

o most of us with our feet comfortably Beau Vallon was delightful, the average English­ nnder various tables at Dar, dreaming of man's dream of what a tropical beach should be, T earning a thousand a year in East Africa and well worth the nerve-racking ride (or exhaust­ at the end of our seven, twelve or twenty two, it ing walk even) over the pass to get there. Further seemed a pity to leave that gracious "Haven of round the island, Grand Anse gave some the new Peace", and spend a whole week at Victoria, which experience of trying to control a bucking surfboard. even the Seychelles tourist pamphlet described as "not very grand or very beautiful", and where the Those who climbed to the higher ground, including main occupation is waiting for the coconuts to fall the party of Royals who scaled the highest peak, from the trees. Even so, at the end of that week, had an impressive view of the changing colours of when our very tired ship's company left Mahe, the water over the reefs, and many other wooded heavily laden with tortoise-shell, palmleaf hats, islands. Some of these had quaint descriptive shark-spine walking sticks, and rather rude-looking names, as oile of our hosts said quite innocently, coco-de-mer, we all felt it to be a well-spent week, "as soon as you come abreast of that onc, you'll and a fitting climax to a successful two months sec why its called IVIamelle Island". cruise. "Big-game" fishing was not as successful as we'd What made it so enjoyable? Well, it was expected, and although a very small shark was certainly a change for us, coming straight from the hauled inboard amid much excitement it seemed go-ahead new-world atmosphere of East Africa, to that most of its elders had been processed into step back 50 years in time to a near-feudal colony walking sticks. whose sailors wore straw hats reminiscent of our own Navy before rt)I4. The "Seychelle~ Home Industries" was a popular haunt of the curio seekers, and the highly polished Apart from the full programme of football giant tortoises on sale there, were far "larger than (always watched by most of the local populace), fife" than the live ones in the Botanical Gardens. cricket, boxing, bathing picnics, and dances, for those who seek their own enjoyment the natural Less enjoyable features? The endless boat trip beauty and repose of the islands, the pleasant inshore, plus the knowledge (gained by early climate, and tranquillity of the people, did much experience) that ship's power boats make poor to make it a real holiday. We'd already experi­ bull-dozers against coral reefs! The endless Long enced the warmth and hospitality of the French in Pier (the only place that wasn't out of bounds after Mauritius, and it was even more apparent in Mahe, dark?) which certainly appeared to get even longer, especially as the 14th of July, the National Day of straighter and narrower, if you were trying to France, fell during our stay, and we enjoyed the catch the last boat off, after a quiet (?) run ashore. novel experience of joining 90% of the white In spite of these, it was always a good-tempered, subjects of a British Colony in a celebration of singing crowd that returned in an over-loaded French national fervour. "Aluette". Of course we didn't come through

The view over the bay at the Seychelles. 20

-l ______entirely unscathed. Apart from a number of that can nut be had elsewhere to-day" ~ but although broken hearts, \.ve sailed leaving two of our many were its attractions enjoyed by us all, we Stalwarts still ashore, one in hospital following an must reluctantly admit that these are mainly for unfortunate accident, and the other in a deep the visitor, who, if he settled there, would soon sleep. grow impatient with little to occupy him but the Finally, we agree with the guide-book that "the infrequent visits of passing ships, and the falling Seychelles are unmatched, and offer something coconuts.

THOUGHTS ON SAILING AWAY FROM SEYCHELLES

Tropic isles of wonderous beau.ty , See the brightly coloured churches 1Vestling on the Ocean's breast, And the h1ds among the trees, P ertile isles oJ y aving palm trees, Where the Creole families lali01<-r, Sandy "each and roc/~y crat{. f{ eep their cows and grOll' their /mit.

See the dolphins, coloured sea f ish Happy isles offriendly ~beople , Swimmin{!, r01tlld thy coral shores, Undisturbed by modern rush, See the copra schoone1'S plyi'lIg Quite content iut'th life and loving, With the.ir wares bette'een the isles. Glad to see -",'OU 'ic'hen you come.

See the monsoon breahers breaki'llg I sles of love and isles of beauty, On. the reef and on the sand, Eden left bv (;od on Earth, A nd the cinnamons and spices S till1t~spo.iled by man's invention. Growing 1fp beyond th e palms. Tropic Isles of Paradise..

J.W.T.L.

21 • CROSSING THE LINE

"His Majesty's" Band

CROSSING THE LINE CEREMONIES WERE HELD ON THE WAY TO MAURITIUS FROM TRINCOMALEE AND AGAIN WHEN RETURNING TO TRINCO. AT THE END OF THE EAST AFRICAN CRUISE.

The Stnior Engineer is well and Indy inilialed "King Neptune" delivers the address EXERCISE 'JET'

The combined/leels in Trincomaiee Harbour .

ERHAPS Exercise 'No lets' would have During the last two weeks, two major exercises, been a better name for these manoeuvres, 'Hela' (short title 'Hell') and 'Kanda', exercised P. as they included all the paraphernalia of the defence of coastal and ocean convoys from modern sea warfare except, actually, jet aircraft. attacks by submarines, air and surface craft, and these provided a continuous stream of exciting In fact the name is derived from the initial and sometimes alarming incidents for those who letters of Joint Exercises, Trincomalee. And what thought they knew what was really going on! a joint Trincomalee was to become!-for in the space of a week or two after our return from the In the course of these exercises Gambia was East Afric;;tn cruise, what space that remained in the hotly engaged many times, and fought a number harbour was rapidly occupied by one more cruiser of spirited and successful night gun actions in the - the 'Delhi'- 9 destroyers, 7 frigates, 2 sub­ classical style against the commerce raiding mcrines and 5 tankers and auxiliaries; the whole cruisers 'Ihled' and 'Rumiat', as well as being presenting a majestic spectacle of solidarity melted by an Atomic Bomb, twice torpedoed by amongst the Commonwealth Navies of Britain, the submarine 'Artemis', once by the destroyers Ceylon, India and Pakistan, a solidarity well and once (nearly) by herself. The latter offending known to any returning libertyman who happened missile dived smartly under the ship and then 1.0 find himself at the hack of the queue at Pepper made off in a direction midway between Mauritius Pot Jetty'. and Nairobi, until its fuel was expended when it was brought back reluctantly on board. However, none of the ships remained long in In harbour, our technicians and workshops harbour and Gambia herself steamed 2250 miles assisted in maintaining the serviceability of many during the course of the exercises, which crammed ships operating hundreds of miles away from their many of the thrills and spills of four years of war­ bases, and our sportsmen were well represented in fare into four weeks. every R.N. team. For us, replenishment at sea was a regular Exercise 'JE.T.' gave us all a very lively feature. Reef, spuds and beautiful lady doctors August and demonstrated once again the spirit came sliding across the jackstays with the regul­ of co-operation and cordiality which exists arity of children down a playground slide, whilst amoni5st the Commonwealth Navies in the Indian hundreds of tons of fuel came bubbling across to Ocean. our tanks and elsewhere! R.D.B. 23 The Chapel on bOa.1'd the H .M .S. Ga.mbia

HERE to begin? Possibly wit h our Slowly indeed but surely one soul after another Commissioning Service on the Boat Deck has been drawn into the life of the Church here. W at Devonport on February 8th when the Sunday after Sunday, perhaps once or twice in the new ship's company joined; more probably a week as well, the faithful have been at the altar month before, when we started collecting pieces to spend a precious half hour with their Lord. of churchy equipment from half a dozen different There are some who have never missed. People towns, and from H. lV1. S. Illustrious, and all sorts have got into the very good habit of slipping into of people worked very hard to make the ship's the chapel for five or ten minutes to say their chapel as pleasant as it is, in the photograph above, prayers in peace and quietness and commend the 'spiritual power-house' of the ship. Morning their own souls ancl those of their dear ones into after morning the Holy Communion has been God's good keeping. There have been those we celebrated there, and the ship and everybody in have tried to help with their personal problems; her, and our dear ones, have been commended those who have been coming for instruction and daily to the loving mercy of God. A special word those who have submittecl themselves to live of thanks must go to that body of faithful servers under rule and thereby manifestly growing in the who have possibly been the backbone of the spiritual life and at the same time helping to build spiritual life of the ship. And with them such up the soundness of the life of the Church which others who have offered their help in one way and is in this place. And there have been those who another. Evensong each day has been well faithfully have worked through one book after attended, and Compline and Preparation for Holy another that they have been given to read, Communion on Saturday night have proved well gradually but surely growing in the knowledge of I worth-while. Six people came most diligently and the things of God. And then there have been those I conscientiously over a period of months, some­ many who have been drawn for the first time to time'> two or three times a week, to preparation the restoring joys of the Sacrament of Forgiveness classes and were confirmed at Trincomalee in July of Sins. by the Bishop of Colombo, receiving Holy Comm­ union for the first time in the Ship's Chapel next We have used Film Strips, especially during morning. Holy Week, and on Good Friday our Three Hours 24 Devotion took form of three conducted medita­ coloured carnations the Chapel at Easter was a tions on the Stations ofthe Cross.; and we recall the joy; and although we write this before Christmas Petty Officer who stayed for the whole three hours. no doubt we shall prepare f6r Our Blessed Lord And there was the stoker (or do we say M(E)?) who a fit place to come to, as we come to receive Him missed his Sunday Communion and promptly into our hearts and souls. came along on the Monday morning to 'make up', and the Petty Officer who after a lapse of years is We have taken Holy Communion to the sick, now saying his prayers again and a regular we have baptised the children of some of our communicant. And there are those two who have company before we left U.K., and when we get given so much help as Sacristans, between them back there are some weddings to look forward to. being as good as a curate by regular and faithful And wandering round the 'parish' we have always help and support. One of the greatest joys, and been given the kindest of welcomes. A large inevitably so, is that we have amongst our faithful number have perhaps not come to church at all, two possible vocations; two people who think that but they have maybe made it known that they God may be leading them and calling them to the listen to, and have been helped by, the 'lift up sacred ministry of the church and who one day your Hearts' interlude we have done on the S.R.E. if both they and the Church are convinced of their each morning. Or they have had the grace to say vocation may well find themselves priests. And simply, and without excuse, 'Sorry' when the what more could one hope for any man? occasion has demanded it- and it is a grace to be able to do that as so m any have. There have been \Ve have had outings and were able to arrange disappointments inevitably; those few who have a number of private invitations for our Church fallen by the wayside, those we have not been able people on board at the homes of Church folk in to teach because they thought they had nothing • the various ports we visited-four of us had a very to learn, and those who have been too busy with pleasant evening with the Bishop of Masasi in the social round to find time for the things of God. Dar·· e3-Salaam. \iVhile at Basra ~n went to the But the good God has been abundantly gracious supposed site of the Garden of Eden (whe!'e the to us in this ship during this commission. May Tigris and Euphrate.3 meet ) and on another day those souls who have been touched, some perhaps to Ur of the Chaldees-a most fascinating trip. not known even to themselves, wherever fortune Complete with its Pashal Candle (given to us by tak,e them, bear fruit abundantly t o the greater well-wishers ashore) and vases of irises and multi- glory of God and of His Church.

THE CHIPPIES' LAMENT

Our famous Midshipman's gone into his boat, They worked and the.",! worlwd and they mended O'er all the wide sea there's none now afloat the screw, Whose tale is so wondrous and yet to be told; They mended the mdder and the shaft that was bell t, The story of Gambia's fine snottie, so bold. Ok htckless Midshipman, the chippies lament. Twas nigh on a week, c1'ossing the line, Twas early in June that the story began, 0~t1' ,'I,.11:dshipman grand got a medal so fine. When a dug-out canoe by mistake he 0' er ran. From King Neptune, of pusser's brass, Twas sunk, three men and a tailor beside, Honourable Order of the Cora l R eef, Fil'St Class. The steering had failed, 01' so it was cried. Reasons in writing, the Commander exclaimed, O ~t1' story's not ended, our tale's not vet don e, Tho' it seems that the cos'n can hardly be blamed. As d';saster befell our unfortunate Mie. . The reasons came forth and plausible too, When we 1'etu~ned to OU1; harboU1' at Tr£ncomala B~tt money was owed for the dug-out canoe. A nd exercised with navies from over the sea, Sixty rupees was the sum they demanded, V1jaya was there, Ceylon's tn'ide and joy, A nd sixty rupees their Lordships commanded. I n her berth in the line, at a single black b ~toy. B~tt wondrous to tell and let me so say, On the day of this epic, the sea-wind ran high, Their Lordships, not snottie, the money did pay. H e, to nm alongs£de the gangway did try. H e attempted to do the best .that he could In the wonderful Seychelles, at the Isle of Mahe The f earful result was of splintering wood; Came the second most hapless, ~tnfortunate day. The gangwa.Y' was broken, 0 terrihle fate, Our Midshipman bl'ave drove straight on to a reef, And so to our Chippies in pitijill state. Both shafts and rudder came to terrible grief. They worked and they worked and at last it ,t'as ne;e·. Oh, unlucky, poor Mid. what a terrible plight. o Chippies lament, 0 Midshipman y ,o,//. , A party for children was soon to take place, A nd the boat ml·tst be ready, the holes withottt trace. The shipwrights worked hard, day and night through, R.NLE. 25

• • • • ** * * * * * * * * * * ** HE Conductor raises his baton and an ex­ The 'Wrens' standing in the wings wait anxiously pectant hush descends on the audience. for the applause- "Is it a good audience? Have TDown comes the baton and the orchestra they wined and dined well? (matinees are murder)". swings off into the overture- the gay melodies of And as turn succeeds turn and show succeeds show, Hammerstein and Rodgers' 'Oklahoma'. And the conviction grows that, while there may be No once again H.M.S. Gamhia's Revue Company are Business like Show Busine3s, there's No show like presenting "UP SPIRITS". 'UP SPIRITS'. The audience are being wooed and lulled into a respective mood; one lilting tune follows another, the latecomers hurry to their seats. But back­ stage-Ah backstage! If the show ran for a thousand Derformances or a million, the scene just before C"urtain Up would still be one of complete chaos. 1 he producer has gone mad-he's been going mad for the last half hour hut now he's quite definitely and positively' insane. There are rio glasses for the Pub. scene. "Where's the bottle opener?- Oh?" The flower girl dashes off the stage--"Where are you going?"-" Forgotten my skirt". The M.C. is gazing up at the flies mouthing his opening phrases-"Hey don't drink all that beer at once-leave some for the scene". "'Where are the flowers?-a flower girl and no flowers. What goes on? Oh! you're selling newspapers now. Oh! Why" doesn't somebody tell me these things". "Chorus line up-a bit further forward. Is that all of you? We used to have more. Oh I see, the Welsh Choir are changing for their act. Well you'll have to sing up everybody-loud as you can. Crikey this is going to be crummy". "Stop that hammering. Stop that BLASTED FACTS A~ND FIGUREIS hammering, Chippy. What the hell are you The show was played at Trincomalee (3 times); doing? Oh! Well take it somewhere else-­ Mauritius (2); Mombasa (2); Nairobi (3); Nanuki outside" . (r) ; Dar-es-Salaam (2); Seychelles (r); and Abadan. One of the 'Wrens' is peeping through the spy­ It was seen by over 5000 people and about £350 hole in the wings, trying to spot his girl friend. profit was made for the Naval Entertainments The orchestra let themselves go on the Fund of Kenya (used for entertaining the final rousing bars of the ovetture and suddenly Ship's Company) and various Service charities. order returns to the stage. The applause for the It was played in the plush opulence of the overture swells up to' a crescendo and the cast National Theatre of Kenva at Nairobi and on a exchange grins. A good audience?-the hope of stage made out of packing cases at Nanuki; but every actor the world over. Well we will soon always to packed houses and to demands for more know. performances. Usually the stage was cramped The M.C. straightens his dinner jacket, gets a pat and dressing rooms more so. Inevitably 'artistic on the back and slides between the curtains. temperament' was sometimes displayed but every­ body remained cheerful and the show was every­ "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and where acclaimed one of the best ever presented b~' a welcome to our show. H.M.S.Gambia is proud to ship. ' present UP SPIRITS. This is show business and Ladies and Gentlemen as you know ...... Above all it was the excellent team-work of the cast, the hard and loyal work of the stage hands Up goes the curtain as everybody sings Irving and the support of the Royal Marine Band and Berlin's "There's No Business Like Show Busi­ their conductor which laid the foundation of a ness" and once more the show is on. most memorable show. 26 THE CHILDREN'S PARTIES

ARTIES for the local children were held at most of the places that the ship visited, and Pjudging hy the happy faces (and well filled tummies!) that went ashore after each one, they were most successful and enj oyed by all (all of the children anyway). Much thought and a lot of hard work by many people, too numerous to mention, went into the Testing! Testing! making of these parties and they deserve hearty congratulations on their efforts. Nothing was too much trouble for them and I am sure that the N .B.-- Keep your eye on the Ship's Company children will remember their visit to GAMBIA as by now they will almost certainly want to take for a long time. some of thc children for a 'ride'! If you are thinking of organising a children's party on board ship, the fol1mNing notes and tips gained from experience might be useful:- First Arrival-Boys should be used to meet the guests; they don't have to think very much and they are right in there pitching with the children. Royal Marines- Should always be used as 'Pirates'. This is quite natural to them and they enj oy it very much. 'Chippies'-Always to the fore for constructio­ nal work and they provide excellent material for test runs on slides and other essential apparatus used for fun and games. Electricians-Allow the inventors to come to the front, but check the power used on some of their 'devices' as they are liable to leave the little blighters in a 'shocking' condition. Canteen Manager--He provides excellent ice­ cream, buns and drinks (non-alcoholic). Watch him as he is ,'ery partial to a few samples! Films- Donald DucIc Mickey Mouse and ' 'Hor­ ror' Films et c. Give them ice-cream on their way into the cinema then they can really make a mess of themselvcs and the cinema!. Explosive- -Build a pirate ship and blow it up (Harbo ·.lf authorities to be warned). Look! No Hands! 27 Tea-Always to be gIven on the quarterdeck-­ again. t he sternsheetsmen will reboard the boat it gives the Ship's Company the only chance they at the gangway. ever get of stamping cream buns into the deck without incurring the wrath of the Commander. Your first trip- The cardinal rule for boat runn­ Boat Rides-A reserve item- preferably with­ ing is punctuality. Always leave dead on time­ ont the knowledge of the Boal Officer. it helps the administration of the ship's routine. The good boat runner will have checked his watch Crying Children- If yon find one pick it 11P­ with the Navigating Officer's chronometer and it will object, but that doesn't matter. Shove it knows to a split second the time he has to leave. down the slide (more objection). Collect it at the At H minus 2 seconds, the Commander appears at l>ottom. Give it an ice-cream (no objection)­ the top of the ladder attired for cricket. Don't put it in the cinema and hope for the best. be overawed. His first foot is leaving the gangway as zero hour strikes. Right-full ahead. Don't Final Departure-Some of the problems are:­ bother to go back and pick him out of the water. Those that have lost something. H e'll have to return on board to change and a wet Those that have lost brother or sister. person docs so ruin your paintv.:ork. Those that don't want to go. Those that want to go to sea. You're off-and now we come to rule number Those that look as though they have had too two. l~ e member the shortest distance between much ice-cream. two points is a straight line. Ignore anything "Please I want more sweets" lying in the path between you and your goal­ "He's got two balloons, I've only got one". water boats, gash barges, dinghies, native canoes­ ignore them . They'll soon get the idea ar.d keep ant your way, making life very much easier. The HOW TO DRIVE A MOTOR BOAT 'Rule of the Road' is for dull, formal types and of OME people get a kick out of driving a high course is far too infra dig! powered sports car, or pushing a screaming On approaching a jetty, head straight for it. It's Sjet aircraft across the sky at 600 m.p.h. a well-known fact that if you aim straight for a But to the real enthusiast there is nothing to beat thing, you can't possihly hit it- the Gunnery driving a motor boat. For the benefit of beginners Branch have been demonstrating this for years! here are a few short notes on how to handle one of Straight in-- full astern, wheel hard over, then these fast gleaming craft. limp slowly back to the ship to be hoisted in for The first thing to remember is that you are the repairs. Stand the Shipwright Officer your tot. master of the boat, not it of you. Forget that this Then you can nip ashore to see your girl friend sleek .5 ton monster costs thousands of pounds and instead of running liberty trips. is quite irreplaceable on the East Indies Station. Misc ~ llan eo u s points- Put out of your head forever that the Motor Boat is the Commander's pride and joy and that even Admiral's Barge- On passing the Admiral's the slightest scratch in its immaculate paintwork Barge, don't be stand-offish. will make him speechless with fury. Likewise pay Give him a cheery wave of th~ hanel- he'll no attention to booms, ladders etc.- they're very love it! If you're really close, a cheerful "\-Votcher easily repaired and excessive solicitude for their cock" is a splendid gesture. welfare will only ruin your enjoyment. Never­ Admirals DO so like to be noticed. theless you may think it worthwhile, as an insu­ rance policy, to cultivate the friendship of the shipwrights and the Boat E.R.A.s. Offer them vour sippers and cigarettes. Show them photographs of your children to win their sympathv (borrowing photographs from those more happily blessed than yourself, if necessary). However enough of the preliminaries-lets get down to the practical details. Getting away from the boom- The first thing to do is to point the boat in the right direction. Rev up the throttles to full speed and slam in the gears. Wheel hard over. Remove bits of broken whaier from the after cabin and let go the painter. You are now pointing aft and may proceed with ea.se. Coming alongside.-Always come alongside at full speed as this gives less time for making mista­ kes. Assume an air of nonchalance to show the quarterdeck staff that it's all just a piece of cake. As you are passing the gangway slam the gears into reverse and HANG ON!- then go round S0I1'Ie people are j ust plain greedy! 28 Lady Passengers--When ladies step on board follow this gold en rufe, the following hints may your boat, pull your cap rakishly over one eye; help. narrow your cY'es shrewdly and survey your If they caUSe any trouble, hit them on the head command with that hard nautical look (but with a boat-hook. pay no attention at this st age to the ladies. The "Hey-NIister-you' ve-got-your-cap-on-back­ They know you are doing a difficult dangerous to-front" or "Coo-what-a-stinking-old-boat­ joh and they will love you for it). Rap ont your this-is" type of small boy, should be taken aft on orders to the crew in short crisp terms. raising your the pret ext of looking at the engines and (juietly voice slightly (but onl? slightly-don't shout) t o thrown over the stern. Keep a few i cwt. sinkers make sure the ladies hear yon. Oncc yon have in the after cabin for this purpose. left the jetty. leave the \'v'h eel to someone Cl se and Remember all these rules and YOll will be revered, nip aft to the cabin t o cntertain them! respected and esteemed for the rest of the com­ mi ssion--even if you l':ave to play .out time as a Childrcn-NEVER allow children in your boat. Heads Sweeper. H howcver, you sometimes lind it impossible to B .NL J.V . --_.------_._ ---_ ...._ ------MOMBASA MEMORIES (Colltinued froll1 page 13)

lifelike models of the gentle gq.zelle, hartbecstt , impala and other fauna of grassland and jungle. And in the dark evenings one could relax with a lager in the Rainbow Bar or indulge in a Lobster Thermidor in the Nelson Rest aurant. Mombasa. however. besides being the centrc of our activities was also the gateway to Kenya. One of the disadvantages of naval visits to foreign ro1'ts is that it is not always possihle to explore the hinterland. How easy it is to boast that onc has been to a foreign country when what one reallv did was to stroll down the main street of the port ' or play games at the local sports club. But this. particular visit was different. G00dwill and hospitality fl owed "into the ship and encompassed 3.11 messes. As a result, in the words of an ex-navy man in the Kenya Police who wrote to the Gnzz Gazette, "members of the ship's company appea­ red in all parts of the colony". Bearded blue jac kets fi ltrated into Amboselli and Tsavo Game Reserves and frightened away the elephants; occupied Nairobi and entertained the locals in the }{egretfully we had to leave on June 27th; for National Theatre; drove tractors over the red once not at daybreak but at the reasonable hour of earth in up-country farms; bathed in the surf at I740, so that our new friends could really give us a Nyali and Malindi; struggled up to the snows of good send-off. They tumbled out of their offices, Kilimanjaro; sang to soldiers in Nanyuki, and went banks and shops into hundreds of cars, speeded with them on anti Mau Mau patrols in the Aber­ along to Azania Drive, and cheered and waved dare Forest. All came back alive, full of experien­ from vantage points all along the low cliffs right up ces that will not be forgotten and with a deeper to Ras Serani lighthouse, as with the band playing appreciation of some of the problems of modern we steamed slowly away in the setting sun . . colonial life. Santasan. Mombasa, jambo, jambo. 29 TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST

(Or • • • • '') "LIFE in the Forces"-a problem that faces the pensioners. To hear tales of 'when I was all modern youth. To be dragged from the foreign' told with snch force that all can be nothing shelter of home, disciplined into a name and but true. So for a while life becomes tranquil. number, and churned out of the official mincing You study and learn the way of the Navy and machine, is a thought that may turn many a suddenly realise the full meaning of Darwin's young man's heart to a lesser thing. Come what "Origin of the Species". * But the evils of the may however, rain or snow, few escape and so Drafting Office conspire against you and ultimately comes the fatal day. produce a ship, which to them is always "Just You arrive at Portsmouth, and haunted by the job", but to 'Jan' is the greenest of green rubs. visions of Hood and Nelson, Rodney and Drake, You sail for foreign lands, sunshine and adven­ you face the "Gateway to the Navy". You take ture. You seek out the 'Barons', 'strangle' all a faltering step and then with shoulders back and within sight, and 'edge-in' on all available 'grippos'. head high you step over the threshold of a new life. You indulge in savage 'rabbit runs' and go 'broke'; The gates of civilisation close behind you and have 'gulpers' and 'sippers' and write home pathe­ l.RPlonk, civilian, becomes O/S. Plonk, RN.- tic tales of the hardbeaten, starving and under­ paid N.S. OlD. In all, you live. Soon you realise your time in the Andrew is drawing to a close and you gaze with longing eyes 2.t the calendar for the day you go 'outside'. You feel envy and pity for the 'seven and five' chaps, for while you will be once again ].RPlonk, civilian, they will be sailing the seven seas, seeking new 'runs' and returning to old haunts. You may have grumbled; you may have sworn and raved, but something, however small, however inconceivable, something will have been gained by those two years. And one will remember, when the photo­ graphs fade, the body ages and the memory dulls, --"The Two Years before the Mast". *NOTE: Darwin's "Origin of Species" states "That life has developed and progressed bv the ever continuous prinrir·le of the sur-vival oJ the

fittest" (,wd Oh J hmv true in the Andrew!). A NATIONAL SERVICEMAN.

to be prodded, pushed, poked and measured like a side of beef; to be graded and filed, and eventually ~~,~ to become a 'Jack'. f~ (:".,,4-, I But joy of joy, at last you go down to the sea in ...... "' .1 ships (Portland Harbour) , and learn the jargon of the 'Andrew'. 'Oppo', 'Wings' ...... and a ~ ~ / thousand and one unknown t erms. You salute everything that moves and paint everything that does not. You march, run, sleep, and die a thou­ sand deaths at the command of your instructor. You learn to know that the 'sharp end' goes through the water first and why, to eat the food given, to go ashore, to live the life, and how to be a sailor. All to soon you become T.M.-a passport to 1ago's, a passport to ...... ?!? *? Once again you go through the never-tiring machine, to be stamped and classified, to become an unknown quantity in Admiralty files. You serve your apprenticeship to "The Art of Skiving", i.e. to be doing something cyS PLONt< R.N . when someone is there and to be doing nothing when there's not; to be first in the Dinner queue and first for rum; to be first for tea and first ashore; to be first every time; to be there when required. You eventually crawl under the wing of some duty P.O,. and procure a special duty. You disappear into the intricate machine of Ba.rracks life and meet the 'Old Salts', the 'badge-men', 30 ROUND THE DIVISIONS

Amongst other things cryptography reqUIres PBR SI(]NA SAPIBNfA a fair degree of mathematical genius! HE Communications Branch is, traditionally, We have various transmitters throughout the the silent branch of the Silent Service, and so ship which enable us to send signals to all parts of Tour contribution to this book will be of the world, and we beg the pardon of any Royal modest dimensions! In any case with the intro­ Marine or Boy who may have been trampled on by duction of the General Service Commission there one of the wireless branch in his efforts to get to is less to relate than in the days when we boasted the transmitter rooms situated under the respective of our 'two and four' or even more. mess decks. The buntings have their troubles too, as they are responsible for typing all messages and, The branch is one of the smallest in the ship with the help of the Seamen Messenger Boys, with about twelve senior anp forty junior ratings. ensuring delivery to the officers concerned. T hese are augmented, when the C. in C. is embar­ ked by another four senior and five junior ratings. On normal days the main duty of the Flagdeck The branch is further sub-divided into wireless staff has been to keep a good look-out and to and signal ratings of which there are slightly communicate with any passing ships. To date more 'sparkers' than there are 'buntings'. The we have exchanged identities with well over a Coder/Educ. is also officially part of the branch thousand merchant ships. During combined exer­ although we have not seen very much of him! cises, however, such as J.E.T., the Flagdeck was vVe hope, however, thz..t he has been happy is his the scene of much activity dealing with short work, coaching those of us who are not quite so operational messages with either flags , light or 'well up', for E.T.I and E.T.2 and ensuring that semaphore. we all return our library books on time. Statistics show that an average of 180 signals a The communicator's work, as most of us know, day were handled during J.E.T., but even when concerns the handling of all signals, whether there are no exercises about 50 a day are dealt written in plain language or encrypted. Every with. Up to Christmas the grand total handled signal has to be logged, typed, duplicated and since the beginning of the commission was in the distributed as necessary throughout the ship, and region of 35,000. A large number of private in a flagship the cryptographic part of signalling, telegrams have also been dealt with, particularly which all sparkers and buntings have to deal with, over Christmas and the N ew Year. accounts for at least half of all signal traffic. We have managed to produce a few pages of news each morning for your perusal. This has called for the combined efforts of P.O.Tels. Gilvary and Davies who have listened to the ordi­ nary B.B.C. News Bulletins and endeavoured to type as much as they can from this broad­ cast. From the two rough copies a master copy has been produced and this is finally distributed round the ship. The work generally takes as long as. two hours, with an extra hour on Satur­ days to cope with the Football results and League Tables. We apologise for the occasional error that has crept in, but reception has often been poor. However our efforts must have been read as any errors are inevitably pointed out to us by at east half the ship's company-usually rather forcibly I In the sporting world we have done exceptio­ nallv well and we venture to say that no other divi;,ion has equalled our achievements. At the inter part athletics we came second to the Royal Marines, being beaten by only one point. Yeo Wright won the javelin although he had ~ever thrown one before in his life. Actually he tnpped at the throwing point and thereby achieved the immense (to him) distance of 118 feet 6 inches. Yeo Benfield and Ldg. Tel. Hague have been regular members of the Ship's Rugger XV and others have played for the second string. 31 leading at one stage by four lengths. Our crew was very heavy, probably the heaviest in the ship, and we thought we did well to come in third against the R.P.N. at Karachi. From bow to cox our crew, was,. Fallon, Hague, Aire, Benefield, Suter and Tawton. Finally we thank all other departments for their co-operation and hope we have not trod on too many corns. A special word of thanks, per­ haps, to the Electrical Dept. for all the 'amps' they have given us-the figure must be astronomical­ as well as oqler things, begged, borrowed 'or just plain pinched I 'rVe wish everyone a happy home­ coming and a good leave and a prosperous life to those going outside and the draft of their choice to We head the Soccer league table and with only those who have not yet done their time. one game to play are full of confidence about retaining this position. Ldg. Sig. Broadfoot and PM OFFICE "1.5.0.

Ord. Sig. Turner and regular Ship's players. ...,O< NO POSTAL .. _... .", We have yet to be beaten at cricket at which OR OFRS UNTIL. FURTHER NOTICE. 1 dg. Sig. Murphy is the star player. We have ...... ~ TRY ·Hlr.HfLYEA" ~ had our share of players in the Hockey Team >d. amongst them Ldg. Tel. Tawton and Chief Yeo. Smith (Umpire). VVe were a little unlucky in the inter part competition but this has been mentioned in the Hockey Notes. Our swimmers Menzies, Redpath, Rushton, Crooke, Head and Richings gained us first place in this sport and Yeo. Benfield has been a regular member of the Ship's Water Polo Team.

In the Regatta, we had a thrilling pull against ______.::O.I\ .c.. the Wardroom whom we beat by one second after ~,------

THE ENGINEERIN'G DEP ARTlVIEN1'

In keeping with the best traditions of the Royal Navy the Engineering Department has quietly and efficiently provided the essential services so necessary in the Flag Ship of the East Indies Station. A short list of some of these services is given below for those of our readers who may not appre­ ciate to the full what they comprise. The list of course, does not indicate an order of priority Air Conditioning Aft. Constant H & C. Ice for Cocktails. Hives for Bees. Strainers for Jelly Fish. Cooling for Beer. Peelers for Spuds. Oil for Quarter Decks. Salutes f~r Admirals. Spills for 'L' fiat. Beards for Barbers. Air for Guns. Dips for Divers. Defaulters for Commanders. Steam for Main Engines. Revs, non-denominational, for screws. General Service for the Commander (E). 32 ==------:==~ . - ---

THE QUARTERDECK

'\ ~ - \~, - --- . ' Fi pe minutes before el1teril1!{ harbour Final adjustments are made

I \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \. \

Quarterdeckmen

I II ceremonial mood ,\;[ore lighthearted. 33 QUARTERDECK DIVISIONAL N'OTES WHEN it was first decided to allow one page of the wood. Reactions of the cast are shown below under commission book to each division the Quarter­ scene one reading from top to bottom. deck Division inundated the editor with pages of manuscript which had been the diary of one of In scene two the Captain of the Q.D. rigs the the able seamen of the division. From these pages hose on the deck and does not wait for the nozzle . many of the following remarks are taken, but it to arrive. The steady stream of crystal clear was quite obvious from the start that we would water cascading on the clean deck dwindles to a be unable to publish all the references without trickle. The fire-main pressure falling fast to the risking libel actions for offending the more sensitive scene the Engine-room staff. Reactions of the amongst us. cast are again listed below this time reading from bottom to top. We have had an interesting commission at the after end of the ship, and although we have not Dramatis Persom~ae Scene I Scene II been able to see all the V.I.P.s who have trodden on the hallowed ground, we have caught tl;te occa­ Captain of the Irate Offended and sional glimpse of a Sheik or Political Agent making Q.D. unrelenting his official call, no doubt impressed by what the Mombasa Times called "The gleaming brass", Divisional Officer Irate moves off. Moves off left and of course the deck. The deck is ·primarily or understudy right to Engi- quietly made of wood, but not the common or garden neers Office wood that you find on the floors of houses or up beyond the catwalk-no, this demands a special The Hands Amused Highly amused sort of treatment. First we allow the dockyard maties of Devenport to spread their oily feet all The Engineer Occasionally Irate over it, then we cover it with lime which sets so apologetic hard that it has to be chipped off, then we scrape usuallyexpla- it and wash it. Now this washing is not the natory with dia­ normal type of washing that you may encounter grams and ges- in your own home; it is unique. First yolJ. get tures up early and after you have tried to be detailed for store party you are sent down to provide "That is why so much Pussers' lime IS used" scrubbers. The scrubber is a long handled instru­ ment and the end of the handle fits into a round That is enough about the work that the division hole in the bit of wood with the bristles in it. does, although it is a temptation to spread :'our­ The system was invented in the early paleolithic selves further and include all the remarks about age and has been handed down from father to son 'Y' turret, the Royal Marines and the effort until the present day. It was used with such required to secure the ship to a buoy astern. Now success for brooms and mops that just after about the sport. Nelson's time they decided to use it for scrubbers. It soon became obvious that when the scrubber We have a splendid divisional football team was immersed in water the hole in the wood would though we say it ourselves. It is well led and swell, allowing the handle to escape, but this fact enthusiastically supported and met with great has been kept a dark secret until now when at success until on the indifferent ground at Bahrain last it can be told. You have a choice; either we lost our chance to win the inter-part league in you don't scrub hard enough to loosen the handle a frustrating draw with the Communications or you spend the Whole of the 'scrub-deck' period Division. As well as enjoying it, it did give the trying to fit the thing together again. ("Don't 'old men' of the division some exercise. hit that handle on the deck here, you'll wake someone up-take it off the Q.D.") Having In the ship's team we have always been repre­ armed yourself with your weapon you trip lightly sented, usually by the two outstanding players in down aft, confident that the next scene in the the team. before-breakfast comedy is about to start. Boxing is probably the next favourite sport The cast is the same for both variations of the with us and the majorty of the team is drawn from scene and although there are little differences in Ouarterdeckmen. Seven of the division have each presentation, the broad outlines are roughly ~presented the ship in boxing competitions at the same. In scene one the Captain of the Q.D. Zanzibar, Seychelles or Diyatalawa-"Well done" rigs the hose on the deck and waits for the nozzle to them. to arrive. When eventuallv this elusive article is found, the water is switched on and a thick glu­ At rugger we again provide more than our fair tinous mass of oil is sprayed over the snow-white share of players at least three of us being in every 34 team that has been fielded. At cricket, although deck messes. Never are there less than tifty we have had little success in the league, we have crammed up togE' ther in this small space and al­ always been ready to field a team even at the last though conditions are not ideal we have managed minute by a triumph of organisation by the team to win the 'cake' or more than our fair ration of secretary ? ~ In the 1st XI we have usually had our representatives and it. was largely due to the cigarettes regularly. We also have our 'characters' contribution from us that the ship's company beat - the chap with the baboon's head--Robert the officers in the game at Trinc:omalee. On the Mitchum with his slate grey eyes--and many Hockey we have lagged a bit, but occasionally others. If you don't know a Quarterdeckfnan manage to get two players into the 1st eleven. when you see one you will recognize him because At the time of going to press we have a whaler's he doesn't like crew being formed which has a good chance of getting into the regatta at Karachi. Looming Stokers who allow oil fuel to get on his deck up in the future we see more of every kind of sport (I) before the commission ends and whenever a team (2) Roval Marines who don't wash the soles leaves the Gambia to play any game be it Darts, of their boot.s Snooker, Boxing or softball, Quarterdeckmen will F orecastlemen be there. Topmen Finally we turn to the Messdecks. Up there on The Electrical branch the starboard side of 'A' barhette an: the Quarter- Work.

BOYS DIVISION

Di visional Officer; Lt. Cdr. K. C. SIMMONS, R .N. Divisional Petty Officers; P.O. KINRADE and P.O. RYDER

The Boy Seamen's Guard 35 THE A SIA N STEWARDS A N D COOKS

~, -. -.---

· .-1 I

I ~~ .. i · I.'

N this ship we have carried 1 2 Ceylonese lines serving the East; and, despite their Portu­ stewards and also 1 2 Goans. We have all guese citizenship, in the R oyal Navy on the East I learned something about Ceylon but not every­ Indies station. This st range connection with the body knows that Goa, about 400 miles south of Royal Navy dates back to early Victorian days. Bombay on the west coast of India, is a city of At that time the Goans entered on a normal some 600,000 inhabitants. E ver since the domi­ continuous service engagement, qualifying for a nation of that part of India by the Portuguese the pension at the end of their service. Nowadays Roman Catholic Church has wielded g r ea t they enter on a three-years non-continuous-service influence on the affairs of the colony and most of engagement without pension rights but with a the natives have been converted. It became a gratuity after 22 years satisfactory service. centre of Christian civilisation and culture and They are a cheerful, hardworking and intelligent was known as "The Rome of the East ". race and some of them are exceptional linguists, As the Goans have adopted a European w:-cy of being able t o speak and write Portuguese and life th ~y have for generations been employed as English in addition to their own language cooks and stewards by the principal shipping Conkanim. BUZZ- BUZZ

H a7'e vou heard the buzz Our next trip 1;S Bombay. W e're heading for I do hope he's right. That ' we're go ing to The ntmou-r's aJ'ottnd Spain, We'l'e heavilv lad e n GUJ" . We're ojf to the Sound. But the Tanky has fears L et's hope d 's for Aden, But just wa1:t and see It's all round the ship J'1n assund that it's We're set for Algiel's. Y ou've eat it l"i!!ht-- That it's our ne."(.t trib. true It's said 'iJ)dh a sl'Il'ile But alack and alas . lVe'U soon see Dl'ake's Trinco'nwlee ! ,~ I fear it's Madras, A /Ld [ hope so too . lsle. And then I hear say The chart-house explain We'l'c Leaving tonight, K lVl.E. 36 THE ROYAL MA:RINE DE'TACHMENT

**

- OOKING back we can regard our General nant Sidwell and the Sergeant Major (complete Service Commissi?n with ~a ti s f ac tion as it with Sash!) and the second fizzled out before we L has b e~n both l11teresting and enj oyable. entered the Persian Gulf. The two mal11 crUIses of the commission took us to some very interesting places and we were all The Leave Period at Diyatalawa was enjoyed welcomed and entertained in a most hospitable by all and during this time we managed to fit manner. We on our side have, we feel, done our in our Annual Range Course. part to keep up the prestige of the Royal Navy, the Royal Mannes and the British People. On board we have never had a dull moment with more than a fair share of guards which were Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilimanj 0-ro, the Seychelles paraded, for, amongst others, the Sultan of and the Persian Gulf will long be remembered Zanzibar and the Ruler of Kuwait. At the 'Cros~· by all of us; especially by those who st epped over ing the Line' ceremonies on the way to Mauritius the mark and who may now look back and think and returning from the Seychelles the Royals it was well worth while (we wonder?!). were well to the fore in the shape of Corporal Wyles' 'Pirates' and 'Butch' Vincent and his Our military role w ~s hampered by the lack of henchmen. The latter initiated the F .R.M.O., time and opportunities to get ashore. Sea duties according to 'Neptune's' ancient traditions, with a aboard kept us very busy and it wasn't until we gusto appropriate to his rank. The 'Pirates' reached Khor Kuwai that we had a chance to test have also been one of the main stays and attractions our full Landing Organisation. Tbe Platoon at the Children's Parties which have been given at carried out some exhausting Section attacks and most of the places we have visited, to all races of even 'Bungy' Williamson, the Commander's Ser­ children. vant donned his fighting order! We felt an error One of the highlights of the East Africa~ cruise must have crept in to the O.C.R.M.'s Orders be­ was the Queen's Birthday Parade at Mauritius. cause our two fat men, Bill Laker and Pete Wale There, thirty of us representing the Corps, took were landed in the Support Group (or was it merel); part in this most attractive spectacle which was to keep the Sgt. Major company?) . held at the Police Barracks. On two occasions there was a possibility of At the time of writing the Persian Gulf cruise is landing in earnest. The first occurred when the nearly over. We still have to visit Calcutta, Dockyard Police in Trinco. threatened to strike Madras and Massawa after Christmas, but if these and the second in Bahrain, where again labour places are anything like those so far visited then we troubles were reported. The first of these was, are ~ertainly in for a pleasant time before vve reach • perhaps, averted by the prompt landing of Lieute- 'Guzz' in March. 37 The Royal Marines Guard Marching

The combined /;Jands playing at the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony held at the end of J.E.T. This ceremony took place on the hockey pitch at the ' Highfiyer' following the match between the R.P.N. and J.N. which ended in a draw 38 FOCSLE DIVISION T is said, that when our D.O. first saw the the harbour. 'Sammy' the whale shark swam Focslemen in Barracks, he was heard to mutter around but it seems that Gabby didn't appreciate I the prayer " Oh God our help -- !". Many him. The D.O.'s Welsh Choir managed to get in a months of close association with him has strength­ couple of good runs, and later took part in the ened this rumour. Commissioning day was begin­ concert party. ning and as yet we could see no sign of the end. The East African cruise was thoroughly enjoyed The indescribable bedlam on the Messdeck, where by everybody. The Concert Party was a great too many people with too much kit were trying to success in all its fourteen performances and the one fit into far too small a space, was eventually sorted and only 'Gabby' Hayes stole the show with out by the highly experienced midshipmen left­ "Cigareeettes and whusky an' wild wild wimmin". over from the last commission and man's basic Mauritius was a wonderful time and by the time instinct to survive. For some it was their first we had reached Mombasa, Petty Officer McKinley commission, for others their last, and for the Na­ and Leading Seaman Bourke had earned the title of tional Servicemen their first and last (lucky the Focsle Grippo Kings. The leave party up"to devils?). However mingled with their shining Nairobi was a heaven sent opportunity for the angelic faces and as yet unknown personalities privileged few. They had a marvellous time up were many old ships of an earlier 'foreign'. N a­ country; though the concert party say that they turally no one got the job that they wanted but had to work very hard; and train journey back was somehow managed to settle down in the job that also fun! they got and in a very short while the characters began to appear. Dar-es-Salaam was the best run of the cruise for most people and this became increasingly obvious We were rather disappointed when the ship was from the reluctance to come back on board. In delayed in Guzz as we had just got the sharp end fact rumour has it that two of our members retur­ looking tiddly and we knew what dockyard smoke ned in civvies via the hawse pipe. Two others had could do. Having been in commission three weeks the strength of mind, or greenness, to drag them­ we wanted to get away and get started on the selves from the fleshpots and climb Kilimanjaro, commist:ion proper. However we were mollified and one says he reached the top. bv a few days leave and while the Commander was away we managed to 'hard stop' "B" turret. Such is the fickleness of some of us, that those who kept saying "Oh lets go back to Mauritius" Our work-up was a three weeks' grind, intersper­ were the same as those who later said, "lets go sed with wild weekends in Malta and many a run hack to the Sevchelles". In fact one or two tried down the 'Gut'. To our great joy and to the to get the D.b. to get them a draft to LOCH D.O.'s in particular, "A" turret actually fired. KILLISPORT when they learnt what her cruise The fact that it was like a mad-house inside, in no was goin g to be. Anyhow Seychelles is out of way affected its effi ciency. Also we were getting this world. I don't think that there is anvone who to know each other rather better. I have been would not like to back to this ul1spoilt- with its told that certain of the Petty Officers actually hospitable people. unbent so far as to gallop a Garry up and down the main street , shooting imaginary Red Indians to the Neptunus Rex et ImperatoI' honoured our focsle martial strains of "The Wild Colonial Boy". bv initiating the uninitiated mid water, flour, Others met the W.R.A.F. ashore at Marsax Lokk barbers, bears, bands, policemen and of course and judging by the gleams in their eyes they were Queen Amphitrite, on the wooden deck by "A" quite pleased with the arrangement. We were turret. sorry to say goodbye to Bob Hope in Malta who Back to Trinco. to the hard work of JET. left us to go native. Then the glorious ten days at Diyatalawa, with In the athletics held in Malta, Focsle did much tea in bed; daily dodging the flying golf balls hetter than either of the other Seaman divisions (as many more matelots were playing golf on the and Cole won a very good hundred yards. same course at the same than should have been possible); walks and a nightly sing-song in the At Port Said we changed from blues to shirts canteen. :1.nd sandals. At first many of us suffered badly from sunburn and both the Captains of Top went After Diyatalawa we got down to the serious quite lame with sunburned feet. It was now that business of the inter-parts. In soccer our very the Focslemen began to appreciate the awnings promising lead was lost after Percy Goodall broke and the skylarking in the canvas swimming baths. his toe and Sails went sick. However our disap~ The tropical beauty of Trinco. left those, whose pointment was made up for by beating the birthrights are brights, red plush covered bars and Somalis in the Hockey final. the music of muted trumpets, a trifle cold. How­ We sailed for the Persian Gulf cruise after two ever to the many who had never been to the tropics days in Colombo, during which time we saw a big before, the bathing, the palm trees, and Nicholson city for the first time in months. We sailed with a Lodge were very much enjoyed. Other members lot of brand new tattoos, glad to be getting a appreciated their pints of 'Tiger' in the canteen. change and knowing that there were only four One of us actually climbed over his hammock into more months to Guzz. Roll on ! 39 "OUR TOP DIVIS;ION"

Divisional Officer Lt. N.S. Phillips, R.N. (The Gaffer) CajJtain of the Top P.O.E.G.Sharman (The Foreman) Divisional Petty Officer P.O. D.C.Seignot (Assistant Foreman)

OR those readers not acquainted with Then when they tire, children from ashore get a naval architecture, and I'm sure there will be chance to enjoy the ship's parties I Pmany, let me explain that the 'Top' of a ship is not the highest part but consists of the Under the boat deck, reaching backwards on waistline- not as in Monroe, because GAMBIA's either side of the engine and boiler room 'necessa­ vital measurements are 62: 62: 62: (feet, of ries', are the 'waists'. They extend from the course). It might be better described as the galley to the 'Promenade Deck,' in the rear, and centre portion. The waistline is surmounted by a consist of main pathways near which are the Boat deck and the latter by the Bofors Gun deck, workshops. The latter are noted for leaving which was at one time the roof of the aircraft tell-tale marks of their industry in the form of hangars (pre j et-age of course) Accessories to backftash smoke from the incinerator, sawdust match include boat booms, ladders, engine room from the carpenters, anvil dust from the black­ boiler exhausts and intakes and other useless smiths, oil from the torpedoes and tubes and dirt, items, all of which add to the miseries of the dirt and more DIRT! 'Workmen'-the stalwarts who are responsible fOJ" Lest we forget-our chimneys I Both rising the daily chores. like magnificent memorials to the science of Shipbuilding. Around the base of each, the The highest part, the Bofors Gun deck-so high workmen can normally be found in cold climates indeed that the 'Foremen' rarely get up to it-is trying to keep warm. In tropical climates, how­ the site where groups of 'workmen' gather for a ever, they become places where everything "that's 'natter' and an unofficial smoke during working in the way" or "will come in handy later" is hours. It is a vantage point from which one can placed. They are also the places where oiling see for miles, or more particularly the 'Gaffer' or hoses discharge 'black gold' -over our brilliant 'Foremen' approaching from afar- unless, of paintwork and on the spotless white screens which course, they have crept stealthily up the internal make the bases of ollr chimneys look natty. bridge ladders, which is unlikely as our bosses are rather past that sort of thing. This is our 'Top.' Not for us the glories of hard-won sports trophies; startling seamanship with anchors and cables or the paint and brass or Looking backwards and downwards one see3 the 'Promenade Deck', but the 'centre portion'­ the vast boat deck- invariably carrying unservice­ the 'waist'- call it what YOll will, at least it is the able boats in which the workmen were hoping to go part where the work is happily done. Rarely are ashore. The centre-piece of this deck is a mecha­ recommendations given. The 'Gaffer' inspects nical monster called a crane, which is fed regularly at the wrong times; someone is always making a with black grease and which it occasionally dis­ mess of 'striking' oil from a ven tilator pipe and the gorges on to the white suits of unsuspecting crane may decide not to lift any more, but when persons below. Once in a while the monster the 'Workmen' finish work before inspections, lifts the boats out and down into the water, entering foreign ports and the like, there's OUR whereupon some kind persons fill the empty space TOP- immaculate! with swings, slides and see-saws, for the entertain­ ment of the workmen (and even the old foreman). WE'RE THE TOPMEN- - THE WORKMEN

40 ELECTRICAL DIVISION OR most of the division the commission memory, retreat floodlighting, the power station . started as long ago as November 1954, when tour, and frequent trips to Vacoas, in Mauritius; Fan understanding drafting authority gave the lucky up-country party at Mombasa, and P.O. us a good turnover with the last commission, thus El. Pike's Mau-Mau (door) bolt-action fire arm; ensuring that we knew quite a bit about equipment, fireworks at Zanzibar; the tragic accident at and that most of it worked, by the time commis­ Dar-es-Salaam which left E. A's Down, Addison, sioning day came along. Subsequent delays were and Bartlett, in hospital, luckily to rejoin us later irksome, but by the time we sailed we'd managed at Trinco, with inspiring stories of Electrical to exchange all our Electrician's Mates for a opportunities for time-expired men in East Africa; knowledgeable bunch of Electrical Mechanics, as the divisional banyan in the Seychelles, where true well as having some of our more fragile wiring discipline was evident, for when told to jump from replaced by helpful "maties". It also enabled us the Cutter and swim ashore they all jumped­ to start sorting out the lame and the skates since including the E.M. who couldn't swim; and when butter would not melt in our mouths, and Concert Partv Electrics in all these places. the" J aunty" has e'er smiled on us. Jet was a strenuous time, enlivened by Pro­ The work-up period at Malta was fairly strenuous visional Examinations for some, and by games but there was time enough to put up a good show with the Delhi's Electrical Division, in which at the ship's athletic meeting, and to enjoy a honour was satisfied; we won the soccer, they divisional bus tour of the more interesting parts of the hockey. After JET, Diyatalawa, and then the island. The remainder of the outward trip the self maintenance period, with tours of Anurad­ was uneventful, with great concentration on beard­ hapura and Polonnarllwa for the high-brows, and growing, floodlight manufacture, and " routines", a heavily rained-on boating picnic for the low­ and trying to imagine how they used to pass their brows; but most notable, the sporting programme, time during the last commission. with the Electrical soccer team resplendent in its The big event on reaching Trinco was EM distinctive sportsgear bought by general sub­ Geoghegan's wedding, at which he was assisted scription, largely raised by the efforts of C. E. A. and encouraged by his mess-mates, and which Skilton (his device for getting blood from a stone gave us the distinction of heing the only division with a "native." is expected to win a Lott award). The Pakistan Artificers who joined then for 6 Individual achievements have been many: months training, found their first precision job C.R.E.A. Caiger promoted to Branch Rank; was to fit into the Electrical Messdeck. An Rowlands and Carnell advanced to 1st class interference fit however has been avoided by Mechanicians; Bartlett and Hallett to 4th class all-round tolerance, even under conditions of Artificers; Ackford, Bence, Hughes and Rowe to differential expansion and heat fatigue. They P.O. Electricians; Morris, Ingram and Shepherd have worked in all sections of the department and to Leading rating; while many others have qualified we hope they've enjoyed their stay. provisionally for advancement, G.C.E., H.E.T., The East African cruise is a Kaleidoscopic E.T.I. and swimming. THE SOMALIS UR thirty odd Somalis arrived onboard sport for a moment, has been their success at Gambia one dark snowy night in "Guzz" way hockey. For the Somali this has meant a great Oback in April. The sight of them with their deal. He has been able to get ashore and thoro­ mountain of baggage, shivering in the cold despite ughly enjoy a good game against all comers. They large greatcoats obviously designed for one size have challenged everyone they could think of of man and thus ludicrously big for the majority and on only a very few occasions were they beaten. and far too small for the six footers, will remain When writing this they have reached the finals of with us for sometime. This of course depends on the Interpart hockey, which is one better than they whether one can really recall the feeling of being did in Newfoundland. cold, a hard task at Trincomalee where the sweat The man who has done a tremendous amount to continually courses doWn one's face. However to keep everyone contented and free from squabbles return to the happy warriors from the N.E. of is of course N oor Suliman, the Chief Tindal. The Africa, with their various customs and rituals. origin of Tindal no one seems to know, but this They have all impressed us with the ease at which chief "one" really is a force to be reckoned with, they can get away with two Christmas's in the that is if one ever does want to reckon with a force. middle of summer, once on the East African cruise He reached his fiftieth birthday during the East and once in Trincomalee. Then again their weekly African cruise and yet he is as nimble as the best singsongs have meant a lot to the upper seaman's of us, especially where Tombola is concerned! messdeck, who gathered round to listen of an To sum up these Aden boys, with their camels evening to the wild and fascinating music which and sheep at home awaiting their return; They would come vibrating up from the hatch leading have crossed the Line with due ceremony, they below. have climbed the masts with less, they have shown us good hockey, so let them remember that Of course their real achievement onboard, taking Gambia was best! 41 SPORTS OFFICER 'a BOUND-UP

HE commission started ih typical West The cricket season opened while we were at Country weather entailing the cancellation Malta, but not until Wednesday of the last week. Tof many of the games arranged which proved By re-arranging the practice programme and very frustrating for all concerned and slowed up thanks to the brilliant co-operation of the Met. the all-important tcil ent seeking operations. Officer who let it rain all over the island except on Corrandino Hill, we slipped in a couple of trial The fin ancial outlook, too, was gloomy and even a games. loan of {2.')O from the R.N. & R.l\1. Sports Control We were all very conscious at this time of the Board only enahl ed l1S to hnv llst enough gear to i heavy demands which were going to be made on get along. our rep. esentative teams during the East African Once we left England the weather was right for cruise and of the very short stay in Trincomalee before the cruise started in which to get them sport hut the opportunities few because of the work-up. Nevertheless, in Malta, we managed to settled. get in quite a few games, including some at Kala­ The brief spell in Aden was packerl with il1cident frana. Who of those present will ever forget the in all worlds, and in the sporting one a lot was done fag-end of a soccer team plus a few tennis players in the short time thanks to the willing and helpful battling their way ashore in a fishing boat after cooperation of the R.A.F" who provided both boat traffic had heen suspended? grounds and transport without a murmur. 42 ------

When we reached Trincu. it was heartening to enthusiastic opponents both for hockey and see so many sports grounds and to find that the cricket were found in the Sikh Union and the GAMBIA WelS given top priority on all of them; Goan Institute. The Shell Company will be our need to get teams more or less settled before remembered with gratitUde, not only for the the cruise started having heen appreciated in games we played against them, but also for their advance of our arrival. Inter part soccer and kindness in providing transport on so many cricket leagues and an inter part hockey knock-out occaSlOns. were started. The Sports Club lived up to its name by fielding The only sports which we couldn't cater for teams against us at rugger, soccer, hockey, cricket, were swimming and rugger and, as there had been tennis and squash. The club was also the venue no opportunity for these at Malta, we sailer! on the for the Rugger Dance and our players' training cruise with only the Devonport knowledge of our must have been set back at least ten days if the rugger players and none at all of our swimmers spirit in the changing room after matches carried to go on. on throughout the evening.

Mauritius soon showed that the players repre­ Only the boxers had yet to have a chance to senting the ship were going to have an extremely show their skill and thei1: opportunity came at our strenuous time and we became very wary of accept­ next port of call, Zanzibar. The three days spent ing challenges for representative teams outside the there were slightly less strenuous than most and official programme. Private games on a depart­ gave us a small breathing space before going on mental level were encouraged and several took to Dar-es-Salaam (although probably the soccer place, the limiting factor being the availability of players won't agree with this I\. grounds. Three things stand out in my memory of Dar­ WI? did nearly everything at Mauritius, the soccer es-Salaam; first the terribly exciting Rugby match world being busiest as usual with three elevens as which resulted in our winning the lYIacMichael well as several departmental sides on the go. An Cup; second the cosmopolitan crowd of twenty unusual sport occurred on the first Sunday in June sporting types who went off by train to Morogoro which was the opening of the "Chase" season and for the weekend, prepared, as a result of many two parties headed by the Admiral and the Captain conflicting signals, to play cricket, tennis, hockey, set out very early in the morning with guns under rugger or squash and, in fact, did most or all of their arms and sympathy in their hearts. The these plus some pretty hectic social work as well; expected massacre did not materialise, however, a and last the ubiquitous Mr. Taylor, head of the running deer being surprisingly difficnlt to hit. Public V\Torks Transport Department, who was always at Customs House Jetty to see teams off W(; will prohably remember our sport in Mauri­ ill their transport and who always managed to he tius more for the beauty of the setting and the waiting to welcome them at their destination. hospitality of our hosts than for any particularly memorable matches. The Garrison Ground at The centre of sporting life at Dar was the Vacoas must surely he one of the loveliest outside Gymkhana Club where we played soccer, cricket, England and rumour has it that other things than rugger, hockey and tennis, and whose members sport went: un within the bounds of the Dodo were most hospitabk both on the club premises Club at Cnrepipe. The combined bus tours Cllm and in their homes. soccer matches were also very popular. Four days rest at sea brou/?'ht 1]S to lYIahe in the The longest visit of the cruise-thirteen days at Sevchelles and we entered an entire Iv different Mombasa-did not give enough time for everyone wO'rld unaffected by the rush of modern' life, where to do all that they w

The soccer teams struck up a very pleasant No sooner was J. E. T. over than the first leave liaison with the R.N. Armament Depot, whilst party disappeared to Diyatalawa to embark on 43 what for many must have been an entirely new When both parties were back from Diyat. the sport-golf I Although the Secretary of the inter part competitions got into full swing and the Royal and Ancient might not have approved, it Foxle won the knock-out hockey from the Somalis was an inspiring and unforgettable sight to see just before the Persian Gulf cruise. Singles and throngs of gaily dressed 'Henry Cottons' fighting doubles tennis tournaments were held and repre­ their way round the nine-hole course, displaying sentative soccer, hockey and cricket matches were those qualities so essential to a fighting man-­ squeezed in for good measure. initiative, resource, enterprise and guts. Perhaps, During the visit to Trinco. of the U.S.S. Green­ the prize should go to Leading Seaman Yates wich Bay, one of their officers very kindly ran an who, though left handed, battled his way round instructional soft-ball session and the seed was with only a right handed driver. sown from which we confidently hoped would grow a team to do battle in the Persian Gulf. ' 'Hell-fire Corner' had nothing on the intersection of the third, fourth and ninth faiways, and war­ Preliminary began during this period for the time veterans were observed on occasions to regatta to he held in Karachi versus the R.P.N., blench under the hail of golf balls. Near misses were but we only had one whaler on the go and training generally taken in good part but Staff Bandmaster was confined to non-working hours. N everthe­ Winchester was once heard to mutter something less a number of hands and seats received a about golf etiquette after being nicely straddled. preliminary toughening.

SPORT ON THE PERSIAN GULF CRUISE

First step Khot Kuwai on this our second cruise, iJght. In the Athletics, which was arranged there, and here the only sport that we could get was we were also beaten but not by a very wide margin lurking the island goats as we exercised the ship's and there were some Olympic runners on the other landing parties. But the brief respite was quickly side. At hockey and football, keen games were over and when we arrived at Bahrein we found a played and we treasure the photograph of the large programme waiting for us once again. From Captains of the Hockey teams exchanging bouquets Bahrein to Bombay we played everything from of flowers before a rather vigorous match was inter-part rugger to some magnificent games of started. softball, where our training at Trincomalee paid On to Karachi, where a good evening's boxing dividends in the end. against the R.P.N . was enjoyed by the largest number of spectators we have seen from the ship The grounds at Bahrein were but a foretaste of since the start of the commission. The regatta the type of pitch that we were to meet throughout was held here on the 5th December. Our crews the cruise, and we were lucky to escape without had been training since we left Trincomalee on the more injuries on the pebble and rock-strewn Igth October, but training from a ship will never sands. Bahrein also saw, virtually, the end of the be as successful as from a shore establishment and, inter-part football league when the Communications although we don't want to make excuses for our drew with the Quarterdeck division thus ensuring performance, we weren't half as well trained as the that they could not be beaten. (At the time of Bahadur crews who won the regatta quite easily. writing the result of this competition is not yet We came second and I am sure all our crews were decided and the Q.D. can still draw with the thankful that they had not been taught the ex­ Comms.) traordinary stroke that the Pakistanis used. On our way down from Baera the pace started And so back to Trirtcomalee and the rain, for quickening and the number of fixtures at Abadan, some more football, hockey and rugger. When Karachi and Bombay was formidable. At Abadan we look back on this commission, I am sure the the boxing team once again had a match. The Persian Gulf cruise will be considered to have been opposition was, however, much too strong and the hardest from the sporting point of view, but we finished the contest without winning a single nevertheless extremely enjoyable.

44

11

11'1 CRICKET

o!ficers versus Ship's Company at Trincomalee

RICKET was played enthusiastically and surroundings. Perhaps the most memorable of all supported well throughout the commission was the match we played at Vacoas, Mauritius, on Cand the standard achieved by the 1st XI a beautiful turf wicket in what surely must be one was very high. of the most ideal settings for a ci-icket ground anywhere. Everything was right and the hospita­ The first trial games were held at Malta during lity we received that day was exceptional. We the work-up period. Two trials were played but won a very keen match in spite of the fact that even so it was not possible to give everyone a game many members of the team had been up until and it was soon realised that competition was keen 5 a.m. the night before! But such was the kind­ and that selection of the Ship's Team was not ness and spirit of our hosts that win or lose it going to be an easy job. would have made no difference to our enjoyment of the day's cricket . Leading Signalman Murphy Aden saw us playing our first match and also took 8 wickets for 22 runs-a very good perfor­ gave us a t aste of real heat. In this game we held mance. the R.A.F. t o a tightly fought draw. The ship also produced teams from first to third Trincomalee found us practising hard and play­ elevens to play at Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar-es­ ing all the local teams with some success. GAM­ Salaam and the Seychelles, all of which were BIA'S side was now becoming established and thoroughly enjoyed. R.P.O.Winter had a 'benefit' something to be reckoned with. match against the lVIombasa Sports Club where he rUllS 25 The East African crui se gave \lS a lot of cricket scored 53 and also took 4 wickets for 011 every type of wicket and in many different runs- truly a commenclable pcrformallce. 45 Shortly after our return to Trincomalee ].E.T. the hospitality given to the ship's team by the started and for the inter Navy games GAMBIA officers- not to mention the photograph taken of was able to produce five regular players for the our umpire 1 RN. contingent and the chairman of the selection committee!?- to say nothing of the resident Brief mention must be made of the other mem­ umpire. bers of the ship's side-Commander Lee, whose support and keenness was matched by a parti­ After J .E.T. we all enjoyed leave up country at cularly valuable innings of 44 against the Royal Diyatalawa where each watch had an exciting Ceylon Navy when it was most needed. Major day's cricket against Mr. Villier's XI. At one Knight, who could always be relied on for twenty match Chief E.RA.Kent, who has done much or thirty runs, both on the field and in the har! sterling work as a regular opening ba~sm~n, arrived The Triplets- RP.O.Winter, Chief E.RA.Kent without his spectacles-an essentIal Item-and and Chief E.RA. Finnigan whose loyalty was an the Captain who was watching said ''I'm sorry inspiration throughout. At the time of writing, to see you are not playing Kent-I believe you Finnigan goes into the century-makers class (minus have forgotten your glasses". "Yes Sir" said two-bad luck I). . Kent " but I'm keeping my hand in-I'm the umpire"! The Midshipmen-Ellis, our keen stumper; Bowyer-Tagg, who bats and bowls and whose In the other match spirits were so high after fielding would grace any county field; Shaw and a very good lunch that the ~elding captain ~as Blair, newcomers to the ship and side, both of seen to assist the other captam who was battmg, whom are well established with a and res­ by carrying him half way down the pitch to his 56 85 pectively. Ldg. Signalman Murphy whose 'Twee­ crease to avoid being run out. Next over, he kers' were often so heartbreaking and who in­ bowled him! variably made our tail wag. Perkins for his Before we left Trinco. for the Persian Gulf support-he seldom, if ever, missed a match. cruise we managed, after two draws, to beat the Lieutenant Phillips, the skipper, whose motto RN. Police by three wickets, thus leaving no "By guess and by willow", only lost the toss twice. doubts in anvone's minds as to who were the Surgeon Commander Wilson who umpired through­ cricket champions. Perhaps the most consistent out-if his finger went up against you, you knew there was no doubt. P.O.Kinrade, our scorer-to batsman against this strong side was Lieutenant Phillips who skippers the team-he scored a duck him goes all our thanks, for his enthusiasm and for on each occasion! But without doubt the best the way in which he always looked after the gear and organised its disposal after the match. game at Trinco.-perhaps of the whole commis­ sion-was the challenge match between the officers and the ship's company. The officers' side, Mention must also be made of the many others captained by the Commander, lost to the ship's who played for the ship so willingly ands0l11e.ti~11('S company, captained by RP.O.Winter, by 14 runs. so often, b11t who didn 't qUIte make theIr posItIons Much was lost by worry on both sides but much was permanent. gained from locally-produced 'Tiger'. This parti­ cular game will long be remembered by those who We all agree, sure]\" that this was a good cricket­ took part for the spirit in which it was played and ing ship.

46 SOCCER.

N our first few games in Devonport after com· on 18th November at Trincomalee the First Ele­ missioned we had a small measure of success, ven only lost one game out of the sixteen played. I beating both "Vanguard" and "Warrior". In Malta we played "Jamaica" and won 4-1. The Persian Gulf Cruise is now in it ~ closing However on arrival on the East Indies Station we stages and here we have also had some grand found things very different. Our first three sporting games, not to mention a few good games at Trincomalee were lost due to the fact "banyans" in the bargain ! that the native teams were so much faster on the ball and also much fitter than us. We could hold A few words about the second and third them in the first half, but the last fifteen minutes elevens. They have always .played excellent was just that little bit too much. The fact that football in a good spirit and we owe them a lot they played in bare feet also contributed to our for the way they have always turned out when defeats. they have been required, often at very short notice. During the East African cruise, however, we As a closing note here is an extract from a letter found our feet, although we were playing as many from the Secretary of the European Referees as five games in six days, sometimes fielding Association at Mauritius. He says, " I would like three teams a day, we managed to hold our own to place on record my appreciation of the sports­ against some of the crack teams of the African manlike manner in which your teams have con­ coast. The spirit in which these games were played ducted themselves. It has done much to foster was most creditable to the Ship's Company and the great game of Soccer in these parts and has did much to foster the good will of the people set an example and standard to which our teams ashore. can only strive to attain." On arrival back in Trincomalee we soon found out how much we had benefitted from these 1st XI Results up to 19th Deceltlber, 1955 hard and fast games, for teams that had previously P W D L beaten us soundly were now themselves being 69 33 13 23 thrashed by a far greater margin. In fact from Goals for Goals against our first game on :\othSeptember until the last 18~ T28

The Ship's Football Team (1t KI/wait. 47 RUGBY "POCSLE and Quarterdeck Rugby teams we had disgraced ourselves as this was our first muster in the port waist". It's unlikely game for over two m onths. A few days later we . tha t you would hear that 'pipe' on one of our played the 'Dodo' Club and a 6-6 draw was a fair largest carriers, let alone a modest cruiser. Yet result for a most thrilling game. We spent a n enjoy­ GAMBIA can and did produce a team fron'! both able evening at their club afterwards and right of these divisions which gives some indication o[ royally did they wine and dine us. the real enthusiasm there has bee: for the game. Mombasa gave us som e equally sparkling rugby The credit for the initial and much of the later and om two games against the Sports Club ended organisation must go to Leading Seaman 'Tug' in a draw I I - I I and a win 14-8. "Vhilst Wilson. Thanks mainly to his work, on March at Mombasa we were asked to supply foul' players 2nd, three weeks after commissioning, the wings for the 'East Coast Ii . N ile' gam e-2. worth y of the EAGLE were clipped to the tune of 20 tribute to our standard of play which was more points to G-a promising start. Two other matches than upheld by the performance of the chosen were played and won against VANGUARD and four. an R .N.E.C. XV, before we sailed for Malta. Dar-es-S alaam saw us really on fOl·m. VVe lost From the date of sailing from U .K . on April our first game to Tango but it must be claimed )'St, until we arrived at Mauritius on the first tha t our team was sadly depleted as another cruise of the commision, no rugby was played, game was being played up at l\10rogoro a t the as Trinco. has no facilities for it. same time. At fu ll strength we played two 1st XV and one 2nd XV gam es against Dar. R .F.C. We had great hopes for the East African cruise and won all three. The first of the 'series' was [or and Mauritius gave up a forestate of games to the l\1acMich ael Cup which we captured after com e. The first m atch was against a combined a really close gam e; the lead being taken during side from the 'Dodo' Club and the Army the last ten minutes of the gam e when one of our Garrison. W~ were beaten 9-6 bu t did not feel backs scored a fine try. The final result was 6-5.

r---- I- I

The Ship's Rugby Xv. 48 These games were the last on the East African At Basra we played a combined side selected cruise and all were thoroughly enjoyed. The from the four teams in that area and beat them hospitality given to us will never be forgotten. 32-0. Abadan unfortunately could not field a In fact the mornings, after matches generally side, but two teams from the ship gave an exhibi­ found the victors 'vanquished' ! tion match which was very much enjoyed by the No rugger was played at the Seychelles. There spectators including some Americans, one of whom were, however, other amusements! heard to remark after the game "you sure have a rough game there". Back at Trinco. after ] . E . T. a serious effort to get fit was made in preparation for the Persian At Karachi three games were played, all of Gulf cruise. This cruise opened with our eagerly which were won. Against Karachi the result was awaited game against the Combined Services, 8-0, against R.A.F. Mauripur 6-0 and finally Ceylon at Colombo. Our arduous training was we beat a combined Karachi team by 3 points rewarded when we romped home to a convincing to nil. win 23-0. This then is an outline of our rugger during the commission. We think it is a very creditable per­ At Kuwait we notched another big victory formance and what's more we have enjoyed every against the Oasis Club and so it was in optimistic ~inute of every game, whether watching or play­ mood that we took the field against the Kuwait Ing. Oil Company. Our complacency was soon shat­ tered when in a hard fought game this experienced ON ...... ON ...... ON ...... GAMBIA. and skilful side beat us by six points to nil. Future Results flagships are warned that this team is probably Played 19 . Won 14. Drawn 2. Lost 3. the strongest that one is likely to encounter on the Points for : 245 East Indies Station. Against 74 HOCKEY

T the beginning of the commission in sports, particularly cricket and tennis, we were Devonport the bad weather had less effect only once able to field a proper 1st XI side and Aon hockey than it did with the other sports, then we beat a strong Dar-es-Salaam Gymkhana owing mainly to the fact that we were able to play team by three goals to two in a very good game. on the excellent hard grounds at Brickfields. Looking back, it probably wasn't a bad thing This was an experimental period and games that the ship's side was weaker than it might have were played against other ships and local shore been because at least it did give those other people establishments. Most of them we won but it must who wouldn't normally have secured a regular be admitted that the opposition was not very strong place in the Ship's Team, some better hockey and certainly not up to the standard that we were than they might otherwise have got. eventually to meet on the various cruises. On our return to Trinco. the inter part com­ A couple of games were played at Gibraltar and petition was got under way again but of more then at Malta we came up against some stiffer immediate importance was the selection of an opposition. We drew with the SHEFFIELD; R .N. Team to take part in the inter Navy games lost by an odd goal to a combined Commando to be held during J.E.T. After trials several Brigade team and reached the third round of Med. of the GAMBIA's players were selected to repre­ Fleet six-a-side competition, which we were sent the R.N. and all of them acquitted themselves very kindly allowed to enter after the official well. The following played in all or some of the closing date. matches :-Inst. Lt. Cdr. Stanley (Capt.), Lt. Aden saw us playing on sandy pitches in con­ Phillips, Mid. Bowyer-Tagg, Mid. Cazalet, Stores siderable heat and then when we reached Trinco­ C. P. O. Knowling, Ldg.-Tel. Tawton, Ord./Sea. malee we settled down to a programme of games Everitt and Cdr. Stobie, Capt. Sheridan, R .M. with the HIGHFLYER, Trinco. Town and the & Lt. Palmer of the Staff Surgeon Cdr. Wilson and Dockyard Police on the two excellent grounds there. Chief Yeoman Smith were also selected as umpires. The inter part competition was also started but This is perhaps not the place to praise individual as the time was short the bulk of the games had players but mention must be made of C.P.O. to be postponed until after the East African cruise. Knowling's performance in goal. Without him We set out on this cruise full of high hopes with scores against us might have reached astronomical what we considered to be a useful side, strengthened figures, not only in the R.N. games but throughout by two or three good players on C. in C.'s Staff. the commission. He has been, truly, the back­ At Mauritius we drew with the M.F. & H .C. bone of the defence. and then lost to the Dodo Club. However in East After J. E. T. and Diyatalawa the inter part Africa the results were disappointing. We met competition was resumed and some stirring games strong Indian and Goanese sides but owing to the were seen. The Focsle Division eventually came heavy programmes, the calls of duty and other out the winners when they defeated the SQmalis, 49 who have shown tremendous keenness, in the population of Muscat turned out to watch this final. The combined S. & S. & Communications hard fought game. At Karachi we found we were team were perhaps a little unlucky as they were required to play five games in five days! In the beaten by the Staff team who then had to with­ event two of them were officially reduced to 2nd draw, otherwise they might well have reached the XI standard. In the three I st XI games the final stages of the competition. The inter parts honours were divided evenly-we won one, drew did at least one thing if they did nothing else and one and lost one. At Bombay the Gymkhana Club that was to stimulate interest in hockey throughout held us to draw in a fast game on a grass pitch­ the ship and many ",,·ere the friendly challenges that the first we have played on since leaving Colombo. were issued during this period. On the whole we have had a very good Ship's On the Persian Gulf cruise we were able, on Team, the members of which have played some most occasions, to field our best eleven and as a first class hockey and worked well together. The result did very well. Out of fourteen matches one disappointment has been that we have not played, the 1st XI only lost two. The Hubara really been able to cater for all those other people Club and Mena gave us a good game which ended who would have liked to have played regularly. in a draw and then two days later we beat the This state of affairs, however, is inevitable on a Indian Unity Club by five goals to two-a result 'Flag showing' cruise because in each place visited which caused them some surprise. At Muscat the Ship is expected to produce the strongest we drew with the Infantry and then the following team possible. day we beat a combined Muscat XI (composed In conclusion our thanks go to all those who mainly of Indians) 2-0. This we understand was have umpired games, particularly to Chief the first time that they had been beaten by a Yeoman Smith who has done sterling work both visiting ship. It seemed as though the whole on and off the field.

50 SHOOTING

E began to make use of the rifle range at Note .-Beer followed. Trinco shortly after our arrival on the Zanzibar provided a very pleasant '303" match W Station. Self-professed Marksmen - and against the local Police. others; turned up for practice and we soon had the makings of a team. We found that the range was We landed very early, to get the shoot over overgrown with scrub and long grass, and a before breakfast, and all agreed that it was an periscope was very useful at 300 yards. Another excellent idea in that climate. Their shooting appealing feature of Trinco range is the temper­ was very good, but we led them fairly comfortably ature. Being practically air-proof and a natural at the finish. sun-trap it's the cheapest turkish bath East of Vlre split up afterwards and went to various Suez. However, as Coral Cove beach is just at people's homes fora breakfast like mother makes. the back of the butts, it has its compensation. Our first competition of the East African Cruise Note.-No beer-Too early- -Pity! was at Mauritius. We would have liked to have Dar-esSalaam produced the best outing of the had a little more practice before this shoot as this cruise for the shooting team. A four cornered is the annual Jubilee Cup competition, and the match was arranged betweeri the Dar Rifle Club-­ standard of shooting is very good indeed. K. A. R.s., the Police and "Gambia". Six teams competed, and the cup was won by The K. A. R. have a nice range situated in the the Civilian Shooting Club. middle of a Sisal plantation, i nd a very keen competition ensued. The local wives brought Gambia's shot very well, and a little more picnic hampers, and tool kits were thrown out of practice might well have procured the " pot". car boots to make room for portable ice boxes. No names no pack drill, but mention should be We established a small lead at the first range, made of a certain tall Major who arrived on the and gradually increased it as we worked back. range after a baronial lunch somewhere, borrowed The match ended with quite a convincing win for a gun from one of the team, borrowed a rupee from "Gambia", and an enjoyable picnic lunch for all. another, bought three rounds for the egg pool This win for "Gambia" says a lot for the clean competition, missed completely with the first two, living of the shooting fraternity. It's a marvel shut both eyes for the third and got a pool bull. that they could even see, at this stage of the cruise. He was last seen disappearing with the kitty and a grin four fathoms wide, pausing only to scoff some No facilities for shooting existed in Seychelles, poverty stricken matelots beer. but that didn't stop us. We rigged a portable revolver and '22" range just outside the Police 'vVe had a revolver shoot later on in the week Commissioner's Bungalow-not too far from the against the Police and the Army. Those Mauritius beer-and finished with two comfortable wins. Coppers take life seriously, and know which way to point the revolver to produce the desired effect. That was that, for the East African Cruise. We They beat us, though not by such a wide margin didn't do too badly we found competition keen as we beat the Army by. everywhere, and without exception we found our opponents to be excellent hosts, as well as keen ..\. strange thing about 'shooting, anywhere in the shots. world, is that cool beer always appears afterwards ---to cheer the victors and console the vanquished. Our next taste of range work was at Diyatalawa' where over 300 of the Ship's Company did their Quite sensible when you think it over! annual rifle course. Results were fairly good and a On arrival at Mombasa, we found that their new galaxy of marksmen blossomed forth. '303 range was out of action during the emergency Conditions were not very good at times during in East Africa. However , we started off with a this period, and it's difficult to try to persuade a '22" match rifle shoot against the local forces, young M(E) to point a strange piece of mechanism police, and civilian shooting club. Once again the in the required direction, while a platoon of leeches civilians proved that they have plenty of time for are doing a forced march up his trouser leg. ~ practice, and led the field comfortably. Their They took it in good part though, the M(E) 's I heavy-barrelled match rifl es were " De Luxe" mean-; and when they got back to camp and jobs too, and they knew how to use them. W e de-leached themselves, well- there was always gave them a lesson a few days later however, when liquid refreshment. we had a return match with revolvers and Sten Next on the menu is the "Norfolk Cup Shoot". guns. Rumour has it that thev've discovered a few more We won very handsomely, in spite of a certain Royals who are actually fitted with eyes, so we team member being sabotaged. Someone switched hope they'll come and join us, and when we'll see his Sten gun to "Burp" when it should have been if we can lift this pot, and fill it full of-you're switched to "sqnirt" . correct --beer! 51

"~~~----~----- ~ ------SAILING NOTES

'LIKE all active yacht clubs, the sailing In spite of poor sailing weather and our relu­ fraternity of GAMBIA can be naturally ctance to commit our newly varnished dinghies - divided into five sections. Firstly there are to the oily waters of Grand Harbour, we managed the dinghy racing enthusiasts whose relish is the to fit in some weekend sailing picnics whilst at thrills of speed and competition around a triangular Malta and to stretch cautiously our new dinghy course in the vicinity of the Fleet. sails, so that by the time we reached Trincomalee Next come the 'Banyaners' whose whalers are the boats were ready to start the yo-yo routine loaded to capacity with food, drink and pirates, which was to continue throughout the commission on every fine afternoon. and for whom a tropical beach just out of sig~t from the ship is an irresistible lure, particularly If a night can be spent there around a blazing camp For the East African cruise we borrowed three fire. additional dinghies from the 'Highflyer', and were thus able to throw in a class of boats of our own, Thirdly, there are the ocean cruisers who enjoy to compete in racing events at our ports of call. (after rescue) the blessed reliefs from exposure, fatigue and seasickness and who revel in retrospect, At Mauritius the local sailing season had not in the hazards of offshore port to port sailing in yet started, so we sailed the dinghies inside the the finest traditions of William Bligh. shelter of the reefs which protect Port Louis, Then there are the 'cadets', or those keen to whilst the whalers sallied forth to spend thirty learn the art of sailing; whose enthusiasm is six hours in Tombeau Bay; the first and best of undamped by tempest, tide or reef; whose safety many subsequent Banyan expeditions throughout and that of their craft must be guarded by bene­ the commission. volent authority until they have earned their coxswain's tickets. At Mombasa we enjoyed the excellent class racing laid on for us by the Yacht Club. There And lastly the 'nineteenth holers' or non-playing were strong winds here but for those who still members whose immaculate flannels, blazers and found fleet racing dull, steeplechasing over the burgee ties enhanced our nautical prestige in every reefs provided a new sport. yacht club visited and who protected their piratically clad sailing shipmates from the Scylla At Zanzibar two races were held during our of social suicide. brief visit, and an all-day expedition to Prison

--.-,..... ' ." ~

The Start of a Race in Trinco. Harbour. 52 Island was made in the whalers. Giant tortoises provided much diversion on this delightful little coral atoll.

Our hospitable hosts at Dar-es-Salaam gave us many happy hours' sailing and racing in their large handicap fl eet, and also laid on for us a passage race to, and picnic at, Moneymoon Island; such an attractive spot that we revisited it a day or two later in the whalers.

At the Seychelles we had reluctantly to cancel our races against the local sailing fraternity owing to unsuitable dinghy weather, but all the boats were away regularly in the lovely roadstead of Victoria and several whaler expeditions were made to neighbouring islands.

And so back to Trinco. and J.E.T. where one or more boats from GAMBIA were placed in each of the three combined fl eet sailing races.

INTER PART ATHLETIC MEETING lVIALTA

s we expected we should be required to was a close fight, but the Royal's just had the field a fairly strong athletic team during the edge and were worthy winners of the inter Part Acommission, it was decided to hold a ship's Shield. Inter Part Athletic Meeting at the first opportunity during the " work-up" Malta. The great day was The two most popular events were Tug-of-War fixed for Saturday 23rd April with heats on the and the Veterans Race. There was a large fi eld Friday, and the cry for entries went up. It was for the latter, and opinion was sharply divided on hoped-with a certain amount of optimism- that the favourite, one body holding that the Captain with any luck we should get somewhere around couldn't fail to win, and the Engine-room hinting ISO, but to the consternation of the committee, darkly that secret training along the E.R.A.'s when all entries were added up they came to Workshop Flat, would bring Chief home first and nearly four hundred. Even to this day no-one is the rest nowhere. The time for the great race sure whether this sudden enthusiam for strenuous arrived-beer glasses were drained and the runners exercise was due to all the sprinting the natives took their mark, and in some cases someone else's had done at Devonport when leave was piped or as well. 1here was a cheer and they were off. At the fact that the buzz had gone round that a good first it looked as if it were the Captain all the way, brand of beer was available at the Manoel Island but suddenly that secret training seemed to tell, Track. vVhatever the cause may have been, it and a tremendous burst by Chief nearly did it; was quite obvious by th ~ end of the heats, that the but the final result was the Capt ain by a short next day would promise some keen competition head. The Commander seemed to have a little and close finishes. difficulty in working-up to maximum power, but did so eventually to no mean tune becoming air­ Saturday dawned clear and sunny and everyone borne just after the finish and unfortunately kept their fingers crossed and hoped it wouldn't crashing shortly after take off; this spectacular feat rain. After dinner the trek to Manoel Island began bringing enthusiastic applause from the spectators. and to the surprise of the organisers the first events started dead on time. As hoped, the After the meeting was over, the trophy was struggle was hard and close and first one part of presented by the Captain t o the Royal Marines, ship and then the other was in the lead. However and cups and medals to winners and runners-up towards the end it became clear that the final in the various events. So ended an afternoon issue rested between the Royal Marines, the that was enjoyed by all and that produced the Communication branl&h and Electrical branch. It makings of a first class athletic team.

53 TUG OF WAR HE Ship's Tug of War Team have; to their Mauritius Police., the local Garrison Troops (7th cr~dit, an unbeaten record up to the time of K.A.R), an RN.Team (C.P.O.s and P .O.s, H.M.S. Tgomg to press. Gambia) and the Ship's Team. The Ship's Team The team consists of eight Royal Marines and beat the Garrison in two hard pulls and the RN. one spare from the RM.Detachment under their Team were beaten by the Police, also by two pulls, capable trainer Sgt. 'Clubs' Stelfox, RM. The in the first round. In the final, Police -versus team easily won the Inter Part competition at the Ship's Team, a terrific battle took place and by sheer determination our team won by two pulls to Ship's Sports Meeting at Malta in April on 0UI" way out to the Station and it was unanimously decided one. The RN. Team helped enormously by that they should represent the ship for fnture their encouragement in the final pull which took meetings. three minutes. During JET the same team beat the Indians, Opposition has not always been strong but their Royal Pakistan and Royal Ceylon Navies without hard training, good discipline and team work has losing a pull. They h ~l.Ve also beaten the local been excellent. Trincomalee RN.Police and were to have taken The best match and their proudest achievement part in the Combined Services Sports at Colombo, was the winning of Jubilee Cup at Mauritius. but unfo r tun a t e l~ T the weather washed out this This match was a four-sided one between the event.

Th e Ship' s Tug of War Fearn with M~io r Knight, O.C. R.M., Mne. Findom, Cpl. Henderson, .Mne. Wealherill, Mne. Snelling Mne. Little, Cpl. Probert, Major Knight, Sgt. Stelfox, Cpl. Hallet, Mne. Wale, Mne. Wells SWIMMING With no bath available at Trincomalee, and no games, followed by return matches, we invariably suitable bathing from the ship, opportunities for found our opponents (whose only practicable competitive swimming have been few, but of Summer Sport appears to be aquatics) too good. course there has been much recreational swimming, It was particularly dismaying at the gala at Aba­ enlivened by "goggling" for many. dan, where the Ship's team was matched against an At Mombasa, during the East African Cruise, all-Persian team, many of whom it transpired were National Champions, and who were cheered on there was· a gala at which the outsanding event was wildly throughout by a large crowd of excited the Captain's furious sprint which won him the nationals. Nevertheless, evefl in the "cold" waters Veterans' race. of the Gulf winter, it was all good practice (and During the Persian Gulf Cruise Water Polo was good fun) for the enthusiasts, who found time for a played at Bahrein, Ahmadi, Abadan, and Bombay, small interpart contest in the RP.N. Barracks bath and although these were spirited, hotly contested at Karachi. S4 PERSIAN GULF CRUISE

EING moored in Trincomalee Harbour take off the libertymen, and the long jetty at for some weeks during September and Jufair along which one had to 'walk' to get to it-a BOctober was not everybody's idea of fun and jetty which seemed never ending after a good it was with a general feeling of relief, when on evening spent at the canteen! Bahrain was good Tuesday, October 18th, we slipped from our buoys for shopping too-probably the best in the Gulf­ opposite N.H.Q; to move over to the fuelling although the local residents, perhaps, put us off jetty prior to sailing the next day for Colombo, a little by assuring us that the next place that we and the first stage of our cruise to the Persian were going to was definitely better. Actually Gulf, Pakistan and India. this sort of thing occurred all round the Gulf and we were continually being told that the places Of the ten months actually spent on the East we had b~en to or the ones that we were going to Indies Station only two days were spent in Colom­ were much better shopping centres that the bo, the capital of the country on which we were one we happened to be in at the time! based, and I think that everybody felt what a pity it was that the stay couldn't have been longer. Our next port of call was Kuwait, the Arab True it poured with rain for some hours (to town which is expanding rapidly every day as a remind us of Guzz) just after we had moored but result of the large quantities of oil which have this was the biggest city we had seen since we left been found in the area. The channel here is not home and a little thing like rain wasn't going to deep enough for large ships and so we were unable dampen our spirits. Those that could, quickly to get close in to the shore. As a result the four flocked ashore to gaze at the shops or play sports and a half mile boat trip to the jetty rather took and then followed this up by sampling a little of the edge off sight-seeing jaunts. Some of us did the city's night life. pluck up courage for the journey and had a look round, but many returned with their nerves Our next stop, after a week at sea, was Khor shattered by the incessant blare from the horns of Kuwai, where our Landing Parties had a good sleek American cars which jostled each other in day's exercise on the small barren island there. the crowded streets. Even the cyclists competed The same evening we set sail for Bahrain where in the 'make more noise' campaign, most of the we arrived the next day. Here we were well bicycles having electric horns fitted to the handle­ entertained by the members of the shore base, bar.s. The battery trade in Kuwait must surely dQ H.M.S. Jufair (newly commissioned) and by the good business! Bahrain Petroleum Co. at Awali. Who will forget From Kuwait to Mena al Ahmadi-the oil port the picturesque 'Dhow of Jufair' which used to for the Kuwait Oil Company. Here for the first time for many months we spent part of our stay alongside the jetty. A jetty specially built to cater for the mammoth ocean-going tankers which queue up to take on their valuable cargoes. All the organisation for our visit was laid on by the K.O.C. and many were the invitations issued by the local residents to visit their homes and their clubs situated at Ahmadi-a town which has literally sprung up out of the bare desert in the last few years. There are some among the local community who were the first arrivals at Mena and who will tell you that when they arrived, not

The Archway at Bahrain. A Police Traffic Controller in Kuwait. 55 so long ago, they had to pitch their own tents on Company found their way into the two or three the shore and live in them for some time in the night clubs which offered drinks at prohibitive intense heat before any of the amenities of civili­ prices and 'belly dancer' cabarets for nothing! sation were available. Now the whole place is Others preferred the atmosphere of the Basra bustling with activity and at night the huge Petroleum Company's Club at which we were flares caused by burning off the waste gases from always welcome. the oil wells cast their glow over the sky like beacons and serve as a reminder to all that the On the 19th November we returned down river mam reason that they are living in this desert to Khorramshar where we fired another salute, town is OIL. this time to Iran. Several hours were spent anchored off Khorramshar while the full pro­ In the early hours of Monday, November 14th, gramme of official calls was got through-parti­ after a pleasant few days at Mena, we sailed north cularly heavy in this case because this was the again to arrive not long after daybreak at the Persian Naval Base. entrance to the Shat al Arab. Here we embarked the River Pilot and for the rest of the day proceeded In the late afternoon we weighed anchor once to thread our way cautiously up this navigable, again-at least that was the intention, but some­ but difficult estuary, down which flows the combi­ how it got wedged under the stem, much to the ned waters of those two famous rivers, the Tigris 'delight? ! ... of the Shipwright Officer. So we and the Euphrates. On the way we passed proceeded to Abadan and the next stage of our Abadan and Khorramshar to which we were to cruise rather cautiously. Two hours later wc return a few days later. In the late afternoon we tied up alongside the jetty at this famous oil re­ reached the outskirts of the ancient town of Basra, fining town. This visit was probably the most and we made an impressive arrival as we steamed important one of the cruise, perhaps of the whole slowly past the shore, at the same time firing a commission, as this was the first time that a British 2 I -gun salute to Iraq, which was 'returned' by the Cruiser had visited Abadan since the days of the not quite so modern guns of the shore battery. Oil Dispute (and then it was in rather different (Certain people on deck and facing the Shore circumstances). The huge refinery is gradually were seen to flinch as the latter went off) . We beginning to operate again under the terms of the turned just above the town and then came back Oil Agreement, with the help of British, American down to moor at buoys opposite the British and Dutch experts, and we were interested to see Consulate. Here again we were well received and what sort of reception we should get. We soon almost immediately found ourselves involved in a knew! Invitations, private and otherwise, poured long list of official calls, private invitations and into the ship by the hundred from all sides and other entertainment. Old Basra was out of bounds those on board who are responsible for ensuring to all Service personnel, but in Ashar one could that everyone gets a fair share found themselves see modern buildings, flanked by ancient houses, almost overwhelmed by the task that had been lining the waterways which teemed with small set them. However, somehow they coped, and sailing craft. The bazaar was always thronged by the end of the week large numbers had been with people and at night quite a few of the Ship's entertained privately, had gone on organised

,------~~--- -.-- .- -- ~- --~------.-. ~--- ! I .

\ . I

. ..:.:=- -: -:-"-..~ ...... ~ .. ...~-',

Abadan 56 tours ot the Refinery, and had eaten danced and and from its battiements ancient cannons, in a drunk beer at the Naft Club, the Restaurant return salute, pooped off blue smoke rings into the Annexe and the Seamen's Institute. The Concert bright still air. One step ashore confirmed the Party was resurrected and a show was given in the impressions that little had changed in centuries. luxurious Taj Cinema to an audience of more than Arabs in their flowing white djellabas and armed I, I 00, and in spite of the language difficulties it was with guns and daggers in ornamental silver voted a great success. GAMBIA herself was a sheaths, strolled along the dusty narrow unmade great attraction and when the ship was opened to streets. Under the gateway arches of the old visitors they thronged aboard until it was almost wall, polished flintlocks still hung ready for use to impossible to move and even then hundreds more repel any invader. In the bazaar the silversmith were still queueing up on the roadway leading to and the carpenter carried on their age-old crafts the jetty. Even at the end of the week the efforts and donkies brought in their customers from the of our hosts didn't flag and so it was with a slight desert. Night filled the alleyways with black feeling of fatigue that we slid quietly away from foreboding; small wonder that thirty years before the jetty early in the morning of Saturday, Novem­ there had been murder most foul so that now there ber 26th. Looking back, we think that our visit is a curfew after dark when all who venture out probably did some good because, if nothing else, must carry a candle lantern. at least a friendly atmosphere existed between ourselves and the local inhabitants. Things we ourselves remembel·?- Ah I those Persian Girls!!

Ulllike other big cities in the East, Karachi still retaills a large I/umber of Camel alld DOl/key Carfs.

The only made-up road out of Muscat (and View over Muscat with Gambia in the distance. indeed in the whole of the Sultanate) winds up and over a narrow pass for about two miles and into the small town of Mutrah, the dhow port, and Three days at sea and then we steamed into the terminus of the camel-trains that come in from narrow rock-surrounded harbour of Muscat, and the desert. This too is picturesque and unspoilt, duly saluted the Sultan. What a perfect Holly­ where the few cars to be seen cannot penetrate wood setting for a film of the mysterious East! the narrow streets. Even the gateway in the old The town itself, where no modern building yet wall is too narrow for them, so a hole has been exists, is surrounded by rocky hills with a watch­ made at the side through which they squeeze; tower 011 every pinnacle; and on either side by a but at dusk the gateway is still solemnly locked Portuguese Fort. One is still used as a gaol while and bolted till the dawn. the other, Marani Fort, is the Police Headquarters There was little to do at Muscat except to observe and take photographs. Nevertheless GAMBIA's Marines left their mark- the ship's name, complete with Admiral's Flag was painted on a rock face overlooking the harbour-to join the hundreds of other ships' autographs which have been written here by their crews in the past.

Two days later we were in a very different sort of place- Karachi, the capital of Pakistan-a city which has grown enormously in the past few years. It is amongst other things a veritable 'Clapham Junction of the Air' for most of the world's big Airlines use it as a port of call. This was of particular significance to the Mail Officer and 'Postie', both of whom had been badgered 57 and I can still see five tired members of the Ship's Hockey team staggering aboard after pulling in the Regatta to be whipped away immediately to play against the Karachi Puffins. In the Regatta with the R.P.N. we were beaten into second place by the teams from the Boys Training Establish­ ment at H.M.P.S.Bahadur, but we were by no means disgraced and a good afternoon was had by the spectators (dare I say by the teams as well?).

On to Bombay and 'The Gateway of India'. What visions this name conjures up-and we were not disappointed. Mind you we had heard that Bombay (like a lot of the rest of India) had gone 'dry' but somehow most people managed to find the 'wet' places. There was the Cornwallis Canteen, the Indian Naval ships and establish­ ments and, of course, the homes of the many local residents who entertained us. They seemed to realise that sailors get thirsty and accordingly dug generously into the rations which they had This pllotograph was taken at the Regatta. been saving up for Christmas. Question; "Why is the Commander so cheelful •• ? incessantly for some days because of the lack of mail. Now, however, they turned up trumps and ' produced bag upon bag of the stuff. In fact some people found themselves with so many letters it was almost embarrassing because it meant that they now had to write some!! Not that this was a particularly easy task because the Royal Pakistan Navy had produced such a hectic pro­ gramme for us that one had little chance to relax. More sport was probably played at Karachi than at any other place visited in the whole commission

Bombay De ember 1955-" Stirrinf[ the Christmas Pudding ..

Bombay is a huge and wonderful place and we could have done with a much longer time there. As it was in five days one could only see few of the sights, providing one could drag oneself away from the well stocked shops and bazaars. More things were probably bought here than anywhere else and the ship went noticeably lower in the water each day as returning libertymen stepped aboard staggering under the weight of parcels of towels, linen, silk materials, woodwork and metal work and leather cases. The officers' motor boat nearly gave up the ghost on one occa­ sion when it arrived at the Gateway of India steps to be confronted by a pile of goods that would have filled a small warehouse!.

When tired of shopping, however, many people went swimming at the wonderful Breach Candy Baths or took a trip to Malabar Hill-Bombay's West End-to look down on the wide magnifi­ cent sweep of the harbour. 58 r .

All too soon the visit was over and al 0700 on Now we are back in Trinco. for Christmas and Thursday 15th December we steamed away, watch­ the New Year, counting the days until we see ing the Taj Mahal Hotel get smaller and smaller Guzz again. Before we do, however, we shall and smaller in the distance, and set course for have visited Calcutta and Madras and then Ceylon and the end of the cruise. We had had a Massawa on the way home, but publication date most enjoyable time and visited many places in for this book looms near and so we shall have to many different countries and our experiences will retain In our minds the memories' of these not be forgotten as the years pass . places.

The aile that got away ? S9 T'RE FOLLO,WIN,G HA'VEI SERVEr) IN THE SHIP DURING THE COMMISSION

OFFICERS Frankling, E. \\T. Petty Officer A. B. J. M. Best Allan, R. J. D. Midshipman Gregory, B. P. Petty Officer Ord. Tel. H. G. Beestin Butt, R. D. Lt. Cdr. Gill, H. Acting Petty Officer Ord. Tel. N. Blockley Bowyer-Tagg, G.C. M idshipman Johnston,J. W. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. W. D. Brown Courtis, G. A. Midshipman Kinrade, R. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. C. Bussey Cooke, R. G. Lieutenant Lloyd,J. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. J. A. Bush Cazalet, A. G. G. Midshipman McKinley,J. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. I. McC. Bell Dendy, L. G. Ty. Cd. O.E. Nicholas, H. Pettv Officer Ord. Sea. D. G. Best Durrant, N. J. W. Midshipman O'Shee, D. Petty Officer A. B. W. Bvrne Dow, D. M. Midshipman Ponsford, R. W'. Petty Officer A. B. B. Bethune Deakin, J. V. Surg. Lieut. Ryder, D.J. Acting Petty Officer Ord. Tel. D. N. Crooke Davies, D. W. P. Lieutenant Seignot, D. C. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. R. Cox Evershed, W. Captain Sharman, E. G. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. K. Chivers Ellis, R. M. Midshipman Steed, R . W. Pettv Officer Boy V.Cam Trenerry, K, j. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. D. Cromack ~velegh, N. n. C. Midshipman Fenton, P. Commander Wiliiams,J. C. Petty Officer Ldg. Tel. .T, W. Cruickshank Fisher, D. Lieutenant Weeks, A. E. Pettv Officer A , B. E. Clark F.elde ·, W. J. Lieutenant Rutherford, R, M. Chi~f Petty Officer :\. B. M. Crowther Gee, W. T. Cd. Elect. O. Telegraphist A. R. D. Coulter Gibson, P. C. Commander Gilvray, E. G. Petty Officer Tele­ A. B. .T. Concannon Glossop, G. Snr. Cd. Gnr. graphist A. n. N. Cooper Gibbons, M. T. Midshipman Jackson, S. Petty Officer Tele­ A. B. P. D. Cavigan Grove, S. K. Sub. Lieut. graphist A. B. D. G. Carter Gi llard, P. R . A. Ty. Sub. Lt. Suter, E. Acting Petty Officer A.B. P. I. Clarke (R.N.V.R.) Telegraphist ' Ord. Sea. S. M. Cull Hamilton,.T. C. C. Lt. Cdr. Davies, A. G. Petty Officer T ele­ Ord. Sig. R . Coulson Hayhoe, P. T . Lieutenant graphist A. B. E. G. Churchill Hyatt, E. L. C. C. O. Smith, F. W. Chief Yeoman of A.B. R. Couser Hall , M. E. N. Sub. Lt. Signals A.B. R. F. Cartwright Hart, M. H. Sub. Lt. Benfield, G. E. Yeoman of Si als A. B. G. E. Clarke Johnson, A G. Lt. Cdr. Easey, H . Acting Yeoman of A. B. A. D. Cole Jones, B. M. Sub. Lt. Signals Boy G. Clegg Knight, P. F. Major, R. M. Fallon, F. Yeoman of Signals A. B. R. C. Court Lee, H. j. Commander Ingham, j. Acting Yeoman of Ord. Sea. A. W. Cartwright Lobb, K. Lt. Cdr. Signals A.B. B. Cook Lewes, J. W. T. Lieutenant Wright, R. E. L. Yeoman of Signals Ord. Sig. W. A. S. Clark Lloyd, P. D. Lt. Cdr. Brosnan, T. Acting Sailmaker Ord. Sig. R. Davies Madle, L. S.C.E.O. (L) Ord. Sea. J. Alliwon A.B. A. Davies Phillips, N. S. Lieutenant Ord. Sea. A. Armour A.B. J. C. Davies Pearce, J. H. S. Lt. Cdr. Sig. T. S. Anderson Ldg. Sea. P. Dillon Rumsey, D. W. Lieutenant Ldg. Tel. J. W. H. Aire A. B. R. A. Davidson Ransome, M.V.W. Ty. Cd. Eng. Tel. S. W . .T. Alden A. B. B. E. G. W. Dickins Stoker. F. G. Ty. Cd. Eng. Bov D. Alpert A.B. J . W. M. Davidson Starks; R. G. Cd. Shpt. Ord. Sea. J. D. Abberley A. B. J. C. Davies Stephen, C. R. H. Lt. Cdr. Ord. Sea. R. Atkin A. B. W.J. Dyer Simmons, K. C. Lt. Cdr. Ord. Sea. C. Andrews A. B. M.j. Dee Smith, j. A. Midshipman Ord. Sea R. W. Alcock A. B. J. Darroch Stanley, P. O . Inst. Lt. Cdr. Ord. Sea. K. Butler Ord. Sea. M. S. Dawe Sadler, H. E. Snr. Cd. Gnr. Ord. Sea. A. Bennet Ord. Sea. E. Davies Storey, H. R. Midshipman Ord. Sea. N. Blackburn Ord. Sea. G. P. Davies Sidwell, R. C. Lieut. R. M. Ord. Sea. M. G. E. Brown Ord.Sea. M. E. Dare Tolfree, W. F. N. Lt. Cdr. A. B. J. P. Boneham A. B. D. A. Evans Thomas, W. R . S. Lieutenant Ldg. Sig. A. Broadfoot A. B. R. A. Edwards Trythall, C. E. Commander A. B. G. D. Burrows A. B. J. L. Eva Templeton, C. j. Lieutenant Ldg. Sea. . P. E. Brock Ord. Sea. A. G. Everitt Taylor, W. R. Cd. Eng. A. B. W. S. B. Brooks Ord. Sea. D. F. Erskine Vigrass, B. M . .T. Lt. Cdr. A/Ldg. Sea. J. R. Barber A.B. W. G. Evans Wray, A . .T. Midshipman A. B. P. W. Bahb A/A. B. H. Edwards Welsh, H . W. Chaplain A, B. D. Breakwell Ord. Sea. T. Forrester Wright, H. W. Inst. Lt. Cdr. A.B. A. A. Borland Ord. Sea. J. Fletcher Wilson, \\T. Surg. Cdr. A. B. R. T. Burnside Ldg. Sea. J. P. Flynn Webster, J. T . Ty. A/Sub. Lt. A. B. G. Baird Ord. Sea. P. E. Felton (R.N.V.R.) A. B. R. Beattie A. B. E. G. Fitchen A. B. T. Broome Sig. F. E. Farmer SEAMEN A. B. '1'. Brennan Boy .1. E. Fleetwood Morrison, W. Chief Petty Officer A.B. A. Baguley Ord. Sea . A. Ford Robertson, W.D. Chief Petty Officer Ord. Sea. W. A. Brown Sig. A.j. Green Scott, H. L. Chief Petty Officer Ldg. Sea. .E. J. Bourke Ord. Sea. D. Gilvary Watson,j. R. Chief Petty Officer A. B. D, I. Boorman Boy Sig. N. C. Gibson Baxter, K.G. Petty Officer Ord. Sea. K . A. Bettam Ord. Tel. J. Graham Burridge, N. J : Petty Officer Boy G. Bell A. B. R. S. Garth Ballard, E. G. Petty Officer Bov G. W. H. Bremner Ldg. Sea.. D. Galley Barret, A. D. Petty Officer Boy R. Buckley A. B. E. R. Green 60 A. 11. R . M. Gordon Ord. Sea. M. Manzie A. B. L. Sandey A.B. P. Goodall Tel. A. R . W. McElhinney A/Ldg. Sea. J . H. Savidge A.B. W . Gould Ldg. Sig. J . E. Murphy N.A. I. (Met) P. D. Squires Ord. Tel. E. Granger Ldg. Sea. P. J. McNally 1\. B. J . R. Sleeman Ord. Sea. G. G. Griffiths Ord. Sea. C. D. Murch A.B. E. C. R. Shirley Ord. Sea. B. W. Griffiths A. B. M . A. Melville A. B. B. A. Starkey Ord. Sea. P . .1. Glover A.B. J. Matthews Ldg. Sea. J . Simpson A. B. D. Heffy A.B. T. M. M .. Connell A. B. J. Stansfield Ord. Sea. L. W. Hall A.B. J. R . Maher Ldg. Sea. G. Smith Ord. Sea. A. E. Harris Ldg. Sea. J. C. M ~ Mene my A. B. A. Simpson Ord. Sea. R. C. Harrison Tel. W. N. Miller A. B. B. Shaw Ord. Sig. D. Head Tel. G. G. W . Martin A. B. B. A. Sturgess A. B. J. G. Horne A. B. E. Longshaw A. B. J. W. Sadler A. B. C. S. Hepburn Tel. W. Menzies A. B. R. J . Sharland' A. B. J. 1. Harris Bov W. Moyes Ord. Sea. F. Skinner Ldg. Tel. M. Hague Bo~' .1. Maguire Tel. F. Sampson A B. .T. Hayes Ord. Sea. J. Merchant AB. J . B. Smith A.B. D. Higgins Boy .1. O. McFeeters A. B. G. Singer A.B. W . E. Houghton Ord. Sea. P. D. McDonald Ord. Sea. W. Slater Ord. Tel. B. Howlett Ldg. Air M. L. McCarthy Ord. Sea. D. B. Sinclair A. B. H. S. Heywood (Phot) Boy G. B. Shaw Bov A G. Hill A.B. D. R. Mortimore P. Cdr. (Ed) R. S. Stubbings Ord. Sea. P. J . Hopkinson A. B. .1. Noot Boy W. A. R. Henderson Boy W. Newlands Ord. Sea. W . C. Serine Ord. Sea. T. Hynes Ord. Sea. P.Oakden Ord. Sea. A Singleton A. B. G.Horne A.B. A. Orchard Ord. Sea. J. M . Swan A.B. B. C. Horne Tel. J. A. O 'Hara Ord. Sea. C. J. Sweeting Sig. R. K. Howe Ord. Sea. W . B. Pugh Ord. Sea. J . G. Sheridan A B. A. Hughes Ord. Sea. D . .1. Price Ord. Sea. . R. Thomson A B. E. Hesketh Ord. Sea. J. Preston Ldg. T el. R. H . Tawton Ord. Tel. D. Isaac Ord. Sea. J. Pender A.B. G. J . Tarver Ord. Sea. J . B. Jones Ldg. Sea. R . H . Parr A. B. G. R . Taylor Ord. Sea. A. J. Jenks Ord. Sea. B. D. Palmer Boy Tel. G. Taylor Ldg. Sea. W . .T . D. Jones A. B. G. J. Perrett Boy E. J . Tolcher A.B. H . G. Jakeway A.B. .T. R . C. Peat Ord. Sig. G. Turner A. B. P. Jones A. B. L. D. Parnell Ord. Sea. C. D. B. Thomas A. B. D . .1. R. Jones Ord. Sea. B. W . Price A. B. G. Usher Ldg. Sea. F. H.James Ord. Sea. F. P. A. Perkins Orc! . Se3. M. W. Vill ar Tel. F. Jones A. B. D. G. Rough A.B. C. Watson Boy ·W . F.Jones Tel. J . H. Roach Ord. Sea. P . .1. Wakeforcl Ord. Sea. T. B. Jones Ord. Sea. P. Robinson Orc!. Sea. W. E. While Coder (Ed.) G. H . James Orc!. Sea. R . H. Rushton Ord. Sea. K. C. Wright Ldg. Sea. J. A. Kelly A. B. T . B. Rowlands Ord. Sea. D. Warbrick Ord. Sea. C. C. Knocker A.I\. R.J. Raley Ldg. Sea. T. B. Wilson Ldg. Sea. A. W . Keen Ord. Sea. C. R . Reeves f\ . B. R. Wi lliams Orc!. Sea. A. H. Keenan A. R. P. Ray A. B. .1. T. Williams Ldg. Tel. R. E. Keefe A. B. J. Rogers A.B. S. Walker A. B. .1. Lawson Tel. J . C. Richings A. B. A. Welsh ~Ord . Sea. E. Lewis Tel. G. R edpath A. B. F. W. Waller Ldg. Sea. P. G. Leverton Boy. D. L. Ric!dle Ldg. Sea. D. W yatt ---- Ldg. Sea. L. D. Le-Lerre Ord. Sea. D. F. Reynolds Ldg. Sea. B. J. ' '\forthington Ldg. Sea. B. C. Lambert Ord. Sea. B. E. Read Tel. D. A. Wareham Boy H . K. Leather Ord. Sea. A. Rowbotham Bov D. M. Williams Boy B. J . W. Lawson A. B. E. Reed Ord. Sea. L. W . Williams A/Ldg. Sea. P. N. Lasire Ord. Sea. B. Sessions Ord. Sea. M. F. Whisby Ord. Sea. r. Morgan Orcl. Sea. J. T. Scan'ott Ldg. Sea. G. L. Yates ENGINE ROOM RATINGS Penney, S. E. Chief Engineroom Artificer Shaw. E. Chief Mechanician Finnigan, S. Chief Engineroom Artificer Rice, ·E. G. Mechanician, I st Class Harries, J . S. Chief Engineroom Artificer Senior, C. S. Mechanician. 1st Class Kent, H. D. 'Chief Engineroom Artificer Smith, A.J. Mechanician; 2nd Class Bamford,J. S. Engineroom Artificer 1st Class Bloodworth, C. L. Chief Petty Officer Mechanic (E) Sheffielc!, C. Engineroom Artificer 1st Class Foster, P.J. Chief Petty Officer M echanic (E) Williams, H. M. Engineroom Artificer I st Class Husband, W. Chief Pettv Officer M echanic (E) Waite, E. F. Engineroom Artificer I st Class Price, A. C. Chief Petty Officer Mechanic (E) Callen, 1.,. A. Engineroom Artificer 2nd Class Robertson, W. Chief Petty Officer Mechanic (E) Lees, H.J. Engineroom Artificer 2nd Class Sobey, S. W . R. Chief Pettv Officer M echanic (El Blackler, D. G. R. Engineroom Artificer 3rd Class Bowbay, C. "". Petty Offi~ e r Mechanic (E) Ford, R. F. Engineroom Artificer 3rd Class Cooper, D. F. Acting Petty Officer Mechanic (E) Mitchell, T . R . Engineroom Artificer 3rcl Class Davies, D. Petty Officer M echanic (E) Morse, G. A. Engineroom Artificer 3rd Class Davy, K . Petty Officer Mechanic (E) Rimmer, P. J . Engineroom Artificer 3rd Class Evans, B. F. G. Petty Officer Mechanic (El Rollason, H. Engineroom Artificer 3rd Class Edwards, W . D. Petty Officer Mechanic (El Salmon, G . .1. Engineroom Artificer 3rd Class Hamlyn, S. H. Petty Officer M echanic (E) Brunty, C. J. Engineroom Artificer 4th Class H enderson, J. Petty Officer M echanic (E) Bradley, M. D. G. Acting Engineroom Artificer 4th Class Jones, T. Petty Officer M echanic (El Cock, R. Engineroom Artificer 4th Class Pender, M . C. Petty Officer M echanic (E) D,l,Inning. r. Acting Engineroom Artificer 4th Class Stephens, W. E. R. Petty Officer Mechanic (E)· Large, M . Engineroom Artificer 4th Class Smith, W. M. Petty Officer M echanic (El Smit,b, P . . Acting Engineroom Artificer 4th Class Tytheleigh, R.I.C. fetty Officer Mechanic (El Shaw,J. L. .Engineroom Artificer 4th Class Young, C. E. Petty Officer Mechanic (E) 61 MECHANICS (E) L. M . (E) J. Sullivan Mne. M. C . Toms M .(E) ''''. S. Stevenson Mne. W . Topliss M. (E) L. Ashworth M. (E) W. F. Tonks Mne. D. P. Vincent M . (E) T . .T. Armstrong M. (E) J. Taylor Mne. H. ""eatherill L. M. (E) F. Adams L. M . (E) .T. D. Tilstone Mne. M. W. Whitehead L. M. (E) L. H . Arblaster M. (E) P. A. Thorpe Mne. R . Wilson M. (E) .1. 1.. Alexander M. (E) G. C. Toole Mne. P. P. Wale M . (E) J. G . E. Best M . (E) R . Turner Mne. J. C. Wells M. (E) J. H. Bevan M. (E) G. Thompson Mne. J. D. Wilson M. (E) D . H. G. Brand M .(E) .1. W . Taylor Mne. B. E. Whittle M. (E) J. J. Birch L. M. (E) R . Thompson Cpl. E. S. W yles M . (E) A. T . Bryan M . (E) S. Wallace Mne. F.. W. Warden M. (E) C. Bellington M . (E) W . S. Williams Mne. S. Williamson 1.. M . (E) K. F. Ball M. (E) P. F. Williams ROYAL MARINE BAND M. (E) T. R. Brewer M . (E) D. G. Wilson M. (E) J. Barlow M. (E) T . J. W. Westwood S. B. Mtr. R. R . Winchestl'r M. (E) B. Beecroft L. M. (E) W. ""atson B. Sgt. R. D. Jewell M. (E) G . E. A. Balman .1. M . (E) E. G. W yness A/B. Cpl. R. K. Brown M. (E) 1.. Chipchase J. M. (E) R. K. Ward A/B. Cpl. A. W. Bailey M . (E) J. D. Gover M. (E) .1. V. Ward Musn. J. D. Bishop L. M. (E) R. F. Carter M. (E) L. Cartel' ROYAL MARINE DETACHMENT Musn. D. J. Clark Musn. F. E. Coleman M. IE) A. Cunliffe Mu5O. P. R. Compson M. (E) W. Cecil C. Sgt. J. A. Frankling Musn. B. G. P. Douglas L. M. (E) T. Christie Sgt. K. A. Holloway M .(E) W. Catterall Sgt. V . H . Steeple l\1usn . .J. B. Epps Mu ~ n. W. Fullerton M. (E) .1. F. ConneIly Sgt. L. A. Stelfox Mu5O. R. A. FOI'Vter M. (E) H.Curry Sgt. Taylor, .1. A. N. K. Davies Mne. M. J. Allison Mu5O. L. A. Halev M. (E) Musn. L. Hart . L. M . (E) L. V. Dennison Mne. J. H . W. Biggi.n M .(E) J. Espley Cpl. A . .E. J. Beresford Mu5O. L. M . J enkins L. M. (E) G. Evans Cpl. E. A. W. Burnell Musn. D. E. Kerslake M. (E) A. W. Fisher Mne. H. N. Baker Musn. D. Snell M. (E) P. H. Frost Mne. T . Baldwii-t Musn. G. J. Silsox Musn. K. O. Smith .\/L M. (E) R. Goulding Mn~. A. C. Barnes M.(E) .1. Gell Mne. A. W. Bartlett Musn. G. Tubb M . (E) R. G. Garnett Mne. A. H. Collis Musn. R. Turner M . (E) J . A. Glover Moe. R . Calder bank Mu5O. J. D. W . T yler M. (E) G. Gibbs !\jCpl. E. J. Cole Musn. G. T . ''''alton L. M. (E) M . W. Gregory Mne. J. Carr l\1usn. D. A. Webster S. Bmtr. G. G. Shipway L. M. (E) W. F. Hyett Mne. R . D. Clemen ts M .(E) R. C. Hargreaves Mne. R . W. Colli os B. Sgt. R. Banning Musn. N. Ashley M .(E) 1. H ewitson Mne. D . A. Curti" Musn. V. C. Asher M. (E) P. Henry Mne. T. C. Davidson Musn. J . M. Bradshaw M. (E) C. E. Hanks Mne. D. P. Embury l\1usn. G. Brooks M. (E) A. J. Hillier Mne. R . Findon . B. Cpl. Elver, A. B. M .(E) R. G. Harris Mne. A. E. Foot M .(E) D . A. Harries Mne. A. W . Green Mum. J . W. Hillman l\1usn. P. E. H owse M. (E) P. J. Hawke Mne. G. P. Gardiner Mu5O. N. F. Heoshaw L. M. (E) J . A. Harris Mne. E. ''''. Grimsdale Mu5O. E. C . Hayward L. M. (E) A. R. Harvey A/Cpl. R. S. H. H enderson M. (E) G . L. Isaac Mne. C. G. Hood Mu5O. R. J. Kempton M .(E) B.Jamieson A/Cp!. P. E. Hallett Musn. K. K e a~t M. (E) J. T . Kelly Mne. C. L. Heine Musn. R. J. Lee M .(E ) A. McIntyre Mne. F. P. Howis Musn. R. McCallum M .(E) H . Monks Bug. H. H endersoo Musn. R. M. MacKay M. (E) K. Maynard 1fue. E. C. Hill Musn. P. R. McRosv Musn. B. Oates ' M. (E) W . H. McCarten Mne. H. A. Jenkins L. M. (E) .1. Mayers Mne. J. W . Kitsen Musn. J . .H. Philips M . (E) D. C. Matty Mne. J. B. Lloyd Mu5O. T . "'T. Parker L. M . (E) T. Murphy Mne. B. W . Laker 1\-1 usn.. P. R edfern M. (E) P. VV. Moon Mne. T. H . Little l\1usn. D . n. Swann M .(E) T. B. McFayden Mne. D . Lawrie Musn. F. S. Tomlin Mne. D. I.iversedge :tvL (E) .J. A. C. MacSymoos ASIANS - COOKS AND STEWARDS M. (E) '''I. J. McKay Mne. F. J. Mitchell M. (E) R . McFadden Mne. W . H . Moore Fernandes, L. Petty Officer Cook M. (E) J. Northcott CpI.J. Muir Fernandes, C . Petty Officer Cook M. (E) C. S. Pengelly Mne. P. D . l\-1arshall Morris, E. Petty Officer Cook M. (E) K. E. Palin Mne. McAvoy, G. C. l\murthan, S. Leading Cook L. M . (E) P. J. Powers Moe. C. McKav D'Costa, C. N. Leading Cook M. (E) E. Rutherford Mne. M. Moore Wallis,J. A. Leading Cook M. (E) P. Robertson Moe. R. M. Nicholson Coutinho, L. R. Cook M . (E) S. J. Reeves Cpl. A. Probert James, S. M . Cook M. (E) A. F. G. Stockford Mne. E. S. Pascoe Martin-Sin.gho, M . Cook M. (E) D . .1. Stone Bug. B. Phillpotts Soares, R . Assistant Cook M . (E) R. J. Strong Mne. W . Purdie Continho, 1. J. Chief Petty Officel' M. (E) R. F. Smale Cpl. F. B. Shepherd Steward M. (E) P. Smith Mlle. D. W . Snelling Perera, W . A. D. Petty Officer Steward M . (El A. E. Staight Mn," . J. A. Smith Sehastian, L. G . Petty Officer Steward A/L.M IE) R. P. Sev-ille Mne. F. Thompson D'Mello, D. Leading Steward M . (E) P. D. ShuttleI' Mne. B. H. TibbIe Fernandes, C . .1 . Lea.ding Steward M . (E) A. J. Simonds Mne. S. G . Tcimpkin ~ Krishmm, N . T. Leading St~ward 62 Pereira,J. S. !.eading Steward Abeli, H. E. Seaman Ismail, H . Stoker Ranatunga., A. Leading Steward Ali, H. A. Stoker Ismail, J . Tindal Dias,J. S. Steward Abdi, A. G. E. Seaman Ibrahim, M. Steward 2nd Tindal Denny, ''''. Abdullah, K. M. Sweeper Jama, A. G. Seaman Fernandes, X. J. Steward Adan, I. A. Seaman Kassim, A. A. Pinto, M . Steward Sweeper Ali, S. H . Seaman Mahmood, M. B. Seaman Palayasam, I\1. Steward Awadth, H. A. Stoker Velu, V . Musa, A. M . Stoker Steward Dealeh, A. Seaman Mohammad, S.M. William, M . Steward Seaman Ebrahim, D. A. Stoker Mohamed, H .M. Sweep ~r Eggeh, M. H. Stoker SOMALIS Mohamed, "". Seaman Eggal, M.J. Stoker Mahmud, N. A. Seaman Farah, I. 2nd Tindal Mohamed, A. M. Sweeper Sulliman, l\'. H ead Tindal Fara, O . A. Stoker Mohamed, I. Seaman H~rsi, Y. Stoker SuJliman, M . F. Stoker Awad, H. 2nd Tindal Hasan, A. H. S~aman Ali, H. S. Saeed, iI. O. Seaman Seaman Hasan, ''''. J. Seaman Saeed, A. J . Ahmed, F. H. Seaman Seaman Hersi, A. A. Seaman Saeed, N. M . 2nd Tindal Ali,H. M . Seaman Hassan, M. E. Seaman Ahmed, F. Umer, D. E. A. Stoker Seaman Ismail, Y. 2nd Tindal Umar, A. J. Ali, M.S. Stoker Stoker, Ibrahim, .T. A. Seaman Yusuf, A. E. Stoker PAKISTANI RATINGS BORNE FOR TRAINING Rehman, S. Radio Electrical Artificer 4.th Class Manan-Bhuyan, M.A. Hafeez, A. Electrical Artificer 5 th Class A/ Radio Electrical Artificer 4th Class Akhtar, S. Electrical Artificer 5 th Class Mohamed, M. Electrical Artificer 5th Class Ahmed" F. Electrical Artificer 5th Class AhmedM.A. Mural-Haque, M . Electrical Artificer 5th Class Electrical Artificer 5th Class Shikelar, M . A. K. Electrical Artificer 5th Class STAFF OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF Hutchinson, A. Petty Officer Tele- H endrick, G.K. Petty Officer Cook EAST INDIES g~aphist D/Silyer, N. F. Leading Cook Budd, P. B. Leading Telegraphist Norris, C. F. N . Vice Admiral Marshall, D. W . Telegraphist Corte, S. A. Cook Clarke, G. Commander Moloney, J. P. Telegraphist Coutinho, A. Cook Stobie, D. M . H . Commander Brown, W. R . Ordinary Telegra- Bayne, P. J., Commander phist Gregory, J. R. Pettv Officer D.S.C Baker, J. C. Leading Mechanical Steward Christopherson,R .K. Lieut. Commander Engineer Lobo, H. Petty Officer Lewis, D. R. Lieut. Commander Morgan, G. E. Chief Petty Officer Steward Wier, J . F. R. Lieut. Commander (B.E.M.) Writer . Lazar, A. Petty Officer Ball, J. R . Lieutenant Carter, D . W . Leading Writer Steward Norfolk, E. I. S. Lieutenant Johnson, P. Acting Leading Viegas, C. S. Pettv Officer Palmer, J. L. Lieutenant Writer (Locall Steward Thomas, "" .R.S. Lieutenant Kendall, J. W. l.eading Writer D'Me]J.o, P. Leading'Steward Moore, A. Surgeon, Lieut, (D) Cur!, T . J. ",Triter Kumaren, P. A. Sherida, G.T.B. Capt. Royal Marines Moody,J. C. Chief Petty Officer Leading Steward Daws, A. E. Chief Petty Officer Steward Kanniah, R. S. Leading Steward JuPP, R. E. Yeoman of Signals Beal, R . C. ChiefJoiner Kandha, Leading Steward Kitchen, P. "". Yeoman of Signals Pritchards, G. A/Corporal R.M. Luis, D.J. Leading Steward Stannard, L. Yeoman of Signals STAFF OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF Charles Appu, C. Steward Champion, B. J. Signalman Cardozo, .J. Steward Gilbert, E. H. Signalman EAST INDIES STATION Millin, D. L. Signalman ASIANS Dias, S. Steward Tinkler C. R. Signalman Antao, V. A. A/Chief Petty Officer Dias, .T . Steward Hildreth, D. J . Ordinary Signalman Cook Suppiah, M . Steward SHIPWRIGHT AND ORDNANCE STAFFS SICK BERTH STAFF Spun'ell, D. B. Chief Shipwright Shears, D. H. Sick Berth Chief Petty Officer Ward, S. D. Shipwright, 1st Class O'Hagan, T. C. G . Sick Berth Petty Officer Collings, E. Shipwright, 2nd Class Halliman, ' '''. Sick Berth Attendant Duguid, E. G. Shipwright, 3rd Class Griffin, K. G. Sick Berth Attendant Parsons, R. C. F. Shipwright, 3rd Class Goodier, L. Sick Berth Attendant Stewart, G. Shipwright, 3rd Class White, R. A. Shipwright, 3rd Class SUPPLY AND SECRETARIAT Adams, N. C. Shipwright, 4th Class Arberry, C. J. Chief Petty Officel' Writer Barnes, E. E. Shipwright, 4th Class Crispin, W . J. Leading Writer Grunsell, H. ''''. Plumber, 1st Class Dean, D . .J. Leading Writer Avery, D . J. Painter, I st Class Kellett, J. B. Leading Writer Pidgen, W. Blacksmith, 1st Class Pedler,J. B. Writer Loft, D. Joiner, 2nd Class Ford, B. W . .J. Stores Chief Petty Officer Munn, W . M . Chief 'Ordnance Artificer Tuckett, A. Stores Petty Officer (S) Men·all,.J. E . Chief Ordnance Artificer Browne, J . R. Leading Stores Assistant (S ) Dickinson, G. E. Ordnance Artificer 2nd Class Lamb, J . E. Leading Stores Assistant (S ) Butland,P. T. Ordnance Artificer 3rd Class Fowler, G. R . Stores Assistant (S ) Carr, R. Ordnance Artificer 3rd Class Tuplin, G. C. Stores Assistant Selby, F. T. Ordnance Artificer 1st Class Knowling, P. C. Stores Chief Petty Officer (V) Haywood, J. W. A-Ordnance Artificer 4th Class Hutchings, D. G. Stores Petty Officer (V) Hurford, J. E. Ordnance Artificer 4th Class Cowell, C. Leading Stores Assistant (V) Fields, R. A. S. Ordnance Artificer 4th Class Coppin, B. S. Leading Stores Assistant (V) Cox, S. G. Ordnance Artificer 5th Class Chapman, R. B. Stores Assistant (V) Clarke, R. D. Ordnance Artifice-r 5th Class Vick, A. L. Stores Assistant (V) 63 Heath, G. L. Chief Petty Officer Cook (S) Peacock, S. 1.. Leading Electrical Mechanic Cook, A. H. Chief Petty Officer Cook (S ) Shepherd, W. J. Leading Electrical Mechanic Bray, A. Chief Petty Officer Cook (S) Bentley, S. D. Electrical Mechanic Ford, E. G. Petty Officer Cook (S) Bull, C. C. Electrical Mechanic Newell, J. R . Petty O!Jicer Cook (S) Baxendale, A. Electrical Mechanic Bennett, T. N. Acting Petty Officer Cook (S) (Local) Chambers, J . C. Electrical M echanic Berry, L. C. L. Leading Cook (S) Duncan, E. Electrical Mechanic Corbett, G. D. Leading Cook (S) Evans, D. E. Electrical Mechanic Jenkins, G.J. Cook (S) Faux, V. M. Electrical Mechanic Lithgow, J. M. S. Cook (S ) Geoghegan, T . Electrical Mechanic Morrisey, I. V. Cook (S ) Hendry, A. N. Electrical Mechanic Phillips, R. J. Cook (S ) Harris, R. Electrical Mechanic Potter, S. Cook (S) Kelly, B. C. Electrical Mechanic MacKenzie, S. C. Electrical Mechanic REGULATING STAFF Offen, M. Electrical Mechanic Calnan, P. Master-at-Arms Pritchard, D. Electrical Mechanic Winter, W. V . Regulating Petty Officer Pittaway, T. E. Electrical Mechanic Norfolk, N. W. Acting Regulating Petty Officer Patterson, J . Electrical Mechanic O'Shaughnessy, G.O. Leading Patrolman Soriey, J . Electrical Mechanic Simpson, N. M. Electrical Mechanic ELECTRICAL STAFF Tennant, R . Electrical Mechanic Young, R . T . Electrical Mechanic Skilton, W. J. C. A/Chief Electrical Artificer Gaiger, G. E. Chief Radio Elect. Artifice r Pattie, H . Electrical Artificer 1st Class Stephens, R. S. Radio Electrical Artificer Lang, R. G. Electrical Artificer 2nd Class Stephens, R.S. Radio E! e ct~ic a l Artificer Addison,J. G. A/Electricai Artificer 4th Class Carnell, F. H . J. R. El. Mechanician 1st Class Down, D. J. E/cclriGal Artificer 4th Class Rowlands, F. E. El. Mechanician 1st Class Hallett, D . .J. A/Electrical Artificer 4th Class Urry, E. A/R. Electrician Bartlett, F. R. Electrical Artificer 4th Class Wright, B. R. Electrician Bell, R. V. Chief Electrician Morris, W. R . E. A/Leading Radio Electrical :Mechanic Ackford, A. J . Acting Petty Officer Electrician Richmond, H . J. Leading Radio Electrical M echanic Birt, R. Petty Officer Electrician Burleton F. T. Radio Electrical Mechanic Bence, L. F. Acting Petty Officer Electrician Smith, C. E. Radio Electrical Mechanic Hughes, J. T. Acting Petty Officer Electrician Taylor, R . J. Radio El ectrical Mechanic Pike, A. Petty Officer Electrician CANTEEN STAFF '''''all ace, E. A. Petty Officer Electrician Allan, R. R . A/ Leadin"g Electrical Mechanic Mr. '''''ilIiam R. Potts Manager Barrington, H. J. Leading 1;:lectrical Mechanic Mr. William D . Bowman Chargehand Ingram, S. Leading Electrical Mechanic Harry D . Joseph Lowis, T. A. Leading Electrical Mechanic W. H. Jayascna Lavelle, R. Leading Electrical Mechanic S. Joe VeiavandJ:am Newcombe, M . Leading Electrical Mechanic R . M. Punchibanda

Printed at the Daily News Press. Colombo. Ceylon, for the Captain of H.M.S. Gambia-Jan. '56 64 ANI> THAT'S THE END OF ANOTHER BIG .:rOB I