BARRY HOLLAND Honorary Editor

THE SEVEN SEAS MAGAZINE

The Official Organ of the Seven Seas Club

Volume 10, No 5

AUTUMN 2007

EDITORIAL:

Another huge chunk of time has disappeared since the last edition. Strange, isn't it, that, when we're very young, the next school playtime seems to be a lifetime away - then, fifty, sixty, seventy years down the line, ten years appear to go as quickly as a school playtime!!

Sad to say, we have lost more old Shipmates in the intervening months. Our thoughts are with their loved ones - and many of us treasure happy memories of the departed, and are privileged to have known them.

Whilst on a whisky tour in June, I was lucky enough to get to John O'Groats - for the first time in my life. What a beautiful place - and what a wonderful sunset had been arranged to coincide with our visit. Lynne and I are off to Cornwall very soon, and I look forward to having been to J O'G and Land's End in the same calendar year - without having had to walk, or cycle, or ride on a donkey to do it!!

I hope that you have enjoyed the start to the current "season", and that you will get much pleasure from the events scheduled over the next few months.

Please keep your magazine contributions coming - they are always welcome.

BARRY HOLLAND Honorary Editor

Congratulations to Richard Shuttleworth on being the first to take away the crossword prize - he is the only person outside of the Pinner family to win anything via the magazine since I became Editor. You're not related, are you Richard?!

1 A Message From The President

Gentlemen

I feel very privileged to have been elected to the position of President of the Seven Seas Club.

I am mindful of the aims of the club, and will do my best to uphold them at all times.

I follow in the footsteps of Keith Hanson, who has taken the Club from strength to strength. As he sits on my port side at Club dinners, I know I can turn to him for guidance.

I would like to thank the committee members who give freely of their time, and would welcome contributions from members, with regard to suggestions for future club activities, and guest speakers.

Graham Painter President

2 Dates for your Diary

Dinners and Events 2007

21 October (Sun) Club Church service in the Chapel in the Tower of London (nb - This event is in addition to those published in the last magazine. Unfortunately the Yeoman Warders' Mess will not be available for refreshments on completion. I suspect most of us attending will retire to Wetherspoon's. Hon Sec)

25 October (Thu) Club Dinner. Speaker: Cdre Jamie Miller

11 November (Sun) Club Wreath laid at the Merchant Navy Memorial

22 November (Thu) Club Dinner. Speaker: Ken Cast: Sub-sea exploration

20 December (Thu) Christmas Party

Club Dinners, Ladies' Night, and Christmas Party will all be held in the National Liberal Club - at 1800 for 1900.

Times for other events will be notified in due course.

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Dates for 2008

The functions booked at the National Liberal Club are:-

Thursday 31 January Dinner Thursday 28 February Dinner Thursday 27 March Dinner Friday 25 April Ladies' Night Thursday 29 May AGM Thursday 25 September Dinner Thursday 23 October Trafalgar Night Thursday 20 November Dinner Thursday 18 December Christmas Party ------

SECRETARY’S CORNER

Since the publication of the last magazine one member has re-joined:- Mr R Quirk – 56 B Bessborough Place, LONDON, SW1V 3SG (H) 020 7233 8434 (M) 07803 756435

Changes of Address: Justin Miller: 184 Avenue Road Extension, LEICESTER. LE2 3EL

Tristan Miller: 2 School Villas, Stortford Road, LEADEN RODING, Essex. CM6 1GY

At the 83rd AGM held on the 24th May this year, Capt Richard Woodman raised a proposal for the membership to consider the Club making a sizeable donation to the fund supporting the restoration of the Cutty Sark. As promised by the President, this proposal was discussed at the October Committee meeting. The Committee agreed that although the Cutty Sark restoration is a most worthy cause, the maximum amount the Club could afford would be ‘a drop ocean’ to the total donations required; the Club was unlikely to receive any recognition even for a very large sum of money. Members are encouraged to make their own individual contributions, advising the fund that they are members of the Seven Seas Club. To donate on line, go to www.cuttysark.co.uk, where a number of options can be found. If you prefer to do it by post, send to: The Cutty Sark Trust, 2 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9BG (cheques to Cutty Sark)

I am sad to report that two of our members have slipped their cables:-

Douglas Robert Allen on 25 June 2007

Ron Pallant on 11 September 2007

Members of the club attended both services

The following letter has been received from Iris Allen:-

“Dear John, How very kind of the Seven Seas Club to send the £50 cheque via you towards the tree, etc, to be planted in the garden at Trinity Hospice in memory of my dear Doug. The garden will have to be re-landscaped next year, after the new building is finished in what was a beautiful garden. It will become that again. I am enclosing a copy of the Order of Service for the Celebration of Life which Doug requested me to organise for him. It was so very nice to see so many of our family and friends present, and particularly the contingent from the

4 Seven Seas Club. Please do thank them for me and also for the wonderful support and kind messages I have received from members of the Club and especially Bill Richards. I keep thinking how much Doug would have loved the day. He always wanted everybody to be happy together. The singing was great! I hope to come to the Christmas Party with my brother Ron. Warmest wishes to all. Iris (Allen)”

John Mankerty O.B.E. Hon. Secretary ------

Extracts from the Memorial Service to Doug Allen

The Doug Allen Memorial Service 15 August 2007 St James, Clapham Park

(Editor's Note:- Paul Thomas kindly provided me with details of the tribute to Doug - a precis of that tribute follows. Please contact me if you would like a copy of the whole article, which I would be pleased to provide.)

"Just once in a while you meet someone who is just plain "good" - such a man was Doug. He looked for the best in people. He and Iris had a glorious relationship, and last year they celebrated their Golden Wedding - Iris having collected him from hospital to take him to the gathering. After having a leg amputated at the age of 50, he survived (with Iris's immeasurable help), some 47 operations! He remained cheerful and positive throughout - an amazing man. He joined the RN at 18, and very quickly joined the Russian convoys, (he survived five of these), and then the convoys to Malta. Once reported as "missing in action", he proved to be a survivor. After the war, he went back into local government in Epsom. As Secretary of the Social Club, he organised a dance at Surbiton Town Hall - met Iris, and proposed - fast work!! He later worked for Middlesex County Council, and the GLC. He was a Freeman of the City of London. A member of the Wire Workers' Livery Company; the Royal Society of St George; the Seven Seas Club; the London Maritime Association; the City Livery Company United Wards Club; three Masonic Lodges; also King Arthur's Champion with the Hon Society of the Knights of the Round Table; an active volunteer at Trinity House Hospice for over 30 years. He and Iris made a great team of mutual: help; support, giving; and love. We miss you immensely, and are so glad to have known and loved you."

Functions

Report of the AGM Dinner

81 Members and guests attended the AGM Dinner in May 2007, and George Heslop performed extremely well as the “squeeze box player”. There was concern over one bottle of port which was “corked”. The Dinner Secretary will discuss with the Club a back-up plan should this happen in the future.

Our new President with George Heslop, at the AGM Dinner

Tower and Ahoy Centre Functions

Everyone seemed pleased with the Ahoy Centre function, and the food was exceptionally good - although the Secretary reported that it had been ordered as “small eats”, and suggested the following for next year, should the President wish to return to the Centre:-

The date be changed to a Saturday, with members and their guests arriving in the forenoon, possibly by river, to Greenwich Pier. They could take lunch in the many eating places available, and spend the afternoon in the museum, markets, Observatory, or Queen’s House, with the Ahoy Centre being available slightly earlier, and with a substantial meal available, as well as wine and soft drinks.

September Dinner

Our speaker at the September dinner was Lt Cdr Vic Smith, who gave a very interesting and informative talk on the development of lights for navigation of the Suez Canal in the dark.

He joined the Royal Navy on 10 September 1951 as an Artificer Apprentice, qualifying and progressing to Chief Electrical Artificer. He was given a Commission in January 1963, serving first of all on Polaris submarines and ending up after 27 years as Senior Engineer of Nuclear Submarines with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Thereafter he worked in senior management positions in industry until retirement in 1994.

One of the most important waterways in the world, the Suez Canal, opened in 1869, runs North to South across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt.

With a length of 101 miles, and with no locks to interrupt traffic, this sea level waterway carries 14% of the world shipping, the transit time is 11-15 hours.

However, before the advent of the electric arc “search light”, ships were prohibited from navigating the Canal in the dark. A solution was found by using the same light as used by HMS Dolphin in 1884 in support of the troops on shore.

P&O’s ship-borne Electrical Engineers decided to use this idea and rigged some up for the express purpose of providing sufficient light to permit navigation of the Canal by night.

The first recorded night passage was by P&O’s SS Carthage in 1888. As a result their P&O colleagues nicknamed them Bhutti-Wallahs, which is the Hindustani for “Lamp Men”.

Lt Cdr Smith is the current President of the Bhutti-Wallahs’ Society.

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The Hanson Goblet

Our Immediate Past President, Keith Hanson, has kindly donated an engraved silver goblet to the Club, to mark his year as President. I hope to include a picture of this in the next magazine. "Thank you, Keith".

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83rd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SEVEN SEAS CLUB on 27 MAY 2007

Venue: Lady Violet Room, National Liberal Club

1 APOLOGIES - 48 apologies were received from Members. An apology was also received from the President, Mr Keith Hanson. Mr Stan Goldsmith ISO JP IPP chaired the meeting.

2 MINUTES OF THE 82nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - were printed in the Summer Edition of the Club Magazine, with copies available at the meeting. Acceptance of the Minutes was proposed by Len Barlow, and seconded by Michael Pinner. All were in agreement.

3 TREASURER'S REPORT - The Treasurer asked if there were any questions on the audited accounts, which had been circulated with the Agenda. The following were raised:-

a) Graham Marr asked for details of the rate of interest received from the money invested with Brewer & Dolphin. The Treasurer replied that the returns are somewhat complicated, and he will advise Graham of the actual figures.

b) George Kingston stated that there is insufficient detail in the literature distributed for Members to be able to understand fully what is happening to the Club money. In particular he wished to know where the money under "General Expenses" went. The Secretary said that he would forward a copy of the payment details for the year ending 31 December 2006 to Mr Kingston.

c) Oliver Woodman wished to record his congratulations to those responsible for reducing the Dinner expenses from a minus figure last year to a plus figure this year.

d) Ken Bryant stated that he felt that the information supplied was difficult to understand, and would welcome more explanation. Stan Goldsmith explained that the money invested with Brewer & Dolphin is split between the Club Account and the Laristan Account. Interest from the Club Account is fed back into the fund, whereas money from the Laristan investment is transferred back into the Laristan Account, in order that it can be distributed to the various

charities, and to provide widows' vouchers. Mike Fleming pointed out that no money had been transferred in the year ending 31 December 2006. The Secretary reported that this error had become apparent to the Committee when they looked at the accounts. It was agreed by the Committee that this should be brought to the attention of Brewer & Dolphin, and this was achieved at a meeting between Derek Bevan (Hon Treasurer elect) and a representative of Brewer & Dolphin. Mike Fleming stated that the accounts were therefore incorrect, and he proposed that they should not be accepted. Graham Marr pointed out that the audit is a snapshot of the accounts on a specific day, and that, in all fairness, no money is missing - it is just in a different account. Oliver Woodman proposed that the accounts submitted be accepted, and this was seconded by Capt Bill Richards. All were in agreement. Capt Richard Woodman asked that the minutes reflect the Members' concerns that the money was not transferred to the Laristan Account.

4 PRESIDENT'S REPORT - This was circulated with the Agenda and agreed by all.

5 REPORT OF THE BAXTER & GRIMSHAW TRUST - Michael Pinner gave the following report: "At the last AGM, I reported that the Seven Seas Club Baxter & Grimshaw Trust had assisted 177 disadvantaged young people with a grant, to enable them to undertake sail/nautical training. I commented then that such numbers assisted in one year would be a hard act to follow. So it has proved. In the past year the Trust has assisted 143 young people - but bear in mind that we have spent an almost identical amount of money. Costs continue to rise.

Applicants have come from: Sea Cadet Corps; four educational establishments (a letter from one of them is to appear in a coming Club Magazine); Birmingham Youth Service; and the Ahoy Centre, London. There were also a number of individual applications. New Members of the Seven Seas Club may not be aware that the Club does not contribute directly to the finances of the Trust. Since my last report, however, the Trust has had two generous donations - one from a member of the Seven Seas Club of Australia, whom you have generously received as a guest, and one from Friends and family - in memory of the late Connie Richards, who many of you will have known. Truly the "comradeship of the sea." Lastly, the Trustees

would like to propose a vote of thanks to Ray Williams, our financial adviser, who has made all what we do viable, and thus ongoing. The Trust can look forward with confidence."

6 APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN - Captain David Matthews was appointed Temporary Chairman, and he declared all offices vacant.

7 ELECTION OF OFFICERS

a) PRESIDENT - Mr Graham Painter to be our next President. Proposed by Mr Keith Hanson, with the unanimous support of the Committee. All agreed.

b) IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT - Mr Keith Hanson.

c) VICE PRESIDENT - Mr Derek Bevan was proposed by Mr Graham Painter, and seconded unanimously by the Committee. All agreed.

d) HONORARY SECRETARY - Commander J Mankerty OBE RN. Proposed by Mr Graham Painter, and seconded unanimously by the Committee. All agreed.

e) HONORARY TREASURER - Mr Derek Bevan. Proposed by Cdr J Mankerty OBE and seconded unanimously by the Committee. All agreed.

f) HONORARY MAGAZINE EDITOR - Mr Barry Holland. Proposed by Cdr J Mankerty OBE and seconded unanimously by the Committee. All agreed.

g) HONORARY CHAPLAINS - The Rev Oliver Woodman, and Msg John Armitage offered themselves for re-election, and were elected.

h) CLUB AUDITOR - Mr M J Buck CPFA was unanimously reappointed.

i) HONORARY ALMONER - Captain AW Richards MN offered himself for re-election. All were in agreement.

10 j) ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS - The following Members offered themselves for re-election, and were accepted: Michael Pinner, Dom Watson, David Watson, Eddie Hunter, and Len Barlow. All were in agreement. The Committee will permanently co-opt Mr Jim Ellard MBE as "Father of the Committee".

Captain Richard Woodman asked the President if he would allow, on this occasion, an additional item which is of most importance. He wished the Membership to consider the Club making a sizeable donation to the Fund supporting the restoration of the Cutty Sark. Captain Bill Richards seconded this proposal. The President promised that the proposal would be discussed by the Committee.

At 1828 the President closed the 83rd Annual General Meeting of the Seven Seas Club. ------

Answers to Spring Edition Crossword

Across: 6 Lucia, 8 Fodor, 9 Via, 10 Tun, 11 Beret, 12 Aorta, 13 Adamant, 14 Exmouth, 15 Indefatigable, 19 Morphia, 20 Malta GC, 22 Lasso, 23 Bayou, 24 Goa, 25 Ned, 26 Idled, 27 Cargo.

Down: 1 Flotsam, 2 Gambia, 3 Don't be dismayed, 4 Toxaemia, 5 Karachi, 7 Containerised, 8 First Papal Bull, 9 Virtual Danger, 16 Abyssinia, 17 Smiling, 18 Octagon, 21 Launch.

A big "thank you" to all who submitted entries, and "Congratulations" to Richard Shuttleworth, who was lucky enough to have his effort drawn first. I hope that the wait has been worth it - for the prize will surely change your life!!!

Last Edition's "Riddle to Tax Your Brain"

Some "Doubting Thomases" queried the answer to this - trust me - it was quite correct!!! Viz:

There were 17 pairs of shoes to start with. The executor added his own - making 18 pairs. Half (nine pairs) went to the eldest. One third (six pairs) went to the middle son. One ninth (two pairs) went to the youngest. He then put on his own shoes (the remaining pair) and went to the pub. OK?

Almoner's Report (Precis) September/October 2007

As Almoner, it is my pleasure that, as well as keeping a weather eye on those of our Club that have sailed into stormy waters, I cast around the horizon to see how life is treating their families - in particular, the wives and widows.

Iris Allen had asked me to pass on thanks to everyone in the Seven Seas Club for their support, in so many ways, following the loss of her dear Douglas. She hopes to attend the Christmas party, on the arm of her twin brother - Ron Eaton. Douglas had been an extremely busy man throughout his life, and Iris continues in the same vein - especially with her work at the Trinity Hospice.

Eileen Wright and family have arranged private physiotherapy for David, following his serious stroke in July. He appears to be responding to it, and also retains his appetite and his sense of humour!

Colin Dawson's Consultant was pleased with the state of play of his troublesome leg. In September he was using two sticks when out of the house, but had reduced to one indoors. He is unlikely to be in London before Christmas.

Chris Richards hopes to get his driving licence back at the end of November - although this is dependent on his not having another seizure. His consultant was optimistic that his present medication should help him clear that hurdle

Ron Pallant's funeral was held at All Saints Church, Writtle, on 20 September, followed by a wake at the Miami Hotel, Chelmsford. The cremation was held, privately, the following day.

Richard Searle's recovery from cancer makes good progress. He should know by now what direction his career will take. It appears to be good news that he does not have to see the oncologist again until January.

Bill Richards fell out of his shed (sober …..!) and badly bruised some ribs. His GP is pleased with his fast recovery, and doesn't believe that the latest escapade would influence the timetable for operations on his hips.

PLEASE Members - let the Almoner know if you hear of any of our friends having sailed into heavy weather, so that he may take the appropriate action.

CLUB REGALIA

During the Summer break for insurance purposes the articles normally kept in the chest at the National Liberal Club were valued and I felt that the result might be of interest to members; hence this document for the Club Magazine!

Insurance Abbreviations: (These are used to explain the basis of valuations used for insurance replacement)

NRV: New Replacement Value This value reflects the average current new replacement cost of a similar article of equivalent quality. It does not, however, allow for recreating a handmade facsimile of the original. Most modern items will normally be expected to be described under this heading.

SHRV: Secondhand Replacement Value. This value reflects the current secondhand replacement cost of a similar article of equivalent quality and in like condition.

VALUATION of the Goods for: INSURANCE 19 July 2007

Seven Seas Club Ref: 4768

Item 1: Badge of Office A silver gilt President’s Badge of Office, dimensions 3.25 x 2.5 inches: shaped inverted pearform, cast, laurel leaf and ribbon wreath border on stippled ground with ‘PRESIDENT’ at the apex, central applied shield in multi-colour enamel, with the emblem and arms of the Seven Seas Club, silver gilt shell base with applied ribbon enamelled in blue ‘Seven Seas Club’; the reverse engraved ‘Founded 1922 by A J Barnes, Capt C Nicholson RD RNR, W H Coombs, C F Reardon’. Hallmarked Birmingham 1931, by Walker & Hall Weight 3.5 troy ounces Condition: Fair-good NOTE: 1) General wear to gilding and engraving 2) Minor damage to enamel

SHRV £600

Item 2: Chain of Office A silver gilt Chain of Office, comprising 26 links of shaped oblong form and morally crowned, each engraved with details of past Presidents, each interspaced with a cast rope and anchor with a double row of chain between, central fitting comprising two hippocampi from which to suspend the badge (see above). Hallmarked Birmingham 1931, by Walker & Hall Weight 15.5 troy ounces Condition: Good NOTE: General wear to gilding

SHRV £1,650

Item 3: Model A silver model of a ship, dimensions (ship) 9 inches in length, height 7 inches, width 2.5 inches; realistically cast and chased with three masts and rigging, on inclusive oblong base simulating the sea, on oblong ebonised plinth with two inscription plaques, the first engraved ‘Presented to A J Barnes by a few of his fellow shipmates as a mark of their appreciation and gratitude’, the second engraved ‘Presented to the Seven Seas Club by Mrs Edith Barnes in memory of her late husband Jack Barnes founder and President 1949-55’: the whole on a wooden base with four brass feet with detachable glass display case. Hallmarked Sheffield 1934, by Walker & Hall Condition: Good

SHRV £3,000

Item 4: Ceremonial Sword A cast oak leaf and acorn guard and hilt issuing from an animal’s head, realistically carved and chased embellishing a carved ivory handle with wirework decoration, applied to each side with an elongated octagonal plaque and Coats of Arms, steel blade engraved ‘Presented to the Seven Seas Club in honour of the men of the sea services 1914-1918 and 1939-1945’, with brass and leather scabbard. Condition: Fair NOTE: 1) Damage to ivory 2) Some bruising

SHRV £750

14 Item 5: Goblet

A silver goblet, height 5 inches; round, plain, straight sided, tapered, baluster stem, spread foot, gilt inside, engraved ‘ The Seven Seas Club Jubilee Cup 1922-1972’, and ‘Presented by W G Antrobus & C G Batten - Presidents during the year 1972’. In presentation case. Hallmarked Birmingham 1971, by A Edward Jones Weight 4 troy ounces Condition: Good

SHRV £120

Item 6: Goblet A silver goblet, height 5.5 inches; round, plain, tapered, trumpet foot, gilt inside, reproduction George III, engraved with the crest of Nelson and ‘The Immortal Memory’, also ‘Presented by Keith Hanson President 2006-7’ Hallmarked London, no date. Sponsors mark NVB Weight 5.5 troy ounces

NRV £500

Item 7: Ship’s Bell A brass ship’s bell, diameter 7.25 inches, height 8 inches; suspended on a display comprising two baluster legs supporting half a ship’s wheel, the whole on a wood plinth base with applied plaques – the first engraved ‘Shakespeare Liverpool’, the second engraved ‘ This stand is made from original timber taken from HMS Conway and HMS Worcester. The wheel belonged to an old barge of HMS Conway, the base was HMS Worcester deck timber. Made and presented to the Seven Seas Club. December 1931’. Condition: Good

SHRV £350

Item 8: Cup A silver cup and cover, height 17.5 inches; shallow goblet form, cover with raised centre and flame finial, elongated spindle stem, on round spread foot, the cover with engraved emblem and foot engraved ‘ Seven Seas Club’: on natural wood plinth with inscription band engraved ‘ASTO SMALL SHIPS RACES FOR LINE HONOURS’, and names of winners and dates. Hallmarked Birmingham 1937, Makers mark JF Weight 37.5 troy ounces Condition: Good

SHRV £1,500

Item 9: Ship’s Lanterns A set of three ship’s lanterns, copper and brass, overall length 11.5 inches; one port, one starboard, one mast head; displayed on a wooden stand, length 29.75 inches, with central ‘mast’, two plaques – one engraved ‘Seven Seas Club London 1922’, the other engraved ‘Presented to the Seven Seas Club by Les Price’. Condition: Fair NOTE: General Wear

SHRV £400

Item 10: Necklet A silver ‘Chip Leonard’ anchor pendant on a blue ribbon. Weight 33 grams

NRV £125

Item 11: Miscellaneous Items An electroplated pint mug, engraved initials ‘VML’ (poor condition) An electroplated dish, diameter 6 inches; engraved ‘Presented by North District Board, Hong Kong’ The ‘Trafalgar Medal’ (drilled) The Laristan Box; wood and brass A painted tile of HMS Conway A painted tile of Lord Nelson (cracked) A copper and wood gavel and cushion, in box A pair of glass two-handled vases, height 10 inches; etched ‘Presented by Captain Bill Richards to promote and foster the comradeship of the sea. President 2004/2005 etc’ All the above items have a value below £100.

SHRV £335 Total £9,330

During the summer break, the following took place:- a. The silver model ship, which needed some repairs, was sent to be dismantled entirely, cleaned, repaired, Monarch Shield treated and re-assembled. b. The President’s chain required 3 names to be added but there was only one blank link remaining! Fortunately Jim Ellard M.B.E. was holding a spare chain ( 6 links not gilded) as well as sufficient links to form another chain. The engraving, gilding and insertion into the cluster is now under way and should last out another 10 years of Presidents. John Mankerty OBE Hon Secretary.

A Speech in Immortal Memory of Admiral Lord Nelson (From Charles Stock - October 1994 - do you remember it?) "Thank you, Charles".

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen - Thank you very much indeed for inviting Joy and me to this most traditional occasion. I love tradition; I treasure it; I revel in it; I wallow in it; I seek it out wherever I can find it.

I suppose my generation, those of us born between the wars, was the last to have been fed on the reputation of the Royal Navy as the best and most powerful in the world. When we went to the cinema, the lead-in of the newsreel was divided into four quarters - but our eyes always homed in on the line of battleships as they ploughed through the Atlantic greybeards. Young boys still wore sailor suits. Our hearts' desire was a fine model sailing-boat to take on the local lake. When war came, we rejoiced in the Admiralty signal "Winston's back". Our hearts sank at the sinking of the Courageous, and soared, a month later, at the news from the River Plate. We knew that the Army would do its best, and had great expectations of the RAF, but our confidence in the Royal Navy was absolute, a view shared to no small extent by our enemies. I recall the popular joke after the evacuations from Norway, France, Greece, and Crete, about the sailor who declined the offer of a drink from a member of the Home Guard, "No, I couldn't take one from you", he said "You see you are the only lot we haven't had to rescue so far"!

After leaving Grammar School, I went to work in the Admiralty, in Trade Div M4, plotting Merchant Ships throughout the world. I recall leaving the office on Boxing Night 1943, to read the placards "Scharnhorst sunk". I stood at one of the Admiralty balconies, overlooking Horse Guards Parade, and heard Churchill's speech announcing the surrender of Germany, which finished with the stirring words, "Advance Britannia - God Save The King!"

I was lucky enough to be crossing the Thames one gloomy late August evening, in my own small boat, and met HMS Belfast en route to her berth in the Pool of London. Over the years I have sort out all manner of relics from wars long past, on the East Coast, from Roman Richborough to the Maunsell Forts, and pillboxes along the Chelmer Canal. Only a fortnight ago I watched the sun sink behind the tower at Walton-on-Naze, as I crept through the Medusa Channel. It is named after Nelson's frigate "Medusa", which sounded her way through here, when an easterly wind prevented her using the normal route out of Harwich. It must have been a smart piece of seamanship, for even I had to watch my depth.

One of my greatest thrills was to be asked by the Admiralty Hydrographic Department for permission to use photos of seamarks that had appeared in the yachting press, in their New Dover Pilot. I jumped at the chance to join the long line of men who, from Captain Cook onwards, have contributed to these famous volumes. In May, 1990 we sailed to Dunkirk for the 50th anniversary, and actually went on to the beach - a moving moment indeed.

Among all this nostalgia, one event stands out well above the rest. In late February, 1970 I shipped as watch officer on the STA schooner Malcolm Miller. By lucky chance, I had the last dog on the final Friday night. So early in the year, this means sunset. In those days, she moored at Haslar, alongside the submarines. After making sure that the lads knew the drill, I turned my glasses on the senior ship, in time-honoured tradition. She was, of course, HMS Victory. In the few minutes before sunset there is always a chance of a little quiet contemplation, as the minutes tick away. That evening, I thought of those before me who had served in Victory - in Pompey; the Atlantic; the West Indies; the Mediterranean; and perhaps most memorable of all - on the endless days spent on guard outside the Spanish, and French, ports, which Nelson looked on as England's first line of defence.

I gazed at the yardarms, from which flew the most famous flag signal of all - "England expects that every man will do his duty".

Duty - a rather unfashionable word these days, but let us never forget how much we owe for our pleasant way of life today, to those who did their duty in the past. I am sure such a spirit existed before, but Lord Nelson encapsulated in those nine immortal words (I think we would call it a "sound-byte" today), and it has inspired every manjack of the Royal Navy ever since. It inspired Kennedy on the Rawalpindi, and Fegan on the Jervis Bay, armed merchant ships that sacrificed themselves to protect the ship they were convoying. It inspired Commander Roope to ram the destroyer Glowworm into the pocket cruiser Hipper, and put her out of action throughout the invasion threat in 1940. We all admire the 8th Army, and its heartening victory at El Alamein. I was fishing near Broomfield, on a foggy Sunday morning, when the church bells rang out in celebration of that event. But, never let us forget the part played in that victory by the submariners, who sank so much of Rommel's supplies, and suffered such horrendous casualties in those clear, blue, shallow, waters of the Mediterranean,

I am sure that duty and tradition go hand in hand. Without awareness of the past, there can be no vision of the future. Our short span of seventy years means little, unless we feel part of a continuing way of life. Recognition of the debt we owe to those who did their duty before us is the inspiration to us

18 to do our duty, for the benefit of those to follow. My greatest delight these days is introducing my four grandsons to small boat sailing.

As well as being the 189th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, this is the 50th of the start of the largest sea-battle ever. Fifty years ago yesterday, the Americans invaded the Philippines, by landing on Leyte Island. The Japanese decided to go for broke, and committed everything that would still float, in a great three-pronged attack. One arm alone, under Admiral Kurita, had eight battleships, two of them 75,000 ton monsters, with 18" guns. It is interesting to compare it with that event off Cape Trafalgar. Picture the smoke of battle obscuring the only method of communication - signal flags. Incidentally, this seems to have been the first time that all the English ships wore the White Ensign. Previously, squadrons had been divided into red, white, or blue. Admiral Nelson decreed that they would all wear the White Ensign to avoid confusion. How different things were 139 years later, in the Pacific. The age of radio had arrived, and planes filled the skies to report every movement of the ships. Let me quote from Herman Wouk (author of "The Caine Mutiny"), in his book "War and Remembrance" - he writes: "When it is midnight in Leyte, the sun rides high over Washington. About half way between lies Pearl Harbor. From there, Admiral Chester Nimitz was transmitting to Admiral King in his Washington HQ, all the events at Leyte as they broke. In Tokyo, of course, the Naval HQ was following the battle, step by step."

So far had the art of communication advanced, so powerful were the transmitters, so swift the coding, so deliberate the movements of Fleets -traversing long distances at 20 to 25 knots - that far off High Commands could watch over the battle like the Homeric gods of old. Not only was the battle of Leyte Gulf the biggest sea fight of all time, it was unique in having all these distant spectators. Unique too in the flood of on-the-spot facts pouring out of transmitters and cryptographic machines. It is interesting, therefore, that nobody on the scene, or anywhere else in the world, really knew what the hell was going on. Never was the fog of war denser.

It is interesting to compare the roles of Admiral Nelson and Admiral Halsey. Both were adored by their men, and idolised by the National Press of the day. "Blackjack" Halsey was the very embodiment of the American Navy's offensive spirit. During the battle, he steamed 600 miles with six new, fast, battleships, and never fired a shot from any of his 54 16" guns. In the aftermath of the battle, they did catch up with a limping Japanese destroyer, and it was despatched by its own screen. He admitted in his book that it was

19 the first time in 43 years with the Navy that he had heard Naval guns fired in anger at enemy ships!

How different in Nelson's 35 years afloat! He heard guns fired in anger long before his three famous victories. He didn't just hear them from the quarterdeck, for he took part in at least one boarding party, and, when he lost his left arm, he was on the beach at Santa Cruz, landing with a party of just over a thousand sailors and marines, from boats, in the face of forty cannon, and a hail of musket shot. I do not know if the then taxpayers complained at the size of the defence budget, but they seem to me to have had value for money from the Royal Navy. Lord Nelson was not just a great leader, able to inspire his men, from Captains down to the humblest powder-monkey, he was a great tactician. A small point, but when he joined Collingwood, outside Cadiz in 1805, he sent Euryalus ahead, with instructions that there were to be no salutes or flag signals - which might warn Villeneuve of his arrival. Above all, in my view, he was a great seaman. His last order was "Anchor, Hardy, anchor", for he sensed that a gale was blowing up from the west. Had it been carried out by Collingwood, many of the prizes captured at such cost would have been saved. Of the four that survived, three did so at anchor.

Modern lack of emphasis on good seamanship worries me. It was a maxim of the Royal Navy that a ship was known by her boats. At the Fleet Review in 1977, I wondered at the cost of so many people nipping from ship to ship, by helicopter, instead of using small boats. In the past, Captains learned their seamanship as Midshipmen in charge of ships' boats. Was this the reason that, a few years ago, a destroyer, casting off from Belfast, at what the tide-tables told the Captain was high water, was swept into London Bridge by the strong flood tide?

If he had spent as long as I have, jilling around in this area, waiting for the tide to turn, he would have walked to the side of the bridge, and waited for the passing driftwood to slow and stop. It's the same in the yachting world. I have been teaching evening classes for over thirty years, and find it increasingly difficult to get people interested in knots, bends, and hitches.

It wouldn't have done for Nelson, for his standards are still the standards by which those of us who take a pride in the basic art of seamanship judge ourselves, and those whom we encounter on the water.

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure and privilege to ask you to charge your glasses, and be upstanding, in order to drink a toast to "The Immortal Memory of England's Greatest Sailor - Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson".

20 Naval Nicknames

By The Hon Editor

I wonder if anyone out there can help me regarding the origins of some Naval nicknames. Like our wonderful language, nicknames change all the time - especially those derived from (putative!) celebrities. All Rooneys used to be "Micky" - no doubt they are "Wayne" nowadays. I wonder if the likes of: Harry Tate; Marie Lloyd; Florrie Ford; Roy Rogers; Flash Gordon; Buck Taylor; and Charlie Chaplin are still around - or have they been replaced by names which wouldn't mean anything to me?

Those suggested by the surname (either by trade, sound, or commercial product) are probably unchanged - eg: Topsy Turner; Whacker Payne; Rasher Bacon; Smoky Fagg; Chippy Carpenter; Slinger Wood; Bagsy Baker; Whisky Walker; Soapy Hudson/Watson; Dinger Bell; Dodger Long; Shady Lane, and Jumper Cross - and are easy enough to understand..

It's the third category which fascinates me - and where I need your help. I confess that I have not carried out any internet research - to date I have only chatted to other old salts, none of whom have been able to provide me with any clues. Here we go, in no particular order-

Rattler Morgan Was he a Master-at-Arms who couldn't bear Junior Rates not being in the rattle? Pincher Martin A petty lower-deck thief? Chats Harris Did he talk a lot - or was there a famous Naval family of Harrises in Chatham? Jumper Collins Jumper Cross is easy - but why Collins? Knocker White In the Army and RAF, Whites are "Chalky" - so why "Knocker"? Bungy Edwards and Bungy Williams Did they take/receive bungs?Was "bung", in this sense, in use all those years ago? Nobby HallThe origins of Nobby Clark are easy to understand, but why Hall? Wiggy Bennett One of my favourites - always makes me smile - but who was he? Pedlar/Peddler Palmer Surely not drugs-related …. Pusser Hill Why was he the only Supply Officer/Rating to earn the nickname?!

Tansy Lea/Lee, Pony Moore, Spike Hughes, Tug Wilson, Jimmy Green, etc, etc - any ideas?

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Any contributions on this subject would be most welcome.

More ramblings from Eddie Hunter -

Personnel Problem

I have yet to meet a Sea Officer or the Ship´s Engineer who does not have an eye for detail and so there is no need for me to describe the neat symmetry of exposed electrical wiring on ships.

In the first few weeks of my employment as an Electrical Superintendent I took passage on each ship for whose electrical “health” I would be responsible. Those voyages were all-round makee learnee experiences, giving me opportunity to get to know the ships and their Deck and Engineer Officers, and giving those gentlemen a look at me.

During one such trip on the train ferry mv “Essex Ferry” I was invited into the Chief Engineer´s cabin for a pre-lunch aperitif. I could not fail to notice the appalling surface- run wiring to a bunk light. The wiring round the cabin was like a dog´s hind leg, cable clips were poorly made and did not fit properly and were unevenly spaced. Right-angle bends were much too tight, compressing the insulation on the inside of each bend and stretching it on the outside. I frowned and shook my head in disbelief. The other wiring in the cabin was perfect.

“Who the hell installed the bunk light? One of the Junior Engineers?” I asked.

“No,” said the Chief, with a broad grin. “One of your Port Workshops Electricians! You'll find wiring like that in all the Officers´ cabins. Come. I´ll show you.”

And he took me on a conducted tour. The ship originally did not have bunk lights, and these had been retro-installed, but in an appalling manner.

“Come on, Chief, give,” I pleaded. “Who? I have got to know.”

“Dunno. Tall, fat chap, with a Friar Tuck haircut.”

My heart sank. Tiny Ben, definitely one of mine. But how? Where was the Electrical Charge Hand? The Electrical Foreman? And, an even more horrifying thought – where had my illustrious predecessor been? Did all three need to have their eyesight tested? The more I thought about it, the more troubled I became.

Clearly, if a shore–based Electrician was so totally inept, what other unseen damage was he inflicting on the ships?

Back in the office, I sent for Tiny´s personnel file. He had been employed by the Company for three years and some months, clearly having survived his one year probationary period.. And he was a married man, with a small family and a large mortgage – well, what would you do? Not his fault. He should have been invited to leave the Company´s employment within a few weeks of being recruited.

The Charge Hand, the Foreman and my predecessor had all slipped up. But what, morally, could I do? Under the circumstances, I could hardly say, “I´m sorry, Tiny, but you are not exactly what we are looking for.”

My subsequent ( urgently arranged ) chat with Tiny confirmed my worst fears – if the man had one more brain cell it would be lonely. Electrically speaking, the man was a maritime menace. But a simple and ethical solution seemed obvious – at least the shore plant and equipment did not sail away from me, and I would make the Foreman find simple work that would be within Tiny´s tiny sphere of competence. So I told Tiny, as kindly as I could, that I wanted him to apply for a transfer to the port maintenance gang. He refused point blank. He would lose money. He wasn’t going to … It was time to get tough. But, instead, I opted for the Dutch uncle approach . . .

“Tiny, look, be reasonable, man. At least you will still have a job.”

But no, he wasn´t having any of it. He wasn’t ******- well going to . ..

“All right.” I told him. “Go away for half-an-hour and talk it over with your Shop Steward, but, know this, Tiny, I cannot, I will not allow you to work on any of the ships.”

I ordered him to be back in thirty minutes with either his application for a transfer or his Trade Union Representative. He left in high dudgeon, muttering not-so-veiled threats.

Presently Tiny was back, with his Trade Union Representative. I explained the position and told Tiny that I knew, and that he must know if he were honest with himself, that he lacked the necessary skill and knowledge to work on the ships. All I needed to do was merely tell him, not that he was incapable, but that his work had deteriorated, warn him that he must improve, both of us knowing that he couldn´t and that, after a few warnings escalating in severity, I would have the power to terminate his employment. Alternatively, if he applied

23 for a transfer, I would personally ensure that the Port Maintenance Charge Hand would find work that he could do and his employment would be secure.

And that was before we all saw “The Godfather,” and learned about “an offer that you can´t refuse.”

Fortunately, Tiny didn´t refuse and worked on for a number of years changing lamps and inspecting temporary cables for visible mechanical damage, until the poor bugger died of some horrible wasting disease several years later.

At Tiny´s funeral, the Union Representative, noted for his hard-line approach to labour disputes, actually thanked me for my delicate handling of the matter. Strange, that - never thought of myself as a diplomat….. …………………………………………………………

Thanks to Louis Roskell for this great cartoon

Eyes down and looking by the Hon Editor

Having recently seen a TV advert for Bingo, it occurred to me that I had not risked a penny on Tombola since I left the RN in, about, nineteen-canteen. Strange to think how easily we could be entertained on board in those days - bribing the SRE operator to inflict your favourite radio programme on the entire ship's company; 16mm movies flown to us, courtesy of the RNFC; alcohol-fuelled boat-races; sods' operas; nomination; inter-mess uckers, chess, crib, euchre, quizzes, etc; and, of course, Tombola. I know that "calling" varied from ship to ship, and from port to port, but the following examples came quickly to my mind:-

1 Kelly's eye 2 One little duck 6 Spot below

9 Doctor's chum 10 One-oh - Marine's breakfast

11 Legs - followed, inevitably, by the the entire messdeck screaming "wipe em"

12 One doz 13 Unlucky for some 17 Old Ireland

18 My age (see 81) 20 Plenty 21 Bang-bang

22 Synagogue sweepers 24 Two doz 26 Bed and breakfast (or half-a-crown)

33 Fevvers 36 Three doz 39 Those steps

44 Chatham/Guzz/Pompey Ladies - or boiler doors 45 Half way

48 Four doz - or fornicate 49 There was a miner … 50 Change hands

55 Bee-hives 57 Heinz's beanses 59 The Brighton Line

65 Old age pensh 66 Clickety-click 69 Any way up

76 Was she worth it? 77 Crutches 80 NATO

81 Your age (see 18) 88 Bishop's *&%£** 89 All but

90 Top of the shop

NB - I have toned down/omitted some of the coarser calls! Can you remember any more? Did the Merchantmen have more sophisticated alternatives? Would love to hear from you - but I don't propose to run regular sessions in my back garden for those of you who would like to play!!

Cryptic Crossword by the Hon Editor

£10 WH Smith voucher to the first correct entry opened after the deadline date of 20 November. Photocopies/emails/pigeon-post all acceptable!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

9 10

11 12

14 15

17 18 19

21 22

24 25

ACROSS

1. Cultural, if it's "y" - for tomorrow and beyond (14) 9. Dancing or staggering, or both (7) 10. (Formerly) slams the Orient - some width! (7) 11. Audibly a score of choirs (4) 12. Let a saltire cover the wound and wear odd clothes (5-5) 14. Crazy artists on a hot curry? (6) 15. Cosy - but one of the troop (3,5) 17. Helsinki experts can manage these affairs (8) 18. Aircraftsman Shaw's territory - nominally (6) 21. Can they only be seen from your pub? (5,5) 22. A Court Order is right in humour (4) 24. Press one percent of a krona for a mineral (4,3) 25. How can a trefoil be higher? (7) 26. Di's matrix-train enables her to manage the estate (14)

DOWN

1 & 2. The irritating mass is some way from Edgon Heath (3,4,3,7,5) 2. see 1. 3. Mother's Geneva (4) 4. Sir Alan - being exaggeratedly pleasant (6) 5. A good place to drop your thoughts (5,3) 6. Like sanctimonious underworld with reverse skill - the biggest in the world? (10) 7. A cobbled mariner is worth a stripe (5,10) 8. Black and determined wealthy people (3,3) 13. Prison sounds like a toll on one for wide tubes - usually stuffed! (10) 16. Odd that two portions of cheese should cause a degenerative nerve disease (8) 17. A feeling of encouragement from HRH? (6) 19. Flightless bird more appropriate on two unknowns (7) 20. Will it wilt when it's half-light? (6) 23. King of Mercia in aloof fantasy (4)

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