1111111P www.mcdoa.org.uk

C=----7.---- oft-$.71-011 j_._ ---iogreri, '17,01imoimmoiniii111111111111111111111111111111111111111110011111111111111111111111Milionollisidtml.„.mi :; L .,-4 t immomi. —do Three from One 4000 pi* present a new air compressor and cylinder charging _ ,...... decanting set, with an integrated = ...... ,.. control panel, which can be used for ,, three distinct operations:— .4 To charge large high air if,... storage cylinders to 40001b./sq.in. -.7 To decant air from storage cylinders into apparatus or aqualung cylinders. To charge breathing apparatus cylin- ders direct from the compressor. filter and control panel is mounted in a tubular steel carrying frame null Neptune 4000 weighs approximately 400 lb. It cue be Siebe Gorman's new high pressure used independently or incorporated compressor set is designed to provide in a static installation. a versatile unit for charging breathing apparatus or aqualung cylinders with • clean, dry air to between "Reclaim" 1800 and 4000 p.s.i. Driven by either a NIAN g!O , ".P 4 stroke petrol engine or electric 01 I NGI ANI rri III„ O motor, the air-cooled compressor has For further information, pleaso write to """""""111111MIMINI11111111111111111!!111""""""119111111111111101110010111111111111111im" an output of 4.5 cu. ft. of nominal free Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd., Neptune Works, Davis Road, air per minute. The complete appara- Chessington, Surrey. tus, consisting of motor, compressor, Telephone: Lower Hook 6171/8

Printed by Coast)), & Co. Ltd., St. James's Road, Southsen, 1111111, www.mcdoa.org.uk

Cs, 1.1 M C VCRAIAM 21. www.mcdoa.org.uk

We specialise in EVERYTHING FOR THE UNDERWATER SPORTSMAN including the latest designs and all the better makes of LUNGS DIVING SUITS SWIMMING GEAR & EQUIPMENT

Stainless steel Rolex Oyster. £37. H . See R nt your Roles. 'nitwit.. 1 //Ow YOU WOULD BE PROUD TO WEAR THIS ROLEX OYSTER

1111 11()LEX OYSTEit 1.1 II ‘v,11.1, ,. hh II Ali ,. iti iii 1, hi WI)Iliti110111.1111till1()Wii li 1. ,,,, ,,,, tol . , 11.11 , 1,“.1 ,,,.I ,htipi..,1 li CIVIC P4 IHIVI ', ‘v.11. - iiii , .. , 1 1 I i 11 , , III il, 11 (N,111111,11)I \ ,.. i,$ ,I. II , . I. .11,1 May we send you our VIII ill'illiill I, ,,,,II,,,. it HI I 11 1 i 11 1111Ili ,1 i.1 I. M.I , 11 1 1 •%viirt NEW LIST and 111 ,. I • II folder of illustrated leaflets? ,I INIOUlt, Phe Oyster IN the 11. 1 , . 1,, 1 11111 111.1 1, t h only willeh letth the RX1%, FREE —of course 11 11 111,1 111 111111, 111,1 1 11 11 ,1011110 edeettee serew•down Winding 111. 11111 1 1111 1,1 11. 01. 10, 1114111u Mahon that gives DouniAt proteetIon where it Is most 111, 1111 1 I, .11i 111.'111 II • needed, helpstnahe the Oyster Nat finest waterproof watch.

ROLEX 126 HANWORTH ROAD OYSTER The official watch for Divers HOUNSLOW, MIDDX.

I ROLEX WATCH COMPANY LI MITED(Pounderi H. Wilsdorf.) I GREEN STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON,W.l: Tel. HOUnslow 6722

'PAY-AS-YOU-DIVE' DEFERRED TERMS ARRANGED

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Contents R.N. Diving Magazine PAGE EDITORIAL STAFF EDITORIAL .. 3 Editor . . P.O. R. W. LLOYD LETTERS TO THE EDITOR .. 4 Cartoonist .. .. P.O. M. J. BRASSINGTON `EARS' AND THEIR AFTER-EFFECTS 5 Secretary and Treasurer .. Lt. E. W. J. SMITH, R.N. Photographic Adviser Mr. R. FORDHAM MED. FLEET C.D.T. I I `LEARNING THE ROPES 13 Vol. 10 Winter 1963 No. 3 THE FAR EAST TEAM 18 COMMENTS ON RECENT DIVING ACCIDENTS 19 Editorial KIWI NEWS LETTER 23 OST Shallow-water Divers Mmust consider changing over THE DRAFTING OF DIVERS 26 to at some fine or other, because first, they IS CLEARANCE DIVER FOR You .. 31 are keen on diving and second the advantages over normal 'General PROMOTIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS 37 Service' are obvious. But what does the average HISTORY IN THE MAKING 39 S.W.D. know of the C.D. branch or more important the C.D. Awmu) 40 (i11)1((iF course ? The answer is 'virtually nothing!' and what he does know NI ws FR OM 'It H'I.A1M' 41 is almost certainly exaggerated. )1TPWAIlle SPOIR IN 42 For this reason our article 'Is Clearance Diver for you', has loom Dimon1111 ( 'DKIfslAND MIMI, AND MINI, DINNINAt 45 been written with the intention of providing S.W.D's with the facts, ANIII i (Ii IONIAN Willi f I .'itioo 011 I I 1) 47 so that they can judge for them- selves if they are likely to success- INII*1(111111ADVI: I WI 47 fully complete the course, at the same time those that do come to So III IINII 1111M11 AND MINI I )1N1,11NAI, IINII 49 H.M.S. Vernon will know what to expect! H.M,S, 'ARK liooYAI.' 4)1VIN(1 SAFARI' 51 We have a fair representation of T111' ( 'ASF OF 1111, PAR11011.11) DIVER 55 'Team' news. Perhaps I can hope that teams not represented in this edition will feature in the next ? Postal Address: Which would be an ideal arrangement, giving eight months for a team to write about. THE EDITOR, R.N. Diving Magazine, The efforts of those who have contributed, particularly the 'magazine H.M.S. 'VERNON', PORTSMOUTH, HANTS, regulars', is as usual very much appreciated. Many thanks also to the ENGLAND instructors at the 'Schools' who extract two shillings from their eager volun- teer readers, it's very important that we get the largest possible sale in order to boast the best branch magazine in the service, which it is.

www.mcdoa.org.uk 3

.

•

• ••

•

. • .

p,

p•Fl

• .

.

.

.

DUE TO

BACK OF NOSE ;

AIR P.

AND p, ARC EQUAL,

.

.'

-

p.

p ,

. •

,

•

p

.•

'

•• ' •

• •

.

.

• .

IS LESS THAN

.

DID FILLED CAVITIES AND CENTRAL

.

WAVES ME CONVERTED INTO

NERVE IMPULSES.

p,

(INTERNAL EAR). HERE THE SOUND

. BONY COLUMN OF THE COCHLEA

,IT5'.TIWES t +""p +

THE VALUE OF iIS LESS THAN

.

during 1959-60 by Dr. J. J.

(P)

DUE TO OBSTRUCTION OR SUCTION IN THE

OBSTRUCTION OF THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE.

EXTERNAL EAR CANAL,

THE VALUE OF

.

The last of the studies named:

REVERSE EAR

EARS

, •

.

.

IN NORMAL DIVING, THE VALUES FOR

IN

IN

the disorders of the ear caused by (injury due to pressure, influenza, the cause and prevention Knight, of the Medical Research

of 'reverse ear', and the nature of

organ) or by sickness. ONESSUBE and called 'ears' when affecting this

results and their significance. But object now to give an account of our Vernon

theoretical consideration which pre- above was carried out at H.M.S. physiology of the ear can hardly be first it is necessary to explain the ulation of the basic anatomy and (`the bends'). Council, and by myself. It is my

ceded and warranted the investi- gation. In outlining these, a recapit-

avoided, but most of it can be appreciated from study of the figure.

;

•

EUSTACHIAN 'TUBE':

5

• •

4

• „,

•

MIDDLE EAR

•

(THE OSSICLES)

CONDUCTINO BONES

AND SMALL SOUND-

,

, HEAD; ABSOLUTE

EAR DRUM)

TYMPANIC MEMBRANE "

.r, ct•

`Ears' and their after-effects

SURGEON LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER R. R. A. COLES, R.N.

by

NE of the commonest causes of

medical examination, or to com- failure to pass the initial diving

;

I

It is not surprising, therefore, that

Diagrammatic representation of the human ear, and of the pressures within and around it. EXTERNAL EAR

O

plete the first diving course, is

difficulty in clearing the ears. Later, for diving can, more often than not, Eustachian tube (see Figure), means

after training, temporary unfitness be related to the same difficulty. Sim- of submariners and aviators.

ilar considerations, though to a lesser

degree, affect the selection and fitness medical research has been directed towards the effects of pressure on the

of prevention and cure of the tem- years studies have been made on porary obstruction of this tube which ears and nose. In fact, during recent a considerable amount of naval such subjects as the action of the

is frequently associated with colds or

WATER

P. p.

SURROUNDING www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

did

•

,

EDITOR.

Yarmouth's

sailed from

Yarmouth

MAC.

Reclaim

Yours faithfully,,

JIM HARRISON.

Yours Aye,

Here we are a Diving Magazine

Might I add one thing, it's not up

H.M.S.

In the last edition (vol. 10, No. 2)

Hoping these few lines will help to

Diving Teams for whom it is in-

have a touch of remorse ? Portsmouth on October 24th, for

tended to serve. I noticed that there were live articles

from various working teams, surely teams who did not contribute will to the Boss to do all the writing,

Santa Cruz De, Teneriffe in the

covered by articles from the Naval of 56 pages and only seven of them Canary Islands, to commence an- idler reading the magazine the

surely there is someone in the team who can scribble a few lines.

other six-week trials programme. Returning in time to

Dear Editor,

give Christmas leave.

Pompey team.

soothe the righteous wrath of the

the exercise. In fact not return, her destination being impending return to Portsmouth after

changed to Londonderry. task might be left until was fractured, but asked that the

4

Times

line a

as

He thereby

Letters to the Editor

T.A.S. officer reported

Yarmouth!

at the end of January 1963

C.P.O. MEI,VILLE,

,• R.N. RETIRED

Finally no editorial would be complete without the traditional plea for

Straight from the "horse's mouth" at Haslemere (Ernie has many forms),

The facts are as follows. A (Ionic

C.P.O. WYVILL, C.P.O. PEACH,

Please don't think that in my

As the exchange was being completed Yarmouth's by the Pompey team who laboured night and day, so that the ship might

that he suspected the 162 window

Yarmouth

sail in time for an important exercise. bunch of divers as ever donned a exchange was carried oui on nose clip and I write to defend their honour. Port Diving unit Londonderry. In All the best in civvy street to:

his article 'Buster' states quite in- sullies the fair name of three faces well known to all of us, on H.M.S. team 'TURNED DOWN' a diving job

magazine by one 'Buster' from the

upsets his equilibrium. However my

who between them have survived 76

correctly that the Pompey Diving

years of undetected crime. article in the 'Summer' issue of the

attention has been called to an every time he reads something which old basket who writes to the

care-free C.D. officer into a crotchety retirement I have changed from a

Lt.-Cdr. McLanachan (Mr. Mac. Retired).

Dear Editor,

Contributions should arrive by the first week in March. material, especially for technical items which are of the widest interest.

comes a report on the present state of the branch and its effect on drafting, which would indicate more sea-time for C.D's.

www.mcdoa.org.uk Anatomy and Physiology ear and nose is allowed to rise to Key to Symbols: more than about * atmosphere before underwater P=pressure in atmospheres abso- a successful attempt is made to 'clear' lute (normal air pressure at the ears. Then, as descent is contin- department surface is one atmosphere ab- ued, there is a continuous rise in the solute). pressure of the air in the nose and tip,whtes external ear canal, in the surrounding is at your service p = additional pressure underwater water and in the tissues; but, if the (each increase in depth of 33 Eustachian tube is obstructed or al1111111111111111111i11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111Lt: feet causes an increase in locked shut there is no coincident all the year round pressure of 1 atmosphere. .---_.-- 'Mark Nicolet' rise in pressure in the middle ear. =—_ 4, :I Skin Diver's Watch = Hence at a depth of 33 feet, ..—= The first result is that the ear drum = ,,,,k44,:•,,: Swiss made, 17 jewel, E.-—-: absolute pressure (P) = p+ 1= with tropical strap, 2 atmospheres). is pushed inwards, causing pain. If stainless steel casing. t =normal body tissue pressure the pressure difference continues to Tested to 60 fathoms. increase then the drum will rupture. Turning bezel, lumin- above that of its environment. ous dial, date recorder. (t = about 1/20 atmosphere This happens in a normal ear when E17. 10.0 for most tissues; for example, the difference reaches about * atmos- if the skin is damaged fluid is phere, but it often occurs at con- released — as in the oozing of siderably lower pressures when the serum from a burn or blister. ear drum had been scarred by t = about 1/5 atmosphere for previous injury or disease. arterial blood — hence the The other effect is that the thin spurting of a cut artery). lining of the middle ear cavity, which Under normal circumstances, normally can retain the excess body Spl rotechnlque 'Profession- tissue pressure (t), fails to hold firm 'Spheri' Compass when a diver descends the increase in al' . Produced as the tissue pressure rises to t+ p Made by Spirotechnique, an by the famous french firm, this pressure (p) of the surrounding water outstanding design spirit Is the first class diver's instru- causes an identical rise of pressure (this not being counterbalanced by a compass with luminous dial ment. Strongly and scientific- in the air or water in his external ear similar rise of pressure within the readings. E4. 10 .0 ally made It Is calibrated to canal, of the air in his nose, throat middle ear). The lining tissues of the 260 ft. by diaphragm system middle ear then become swollen and E9. IS .0 and lungs, and of all the body tissues. glI111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Provided he has been able to 'clear' bruised, and its cavity fills up with his ears, by, swallowing or by other serum or blood. movements of muscles connected to "Reverse Ear" you are unable to the Eustachian tubes or by the If In this condition the rise of air visit us our mail Valsalva* manoeuvre, the pressure in the middle ear also will be raised. pressure (p) in the external ear canal order department is not as high as elsewhere. The will give a speedy and "Ears" reasons for the development of this efficient service to This occurs if he fails to 'clear' his relatively lower pressure are as all enquiries. ears due, for instance, to temporary follows. The ear canal may become Our new Under- catarrhal obstruction of the Eus- obstructed, for example by the ear water catalogue — tachian tube or to the rate of descent cushion inside a C-type hood, or by fully illustrated and Cressi 'Rondine' Fins being too great and the valve-like tube ear plugs which for this reason listing all the latest locking shut. Locking results if the should not be worn for diving. Or, equipment — avail- = These famous Italian made fins as worn by the difference in pressure between middle the suction which frequently develops able on request. winner of the British fin swimming champion- 1-=--""__ ships. In blue natural rubber. From E2. 10.0 in a may involve the inside *The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed of the C-type hood and thereby the 71.7 1111111111111111111111111111111111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 r7 by blowing into the back of the nose when external ear canal. This negative the nostrils are closed by the fingers or by pressure, which is only negative in CIRCUS, LONDON • EDINBURGH a clip. The resulting rise of pressure in the PICCADILLY nose overcomes the resistance of the relation to the pressure of the sur- EXETER Eustachian tube and air is forced through rounding water, is due to the it into the middle ear. elasticity of the suit. Its magnitude 6 7 www.mcdoa.org.uk on the theoretical grounds ex-

plained above, have resulted

from repeated pressure injuries. In a few cases, the ear drums

ness due to past injury. As was proved soon afterwards in one

showed obvious signs of weak-

of these men, this kind of ear is prone to rupture by compar-

atively slight pressure differ-

entials (between external canal

subjected to an increased risk and middle ear) and is thereby of infection and deafness. Thus, repeated 'ears' may ultimately

lead to a loss of fitness for the man appears after each diving, in spite of the fact that

Past incidents of decompression good and speedy recovery. no effect on hearing or on

earlier injury to have made a

the function of the associated sickness appeared to have had

organs of balance.

Subsequent to the survey, the

(v) (iv)

It is difficult to be precise about

cases of three divers who had suffered

a more serious and disabling kind of ear disorder were drawn to our

damage not only to the sound , receiving organ, the cochlea, but also

to the balancing apparatus, which is attention. In all three there was part of the inner ear. The result was former proved to be more dr less

permanent, the latter disappeared

deafness and giddiness. Whilst the

after a few weeks, as would be ex-

pected. It did, however, leave some difficulty in balancing and an in- creased susceptibility to seasickness. the relationship between diving and

this type of disorder. Certainly, in the three cases seen, the dives pre-

ceding them had been comparatively

uneventful. My own belief is that

these men were afflicted by one of the ordinary, though uncommon,

medical disorders of balance and hearing which might trouble anyone,

9

The average hearing level of those divers who had not also

be entirely normal. experienced much gunfire or small-arms noise was found to The majority of the divers, par-

ticularly those over 30, had however previously served in

the gunnery branch. These men to hearing of high-tones that

results from unprotected expos-

showed only the typical damage ure to gunfire noise; but, as this

type of defect is restricted to the inner ear, it was easily dis-

tinguished from the other forms

of deafness which effect the middle and external ears. We could find no evidence of

occurrence of the middle-ear

type of deafness such as might,

The object of our study was to find

(i)

(ii)

middle ear at first causes dullness of

hearing by damping the vibrations

of the ear drum and ossicles. Later

the fluid will be absorbed; but it is a

general rule in the human body that Repeated barotraumatic accidents

at least part of such collections of become converted into scar tissue. fluid, particularly if later infected,

will cause repeated effusions of fliud,

tissue. Ultimately this tissue may each leaving behind a little more scar

restrict the movement of the ear drum Eustachian tube, ventilation of which

their sound conducting function. Or

it may block the opening of the and ossicles, and so interfere with

of pressures in diving but also for normal hearing. is necessary not only for equalisation (iii)

For this purpose we examined the out whether barotrauma really does Audiometric Survey

lead to a chronic type of deafness.

ears and hearing acuity of 25 tank instructors. The results may be standard divers, 21 clearance divers

and 11 submarine escape training

summarised as follows: www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

The effects of barotrauma are not

Whilst most perforations caused

`Ears' on the other hand quite often

Until healed though, it is unwise

`Reverse ear' can be disposed of at

restricted to the ear drum. The fluid

For this reason, men with perforated that oozes from the lining of the

easily damaged on subsequent occas- ions. ation, it becomes more and more over, even if the perforation does strong again; with each re-perfor- heal, the ear drum is never quite as

discharging and deaf ear may result. ears are not allowed to dive. More-

are reduced and indeed a chronic other foreign bodies into the ear, or infected the chances of proper healing infection may follow a cold in the

by injury heal quite easily, this is not nose, or introduction of water or if its treatment is mishandled. Once

hole remains and the danger then is of the ear becoming infected. Such function of conducting sound from

always the case. Occasionally the the drum to the internal ear.

with permanent damage to their

may be deranged at the same time,

thereby cause intense vertigo (giddi- water to penetrate the middle ear and ness). Moreover the ossicles (the three small bones inside the middle ear)

immediate danger if it allows cold

Apart from being painful, this has an results in perforation of the drum.

nuisance value.

`Reverse ear' is quite common and,

some time, it has a considerable as it makes a man unfit for diving for risk of further strain, or infection. result.

to dive and thereby subject the ear to

once by saying that it is not a serious condition; almost invariably it heals without scarring or other undesirable

water into it.

canal, without needing any flow of Effects of Aural Barotrauma

8

be noted though that

It should

Assuming that the ears have been

immediate rise of pressure in the ear

going partial positive pressurisation canal there is no risk of 'reverse ear', even if the canal then becomes ob- of . when water is allowed to fill the ear sibility of water, an increase in external pressure would result in an

found in the ears of aviators under- structed. Because of the incompres-

another type of 'reverse ear' has been trunk where, as a result of wrinkles in the diving suit, a similar degree of suction has been applied; and yet

be seen in the skin of the limbs and Similar collections of blood can often

pressure of the air in the ear canal. to t+p, without a similar rise (p) in Whilst the skin of the ear can resist the normal excess tissue pressure (t),

it can no longer do so when this rises ear canal instead of the middle ear.

the relatively low pressure is in the in 'ears', described above, except that

the fluid leakage is the same as that

of the ear drum itself. The cause of

blisters in the skin lining the external

ear canal or, less often, under the skin leak from the soft tissues to form

In addition, and irrespective of the middle ear pressure, fluid and blood

outwards, though seldom sufficiently

pressure in the external ear canal far to cause its rupture or even pain. then causes the ear-drum to bulge `cleared' and the pressure in the

middle ear is equal to that of the partial vacuum of 120-150 mm.

sufficient to cause a 'reverse ear'. surrounding water, the relatively low has been measured recently by mercury, which occurs in a diving He found that it increased steadily with depth of dive; and he was also application to the ear canal of a suit at a depth of 30-50 feet, is Medical Journal, 1961, pp. 483-486).

able to show experimentally that Surgeon Lieutenant Jarrett (British Under-

It is to the credit of the navy's

Finally I would like to make brief

As we know the R.N. in Malta is

deafness, ear infection or both. acquired a considerable disability in some of these men would have diving instructors that, unlike some of their opposite numbers in the gunnery world, damaged ears or deafness are not looked on as a sort But it did become apparent during of trademark of their occupation. `ears' rather too lightly. Broadly the course of our survey that a minority of senior divers still regard preventable and bruising of the ears

speaking, rupture of ear drums is should be uncommon. standing of the cause of 'ears', careful training in its prevention, and due allowance for temporary difficulties in clearing ears, due to colds etc., are the important factors for safety in this respect. An unduly rapid rate of descent, as from a fall, is about the only cause of 'ears' which escape

such controls. comment on the most positive finding of the survey, which was the deafness most of the ex-gunners.' This too for high-pitched sounds found in could have been prevented — by the proper use of ear protection against noise. Divers should not neglect this precaution either, whenever they are

exposed to the noise of rifles, guns We the F.C.D.T., I put we because ;I and other ; the best means plugs or of cotton wool, though the on the run down. The future for divers as I see it (M.I.5 please do not read). don't think the enemy can write, are is by use of the standard naval ear latter must be moistened or vaselined to be of any real value. stopping. It is hoped that what we have, the buildings, etc., will remain

11

Med. Fleet C.D.T.

ROM the M.F.C.D.T. or even the

M.F.C.D.C. if we dare to breathe them together.

The principal outcome of the

But this does not mean that every

Anyway I think it must be at least

and that the association of diving with it was either incidental or, at

most, no more than an aggravating factor. Conclusions

expected, but was nevertheless most survey was not quite what we had acceptable. There appeared to be no insidious form of deafness afflicting divers as a result of repeated in- effort should not continue to be made cidents of 'ears'. to reduce to a minimum the fre- quency of occurance and the severity realised that the men surveyed were of such accidents. It should be they were still active naval divers. selected, by virtue of the fact that Many had had their ear-drums ruptured in the past, and frequently on more than one occasion: if these had not healed each time, they would not have remained as divers and would not therefore have been in- cluded in the survey. There have been other cases where infection the perforation became closed by followed damage to the ear or where ruptured again, for example as from

Such men would have become unfit such a thin scar that it easily a pressure differential associated with changes of depth as little as 6 feet. had their careers impaired and their for further diving and would not therefore have been included in our survey. Moreover, apart from having specialist services lost to the Navy, 12 months since any news came from here so perhaps I should put the F world in the picture. www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

gate*

OM

I

1 Ctirrtite LuKury

.

Mt Nat dion 0

SENIOR SERVICE

ETTE

DMOVAi N

SENIOR SERVICE MAC.

G.C., R.N.R.

A week had now gone by, three

The Chief, Geordi and Bill Jones

I had a brainwave and went to see

and left.

separate datums had been established no two sets of bearing and distances

and disregarded, the truth was that

from the various observers could be

said to define one particular spot. So, the job was abandoned, and we

Malta in a Beverly (Bootsy being trundled our weary way back to

lashed to his seat!) R.A.F. camp, gazed upon by oggling

`Rabbits' at Aden prices. Let's go The highlights of the trip were:— chasing a pregnant camel across the desert — trying to get a 'photo! The visit to the war cemetery, and the scuppering of Pussers Rum in a 'erks, whiskey at 14/- a bottle, and

back again!

leave the camera in a safe place before operating on the mine. This I

`funk-hole' arose; there 'were far too

did and then the question of the many trees and shrubs for me to get

any distance within 17 seconds. the Colonel of an R.E. Regiment that

I asked him for the loan of 50 men I had seen to be based not far away. and equipment in order to clear an

unco-operative; who did I think I

escape path for me through the was — a Sub-Lieutenant — to think requested the use of his telephone forest. His attitude, at first, was of making such a request, etc. I then through to the Admiralty within a very few minutes. A few minutes and, by our secret priority line, I was more and another telephone call

came, this time, from the War Office authorising my requisition.

13

DIVING

HORACE TAYLOR,

this topic will

of arrival a Heli-

-

' Learning the Ropes'

LT.-CMDR.

OR

by

NYONE who read what I wrote

MAGAZINE in the last issue of the

Three days later we were joined by

Thus I was sent to a Type C

and were assured it would be a quick 45 minute flight. Two hours and 45 minutes later El Adem airport

been flying the 'Shack' ! nuff said. hove into sight, when the truth came out, Billy 'Boots' Bauckham had

We were well received by the R.A.F.

and really looked after, comfortable quarters and excellent food. Within

a couple of hours copter was laid on, the plan being to

airlift us two at a time to the site of the crash where a launch was

standing by. Initial looksee's' were done, then work proper was started. were employed. No luck. Viz. was good so towed searches

the R.A.F. Salvage Team, who were

in fact 'Sub-Aqua' merchants from

Cyprus. They looked, listened, learnt

R.M.S. IN 1940/41.

realise that `funk-holes' and their

A location and accessibility were of

dominate one's thoughts when con- some significance and tended to

It is better to think about these matters before starting work than fronted with a new mine situation. with rather less than 17 seconds to after having started the bomb-fuze Woods, near Oxford. It was doing go. parachute mine lying snug in Burford

no harm to anybody but it had new marks on it and I thought that it might be a new type. The Captain thought so, too, when I telephoned him about it and he ordered me to

commandeer a camera and take phbtographs of the mine and then www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

The team have returned from

The working side of life isn't too

El Adem where we searched for a provided the transport from Luqua, France, Italy, Sicily, Greece and crashed R.A.F. fighter. The R.A.F. one huge uncomfortable Shackleton Turkey. As you may guess our greatly improved. L.S. Newton. Lt. Mac is still our occur every couple of months, some P.O. Jones, L.S. Newton, L.S. B. and Wright has recently arrived to relieve bad these days. Our biggest commit- Bauckham, Horlock and Wade. L.S. around Malta, others in the South of smattering of languages has become M.D. Breed, L.S. Steel, A.B's ments are N.A.T.O. exercises which the present time on a job in Tobruk. Witherall (we now call him Skinny),

steady B. and M.D. Officer, and is at

(Golliwog to old friends), P.O. (younger than ever), P.O. Rogers

12

for himself how a team operates.

The team now consists of Lt. Lovall

Rear-Admiral J. H. Walwyn, Flag Officer Flotillas Mediterranean (extreme left) seeing

Buffer of Whitehall Mansions. The the latter has put in for higher office P.O. Macrae Clifton and Snowy with the school, I believe he's going rest are L.S. Culpin and A.B. Tonks and may become a C.D. (Kamakazi) Smith, C.P.O. McKinlay Boulton. Snowy I think is going to the Moon and Mac. will eventually Moroccan clan of divers, not a bad Pasha Taff Packer now with a chap but he drinks. Then there's Hook Walker, is there any body that join us. P.O. Jock Morrison is also doesn't know him? Next in line them go because they are not a bad

buzzes) should be finished by the end shower as things go. There's Lt. Sir of the year. It will be a shame to see

I should think (once again only

changed. The school side of things from Manoel until the policy is here and we will continue to operate happened to the

had

Unlike my first job, this one was

of Coventry. I arrived by tea-time

on a dark wet November evening, day-light rapidly fading. But because of the importance of the mines's on with the job and to ignore one of situation, the Captain told me to get the standing orders of our squad: not to work in the dark, as the danger of inadvertantly tripping up over things was too great. not 'sitting pretty' its bomb-fuse being buried underneath the mine. Thus,

it had to be moved. 'From a distance' was our watch-word. So I returned to the Civil Defence H.Q. and

demanded a quarter of a mile of rope

didn't realise what I was asking for; Ultimately, I obtained a large number

and a squad of men to haul on it. I there wasn't that amount of rope of lengths of different thicknesses between the mine and a large fallen

which I tied together and laid out (other than clothes lines) in Coventry! tree behind a slight hill from where I arranged check ropes leading to `take charge' and roll over too far my squad would heave at the tent-pegs, so that the mine could not

their part in the proceedings. The and then went to brief my squad on men from the Cleansing Department,

squad was composed of six dear old ostensibly the 'Heavy Rescue'. They

took up their stations on the rope to which I had tied a handkerchief to indicate the distance the rope was to be pulled and I warned them that, if

the mine should explode, they should open their mouths and allow their

cheeks and lungs to relax. Although it was now nearly dark, I shall never forget the expressions on those men's

nothing happened and I went to faces as the handkerchief slowly approached the fallen tree. But

examine the job; through barbed wire them). Nothing fences, over ditches (and through mine situation. All we had done was to tighten up on the many knots in

15

So, I got my escape route neatly

Then came a job in Essex, quite

Another job, this time near

distance and then I started work. In the event, the bomb-fuse came out cut through the woods to a discreet without any trouble and I then the bakalite bung which covered the magnetic detonator. This just would started on the other side of the mine, not budge and the soft steel spanner which was designed for it became distorted by my efforts. Out of the tool-bag came the inevitable hammer knocked bits off the bung. I was and tommy-bar but these only beginning to feel a little desperate beginning to turn. Coupled with this realisation came the conviction that when I sensed that the bung was it was also beginning to hiss.

eras in safe places' flashed through my mind and I took off. But not down my hand-made escape route, Thoughts of 'new types' and 'cam- achieved with so much trouble. I only associated that, in my mind, with the bomb-fuse and this was different. I was over a stone wall a few feet away and getting throughly

what a fool I had been. The hissing was, of course, only release of the stung by nettles before I realised vacuum caused by the shrinkage of

hot , being poured into the mine case during its manufacture. I

swore to myself that that wouldn't happen again!

bung that it would probably hiss straight forward, and I warned my- when I turned it. It did — and it self when I came to the detonator

went on hissing. This was too much for me and I cleared off again. I came back to the job even more humble than to the previous one and

mentally kicked myself whilst I removed all the bits and pieces from the mine.

Coventry, half buried in the embank- ment of the one railway line which was working to serve what was left www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

R.

TAS, SL.324

.

14

.

:•i• •

SODA-LIME

NON-HYGROSCOPIC

-•

•

SOFNOL LTD., ANCHOR & HOPE LANE, LONDON, S. E. 7

and throughout the world for air purification and other uses. Sofnol non-hygroscopic Soda-lime is used in leading London Hospitals my cables, Back again to base and train has to be stopped, why mustwww.mcdoa.org.uk move the handkerchief further along it be in a tunnel; why could it not be the rope and try again. Repeat in a station, etc. ?" Reference to performance and, again, I went to `muddled organisation" then follow- look. Still no change in the mine ed. Such as I and my job were probab- situation; this time we were just ly the reason, which, because of its beginning to take the slack out of the secret nature, we were not able to rope. I reckoned that I did three reply to the newspapers with the and a half miles of backwards and actual answers. People just had to forwards that night before the mine have confidence in the authorities. was in a position to work on. I got Much that went by the title of the bomb-fuse out alright and then `muddle and mess' was, in fact, the returned to my base to report to the cover for something very urgent and Regional Commissioner that the purposeful being done. It is probably critical part was over and that the same nowadays, in a different trains could resume running. Because context. Quite a thought! of the urgency of the job, my squad had now been reinforced by a num- ber of very highly placed gentlemen, whose eppaulettes and caps were covered with lace of one colour or another. By now, it was quite dark and I just had to have some light. What better than ' that my august audience should accompany me with trit their torches whilst I worked on the •• (a magnetic detonator bung ? Remem- ), • bering my previous experiences at this point I felt that it would be only ,.••1114 ••' fair to warn them that the mine would hiss, but; not to worry. Everyone stood their ground, albeit with some misgivings, I felt. So, there we were, the officials and my squad of dear old men who I felt were fully entitled to any souveniers from the parachute cords, etc., which they could take; like a Druid rite being performed in the centre of a ring of torches. The mine hissed; indeed, it shrieked. It could be heard a quarter of a mile away (not that I got so far quite so quickly) but, when I looked out from behind a tree, the field was empty. It was very re-assuring and grati- fying to see the first train come steaming through. I remember reading in the newspapers about that time Letters to the Editor whose "At last the 'steamers' are coming CAROLE WELLS in A Thunder of Drums, a Robert J. Enders production contents were usually thus :— "Sir, for M.G.M. release. We know there is a war on but, if a round to our way of thinking." Reproduced by courtesy of The Bernard Bulletin 1§, 17 www.mcdoa.org.uk Coulson

Templeman

Russell

Wilson

R. Lees

S. Templeton R.

D. R. Campion B. Sumner

B. Martin D. Cripps

G. Bartholomew

A. Barkley J. Flynn

S. K.

D. Allardyce J. P.O. M. Semple P.O.M. (E) J. McCaw A.B. D. Williams One other coming shortly C.P.O. B. Fawcett M. (E) 1 T. Fisher

Leading Seamen—

Able Seamen—

Engineers—

Instructional Staff—

The four main types of accidents

D. E. MACKAY

reports avoid useless speculation at best and much correspondence at

worst: It is important that reports rumours reach the backroom people the size of the problems be judged diving as only when these arrive can are made of anything unusual in that have been reported recently of frequent minor accidents and the feeling is spreading that if you concern anoxia, bends, pois- and effective action can be taken to attempts to find the origin only get the last one first. Many people have avoid or prevent them. Far too often by the discomfort of many and by as far as bar room gossip. oning, and medical fitness. To take taken part in underwater sport and can breathe and stand, that is good the deaths of a few shows that this

enough. However, experience bought

19

SURG. LT.-CMDR.

by

Lt.-Cmdr. D. B. Burstall, R.N. R. W. Atkinson Lt. D. P. Selwood, R.N.

T. King

correct or the emergency bottle

HERE has been a recent increase Diving units all over the world.

in unusual incident reports from

-

The social side of life is, as always,

F.C.D.0.— All that remains now is for us out

Petty Officers—

B. and M.D.O.—

Comments on recent Diving Accidents

dog which decided that the victualled

members' Mess was preferable to

the remainder in 'Terror' and was

promptly taken in hand and christened 02. recently returned members will gladly

very demanding and to go into details

would take a long time. A couple of `Shotrope' sometime. back there and see you in the furnish any information on this, I'm sure. here to say 'Good Health' to you The Team:

It might be of interest to make some

remarks and they are not intended to Most reports are well written and general comments on these. I must occasionally some vital fact is not emphasize that these are my personal be censorious on any individual. include adequate information but held 100% oxygen. Such complete times this is not so but it is very was T given. This usually happens in those that the drill was carried out or the helpful to know whether the inform- cases where assumptions are made ation has been assumed or not, and, what it was even if it was what it checks were made as required. Some- should have been, e.g. the flow setting if !it has been confirmed, to know www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

A recently-

A new junk is to be built shortly

The instructional Staff continues to

The Team has also acquired a

craft carrier (they did it with a canoe) and the well-remembered where the ensuing shindig was heard many miles away and led to the attack on the Royal Malayan Navy locals thinking the Indonesians were

returned-to-U.K. C.D.* gave a clas-

attacking in . ly over the side of the Gemini and sic exhibition of speed un-dressing when preparing to dive on a U.X.B. at Batti Maly in the Nicobars ; his attendant happened to glance casual- 10 feet below the surface. It took been living on Tioman for 10 days,

spotted a fast black stooging around halfpennies. Other highlights have `chopper' jumping and the C.D.1 weeks to clear the Gemini of green parachute jumping into the sea,

turning his car over.

year. This will have all 'mod cons'

and is promised for the end of the including a pot (sit-in, go-down-type

as well as a sit-on, flush-down-type), lanteen sails as well as an umpteen accommodation for eight, a full set of horsepower engine and a free issue of

coolie hats and chopsticks. This, of recently refitted M.F.V. 164 con- course, will extend the range of the Team considerably although the

tinues to do sterling work.

total of six. The largest class of grow and has now reached the grand Shallow Water Divers attempted yet

problem. On a course running recently, two Gurkha soldiers started is 24 but numbers are not the only one of whom couldn't speak a word of English; Chief did a rapid Gurkhalese course but to no avail as

this particular pongo didn't get below 10 feet in the pot. (Sigh of relief from `Clear your bag' was in Gurkhalese.) Chief who couldn't work out what

18

The Far East Team

Far East Team in the last two

AVING seen no mention of the

editions of the magazine, I

With the combination of the

The Team (as distinct from the

Jobs have as always varied con-

Fleet exercises have been numerous

Bomb and Mine Disposal and the know about), we now total 24 mem-

thought it about time the Editor was Clearance Diving Teams (which bers including the instructional staff under one roof which causes a put in the picture Oriental-wise. everyone except Drafty seems to nothing that a pint or two of Tiger and two coke-shovellers. We all live certain amount of stress at times but cannot clear. H months and for anyone wondering who the Hell is out here, see the list instructional side of life) has changed of bodies at the end of the article. a good deal during the last six

to recovering practice mines laid off Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team siderably from the inevitable 'body' the Phillipine coast. During the

latter operation, we worked with (I think it was 'with') the American

perience to say the least. The Boom which was a most enlightening ex- help and so far we have raised three Defence have been calling for our L.C.M.-type craft and sorted out a bunch of knitting of 6iin. steel wire rope carefully wound around a buoy pennant of a tanker mooring in Malacca harbour. The latest job

has been the salvage of a Greek merchantman who beached himself on the coast of Sumatra after starting to take water in faster than his

pumps could push it out. bers of the Team who do not laughs. There are at least two mem- and have provided a number of recommend ramming Indian cruisers

with anything smaller than an air- Several cases of Bends in divers

no oxygen — is the unrealiability it may produce in intention, in per- formance, and in money. Old-time aviators have reported others who carried out perfect landings — on a cloud, but these others if they In other words, `gulling-up' with survived could not recall the episode. oxygen when the main bottles are empty may not in fact be done even intended to do so. This problem may if realised what was up and arise when a set is used twice or more without recharging; if the sets are charged inadequately or if there is a by-pass as a check are worse than a by-pass is cracked. The sets are reasonable margin how much gas leak — and many people cracking the leak. No one can tell within a listening to the noise made when the designed to ensure adequate mixing there remains in a bottle just by with adequate flow and to make sure that gas does not enter the bag and go straight out of the relief valve.

using C.D.B.A. and with apparently reported from opposite sides of the

adequate decompression have been world. The main cause appears to be played by oxygen in decompression. In some ways, the events leading to

a lack of understanding of the part already discussed also lead tables are designed for use with gas both are breathed into the bag, again to . The mixtures where the amount of nitro- body is carried away to his lungs and nears the surface the gas in his chest It is important that the suggested drill gen present is, at worst, the same as if then the decompression time will be and thus inefficient decompression. expands and the gas dissolved in his air was being breathed. If the oxygen content of the bag drops below 21% leading to a decrease in oxygen levels inadequate bag clearing can lead to this state. In addition, as the diver inadequate. Inadequate gas flow and

21

There appears to be a growing

is not so. A diver, especially a full- time diver, must be fit enough to meet that is P.2. This standard is defined the normal standards laid down and higher standards of living, i.e. more as 'Fit for full sea or field service in normal periods'. In these days of to drink, and eat, and less walking, the greatest single cause of loss of any part of the world. Able to with- stand exposures and fatigue for fitness is overweight. There has been being overweight is more important but it should be emphasized that for divers than for the general naval a general Fleet Order on this point population. Once again it has been made clear that divers must feel themselves to be fit to dive and frequently they are better judges of this than a doctor. The practice of diving when a man is not feeling up to the mark in the hope of restoring `chicken' can only be condemned and

endorse this opinion. fitness or to avoid being called

from the bottles until there is no gas at least two fatalities in past years intention of using the main supply left and then using the emergency oxygen as a means of reaching surface. While it may be praise- worthy to get maximum endurance Once the bottle pressure drops below 400 p.s.i. the reducer does not match from a set, this has complications.

rebreathes the mixture from his bag the oxygen content drops further and means a lower flow and hence a more nitrogen accumulates in the ness under water has a 50/50 chance bag. Then as the diver nears the may drop to a level that does not its previous performance; usually it lower oxygen supply. As the diver as less gas escapes by the relief valve surface, the oxygen sustain consciousness. Unconscious- of leading to death. The trouble about this anoxia — or hypoxia which is low oxygen as distinct from www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

to BERNARDS

20

Chatham, Devonport, Portland, Deal, Grimsby, Harwich,

Naval and Civilian Tailors and Outfitters

Officers' Shops at Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton

6 - 8 QUEEN STREET, PORTSMOUTH, HANTS

Corsham, Worthy Down, Poole, Lympstone and H.M.S. Dolphin

Head Office: ANGLIA HOUSE, HARWICH, ESSEX Telephone 2281

Why YOU should allot

BERNARDS of Harwich has been a name synonymous with service

BERNARDS offer a first-class Tailoring and to the Royal Navy for over 70 years and to-day all that experience is available to YOU. Outfitting Service for Uniform and Civilian Serviceman and his family may be readily obtained on a single account. which practically every requirement of the a Mail Order Department at Head Office and to outlying ports at home and overseas For a truly personal service and absolute clothes and many other departments through Twenty-six Branches at Home and Abroad, frequent visits by experienced representatives ensures that a BERNARD customer is never out of touch. reliability at all times it will reward YOU to open an account with BERNARDS, and full request.

details of the service will gladly be given on Londonderry, Dunfermline, Invergordon, , Valletta and Sliema, C. H. BERNARD & SONS LTD. Branches at Malta and at Lossiemouth, Arbroath, Brawdy, Culdrose, Yeovilton, www.mcdoa.org.uk is properly carried out because it has the diver is putting into his work. Kiwi News Letter been devised to avoid this problem. Hard work means a shallower dive Obviously if the drill, correctly than moderate work and if the NCE again I suppose I shall be between them they had plotted 15 carried out, produces cases of Bends, canister is being beaten, the raised able to express self righteous stations throughout the Straits, in then changes will have to be made carbon dioxide levels may lead to the Oindignation to our Editorial staff depths varying between 18 and 120 but it is vital that the drill is correct onset of convulsions even then. that the article I'd been intending to feet, which required direct obser- and any complications reported. Once again if the diver feels things write for weeks, and finally finished vation and recovery of specimens by A 'Bend' is an injury and it may are going wrong, he must stop his struggling through, arrived just a divers. be that for every bubble that causes dive and take the right action. The couple of days too late for the The procedure for this was as pain there are others keeping them- convulsions may occur after sur- edition of the DIVING MAGAZINE. follows : Karaka would make one selves tucked away somewhere. This facing — four minutes is the longest Why is it I wonder, that so many of haul in a station using a normal means that every case of discomfort interval I have met — but care to the diving fraternity, and I am no commercial dredge, followed by a or disquiet after a dive must be prevent the victim injuring himself exception, are so reluctant to put pen haul using a smaller special instru- regarded as a Bend unless there is a and plenty of fresh air are all the to paper? ment dredge devised by the Marine patient will need to come round. very obvious explaination. It is easy 1962 was a very interesting year for Department. On both occasions, the to think up an excuse not to recom- Very, very rarely the attack comes on oysters are carefully counted, and in in most unexpected circumstances, me and I hope, for our Diving School press a person — until it is a very team, and by far the most interesting the latter case, measured and exam- obvious cases and by then it may be and my records show one such, after ined. Karaka then anchcors in the 20 minutes at 19 feet. and rewarding of all our commit- too late for adequate recovery. The ments was a diving survey of the same station and the diver descends relatively short time wasted treating As my final paragraph, let me Fo.veaux Straits oyster beds, just a shot rope taking six cotton bags cases that are not Bends is well worth restate:— any cause of uncon- before Christmas 1962. This was and an entrenching tool with him. the trouble when a short delay in a sciousness underwater may lead to a conducted at the request of the New A 25 feet long extends mistaken case leads to months of nasty outcome. However if the Zealand Marine Department, and to from the shot, and attached to the invalidism. Besides there are few proper preparations are made and assist us in the survey, the oyster end is a 3 foot square metal frame illnesses — none, in my opinion — the proper drills are carried out and dredge Karaka had been chartered which is placed at random in six which a diver may have which are the diver, is fit, the chance of an as a diving launch. A Marine widely separated places within the aggravated by recompression. The unusual incident is very small. Most Biologist, Dave Steed, and an assis- circumference described by the dis- only disadvantage is that very occas- of the time-consuming checks are the tant were in,charge of the survey, and tance line, and at each position, all ionally the attendant gets a Bend result of experience and all reports after a therapeutic recompression add to that experience. To cut down but work is going on to avoid this. the amount dearly learnt from fatal It is obvious that certain things will accidents, the instructions should be make an injury worse and dance- carried out and all must be ready to floor acrobatics will certainly do this. carry out emergency resuscitation. There is no suggestion of stopping The film on mouth-to-mouth resus- activity after a dive but a bit of citation and closed chest heart common sense does help; if there is a massage made under the auspices of niggle or a rash it may clear with a the R.N. Medical School with the shower and a quiet evening. Equally, help of members of the underwater after a definite serious injury, it helps specialisations, has now been dis- to speed recovery to have a lay-off tributed. It is three years since a period and five days after finishing fatal naval diving accident — let's treatment is being laid down by a make sure that that one was the last. forthcoming amendment as a suitable spell for a Bend. This ban applies to any subsequent dive however short, Overheard at Guzz Navy Days:— deeper than 30 feet in the recovery As Neptune (P.O. White) floats period. past window; 'Don't worry luv, it's The occasional case of oxygen only a dummy!' poisoning still occurs and a careful check must be made on the depth of Jury: Twelve men chosen to de- the dive and on how much energy side who has the better lawyer. Gathering the luscious specimens 22 23 www.mcdoa.org.uk GEO. W.

Clearly there is much scope for

In July this year we anticipate

In conclusion, we are delighted to

Whilst diving at one particular men to be fished out, frequent troughs in the sea-bead, about station, considered by local fisher-

saucer shaped depressions and 4 or 5 feet across and 6 inches or so deep, were found to contain hun-

tops of these depressions and failing dreds of untouched oysters. One gained the impression that the dredge was being towed across the to gather more- than a small per- question mark remains — just how centage of the live shell. The big efficient is the existing dredge? The not penetrate the surface of the sea- certainty that the present dredge does bed is borne out by the small number of dredged Infauna, or burrowing Panopea Zelandica', known locally

Arse', occurred only four times dur-

for some obscure reason as 'Horse's were operating in the Straits. The shell fish. One particular variety, ing the three weeks the local names for many of the vast variety of underwater life were often

colourful and undeniably descriptive.

ment, of the highly productive oyster beds of New Zealand — the potential

further investigations and develop-

only for oysters, but crayfish and for export must be enormous — not

scallops as well. There appears to be little or no commercial fishing for

particular the actual observation of scallops, which in so many places are in abundance. the dredge in action — should be further work on oyster beds, and in hard to beat.

interesting! A diet of sea food is promotion to Lieut - Commander, learn of Stuart Honour's well merited

and heartily congratulate him.

25

A marketable sized Bluff or

Of the 15 stations plotted, 11 were

The Foveaux Strait, situated as it

The density of the marketable

the oysters encompassed by the

one of the cotton bags. Thus th e frame are gathered and placed into diver returns to the surface with six cotton bags with varying numbers of by the Biologist, and the marketable ones opened and stowed away, for oysters, these are carefully examined future reference, by the diving team

— usually about tea-time, and the undersized ones returned to the sea to mature.

Stewart Island oyster (Ostrea sinuata) reach this stage of maturity in the remarkably short time of about two measures at least two and an eighth inches in length, and appears to

years after spawning. Survival rate of the Sinuata variety is high, this may largely be attributed to the probably the highest in the world,

open sea. As many as 50,000 com- minutely small oysters may be thrust spawn being ejected from the parent pletely and perfectly formed, though shell already prepared for life in the into an inhospitable and ruthless sea

at each spawning. Of these perhaps a fraction of one per cent. survive, and attach themselves to the nearest piece of shell. The European oyster

protection at spawning time and vival rate. consequently has a much lower sur- (Ostrea edulis) however, has no such

thoroughly investigated by divers, adverse weather preventing com-

pletion of the remaining four stations. South Island, and Stewart Island, is notorious for its changeable weather

is between the southern tip of the and excessively strong tidal currents. oyster population varied up to believe I am correct in saying, 27 oysters a square yard, and I

averaged about nine a square yard. www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

Bursledon 780

EMERGENCY

CRAFT AVAILABLE

RADAR, COMPRESSORS FITTED WITH ECHO SOUNDING 24 HR. SERVICE ETC.

24

TELEVISION SERVICE

56578

CABLES

WORKS

TELEPHONES

ROYLEWSALV

SOUTHAMPTON

ll

SOUTHAMPTON

NDERWATER

U

15, 16 & 17 ST. MARY'S STREET

28106

OFFICE

DIVING CONTRACTORS

WORK CARRIED OUT IN

CONROY LEWIS LTD

SURVEYS CUTTING CONSTRUCTION WELDING ANY PART OF THE WORLD

BLASTING

MAINTENANCE DEMOLITION

Young man to girl's fathef as he he as fathef girl's to man Young

It might have been expressed expressed been have might It

It is essential that every encourage- every that essential is It

To achieve the necessary drafting drafting necessary the achieve To

From these examples it will be be will it examples these From

Example:— An E.A. S.W.D. is due due is S.W.D. E.A. An Example:—

her in bed by twelve.' twelve.' by bed in her

don't worry, Mr. Brown — I'll have have I'll — Brown Mr. worry, don't

took her out for the evening: 'And 'And evening: the for out her took

better: better:

and right arm can together. together. advance can arm right and him and one whose rate on his left left his on rate whose one and him

has a good diving career ahead of of ahead career diving good a has

Branch is a keen young rating who who rating young keen a is Branch

It is considered that the right type of of type right the that considered is It

dations are made on Forms S.1303. S.1303. Forms on made are dations

time in non-S.Q. billets, which is so so is which billets, non-S.Q. in time man for Ships Diver and the C.D. C.D. the and Diver Ships for man

and that the necessary recommen- necessary the that and

ment is given to potential candidates candidates potential to given is ment

divers, but also so that the structure structure the that so also but divers, of the C.D. Branch can be improved improved be can Branch C.D. the of

and C.D's can spend their allowed allowed their spend can C.D's and

required is vital, not only so that that so only not vital, is required

pects. pects.

essential for their advancement pros- advancement their for essential

numbers of Ships' Divers and C.D's * * C.D's and Divers Ships' of numbers

ships can be provided with sufficient sufficient with provided be can ships

flexibility, a rapid build-up to the the to build-up rapid a flexibility,

divers. divers.

Should his holding a diving addit- diving a holding his Should same Squadron might be short of of short be might Squadron same

why a C.M.S. in the Fishing Pro- Fishing the in C.M.S. a why

diver instead. An A.B., S.W.D. is is S.W.D. A.B., An instead. diver has a S.W.D. whereas a frigate of the the of frigate a whereas S.W.D. a has

wastage in the employment of divers divers of employment the in wastage engagement. His relief is not a diver. diver. a not is relief His engagement.

tection Squadron (not allowed divers) divers) allowed (not Squadron tection

the Seaman Section to provide a a provide to Section Seaman the

available in his preference area. area. preference his in available and there is likely to be a good reason reason good a be to likely is there and

ional qualification bar him from from him bar qualification ional

serving in this popular U.W. billet ? ? billet U.W. popular this in serving

The Electrical Section at C.N.D. as as C.N.D. at Section Electrical The appreciated that there is bound to be be to bound is there that appreciated

to be pulled out on the expiry of his his of expiry the on out pulled be to

Obviously not. not. Obviously

available, but there is no billet in that that in billet no is there but available,

ship for the A.B. A.B. the for ship

27 27

Example:— A Leading Seaman Seaman Leading A Example:—

The difficulty of preventing fluct- preventing of difficulty The

Sea Service and such a billet is is billet a such and Service Sea

Coastal, which is not normally normally not is which Coastal, allowed a diver; he is due for Home Home for due is he diver; a allowed

before. He is recommended by his his by recommended is He before.

C.M.S. in which he has never served served never has he which in C.M.S.

last ship as a Chief Bosun's Mate of a a of Mate Bosun's Chief a as ship last

pressed a preference to go to a a to go to preference a pressed

(U.W.2) is a S.W.D. and has ex- has and S.W.D. a is (U.W.2)

Officer. Officer.

have to be considered by a Drafting Drafting a by considered be to have

be illustrated by examples showing showing examples by illustrated be

some of the conflicting points that that points conflicting the of some

on a fixed commission, and can best best can and commission, fixed a on

to that of providing divers to ships ships to divers providing of that to

Sea Service is an additional problem problem additional an is Service Sea

uations in the number of divers in a a in divers of number the in uations

unable to train up their own diving diving own their up train to unable

Persian Gulf, South Atlantic and and Atlantic South Gulf, Persian

ship with all the turbulence in Home Home in turbulence the all with ship

When drafting divers priority is given given is priority divers drafting When

teams. teams.

West Indies) and which are therefore therefore are which and Indies) West

to ships due to operate in areas away away areas in operate to due ships to

from diving schools (such as the the as (such schools diving from able at or near the top of the roster. roster. the of top the near or at able

that when required a diver is avail- is diver a required when that

ional qualification sufficiently wide- sufficiently qualification ional

spread over the drafting rosters, so so rosters, drafting the over spread Therefore it is necessary to have have to necessary is it Therefore

would not only be quite unfair, but but unfair, quite be only not would

noticed and a dearth of volunteers volunteers of dearth a and noticed

enough ratings with a diving addit- diving a with ratings enough opportunity of Port Service. This This Service. Port of opportunity

for Ships Divers would soon result. result. soon would Divers Ships for

qualification such as L.S.E., Butcher, Butcher, L.S.E., as such qualification

such treatment would not go un- go not would treatment such additional qualification which is in in is which qualification additional

than there are billets, because draft- because billets, are there than

C.D.1's/Diver l's. Very considerably considerably Very l's. C.D.1's/Diver

more S.W.D's or F.D's are required required are F.D's or S.W.D's more

etc. To draft a man solely on an an on solely man a draft To etc.

sea-shore ratio by denying him the the him denying by ratio sea-shore

shortage would adversely affect his his affect adversely would shortage

designed to ensure a fair drafting drafting fair a ensure to designed

Water or Free Diving is an additional additional an is Diving Free or Water

ing regulations, which have been been have which regulations, ing

substantive rating and S.Q. Shallow Shallow S.Q. and rating substantive

strictly in accordance with his pos- his with accordance in strictly

system, dictate that a man is drafted drafted is man a that dictate system,

ition on the drafting roster for his his for roster drafting the on ition A A

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

At the present time C.D's are not not are C.D's time present the At

Considerably more C.D's are al- are C.D's more Considerably

Please do not think that these these that think not do Please

The problem of providing enough enough providing of problem The

possible to fill all C.D. Complement Complement C.D. all fill to possible

billets, but this is at the expense of of expense the at is this but billets,

lowed than there are C.D. billets, so so billets, C.D. are there than lowed

C.D. billets are either L.F.S., H.S.S., H.S.S., L.F.S., either are billets C.D. of their service in non-S.Q. billets billets non-S.Q. in service their of

Art. 0613 (4) refers). This means that that means This refers). (4) 0613 Art.

even with the current shortages it is is it shortages current the with even

this most valuable and, from the the from and, valuable most this

that they can spend about one third third one about spend can they that advancement point of view, essential essential view, of point advancement getting anywhere near their one- their near anywhere getting

general experience. experience. general

or P.S. and it should therefore cause cause therefore should it and P.S. or

third non-S.Q. time and consequently consequently and time non-S.Q. third

no surprise that it is general policy policy general is it that surprise no less turbulence than most. They also also They most. than turbulence less

get a high proportion of the much much the of proportion high a get

when doing their comparatively in- comparatively their doing when

spend more time ashore and suffer suffer and ashore time more spend

tended that a C.D. will be drafted to to drafted be will C.D. a that tended

(for the regulation-minded B.R. 1066, 1066, B.R. regulation-minded the (for

sought-after L.F.S. billets. In fact all all fact In billets. L.F.S. sought-after

Officer is serving in addition to ships ships to addition in serving is Officer

for C.D's to go to G.S.C. or F.S. F.S. or G.S.C. to go to C.D's for that are seriously short of divers. divers. of short seriously are that

remarks are intended to imply that that imply to intended are remarks

frequent non-S.Q. service. It is in- is It service. non-S.Q. frequent

a G.S.C./F.S. ship in which a C.D. C.D. a which in ship G.S.C./F.S. a C.D's lead an easy life. This is is This life. easy an lead C.D's Divers) to form diving teams in ships ships in teams diving form to Divers)

certainly not so. It is fully apprec- fully is It so. not certainly as a sea-goer and this is recognised recognised is this and sea-goer a as

is also aggravated by shortages in in shortages by aggravated also is from his home in arduous conditions conditions arduous in home his from

S.W.D's or F.D's (in future Ships Ships future (in F.D's or S.W.D's

now get fu11 Overseas roster date date roster Overseas fu11 get now adjustment (A. F.O. 1702/63). 1702/63). F.O. (A. adjustment

iated that a C.D. in a so-called shore shore so-called a in C.D. a that iated Fleet Clearance Diving Teams abroad abroad Teams Diving Clearance Fleet

effort made possible by the surplus of of surplus the by possible made effort

in the fact that, as a special case, all all case, special a as that, fact the in

job may spend as much time away away time much as spend may job

spite of the greatly increased training training increased greatly the of spite

ROYAL NAVY, DIVERS DRAFTING OFFICER OFFICER DRAFTING DIVERS NAVY, ROYAL

26 26

H.M.S. H.M.S.

Drake's Drake's

This gave gave This

The Drafting of Divers Divers of Drafting The

E. R. HUMPHREYS, HUMPHREYS, R. E.

Navy News. News. Navy

has the personnel and facil- and personnel the has

LT.-CMDR. LT.-CMDR.

N view of the Editorial of the the of Editorial the of view N

If the Editor will allow me to to me allow will Editor the If

the frequent changes of Editor Editor of changes frequent the

The most significant factor in the the in factor significant most The

Summer Edition which deplored deplored which Edition Summer

restricted the following to items items to following the restricted

I

Naval Drafting in the September September the in Drafting Naval a quick word from 'the powers' be- powers' 'the from word quick a I am not too late) would not be be not would late) too not am I

fore the Editor changes yet again (if (if again yet changes Editor the fore

Diving world from the drafting drafting the from world Diving firstly like to draw attention to the the to attention draw to like firstly

amiss! amiss! caused by 'the powers that be', I feel feel I be', that powers 'the by caused detailed article by the Commodore Commodore the by article detailed

peculiar to divers. divers. to peculiar

issue of the the of issue

advertise a rival publication, I would would I publication, rival a advertise

C.D1's/Diver l's and Senior Rates. Rates. Senior and l's C.D1's/Diver

the overall picture and I have have I and picture overall the

Junior Rates and current surplus of of surplus current and Rates Junior

This means that the branch is top top is branch the that means This

Leading Seamen would only aggrav- only would Seamen Leading

aspect is the shortage of C.D.s and and C.D.s of shortage the is aspect

Diving School assists in this by by this in assists School Diving

To permit the transfer to C.D. of of C.D. to transfer the permit To

heavy — all Chiefs and no Indians. Indians. no and Chiefs all — heavy it is, is its own best advertisement and and advertisement best own its is is, it

volunteers it is likely to attract. attract. to likely is it volunteers ient, cheerful branch,, which I'm sure sure I'm which branch,, cheerful ient,

This is obviously undesirable and and undesirable obviously is This

the more so it becomes the more more the becomes it so more the

ratings for course. The solution The course. for ratings can only be overcome by increasing increasing by overcome be only can

mended volunteers. H.M.S. H.M.S. volunteers. mended

therefore lies in getting more recom- more getting in lies therefore

holding ships to make formal recom- formal make to ships holding

mendations. However, a keen, effic- keen, a However, mendations.

vides all available recommended recommended available all vides

the number of Able Seamen C.D.s *. *. C.D.s Seamen Able of number the

by by

ities to train more C.D's * than they they than * C.D's more train to ities

and F.D. courses and by encouraging encouraging by and courses F.D. and are getting, even though C.N.D. pro- C.N.D. though even getting, are

ate the problem and that is why this this why is that and problem the ate

Vernon Vernon is now rarely allowed. allowed. rarely now is selecting likely candidates from S.W. S.W. from candidates likely selecting www.mcdoa.org.uk

TOWED DIvER 0 SEARCH

DOWN RE.vs

" I supilo THEN( -iimreit, -rtkRIS v-VriNV

===r a.a nig 1I I •

28 29 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Is Clearance Diver for You ? 1 HE scene is set as usual in the bar of a local pub, a Sailor, pint pot GREENBURGH BROS. LTD. 1in hand, is relating to a gathering of oppo's a glowing account of his Tailors and Outfitters experiences whilst on course for Clearance Diver. 'I only failed the 123/126 Queen Street, Portsmouth course because I didn't quite make it on the 10 mile swim!' 47 High Street, Gosport So goes the tale related in many Telephone 26331 ways where ever the subject of also at DEVONPORT, CHATHAM, PORTLAND, MALTA Clearance Diving comes up, on mess- and SCOTLAND decks or ashore. Naturally one has to keep face, so a colourful yarn helps to explain why the narrator is back in the slave market of general duties. UNBEATABLE VALUE ! Lack of knowledge, or misunder- ALL WOOL WELL TAILORED standing of anything tends to make it a mystery, a 'Black Art', to be left strictly alone. This and some of the UNIFORM SUITS fascinating stories, that can be heard, is known to discourage some other- Diagonal Serge wise keen candidates from applying for the C.D's Course; perhaps a few minutes reading on the course, and the branch, can disperse any myths £8 . 19 . 6 and put things in a true perspective Man Submarine `X-Craft' which Ready to wear--perfect fit guaranteed for the Shallow Water Diver or Free gained distinction with the damaging Diver contemplating on whether to of the Tirpitz. apply for Clearance Diver. Towards the end of hostilities in Superfine Doeskin HISTORIC BACKGROUND. the European Theatre, as the allied Purists claim that the Italians armies advanced, it became painfully started it all by making themselves a obvious that retreating Germans £12.12.0 problem to the Royal Navy in 1940- were not only demolishing port 41 by using a hitherto unknown form installations, but were also mining the Cash or on Allotment Account of underwater warfare, 'Charioteers', fairways, entrances and basins of the a surprising number of ships were docks. If we therefore required to crippled by underwater saboteurs, use these harbours and wharf's, riding on adapted topedoes placing something has to be done to clear a All types of Sports Kits and accessories by charges underneath or on the bottom safe passage for our shipping. Whilst well known manufacturers in stock of vessels moored inside heavily the Army's job of sorting out the defended harbours. demolished installations and unex- SPECIAL TERMS TO CLUBS AND TEAMS At Gibraltar, the late Cdr. Crabbe, ploded ordinance on land was com- O.B.E., G.M., R.N. ‘then a lieutenant, paratively straight forward, the BLAZER BADGES embroidered to any design was appointed to. tom bat this new Navy's tasks to seaward was, to say threat, the story of which has been the least, complicated. ENQUIRIES INVITED dramatised in books and films. We Conventional Mine Sweeping

1,...... 0.....1,S1111.1.411,1•41 0.... 0:i in turn explored this field of under- methods could be employed in open water warfare and evolved the Four water, but were not possible for 30 www.mcdoa.org.uk 31 Vernon

The following morning the class A typical day at Horsea during the

Portsmouth Harbour, reached by a ber.

Course Officer and a preliminary to Horsea Island at the top of causeway at low , at which time with all their equipment go by lorry dressing on arrival (three minutes), practice entry into the water retaining the Island is surrounded by mud flats. class whilst at Horsea. In the middle session in the Recompression Cham- scaffold bridge at high tide and by a causeway, double across to Horsea This journey by road from of the Island is an artificial lake with (three quarters of a mile) rapid will be made every morning by the first week might be, 0830 arrive at the a maximum depth of 30 feet, ideal fins, and then commence a surface

jump from a 30 foot board to for oxygen diving. swim of one mile, followed by a run

33

runs a

Vernon

at least a week before

Vernon

Miscellaneous Visits.

Diving. Ship Repair and Salvage. ation and Disposal. Bomb and Mine Indentific-

Having covered a little of the

Monday of the first week is spent

4. 3. Candidates are normally drafted to 2. 1.

`warm-up'.

background, we can consider the number of C.D's * Courses a year, medically examined, interviewed by ing this pre-course period they will be course itself. H.M.S. their Instructor, who, if time allows, may take his class 'to be' for Physical drawing and testing equipment, hear- ing an introductory talk by the divided into four parts:- Training and Games as an informal and each course can be roughly commencement of the course. Dur- the Diving Training Officer and meet arrive at

THE COURSE FOR C.D. *. www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

Vernon

and M.D.)

whilst

(B.

work hand in glove with

Safeguard,

Vernon

The present day activities of the

Ship borne teams working from To improve and develop new tools

For the training of Shallow Water Training too will occupy much of a

Each team has a certain basic com- operates from Singapore, Malta, many of our Bases abroad in addition Mine Disposal Team Port Edgar in Scotland, Portsmouth, Portland and Plymouth. Each team mitment, for example a Bomb and Police and the other two services,

teams and units being situated in works in close co-operation with the B. and M.D. a full-time job. to those working in Home waters. Many relics of both World Wars still Clearance Diver are many and varied, roll up the beaches, together with

incidents in their own allocated area.

CLEARANCE DIVING TODAY. attending to explosives or noxious Submarine and Aircraft flares making

by the 'P' Parties. specially adapted vessels are con- cises in conjunction with the Mine- stantly carrying out trials and exer- improving the techniques originated

sweeping Squadrons, developing and

and types of equipment, a trials team

mental Diving Unit who have many tasks such as the trials to increase the scientists of the Admiralty Experi- at Clearance Diver's time, if not under training himself, he is required to maximum depth to which a Diving team can usefully dive.

All these billets require large staffs pore and deals solely with C.D's and C.D.O's. divers in the Fleet. assist in the instruction of others in Divers and Free Divers, there are is constantly increasing his know- the branch or exercising the many Diving Schools at Plymouth, Singa-

and the trainer as well as the trainee

ledge and experience.

32

Up to this time demolition and

Working in teams of approxi-

At the end of World War II it was

So in 1949, volunteers from the

Personnel working with the Army rendering them safe. disposal had been done by Naval decided that the only way to do this would be by the use of Divers as 'P' Parties and with the coming of of underwater search, survey and mine disposal, with the task of mately eight members they systemat- and R.A.F., these parties were known gradually moved into a new role, that clearing the Dock areas, it was the new requirement the 'P' Parties clearing inland water ways, shipping lanes and docks of anything forming searching for the mines, etc. and

of shipping. majority of European Ports, enabling a to the berthing or operation ically searched and cleared the the much needed ammunition and vancing Army to the landed in

operations in almost all the major

supplies required by a rapidly ad- North Africa. requirement of the peace-time Navy, safety. 'P' Parties continued these ports of the continent and many in

played an important part in the

evident that the role of 'P' Parties to clear up the debris of battle and

deal with any future developments in Haifa, when fanatics attempted to the need for a permanent organi- Merchant Navy Shipping, emphasied mining warfare. Also incidents at attach explosives to Royal Navy and

disbanding 'P' Parties and members act any future situations. of the Standard Diving Branch,

Branches of the Royal Navy. That is

commenced training at Port Edgar sation of trained Divers to counter-

the Clearance Diving Branch, which

was to be on a similar footing to other to say 'Clearance Diving' was to be a full non-substantive rate. and formed the founder member's of

at at

Sultan, Sultan,

for the tenth tenth the for

Vernon Vernon

100 feet tank, where they they where tank, feet 100

The eleventh week is devoted to to devoted is week eleventh The

Returning to to Returning

The eighth and ninth weeks are are weeks ninth and eighth The

Another visit at about this time is a a is time this about at visit Another

Sometime in the sixth or seventh seventh or sixth the in Sometime

bottom searches and underwater underwater and searches bottom placed the Standard Diving Dress in in Dress Diving Standard the placed

the service. Activities such as ship's ship's as such Activities service. the

Breathing Apparatus (S.A.B.A.) and and (S.A.B.A.) Apparatus Breathing

ment (S.D.D.E.), which has now re- now has which (S.D.D.E.), ment

the Surface Demand Diving Equip- Diving Demand Surface the

and tests of the Swimmers Air Air Swimmers the of tests and

training in the use of compressed air air compressed of use the in training

equipment. The maintenance routine routine maintenance The equipment. various tools. tools. various

underwater propellor changing on a a on changing propellor underwater

week the class is now acquainted with with acquainted now is class the week

submarine and learning the use of the the of use the learning and submarine

operational team when the working working the when team operational

of what the conditions are like in an an in like are conditions the what of

Reliable weather conditions and and conditions weather Reliable

day is fully occupied by the many many the by occupied fully is day

shelter from the elements are neces- are elements the from shelter

fortnight the class obtain some idea idea some obtain class the fortnight

swiftly and efficiently. efficiently. and swiftly

class goes to Falmouth in the summer, summer, the in Falmouth to goes class or Malta in the winter. During this this During winter. the in Malta or

sary during the initial stages, so the the so stages, initial the during sary

jobs involved in operating divers divers operating in involved jobs

of equipment at deeper depths. depths. deeper at equipment of

plained. plained.

ways and working in various types types various in working and ways

sea bed, gaining experience in tide- in experience gaining bed, sea

Gosport. Here the intricacies of of intricacies the Here Gosport.

spent on open water searches on the the on searches water open on spent

operating an outboard motor, and and motor, outboard an operating

the fixing of minor faults, are ex- are faults, minor of fixing the Dolphin's Dolphin's

day spent at the Mechanical Engin- Mechanical the at spent day

eering School, H.M.S. H.M.S. School, eering

100 feet unaided and without breath- without and unaided feet 100

ing apparatus. apparatus. ing

will learn Free and Buoyant ascent, ascent, Buoyant and Free learn will

in other words how to come up from from up come to how words other in

week the class will visit H.M.S. H.M.S. visit will class the week

the examination rarely proves too too proves rarely examination the

maths, this may sound alarming, but but alarming, sound may this maths,

difficult. difficult.

; to some, a little rusty on on rusty little a some, to buoyancy;

mixture flows, safe depths and and depths safe flows, mixture

the calculation of rates of oxygen and and oxygen of rates of calculation the

35 35

Items such as as such Items

the fifth week is is week fifth the

Vernon Vernon

For the sixth week the class will will class the week sixth the For

Back in in Back

The theory of each part of the the of part each of theory The

Towards the end of the four weeks weeks four the of end the Towards

Thursday evening of each week the the week each of evening Thursday

At mid-day there is a pause for for pause a is there mid-day At

ined on Diving Theory which involves involves which Theory Diving on ined

during this week they will be exam- be will they week this during

Fleet. Fleet. closed waters and Dockyard Basins; Basins; Dockyard and waters closed

carry out sea-bed searches in en- in searches sea-bed out carry

Carriers, Frigates, etc. in the Reserve Reserve the in etc. Frigates, Carriers,

hull, carrying this out on Aircraft Aircraft on out this carrying hull,

various methods of searching a ship's ship's a searching of methods various

piration and the routine maintenance maintenance routine the and piration

diving. diving.

Diving Regulations, Artificial Res- Artificial Regulations, Diving

and testing of equipment are intro- are equipment of testing and be fully confident in the use of under- of use the in confident fully be

course is covered in lectures and and lectures in covered is course

water breathing apparatus. apparatus. breathing water

duced in phase with the practical practical the with phase in duced

to reach a high standard in under- in standard high a reach to

to named targets. During this time time this During targets. named to

spent learning and practicing the the practicing and learning spent

demonstrations. demonstrations.

mixture equipment and become ex- become and equipment mixture

the class will move on to diving in in diving to on move will class the courses set on swimming by compass

water and surface swimming, and to to and swimming, surface and water perienced in the use of underwater underwater of use the in perienced

light task. task. light

ming undepyater or completing a a completing or undepyater ming

class will dive at, night, either swim- either night, at, dive will class

each member of the class is required required is class the of member each

any time. time. any

Awkward is frequently ordered at at ordered frequently is Awkward

pletion of diving. After dinner there there dinner After diving. of pletion

for the following day. Operation Operation day. following the for

soup, dinner being at 1430 on com- on 1430 at being dinner soup,

finally the preparation of equipment equipment of preparation the finally

is a period in the classroom, then then classroom, the in period a is

various tasks carried out. out. carried tasks various

Life-line signals are practised • and and • practised are signals Life-line

minimum of 80 minutes is required. required. is minutes 80 of minimum put on their oxygen breathing appar- breathing oxygen their on put

endurance swims for each of which a a which of each for swims endurance

Section where the class immediately immediately class the where Section

atus and commence the first of two two of first the commence and atus

over knee-deep mud flats for about about for flats mud knee-deep over another mile, returning to the Diving Diving the to returning mile, another

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

Etc. Etc.

34 34

for for

KENT KENT

de. de.

KIPLING 5 8 4 8 8 4 8 5 KIPLING

LATE OF C. S. MILNE MILNE S. C. OF LATE

Telephone: Harwich 2347 2347 Harwich Telephone:

Tailored by Craftsman Craftsman by Tailored

Members of the Interport Naval Traders' Association Association Traders' Naval Interport the of Members

WELDING AND CUTTING EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT CUTTING AND WELDING

ELECTRIC CABLES, LIGHT SWITCHES, SWITCHES, LIGHT CABLES, ELECTRIC

UNDERWATER CUTTING EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT CUTTING UNDERWATER

JOINERS' TOOLS TOOLS JOINERS'

ENGINEERS', CARPENTERS' AND AND CARPENTERS' ENGINEERS',

Helston, Portland, Portsmouth, Dunfermline, Malta Malta Dunfermline, Portsmouth, Portland, Helston,

FORMAL OR LEISURE WEAR WEAR LEISURE OR FORMAL

FANCY GOODS OF ALL KINDS KINDS ALL OF GOODS FANCY

Stockists of of Stockists

Engineers Tools and Equipment Equipment and Tools Engineers

Also all accessories, including the best known makes of of makes known best the including accessories, all Also

SHIRTS, SHOES, SOCKS, TIES, Etc., and and Etc., TIES, SOCKS, SHOES, SHIRTS,

217 BURNT ASH LANE, BROMLEY BROMLEY LANE, ASH BURNT 217

W. COOPER (Harwich) LTD. LTD. (Harwich) COOPER W.

ALBERT E. HILL LTD. LTD. HILL E. ALBERT

COOPERSTYLE CLOTHING CLOTHING COOPERSTYLE

Branches at: Chatham, Devonport, Dovercourt, Eastney, Exmouth, Exmouth, Eastney, Dovercourt, Devonport, Chatham, at: Branches CENTRAL HALL, MAIN ROAD, HARWICH, ESSEX ESSEX HARWICH, ROAD, MAIN HALL, CENTRAL T. Fielding

CLEARANCE DIVER?

J.

C. Mahapatra

After all the effort what is the lot

Petty Officers or even Leading Briefly all S.W.D's or F.D's of A.F.O's 1495/63 and 1496/63 give

A.B. 0. R. Lee A.B. L. W. Whelan A.B. M. A. Lambert T.O.2. J. A. Day T.O.2. W. H. Savage A.B. J. S. Barker L.M.(E) A./L.S. B. Jervis

P.O. B. L.S. G. Singh A.B. R. K. Singh

A.B. R. Singh L. Sharp, C.D.11

of the C.D. * ? First of course is the receive 10/- a day extra special

fact that, having qualified he will operational team, if possible to one service pay. The next move is to an of the C.D. Ship-borne units where the finer points of what was learnt on course are appreciated in an oper- to be recommended for Clearance Diver, with the exception of ratings Specialist qualification. ational light. WHO CAN APPLY FOR branch under the age of 28 can apply who have either a R.P. or U.C. the necessary information. able rate or equivalent in any other Seamen cannot, at the present time, be considered.

Indian Navy C.D. *

To Acting Petty Officer

37

.

Advancements

course completed and

Booth

P.;

B. McKay, R.N.

I.

Vernon —

For the last time the class returns

Some one once described the scene

This is not the end for those from For the practical experience of

Lt. T. W. Trounson, R.N. Lt. Lt. M. F. Wessell, R.N. Lt. C. F. Lafferty, R.N. Lt. H. Sahney, I.N. P.O. W. B. Norton Sub.-Lt. G. S. E. Stratton, R.N. P.O. R. E. Rees

A./P.O. A. Charlwood A./P.O. V. Gibbons A./P.O. B. T. Gunnell A./P.O.

A./L.S. J. M. Quinn A.B. D. Williams A.B. M. Groak

its all experience and the mistakes

as a 'nocturnal nudist's camp', but are pointed out at a de-briefing on the successful members receive the Up' interview with the Training completion of the exercise. to much strived for badges at a 'Rating-

the non-seaman branches. They will I A./P.O. A. Lumbis Officer. be rated 'Acting C.D. *' and under- go a four week seamanship course to fully aquaint them in seamanship.

the end of which time they will be required to pass an examination for seamanship they will be sent to sea for a period of about six months, at Able Seaman, providing this is be rated Able Seaman, C.D. *. successfully passed they will finally Promotions and

To C.D.O.

To C.D. 11

To C.D. * www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

is spent on such

Vernon, time

In

The class is also subjected to The last two days are set aside for

As a finale to the course the class

Here the Royal Marines teach the Map reading and night time navi-

Having digested these subjects the

Recognition, the latter being effected

underwater blasts at varying dis- subjects as Torpedoes and Mine tances to demonstrate the effect of underwater attack. entirely by feel. explosives as a repellant against Disposal, (M.I.D.) a written, oral and practical exam- ination on Mine Identification and now goes to the Amphibious Centre parts of the distance the canoe must at Poole. basics of canoeing. The class, work- able distances, for example, a fore- miles of river and sea travel, over be carried by the two man crew, and noon expedition covers about 10 ing in pairs, learn to paddle consider- the knack of doing this is forcibly learned. gation are soon mastered, and the class spends several hours in the use of the latest type of infantry small

arms and grenades. class is next involved in a full-scale Royal Marine Cammando's are quite C.D. Course carry out an Amphib- exercise, Navy versus Marines. The ious Attack on a target and en- deavour to get away, avoiding capture, to a pre-arranged meeting Hounds' develops, covering much of South-West Hampshire. The pen- with an 'Agent', the 'Royals' have the task of apprehending the at- alties for being caught by a team of severe. The attackers find themselves in the middle of a wood at the dead of night, sadly deficient in articles of tackers and a military 'Hare and clothing!

36

The following two weeks are spent

Now comes the time of judgment,

For the next four weeks the whole

tasks are carried out in both types of equipment incorporating the drills and techniques peculiar to each set. in the underwater repair section, being taught to use oxy-hydrogen knowledge of ship construction is cutting torches and spending several plates and tubes. An elementary required and the art of welding hours underwater practicing on steel underwater is demonstrated together with the use of the Cox's bolt driving gun.

the last two days are allocated to the the marks gained during the period of practical diving. Practical marks final Diving Examination, covering all the subjects and operations of the course so far, the required pass mark is 60%, the instructor will also assess each member of the class and submit are calculated during the course for capability both underwater, and on tasks where accomplished and the the surface, the manner in which reliability all of which must be of a each diver who is marked on his together with general behaviour and to work as part of a team, high standard. aspect of underwater weapons and explosives is considered. A compre- hensive knowledge of explosives and weapon principles is essential to the Clearance Diver to enable him to the type of hazard when he comes upon it. He must also appreciate safeguard himself and to recognise how to render safe the various com- practiced. Experience in the methods ponents and how to safely handle them. One week of the period will be the art of making up and employing demolition charges is studied and of Mine Disposal is gained together with exercising the numerous tech- niques of amphibious warfare. spent on a demolition range where 3

6

/

9

Date

20/

and was at his desk

Vernon

Duration of Dive. 1 Minute

So it was that a bedraggled figure

Equipment

Equivilant Air Depth. 1 Ats. Here is how we imagine his log

Flow. On Demand

and was helped back aboard the ferry as usual — except for a queer com- (we haven't found the culprit yet.) entered

bination of dry clothes and ringing

out of socks between the tearing up of sub chits. book would appear :— ' R.A's case

No. 3 Suit and

hes to remain unnamed and anonymous

39

Ocean

Harbour has

Reporter—who wis

History in the Making

Deep-

for Suez.

Hopewell

Name/Rate

Deep water

Division, was

been the scene of many Naval

ORTSMOUTH historic occasions, such as

Theseus

It took place half-

By our missed the headlines `Nelson's departure', or in more place recently which But one event took

modern time, the sailing of its rarity and nature must be recorded for P and of the National press which, by virtue of perpetuity. port and the Har- way between Gos- bour ferry in the During the R.A's rush for the boat, 20th September1963. water C.P.O. C.D.1., who is well known as the Regu- early hours of Friday unfortunate enough lating Chief of

to lose control of his But true to his R.A.

sandwich laden case. he kept a firm grip

and diving instincts, —and was last ob-

utes in ?) He surfaced by ditching

(he could have been getting his min- his R.A's allowance from his pockets served disappearing underwater! Of C.P.O. Hopewell, C.D.1. course no one was unduly perturbed Maximum Depth. 4 Feet Mixture: 20% 02, 80% N2 Reason for Dive. Qualify for S.S.P. for qtr. 15th June to 15th October.

Time to call up. As soon as possible.

1

4

1 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

•••.".•.01

••

11

Air-

w

11.1

.$

1111.11

.1.11.11.40.•••••

••••

1

•

•

.

1

1

41

PL 68

1

.

1

..1

1

.

.

16

6

.1

1

••.0

1

.

16

11.

1

.0

1

.

1

1

,S.1

11

1

1w1

1

...

.

1

16

.1

11

.

1

1

4

.

1

.

1

DRAGERWERK has special- Telephone: Guiseley 2668 ised in the design and manu- Cables: "Aquasport, Guiseley" manship.

facture of internationally accepted underwater breathing Illustrated is the apparatus of traditional reli- ability and integrity of work- It may be fitted with a light- ••..1.•••.....wl1 line apparatus for light work.

telephone unit. Self-contained Triple and Twin Also in the DRAGER range: compressed air sets for swim- Compressors, Booster Pumps; Diver's Control Panels and Automatic Supply Valves; Re- water working tools and divers; high and low pressure compression Chambers; under- apparatus of all types.

•

38

..W.....01,...•1

,

...... 1•••••••

1

1

1

1111011,3E.1111.11•11%.4.01

11.11,1...•

White Cross, Guiseley, Leeds, Yorkshire, England

A.M.S. MARINE SUPPLIES

Sole Sales Agents and Advisers:

0.1•."...•••••••••••••••••••,11.•.10.1•.••••••••••••••.1

1

For Over Half a Century

11...... 0.1.1

L Team

Reclaim

Reclaim

Shoulton

Brenchley

Brenchley's

were getting

and

but owing to

had two of the

Shoulton's

again we managed

which turned out

Brenchley, Shoulton

Brencley

Shoulton

Brenchley

Reclaim

and

Reclaim,

Reclaim

A month passed quickly with the

Odd times the teams ran into each

On return from sea an 'at home'

'Reclaim'

usual inspections and foul screws, nothing as hectic as a screw change, road on a 'borrowed' bike. After

up and drove off bike and .111. had its moments with unbiased out- even though it would have ,been

ring. A said diver from raced a Dutch counterpart across team picked up by the police trying to negotiate the wrong side of the some fantastic yarn the police gave Robbie. The one of their own smelly canals only until the first stop. When the mist comes, and

to find him a handicap.

undertook a 300 feet pot dip together, on Bungy Williams and George other, resulting in odd things occur- with Bungy all over the board. Both imagined. The cleared George was `blobbed' up very successful until someone men- played. which began with Bill and Jan taking a lesson in Uckermanship by disclaim all knowledge of it. was thrown out for tioned `Uckers'. The rest can be

Brenchley aboard

A challenge was thrown out by the hammered, 'just', by with no rules, and a stick to boot. the work at hand the match wasn't

hockey, a typical divers blood bath

divers at water polo, we repayed the debt by trouncing them at deck to fit in the usual sport. After being with the same kind of work being

lay telephone cable. We were kr,i done by

company with

and the Minesweeping Squadron, clearing a minefield for the G.P.O. to acting as Task Force Commander

41

from

Reclaim

first trip was Com-

News

Reclaim's

The second trip was to Den Helder

The

The team after a change round,

reckon we can't beat it, so we'll

T'S been too long since wrote a ditty to the Magazine, we

returning to Port Edgar for weekends

carrying out the same operation of

Bill having to hobble back un-aided. in the opposite direction. A month was spent in Denmark with the ship

Needless to say we carried him debatable success, the ex-'Steamers'

clinching the argument by swimming all round. and 'Cork-heads' having their usual arguments, with Mick Corbett finally out to be not so quiet and meant

quently breaking three of his toes. Compass swims also took place with

run every morning to keep most of us with great gusto and majesty leapt forth from the 8 foot high harbour' weren't' very often, the team man- wall into 2 feet of water, conse-

the other being Bill Cornick who into routine with inspections and foul screws on the sweepers con- minefields. Between times 'which in trim. The odd man being P.O. Tug Wilson entailed in Loop repairs, We all left Port Edgar on May the

aged a daily surface swim and mud- ashore on quiet runs, which turned

9th arriving on the 1 1 th. After settling 'Alongside' the team got

No. 1 Slave, having already settled recently left us with Chief Jackson stantly returning to Base from the company with seven various mine- Clear Road based at Esberg, in sweepers mainly from Lochinvar. Gardner, North and 'Brum' Fowles mander Task Force 339 for operation down together.

being replaced by Chief Pat

Christmas, Lt. Wilson, P.O's Wilson, Corbett, Cornick, L.S. Hodge,

I

join it. www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

•

Lt. Kempsell did his work with

Says the Citation: The torpedoes

pedoes and the fallen roof to place `it would have looked bad to run'- to press the plunger and explode the torpedoes.

tery chamber of each torpedo, the protection from the acid, crawled to complete. Then he walked away— were hissing and bubbling and were demolition charges against the bat- uity was necessary to get the demol-

resulted in a most effective demol- 300 yards to get behind a hummock perienced in gaining access to the hot to touch, great difficulty was ex- into a 20 inch gap between the tor- battery compartments of many of the

torpedoes and considerable ingen-

ition charges correctly spaced. job taking one hour and ten minutes great skill and courage and his efforts in an asbestos fire-fighting suit for ition operation.

who has been

George Medal Award

R.N.

Special Duties A representative will call if necessary, and a

complete confidence in the standard, detail price list forwarded upon request. and quality of uniforms supplied.

ensure that the newly promoted Officer has

Our "special duty" for many years has been to

Dartmouth Camberley Cranwell Winchester Brockenhurst Londonderry Gibraltar Malta

London Edinburgh Plymouth Chatham Weymouth Liverpool Bath Southampton Harrow

Kempsell,

ONGRATULATIONS to Lieut-

enant (S.D.), (C.D.) K. D.

The Scottish Bomb and Mine Dis-

Two men were killed at R.A.F.,

On the morning of August 17th

Kinloss, Morayshire when an ex- pedoes extremely dangerous. become activated, making the tor- Kempsell, were called in to dispose of

roof of the store, on to the stock of

torpedoes and warheads; these were the torpedoes by blowing them up. C torpedo battery compartments to plosion brought down the 19 ton posal Team based at Port Edgar and torpedo store. efforts in disposing of 24 torpedoes crushed, causing at least ten of the

awarded the George Medal for his and 29 warheads in a shattered commanded at the time by Lt. 1963 a radius of one mile had been

evacuated, and Lt. Kempsell, dressed

22 THEjHARD, PORTSMOUTH • Telephone 21351,4

Tailors and Outfitters to the Royal Navy *

*

NICK CARTER,

TAFF ROBERTS.

comprises:—

(Rugby match of

*

H. Roberts, C,D.1.

Vernon

*

P.O. Snell, C.D.1. P.O. Maynard, C.D.1. Mr. K. J. Edwards P.O. A.B. Doland, C.D. * A.B. Cooper, C.D. * Sub.-Lt. Stratton, C.D.O.

keep asking the boss to get

Hon. Secretary:

Coach:

Committee:

President:

At the moment the Division is I

In conclusion the Secretary re- Our Coach is Mr. Ken Edwards, The Committee

reasonable side which is still rapidly `You'd better win today or 11 divers be quite an ordeal. What with patience has brought the team along quires a relief ? This is a stop draft world. Which means that the job of finding we have fielded a mixed-bag of teams so far this season. Three will be drafted OUT'! rest of contact him with your 3/- and be 11 bod's for the team is proving to progressing. In fact since we have job. On joining the section please losing half the regulars to Corsham, teams. we have won! The scores being: 10-1, 8-3 and 4-1. So we are not doing too badly. whose invaluable experience and amongst the elite in the sporting playing for various United Services Football. suffering from 'Rugby - Mania'. fighting the Rugby Secretary and certain divers drafted back into the course). from makee learners to the present school, but all I get from him, is : started, five of our players are now games we have played, three games

43

14-6

Lost 11-0

23-3

17-0

9-0

However after a few

Centaur—Lost Reclaim—won

Centaur—Won

Sultan—Lost

Royal Marines, Poole—Lost 19-0

R.E., Marchwood—Won 3-0

So far we have played seven H.M.S. H.M.S. H.M.S. Victoria Hospital, Netley — H.M.S.

We have one game a week, some- The Manager of the Sailors Home We have purchased our own strip The season commenced with a trial

plete with scrum cap. How about Martin picking up the ball, carving that for progress. his way through all the opposition the same gentleman is now perman- matches against all opposition, re- amusing incidents such as L.S. ently placed in the second row com-

and running right off the field with it, Police, so you can say we are firmly

to Portsmouth Command. before! sults of which were:— which is a black shirt with a white times two throughout the season, Club, Queen Street has kindly let us match, 30 keen enthusiastic divers have a room for the club. complete with our own bar and barmaid. or, if proving himself on the field of collar and a C.D.1's badge on the left breast, black shorts and red this includes Saturday fixtures. Our 98. To join the club a small sub- beer we consume, for which we hope scription of 3/- is required, a member is then given a club card and fixture participating of whom five had played list includes colleges and Portsmouth present us with a trophy for all the trips on our away fixtures, and of stockings with White tops. Brickwoods Brewery are going to combat, a position in the team. established. We are also affiliated course free entrance to the club room, to have an annual match against the list, this entitles him to free coach www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

Reclaim is

We left Sunday afternoon with a

At the time of writing

From the team, all the best.

At the beginning of the 1963-64

the best in Pat's fishing prowess, there's a buzz he has still got cod in

in the way of mines but brought out the deep freeze! The two days in the

Gemini and Motor Boat with R.M.S.

fjord were spent running in the team took no time in flashing up a gear aboard. The remainder of the fire ashore and cooking up a meal.

was eyed with suspision but drunk all Tea made from mountain water was assured by the Chief to be good. It

the same. The Sunday we left Seydisfjord the Task Force Com-

mander asked if it was possible to retrieve a souvenir from an oil Fowles went down and returned with tanker sunk in the harbour. The bridge being 20 fathoms from the

one binnacle cover. Which was surface, Don Hodge and Brum pounced upon by the Boss, wheeled

away, and never again seen.

the three weeks mail which had been short stop at Lerwick, Shetlands, for following us around Iceland. Again

home, we put into Rosyth for an with 8 to 9 force gales all the way

extended long weekend all round. up with oxy-helium, S.D.C., T.V.

bandit `Sarge', on its way to the land

and other miscellaneous, Deep Div-

just across the Bay of Biscay, loaded ing Equipment, plus the one-armed of cheap rum, X ! X !, and Baccy!

where undoubtedly men with better writing qualifications will carry on

with the story.

own Rugby club. After a great deal of letter writing this ambitious idea

was achieved. Our members, players season it was decided to form our and non-players at present stand at

42

for

arrived

team left

Yarton

Reclaim

`Deepwater' Sports

Reclaim's

T last a game for Divers, played in three halfs, first and second

halfs on the field, third half in

After five days of Force 8 to 9 we

The next and last minefield was

routine inspections. welcomed from the dreary jobs of

back at Port Edgar on July 13th for

with the knowledge of having to a well earned leave, only to return

leave the quiet runs in The Burgh operation `Icescoe.

and Ferry on September 4th for run ashore. Beer and women ex- put into Reykjavik for the weekend pensive. At Akuryri three days later

minesweepers began their sweep, M.K. 14 British Controlled Mines

with success four in number Type bobbed up. The

within 15 minutes aboard mines inshore and counter-mine

the area, the plan being to tow the them. Jan Gardner had the job of

tying the tow to the same, then with Meanwhile L.S. Hodge and Dudley swimming alongside the mine and the Boss and Chief, spent an uncom-

fortable hour towing it inshore. North prepared for the same routine

with the other three mines, only to be Ashore the mine's top cover plate nuts came of easily by hand, with

seen off by the sweepers gunfire. the Chief expertly scooping off mussels at the same time for bait.

The mine was blown after the Boss has ensured the local inhabitant was

safely tucked away and having

his thoughtfulness. The finding of successfully 'bummed' a fat cigar for the mines boosted morale no end

especially for the minesweepers on the go constantly.

Seydisfjord, which produced nothing

the club room, for those still on `Deepwater* Pirates Rugby Club. their feet, A Eastern Daily Press.)

Portsmouth Command's Bomb Emergency calls may still be ex-

With the beaches now cleared of

pected, but for the greater part of the making routine searches along the `poking' among stone and rock . . .

looking for the unknown. coast, peering into nook and cranny, one of the more mundane, yet winter, the men will spend long hours holiday-makers the time is now ripe for members of the unit to carry out Evening News, Portsmouth. essential, tasks of clearance searches.

45

Disposal

Command

Portsmouth

Bomb and Mine

burning out. (Photo by courtesy of

Reproduced by courtesy of the

have been almost daily reports of

VER since the end of World War

Washed up on Cromer Beach. A German mine of World War H being prepared for

11 more than 18 years ago, there

For all those years member of the

r

Royal Navy's Bomb and Mine pronouncing that identified object as `harmless'.

Disposal Unit have cheerfully faced of sea folk and others at rest by

danger and adversity in rendering F safe explosives, or setting the minds the beaches around Britain's coast.

`undentified objects' washed up on www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

TENNIS

FISHING

FENCING

BOXING

CAMPING

BOWLING

FIRE ARMS

HOCKEY

at

HANTS

UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT

SOUTHSEA

48 ELM GROVE

Tel. PORTSMOUTH 20611

SPORTS SHOP

RUGBY

from SOUTHERN

Ken Edwards

Peter Anderson

Sportsmen shop THE

Personal attention

BRICKWOODS

JUDO

GAMES

GOLF FOOTBALL SQUASH

BADMINTON

CRICKET

WEIGHT INDOOR

TRAINING

ATHLETICS Many

Doctor Johannes Kylstra, leader

From America, who of course

Apart from these activities in the

In addition to the foregoing, the

Link is still progressing his long

Ladies Deep Diving Record, and nation, are more than just interested

vehicles. of a research team at Holland's in remote controlled deep diving

there is no doubt that they, as a

subsidised the last Keller 1,000 feet dive; as far as we know, Edward exposure deep diving technique. It is also an American who claims the

tinue his deep diving research onlY time will tell.

medical breathing equipment, and to meet a wide range of industrial will also market breathing equipment

thetic, and other safety applications. Normalair will provide equipment gases in hospitals, a range of anaes-

range of underwater and diving ment associated with all forms of and services for the supply of piped general diving field, Drager —

diving.

new Company will market a wide clothing and accessories as well as the compressors, air supply installations control equipment and other equip-

compression chambers and deep diving pressure chambers.

diving schools and experimental establishments use Dragerwerk re- the N.A.T.O. complex.

equipment in Naval Services and in

and many military sets are standard

its various forms and ranges, exten-

sively employed throughout the world

47

Product Field

Interrogative Digit ?

LT.-CMDR. S. A. WARNER, D.S.C., ROYAL NAVY

by

ment that Dragerwerk of Lubeck

OLLOWING a recent announce-

and Normal Air Ltd. of Yeovil

New Anglo-German Partnership Widens the

Hans Keller did in fact attain the For France Commandant

undersea research race ? A quick Dragerwerk diving apparatus is, in S Britain lagging behind in the

study of recent results show, that

It is of historical interest, that the

Of particular interest is the merging

underwater Flying Saucer concept

might have far reaching applications.

depth of 1,000 feet but at a tragic cost and whether he intends to con-

are bordering on gimmicks his whilst some of his projects and ideas

Cousteau moves from one project to

we as a nation are certainly not leading the world.

another and there is no doubt that I

ment saw its beginning in 1953, when Normalair designed and manufact- present range of Normalair under- water and industrial breathing equip-

ured the lightweight oxygen breathing successful assault of Mount Everest.

— and the long tradition of Drager- of . sets that were used on the first werk, extending over 50 years, in the the field of self-contained and air- design and manufacture of all types parent Companies — the products line underwater breathing equipment

Normalair Ltd., comes a statement of and experience of Normalair Ltd. in

of the two underwater interests of the

F the product range that will result

from the partnership. are forming a new Company, Drager www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

vintage (two of 2,000 lbs, and

II

The Portsmouth unit consist of

His team is made up of C.P.O.

Their most recent assignment in

Although most of the tasks are

The unit is a happy one and thrives

`He dresses so well', said one. `Yes and so quickly too,' said the

Two office girls discussing their `Now if there is anything you want'

safe that 'unidentified object'. Lt.-Cmdr. Jack Rea, R.N. who has

Flanagan, P.O. J. B. Davis, L.S. W. Futcher and A. Vernon, A.S. C. just as long as is necessary to make six men under the Command of some hundreds of miles and work

mine disposal work, having prev- Gardner and W. Curran.

iously served in a similar capacity in had long experience of bomb and and with the Mediterranean Fleet.

the Portsmouth and Nore Commands the Portsmouth area was the explod- War

ing of four German bombs of World two of 1,000 lbs.) located by a skin

Eastney. diver off the Winner Bank, half-mile

seawards from Fraser Battery,

concerned with relics of World War

deal with objects of the 1914-18

II, it is by no means uncommon to vintage. Such a task was theirs last month when the unit was called to

investigate a torpedo warhead esti- Cromer Beach on the east coast to

mated to have been launched in Police Force. 1914-15. on good team spirit. It also enjoys

the ready co-operation of fishermen,

coastguards and particularly the boss.

to do without it!'

let me know, and I'll show you how the other. said the P.O. of the messdecks, 'just

46

Not

-

and is respon-

Vernon,

At present they are engaged on a

It It is then hoped to start a system-

So far this year the Unit has

They have also dealt with as many

Diving is as much a part of their

The work is, of course, arduous

By and large, however, a Clearance

He must be ready, with bag packed

miles of coastline stretching from Lyme Regis to the Wash. Their work

and Mine Disposal Unit operates

sible for the safety of more than 300

from H.M.S. Wight, a task which will take them East coasts which come within the

also takes them inland.

THREE-WEEK TASK. three weeks, and in which..they are survey of beaches around the Isle of atic search of the South and South-

about half-way through. •t: command of the Commander-in-

mines, torpedo warheads and other Chief, Portsmouth. connected with the disposal of bombs explosives as well as smaller and less answered nearly 200 emergency calls

dangerous objects like submarine smoke cannisters.

diving jobs, such as changing ships' propellers, searching for lost property

duties as bomb and mine disposal. Divers by rating (trade), the disposal screws underwater, clearing fouled

The men are, in fact, Clearance of explosives being part of their training to become Clearance Divers.

. . . . or for lost bodies.

and sometimes dangerous. Diver must have a high degree of always — it has its lighter sides as many of the men can testify.

training, have an even temperament

his bed in the middle of the night if and emergency arises. duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is liable to be called from and is 100% fit. He is available for at all times to leave for a journey of nt into the

c

Disposal Unit

During the period April to Sep- It is a fact that if one studies the (It is of interest to note that Doctor

this country is being promised? As I Kylstra is now working in America purely military side of the problem

the future. research and developine out by the enthusiasm of individuals see it, money and effort thus spent could pay considerable dividends in been promised for the next issue). research sphere these problems are scientific training and research that that the Royal Navy will produce all being done by individuals or small groups of private individuals. In this on a shoe string budget. Is it too bombs and has been handed over to Wrath the next we are kept pretty busy unit with the biggest area, the Wash the answers. Unfortunately this is outside our terms of reference. country certainly it is only carried bombs, etc., and the rest, except for not true. The Royal Navy are only efforts put into diving research throughout the world it soon be- most months averaging 1,000 miles and as much as we would all like to much to ask, I wonder, if there is not search in the vast expansion of all and a fuller report on his work has allocated money . and effiact for Landrover. comes apparent that this work is our friends the R.E's who on their first sweep of the area uncovered in the Landrover, and we, the wee expand into the complete undersea some small place for undersea re- which 18 have been explosive, mines; one body recovering job, just odds to Barrow-in-Furness, but only one tember we have had 44 jobs, of and ... From Filey one week to Cape another 26 mortars.

Mine

49

INCE our last report was sub- mitted to the Magazine we have

covered quite a lot of ground and

In Britain the Royal Navy are

I think that this is the time to clear

Outstanding incidents were Filey

Scottish Bomb and

to apply this technique to humans I Equipment Research Society there is Leipen University has carried out valuable in the field of survival from and possibly in submarine kept alive and active underwater Aquatics', if it is ever the intention logical path. In addition to this there doubtedlly this research will be in- am not personally interested. Un- is a vast amount of enthusiasm up the completely erroneous idea one dog was surfaced after a number I would like to say that in spite of among the various branches and of all there is little or no money. of hours and showed no ill effects. consolidating their deep diving re- of all the efforts of the Undersea apparently been possible by eon- what Cousteau has said about 'Homo escape. search and progressing along a little co-ordination of effort and most and dogs in which they have been without breathing sets. This has trolling the salinity and pressure and sections of the B.S.A.C., but in spite regularly, all bouyant of the 17 some amazing experiments with mice Hello to Lt.-Cdr. Johnson-Newell now a father and L.S. Harrison has presenting us with a mine quite been rated to P.O., otherwise the unit is the same. said goodbye to Lt. Kempsell and and L.S. Adams. L.S. Newman is variety. Lunan Bay since the first S and Lunan Bay (Angus). Filey is cleared numerous jobs. We have also surrendered a total of 80 odd mortar

job of 44 4.2 mortar bombs, has now www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

•

•

t••,.

.1„

1

•

r

•••

05t5Z;:4

I

FILTER KINGS

OF INTERNATIONAL

SUCCESS

THE WORLD

TOWNS

OTHER

THAN 800

AND IN MORE LEADING

AVAILABLE IN: BRUSSELS • CAIRO AMSTERDAM • ATHENS

CAPE TOWN • COLOMBO THE KING SIZE CIGARETTE COPENHAGEN • FRANKFURT GENEVA • HONG KONG

LONDON • MONTREAL

KHARTOUM • LISBON

MUNICH • NAIROBI • NEW YORK

OSLO • PARIS • SALISBURY

SINGAPORE • STOCKHOLM SYDNEY • WELLINGTON

THROUGHOUT

CITIES AND

STATE EXPRESS-THE BEST CIGARETTES ON THE WORLD www.mcdoa.org.uk The turnover from one B. and LL-Cmdr. Johnson-Newell, M.D.O. to the other was accom- C.D.O. plished by a joint effort in the counter C.P.O. Norman, C.D.1. mining of a MK. 17, picked up by a P.O. Harrison, C.D.11. Dutch trawler who landed her catch L.S. Newman, C.D. *. COLLYER SMITH & CO. in Teesport. We leave you with the L.S. Welch, C.D.11. 219 WEST STREET, FAREHAM, HANTS team sorting out their winter woolies L.S. Adams, C.D. * and anyone who fancies their chances A.B. Cassidy, C.D. * Telephone No. 2211 and 2212/2213 at uckers can come and try. From the land of the haggis, The Unit is now :- - guid hunting. MAC HARRY. INSURANCE BROKERS H.M.S. 'Ark Royal' We specialise in ALL forms of Insurance for the `Diving Safari' ROYAL NAVY r HE ship lay peacefully at her Mombasa by road in a hired station birth in Kilindine harbour on the wagon. An Army land-rover took afternoon of Tuesday the 18th the Diving Officer to H.Q., 24 June. The following morning she was Brigade at Kahawe Camp, outside Business conducted only with LEADING LIFE OFFICES due to slip from her moorings and Nairobi, and contact was made with Charging no extra for steam slowly out of harbour to the Brigade Major at 0900. It was commence flying exercises and the ascertained that a small party of WAR RISK long passage to Singapore. Royal Engineers, including two sap- Into the sultry atmosphere of the per divers, had been working at the CLIMATIC CONDITIONS o tropical afternoon burst an Army Athi River crossing for one week, but signal from H.Q., 24 Brigade at only a small quantity of webbing had AVIATION (other than Air Crew Nairobi, requesting the urgent assis- been recovered. The object of our tance of divers in recovering a search was to recover one Bren gun, and quantity of small arms. These had nine self-loading rifles and three sub- been lost during an assault-boat cross- machine guns. WORLD-WIDE COVER ing of the fast flowing Athi River, at a During the Diving Team's journey point some 80 miles into the bush up from the coast, arrangements had NOTE—Personnel in SUBMARINE SERVICE and NAVAL South-East of Nairobi. Arrange- to be made to accommodate them ments were immediately put in hand and keep them operational 80 miles DIVERS can normally be placed without extra charge to dispatch four Free divers to out in the African bush. The first Nairobi, to endeavour to recover the requirement was an immediate in- weapons as soon as possible. Road spection of the section of the river transport for three divers and all the to be searched. Brigade H.Q. had SEND YOUR INSURANCE PROBLEMS AND necessary equipment was arranged made a heilicopter available, and QUERIES TO US AND WE WILL GIVE YOU by the Naval Liasion Officer, Mom- with this we were able to reach the basa, and the Diving Officer boarded river crossing at 1100. THE BEST ADVICE OBTAINABLE the night train for Nairobi to make The Sapper divers had been hind- preliminary arrangements. Time was ered by the lack of a ready supply of REMEMBER, IT COSTS ONLY A STAMP TO short, as the diving team had to compressed air for their sets, and no SEEK OUR ADVICE YET IT CAN SAVE YOU A return onboard by the morning of rubber suits for use in the cold Monday 24th June, or miss the water: The river crossing is approxi- CONSIDERABLE SUM OVER THE YEARS ship's departure for Singapore. mately 2,500 feet above sea level. At 0800 on Wednesday 19th June, Rubber suits were on the way, but a the Diving Officer arrived in Nairobi regular supply of air proved more and the remainder of the team left difficult to arrange. We were 50 51 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk fortunate to find a staunch supporter eer's lorry from the Athi River the river crossing was not possible, to re-charge the portable air bottle, in the Chief Engineer of the British crossing had started out at 0400 to so the three-hour journey by lorry which arrived back at 2200 that night. Oxygen Company in Nairobi. Being transport the Naval diving gear back was commenced. Only the Sappers Operations again ceased at 1730, by an ex-Fleet Air Arm pilot, he soon to the river. A second three-ton lorry could negotiate some of the obstacles which time 250 feet of the river had realised the urgency of the operation, was provided to collect the air bottle involved! been searched. and undertook to re-charge our from Embakazi Airport, and the diving sets and endeavour to obtain charging connections from the British At 1500 the site was reached, and An early start was made on the a large air bottle for ready use at the Oxygen Company in Nairobi. The we now had assembled a variety of following morning, Saturday. The river crossing. In the event this could Helicopter was ordered to stand-by items necessary to commence the first divers were in the water by 0800, only be done by borrowing from East at Wilson Airfield, Nairobi, to trans- search for the valuable small-arms. the two main jack-stays having been African Airways at Embakazi Air- port personnel to the river at 1000. Diving operations commenced at moved downstream and secured to port, so our sources of supply were By 0830 the team were all set to move 1545. The first method of search was trees 200 feet apart. This operation becoming very diverse indeed. off. to put all available divers in the took about 40 minutes, some diffi- culty being encountered in transferr- Further delays were to hamper the water, between two jack-stays across After a lot of bargaining, and the river. The divers connected by ing lines across the current from one having travelled a good many miles progress of the operation, however, bank to the other. for it was found necessary to manu- buddy-lines, searching in a line across in and around Nairobi, the Diving the river. This proved unsuccessful, By 1300 a 300 foot area had been Officer returned to Kahawa Camp to facture a special brass charging con- nection to charge the S.A.B.A. sets due to the strong current (3i Knot). thoroughly searched, the divers feel- meet the diving team, which arrived A second method was tried, using a ing their way along every inch of the at 1830. from the portable air bottle. The machining work necessary could not swim line between the jack-stays, river bed, but nothing could be At 0800 on the following morning, be completed before 1100 that morn- parallel to the bank and with sinkers found. Thursday 20th June, the Naval ing, by which time there was low at each end. Using two divers at a On completion of the operation it Divers mustered outside the Quarter- cloud and a steady drizzle over Wilson time and moving the line 10 feet after was considered that unfriendly ele- masters store in Kahawa to draw Airfield. (H.Q. 8th Independent each shift. A collapsible boat was ments were most unlikely to institute jungle clothing. One Royal Engin- Reconnaissance Flight). Flying to used as a marker and diving plat- a further search for the lost weapons. form. Due to the shortage of time Several factors caused this conclusion it was decided to concentrate on one to be drawn. The inaccessibility of half of the river only. the diving site, the distance apart of The conditions for diving were not the various sources of supply neces- favourable. Visibility was virtually sary for a diving operation, and the nil in the muddy water and the river river conditions, which were un- bottom was strewn with dead wood. favourable to divers. It was further On top of this the sets were not per- considered that owing to the speed forming at maximum efficiency due of the current, the nature of the river to the severe bumping suffered en bed, and the time (three weeks) that route to the Athi River. No croco- had elapsed between the accident and diles were seen in this stretch of the the commencement of diving oper- river, but a Scots Guard was avail- ations. The arms were most probably able with a rifle to cover any emer- buried deep in silt and most unlikely gency. Diving operations on Thurs- to be recovered. Only a compre- day ceased at 1730. hensive underwater survey of a large EDiVing commenced at 0830 the stretch of the river, could gurantee following morning, the sets having any success but this would take time been: recharged from the portable and be too expensive. air bottle. Unfortunately it was not In conclusion it may said that the possible to charge all eight sets to Naval divers were most impressed by 100%, as the pressure from the the Army Heinke diving sets used bottle decreased. At 1300 one Naval during this operation. They were diver boirded the helicopter with found to be simple, robust and easily three of our sets and one Army set, recharged with standard adapter to fly to Wilson airfield and re-charge. pieces. Further more they were much The Athi River Crossing One three ton lorry left for Nairobi lighter out of the water than S.A.B.A. 52 53 www.mcdoa.org.uk clipped four

Oyama was

Diver

Coucal

was sent from Yokusuka to

By good luck U.S. Navy radio

Taken back on board his ship,

Parboiled

Coucal

required and how this co-ordination hoisted up, the ship moved to calmer back into the sea in 72 feet of water. boiling seaweed, and lit a fire under waters, and he was promptly dumped 500 mile run to Nagasaki. They took After 12 hours of sitting there on an Oyama was again dressed and put also showed how closely the Navy can make a seemingly difficult job the most amazing treatments in the history of diving. Bay. decompression chamber. He spent to be raised, being chilled to the out. So they took him out of the poured boiling water over him. back into the water, but an accident Oyama was alternately parboiled and the sorely tried Oyama on board, and and Army can work together when marrow, wet and had lost the use of both legs. His shipmates took him nearest naval diving vessel, the sheltered waters. Thus began one of with the boiling and he kept bobbing made him shoot to the surface like a recommended taking Oyama ashore marinated in the brine of Nagasaki his aid. The him! But the air in his suit expanded on a steep slope. This too was tried, operators had picked up a message hours off her estimated time to do the and stretching him out, head down ships doctors went with him into the enjoyable. suit, wrapped him in straw, and cork. A diver in a passing boat and for the next 60 hours poor about Oyama's plight, and the iron bar, Oyama signalled frantically ashore, put him in a trough used for

55

R. LARN

by

of the

which means in

deck after his fifth

had to seek more

Daiei Maru,

The Case

be unique in the history of diving HIS incident, which must surely

actually took place and is to be

In three hours he had only been From the dinky, little salvage

The diving operation on the Athi

Daiei Mauru's

Daiei Maru

plunged into Nagasaki Bay in the boat and crew couldn't afford a

River in Kenya was a most interesting , of which the most deadly metal from the war to make it worth pression. vessel, found in the records of the United States Navy (Diving Division) for the Japanese, great prosperity, Oyama diver Oyama contacted the 'Bends'. pain. His shipmates, although also hour-long descent, he collapsed in with a well grounded fear of the often raised a matter of 50 feet. Then the one for all concerned, and the lessons in his trade was 'Bends', as his small hopes of salvaging enough scrap day he went down to 192 feet with put him through a slow decom-

costly recompression chamber -- and in 1957, for the first time, veteran the effort and risk. Four times in one year 1957, and concerns a Japanese flirted, unscathed, with under-water nothing untoward. Raised to the diving suit with extra and deep diving. For 20 years he had helmet back on him, stuffed his dumped him back into the sea — wind changed and freshened; the the age of 37 was a skilled veteran in divers, but not versed in medicine and divers in their future activities. It diver named Yoshis Oyama, who at crippling 'Bends', slapped Oyama's and down to 150 feet. The idea to

learned will prove valuable to the

T www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

CFH/AV/24

54

branches of underwater operations.

in the design and development of

apparatus for different specialized

Dunlop have for many years produced various types of underwater equipment

for the Admiralty, playing a leading part

DUNLOP

Coventry.

SABA (Swimmer's Air Breath- Dunlop Aviation Division of

ing Apparatus). Dunlop General Rubber Goods The suit is manufactured by knitted nylon, and is using Division of Manchester, and

the breathing equipment by

water Swimmer's Dress made from rubber-proofed crimped The diver is wearing an Under-

or>

£15.15.0 £15.15.0

£20. 5.6 5.6 £20.

Seascoper Watch Watch Seascoper

NEW Felca Felca NEW

Full-Safe Valve in second stage. stage. second in Valve Full-Safe

Poseidon Valve Valve Poseidon

Lung Attachment. Attachment. Lung

With Stainless Steel Bracelet £20.15.6 £20.15.6 Bracelet Steel Stainless With

use of any tools. Down Stream Stream Down tools. any of use

With Nylon Strap Strap Nylon With

Contents Gauge Takeoff and Airline- Airline- and Takeoff Gauge Contents

dismantled for cleaning without the the without cleaning for dismantled

manufactured in Sweden. Features a a Features Sweden. in manufactured

drag on the lips. This valve is extremely extremely is valve This lips. the on drag

A two-stage, single hose valve valve hose single two-stage, A

fully luminous dial. Tested to 660 ft. ft. 660 to Tested dial. luminous fully

compact, and features exceptional ease ease exceptional features and compact, of breathing at all depths. Can be be Can depths. all at breathing of

An entirely new watch with Stainless Stainless with watch new entirely An

Steel Case, Black Bezel, Automatic full full Automatic Bezel, Black Case, Steel

swivel assembly mouthpiece, eliminating eliminating mouthpiece, assembly swivel

sweep second hand, date change and and change date hand, second sweep

SPAR-

£14.17.6 £14.17.6

\Wye \Wye

designs. Prices for for Prices designs.

of of

Meter Meter

suits arc available in nine nine in available arc suits

suits now feature a new de- new a feature now suits

POSEIDON Drtnenr1 Drtnenr1 POSEIDON

TILLBROOK & CO LTD. LTD. CO & TILLBROOK

suits can -be supplied in stock sizes sizes stock in supplied -be can suits

AND THE WET SUIT SUIT WET THE AND

A. A.

HARTINGTON ROAD, LONDON, N.17 Tel. Tottenham 4444 5 5 4444 Tottenham Tel. N.17 LONDON, ROAD, HARTINGTON

SPARTA SPARTA

prehensive range range prehensive

for cutomers requiring immediate &liv- immediate requiring cutomers for

hand tailored suits range from £10 to to £10 from range suits tailored hand

neoprene and accessories can be supplied. supplied. be can accessories and neoprene

Summer by Rcg Vallintine, Diving In- Diving Vallintine, Rcg by Summer

picture has been subjected to 370 dives dives 370 to subjected been has picture

De Sanctis Depth Gauges and Decom- and Gauges Depth Sanctis De Professional liquid depth gauge £6.12.0 £6.12.0 gauge depth liquid Professional pression Meters arc now available from from available now arc Meters pression

for home assembly, alternatively sheet sheet alternatively assembly, home for

ery. Suits arc also available in kit form form kit in available also arc Suits ery.

different grades of neoprene and a com- a and neoprene of grades different £20 and delivery is in ten days. days. ten in is delivery and £20

SPARTAN SPARTAN

maximum of 250 ft. during the past past the during ft. 250 of maximum

TAN TAN

Decompression Decompression SPARTAN SPARTAN

stock. stock.

at an average depth of 120 ft. and to a a to and ft. 120 of depth average an at Giglio, Italy. Italy. Giglio,

stretch nylon fabric for lined suits. suits. lined for fabric nylon stretch

sleeve design, and new four-way high high four-way new and design, sleeve

sign nylon zip for life-long wear, new new wear, life-long for zip nylon sign

The SPARTAN suit illustrated in this this in illustrated suit SPARTAN The structor of the Neptune Diving Club, Club, Diving Neptune the of structor

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

* *

CM. %ill TEA TEA %ill CM.

g g

-

* *

Chief!?' Chief!?'

The Scottish Diver. Diver. Scottish The

Victory Victory

the the

* *

Drive carefully, 90% of' the the of' 90% carefully, Drive

people on the road are caused caused are road the on people

by accident. accident. by

By courtesy of of courtesy By

Warning to Motorists:— Motorists:— to Warning

Said Oyama, 'If I get well I shall shall I well get I 'If Oyama, Said

Laugh Laugh

`He says he's a monthly Dipper off off Dipper monthly a he's says `He

thing I know, but no more deep deep more no but know, I thing

diving for me'. me'. for diving

go back to diving, as its the only only the its as diving, to back go

56 56

* *

The Last Last The

* *

v‘tiqicire: v‘tiqicire:

do do

* *

* *

Sc t2riFf-",' t2riFf-",' Sc

She was on the verge of tears — tears of verge the on was She

Vicar to one of the ladies of the the of ladies the of one to Vicar

`I'm not cycling with you you're you're you with cycling not `I'm

`What did you do that for ?' ?' for that do you did `What

At that, the second got off his bike bike his off got second the that, At

`My saddle was to high', replied replied high', to was saddle `My

`What on earth did you do that that do you did earth on `What

Two certified lunatics were given given were lunatics certified Two At the end Oyama could stand stand could Oyama end the At

her favourite perch. perch. favourite her

my dear.' Well there was really no no really was there Well dear.' my

need, Vicar, I'm on the 'phone'. 'phone'. the on I'm Vicar, need, parish: 'I prayed for you last night, night, last you for prayed 'I parish:

back.' back.'

mad,' replied the second, I'm going going I'm second, the replied mad,'

the first. first. the

reversed the handlebars on his own own his on handlebars the reversed

cycle. cycle.

asked the first. first. the asked

as well, took out a spanner, and and spanner, a out took well, as

of them stopped, got off his bike and and bike his off got stopped, them of

for ?' asked the other cyclist. cyclist. other the asked ?' for

remained paralysed. paralysed. remained let the back tyre down. down. tyre back the let

the day off from the Asylum to go go to Asylum the from off day the

for a cycle-ride in the local country- local the in cycle-ride a for

side. They hadn't gone far before one one before far gone hadn't They side.

the unwanted nitrogen. nitrogen. unwanted the

shakily on one leg, though the other other the though leg, one on shakily

38 hours in there breathing a mixture mixture a breathing there in hours 38 of oxygen and helium to help flush flush help to helium and oxygen of