HEADQUARTERS ROLL NEWSLETTER

November 2011

1 Dear Shipmate Member,

Welcome to the Autumn newsletter, it is packed with great info and news about the RNA, I hope you enjoy it and something catches your eye.

I would like to open with a thank you and well done for the many ways in which RNA branches and HQ Roll members led their local communities during Remembrance week. It was marvellous to see so many positive reports and so many shipmates turn out. I was particularly proud of the RNA contingent at the Cenotaph parade which had many HQ members; it got good coverage on the BBC. The National Vice President, Keith Crawford laid the wreath on behalf of the RNA.

The Biennial Parade went very well with a moving speech by the First Sea Lord and a very good turnout from our shipmates in the Irish Naval Association. We had almost 500 on parade and 62 Standards. Everyone enjoyed a buffet and party in the Civil Service club afterwards, the Irish won the singing we won the drinking!

You will be pleased to hear that the Shipmates campaign is off and running, with our new AGS, Andy, visiting the resettlement offices to ensure that all Service leavers are aware of the help and support that the RNA can provide, we are getting the first of their resettlement addresses now. Any HQ role member who would like to help a naval redundees please give me a ring. I hope you agree that our poster is very eye-catching.

I am also thrilled to report that the mentoring of Phase 2 trainees by RNA members in HMS COLLINGWOOD has got off to a great start, we have volunteers to fill commitments until May, but would welcome anyone who would like to come and spin some dits with some keen and lively young sailors here in Portsmouth, even submariners and waffoos are welcome! The idea is to give the young sailors an idea of the traditions and history of the Navy – the first session had to teach the lads what ‘handsomely and roundly meant!!

Our Member-get-Member campaign has been in full swing, I hope you have recruited your member. If you want any more posters or joining forms give the HQ a shout.

The Conference Booking form will be on the website in

January, all HQ roll members are entitled to attend as observers. If you want to attend or know more about the events planned give the HQ a ring.

In his Chairman’s Dit, Chris Dovey mentions Open Days for 2012, we intend to run at least 3 of these days in 2012, we are delighted to see HQ Roll members here. The day includes an MOD boat around the dockyard, with the new Type 45 often to be seen. If you are interested give Nigel or Andy a ring or e-mail.

If the news and info in the newsletter has inspired you to want to be more involved in a nearby RNA branch, why not contact the Branch Secretary and ask to come along to the meeting. You are fully entitled to attend (but not to vote), but courteous to contact the Sec first. Details of branches and contact details are in the new website, www.royal-naval-association.co.uk under

2 ‘branches’. If you want to down load the branch circular or newsletter go to the ‘downloads’ section; when prompted for the code, type in ‘shipmate’.

If you are feeling a little lonely this Christmas and don’t want to, or can’t get to a meeting, why not consider joining the virtual branch. It is a jolly phone call once a fortnight with like-minded shipmates – all completely free of charge. You can even attend a special carol service on the phone if you are quick, details in the Newsletter.

I would like to close by wishing you all a Happy Christmas and Great New Year from all in the HQ staff.

Best Christmas wishes from Semaphore Tower Paul Quinn

General Secretary ______

Chairman's Chat

As we come to the end of a very full year I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Shipmates a very Happy Christmas and a Successful and Prosperous Voyage through the New Year. I would also like to thank all those Areas and Delegates who have made Keith and me so welcome on our visits to meet and interact with you. We didn't quite manage to fit in all 13 Areas and we look forward to completing a full house with visits to and Ireland in early 2012.

In 2011 we have had over 100 visitors to our first three Open Days at Semaphore Tower. As well as making them welcome in our excellent HQ facilities the GS has also managed to organise a boat trip around the Dockyard for them all at no cost to them or the RNA, and even provided fine weather and a tot of rum too. We plan to continue these popular events next year as we had to turn away as many as we accepted because of the demand. I want to take this opportunity to thank our HQ Staff on your behalf for not only making these open days so successful but for their hard work, loyalty and cheerfulness in dealing with all the work we place upon them over the year. They are just a small team but we would struggle to find better. It is always a pleasure for me to go into the Office, and I wish them a well-deserved and enjoyable Christmas break on your behalf.

We had a successful Conference in Plymouth and look forward to a similar event on Tyneside next year. Our membership decline has slowed up this year, which is very encouraging, and hopefully the initiatives we have started in 2011 will move into full flow in 2012 and stem the decline still further. We have a lot of work to do and I, Keith and the whole National Council will be doing our utmost to give you the RNA you deserve. In my visits to the Areas it has been obvious that there is overwhelming support for and belief in our great Association. I look forward to sharing with you all the opportunity to keep it at the forefront of the widespread Naval community. I treasure the times I have spent with many of you this year and hope for many more in 2012. I send you all my very best wishes, and sincerest appreciation for the support and encouragement I have received from you during my first full year as your National Chairman. Chris 3

Contents

DAILY ORDERS

1. Thank You- Open Day 2. Senior Citizens-Aids Carriers 3. Band –CD’s 4. Online Donations 5. Can you help Find ? 6. Under Payment of State Pension 7. Combat Stress – Mental Health 8. IHG Weekend Stays - 35% off 9. Donations Received 10. Book Reviews – Late Christmas Presents 11. Battle of the Atlantic Statue 12. Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal 13. Christmas Carol Services - Relayed into people’s homes 14. Premier Bathrooms 15. Fantastic offer – Carnival Cruising 16. Conference 2012 17. Virtual branch 18. Guess Where? 19. RN Boy Seaman WW11 Memorial 20. SSBN- Gold or Silver Patrol pin 21. Royal Marines Museum-Licensed for Civil Ceremonies 22. The Day By Day, (book offer) 23. WRNS-BT 70th Anniversary Commemorative Book 24. Bell Presentation – Royal Wotton Bassett 25. HMS Falmouth- Ships Bell- Can you help? 26. Scenes of Battle Tours 27. 1953 Coronation - Documentary 28. Little known Tit-bit of Naval History

Shortcast

Longcast

Ship’s Office

Swinging the Lamp

For the notice-board (included loose-leaf):

1. Latest Slops Price List and Order Form 2. 2012 Diaries 3. 2012 Christmas cards 4. Premier bathing 5. Summon The Heroes

4 Glossary of terms

NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NatCh National Chairman NatVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary Asap As soon as possible

Throughout  indicates a new or substantially changed entry

Contacts:

Accounts 023 9272 3823 [email protected]

FAX 023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops) 023 9272 3747 [email protected]

Events/Marketing/Comms 023 9272 3823 [email protected]

General Secretary 023 9272 2983 [email protected]

______

Joining Routine – Andy Christie

Andy Christie is the new AGS. He has just completed 36 years service serving for 24 years as a rating in the Stores Branch and was selected Warrant Office before being commissioned 12 years ago as an SUY (SD) officer. The highlights of Andy’s career included action in the Falklands Campaign in HMS GLASGOW and somehow managing to ‘loaf’ for three years in HMS MALABAR Bermuda, as Andy said “Someone had to do it”. He is really looking forward to working in the HQ and has already got stuck into the Shipmates Campaign for starters. A season ticket holder, at top of the championship, Southampton FC, Andy lives with his wife and family in Lee on the Solent.

RNA HQ Staff continue to attempt to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if you are able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e- message to HQ to [email protected]

5

Daily Orders

1.P HQ Open Day - Thank Yous received

Dorchester Branch; Please Covey our sincere thanks for a very enjoyable day Friday last to all the staff. It was most enlightening to see the operations going on at HQ. From S/Ms George Osbourne and Dennis Matthews Dorchester branch.

Warwick Branch; Just a quick message to say thank you and all your staff for a wonderful day out at Portsmouth it was fantastic, we were looked after so well by all your staff they made our day with you very special. So again thank you all for a lovely day. Derek Fletcher Hon Sec Warwick Branch

Note that we will be putting on at least 3 HQ Open Days in 2012, first one about Easter time.

At HQ we are conscious that we have not seen many HQ Role members at the open days this year. The next open day will now be in the new Year (dates yet to be decided) when the weather gets a bit better. HQ Open days have proved extremely popular and a it’s a great chance to see the HQ and meet all the staff, whilst getting a bit of Sea Time in, a spot of lunch, so come along and join us !! Give Nigel or Andy a ring or e-mail.

2. P Senior Citizens are the Nations AIDS Carriers

To all of you approaching or gone past 60, this email is especially for you, Senior Citizens are the Nation’s Leading Carriers of Aids !!!

Hearing Aids ! Band Aids ! Medical Aids ! Walking Aids ! Government Aids !

And most of all “monetary aids” to their kids !!!

3. New CDs release from the Royal Marines Band

The Band of HM Royal Marines have released a new CD Album called ‘Sailing’ . The RM Band Service is very excited about it as this will be the first album they have done under the Decca record label. The RAF and the Guards Bands have some considerable exposure and success with their albums over the last 18 months. They certainly got a lot of increased positive profile on national TV. They hope that this album will have a very positive effect for the Naval Service both past and present, which in turn should generate more interest in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and respectively the RNA & the RMA.

This album can be obtained from any good music shop, under the Decca label.

You may also be interested in further RM Band Music below of which all profits will go to the RMCTF and the two recordings that we are using for them are:

6 http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/catalogue/Eternal_Voices.htm or the download version: http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/catalogue/DL_eternalvoices.htm

The other is the CD single of Wootton Bassett http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/catalogue/Wootton_Bassett.htm or the download version: http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/catalogue/DL_WoottonBassett.htm

Future releases include: Mountbatten Festival of Music 2011 (anticipated release at the end of the November ) and Heroes & Warriors anticipated at the end of October.

4. On-line donations

You can now make an on-line donation to the RNA at http://www.bmycharity.com/charities/rna

This may be passed to family, friends or when a memorial donation is a good idea.

5.  Can you help - Find ?

My father worked with Fleming and Godfrey in NID during WW2 and I write to ask if there are any people still living who also worked there and might have known him.

If you can help then please contact,

William MIller BSc [email protected]]

6.P Under- Payment of State Pension, with Un-employability Supplement

A member reports that a number of recipients of the state retirement pension (SRP), who also receive un-employability supplement (UNSUPP) from MOD, are due arrears or are being underpaid by Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). This dates from April 2006 when an obscure change in legislation authorised DWP to pay, with the SRP, the difference between UNSUPP and the Basic State Pension (BSP). Some people received payment from April 2008 of the difference of £1.00 pw, without application or notification that arrears were owed from April 2006. Our member, who has been paid his arrears for 2006/07 and 2007/08, has since come across eligible veterans who have not been paid the difference and a case where no SRP was paid from age 65/60. The difference (£3.60 for 2011/12) arose when the Basic State Pension was increased above RPI, but UNSUPP was not. If you think this affects you, application for payment of arrears should be made to DWP Norcross. - 01253 333834. and not MoD ______

7. Combat Stress: Mental Health treatment and support for Veterans of all ages

Combat Stress provides a range of treatments and support to Veterans of all three Services and the Merchant Navy who suffers from mental ill-health as a result of their Service: 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619 or text 07537 404 719. This is a secure, anonymous, specialist mental health advice line for serving personnel and ex-Service men and women and their families, seeking help and advice when it comes to Service-related mental health issues

7 Support in the Community, delivered by our UK-wide network of Community Outreach Teams Residential treatment programmes, at our three treatment centres in Surrey, Shropshire and Ayrshire. To find out more about our Services for Veterans, please visit www.combatstress.org.uk

We’re also proud to endorse Big White Wall an award-winning online forum. It offers a safe and open space to anonymously discuss any mental health concerns – and is free to serving personnel, Veterans, and their families. It is an NHS initiative and conversations are monitored and moderated by trained “Wall Guides”. Visit www.bigwhitewall.com

8. Up to 35% off IHG weekend stays

Enjoy up to 35% off next UK weekend break with friends or family at over 220 Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express hotels.

Terms and conditions

Offer applicable for reservations and stays made until 31st December 2011. Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights (some hotels may offer limited midweek availability – please check when booking). Discount represents a saving against our Best Flexible rate per room, per night for two adults sharing a standard double/twin room (inclusive of VAT). Room only, breakfast not included, with the exception of complimentary continental breakfast at Holiday Inn Express hotels. Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults. Offer valid on new bookings only, full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given. All bookings are subject to availability of rooms allocated to this offer at participating hotels. A maximum of 2 rooms can be booked under any one reservation. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions. The promotional rates are non- commissionable. Priority Club points do not apply.

To take advantage of this great offer plus some great package deals please visit www.ihg.com/forces or call 0871 423 4874 quoting ‘Exclusive’ The offer is valid until 31st December 2011.

9. P Donations received for the Charities Fund

Thank you for the donations received this quarter to the Central Charities Fund.

St Barbara’s Garrison Church- Chatham £140.00 Derek Pearson £100.00 Charles Brown £ 96.50 RNA - Belfast £200.00 RNA – Romford £ 50.00

8 10.  Book reviews - Late Christmas Presents

Titanic (A passengers guide) ISBN 9781844861484 Hardback £7.99 from : The Book People Limited, Catteshall Manor, Catteshall Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1UU- Order hotline: 0845 602 4040 A Passenger's Guide is a unique guide to all the aspects of the ship, incorporating authentic period literature - from sources including White Star Line themselves, Harland & Wolff shipyards, the International Mercantile Marine Company (White Star Line's owners) and important publications from the 1910's such as The Shipbuilder. Great book for the heads.

Able Seamen (The Lower Deck of the Royal Navy from 1850 to the Present Day) ISBN 9781844861408, £25.00 from Bertrams, Tel 0871 803 6600

Brian Lavery returns with the second volume of his engaging social history of the Royal Navy's 'lower deck', exploring the world of the seamen (as opposed to the officers of the quarterdeck). I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in RN social history and the lower deck. Well worth a read!

Nelsons First Love (Fanny’s Story) ISBN 9781445603650 - £20.00 from Amberley Publishing Telephone: 01453 847 800

Fanny was his loyal devoted wife – and his equally devoted widow – until she died in London in 1831 at the age of 70. Most biographers of Nelson have failed to give her more than a cursory glance, hypnotised as they have been by the dynamic sea and his mistress. She lived a long and extremely interesting life, partly in London, Bath, Paris or Devon. Moreover although she failed to give Nelson a child, she did give him her son by her first marriage, Josiah Nisbet, to whom the Admiral was deeply attached. Very informative, an in-depth look at her relationship with Nelson. Highly recommended by HQ staff.

11. Battle of the Atlantic Statue

How many Shipmates of the Royal Naval Association would like to be associated with the unveiling of a reproduction of this Sailor Statue? This Statue stands in Downtown, Halifax, Nova Scotia, overlooking the harbour where the Atlantic Convoys gathered before heading out to the North Atlantic. By kind permission of The Atlantic Chief and Petty Officers’ Association of Canada, the Londonderry Branch of The Royal Naval Association has started a project to erect a similar statue in the old naval base in Londonderry. Many of you will know that Londonderry played a critical role of supporting the convoy escort ships and their crews. The Sailor Statue will be dedicated to all those sailors who served and to those who made the supreme sacrifice, during the Battle of the Atlantic. Funding needs to be in place by February 2012 to have the statue built and in place for the unveiling in May 2013.

9 An account has been set up to receive donations at: Northern Bank; Altnagelvin 27 Glenshane Road Further details are available from Londonderry BT47 2LN [email protected] Tel.: 0845 602 6500 Treasurer: S/m W.E. Lavery Fax: 028 7131 2086 46 Knockwellan Park Sort Code: 950383. Londonderry BT47 2JB Battle of the Atlantic Sailor Statue Fund IBAN: GB22DABA95038320136522

12.  Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal

British veterans awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal have been given permission by Her Majesty The Queen to wear it for the first time during Remembrance events next Sunday and thereafter. The Government of Malaysia introduced the medal in 2005 and awarded it to British and Commonwealth veterans who served in the conflict in Malaya in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Approval is not normally given for foreign medals to be accepted if British recognition for a campaign has already been presented. Previously, veterans had been able to accept but not wear the medal. It has now been agreed they can both accept and wear the PJM.

This was done to recognise the generous gesture by the King and Government of Malaysia, and their wish to award the PJM in recognition of service given by many veterans in the difficult years leading up to and following Malaysian independence.

If you think you qualify details of how to apply are on the RNA website www.royal-naval- association.co.uk

13  Christmas Carol Services - to be relayed into people’s homes

Older people all over the country who are unable to attend church because of illness or disability are being given the chance to participate in the joy and celebration of a Christmas carol concert without having to leave their homes. The telephone charity Community Network is planning to relay two Christmas carol concerts directly into people’s homes via the telephone. This is an extension of the Virtual Branch system.

The charity will use the latest digital telephone conferencing technology to link up older people so they can enjoy one or both of the carol concerts as they take place. BT is funding the project, so there is no charge to those taking part.

The carol concerts are taking place at two London churches on the following dates:

7th December, St. Peter’s Church, Eaton Square

20th December, St. Martin’s in the Fields, Trafalgar Square

Before the concerts Community Network will send a programme to all those taking part allowing them to follow the service as if they were actually there. Each member of the telephone congregation is then phoned just prior to the service and linked up to the church. Furthermore, unlike radio or television broadcasts, the minister taking the service refers directly to those listening on the telephone; reinforcing the feeling they are part of the congregation.

10 “The singing of carols is an important part of the Christmas celebrations for many older people, as it has been throughout their lives,” said Pat Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Community Network. “No longer being able to attend a Christmas carol service can cause them great sadness. Since Community Network held its first telephone carol concert over ten years ago we have seen the audience grow and received many letters and calls from people who have thoroughly enjoyed taking part.”

Anyone, anywhere in the UK, who wants to take part FREE of charge should phone 0845 619 9992. Community Network will take your details and contact you this Christmas.

14. Premier Bathrooms

Just to let you know that the RNA has benefited from the first fitting of a Premier bathroom – a great deal for the member and for the RNA. Details of the special RNA deal are in the Ships Office section.

15.  Fantastic Offer for RNA Full and Life members going on a cruise with Carnival

Military Personnel Benefits, We pleased to offer a special Military Personnel onboard credit program. This program is available to serving military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification as outlined below. The benefit will be an onboard spend and the latest this benefit can be applied will be 7 days before departure. Please note that it will not be possible to apply the Military benefit once the passengers are onboard the ship. The benefit is applicable to serving military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification.

• Serving personnel currently serving in the following service divisions: • British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Reserves with a copy of your official military ID card. • Retired Military personnel must provide appropriate proof of service issued by the MOD(there is a specific document retired personnel can obtain from the MOD for this purpose).

Required Identification

• Serving Personnel: Copy of your official military ID card. • Retired Personnel: appropriate proof of service issued by the MOD

Onboard Credit Amount Per Cabin Cruise Length Amount 6 Days or Less $50 per cabin 7 - 13 Days $100 per cabin 14 Days or Longer $250 per cabin *Please note if you have a booking with the following promotions you will not be entitled to the benefits as they are not combinable: A**/D**/Y**/N**/F**/KPG/KMG/KDG/R** Please email a copy of your identification with a covering note including your name, booking reference, ship, cruise number and date of travel to: [email protected] Kind Regards

11 Sharon Talbot Concessions Administrator Carnival UK, Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1ST T +44 (0)23 8065 7783

16.  Conference 2012 – Forward info & Accommodation

We would be delighted to see HQ Roll members at our 2012 Conference, as observers and for the several reunion events. The Conference will be held at Newcastle 8, 9 and 10 June 2012. The outline programme will be:

Friday 8 June

All day: AMC, FAC and National Council meet in Thistle Hotel Evening: Welcome reception for all at the Assembly Rooms, Newcastle

Saturday 9 June

1030 Conference starts in the Assembly Rooms, Second Sea Lord as Guest of honour 1900 Gala Dinner or Buffet/Dance at the Assembly Rooms

Sunday 10 June

Parade forms and marches to St Nicholas Cathedral

Late am Church Service at St Nicholas o/c Parade forms and marches to Eldon Square memorial o/c Laying of wreath at memorial

Please note that there will be no central booking of accommodation or travel arrangements, accommodation may be tight in Newcastle about this time, so worth starting to enquire soon. We have agreed with the Newcastle Convention Bureau that we will have a dedicated webpage for RNA bookings, this is the link www.NewcastleGateshead.com/NAVAL2012

It will have progressively more hotels in it as the Bureau contacts local establishments. This will be suitable for block bookings.

This will cover mid-range hotels but not the many B&B in Jesmond and towards the Coast. Newcastle has an excellent metro system and the venues are very central, just opposite the Central Station.

The local branch contact is Shipmate Ian McQueen, his e-mail is [email protected]

If you are interested please give Nigel or Andy a ring. The booking form will be available on-line in January 2012.

17.  Virtual Branch. It’s Free!!

Have you heard of the Virtual Branch? Well it is FREE and may be of interest to many HQ Roll members who can’t get to a Branch meeting! 12

Virtual Branch is a telephone system, with the help of CommunityLink, which enables members to "link" up by telephone anywhere in the and ROI. All you need is a landline and one hour every fortnight with the time and day sorted to suit all who would like to join in. The only criteria is that you must be a paid up Full or Associate member of the Royal Naval Association (which you are!!).

At the pre-arranged agreed time an operator from Community Link calls you on your landline and then proceeds to call the others in your group. There are usually 6 to 8 in a group and one co- ordinator. Then it's all systems go and you can ‘Dit On’ and chat away about any subject for a whole hour. The co-ordinator is there to help fill any gaps or to move on from any possible friction. But of course, I would not expect any of that between any of our members!

So come on Shipmates you must have lots of dits to swop! Many of our Associates, who are a vital part of our Association, must have stories to tell of their life in the other Services or their jobs in ‘civvy street’ so let’s hear 'em.

If you would like to be a part of the Virtual Branch just contact Rita or Andy contact details below. We need your name, postal address and landline number. These details will only be made available to the co-ordinator of your group and the phone operator at Community Link.

HQ 02392 720782 [email protected]

Rita Lock 02392 642 234 [email protected] National Welfare Adviser

18.  Guess Where? An Ex RN Establishment

Can you name the establishment and where it is? Please forward any other pictures to the HQ that you may have for ‘Guess Where’ so that we may publish them in forthcoming newsletters.

Answer - in the next edition.

19.  RN Boy Seaman WW11 Memorial, Portsmouth Cathedral, Southsea-Update

Plans have been approved to install a stone floor plaque in Portsmouth Cathedral as a memorial to the 534 RN Boy seaman aged 16 and 17 years old who were killed by enemy action during WW11. There will also be a Book of Remembrance which will list the Boy Seaman and the Ships in which they served. The cost of this project is approximately £8k and S/m Jim Reed, is appealing for donations, no matter how big or small. If you would like to make a donation please send cheques to; 13

The RN Boy Seaman Memorial Fund 10 Cheltenham Gardens Hedge End Southampton Hants SO30 2UR

We thank you all for being so generous, and to date the fund have received donations of almost £2k, (target figure, 8k). But there is still a long way to go as the dedication is planned for the 12 March, 2012, so please support our project!

20. P SSBN Gold or Silver Patrol pin (Bomber Queens take note)

The Royal Navy has introduced a pin for those who have completed patrols of over 30 days in SSBNs – the deterrent submarines in the RESOLUTION and VANGUARD class. This pin is worn on uniforms and can be worn by veterans, but always with Dolphins. Veterans will not be entitled to a free pin, however they will be entitled to wear one once they are available to purchase from the contracted supplier. The decision as to whether a person is entitled to a Gold or Silver pin will be down to the Fleet HQ and your local Submarine Association. Gold pins are for those doing 20 patrols and over and the Silver pin for 1 to 19 patrols.

The pins that were initially supplied for serving personnel have just run out, and they were not of the best quality, in the fact the pins snapped when changing them from one uniform to another, therefore a new supplier was found (the same that provides the Dolphin pin badge). The first set of these have just been issued to stores and due to the initial problems with broken pins are being snapped up by the serving personnel.

At present the supplier is taking up the back log of serving personnel, but once that has been achieved The Fleet HQ will let us know the places that you can purchase them from.

Anyone has any questions on this or any other please contact the GS (ex HMS REVENGE).

21.  Royal Marines Museum-Licensed for Civil Ceremonies

The Royal Marines Museum in Southsea, one of the most prestigious buildings in Portsmouth, is now licensed for civil ceremonies including marriages, civil partnerships, and renewal of marriage vows and naming ceremonies.

Increasingly people are looking to use approved premises as the setting for their civil ceremonies, and the Royal Marines Museum is the perfect option for someone looking for an extra special venue. Nestled alongside the Southsea seafront, the Museum is a Victorian Grade II listed building, formerly the Officers’ Mess of Eastney Barracks. The Museum’s rooms are some of the most grand and impressive on the South Coast and vary in size to accommodate any size of ceremony and reception.

The versatility of the Museum means it can host a civil ceremony and reception for a small intimate celebration or host up to 200 people. The experienced staff at the Museum and our partner catering company Red Caterers will ensure that every celebration is special by paying attention to every detail and delivering the highest level of service.

Exclusive use of the Mountbatten Room, Minstrels’ Gallery, Trustees’ Dining Room, Band Room and Medal Room are available. Ceremonies can be held in the impressive Minstrels’ Gallery 14 decorated with magnificent oil paintings, then guests can step outside in to the gardens for a glass of champagne, or have photographs taken on our grand sweeping staircase before joining guests in the magnificent Mountbatten Room to dine.

Donna-Marie Roulland, Event Manager said "For many years we’ve offered exceptional receptions and parties, but now being able to offer civil ceremonies will be a wonderful addition to offer people looking to hold their celebrations at the Royal Marines Museum".

If you’re interested in finding out more about civil ceremonies at Royal Marines Museum or details on hiring the Museum for your wedding reception or private party please contact our events manager Donna-Marie Roulland on 023 9281 9385 or [email protected]

22.  The Royal Navy Day By Day - Discount Offer - £40 hardback - Only to the RNA

The Royal Navy Day By Day by Lieutenant-Commander Lawrie Phillips is the ultimate record of British naval heritage preserved in a diary of daily events. Due to be published 21st October 2011, this £50 hardback (Offer open to the RNA only) covers 500 years of naval endeavour from Armada to presented chronologically day by day and month.

The Royal Navy Day by Day has established itself as a familiar, dependable, often referred to and much-loved part of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. While so many books of naval history concentrate on the big events, The Royal Navy Day by Day also covers the smaller engagements in which sailors, Royal Marines, the WRNS, aircrew, submariners and members of the RFA and the Merchant Navy served so finely in peace and war. First published in 1979, this latest fourth edition, much expanded and thoroughly revised, includes the principal operations and administrative developments in the Royal Navy to the present day.

• A record, not just of great battles, but of all that has gone into building the Royal Navy’s reputation for excellence down the centuries. • Charting what the Royal Navy and Royal Marines did for the nation and what was done to them by the enemy, the sea and the Admiralty. • Listing the Anniversaries of triumphs and disasters alongside the business side of battles and actions down the years. • Richly illustrated paying homage to the continuing proud tradition of the Royal Navy in modern warfare and peacetime. • Highly regarded in the Royal Navy and employed daily throughout the Fleet. Just to confirm, the offer is: Title: Royal Naval Day By Day ‘Probably ISBN: 978-0-7524-6177-9 one of the most well-thumbed and valued books Offer: £40 free p&p (UK Only) Captain of Her Majesty’s Ships possess.’ Vice- Duration: 01/10/11 till 01/01/12 Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham. Reference code (must be quoted in order to get the discount): HPRNA Buy book from: The History Press website www.thehistorypress.co.uk or Tel: 01235

465500 Kerry Green 15 23. P WRNSBT 70th Anniversary Commemorative Book

April 2012 will mark the 70th anniversary of the WRNS Benevolent Trust which is still helping former Wrens who find themselves in need or distress. To mark this special occasion the Trust will be publishing a history of its work over the decades illustrated with pictures of Wrens at work and play which have been donated by our members. Over those decades the WRNS BT has helped over 12,000 former members of the WRNS both in the UK and overseas, and still plays an important part in the lives of our beneficiaries – in 2010, we helped 408 women with £341,930 in annual and one off grants. You could help us keep costs down by sponsoring the production of the book. We are asking our supporters to consider giving £10 as sponsorship and in return each sponsor will have their name, along with their dates of their service noted in a special section of the book. You can also separately sponsor any members of your family who also served in the WRNS.

After the production of the book you may see names of friends who you want to contact again and you will be able to do so through the WRNS BT. This represents a wonderful opportunity to support your Charity and have your name highlighted in this unique publication

If you would like to sponsor the WRNS BT 70th Anniversary commemorative book please see the flyer at the back of the Circular.

Sarah Ayton Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust Tel 02392 655301 www.wrnsbt.org.uk

2

24.  Bell Presentation- Royal Wotton Bassett

Following the repatriation of Service men and women from Royal Wotton Bassett, to Brize Norton, the RNA Carterton Branch were major players in getting the Local Politicians to agree to a garden of Remembrance on the route that the cortege are now taking to JR2 Hospital Oxford. S/M Bob McGuinness presented the No 6 Area Bell to the Oxford area RBL Chairman Mark Henderson for use in future repatriations. 2

25. P HMS Falmouth- Ships Bell- Can you help?

We have received an enquiry from John Crawford, who was the last Jimmy in HMS Falmouth when she was de-commissioned (for the second time) in December 1984. He is particularly interested in tracing the ship's bell, as his son was christened in it. He thought (and hoped!) it would be hanging in our headquarters in Falmouth, but alas we have no knowledge of its whereabouts. I shall make enquiries locally, but if anyone has any useful information as to its whereabouts, I would be eternally grateful.

Ron Burdekin, 23 Glebe Close, Mawgan, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6AA Tel; 01326 221851. (Falmouth Branch)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Falmouth-Royal-Naval-Association/138934652807622 2

16 26.  Scenes of Battle - Tours

Shipmates who attended the 2010 Annual Conference in Ouistreham may well remember the hugely interesting Battlefield tour that had been organised to visit some of the Beaches, Arromanches and Pegasus Bridge? Well, Shipmate David Glossop who conducted one of the full coaches on the tour has put together SCENES OF BATTLE TOURS which is geared to assist small groups of people wishing to cover aspects of the Second World War in Normandy and Brittany. These tours are tailor made with the aim of meeting the requirements and expectations of each group and could include the story of HMS CAMPBELTOWN and the Commando raid on Saint-Nazaire, the German occupation of north-western , and the Battles for Normandy. He can also cover the Royal Naval Divisions during the Battle of the Somme in the First World War.

For further information please visit: http://scenesofbattle.co.uk 2

27.  1953 Coronation Fleet Review- Documentary

Do you remember the fleet review in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II?

The television company IWC Media are keen to speak to anybody who remembers the event – maybe you took part, or watched from the shore – for a documentary they are developing on the review. If you are interested in sharing your memories please contact Alex Leithead via email at [email protected], or by phone on 0141 353 8411.

28.  Little known Tit-bit of Naval History

2 The USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers, or reverse osmosis plants).

However, let it be noted that according to her Ship's Log, "On July 27 1798 the USS Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum.

“Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.

On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of- war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The USS Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky and 38,600 gallons of water.

17 Shortcast

Portsmouth Field Gunners Association - 3/12/2011

Christmas Social. HMS Excellant WO & Snr Rates Mess. December 3, starting at 1900 to 2359. All Portsmouth Field gunners, Associate members, families and friends are welcome to join in the festivities. For more details log onto the website or email Rob Wyatt

s://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189459244437937

HMS Prince of Wales & HMS Repulse Survivors Association 10 Dec 2011

For further information please contact the association secretary, Hannah Rickard, 19 Crossways, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8JP or telephone 0208 657 3915. Contact can also be made vie the website www.forcez-survivors.org.uk

2012

50th Anniversary Term Reunion of Supplementary List (Executive) Officers: - 7/01/2012

It is proposed to hold a reunion of the above entry on January 7, 2012 and will take place at the Floating Bridge Inn at 1430 and thence to BRNC for a conducted tour.

This will be aimed primarily to those who live in UK and wish to mark the exact time and date of their fateful decision.

It is further anticipated to hold a plenary reunion, to include WAGs, later in the year.

Anyone wishing to attend the reunion should contact Commander J.F. O'Driscoll MBE (RN) Rtd

83 Recruitment, HMS Ganges 1966 - 3/02/2012

Looking for members of 332 Class for a reunion with their Chief, Harry Burgon. Those not yet found are Ken Hall, Jim Hutchison, Steve Jenkins and John Clarkson. The reunion will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5QT from February 3 to 4. Please get in touch with Keith Morison.

HMS Penelope Association Reunion - 17/02/2012

26th Annual Reunion at The New President Hotel, Blackpool FY1 2LG from February 17 to 19 (open to all who served in the 1938/44 or 1963/92, or are relatives of those who did so). For details of membership and the reunion, contact the Secretary, Mike Bee or visit the website

HMS Andromeda Association - 24/02/2012

HMS Andromeda Association: Annual reunion at the Britannia Hotel, Birmingham from February 24 to 26. Full details from Rick Matthews [email protected]

HMS Ariadne F72 Reunion - 02/03/2012

18 The former crew of HMS Ariadne F72 are planning a reunion in Plymouth over the weekend of 2nd-3rd-4th March 2012. This coincides with the 39th Anniversary of HMS Ariadne's First Commission into the Royal Navy on 2nd March 1973. The reunion will be held in the Invicta Hotel, Plymouth. please book early by contacting Roy at the hotel or S/M Francis Brown on 01236 603663, City of Glasgow Branch R.N.A. All Branches and All Commissions Welcome.

HMS Undine & Urchin Association - 9/03/2012

HMS Undine & Urchin Association in company with Ursa, Ulster, Ulysses, Urania and Undaunted are holding their next AGM and Reunion at the Inglewood Hotel, Torquay from March 9 to 12. Contact Secretary, Chris Heslop. [email protected]

HMS Brilliant 30th Anniversary Reunion - 23/03/2012

Takes place from March 23 to 25 at Livermead House Hotel, Torquay. Further details at www.hmsbrilliant.com

HMS Hermes Reunion and the 30th Falkland Anniversary 2012

The reunion and anniversary will take place between the 5-8 April at the Royal Maritime Club Portsmouth. T0 join the association and more information please contact the Secretary on ; 01752 787997 or email; [email protected]

HMS Loch Fada Association - 13/04/2012

Reunion and AGM at Dauncheys Hotel, Weston Super Mare from April 13 to 16. All ex-F390s welcome & any who can’t make the ‘Lockie’ 2012 reunion. Details and booking forms from Frenchy at frenchy.delah HMS Aisne, last commission 1965-68 - 13/04/2012

HMS Newfoundland Veterans - 13/04/2012

The weekend will be held from April 13 to 16 at the Bancourt Hotel, Torquay. Details available from Alan Waite [email protected]

HMS Protector Association - 20/04/2012

2012 Grand Annual Reunion and AGM is to be held at The Suncliff Hotel, Bournemouth on the weekend of April 20 to 23. Early booking is highly recommended. Forms and further details available from Doug Harris at [email protected] or downloadable from the website at http://www.hmsprotector.org/

HMS Glasgow (C21/D88) - 20/04/2012

32nd reunion will take place at the Haddon Hotel, Eastbourne from April 20 to 23. All ex-crew are welcome. Timings- 1400hrs, Location- BN21 4AJ - Tel +44 (0)1323 640953

HMS Hermes, Chefs 1968/70 - 21/04/2012

This years get together was a great success. The guest of honour was our Cookery Officer, Fred Motley who will be there again next year. The reunion will take place at the Royal Maritime Club on April 21. For more details contact Scouse ‘Ruby’ Enright.

19 Loch Class Association - 27/04/2012

Annual Reunion takes place at The Ramada Bristol City Hotel, Bristol from April 27 to 30. All Members of the Association welcome. For details please contact Andrew Nunn Hon. Sec. LCFA at or see the website Membership is open to all who served on any of the Loch Class ships or their variants (Bay Class, Admirals Yachts, survey ships and repair ships). Some of these types of ships have their own ‘Associations’ but you can always join both.

HMS Fisgard Series S41/44 - 27/04/2012

A 50th Anniversary Reunion for those who trained in HMS Fisgard in 1961/62 will take place at the McDonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham B2 4JQ from April 27 to 28, 1930 for 2000. Please register your interest and for further information contact Dave Uden dave- [email protected]

HMS Fisgard Series 41 - 45 Artificers

A Reunion is planned for the weekend 27th-28th April 2012 in Birmingham. For more details please contact; Bob Mason [email protected]

HMS Sheffield 30th Falklands Reunion 2012 - 4/05/2012

Calling all HMS Sheffields D80,1982. HMS Sheffield 30th Reunion May 4 - 6 2012 at the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth. Any interest in this event, please contact Guy ‘Tug’ Wilson at [email protected]

Royal Naval Hospital Haslar - 4/05/2012

The 2nd RNH Haslar Reunion for all RN Medics and Naval Nurses who trained or served there between 1955 and 1985 will be held in Gosport over from May 4 to 7, 2012. A Minimum of three separate events over the weekend, including a Sunday DTS with Shep Woolley. Tickets £25 per head for the weekend, with all Profits to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Contact David Rawson via Facebook.com/RNH Haslar Reunion Group or by email to [email protected]

HMS Ganges Association - 11/05/2012

Next year sees the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the HMS Ganges Association and we will celebrate this special occasion at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool from May 11 to 14. The reunion not only reunites old boys who trained together, but also those who have become friends from meeting at previous reunions. If interested, contact the Association or tel: 0845 900 2782 for more details, including the easy payment scheme and disabled facilities at the hotel.

HMS Cleopatra Old Shipmates Association - 11/05/2012

Seeking new members to join us from both the cruiser and frigate. Wives/partners are also very welcome. We have 230 members and the subscriptions are only £6 per year. Our 27th AGM and Reunion is being held at Babbacombe, Torquay from May 11 to 14, 2012. If you are interested in joining the Association then contact the Secretary, Warwick Franklin at [email protected]

Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association - 11/05/2012

20 The 2012 AGM & Reunion Weekend is confirmed for the Hilton Hotel, North Promenade, Blackpool commencing May 11. Three night package including Private Dinner & entertainment for just £130. Pool/Sauna available and on site parking. Please contact the Secretary, Denis Askham - [email protected]

HMS Minerva Reunion - 18/05/2012

HMS Minerva Reunion: This will take place on May 18 at the Commissioner’s House in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, where there will be an afternoon reception followed by an opportunity for a less formal get-together in a local hostelry. For more information contact Barry Miller at [email protected]

HMS Cavalier Association - 18/05/2012

Reunion will take place from May 18 to 21 at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. Further information can be obtained from David Shardlow at [email protected]

HMS Danae First Commission - 18/05/2012

Reunion from May 18 to 19 at the Chesterfield Hotel, Chesterfield. Details on the website Further information from Dave Shoemaker [email protected]

HMS Solebay Association - 18/05/2012

Will be holding it’s 15th annual reunion from May 18 to 21, at the De Vere Barony Castle Hotel, near Edinburgh EH45 8QW. A full weekend of activities is planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ship paying off for the last time. All ex-Solebay’s and their guests are welcome. For further details contact Malcolm Clarke [email protected]

HMS Dainty - 25/05/2012

HMS Dainty, AGM and Reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn Harrogate w/e commencing May 25, 2012. Please contact David Erwin [email protected] or HMS Dainty website for further details.

HMS Antelope 30th Reunion -26 May 2012

The 30th anniversary of HMS Antelope will take place on SS Great Britain on the 26 May 2012, anyone interested please contact Dorothy Benn, Hon Sec, Stroud Branch ; 01453-757 984 [email protected]

Royal Hospital School, Holbrook- 23/24 June 2012

RHS Holbrook over the weekend of 23/24 June 2012 extend an invitation to as many as possible. A programme is being arranged for the School’s Tercentenary celebrations (RHS300) contact details are [email protected] and they would welcome any communication with former Holbrook students.

A Night at “The SODS Opera” 2012

Coming to the Kings Theatre Southsea Sunday 29th July 2012. “A Naval Review” Last Year It Was “A Right Rum Do” This time it will be “A Night At The SODS Opera” Wanted from the local area, acts and volunteer crew to assist. [email protected] 21 RNA Longcast

______1 Dec IEST meeting (London) (GS) 3 Dec National Council Meeting- Portsmouth 19 Dec GS & Michelle on Christmas Leave 23Dec- 3 Jan 2012 HQ closed for Christmas and New Year 19 Jan GS visit to Yeovilton 28 Jan 10 Area AGM weekend 16 Feb Audit meeting HQ 17 Feb Motions, NCM & SOC election nominations Deadline 18 Feb AMC Meeting 18 Feb SOC Meeting 21 Feb Presentation to Commanding Officers (Desig) GS, AGS 25 Feb FAC Meeting 10 Mar National Council 15 Mar Naval CEO meeting (ST) 16 Mar- 2Apr Andy on Leave 31 March Welfare Seminar - Liverpool 28 Apr Portland Branch Annual Dinner (GS) 28/29 Apr 10 Area meeting and reunion weekend 8 June 0900 - 1200 AMC and FAC 8 June 1300-1630 National Council 8-10 June 2012 National Conference - Newcastle on Tyne 10 June SOC Conference Wash Up 25 – 30 June Seafarers Awareness Week 30 June Armed forces Day 2 July Mid Year budget review 4 Aug AMC Meeting (TBC) 25 Aug FAC Meeting 7 – 8 Sept National Council (Includes one day on Rule Review) 20 Oct Dorchester Branch Trafalgar Dinner (GS) 8 Nov Field of Remembrance 11 Nov Remembrance Day 13 Nov Budget Meeting GS, Hon Tres, Accountant 17 Nov AMC meeting 24 Nov FAC Meeting 8 Dec National Council

22 Swinging the Lamp – December

1 Dec 1588 Chatham Chest founded for relief of distressed seamen. The Chatham Chest was a pension fund founded in the sixteenth century to help disabled sailors by deducting sums from seamen’s pay. The Chest had five locks, with five different keys held by five different officers. Despite this there was severe mismanagement of funds. Pepys set up a Commission to inspect its administration.

2 1825 Defeat of the Burmese at Pagoda Point, above Prome. Diana and boats of the Irrawaddy flotilla captured 300 warboats.

3 1946 Fleet minesweeper Middlesex (RCN) wrecked on Bald Island Point, near Halifax, while going to the assistance of a fishing vessel in a storm.

4 1939 Submarine L 27 detected by prototype ASV in Hudson of 220 Squadron RAF experimenting over the Channel. Side-scan confirmed as better than ahead-scanner.

5 1578 Drake sacked Valparaiso.

6 1838 Ships’ libraries authorised by Admiralty.

7 1776 James Aitken, known as ‘Jack the Painter’,set fire to the Rope House in Portsmouth Dockyard. He paid the price for Arson in a Royal Dockyard.

8 1778 Horatio Nelson promoted master and commander into the brig Badger.

9 1914 Commissioning of Ark Royal, purchased for conversion to seaplane carrier.

10 1941 Prince of Wales, flagship of Admiral Sir Tom Phillips, and Repulse sunk by Japanese torpedo aircraft off the E. coast of Malaya (03.33N, 104.28E and 03.45N, 104.24E, respectively). The first British capital ships lost to air attack and the last battleship and battlecruiser lost in action.

11 1953 WRNS new-entry training establishment at Burghfield near Reading since July 1945, commissioned as Dauntless. Paid off 14 August 1981 and training transferred to Raleigh.

12 1888 Establishment of two Schools of Signalling, one in Devonport arracks and the other in Portsmouth, originally in Duke of Wellington but eventually in Victory.

13 1711 The wall around Portsmouth Dockyard completed. ‘This WALL was Begun the 4th June and finish’d ye 13th Decembr 1711.’ ‘In order to meet the needs of modern road traffic and with the approval of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty this gate built in 1711 was increased in width from 12ft to 22ft, November 1944’ – plaques at Victory Gate.

14 1864 Bombay (screw (81)) destroyed by fire and explosion off Montevideo. Ninety- seven dead, including thirty-four Royal Marines, one of whom died at his post as sentry outside the Captain’s quarters.

15 1913 Tiger, battlecruiser, launched at John Brown’s. The Royal Navy’s last coal- burning capital ship to remain in the operational fleet, paying off in 1931.

23 16 1653 Instructions for all commanders-in-chief of squadrons, flag officers in their divisions and for all captains of ships at sea in the service of the Commonwealth, issued by George Monck, John Disbraw and William Penn aboard the Swiftsure – the first Articles of War, from which came the phrase ‘Naval justice is swift and sure.’

17 1856 The abandoned discovery barque HMS Resolute, Capt H. Keller CB, RN, found by an American whaler in the Arctic on 10 September 1855, was presented to the British people by the United States. The Resolute was one of the five-ship Belcher expedition sent to find Franklin’s Erebus and Terror in 1852. Having been refitted by the US Congress, the Resolute arrived at Spithead in December 1856 flying the Stars and Stripes and the Red Ensign. Her Captain, Capt Harstein USN, dined with Queen Victoria who gave him ￡100 to share among his crew.

18 1677 Qualifying examination introduced for lieutenants, RN.

19 1915 Evacuation of Anzac and Suvla beachheads began at Gallipoli. Successfully completed by 21st.

20 1963 ‘Ceremonial at Colours and Sunset .Henceforth, men hoisting and hauling down the Colours are to keep their caps on. QR&AI Article 1349 will be amended accordingly.’ –DCI(RN)2369.

21 1841 Special uniform, with special buttons depicting an engine, devised for First Class Engineers.

22 1956 Last British and French troops withdrawn from Suez. Prime Minister Eden resigned 9 January 1957.

23 1805 The body of Vice-Admiral Viscount Nelson transferred from Victory at The Nore into Commissioner Grey’s yacht Chatham, which had come from Sheerness, and carried up the Thames to .

24 1957 The small Naval Party employed on Christmas Island in support of British nuclear weapon tests, NP 2512 and NP 5555, named HMS Resolution, received greetings from the Admiralty: ‘Their Lordships wish to convey Their appreciation to the officers and men of HMS Resolution of their work on Christmas Island on this the 180th anniversary of the discovery of the island by Captain Cook in HMS Resolution.’

25 1962 ‘A messing supplement of 75 per cent of the basic daily rate of mess allowance may be claimed for all officers and ratings actually fed in Mess on Christmas Day in HM Ships and Fleet Establishments.

26 1767 Catherine Nelson, wife of the Revd Edmund Nelson of Burnham Thorpe, died aged 42 leaving eight children, including Horatio (9).

27 1831 Beagle sailed on five-year circumnavigation carrying Charles Darwin, subsequently author of On the Origin of Species.

28 Dec 1975 Third Cod War. The first collision of the ‘War’ between Icelandic Gunboat Thor and frigate Andromeda; fifty-six collisions were to follow, many severe enough to force the frigates to return to the UK.

24 29 1669 Mary Rose drove off seven Algerine pirates between Sali and Tangier, while escorting a convoy. Battle Honour: The Seven Algerines.

30 1778 Capture of St Lucia by Admiral Hon. Samuel Barrington and General Grant. Ships: Boyne, Nonsuch, Preston, Prince of Wales, Centurion, Isis, St Albans. Frigates: Ariadne, Aurora, Carcass, Pearl, Venus. War of American Independence.

31 1950 Admiral Ronald Hopwood, author, poet and gunnery officer, died. Flag Captain to Vice-Admiral Jellicoe in the Prince of Wales and Hercules 1910–12 especially The Laws of the Navy published about 1895 when a lieutenant:

Now these are the laws of the Navy, Unwritten and varied they be; And he that is wise will observe them, Going down in his ship to the sea; As naught may outrun the , Even so with the law and its grip, For the strength of the ship is the Service, And the strength of the Service the ship.

January

1 Jan 1771 Capt Maurice Suckling entered his nephew,‘Horace’ (Horatio) Nelson, as a midshipman in the Muster Book of Raisonnable (64) at The Nore.

2 1779 Chapel of Greenwich Hospital destroyed by fire, the loft containing many instruments and memorabilia accumulated by the Board of . Rebuilt by ‘Athenian’ Stuart and reopened in 1789. Renovated and rededicated in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, 1955.

3 1900 New Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert heeled over in dry dock in while fitting out, leading to resignation of Sir William White, Director of Naval Construction.

4 2001 Final two Sea King helicopters of 845 NAS,Lt-Cdr S.R. Gordon RN, returned to RNAS Yeovilton from their base in Split after eight years’ continuous service during which 845 Squadron helicopters operated 13,500 flying hours in support of UN and NATO operations in former Yugoslavia.

5 1943 US Task Force, including Achilles, bombarded Munda and Kolombangara Island (Guadalcanal campaign). Achilles damaged by Japanese aircraft.

6 1915 The foundation stone of the RN Hospital, Mtarfa, , laid by General Sir Leslie Rundle, Governor and C-in-C Malta. Originally known as the Royal Artillery and Naval Hospital, it was opened on 29 June 1920. Mtarfa took over all naval medical services when RNH Bighi closed in 1970. Mtarfa closed in 1978 and the building now houses the Sir Temi Zammit Secondary School.

7 1940 Ships on foreign stations to report to the Admiralty, in accordance with AFO 2109/39, on the suitability of earthenware butter dishes

25 8 1806 Body of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson taken upriver from Greenwich to the Admiralty by barge, where it rested overnight before his funeral in St Paul’s Cathedral.

9 1760 Board approved construction of windmill to lift fresh water at Gosport on the Weovil estate, site of Clarence Yard.

10 1806 Cape Town and its defences capitulated to the forces under Maj-Gen Sir David Baird and Cdre Sir Home Riggs Popham (Diadem). A Naval Brigade was landed. Battle Honour: Cape of Good Hope 1806.

11 1794 Capt Samuel Hood in the frigate Juno (32), having entered Toulon believing it was in allied hands, escaped after a midshipman saw that two port officers who had boarded Juno were wearing tricolour cockades.

12 1922 Victory moved into No. 2 Dock in Portsmouth Yard, the oldest dry dock in the world, following a national appeal launched by the Society for Nautical Research.

13 1901 Operations in Gambia River by cruiser Forte, and gunboats Dwarf and Thrush, which all landed armed parties.

14 1991 The first Wrens to serve at sea as members of a ship’s company sailed in the frigate Brilliant. Operation Granby

15 1761 Following the loss of several ships in a New Year’s Day hurricane, Rear-Admiral Charles Stevens resumed the siege of Pondicherry which, reduced by famine, surrendered on 15 January. ‘Thus ended the French power on the coast of Coromandel’

16 1873 RN College, Greenwich established by Order in Council

17 1773 Capt James Cook made first crossing of the Antarctic Circle.

18 1919 The Admiralty announced a scheme for junior naval officers, whose education had been interrupted by the war, to spend two terms at Cambridge University. Kipling wrote in The Scholars: ‘Hallowed river, most gracious trees, Chapel beyond compare, Here be gentlemen tired of the seas – take them into your care, Far have they come, much have they braved, give them their hour of play’.

19 1762 Harrison’s fourth chronometer passed first Board of Longitude test (Deptford) at Jamaica.

20 1946 Completion of operation to scuttle 110 surrendered U-boats in deep water 30 miles N. of Malin Head. Operation Deadlight.

21 1843 Tenders invited for RN’s first ‘iron war steamer’ Trident. The Hon. already had one: Nemesis.

22 1920 RN Dental Branch established by Order in Council.

23 1942 Four Swordfish aircraft of 830 Sqn, Malta, under Lt F.H.E. Hopkins, in bad weather, torpedoed an escorted Italian storeship making for Tripoli, Libya.

26 24 1945 Clasp to Long Service and Good Conduct Medal introduced.

25 1841 Capt Sir Edward Belcher, HMS Sulphur, landed on Hong Kong Island ‘at 15 minutes past 8 a.m. and being the bona fide first possessors, Her Majesty’s health was drank [sic] with three cheers on Possession Point’.

26 1940 Admiralty Fleet Order required that officers given temporary Commissions for the period of hostilities would in future, with certain exceptions, have had to serve at least three months on the lower deck.

27 1626 ‘A proclamation for the better furnishing of the Navy. Every ordinary Sailor to receive 14 shillings a month besides an allowance out of it of 4d to a Preacher, 2d to a Barber and 6d to the Chest as proposed by the Lord High Admiral and approved by the Privy Council.’ The Lord High Admiral was the Duke of Buckingham; the Chest was the Chatham Chest.

28 1956 A Guided Weapons Group formally opened at HMS Excellent by Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Creasy, C-in-C Portsmouth, in advance of the introduction of guided weapons into Fleet service.

29 1673 offices near the Tower of London, which had survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, were burned down. Some naval records and Pepys’ papers destroyed. New Wren designed offices on the same site were completed in 1684. Here the Navy Board remained until it moved to the new Somerset House in 1786.

30 1855 Royal Marines designated a Light Corps and became Royal Marine Artillery (Blue Marines) and Royal Marines Light Infantry (Red Marines).

31 1938 Four hundred Birmingham citizens, led by the Lord Mayor, travelled by special train to Portsmouth to present drums and silver bugles to the new Birmingham, Capt E.J.P. Brind RN, before her departure the following day for the China Station. One of her midshipmen was Edward Beckwith Ashmore, the future First Sea Lord and CDS.

February

1 1806 Naval Academy at Portsmouth renamed Royal Naval College at request of King George III.

2 1971 Imperial Defence College renamed Royal College of Defence Studies and began its first course. Opening speaker was the Prime Minister, Mr Edward Heath.

3 1885 Capt Lord Charles Beresford (Safieh) rescued Col Sir Charles Wilson’s party on River Nile. Unsuccessful in attempt to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum.

4 1793 Capt Nelson, on half-pay since December 1787, left Burnham Thorpe for the last time, to join Agamemnon.

5 1918 Royal Air Force established by Order in Council, formed on 1 April 1918 by amalgamation of and Royal Flying Corps.

27 6 1845 Terrible (sixth of the name), wood paddle frigate, launched at Deptford. First four- funnelled ship in RN.

7 1944 Midget submarine X 22 sunk in collision with Syrtis in Pentland Firth. During towing exercise, OOW in Syrtis washed overboard and while turning in rescue effort Syrtis sank X 22 with loss of CO and three crew. Syrtis lost, probably mined, off Bodo, , 23 March 1944.

8 1942 Alysse (Free French) torpedoed by U-654 off Newfoundland, having left convoy ONS61, Taken in tow but foundered two days later.

9 2008 GC: Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, RMR, 40 Cdo RM. L/Cpl Croucher, serving in 40 Cdo Group’s Cdo Recce Force in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, tripped a wire-connected grenade booby trap during a night-time reconnaissance of a suspected Taliban IED-making compound. He shouted a warning to the men in his section and threw himself on top of the grenade, pinning it between his day sack and the ground. The grenade exploded, ripping the sack from his back and pitting his body armour and helmet with grenade fragments. Miraculously, Croucher survived. ‘His magnificent displays of selflessness and gallantry are truly humbling and are the embodiment of the finest traditions of the Service’

10 1715 First diving equipment demonstrated in Thames and accepted into service (Andrew Becker, first naval assistant to the Hydrographer’s Department).

11 1841 Order in Council authorised a ￡50 pay rise to the Surgeon of Pembroke Dockyard to ‘enable him to keep a horse for the purpose of visiting his distant patients . in consequence of many of the men being obliged to reside at a considerable distance from the yard’.

12 1931 Admiralty Librarian, William Gordon Perrin, died. Buried at Haywards Heath 16 February and, at the Admiralty’s request, the coffin was covered with the Union Flag.

13 1940 The Admiralty appealed for the services of 10,000 fishermen for minesweeping. See 21 February 1940.

14 1858 Naval Brigade, landed from wood screw elorus, arrived at Meaday, Burma.

15 1968 First British Polaris missile fired, by Resolution, Port Crew, Cdr M.C. Henry RN, at 1115 EST submerged 30 miles off Cape Kennedy. The second firing made by Starboard Crew, Cdr F. Frewer RN, on 4 March 1968.

16 1916 War Office took over the anti-aircraft defence of United Kingdom from the Admiralty.

17 1858 Pearl’s Naval Brigade, with detachments of the 1st Bengal Military Police Battalion and Gurkha allies, destroyed the fort at Chandipur, Gogra River. Indian Mutiny Medal.

18 1861 Landing parties from Arrogant and Torch, with detachments of the 1st and 2nd West India Regiments, burned two towns up the Gambia River.

19 1979 First appointment of a WRNS officer as First Lieutenant of an RN establishment – First Officer R.N. Ball, Mercury.

20 1998 Ocean named by HM The Queen at yard of prime contractors, Vickers, Barrow. The first purpose-built helicopter carrier in RN.

28 21 1779 Remains of Capt Cook buried at sea from Resolution off Kealakekua, Hawaii.

22 1862 First officers commissioned in RNR.

23 1633 Samuel Pepys born.

24 1857 First awards of the announced in the London Gazette; twenty-seven RN and RM names out of eighty-five listed.

25 1915 Bombardment of Dardanelles forts resumed. Outer forts partially destroyed by the 26th. Battleship Queen Elizabeth in action for the first time.

26 1814 Dryad (36) received the surrender of the French Clorinde. Eurotas was fast coming up under jury rig, having been dismasted in the action on the previous day.

27 1847 Senior Engineers became commissioned officers by Order in Council; still ‘civil’ officers and non-combatants

28 1996 Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen to August 1990 to July 1991.

29 Jack Dusty’s Corner

Royal Naval AssociationSend completed orderGoods form to; order form 2011 RNA HQ, Room 208, Semaphore Tower, Via PP 70 HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LT

Catalogue Number Description Price Qty £ p

2 Tie Pin gilt finish L £1.50 ...... 2 Tie Pin gilt finish F £1.50 ...... 2 Tie Pin gilt finish A £1.50 ...... 3 Lapel Badge L £2.00 ...... 3 Lapel Badge F £2.00 ...... 3 Lapel Badge A £2.00 ...... 3 Lapel badge H £2.00 ...... 3 Lapel badge COA £2.00 ...... 4 Lapel Badge gilt finish L £2.00 ...... 4 Lapel Badge gilt finish F £2.00 ...... 4 Lapel Badge gilt finish A £2.00 ...... 11 Miniature Lapel Badge F £1.50 ...... 11 Miniature lapel Badge A £1.50 ...... 5 Enamel Tie Pin L £1.50 ...... 5 Enamel Tie Pin F £1.50 ...... 5 Enamel Tie Pin A £1.50 ...... 6 Enamel Lapel Badge Clutch back L £1.50 ...... 6 Enamel Lapel Badge Clutch back A £1.50 ...... 8 Standard bearer Ensign Badge £5.50 ...... 70 Standard bearer Branch bar £2.50 ...... 70 Standard bearer Area bar £2.50 ...... 9 Blazer Button Large £1.10 ...... 10 Blazer Button Small £1.10 ...... 17 Blazer Badge L £12.00...... 17 Blazer Badge F £12.00 ...... 17 Blazer Badge A £12.00...... 17 Blazer Badge H £12.00...... 17 Blazer Badge COA £12.00...... 30 Beret Badge £8.00 ...... 24 RNA Tie £8.00 ...... 24a RNA Tie clip on £8.00 ...... 69 Alternative Tie £8.00 ...... 69a Alternative Tie silk £16.50...... 23 Pewter Pint tankard Traditional £22.50 ...... 23 a Pewter Pint tankard Georgian £28.50 ...... 23 b Pewter half Pt tankard Georgian£22.50 ...... 64 Pewter 6 0z hip flask £22.50 ...... 64 a Pewter 4 0z hip flask £22.50 ...... 64 b Pewter Quaich £22.50 ...... 64 c Pewter round trinket box £16.50 ...... All with engraved RNA crest.

19 Marcasite Anchor brooch £58.00 ...... 18 Marcasite Crown brooch £58.00 ...... 20 Marcasite crown earrings £27.00 ...... 21 Marcasite anchor earrings £27.00 ...... 22 Cufflinks black enamel L/F/A £8.50 ...... 12 Silver Anchor on chain 15.50 ...... 33 Place cards (10 pack) £1.10 ...... 30 34 Card RNA crest £1.10 ...... 62 Standard bearer Certificate £1.10 ...... 63 Standard bearer retiring Cert £1.10 ...... 42 Guide to ceremonial booklet £2.10 ...... 71 Serviettes (100 pack) £9.00 ...... 72 Shirt Badges £0.75 ...... 73 Car tax disc holder £1.10 ...... Ladies Headscarf £14 ...... Bowties £8 ...... Metal Car badge £12 ......

All prices in Sterling and includes P&P

See the website or Diary for pictures of all the goods.

Copies of the Royal Charter and rule book are in the 2009/10 Yearbook, or available on line.

Cheque to the value £...... enclosed

For credit/debit card users

Card Type ...... Cardholder’s Name ...... Address ...... Post code ...... Phone No ...... Card Number ...... Expiry date ...... Security number ...... Issue Number ......

Amount to be deducted £......

Authority to deduct from Branch Account

On behalf of...... Branch, I authorise you to deduct £...... From our account.

Signature...... Dated ......

Please send Goods to;

Name ...... Address ......

31

2012 Diaries Despite rises in VAT and postage it has been decided to maintain the cost of the 2012 diary to the 2011 prices. To make the most of the new style of diary provided for shipmates and allow members to keep their covers and RNA insert / address book; this year’s diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £4.

If you need a complete new diary eg Cover, RNA insert and Diary, they can be ordered at a price of £8. Cost includes P&P within the UK. Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.

To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT ------

Order form

From: ...... Branch

Please provide ……………… 2012 RNA insert Diaries @ £4 .00 each £ ......

Please provide ……………… Complete 2012 Diaries @ £8 .00 each £ ......

TOTAL £...... Deliver the order to S/M………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ...... made out to The Royal Naval Association

OR debit the ...... Branch for £......

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card Type ...... Card No ...... Card in the name of:...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

Received...... Sent out......

32 2011 Christmas Cards

This year there are two pictures in the Christmas card pack. You get five of each in a pack with ten envelopes for £5

Also available we have some of the HMS Daring card at £5 for a pack of ten, and the Semaphore card at £2 for a pack of ten. Cost includes P&P within the UK.

Orders should be sent to HQ Semaphore Tower and be accompanied a cheque for the total value. From: ...... Branch/Member

Please provide...... HMS Victory Cards @ £5 per pack of 10 ... £......

Please provide ……………… Semaphore Cards @ £2 .00 for a pack of 10 £ ......

Please provide ……………… HMS Daring Cards @ £5 .00 for a pack of 10 £ ......

TOTAL £...... Deliver the order to S/M………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ...... made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ...... Branch for £...... Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card Type ...... Card No ...... Card in the name of :...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

33

34 SERV AL ICE V B A E N N L E A V Y O Women’s Royal Naval

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R Service Benevolent Trust

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W TH 70 Anniversary Commemorative Book

April 2012 will mark the 70th anniversary of the WRNS Benevolent Trust which is still helping former Wrens who find themselves in need or distress. To mark this special occasion the Trust will be publishing a history of its work over the decades illustrated with pictures of Wrens at work and play which have been donated by our members.

Over those decades the WRNS BT has helped over 12,000 former members of the WRNS both in the UK and overseas, and still plays an important part in the lives of our beneficiaries – in 2010, we helped 408 women with £341,930 in annual and one off grants.

You could help us keep costs down by sponsoring the production of the book. We are asking our supporters to consider giving £10 as sponsorship and in return each sponsor will have their name, along with their dates of service noted in a special section of the book. You can also separately sponsor any members of your family who also served in the WRNS. After the production of the book you may see names of friends who you want to contact again and you will be able to do so through the WRNS BT. This represents a wonderful opportunity to support your Charity and have your name highlighted in this unique publication

I would like to sponsor the WRNS BT 70th Anniversary commemorative book and I enclose cash/cheque/postal order (please circle the method of payment you choose) for £10 made payable to the WRNS BT.

Title: Forename/s :

Surname: Maiden name:

Home Address:

Postcode: Email:

Dates served: Branch:

Rank or rate Service No. on discharge:

Closing date for sponsorship is 31 December 2011 Charity Reg. 206529

Please return to: Freepost RSAY-GRRY-RBRL Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth, Hants. PO2 8RN THE BAND OF H.M. ROYAL MARINES

FEATURES Sailing, A Life On The Ocean Wave and Over The Hills with ALFIE BOE PLUS the ORIGINAL King’s speech – George VI speaking live to the nation in 1939, now set to music

AVAILABLE NOVember 2011 Order at Free UK delivery available. See Amazon.co.uk for details