www.mcdoa.org.uk

OY A L "MK NAVAL DIVING magazine■ xt.„,mcer,s/1

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING 1 lir v,iiterprool cam: is iiil %% II) great _At ..0-141 precision from hard stainless steel for strength, then polished and polished for THE ROLEX The exclusive "Twinlock " screw-crown gives double protection. CATALOGUE Rotor self-winding (invented by Rolex!) Write today for the tree and superbly accurate. With high- quality Swiss bracelet.£49 2s. Sec the Rolex catalogue. Air-K ing and many other Rolex watches at your nearest Rolex jeweller. Rolex—official watch for Royd Navy divers and Pan-American ROLEX Airwap.

111L ROLLX WA 1(11 COMPANY LIMI I In (Fwwder : II. Wilulorl I GREEN STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON W.I

Before your time' (see page 33) 50th f noted by Coasby 8 Co. Ltd., resting Buildings, 1:1gbland Road, Sousbsra Vol. 15 No. 1 21- EDITION www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

A NAAFI BUDGET ACCOUNT is the new way to easy ownership

What would you like? A made-to-measure uniform (officially approved cloth)? A diamond ring for the girl you left behind? A watch for your wife? Food mixer? Spin dryer? Electric shaver? New camera?

A Naafi budget account gives you instant credit of up to 8 times your monthly payment, with a minimum of formality. Payment by naval allotment or banker's order.

Details from any Naafi naval canteen or shop

100 years before Trafalgar, SP APPOINIMEHT 10 HER AHRII1 PPP OUPIN the Portsmouth Brewery IIRICKWOODS 110 MIMS PORTSMOUTH was founded. When you're in Since 1949 TYPHOON DIVING EQUIPMENT has been manufactured for the Brickwood Territory, Sports Diver in the United Kingdom. Today the most comprehensible range enjoy the perfection that comprises equipment of our own manufacture, such as Typhoon Suits, Fins, only comes from long, Masks, Snorkels, etc., as well as selected imported products, Diver's Watches, long experience: Underwater Cameras, Harpoon Guns and two-stage, single hose compressed air Demand Valves.

2 LOCHALI NE STREET LONDON, W.6. BRICKWOODS Tel.: RIVerside 8341 BEST BITTER ,griarLe),1§1.13, 7

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk R. N. Diving Magazine

Contents . 15 SPRING, 1968 No. 1

PAGE EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR'S NOTES .. 3 Editor . . P.O. R. CHORLTON H.M.S. `HERMES' .. 4 Treasurer LT. E. W. J. SMITH, Q.D.D. DIVERS' DINNER 1968 9 AUSTRALIAN NEWS II EDITOR'S NOTES CENTRALLY HEATED DIVERS 1 I HE response by YOU the reader DIP CHICK IN CALIFORNIA 12 Tto the plea for more material in TRANSFER UNDER PRESSURE 16 my last Editorial has been alarming. I now have enough photo- HISTORIC WRECKS IN THE SOLENT AREA 17 graphs to cover both sides of my lighter! Elsewhere in this edition, SEALS AS DIVERS .. 19 you will find details of a competition GOING OUTSIDE .. 21 which I hope will spur on those still in contemplation, and add a financial COMPETITION 22 flavour to the efforts of our regular HORSEA ISLAND SUB-AQUA OPEN DAY 23 contributors. In the past, we have relied upon UNDERWATER BLASTING OPENS UP NEW SEA LANES IN FIJI 27 a combination of cajolery and pester- MIRACLES TAKE A LITTLE LONGER 29 ing to get sufficient interesting and informative articles to suit most BEFORE YOUR TIME? 33 readers. I think that we have suc- THE PARABLE OF 'BRUM' 35 ceeded but would appreciate any ideas which you the reader may have. CONTRIBUTOR 36 May I say constructive? I have heard most of the others anyway. I might A SOLDIER IN FINS 39 add, just for the record and to dispel LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 4l any rumours which you may have heard, we have no intention of taking GIRLS AND BOYS .. 42 over any of the National Daily's— OBITUARY .. 42 we can't afford the reporters! In this our 50th Edition, a word of UNDERWATER EXPEDITION 1968 43 thanks to those who have sent in MAC'S MERRY MUSINGS ON THE MAGAZINE JUBILEE . 45 material in the past, and to all those people who have helped in diverse ways to produce the magazine. A special word of thanks to the Divers Schoolie, who has LETTERS TO THE EDITOR .. 47 to suffer the result of my mechanised fountain pen, and without whose help, we would never go to press. With your help and 'sales' we should be good for another 50 editions (if you send the money that is) so can we make 1968, the year when the magazine .has enough material to plan for the future? A few weeks future is enough! ED.

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

salvage task. One of the de-ammunit- frequently during the three months in H.M.S. Hermes ioning party managed to drive a Dock- the Mediterranean. Gibraltar, where yard Crane over the side and the salvage visibility was poor yet again and the PON commissioning at Plymouth much. Diving-wise though, the Isle of fell to us. This proved quite quick; bottom uninteresting, Naples, where in May 1966 we found we had as Arran was good fun. some 30 minutes diving time only being despite it's reputation the harbour is U diverse a team of divers as would required which everyone thought was filthy. Malta where as always diving be possible to assemble anywhere. A further period in Plymouth followed marvellous. Fortunately for us, the was sheer pleasure (where unexpectedly Almost every branch was represented and then to Portland where we were crane settled right way up and they have we found a 2501b. bomb) and two week- in the 44 divers borne. The M.E's were inspected by F.O.S.T. and carried out permanent lifting eyes at the top any- ends off Cyprus where conditions were preponderant closely followed by the an 'Awkward'. All went well except way, but we didn't tell everybody. ideal. Athens, before the troubles, Air Branch, with a leavening of Seamen, for the fact that, due to a breakdown in The New Year found us off Gibraltar provided a pleasant interlude where, Electricians, Stewards, etc. Our oldest communications, we managed to search when tragedy struck the ship. A Sea with lorries provided by the Royal was a P.O. (M.E.) of 39. Our youngest, the bottom before the C.D. team had Vixen crashed on take off and during Hellenic Navy, we were able to get out J. (M.E.) Hudspeth, 16/. Some eight placed the limpets. the rescue operation the S.A.R. heli- along the coast and ran dives from the Juniors owed their place in the team to copter was struck by the ship and then beach. More time in Greece would have A hurried re-charge and another been most welcome as opportunity and the fact that their Training Establish- search produced three out of four ditched. The diving team mustered in ment Diving Officer was appointed to seconds, some were flown out to the sites for expedition dives are innumer- limpets, before completing at 0130. No able. Hermes at the same time as they finished problems were encountered though the wreck of the Wessex, more followed by diving training. The conclusion was Diving Officer still complains about his seaboat, but there was little to be done Aden was next in our travels and here inevitable and there is no truth, in the buttocks being struck by the Gemini other than recover the body of the the diving team became operational, in rumour that they have spent the whole propellor. Opportunity was taken at helicopter pilot. Subsequently, the fact the only time in the Commission. commission sticking pins into his effigy. Portland to carry out Sea-bed searches helicopter was sunk by puncturing it's With its reputation for sharks, the If the divers themselves were diverse, outside the breakwater and several crabs inflation bags. initial approach to the 0630 bottom this was no less true of the Diving were caught. Portland has been one of Opportunities for diving came fairly search was to say the least guarded. Officers. The Meteorological Officer the best dives we have had. was the Diving Officer assisted by the Hanger Control Officer and the Next port of call was Portsmouth Assistant Secretary. Later additions where advantage was taken of the included the Commanding Officer of Horsea Island facilities; excellent they the Wessex Squadron and a Buccaneer were, too, when one is primarily con- pilot. Throughout the commission, the cerned with aquiring time under water numbers have varied slightly though we for large numbers. The quick re-charge have now aquired three genuine upper of sets, virtually at the water's edge cuts deck types as assistant Diving Officers. out all the humping which is so much a All in all big teams are a mixed blessing; part and parcel of the diver's life. Then it is difficult to keep everybody's time on to Gibraltar where conditions were up; it is nice, when ship's bottom poor, and disappointing, particularly searches are carried out before 0630, to the visibility which is normally reckoned- • • be in two watches. to be good. Then back to U.K. for our aircraft complement and from then on A short period in Plymouth followed in opportunities for diving got pro- the commissioning, and opportunity gressively less. was taken to practice ship's bottom searches in Cawsand Bay before sailing Two months later found us at Rosyth, for the Isle of Arran where an excellent where with the aid of the C.D. Team weekend's diving ensued. Visibility was some of our divers were able to carry good and the sea-bed abounded with out their 120 feet dips in Mortimer marine life, though little of this was Creek and a few ship's Husbandry tasks edible. One good lobster was caught by were undertaken. Portsmouth next, Naval Airman Goldby but as you can where shortly after arrival we found imagine, split 44 ways there wasn't ourselves confronted with our first The one that didn't get away. 4 5

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

••••••••• •••••••••••011.11.111.1 ...11.411.1.11..S.11,••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••• •••• 011•••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 11.1.• 1111. bl••••••01 However, we soon got used to the idea certain Survey Vessel, which shall be nameless, one of the divers found a can 9.6 and towards the end of the period we even mounted an expedition dive in of beer, then another and eventually 48 addition to the bottom seaches. Some cans were retrieved. Within minutes of COLLYER SMITH & CO. LTD. more advantages (?) of a big team this intriguing discovery the N.A.A.F.I. became apparent in Aden; not only did Manager from the same Survey Vessel INCORPORATED INSURANCE BROKERS we search our bottom, but the Olna's arrived (the bush telegraph worked over- and Retainers as well and still had effort time on this occasion) and informed us MORTGAGE BROKERS left to scrub the underneath of mine- that they had been dropped the day sweepers. Getting time in Aden was before and thanked us for recovering (Members of Services Insurance Brokers Association) no problem. All divers had in excess them. However, we declined to give of 300 minutes by the time we left. them up on the basis they that were 219 West Street, Fareham Phone: Fareham 2211 /2/3 genuine salvage, whereupon he stalked Then onto the Maldive Islands for a off to complain to his Captain. We short spell in Gan. If you haven't dived heard no more for about six weeks when THE COMPLETE INSURANCE in Gan you have missed a real exper- a bill arrived for 48 cans of beer. That ience. With its Coral Reef abounding seems to be where the matter ended, AND with fish and glorious visibility it surely though we did prepare a counter claim must represent the ultimate in recrea- on N.A.A.F.I. for diver's time. MORTGAGE SERVICE tional diving. I am told that the R.A.F. Sub-Aqua fly to Gan just to dive there On now to the Phillipines which surely and this I can well believe. To our must be the wettest place in the world CONSULT US FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS regret, our stay was only short for and where one dive was undertaken with within 48 hours we were on our way a team from the U.S.S. Oriskany. Then We specialise in Life Assurance and the arrangement of Private yet again. on to Fremantle, when just after sailing, Dwellinghouse Mortgages either by Building Society Repayment we were confronted with yet another In Singapore, with all divers well in salvage task. A Wessex helicopter, or Endowment Assurance date, bottom searches well and truly having taken off with a shore party, exercised, and some 21 months since We arrange and service all other forms of Insurance (Fire, ditched by the bows and within minutes all-night leave had been granted, em- Accident, Household, Motor, etc.) one inflation bag burst and the aircraft phasis was well and truly on rest and turned over. Galatea's divers attached recreation. Apart from the odd dive in For SERVICE PERSONNEL all forms of Life Assurance arranged FREE of any two ship's lifecrafts and subsequently i the Diving School almost no diving was extra premium whatsoever for cover of: our own team flew out and attached achieved. WAR RISKS WORLD-WIDE SERVICE : lifting strops. However, it was all to no Exped diving too entailed a long trip avail. Before the ship came back to lift SUBMARINING : DIVING : FLYING ON DUTY to find good visibility and none was the aircraft it sank, taking one of AS PASSENGERS IN SERVICE AIRCRAFT undertaken. Galatea's lifecrafts with it. This incident, of course, provoked lots of In Hong Kong, diving was a daily FACILITIES ARE READILY AVAILABLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF discussion on how to deal with an occurrence, usually a Ship's Husbandry PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE MORTGAGES WITH LEADING BUILDING incident of this nature which was as well, task though tide was a problem and on SOCIETIES IN CONJUCTION WITH THE M.O.D. (NAVY) "HOME LOAN for before our arrival in Fremantle, yet one occasion caused us to stop diving. SCHEME" FOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, PETTY OFFICERS AND LEADING another Wessex decided to test its It was here that the Diving Officer, flotation gear. This time nothing RATINGS talking to a diver who had failed to fit untoward happened, the aircraft floated a bung, said, (All Mortgage advances are subject to valuation of property and income upright and lifting it was almost routine. status of the applicant) 'What's up. Is the hole too big?' Thanks to 826 Squadron we are prob- ably more experienced on floating It costs only a postage stamp or a phone call to 'No sir', came the reply 'The bung is obtain our advice. Every enquiry Wessex than any other team in the Navy. receives the personal attention of one of our principals too small'. Diving on the Tamar Wall produced Fremantle next, and a start was made its own amusing interlude. Alongside a on filing the edges of the screws to

6 7

www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

improve performance on the long pinnace secured to the mooring cable passage home. However, this was and a diver on air, there was a sudden abandoned when the starboard screw uprush of water, the mooring buoy was found to be foul, having picked up a re-appeared from the depths, the wire as the ship berthed. This was anchor cable sank and the pinnace cleared after many hours of diving to broke adrift. What we discovered very the applause of a large Australian quickly, was that the ship astern had audience on the jetty. started to drag its mooring and our The closing stages of the Commission stern mooring wires had been slackened have been spent on the Aden patrol and to avoid a collision. Had our diver opportunities for diving have been in- actually been in the water at the time, frequent. Masirah Island, at the entrance we could well have lost him. to the Gulf deserves a special mention. All in all, the commission has proved There is a wreck, the S.S. Electric, fairly eventful as far as the diving goes. aground on the reef, which is well worth Horsea Island and Vernon Creek will a look at if only for the vast numbers of never be quite the same again. fish to be seen, including a 8 foot Capetown provided a warm welcome Grouper which caused two of our in the form of an invitation from the divers to establish a new record for the Atlantic Underwater Club to spend a

100 yards free style. day with them which was most enjoyable. Anybody passing through will be sure Team Mombasa, on passage home, pro- vided yet another salvage task. A of a warm welcome if they contact the ing harbour launch, on charter to the ship, Secretary at P.O. Box 3144 before

Div struck our submerged mooring buoy, arrival.

es staggered as far as the forward gangway, However, if you plan a dive in Cape-

rm and then sank. Some 2 hours of diving town—be careful, the whole of the

He time saw the launch raised and back to harbour is designated a Crayfish Pro-

S. its owners. Replacing the submerged tected Area and that 'attractive' looking

M. marker buoy on to the mooring buoy island about five miles off is in fact a

H. could have been nasty. With the penitentiary, where no boats are allowed. Piver? Pinner 1968 The Divers Reunion Dinner will Please make cheques/postal orders again be held this year at the Rock payable to The Divers Dinner Fund. Gardens Pavilion, Southsea on Thurs- day 17th October at 8 p.m. Owing to a general rise in prices, the cost this year Further to the Editorial in Volume 14, will be 32/6 per head. Seats cannot be No. 3: booked without names and money. All readers who may be interested in Please print the names and addresses on the arrangements for the above and the application. Tickets will be issed at who do not receive their Magazine by the time of booking and will constitute a receipt. No money can be refunded post, are requested to send their current This will after 1st October for seats not taken up. addresses to the Editor. ensure that full details will be sent It would be appreciated if applications closer to the day, and avoid disappoint- could be received as early as possible ment. ED. and in any case not later than September 16th. 9 www.mcdoa.org.uk "1‘ www.mcdoa.org.uk 1721'/ A--ad 1/04.`S. /vo / 6',/v4 /96g Australian News

Continental Tent Hire WO Sydney frogmen have received in extremely hazardous conditions, in awards for their service in Vietnam. enemy territory, to locate and help and Sales Service (Fareham) TLeading Seaman Clearance Diver recover the helicopter. During this Proprietors: F. C. MITCHELL P. V. MITCHELL A. C. MITCHELL Phillip Charles Kember, 26 of Pagewood operation, he helped recover two bodies THE CAMPING AND SPORTS SPECIALISTS OF THE SOUTH has been awarded the Distinguished and to disarm all weapons still in the Service Medal, and Petty Officer Clear- helicopter. ance Diver Brian Vincent Clark, 29 of Petty Officer Clark's citation said he CAMPING CENTRE East Hills, has been mentioned in had answered 14 emergency calls to Main Showroom and Head Office: despatches. search for and investigate enemy ord- 137 GOSPORT ROAD, FAREHAM. Telephone 3697 Both were members of the R.A.N. nance and booby traps suspected of Clearance Diving Team which spent having been placed by the Viet-Cong. six months in Vietnam before returning `On each occasion, he has shown com- Continental Frame and Ridge Tents to Australia last August. Leading plete disregard for his own safety in Main Agents: Andre Jamet, La Prairie, Blacks of Greenock, Raclet, Seaman Kember's citation said he had completing these tasks so as to ensure Pneumatic Tent Co., Aquatite, Trigano, Sombrero, Marechal, Relum, performed all emergency tasks assigned the safety of friendly installations and Goodall, Uniform, Etc. to him with alacrity and complete personnel', it said. 'On one occasion, he disregard for his own safety. He showed was forced to carry an extremely Air-Beds, Camp Chairs, Tables, Sleeping Bags, Trailers, International outstanding courage in assisting in the dangerous mortar round to a safe area Gaz, Water Containers. All Camping Accessories. recovery of a downed U.S. helicopter in half a mile away, where it was sub- Hire Purchase and Credit Terms Available the vicinity of Phu Loi. He had to dive sequently destroyed'. Balance over 9-12-18-24 months ALL SIZES OF TENTS TO SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE OR HIRE Centrally Heated Divers Book now for your Summer Holidays HE problem of keeping divers piping hot water through the suit while Lowest Terms warm when operating in cold the diver was working. This is not an Twaters is one of long standing, original idea, but The trouble would * Top Quality Products Only used for Hire * since there is no doubt that the diver's appear to be how best to overcome the underwater efficiency falls rapidly when heat loss, if a surface hot water source FULL RANGE OF he is cold. String vests, nylon and fleecy is used. SPORTS EQUIPMENT lined underwear have gone a long way to solving the problem, but if the An individual central heating system IN STOCK weather is really cold, something else for each diver is the answer and the U.S. Football, Cricket, Badminton, Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, is required, and a heated undersuit is Atomic Energy Commission has de- Ski Equipment, Hockey, Darts and Sports Games, Etc. probably the answer. Electrically veloped just this for the U.S. Navy. heated suits working on the same Water heated by an isotopic source is Sports Clothing principle as an electric blanket have pumped through tiny plastic tubes been suggested, but the dangers re- Anoraks, Track Suits, Football, Rugby, Cricket, Ski-Wear, Etc. interwoven into the net garment worn sulting from a wet dip appear to be too under a 'wet suit'. The heater, housing Footwear great. In any case, 'wet suits' are now a plutonium source, is worn outside the the fashion so electrics are out. Football, Rugby, Track Shoes, Climbing Boots, Walking Boots, suit and the radiation is sufficiently low Ski-Boots, Tennis, Hockey, Etc. In the press recently, there were to be of no hazard to the diver. This pictures of fully dressed divers taking a heated undersuit is, at the moment We extend a Ten per cent Discount to all members of your Club ON PRODUCTION hot bath, before and after their dive. undergoing trials and if satisfactory, will OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD This it was stated increased their be used by the Divers participating in efficiency. Mention was also made of Sea Lab III.

10 11

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

Dip Chick in California now with empty bottles strapped to back weight were tied on to me. They their backs. felt even heavier than those used in Britain. Instead of forcing soapy wrists A few courses later I joined in the ACED with two years exchange occupations: scraping weed off the hull through tight cuffs I found my hands fourth day of self-contained diving. service in the United States, one of their tender or collecting Coca Cola in integral gloves. Finally, the helmet This was still in the pool. In the fore- Fproblem that concerned me was to bottles. They told me one day that came close past my nose and was noon we practised ditching our gear and keep in diving practice. I had done they had recently lost a pair of standard twisted tight. My back and shoulders coming to the surface with the correct my S.W.D. course, Long T.A.S. diving boots about thirty yards out. Evidently ached under the weight and waves of free ascent drill. We then replaced the course, F.D. course and S.D.O. course. some trainee, too big for his boots, had claustraphobia almost overcame nat- gear underwater. This was first done I knew that if I got out of date I would left them stuck in the mud. I found one ional and personal pride. in very shallow water, then at the deep never have the determination, or even at the full extent of my pipe-line and end. After lunch we had the most Then all was ready. The front glass the time, to re-qualify. There was the spent an hour lugging it to and fro in a impressive afternoon of training that I went in and I was on my own. I felt added incentive that all the water within fruitless search for its twin. On another have ever seen. They aptly called it better as I got in the water and a great a thousand miles was appreciably occasion, I brought up a lot of abalone `Harrassment'. In our pairs we swam weight was literally lifted from me. As I warmer than Horsea Lake. shells. The diving team had eaten the to and fro in the deep end. The in- went down the shot rope all started well. meat long before but I acquired many When I had settled in to my new structions were to stay together, and After a while it seemed that the air- original ash trays like large, deep stay down. After about a quarter of an pressure was not being increased as I job I telephoned the local diving school, saucers. Hydrochloric acid later brought reeled off all my minor qualifications hour a figure in red trunks appeared went down. There was not enough to out the bright colours of these attractive beside me and indicated that he wanted keep the suit away from my body. and asked if they could help. The shells. answer was immediate and unqualified. my breathing tubes. While I held my Breathing became difficult and I was The reputation of R.N. divers with The wet suits the team used were breath he took a few gulps and surveyed about to climb up again when I arrived their trans-Atlantic counterparts stands civilian, made to measure, ordered on his class. Soon after, the visits from the in the mud. At rest I explored my second to none. I had only to choose contract. This was not a standard issue surface became more frequent. First equipment some more and tried to a day and I would get underwater. but was paid for by some sort of C.O's one of a pair, then the other, would have remember what I had been shown of it. fund for all who qualified. They usually his mask removed. Working together The brain worked again and I discovered The diving school at San Diego is wore only the jackets unless they were it was easy to recover these from where that the diver controls his own air, with water-borne. It occupied then what going to be down a long time. In- they were dropped—at first. Then both his left hand by a valve at waist level. was virtually a large barge, moored structors wore red swimming trunks. would go at once, leaving the blind With this vital information I was able alongside in the centre of the enormous Trainees wore blue. Democracy was leading the blind. With all masks out to move around freely and confidently. Naval Base. In the one vessel were class- conspicuous by its absence in the water. on the side of the pool we groped on It was as well that I sorted this out when room, large de-compression chamber, To try the self-contained equipment I the bottom in vain. This was not all. I did. A few minutes later I tumbled compressors, changing rooms, showers, joined a course on their second day in Bottles were turned off. Mouthpieces into a fifteen foot channel cut by office and a watchkeepers' mess. A the gear at the Naval Base pool. This were pulled out. Harnesses were un- dredgers. That day I was lucky to return Lieutenant was in charge, responsible was a vast place with ten foot at the done. The end result was pairs of men to the Californian sunshine at the direct to the base commander. His deep end. Students were paired off and sitting forlornly around the bottom of surface. second-in-command was a Chief of sent on circuits of the pool until they the pool, without masks, holding a set In due course it was time for my great seniority. The team was about a ran out of air. The concept of working between them and passing the mouth- annual medical. Again the organisation dozen. They trained in both standard with a buddy was strongly enforced. ' piece from one to the other. -Naturally, was most helpful, when I overcame the and self-contained gear. For salvage There were no buddy lines, but to get some were better than others. The self- language barrier. Over there it is a divers this was a major part of their separated from one's buddy probably control of the last few couples was out- `Physical'. The average U.S. Navy man course. For Explosive Disposal experts resulted in removal from course. Masks standing. participates in very little violent sport, or the Marines it was just the beginning. were separate from breathing tubes and: When I had shown that I had a little and eats extremely well. The M.O. did I did not ask for anything difficult or after a few circuits one was invited to idea about what I was doing, I was his normal checks and was astounded to dangerous and they didn't press me. practice removing and replacing the invited to try their standard gear. find that my pulse remained slower My first couple of dives were in gas- mask. Since nose clips are not used I Although I dislike the positive way in than any he had met. Another small mask type gear. I was given every had to learn to refrain from breathing which this type of gear keeps me under- portion of the vast resources available assistance and left to do much as I through my open nose. This proved water, I was keen to try something new. was tapped. In less time than it takes pleased. Being far from the open sea easier than I had feared. Long after I With misplaced enthusiasm I nearly to fill in an F. Med. 4 I was on a table I met few fish or other active creatures. had had enough the trainees were still became the subject of a cautionary tale. with wires taped on to me at strategic I kept m ) self amused with the usual churning up and down, on the surface The usual boots, belt, front weight and points. A long series of readings were 12 13

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

taken on a device exactly like our (now well known to divers). I was very gunnery pen recorders. All part of the disappointed when rough weather kept service to prove me fit. The next facility us in the harbour. Instead we moored offered was an oxygen tolerance test. alongside some barges in the entrance. BERNARDS Although I did not require this by the The tide at the surface was moving at rules, I was again curious. In the old average swimming speed. As the days I had cleared my bag and waited trainees left the surface their lifelines for a black-out which never came. Now curved away down tide with their OF HARWICH I could find out if I was at all susceptible. bubbles surfacing even further away. I drove out to the submarine base and An instructor and I went in after Congratulate took a boat out to the submarine tender lobsters. He had gloves and I carried a Nereus, one of the two large depot ships large sack. We were using aqua-lungs, THE DIVING MAGAZINE there. There were only ten submarines again no buddy lines or lifelines, one on its 50th Edition and wish alongside that day. For the test an just stayed with one's buddy. We had a instructor took eight of us into a large hard swim for the few yards up tide to ALL connected with the Branch re-compression chamber. Inevitably we the buoy. A few feet down the mooring every success in the future. lost one with 'ears' before we were able chain the current was enough to push to go down to 112 feet. After one off a face mask, unless one faced it or BERNARDS have been attending to minute we returned to 60 feet. Then we backed into it, but near the bottom it fitted ourselves with small triangular was almost nil. The lobsters must have the needs of Servicemen and their masks, like those used in hospitals, and moved to shelter from the rough families since 1896 and their we were on 02. The masks severely weather. Certainly we found none handicapped conversation. We sat around the moorings. Even so, I Worldwide Service is by far the finest silently in a row for half an hour, each thoroughly enjoyed this final dive with available to the Senior Service. waiting for one of the others to pass out the U.S.N. and listening to the instructor and his Each time I went to the San Diego If you make out an Allotment for a helper, who remained on air. Naturally Diving School I was made more than it was much safer to keep the chamber welcome. Wet suits, cups of coffee and Tailor, gain the benefit of a truly itself free from oxygen concentrations. unlimited time underwater were comprehensive service also by The test was disappointingly uneventful. arranged with equal facility. It may not I understand they only get about 4 have been anything like Plymouth declaring it to Bernards — failures. Sound in January but it was a great For on every aspect of Quality and My final dive was to have been out at experience. LT.-CDR. L. T. HICKSON. sea on the abalone beds off La Jolla Service —

You really do BUY BETTER at BERNARDS PERSONALITIES C.P.O. 'Slim' Burgess known to many in the diving world as the 'Flying C. H. BERNARD & SONS LTD, Dipchick' has finally come to the end of WANTED. his strayline, and leaves the service 8 Queen Street, Portsmouth Telephone 23535 in May. DIVERS—Please send details to: International Underwater Branches at : Chatham, Southampton, Portland, Deal, Grimsby, Londonderry, His last job was here in Vernon in the Harwich, Helensburgh, Dunfermline, Gibraltar, Valletta and Sliema, Malta, and `Hot seat'—or Regulating Chief to the Contractors (England), at Lossiemouth, Arbroath, Brawdy, Culdrose, Yeovilton, Corsham, Lympstone, 60 Hunts Pond Road, Park Gate, H.M.S. Dolphin and H.M.S. Pembroke. uninitiated! His many years as Chief Flying Instructor at the Lee Gliding Southampton, S.0.3. 6QW, Hants. Officers' Shops at Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton club have made him one of the more Tel: Locks Heath 3138. well known divers and helped to dispel Area Code 04895. Head Office: Anglia House, Harwich, Essex. Telephone Harwich 2281 the theory that all divers are 'Bone'. Only some of us- are? ED.

14 15

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

Transfer Under Pressure Historic Wrecks in the Solent Area

by ALEXANDER MCKEE F interest to many of our readers locked on to a Deck Recompression the picture below shows one of the Chamber (right) and the divers trans- Continued from Volume 14, No. 3. Omost advanced deep diving aids in ferred, still under pressure, to complete the, world—a transfer-under pressure their decompression time with at least THE REGENT AND on the other. Probably they were system. The submersible Decom- some of the comforts of home. The THE CORDELIERE complementary and probably also they pression Chamber (left) has a depth S.D.C. then can be used again with other HESE are not `Solent Ships', they were supported by smaller swivel-guns capability of 450 feet and can be used divers to enable continuity to be main- sank, locked together and burning, and covered by infantry armed. with by divers as a fast, safe means of tained on the job. Toff Brest in 1512. I put them in missile-weapons—bows and arrows—as well as pikes. In short, basically a transport to the sea-bed. It can be used The particular one shown is in use by because they are the only examples I military conception, or so I think. also in surface weather so bad that North Sea Diving Services Ltd. who know of wrecks illustrating the next without its protection the divers could have taken on an underwater job in development in warship-building. When In 1536, the Mary Rose was rebuilt not get through. South Africa that has already killed two built, in about 1488, the Regent was a at Portsmouth and up-graded to about It can be suspended at depth while divers. The contract, worth £40-50,000 four-masted Carrack carrying many 700 tons. We know what the ship divers carry out their work and be used is for a sewage outfall, which will run guns, some of them heavy. The develop- looked like above the waterline, from to bring them speedily back to the for more than two miles out from shore, ment from 1418 to 1488 was therefore a 1546 version of 'Jane's Fighting Ships' surface whilst they continue to breathe and into depths as great as 270 feet. from two-master to four-master and, called the `Anthony Roll', which lists compressed air, oxy-helium or other gas It is expected that the divers will be almost certainly, from clinker-building also her armament and stores. The mixtures at the appropriate pressures. using oxygen and helium instead of to carvel—that is, heavy planks joined brass guns consisted of: 2 cannons, 2 On its return to the surface, it can be compressed air. edge-to-edge, and a much stronger demi-cannons, 2 culverins, 6 demi- framework of ribs, beams and `knees'. culverins, 2 sakers and 1 falcon. The The main armament was still the iron guns consisted of: 12 port-pieces, infantry battalion, but provided now 2 slings, 3 demi-slings, 1 quarter-sling, with much increased fire-power, partic- 6 fowlers, 30 bases and 2 top-pieces. ularly in gun-powder weapons. Small arms for the infantry included: 250 Yew bows (with arrows), 150 pikes MARY ROSE and 40 dozen darts for use from the The Mary Rose was laid down at fighting tops. Her normal complement Portsmouth in 1509 as a 500-ton consisted of 185 soldiers, 200 mariners, experimental warship, ordered by Henry and 30 gunners. And that, really, is VIII. For twenty years, under previous about all we do know of this revolu- Kings, the Navy has been 'streamlined', tionary ship, a 'key' vessel in the evol- and no major English warship has been ution of the battleship and incom- built or rebuilt. Those twenty years had parably more important than the Vasa. seen considerable developments in the She was sunk in action, by accident, technology and science of artillery, during the Battle of Portsmouth in which dated only from about 1360, and 1545. Sir George Carew, the Vice- these developments were incorporated Admiral, went down with her and his in her design, or rather she was built wife, Lady Mary Carew, was a witness; around them. Instead of a space being she was standing beside the King, found for a few heavy guns to back up Henry VIII, at Southsea Castle, his the multitude of small swivel-guns the battle headquarters. Two other re- Mary Rose was designed to mount latives who were in the fleet were complete port and starboard batteries witnesses also; his uncle, Sir Gawen of heavy artillery of mixed design: new Carew, and his young brother, Sir Peter muzzle-loading brass cannon on the Carew, who described the event to his one hand and old breech-loading biographer, 'Hooker'. As the Govern- wrought-iron cannon firing stone-shot ment was then gathered in Southsea and 16 17

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

the foreign ambassadors also, we do not partners, William Edwards, was working sea-bed and prodding with a handspear leading the Armada of Guipuzcoa, part lack witnesses of the sinking and of the on the Royal George at Spithead. They is nearly useless. The next stage is an of the Great Armada of 1588. She blew battle, but it is a long and involved asked the two divers to come over and electric survey of the site from the up off Portland, caught fire, and was story. Basically, an English fleet of 60 look at the obstruction, striking a surface, which should provide most of taken by the English (but not before ships was facing a French fleet of 235 bargain as to the division of the spoils. the required information without dam- the treasure had been removed). The ships, and so Henry VIII ordered Lord Deane and Edwards found that the aging the ship further. At the same time, English sea-captain gutted her, then the Lisle, commanding in the Great Harry fishermen's lines were entangled in the the Committee for the Nautical Arch- landsmen had a hand in the loot, and in to sit firmly on the Hamilton Bank and almost completely buried remains of a aeology are taking the necessary legal November 1588, the captive hulk was to Monkton Patch under the guns of big wooden ship, and on searching steps to put the site `out of bounds' and be sailed to Portsmouth. For lack of Southsea, Portsmouth and Gosport. further discovered a 32-pounder brass so prevent anything resembling the sails and other equipment, she was lost The French attempted to lure them out demi-cannon bearing the name of shambles around the Scillies. off Studland in deep water with 23 men, of their good defensive position by Henry VIII and that of an Italian gun As a footnote, one of the French six of them from the original crew, the sending forward a small galley force to foundry, plus a date-1542. Their ships, the Flagship La Maistresse sank others, Englishmen of the prize crew. harass the English, and it was during a subsequent operations in that year and by accident at Le Havre before the fleet As showing the development of the limited counter-attack on this force that in 1840 proved the wreck to be that of set out for Portsmouth, and one of the carrack up to the time of the Spanish the Mary Rose went down. the Mary Rose. One of the recovered galleys is believed to have been run Armada, her wreck would be of his- Many of the mariners were so ex- guns was an enormous 68-pounder ashore at Brading in a sinking condition. torical importance and, happily, there perienced that they were too proud to cannon royal and among the smaller was/is no treasure to tempt the many artifacts were yew bows and a unique take orders from each other, and the SAN SALVADOR unscrupulous blasters in the underwater result was an awful muck-up of a turn jug made in Cologne. Because of their business. obvious historic importance, Deane had The great carrack San Salvador was to port, plus a failure to secure the heavy the Flagship of Admiral Oquendo, To be Continued in the Future. ED. guns properly. The unfortunate battle- scaled drawings and water-colour paint- ship eventually heeled so much that the ings made of these items. For the time gun-ports on the larboard side went —it was before land archaeology had under water. And that was that. even begun—this was a good show; Reports are unanimous that no more although today the haphazard lifting Seals as Divers than 40 men survived and the losses are of guns and artifacts from an important F you have been fortunate enough to herself into the sea. The cetaceans thus given as high as 700. It may be that for wreck cannot be justified. had a head start and have become far such a short-range operation her in- actually see seals underwater then Indeed, if a substantial part of the Iyou already know that seals are more specialised to life in open sea, fantry complement of bowmen and Mary Rose should still remain deep in excellent divers; they have certainly so-much-so that they are now incapable pikemen had been reinforced by com- the soft mud and clay, she would invite of surviving on land. The seals and panies from the main field army, then been seen at depths of 170 feet and it an effort on the scale of the Vasa, appears that some of these cuddlesome their relatives (sea lions and walruses; encamped on Southsea Common. which so far is estimated to cost three million creatures may be capable of diving to collectively called `pinnipeds') on the Attempts to raise the wreck were pounds. For that much money one depths as great as 500 to 600 feet . . . other hand, generally lead part of their unsuccessful but salvage work continued would expect a meticulous job of and on just one lungful of air! There life on land and part in the sea, being for some years, being undertaken by an excavation resulting in the recon- can, therefore, be very little doubt, that completely adapted to neither. Italian company, and guns to the value struction of the hull (perhaps for display seals are good divers, but let us look at We can therefore expect to find when of a little over £100 were recovered. I in the grounds of Southsea Castle), plug these unique animals in more detail. we examine a seal closely that although discovered in 1966, in the Public Record all remaining armament, in its original Just like the dolphins and whales, the well developed for diving, it lacks many Office, the official file dealing with her sitings, and the wealth of other in- seals are mammals and are therefore of the sophistications apparent in re-discovery many centuries later and formation which must exist. I obtained warm-blooded, air breathing animals cetaceans. For example, the seals have what happened subsequently; so what an accurate chart position early in 1966 which give birth to live, well developed, retained the two hind legs, while the follows now is, for once, authentic. and have dived on the site with Peter hairy young. They are not, however, cetaceans have lost these and developed Throckmorton, among others. He A group of Gosport fishermen from directly related to the dolphin types of a very efficient horizontal tail fluke for thought the preservative qualities of that the families of Burnett, Redman and mammals (cetaceans), but have evolved faster swimming; also the nostrils of a particular piece of sea-bed to be so good Richard knew her well, but when they independently from a different stock of seal are in the usual place for land living that even documents might still remain got hung up again on 16th June 1836, four-legged land-bound mammals. In mammals whereas the cetaceans have intact inside the wreck. the pioneer inventor of helmet diving fact, the dolphins and whales had been moved their nostrils to the tops of their gear, John Deane, with one of his No part of the ship shows above the around for millions of years before the heads which is far more practical. So far first ancestral seal ever launched him or I have been comparing the seal 'family' 18 19

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk with that of the dolphin, but now let us particular depth. Their cunning does next year when they will again return to elaborate but intensely interesting one. have a look around our wind swept not end here as it is common practice that same stretch of coast. I hope that this brief account has at least shores and find out what the good, old, amongst seals to swallow stones and The story of how seals and their close triggered the curiosity and interest of British seals are like. pebbles presumably amongst other relatives, the sea lions and walruses, fellow divers, for after all, as far as things to adjust buoyancy. Of the 32 species of pinnipeds around have adapted their anatomy, physiology nature is concerned, aren't we merely the uninvited (though I hope welcome) these days, only two species fully Several aspects of reproduction in and behaviour to a life spent partly at guests to the sea. J. BEVAN. appreciate what our coasts have to offer. seals have attracted the attention of sea and partly on land is a long, They are obviously connoisseurs. Let many zoologists over the past few years me introduce them: the 'common seal' as an air of mystery still surrounds them. affectionately known as Phoca vitulina What we do know is that each year the vitulina and the 'grey seal' alias Ha/i- seals come from far and wide and cheorus grypus. Incidently, it was none establish a colony on a suitable part of other than a British 'common' seal who the coast. First of all the older males having been volunteered for a com- (bulls) come ashore, each one laying Going Outside pression Chamber 'dive', successfully claim to a piece of land. The bigger and executed a 300 feet simulated dive more experienced bulls .usually get the therein. best territories with easiest access into HEN my time was drawing nigh eggs! However, subsequent enquiries How long can they remain under- and out of the water and well positioned to depart from the Navy, I was elicited the information that the vessel water? I'm glad you asked that question. for first choice of females (cows) when Wnot unduly worried. I reckoned I was a sewerage barge, and there were Normally they may stay down about they come ashore. Any infringement of could get a job sufficiently well paid to only three in the crew, the horse, the 5 minutes but in cases of extreme boundaries by a neighbouring bull seal keep me in the luxury (?) to which I was driver and the mate—I won't tell you necessity durations of up to 20-30 is greeted by rude noises and gestures accustomed. However, I thought it what his duties were. by the occupying seal. The bull with the minutes may be possible. prudent to prepare myself, and one Undaunted, I re-wrote the notice, and most impressive combination of gestures evening, I drew up a list of my quali- How can they stay below so long with at enormous expense inserted it in the and noises usually wins the dispute. fications with a view to advertising for just one lungful of air? Another good They are very much like humans in that Cricklewood and Cookham `Clarion'; question. They have acquired specially a position. I was a ship's diver familiar the notice read as follows:— respect. with barnacles and bottoms, had a fair developed physiological tricks to enable knowledge of damage control markings, Ex-Naval Diver—vast experience, re- them to perform such terrific feats of Once all the bulls have settled their could tie a sheet bend and knew quires civilian employment, willing to endurance. One of these is to slow down territorial limits, pregnant cows begin undertake any remunerative task. the heart rate and simultaneously change coming ashore. The bulls gracefully numerous Italian, Maltese and Arabic the distribution of blood giving priority herd as many of them as possible onto swearwords! Surely I thought, there I won't bore you with details of the must be a job requiring just these to the brain. The muscles thus receive their particular territory and thus replies, but, suffice to say, that some of less blood but this isn't so bad since the establish a 'harem'. The pups are born qualifications. So with confidence, I the tasks offered were entirely unsuited posted a notice in the War Cry' and muscles themselves are capable of at this juncture in the proceedings and to my temperament and physical quali- building up a store of oxygen prior to two or three days after giving birth, the the `Fur and Feather Weekly'. I got fications. It is strange how the layman a dive. cows are once again ready to receive three replies; one from an old lady in thinks that all divers are big, husky, the bull. The bulls sole duty for the next Bournemouth who wanted a relief Unlike a cetacean, before a seal dives , virile chaps, who once they have ' four to six weeks is to copulate with his `pusher' for her wheelchair. Her husband he usually exhales. The residual air in removed their helmets or flippers are entire harem as frequently as he is able who was almost ninety was getting past his lungs does not therefore constitute either diving into a pint pot or into a and to defend his harem from less it; one from a female chemist who listed a significant store of oxygen. As if to double-bed. I am just over nine stone, fortunate bulls with similar designs. the duties as bottle filling, pill packing make up for this apparent deficiency, am a bitter lemon addict, shave once a Such is his lot that he never receives an and serving embarrassed young men week, and the sight of a scantily clad seals have vast quantities of blood— who required 'packets of aspirins'; and opportunity to feed during this period. female makes me break into a rash! almost double the amount when com- lastly, the post of mate on an Inland pared with a man of similar body As this phase in our story draws to a Waterways vessel. The latter had an So, having had two weeks on the dole weight; this is obviously a large storage close, the seals yield once more to the appeal. I could visualise myself standing I decided that civilian life was not for depot for oxygen. But why do they call of the sea and make their separate on the bridge waving an arm of gold me and I rejoined the Navy as a cook— breathe out? Probably to try and ways to the water and may swim braid, or doffing a cap of scrambled be seeing you shipmates. ANON.NoN. achieve neutral bouyancy, thus mini- tremendous distances from the colony mising the effort required to maintain a to lead completely solitary lives until

20 21

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

Competition ROYAL NAVAL DIVING SCHOOL For Magazine Material HORSEA ISLAND T is intended to run a competition, THE ONLY RULES ARE AS Iopen to all readers of the Magazine FOLLOWS:- SUB AQUA for the next TWO issues for 1968. 1.—Full Copyright Permission must There are two Sections to the Com- accompany all material submitted. petition — one for photographs — the Photographs must not be less than 0 ID S 11) A,Y other for articles of serious or humour- zlf x 3f and are returnable, if ous nature, submitted to the Editor requested at the time of submission. PORTSMOUTH before the dates given below. 2.—All material submitted too late for The Prize for the best entry submitted the first magazine will be auto- 1300 - 19th MAY, 1968 for each section will be £5 and all matically entered for the second. material will be prepared, and edited 3.—The decision of the Judging Panel before Submitting to the Judging Panel. will be final. PROGRAMME The dates for Entry are as follows:— For the Summer Edition— For the Winter Edition— The 15th July. The 18th November. Admission to the SUB-AQUA DAY will be by Ticket, obtainable from Southsea B.S.A.C.

,1•11.0[•-•

GOLF FOOTBALL SQUASH HOCKEY FENCING Foreword As many of our Sub-Aqua readers will already know, The CRICKET Tel. PORTSMOUTH 20611 FISHING Royal Navy has formerly made certain facilities available to clubs for weekend Diving. This had to cease for a variety of reasons.* Sportsmen shop at This year we intend to repeat what has become almost an INDOOR BOXING annual event by holding a Sub-Aqua Day where the Clubs may GAMES THE SOUTHERN once again meet the Navy Divers, see and try their equipment. The venue for the occasion will again be Horsea Island. It is BOWLING situated at the Northern end of Portsmouth Harbour, access to WEIGHT SPORTS which is from Northern Parade to the rear of H.M.S. Phoenix. TRAINING Admission to the island is by ticket only, obtainable from the Hon. SHOP CAMPING Secretary of Southsea B.S.A.C., 38 Cumberland Road, Southsea, Hants. ATHLETICS Personal attention The footbridge to the Island will be open from 1230 and Visitors 48 ELM GROVE FIRE ARMS from are requested not to attempt to gain admission to the Island before this time. Peter Anderson SOUTHSEA JUDO A map of the Island is printed in the centre pages of the Ken Edwards HANTS TENNIS Magazine to enable you to find your way around the island. A programme of events is also included in the centre pages. BADMINTON RUGBY UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT We are once again most grateful to our friends in the Southsea Sub-Aqua Club for their help with organisation.

22 23

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

Key to Chart 1. Cinema. Adult Diving Films. 2. Gentlemen's Toilets. 3. Gentlemen's Tent. 4. Children's Swings and Roundabouts. 5. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Section. 6. Children's Films (Cartoons). 7. Buffet Tents. 8. Naval Equipment Static Display. 9. Civilian Firms' Tent. 10. Ladies' Changing Room and Toilets. 11. Creche. 12. Standard Diving. 13. First Aid Post. Main Office. 14. Royal Engineers Tank. 15. Swimmers Air Breathing Apparatus Diving. 16. Demonstration Jetty. 17. Compression Chamber Dives.

Static Displays Underwater Cutting. Bomb and Mine Disposal. Diving Equipment and Tools. Mobile H.S.C.D. Team Lorry.

Demonstrations SEARCH AND RESCUE DIVERS. LIFE-SAVING. FAST DRESSING.

24 25

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

Compression Chamber Dives Underwater Blasting opens up Practical operation and dives in the chamber will be carried New Sea Lanes in Fiji out to a maximum of 10 persons per dive. (The following article is reproduced from the Pacific Islands Monthly). VISITORS WILL BE INFORMED BY THE BROAD- NDERWATER explosions to blast could do in removing coral heads at CASTS AS AND WHEN ITEMS ARE TAKING PLACE. passages into lagoons which have Christmas Island in 1957 when the never floated anything larger than Royal Engineers improved the alighting an outrigger canoe have been almost area for the R.N.Z.A.F. Sunderlands commonplace in Fiji lately. associated with the nuclear bomb tests. Cinema The man behind them all, Captain The destruction in 1963 of Pelope Stan Brown, is one of the South Pacific's Shoal, a navigational danger for ships Continuous Film Programme which includes:— best known inter-island skippers. He using the port of Honiara, provided has been spending almost as much time further useful lessons. Emergency Resuscitation Parts 1, 2, and 3. underwater as he has on top of it in So when Stan put his theories to his well-known ketch Maroro. Raymond Burr, he was anything but an Defence in Depth. The blasting away of coral reefs to armchair theorist. Mr. Burr listened, improve boat passages and make and put up the money for an experi- These will take place in the Cinema marked (1) on the Chart. navigation easier has been a `must' in mental bang at Naitauba. Fiji for years, but a `must' which has Several coral heads were removed A continuous Cartoon Programme will be shown in the remained little more than a wishful from the boat passage at Naitauba, Cinema marked (6) on the chart. thought because of lack of funds to buy which was so improved that it can now highly-priced explosives. be worked at all states of the tide Except for a few occasions where instead of only from half-tide upwards. explosives were lowered and detonated Captain Brown then blew a passage to remove isolated coral heads, nothing into the small lagoon at Toberua Island, was tried in Fiji until last year. off the Rewa estuary, which Sydney The underwater demolition business company director Joe McHugh is GENERAL INFORMATION did not really get under way until Stan converting into a tourist resort. Brown put some theories he had picked Then followed more work at The Car Park is at the bottom of Matapan Road and cars up over the years to T.V. personality Naitauba where another passage was can also park in Matapan Road itself. Naval personnel will be Raymond Burr, who bought Naitauba cleared in the hope that small seagoing available to direct the parking. Island in 1965. craft could use the lagoon. More work - Stan had been present during the war is still needed there but the passage has when a passage was blown through the already been used by an overseas yacht reef into Canton Island's lagoon by which stayed several days. Later, he U.S. Army engineers. Stan Brown's next job was for the examined the passages blown at Tarawa, Shell Company, when he and other Visitors to Horsea Island do so at their own risk. No liability where the Americans made a new divers, working from the Maroro, harbour after the destruction of the old will be accepted by the Secretary of State for Defence, his servants removed large coral heads at Waiyevo one in the famous Battle of Tarawa. on Taveuni so that the company's new or Agents, for any injury (including fatal injury), damage or loss tanker, Sigawale, could berth there. to person or property whether due to negligence or otherwise. Useful Lessons He also saw a similar man-made When the Government was given passage in Noumea—another product information on costs and the amount of of the war, where cost was of little coral removed, the new Marine Depart- account; and he saw what explosives ment employed the Maroro team to 26 27

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk carry out underwater demolition else- Sharks have caught on too. They Miracles take a little longer where. have learned that a big bang means a The first job was to improve the meal, and no sooner has the spray Thomas Hardy wrote, although I doubt if he knew any divers — settled down after an explosion than entrance to the lagoon at Fulaga Island 'Somebody said that it couldn't be done, but he with a chuckle replied, they race in for the harvest. in the Lau Group. Several coral heads `Maybe it couldn't' but he would be one who wouldn't say so `till he'd tried'. were shattered, including one which has They put on a polished performance accounted for several local vessels, and at Naitauba and Fulaga where demoli- T all started on one sunny morning it must be repositioned for further now some of the largest inter-island tion work went on for days, and before in the Gulf when a very keen young turning. ships can get into the lagoon, where the last bang the sharks had worked out IE.R.A. from H.M. Submarine Astute, previously they would have needed the modus operandi to a remarkable not being satisfied with a routine check Work commenced with the removal wings. degree. up inside the submarine had to do a of the port hydroplane nut. Just undo it? To start with, a 1 ton Pull lift Heads have also been removed in At Waiyevo, a large black whaler sub-aqua survey of the bits that stick out shark made a practice of working the underneath. To his horror, having shackled between the submarine casing several boat passages at Kabara Island and one side of the spanner and a 281b. (Lau Group) and the anchorage has area early in the morning and taking arrived at Bahrain from U.K. via India, any fish that were lying on the bottom. he found much damage to the port after hammer (persuader) on the other side been improved out of all recognition. were used—the Pull Lift chain parted. Meanwhile, the Maroro divers have hydroplane and all the signs of the same On the islands where blasting has thing happening to the starboard one. It was replaced by a 3 ton lift but still taken place, the Fijians have been become aquatic explosion experts and the nut refused to budge. Leaving the rejoicing both for the better shipping they'll go anywhere. Not having had his tot and the pull lift in situ, the diver and 281b. facilities and because each big bang The only thing that stops them from visibility being reasonable, he rightly hammer on the other side were replaced takes its toll of fish. Islanders have doing even more work than they do is reported the damage to his commanding with a home-made battering ram con- never had so much fish with so little the price of explosives—£1,000-worth of officer. After the tranquilisers, much sisting of a 2cwt. cylinder block, con- effort. commercial explosives is soon used up. consultation was had with the base staff veniently slung and moved forward and it was decided that, since the damage towards the spanner at a rate of knots could not be repaired in situ, the by the crafty method of leading a rope hydroplane must come off. Very logical, from the cylinder block through a but with no dry dock available, that is leading block to half a dozen fast People who about all one could say. However it was moving submariners on the casing. decided to have a go using the meagre The impact of block on spanner just diving potential available. managed to budge the nut but it took It is amazing how the 'buzz' gets several more performances to slacken really know beer around when there is the chance of a dip it off. Permission to use explosives had and an interesting one at that; divers not been granted at this stage. appeared from all kinds of retreats, Before breaking the taper between the blinking in the strong sunlight and doing hydroplane and shaft, the hydroplane take Courage the odd press up. All most convincing, was prepared for unshipping. Since but during the following week they were there were no safe lifting points left on to get more exercise than they had the hydroplane it was decided to place bargained for, in water at Plus 90 F., wires round it (all same tying up a using S.A.B.A. parcel) and securing it with bulldog For the uninitiated, a submarine's grips which also served as lifting eyes. hydroplanes are similar in construction To facilitate slinging, an 'I' section to the wing of an aeroplane, are a taper R.S.J. was tack welded to the hydro- fit onto a, shaft and held in position by a plane guard. Slinging points were from nut and keep-plate. The removal of an the R.S.J. and the inner edges of the inspection plate reveals the nut, but hydroplane guard by means of 'G' allows very little room for fitting a clamps. The actual lift and shift was giant spanner which, when in position, achieved with the aid of Pull lifts and can only be moved through an angle of some knowledge of basic mechanics 60 degrees, i.e. one flat on the nut, before (triangle of forces)! 29 28

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

In an attempt to remove the hydro- after end of the submarine by slinging plane from its tapered shaft a 6 ton it below a cutter in the same manner hydraulic jack was used, but without used when taking away a Bower LEISURE WEAR success, even with the aid of the Anchor, for use as a kedge. (Ancient battering ram. Finally, after much mariners will be with me). From the communication with the boffins in U.K., cutter, the hydroplane was manoeuvered by a jig was designed in U.K. and produced onto the shaft with pull lifts, great care in the workshop in H.M.S. Jufair, which being taken to avoid damage to the enabled cordtex to be used to jump the shaft thread, key and keyways. Final hydroplane off the taper. The firing tightening of the nut was achieved by only moved the hydroplane I inch along carrying out the reverse procedure for Coopers the shaft but this was sufficient to allow its removal. it to be inched off the shaft completely by means of Pull Lifts until it was eased The Starboard hydroplane was re- into the vertical position when a crane moved and replaced in a similar manner Fine Tailoring lifted it clear of the water and onto the but in the light of experience it took jetty. considerably less time. Superb Cloths Replacement was made easier by the It is interesting to note that H.M.S. Styled for Comfort provision of 'eyes' tack welded onto the Jufair boasted of no diving team as such, top surface of the repaired hydroplane. divers and supervisors were recruited as It was transported from the jetty to the and when available from Jufair and

Make sure your new suit is COOPERSTYLE

Payment may be made by monthly allotment or Banker's Order at No Extra Charge.

SEE THE EXCITING PATTERNS FOR 1968 W. COOPER (Harwich) LTD. 49 QUEEN STREET, PORTSMOUTH Diving Team for S/M Astute's Hydroplane removal and replacement HEAD OFFICE: MAIN ROAD, HARWICH, ESSEX at Bahrain.

30 31

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk ships at Bahrain but basically, at any was about. Also, reference article by Before Your Time ? one time, the team consisted of:- J.W. in Diving Magazine Volume 14, No 3, Page 46, good seamanship came 1 Diving Supervising Officer. to the fore, but also let it be said that the OOKING through the archives of Subsequently: Known as 'Sahib' after 1 Artificer Diver (the S./M.E.R.A.) E.R.A. of the submarine was an essen- the Diving School the other day, his dramatic despatch to P.M. Jufair) tial part of the diving team. 1 Ship's Diver (P.O. from L. we came across this rather inter- Disraeli 'Send me a dozen divers and 1 S.W.D. (P.O. from Jufair) esting photograph of an early Diving In conclusion, Thomas Hardy wrote: I will conquer South-East Asia for 3 Ships' Divers (others) Officers Course. The photograph Britain'. "So he buckled right in with a trace appears to have been taken at Horsea What no C.D's ! of a grin on his face. Island and in the background you can N. J. A. Davies: Middle—with Pipe. If he worried, he hid it. The complete job was a classic see the semaphore towers which were a Credits: Married the Admirals' He started to sing as he tackled example of ingenuity coupled with feature of the time, and the stables daughter. Subsequently: Joined the the thing that couldn't be done, divers dogged determination to get the which housed the horses of one of the China Fleet and later became Admiral. and he did it". R.C. job done—that is what all your training early Royal Naval Beach Clearance His house parties were well known by teams. socialites of the time. The object on the right is either an early Submersible Compression C. J. Niven: Back row—right. Credits Chamber or a Submersible, self-heating Getting away with it. Subsequently: HE article 'Greatest Living Beings allotted tasks. The seal holds the record tea urn, whilst the chair-like object on resigned to teach higher calculus and in the Sea' in last edition of the for diving endurance with a time of 20 the left is an early Pussers tubular chair. mathematics at Oxford University. T magazine, reminded me that these minutes, but the depth of the dive is not The accompanying reports are also Worked with Einstein's father. marine mammals are already usefully known. The results to date indicate interesting as most of these officers had Further research indicated that he is employed in underwater work. In 1965 that the marine mammals can be an very chequered careers. still getting away with it. during the 'Sea Lab II' project conducted aid to the man in the sea, whether he be by the U.S. Navy as part of their 'Man a diver, swimmer or a dweller in an H. J. Donohue: Centre—back row. P. Fougstedt: Lying down—left. Credits in the Sea' experiments, a porpoise underwater house. So the time may not Credits: First self-contained diver by Use of warm hats to keep head warm named Tuffy was borne as a diver. be so far distant when the complement cutting breast rope and air-pipe. whilst diving. Subsquently: Refused Tuffy had been trained to perform small for a C.D. team will include one seal Subsequently: Lords of Admiralty diving equipment by British Govern- tasks, such as delivering messages and and one porpoise! took dim view. Court martialled, ment for fear it would be used against carrying tools and other small objects. deported to Botany Bay, Australia. poor ignorant natives in South Africa. In the next stage of the 'Man in the Sea' experiment, Sea Lab III, which is G. B. Mullett: Left—back row. Credits: P. J. Gale: Lying down—left. Credits: scheduled to take place this year, it is Initiated 4 o'clock tea break for Taking things to pieces. Subsequently : proposed to use other sea mammals in Divers. Subsequently; entered House Known as 'Fingers' Gale. Took up these roles. Two porpoises, two sea EJECTOR SEAT TIE of Lords. Brilliant speaker but safe-cracking and publicly hanged by lions and a seal are being trained in Available for Personnel who have resigned after Liberal speaker accused Royal Proclamation in Exeter. Fire- `search and rescue' techniques, in the him of stealing his pipe and tobacco. works supplied by 'Drake'. carrying of small objects and as an aid taken part in trials, also aircrew who to propulsion. have ejected. Stocks of this tie are held by the Editor of the magazine and are M. J. Harwood: Bearded—sitting on J. Birkett: Sitting on tea urn. Credits: U.S. Navy scientists have been study- available on request. It is made of chair. Credits: Often mistaken for Inventing Submersible Tea Urn. Sub- ing these very intelligent mammals Terylene, Royal Blue background with Queen Victoria, survived two assasin- quently : Went to Persian Gulf and during their training, and progressively two motifs, one a red triangle the other ation attempts on her life. Sub- became known as `Birkett of Arabia'. planning their programme. The idea is a yellow frogman. The price of the tie is sequently: Wrote book on Baby Care, Signed several peace treaties with to determine their behaviour, diving 17/6 postage paid, all cheques or postal acclaimed as world authority on local sheiks. Relieved by Army endurance and any particular character- orders should be made payable to the subject. Officer called Lawrence. istics and to use these for the benefit of R.N. Diving Magazine. the man underwater. The trainees have D. R. Ramsden: Middle—no hat. EDITOR'S NOTE. I have the feeling I responded well to their instruction and Credits: First to allow coloured im- have seen some of these faces before. all can perform one or more of their migrants to do attendant duties. 32 33

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

•••••••••••••••••••.....•••••.•••••••••••••.••••••...... o...1, r•••••••‘•••••••••••••"....s....,...... s...... •••••••••••oss....s.•••••••• The Parable of 'Brum' P.O. Uniform Diagonal Serge Suits PETEWARREN ND it came to pass that all was men of little faith, don't thou know that Apeace in the land of Airey-Fairey heated pools and scented couches have £9 19s. 6d• and the winged chariots went been prepared for thee for thou art to Ready to Wear 34-42" Chest about their business. It was upon be feted and made much of'. And with the third day after the festival of that, the wild men were sated, and TICKLER-COOPON that rumblings gathering up many artifacts applicable Exceptionally Good Value from the mountain of the WHITE- to their calling set out upon the road HALL were heard and many gathered to the land of BRUM. for the great god spake unto ye tribe Admiralty Quality Serge Suits of Airy-Fairey. After one day or maybe two, the wild men gathered unto the temple of Ready to Wear Now the head scribe of the tribe of £14 15s. Od. A irey-Fairey was known as F.O.N.A.C. BINGLEYHALL IN THE LAND OF the Terrible, and he sent missives to all BRUM for the great festival of BOAT- 117 17$. Od. Made to Measure lower scribes who in turn pass the word SHOW, and there was much rejoicing to all the serfs. thereof. Upon the day of commence- ment, when the multitudes had gathered And such a missive was handed to the ROYGRAHAM spake unto the crowd OUR CIVILIAN TAILORING AND lower campment of NASLEE wherein thus. 'NOW HERE YE THIS'! dwelt ROYGRAHAM, he who com- Yonder men swathed in rubber vest- MEN'S OUTFITTING DEPT. manded a cohort of wild men who did ments will show unto you the art of The latest style suitings spend much of the day beneath the wild DI-VING, and at his word of com- and turbid waters. And this ROY- mand, BOM-BER-BROWN and OZUS- and Menswear stocked GRAHAM gathered unto himself his HOLLOMBY entered the turbid waters, cohort and spake thus. and didst cry GAWDITSCOLD and `Oh ye of AIRCOM MAND who upon the cessation of their activities EMBROIDERED BADGES and didst fritter away thy time in the far didst emerge a strange colour of blue. SPECIALLY WOVEN MOTIF TIES land of Scilly, upon the rend called It was then that LOF-TY-WARREN `Association'. Thou art been given a and KEEF-WARNER didst appear in a speciality norm by F.O.N.A.C. the Terrible. In strange white swaddling clothes, where two days hence, girdle thy loins and hie on ROYGRAHAM didst scream some thee off to the far land of BRUM, for majic word, whereon both got dressed SPORTS KIT and accessories for all outdoor the multitudes are gathering for the in rubber vestments with much alacrity games at keenest prices festival of BOATSHOW and wish to an event which pleased the multitudes. see thee making as if to dive, for thy And it thus happened, after the first day, fame hath spread even beyond the dock- that the wild men didst gather unto yard gate'. ROYGRAHAM spake themselves and spake saying 'Wherein ■ unto LOF-TY-WARREN and LOF- are the heated pools? Wherein are the GREENBURGH BROS. LTD TY-WARREN spake unto BOM-BER- scented couches? Wherein is the BROWN, and BOM-BER-BROWN substance? And how many times per 81/82 QUEEN STREET, spake unto OZUS-HOLLOMBY who diem must we act thus.' Upon hearing inturn spake with KEEF-WARNER. this, the wrath of ROYGRAHAM wax- PORTSMOUTH And there arose much muttering from ed exceedingly strong and he held forth TEL. 26331 within this cohort for their voices were saying, 'Thou didst not need heated heard saying `Who are we that run with pools! Thou dost not need scented also at Devonport, Gosport, Chatham, Portland, Scotland, Valletta Malta alacrity like the winged insects with blue couches! Thou must forage the sur- posteriors to the land of BRUM'? rounding countryside for thy fare and

••••••••••••••••••.11.116.11.16.1111•00.11.11.11.11,...11.0.100.1•0,1 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• But ROYGRAHAM didst say `Oh ye L.,••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••11••••••••••••••••••• thou shalt perform four times per diem 34 35

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

duced to some of the officers and in order that the multitudes can be didst please the multitudes of the land diver, when described, was undoubtedly instructors and shown various items of joyous, for that is thy lot'. But the wild of Brum. On fifty-six occasions did our friend from the Isle of Wight, and equipment. It was learnt that he was men didst call upon their maker saying, ROYGRAHAM scream his magic the Naval Tailor was very embarassed not a diver, and apart from his 'weekly 'Oh, Genii, whyfore should I suffer word, - - - - and the wild men didst when told. The next day yet another scrub' had never put his head under thus', and were oft seen waving at spend a total of thirty-eight hours Naval Tailor rang and told a similar. water; his knowledge had come from ROYGRAHAM with two fingers of the capering in front of the crowd who story, he having supplied goods to the reading books in the prison library. In right hand. Yea! The very gesture of muttered, 'Yea verily'! Who, other than value of almost £40. The Instructional fact his articles were summaries of this utmost despair. the afflicted would do such a thing?' Diving Officer was very sympathetic but reading. He had a particular interest disclaimed any responsibility and sug- For fourteen days and fourteen nights, in burning gear and spent a fair time HERE ENDETH THE PARABLE. gested that it was a matter for the police. the men of the tribe of Airey-Fairey at the tank watching the equipment in However both Naval Tailors felt a bit operation. On completion of his tour, foolish at being caught out like this and a couple of instructors took him to it seemed as though our man trom their mess where he had a pint and Parkhurst was going to get away with it, Contributor lunch, before he finally departed the but such was not the case. Within a establishment. In subsequent discussion week a firm in London who supplied the HE appeal by the new editor for have some kindred spirit, and there was in Diving Section, it was generally Admiralty with underwater cutting gear Tmagazine material is one that we a general sympathetic feeling for this agreed that although he seemed quite a had supplied an 'Admiralty Diver' with have all heard from previous `lost soul' even though his crime was pleasant chap, no one would have liked some specialised cutting gear for a so- occupiers of this 'hot seat'. The not known, a copy of the magazine was him in their team, or as a 'run ashore called emergency job at Dover. The editor's task is a thankless one, and much sent together with a letter of thanks. oppo'. It had been learnt that he had equipment was supplied on credit, but of his time is spent in begging and be- done a two and a half years stint on the the story was checked and found to be seeching those of us who can write, to In the following year a number of Island and there were a number of articles on diving equipment were false so the police were informed. pen a few lines for the magazine. One suggestions as to the crime that took Within a short time, our 'friend' was does not have to be a Charles Dickens received from No. — — — —, each written him there. These ranged from accosting in this fine copper plate handwriting, and apprehended in South London trying to make a worthwhile contribution— and incest to blackmail and forgery, but to burn a shop safe and it was under- just a little time and effort can produce each technically correct, in fact they since he had not volunteered any were almost text book standard. Finally stood he ultimately returned to one of an article or story which will be read information on the subject no one knew. Her Majesty's Establishments for more and enjoyed by many. a letter was received stating that This we thought was the end of the No. — — — —'s enforced spell on the Isle enforced rest. I don't know if there is a In the early days of the magazine, episode, and of our contributor from moral to this tale, but would suggest— of Wight was coming to an end, and on Parkhurst Jail. way back in 1956-57. when it was even release he would be put on the boat for `Don't look a gift horse in the mouth more difficult to get material for Portsmouth. Since he would be on Some two days later the Head of the until you have removed his teeth'. printing, almost any bit of diving news Vernon's doorstep, could he possibly Diving Section received a 'phone call was grabbed and published. Thus, visit the Diving Section before travelling from one of the better known Naval those responsible for the magazine at on to London. This seemed a reasonable Tailors asking if he was acquainted with the time, were particularly gratified request to the diving fraternity, who it an A.B. Blank. It appeared that this APOLOGY when a large article on underwater must be admitted were all interested to A.B. (?) had acquired goods to the value welding arrived in the post. The meet the chap, but the powers that be • of over £30 without any collateral, but N the Article entitled MONTHLY article, which was written in a bold were not too sure. However approval simply by stating that he was a Naval IDIPPERS SECTION -- HORSEA copper plate handwriting, was a good was given on the understanding that the Diver just returned from the Far East published in the last magazine we one and its writer appeared to have visit took place out of working hours and was awaiting settlement of pay gave the official S.A.B.A. endurance full technical knowledge of his subject. records. The times are correct, but the and that our 'friend' was to be escorted,• . • • before proceeding on leave. He was at Enclosed with the article was a letter both to and from the Main Gate. • present in Vernon and the Instructional longest endurance of 141 minutes was requesting a free copy of the next issue Diving Officer would corroborate his attained by M.E.(1) BOARER not A.B. of the magazine in return for more On the appointed day No. — — — — story. The shop assistant, unfortunately, BORER as stated. The record holder is articles. This was a little unusual, but arrived and proved to be a slightly did not bother to check with Vernon and at present serving onboard H.M.S. then so was the address of the sender— built fellow in his late thirties or early supplied the goods, including a diver's Devonshire and I am indebted to his No. — — — — Parkhurst Prison, Isle of forties. He was brought to the Diving tie and blazer, on a promise that the current Diving Officer for informing Wight, the writer was an inmate of this Section which at that time was accom- bill would be settled the following day me of the mistake. ED. respected establishment. Divers and modated in Deepwater, a hulk berthed when the A.B. received his pay. The those unfortunate enough to get caught, alongside Whitehead jetty, and intro- 36 37

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

A Soldier in Fins

EDITORS NOTE: Captain Pethybridge really explained my presence within who wrote this article is from the York these hallowed pages, so I will repeat and Lancaster Regiment and has been my story which has seen the light of day taking the Ships Divers Course in many, many times in the past three Vernon. weeks. I am at present stationed at an Army Apprentices College, where the T is a long established fact that a cream of the Army's recruits are trained .high prop lion of the illustrous for three years to be soldiers and niernbers 'our Royal Navy are educated to be electronic tradesmen. In either born w th', or redevelop a umber common with all boy/junior units, off- of the impedimenta which la Wised duty hours don't exist, as this is the time people have long since dishedas when the boys must be occupied with unnecessary in their new way fe. hobbies and activities. On arriving at As a firmly entrenched terrestrial my new job, I noted that there was a creature, the effort involved in making preponderance of 'soft' activities such the transition to the aquatic way of life as photography and stamp collecting, was two-fold. Firstly I had to go and that the more 'active' activities such through a crash programme of re- as sailing, gliding and canoeing, though trogade redevelopment to at least the very well supported, were numerically amphibious era which I calculated inferior. would probably be acceptable in a shore We have in our new ill million establishment. Secondly and no less barracks, a splendid swimming pool that difficult was a comprehensive language would be ideal for the basic training of a course. Success, I estimated, could only sub-aqua club and I am told that money be gauged by the time taken for my is readily available. So the answer was brother fish to forget that I had so clear—help myself and help the Army, recently joined them in their marine go on a compressed air diving course, existence. I felt that this stage was and then form a sub-aqua club. And reached when I was in all sincerity where better to be trained than with the queried as to whether I wanted a length Navy at Vernon? of rope 'flaked down' or 'coiled'. After a good deal of fixing and a good Flushed with success, and with a deal of kindness from H.M.S. Vernon, I straight face, I reiterated my original was offered a four weeks Ships Diving request and made a mental note that the Supervisers Course. Accordingly, I time was arriving when I would be able jumped in at the deep end and to my to , assert fryself, and reply rather utter coasternation found myself, on di Terently .=a)any similar question! day two of the course, in those very Language certainly pronlIsed to be a circumstances on Horsea Island in a problem—I would be a very lame duck cold and wintry sea questioning my were I not able to converse easily with sanity ! instructor and course members. Imagine I am afraid that I cannot repeat the The Superintendent of Diving (Cdr. P. A. White, M.B.E., R.N.) during his visit how easily the simplest of operations or exact words I used but I'm sure you can to the U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit. He is seen during an informal lecture could be prolonged by my having imagine. However, that particular piece chat to his opposite number in the United States Commander (now Capt. to request a translation every few words. of vernacular was but nothing compared E. B. Mitchell) and Capt. W. F. Searle, Supervisor of Salvage. I hasten to add that this was not the with the self-criticism I administered case. when faced with negotiating on foot At this point, I realise that I haven't what appeared to be severalimiles of the 38 39

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk most obnoxious sort of mud that God could I have been so well endowed with Local Knowledge in his wisdom ever saw fit to cover a the knowledge which is imperative when foreshore with. teaching others to exist safely under- water even when at play. have noticed with interest the and Stonefish. The latter, especially, We survived—and if I dare say so recent articles on Marine Biology From my own personal point of view, can kill a man within three hours and with just under a week to go, are even I (Summer and Winter editions 1967) I shall leave a fitter and wiser man, to there has often in the past been con- enjoying it. Luck I think was on Course and I'm sure that some interesting become one of the very few, unpaid troversy about treatment. I find now 54's side. Our week of deep diving in the correspondence could result if various Ships Diving Officers in the Army, but however that special anti-venenes are Solent was accompanied by calm seas, divers both serving and 'ex.' were to having succeeded in yet another of my manufactured to cope with both these sunshine, 70° F. which compared with write in about their own experiences ambitions. On the business side of our potentially fatal creatures. Harrogate's icy blasts, was really rather with different marine Fauna from service life—what a good thing it is for pleasant. various parts of the world. The Commonwealth Serum Labor- officers to learn a little about each others atories, 45 Popular Road, Parkville, The chance of expressing mine, and way of life. Inter-service relations, N.2, Victoria, Australia, manufacture the Army Apprentices College, The maxim, when arriving in a fresh unfortunately, never normally take place both Stonefish (Synaceja Trachynis) and Harrogate's joint thanks for allowing area, is always to consult 'Local till the middle or end of one's career, Sea-Snake (Enhydrina Schistosa) anti- me to take this particular course must Knowledge'. This, of course, is very and with a future in front of us all, which venenes. not go unpassed. Having nearly com- valuable, but also very incomplete and must of necessity lean heavily on inter- inconclusive. I have found many pleted the course, I am certain that no In answer to a letter of enquiry, service co-operation, it is a shame that books are available on the subject, where else could I have been so effic- the Deputy Medical Director at the greater opportunity is not taken of and other good sources of information iently trained to lead an underwater broadening the young officers outlook. above address readily supplied full existence than here at Vernon. Nor are Aquarium Staff and local Medical practitioners. details of the preparation and use of these anti-venenes. The job on which One can gradually formulate a list I am currently employed, has one area of various obnoxious species, along where we have sighted Stone-fish on with the symptoms and treatment. many occasions, when we have had I have found it useful to produce a visibility. This brings home the fact, wall chart of all obnoxious life to be that they are still present when there FOR QUALITY CLOTHING found in the operating area, and is nil visibility, and under these con- alongside each one put two code ditions, of course, one is much more numbers, one referring to symptoms likely to disturb them, thus provoking AT SENSIBLE PRICES and the other to treatments. I then 'defensive' attack on their behalf. list numerically all symptoms in one column, then all treatments in another. Now that we have on the site ampules of anti-venene, I think we are confident Thus, you can readily recognise cause, and immediately cross-reference to of the eventual outcome of any en- JACK BLAIR LTD. counter that may occur. symptoms to be expected and treatment OF PORTSMOUTH required. Serious symptoms present I would strongly advise that, when much less of a problem if they can be working in various areas, a complete foreseen, and will often determine medical kit should be made available, whether 'treatment can be carried out as many of the specialised items are Naval and Civilian Tailor and Outfitte0 locally, a doctor should be called, or not normally available locally. the victim should be transported directly lin to hospital. Most cases of fish poisoning require 48 QUEEN STREET, PORTSMOUTH concise qualified medical attention urg- While gleaning information and com- ently, and a kit that can be placed at the piling a wall-chart, one can often doctors disposal is most welcome. Telephone 25046 'stumble' across vital information of which one has hitherto been ignorant. Here, it should be stressed, that no Member of Interport Naval Traders Association. amateur should ever attempt to ad- Two constant menaces in the Pacific minister an anti-venene, as serious side- and neighbouring areas are Sea-Snakes effects can quickly develop, which in 40 41

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk themselves require skilled medical at- very venomous, fish (and some plants) Underwater Expedition 1968 tention. which are encountered in various waters. I should be most interested to hear, M. R. Pemberton, Diving Inspector of if others in the trade know of any Works, P.O. Box 7001, Keamari, Wrecks and Archaeology specialised treatments for the many, Karachi 7, West Pakistan. 1968 promises much in the realms of no protection is granted to the original underwater Archaeology and Treasure finder. Three years of research and grabbing. Work on the Spanish patient probing of the sea-bed by Armada wreck of the Santa Maria de la N.A.C.S.A.C. went into the finding of Girls and Boys Rosa is planned by Mr. Syd Wignall off Association, but, within weeks, other South-West Ireland. Alan Bax has plans teams were working the site, making for I need the date of marriage, number De Liefde in the Skerries and the any proper archaeological survey ex- HERE is a theory that divers tend Mary Rose and sex of children, date qualified (or in the Solent is again in the tremely difficult. to have a predominance of girl news. Tchildren in their families. This may commenced diving) and whether you For example, the correct way, equally apply to others who pursue were employed in an active diving billet The wreck site on the Gilstones, Isles archaeologically speaking, to raise, say active occupations. It is a question that during the period of conception. of Scilly, although, almost certainly the a small bronze cannon, is to first plot I have given thought to for some years, remains of Association, is not a complete its relationship to the rest of the wreck, Some say it depends whether you were since the Mediterranean Fleet Clearance hull, merely a litter of sea-bed finds and, photograph it and sketch the find and facing east at the vital moment, perhaps Diving Team—which I commanded at it is therefore, unlikely, that the Ministry its immediate vicinity, then carefully you have other ideas? If so I would like the time—produced almost a 100 of Defence will attempt to prove legal extract it without damaging any other female score, 12 Girl children, only to hear about them. ownership. This produced an interesting evidence. Afterwards it is necessary one boy. Those wishing to take part in the situation in that the contracts, issued to to treat it to ensure preservation from survey should send information to :— the Naval Air Command Sub-Aqua deterioration in the open air. This is a The time has come to clear the matter Club, Mr. Morris and the Blue Sea slow painstaking process, and when up, for several eminent Doctors are Commander P. A. White, M.B.E., R.N. Divers, may be quite ineffective in working in competition with other interested in this apparent trend. A preventing others working the wreck. teams, who are uninhibited by such simple questionaire is being sent out to A.E.D.U., H.M.S. Vernon, The law requires that finds must be considerations, results appear less spec- all serving divers but, in addition, I Portsmouth. handed to the Receiver of Wrecks, and tacular by comparison. would be grateful for all available facts if ownership is not proven within one In 1967, greater quantities of coin and figures and ideas from all divers. year, the items are sold by the Board of were extracted by other teams, and the Trade and salvage money up to 50% of press publicity made it appear that the proceeds may be awarded to the N.A.C.S.A.C. had 'goofed', but in salvor. A frustrating aspect of the reality there was a fundamental differ- present situation is that the salvor is not ence in our aims. It is perhaps un- Obituary obliged to exercise restraint in working fortunate, that the affair was presented ancient wreck sites, in order that as only a treasure hunt, although historically valuable information may be FIVE BELLS FOR LT. E. W. J. (TED) GORDON (Q.D.D.) R.N. (Retd.) treasure hunting sounds more exciting extracted as well as the obviously than archaeology to most readers. profitable items. bombing of H.M.S. Hawkins. com- Members of the Committee for HE Editor is sorry to announce the L Last year, one team used explosives R.N. manded a lifting craft for the Suez Nautical Archaeology of the University death of Lt. E. W. J. Gordon, on the wreck site, but were restrained by T episode. of London are working towards legal (Rtd.). Ted retired in 1959 after a an M.O.D. letter invoking the terms of He was protection of ancient wreck sites, but vivid and varied career. Ted collapsed and died suddenly on the contract. This year, with several associated with many Diving projects, November 22nd whilst returning to his whether anything can be done in time to commercial and many amateur teams save Association but chiefly with Mine Clearance of the office in London. is doubtful. It may be threatening to descend, without the that Association will become the martyr European Coast immediately after the Our thoughts are with his family in necessity of contracts, the almost total war, the submarine rescue bell trials, to the cause like de Vergular Draake was their sorrow. EDITOR. destruction of this underwater archaeol- in Australia. and 'Instant Repairs' party for the logical site appears inevitable. Another lesson to be drawn is the A further source of frustration is that importance of acquiring an exclusive 42 43

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

contract when looking for an `owned' Superintendent of Antiquities in Eastern wreck, whose whereabouts is unknown. Sicily, who is anxious to work certain It is quite a legal `ploy' to take out a wrecks before they are plundered during contract to salvage a wreck, wait for the tourist season. awd somebody else to do the unrewarding BENSON HEDGES work of finding it, and then to step in to In July, another N.A.C.S.A.C. trip to reap the harvest. It is not always the Isles of Scilly is planned in con- possible to maintain secrecy, and the junction with the R.N.X.S., to dive on Could anything required posting of sea-bed finds by the Association if control of the wreck site be more luxurious Receiver of Wrecks tends to work then exists, otherwise a search for Eagle than this against security. or Romney may be preferred to a `free superb gold box? for all' on the Gilstones. Or-s This May, a team of nine N.A.C.S.A.0 1.014.0:iglitog divers is going to the Lipari Islands to LT. R. H. GRAHAM, gain experience of work on ancient Expendition Officer, wrecks, under the direction of an expert Daedalus, archaeologist Gerhard Kapitan. This N.A.C.S.A.C., H.M.S. venture is at the invitation of the Lee-on-the-Solent.

Mac's Merry Musings on the Magazine Jubilee

rt::>°11 r

HERE'S a book produced in Vernon This is our Golden Jubilee, , Yes. The cigarettes inside It's our Diving Magazine, With two score books plus ten, T'Twas born in nineteen fifty-one Throughout these years, with sweat and i .... 77:172.. v.i..w,i....,sio....*.i.,..•::„.4...,4,:i8,, And it's the finest ever seen. tears, ., $,. ` k••••„.,.?" ,7,..,.. s To paper we've put pen. .r r

The Editor's of great renown, So here's to all our diving friends, Of the world he's seen a lot, From every nook and corner, For fifteen years he's roamed the seas With perhaps a special mention, Aboard the Royal Yacht. To that 'veteran' Jackie Warner.

To Frankie Filer and to all I raise my silver tasse And to `Shiner's' lovely mermaid, THE BOX IS GOLD —THE PLEASURE PRICELESS MAC. Imported from England With that tantalizing chassis.

44 45

www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk V6 ONE FOR THE BOOK BOOK REVIEW. Letters to the Editor

HE Winner of the Scottish Open FARMING THE SEA OR many years now, I have felt it A question of expense always arises, Indoor Archery Championships by ALEXANDER MCKEE a very great shame that the Royal but I feel, especially in overseas areas, Theld in Edinburgh was Chief Petty FNaval Diving Association has divers are among the more affluent Officer Chris Jones, C.D.1 Publishers: SOUVENIR PRESS. Price: 35/- never developed beyond a Magazine, a populace and could take care of any He is at present stationed at H.M.S. This book has been received by the tie, a blazer badge and an annual expenses involved. Editor for review. In view of the dinner, which very few of the total can Safeguard. This achievement is all the I am sure the serving experts would more commendable, since he only took technical nature of the book and its very attend. wide scope, a number of people have gladly help by supplying any technical up Archery in 1962 and last year he won Everywhere I have been, I have been asked their professional opinions. information required by ex-R.N. Divers his Hampshire colours when placed 12th sooner or later crossed paths with other (in fact R.N.P.L. have recently done this The review will appear in the next in the National Championships. Well ex-Naval divers and often work in areas for me through the kindness of Jackie edition. done, Chris! where serving divers are to be found. Warner) and in return, information sent /edvf)4_ I feel if the Association were to be to the magazine could return the developed on business cum-social lines compliment. on a regional basis, much benefit could The usual diver being 'above average be derived. intelligence and not prone to sea- L/- — Lc -tz- Exchange of information can be sickness' usually possesses some latent mutually advantageous to all, and many talent and it would be interesting to see ex-serving members could help serving if area 'clubs' could provide a better members with re-employment, etc. It is flow of interesting material than ship's not envisaged to extend to a vast world- teams are at present. The average wide organisation, but rather to initially laymen would be excused thinking that ask people who are at least semi-static only about five ships have diving teams and willing to meet other divers in the on board! area to send their addresses to the How about it, let's get with it. I'm Special Terms to Club Members Diving Magazine, which in turn might backing R.N.D.A.! be gracious enough once a year or so to publish same. I feel 'joint' efforts Yours faithfully, would produce at least more of the M. R. PEMBERTON. One of the largest and most material each Editor unfortunately has to plead for and so rarely gets. A common P.S.-1 am likely to be here until late comprehensive stocks of diving gear meeting gound can usually be decided 1970 at least, so any Gulf' ships upon and in most areas premises can be visiting are assured of a noggin in the country hired for a monthly or otherwise meeting if they drop a line to P.O. Box if it is not convenient to meet on private 7001, Kean-lad, Karachi 7, West Always on display at : or business premises. Pakistan. Sub-Aqua Products (Eastleigh) Ltd.

63 TWYFORD ROAD EASTLEIG H - - HANTS

Telephone 2144

(CLOSED ALL DAY MONDAYS)

.16 47

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

ROYAL NAVAL DIVING MAGAZINE, H.M.S. 'VERNON', PORTSMOUTH, HANTS Hobbs Savill & Bradford (South West) Ltd.

CONSULTANTS FOR PENSION FUNDS, LIFE ASSURANCE MORTGAGES AND ESTATE PLANNING NAMF

ADDRESS

2 St. Andrew's Cross, Plymouth

Telephone: Plymouth 67261/2/3

and I wish to become a subscriber to the R.N. Diving Magazine and enclose a remittance by:— Coronation House, Kings Terrace,

Cheque No Value Southsea

Postal Order No Value Telephone: Portsmouth 25448/9

For future editions at 2/- each.

FREE ADVICE ON ALL DIVING INSURANCES Commencing with the Easter, Summer, Christmas edition post paid to the above address.

PRIVATE INTERVIEW AT PLYMOUTH, PORTSMOUTH,

Date Signed LONDON, MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD or BIRMINGHAM

www.mcdoa.org.uk