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MINEWARFARE AND DIVING

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 2 JUNE 1993

Focus on PACDU

Official Use Only www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk MINEWARFARE AND DIVING THE MAGAZINE OF THE MINEWARFARE AND DIVING COMMUNITY

Front Cover: Scenes from PACDU EOD operation at Flamborough Head—See article on page 21 and 22.

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 2 JUNE 1993

CONTENTS EDITORIAL STAFF Foreword by Commodore C J Freeman, Sponsor: Cdr. G. Goodwin Commodore Minor War Vessels, Minewarface and Publisher: Cdr. P.J. Gale Diving 1 Managing Editor: Lt. Cdr. N. R. Butterworth Deputy Editor: Lt. A. Young Editorial 2 MW Editors: Lt. A. Dann and WO(MW) R. Dean Diving Editors: Lt. Cdr. M. Warlow and WO(D) P.Still End of an Era 3 Assistant Editor: CPO(MW) P. Whitehead Overseas Editor: Lt. J. Acton Introduction to HAZMAT 4 Diving Reporter: A. B. (D) Horvarth-Toldi MW Reporter: CPO(MW) P. Campbell HSE Part 1/ 5 Editorial Offices: MDT Department of SMOPS Diving Reporter 6 HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) Portsmouth. Hampshire. P01 3HH Minewarfare Reporter 7 Telephone: 0705-822351 Ext: 24004 Facsimile: 0705-822351 Ext: 24705 Fishery Protection 8 A Look to the Future 9 Snippets from I of D 10 MINEWARFARE AND DIVING is published twice-annually by the MDT Department of Caption Competition 13 SMOPS on behalf of the Director of Naval CST Newsletter 14 Warfare, Ministry of Defence. Warfare Branch Update 16 Focus on PACDU 17 Service units requesting copies of the Magazine should forward their applications to the Director of EOD Operation Flamborough Head 21 Naval Warfare. CIO The Editorial Offices, address Amphibious Warfare 23 as above. Contributions of Minewarfare or Diving Tanks 24 interest and correspondence are invited and should Vernon Remembered 25 be addressed to the same location. Week with the RAF 26 This Magazine is issued by the United Kingdom Walney Update 28 Ministry of Defence for Official Use Only. The Personal Finance! 29 contents are not to be released to the public and Letters 30 are not to be discussed with the Press or anyone outside the Military Services without the specific OUVRY Remembered 32 authority of the Directorate of Naval Warfare, Obituary 34 United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. Diving Historical 35 © Crown Copyright www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Foreword by

Commodore C J Freeman, Commodore Minor War Vessels, Minewarfare and Diving

By the time this edition of the MAD Magazine goes to print I shall have been relieved in the post of Commodore Minor War Vessels, Mine Warfare and Diving. It has been a great privilege to hold the appointment and I thank you all for the support I have received.

Times are not easy for any activity involving defence expenditure, but in the world of MCM and diving there is much of which to be proud, and at the top of the list I would place the quality of the people—you, the reader. It is your standards of operating, of diving, or of running and maintaining the ships that puts the RN at the head of the field in these areas.

For the future, the SANDOWN class is starting to show its full potential and procurement of the new MCM/ EOD diving set is moving ahead satisfactorily, as are plans for new RCCs; but whatever kit we use the final performance will depend on the people. I ask and encourage you all to keep up the traditionally high standards of RN Mine Warfare and diving—and be proud of doing so.

Finally, special congratulations to the present editorial staff of this entertaining journal and all their predecessors. It has always managed to educate and amuse since Volume 1 Number 1. I hope there is a copy in my next ship!

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Having spent these past two years on the other side of the Atlantic valiantly showing the flag amongst our allies in Charleston, South Carolina, I feel bound to report that the Minewarfare and Diving magazine enjoys an excellent reputation within the U.S. minewarfare community! It is indeed then a pleasure, in my new post here at Gunwharf, to have an opportunity to play a small part in maintaining the high standards set by my predecessors. That said, I can take little credit for the production of Vol 3 No 2 which was all but completed by the time I arrived. The honours must go to Lt 'Brigham' Young who, as part of his convalescence from a particularly nasty car accident, has piloted the editorial effort for this issue. I must not forget the good work of Lt Jim Acton who has also put in a deal of time helping to smooth the final package. To those of you who sent in articles for inclusion in this edition I must also reserve a special thank you. If your particular article does not appear please be patient as it is likely that we have decided to hold it over to the next edition for genuine editorial reasons. Although they have had considerable co ge in past editions we felt that the quality of the contributions from PACDU this time deserved recognition. Our centrefold is therefore a focus on their recent activities which were officially recognised by Flag Officer Portsmouth, Rear Admiral D.K. Bawtree at a presentation ceremony in February this year. Our congratulations to Lt lan Morton and his team (unit)! HAZMAT is becoming an increasingly important aspect of diving and EOD business and our attention is brought to the subject by Lt Cdr Jon Chapple, late of the Inspectorate of Diving and shortly to be let loose on the west country, and I commend his article to you. On the minewarfare front WO Dixie Dean gives us an update on the progress of the implementation of the warfare branch and Lt Cdr Tom Chambers highlights the vital part that MCM has to play in future amphibious exercises and operations. All this and many more articles of merit too numerous to mention. Looking forward to the next issue the intention is to aive as much exposure as possible to those of the cloth in appointments, drafts and operations outside the UK. The minewarfare branch contribution to the UN effort in Cambodia will definitely feature and I make a plea now for material from the rest of you lucky enough to be serving in more exotic climes. Also articles from our wider audience would be most welcome. Our readers will be pleased to note that this year will see the reincarnation of the MCD conference which. under the new sponsorship of COMMW, will be held at HMS Nelson (Gunwharf) on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. By the time this magazine reaches you, full details should already have been promulgated in a calling notice from Rosyth. I look forward to seeing many of you there annstening to your comments on the magazine first hand. Mtiletwhile please keep those articles coming!

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THE END OF AN ERA BUT A NEW BEGINNING? by WO(MW) (0) Dixie Dean

February saw the end of another era in Minewarfare Training. With the introduction of the Warfare Branch on the horizon, the completion of Seaman (MW) 109 Course, under the firm control of CPO(MW) (0) Tony Mulrain, marked the end of basic Minewarfare Training for the Operations Branch as we know it. Since the introduction of the Minewarfare Branch we have trained some 1300 Part Ill Trainees which has taken 3542.5 working days, that is 28340 instructional hours. Unfortunately the Course photographs and training records retained by the section only go back as far as Sea (MW) Course number 26 so we are unable to identify the students of the very first Sea (MW) Course. Do you know who was on that course? Are they still serving? If you do know of anyone who was on that first course let us know. The earliest student we have identified is CPO(MW) N. Smith from Sea (MW) 2 Course. In the meantime I do have photographs of the following personnel when they were Part III Trainees, PO (MW) Pugh, PO (MW) Bladon, PO (MW) Porter, PO (MW) Prouse, CPO (MW) Hembrow and PO (MW) Takel just to name a few. These photographs can be made available to the highest bidder. On a more serious note the Warfare Branch is upon us and the Operator Mechanic (Minewarfare) a reality. By the time you read this article, all AB(MW)'s and below will have completed the Warfare Branch Cross Training Preference Form and the lucky few selected for Cross Training and subsequent Branch Change to the Warfare Branch. I have been inundated with enquiries about the Warfare Branch and its effect on individuals. Whilst I am more than happy to answerthese queries, at Gunwharf as there are no vacancies some secretary's to shame (pity about you should be aware of DCI 195/92 for WEM's to transfer to the Minewarfare the legs though). detailing the Introduction of the Warfare Branch. One last word on Warfare Branch - as Branch and DCI 14/93 seeking volunteers We at Gunwharf are continuing to perfect from 1 December 1992 all Senior Rates from the Ops Branch to cross train into the course documentation for the PC1 should be adding the abbreviation (0) the Warfare Branch. Course and are in the middle of producing after their rate, ie WO(MW) (0) - Those of you who have been selected will the Task Book for the Operator Mechanic CPO(MW) (0) - PO(MW) (0). The 0 is for undertake a Cross Training Course in 2nd Class (0M2) and the cross trainee. Operator and will distinguish the Collingwood where you will be taught the PO(MW) (0) Pony Moore has been given Operations Branch trained Senior Rate maintainer skills comparable to the the task of producing the above and has from his Warfare Branch counterpart. present day WEM but restricted to the developed typing skills that would put Happy Hunting! equipments which you operate. We will not be conducting Cross Training Courses A full update on the implementation of the Warfare Branch is on page 16. www.mcdoa.org.uk 3 www.mcdoa.org.uk

AN INTRODUCTION TO HAZMAT by Lt Cdr J. Chapple Inspector of Diving

integral to clearance diving operations Clearance Diving Operations and training. In the past, personnel serving in Clearance Diving Units (CDU) Diving, EOD and IEDD operations have completed local training frequently involve the carriage of one conducted by PSTO(N) but this training or all of the nine UN classes of is no longer available or valid. The new dangerous goods. Particular factors to system is administered by the City and consider are: Guilds Institute on behalf of the a. The driver of a vehicle is under a Department of Transport (DoT) and the legal obligation to be trained. Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Confused yet? Training is conducted at b. JSP 341 (JS Road Transport training centres approved by the DoT Regulations) imposes strict and, as might be expected, fees are limitations on drivers' hours. payable for the privilege. Licences are Therefore, when on a task which issued to individuals by DVLA, involves lengthy absence from the Swansea on successful completion of Unit, the EOD Element or IEDD an examinable course. Team must include sufficienttrained drivers to meet the requirements of First raised in late October 1992, it was both sets of regulations forthe entire The more observant among us may accepted by MOD(N) and period of absence. well have noticed that the majority of CINCNAVHOME staff in early March vehicles belonging to CDUs are now 1993 that dangerous goods driver c. Even a routine task such as sporting vivid orange plates on the training is required for clearance diving transporting to a front and rear. 'Why is this?' you may personnel serving in shore-based ship within a Naval Base can fall ask, 'Surely those flashy red wings, CDUs, DEODS and MDT Dept of under the regulations if sufficient EOD signs and blue lights are self- SMOPS. The arrangements to establish dangerous goods are carried. explanatory?' The answer to these this as a formal training course of 5 d. For journeys outside UK, all innocent questions is that hazardous days duration have now been attendants in the vehicle are material, or HAZMAT, regulations - of completed (May 1993). Take it from required to be trained. which the marking of vehicles is but me, this is fast-track staffwork... one small part - apply to the RN and e. Although minimum threshold limits cover such items as driver training, may not be exceeded on a routine vehicle equipment, vehicle parking, basis, there are numerous provision of Transport Emergency occasions when large amounts of Cards (TREMCARDS) and much more. The UN System dangerous goods are transported Some background information; All and the new rules will apply. hazardous or dangerous goods are In addition the consignor (ie. OiC, divided into United Nations (UN) Deputy or CPO(D)) is under a legal Driver Training classes. This is a worldwide system obligation to ensure that the used for road, rail, sea and airtransport. regulations are followed. The Road Traffic (Training of Drivers of The relevant UN classes of dangerous Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods) goods for CDUs are detailed below. It is worth noting that this training is Regulations 1992 introduced new Training in Class 7 (Radioactives) is not just a reiteration of previous training arrangements for all drivers of not considered necessary for our career course training. The vehicles carrying dangerous goods personnel. instruction given is from the from 1 July 1992. The regulations, which standpoint of the vehicle driver not specify instruction and training Class 1 - Explosives an EOD operator and is therefore requirements, are a UK legal Class 2 - Compressed Gases important. It is also in our own requirement and apply to operators interests, as professional divers, to (including MOD) carrying a wide range Class 3 - Flammable Liquids ensure that the highest standards of dangerous/hazardous materials. Class 4 - Flammable Solids of safety are met. The few who These include explosives and have attended these courses to date compressed gases. The introduction Class 5 - Oxidising Substances and have said that they went thinking of this training is part of the process of Organic Peroxides that the training was necessary and implementation of EEC Directive 89/ Class 6 -Toxic and Harmful Substances returned knowing that it was 684 and the EuropeanAgreement (also essential. known as `ADR'). Class 8 - Corrosives The carriage of dangerous goods is Class 9 - Miscellaneous Goods

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Branch and during service dives: 30- 30- dives: service during and Branch and sent to the Theory Section who will will who Section Theory the to sent and

qualifying as member of DIVER Sub- DIVER of member as qualifying a certificate of competency will be raised raised be will competency of certificate a

b i) Achieve the following minutesAFTER minutesAFTER following the Achieve i) b On successful completion of yourtraining, yourtraining, of completion successful On

OR OR Dynamically Positioned vessels. vessels. Positioned Dynamically

LS (D) course (Orate not required). required). not (Orate course (D) LS associated with diving from from diving with associated hazards

b) b) Successful completion LMCDO and and LMCDO completion Successful depth of 10 metres) and a lecture in the the in lecture a and metres) 10 of depth

a) a) Hold a Part 3 DTC. DTC. 3 Part current a Hold diving (using hot water suits to a minimum minimum a to suits water hot (using diving

requirements the scheme is open to you. you. to open is scheme the requirements training, this is in the form of Wet-Bell Wet-Bell of form the in is this training,

Provided you meet ALL of the following following the of ALL meet you Provided annotated, you are eligible for 'Top-Up' 'Top-Up' for eligible are you annotated,

can upgrade. upgrade. can AND your log has been assessed and and assessed been has log your AND 24822 or 23818. 23818. or 24822

school, there is a scheme by which you you which by scheme a is there school, Once ALL of the above have been done done been have above the of ALL Once PACDU on Portsmouth Naval Base Ext. Ext. Base Naval Portsmouth on PACDU

HSE and a well known diving commercial known well a and HSE what you want. want. you what can obtain further information from me at at me from information further obtain can

after careful negotiation with both the the both with negotiation careful after improving your chances of getting getting of chances your improving As a final note, if you are interested you you interested are you if note, final a As

costs in the region of £2,500, however, however, £2,500, of region the in costs better frame of mind, thereby thereby mind, of frame better be arranged. arranged. be

to a Part 1 Certificate and this normally normally this and Certificate 1 Part a to consuming and therefore put him in a a in him put therefore and consuming Sunday, overnight accommodation can can accommodation overnight Sunday,

Part 3 DTC you may wish to upgrade this this upgrade to wish may you DTC 3 Part the assessor simpler and less time time less and simpler assessor the from 0800-1700 on a Saturday and and Saturday a on 0800-1700 from

If (and only if) you are in possession of a a of possession in are you if) only (and If non LS(D)]. This will make the job of of job the make will This LS(D)]. non Diving Centre, Poole and involves working working involves and Poole Centre, Diving

now: now: WERE ACHIEVED [if applying as a a as applying [if ACHIEVED WERE The course is held at The Commercial Commercial The at held is course The

make a small post script to that article article that to script post small a make DATES WHEN THE MINUTES IN b i) i) b IN MINUTES THE WHEN DATES month. month.

regarding HSE DTC's and I would like to to like would I and DTC's HSE regarding FRONT WHICH SHOWS THE THE SHOWS WHICH FRONT change to run these weekends every every weekends these run to change

which details up to date information information date to up details which INCLUDE A SMALL NOTE IN THE THE IN NOTE SMALL A INCLUDE sufficient then perhaps there will be a a be will there perhaps then sufficient

splendid magazine you will find an article article an find will you magazine splendid approval and WHEN DOING SO SO DOING WHEN and approval wanting a deposit. If the demand is is demand the If deposit. a wanting

If you care to read the last issue of this this of issue last the read to care you If Section, MDT Dept., SMOPS for for SMOPS Dept., MDT Section, reasons, you can see why the school is is school the why see can you reasons,

didn't know I had to apply.' apply.' to had I know didn't e) Submit your Diving Log to the Theory Theory the to Log Diving your Submit e) cost, 4 people then backed outforvarious outforvarious backed then people 4 cost,

hold of a Part 3 ticket (DTC) because 'I 'I because (DTC) ticket 3 Part a of hold Draeger Tubes'. Tubes'. Draeger arranging the whole weekend at reduced reduced at weekend whole the arranging

almost 2 years!) asking me how to get get to how me asking years!) 2 almost compressors including the use of of use the including compressors course had 9 people initially and after after and initially people 9 had course

calls (and I have been out of the job job the of out been have I (and calls sampling from either HP or LP LP or HP either from sampling course (min 6). If I tell you that the last last the that you tell I If 6). (min course

to obtain one. Despite this I still receive receive still I this Despite one. obtain to d) Attend a lecture in the principles of air air of principles the in lecture a Attend d) and there are enough people to make a a make to people enough are there and

individuals, a considerable sum of money money of sum considerable a individuals, an Air Lift). Lift). Air an while your oppos make their minds up up minds their make oppos your while

April 1992 then it would cost us, as private private as us, cost would it then 1992 April but 'vacuuming' the sea-bed with with sea-bed the 'vacuuming' but deposit and wait a maximum of 8 weeks weeks 8 of maximum a wait and deposit

Training Certificate (DTC) by the 29th 29th the by (DTC) Certificate Training iii Air Lifting (not lifting using bags bags using lifting (not Lifting Air iii is yes! provided you are willing to pay a a pay to willing are you provided yes! is

divers, were not in possession of a Diver Diver a of possession in not were divers, Water Jetting Jetting Water ii ii can I have a go please. The simple answer answer simple The please. go a have I can

were about to change and that if we, as as we, if that and change to about were slinging etc. etc. slinging Being divers the next obvious question is is question obvious next the divers Being

that the rules for divertraining certification certification divertraining for rules the that including rigging or lifting or or lifting or rigging including considerable saving. saving. considerable

the Diving Branch and informed them them informed and Branch Diving the i - Construction Underwater i £200 which which £200 I I hope you will agree is a a is agree will you hope

saythis because sometime ago I signalled signalled I ago sometime because saythis Facilities): Facilities): you can expect to pay something like like something pay to expect can you

any certificates that YOU feel are due. I I due. are feel YOU that certificates any recognised Continuation Training Training Continuation recognised whereas using the scheme outlined above above outlined scheme the using whereas

that YOU make sure that YOU apply for for apply YOU that sure make YOU that can include training sessions at at sessions training include can back somewhere in the region of £2,500 £2,500 of region the in somewhere back

FULLY aware of these developments and and developments these of aware FULLY Navy diver (ie Service dives which which dives Service (ie diver Navy Part 1 Conversion Course will set you you set will Course Conversion 1 Part

It is important that as a diver you are are you diver a as that important is It c) Log the following experience as a a as experience following the Log c) mentioned earlier in this article a Part 3 to to 3 Part a article this in earlier mentioned

appeared in the pages of this magazine. magazine. this of pages the in appeared 90 in surface support equipt.). equipt.). support surface in 90 The obvious question is cost, as as cost, is question obvious The I I

recognised, several articles have have articles several recognised, metres, 150 minutes total (including (including total minutes 150 metres, on your behalf. behalf. your on

requirements for diver training to be HSE HSE be to training diver for requirements 60 in surface support equipt.), 40-50 40-50 equipt.), support surface in 60 HSE Part 1 DTC which they will forward forward will they which DTC 1 Part HSE

Following recent developments in the the in developments recent Following 30 metres, 100 minutes total (including (including total minutes 100 metres, 30 then accept your application form for a a for form application your accept then

By CPO (D) Bielby, PACDU PACDU Bielby, (D) CPO By

HSE PART ONE DIVER TRAINING TRAINING DIVER ONE PART HSE

been approved. This will start in May May in start will This approved. been been supplemented by signalled signalled by supplemented been

divers drafted to shore-based units has has units shore-based to drafted divers

(Motor Transport Regulations) have have Regulations) Transport (Motor

Safe diving and safe driving! driving! safe and diving Safe

(not 7 - radioactives) for all clearance clearance all for radioactives) - 7 (not & Explosive Regulations) and JSP 341 341 JSP and Regulations) Explosive &

training covering UN Classes 1 to 9 9 to 1 Classes UN covering training contained in BR 862 (Naval Magazine Magazine (Naval 862 BR in contained 1) and the publications detailed above. above. detailed publications the and 1)

the introduction of formal HAZMAT HAZMAT formal of introduction the Comprehensive service regulations regulations service Comprehensive Clearance Diving Operations (Change (Change Operations Diving Clearance

State for Defence. As detailed above, above, detailed As Defence. for State breach of the law remain. remain. law the of breach information is contained in BR 5063, 5063, BR in contained is information

has been sought from the Secretary of of Secretary the from sought been has place to ensure that CDUs are not in in not are CDUs that ensure to place published when they arise. Background Background arise. they when published

only). In addition, a limited exemption exemption limited a addition, In only). In the meantime, the measures put in in put measures the meantime, the In continues. Further details will be be will details Further continues.

the carriage of explosives (Class 1 1 (Class explosives of carriage the

and diving, EOD and IEDD work work IEDD and EOD diving, and

drive these vehicles. vehicles. these drive

one-time basis but these are limited to to limited are these but basis one-time

dangerous goods training is underway underway is training goods dangerous

date they will no longer be eligible to to eligible be longer no will they date

made, successfully, to the DoT on a a on DoT the to successfully, made,

In summary, the move towards full full towards move the summary, In

by 31st December 1994 since after this this after since 1994 December 31st by

provisional certificates have been been have certificates provisional

must be qualified under the full course course full the under qualified be must units. units.

December 1994 applications for for applications 1994 December

of vehicles carrying dangerous goods goods dangerous carrying vehicles of covered during annual inspections of of inspections annual during covered

For the transitional period to 31 31 to period transitional the For

Wing, Royal Marines Poole. All drivers drivers All Poole. Marines Royal Wing, CDUs. HAZMAT measures are also also are measures HAZMAT CDUs.

Arrangements for Training Training for Arrangements 1993 courtesy of the Driver Training Training Driver the of courtesy 1993 instructions from Supt of Diving to to Diving of Supt from instructions www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk Diving Reporter

Out with the old in with the new

AB(D) Gary Horvarth-Toldi is the new 'Roving Reporter'. He qualified as a diver in 1989 and At a recent clear lower deck of the MDT Department of SMOPS, Cdr P.J. Gale was quickly placed in the thick of things during took the opportunity to make presentations to two members of the Minewarfare OP GRANBY on HMS BICESTER. Since then Section. The first was to WO(MW) (0) 'Dixie' Dean who has at last received his he has been passing away his time running long awaited (two years) formal warrant of promotion. The other was the award around the countryside with PACDU. If you of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to CPO(MW) (0) `Thommo' have any `dits' contact him on Portsmouth Thomas. Dockyard Ext. 24822.

SOSOD UPDATE As stated in the last issue of the MAD Mag, I now work directly for the Superintendent of Diving's organisation based in Pompey and only rent a desk and office space in the Warfare Office. I think it would be inappropriate for me to update you on recent diving events this would, I suspect, only be a repetition of SOD's input.

I continue to monitor Diving and EOD standards in the MWVF and I'm glad to say that the standards remain high, there is room for improvement, (isn't there always?) especially in the maintenance of your 54m capability. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking every opportunity to conduct from your ship, (if you will forgive Grandmother sucking eggs) this not only 'works up' the divers, but also 'works up' the rest of the ships company, this is an important consideration that must not be forgotten.

Whilst talking about Deep Diving, a number of Ship borne diving elements have, over the past few months, taken the opportunity of conducting a Deep 'work up' in Gibraltar. On their return all the ships have commented on the helpfulness of the Chief diver in Gib, Jim Carling. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jim, on the behalf of the MCMV flotilla, for his support and assistance during these training periods. That's it for now. End of 'Dit'! For the elements in the ships you know where I am if you have any problems and now we are in '93, let's have a safe diving year. WO(D) J Timms 6 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Minewarfare Reporter

Leading Seaman (Minewarfare) STRICKLAND was nominated as the Best Student of LS(MW) 62 career course and became the first recipient of the refurbished 'VERNON TROPHY'. The trophy consists of a model moored mine and sinker, sitting within the mine trap of a minelay system. The model was originally made by the apprentices of the Mining Depot at Milford Haven (since closed) and has recently been refurbished by the engineers at HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF). The trophy will be awarded to the Best Student of each subsequent LS(MW) course.

• Minewarfare Reporter CPO (MW) Paul Cambell

• Staff Officer Minewarfare (SOMW) Lt Cdr Thompson presents the 'VERNON TROPHY' to LS(MW) Strickland. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The Minewarfare (MW) Branch was formed in I happened to mention my proposal of starting the views of hopefully past and present 1975. The initial nucleus of Senior Rates were this column to Mr. Barnett (Barney) some time members with possible numbers who might transferred from the now redundant TAS ago and he with his usual gusto of enthusiasm like to attend such an occasion. If you are Underwater Weapons (UW) Branch. They were thought that it was not only a good idea but interested please complete, detach and return required to complete the MW conversion would it not be even better if it could be to either: course and then either remained as Instructors arranged to have a Minewarfare gathering at in the MW school, or were drafted to sea as a venue to be decided where all the Southern Rep PO(MW)s to serve in TON Class MCMVs in Minewarfare Senior Rates past and present S/Lt J J Turnbull the newly created billets of Minehunting could gettogether for a one off bash, sink a few MW Section Director (MHD). A small number of these initial beers, eat some smally/big eats and spin HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) 'Branch Fathers' are still serving and old some dits. PORTSMOUTH, Hants P01 3HH stalwarts such as Barney Barnett, Norman After the mandatory back pedalling by me I Blick and Joe George still continue to haunt us finally agreed to start the ball rolling and if Northern Rep lesser mortals in the pursuance of our duties. there was enough initial support arrange such WO(MW) (0) LJ Barnett BEM But what of those crusty old characters who a thrash, provided that he acts as the Northern COMMW did so much in those early days of the MW representative for any correspondence that Lochinvar Block Branch and then left the service to disappear might follow. Attached is a proforma seeking HM Naval Base, ROSYTH, Fife, Scotland into obscurity. How many of you, like me have KY11 2YA said, more than once in the past 'I wonderwhat happened to old ? Names that immediately spring to mind are 'Tex (two LL's as in Double LL Float) Marshall, 011ie (of quiet voice and From:- golden tongue!) Holsworth, Mick Vickers, George Bennet, Jan Bragg and many more, I *am/am not interested in attending a Minewarfare social function too numerous to mention. In an effort to satisfy my own and I am sure that I will bring guests of others, idle curiosity it is intended to start a WHERE ARE THEY NOW column. Many ex I would prefer a *Buffet/Sit down type meal Minewarfares belong to RNR Divisions and keep vaguely in touch through reading this My contact address for future correspondence is:- magazine. If you are one of them then please drop us a line and let us know how you are getting on. Some of you still serving may still be in contact with the odd 'Old Boy'; if this is the case then please encourage them to put pen to paper and give us an update on their current situation. Not only would it be nice to hear from these old expats but it may well be that there is some valuable information to be gleaned *Delete as required from their experience of entering civvy street.

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Island Class OPV1 - Five Watch Manning by Pawl Stockley

Five watch manning (5WM) will of complement) will be on leave and the complement for key personnel but will commenceforthe remaining six Island ship will be crewed by the remaining four possess fewer than the complimented class OPVls on 1 February 1994, HMS watches, thus always running with 80% junior rates. Members will be drafted to JERSEY having gone to disposal at complement. Effectively this transfers the CFP(SEA) for FPSU employment and the end of 1993. `Harmony Rules' to the man from the hull. will be loaned to OPV1s 'at the drop of a The objective of 5WM is to achieve the Many members of the complement will hat' as any billet requires filling. This will required number of Fishery Protection undertake an enhanced PJT package negate Squadtrawl/Reqlef actions and contract days for the Ministry of enabling them to step up a role, or cover allow the ship to remain on patrol without Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) for another member of the ships company built in delays for temporary manpower and the Scottish Fishery Protection whilst theirwatch is on leave.Some broad allocation. The unit will be co-ordinated Agency (SFPA - formerly DAFFS) with examples are: by a CPOWTR and Leading Regulator the hulls available after the loss of an The X0 will be a Lt*, and will be in who will be CFP(Shore) scheme of OPV1 and MSF. Inshore patrols currently command 20% of the year. compliment. The two CFP(Shore) ratings undertaken by the Ton and Hunt class The CMEA(ML) will undertake the ME38 are expected to join 1 August 1993, the will remain essentially unchanged except (small ships MEO) and become the N remainder of the FPSU will be formed by that additional Hunts will be recruited MEO for the 20% of the year that the February 1994. FPSU (Sea) members when the Tons pay off though the number CCMEA is away. will serve on the unit for approximately six of Hunts on Fish will be minimised by The CMEM(M) will complete the MWV months, ratings in advance of joining an 5WM. Coxwains course and will act as the 'Swain OPV1, Officers on completion of an OPV1 The target set for OPV1s of about 200 when the RPOs watch is landed. appointment. contract days per hull will be achieved by The LS(MW) will fulfil the CBMs duties The FPSU when not deployed the ships not taking leave periods, whilst the LS(SEA) takes his 20%, the independently will be employed on short therefore remaining on patrol when not in LS(MW) having completed the MWV CBP term work with OPVs in LSP/BMP/Refit/ LSP/BMP. Stand off cycles (10 days out PJT. DED in Rosyth. -2 days in) will remain unchanged. As the It has been accepted that the ships will no Home for the FPSU will be the ground ships do not have a complement large longer be able to perform some of the floor of Thistle Cottage (HMNB Rosyth) enough to run through two block leave recognised 'Naval' tasks due to lack of which will be modified as required when periods, the requirement for 5WM arises. manpower, and will become 'role- the current occupants, the dentists, move Many of you will have heard of Fifth manned' to 'Fish'. The fact that leave now on in the near future. Fishery Protection Watch Manning, whereby the ship has becomes sacrosanct and that the reduced Squadron Staff for those who do not 125% complement and runs with one steaming complement will make it difficult know, live on the first floor of Thistle watch ashore, thus the ship has 100% to grant compassionate leave or land Cottage, so the FPSU will be very much compliment onboard at any given time. sick personnel has also been identified `under the wing'. HMS SENTINEL (Ex Clyde) for example and overcome. What is effectively an An FTM and DCI introducing 5WM are in ran under this regime until paying off. ERP forthe OPV1s alone is in the process course of production. This letter is Five Watch Manning has a subtle of forming and will be known as the designed to explain in troadbrush' for difference in both title and operation in as Fishery Protection Support Unit (FPSU). those of you that are likely to join an much as a marginally enhanced ships The FPSU will contain manpower not OPV1 or may have already received a company will be 100%, one watch (20% dissimilar to an OPV scheme of draft order to CFP.

ASSISTANT MINEWARFARE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 1. Having taken over the post from Nobby see us through to the Hunt Mid-Life Update. are of a high standard, the data available Clark, (who is now SCPO(MW) to MCM1), I So with CIS "developed" as far as is practicable, for planning purposes will be so much find myself working longer hours than I have that makes time available to concentrate on better. had to do for a long, long time! other issues in addition to MTSS. Listed below are just a few:- d. Involvement with Route Survey Data 2. The Minewarfare Tactical Support System, Base investigations, aiming to provide valid (MTSS), take up a lot of time in liaison with a. EXTAC 843—new version due shortly, data in support of the provision of this DGUW and the contractor. The introduction of with the instructions being updated equipment. this innovative system will greatly enhance the accordingly. capabilities of the MCMTA, (for a list of the All of the above are designed to make the functions see the MAD Mag Vol 2, No, 2). b. Production of MXTIs/MOTIs for the MCMV's task easier and to produce results Sandown Class. worthy of the efforts being expended. 3. The Combined Influence Sweep responsibility has been taken on by SMCMO c. Processing of ship supplied data into No matter how poor that you think the various (WO(MW) Bob Baker). the Dreamt Route Survey System, (DRSS). equipments are, remember there is someone, With the arrival of MTSS, all current somewhere, putting great effort into the As the latest changes to the relevant information will be transferred across in a continuing development of MCM systems. publications hit the streets, we now have a "once only" movement of data. So, if the Pete Cawsey CPO(MW) system that, apart from minor changes, will quality and quantity of records from ships AMWDO

8 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk S • erintendent of Diving

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE by Commander B J Mansbridge MBE, perintendent of Diving

The last Superintendent of Diving Commander David Sandiford ended his 'haul down' report with a modified Churchillian quote so I will take up where he left off, with another Churchillian quote. Writing to his Naval Staff in 1942 Churchill questioned (referring to the capabilities of Italian Frogmen in sinking the Battleships Valiant and Queen Elizabeth in Alexandria Harbour) 'is there any reason we should be incapable of the same scientific aggressive action?' This is an equally good question for the incomin Superintendent of Diving, after all, some of our curre diving equipment is not so far removed from the equipm used in those dark days of the 40's. How indeed ar to take those giant strides? Clearly it is not enough j get in step with the present, the diving branch nee take some giant steps in order to equip itself f future. This is a tall order, especially within t reducing budget, but there is a plan, and it ne support as much as the hard work of those in th, of Defence, my own Staff and of those in the Pr Executive. Firstly priority must go to introducing a mo M/ EDO diving set. The first step, the Staff Req0rement is complete and this outlines the characteristics cif the MCM Diving Life Support System, as the new set will be called. It is essential that this equipment must be procured to the latest standards at least match all the capabilities of our NATO Allies, many of whom are recently able, through their own new equipment, to conduct MCM and EOD operations to 80 metres. Secondly, to safely and effectively conduct such diving we must update our Compression Chambers. Two types are required, a portable version, the Transportable Manned Compression Chamber (TMCC) to be borne in ships and for mobile units. This must be complimented by a modern full size chamber with proper facilities to conduct therapeutic and back up the TMCC chamber. Finally, but by no means least important, we need to be aware of our own expertise and the unique contribution we make to the Navy's overall military capability. Although this is well known within the Branch it is not so wholly understood in the wider world. With more emphasis on the out-of-area threats the skills of the in mine clearance, EOD and the ability to counter a variety of subsurface threats, whether terrorist or of new world order are unique. Remember, as a Royal Naval Diver,. your dexterity and versatility in the water proven military skills are not available- This is the message to get to the competitive struggle to retain a vial •ort r Naval Budget the contribution of DiVers needs to be widely recognised. Make quite sure everyone realises what good value they get from the divers! www.mcdoa.org.uk 9 www.mcdoa.org.uk

The Diving Inspectorate is: Tel: PNB Lt Cdr Jon Chapple Inspector of Diving 24876 relieved by Lt Cdr David Hilton—May 93

WO(D) Mo Crang Inspector of Clearance Diving 24866

WO(D) Bob Oulds Inspector of Ships Diving 24583

CPOMEA Robert Knights Inspector of Engineering (Diving) 24904

CPOMEA Stuart Lake Defect Reporting Desk (S2022) 24904

POMA Ian Calvert Inspector Medical 24530

1981 (amended 1990). CD Units will be supplied with a SSP(D) Cautionary Tale number of complete MES due to the nature and locations of The following anonymous incident took place during late diving operations while ships diving teams embarked in HM 1992 at a RN shore establishment in UK All details are true. Ships and Submarines, which already carry an A ships diver submitted his diving log to the Diving Officer at resuscitator, will be provided with the necessary waterproof the end of the Jan-Oct diving period to qualify for SSP(D). container and will supply the contents from onboard stocks. Two dives were entered in the log (total 130 minutes), both In the latter case the 02 resuscitator will be supplied to the completed at a unit which was not his parent establishment. dive site when diving is taking place. On examining the log to certify it correct for payment the Diving Officer was concerned at the absence of a signature CMD Packs After much effort the introduction of Conventional by the dive supervisor or a Unit stamp for either of the entries Munition Disposal Packs to CDU's is underway. These and questioned the rating concerned. At this stage the packs, developed by Plymouth CDU in conjunction with regulating staff were promptly involved. RNAD Ernesettle, standardise the amount, type and quantity The previous entries in the Diving Log were examined and of explosives carried by all CDUs when deployed on EOD admitted that all entries in the preceeding 18 tasks. All have been approved by the MOD(N) Explosives months were also false. Although he had been in attendance Safety and Transportation Committee (ESTC) and are the when diving had taken place he himself had not dived. It was only packs approved for carriage in EOD vehicles. The days noted that for 5 months of the period he had been unfit to of the infamous 'bomb-bag' are now over although explosive dive and that his log had dive entries during this time. The stores may be transferred to appropriate rucksacks etc. falsified entries ensured that he continued to draw his when on-site. In addition, new procedures and regulations SSP(D) when not entitled. have been published for the transportation and security of The ships diver in question was found guilty on three all explosives. charges of theft of SSP(D) by deception involving false recording on Form S.1627. He was sentenced to 28 days Clothing A common question during the Inspections of detention. shore-based CDUs is when are we going to receive proper outdoor clothing. The answer is that a major bid for new Inspector of Diving comment: clothing allowances has been made to DGST(N), Ensleigh, This salutary tale underlines the BR 2806 requirement that Bath. This bid encompasses all items from foul-weather all entries in the S1627 Diving Log are countersigned by the clothing, PT gear and training shoes to working gloves. dive supervisor with name and signature and supported by Although clearance divers have a strong case it must be a Unit stamp. All gaps are to be ruled through to prevent recognised that this is taking place against a background of falsification of entries at a later date. belt-tightening and reducing budgets. Since the 'beg, borrow and steal' attitude of old is no longer a successful policy it is Update by lof D: indeed unfortunate that this work was not done years ago... As I leave the post of Inspector of Diving for the pleasant climate of the South-West I will mention a few of the more H & S Matters The ever-present subject of Health and positive aspects of the Inspectorates safety and support Safety has kept us busy this year. The first problem concerned activities for Clearance and Ships diving during the past few the disposal and transportation of pyrotechnics. This type of months (in no particular order): task, known as a 'milk run', has been conducted for many years but a number of the standard disposal procedures (ie. Medical Equipment Set Following on from the introduction burning of expired stores) were found to be in contravention of the Medical Equipment Set - Dive Chamber, RN for all 2- of the Environmental Protection Act(!) whilst actual compt compression chambers, the provision of the MES- transportation procedures contravened the Road Traffic Dive Team/Dive Boats is proceeding. This MES will contain (Carriage of Explosives) Regulations. On top of this the use all the items required at the site of a diving operation by BR of ferries, especially in the Western Isles, presented more 2806, including an oxygen resuscitator, and will ensure problems in the form of the International Maritime Dangerous compliance with the Diving Operations at Work Regulations Goods Code (IMDG). This subject was fast assuming 10 www.mcdoa.org.uk

11 11

www.mcdoa.org.uk

edition at the same time, implementation will be controlled controlled be will implementation time, same the at edition

all units conducting diving operations change to the new new the to change operations diving conducting units all

commence on completion of printing. In order to ensure that that ensure to order In printing. of completion on commence

BR 2806 (Supplement). Distribution of the new books will will books new the of Distribution (Supplement). 2806 BR

is in 2 volumes and will supersede the existing BR 2806 and and 2806 BR existing the supersede will and volumes 2 in is

the 1993 edition of BR 2806 is now at print. This publication publication This print. at now is 2806 BR of edition 1993 the

Operator Publications Publications Operator As outlined in the previous issue, issue, previous the in outlined As

within the Navy rests with MCMVs and CDUs. CDUs. and MCMVs with rests Navy the within

means that the sole repository of demolitions expertise expertise demolitions of repository sole the that means

MEO. MEO.

final chapter of a savings measure generated in 1992 and and 1992 in generated measure savings a of chapter final

onboard all ships and in all units is the responsibility of the the of responsibility the is units all in and ships all onboard

Courses. The removal of the demolitions capability is the the is capability demolitions the of removal The Courses.

Portsmouth. Oversight of MMS (including DSSCCD logs) logs) DSSCCD (including MMS of Oversight Portsmouth.

Diving Team and this subject is now included on Ships Diver Diver Ships on included now is subject this and Team Diving

by U MS Department, FOSF(ME), HM Naval Base, Base, Naval HM FOSF(ME), Department, MS U by

(LMDE). Responsibility for LMDE will transfer to the Ships Ships the to transfer will LMDE for Responsibility (LMDE).

documentation are held. MMS documentation is supplied supplied is documentation MMS held. are documentation

Surface Flotilla will be Disposal Equipment Equipment Disposal Mine Limpet be will Flotilla Surface

ensure that up-to-date copies of the relevant MMS MMS relevant the of copies up-to-date that ensure

MCMVs. The only equipment that will be retained within the the within retained be will that equipment only The MCMVs.

all maintenance, in accordance with BR 1313. All units must must units All 1313. BR with accordance in maintenance, all

removed from all ships and submarines of the Fleet except except Fleet the of submarines and ships all from removed

the instructions in the BR 2807 series and is the authority for for authority the is and series 2807 BR the in instructions the

including scare charges and gun-de-icing harness, will be be will harness, gun-de-icing and charges scare including

equipment. MMS documentation takes precedence over over precedence takes documentation MMS equipment.

indecision, it has been confirmed that all demolitions stores, stores, demolitions all that confirmed been has it indecision,

implementing and recording all maintenance of diving diving of maintenance all recording and implementing

Removal of Ships Demolition Outfits Outfits Demolition Ships of Removal After a period of of period a After

System (MMS) is the method of planning, managing, managing, planning, of method the is (MMS) System

From the Inspector of Ships Diving: Diving: Ships of Inspector the From

It is worth stressing that the Maintenance Management Management Maintenance the that stressing worth is It

lines to the existing NILE Log, for all apparatus. apparatus. breathing all for Log, NILE existing the to lines

must be actively discouraged. discouraged. actively be must

the introduction of a Diving Equipment Log, along similar similar along Log, Equipment Diving a of introduction the

which CD vehicles are operated. The 'hire car' approach approach car' 'hire The operated. are vehicles CD which

to an acceptable standard. Progress is being made towards towards made being is Progress standard. acceptable an to

this is especially relevant given the rugged conditions in in conditions rugged the given relevant especially is this

maintenance documentation for diving plant and equipment equipment and plant diving for documentation maintenance

made aware of the importance of good MT husbandry and and husbandry MT good of importance the of aware made

COMMW/FOSF(ME) with the sole objective of bringing all all bringing of objective sole the with COMMW/FOSF(ME)

assets in the same way as an MCMV. All personnel must be be must personnel All MCMV. an as way same the in assets

of this a MMS Working Group has been formed by SofD/ SofD/ by formed been has Group Working MMS a this of

specialist vehicles which are rightly regarded as Fleet Fleet as regarded rightly are which vehicles specialist

and that there is significant room for error. As a direct result result direct a As error. for room significant is there that and

CDUs would be unable to function effectively without their their without effectively function to unable be would CDUs

years, namely that the BRs and MMS/JICs are often different different often are MMS/JICs and BRs the that namely years,

again, that motor transport is a valuable commodity. Most Most commodity. valuable a is transport motor that again,

has recently confirmed what has been known for many many for known been has what confirmed recently has

this as an excuse for not writing more) is to emphasise, once once emphasise, to is more) writing not for excuse an as this

exhaustive review of the documentation fordiving equipment equipment fordiving documentation the of review exhaustive

diving vehicles my only item for this issue (apart from using using from (apart issue this for item only my vehicles diving

Maintenance of Diving Equipment Equipment Diving of Maintenance A through and and through A

the LTC 10-year bid for funds for replacement EOD and and EOD replacement for funds for bid 10-year LTC the

Transport Transport Having spent the last fortnight wading through through wading fortnight last the spent Having

DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION

From the Inspector of Clearance Diving: Diving: Clearance of Inspector the From

PUBLICATIONS AND AND PUBLICATIONS

Date of the first equipment of December 1995. 1995. December of equipment first the of Date

Portland but the programme is on track for an In-Service In-Service an for track on is programme the but Portland

manufacturers. Procurement is controlled by DGUW(N) at at DGUW(N) by controlled is Procurement manufacturers.

of the content of the DOWR.' DOWR.' the of content the of proceeding towards an Invitation to Tender to interested interested to Tender to Invitation an towards proceeding

BR 2806, 'all personnel should...have a working knowledge knowledge working a should...have personnel 'all 2806, BR EOD diving set has been approved at MOD level and is is and level MOD at approved been has set diving EOD

phrase would do well to read the DOWR since, to quote from from quote to since, DOWR the read to well do would phrase DSSCCD ReplacementThe ReplacementThe DSSCCD requirement for the new MCM/ MCM/ new the for requirement

Those readers who do not appreciate the significance of this this of significance the appreciate not do who readers Those

the DOWR and prevented full application to Service diving. diving. Service to application full prevented and DOWR the DGUW(N) have details. details. have DGUW(N)

terminology which has caused difficulties in interpretation of of interpretation in difficulties caused has which terminology Units relocating to new premises soon please note! note! please soon premises new to relocating Units

the first time, of 'operations and operational training', training', operational and 'operations of time, first the The Type A is much bigger than the existing chambers - chambers existing the than bigger much is A Type The

integration and certification. This will include a definition, for for definition, a include will This certification. and integration Type B is a smaller, containerised version for other users. users. other for version containerised smaller, a is B Type

commenced between this staff, HSE and MOD towards towards MOD and HSE staff, this between commenced Type A is a fixed facility for each of the Area CDU's while the the while CDU's Area the of each for facility fixed a is A Type

the DOWR should be formalised. Detailed discussions have have discussions Detailed formalised. be should DOWR the The new CC will come in two varieties (Types A and B). The The B). and A (Types varieties two in come will CC new The

realisation that the position of Service divers in relation to to relation in divers Service of position the that realisation chambers to replace the Admiralty Type 1 CCs in use today. today. use in CCs 1 Type Admiralty the replace to chambers

has, to date, caused few problems but there is an increasing increasing an is there but problems few caused date, to has, signed for the manufacture and supply of new compression compression new of supply and manufacture the for signed

the fact that they are paid to do it. This lack of certification certification of lack This it. do to paid are they that fact the New 2-Compartment CCs CCs 2-Compartment New The contract has now been been now has contract The

their Service diver training, their use of diving at work and and work at diving of use their training, diver Service their

achieving significant levels of competence as a result of of result a as competence of levels significant achieving Other News News Other

or are awarded certificates of lesser standard, despite despite standard, lesser of certificates awarded are or

military divers are ineligible for the award of HSE Certification Certification HSE of award the for ineligible are divers military

Regulations Regulations 1981, it is well-known that the majority of of majority the that well-known is it 1981,

Moving to to Moving Service diving and the Diving Operations at Work Work at Operations Diving the and diving Service

insist on a higher standard. standard. higher a on insist space! space!

comply with the minimum legal requirements but actually actually but requirements legal minimum the with comply Medicine (IN M) roadshow series later this year. Watch this this Watch year. this later series roadshow M) (IN Medicine

and that, as professionals, we must ensure that we not only only not we that ensure must we professionals, as that, and sponsored training video and a planned Institute of Naval Naval of Institute planned a and video training sponsored

are that EOD personnel are not exempt from the regulations regulations the from exempt not are personnel EOD that are ), will be the subject of a SMOPS- a of subject the be will illness), decompression

and a satisfactory way ahead identified. The lessons learned learned lessons The identified. ahead way satisfactory a and foremost of these, the new medical chapter (dealing with with (dealing chapter medical new the these, of foremost

elsewhere in this issue), the problem has been contained contained been has problem the issue), this in elsewhere receipt since there are a number of important changes. The The changes. important of number a are there since receipt

and the push by this staff towards HAZMATtraining (reported (reported HAZMATtraining towards staff this by push the and must make a mental note to review the new new the review to note mental a make must BR BR 2806 on on 2806

nightmarish proportions but, thanks to the efforts of SNICDU SNICDU of efforts the to thanks but, proportions nightmarish by Memorandum. All supervisors and divers divers and supervisors All Memorandum. Safety Diving by www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

Snippets from the In

Farewell to the Supervisors Det Box? - Heads-up for all divers and dive supervisors: The old 'DET BOX', as a lot of us know it, is usually found in the bottom of the gemini and contains a mixture of thunderflashes, Divers Recall Signals, rusty tools, contents gauges, tape and all the other come-in-handy kit that has accumulated over the years. This has, or is soon to become a thing of the past. As part of the work towards standard CMD Packs (see page 10) and to conform to the required safety standards for explosives RNAD have produced drawings of the new Dive Supervisors Box. These packs will be made up by RNAD and issued to Clearance Diving Units/Elements (including MCMVs) as they become available. This will be a one-time only issue - when items are used they will need to be replenished from the Units own stocks. Due to problems encountered by DGST(N)/RNAD in supplying other ships (because of ships fit and allowances implications) ships diving teams will be instructed to produce the Divers Supervisors Pack locally. Many ships inspection reports have already included this guidance. Tools and other items must be kept in a separate box. The Dive Supervisors Box will consist of 1 x H83 Mk2 Box (Lid painted Signal Red) and 1.3G Division labels containing: 5 x Thunderflashes (3 x weighted) 2 x Thunderflash strikers 2 x Signal Distress Day/Night 2 x Divers Recall Signals 1 x Signal Kit Pyrotechnic (Red) - Mini-flares 1 x User/expenditure form The above items will be retained in position in the H83 container by black foam inserts cut as illustrated in the diagram. The final result should resemble the one in the photographs and diagram. The user/expenditure forms will work in conjunction with the Officer of the Quarters (00Q) Log.

Insert

Diver Recall Signal

Thunderflash

Inserts

Signal Distress Day/Night

Box H83 Miniflares

Strikers

Contents Label (HD Label on Lid)

www.mcdoa.org.uk 12

13 13 www.mcdoa.org.uk

Portsmouth. Portsmouth.

HMS NELSON (Gunwharf), (Gunwharf), NELSON HMS

MAD Magazine, Magazine, MAD

The Editor, Editor, The

Please send your captions to to captions your send Please

printable will be reproduced in the next edition. edition. next the in reproduced be will printable

Any suggestions, either serious or humourous, will be gratefully received and those that are are that those and received gratefully be will humourous, or serious either suggestions, Any

The above photograph was sent by an anonymous reader without a caption. caption. a without reader anonymous an by sent was photograph above The

Caption Competition Competition Caption www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

THE MINEWARFARE AND DIVING WORK UP STAFF by 'George' Hogg

A year has passed since the last dit from the team. Since then there has been a 75% change, however drafty still gets full marks with everyone continuing to be Rosyth preferees. First of all let me introduce you to the team.

TITLE RANK NAME JOINED

SMWO LT CDR J BURDEN MCD (JOHN) OCT 92

DSMWO LT I WILLCOX MCD (IAN) NOV 92

SMWI(1) CPO(MW)(0) B V HOGG (`GEORGE) SEP 91

SMWI(2) CPO(MW)(0) R G TURNER (TOPSY') SEP 92

tbrb CPO(MW)(0) P R CAWSEY (PETE) SEP 93

Pete CAWSEY, yes he is rejoining the staff. The understanding the limited time available ie. more nights at sea!! MW OST for is the 8 - 5 job, 5 days a week behind a desk is not to his liking. the SANDOWN class will be run on a similar basis but split He much prefers the smell of the sea air, and the noise of the between a shallow phase, in the Forth, and a deep phase in bow thrust while he tries to sleep on his 3 hours off. (if you're BUTEC - 7 and 4 days respectively. lucky). If you like a topsy turvey routine, with days of peace and Moving back to the more general aspects; that of S2022's. tranquillity followed by days of 21 hours on then get your C240's Having been in the job 18 months and seen all the Hunts bar into drafty. one, £10 to the first correct guess!, there have been numerous Now to business. The team's primary role is to bring MCMV's occasions when the situation warranted S2022 action. In passing through on OST up to a high level of efficiency in conversation ashore with SMCMO (WO BAKER) it appears Minewarfare and Diving. The team can also be called upon to that very few S2022s are submitted and this leaves project with train and assess in Seamanship, NBCD, Navigation etc. the view that all the equipment is working perfectly well and we As most of you will be well aware the SRMH is not far away from are the happy customer. In this cost cutting age if ships becoming completely operational (including 2093), and thus experience difficulties with equipment's they must back it up we are now spreading our wings to cover both UK and SAUDI with S2022 action to ensure it will be looked at. SANDOWN class ships as they are presented for their first On the good front it is nice to see so many of you making contact BOST. Ian WILLCOX joined having served as X0 on HMS with the staff prior to your ship arriving for OST. If a ship comes INVERNESS for 2 1/2 years and has brought some much well prepared in all respects for OST and has the right attitude, needed SRMH experience into the team. The remainder of the then OST can be a relatively painless exercise. We train as well team have completed the relevant PJT's and visited the ships as assess, so keep smiling and remember the staff are always on numerous occasions when conducting sea/harbour trials. right. More recently the full team deployed to the Kyle of Lochalsh for Over the last year a number of SSOTS have changed so I have fourdays, where much valuable experience was gained working included a break down of who's who and their number. Try and with the ships company and trials teams onboard HMS contact your opposite number on the staff early, they are always INVERNESS. The progress made with 2093 was very happy to speak to you whether it be about a forthcoming OST encouraging with mines located in various extreme or just a day to day query. environmental and topographical conditions. Future intentions for the team is to work closely with the SRMHs during their forthcoming period of OPEVAL in order to assist in the development of tactics and procedures. A challenge to us all, a one we will meet! Ships now arriving for OST will immediately notice a change not only in the scenery, and I don't mean a new Forth road bridge!, but also emphasis towards the ship's primary role. Generally MCMVs will encounter a MW programme very much tailored to their needs but more importantly conducted as a block towards the end of OST. The `MW Phase' will be run as a scenario based exercise from the outset with 7/10 days devoted to a COST/ BOST ship respectively. This will not only enable the ship's teams to 'settle in to the lap' but will also more effectively utilise

14 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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OPERATIONAL TRAINING TRAINING OPERATIONAL

SMALL SHIPS SHIPS SMALL

8 • • 8

62533 62533 62139 62139 62139 62139 64803 64803 62529 62529

DOWNIE DOWNIE HOGG HOGG TURNER TURNER ROYAL ROYAL BATSFORD BATSFORD

CMEM(L) CMEM(L) CPO(MW) CPO(MW) CPO (MW) (MW) CPO CMEM(M) CMEM(M) CPO(MA) CPO(MA)

SLEO SLEO SMWI(1) SMWI(1) SMWI(2) SMWI(2) SNBCDI SNBCDI SCMA SCMA

62249 62249

62525 62525 62531 62531

62531 62531

JONES JONES

TROUSDALE TROUSDALE BATESON BATESON

BENNETT BENNETT

CPO(SEA) CPO(SEA)

PO(M) PO(M) CY CY

CRS CRS

SSI SSI

SPO(M) SPO(M) SCY SCY SRC SRC

62348 62348 62249 62249 62139 62139 64404 64404 62529 62529 64249 64249

GATLAND GATLAND DAY DAY WILLCOX WILLCOX (M) HEALY HEALY (M) FORT FORT BROWN BROWN

WOMEA WOMEA CPO(SEA) CPO(SEA) LT LT CCPOWEA CCPOWEA CPO(OPS) CPO(OPS) CCY CCY

SMEO SMEO SSEAO SSEAO DSMWO DSMWO SCPO(M) SCPO(M) SWEO SWEO SCCY SCCY

64216 64216

62523 62523 64803 64803

62525 62525 62528 62528 62625 62625 64249 64249

GLENNIE GLENNIE BROWN BROWN BURDEN BURDEN BENTLEY BENTLEY

PULFORD PULFORD GAUSON GAUSON STEWART STEWART

LT LT

LT CDR CDR LT LT CDR CDR LT WO(SA) WO(SA) LT CDR CDR LT

CMWV S/LT S/LT CMWV LT CDR CDR LT

SNBCDO SNBCDO

SNO SNO SMWO SMWO SGO SGO SSO SSO

SCO to to SCO SNO(H) SNO(H)

64310 64310

LANGFORD LANGFORD

CPO(OPS)(R) CPO(OPS)(R)

TPROGO TPROGO

64358 64358

CDR QCL BANTING BANTING QCL CDR

CST CST

SMALL SHIPS OPERATIONAL TRAINING STAFF—SHOULTON BLOCK, HMNB ROSYTH ROSYTH HMNB BLOCK, STAFF—SHOULTON TRAINING OPERATIONAL SHIPS SMALL

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Warfare Branch Update by WO(MW)(0) R. Dean

Further to my article in the last edition Branch and career structures will follow achieve the aim and provide the flotilla of the MAD Magazine here is the latest the pattern described in the last edition of with professional Minewarfare Ratings as update on events leading up to the the magazine and as detailed in the DCI we have done in the past. introduction of the Warfare Branch later concerning Warfare BranchAdvancement this year. Regulations. If you have any queries about Advancement You should all be aware of two DCI's the career pattern for WB Ratings see The Minewarfare Branch have retained concerning Warfare Branch. They are:- your Divisional Officer who will be able to the Written Provisional Examination as DCI 195/92 - Establishment of a Warfare give you guidance. the means of assessing a ratings suitability Branch for advancement to the acting higher rate DCI 14/93 - Warfare Branch - Cross Task Books (LOM and PO(MW)) and also to determine training from WEM and Ops branches. The Warfare Branch Task Books are at an that they have the potential to qualify on A third DCI detailing the Advancement advance stage of production. PO(MW) the appropriate professional qualifying Regulations for Warfare Branch will be (0) PONY MOORE has been beavering course. The WPE will only examine published very shortly (it will almost away on his word processor for the past candidates on the areas for which he has certainly be on the streets by the time this two months perfecting the Minewarfare already received formal training and magazine reaches you). The purpose of Task Books for the OM(MW)2. Warfare should already know. It will not contain the DCI is to outline the advancement Branch Task Books for all disciplines will any material that will be covered in the regulations with respect to Warfare Branch be of the same style and consist of the next appropriate career course (ie PC3 ratings of all disciplines and should be following sections:- and PC4) and will be based on the Warfare read in conjunction with the two DCI's Section 1 - Know your Ship/Department Branch Training philosophy of 'Just listed above. Section 2 - On Job Training enough just in time'. The finer details have Section 3 - Consolidation yet to be worked out and agreed so watch Cross Training Section 1 & 2 have a set time limit for this space. As promulgated in DCI 14/93 there is a completion and for the first time, On Job requirement to cross train ratings from the Training (OJT) will beformally documented General Operations Branch into the Warfare by chapter and verse. This will enable the It has also been agreed that the Branch. All Able Seamen and below were Task Book co-ordinators to ensure that Minewarfare Branch will recruit 25 required to complete a preference form the correct amount of OJT is carried out Operator Mechanics this financial year by 31 March 1993 stating whether they by each individual. Remember that with the first PC1(MW) starting in February. wished to be considered for selection to completion of the Professional Course This will enable the course documentation join the Warfare Branch. Having collated achieves the Training Performance to be properly evaluated as well as the the preference forms HMS CENTURION Statement (TPS) and by conducting On criteria examinations and Minewarfare selected a number of volunteers and Job Training at sea, in the areas where training pipeline. You can expect these issued Draft Orders for the successful only limited training can be conducted recruits to reach ships in the flotilla around applicants to attend the cross training ashore achieves the Operational April/May 1994 (Drafty willing). The second course in HMS COLLINGWOOD. I Performance Statement (OPS) for that course will commence in early March understand from the Minewarfare Drafting rate. In simple terms TPS + OJT = OPS. 1994. A lot of planning, negotiation and POWRN that the number of volunteers Completion of the Task Book is mandatory plain hard graft has gone into the two from the Minewarfare Branch exceeded for each rate and is not connected to courses and training feedback will play a by far the number of cross trainees advancement as is the case under the very important part in the success of the required. Some of you may not have been present Ops Branch system. Completion follow-on courses. So if you are requested accepted in the first instance but could of the task book will enable the rating to be to supply any training feedback please be have been shortlisted to account for any confirmed in that rate providing all other honest and accurate in your reply. shortfalls that may occur. Those of you requirements are met. See the DCI for The adaptation of National Council of that were shortlisted should continue to more detailed information. Vocational Qualification Certificates pursue your careers through the present Task Books have a very important role in (NCVQ Certificates) and City and Guilds career structure of the Operations Branch. the training of Warfare Branch ratings and for Warfare branch ratings is being The course is just over 7 weeks duration the responsibilities of onboard Training investigated. The award of such and is designed to teach potential Officers and Task Book Co-ordinators will qualifications widens the opportunities for OM(MW)'s Mechanical Skills such as the increase. As stated previously, On Job potential employment in civvy street. use of test equipment to measure voltage, Training requirements will be itemised The Minewarfare Branch has set off on resistance, insulation and to maintain and these requirements must be met if the right foot within the Warfare Branch. hydraulic equipment, just to mention a the rating is to achieve the Operational The full potential of WB ratings has yet to few. The course is made up of the Performance Statement. Of course it is be fully realised onboard ships but I am mechanical content of the PC1 and PC2 appreciated that Fishery Protection Duties sure that once complemented with Courses (see the last edition of the MAD or a prolonged refit etc could interfere with Operator Mechanics some of the Magazine) and on successful completion the training process.Provision has been scepticism expressed by the 'old school' each rating passes out as an Operator made to cope with unforseen will disappear and that they will "eat their Mechanic (Minewarfare) 1st Class - an circumstances that are outside the control words". OM(MW)1. Successful completion of the of individuals. This having been said it will course also means total transfer from the be up to all those involved in the Training Operations Branch into the Warfare process to make a concerted effort to help ti 16 www.mcdoa.org.uk

17 17

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3rd FEBRUARY 1993 1993 FEBRUARY 3rd

FOR EXCELLENCE TROPHY TROPHY EXCELLENCE FOR

PRESENTED BY FLAG OFFICER PORTSMOUTH PORTSMOUTH OFFICER FLAG BY PRESENTED

Portsmouth Area Clearance Diving Unit Unit Diving Clearance Area Portsmouth

anyway I will have moved on by by on moved have will I anyway the Inspector said mournfully. It's only only It's mournfully. said Inspector the suit and set with the seniorAB(D) acting acting seniorAB(D) the with set and suit

wont be any ships left to look at, at, look to left ships any be wont in the mud, she went missing last night, night, last missing went she mud, the in a search, the junior AB(D) is dressed in in dressed is AB(D) junior the search, a

thought, perhaps by that time there there time that by perhaps thought, shoes on the river bank and footprints footprints and bank river the on shoes surveying the stretch of river requiring requiring river of stretch the surveying

Horsea Island in 95 isn't an inspiring inspiring an isn't 95 in Island Horsea that I say, We found her handbag and and handbag her found We say, I that there is no press on the scene. After After scene. the on press no is there

at the top of Creasy block. Going to to Going block. Creasy of top the at be in the river Itchen. Why do you think think you do Why Itchen. river the in be thankfully we are so deep in the woods woods the in deep so are we thankfully

interesting view I thought, perhaps perhaps thought, I view interesting lost an old lady and we think she might might she think we and lady old an lost meet the police, fire brigade and and brigade fire police, the meet

other naval offices have such an an such have offices naval other Nursing Home near Winchester has has Winchester near Home Nursing get to the river a short time later and and later time short a river the to get

the DOLPHIN launch. I bet not many many not bet I launch. DOLPHIN the what's the problem, We've got a a got We've problem, the what's been on a gruesome job before. We We before. job gruesome a on been

and from France, the Gosport ferry, ferry, Gosport the France, from and Inspector Smith, can you help us? Yes Yes us? help you can Smith, Inspector rounded up anyone he thought hadn't hadn't thought he anyone up rounded

a host of moving traffic, ferries to to ferries traffic, moving of host a daydreams, Hampshire Police HQ here, here, HQ Police Hampshire daydreams, underone of the Killick Frogs, he having having he Frogs, Killick the of underone

WARRIOR, VICTORY, LA JAWF and and JAWF LA VICTORY, WARRIOR, The phone rang to disturb my my disturb to rang phone The team of volunteers assembled quickly quickly assembled volunteers of team

views in Portsmouth, there was HMS HMS was there Portsmouth, in views a team? Yes of course, I reply. A small small A reply. I course, of Yes team? a

looking out over one of the prime prime the of one over out looking MAD Mag I thought! thought! I Mag MAD need to look in for us, can you provide provide you can us, for in look to need

The other morning I sat in my office office my in sat I morning other The then. I must write an article for the the for article an write must I then. about a 300 yard stretch you would would you stretch yard 300 a about

By Lieutenant Ian Morton Morton Ian Lieutenant By

TO A ...... TEAM DIVING A TO

OR DO YOU WANT A DRAFT DRAFT A WANT YOU DO OR www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

as attendant and surface swimmer. main passageway when the watertight to set up on the dockside for cover. I've The search goes quickly until we reach door which should have stayed open borrowed one before from Daedalus, a a large area of debris gathered round didn't and the new Commanding Officer great big frame tent, just what we need, the branches of a willow tree, the diver who had just joined and was please I'll fix it said Hooky. A few minor surfaces through the weed several that the ship still floated afterwards. It difficulties over the next five working times complaining of the dark creepy would need another couple of pages to days were overcome with the usual things. The body is going to be in there tell the full story, so I will leave it until diver's improvisation and at times brute I said, this did nothing to increase his another day. , using the strongest young men confidence, get back under and carry available, when that failed a tiny amount on the search, I order. A mumble of A week or two later on the 3rd February explosive was used in the old fashioned agreement and he disappears again the Team had been invited to Flag way that many of you will remember to into the weed and flotsam. Suddenly Officer Portsmouth's house for what I loosen the props from the shafts. The the whole mass of floating vegetation thought was just going to be lunchtime soup kitchen ran a cafe service and debris starts to move in the current beer and a sandwich, but as we arrived Macdonalds would have been proud of towards the small weir just a few yards at the house and were given a glass of courtesy of the head chef Mo (team downstream. I get to where I can watch champagne (some of our connoisseurs boatman), every visit I made to the site it flow over the weir, a few seconds would rather of had a Guinness), trays a mug of steaming coffee and even one latter I spot the legs and I know we have of petite sandwiches soon disappeared, a liver sarny (not obtainable at Macs) found what we came for. We soon when's the main course the largest were thrust in my hand. A couple of have the poor unfortunate womans AB(D) was heard to whisper. I'm doing very senior divers even volunteered body on the bank. She was a nice old my best to ensure none of the furniture their services, getting in the water girl says one of the policemen, she had or antiques get damaged or disappear, (getting minutes), and doing a very often wandered off before. Sad really the Admiral has heard a few dits from satisfying job. Its untrue that the FDG what Alzhiemers disease can do. The even the most junior diver. The Admiral HQ staff only dive in the Tank, formalities over we get on our way back then said a few words of thanks for all Mediterranean, Caribbean or other to Portsmouth, the conversation the good works we had achieved during places I hear them mention often. One amongst the lads a bit morbid, Hooky his time in office, the beaches we had cold day when paperwork made the had definitely recovered half the bodies made safe, the mines and bombs we office the nicest place to be the phone the Navy had looked for in the last had safely removed from fishing rang and Chiefy said you'd better get fifteen years and the young AB(D) who vessels, the good publicity we had down here now Boss the first one is had just done his first was most generated, and all our other works. We about to come off. I'll been down right impressed and tried not to be sick had done more Conventional Munitions away, I said and drove to the yard. On before we reached the section. disposal than any other single Naval or arrival, a bacon sarny, coffee in the Army Unit in mainland UK during 1992, hospitality tent, then out to view this At the beginning of January we were outgunning the Colchester Det RAOC 10.5 Ton monster break surface and be involved as the charge layers and firers by some 48 jobs over the year to reach swung over our heads by the crane to for the First of Class Shock Trials for a staggering total of 338. A large glass be lowered next to the CO's car (only the Type 23, HMS NORFOLK being engraved wine bucket was then just). You havent got hard hats on said the target ship. After a lot of effort presented to the team in appreciation. the head docky, proudly sporting a shiny planning to get the evolution to run It can be seen on entry into Triton new white one. Won't do you much smoothly, everything was ready except Building where it is displayed on the good I said looking at this monster fifty the January weather which as one can stairway. Presented by Flag Officer feet above our heads, its not going to expect (everyone except Bath?) was Portsmouth for Excellence 3 Feb. 1993 bounce off your hat, the edges are so windy, wet and cold. The cold didn't sharp it will embed itself in the road by matter, the wind broke the ship from the I want to mention some of our diving at least six feet after its been through moor and the weather made the odd work that we have done this year, one your hat. I am not saying we were not person (no names) sea sick. Three or two useful jobs which our readers incorrect, but there are times when a charges were laid and fired, one at a may find of interest. hard hat just isn't quite the thing. I time in 30m of water in the Minding Having talked last year to the engineers moved back a few paces until the Ground. The warm up charge was a about HMS BRISTOL and the plans for monster was firmly on the deck. Then MK 11 Depth Charge and the two main it to replace HMS KENT as the harbour like all good divers they wanted photos charges were MK 12 Ground Mines training ship, I was asked to investigate taken sitting on top of it. A couple of fitted as demolition charges and fired the possibility of removing the propellers days later and the process was electrically from the bridge of of BRISTOL, and decided it would not repeated, the section prop sitting on NORFOLK, all at a range closer that be beyond the team's capabilities, it the dockside. The reason they were 100m. Everyone was impressed, from was left at that. Then one day in removed was actually to reduce the the stokers who had to practice damage February the call came in for the job to amount of movement of the ship in the control in the way of leakstopping go ahead. Drawings obtained, tools water at her new berth adjacent to the fireman beaches (after the warm up mustered, victuals arranged to keep ferry port when the jumbo ferries enter shot), the scientists who were filming the hungry lads going in the cold and leave causing many ships to surge the movement of the ship down the weather, what was needed was a tent at their berth and break wires, and the

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was back in working order, a good good a order, working in back was arranged to give the newest lodger lodger newest the give to arranged away to the south. We work out the the out work We south. the to away

place. Not much longer the whole prop prop whole the longer much Not place. some). the lodger units in Gunwharf Gunwharf in units lodger the some). RAF MANSTON only being 15 miles miles 15 being only MANSTON RAF

a new valve was found and soon put in in put soon and found was valve new a after Easter Leave (for those that had had that those (for Leave Easter after give him a shout if we need him again. again. him need we if shout a him give

non return valve was found to be bent, bent, be to found was valve return non someone learnt a lesson recently. Just Just recently. lesson a learnt someone the Belgian and I tell the pilot we will will we pilot the tell I and Belgian the

collar and cone removed. The agouti agouti The removed. cone and collar is perhaps worthwhile and certainly certainly and worthwhile perhaps is pilot says over the radio, a firm no from from no firm a radio, the over says pilot

female got to work and son the fairing fairing the son and work to got female Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Disposal Device Explosive Improvised evacuate some of the crew? the Helo Helo the crew? the of some evacuate

the ships own divers one male and one one and male one divers own ships the A minor mention at this stage of of stage this at mention minor A sure the skipper doesn't want to to want doesn't skipper the sure

element with the team Tiffs and two of of two and Tiffs team the with element with was of little consequence. Are you you Are consequence. little of was with

small team, consisting of the duty duty the of consisting team, small money could be saved in this area. area. this in saved be could money That we now had this torpedo to deal deal to torpedo this had now we That

plugs in the forward face of the prop. A A prop. the of face forward the in plugs the correct tools to use a lot more more lot a use to tools correct the the sea and in our natural environment. environment. natural our in and sea the

it must be the agouti system or the the or system agouti the be must it tasks under the ships of our fleet, given given fleet, our of ships the under tasks the three of us were glad to be safely on on safely be to glad were us of three the

way to the gearbox, simple we though, though, we simple gearbox, the to way done. Divers are capable of many many of capable are Divers done. being something I'd do on a daily basis, basis, daily a on do I'd something being

find out why water was getting all the the all getting was water why out find but we had not doubt that it could be be could it that doubt not had we but flying brick. Winching from a helo not not helo a from Winching brick. flying

of HMS INVINCIBLE'S propellers and and propellers INVINCIBLE'S HMS of could achieve the timescale required required timescale the achieve could get his fee on deck and out of the yellow yellow the of out and deck on fee his get

when we were asked if we cold strip on on strip cold we if asked were we when took a bit of convincing at first that we we that first at convincing of bit a took into this says PO(D) No Legs, dying to to dying Legs, No PO(D) says this into

arose on the day before Easter Leave Leave Easter before day the on arose job. The Shoreside Engineering Staff Staff Engineering Shoreside The job. that it is still in its tube! Lets get stuck stuck get Lets tube! its in still is it that

The next big event on the diving front front diving the on event big next The fairly simple underwater engineering engineering underwater simple fairly there is not just a torpedo in the net but but net the in torpedo a just not is there

leave and the expense of docking for a a for docking of expense the and leave window when over the boat we see that that see we boat the over when window

to the Units' Travel Budget. Budget. Travel Units' the to would have meant recalling crew off off crew recalling meant have would off North Foreland. Looking out the the out Looking Foreland. North off

which try as I might I couldn't get credited credited get couldn't I might I as try which available, but to dock to do this job job this do to dock to but available, lovely flight to the trawler fifteen miles miles fifteen trawler the to flight lovely

second reason was forthe scrap value, value, scrap forthe was reason second weekends work. A dry dock had been been had dock dry A work. weekends that lands outside the office and have a a have and office the outside lands that

by cellnet phone, we jump into the helo helo the into jump we phone, cellnet by

Arrangements made to keep in touch touch in keep to made Arrangements

drive the Rover and is not impressed! impressed! not is and Rover the drive

to pop along for a look. Hooky gets to to gets Hooky look. a for along pop to

Manston for the return journey, I decide decide I journey, return the for Manston

and one to take the Land-Rover to to Land-Rover the take to one and

organised, with two in the flying crew crew flying the in two with organised,

RAF Manston in Kent. The duty watch watch duty The Kent. in Manston RAF

yellow Sea King is on the way from from way the on is King Sea yellow

Wise is on the phone to me and a big big a and me to phone the on is Wise

the Duty Controller from MHQ Mount Mount MHQ from Controller Duty the

OK says the Coastguard, minutes later later minutes Coastguard, the says OK

there and give the Belgians a hand. hand. a Belgians the give and there

Thames Coastguard. Yes, lets get out out get lets Yes, Coastguard. Thames

of it. Do you want a helicopter? said said helicopter? a want you Do it. of

chains of this trawl he could not get rid rid get not could he trawl this of chains

and help as it was so tangled in the the in tangled so was it as help and

round, the skipper wanted a bit of advice advice of bit a wanted skipper the round,

its net and the propellers were going going were propellers the and net its

Belgian trawler which had a torpedo in in torpedo a had which trawler Belgian

Coastguard and told me the tale of a a of tale the me told and Coastguard

the phone rang from Thames Thames from rang phone the

Estuary. At the end of April about 0900 0900 about April of end the At Estuary.

all know the latest from the Thames Thames the from latest the know all

give EOD a little mention just to let you you let to just mention little a EOD give

recently but it would be unfair to not not to unfair be would it but recently

mention here have been carried out out carried been have here mention

Many more diving jobs than I can can I than jobs diving more Many

repeat incidents. incidents. repeat

unnecessary and there have been no no been have there and unnecessary

at the briefing of PACDU's role role PACDU's of briefing the at

Flat Lt's). This made any demonstration demonstration any made This Lt's). Flat

out to belong to the ADC to CGRM (his (his CGRM to ADC the to belong to out

examined by one of my team. It turned turned It team. my of one by examined

was subsequently explosively explosively subsequently was

briefcase was found in Gunwharf and and Gunwharf in found was briefcase

beforehand an unidentified suspicious suspicious unidentified an beforehand

brief one morning. The evening evening The morning. one brief

unit, CGRM and his staff an introductory introductory an staff his and CGRM unit, www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

weekend. The next day back at work, quiet until at 1500, yes you've guessed it, the outside line rang, and who was on it, Thames Coastguard. Another Belgian trawler its got a long silver object on its deck, out of the net and unable to get it back over the side, We have told them to keep it wet says the Coastguard. Good says I, Do you want the Helo? says he. If it's available I say. Didcot informed, MHQ controller spoken to and the Helo is already airborne on exercise and will be with us in under an hour. I decide to go along with my fairly new supervisor, and collect a few notes for his 2641's and yes perhaps I don't mind flying so much after all. Hooky comes with us in the Helo this time and someone else takes the Land-Rover up to Margate for the return trip. We get to the trawler, a bit of wind blowing, the crewman with the plan to extricate the tube from the net We will be there this afternoon tel hi-line gets down easily, next Hooky and chains and hang it on a couple of them. Arrangements to meet the fishing and Supervisor are out the door strops over the starboard bow. It works boat at West Mersea at 1500 were together in a double lift and it takes a and we steam south to Margate Sands, made and the duty team diverted from least five minutes to get them on deck. a shallow bank just off Margate. The low priority job at Brighton. The mine is I'm next and reach the deck in 3 phone in my pocket rings, Hooky here, GC was dived upon, 41b pack placed seconds. AGerman mine it is, balanced what do you want me to do Boss? Wait and it went off with the usual plume of tail on the gunwhale, off we go again to where you are and we will have you water into the air 350ft at least. The first Margate Sands I explain to the skipper, flown out if we require any more GC of the year, a little later than normal, who doesn't speak very good English, equipment. We get near the sands and perhaps they are finally running out, I and we will put it over the side. Slings Margate Lifeboat arrives on the scene thought. arranged, photos taken we steam south to assist (or remove survivors). The into the Sunset towards Margate. If torpedo still in its tube is lowered gently Early May Bank Holiday is quiet, not a you want to know what happened next to the seabed and the fishing boat job over the weekend, watch the see the next edition of MAD Magazine. moves quickly away, the fuses lit we powerboat racing and have a relaxing watch expectantly for the bang. A Belgian beer? The much relieved skipper asks us. Smiles all round. A few minutes later a large fountain of water erupts from the sea and we realise, yes it was live and dangerous. Ashore in the lifeboat, Hooky meets us with the Rover pack the kit into it and we are off on the road to Portsmouth another job completed. Back in the office at 1930 quite a fun day, lets get home.

The following Monday, just getting into the paperwork after standeasy, the duty crew already on their way to their second job at Brighton having been down Southampton Water first, the phone rang, Hello, Thames Coastguard, good morning, the fishing vessel Louise has found a mine in its nets and laid it still in the cod-end in the usual place just off the mouth of Blackwater when can you come up?

20 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk 21 21

immersion or insufficient depth of water water of depth insufficient or immersion

The bomb-fuse in the event of non- of event the in bomb-fuse The

mines recovery ascent at about 3 metres. metres. 3 about at ascent recovery mines

and 'Workentopf (?), to detonate the the detonate to (?), 'Workentopf and

have anti-recovery switches, a liss'(?) liss'(?) a switches, anti-recovery have

preventive stripping equipment(s), they they equipment(s), stripping preventive

fitted to these mines. In addition to the the to addition In mines. these to fitted

stripping equipments, (`booby-traps') are are (`booby-traps') equipments, stripping

mechanically operated other preventive preventive other operated mechanically

equipment). Often up to three, still active active still three, to up Often equipment).

device, (part of the preventive stripping stripping preventive the of (part device,

beneath which is a 'Zeus 40' anti-handling anti-handling 40' 'Zeus a is which beneath

the water. Fitted with a 'bomb-fuse', 'bomb-fuse', a with Fitted water. the

`Hexanite'. is still potent after 50 years in in years 50 after potent still is `Hexanite'.

combination of all three. The explosive, explosive, The three. all of combination

magnetic, or acoustic influence, or a a or influence, acoustic or magnetic,

the mine was to be initiated by , pressure, by initiated be to was mine the

mechanism fitted; determined by whether whether by determined fitted; mechanism

lbs. depending on the particular firing firing particular the on depending lbs.

explosive load of between 650 and 775 775 and 650 between of load explosive

corrosion by sea-water. It carries an an carries It sea-water. by corrosion

`Rhinemetal', extremely resistant to to resistant extremely `Rhinemetal',

mine has an aluminium alloy casing of of casing alloy aluminium an has mine

The German type 'D' (aerial delivery) delivery) (aerial 'D' type German The

1.2 1.2 Description of the mine mine the of Description

nearest habitation, the village of of village the habitation, nearest way ahead. ahead. way

The location was half a mile from the the from mile a half was location The that evening. evening. that lights operated as required to clear the the clear to required as operated lights

Porstmouth, to refresh themselves. themselves. refresh to Porstmouth, to all concerned to continue the operation operation the continue to concerned all to all despatch using the siren and blue blue and siren the using despatch all

advantage of this first break, since leaving leaving since break, first this of advantage (gusting Force 8), I considered it unsafe unsafe it considered I 8), Force (gusting refuelling stops, and made our way with with way our made and stops, refuelling

approximately 1900. The team took took team The 1900. approximately the deteriorating weather conditions, conditions, weather deteriorating the in earnest. On the way we made two two made we way the On earnest. in

coastguard the mine would be visible at at visible be would mine the coastguard police and VIC CROSSWAITE. In view of of view In CROSSWAITE. VIC and police Packs. After this call, the journey started started journey the call, this After Packs.

satisfactory. As informed earlier by the the by earlier informed As satisfactory. the plan of attack. in consultation with the the with consultation in attack. of plan the collect Emergency Explosive Disposal Disposal Explosive Emergency collect

water, had the weather conditions been been conditions weather the had water, and ropes. It was now time to formulate formulate to time now was It ropes. and departed at 1100 for RNAD Gosport to to Gosport RNAD for 1100 at departed

to have dived on it while it was covered by by covered was it while it on dived have to and Roy secured the mine with sandbags sandbags with mine the secured Roy and myself, PO(D) A.D. `Nobby' Noble, Noble, `Nobby' A.D. PO(D) myself,

beach. This would have enabled the team team the enabled have would This beach. With sacks and lines provided, myself myself provided, lines and sacks With AB(D) O.E. `Taff' Galsworthy, led by by led Galsworthy, `Taff' O.E. AB(D)

earlier secured the mine on the rocky rocky the on mine the secured earlier mine as a German type 'D' mine at 2035. 2035. at mine 'D' type German a as mine Roy New, AB(D) N. 'Smudge' Smith, Smith, 'Smudge' N. AB(D) New, Roy

CROSSWAITE, coastguard, who had had who coastguard, CROSSWAITE, Myself and Roy positively identified the the identified positively Roy and Myself

The PACDU EOD team, consisting L (D) (D) L consisting team, EOD PACDU The

briefing was provided by VIC VIC by provided was briefing Survey Survey 2.2 2.2 and ensure no one approached the mine. mine. the approached one no ensure and

BBC and ITV television crews. Initial Initial crews. television ITV and BBC requested to place a cordon at half a mile mile a half at cordon a place to requested

met by the local police, Coast Guard, Guard, Coast police, local the by met coastguard at Flamborough Head was was Head Flamborough at coastguard

Flamborough Head, at 1645 and was was and 1645 at Head, Flamborough

and tasking authority obtained. The local local The obtained. authority tasking and and dry. dry. and

The team arrived at Sough Landing, Landing, Sough at arrived team The Operation Centre at Didcot was informed informed was Didcot at Centre Operation

At 2030 the mine was fully exposed, high high exposed, fully was mine the 2030 At

Location Location 2.1 2.1 EOD Land Rover. Joint Service EOD EOD Service Joint Rover. Land EOD up the beach to wait for the to go out. out. go to tide the for wait to beach the up

The duty watch prepared the PACDU PACDU the prepared watch duty The shallows. We then retired a safe distance distance safe a retired then We shallows. The Operation Operation The 2. 2.

proved to be correct. correct. be to proved be seen occasionally moving in the the in moving occasionally seen be

German type 'D'. This was subsequently subsequently was This 'D'. type German using high powertorches. The mine could could mine The powertorches. high using

movement or sudden impact. impact. sudden or movement description that suggested it was a a was it suggested that description walked within 50 metres of the mine mine the of metres 50 within walked

explosion, if disturbed by further further by disturbed if explosion, Questioning over the 'phone gave a a gave 'phone the over Questioning Myself, Roy, and VIC CROSSWAITE CROSSWAITE VIC and Roy, Myself,

the mine was still capable of initiating an an initiating of capable still was mine the CROSSWAITE the local coastguard. coastguard. local the CROSSWAITE causing the tide to still be covering it. it. covering be still to tide the causing

because of its protected position within within position protected its of because at Flamborough head by VIC VIC by head Flamborough at still not visible as the onshore wind was was wind onshore the as visible not still

implication of this is that the bomb-fuse, bomb-fuse, the that is this of implication like object had been found on the beach beach the on found been had object like Later that evening at 1900, the mine was was mine the 1900, at evening that Later

German armament factories. The The factories. armament German from Bridlington Coast Guard that a mine- a that Guard Coast Bridlington from concerned. concerned.

sabotaged by the slave-labour in the the in slave-labour the by sabotaged call was received by PACDU EOD team team EOD PACDU by received was call water authority were naturally very very naturally were authority water

mechanism or it may have been been have may it or mechanism At 1030 Monday 23 November 1992 a a 1992 November 23 Monday 1030 At opened sewage outfall, and the local local the and outfall, sewage opened

years ago that stopped this clockwork clockwork this stopped that ago years was the new, expensive, and recently recently and expensive, new, the was Initiation Initiation 1.1 1.1

It may have been the initial impact 50 50 impact initial the been have may It

the town of Bridlington. 300 metres away away metres 300 Bridlington. of town the

Introduction Introduction 1. 1.

is designed to actuate after 22 seconds. seconds. 22 after actuate to designed is Flamborough Head, and three miles from from miles three and Head, Flamborough

By PO(D) A. D. Noble Noble D. A. PO(D) By

FLAMBOROUGH HEAD HEAD FLAMBOROUGH

EOD OPERATION AT AT OPERATION EOD www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

2.3 The Plan The plan for the next day was to wait until an hour before low water, and fit a police flotation bag together with a 240 metre tow-rope and allow the flood tide to float the mine off. We would then tow the mine out to a safe area for a controlled detonation of the mine, with two RNLI Lifeboats from Flamborough Head and Bridlington and an RNLI Inshore RIB as safety cover. Once in a safe area the mine would be sunk and charges placed by a diver. A suitable window in the weather was required to execute this plan. Lt I. MORTON, RN (010 PACDU). was informed of my proposed plan, and said to go ahead with minimal risk to all personnel and to contact him in the morning before commencement of the operation. It was now time for a pint and good nights sleep at the guest house in Flamborough Head.

2.4 Execution At 0830 the following day (24 November 1992), the weather was such that the EOD team returned to South Landing. RNLI crew transferred to the Gemini, with was then recovered and a navigational We were able to commence the execution Smudge remaining, to maintain tension warning was put out that a controlled of the plan after informing the Boss by on the two-rope, to prevent the mine detonation would take place within 7 `phone that there was an eight hour break being washed further up the beach. minutes. Detonators attached, safety fuse in the weather. Myself and Roy carried Myself and the RNLI Cox in the RNLI RIB was lit having checked the area was clear the equipment required, with Taff and closed the mine to 100 metres (at a through the Coast Guard and RNLI. At Smudge carrying the flotation bag relatively safe distance) where I entered 1347 the mine detonated. provided by Humberside the water and swam over to the mine. I On return to South Landing we made our Unit to within 50 metres of the mine. Once cut the fishing float lines away. The mine gratitude and appreciation known to the Smudge and Taff were safely out of the was heard bumping on the rocky bottom RNLI and Coast Guard and Police for area we approached the mine. Smudge at this time. The mine then sprung free their efforts. and Taff prepared the Gemini, diving, and trapping and dragging me along. I waved I informed the relevant authorities and, of auxiliary equipment and transferred it out to Smudge to slow down, in vain, he had course, the Boss that the operation was to the RNLI Bridlington Lifeboat. Roy and earlier removed his contact lens, (for successfully completed. and was myself removed the ropes and sandbags reasons best known to himself). I interviewed by the television crews and previously securing the mine. We then managed to get free in less than half a press. fitted lifting straps, flotation bag, tow- minute, though it seemed longer at the rope, and a light float, together with a time. It was only later we could laugh at piece of carpet to prevent the damaged this incident. 3. Summary parachute housing puncturing the flotation The RNLI Cox in the RIB came nearer This was one of the most difficult and bag. It was now 1038. We returned up the inshore and recovered me. The mine potentially dangerous tasks that I have beach. Because the flooding tide would continued its journey seaward, with the ever undertaken in eight years as a CD(1) lift the mine off the rocky foreshore and RNLI RIB catching the Gemini up and involving explosive ordnance disposal. bounce it, this was a critical period and I transferring the RNLI RIB crew back and The marginal weather conditions and directed. assisted by the coastguard and returning me onboard. location of the mine made this task the police, the onlookers to take cover. Meanwhile Roy and Taff onboard the particularly arduous and difficult, however, During the initial lift the strain was to be RNLI Bridlington Lifeboat prepared the despite this the task was completed taken on the towing line by the Gemini diving equipment and explosive packs. satisfactorily and safely. and to maintain the mine's position and On arrival at the safe area, two large therefore preventing it being washed anchors, provided by the RNLI, were further up the foreshore. Despite the attached to the tow rope 240 metres from precautions taken earlier, the flotation the mine. I now transferred to the Gemini bag was slightly damaged necessitating and all three RNLI boats withdrew to at partial reinflation by Smudge. The mine least half a mile away. The gemini now got underway at 1230 and all was well closed to the mine; Roy swam over and until the mine snagged on some fishing attached explosive packs to the mine floats, 50 metres from its earlier position. underwater, with extreme difficulty as the The RNLI RIB was called over and the tide was now running at two knots. Roy

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23 23 www.mcdoa.org.uk

use of the different MCM techniques techniques MCM different the of use countdown with MCMVs conducting conducting MCMVs with countdown

is acknowledged but, inevitably, full full inevitably, but, acknowledged is FF/DD providing early warning and raid raid and warning early providing FF/DD

this framework, the importance of MCM MCM of importance the framework, this The present method of the Air Defence Defence Air the of method present The

overall effect on the mission. Within Within mission. the on effect overall ASMD and SPMs are at an early stage. stage. early an at are SPMs and ASMD

individual warfare disciplines and their their and disciplines warfare individual units retaining freedom to conduct conduct to freedom retaining units

to determine the relative priorities of of priorities relative the determine to adequate area defence with individual individual with defence area adequate

This intelligence plot will also be used used be also will plot intelligence This

Development of tactics to provide provide to tactics of Development RMB Stonehouse Ext: 36430 36430 Ext: Stonehouse RMB

accepting that these might be limited. limited. be might these that accepting

provide protection for the MCM force. force. MCM the for protection provide Telephone (0752) 836430 836430 (0752) Telephone

the allocation of necessary assets assets necessary of allocation the

it may be possible to detach assets to to assets detach to possible be may it PLYMOUTH PL1 3QS 3QS PL1 PLYMOUTH

both a good intelligence picture and and picture intelligence good a both

Should sufficient escorts be available, available, be escorts sufficient Should RMB Stonehouse Stonehouse RMB

(ASW/ASUW/AAW/NBC/MW) requires requires (ASW/ASUW/AAW/NBC/MW)

threat environment environment threat No. 6 House House 6 No.

ability to counter the maritime threats threats maritime the counter to ability

Protection of MCMVS in a multi- a in MCMVS of Protection 2. 2. Commodore Amphibious Warfare Warfare Amphibious Commodore

Amphibious Task Force (ATF). The The (ATF). Force Task Amphibious

Staff of of Staff

into a cohesive and effective effective and cohesive a into

amphibious shipping (including STUFT) STUFT) (including shipping amphibious

defences. defences. scandal. scandal.

allocated force of escorts and and escorts of force allocated

time for OPFOR to relocate its its relocate to OPFOR for time indoctrination or to update on local local on update to or indoctrination

the challenge of quickly moulding the the moulding quickly of challenge the operations whilst allowing insufficient insufficient allowing whilst operations STONEHOUSE for amphibious amphibious for STONEHOUSE

dedicated naval assets and thus faces faces thus and assets naval dedicated

time to complete exploratory/shortterm exploratory/shortterm complete to time cloth' are always welcome to drop in at at in drop to welcome always are cloth'

and air interfaces, COMAW has no no has COMAW interfaces, air and

operations. There should be sufficient sufficient be should There operations. Meanwhile, visiting 'members of the the of 'members visiting Meanwhile,

STONEHOUSE. Leaving aside the land land the aside Leaving STONEHOUSE.

criteria for improved integration of MCM MCM of integration improved for criteria exercise together at every opportunity. opportunity. every at together exercise

based at Royal Marines Barracks Barracks Marines Royal at based to determine the general planning planning general the determine to COMMW and COMAW and efforts to to efforts and COMAW and COMMW

COMUKNLLF in their NATO hats) both both hats) NATO their in COMUKNLLF specificscenario requirements, will help help will requirements, specificscenario advanced by established links between between links established by advanced

COMUKNLPHIBGRU COMUKNLPHIBGRU

and and exercises and practice, despite their their despite practice, and exercises of both warfare disciplines will be be will disciplines warfare both of

3 Commando Brigade (or (or Brigade Commando 3

sights/IR etc). Hopefully, future future Hopefully, etc). sights/IR an Out of Area context. The correlation correlation The context. Area of Out an

Warfare, COMAW, and the Commander Commander the and COMAW, Warfare,

sensors (ESM/active radars/night radars/night (ESM/active sensors confirm the importance of MCM skills in in skills MCM of importance the confirm

rests with Commodore Amphibious Amphibious Commodore with rests

supposedly defeats the opposing opposing the defeats supposedly profile of amphibious warfare and and warfare amphibious of profile

joint amphibious operational planning planning operational amphibious joint nocturnal MCM close inshore which which inshore close MCM nocturnal Recent events have served to raise the the raise to served have events Recent

of the operation. This responsibility for for responsibility This operation. the of

the problem or to play a game of of game a play to or problem the A Brighter Future Future Brighter A

amendment throughout the execution execution the throughout amendment paper have often chosen to either ignore ignore either to chosen often have paper

progressive refinement and and refinement progressive surprise. Exercises, both LIVEXES and and LIVEXES both Exercises, surprise.

detailed and early planning with with planning early and detailed

areas to maximise the element of of element the maximise to areas complexity. complexity.

to achieve a military goal, requires requires goal, military a achieve to

need to maintain the security of landing landing of security the maintain to need manner adds significantly to their their to significantly adds manner

integration of land, sea and air assets assets air and sea land, of integration

threat to an acceptable level and the the and level acceptable an to threat conduct these operations in a covert covert a in operations these conduct

amphibious operations, involving the the involving operations, amphibious (AOA) in order to reduce the mine mine the reduce to order in (AOA) Once again, the preferred option to to option preferred the again, Once

The complex coordination of of coordination complex The into the Amphibious Objective Area Area Objective Amphibious the into techniques to cover any of this shortfall. shortfall. this of any cover to techniques

Merrett (EX-MCM3) as SOO, SOO, as (EX-MCM3) Merrett

between putting sufficient MCM effort effort MCM sufficient putting between whether it is feasible to adapt present present adapt to feasible is it whether

the arrival on COMAW staff of Cdr Jim Jim Cdr of staff COMAW on arrival the

difficulties. There is a fine balance balance fine a is There difficulties. SBS are presently looking to see see to looking presently are SBS

gospel' has recently been furthered by by furthered been recently has gospel'

landings presents its own unique set of of set unique own its presents landings landing craft/landing force. FDG and and FDG force. craft/landing landing

Commander. Spreading 'the MW MW 'the Spreading Commander.

that MCM in support of amphibious amphibious of support in MCM that mine threat to amphibious shipping/ shipping/ amphibious to threat mine

Task Force (CATF) and the MCM MCM the and (CATF) Force Task In recent years, it has become apparent apparent become has it years, recent In straddle this area with the resultant resultant the with area this straddle

between the Commander Amphibious Amphibious Commander the between

operations operations (area for ship to shore movements) will will movements) shore to ship for (area

for good two-way communications communications two-way good for

MCM in support of amphibious amphibious of support in MCM 1. 1. Area (ITA) and certain that Boat Lanes Lanes Boat that certain and (ITA) Area

MW advice to commands and the need need the and commands to advice MW

zone. It is likely that the Inner Transport Transport Inner the that likely is It zone.

highlighted the key nature of timely timely of nature key the highlighted MCM/EOD from 10 metres to the surf surf the to metres 10 from MCM/EOD

national/NATO exercises have have exercises national/NATO ) are as follows: follows: as are solution) the MCM inventory to conduct effective effective conduct to inventory MCM the

and a plethora of lessons learnt in in learnt lessons of plethora a and

particular concern (with no immediate immediate no (with concern particular There remains a capability gap within within gap capability a remains There

achieved. Recent operations in the Gulf Gulf the in operations Recent achieved. From a COMAW viewpoint, areas of of areas viewpoint, COMAW a From operation operation

operational commands has been been has commands operational and rectify where possible. possible. where rectify and The vinegar strokes of the MCM MCM the of strokes vinegar The

expertise and advice within other other within advice and expertise underway to address these problems problems these address to underway 3. 3. Shallow water MCM (SWMCM) - (SWMCM) MCM water Shallow

step in the integration of MW/Diving MW/Diving of integration the in step Development and liaison is already already is liaison and Development

tally presently out to tender), another another tender), to out presently tally encouraging to see that Tactical Tactical that see to encouraging

COMAW, COMAW, (supply of suitably large name name large suitably of (supply present shortcomings but it is is it but shortcomings present safety against the most urgent threat. threat. urgent most the against safety

COMUKNLPHIBGRU/ SWO(MW) to to SWO(MW) COMUKNLPHIBGRU/ COMAW can only highlight these these highlight only can COMAW reporting between all units to maximise maximise to units all between reporting

the post of of post the

SO2 N3(MW) to to N3(MW) SO2 its own problems. As the 'customer', 'customer', the As problems. own its considerable practice to ensure rapid rapid ensure to practice considerable

With the arrival of the first incumbent in in incumbent first the of arrival the With within amphibious operations creates creates operations amphibious within organic soft kill procedures require require procedures kill soft organic

by Lieutenant Commander Tom Chambers Chambers Tom Commander Lieutenant by

amphibious operations operations amphibious

Spreading the word MCM's vital part in in part vital MCM's word the Spreading www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

ARMY-NAVY-A DIFFERENT GAME By N J DAVIS Lieutenant Royal Navy OPS Officer

Back in November 1992 members of the made their way out to the tank pound. • Some members of Ship's Ship's Company of HMS CROMER (the Then began an exhilarating driving lesson Company on Chieftain tank. (On third Sandown Class Single Role where pupils met tanks, tanks met mud the turret of Chieftain are, left to Minehunter) had a once in a lifetime offer and pupils met grief! There was no escape right, PO(MW) Coles, PO(D) to drive Chieftain and Challengertanks at from the elements in the forward driving the Army's School of Electrical and position and all were soon waist deep in Cardwell, PO(MEM) White, Lt Mechanical Engineering (SEME). heathland soup. The 62 tonne monsters Russell (GO) and Lt Davis (OPS)). Located in the North of Hampshire, near were surprisingly manoeuvrable and the town of Bordon, SEME's role is to allowed the drivers to take out Part 4 trials provide the Corps of REME with trained frustrations over the rough terrain whilst electro - mechanical tradesmen and in colleagues, and the surprisingly cool staff, addition provides training for Royal clung on for dear life in the turret! Marines, Royal Air Force and many Refreshed, impressed and soaked Foreign soldiers. Every year more than through, the team returned to Portsmouth 4000 students undertake training at SEME and the now spacious surrounds of the making it one of the largest training ship! organisations in the country. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and a The trip was organised by AB(D) Artie unique liaison which we aim to keep. Shaw with the kind permission of Lt. Col. G.J. Mead. After a brief introduction to the ri School, 9 sailors, armed with 1' plates,

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www.mcdoa.org.uk

fitted out as a Torpedo instructional ship. ship. instructional Torpedo a as out fitted

Portsmouth as a tender to EXCELLENT and there she was was she there and EXCELLENT to tender a as Portsmouth

EXCELLENT, Whale Island. The old VERNON was brought to to brought was VERNON old The Island. Whale EXCELLENT,

training being carried out in the Gunnery School at HMS HMS at School Gunnery the in out carried being training

were introduced into the Royal Navy. Their development and and development Their Navy. Royal the into introduced were conducting operational training in `laid up Ships'. Ships'. up `laid in training operational conducting

Towards the end of the 19th century the Mine and Torpedo Torpedo and Mine the century 19th the of end the Towards in electronics at Collingwood and Comment on the viability of of viability the on Comment and Collingwood at electronics in

back from ignominy. ignominy. from back VERNON'. Prepareforthetraining of Warfare Branch personnel personnel Branch Warfare of Prepareforthetraining VERNON'.

study of the torpedo was destined to bring the hulk VERNON VERNON hulk the bring to destined was torpedo the of study on the proposed move of what we still refer to as `Old `Old as to refer still we what of move proposed the on

and her first job was as a floating jetty for coaling. However the the However coaling. for jetty floating a as was job first her and It is therefore with a certain sense of `deja vu' that I fill in my form form my in fill I that vu' `deja of sense certain a with therefore is It

following nineteen years she emerged from obscurity in 1867 1867 in obscurity from emerged she years nineteen following were segregated and moved to HMS COLLINGWOOD. COLLINGWOOD. HMS to moved and segregated were

NELSON (GUNWHARF). Laid up in Chatham dockyard for the the for dockyard Chatham in up Laid (GUNWHARF). NELSON known as the TAS branch. The Electrical trials department department trials Electrical The branch. TAS the as known

1848. (Her figurehead is now by the `Old Quarterdeck' at HMS HMS at Quarterdeck' `Old the by now is figurehead (Her 1848. with the ETD) and Anti Submarine Officers and ratings to be be to ratings and Officers Submarine Anti and ETD) the with

and the East Indies. She remained in the fleet from 1832 until until 1832 from fleet the in remained She Indies. East the and of the Torpedomen, (who had previously worked hand in glove glove in hand worked previously had (who Torpedomen, the of

and easy ship. She saw service in home waters, the Americas Americas the waters, home in service saw She ship. easy and there was the formation of a new branch which was to consist consist to was which branch new a of formation the was there

a fifty gun frigate which had a reputation for being a fast sailing sailing fast a being for reputation a had which frigate gun fifty a (ETD) assisted by the Torpedomen Branch. However in 1946 1946 in However Branch. Torpedomen the by assisted (ETD)

vessels which belonged to private individuals). The fourth was was fourth The individuals). private to belonged which vessels much the responsibility of the Electrical Trials Department Department Trials Electrical the of responsibility the much

The first three ships to bear his name were privateers (armed (armed privateers were name his bear to ships three first The The development of the Torpedo during this period was very very was period this during Torpedo the of development The

into Naval History. History. Naval into marking the beginning of an era, which is just about to end. end. to about just is which era, an of beginning the marking

watering of rum which, like Admiral VERNON has now passed passed now has VERNON Admiral like which, rum of watering the Captain of HMS VERNON was hoisted on the Gunwharf, Gunwharf, the on hoisted was VERNON HMS of Captain the

perpetuated as a result of his introducing the compulsory compulsory the introducing his of result a as perpetuated the Torpedo school and on 1st October 1923 the pennant of of pennant the 1923 October 1st on and school Torpedo the

he always wore on board and the word 'Grog' has been been has 'Grog' word the and board on wore always he work was done on the building to make them ready to receive receive to ready them make to building the on done was work

health. He was named `Old Grog' after the Grogram boatcloak boatcloak Grogram the after Grog' `Old named was He health. half being occupied by the army) began in 1919. Considerable Considerable 1919. in began army) the by occupied being half

conscious of the detrimental effects that it had on their general general their on had it that effects detrimental the of conscious Preparations to take over the whole of the Gunwharf (the other other (the Gunwharf the of whole the over take to Preparations

Admiralty custom of issuing neat rum to sailors and was very very was and sailors to rum neat issuing of custom Admiralty already moved ashore to the south side of Gunwharf. Gunwharf. of side south the to ashore moved already

seamen were forced to serve. In particular he disliked the the disliked he particular In serve. to forced were seamen insanitary and during the 1914-18 war, the mining school had had school mining the war, 1914-18 the during and insanitary

was scathing in his condemnation of the conditions in which which in conditions the of condemnation his in scathing was shore establishment. The ships were becoming leaky and and leaky becoming were ships The establishment. shore

Government Ministers he was very popular with his men and and men his with popular very was he Ministers Government thought given to the possibility of transferring VERNON to a a to VERNON transferring of possibility the to given thought

Although considered to be a persistent thorn in the side of of side the in thorn persistent a be to considered Although Long before it actually took place, there was considerable considerable was there place, took actually it before Long

most famous exploit. exploit. famous most transferred ashore. ashore. transferred

successful amphibious operations and Admiral VERNONS VERNONS Admiral and operations amphibious successful unsuitable. There she stayed until 1923 when VERNON was was VERNON when 1923 until stayed she There unsuitable.

NELSON, (GUNWHARF). The action was one of the earliest earliest the of one was action The (GUNWHARF). NELSON, in 1895 as the busy Fountain Lake was gradually becoming becoming gradually was Lake Fountain busy the as 1895 in

painting currently hanging in the Conference Room at HMS HMS at Room Conference the in hanging currently painting Lake, VERNON was moved to a position in Portchester Creek Creek Portchester in position a to moved was VERNON Lake,

Darien from the Spaniards in November 1739 (Depicted in the the in (Depicted 1739 November in Spaniards the from Darien From being moored close to the Dockyard wall in Fountain Fountain in wall Dockyard the to close moored being From

Instead the Admiral captured Portobello, on the Isthmus of of Isthmus the on Portobello, captured Admiral the Instead buildings or structures on the current site of GUNWHARF. GUNWHARF. of site current the on structures or buildings

he would fail to achieve anything and be held up to ridicule. ridicule. to up held be and anything achieve to fail would he names because they are still to be found in the names of of names the in found be to still are they because names

six ships and sent off to the West Indies, where it was hoped hoped was it where Indies, West the to off sent and ships six the VESUVIOUS a Gunboat of 250 tons. I mention all these these all mention I tons. 250 of Gunboat a VESUVIOUS the

Admiral VERNON was given command of a Squadron of only only of Squadron a of command given was VERNON Admiral and WARRIOR. From 1874 to 1923 VERNON had as a tender tender a as had VERNON 1923 to 1874 From WARRIOR. and

As a result of an incautious speech in Parliament, the now now the Parliament, in speech incautious an of result a As Amongst these other ships were DONEGAL, MARLBOROUGH MARLBOROUGH DONEGAL, were ships other these Amongst

persuading the Government to declare war on Spain in 1739. 1739. in Spain on war declare to Government the persuading all the other ships which were subsequently added to her. her. to added subsequently were which ships other the all

in 1706.Elected to Parliament in 1722, he was instrumental in in instrumental was he 1722, in Parliament to 1706.Elected in name VERNON stood not only for the old frigate herself but for for but herself frigate old the for only not stood VERNON name

part in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 became a Post Captain Captain Post a became 1704 in Gibraltar of capture the in part hulk ACTEON was added and used as a workshop. Soon the the Soon workshop. a as used and added was ACTEON hulk

1700. He was promoted Lieutenant in 1702 and after taking taking after and 1702 in Lieutenant promoted was He 1700. VERNON could be used purely as an instruction ship. Later the the Later ship. instruction an as purely used be could VERNON

(1684-1757) who joined the Royal Navy as a Midshipman in in Midshipman a as Navy Royal the joined who (1684-1757) ARIADNE was added to provide accommodation so that that so accommodation provide to added was ARIADNE

The establishment was originally named after Edward VERNON VERNON Edward after named originally was establishment The

complete circle. circle. complete

• • VERNON as she was in 1904 1904 in was she as VERNON

It really is amazing how the wheel appears to have turned one one turned have to appears wheel the how amazing is really It

predecessors and probably for very much the same reasons. reasons. same the much very for probably and predecessors

borne environment has all been done before by our illustrious illustrious our by before done been all has environment borne

`VERNON' site and the proposal of shifting training to a ship ship a to training shifting of proposal the and site `VERNON'

Warfare Branch implementation, the move from the old old the from move the implementation, Branch Warfare

came to light was the fact that all the work being done today on on today done being work the all that fact the was light to came

The history of HMS VERNON is fascinating, but what really really what but fascinating, is VERNON HMS of history The

to do a little delving. delving. little a do to

thinking back to the time when it must have all begun. I decided decided I begun. all have must it when time the to back thinking

Being involved in the `Death Throes' of our Almer Mater set me me set Mater Almer our of Throes' `Death the in involved Being

seriously and perhaps it was not just a bad buzz. buzz. bad a just not was it perhaps and seriously

that people were beginning to take this move quite quite move this take to beginning were people that

`What colour paint would you like on the walls'? meant meant walls'? the on like you would paint colour `What

as, 'how many sockets would you like in your office'? and and office'? your in like you would sockets many 'how as,

they were getting down to the nitty gritty. Questions such such Questions gritty. nitty the to down getting were they

to HMS DOLPHIN it suddenly dawned on me that this time time this that me on dawned suddenly it DOLPHIN HMS to EXCELLENT to become an independent command. The hulk hulk The command. independent an become to EXCELLENT

to list the detailed requirements for the forthcoming move move forthcoming the for requirements detailed the list to importance that on April 26 1876 VERNON broke away from from away broke VERNON 1876 26 April on that importance

Having just completed yet another form which asked me me asked which form another yet completed just Having

Torpedo warfare was growing rapidly to such a degree of of degree a such to rapidly growing was warfare Torpedo

By S/LT George Turnbull Turnbull George S/LT By

VERNON REMEMBERED REMEMBERED VERNON www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Bomb Disposal

A Week with the RAF

by PO(D) Mick Beale - Coxwain HMS Sandown

With the ship in DED the opportunity to get away and do respective messes only to find that an urgent message had something different was fully taken by HMS Sandown's been left for us. Three 500KG bombs has been found at a place diving team. After a workup in Gibraltar where we were well called Finedon approx 70 miles away and the team had been looked after by CPO(D) Jim Carlin and his team we returned asked by Didcot to investigate. So it was about turn, back to to Rosyth to recover for a few weeks before our next Wittering to load up the EOD gear. As the gear was being excursion. The boss Lt. Chris O'Flaherty had arranged for loaded Trevor and myself tried to find out some more information us to work with the RAF Wittering EOD team. So it was about the bombs which had apparently been dug up by an weekend on route in order to join the RAF at 0800 Monday aircraft enthusiast at the site of a crashed German plane. morning. It turned out that on 3rd August 1942 a Dornier flew at low level along the Nene valley and was heading towards Northampton when it turned and headed back over Wellingborough. Here four bombs were dropped across the town centre at 6.10pnn falling on property in the town. Two Spitfires comprising blue section of 485 squadron flown by Pilot Officer I.P. Maskill and Flying Officer L.S. Black, had taken off from an advanced base at Docking, Norfolk, and were ordered to circle around Wittering. They were then given a series of different courses to steer and the location of several enemy aircraft, eventually spotting the bombs bursting on Wellingborough. After circling south of

• HMS Sandown Diving team: Left to right Lt. Chris O'Flaherty AB(D) Whiskey Walker LS(D) Dave Couling AB(D) Tim Hall

We arrived bright and early and were shown to the crew room while we waited for the boss to arrive. It was here that we met Cpl Neil Abbot who greeted us with 'What have you lot done to deserve this' and went on to explain the job in hand for the next week. The RAF were handing over an area of land near RAF Scampton which had to be cleared and certified explosive free. • First bomb found They had been working in the area for a number of weeks armed with a 4021 locator, foul weather gear and a spade. Alas Cogenhoe, they were given a fresh course to steer and set off, nothing was found. We resigned ourselves to a lot of walking almost running into a Dornier coming in from the North-East and digging for the next week. We met Sgt Trev Tilsey and set along the river valley. The Dornier turned violently to the right. off for RAF Scampton where we were to be accommodated. On Flying Officer Black, flying Spitfire Vb BM208, managed to keep arrival we reported to the main gate to be shown to our sight of the enemy aircraft and as he closed range he fired a six- second burst with his guns (using up all 120 rounds of cannon ammunition). The Dornier then climbed into cloud, followed by Black, and when they emerged he closed again firing his four machine guns in one second bursts at 100 and 75 yards range. He experienced some inaccurate return fire from the gunners in the Dornier, which then dived back through the cloud layer and crashed close to Fox Covert Lodge farmhouse by the A510 road, north-east of Finedon. The pilot Unteroffizier Eugen Beyerer and crew of three were killed instantly. Indeed, it may well have been that Beyerer had already been mortally hit by Black's final burst of machine gun fire. Flying Officer Black later said that he was surprised when the Dornier crashed, and felt lucky to have scored the success. The postscript to this event came in 1976, when members of the Kettering Aircraft Research Group excavated the crash site of Beyerer's Dornier, only to discover among the buried wreckage • Meeting the Police an unexploded 500KG bomb (duly dealt with by Royal Engineers

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27 27 www.mcdoa.org.uk

the Steaming pit pit Steaming the

Carling preparing preparing Carling

a 4LB pack on them! them! on pack 4LB a • • LS(D) Dave Dave LS(D)

job will crop up. By the way Trev, I still think we should have put put have should we think still I Trev, way the By up. crop will job

they get the chance. Yet, I can't promise them such an interesting interesting an such them promise can't I Yet, chance. the get they

professionalism. We hope to see a few of the RAF onboard if if onboard RAF the of few a see to hope We professionalism.

a great deal was learnt from their knowledge and and knowledge their from learnt was deal great a

During our stay we were very well looked after by the RAF and and RAF the by after looked well very were we stay our During

were thicker than expected and the job in fact lasted all week. week. all lasted fact in job the and expected than thicker were

The plan was to do one bomb each day. However, the cases cases the However, day. each bomb one do to was plan The

the coconut matting in the run off to the pit it was to be burned. burned. be to was it pit the to off run the in matting coconut the

Once all the explosive filling was steamed out and collected on on collected and out steamed was filling explosive the all Once

laborious job of steaming out the explosives could take place. place. take could explosives the out steaming of job laborious

disposed of with plastic explosive. After the holes were cut the the cut were holes the After explosive. plastic with of disposed

end of the fuse pocket so that the fuse could be removed and and removed be could fuse the that so pocket fuse the of end

bomb was trepanned in four places, two of them being at each each at being them of two places, four in trepanned was bomb

transported to the steaming pit ready for trepanning. Each Each trepanning. for ready pit steaming the to transported

Now that the fuses were immunised the bombs could be be could bombs the immunised were fuses the that Now

connected connected

Fuze with S SET SET S with Fuze • •

trepanner trepanner

dug the bombs up covered them over immediately on seeing seeing on immediately over them covered up bombs the dug

setting up the the up setting

the local police who had closed the A510. The person who had had who person The A510. the closed had who police local the

• • PO(D) Mick Beale Beale Mick PO(D) We arrived at Fox Covert Lodge farmhouse and were met by by met were and farmhouse Lodge Covert Fox at arrived We

bombs still buried in the field by the A510. A510. the by field the in buried still bombs

This, if this was the case there could well be three more 500KG 500KG more three be well could there case the was this if This,

first raider, and which was then shot down with its load intact. intact. load its with down shot then was which and raider, first

the misfortune to run into the Spitfires that were pursuing the the pursuing were that Spitfires the into run to misfortune the

that it was a second aircraft, with a full load on board, which had had which board, on load full a with aircraft, second a was it that

after dropping three bombs elsewhere. The third possibility is is possibility third The elsewhere. bombs three dropping after

as unlikelyfor a second plane to have flown further into England England into further flown have to plane second a unlikelyfor as

target to try to drop a remaining bomb. It would have been just just been have would It bomb. remaining a drop to try to target

crew, on a daylight penetration raid, to return to an unimportant unimportant an to return to raid, penetration daylight a on crew,

evidence seems unlikely, it would have been rash for a bomber bomber a for rash been have would it unlikely, seems evidence

town. Even if only three bombs fell, which on the of of weight the on which fell, bombs three only if Even town.

five minutes between the two sightings of Dorniers over the the over Dorniers of sightings two the between minutes five

pit pit either three or four bombs dropped, and a gap of some four to to four some of gap a and dropped, bombs four or three either

Steaming Steaming calibre was four, not five. Official reports of the incident mention mention incident the of reports Official five. not four, was calibre

bombs on Wellingborough, for the normal load of bombs of this this of bombs of load normal the for Wellingborough, on bombs the the

that the destroyed aircraft was the one that had dropped four four dropped had that one the was aircraft destroyed the that

bombs to to bombs

EOD Team). This discovery cast doubt upon the accepted view view accepted the upon doubt cast discovery This Team). EOD

• • Moving the the Moving

with S SET. SET. S with

part of the operation had been successfully completed! completed! successfully been had operation the of part

minimising the fuze fuze the minimising

fuse. Myself and the boss were extremely relieved when this this when relieved extremely were boss the and Myself fuse.

PO(D) Mick Beale Beale Mick PO(D) • • leaning over a 500KG bomb and drilling a precise hole into the the into hole precise a drilling and bomb 500KG a over leaning

boss can do the last one,' he said. There's nothing quite like like quite nothing There's said. he one,' last the do can boss

and approached the boss and I 'your turn next Mick, and the the and Mick, next turn 'your I and boss the approached and

had not been armed. Trev made his way back to the farmhouse farmhouse the to back way his made Trev armed. been not had

crystals. There was no need to use any BD liquid as the bombs bombs the as liquid BD any use to need no was There crystals.

saline solution was pumped into the fuse to remove any picric picric any remove to fuse the into pumped was solution saline

drilling, the S Set was connected and sealed with luting and a a and luting with sealed and connected was Set S the drilling,

made his way down to the first bomb to drill the fuse. After After fuse. the drill to bomb first the to down way his made

With the fuses identified and the S Set primed and tested Trev Trev tested and primed Set S the and identified fuses the With

started work on the steaming pit. pit. steaming the on work started

and Cpl Neil Abbot took the JCB over to the next field and and field next the to over JCB the took Abbot Neil Cpl and

to get the S Set out and identify the fuses, LS(D) Dave Cowling Cowling Dave LS(D) fuses, the identify and out Set S the get to

trepanned and steamed. As myself, the boss and Trev started started Trev and boss the myself, As steamed. and trepanned

the fuses before moving the bombs to a safe area to be be to area safe a to bombs the moving before fuses the

remaining two were uncovered. The next job was to immunise immunise to was job next The uncovered. were two remaining

bomb was seen, a 500KG German SD, and shortly after the the after shortly and SD, German 500KG a seen, was bomb the fuze. fuze. the

to tentatively excavate the area. Within a few minutes the first first the minutes few a Within area. the excavate tentatively to

O'Flaherty drilling drilling O'Flaherty

We set to work with a JCB borrowed from the farmer and began began and farmer the from borrowed JCB a with work to set We

Lt. Chris Chris Lt. • • them, so the first job was to uncover them and get a positive ID. ID. positive a get and them uncover to was job first the so them,

s b Di b posal posal www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

HMS WALNEY-YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET By Lieut Darroch Woodward On the 19 August 1992 HMS WALNEY was accepted from Vosper training. A brief period of weapon training at the beginning of February Thorneycroft into Naval service. The particular 'buzz' in a new ships was conducted in the run up to the Commissioning Ceremony on company is a feeling that few get to experience in their careers and the Saturday 20 February. The day itself was a successful balance of enthusiasm onboard was immense. HMS WALNEY, as the fourth RN formality and fun; the smartness of the Minewarfare and Diving rates hull of the SANDOWN class, single role minehunter (SRMH) represents was assisted by there being no requirement to march. There followed a potentially significant technological advance in the MCM field and the a most agreeable visit to the ship's affiliated port of Barrow In Furness, desire by the team to learn to operate their new 'toy' was strong. resulting in an open invitation for WALNEY to return in the future. During Moreover, the light, wide passageways and the high standards of the visit WALNEY's football team was skilfully led by LS(MW) Stu accommodation surpassed those experienced by men used to the ESPLIN to a 5-0 defeat against the local police force. 'hardlyers' days of the TONs or the inhospitable messdeck location of Early March was spent carrying out a period of training in Northern the HUNTs, and this contributed to the general sense of well being. Ireland waters, contributing to the NI squadron task. Several of the Early September saw WALNEY in her base port of Rosyth preparing for ship's company have served in the NI squadron during their careers Shakedown and Preliminary Safety Training. The aim of PSTs is to and, whilst not able to undertake boarding operations our additional ensure the ship is competent in all firefighting and seamanship, so that presence was a useful contribution to one of the RN's dedicated tasks. the ship can then proceed safely into its trials programme. It proved a A brief visit to Glasgow was followed by weapon training in the Clyde most steep of learning curves areas, some diving on the west as the ships company worked coast of Scotland, weapon hard to understand the training again in the Forth and a practicalities of their new ship, visit to Rotterdam, during which and to develop into a cohesive the Flotilla Chaplain (Rev Roger and effective unit under the CUTLER) was introduced to the guidance of MCM3 and CST spirited style of small ship's runs Staff. PSTs successfully ashore. completed, there followed a visit After Easter leave WALNEY to that favourite of haunts, returned to Portsmouth to spend Newcastle: A few days later, time alongside until early July, with many a sore head but good having the sonar body fitted and memories, WALNEY returned the 2093 and RCMDS2 set to to Portsmouth for the fitting of work. Inevitably teething its 2093 sonar so that the ship problems are expected, but the could commence its Part IV programme appears more stable trials. than that of the previous autumn. The subsequent news that the The time in Portsmouth will now programme was to slip by 6 be utilised to ensure the Mine months due to a delay in the Warfare and Diving departments availability of the sonar body focus again on their prime roles caused disappointment but little and to this end extensive use will surprise. All were aware that • HMS WALNEY showing off to another visitor be made of Gunwharf's training this was likely to be the first of facilities, practical instruction many future frustrations. Those acquainted with the SRMH and 2093 onboard while alongside, and sea riding in INVERNESS and CROMER project will be aware of the teething problems that 2093 has experienced, during their trials. and this article does not aim to amplify on the saga. Nevertheless there After summer leave WALNEY will enter an intensive trials programme, remained much to do in the following six months for the Minewarfare which should result in ODMA in February 94. There remains little doubt, and Diving departments: some assorted trials and constant weapon that despite the problems endured in bringing the SRMH through their training, particularly in those areas that would otherwise not have been trials, the potential of the SANDOWN class will ultimately make it a approached until after ODMA. leader in MCM operations. This knowledge continues to provide Autumn saw the ship remaining mainly in the Portsmouth area, inspiration and we look to the future confident that our problems will be undertaking HATs and SATs on IFF, COMMS, and the SPCS (Ships less extensive than those encountered by SANDOWN, INVERNESS Position Control System), Log Cals and some guaranteed defect and CROMER, thanks to their efforts in breaking the ground ahead of rectification work by VTL. The highlight of this period saw WALNEY's us. Ops Room taking charge of a less than switched on Type 42 during the conduct of UHF trails involving a FRADU Hunter. Whilst many of these The WALNEY Team trials were routine, the capabilities of the SPCS and SMS (Ships Lieutenant Commander Nick STANLEY (MCD) (CO) Manoeuvring System) proved impressive. The manoeuvrability of the Lieutenant Jonathon LEE (MWO) (XO) ship has proved dazzling to numerous visitors and opportunities to Lieutenant Darroch WOODWARD (MCD) (OPS) show off the manoeuvring capability have been eagerly exploited ever since. PO(D) Thommo THOMPSON PO(MW) Polly PORTER November saw 2 weeks on passage and a visit to Gibraltar, to allow LS(D) Key WILKINS PO(MW) Billy BREBNER ocean navigation training and WANLEYs Clearance Diving Team to AB(D) Fletch FLETCHER LS(MW) Stu ESPLIN conduct a 54M deep work up. The ship was blessed with favourable AB(D) Paddy O'LYNN LS(MW) Alice COOPER weather and the Diving Team had to endure the standard ribaldry over AB(D) John LENNON AB(MW) Dougie BOWMAN 'swanning around in the sun' while working up to 54M. This was AB(MW) Alex GROVES achieved, but not without several agrophobia hits suffered by divers AB(MW) Winkle DONAGHY unused to more than 3m visibility. LS(D) Key WILKINS, terrified by the AB(MW) Scotty HIBBERT experience, surmounted the problem by keeping his eyes firmly shut AB(MW) Brum BRUMPTON and requested a draft back to the murky waters of Rosyth. WALNEY returned to Rosyth prior to Christmas leave, spending January and much of February carrying out a BMP and harbour

28 www.mcdoa.org.uk

29 29 www.mcdoa.org.uk

I was to go to Oban, I saw the promise of of promise the saw I Oban, to go to was I of mixture into the counterlung. I therefore therefore I counterlung. the into mixture of

in Scotland, and less than a month before before month a than less and Scotland, in DSSCCD but a gentle low pressure trickle trickle pressure low gentle a but DSSCCD

at least a month before I could see anyone anyone see could I before month a least at high pressure `Guff up' that you do with with do you that up' `Guff pressure high

to add, was now normal). As it would take take would it As normal). now was add, to is pressed on SIVA 55 you don't get the the get don't you 55 SIVA on pressed is

about my urine/blood level (which, I hasten hasten I (which, level urine/blood my about weighted and that when the bypass button button bypass the when that and weighted

log as fit to dive until I had seen a specialist specialist a seen had I until dive to fit as log discovered that I was hopelessly over- hopelessly was I that discovered

the Doc told me that he could not sign my my sign not could he that me told Doc the started our descent. This is where I I where is This descent. our started

The medical the next day went fine until until fine went day next the medical The the ritual faffing about on the surface we we surface the on about faffing ritual the

should be! be! should Devitt and myself. In we jumped and after after and jumped we In myself. and Devitt

levels of blood in my urine than there there than urine my in blood of levels The first pair to go were CPO(D) Tony Tony CPO(D) were go to pair first The

confirmed that there was indeed higher higher indeed was there that confirmed that we would go for a quick aquaint dip. dip. aquaint quick a for go would we that Valentine's Day! Day! Valentine's

dipped into a sample of my urine urine my of sample a into dipped seemed simple enough so it was decided decided was it so enough simple seemed Touching how he missed his Co on on Co his missed he how Touching

A visit to the sickbay and a piece of paper paper of piece a and sickbay the to visit A around on the SIVA 55 diving set. It It set. diving 55 SIVA the on around By Ed. Ed. By

discovered that I was passing neat blood. blood. neat passing was I that discovered Micky Beale and I were then given the run run the given then were I and Beale Micky

unfortunately when I went to the heads I I heads the to went I when unfortunately cavernous hold of the INSTOW. My Coxn. Coxn. My INSTOW. the of hold cavernous

showered and changed for dinner, dinner, for changed and showered inconspicuous pussers trailer into the the into trailer pussers inconspicuous end of my willy. willy. my of end

in the sauna for twenty minutes and then then and minutes twenty for sauna the in Monday morning saw us offloading the the offloading us saw morning Monday for me to go and have a tube stuck up the the up stuck tube a have and go to me for

before the medical I ran three miles, sat sat miles, three ran I medical the before and cheap. cheap. and to land on my desk with an appointment appointment an with desk my on land to

replace lost liquids. Ideal! The evening evening The Ideal! liquids. lost replace clean, cosy, comfortable, convenient, oh! oh! convenient, comfortable, cosy, clean, BOST, a PIKE and for a little brown letter letter brown little a for and PIKE a BOST,

followed by five pints of eighty bob to to bob eighty of pints five by followed The guest house that we stayed in was was in stayed we that house guest The and I can now look forward to CAD, CAD, to forward look now can I and

medical, a brisk jog, followed by a sauna sauna a by followed jog, brisk a medical, account. account. beer. HMS SANDOWN is now out of DED DED of out now is SANDOWN HMS beer.

on a quick fitness campaign before the the before campaign fitness quick a on advanced subsistence in my Swiss bank bank Swiss my in subsistence advanced and the Lorne Inn for serving such fine fine such serving for Inn Lorne the and

bathroom scales lie to me so I embarked embarked I so me to lie scales bathroom somewhat by the £600 odd pounds of of pounds odd £600 the by somewhat looking after Micky Beale and I so well well so I and Beale Micky after looking

had done its usual trick of making my my making of trick usual its done had not being with my loved one* was offset offset was one* loved my with being not divers, Lt Cdr Holloway and his team for for team his and Holloway Cdr Lt divers,

following Thursday. The festive season season festive The Thursday. following couldn't make it). The disappointment of of disappointment The it). make couldn't thinking of SANDOWN when looking for for looking when SANDOWN of thinking

booked myself in for prelims on the the on prelims for in myself booked his team and my Coxswain (my CO CO (my Coxswain my and team his Oban and am indebted to Tiny Timms for for Timms Tiny to indebted am and Oban

My diving medical had just lapsed so I I so lapsed just had medical diving My wife) I was in Oban with Lt Cdr Holloway, Holloway, Cdr Lt with Oban in was I wife) I have fond memories of that week in in week that of memories fond have I

envy'. envy'. of being at home with my fiance (now my my (now fiance my with home at being of of a month. month. a of

myself 'O'Flapperty will be green with with green be will 'O'Flapperty myself Saint Valentines Day arrived and instead instead and arrived Day Valentines Saint of your pay wrenched off you at the end end the at you off wrenched pay your of

OBAN and use SIVA 55'? I thought to to thought I 55'? SIVA use and OBAN to Dive'. Dive'. to heartbreaking when you get a large slice slice large a get you when heartbreaking

up in Gib when you can get subbies in in subbies get can you when Gib in up those bank balance enhancing words 'Fit 'Fit words enhancing balance bank those getting a large mid monthly payment, but but payment, monthly mid large a getting

equipment. 'Who needs a deep dive work- dive deep a needs 'Who equipment. sickbay where my log was stamped with with stamped was log my where sickbay exercise, visit or whatever. It's very nice nice very It's whatever. or visit exercise,

could then train the Saudi Divers on the the on Divers Saudi the train then could information I went back to Cochrane Cochrane to back went I information it all until you return from your work-up, work-up, your from return you until all it

under deep diving conditions so that they they that so conditions diving deep under appointment. Armed with the above above the with Armed appointment. chance of subbies, take it but don't spend spend don't but it take subbies, of chance

intrepid team wanted to test out SIVA 55 55 SIVA out test to wanted team intrepid months before I could be given an an given be could I before months The moral of this tale is, if you get the the get you if is, tale this of moral The

transpired that Lt Cdr Holloway and his his and Holloway Cdr Lt that transpired this operation and that it would be several several be would it that and operation this was fit again in time to qualify for SSP(D). SSP(D). for qualify to time in again fit was

volunteer, when, with whom and why'. It It why'. and whom with when, volunteer, also assured that there was no hurry for for hurry no was there that assured also right at the beginning of the quarter so I I so quarter the of beginning the at right

I replied 'my CO and I will be glad to to glad be will I and CO 'my replied I can be examined from the inside. I was was I inside. the from examined be can unfit to dive for a month, fortunately it was was it fortunately month, a for dive to unfit

circles? Do hamsters eat Kiwi fruit? 'Yes' 'Yes' fruit? Kiwi eat hamsters Do circles? a certain small orifice so that the bladder bladder the that so orifice small certain a sickbay saw me being made temporarily temporarily made being me saw sickbay

Does a one legged Duck swim round in in round swim Duck legged one a Does threading a small fibre optic cable through through cable optic fibre small a threading subbies. The inevitable visit to Cochrane Cochrane to visit inevitable The subbies.

watertight head? Is the Pope Catholic? Catholic? Pope the Is head? watertight assured is perfectly painless, but involves involves but painless, perfectly is assured prospect of having to return half of my my of half return to having of prospect

Oban on full subbies? Does a fish have a a have fish a Does subbies? full on Oban have a flexy-cystoscopy which, I was was I which, flexy-cystoscopy a have infected ear, a bag full of scollies and the the and scollies of full bag a ear, infected

spare to go on a deep dive work-up in in work-up dive deep a on go to spare however, have to be admitted for a day to to day a for admitted be to have however, so I was sent back to Rosyth with an an with Rosyth to back sent was I so

wanting to know if I had two divers to to divers two had I if know to wanting that I was perfectly fit to dive. I would, would, I dive. to fit perfectly was I that team needed divers and not supervisors, supervisors, not and divers needed team

rang. It was Warrant Officer 'Tiny' Timms Timms 'Tiny' Officer Warrant was It rang. blood is quite common in young men and and men young in common quite is blood second week could not be fulfilled as the the as fulfilled be not could week second

your ship is in DED' when the phone phone the when DED' in is ship your and I was informed that passing a lot of of lot a passing that informed was I and Alas, my hopes of staying in Oban for the the for Oban in staying of hopes my Alas,

you really should be getting on with whilst whilst with on getting be should really you here I come. The appointment went well well went appointment The come. I here in the gemini supervising everyone else. else. everyone supervising gemini the in

entitled 'One thousand and one things things one and thousand 'One entitled week on Tuesday. Hurrah! subbies city city subbies Hurrah! Tuesday. on week the rest of the week freezing my nuts off off nuts my freezing week the of rest the

that is. I was staring vacantly at a list list a at vacantly staring was I is. that and I was booked in for an appointment a a appointment an for in booked was I and very sympathetic to my plight and I spent spent I and plight my to sympathetic very

The entire team except the CO and myself myself and CO the except team entire The could see me? A few phone calls later later calls phone few A me? see could before we were called up. The team were were team The up. called were we before

diving team to Gib fora deep dive workup. workup. dive deep fora Gib to team diving a specialist at RNH Stonehouse who who Stonehouse RNH at specialist a actually manage to get 40 minutes in in minutes 40 get to manage actually

Lt Chris O'Flatbattery had taken the entire entire the taken had O'Flatbattery Chris Lt OG 528 course and surely there would be be would there surely and course 528 OG burst. Bye-bye deep dive work-up. I did did I work-up. dive deep Bye-bye burst.

my office in Lowden Block. Block. Lowden in office my CAMBRIDGE for the next week doing the the doing week next the for CAMBRIDGE didn't want to equalise and consequently consequently and equalise to want didn't

SANDOWN was in the sheds and I was in in was I and sheds the in was SANDOWN mentioned that I would be at HMS HMS at be would I that mentioned my left eardrum decided that it really really it that decided eardrum left my

cold January day in Rosyth. HMS HMS Rosyth. in day January cold down the swanee. Fortunately for me I I me for Fortunately swanee. the down proverbial stone, it was at this time that that time this at was it stone, proverbial

It was another cold, wet, cold, windy and and windy cold, wet, cold, another was It all those subbies slowing disappearing disappearing slowing subbies those all started sinking to the bottom like the the like bottom the to sinking started

By Lieutenant Graham Collins, XO, HMS SANDOWN SANDOWN HMS XO, Collins, Graham Lieutenant By

DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS . .!! .!! . CHICKENS YOUR COUNT DON'T www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

"Minewarfare and Diving" welcomes letters from readers. Letters should be addressed to the Editor and should include a daytime telephone number. Please cite page , TOTyp reference and edition for any article mentioned. Letters may be faxed to: 0705-822351-24705. Letters not intended for publication should be clearly marked as such. Where possible authorities or Units involved C ( in correspondence will be given the automatic right of reply in the same edition.

MAD CHALLENGE Big Mine Challenge VI The Mine in the picture is one of the Shoeburyness mines dropped from German Aircraft on the 22 November 1939 and rendered safe by OUVRY and LEWIS.

The Mine was the first mine to be found to have been delivered by parachute and was a Magnetic Mine operated by vertical magnetism. Dear Editor Why have you an (0) after your title Chief? Because: those of us in the Minewarfare branch who are deemed too senior (too Dear Sir, old) to cross train under Warfare Branch Development (WBD) The history of your challenge is of the first Magnetic Mine by have been told to put an (0) for 'Operator (Only)' after our titles, Commander Ouvry and Lewis and Chief Petty Officer Baldwin making room for trained operator-maintainers in the post WBD and Able Seaman Venmcombe. Found off Shoeburyness and MW branch to use the original title (MW) when they become dealt with by above squad they received DSOs and DSMs. senior enough. Personal penalties I can identify are I shall continue to pay qualified personnel to fit 13 amp plugs to my Date November 1939. Details found in J. Fran Turners book, domestic appliances - not being trained to use a small screwdriver Service Most Silent, as John was a M and B Sub/Officer at one myself, missing out on the eight hours a day additional sleep time attached to my squad. allocated to WEs, but on the plus side not having to plaster sweepwires in LG280 grease as I'm not a maintainer am I? Yours Stan Johnson FPS S/R (MW) (0)

Dear Editor, It was quite a reminder to me to see Commander Ouvry's first magnetic mine on the back page of the January magazine. Well, that answers the What? in the challenge, but as for Why? Well, I know it was put on the trolley for exhibition purposes and Dear Sir in fact when I was a leading Seaman diver on Cdr. Ouvry's team In your January edition (Vol. 3 No. 1) you have a mystery photo my two AB Divers (ABs TAWN DSM & WHARTON) were given of a group of naval divers. Well, I may be of some help with the the job of painting the thing prior to a V.I.P. visit. Tawn and following information. My hobby is naval history, in particular Wharton were in fact both killed by a mine during diving the fleet air arm, but I also have a large collection of various operations in Falmouth in April 1941.* naval life postcards and being an ex shipwright diver (civilian) myself, I also have an album containing a lot of diving history. Yours sincerely In my diving album I have a postcard of your mystery view, but Lt. Comm. N.L. Smith, B.E.M. my card is mint having not been used in the post but is published *See letter on page 31 by Medway Studios Ltd. of High Street, Chatham and Gillingham. So I believe the view to be of Chatham Navy Days August 1936. To reinforce this opinion I showed my postcard to my boss, who is a former Chatham shipwright and he was also interested in Dear Editor local history whilst at Chatham and he has aerial photos of the I am deeply concerned that Fishery Protection Vessels now dockyard. Knowing the layout of the yard he thinks the diving have their Mariner Outboard fuel cans painted red with F"?' -all boat is moored at the fleet maintenance base in No. 2 basin, painted on the side. With WRNS at sea and female/young with a view looking N.E. with the light plate shop and the civilians often sighting these ships whilst in civilian ports, I feel electrical factory in the background left. that F*?' -all will offend.

Yours helpfully Why not paint the cans grey with F50 Civgas etc in red? Mr Richard Paynter Shipt U.P.W. Team DC Locker DML Marine Devonport By Ed: The Painters mate now hanging from the Starboard outer yardarm.

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Cornwall Cornwall

Yours Aye, Aye, Yours

rescued and survived. survived. and rescued

support crew a furtherthree were killed, three were miraculously miraculously were three killed, were furtherthree a crew support

Sutherland, Tawn, Wharton of the divers were killed, of the the of killed, were divers the of Wharton Tawn, Sutherland,

sunk and two others badly damaged. damaged. badly others two and sunk

barge was blown to pieces, Mouse and a nearby lighter were were lighter nearby a and Mouse pieces, to blown was barge

exploded throwing a column of water about 200ft. The diving diving The 200ft. about water of column a throwing exploded

1735hrs the diver reported 'OK on the bottom'. The mine then then mine The bottom'. the on 'OK reported diver the 1735hrs

strain. After ten minutes Sutherland decided to dive again. At At again. dive to decided Sutherland minutes ten After strain.

This was agreed and the Mouse and another launch took the the took launch another and Mouse the and agreed was This

Ronnie Barker Barker Ronnie

and suggested that the Mouse turn the mine over by towing it. it. towing by over mine the turn Mouse the that suggested and Yours Aye, Aye, Yours

trained at DEODS). Sutherland had made a line fast to the tail tail the to fast line a made had Sutherland DEODS). at trained

underside making it impossible to work on. (The Germans were were Germans (The on. work to impossible it making underside day. day.

been Invincibles 1st team but David overcame Goliath on the the on Goliath overcame David but team 1st Invincibles been in thick mud. The clock and detonators were lying on the the on lying were detonators and clock The mud. thick in

Brecon came out eventual winners 17-12 and it may not have have not may it and 17-12 winners eventual out came Brecon diver reported the mine to be on the edge of a narrow channel channel narrow a of edge the on be to mine the reported diver

diving barge into position and Sutherland again dived. The The dived. again Sutherland and position into barge diving

glasses, tacked the right guy! guy! right the tacked glasses,

The day dawned bright and breezy. The Mouse towed the the towed Mouse The breezy. and bright dawned day The

tackle by POMEM 'Steve' Enticknap who, even without his his without even who, Enticknap 'Steve' POMEM by tackle

Sutherland and Vernon now assumed the mine to be magnetic. magnetic. be to mine the assumed now Vernon and Sutherland

strongly and only some desperate defence and a try saving saving try a and defence desperate some only and strongly

it was decided to resume diving the following day. Both Both day. following the diving resume to decided was it

(MEO) who took it in for the winning try. Invincible came back back came Invincible try. winning the for in it took who (MEO)

from the mine. After a full days sweeping it failed to explode and and explode to failed it sweeping days full a After mine. the from

getting the pass off to CPO 'Pete' (butter-fingers) Hutchinson Hutchinson (butter-fingers) 'Pete' CPO to off pass the getting

with Kango hammers made several runs at varying distances distances varying at runs several made hammers Kango with

prop LS(MW) 'Benny' Bennion streaking down the wing and and wing the down streaking Bennion 'Benny' LS(MW) prop

underwater. Consequently the next day a minesweeper fitted fitted minesweeper a day next the Consequently underwater. captain CPO 'Stilly' Corps, and the amazing sight of 17 stone stone 17 of sight amazing the and Corps, 'Stilly' CPO captain

as it was considered too dangerous to tackle such a devise devise a such tackle to dangerous too considered was it as The second half saw some great kicking (at last) from team team from last) (at kicking great some saw half second The

was decided to attempt to explode the mine by acoustic means means acoustic by mine the explode to attempt to decided was

well engineered try and Brecon found itself up against it!! it!! against up itself found Brecon and try engineered well were then suspended for the day. In conclusion with Vernon it it Vernon with conclusion In day. the for suspended then were

impression of a 16 stone washing-line. Invincible replied with a a with replied Invincible washing-line. stone 16 a of impression which stirred up reducing visibility to almost nil. Operations Operations nil. almost to visibility reducing up stirred which

to Brecons first try, but shortly after was to upset the ref with his his with ref the upset to was after shortly but try, first Brecons to

parachute was still attached and the mine was lying in soft mud mud soft in lying was mine the and attached still was parachute

in the end as PO(D) 'Wobbly' Weaver huffed and puffed his way way his puffed and huffed Weaver 'Wobbly' PO(D) as end the in

dived and positively identified the object as a mine. The The mine. a as object the identified positively and dived

the first time won one against the head! The pressure paid off off paid pressure The head! the against one won time first the

despite continual air raids immediately set to work. Sutherland Sutherland work. to set immediately raids air continual despite

the big ship boys, even PO(MW) 'Ronnie' Barker hooking for for hooking Barker 'Ronnie' PO(MW) even boys, ship big the

The three men reached Falmouth the following afternoon and and afternoon following the Falmouth reached men three The

pack led by AB(D) 'Whiskey' Walker (flanker) put the game to to game the put (flanker) Walker 'Whiskey' AB(D) by led pack

for mine recovery as he had no close relatives. relatives. close no had he as recovery mine for referee with the bloodiest nose this season, and eventually the the eventually and season, this nose bloodiest the with referee

Sutherland, a wartime volunteer, was considered ideal material material ideal considered was volunteer, wartime a Sutherland, Immediately, AB(MW) `Mo' Morris (scrum half) dazzled the the dazzled half) (scrum Morris `Mo' AB(MW) Immediately,

Robert Tawn DSM. All were divers trained in mine recovery. recovery. mine in trained divers were All DSM. Tawn Robert

team consisted of Ldg. Smn. Ivan Wharton and Abl. Smn. Smn. Abl. and Wharton Ivan Smn. Ldg. of consisted team CPO 'Jim' Hawkins ringing out! out! ringing Hawkins 'Jim' CPO

However, the game kicked off with the deafening applause of of applause deafening the with off kicked game the However, Temp. Sub. Lt Bruce Sutherland RNVR. The remainder of the the of remainder The RNVR. Sutherland Bruce Lt Sub. Temp.

confronted by Invincible's young, fit, gazelle-like opposites. opposites. gazelle-like fit, young, Invincible's by confronted recovery team was then organised by Vernon to be led by a a by led be to Vernon by organised then was team recovery

The backs (oldest in five navies) were notably unsettled when when unsettled notably were navies) five in (oldest backs The

found and marked the mine the following day. A three man man three A day. following the mine the marked and found

(DMEO) was replaced by 5'6" flanker, LS(MW) Steward (guest). (guest). Steward LS(MW) flanker, 5'6" by replaced was (DMEO)

The Mouse must have been extremely efficient because they they because efficient extremely been have must Mouse The

team, not entirely Brecon's first, as awesome 'Tanzy' Lee Lee 'Tanzy' awesome as first, Brecon's entirely not team,

This craft was especially designed to locate underwater objects. objects. underwater locate to designed especially was craft This

determination (bolstered by a couple of wobbly coffee's). The The coffee's). wobbly of couple a by (bolstered determination

advance party carrying a special launch known as The Mouse. Mouse. The as known launch special a carrying party advance

Brecon's team arrived at Whale Island with small-ship small-ship with Island Whale at arrived team Brecon's

possible. The Commander (Mines) at Vernon despatched an an despatched Vernon at (Mines) Commander The possible.

was turned down as Vernon wanted as much of the mine as as mine the of much as wanted Vernon as down turned was sights elsewhere, but the Invincible??? Invincible??? the but elsewhere, sights

to locate the mine and place a gelignite charge against it. This This it. against charge gelignite a place and mine the locate to game with the Atherstone failed to materialise, so we set our our set we so materialise, to failed Atherstone the with game

accepting and a match was arranged. After several attempts a a attempts several After arranged. was match a and accepting Harry Grossett temporarily detached from Southampton, offered offered Southampton, from detached temporarily Grossett Harry

mentioned we were looking for a game. They lost no time time no lost They game. a for looking were we mentioned Vernon which Lt Cdr Kennelly did. One of the base divers, a Mr Mr a divers, base the of One did. Kennelly Cdr Lt which Vernon

As fate would have it, our MEO, while visiting the Invincible Invincible the visiting while MEO, our it, have would fate As Orders existed whereby RNOs were required to report mines to to mines report to required were RNOs whereby existed Orders

Falmouth. Falmouth.

Surprise !! !! Surprise

mooring which was opposite what is now the Cutty Sark, at at Sark, Cutty the now is what opposite was which mooring

ship I played for. He had never head of the Brecon, Surprise Surprise Brecon, the of head never had He for. played I ship

somewhere between the Custom House Quay and the life boat boat life the and Quay House Custom the between somewhere

Whilst chatting to a 'Waffu' lately about rugby, he asked which which asked he rugby, about lately 'Waffu' a to chatting Whilst

the 22nd March 1941 a GC/GD was seen entering the water water the entering seen was GC/GD a 1941 March 22nd the

It would seem that some time between 1600hrs and 1700hrs on on 1700hrs and 1600hrs between time some that seem would It

cover both sport and (I hope) moral. moral. hope) (I and sport both cover

including for this issue. issue. this for including moral officers, I submit this tale to the sports pages, and will will and pages, sports the to tale this submit I officers, moral

Scouse Kidman, I thought it worth condensing the story and and story the condensing worth it thought I Kidman, Scouse In response to the recent letter from the MW school sports and and sports school MW the from letter recent the to response In

Dear Sir, Sir, Dear Whilst reading a report cut from a local paper and sent to to sent and paper local a from cut report a reading Whilst

When David Slew Goliath Goliath Slew David When Dear Sir, Sir, Dear www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

Commander John Garnault Delahaize Ouvry D.S.O. R.N. J.P. September 19th 1896 - February 19th 1993

much more than that one remarkable back the next day to immobilise an object An Appreciation of his life exploit, important though it was in our containing 1000 pounds or more of high given at All Saints Church, struggle against the Nazi tyranny. explosive. If one of these mines could Milford on Sea, on Friday, He joined the navy as a cadet at Osborne break the back of the cruiser Belfast, just at the tender age of 12 back in 1908, one think what it could have done to them! March 5th 1993 of the youngest, if not the youngest person Showing total selflessness and very to join the Royal Navy. At the outbreak of considerable strength of body and mind, World War I he joined the battle cruiser John and Roger completed the task Fifteen years ago this church was filled Tiger at and amongst other safely, and as a result paved the way for with family and friends who had come to places saw action at the Dogger Bank the development of a degaussing give thanks for the life of Lorna Ouvry, the engagement of 1915, at the Battle of mechanism to be fitted to all ships to devoted wife of John Ouvry and mother Jutland in 1916, and at the Heligoland neutralise this very malicious threat to of their four children. Today we come to Battle in 1917, by which time he had been our shipping. honour and give thanks for the head of promoted to Sub-Lieutenant. He also Ouvry and Lewis, who I am delighted to that family - a person whose service to his witnessed the surrender of the German say is with us today, were both awarded country, community and family is worthy High Seas fleet at the end of that war. the DSO by the King who went to HMS of the highest regard. I only had the His inter-war experiences took him to a Vernon in person to carry out the privilege of knowing John Ouvry for the number of places and postings including investiture. These were the first naval last three years of his life, but in that time time with the Royal Australian Navy as awards of the war and no awards have I have seen much of the great depths of head of their torpedo school in Victoria. been more worthily merited. To quote faith and generosity of spirit possessed That was in 1928, the same year that he from the Telegraph obituary - there were by this lovely christian person. married Lorna, an English girl who had to those in the Navy who thought the DSO It is remarkable to think that John Ouvry travel to Melbourne for the ceremony; it not enough for Ouvry; the regulations was born a year before Queen Victoria's was to be a very happy marriage which state that the VC has to be won in the Diamond Jubilee. He was baptized JOH N lasted almost 50 years. presence of the enemy and many argued GARNAULT DELAHAIZE OUVRY - a The direction of his career was becoming that a 1000 pound magnetic mine name that betokened his Huguenot clearly established in the area of torpedo `constituted adequate enemy presence.' ancestry - a people noted for their faith, and mines expertise, and he was posted Had the George Cross been available at courage and humanity. All of these to HMS Vernon, a shore based that time I believe there is little doubt that characteristics John had in full measure. establishment near Portsmouth, where he would have been awarded that. John, His faith was no doubt nurtured by his he was put in charge of the 'rendering however, was characteristically self- father, an Anglican priest and the Rector mines safe' department. Thus it was by effacing and assured people that he was of Haydon, near Sherborne. John was experience, training and temperament quite content with his honour. the second son, and there were also two he was perfectly placed in 1939 to play a By a remarkable coincidence I was at a daughters. John's father loved to make crucial role in the defeat of the Nazis. meeting only last night and was toys and games for his children to play As many of you will have read British mentioning this incident when a with, but typically for that time he did not shipping, both merchant and navy parishioner told me her father, a naval seek to build close relationships with his shipping, was critically threatened at the officer (Vice-Admiral Clinton Danby, children; nevertheless he ensured that outbreak of the Second World War by the Admiral Superintendent of Chatham his children had a solid Christian German's deployment of magnetic mines Dockyard), had spoken with a man who grounding, and John certainly remained dropped from the air around our shores, drove John and the mine back to a person of true devotion to his Lord to the especially in the Thames estuary. By Chatham. 'What did you feel like' he had end of his life. It was a great privilege November 1939 we had lost 2 destroyers, asked him. 'I've never been so terrified in each month to take him the Holy 1 cruiser and 27 merchant ships, and the all my life. He just sat there on the back Communion and to see the reverence Port of London was virtually closed. seat with the mine beside him and stroked with which he received the sacred Churchill ordered that at all costs one of it all the way home!' elements. these new mines must be recovered and After the war John chose to live in Of his courage I am sure we are all well investigated so that a means of Hampshire, initially near Fareham and aware, not least through the splendid neutralising them could be developed. from 1959 here in the Milford and obituaries which appeared in the Daily That task fell to John Ouvry when on the Pennington area. Having served his Telegraph and the Lymington Times/New night of November 22nd an observant country so honourably in two World Wars, Milton Advertiser last week. It must be Army private spotted one landing in the he now devoted his energies to his family rare indeed for a national newspaper to mud of the Thames off Shoeburyness. and his local community. He was a JP devote fifteen column inches to a single To cut a long story short, after careful both in Fareham and in Lymington, a event in the life of a person, but that was examination while the tide was out, John church warden at Fareham and, with his what the Telegraph did as it related the and a colleague, Roger Lewis (also a Lt. beloved Lorna, a faithful and very famous incident of his defusing of the first Cdr. but some twelve or so years John's supportive member of this church. He German magnetic mine to be recovered. junior), had the dubious honour of coming also dedicated himself to the But John's naval career amounted to

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by his four sons and their families. families. their and sons four his by gate of the year, year, the of gate Vicar of St. Luke's Church, Sway Sway Church, Luke's St. of Vicar

he was truly a father who was cherished cherished was who father a truly was he I said to the man who stood at the the at stood who man the to said I The Revd. Nicholas Maddock Maddock Nicholas Revd. The

was done with great love and respect for for respect and love great with done was house throughout World War 2: 2: War World throughout house served so well. well. so served

that German mine! I am sure, though, it it though, sure, am I mine! German that a copy of which hung in a frame in John's John's in frame a in hung which of copy a he is now at peace with the Saviour he he Saviour the with peace at now is he

his bicycle much as he had dismantled dismantled had he as much bicycle his famous Christmas Day broadcast of 1939, 1939, of broadcast Day Christmas famous family at their time of loss, confident that that confident loss, of time their at family

So on his 91st birthday, they dismantled dismantled they birthday, 91st his on So words quoted by King George VI in his his in VI George King by quoted words We thank God for him and we support his his support we and him for God thank We

potential menace from the HIGH SEAS. SEAS. HIGH the from menace potential in this service we shall hear again those those again hear shall we service this in stamp indeed - a true christian gentleman. gentleman. christian true a - indeed stamp

which he had once used to remove a a remove to used once had he which compassion for those around him. Later Later him. around those for compassion like again, for John was of a very rare rare very a of was John for again, like

STREETS in a similar fashion to that that to fashion similar a in STREETS right and good, and a great care and and care great a and good, and right privileged indeed if we were to meet his his meet to were we if indeed privileged

potential menace from the HIGH HIGH the from menace potential deep-rooted commitment to that which is is which that to commitment deep-rooted what had to be done. We should be be should We done. be to had what

family decided they had to remove this this remove to had they decided family gentleness, a quiet strength allied to a a to allied strength quiet a gentleness, doubting that what he was doing was was doing was he what that doubting

Milford on his old bicycle!; until in fact his his fact in until bicycle!; old his on Milford are reminded of those same qualities - qualities same those of reminded are great difficulties and dangers, but never never but dangers, and difficulties great

90's John was to be seen pedalling around around pedalling seen be to was John 90's days. As we look back on John's life, we we life, John's on back look we As days. hand in hand with his God, often facing facing often God, his with hand in hand

the local community that right into his his into right that community local the reminding them of the glories of earlier earlier of glories the of them reminding did and was. Throughout his life he walked walked he life his Throughout was. and did

Such was his vigour and involvement in in involvement and vigour his was Such people to go in the right direction and and direction right the in go to people was I believe at the heart of all that John John that all of heart the at believe I was

respect of many in this area. area. this in many of respect middle of a traffic island, encouraging encouraging island, traffic a of middle the sovereign purposes of God which which God of purposes sovereign the

committed ways he won the love and and love the won he ways committed now in gentle strength and dignity in the the in dignity and strength gentle in now down to one thing - that faith in fulfilling fulfilling in faith that - thing one to down

tennis matches. In these quiet but but quiet these In matches. tennis Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. It stands there there stands It Jubilee. Diamond Victoria's much else. But in the end it all comes comes all it end the in But else. much

example he acted as umpire in many many in umpire as acted he example John's birth, to commemorate Queen Queen commemorate to birth, John's for her during her illness, and no doubt doubt no and illness, her during her for

activities for young people, and for for and people, young for activities was planted there in 1897, one year after after year one 1897, in there planted was with his beloved Lorna, his devoted care care devoted his Lorna, beloved his with

especially helping in the promotion of of promotion the in helping especially called the Jubilee Oak. An oak seedling seedling oak An Oak. Jubilee the called enjoyment of sharing the garden work work garden the sharing of enjoyment

was involved in Milford Country Club, Club, Country Milford in involved was In Sway there is a well-known landmark landmark well-known a is there Sway In humour, his love of painting, his great great his painting, of love his humour,

runner and keen tennis player. Here he he Here player. tennis keen and runner him. him. include - John's delightful sense of of sense delightful John's - include

Twickenham; in addition he was a fine fine a was he addition in Twickenham; courtesy and appreciation to all around around all to appreciation and courtesy There is much that I have not had time to to time had not have I that much is There

in inter-Services rugger matches at at matches rugger inter-Services in complain, always showing the greatest greatest the showing always complain, than a known way!' way!' known a than

representthe navy as awing three-quarter three-quarter awing as navy representthe increasing years, he was never known to to known never was he years, increasing be to you better than light and safer safer and light than better you to be

remarked what a privilege it had been to to been had it privilege a what remarked his frustration at his lack of sight and and sight of lack his at frustration his hand into the hand of God. That shall shall That God. of hand the into hand

very fine sportsman and modestly modestly and sportsman fine very staff, residents and visitors alike. Despite Despite alike. visitors and residents staff, darkness and put your your put and darkness

As a young naval cadet John had been a a been had John cadet naval young a As again he won the affection and respect of of respect and affection the won he again And he replied - Go out into the the into out Go - replied he And

activities. activities. Place' Rest Home in Sway where once once where Sway in Home Rest Place' safely into the unknown.' unknown.' the into safely

encouragement of sports and youth youth and sports of encouragement John's last years were spent at `Paul's `Paul's at spent were years last John's `Give me a light that I may tread tread may I that light a me `Give

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Commander John Ouvry

Commander John Ouvry, who has died aged 96, led the detonated the mine when the magnetic influence of a first team of naval mining experts to dismantle the German ship's steel hull passed overhead. Within months a solution magnetic mine in 1939. had been found by fitting all metal-hulled ships with `degaussing coils'. From the beginning of the Second World War it was clear that the enemy was using a non-contact type of mine Ouvry and Lewis were awarded the DSO, and Baldwin immune to normal sweeping methods. and Vearncombe the DSM - the first naval awards of the war. King George VI went to Vernon in December 1939 In November 1939, 27 merchant ships and the destroyers to carry out the investiture. Gypsy and Blanche were sunk in home waters, the cruiser Belfast's back was broken, the Port of London There were those in the Navy who thought the DSO not was effectively closed and coastal shipping traffic brought enough for Ouvry. The VC had to be won 'in the presence to a virtual standstill. of the enemy', but some argued that a 1,000 lb magnetic mine constituted adequate enemy presence. Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, ordered that an example of this new weapon be recovered 'at all Of Huguenot stock, John Garnault Delahaize Ouvry was costs'. born on September 19 1896, and joined the Navy aged 12, going to Osborne, Dartmouth and the training cruiser On the night of November 22, off Shoeburyness in Essex, Cumberland. a German aircraft was seen to drop a parachute from which was suspended an object which 'looked like a In October 1914 he joined the new battlecruiser Tiger at sailor's kit bag'. Lt-Cdrs. Ouvry and Roger Lewis, CPO Scapa Flow and served as a midshipman in the Dogger Baldwin and AB Vearncombe, all from HMS Vernon, the Bank action in 1915 and at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. torpedo and mining school in Portsmouth, were summoned As a sub-lieutenant he served in the cruiser Inconstant in to the scene. the action of Heligoland in 1917 and was present at the surrender of the German high seas fleet in 1918. Led by the private from the nearby Army firing ranges who had first sighted the object, the party splashed across the From 1919 to 1921 Ouvry was in the battleship Queen mud flats in pouring rain to find what Ouvry called 'a dark, Elizabeth. He then went to the RN College Greenwich menacing-looking object lying partially embedded in the and Vernon to qualify as a torpedo specialist, becoming sand'. By the light of Aldis lamps, Ouvry and Lewis found a mining instructor in 1923. 'two unpleasant-looking fittings near the fore end'. He was torpedo officer of the battleship Benbow in the Rubbings were taken of the mine's fittings so that special Mediterranean from 1924 to 1926 and then went to HMS non-ferrous tools could be manufactured; the mine was Defiance, the Devonport Torpedo School, as an instructor. photographed by flashlight and securely lashed down. Ouvry and Lewis returned at midday, when the mine was In 1928 he was loaned to the Royal Australian Navy, in next uncovered by the tide. charge of the torpedo school at Flinders Naval Depot, Victoria. By this time a second mine had been found. It was decided that Ouvry and Baldwin would tackle the first, He returned to England in 1930 and joined the battle- while Lewis took notes; Ouvry and Vearncombe would cruiser Repulse as torpedo officer. In 1932 he went to then deal with the second. Vernon to work on the development of British mines. Ouvry did not know whether the mine was magnetic Although promoted commander in 1941, Ouvry never (reacting to metal) or acoustic (detonated by sound) or had the recognition he deserved because his qualities both. Working once or twice having to use considerable were hidden by his self-effacing manner. He once said force, he unscrewed and lifted out a hydrostatic valve that he was 'neither pretty, intelligent nor brave', but he which armed the mine, two primers and two detonators. did have iron nerves and steady hands. After 40 minutes of tense work he made the mine safe. Had it not been for the war, Ouvry would have retired as an obscure lieutenant-commander aged 45. As they carried the various fittings ashore the party stopped for a breather, and Vearncombe put the heavy But Inconstant was one of the most successful mine- hydrostatic valve down on a stone, whereupon it started laying cruisers, and Ouvry, the youngest mining officer, to tick noisily. made a crucial contribution. Everyone dispersed with 'Olympic speed' - but it was only He retired in 1946, but returned to Vernon to write his a clockwork mechanism, designed to keep the mine safe book Foreign Mines before retiring finally in 1954. He was until the clock setting had run off. The mine was taken to a JP in Fareham from 1950. Vernon, where it was completely dismantled and its Ouvry married, in 1928, Lorna Evison, who died in 1978; secret revealed: an electromagnetic device which they had four sons.

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a curious eel against the navy blue of the surface high above. above. high surface the of blue navy the against eel curious a

around one's hand and occasionally the slightly darker form of of form darker slightly the occasionally and hand one's around

F. F. Reinforced feet, knees and seat seat and knees feet, Reinforced

search, when all one could see was the phosphorescence phosphorescence the was see could one all when search,

E. E. Soft rubber collar and cuffs cuffs and collar rubber Soft

blackness of night. It proved quite a test of nerves to do the night night the do to nerves of test a quite proved It night. of blackness

D. D. Inner, solid neck ring ring neck solid Inner,

Portsmouth dockyard in day light and another in the eerie eerie the in another and light day in dockyard Portsmouth

securing neck ring, to fit over over fit to ring, neck securing - -

bottom search of of search bottom Leviathan, Leviathan,

the aircraft carrier storeship in in storeship carrier aircraft the

C. C. Outer adjustable hood hood adjustable Outer

The remainder of the course consisted of a short night swim, a a swim, night short a of consisted course the of remainder The

escape escape

we made little impression on our tasks. tasks. our on impression little made we

B. B. Spear valve trapped air air trapped valve Spear

could be seen in the whirling black murk it is not surprising that that surprising not is it murk black whirling the in seen be could

A. A. Soft rubber hood hood rubber Soft

rather unsuccessfully to cut link in the soft mud. As nothing nothing As mud. soft the in link cut to unsuccessfully rather

on the bottom of Portsmouth Harbour, and next day we attempted attempted we day next and Harbour, Portsmouth of bottom the on

deep in the inky ooze getting used to the appalling conditions conditions appalling the to used getting ooze inky the in deep

to be scrapped. The remainder of the day we wandered thigh thigh wandered we day the of remainder The scrapped. be to

honour dressed in our suits when when suits our in dressed honour Deepwaterwas Deepwaterwas towed away away towed

release rip cord cord rip release

On Monday September 12th we formed a diver's guard of of guard diver's a formed we 12th September Monday On

11. 11. Emergency weight weight Emergency of checking the breathing sets. sets. breathing the checking of

10. 10. Face mask mask Face

of the time being taken up in lectures and the very important job job important very the and lectures in up taken being time the of

9. 9. CO 2 2 absorbent canister canister absorbent

diving was done during the last days of the second week, most most week, second the of days last the during done was diving

8. 8. Emergency bottle bottle Emergency

British Public from Isle of Wight ferries moored nearby. Little Little nearby. moored ferries Wight of Isle from Public British

endurance 81 minutes minutes 81 endurance the sport, especially as we were over-looked by the Admiring Admiring the by over-looked were we as especially sport, the

Twin working bottles- working Twin

7. 7. Harbour. After the first jump however we became quite fond of of fond quite became we however jump first the After Harbour.

6. 6. Reducer valve valve Reducer

from from Deepwaters Deepwaters forecastle, some 30 feet into Portsmouth Portsmouth into feet 30 some forecastle,

valve valve

were slightly horrified to find that we were called upon to jump jump to upon called were we that find to horrified slightly were

5. 5. Working oxygen bottles' bottles' oxygen Working ship well known to those familiar with Portsmouth Harbour. We We Harbour. Portsmouth with familiar those to known well ship

4. 4. Securing straps straps Securing

bottom searches. searches. bottom Deepwater Deepwater was a last war German diving diving German war last a was

3. 3. Shoulder quick-release quick-release Shoulder

Vernon Vernon and dived under the diving ship ship diving the under dived and Deepwater to to Deepwater perform perform

2. 2. Weight pack pack Weight

On 7th September we transferred our diving base to HMS HMS to base diving our transferred we September 7th On

1. 1. Bag relief valve valve relief Bag best way to spend the free time in the evenings. evenings. the in time free the spend to way best

PAT. 5561A 5561A PAT.

pretty fit, but even so most of the course regarded sleep as the the as sleep regarded course the of most so even but fit, pretty

twelve hundred yards to precede them. We quickly became became quickly We them. precede to yards hundred twelve

suit. suit. had become 2,400 yards and a further under water swim of of swim water under further a and yards 2,400 become had

breathing apparatus and and apparatus breathing

surface to get us in training. By the second week these swims swims these week second the By training. in us get to surface

Shallow water divers 02 02 divers water Shallow

link. Each day my class swam twelve hundred yards on the the on yards hundred twelve swam class my day Each link.

bottom, engaged in sawing through steel bars or cutting chain chain cutting or bars steel through sawing in engaged bottom,

During the first week we spent about one hour per day on the the on day per hour one about spent we week first the During

the life line which shallow water divers must wear. wear. must divers water shallow which line life the

feeling of the sensation of walking in mud on the bottom, towing towing bottom, the on mud in walking of sensation the of feeling

deepest place. We wore and boots and merely got a a got merely and boots and weights wore We place. deepest

1200 yards long, 200 yards across and about 30 feet deep in the the in deep feet 30 about and across yards 200 long, yards 1200

an ex-torpedo testing range in the north of Portsmouth harbour, harbour, Portsmouth of north the in range testing ex-torpedo an

The following day we performed our first dives in Horsea lake, lake, Horsea in dives first our performed we day following The

in general. general. in

consisting of the question, 'Do you feel well?' asked of the class class the of asked well?' feel you 'Do question, the of consisting

`dive' in a decompression chamber and a perfunctory medical medical perfunctory a and chamber decompression a in `dive'

lectures on theory of diving, and its medical aspects, a 40 foot foot 40 a aspects, medical its and diving, of theory on lectures

The following morning the course began, with a series of of series a with began, course the morning following The

Sub-Aqua club. club. Sub-Aqua

were from Exmouth division, and most were members of the the of members were most and division, Exmouth from were

illness and other reasons. A large proportion of those there there those of proportion large A reasons. other and illness

twenty-four, the others being prevented from attending by by attending from prevented being others the twenty-four,

railway station. Twenty midshipmen arrived out of an original original an of out arrived midshipmen Twenty station. railway

berth cabin in the Wardroom, overlooking Portsmouth Harbour Harbour Portsmouth overlooking Wardroom, the in cabin berth

most interesting and satisfying summer leave activity. activity. leave summer satisfying and interesting most

I arrived in the evening of August 28th and was shown to a two- a to shown was and 28th August of evening the in arrived I

from the Training Commander and Diving Officer finished a a finished Officer Diving and Commander Training the from

with bad ear trouble early on in the three weeks training. A talk talk A training. weeks three the in on early trouble ear bad with

course there were 19 midshipmen left, one having fallen out out fallen having one left, midshipmen 19 were there course

16th 1960, in which I took part. part. took I which in 1960, 16th

practical diving, according to our instructors. At the end of the the of end the At instructors. our to according diving, practical

Portsmouth between August 29th and September September and 29th August between Portsmouth

it was pretty straightforward and we had done well in the the in well done had we and straightforward pretty was it

Shallow-water Diving course held at HMS HMS at held course Diving Shallow-water

Vernon, Vernon, lectures we had received. I think we must have all passed, for for passed, all have must we think I received. had we lectures

I have the honour to submit my report on the the on report my submit to honour the have I the Diving Store and sat a theory examination based on the the on based examination theory a sat and Store Diving the

On Friday 16th September we reluctantly returned our gear to to gear our returned reluctantly we September 16th Friday On

Commander A.T.J. Padwick Padwick A.T.J. Commander

A Midshipman's Perspective Perspective Midshipman's A

Shallow Water Diving Course Course Diving Water Shallow www.mcdoa.org.uk

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PLJNDER AKD BANKrir SoLIC.FrOR9 Your Name ACT/N(2 Fog eeoo Your Rank/Rate

Your Job Title

Your Unit

Your Address

Your Tel No

Your FAX No

The Editor "Minewarfare and Diving" Magazine MDT Department of SMOPS HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) Portsmouth Hants P01 3HH FAX: 0705 822351 Ext 24705

Dear Editor,

1. I have read this edition from cover to cover and I think:

(a) It's terrific—keep up the good work

(b) It's OK—but you need more

(c) It's no good—because

2. Please find attached my contribution towards the continued success of "Minewarfare And Diving" Magazine. It is:

(a) a written article/Letter To The Editor, typed, double spaced and word-counted.

(b) a photograph J /slide :I /diagram J No. of items. LJ

of

(c) less than RESTRICTED in classification

3. I realise that the Magazine publication dates are 1 Jan/1 Jul of each year, and that by sending my article in today it will arrive at least six weeks before the next edition is due.

4. I would/would not like my material/contribution returned on completion of printing.

5. I understand that inclusion of my contribution, in whole or in part, is at the discretion of the Editorial Committee, but that if I am to be considered for either of the prizes associated with each edition, I must be prepared to have a "grip and grin" mugshot taken and published.

Yours

Signed

36 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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Portsmouth, Hants, P01 3HH (24577). (24577). 3HH P01 Hants, Portsmouth,

62496) or OIC, FDU1, HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) (GUNWHARF) NELSON HMS FDU1, OIC, or 62496)

Lochinvar Block, HM Naval Base, Royth, KY11 2YA. (Ext (Ext 2YA. KY11 Royth, Base, Naval HM Block, Lochinvar

can be purchased from either: Lt Cdr (Frank) Ward, COMMW, COMMW, Ward, (Frank) Cdr Lt either: from purchased be can

region of £5.00. These most desirable items of personal attire attire personal of items desirable most These £5.00. of region

money. The cost has yet to be determined but will be in the the in be will but determined be to yet has cost The money.

are to a design agreed by the committee and are good value for for value good are and committee the by agreed design a to are

have been manufactured and are now ready for purchase. They They purchase. for ready now are and manufactured been have

Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officers' Association ties ties Association Officers' Diving Clearance and Minewarfare

ASSOCIATION TIES TIES ASSOCIATION

MCDO MCDO

Their letters are reproduced on page 30. 30. page on reproduced are letters Their

disposal diver. diver. disposal

Royal Navy and Stan Johnson B.E.M., ex Mine and Bomb Bomb and Mine ex B.E.M., Johnson Stan and Navy Royal

thanks go to Lieutenant Commander N. L. Smith B.E.M., B.E.M., Smith L. N. Commander Lieutenant to go thanks

VI in the January 1993 edition of the MAD Magazine. Our Our Magazine. MAD the of edition 1993 January the in VI

Two replies were received in response to the Big Mine Challenge Challenge Mine Big the to response in received were replies Two

ANSWERS TO BIG MINE CHALLENGE VI (BBC VI) VI) (BBC VI CHALLENGE MINE BIG TO ANSWERS

BIG MINE CHALLENGE VI VI CHALLENGE MINE BIG

Challen•e And Reply Reply And Challen•e www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

BIG SHIP CHALLENGE VII

Identify the ship illustrated above: Who, What, Where and Why? Please send your answers, dits and pics to The Editor, MAD Magazine. The best replies will be published in the next edition of MAD. Stories generated from Big Mine Challenge VI are on page 37 of this edition.

Any badges, mines, ships suitable for inclusion in future challenges would be gratefully received and will of course be returned.

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