The Semaphore Circular No 655 the Beating Heart of the RNA December 2015

The Semaphore Circular No 655 The Beating Heart of the RNA December 2015

Wishing all our readers a very Merry

Christmas and Happy New Year

Our thanks to the Ships Company of the Type 23 Frigate HMS Lancaster

( photograph shown courtesy of the Royal Navy)

RNA members are reminded that hard-copies of the Circular are distributed to each branch via their Secretary, but “silver-surfers” can download their own copy from the RNA website at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk .(See below) 1

Daily Orders 1. Remberance Sunday & Armistice Day 2. Christmas Branch Quiz 3. Battle of Jutland Commemoration 4. Guess Where? 5. RBl Mesothelioma Campaign Update 6. The Religious Parrots Joke 7. Donations received 8. RN VC Series – Lt Basil Place VC 9. Finance Corner 10. Hillbillies Joke 11. S/M William Robinson 12. Branch/Personal Insurance 13. Open Days 2016 14. Riddle for the mature Shipmate 15. Can you assist Please – William Entwhistle 16. Order Forms for Diaries, Crimbo Cards and His & Her Calenders 17. Heads Up – Battle of the Atlantic Book 18. Battle of Coronel &Falklands 19. TV Series 100 Year Old Drivers 20. Recognition Training…. 21. Defence Discount Service Card 22. Shipmates Jokes 23. Maritime Book Reviews 24. Can you assist Please – Jeff Stewart 25. How about this for Retirement Planning 26. Carrier Update

Longcast

“D’ye hear there” (Branch news)

Ship’s Office Swinging the Lamp

For the Branch Secretary and notice-board

Glossary of terms

NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NCh National Chairman NVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary DGS Deputy General Secretary AGS Assistant General Secretary CONA Conference of Naval Associations IMC International Maritime Confederation

NSM Naval Service Memorial Throughout indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts:

Financial Controller 023 9272 3823 [email protected]

FAX 023 9272 3371

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

Deputy General Secretary 023 9272 0782 [email protected]

Shipmates Administrator 023 9272 0782 [email protected]

General Secretary 023 9272 2983 [email protected]

Admin 023 92 72 3747 [email protected]

Find Semaphore Circular On-line ; http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/downloads or... RNA Website – Members Area – Downloads – Circulars – Code (Shipmate)

RNA HQ Staff continue to attempt to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if those Branch Secretaries able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e-message to HQ to [email protected] 3 Snail Trail Mail - Postal Address RNA HQ, Room 209, PP70, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT Dear Shipmates

Welcome to the December Circular, I hope that you all have many parties and celebrations planned. Whilst I am sure many branches will be enjoying the great comradeship that is the hallmark of the RNA, can I remind branches (which I hardly need to do), that Christmas can also be a lonely time for some. So please spare a thought for those shipmates and partners that may not be coming to meetings or events and who would appreciate a call or visit at this time of year. You might be able to mention the Virtual Branch to them, which might be part of helping to reduce their sense of isolation. Contact Shipmate Rita Lock in the Central Office if you would like more details. I would like to say a big thank and congratulations for the many Shipmates who have represented the Royal Navy and have supported the many Remembrance events over November. I had the great privilege of acting as the National Chairman’s wreath bearer at the Cenotaph Parade and witnessing the RNA squad marching past the Cenotaph led by our National President and a 93- year old WW2 veteran. But I know that you have turned out across the whole of the UK, which is a wonderful way of supporting our RN. I am sure that you join me in expressing our pleasure at the very good result for the RN in the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Great news that we are getting enough F35 Lightening aircraft for both of the 2 carriers, maritime patrol aircraft and the Type 26, Global Combat Ship and a growing number of sailors. Perhaps not as many as the Navy would have liked, but an increase none the less. I hope that the National President will have an article for the SC on the Review in the New Year. A significant change that has just been approved by the Finance and Administration Committee is that in future slops etc must be paid for in advance, rather than put on a branch account. As of 1030 on the day of writing branches owed over £29,000 for subscriptions, slops and other costs. Some treasurers can take a lot of chasing to pay their accounts, so we need to change the way we manage charges to improve our cash flow and reduce the time and effort in chasing up. So here to some business:  We still have Christmas cards available for sale and our popular his ‘n’ hers calendars, the funds for which help to support the RNA.  I hope you enjoyed the new style Yearbook, which has not cost the RNA at all and has been distributed Free of Charge. If you would like more copies, again FOC, please let us know.  House Flags are selling fast, so get your order in before we run out.  A reminder that the deadline for NCM/DNCM elections is 19 February. Please note that elections are required in 1, 3, and 4,5,12. Apologies to NCM Scotland and 10 Area for including them in the form the last time.  The deadline for branch motions is 19 Feb 16.  You may have heard in the news of a fire at Wokefield Park, our Conference Venue for 2016. We have been in contact with the Hotel and they will be fully up and running long before our Conference. So please get booked up, with all bookings being managed by the CONA travel service, our wonderful partners.  Due to the fact that many branches do not have a January meeting, and the HQ closed period, there will be no circular in January 16.  We are in the final stages of agreeing a deal with Wessex Funerals with the Veteran Funeral Service for a cremation package £1,000 cheaper than a standard Co-Op budget. Details in the New Year, but contact HQ if you want to find out more before then.

A reminder that the April 16 Circular will be the last one sent fully hard copy to all branches. I have written personally to the Branch Secretaries of all branches where we do not have an e-mail contact. If you are still relying on a hard copy and have not had a letter then please let Nigel know. We are in a period of parallel running to prove our e–mail system works, so it is vital that you let us know if you are not getting the e-mailed Circular, or any other issues you might be facing. I well appreciate that this might be a worry for some, and we will have a temporary hard- copy print arrangements for some, but the circular is much better sent electronically since: links work, the photos are in colour, you can dist easily to those with e-mail addresses and you can print off just the parts you want and it saves a great deal of money. A final reminder to 12 Area secretaries that the DNCM12 election returns are due with the HQ by 14 December 15.

Finally a very warm Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the staff at the HQ.

Paul

The photo above shows The National Chairman, General Secretary, Gail Dovey and Liz Quinn in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office during the Remberance Parade

Chairman’s Chat - December 2015

I apologise for the lateness of this edition of the Circular but the FAC had to be postponed for a week because the GS and I were both away and we wanted to get the up to date budget forecast for 2015 out to you this year. That forecast shows a potential saving of just over £50K on the approved budget for 2015. This reflects continued very good work by the staff on controlling our expenses. We have also been very fortunate to receive a legacy late in the year and we are now anticipating that our end of year accounts could see us close to breaking even over the year. We have been fortunate with this legacy and this windfall is why we don’t account for possible legacies or donations in our annual budget. We only budget for what we can genuinely anticipate receiving or spending. Subscriptions are the only certain income we can rely upon, but cash returns on investments have also boosted that income, but even they are not guaranteed. One thing the GS has referred to in his statement at the beginning of this circular is the nearly £29K of money that is owed to HQ by branches through their HQ accounts, over half of this sum being owed for 6 months or more. We are no longer able to carry this amount of debt as it impacts directly upon our cash flow. Some of this debt is actually subscription money, which branches hold onto until they have collected it in from all members before sending to HQ. The FAC therefore have decided that, in future, nothing will be despatched by HQ until the money is paid, either slops or membership cards or stickers. Annual subs are due on 1 January and should be paid by 30 April each year. This is more than enough time to get all subs collected and paid. Also, there is nothing to prevent branches paying cash sums up front as a credit to their HQ account in anticipation of purchases to be made. I’m sorry if this impacts unfairly on many branches because of the slackness of a few, but while HQ is expected to control its costs there are branches out there who aren’t doing their bit to help. Come on, Shipmates. You chose, by a fair democratic decision at conference, not to increase subs in 2016 so please help by settling your debts promptly. You can’t expect HQ funds to lose a hoped-for extra £45K of increased subs and yet still carry £29K of your debt on its books.

While talking of loss of subs, I have to tell you that the FAC will recommend a motion for a subs increase to the National Council on 5 December, to be put to conference 2016. This will be for a sum in 2017, followed by a smaller increase in alternate years over the next 6 years, the exact figures to be agreed by the NC. We really need to increase our guaranteed income as well as keep a tight control on costs. Over the last 5 years we have built up our closest ever working relationship with the RN. We have two serving WOs on the NC; much better contact with service joiners through the mentoring of Part 1 and Part 2 trainees, and with service leavers through the Shipmates and Oppos programme; a good new response through online joining; great RN support at the NSM dedication and Biennial Parades; and an invitation to be the lead Naval Partner in creating a Jutland 100 Wood in 2016 with one tree planted to commemorate each loss of the 6000+ shipmates and oppos in the biggest Naval battle of WW1. These are a few activities that build up the prestige of the RNA and use some of our money to try to sustain our Association into the future. We will have our detractors of course but, as I have said often, we are a democratic organisation so if you don’t like the decisions your Council is making don’t just drip about it, step up to the plate and do your bit to have a real input into those decisions.

We are now into the Christmas season and I wish you all a very happy one and an enjoyable new year. As my bit to the environment I have decided not to send out any Christmas cards in future and make a donation to charity instead, so I gave Michelle £100 towards RNA funds for 2015 on Friday. Gail is donating to Cancer Research. Best wishes to you all.

Chris Dovey

1. Remberance Sunday and Armistice Day.

About 50 RNA Shipmates marched down Whitehall on during the Remberance Parade in Whitehall on Sunday 08 November. Shipmate Chris Dovey, The National Chairman, and Paul Quinn the General Secretary donned their ‘Bowlers’. S/M Chris laid the RNA wreath at the Cenotaph with the General Secretary acting as his wreath bearer. Many other Shipmates marched individually with their ships Associations.

The previous Thursday the RNA held a short service conducted by RNA ‘Bish’ and Chaplain to the Fleet, The Venerable Ian Wheatley in the Garden of Remberance, Westminster Abbey.

Finally on Armistice Day the HQ Staff were invited onboard HMS Dauntless by Commander Charles Guy the Commanding Officer to witness the one minute silence on the Bridge.

2. Christmas Branch Quiz - Name those Ships?

In this month’s edition can you name all 26 of the Leander Class Frigates (1965– 94)

Answers at back of Circular......

Opposite is your starter for ten.... It is Pompey based -

HMS Apollo (F70)

3 Battle of Jutland Commemoration

Shipmates will be interested to know that the Culture Secretary has announced the Government’s plans to commemorate the Battle of Jutland, which brought together the two most powerful naval forces of the time in the largest naval battle of the First World War.

There will be a series of commemorative events in the Orkney Islands on 31 May 2016. This will be an opportunity for people in the UK to come together to honour those on both sides who lost their lives during the Battle of Jutland and to recognise the pivotal role of the Royal Navy in the First World War.

Secretary of State John Whittingdale said:

“These commemorations will be an opportunity for the country to come together to honour those who lost their lives during the Battle of Jutland. The pivotal role that the Royal Navy played in the war effort cannot be underestimated and we owe a great debt to those brave souls who gave their lives.

“But behind the scenes of conflict there are also the contribution of Scotland and the people of Orkney who supported the war effort - we must remember their sacrifice too and ensure their stories are told for generations to come.”

Commemorative events will include:

 A service at St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall on Orkney Mainland  A commemorative event at the Royal Navy Cemetery at Lyness on the island of Hoy  A wreath-laying ceremony at sea on Jutland Bank by British and German ships  The Royal Navy will support commemorations in the Orkney Islands with a major warship  The opening of HMS Caroline in Belfast as a museum and visitor attraction  The laying of commemorative paving stones to commemorate the four Victoria Cross recipients from the Battle of Jutland  Orkney Islands Council’s wider programme of cultural and educational activities  The commemoration of Jutland casualties buried in Sweden, Norway and Denmark  Commemorative events at naval memorials in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham  Commemorative activity in Germany in Wilhelmshaven, home to the German High Seas fleet, and at the Laboe Naval Memorial in Kiel.

The Battle of Jutland centenary events are a key part of the UK Government’s four year programme to commemorate the First World War. Additional information about how descendants can attend will be announced at the end of the year.

Jutland brought together the two most powerful naval powers of the time in the most pivotal naval engagement of the war with 6,000 British and 2,500 German personnel lost. We will honour those on all sides who lost their lives during the battle. This will also be an opportunity to recognise the impact that the battle had on the Orkney Islands and the role that Orkney played in hosting the Grand Fleet throughout the war.

The Portsmouth event is planned for Tuesday 31 May 2016, which is the day after the Spring Bank Holiday and during the half term week. It is intended that a platoon of Naval Association Veterans and their Standards will march from Southsea shopping centre to the Naval Memorial on the sea front followed by a Drumhead Service.

GS note: The National Standard and National President will be involved in the Orkney events – further RNA involvement will be communicated when known.

4. Guess Where? An Establishment

This month can you name this naval establishment? Please forward any other 1. pictures to the HQ that you may have for ‘Guess Where’ so that we can publish them in forthcoming Circulars. No looking on Google or Wiki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

HMS Sheba - was the shore base at Steamer Point (now Tawahi) in Aden. It was decommissioned after South Yemen achieved independence in 1967.

5. RBL Mesothelioma Campaign Update

HQ recently received an update on the RBL Mesothelioma campaign which I am sure Shipmates will be interested to read;

Dear All

I just wanted to take this opportunity to update you on some of the Legion’s recent activity around our Mesothelioma campaign, to which you kindly pledged your support.

As you know, the Veterans Minister replied to our joint-letter on 23 July, in which he stated that he would review the MOD’s proposal in light of our comments. Given that Parliament was in recess for much of the summer, and then again for the Party Conference season, we agreed to give the Minister both the time and space to consider the merits of our alternative proposal. Now that we find ourselves at the end of October, however, we are disappointed not to have heard anything further from the Minister or his officials.

Our Director General, Chris Simpkins, accordingly wrote again to the Minister on 14th October, requesting an update. We currently await a response to that letter. It may be worth noting, however, that in a recent written answer on the subject, which was tabled by a supportive MP, the Minister suggested that Service charities could expect an update on his Department’s Mesothelioma proposal at the next meeting of the CAC, which is due to take place in December.

So as to ensure that the Minister’s update is one that we can all feel happy with, the Legion has been busy laying the ground work for a more public facing campaign over the coming weeks. In particular, we have met with, and written to, a number of Parliamentarians, including the Shadow Defence team, the SNP Defence team, Members of the Defence Committee, Members of the APPG on Occupational Health and Safety, and numerous backbench MPs. We have also written to the Second Sea Lord and Director General of Medical Services (Navy). The Independent will additionally be highlighting the limited compensation payments awarded to veterans with Mesothelioma in an article that was published on Friday 23 October. Please see at link; http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/asbestos-thousands-of-uk-soldiers-who- develop-cancer-due-to-exposure-unfairly-treated-by-mod-say-a6706011.html

Also to assist with the Media coverage the RNA provided the following statement;

The Royal Naval Association is right behind the British Legion’s Mesothelioma Campaign, many sufferers are veterans of the Naval Service having been exposed to high levels of asbestos in engine rooms and pipe lagging throughout our warships, submarines and auxiliaries. This is a cruel condition that often does not give those affected much time with their families – or to benefit from a War Pension. It is vital that the Government honours the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant, of no disadvantage for veterans, by quickly agreeing to the Legion’s request for a review of the policy of payment to Mesothelioma sufferers.

6. The Religious Parrots Joke

A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, 'Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, But they only know to say one thing.' 'What do they say?' the priest asked. They say, 'Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?' 'That's obscene!' the priest exclaimed, Then he thought for a moment...... 'You know,' he said, 'I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible... Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter. My parrots can teach your parrots to pray and worship, And your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase in no time.' 'Thank you,' the woman responded, 'this may very well be the solution.' The next day, She brought her female parrots to the priest's house.... As he ushered her in, She saw that his two male parrots Were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying... Impressed, She walked over and placed her parrots in with them... After a few minutes, The female parrots cried out in unison: Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?' There was stunned silence... Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and says 'Put the beads away, Frank, Our prayers have been answered!

7. Donations received for the Central Charities and the Charter Challenge

Central Charities

RNA – Sleaford £1,000.00 In memory of Lionel Lumley £100.00

Naval Service Memorial RNA – Uttoxeter £50.00 RNA – Folkestone £40.00

J Stevens £15.00 Charities Trust £4.44 R Morris £5.00 Alma Kent £40.00 Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School £100.00

‘In memory of the late.... In memory of Mrs BJ Dorrell £55.55 In memory of Eric Freeman £150.00 In memory of Edgar Charles Hawkins £335.25

Thank you very much for your continued support.

8. RN VC Series - Rear Admiral Basil Charles Godfrey Place VC CB CVO DSC.

Godfrey Place was born in Little Malvern Worcestershire on 19 July 1921 and served in the Royal Navy from 1935 until 1970 leaving in the rank of Rear Admiral . He crossed the bar on 27 December 1994 aged 73.

Godfrey was awarded the Victoria Cross whilst commanding the midget submarine X7. On 22 September 1943 his submarine along with sister boat X6 carried out a most daring and successful attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz in Kafjord North Norway. The citation is as follows;

ADMIRALTY. Whitehall. 22nd February, 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS for valour to:

Lieutenant Basil Charles Godfrey Place, D.S.C., Royal Navy.

Lieutenant Donald Cameron, R.N.R.

Lieutenants Place and Cameron were the Commanding Officers of two of His Majesty's Midget Submarines X 7 and X 6 which on 22nd September 1943 carried out a most daring and successful attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz, moored in the protected anchorage of Kaafiord, North Norway.

To reach the anchorage necessitated the penetration of an enemy minefield and a passage of fifty miles up the fiord, known to be vigilantly patrolled by the enemy and to be guarded by nets, gun defences and listening posts, this after a passage of at least a thousand miles from base.

Having successfully eluded all these hazards and entered the fleet anchorage, Lieutenants Place and Cameron, with a complete disregard for danger, worked their small craft past the close anti-submarine and torpedo nets surrounding the Tirpitz, and from a position inside these nets, carried out a cool and determined attack.

Whilst they were still inside the nets a fierce enemy counter attack by guns and depth charges developed which made their withdrawal impossible. Lieutenants Place and Cameron therefore scuttled their craft to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy. Before doing so they took every measure to ensure the safety of their crews, the majority of whom, together with themselves, were subsequently taken prisoner.

In the course of the operation these very small craft pressed home their attack to the full, in doing so accepting all the dangers inherent in such vessels and facing every possible hazard which ingenuity could devise for the protection in harbour of vitally important Capital Ships.

The courage, endurance and utter contempt for danger in the immediate face of the enemy shown by Lieutenants Place and Cameron during this determined and successful attack were supreme.

Incredibly Godfrey Place was awarded the Polish Cross of Valour for his service as liaison officer in the Polish submarine ORP Sokół and the Distinguished Service Cross for his role in the sinking of the Italian submarine Guglielmotti by HMS Unbeaten off Sicily in March 1942.[2][3]

In 1950, he took the unusual step for a submariner of transferring to the Fleet Air Arm, training as a pilot and gaining his "wings" in 1952. Later that year he saw action in the Korean War, flying the Sea Fury in 801 Squadron from the deck of the carrier HMS Glory.

9. Finance Corner

Dear Shipmates

Year End Returns 2014 They are still 14 Branches and 1 Area who have not submitted their accounts to HQ for 2014. Can I please ask for a copy to be returned to HQ ASAP. They are:

Area 1 – Area 1 Area 2 - RNA Isle of Sheppey, Area 6 - RNA High Wycombe, RNA Swindon, Area 8 - RNA B’ham Cotteridge, RNA B’ham Shard End, RNA Bloxwich Area 10 - RNA Kendal, RNA Todmorden, RNA Birkenhead, Area 11 - RNA Barnsley, RNA Redcar, RNA Stockton, RNA Scarborough Area 12 - RNA Banbridge

Please note the Year End Returns as per the Rules & Bye-Laws Page 40 B19, (c) should normally be returned to HQ by the 30 April 2015. If you have any queries regarding your Year End Returns, please do not hesitate to contact Rita or myself.

Year End Returns 2015 You will find the appropriate forms at the rear of the Circular, along with your Branch / Area Officers Information forms. Again, please note the Year End Returns as per the Rules & Bye-Laws Page 40 B19, (c) should normally be returned to HQ by the 30 April 2016.

Donations I think the RNA deserves a BZ for the amount of Branch Donations that have been provided to various charities in the financial years 2013 and 2014, listed below;

2014 2013

Sea Cadets £20,198.00 £13,654.94 Welfare £12,558.00 £2,310.28 NSM £7,627.00 £2,717.25 RBL £7,489.00 £5,272.12 RNBT £5,235.00 £4,508.49 Help for Heroes £3,953.00 £1,764.25 RNRMC £3,472.00 £824.22 Pembroke House £2,385.00 £750.00 RNLI £2,310.00 £772.00 SSAFA £2,275.00 £3,109.20 Blind Veterans £620.84 £5,948.12 Air Ambulance £971.00 £2,386.81 Seafarers UK £1,215.55 £1,320.00

If you are unsure as which Charities Branches can donate too please contact us here at the HQr.

Membership Returns 2016

Secretaries and Treasurers are reminded that the Membership Forms for 2016 have been forwarded with this edition of the Semaphore Circular and are also available at the Website. Also please note that all Subscriptions should be returned along with payment to HQ by the 30 April 2016. Thank you.

Payment up front The FAC has decided that with effect from 1st January 2016 Branches will no longer be allowed to charge Slops and Membership to their Branch Account. Branches will therefore be required to forward payment prior to purchasing Slops & Memberships. However, Branches may opt to pre-load their accounts with a sum of money which they may then charge against. If you would like to choose this option please contact Michelle. Sadly the FAC implemented this decision after it was revealed in the Management Figures that currently the RNA Debtors report (what branches owe to HQ) is £29,000.00

Well, Shipmates, since this is the last Circular for this year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you all next year.

Yours Aye Michelle

10. Hillbillies Joke

Two hillbillies walk into a restaurant. While having a bite to eat, they talk about their moonshine operation. Suddenly, a woman at a nearby table, who is eating a sandwich, begins to cough. After a minute or so, it becomes apparent that she is in real distress.

One of the hillbillies looks at her and says, "Kin ya swallar?" The woman shakes her head no. Then he asks, "Kin ya breathe?" The woman begins to turn blue, and shakes her head no.

The Hillbilly walks over to the woman, lifts up her dress, yanks down her drawers, and quickly gives her right butt cheek a lick with his tongue. The woman is so shocked that she has a violent spasm, and the obstruction flies out of her mouth. As she begins to breathe again, the Hillbilly walks slowly back to his table.

Wait For it...... Standby all you First Aiders......

His brother said, "Ya know, I'd heerd of that there Hind Lick Maneuver but I ain't niver seed nobody do it!"

11. Shipmate William Robinson

S/M William Robinson, an HQ Role Member, aged 95, has very kindly sent me a copy of the letter he received from the French Ambassador awarding him the;

‘Ordre national de la Legion d’honneur’ in the rank of Chaevalier.

I feel certain that Shipmates would very interested to view the letter which can be seen opposite;

I am sure all Shipmates would like us to say on their behalf very many congratulations on your thoroughly deserved award BZ

12. Insurance

RNA/CONA Branch Insurance

The policy has been tailored to meet the needs of RNA/CONA members located in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The policy covers the following range of activities:-

 RNA/CONA branch meetings  Collections in local towns  Parading of standards  Fundraising events not exceeding 500 persons in support of RNA/CONA

Working with Ansvar, a specialist charity insurer, Coleman’s have created an insurance policy at a very competitive premium based on three core covers:-

 Public Liability cover with a limit of £5,000,000.  Employer’s Liability cover with a limit of £10,000,000.  Money - cover is provided for £2,000 in Transit and £1,000 in a safe

The total cost for the three sections of cover is less than £100.

For further information and to obtain a quotation please click on the following link:- http://www.thecolemangroup.co.uk/coleman-insurance-brokers/organisation-specific/cona Discounted Home Insurance Coleman’s have negotiated a 15% home insurance premium discount with Ansvar for all RNA/CONA members, including associate members.

Get a quote online in less than five minutes.

Ansvar’s Home Connect Lifestyle Insurance policy is especially designed to appeal to individuals who are closely linked to the not-for-profit sector and provides additional covers not normally found in other home policies:-

 Trustees Indemnity up to £10,000 if you are a trustee of a registered or recognised charity  Accidental loss of charity money up to £1,000 held by you on behalf of a registered or recognised charity  Personal Accident cover of £5,000 for death or permanent total disablement while undertaking voluntary charity work  Voluntary giving protection up to £1,000 to cover regular charitable donations in the event of unemployment (not for the first 6 months of a new policy)

For further information and to obtain a quotation please click on the following link:- http://www.thecolemangroup.co.uk/coleman-insurance-brokers/organisation-specific/cona

13. HQ Open Days 2016

Last year HQ hosted 5 Open days attended by Shipmates from the following Branches; Dublin RNA, Christchurch, Ferndown, Lee on the Solent and Stubbington, Exeter, Selsey, Alresford, Birmingham Central, Rayleigh, Chesham, Peterborough, Swindon, Corby, Marlborough and Hemel Hempstead. A fantastic time was had by all. The programme for the day includes a tour of HQ, lunch in Semaphore Tower and 1 hour Boat tour of the Harbour, which includes all the major

RN sites around the harbour and many now with other uses.

It would be lovely to see Branches from further afield so If you would like to come down and stay a couple of days or overnight in the Portsmouth area to visit the other Naval attractions please contact HQ who will ensure CONA Holiday service seek out the best priced accommodation.

This year the Open Days will be held on the following dates;

Friday 08 Apr 2016 Friday 13 May 2016

Friday 01 July 2016 Friday 19 August 2016 Friday 07 October 2016

Branches who would like attend should apply to HQ. Bookings will be accepted on a first come first serve basis with the caveat that a Branch that has never been will be treated as a priority.

14. Riddle for the more mature Shipmate......

You are on a Horse, galloping at a constant speed.

On your right side is a sharp drop-off.

On your left side is an Elephant travelling at the same speed as you.

Directly in front of you is a galloping Kangaroo and your Horse is unable to overtake it.

Behind you is a Lion running at the same speed as you and the Kangaroo.

What must you do to get out of this highly dangerous situation ?

Answer at rear of Circular

15. Can you Assist Please

Is there any Shipmate who may be able to help S/M William Entwhistle obtain a photograph of HMS Irwell. If so, William can be contacted at 8, Irene Street, Burnley BB10 4DJ

16. Order Forms for Diaries, Christmas Cards and Calenders.

Shipmates are reminded that the order forms for RNA Diaries, Christmas Cards and our brand spanking new His and Hers Diaries can be found at the rear of this Edition.

17. Heads Up - Battle of the Atlantic by Jonathon Dimbleby ( Penguin Books ISBN: 9780241186602)

A MESSAGE FROM JONATHAN DIMBLEBY

Dear Royal Naval Members,

You will, I am sure have your own strong sense of the crucial role played by the Royal Navy in the Second World War and the extraordinary resolve required of those men who served their country in dangerous seas during those long grim years. They not only endured conditions which terrified even the most hardened mariners but lived always with the fear that a German torpedo might send them and their ship to the bottom. Britain's very survival depended on them - on the safe escort of merchant ships across the oceans: I am in awe of what they achieved.

In The Battle of the Atlantic, I also describe the tenacity of those who fought against them, marauding perilously through the ocean in the Kriegsmarine's U-boats. I focus too on those who shaped the course of the conflict on both sides - the Admirals and their political leaders in London, Washington, Berlin and Moscow; on the bitter struggles not only between but within the high commands; and, particularly, on the stand-off between the Air Ministry and the Admiralty which led the loss of many lives and ships and - unnecessarily - prolonged the battle in the Atlantic.

Without the Royal Navy, Britain would have been strangled and the outcome of the Second World would have been very different. The Battle of the Atlantic is about a great naval, political and human drama. It was an epic struggle. I hope it is a gripping read.

Jonathan Dimbleby, October, 2015

*** Please e-mail Andy or Nigel if you would like to read an electronic extract from the book***

18. Battle of Coronel and Falkland Islands 1914.

I am sure Shipmates will be interested in the article below kindly sent in by Shipmate Francis Higgins from Cheshunt Branch. S/M Francis commented that he is a great enthusiast of Royal Naval history, and reasonably knowledgeable or so he thought until three years ago when asked if he had heard of the Battle of Coronel in 1914. Much to his embarrassment he had not and even worse he was asked by a former Percy Pongo! Mr Brian Street a former gunnery instructor, armourer and Sergeant Major in the Irish Fusiliers.

However, the reason Brain Street was well briefed was that his Grandad, whom sadly he had never had the opportunity to meet, Stoker 1st Class William Street, had died in action onboard HMS Good Hope on 1st November 1914 during the battle with the German Fleet. S/m Francis thought it important that Shipmates knew the history of these Battles in the South Pacific and Atlantic in late 1914 and so forward the article below.

The Battle of Coronel, 1914 – 1st November 1914 The naval battle off the coast of central Chile, at Coronel, galvanised the British admiralty into action once news of the complete destruction of Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock's squadron by German Admiral Spee filtered through. The Royal Navy, with Japanese assistance, had spent months searching for the German East Asiatic commerce-raiding squadron known to be operating under Admiral Spee in the Pacific Spee having moved from far eastern waters once Japan entered the war on Britain's side, without success.

News came through to the British - from an intercepted radio communication - in early October revealing details of a plan devised by Spee to prey upon shipping in the crucial trading routes along the west coast of South America. Patrolling South America at that time was Admiral Cradock's West Indies Squadron, which consisted of two armoured cruisers, HMS Good Hope (Cradock's flagship) and HMS Monmouth, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow, and a converted ex-liner, HMS Otranto.

Cradock's fleet was by no means modern or particularly strong, and certainly ill-matched when set against Spee's formidable force of five vessels, led by the armoured cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau plus a further three light cruisers, Leipzig, Nurnberg and Dresden, all modern, efficient ships. Nevertheless he was ordered to deal with Spee.

On 18 October Spee, having heard of the solo existence of the Glasgow, set off with all five warships from Valparaiso with the intention of destroying it.

Cradock, who was aware that his shipping was outgunned by Spee's, had meanwhile been waiting in the hope of naval reinforcements. In the event the Admiralty dispatched only the Defence - an armoured cruiser, HMS Canopus - an elderly battleship, the latter sent from London. Neither reached Cradock before battle unexpectedly commenced on 1 November 1914.

Eventually deciding that he could wait no longer for the delayed reinforcements, Cradock determined to sail from the Falkland Islands to a predetermined rendezvous point with the Glasgow at Coronel, the latter having been sent there to gather intelligence.

At this point the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill, in London issued orders to Cradock on 28th October instructing him to halt, pending possible reinforcement from the Japanese navy. It is a moot point as to whether Cradock actually received Churchill's instructions; in any event he shortly afterwards ordered his squadron to adopt an attacking formation.

For Cradock had received word, again via intercepted radio signal on 31 October that Leipzig - the slowest light cruiser in Spee's fleet - was in the area. He promptly ordered his squadron north to cut it off and instead found himself confronting Spee's entire force the following day at around 4.30pm. Unbeknown to the Craddock, “Leipzig” was the radio transmit code for the German fleet.

At this stage it is probable that the British force could have escaped by sailing towards Canopus, then some 300 miles to the south; with the failing light Spee would most likely have lost contact

19 with the British squadron. Instead Cradock chose to stay and fight; however he ordered Otranto to break formation and flee.

With the seas difficult (to the disadvantage of the British) Spee reacted by moving his faster vessels out of Cradock's firing range; at sunset - 7pm - with the moon clearly silhouetting Cradock's fleet, he began to shell the latter's force, with Scharnhorst's third salvo crippling the flagship Good Hope; both Good Hope and Monmouth were destroyed shortly afterwards, Monmouth under repeated battering.

There were no survivors in either vessel, Cradock himself going down with the Good Hope. A total of 1643 men were lost in total. Those aboard the Good Hope were still not battle ready, conscripts and reservists for the main part. and were still working together to becoming a fighting force. Glasgow and Otranto both escaped (although the former suffered five strikes). Spee's own fleet had suffered little damage, and sailed thereafter to Valparaiso to a rapturous welcome from the local German population.

Once news of the scale of the British defeat, and its consequent humiliation, reached the British Admiralty in London a decision was quickly taken to assemble a huge naval force under Admiral Sir Frederick Sturdee. This was promptly dispatched to destroy Spee's force: which it subsequently did, at the Battle of the Falkland Islands.

The Battle of the Falkland Islands, 1914 – 8th December 1914

Fresh from his success at the Battle of Coronel, off the southern coast of Chile, where the Germans outgunned the British, sinking British Admiral Cradock's flagship in the process, Admiral Graf Maximilian von Spee's East Asiatic Squadron (pictured opposite The German squadron leaving Valparaiso on 3 November 1914 after the battle, SMS Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in the lead, and SMS Nürnberg following. In the middle distance are the Chilean cruisers Esmeralda, O'Higgins and Blanco Encalada,

and old Chilean battleship Capitán Prat) - whose primary target was merchant and troop shipping in the South Atlantic - sped towards Port Stanley, in the Falkland Islands. His intention was to raid the British radio station and coaling depot there.

Unbeknownst to Spee however, a British squadron, including two fast, modern battle cruisers, Invincible and Inflexible, were at that same time coaling at Port Stanley, sent by First Sea Lord Admiral Fisher to reverse the British defeat at Coronel.

Each of the British battle cruisers were fitted with eight 12-inch guns, whereas Spee's Scharnhorst and Gneisenau each had 8.2-inch guns. In short, the British cruisers were significantly more powerful than Spee's - and Invincible and Inflexible were accompanied at Port Stanley by six other cruisers, all under the command of Vice Admiral Sturdee. These were the armoured cruisers Carnarvon, Cornwall and Kent; two light cruisers, Bristol and Glasgow; and an old vessel, Canopus, presently grounded at Port Stanley and used as a form of make- shift fortress.

Spee began his attack on 8 December 1914, intending to subsequently refuel north at the Plate Estuary. Whilst aware of shipping in the area, he mistakenly assumed them to belong to the Japanese navy.

With his crew battle-weary and his ships outgunned, the outcome was seemingly inevitable. Realising his danger too late - and having missed the golden opportunity to shell Sturdee's fleet while in port - Spee and his squadron dashed for the open sea, but at 10am were pursued by the British. Realising that he could not hope to outrun the fast British battle cruisers, Spee decided to bring about an engagement just after 1.20pm.

Despite initial success by Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in striking the HMS Invincible, commanded by Edward Bingham, and in then resuming a hasty escape, Sturdee managed to bring his powerful cruisers within extreme firing range some forty minutes later.

Four German cruisers were sunk, with Spee's flagship Scharnhorst sinking rapidly first, followed by Gneisenau, Nurnberg and Leipzig.

Ten British sailors died during the battle, while none of the British ships were badly damaged. However 2200 German sailors were killed or drowned in the encounter.

The only German ship to escape was the light cruiser Dresden, which roamed at large for a further three months before its captain surrendered off the Juan Fernandez Islands on 14 March. Evacuating his ship, he then scuttled it by detonating its main ammunition magazine.

As a consequence of the battle, German commerce raiding on the high seas was brought to an end. Just as significantly, Sturdee's success was taken as a tremendous morale booster by the British, entirely reversing the earlier setback at Coronel.

19. TV Series – ‘100 Year Old Drivers’

ITV is about to start filming series 3 of ITV’s ‘100 Year Old Drivers’ and we are looking to speak to anyone in their mid-eighties or aged 90+ who still drives and would be interested in speaking with us.

Are you one of the 70,000 drivers in Britain in their Mid- Eighties or better still in their 90’s?

Can you remember what driving was like when roads were policed by ‘courtesy cops’ and the M1 didn’t even exist! If so – ITV would really love to hear from you they would love to discuss how driving in the United Kingdom has changed over the years and how it compares to driving now.

If this sounds like you or someone you know then please call us on 0207 013 4514 or by email at [email protected]

20. Recognition Training......

This unusual shot was taken at the Inner Camber Dock in Old Portsmouth.

It features a mystery Corvette being pulled astern from Vosper’s Yard. Can anyone name the Ship and the year? Answer is at the rear of the Circular.

21. Defence Discount Service Card

Shipmate Wayne Robbins, who is an HQ Role Member, is also Managing Director of the Griffin Group who specialise in car sales. He would like to let Shipmates know that he has agreed with the Defence Discount Service (DDS) that Griffin Group will accept a Royal Naval Association ID card as proof of past, or present, Royal Navy service. This will entitle members to obtain a DDS Card for £4.99, which will then give them the discounts we have on our cars, which are substantial, as well as giving them discounts on items from a lot of high street stores and on-line companies.

For information the Griffin Group Defence Discount Service website can be found at this link; www.ddscars.co.uk

22. Shipmate Jokes

Our thanks to Shipmate S Jenner from London for forwarding these jokes......

Two RN Shipmates talking to each other whilst on Shore Leave... One says to the other “I am getting married soon in Texas” His Oppo replies “Congratulations, but why Texas – That’s Cowboy country”?!?

The first Shipmate says “ I know it is Cowboy country, I chose it so I can make my wait for it...... Inlaws – Outlaws” Boom Boom!!

All Hands on Deck the Captain yelled to his crew..... I put mine on and he trod on them!!!! Do you get it!

23. Maritime Books Ltd - Book Reviews

All the books mentioned below are available from Maritime Books Ltd at www.navybooks.com

THE BRITISH CARRIER STRIKE FLEET After 1945 : David Hobbs

In 1945 the most powerful fleet in the Royal Navy's history was centred on nine aircraft carriers. This book charts the post war fortunes of this potent strike force - its decline in the face of diminishing resources and its recent resurrection in the form of the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, the largest ships ever built for the Royal Navy and due to become fully operational in 2020. After 1945 British carrier borne aircraft were employed, almost continuously, in numerous conflicts as from Korea to the South Atlantic and beyond. This book covers operations with analysis of the strategic and political background. It is an important book of renewed significance as Britain and the Royal Navy once again embraces carrier aviation. Published – November 2015 RRP: £35.00

THE BRITISH BATTLESHIP 1906 – 1946: Norman Friedman

Norman Friedman's latest book covers the development of Royal Navy capital ships, including battlecruisers, from the pre-history of the Dreadnought of 1906 to HMS VANGUARD in 1946. Heavily illustrated with many rare and unusual photographs, the attraction of the book is further enhanced by plans specially commissioned from expert draughtsmen like A D Baker III and John Roberts, a section featuring the original Admiralty draughts includes a spectacular double gatefold. This work is a major contribution to the field and one that every warship enthusiast should read. Published October 2015 RRP: £45.00

THE SILENT DEEP Peter Hennessy & James Jinks

The 'must read' book for anyone interested in Royal Navy submarine operations since WWII. Even today, the Ministry of Defence responds to all enquiries about submarines with a phrase: "The MoD does not comment on submarine operations." Written with unprecedented access to classified documents, patrol reports, serving and retired personnel. If you served in submarines, worked with submarines or ever wondered what submarines did and do; this book is for you. Covers operational patrols from early diesel boats to sophisticated Swiftsure and Trafalgar Class submarines and includes a comprehensive overview of the Continuous at

Sea Deterrent (CASD) policy and practice. The authors, both eminent historians, cover the ground thoroughly but with a light touch and glimpses of humour that brings to life the world of submariners in ‘The Silent Deep’. Published October 2015 RRP £30.00 MBL price £25.00

Maritime Books Ltd Publications

US Navy Warships & Auxiliaries: Steve Bush

Steve Bush is the author of the annual British Warships and Auxiliaries and here brings his usual attention to detail to focus on the US Navy – the largest and most powerful navy in the world. Now in its third edition the book does not present itself as an encyclopeadic work – it is intended as a book that fits easily into a rucsac or a camera bag. Handy and available for quick reference it conveys the flavor of the vessels of the current and future fleet and covers all the major classes of US Navy warships and principal auxiliaries. Anyone interested in the US Navy would find this a useful primer,

those working with the US Navy or at sea in the vicinity of the US Navy would want to have a copy of this on the bridge. Published December 2014 RRP: £12.99

County Class Guided Missile Destroyers: Neil McCart

Sea Slug medium range ship to air missile, Sea Cat short range sea to air missile – names and weapons from the past; but they were once the future. To those that served in the 60s the introduction of the County Class Destroyers was the start of a new age. The first ships to join the fleet armed with guided weapons even their appearance was a revelation. Sleek, clean and steamlined they were designed to facilitate pre-wetting systems should they be required to steam through radioactive fall out. A dedicated chapter for each ship gives the book its shape – eight chapters each covering the build, acceptance, commissioning and work up into operational service. Each ships operational history is covered in detail as well as their eventual disposal to other navies or to scrap. This is a book for all that served in these iconic ships who want to touch base with their past. Published December 2014 RRP: £25.00 – MBL Price £20.00

Loch Class Frigates: Patrick Boniface

Built in response to the exigencies of war and the Battle of the Atlantic the Loch Class frigates were among the best anti submarine vessels produced for the Royal Navy during WWII. Revolutionary in that they used pre- fabrication techniques to speed construction and reduce the risk from enemy attack by using multiple and dispersed construction sites. 110 ships were projected, but only 28 built. Although designed primarily for anti submarine work the frigates proved themselves more than capable of long distance patrols in isolated and remote regions. Many Lochs went onto to serve long

24 deployments in the Persian Gulf and Indian Oceans. The ships proved popular with Commonwealth nations with three serving with the South African Navy and six with the New Zealand Navy. The book is structured along the familiar Maritime Books ‘Class’ lines with a chapter devoted to each ship, their operational history and eventual fate. The books is an interesting read covering the duties and tasks of one the Royal Navy’s workhorse ships – it also acts as a useful book of reference for anyone interested in this period of the Royal Navy. Published October 2013 RRP: 25.00 MBL price £12.50

24. Can you Assist?

HQ received the following request for assistance;

Dear Shipmates,

My name is Jeff Stewart and I currently live in Melbourne, Australia. My father was a Yeoman of Signals working in RNB Chatham when he sadly died in May, 1958. After he passed away my mother, brother and I emigrated to Australia in 1977 where we now live. Mum passed away in 1997. Dad was a boy entrant and entered HMS GANGES in 1946. He qualified as a Signalman and served in the following Ships and Establishments at home and abroad. Dad’s service number was: CJX.661371

HMS GANGES – Under training. –1946 - 1948 HMS TRIUMPH, HMS DIADEM, HMS SUPERB 1948 – 1950 HMS PRESIDENT 1951 MMS 35 – 1952 HMS BIRMINGHAM – 1953 – 1954 HMS VIDAL – 1955 HMS PHOENICIA (MALTA) 1956 – 1957 (Accompanied) HMS PEMBROKE (RNB CHATHAM) 1958

We are trying to find anyone who knew my Dad and anything about him. My brother and I were quite young when he passed away. He originated from Manchester and all I know is that he was a good bloke, because my Mum never remarried and always loved him. Does anyone have any memories to share? Did my Dad have a favourite football team, favourite drink, good sense of humour.

My grateful thanks, I will answer all calls. Yours aye, Jeff Stewart

Please contact: Jeff STEWART – email: [email protected] Telephone: 0061432530080 Address: PO Box 187 Yarra Junction, Melbourne 3797, Australia.

25. How about this for Retirement Planning

26. Carrier Update

Shipmates will be very interested to read the update provided by Rear Admiral Henry Parker , Director Ships Acquistion (MOD), on HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales.

It has been a very busy 6 months in the history Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) carriers programme since I last sent you an update. I couldn’t possibly cover all the achievements but here are a few “highlights”.

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH

Smoking Permitted: At the beginning of June, smoke rose for the first time from the funnels of HMS Queen Elizabeth as the ship

26 produced power from her onboard Diesel Generators (DG). The ship had undergone months of preparation work to start the first of her four Wärtsilä diesel engines, which are directly coupled to the General Electric (GE) generators. Together, each power unit weighs approximately 200 tonnes – the weight of two Boeing 757 aircraft.

The DG sets will be the main cruising engines for the ship, but when higher speed is required, two MT30 Gas Turbine Alternators (GTAs) will also be used. When both the DG and GTAs are deployed, the ship will produce 109MW. Each DG has an independent fuel system to supply 7600 & 10200 litres of diesel per hour at full power and the engines create around 95db of noise which is like being stood 5m away from a working chainsaw. At the end of the month I accompanied Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Procurement, as he officially switched on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Diesel Generators.

Eyes Wide Open:

At the end of July a major milestone for the programme was achieved as the ship’s Long Range Radar (LRR) began transmitting and rotating and thus forming a picture of the air traffic around her. Once started up, the LRR immediately started tracking aircraft as they approached Glasgow airport as well as transatlantic traffic to and from the rest of the UK. When the ship is at sea the LRR will have a range of 400km.

The first parts of the Visual Surveillance System (VSS) were set to work in September, allowing live video of remote machinery spaces to be displayed in the operations room. When fully operational this system will allow video from any of hundreds of cameras around the ship to be displayed at key command centres and other compartments. These include internal cameras monitoring engine and machinery spaces; cameras covering the magazines; external cameras overseeing the area around the hull; and pan tilt and zoom cameras that will focus in on areas of concern. There are also cameras with audio feeds observing key spaces such as the bridge and operations room.

A cutting-edge radar system, capable of detecting objects as small as a tennis ball and travelling at three times the speed of sound more than 25Km away, was successfully installed on the Aft Island of HMS Queen Elizabeth in late September. The Artisan 3D radar system will be used to deliver air traffic management, providing the ship with unparalleled awareness and control of the skies around her. The installation marks a major milestone in the preparation for sea trials. The radar can monitor more than 800 objects simultaneously from 200 to 200,000 metres away and cut through radio interference equal to 10,000 mobile phone signals. It will deliver uncompromising air defence and anti-ship operations.

Powering up:

Power & Propulsion (P&P) is another area where considerable progress is being made. On the 23rd of October

27 the aft GTA started up for the first time with the forward GTA following soon after on the 4th November. The team worked through a number of challenges to achieve these significant milestones while not taking their collective eyes off the ball as they prepared to load test the four diesel generators (DGs). Having tested the modified fresh watercooling system on DG1 (forward), the team progressed to successfully trial that DG at 110% load for the first time. Elsewhere in the P&P programme, on the 29th October the first propulsion motor was turned (motor four on the port-side) for the first time using the ship’s own HV power. Slightly more visible for anyone walking around the starboard side of HMS Queen Elizabeth is that the forward aircraft lift has been moved half-way to the ‘maintenance position’. All these elements are strong reminders that the programme is rushing towards HMS Queen Elizabeth being ready to go to sea.

HMS PRINCE OF WALES

A Very Busy Spring:

It was a hectic May for the Prince of Wales team in Rosyth. On Sunday 10 May the forward island, a crucial component of the ship, containing the main bridge and around 100 vital mission systems compartments was lifted on to HMS Prince of Wales. There then followed the demanding alignment of the 2.4 metre diameter gas turbine exhausts which were pre-fitted in the island and below in the ship superstructure. The forward island, already has all consoles installed, as well as 66,000m of cables, 2,622m of pipes and 500m ventilation. The very next week, on 15 May, the ship’s bow was attached. This allowed the upper section –VB05/06 to be lifted into position on 29 May.

Big is Beautiful:

We welcomed the largest section of the second carrier to Rosyth on Friday 21st August following its voyage from Glasgow. Lower Block 04 contains the hangar, machinery space, mission systems compartments and accommodation. The massive hull section was an impressive sight as it sailed under the Forth Bridges. The block is not only the largest section of HMS Prince of Wales, it is also the largest section of carrier of all (weighing 11,200 tonnes) due to the more advanced level of outfitting with which it was delivered.

Farewell Cammell Laird – BZ:

The final sections of Centre Block 04 arrived in Rosyth at the beginning of September following its departure from the Cammell Laird yard on Merseyside on 29 August. Cammell Laird have,

28 over the last five years, fabricated and outfitted nine flight deck units for HMS Queen Elizabeth, and six flight deck units for HMS Prince of Wales.

On the Skids:

On Friday 9 October more than 30,000 tonnes of the forward half of the ship was mechanically skidded back in the drydock to meet LB04. This feat of precision engineering saw the forward half of the ship moved back 17 metres on a specialised hydraulic skidding system. This resulted in a perfect joining of the two halves of the ship, with less than a 3mm tolerance down the centre line. The operation is believed to be a record within the UK in terms of the weight of ship being skidded. Welding the two sections of the ship together allows all of the pipework and the 3.2 million metres of electrical cable to be connected by the outfitting teams, ahead of commissioning.

Just a day earlier LB05, the last hull section to be completed by the build yards for QEC, began its journey to Rosyth from Govan. Only Govan and Rosyth remain part of the programme and UB14 (Aft Island), due to arrive Rosyth in early December, will complete the Govan participation in QEC programme.

Powering Up(2):

On Friday 30 October the installation of the second MT30 GTA into HMS Prince of Wales took place. Generating 36 megawatts (around 50,000 horsepower), the Rolls-Royce MT30 is the world’s most power-dense Marine Gas Turbine, a key feature for naval ships where high power occupying minimum space is essential.

And Finally

Moving forward, the coming year will see HMS Prince of Wales structurally complete and the arrival of the first of her ship’s company. On HMS Queen Elizabeth it will be all hands to action stations as we prepare for the first staff moving onboard and sea trials towards the end of the year. I will update you on all these activities in the new year

Yours Aye,

Henry Parker

RNA Longcast

2015 05 Dec National Council 24 Dec – 4 Jan HQ Closed for Christmas and New Year 2016 6 Feb Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Harwich 13 Feb AMC Meeting 20 Feb FAC Meeting 28 Feb National Arboretum – 1991 Gulf War Memorial unveiling 4 Mar SOC (Consider Motions 12 Mar National Council Meeting 19 Mar Welfare Seminar – Crown Hotel Weymouth 8 Apr HQ Open Day 7 May National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood 7 May Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Beccles 13 May HQ Open Day 10 Jun SOC 10 Jun AMC Meeting 10 Jun FAC Meeting 10 Jun National Council Meeting 11-12 Jun National Conference 12 Jun SOC (Conference Wash Up) 01 Jul HQ Open Day 1 Aug HMS Queen Elizabeth departs Rosyth for Portsmouth (exact date TBC) 6 Aug Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Southend on Sea 19 Aug HQ Open Day 20 Aug AMC Meeting 26 Aug FAC Meeting 10 Sep National Council Meeting 7 Oct HQ Open Day 22 Oct Lee on the Solent & Stubbington Trafalgar Dinner – (DNP GofH) 5 Nov Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Harwich 19 Nov AMC Meeting 26 Nov FAC Meeting 10 Dec National Council Meeting

D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches

RNA Lee on the Solent and Stubbington

Lee/Stubb Branch held a Charity Concert in conjunction with the HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band in Holy Rood Church Stubbington on Friday 20 November. A number of VIPs attended including the Mayor and Mayoress of Fareham, Councillor Mike Ford and his lovely wife Anne Ford, the Managing Director of Quirepace Innovation in Vacuum and Conveying Technology Les Jury and his wife Joy, Cdr Heather Rimmer the Commander Training Support at HMS

COLLINGWOOD and Shipmate Robin Tubbs, President of Area 3 and his lovely wife Molly.

The event was also brilliantly supported by TS Tormentor Sea Cadet Unit in Warsash. The Cadets, who were extremely smart, ‘piped’ the guests of honour into the church and escorted them to their seats. They were a credit to their unit.

The Band were as ever fabulous playing a wide range of popular music. Shipmates had forgotten how many tunes they knew from

‘My Fair Lady’ and are still humming them four days later. It goes without saying that without the support of HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band under the direction of ‘Trained Thriller’ - Colour Sergeant Richard Sharp RM there would not be a concert.

The branch would like to publically thank Less Jury for his continued support particulary for financial backing of the charity concert and talking of finances the concert raised over £440 for the LeeStubb Charity Chest which will go to Naval Charities.

RNA Littlehampton Branch

Littlehampton Branch Shipmates held their Trafalgar Lunch on Wednesday 21st October at the Arun View Inn, Wharf Road, Littlehampton. 25 Members were in attendance and the Guest of Honour was Captain Stuart Ginnaw who is the Chief of Staff for the Nautical Training Corps. Members enjoyed a first class meal which was prepared and served by the Pub managers Paul and Yvonne. The Traditional Loyal toast to The Queen and short speeches were provided by Branch Chairman S/M David Lawrie and the guest Captain Ginnaw all washed down with a tot or two and lots of ‘dits’ were spun and many Naval memories recalled.

RNA Paddock Wood Branch

Paddock Wood Branch held their Trafalgar Night Dinner at Poult Wood Golf Club on 16 October which, also coincided with the Branch's 30th birthday. The evening was a tremendous success with everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. The Branch Members would like to say BZ and a huge thank you too Sam and Neil Moore for all the hard work they put in to make it such a great event, again.

Branch President, Shipmate Roy Podd and Branch Chairman, Colin Rickard aka ‘The Glums’ are seen supporting the Branch Standard. Apparently they really did have a super evening.

RNA Warwick Branch

The ‘at the beginning’ and ‘end’ photos attached show the current Branch Chairman Shipmate Derek Fletcher in his role as newly retired Assistant Sgt at Mace in which he served for 36 years 1979 to 2015. (Editors Note - I am sure that deserves a BZ )

Sadly due to an ‘Operator Error’ the photos that accompanied this article disappeared prior to publishing!!.. So here they are (Eds Note; I think you will agree that the ‘at the beginning’ picture looks like an Album cover for a 70’s prog rock band!)

RNA Lincoln Branch

Lincoln Branch wish to let Shipmates know how well supported the branch was by the local Sea Cadet Unit, TS Wrangler, and the Royal Naval Element from RAF Waddington over the recent Remembrance week-end. Our Standard Bearer, S/M Mike Williams, was recovering from a total hip replacement on his port side and was therefore unable to fill the commitments over the Remembrance week-end. On Saturday, the ex- service Associations hold a wreath laying and commemoration service at the city's war memorial on the High Street, this engagement was fulfilled on our behalf by a Cadet Petty Officer from TS Wrangler. The Sunday Remembrance Service commitment was met by a volunteer from the RNE serving at RAF Waddington. As soon as he heard the Branch may not be able to have its Standard present at the Service, LS(TS)(SM) Simon 'Robbie' Roberts volunteered his services in order that the commitment could be met. The Waddington RN team are always in attendance at the event but this is the first time that one of them had taken an active part in proceedings other than the SNO Waddington, Cdr Dave Hewitt, who lays the RN wreath during the Service. The Branch would like to publicly acknowledge the support given to us by our affiliated SCC Unit, TS Wrangler and the RN Element from Waddington during our hour of need. I'm pleased to report the Mike is recovering well and should be back at work alongside the RN at Waddington in a few weeks.

RNA Dublin Branch

On Friday 23 October, 95 Shipmates and their guests from Dublin Branch RNA sat down for the Branch's Annual Trafalgar Night Dinner, at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. The Dining Room of the Yacht Club was filled to capacity, on what was the largest dinner ever held by the Branch. This year, the Branch were delighted to welcome Lt Cdr Andy Christie RN, Deputy General Secretary of the RNA, as guest speaker. In attendance at the Dinner was also Mrs Gina Christie, H.E. The British Ambassador to Ireland and Branch Member, Shipmate Dominick Chilcott, with his wife Jane, the British Defence Attaché to Ireland, Colonel Max Walker, Major General The O'Morchoe - President of the Republic of Ireland Royal British Legion and My Jimmy Kelly - President of the Republic of Ireland Royal Air Forces Association.

After a traditional tot of rum by order of the Branch President and an excellent meal, the Shipmates and their guests were entertained to a most interesting toast to the 'Immortal Memory' proposed by Lt Cdr Christie, in which he compared the experience of Nelson's men to his own experience in the Falklands War. A lighter moment took place during the speech and one which is likely to live with Lt Cdr Christie for some time, when an inadvertent slip of the tongue, led to him being heckled by the Ambassador's wife!

A presentation was made on behalf of the Branch, by Chairman, Shipmate Paul Stephenson to Lt Cdr and Mrs Christie, of a Waterford Crystal Vase engraved with the Dublin Branch RNA crest.

RNA Welshpool Branch

Shipmates may be interested to read about what the Welshpool Branch has been up to recently in the article received from Welshpool Hon Sec Ian Slater below.....

The last couple of months have been a busy time for Welshpool RNA. The 26th of September saw five members of the branch take part in a speed march against army veterans. The route was 15 miles along the towpath of the Montgomery canal from Newtown to Welshpool, and resulted in a decisive win for the Navy team who completed the march in two hours and twenty minutes…..not bad considering only one of the team was under 65. What next? a canoe race down the River Severn has been suggested ( but that might wait until next spring ). Our final sale of Trafalgar raffle tickets took place at Morrisons in Welshpool at the beginning of October, with a further £193 added to our years fundraising. On the 6th November we drew the winners of the raffle so now it’s the problem of contacting the winners and arranging to get their prizes to them. Its been quite a good year for fundraising, but it needed to be since we have donated about £1000 to various forces and local charities since last Xmas. October 17th Saw the branch and close contacts joined by a number of veteran Fusiliers to celebrate Trafalgar at our annual dinner, with a good night being had by all ( at least by all that could remember it in the morning !!! ).

October 28th saw a “Royal” who is one of our members travelling to London to attend the rally in support of Sgt Blackman , unjustly jailed for killing a Taliban insurgent. A brilliant turn out of nearly 2000 green berets with civilian and other cap badge supporters. Let us hope common sense will prevail. And so to November and the branch will be supporting a number of local remembrance parades and services in the area through the day on Sunday 8th as well as the 11th. With a view to the future the last meeting made some provisional plans for further fundraising, trips to ceremonial events, socials and outdoor pursuits……where did I ever get the time to go to work ??????

RNA Gloucester Branch

70 years since the end of WW2, Shipmate Ron Reynolds, who is 95, has been honoured by the French Government with the insignia of Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur for the part he played in the D-Day landings. His main job was on LCT 690 carrying American tanks of the 4th Infantry Division which were landed on Utah Beach. He made 5 trips before returning to dry dock for repairs and he says that the biggest danger of all was the journey back to England during the night, travelling without navigation lights. He joined the Royal Navy in July 1940 and was demobbed in April 1946 as a Leading Seaman. He served on many ships too numerous to mention.

He is a founder member of the Gloucester Branch of the Royal Naval Association and has served the Branch well. His medal was presented to him at our last Mess Meeting by the Secretary, Mrs Margaret Goode, where he was joined by his family and all his mess mates.

I see no Ships !!! RNA Chard Branch

Chard branch paid their first ever visit to RNA HQ on Friday 9th October. Twenty members attended for their day away and were well entertained by all the staff present. The weather was absolutely wonderful for the time of year with the sun shining for the duration. The Boat trip around Portsmouth Harbour was most enjoyable and made even better with the issue of a Tot.

Numerous members made use of the availability of slops being on hand and various items were purchased. The day was rounded off by an invitation by that old faithful volunteer 'Soapy Watson' to show us around HMS Warrior (1860) an offer not one of us could turn down,

Thank you once again Soapy Tots promised by those attending the annual Area 4 Reunion.

The Chard branch would like to pass on their thanks to all those who entertained us on that wonderful Day 'Thank You All'

RNA Aylesbury Branch

On 22nd October, members of Aylesbury No.1 Branch attended RAF Benson, in Oxfordshire, current home of 845 Naval Air Squadron.

As part of a liaison between the Branch and 845 Squadron, members were invited to meet members of the team and to view a Merlin Helicopter. The superb programme consisted of a briefing on the Squadron and its activities together with a flight and finished with a tour of the facilities. The squadron is scheduled to deploy to Yeovilton in June 2016.

The picture above shows (left to right) Shipmates Ken Satterthwaite, Tom Spurrier (Branch Chairman), Ron Hale (Branch Secretary), Peter Brown, Glen Beck and Topsy Turner outside 845 HQ.

The photo opposite shows a RN Merlin Mk3 after the Shipmates left it following a safe flight!

RNA Market Harborough Branch

Market Harborough Branch celebrated the glorious victory at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 with a formal dinner at Market Harborough Golf Club attended by 60 members and guests. The guest of honour was Chris Dovey, National Chairman of the Royal Naval Association who gave the Toast to the Immortal Memory. The Loyal Toast was made by Jim Oliver, a wartime Navy Pilot and a founder member of the Branch. A message of greeting was received from Her Majesty The Queen.

RNA Rockingham and District Branch

Rockingham and District Branch, Western Australia held their Annual Trafalgar Night Dinner on Saturday 24th October. For the first time we had both of our Patrons attending together, Hon Mark McGowan MLA, and Cdr Phil Orchard RAN (Rtd) who came suitably attired much to the pleasure of everyone, he has never had so many photos taken of him. "Up Sprits" was piped by our Chairman S/M Brian (Knocker) White and the rum bosun (S/M Bill Avron-Cotton) very quickly had a line of eager recipients

After being fed with the traditional roast beef meal Phil Orchard gave his impression of the Battle of Trafalgar speaking as Lord Nelson, this went down very well with all 68 persons present. After the formalities many lamps were swung and it was just as well the next day was Sunday !"

RNA Cardiff Branch

Cardiff RNA sat down to a traditional roast beef Trafalgar night dinner with Captain Sir Norman Lloyd Edwards KCVO GCSt.J RD* LLB JP RNR as guest of honor. A cracking evening was had by one and all.

One of the highlights of the evening was a 'Captain's Table' with Sir Norman acting as CO, the branch President Cdr Peter Machin as

DO and WO Barbara McGregor as MAA to rate A/B Pedro (the branch penguin mascot) to Leading Penguin. Unfortunately A/B Pedro’s request was stood over until he changed his name.

RNA Torbay Branch

A Branch of the Royal Naval Old Comrades Association was formed in Torquay on 26th September 1945. In recognition of Torbay Branches 70th Anniversary a Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Pauls Church, Paignton on the 18th October. The original R.N.O.C.A. standard remains laid up in a prominent position in the church. Shipmates were joined by a contingent of Torbay Sea Cadets and the Chairman of the local RAF Association Steve Colhoun and the Service was conducted by The Reverend David Witchell, who delivered an excellent service and sermon which was very appropriate for the occasion. The Branch continued the celebrations with a combined 70th Anniversary and Trafalgar Dinner on 24th October at The Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton; where over fifty members and guests, including members from Newton Abbot Branch and The Royal Marines Association enjoyed an excellent dinner. The Branch Patron Shipmate Christopher Wreford-Brown held our attention by relating interesting facts about the build-up to the Battle of Trafalgar before proposing the toast to the Immortal memory. The Chairman S/M John Soanes was pleased to convey two messages from Headquarters which were very gratefully received by all in attendance, the first from S/M Chris Dovey, National Chairman; " I wish you a very successful occasion, a joyous celebration of a very special anniversary and what I hope sincerely will be an encouraging step towards a centenary event in 2045. My very best wishes to you, your committee and all your members" The second from S/M Ken Knight National Council member No.4 Area "Congratulations to Torbay on achieving 70 years. The 24th October is also when my branch will be having Trafalgar Night, so I will make sure that we toast your anniversary. May I wish Torbay branch every success and that the evening will be an enjoyable one for everyone"

John Soanes Chairman, Torbay branch.

RNA Woking Branch

Shipmates may be interested in the article and photos below supplied by Woking’s very own Shipmate Gerry Lewis.

The general public once again turned out in large numbers to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day and the end to hostilities in two world wars. It was especially heartening to have had so many youngsters from our cubs, guides, and cadet forces taking part in the parade again this year.

The parade marched into Jubilee Square led by the British Airways Band. They were followed by the Mayor’s procession. The Exhortation was read by Rod Fraser on behalf of the RBL. Branch Chairman, Ian Fraser, read the Kohima Prayer and the last post was played by a trumpeter from the Royal Household Cavalry.

After the two minutes silence, wreathes were laid by the Mayor, Councillor Derek McCrum, MP for Woking, Jonathan Lord, and representatives of the Royal British Legion, Regular Service Units and other organisations. The Bisley Ladies Choir provided musical accompaniment.

After the National Anthem was played, the Mayor’s procession left, followed by band leading the parade past the Mayor who took the salute in Church Street East.

On 11th November, veterans and the public again turned out to pay their respects to those who fell in the service of their country. Representatives from all the services attended the short ceremony, and there was also a large contingency of Ghurkhas. The Last Post was played by Major John Martin of the Salvation Army.

Afterwards, a group of school children gathered round some veterans wanting to hear their stories.

RNA Bognor Regis Branch

Bognor Regis Hon Secretary, Shipmate Alan Peskett, filed this dispatch reporting how the branch is faring.

Bognor Regis is a small Branch with 24 members, most of whom are over seventy. It is known that the Bognor area has quite a few ex Matelots but it is a hard job to get them interested enough to join us. The Branch meets every first Tuesday of the month at Bognor’s RAF Association Club in Waterloo Square at 12.20.

Branch Shipmates have this year partaken in the Bognor Regis Armed Forces Day,the VE and VJ celebrations and the rededication of the HMS St Barbara Memorial, which was a Gunnery School on the Bognor Piere. It was responsible for training the crews of converted trawlers etc of the Royal Navy Patrol Service. It even had the proud record of shooting down a German Bomber

Recently three Shipmates were presented with their Ushakov Medals, they had received their Atlantic Stars last year. Sadly two other Shipmates who were awarded the Atlantic Star the bar before receiving the Ushakov Medal.

Finally and very sadly the Branch has lost three Shipmates who crossed the bar recently, they are;

John Stanley (former President and Commander RN), Les Rishman (Former Petty Officer TASI) and Joe McLean ( Former Mechanician11)

All of them are sorrowfully missed by the Branch who hope they find safe anchorage.

RNA Cambridge Branch

Please see below the article sent to Central Office from Shipmate Reverend Simon Whittaker, the Branch ‘Bish’ –

Dear Shipmates,

I thought it would be nice to update you with the recent goings on with the Cambridge Branch. We were lucky to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the Branch in several ways.

In April, members of the branch were invited to attend the Mayor's Parlour for afternoon tea and a tour with Lady Mayor Cllr. Gerri Bird. The invite later was reciprocated, with a formal dinner which was held at a City Centre Hotel.

On Sunday 1st November, a church service was held at the Bishop Woodford Centre Chapel, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Members from Cambridge were supported by shipmates from Soham, Ely and Huntingdon. The Service was conducted by the branche's own Padre,Rev Simon Whittaker, The Bishop of Greater London, Jonathan Blake, and attended by the new Mayor Cllr. Robert Dryden and his wife the Mayoress. Also in attendance was the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Cpt. Victor Lucas DL (RN). The service was seen as a true celebration and a reconnecting of old friends.

RNA Plymouth Branch

Plymouth Branch held it’s Annual Dinner & Dance in the Warrant Officer & Senior Rates Mess, HMS Drake. Two hundred and twenty four members and friends gave a very warm welcome to Lord Mayor Cllr. Dr. John Mahoney, Cllr Vivien Pengelly, Commodore Bob Fancy OBE RN and Mrs. Sarah Fancy. The Sea Cadets from Plymouth Drake ‘TS Golden Hind’ created a ceremonial ambience to initial

proceedings, further enhancing the close relationship that exists between Branch and Unit. Branch Chairman Des McCarthy MBE in his welcome address conveyed members appreciation to Mess President Warrant Officer Chris Isaac in allowing the Branch to meet regularly in the Mess, and expressed pleasure in having serving personnel from Defence Medical Group Southwest, Flag Officer Sea Training, HMS Cattistock, Naval Police, RM Chivenor, Royal Belgian Navy, Royal Logistics Corps and representatives from RNA Liskeard and the Royal Marines Association in attendance. Member David Hill proposed the toast to ‘Our Guests’ and Branch Secretary Arthur Gutteridge BEM proposed the toast to ‘The City of Plymouth’. The Lord Mayor responded and spoke about his family ties to the City, Naval friends and the important relationship of the Royal Navy with the City. An exceptional five course silver service Dinner, dancing to ‘Eclipse’ and the hospitality of the Mess made for a most memorable evening.

RNA Limavady Branch

Shipmates from Limavady branch plus some family members Sunday 15th, attended the Remembrance Service at St. Thomas' Parish Church Rathlin Island on Sunday 15 November 2015. The service was also supported by a good contingent of RBL from Bushmills & Ballycastle branches. On completion of the Church service, at the grave side of Sailors lost during the Great War, Cdr Peter Campbell RN (rtd), Area President, addressed the gathered Service Personnel, Veterans' & Islanders. He provided a short history of HMS Viknor, the ship from which the sailors buried on

Rathlin were lost. Six Standards were paraded, RNA Limavady carried by Sm Andy Guy, Roe Valley RAFA & four RBL standards. Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, Lt Cdr Kerry Anderson RNR, RAF Officers from Aldergove, SM Ray Cook , Gardiner Kane Chairman RBL Ballycastle, SM James McCurdy, Local MN Officers & Local PSNI Officers.

The day went off without a hitch, the sea gods were good, and a pod of Dolphins' escorted the ferry into Church Bay. The weather was kind and favourable - contrary to all the forecasts, damp, but even the sun blinked briefly, as Shipmates made their way to the excellent refreshments laid on in the local Pub. During the crossing back to Ballycastle wreaths were cast from both ferries and prayers said at the wreck of HMS Drake. All S/Ms returned in the same state as they departed, a few later than others due to missing the first Liberty boat. (Ed Note - Right... are you sure the Black stuff wasn’t involved!!)

RNA Huntingdon & District Branch

My thanks to Shipmate Karl Webb, Branch Hon Sec, for forwarding the article below;

On Saturday 24th October 2015, Shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch celebrated their annual Trafalgar Night Dinner at the Black Bull Inn, Godmanchester. Guests of honour were the Mayor and Mayoress of Godmanchester, David and Wendy Underwood, staff from Huntingdon Sea Cadet Corps (who we affiliated with earlier on in the year) and Adam Rushton (ex RN and now a professional comedian – aren’t we all?) who would be providing the after dinner entertainment. For the first time at one of Huntingdon Branch’s dinners, the Standard was on display, thanks to our new stand built and donated to us by Barry Limbrick (S/M Pete Aston’s father-in-law), thank you Barry. Shipmates and guests were greeted with a glass of fizz before sitting down for the President’s welcome followed by some presentations to two former RAF personnel, John Moran MBE and Bob Maurer BEM, our President, S/M Graham Holt presented a trophy and a medal for attendance at three dinners in a row and becoming shipmates for the evening.

Our Treasurer, S/M Pete Aston, had run a half-marathon in support of Blesma, the Limbless Veterans Charity as a personal goal to raise money for their cause, the Mayor of Godmanchester was more than happy to receive the cheque on behalf of the charity (BZ Pete, a great effort).

Sadly, Shipmate Ben Dear was not well enough to attend, or to carry out his usual duty of piping ‘Hands to Dinner’; so with a recording of the Pipe, Shipmate Graham Murray called ‘Hands to Dinner’. The Hon. Secretary, S/M Karl Webb, took on the padre’s role (the Branch Chaplain, Revd Andrew Milton, was also unable to attend this year), said Grace and recited Nelson’s Prayer.

After an excellent meal, S/M Becky Murray thanked the manager and staff of the Black Bull for looking after us so well during the evening and, as this was the second major event at the Black Bull (the first being our annual BBQ), presented an RNA plaque which will be put on display in the main bar.

The next event was the Loyal Toast and Toast to the Immortal Memory, it was the turn for our Rum Bosun, S/M Geoff Twigden to call for guests and shipmates to line up for the issue of their tot of Pusser’s Rum, beginning with the Mayor and Mayoress.

Once everyone had a tot in front of them (including the staff from the Black Bull), the President handed over to the Branch Chairman for the Loyal Toast, the President then gave the second toast, the Toast to the Immortal Memory. Everyone then returned to their seats whilst the Hon. Treasurer, S/M Pete Aston introduced our guest speaker and explained that not only is Adam a friend but is ex-RN and a comedian by profession, and would spin some dits about his time in the RN. Adam certainly had everyone in stitches and we will be welcoming him back to our events in the future.

RNA Spalding Branch

As you can see opposite Shipmates from Spalding Branch attended the ‘switching on’ ceremony of Spalding Christmas Lights recently.

The photo opposite is a ‘first’ for the Semaphore Circular as it portrays every form of RNA Membership unless you know differently......

For information Shipmates shown in the photo listed with their Types of Membership are as follows L to R.:-

PO AET Simon Newcombe Serving Member, and also Branch Member. S/M Terry Day Full Member, Keith Crawford MBE Life Member , S/M Yvonne C of A Member, and Shirley Day Associate Member.

RNA Gravesend Club

Shipmate Sarah Reilly is the Entertainments Secretary at the RNA Gravesend Club Ltd and has written to the Semaphore Circular to invite Shipmates and Branches to come along to Gravesend Club on a Saturday evening for a night of entertainment and supper.

There is no cost for your visit and Sarah asks is that you allow the Gravesend Club to entertain you for a fantastic evening that she is certain you will really enjoy. If any Shipmate, Branch or Club would like to join us then please see the available dates below and then kindly contact Sarah at 01634 220888/ 07986 968323 or e-mail [email protected]

Sat 30 January - Roger Channing (Guitarist/Singer) Sat 27 February – Gary Benjafield (Guitarist/Singer) Sat 12 March - Annie Love (Singer) Sat 23 April - Chris Shannon (Singer) Sat 7 May - Mike Peters (Singer) Sat 21 May - Cliff Jones (Guitarist/Singer) Sat 18 June - Gary Benjafield (Guitarist/Singer) Sat 16 July - Mike Harris (Guitarist/Singer) Sat 13 August - Martin Charles (Pianist/Singer)

Sarah is looking forward to seeing you there.

Answers from Earlier......

Para 20 Recognition Training Answer - Mk 9 Type FSM built for the Nigerian Navy F 83 was the Erinomi build in 1979.

Para 2 I’ll name that Ship in One! - Leander Class Frigates

Leander (F109), Dido (F104), Penelope (F127), Ajax (F114), Aurora (F10), Galatea (F18), Euryalus (F15), Naiad (F39), Arethusa (F38), Cleopatra (F28), Phoebe (F42), Minerva (F45), Sirius (F40), Juno (F52), Argonaut (F56), Danae (F47), Charybdis (F75) (Cherry B), Hermione (F58), Jupiter (F60), Bacchante (F69), Andromeda (F57), Scylla (F71), Achilles (F12), Diomede (F16), Ariadne (F72), and of course Apollo. 26 in Total.

Para 14 Riddle - Quietly get off the merry-go-round and go home!

CROSSED THE BAR - Obituaries

Cyril Hugh Hill - Basildon Branch

Basildon Branch are deeply sad to announce that Shipmate Cyril Hugh Hill Lieut, RNVR has crossed the bar at the grand old age of 93. Cyril was one of our founder members, joining the branch in March 1975 and held the position of President until recently when he had to resign due to ill health. Cyril was an amazing story teller and he held the attention of the members at our AGM's with story's of his time in the Navy. When serving on HMS Walker they sunk a German-Sub and subsequently the survivors made contact with each other and used to meet and swing the lamp either in Germany or here in England. Cyril was a true gentlemen and became a father figure to the branch, he will be sadly missed.

Peter James Gough – South Bristol Branch

South Bristol is extremely sad to announce that Shipmate Peter James Gough crossed the bar on 16 October 2015 aged 82. Peter began an apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. After a deferment he joined the RN in 1955 as a Gunnery Petty Officer and then after National Service rejoined the RAE. He got married to Jenny in 1955 and in 1959 had a career direction change becoming a publican managing the Fox and Hounds in Farely Hill and then took on the franchise for the Southwood Golf Club. Shipmate Peter joined the RNA at Camberley Branch where he served as the Welfare Officer. After moving, to be closer to their family, Peter and Jenny joined South Bristol Branch where they were enthusiastic members. Sadly Peter was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2015. To the end he remained cheerful and resolute. His cremation took place on 2nd November and his ashes are interned in St Michael and All Angels Church Sandhurst. The service was conducted by S/m Rev John Whitton who is also the Welfare Officer at Camberley Branch.

RIP from all at the South Bristol Branch.

Graham Sargeant – Rockingham & District WA Branch

Rockingham and District Branch are very sad to report that Shipmate Graham Sargeant crossed the bar on 19 November 2015 aged 74, after a very short illness.

S/M Graham served in the Royal Navy from 1958 to 1984 where he rose to the rank of Fleet Chief WEA. He served in a variety of shore establishments; Collingwood, Mercury, Cochrane, Dolphin, Inskip, RAF Medmenham, Dryad, Vernon, Nelson and CinC Fleet. He also served in the following ships; HMS Lynx, Lincoln, Wakeful, Amazon, Gurkha, Mohawk, Argonaut.

He was a long time Member of the Rockingham and District, Western Australia Branch. RIP Graham.

Kenneth Grindrod – Leeds No 1 Branch

Leeds No1 Branch sorrowfully announces that of one of their members Shipmate Ken Grindrod, has crossed the bar on 26th of October aged ninety years old. The Branch gave him a great Naval funeral send off on 6th November. S/M Ken had recently received Arctic Star at a ceremony in HMS Ceres. Ken joined the RN in 1943 and was soon drafted to HMS Norfolk providing cover for returning convoys then in 1944 he joined HMS Whimbrel, part of Captain Johnny Walkers 2nd Escort Group. During his time onboard the ship shot down 6 German Aircraft, sunk four U Boats and took part in the D Day landings

Shipmate John Rance, Hon Sec, commented on behalf of the Branch “that he was one of the nicest persons you could ever wish to meet, so unassuming I personally will miss him so much”

RNA Members Benefits

UK Holiday Group /CONA Holiday Service

 Variety of special deals for both Groups and Individual. 1% of turnover thorough CONA Holiday Service is returned to the RNA. http://www.royal-naval- association.co.uk/news/323/members-holidays-service

Coleman/Ansvar Insurance Discounted Branch and House hold Insurance - 01323 744149 http://www.thecolemangroup.co.uk/coleman-insurance-brokers/organisation-specific/cona

Funeral Service

 2 ½ % discount form Wessex Funeral Services

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

 RNA member entry just £10 plus four guest at £10 each provides access to the all attractions including the Submarine Museum, RM Museum and Explosion!.

Legal Services

Free 30 minute legal advice with Coffin Mew. [email protected] 0800 827168

Breakdown Service

RAC Breakdown and recovery service [email protected] or 0207 4025231

Organisers of Reunions should be aware the CONA Travel will match or better any other ‘like for like’ Reunion/Group Trips bookings so why not give them an opportunity to impress you.

Shortcast (Run in date order)

Shortcast

2016

HMS Penelope Association - 19 February 2016

30th Annual Reunion to be held in Blackpool from February 19 - 21. Contact the Secretary, Mike Bee at [email protected] for details of membership and the reunion.

HMS London F95 – 27 February 2016

90/91 Gulf War crew reunion on February 27, 2016 at the Union Jack Club, London. Contact Ian Farmer on Facebook, or [email protected]. There are only 144 spaces available.

Royal Naval Engineering Association – 18 March 2016

Royal Naval Engineroom Association: 23rd Annual Reunion on 18 to 21 March at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. New members welcome. Monthly news sheet for ‘out of towners’. Details from Bob Styants at [email protected]

HMS Hermes Association – 7 April 2016

Reunion at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth from April 7 to 11. Bookings through Isle of Wight Tours at 01983 405116. For further information contact Jim Loveday at [email protected]

HMS Newfoundland and HMS Kenya – 8 April 2016

HMS Newfoundland & HMS Kenya: Veteran’s annual get together will be held from April 8 to 11 at the 3* Carlton Hotel, Torquay. This invite is open to any shipmate, RN or RM, who has served on board and is also open to those who have not been members of the past associations and those who have served in other ships of the Colony class.

There are no official meetings only trips ashore, lamp swinging and a Gala dinner so why not join us? Details available from Alan Waite at [email protected]

HMS Loch Fada F390 Association – 8 April 2016

The 19th annual reunion will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Chatham from April 8 to 11, includes AGM at 1030 on 9th with TOT time at 1200 (no mismusters) & Reunion Dinner at 1830. A coach outing to Greenwich on Sunday or the Walking Bus to Chatham Historic Dockyard. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 email: [email protected] & mention F390, or Frenchy Sec F390 at [email protected]

RN Shipmates Association – 8 April 2016 Has your Association hung up its banner? Are there now too few to have a reunion? There is no need to miss out on the camaraderie we are all used to and there is no need to ‘forget’ your old shipmates.

An RN Shipmates Reunion will take place at the Tillington Hall Hotel Staffordshire from April 8 to 11. Friday and Saturday see us finding old and new shipmates with a lot of Lamp Swinging. Sunday will see us at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas where you can lay your own wreath to past shipmates. Reunion enquires and booking forms from [email protected] or Stamped self-addressed 9 x 6 inch envelope to RN Shipmates Reunion, 7 Heath Road, Sandown, IOW PO36 8PG. You don’t even need to have belonged to an Association. All the planning has been done for you. Just come, ‘Swing The Lamp’ again and …… remember.

HMS Dunkirk Association – 15/16 April 2016

The HMS Dunkirk Association Annual reunion will be held at the Newington Hotel York on the 15th and 16th April 2016. For further info please contact J.Carroll [email protected] or ring 01692678721

The photo opposite shows last year’s reunion dinner in full swing

HMS Phoebe Association – 29 April 2016

HMS Phoebe Association, Cruiser (C43) & frigate (F42): Have their annual reunion from April 29 to May 2 at the Parkbury Hotel, Sandown, Isle of Wight. All cruiser/frigate shipmates are welcome to join us. Please contact Bob Hobbs at [email protected] for more information

HMS Bulwark, Albion and Centaur Association – 6 May 2016

The 2016 Reunion Weekend is booked the Bosworth Hall Hotel & Liesure Spa, Market Bosowrth, Warwickshire from May 6 to 8. Please contact the Secretary, Denis Askham at [email protected] or details

Federation of Naval Associations – 20 May 2016

AGM/Social and reunion at Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport from May 20 to 23. Has your Association wound up? This is an excellent opportunity to meet up with those wishing to carry on regardless. All are welcome with no frills or drills. Details and booking forms available from Robbie Robson at [email protected]

HMS Sirius F40 1966-1993 Reunion - 18 June 2016 50th Anniversary of Commissioning Reunion at HMS Drake on 18 June 2016. Details available at www.hmssirius.info or Facebook page, H M S Sirius (make sure you leave the spaces) or contact Andy Ayres at [email protected] or [email protected]

HMS Lincoln Association - July 2016

The HMS Lincoln Association from the 68/69 commission are planning their 2016 reunion in the City of their name Lincoln. On September 12, 1970 the ships company having marched through the streets were given the freedom of the City. The association are now in the planning stages of returning for a reunion in July 2016, and early indications are that the City authorities are delighted it’s going to happen, and joint events are being organised.

The association would like to hear from any ex Lincoln crew members from both commissions and of course any who took part in the Freedom march, who would either have been 68/69 commission or the 70/71 commission there was a mixture of personnel from both. They are invited to contact Mike (Yorky) Sutcliff at [email protected] to see if they would like to join us for this rather special reunion event.

WRNS - 12 August 2016

A 50th anniversary reunion is planned for all ladies who joined the WRNS during 1966, event to be held on 12th August 2016 in Portsmouth. If you would like to join us, and/or know anyone else who would like to, please contact either Barbara Cotton (nee Binks, Victory 206) at [email protected] or Maxine Higgins (nee Parish, Theseus) at [email protected] We look forward to renewing and making new friendships

HMS Valiant Association – 13 August 2016

The 50th Anniversary reunion and celebrations will take place in Plymouth Dockyard and HMS Drake on August 13, 2016. The proposal is to have a ceremony on the jetty next to Submarine Valiant.On completion there will be a reception and buffet lunch at the Senior Rates mess. There is an indoor and outdoor bar and in the evening will be a small buffet supper. The event is open to everyone who served on HMS/m Valiant throughout her career. The day is intended to be a family affair to be enjoyed by all.

Please indicate your wish to attend and numbers to [email protected] so that regular updates re hotels and arrangements can be sent to you. Please include when you served on Valiant plus department and a contact phone number. HMS Lowestoft Association – 7-9 October 2016

The 6th annual reunion of the HMS Lowestoft Association will take place at the Aztec Hotel, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS from October 7th to 9th 2016. All ex-Lowie's 1961-1985 and guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email [email protected] or email: [email protected] or visit http://www.hmslowestoft.co.uk

Swinging the Lamp - December

Date Year Entry

1st 1588 Chatham Chest founded for relief of distressed seamen. The Chatham Chest was a pension fund founded in the sixteenth century to help disabled sailors by deducting sums from seamen’s pay. The Chest had five locks, with five different keys held by five different officers. Despite this there was severe mismanagement of funds. Pepys set up a Commission to inspect its administration. 2nd 1998 Vanguard, Cdr Paul Abraham, returning from the Mediterranean, arrived for a four-day visit to Gibraltar. The first British SSBN ever to pay a port visit during a patrol. None of the Polaris boats in 229 patrols and twenty-eight years’ service ever visited a port, other than Faslane or a US naval facility for missile trials. 3rd 1915 Submarine E 11 sank Turkish Yar Hissar in Gulf of Ismid, Sea of Marmara. 4th 1951 Bus ran into rear of column of fifty-two Royal Marine cadets marching down Dock Road, Chatham, to a boxing tournament at Pembroke. Twenty-four cadets aged 9 to 13 years killed and eighteen injured. 5th 1940 AMC Carnarvon Castle and the German disguised raider Thor (Schiff 10) fought an inconclusive action (31.00S, 43.15W). 6th 1917 GC (ex-AM): LS T.N. Davis for disposing of burning ammunition in blazing and drifting tug at Halifax, Nova Scotia. 7th 1941 Japanese naval air attack on US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and British base at Hong Kong. 8th 1968 Closing ceremony of St Vincent, boys’ training establishment at Gosport. 9th 2003 Lt Charlotte Atkinson, born on Trafalgar Day 1971, appointed to command Brecon in MCM3 at Faslane. Hitherto women had commanded only P2000 Archer-class vessels attached to URNUs. 10th 1942 Destroyer Roebuck, bui lding at Scotts, Greenock, was prematurely launched by a near miss by a German bomb and lay submerged for nine months. 11th 1968 The new HMS Cochrane, Cdr J.A. Barrett RN, occupying a 24-acre site adjoining Rosyth Dockyard, commissioned. Replaced the accommodation ships Duncansby Head and Girdleness. 12th 1962 Assault on Limbang, Brunei by L Company 42 RM Cdo. This was the first incident in the Indonesian confrontation, which persisted until 11 August 1966. Several ships were involved, supported by 3 Cdo Brigade with 40 and 42 Cdos. 13th 1711 The wall around Portsmouth Dockyard completed. ‘This WALL was Begun the 4th June and finish’d ye 13th Decembr 1711.’ ‘In order to meet the needs of modern road traffic and with the approval of the

Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty this gate built in 1711 was increased in width from 12ft to 22ft, November 1944’ – plaques at Victory Gate. 14th 1939 Destroyer Kelly badly damaged by mine 13 miles off the mouth of the Tyne. 15th 1948 Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake, Gunnery Officer of the fleet flagship Iron Duke at Jutland, resigned as Gentleman-Usher of the Black Rod because of progressive deafness brought about by a gun blast. In informing the House of Lords, Viscount Jowett, the Lord Chancellor, commented ‘I am bound to add that if all members . . . applied to themselves the same strict standard as Sir Geoffrey Blake has applied to himself, we might have many more retirements’. 16th 1959 Cruiser Tiger, flying the flag of Admiral Sir Alexander Bingley, C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, passed the US cruiser Des Moines with President Eisenhower on board at sea N. Of Malta and fired a 21-gun salute. 17th 1939 German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee scuttled by her crew off Montevideo following the Battle of the River Plate. 18th 1793 Vice-Admiral Lord Hood (Victory) at the evacuation of Toulon, occupied since 27 August. Ships: Britannia, Princess Royal, Robust, Terrible, Victory, Windsor Castle and boats of fleet. Frigates: Arethusa, Pearl, Topaze, Alert, Swallow (tender). Gunboats: Union, Wasp, Jean Bart, Petite Victoire. Expended: Vulcan and Conflagration fireships. Captured or destroyed: nine French ships of the line, five frigates and corvettes. 19th 1941 Destroyer Stanley sunk by U-574 E. of Azores (38.12N, 17.23W). Convoy HG 76. Stork sank U-574. 20th 1913 Fire in Portsmouth Dockyard destroyed the eighteenth-century sail loft, rigging house and wooden semaphore tower built in 1778. Two duty signalmen lost. The fire was reported at 1925 by the new battlecruiser Queen Mary, lying alongside South Railway Jetty. The ship had to be towed off for safety. ‘The tower, as the chief signal station of the port, will be a great loss . . . as all ships coming into Spithead reported to it and all general signals to vessels were made from it.’ The loss included archives of naval documents and records dating from the Russian War. 21st 1983 Fisgard, Artificers’ Training Establishment, Torpoint, training ceased. The last class of direct artificers to be trained at Fisgard entered 6 March 1983. DCI(RN) 214/83. 22nd 1943 Old cruiser Niobe (German, ex-Yugoslav Cattaro), aground near Silba Island, in Adriatic, torpedoed by RN MTBs. 23rd 1787 HM Armed Transport Bounty, Lt William Bligh, sailed from Portsmouth for the South Pacific. 24th 1917 First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Eric Geddes, requested and received on Christmas Eve,the resignation of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir John Jellicoe. Succeeded by Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss. ‘A First Sea Lord had to have many of the talents of a politician to survive in this jungle of wily manoeuvres and clever debaters. Jellicoe, soft spoken, not forceful, not given to the parry and thrust of debate, incapable of manoeuvring, was out of his element’ – Marder. 25th 1962 ‘A messing supplement of 75 per cent of the basic daily rate of mess allowance may be claimed for all officers and ratings actually fed in

Mess on Christmas Day in HM Ships and Fleet Establishments at home and abroad from Christmas 1962.’ – AFO 2280/62. 26th 1943 Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser (Duke of York) sank the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst off North Cape (72.16N, 28.41E). Admiralty signalled, ‘Grand. Well Done.’ Fraser was ennobled at the end of the war and, ‘with the express permission of King Haakon of Norway’, took the title Lord Fraser of North Cape. Ships: Belfast, Duke of York, Jamaica, Matchless, Musketeer, Norfolk, Opportune, Saumarez, Savage, Scorpion, Sheffield, Stord (Nor), Virago. 27th 1831 Beagle sailed on five-year circumnavigation carrying Charles Darwin, subsequently author of On the Origin of Species. 28th 1975 Third Cod War. The first collision of the ‘War’ between Icelandic Gunboat Thor and frigate Andromeda; fifty-six collisions were to follow, many severe enough to force the frigates to return to the UK. 29th 1917 GC (ex-AM): Deckhand J.G. Stanners, RNR, for fighting fire in magazine, ML 289. 30th 1943 A long-l ived warship. Light fleet carrier Venerable launched at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead. She was commissioned on 17 January 1945 and joined the British Pacific Fleet and engaged Japanese forces off Hong Kong two weeks after VJ-Day. Paid off 1947 and sold to Dutch government. Served as Hr Ms Karel Doorman until sold to Argentina in 1968. As the Vienticinco de Mayo, with Super Etendard embarked, she was a factor in the Falklands War in 1982 but was kept out of harm’s way. 31st 1999 Frigate Westminster, anchored off Greenwich, heralded the New Year and the (popularly accepted start of) the Third Millennium.

2016 Diaries

The 2016 diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £5.

If you need a diary with the dark blue crested cover it will cost £8

Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.

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

From: ...... Branch/ Member

Please provide ……………… 2016 RNA insert Diaries @ £5 .00 each £ ......

Please provide ……………… 2016 Diaries with Cover @ £8 .00 each £ ......

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

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

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

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Card in the name of ...... Credit Card/Debit Card Number...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

The 2015 Christmas card

These are available with envelopes at £5 for ten.

Orders should be sent to HQ Semaphore Tower and be accompanied by a cheque or payment details for the total value. From: ...... Branch/Member Please provide...... Packs of ten Snowy Memorial Christmas Cards @ £5 per ten. Please provide ...... Packs of ten Victory Christmas cards @ £5 per pack Deliver the order to S/M………………………………...... Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ...... ……………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………………Post code………………… Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ...... made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ...... Branch for £...... Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card No ...... Card in the name of :...... Valid From: ...... Expires ...... Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...... Card holder’s address if different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………...... Post Code:……………………………

The 2016 His’n’Hers Calendar is available price £5.

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

From: ...... Branch/ Member

Please provide ………………..... 2016 Calendar @ £5.00 each TOTAL £......

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

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

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

PROPOSED MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2016

Proposals must reach The General Secretary by 1600 19 February 2016

Name of Proposing Branch: ......

Motion / amendment

Explanation of the Motion / Amendment (To be included in the notes for Conference)

Hon Secretary ...... (signed)...... (dated)

Name of Seconding Branch: ......

Hon Secretary ...... (signed)...... (dated)

Notes a. A motion is submitted in the name of a Branch. Secretaries of proposing and seconding Branches are certifying that the motion or amendment reflects the view of the Branch meeting (not a committee); and that voting was conducted in accordance with Rule 20. b. A separate form is required for each Motion or Amendment c. A manuscript copy is acceptable for additional Motions or Amendments if the printed form is not available. d. The Motion or Amendment should be as short and precise as possible avoiding ambiguity. A Motion should normally start with the word `THAT' e. The explanation is to assist the scrutiny of the Standing Orders Committee in understanding the intention behind the Motion so that they may be able to consider its presentation so it can be improved and implemented as soon as possible (Conference Bye Law C4) f. Motions may be submitted at any time but must reach the General Secretary by 19 February 2016. g. Motions of Urgency should reach the General Secretary not less than 48 hours before Conference. (In accordance with Conference Bye Law C6.) and include an explanation about the urgency. h. Amendments to Motions should also normally reach the General Secretary not less than 7 days before Conference. The provision for the submission of amendments during Conference is in the Conference Bye-Laws. i. Bye-Laws. A Motion to Conference may propose that a Bye-Law be set aside or it may ask the Council to consider making or amending a Bye-Law. j. The Branch Proposing a Motion must have it Seconded by another Branch before forwarding it to the General Secretary. (Conference Bye Law C3a)

NOMINATION FORM

ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DEPUTY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL 2016/2018 (Revised RNA Bye-Law 7)

For the attention of All Branch Secretaries in Areas; 1,3,4,5 and 12

Each Branch may nominate one full or life member from any Branch within its own Area, as a Candidate for election to the National Council, and one full or life member for election as the Deputy National Council Member subject to the approval of the Branch to which both persons belong. (See Note Below)

Name of Nominee NCM...... DNCM......

Proposed by Branch ...... Area ......

Address of Nominee NCM……………………………………...... DNCM...... Brief history of nominees in the Association. Continue on separate sheet if necessary NCM

DNCM

Chairman ...... (signed) ...... (dated)

Secretary...... (signed) ...... (dated) ______

If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ......

We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch. Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) ......

Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) ...... ------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many National Council Meetings as is possible and to sit on any Committees to which I may be elected.

Signature of Candidate Dated ______Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1600 19th February 2016. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot

Delegate to Annual Conference 2016

Branch secretaries should note the following before submitting their application.

(a) Each Branch must comply with Rule 16(c), (No Branch shall be permitted to send a delegate to the Conference unless it has observed the regulations of the Association in regard to the return of balance sheets, the payment of subscriptions and the formation of Branches. This provision has no application to the right of, and expectation for, ships and establishments to send a delegate to the Conference.) but subject to Rule 10(c), (Associate members are eligible to act as a Branch Delegate at Area meetings and Conferences, provided that they have completed three years continuous membership of the Association immediately prior to election as Delegate) and has been in commission for at least three months by the date of a Conference shall be entitled to nominate one eligible Association Member as its Delegate to attend a Conference. (a) Each Branch nominating a Delegate shall send details to the HQ to arrive not less than one week before the date of Conference. A Branch may change its nominated Delegate provided the Council is notified not less than twenty-four hours before the Conference.

Branch Area

Name of Delegate

Car registration Passenger Name

Delegate’s Address

Telephone No Post Code e-mail

Number of Observers

Name of Branch Hon Secretary Contact telephone No: (if not branch Hon Sec) Contact e-mail address

Name and Address for correspondence (if not branch Hon Sec)

NB: A Delegate will not be confirmed as such unless or until the Branch Balance Sheet for 2015 and Annual Subscriptions for Branch Members for 2016 have been received in RNA Headquarters (Rule 16c). Should either not have been received in HQ, the Delegate will not be accredited and will be admitted as an Observer (without Pool Fare cover).