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MINE WARFARE AND DIVING

VOLUME 1 NUMBER 2 I 1 MAY 1990

Brocklesby stars in movie - Pages 14-15

Official Use Only

www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk MINEWARFARE AND DIVING

THE MAGAZINE OF THE MINEWARFARE AND DIVING COMMUNITY

Front Cover: HMS BROCKLESBY. bristling with full weapon-fit enhancements, streams her Combined Influence Sweep off Gibraltar.

VOLUME 1 NUMBER 2 1 MAY 1990

CONTENTS EDITORIAL STAFF

Foreword by COMMW 1 Sponsor: Cdr. A. Rose Publisher: Cdr. T. Hildesley Managing Editor: Lt. Cdr. D. Carey Editorial 2 Assistant Editor: PO(MW) D. Jordan MW Editors: Lt. A. Silva and WO(MW) J. Turnbull Diving Safety 4 Diving Editors: Lt. I Geraghty (TBRB Lt. P. Harrison) and WO(D) M. Crang Overseas Editor: Lt. P. Davey Army Diving 6 Diving Reporter: AB(D) S. Maddison MW Reporter: PO(MW) W. Vassie Minesweeping 7 Typsetters: WTR S. Johnson and AB(MW) N. Waterton Editorial Offices: Diving Reporter 9 MDDS Faculty of SMOPS HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) Portsmouth. Hampshire P01 3HH Diving Equipment 10 Telephone: 0705-822351 Ext: 24826 Facsimile: 0705-822351 Ext: 24705 Precise Navigation 12 MINEWARFARE AND DIVING is published New BROCKLESBY CIS Film 14 thrice-annually by the MDDS Faculty of NATO News 16 SMOPS on behalf of the Director of Naval Warfare. Ministry of Defence. Reference Supplement 17

Oceanography 22 Service units requesting copies of the Magazine should forward their applications to Historical 25 the Director of Naval Warfare, C/O The Editorial Offices, address as above. HUNT Class Accommodation 26 Contributions of Minewarfare or Diving interest and correspondence are invited and Letters To The Editor 27 should be addressed to the same location. This magazine is issued by the United Recognition - "What's My Mine?" 30 Kingdom Ministry of Defence for Official Use Diving Dits 32 Only. The contents are not to be released to the public and are not to be discussed with the Sweep Store 35 Press or anyone outside the Military Services without the specific authority of the Reader's Response Page 36 Directorate of Naval Warfare, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. Challenge And Reply 37 ©Crown Copyright

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at sea, ashore and in the training establishments doing your jobs well. Keep at it. it. at Keep well. jobs your doing establishments training the in and ashore sea, at

The successes achieved and the significant progress that is being made is through all of you, you, of all through is made being is that progress significant the and achieved successes The

introduction of mixture diving in the Flotilla is my personal top priority. priority. top personal my is Flotilla the in diving mixture of introduction

Given the current problems with DSSCCD and its associated equipment, the early re- early the equipment, associated its and DSSCCD with problems current the Given

throughout the HUNT Class. Class. HUNT the throughout

procured and the battle has finally been won for Fresh Water making plants to be permanently fitted fitted permanently be to plants making Water Fresh for won been finally has battle the and procured

assessment of our minehunting performance to be made. A new exercise minelaying system is being being is system minelaying exercise new A made. be to performance minehunting our of assessment

introduction of a computerised weapon practice analysis system is allowing a much more qualitative qualitative more much a allowing is system analysis practice weapon computerised a of introduction

HUNT class precise navigation and a study into a mid-life update for the class is well underway. The The underway. well is class the for update mid-life a into study a and navigation precise class HUNT

capability, she will be a world beater. A contract is about to be placed to provide equipment to improve improve to equipment provide to placed be to about is contract A beater. world a be will she capability,

a most technically advanced MCMV . When her trials are finished and she is working to her designed designed her to working is she and finished are trials her When . MCMV advanced technically most a

despair. The MCD world has done reasonably well in the fightfor resources. In SANDOWN, we have have we SANDOWN, In resources. fightfor the in well reasonably done has world MCD The despair.

Despite the severe financial constraints being imposed on Defence as a whole we must not not must we whole a as Defence on imposed being constraints financial severe the Despite

the high esteem in which our minewatfare expertise is held abroad. abroad. held is expertise minewatfare our which in esteem high the

of this and much of the success of the SANDOWN class on the international market is attributable to to attributable is market international the on class SANDOWN the of success the of much and this of

There is no doubt about professional ability; the Gulf Operations were a clear demonstration demonstration clear a were Operations Gulf the ability; professional about doubt no is There

more positive aspects of our world. world. our of aspects positive more

In this forward for the Minewarfare and Diving Magazine, I want to dwell on the brighter and and brighter the on dwell to want I Magazine, Diving and Minewarfare the for forward this In

COMMODORE MINOR WAR VESSELS AND MINEWARFARE MINEWARFARE AND VESSELS WAR MINOR COMMODORE

Commodore S. H. G. Johnston, Royal Navy Navy Royal Johnston, G. H. S. Commodore

By By

Foreword Foreword www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk MINEWARFARE AND DIVING

Comment was received regarding the origins of the RNR MCM branch EDITORIAL (Volume 1.1 Editorial). Perhaps it was not made clear that the statement "The RNR PD and MCM branches are still at the infancy Varied reactions to the new format of this magazine were stage of development...." referred specifically to the recent creation of anticipated and varied reactions were indeed received. Thankfully the MCM sub-specialisation for Seaman Officers (in accordance with the vast majority of those who wrote in, mainly using the pre- HTM(R) 30/89). The editorial staff are aware of the long-standing formatted response page (repeated in this edition on page 36), service rendered by the Ratings of the RNR Minewarfare Branch. were very complimentary and supportive. In this edition, readers will find, for the first time, "Tugg" cartoons The editorial committee decided, prior to publication of the first edition, highlighting various articles. This is, we hope, the start of a long- to publish the two extremes of opinion received and thereby to reflect standing relationship between the Navy's favourite cartoonist and the in all future editions any constructive changes proposed by the world of small ships. Because Tugg spent all his years in the RN readership. The two letters thus selected are included on page 27 and serving in Carriers, he volunteered to spend time at sea in HMS any future comments or proposals would be very welcome. BICESTER to get a feel for the world of Minewarfare and Diving. Thanks, BICESTER and Tugg! Several minor faux-pas were reported in the last edition, some regrettable and some defendable. The omissions or errors amongst Thanks also to the staff of CS(PS) of Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, for the "Where Are They Now?" Special Supplement brought the most distributing the magazine around the world (apologies to the CO of comments, mainly dry humorous ones, principally from Commanders HMS ONSLAUGHT forthe three-fold delivery-at least we know where and extended service Chief Petty Officers. Apologies to those thereby we can find a few spare back-copies!). In particular, special thanks to affronted - rest assured your respective Appointers and Drafting the staff of the Photographic Section in HMS NELSON (Gunwharf) for Officers now know where youare! With regards to the retired Officers their speedy and efficient service. who received their copy of the magazine addressed to "Mr", rather than their retired rank, this was a deliberate policy to comply with A recent series of events, including an horrific accident to a LS(D), present Naval security regulations which preclude the use of Service have highlighted the need to review some standard working practices titles for home addresses. No offence was meant - even though some - especially regarding oxygen cleanliness - in the diving world. The was taken. After all, it is for your own protection. Inspector of Diving and the Diving School have responded accordingly on Pages 5 & 9. The number of "ANYMOUSE" contributions (Page The article by Richard Bell-Davies (ex-CO HMS CATTISTOCK) brought 4) has certainly increased, but still more are needed. This magazine, a sensitive issue to light, namely journalistic accuracy. His article "The whilst fulfilling the need for an informative exchange, will always Hunt For The Lost Tornado And It's Beacon" concluded with the concentrate upon the Health & Safety aspects of the Diving and statement that "...analysis of the flight recorder and subsequent Board Minewarfare fraternities. Perhaps, given sufficient support for the of Inquiry revealed that the crash was caused by pilot error". Whilst idea, a "Safety Commendation" could be introduced, for personnel that statement now concurs with the consideration of the full Board of considered to have acted so as to prevent an accident or dangerous Inquiry, it is accepted by the editorial staff of this magazine that, practice? although based on an initial signalled report, at the time of publication the text could have been deemed to be precipitous. Our appreciation To the very few who wrote claiming a lack of substance in the first is extended to Director, Marine Services (Navy) for raising the issue. Edition, or too little mention of their particular field of operations, please The editorial committee reserve the right to continue to investigate any use the Reader's Response Page and contribute! We look forward to matter relating to Minewarfare and Diving operations and to publish receiving your"meaty" articles forthe next Edition, due out 1 September articles considered relevant to the spirit of the magazine. 1990.

• Paul Beaver, Publisher of Jane's Information Group, awards • Lieutenant Roland Rogers receives his prize from Paul Beaver of Warrant Officer (MW) George Turnbull with the latest Underwater one year's free subscription to International Defense Review for the Warfare Systems Yearbook for his Main Feature article on the new best photographic contribution in this edition (Oceanography - C.I.S. film (Pages 14 & 15). Pages 22 & 23). 2 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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(name and address withheld) withheld) address and (name

Your obedient Servant Servant obedient Your

Sir, Sir,

I have the honour to be be to honour the have I

flashing lights. Had the Midshipman realised that there is no need to fly pilot flags after dark, none of this would have happened. happened. have would this of none dark, after flags pilot fly to need no is there that realised Midshipman the Had lights. flashing

7. 7. I am forced to close this preliminary report for I am finding it difficult to concentrate - what with the distraction of police sirens and blue blue and sirens police of distraction the with what - concentrate to difficult it finding am I for report preliminary this close to forced am I

and guardrails. guardrails. and

after his somewhat hurried evacuation of the foredeck. These particulars will enable you to claim for the damage inflicted upon the 30mm gun gun 30mm the upon inflicted damage the for claim to you enable will particulars These foredeck. the of evacuation hurried somewhat his after

6. 6. I enclose the names and addresses of the drivers and insurance companies of the vehicles on my Fo'csle which the Petty Officer collected collected Officer Petty the which Fo'csle my on vehicles the of companies insurance and drivers the of addresses and names the enclose I

had to be forcibly restrained by my Steward who, at present, has him handcuffed in the Wardroom pantry. pantry. Wardroom the in handcuffed him has present, at who, Steward my by restrained forcibly be to had

a time that would be worthy of inclusion in the Guinness Book of Records. The tug Captain, on the other hand, reacted somewhat violently and and violently somewhat reacted hand, other the on Captain, tug The Records. of Book Guinness the in inclusion of worthy be would that time a

huddled in the corner of my cabin, alternately jibbering to himself and crying after having consumed an entire bottle of duty free Gordons Gin in in Gin Gordons free duty of bottle entire an consumed having after crying and himself to jibbering alternately cabin, my of corner the in huddled

It never fails to amaze me, the actions and behaviour of foreigners during moments of minor crisis. The Pilot, for instance, is at this moment, moment, this at is instance, for Pilot, The crisis. minor of moments during foreigners of behaviour and actions the me, amaze to fails never It 5. 5.

the inboard end of the towing hawser delayed the sinking of the tug by some minutes, thereby allowing the safe abandoning of that vessel. vessel. that of abandoning safe the allowing thereby minutes, some by tug the of sinking the delayed hawser towing the of end inboard the

stern of my vessel just at the moment when the propellers were answering my emergency "Full Astern". The prompt action of the CBM in securing securing in CBM the of action prompt The Astern". "Full emergency my answering were propellers the when moment the at just vessel my of stern

lowering the ships towing hawser down to the latter vessel. The sudden braking effect of the port anchor caused the tug to "run in under" the the under" in "run to tug the caused anchor port the of effect braking sudden The vessel. latter the to down hawser towing ships the lowering

At the moment the port anchor was let go, the Chief Boatswains Mate (CBM) was supervising the making-fast of a small harbour tug, and was was and tug, harbour small a of making-fast the supervising was (CBM) Mate Boatswains Chief the go, let was anchor port the moment the At

4. 4. Up until now, I have confined my report to the activities at the forward end of my vessel. Down aft, they were having their own problems. problems. own their having were they aft, Down vessel. my of end forward the at activities the to report my confined have I now, until Up

fell on top of the swing bridge operators control cabin on the jetty below. below. jetty the on cabin control operators bridge swing the of top on fell

In his efforts to stop the forward progress of the vessel, the Petty Officer dropped the starboard anchor, too late to be of any practical use, for it it for use, practical any of be to late too anchor, starboard the dropped Officer Petty the vessel, the of progress forward the stop to efforts his In

the vehicular traffic. The result being that the bridge partly opened and deposited a Volkswagen , two cyclists and a cattle truck onto the Fo'csle. Fo'csle. the onto truck cattle a and cyclists two , Volkswagen a deposited and opened partly bridge the that being result The traffic. vehicular the

The swing bridge operator showed great presence of mind by opening the bridge for my vessel. Unfortunately, he did not think to stop stop to think not did he Unfortunately, vessel. my for bridge the opening by mind of presence great showed operator bridge swing The 3. 3.

naturally caused the vessel to sheer in that direction, right towards the swing bridge that spans a tributary to the river up which we were proceeding. proceeding. were we which up river the to tributary a spans that bridge swing the towards right direction, that in sheer to vessel the caused naturally

and the entire length of the cable was pulled out "by the roots". I fear that the damage to the cable locker may be extensive. The braking effect effect braking The extensive. be may locker cable the to damage the that fear I roots". the "by out pulled was cable the of length entire the and

Officer on the Fo'csle. The effect of letting-go the port anchor while the vessel was proceeding at 12 knots proved too much for the windlass brake brake windlass the for much too proved knots 12 at proceeding was vessel the while anchor port the letting-go of effect The Fo'csle. the on Officer

The Executive Officer, over-hearing from the Chart House and thinking that my order referred to the anchors, repeated the "Let Go!" to the Petty Petty the to Go!" "Let the repeated anchors, the to referred order my that thinking and House Chart the from over-hearing Officer, Executive The

to let go. The young Gentleman concerned, although willing, is none too bright, necessitating my having to repeat the order in a sharper tone. tone. sharper a in order the repeat to having my necessitating bright, too none is willing, although concerned, Gentleman young The go. let to

his first trip, was having some difficulty in rolling up the "Golf" flag. I therefore proceeded to show him how and, coming to the last part, I told him him told I part, last the to coming and, how him show to proceeded therefore I flag. "Golf" the up rolling in difficulty some having was trip, first his

We had just picked up the Harbour Pilot and the Midshipman had returned from replacing the flag "Golf" with the flag "Hotel" and, being being and, "Hotel" flag the with "Golf" flag the replacing from returned had Midshipman the and Pilot Harbour the up picked just had We 2. 2.

Press, for I am sure that they will tend to over-dramatise the affair. affair. the over-dramatise to tend will they that sure am I for Press,

I have the honour to submit this report, written in haste, before you should form your own preconceived opinions from reports in the world world the in reports from opinions preconceived own your form should you before haste, in written report, this submit to honour the have I 1. 1.

• Photograph Courtesy of BAe (Dynamics) (Dynamics) BAe of Courtesy Photograph •

Sir. Sir.

REPORT OF DAMAGE TO SHIPS GEAR GEAR SHIPS TO DAMAGE OF REPORT

could inflict upon your ship? ship? your upon inflict could

how would would how react to the massive damage that a mine or missile missile or mine a that damage massive the to react you you

Be the damage incurred factual (as shown), or fictional (as below), below), (as fictional or shown), (as factual incurred damage the Be

The hulk shown at right has suffered attack by two Sea Skua missiles. missiles. Skua Sea two by attack suffered has right at shown hulk The

sender andwould be happy to give fuller acktwwledgement ifidentified. ifidentified. acktwwledgement fuller give to happy be andwould sender

The following report was submitted anonymously. We thank the the thank We anonymously. submitted was report following The

Damage Control Control Damage www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

Charging Panels A LS(D) recently attended a fire fighting course and an integral part of this is the use of Breathing Apparatus (BA). He was appalled to find the following:

1. There was no briefing by staff on the correct methods of charging BA and what safety precautions should be undertaken. 2. Staff did not monitor the course using the charging panel. 3. Instructions for the use of the panel were displayed overhead and therefore could not be read when charging. 0 4. Inadequate numbers of ear defenders - only 2 pairs for 6 charging o " o points. 5. No eye protection was avaiable. • o 4 6. Incorrect and inadequate lashings of charging whips. 7. Personnel charged BA cylinders by opening the HP valve fully rather than at a controlled rate. 8. Valves opened in an incorrect order with the isolating valve to the gauge shut therefore charging to an unknown pressure.

The LS(D) duly approached the Senior Rate in charge and pointed out the problem. Unfortunately, no response was forthcoming and the above conditions remained throughout the day. Diving Safety On return to his unit, the LS(D) again reported the problems he had encountered but this time action was taken: the officer to whom he This is an important section to reported contacted the OIC of the school concerned, who expressed his disbelief but said he would investigate. The OIC called back within highlight incidents involving the hour and stated that all points raised were indeed factual. diving safety, a point of concern to Comment By I of D all. It is requested that articles of The actions carried out by the LS(D) were correct and he prevented a possible accident. A BZ for him but, the Senior Rate to whom he interest be forwarded to Inspector reported, failed in his duty to ensure that safe practices were carried out. This could have led to serious injury or death. He should have of Diving for possible inclusion in responded in a positive and direct manner when the LS(D) highlighted this magazine. In no case will the problems. BY OW FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL: names or Unit identities be All defects highlighted have now been rectified. All BA charging should be conducted in accordance with BR 2807(4)(A). published - the aim is purely to raise safety standards.

Cylinder Charging NATO Diving An AB(D) was preparing to charge a suit inflation cylinder. He Within the year, most of you will have access to a new NATO secured the supply end of the charging whip's safety lashing to publication entitled ADivP-1(Navy) "Allied Guide to Diving a secure point and then he secured the discharge end of the Operations". lashing around the suit inflation bottle. This book reflects an input by all Nato Diving Nations. It has been formulated by the Underwater Working Party, which meets once a While the AB(D) was charging the bottle, the charging whip parted at year, in Brussels. It is edited by our Naval Staff Author on behalf of the fitting on the discharge end. The escaping high pressure air had DNW. The UK has now ratified this book with the exception of the enough force to lift the suit inflation bottle and cause it to flail around. Chapter on Divers Hand Signals. However this is not a major issue, Before he was able to shut off the high pressure air, he was struck by neither is it the first time the UK has been out of step within NATO. The the suit inflation bottle and sustained cuts and bruises. publication's primary purpose is to assist Commanding Officers in assessing area diving capabilities. Several NATO studies are also being conducted by this Working Party and the UK is a Correspondent Comment By I of D for them all (some of which will appear in STANAGS), including: Diving Safety Memorandum 02/90, gives the specification for Evaluation of Diving Accident Patients. attaching a safety lashing on high pressure gas whips and charging Treatment of Refractory Decompression Illness. hoses. Additionally this memorandum states "when charging small Diving in Polluted Water. cylinders such as suit inflation cylinders, the cylinder itself is not Thermal Protection of Divers. Factors Concerned with Deeper Clearance Diving. considered a secure point". The lashing should have been securely Underwater Engineering. attached to some other point, thereby restricting the charging lead's range of travel.

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www.mcdoa.org.uk Diving Round Up INSPECTORATE • TEAM CHANGES By I of D

There is now a new line-up for the Diving Inspectorate: the USN Ships Diving teams continue to have manpower problems. A keen Exchange officer is now no longer appointed to the staff of the Diving Officer who enjoys maximum support from his command will Superintendent of Diving as the Inspector of Diving. invariably be well-complemented with Ships Divers, (mainly hoodwinked from among his own ships company in the early stages of his This post is now to be held by an RN officer and Lt Cdr Stu McAlear was appointment). Sadly, some teams are either poorly supported or have selected from a short list of candidates and formally took up his position too little time allocated between patrols or deployments to address any on 5 March 1990. The current team is now: shortcomings (especially the sun-dodgers of the submarine world). Inspector of Diving Lt Cdr McAlear 24876 Few accidents involving Ships Divers are ever reported, leading one Inspector of Clearance Diving WO(D) Kidman but then maybe you know 24866 to believe that they don't occur Inspector of Ships Diving WO(D) Green 24583 otherwise...statistics have previously been kept to a minimum simply (tbrb WO(D) Still 5 Jun 90) by keeping the ships short of equipment: no gear, no diving, no Inspector Engineering CPO MEA(M) Kirk 24866 accidents! But, from April 1990, the flood gates open; plenty of equipment, plenty of diving watch this space for accident reports all The terms of reference for the Inspectorate are laid down in BR 5063 S2022s and S333s rendered correctly please. article 0393 and it would be worthwhile for all to have look at these. The real aim is to minimise, in relation to operational constraints, that element of riskthat is inherent in all diving operations. Reduction of risk can be tackled in many ways: Monthly Dippers

1. Good initial training. by "Deep Thought" 2. Programmed continuation training. 3. A sound awareness of first aid (covering alll eventualities). For those divers who want a mental challenge whilst counting off 4. The "6 Ps" Prior Planning Prevents P... Poor Performance. their much needed minutes underwater, you need now go no 5. In the event of an incident what should I do? further than the Monthly Dippers Section at Horsea Island! In a highly commendable break from the traditional "Jackstay Blues", there This list is not exhaustive but gives a starting point for safety. Routine is now a staff challenge for underwater construction using 10 scaffolding inspections can help to ensure a sensible adherence to the rules and poles, 2 adjustable spanners and a bucket of flexible joints. A tote is regulations and, with this, achievable standards. Inevitably accidents kept of the "Best Time" for completion of each of the construction will occur and we must learn as much as possible from them and to designs. The staff are always open to new ideas for tasks using mine modify equipment if it is at fault and improve procedures if they are lifting bags, scaffolding and bits of rusty wrong.

Diving safety is the concern of everyone and it is the role of the Inspectorate to advise on problems when requested. If in doubt A give us a call. "...shortage of scaffold poles..." New Ships Diver

Capability old ordnance the only shortage at present is in the scaffold poles department, so anyone with a friend or relative in the trade please by Jim Green contact either LS(D) Wimpey or AB(D) McAlpine C/O Monthly Dippers Section, Horsea Island. Our entry into the new decade of the 1990's sees some significant changes in the Ships Diver capability. All those in favour of an EOD underwater recce circuit (to provide a continuation training facility for divers previously thus qualified at Firstly, the reduction in their maximum depth from 30 to 21 metres: DEODS) should send their support to the Staff Officer Diving & (Amid much bar room discussion, Ships Divers openly admitto seldom Demolitions (SODD), c/o MDDS Faculty of SMOPS. HMS NELSON exercising beyond 10 -15 metres. A few isolated cases may venture (GUNWHARF). Additionally, if you have an old piece of ordnance deeper, but they are few). This reduction in maximum depth has blocking your garage door.... as long as it has a legitimate "FREE allowed the inclusion of a one week Tool Training module in lieu. FROM EXPLOSIVES" tally with it, why not return it to the deep? All Hopefully, Ship's Divers will gain enough knowledge in the use of donations greatfully received via the Chief of the Lake. underwater tools and equipment to effect minor repair work and more complex maintenance than at present. Most Ships Divers are With regards the new Tool Training Facility - also to be built at Horsea enthusiastic about the higher skill level - an enthusiasm not matched Island - funding is looking very promising for the financial year 1990/ by certain members of the Fleet Engineering Staff: "...the thought of a 91: More news next edition. Keep the dits and gossip coming, especially xxxxxx Chef doing anything underwater unsupervised doesn't get my concerning those who are working hard, behind the scenes but who support". The MDDS Diving School claim a far greater success in don't always get the credit that they deserve. getting Chefs to work unsupervised than the Cookery School at HMS PEMBROKE ever had. 5 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk Army Diving

TRAINING IN THE 1990s by Tony Wareham

By the author: This is not intended to be self- congratulatory. it is an articleto inform units how the Royal Engineer Diving Establishment is responding to the challenge of training soldiers in a specialist role that is of use to the unit. if the Establishment ceases to provide this service to the customer - the regiments in the field - then the whole concept of diving in the Corps is called into question.

flexible in attitude. PT is no longer a coarse All courses at Portland are now n the 1990s diving in the services accommodated at HMS OSPREY. This has generally, and in the Royal Engineers in sieve designed to remove weak students, but raised the level of support to the student and particular, will produce new challenges. is a method of bringing soldiers from widely ensures that his welfare is taken care of more This is not only the result of changes in differing backgrounds to a common standard effectively. There are three advantages: firstly, Eastern Europe, which may affect the where they can cope with the real physical the student is better prepared for arduous entire concept of future operations, of challenges of diving. Illness no longer attracts training: secondly, the training staff are no which diving is a small (but significant) automatic RTU action. Students are given time to recover from minor afflictions (colds longer wasting time on administrative detail part, but also because the standards that and lastly, security aspects are covered by an divers, both military and civilian, have to are a particular problem) and are only RTU'd organisation equipped to deal with the attain by law are becoming much more if they have lost so much ground that they increased threat. New storage facilities at rigorous. cannot catch up. (One student managed to complete the course, despite spending two Wyke Regis and Portland ensure that students days in hospital, but this was exceptional). spend less time moving equipment and more Changes time undergoing training. More diving sites so that courses do not Achievement underwater is now of greater have been reccied Real costs are escalating rapidly and therefore importance than simply time spent there. return to the same site every day and bad it is essential that all training is relevant, cost This Establishment is always looking for new weather does not halt training. effective and comprehensive. At the Royal skills to trial underwater, both in combat and Engineer Establishment there has been a construction engineering. This means that At Plymouth, the working relationship with restructuring of the courses to meet this the courses are more interesting and ultimately the Royal Navy is excellent. The Fleet Diving challenge. This has been evolutionary rather more relevant to the customer-the student's Tender DATCHET enables advanced than revolutionary and has been geared to parent unit. Students now spend as much students to undergo the best deep diving producing greater numbers of trained divers time on as many varied dive sites as possible, training available. The staff there ensure the in the Corpswith a high standard of proficiency. doing as many different tasks as possible. course gets away from the victualling buoy This is now being achieved and it reflects well This means that the unit receives a more and out to worthwhile diving sites. Successful on the instructors who have, in many cases professional and effective diver at the end of negotiations for the use of a dam wall (40 - undergone radical changes in attitude since his course. 50m deep) will enable advanced divers to their own diving training courses. The attitude meet their job description more fully. of, "It was good enough forme, therefore that is how it will be done" has been replaced with More Supervisors "How can we improve our standards?' During the last two years there have been a number Good diving supervisors are the ambassadors of changes, some of which are discussed for diving in the Corps. There are not enough below. They should not be regarded as the "....instructors have of them. However excellence cannot be definitive answer, but more as another step sacrificed for numbers. The course has been on the way to promoting and improving diving undergone radical changes completely restructured; students are taught in the Corps. in attitude...." the skills they will need, which are then improved upon by positive instruction at all Instructor Quality phases of the course. Students are no longer "put under the microscope and pulled to The standard of Serviceman applying for pieces". They do make mistakes, but they diving training is fairly consistent (the aptitude learn from them. Instructors must be capable test weeds outthe most unsuitable). Ensuring of making objective decisions about a potential a high pass rate therefore rests on the quality Improved Training Resources supervisors capability which are not based of instruction. on simple pass/fail criteria. The pass rate has Outside the Portsmouth area, training takes significantly improved, and feedback from Instructors have a duty to coax weak students place at Portland (for all long courses) and at units suggests that the modern student is just along, only advising Returned To Unit (RTU) Plymouth (Advanced courses only). Facilities as good -and in many cases better- than his action if the student cannot be brought up to at both locations have been very much predecessor of several years ago. The the standard required. The basic course is improved, largely due to the assistance of the significant factor is that more diving now more structured in content, but more Royal Navy. supervisors are being produced.

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ship struck a mine or was hit by a bomb. bomb. a by hit was or mine a struck ship and layout of these vessels. Normally she she Normally vessels. these of layout and

days days as a cabin boy!!! boy!!! cabin a as

reasonable chance of going over the side if a a if side the over going of chance reasonable men had all contributed something tothe design design tothe something contributed all had men

because of my Bristol Channel Pilotage Pilotage Channel Bristol my of because

It was an obvious choice, as you had a a had you as choice, obvious an was It cutters all astern of her. Generations of fishing fishing of Generations her. of astern all cutters

with previous sea experience. I qualified qualified I experience. sea previous with

inch sweep wire, with otter board. kite and and kite board. otter with wire, sweep inch

fishermen, ex-merchant seamen and anyone anyone and seamen ex-merchant fishermen,

at a steady six knots. with 500 fathoms of 2.5 2.5 of fathoms 500 with knots. six steady a at

the tapes of an inflatable life jacket. jacket. life inflatable an of tapes the from requisitioned trawlers and crews of of crews and trawlers requisitioned from

super heated boilers. She could steam along along steam could She boilers. heated super

the funnel and one always had an arm through through arm an had always one and funnel the Navy Patrol Service. This was made up up made was This Service. Patrol Navy

and had triple expansion engine, powered by by powered engine, expansion triple had and

was on the engine room casing. just behind behind just casing. room engine the on was been for those gallant little ships of the Royal Royal the of ships little gallant those for been

fished out of Hull. She was 400 tons net weight weight net tons 400 was She Hull. of out fished

A favourite sleeping place whilst sweeping sweeping whilst place sleeping favourite A country would have been crippled if it hadn't hadn't it if crippled been have would country

trawler of the name, was built in 1914 and and 1914 in built was name, the of trawler

coast were well and truly blocked and the the and blocked truly and well were coast

"H.M.Minesweeper EARL ESSEX" an ex- an ESSEX" EARL "H.M.Minesweeper

vessels or U-Boats. Many ports around our our around ports Many U-Boats. or vessels

bump in the night, Lord preserve us. preserve Lord night, the in bump - -

Hammering and Tearing Tearing and Hammering

played by mines laid by aircraft, surface surface aircraft, by laid mines by played minesweeping trawler. "From things that go go that things "From trawler. minesweeping

A big part in the sinking of our ships was was ships our of sinking the in part big A destroyed. Such was the work of a a of work the was Such destroyed.

Harry Tate's Navy Navy Tate's Harry spawned in hell and once found, had to be be to had found, once and hell in spawned job. job.

and 4,600 men. Oh! Yes! it was really a cushy cushy a really was it Yes! Oh! men. 4,600 and until she found the evil eggs that had been been had that eggs evil the found she until

the dark depths, then searching yet again, again, yet searching then depths, dark the and to clear them cost us 327 minesweepers minesweepers 327 us cost them clear to and enemy. enemy.

Some 126,000 mines were laid in our waters waters our in laid were mines 126,000 Some glamour, groping along, forever searching searching forever along, groping glamour, supplies so vital in the task of defeating the the defeating of task the in vital so supplies

the seas for the passage of others, without without others, of passage the for seas the less food, less ammunition and less war war less and ammunition less food, less

Now she was minesweeping, making safe safe making minesweeping, was she Now hardest, as every Merchant ship sunk meant meant sunk ship Merchant every as hardest, you find out? Wait around to get sunk? sunk? get to around Wait out? find you

gave herthetendencyto yaw like a pendulum. pendulum. a like yaw herthetendencyto gave

the U-Boats that were hitting the country country the hitting were that U-Boats the there were no mines there. How else would would else How there. mines no were there

the effect of a heavy gun on her forecastle forecastle her on gun heavy a of effect the

contained the German fleet. However it was was it However fleet. German the contained coast had to be swept every day, even when when even day, every swept be to had coast

cleaned out and made into living space and and space living into made and out cleaned

the Royal Navy, in spite of setbacks, had had setbacks, of spite in Navy, Royal the was a cushy job, The channels around our our around channels The job, cushy a was

ESSEX". The former fish holds had been been had holds fish former The ESSEX".

for the Luftwaffe. Even with outdated ships ships outdated with Even Luftwaffe. the for Navy". It was a misconception sweeping mines mines sweeping misconception a was It Navy".

All this had altered when I joined the "EARL "EARL the joined I when altered had this All fronts and the R.A.F. were proving a match match a proving were R.A.F. the and fronts the trawlermen were known as "Harry Tates Tates "Harry as known were trawlermen the

No Glamour Glamour No Britain at this time was fighting on many many on fighting was time this at Britain fishing fleet. To the members of Royal Navy. Navy. Royal of members the To fleet. fishing

the Royal Navy at Torpoint,Plymouth. Torpoint,Plymouth. at Navy Royal the capabilities and 40 of these came from the the from came these of 40 and capabilities

On the 3rd of September 1941, I joined joined I 1941, September of 3rd the On

In 1939 we had just 76 ships of minesweeping minesweeping of ships 76 just had we 1939 In holds and full speed for the market. market. the for speed full and holds

high water. Get those trawls out, then fill the the fill then out, trawls those Get water. high

cruel sea. But that was fishing come hell or or hell come fishing was that But sea. cruel

the scuttles to rejoin the raging mass of the the of mass raging the rejoin to scuttles the

(Artwork copied by CPO(MW) "George" Kegg) Kegg) "George" CPO(MW) by copied (Artwork

be spent in force and be sent back through through back sent be and force in spent be

• • HMT EARL ESSEX ESSEX EARL HMT

aside, any that reached the fore-deck would would fore-deck the reached that any aside,

climbed over it would get shaken off orthrown orthrown off shaken get would it over climbed

draw only 9 ft of it in the water. Any seas that that seas Any water. the in it of ft 9 only draw

she would cock her bow up haughtily and and haughtily up bow her cock would she

the roaring sea would fight against her, but but her, against fight would sea roaring the

lower. The ship could hold against a gale and and gale a against hold could ship The lower.

sea, whilst her curved, slim stern would settle settle would stern slim curved, her whilst sea,

15 ft below and would bite deep into the green green the into deep bite would and below ft 15

The phosphor-bronze propeller was some some was propeller phosphor-bronze The

blowing. blowing.

heavy trawl and sometimes with half-gales half-gales with sometimes and trawl heavy

would tow 900 fathoms of trawl wire and and wire trawl of fathoms 900 tow would

runners-up are included on Page 37. 37. Page on included are runners-up

of the three replies published: the two two the published: replies three the of

magazine. It was considered the best best the considered was It magazine.

cover of Volume 1 Number 1 of this this of 1 Number 1 Volume of cover

the "Big Badge Challenge' on the rear rear the on Challenge' Badge "Big the

was kindly submitted in response to to response in submitted kindly was

of life in the Royal Naval Patrol Service Service Patrol Naval Royal the in life of

Editor's Note: This fascinating account account fascinating This Note: Editor's

By Will Davies, B.E.M. B.E.M. Davies, Will By

, , "SWEEP DEEP "SWEEP SWEEP CLEAN." CLEAN." SWEEP

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

There were cooler and more comfortable Captain ,"Open Fire" and our guns bark the "EARL ESSEX" reels away, the bow places on deck to sleep, but by tradition, the viciously and you can feel the backlash and surging upwards and as she rights herself, British sailor always choose the warmest the pungent smell of cordite fills your nostrils. the bomb goes off below the water, just on the spot and if that was by the funnel then by the By now all ships are letting loose and the beam. bloody funnel he would sleep. With the advent approaching enemy planes seem to be of a new and more sophisticated mine...the heading into a sky full of cottonwool balls. Water cascades down over the bridge and magnetic ...sweeping took on a new role. "Bloody Hell! The "STELLA RIGAL" has got you find your head singing and a drumming one of the bastards!" a yell goes up from noise in your ears. The funnel now looks like Stormy Night someone and one of the planes, now very a watering can. The plane had sprayed as she came in- that was the gravel like sound The "EARL ESSEX" had a newtechnique.The clear, lurches and tilts over and drops steeply we heard. Again, the sullen roar as a plane 500 yards of electrical cable needed to combat seawards, with the ominous red glow and the new menace, was stowed on either side finger of black smoke coming from the engine. swoops in and Thump, pause Thump of the of the ships deck and lumped in and out by The roar of aircraft is almost deafening and 12 pounder and the eager chatter of the machine-guns. The aircraft was threaded by hand! It was only on the more up-to-date and was punctuated by the frequent but irregular a deadly, fiery necklace of tracer and she purpose built minesweepers that cables were crash of gunfire. no need to on reels and came in and out by winch power. turned away in a half circle Picture a dark and stormy night with a heavy The ships were now throwing everything they worry about that one anymore. sea running. could and the planes spilt up, left and right, one group running along the length of the It's cold and you're wet. You've only had an ships, whilst the other flew over the top. The hour's sleep. Atthe signal you place the cable machine-guns opened up with a nerve on your shoulder and run it aft to drop it, shattering clatter and lines of tracer converge through the rollers,over the stern, then forward on a plane. Surely it was a hit, but it races on, "....out sweeps, in sweeps, again to get another bight, until the whole engines rising in a noisy crescendo as it patrol the area...." length is outboard. It went on by day and by passes over the flock of little ships.

Near Miss There's a dull thump and the "EARLESSEX" heels over slightly and a plume of water rises "....it went on , by day and by just off the beam. "Bloody near miss, lookout And so the scenario went on, never changing here's another coming". The machine-guns very much. Out sweeps, in sweeps,patrol the night, week after week...." open up again, this time the after guns put in area,aircraft in sight, near misses, cold and their pennyworth. The opening attack eases wet and a tiredness that crept up on you. The away as the enemy aircraft roar off to reform. time spent in harbour was virtually to coal A clatter of noise fills the air, but now it's from ship, collect stores and replacement sweeps, men getting more ammunition to the gun's, perhaps one night on the town and that would night, week after week and all around our whilst others clear away the empty shell cases. be it. "EARL ESSEX" will sail at 0600 in coast line, it had to be done to ensure the safe The cook, the steward are dragging ammo company with, blah ! blah ! and would begin arrival of those shipsthat had survived the U- boxes to the machine-guns, stokers as well, all over again. The channel we cleared Boat ridden waters of the North Atlantic. for this is a ships company fighting for its life. yesterday was mined during the night by E boats, so it needs to done again today. Of course, dealing with mines and coping Suddenly it's so quiet you can hear it. It's the with heavy weather wasn't the only hazard sound of silence. A faint flecked sky and a The horror and the futility of the war at sea has the trawlers had to face How many times I've distant purr of planes; the first wave of the now receded into the history books, but the heard the cry, "look, there's lots of the attack is over. When will the next one be? It's Navy of today still trains for .the task of bastards coming". And then would come that now you feel scared and your knees go a bit minesweeping, although it's all computerised pulsating sound, the uneven throb of aircraft. shaky and you find yourself breathing in and technical. Still I'm certain there would be The alarm bells ring out their strident cry and sharply, as if you'd just run a race, your lips room for hard bitten seamen to man ex- immediately the guns are manned. We had a are dry but you can't moisten them. "Aircraft fishing trawlers, should the need arise. A new 12 pounder on the forecastle and a 20mm aft, bearing red eighty, angle of sight 20 degrees" generation of ships and men but Harry Tate's with a couple of Lewis machine-guns on the and here we go again. The roar of engines for all that. § bridge. Through the binoculars, it looked like are now distinct once more and the dirton the lens, until it flashed and you realised "ETRUSTAN" is spitting fire at three planes itwas planes, in orderly formation at anything which are obviously going for just the one up to 10,000 ft. ship. Our 12 pounder opens up and the machine-guns from all parts of the ship are Open Fire! sending their deadly strings of tracer A group peeled away at an angle, they came skywards. lower and were bent on attacking the small fleet of ships that were striving to complete Thump! Thump! the task of clearing the channel before the Sometimes it happens in action. One plane arrival of the convoy. Thump! a pause, then will come in without anyone firing at it, you Thump! again. Just ahead the "STELLA hear the thud of it's engines, look up and RIGAL" has opened fire. Then further away, glimpse the two wings and as you watch you high up in front of the planes, puffs of smoke see a bomb falling away from it. Through the appear, obviously another of the ships has turmoil of noise you hear the CO yelling joined in the chorus of gunfire, possibly it's "Hard-a-Starboard". There's a vicious rattle, the "ETRUSTAN". You hear the call of the like someone throwing gravel at a window,

8 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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9 9

and Repair; Main Circulator Patching; Shaft Shaft Patching; Circulator Main Repair; and cordage, diameter to exceed the shaft/fairing shaft/fairing the exceed to diameter cordage, and happy surfing! surfing! happy and

Propellor Change; Bow Sonar Dome Patch Patch Dome Sonar Bow Change; Propellor surface crew then cut a suitable length of of length suitable a cut then crew surface

Have a really RAD (California-speak) day day (California-speak) RAD really a Have

The unit standard tasks include: Fixed-Pitch Fixed-Pitch include: tasks standard unit The water holes on the fairing and skeg. The The skeg. and fairing the on holes water

note is made of any deadlight or cooling cooling or deadlight any of made is note

techniques in the RN. RN. the in techniques distance between the shaft and the fairing. A A fairing. the and shaft the between distance

less than 60fsw (USN Diving Regulations). Regulations). Diving (USN 60fsw than less

of the circumference of the shaft and the the and shaft the of circumference the of

USN underwater repair/husbandry repair/husbandry underwater USN air supply and regulator, plus most diving is is diving most plus regulator, and supply air

Initially, the divers take rough measurements measurements rough take divers the Initially,

the boats' air systems provide an alternative alternative an provide systems air boats' the

staff to evaluate a possible application of of application possible a evaluate to staff

ship's stern gland seal (Syntroli Seal. USN). USN). Seal. (Syntroli seal gland stern ship's

Bandmask Mk 10). Bail-outs are not worn as as worn not are Bail-outs 10). Mk Bandmask

Detailed information has been sent to Sof D D Sof to sent been has information Detailed

permitting the inspection or removal of the the of removal or inspection the permitting most operations (it is almost identical to KMB KMB to identical almost is (it operations most

immediately aft of the Stern Tube, thus thus Tube, Stern the of aft immediately

pneumos. The USN Mk1 is the rig used for for used rig the is Mk1 USN The pneumos.

The shaft is sealed at the fairing or fairwater fairwater or fairing the at sealed is shaft The from the surface. surface. the from standby diver with surface-supplied air and and air surface-supplied with diver standby

Shaft Wraps Wraps Shaft discharge of white aerated water, often visible visible often water, aerated white of discharge air system supports 2 working divers and 1 1 and divers working 2 supports system air

from the eductor discharge. This is a billowing billowing a is This discharge. eductor the from The 50ft work boatwith permanently-installed permanently-installed boatwith work 50ft The

the stern tube is dry is given by "white water" water" "white by given is dry is tube stern the

Wraps is particularly of interest. interest. of particularly is Wraps

inadvertently secured. The indication that that indication The secured. inadvertently

and ends any time after 1530 - plus duties! duties! plus - 1530 after time any ends and 2-part epoxy, Splash Zone. The use of Shaft Shaft of use The Zone. Splash epoxy, 2-part

check valves in case the fire main is is main fire the case in valves check

home-made sealing compound, Bintski, or a a or Bintski, compound, sealing home-made note that the working day starts at 0630 here here 0630 at starts day working the that note

flooding, all CDU eductors are fitted with with fitted are eductors CDU all flooding,

draft, any prospective exchange candidates candidates exchange prospective any draft,

sealing face. Small leaks are resolved with a a with resolved are leaks Small face. sealing

additional safeguard against catastrophic catastrophic against safeguard additional

with 1" foam rubber glued to a 3-4" wide wide 3-4" a to glued rubber foam 1" with Despite the "fun in the sun" aspect of this this of aspect sun" the in "fun the Despite

inboard should a leak develop. As an an As develop. leak a should inboard

job is the OIC/CPO to one of these teams. teams. these of one to OIC/CPO the is job

puller (TIRFOR, UK). The seal is achieved achieved is seal The UK). (TIRFOR, puller

eductors are always immediately available available immediately always are eductors

bands tensioned by a hand-operated wire wire hand-operated a by tensioned bands wide variety of underwater tasks. My present present My tasks. underwater of variety wide

water has been evacuated. N.B.: portable portable N.B.: evacuated. been has water

with wing nuts and/or steel wire rope belly belly rope wire steel and/or nuts wing with deployed daily in the harbour carrying out a a out carrying harbour the in daily deployed

collapse the divers' "0" seal when all the the all when seal "0" divers' the collapse

Usually there are 2 ten-man diving teams teams diving ten-man 2 are there Usually

cofferdams are retained in place by "J" Bolts Bolts "J" by place in retained are cofferdams

void, otherwise the eductor will draw in and and in draw will eductor the otherwise void,

box patches are in frequent use. The patches/ patches/ The use. frequent in are patches box

the Gland Box to allow air into the stern tube tube stern the into air allow to Box Gland the

eductors, welded-aluminium (1/4") flat and and flat (1/4") welded-aluminium eductors, tenders tenders

vent valve must be opened in Shaft Alley at at Alley Shaft in opened be must valve vent

and patches. Locally-produced lightweight lightweight Locally-produced patches. and

are loan-drafted from the locally-based support support locally-based the from loan-drafted are

to drain the fairing and stern tube. A bleed or or bleed A tube. stern and fairing the drain to

various standard and custom-built cofferdams cofferdams custom-built and standard various divers are permenantly drafted:the remainder remainder drafted:the permenantly are divers

energised from the ships' firemain (100 PSI) PSI) (100 firemain ships' the from energised

CDU has developed and perfected the use of of use the perfected and developed has CDU

additional support personnel). Only 25 of the the of 25 Only personnel). support additional

Wrap is on overnight). The eductor isslowly isslowly eductor The overnight). on is Wrap

repair onboard pipework/valves. To this end, end, this To pipework/valves. onboard repair 2nd Class to Master Diver (plus some some (plus Diver Master to Class 2nd

sealed with Bintski (plus Splash Zone if if Zone Splash (plus Bintski with sealed

seal their ships' hull openings in order to to order in openings hull ships' their seal about 70 divers here of varying grades: from from grades: varying of here divers 70 about

all plug, eductor and fairing joints/cracks are are joints/cracks fairing and eductor plug, all

The US Navy has a regular requirement to to requirement regular a has Navy US The

repair and inspection operations. There are are There operations. inspection and repair

lowest deadlight hole and is made fast; then then fast; made is and hole deadlight lowest

more surface ships based at San Diego with with Diego San at based ships surface more extension section tube is inserted into the the into inserted is tube section extension

The main role of the unit is to support the 75 or or 75 the support to is unit the of role main The

(2'x2" to 6'x3'). 6'x3'). to (2'x2" softwood DC plugs. An eductor with with eductor An plugs. DC softwood

Propulsion Unit Repair; Cofferdam Installation Installation Cofferdam Repair; Unit Propulsion the lowest one are plugged with standard standard with plugged are one lowest the

(CDU), in San Diego, California. California. Diego, San in (CDU),

Pre-and Post-Hull Cleaning surveys; Auxiliary Auxiliary surveys; Cleaning Post-Hull Pre-and a large '0' seal. All deadlight holes except except holes deadlight All seal. '0' large a

attached to the Consolidated Divers Unit Unit Divers Consolidated the to attached

Maintenance; Special Operations Support; Support; Operations Special Maintenance; two tails are then tied tight together, to form form to together, tight tied then are tails two

in Washington DC in the East and I am am I and East the in DC Washington in

Dry-Docking Block Positioning; Bow Thruster Thruster Bow Positioning; Block Dry-Docking and partially into the shaft/fairing gap. The The gap. shaft/fairing the into partially and

Chris Sherman is in the new appointment appointment new the in is Sherman Chris

Removal (20 tons); Helicopter Salvage; Ship Ship Salvage; Helicopter tons); (20 Removal lines. This is then jammed hard up against against up hard jammed then is This lines.

in Panama City lapsed in 1989. Lt Cdr Cdr Lt 1989. in lapsed City Panama in

Epoxy Repair; Submarine In-Tank Ballast Ballast In-Tank Submarine Repair; Epoxy Bintski and tailed with two light cordage cordage light two with tailed and Bintski

The Billet for both a CPO(D) and an MCDO MCDO an and CPO(D) a both for Billet The Wraps; Pit Sword Changeouts; "A" Bracket Bracket "A" Changeouts; Sword Pit Wraps; measurement, which is roll-wrapped in in roll-wrapped is which measurement,

by "Buck" Taylor Taylor "Buck" by

USN Exchange, San Diego Diego San Exchange, USN

Simon Maddison Maddison Simon

• • Diving Reporter Reporter Diving

the course in April. April. in course the

"Scouse" Vernon, who successfully completed completed successfully who Vernon, "Scouse"

the branch to meet this challenge was AB(D) AB(D) was challenge this meet to branch the

Park, Gosport. The most recent member of of member recent most The Gosport. Park,

10 day Aircrew Survival Course at Seafield Seafield at Course Survival Aircrew day 10

The latest popular challenge is an intensive intensive an is challenge popular latest The stand-easy, I expect! expect! I stand-easy,

Too many cheesey-hammy-eggies at at cheesey-hammy-eggies many Too

activities. activities.

the Navy's catalogue of ambitious ambitious of catalogue Navy's the that provided the most challenging factor. factor. challenging most the provided that

limit. Endless challenges are provided in in provided are challenges Endless limit. expected, it was the lack of food and supplies supplies and food of lack the was it expected,

physical and mental capabilities to the the to capabilities mental and physical as mentally and physically demanding as as demanding physically and mentally as

divers are forever attempting to push their their push to attempting forever are divers howeverstress that whilst hefound the course course the hefound whilst that howeverstress

As the very nature of the job expects, expects, job the of nature very the As Unavailable to comment at length, he did did he length, at comment to Unavailable

by Simon Maddison Maddison Simon by

Additional Training Training Additional

Diving Reporter Reporter Diving www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Diving Equipment Report

DEVELOPMENT OF AN MCM DIVING SET FOR THE '90s by John Chapple EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT, DEFENCE AND CIVIL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, DOWNSVIEW, TORONTO, CANADA.

42 msw was placed on its use. Indeed it is so Minecountermeasures Apparatus). In 1984 long since the CF Clearance Divers have the project was reviewed and an important • Editor's Note: The following article is used 32.5/67.5 02/N2 gas that it has been decision was made, to split the project into suhnzitted by a Royal Navy exchange officer deleted from the stores system. two distinct phases: involved in the Diving Equipment Trials and Procurement process. His personal Ambitious Development Phase One: Development of a 54 msw oxy- opinions, expressed below, do not The development programme was ambitious. nitrogen set to replace the in-service CDBA. necessarily reflect official MoD policy or It was intended to achieve the NATO target Phase Two: Development of a new gas opinion regarding any future Diving depth of 80 msw using a single design self- control circuit to allow the Phase 1 rig to be Equipment in the R.N. contained rebreather set. An initial used to 81 msw using helium and oxygen. development contract was placed with Nova Scotia Research Foundation, a Crown The Phase One seteventually became known I arrived at DCIEM in June 89 and, as Corporation, to develop the initial diving set as the Canadian Clearance Diving Apparatus Diving Project Officer, inherited the known as CUMA (for Canadian Underwater (CCDA) whilstthe Phase Two variant evolved responsibility, amongst other tasks, for into Canadian Underwater Mine Apparatus the development of a replacement for (CUMA). To confuse all of us divers, the DSSCCD, a subject dear to most Divers' company that manufactures these sets also hearts. has a trade name for each, namely "SIVA 55" and "SIVA plus" respectively. "SIVA", pronounced "Shiva", is the Hindu god of war. Personal Standpoint I believe. The aim of this article is to highlightthe salient points of the projectto date and cast a glance In 1985, Fullerton Sherwood Engineering Ltd to the future on both sides of the Atlantic. (FSEL), a civilian firm, was contracted to Acknowledgements go to my predecessor, develop these sets in conjunction with EDU, Lieutenant Steve Marshall for the hard work DCIEM. This ensured that virtually all the that he put into this project to ensure its technical drawing, selection of materials and success. preproduction work, was undertaken by the company, leaving EDU staff free for testing I do not seekto question the need for an MCM and development. The technology and design and EOD diving capability in the RN nor to specifications derived from the initial CUMA enter the debate over "Diver or ROV?". I take development were transferred to FSEL for the standpoint that, however capable ROV or implementation into a finished product. FSEL RCM DS equipment becomes, there will (of Toronto) is the sole manufacturer of the always be a need for manned intervention equipment and is licenced by the Canadian underwater. What is necessary is that our Department of National Defence. men be given the best, and perhaps most cost-effective, tools for the job whether they Canadian Kit be divers or submersible operators or both. Canadian Clearance Diving Apparatus Whether this has happened in the past is (CCDA) is a semi-closed circuit rebreather immaterial. That it happens in the future is set which uses pure oxygen or the three essential. In the Canadian Forces (C.F.) this standard oxy-nitrogen gas mixtures down to meant that the limitations of our dear old 54 msw. It is designed to modern standards of CDBA, and latterly DSSCCD, were both engineering and life support and is recognised by the Clearance Diving Branch straightforward to use and maintain (one of in the late 1970's. The scope for further the principle aimsthroughoutthe development improvement of this grandfather of diving project). The set itself is "user friendly", sets was assessed as poor. Owing to the consequently it does not have to be tested to increasing support costs, scarcity of spares destruction prior to each dive (unlike certain and degree of manpower required to keep the sets). Nor does the diver spend half his time equipment operational, coupled with serious on the job concentrating on whether or not his concerns about health and safety, DCIEM diving set is defective. Most of the standard embarked upon a programme to develop a operating procedures and deployment rules mine-countermeasures breathing apparatus for the set are based on the drills for DSSCCD as a replacement for CDBA. In the interim • Canadian Clearance Diving - to enable a swift introduction into service. To DSSCCD was bought by the CF but a limit of Apparatus (C.C.D.A.) give some idea of capabilities, CCDA has an 10 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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11 11

safe clearance diving set for 54 msw use, we we use, msw 54 for set diving clearance safe in 6 degrees C we all know how easy it is to to is it easy how know all we C degrees 6 in

Having successfully developed a modern and and modern a developed successfully Having system for the divers hands (after 45 minutes minutes 45 (after hands divers the for system

C.U.M.A. TRIALLED TRIALLED C.U.M.A. These items include a supplementary heating heating supplementary a include items These

these depths are still under development. development. under still are depths these

required to deploy a self-contained diver to to diver self-contained a deploy to required past two years and these are continuing. continuing. are these and years two past

Other components of the total CUMA system system CUMA total the of components Other model of CCDA (SIVA 55) with FDU 3 for the the for 3 FDU with 55) (SIVA CCDA of model

ARE Alverstoke has been evaluating an early early an evaluating been has Alverstoke ARE

prior to the "pull" for Surface D. D. Surface for "pull" the to prior replaced! As some of you may also know, know, also may you of some As replaced!

procedures with initial in-water decompression decompression in-water initial with procedures the least. No prizes for guessing which set it it set which guessing for prizes No least. the

concentrating on surface decompression decompression surface on concentrating Clearance Divers have been positive to say say to positive been have Divers Clearance

decompression. At present we are are we present At decompression. models in 1988. The reports from their their from reports The 1988. in models

a bottom time of 20 minutes with in water water in with minutes 20 of time bottom a New Zealand Navy who bought some earlier earlier some bought who Navy Zealand New

requirement for CUMA is a dive to 81 msw for for msw 81 to dive a is CUMA for requirement but "in-service" honours went to the Royal Royal the to went honours "in-service" but

Safe diving and happy hunting! § § hunting! happy and diving Safe operational use.The target operating operating target use.The operational responsible for the development of this set, set, this of development the for responsible

efficient and safer table is required for for required is table safer and efficient The Canadian CD Branch has been been has Branch CD Canadian The

be used with some modification, a more more a modification, some with used be myself. myself.

87), Lt Steve Marshall (87-89) and lately lately and (87-89) Marshall Steve Lt 87), Helium-Oxygen Partial Pressure Tables can can Tables Pressure Partial Helium-Oxygen nine months in production. production. in months nine

RN Project Officers: Lt Cdr Colin Dodd (85- Dodd Colin Cdr Lt Officers: Project RN system is almost unique and, although USN USN although and, unique almost is system of this were spent in writing the contract and and contract the writing in spent were this of

development of the set with a succession of of succession a with set the of development Decompression Table. The CUMA gas supply supply gas CUMA The Table. Decompression achievement, especially since only two years years two only since especially achievement,

the RN has been closely involved with the the with involved closely been has RN the validate a specific CUMA HeO2 HeO2 CUMA specific a validate development - this is a considerable considerable a is this - development

ever since the project commenced at DCIEM, DCIEM, at commenced project the since ever a manned dive series in the EDU chambers to to chambers EDU the in series dive manned a 1990: a mere five years after the start of of start the after years five mere a 1990:

"foreign" designed set, I would point out that, that, out point would I set, designed "foreign" Coast in May 1990. In Feb 90 we conducted conducted we 90 Feb In 1990. May in Coast Canadian Clearance Diving Branch on 1 July July 1 on Branch Diving Clearance Canadian

the problem. To those who may object to a a to object may who those To problem. the in-house and are testing these on the West West the on these testing are and in-house and will formally enter service with the the with service enter formally will and

replacement is the more obvious solution to to solution obvious more the is replacement Jan 89. We have three pre-production models models pre-production three have We 89. Jan CCDA finally went into production in late '89 '89 late in production into went finally CCDA

procure CC DA/SIVA 55 as our own own our as 55 DA/SIVA CC procure depth of 81 msw was achieved at FDU(P) in in FDU(P) at achieved was msw 81 of depth and modifications resulting from these trials trials these from resulting modifications and

effective in one of their primary roles. To To roles. primary their of one in effective water trials with CUMA and the maximum maximum the and CUMA with trials water both in 1987. After a number of minor delays delays minor of number a After 1987. in both

"foreign" design if we wish to keep our Divers Divers our keep to wish we if design "foreign" DCIEM has now conducted preliminary open- preliminary conducted now has DCIEM Centre, Indian Head, Maryland, USA again again USA Maryland, Head, Indian Centre,

have no viable alternative but to procure a a procure to but alternative viable no have magnetic trials at the USN EOD Technical Technical EOD USN the at trials magnetic

time when budgets are being trimmed we we trimmed being are budgets when time equipment of choice for diving to 54 msw. msw. 54 to diving for choice of equipment with the RN at Loch Goil, Scotland and and Scotland Goil, Loch at RN the with

Rather than attempt to develop our own at a a at own our develop to attempt than Rather greater than for CCDA, which remains the the remains which CCDA, for than greater 87. The set also completed acoustic trials trials acoustic completed also set The 87.

there are but a few on the world market. market. world the on few a but are there maintenance requirements are considerably considerably are requirements maintenance Unit (Atlantic) in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late late in Scotia Nova Halifax, in (Atlantic) Unit

The future lies with a modern CD set of which which of set CD modern a with lies future The advanced technology the preparation and and preparation the technology advanced final operational evaluation at Fleet Diving Diving Fleet at evaluation operational final

the gas is within limits. Since CUMA uses uses CUMA Since limits. within is gas the (Pacific) in Victoria, British Columbia and a a and Columbia British Victoria, in (Pacific)

consciousness. consciousness. which glows Red or Green to tell him whether whether him tell to Green or Red glows which followed by field trials at Fleet Diving Unit Unit Diving Fleet at trials field by followed

have been engraved on our branch branch our on engraved been have diver. In his mask, at at mask, his In diver. and manned testing in EDU's dive chambers, chambers, dive EDU's in testing manned and eye eye level, he has an LED LED an has he level,

cannot forget the incidents and fatalities that that fatalities and incidents the forget cannot the P02 of the gas being breathed by the the by breathed being gas the of P02 the DCIEM in August 85. It underwent unmanned unmanned underwent It 85. August in DCIEM

our families to see it in the museum. We also also We museum. the in it see to families our electronic diagnostics unit which monitors monitors which unit diagnostics electronic The first prototype CCDA was delivered to to delivered was CCDA prototype first The

achieved using it, especially when we take take we when especially it, using achieved also has the advantage of a separate separate a of advantage the has also

association with it and the many operations operations many the and it with association operation of the set depends, The CUMA CUMA The depends, set the of operation warstock version. The CF will be getting both. both. getting be will CF The version. warstock

leader. As a branch we can be proud of our our of proud be can we branch a As leader. neat system and one on which the succcessful succcessful the which on one and system neat standard training version and a non-magnetic non-magnetic a and version training standard

of CDBA which, in its time, was a world world a was time, its in which, CDBA of regulator built into the gas supply system. A A system. supply gas the into built regulator There are two standards of manufacture; a a manufacture; of standards two are There

have learned from, the successes and failures failures and successes the from, learned have diluent flow with depth, controlled by a ratio ratio a by controlled depth, with flow diluent been tested well beyond the 120 minute mark. mark. minute 120 the beyond well tested been

replacement sets are either based on, or or on, based either are sets replacement constant oxygen flow with an increasing increasing an with flow oxygen constant of soda-lime double that of DSSCCD and has has and DSSCCD of that double soda-lime of

case of CDBA. It is a salient point, that all all that point, salient a is It CDBA. of case at all depths. This is done by combining a a combining by done is This depths. all at 32.5/67.5. The CO2 canister carries a charge charge a carries canister CO2 The 32.5/67.5.

development and this has happened in the the in happened has this and development loop with a constant partial pressure of oxygen oxygen of pressure partial constant a with loop and 60/40 which reduces to 88 minutes on on minutes 88 to reduces which 60/40 and

once they have reached the limit of of limit the reached have they once pure helium to provide the diver's breathing breathing diver's the provide to helium pure endurance of 120 minutes using 100% 02 02 100% using minutes 120 of endurance

service in 1951. All designs become dated dated become designs All 1951. in service uses separate supplies of pure oxygen and and oxygen pure of supplies separate uses

over the years since the first model entered entered model first the since years the over system is of a completely different design: it it design: different completely a of is system without Back Fairing) Fairing) Back without

test of time and has given sterling service service sterling given has and time of test tubes and CO2 scrubber), but the gas supply supply gas the but scrubber), CO2 and tubes

• • Canadian C.C.D.A. (shown (shown C.C.D.A. Canadian

but let us not forget that CDBA has stood the the stood has CDBA that forget not us let but breathing loop (counterlung, mask, breathing breathing mask, (counterlung, loop breathing

when compared to more up-to-date equipment equipment up-to-date more to compared when set makes use of the exact same semi-closed semi-closed same exact the of use makes set

It is very easy to knock CDBA/DSSCCD CDBA/DSSCCD knock to easy very is It similar to CCDA. This is intentional since the the since intentional is This CCDA. to similar

THE WAY AHEAD AHEAD WAY THE Outwardly CUMA (or SIVA Plus) looks very very looks Plus) SIVA (or CUMA Outwardly

clearance diving in the 54 - 81 msw range. range. msw 81 - 54 the in diving clearance

the more specialised requirements of deep deep of requirements specialised more the In summary, deep MCM diving is a reality. reality. a is diving MCM deep summary, In

have moved on to Phase Two of the project - project the of Two Phase to on moved have shut off valves!) and also a workable bailout. bailout. workable a also and valves!) off shut

Diving Equipment Report Report Equipment Diving www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Precise Navigation

LOST, OR JUST CONFUSED?

by Tony Silva

When determining a ships position, numerous Radio Fixing Aids Spheroids (RFA) are available to the Service and have been for many years. A number of spheroids are available throughout the world, but the most The accuracy of these systems depends largely on the range frequently used in MCM are: from the transmitter, weather and upon the equipment itself: it may vary from 5 metres to 2 nautical miles. Yet, whether a Mine 1. AIRY-whose datum is based on Ordnance Survey of Great Britain Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV), a Hydrographic Vessel or 1936 (OSGB-36) which has its origin at Herstmonceux, Sussex. another craft conducting specific tasks, (e.g. leadthrough or 2. International 1924 whose datum is based on European datum diving jolly to locate lost treasure), navigation which offers the 1950 (ED-50). This spheroid is used for the calculations of highest accuracy and constant repeatability must be obtained. distances in the Admiralty Distance Tables and Ocean Passages for the world. The most commonly known Precise Navigation Systems (PNS) are Hyperfix, Trisponder and Syledis. Although the operator's ability to The parameters 'a' and 'b', usually expressed in metres, define the size competently use these systems is continuously improving, a full and shape of each spheroid. To account for the flattening of the appreciation of their history and capabilities has not been disseminated. sphere, formula f=(a-b)/a is introduced and expressed as a ratio of 'a'. While corrective action has been taken to instruct all levels of Royal Further calculations are required to assess the eccentricity of the Naval personnel, on-the-job training is essential - especially to those spheroid - which will not be covered in this article. seeking advancement or furthering their knowledge to increase the operational effectiveness of their vessel. Therefore, this article is aimed at enlightening those who have shied away from the Spheroid Radius 'a" Radius 'b' Flattening equipment for far too long. Airy 6377563m 6356257m 1/299.325 What Shape World? 1/297 It is commonly accepted that we live in one world but exactly where we International 6378388m 6356912m are on this world is less well understood. As our planet is neither of regular shape. nor of uniform density, it's precise dimensions have • Table 1: Spheroid Data been debated for hundreds of years and have still to be resolved. From Fig 1, it will be seen that the polar radius 'b' is less than the As seen at Table 1, the differences between the semi-minor and semi- equatorial radius 'a'. Thus, the Earth may be considered as being major axes of two spheroids is 825 and 655 metres respectively. flattened along its North-South axis. As the detailed irregularity is These distances are demonstrated more effectively at Fig 2. for, as unknown throughouttheglobe, it is very difficultto perform mathematical seen, the topographical position of point x has remained fixed, but its calculations. Therefore, the necessity to introduce a mathematical geographical position has altered, depending on which spheroid data model, that closely relates to the geoid, is produced by rotating an is in use. For absolute repeatable accuracy, it is essential to use the ellipse about its minor axis and is known as a SPHEROID. datum and spheroid upon which the system chains were designed and Comprehensive calculations can now be performed by the way that with which data was produced. To achieve this, the general maxim the geoid departs from this easily defined shape. "Same in" "Same out" "Same used" must be applied, whether operating CAAIS, QX1, QX3(1) or QX3(3).

Normal Normal to 1 to 2 Vertical-ref to the observers vertical

Topographic Surface

Geoid Surface Spheroid Surface 2 ---Spheroid Surface 1

Topographic Surface - on which observations are made above the ground. Geoid - the fundamental shape of the Earth Spheroid - our imaginary surface upon which computations can be made.

• Fig 1: The Oblate Spheroid • Fig 2: Projection Onto A Spheroid From A Fixed Position 12 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

13 13

whole operation takes 1.4 seconds. These derived frequencies frequencies derived These seconds. 1.4 takes operation whole

exact report can be forwarded...." forwarded...." be can report exact combinations to produce the various levels as lane indentification a a indentification lane as levels various the produce to combinations

"....when the equipment does malfunction, an an malfunction, does equipment the "....when transmissions and receivers. The other four are mixed in various various in mixed are four other The receivers. and transmissions

The first transmission, Fl, is the timing signal which synchronises all all synchronises which signal timing the is Fl, transmission, first The

frequencies. frequencies.

This is accomplished by the chain transmitting stations radiating five five radiating stations transmitting chain the by accomplished is This

designed to overcome these problems and to achieve "Auto-Lock". "Auto-Lock". achieve to and problems these overcome to designed

will be counted). However, the latest generation, Mode 4, was was 4, Mode generation, latest the However, counted). be will

are between the receiver and the prime station (from which the lanes lanes the which (from station prime the and receiver the between are

lane one is situated, it cannot directly indicate how many lanes there there lanes many how indicate directly cannot it situated, is one lane

Although the system in the receiver is able to show in which particular particular which in show to able is receiver the in system the Although

Latest Generation Generation Latest

F2 lies some 200khz below Fl. Fl. below 200khz some lies F2

1600 - 3400 khz band. In addition, frequencies are allocated such that that such allocated are frequencies addition, In band. khz 3400 - 1600

phase difference. Two frequences are used, Fl and F2, which lie in the the in lie which F2, and Fl used, are frequences Two difference. phase

intersection of such circles from a HYPERBOLIC line of position of zero zero of position of line HYPERBOLIC a from circles such of intersection

wavelength radii. These are drawn around each Station, the points of of points the Station, each around drawn are These radii. wavelength

Transmissions are radiated in all directions in a series of circles of half- of circles of series a in directions all in radiated are Transmissions

Station 2. 2. Station

increases in amplitude as it passes point 1, as does the signal from from signal the does as 1, point passes it as amplitude in increases

of both signals is zero. As time moves on, the signal from Station 1 1 Station from signal the on, moves time As zero. is signals both of

propagating in all directions. At points A, B, C, and D, the amplitutde amplitutde the D, and C, B, A, points At directions. all in propagating

a particular point in time, the transmission can be shown as a sine wave wave sine a as shown be can transmission the time, in point particular a

The transmission from Station 2 is phase-locked from Station 1 and, for for and, 1 Station from phase-locked is 2 Station from transmission The

• • Fig 3: Phase Comparison Of Signals Signals Of Comparison Phase 3: Fig

regarded as "someone else's problem" should it not work correctly. § § correctly. work not it should problem" else's "someone as regarded

' Station 2 2 Station

-- A 4 4

equipment and thereby prevent Precise Navigation forever being being forever Navigation Precise prevent thereby and equipment A A

individual may readily further his own knowledge of MCM PNS PNS MCM of knowledge own his further readily may individual

with rapid visual fixing rather than use of complex RFA's. Now, the the Now, RFA's. complex of use than rather fixing visual rapid with

suggested to many operators the use of a sharper 2B pencil, coupled coupled pencil, 2B sharper a of use the operators many to suggested

your ships operational effectiveness. The veryterm "Precise Navigation" Navigation" "Precise veryterm The effectiveness. operational ships your

was to find an onboard "expert" or squadron staff in order to improve improve to order in staff squadron or "expert" onboard an find to was

with the receiver and become a skilled operator. The only alternative alternative only The operator. skilled a become and receiver the with

For many years it has been left to the individual to familiarise himself himself familiarise to individual the to left been has it years many For

Station 1 1 Station

rectification by the maintainers. maintainers. the by rectification

malfunction, an exact report can be forwarded, thus enabling swift swift enabling thus forwarded, be can report exact an malfunction,

equipment) will be reduced. In addition, when the equipment does does equipment the when addition, In reduced. be will equipment)

eg: from Station 1 to Station 2 as shown below in Fig.3. Fig.3. in below shown as 2 Station to 1 Station from eg: (often due to ignorance of the system and human error, rather than the the than rather error, human and system the of ignorance to due (often

Between a pair of transmitting stations a continuous wave is radiated radiated is wave continuous a stations transmitting of pair a Between of the receiver will be clearer. Delays in commencing the ordered task task ordered the commencing in Delays clearer. be will receiver the of

stations. One station is generally referred to as the Prime or Station 1. 1. Station or Prime the as to referred generally is station One stations. relevant system publications. The making of data tapes and operation operation and tapes data of making The publications. system relevant

Decca. Each chain consists of a number (from 3 to 18) of transmitting transmitting of 18) to 3 (from number a of consists chain Each Decca. will have a clearer understanding of the information contained in the the in contained information the of understanding clearer a have will

System. It operates on 2mhz in virtually the same way as Main Chain Chain Main as way same the virtually in 2mhz on operates It System. With a firm grasp of the basictheory of precise navigation, the operator operator the navigation, precise of basictheory the of grasp firm a With

available around the United Kingdom coast and is a Phase Comparison Comparison Phase a is and coast Kingdom United the around available Improved Skills Skills Improved

Hyperfix, the most commonly used Precise Navigation System is is System Navigation Precise used commonly most the Hyperfix,

(GPS) (GPS)

satellites in known orbits - SATNAV (Transit), SINS, NAVSTAR NAVSTAR SINS, (Transit), SATNAV - orbits known in satellites

F1+50 Hz1 Hz1 F1+50 75m 75m 150 m m 150 2000 KHz KHz 2000

c) c)

Independent - essentially mesures travel times and ranges from from ranges and times travel mesures essentially - Independent

F1+5Hz F1+5Hz F2 F2 750 m m 750 1500 m m 1500 200 KHz KHz 200

F2-4KHz F2-4KHz F2 F2 3ri 3ri Km Km 75 Km Km 75 4KHz 4KHz Hyperfix. Hyperfix.

signal radiated from pairs of stations - Decca Navigation, Omega, Omega, Navigation, Decca - stations of pairs from radiated signal

1500 1500 100Hz 100Hz F1+50 Hz Hz F1+50 3000 Km Km 3000

50Hz 50Hz F1 -

b) b)

Phase Comparison Systems - measure the phase difference of a a of difference phase the measure - Systems Comparison Phase (between zeWase paints) paints) zeWase (between

Lanewidth Lanewidth Effective Frequency Frequency Effective Wavelength Wavelength

transmission to reception - Radar, Loran-C (Pulse/B). (Pulse/B). Loran-C Radar, - reception to transmission

a) a)

Time Based Systems - measure the travel time of a signal from from signal a of time travel the measure - Systems Based Time

and lanewidths as follows: follows: as lanewidths and

Electronic positioning systems fall into three main groups:- groups:- main three into fall systems positioning Electronic effectively generate further HYPERBOLIC patterns with wavelengths wavelengths with patterns HYPERBOLIC further generate effectively

Electronic Position Fixing Fixing Position Electronic

www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk Main Feature

NEW C.I.S. FILM "IN THE CAN" by George Turnbull

Despite the fact that the Combined Influence Sweep (CIS) has been with us for over ten years, the teaching of its components, deploymentand recovery is still painstakingly depicted by MDDS instructors, using complicated Vu-graphs and a variety of coloured chalks on a black chalk-board. The CIS instructor is easily identifiable by his light covering of multi coloured chalk dust and maniacal grin that in previous years would have won him a place in Netley.

Clearly something had to be done to help the long-suffering instructors, whilst at the same time give the students the high standard of instruction to which we have all been accustomed. It was therefore decided to seek authorization to produce a professionally made movie which would meet all Service requirements. A Department called CS Rep (S) (who are the MOD's answer to Warner Brothers) was given the task of filming, with both yours truly and PO(MW)"Jim" HAWKINS being given the honour of acting as technical advisers. All arrangements were made by the Gunwharf Film Liaison Officer and a helicopter and fleet tender were put at our disposal. • BROCK's Film Stars And Extras No Problems... HMS BROCKLESBY was nominated as the host ship and the chosen ourselves still there "rolling them" at 2100. The next day saw us at sea area of operation was the Med, running from Gibraltar Naval Base. by 0800 to begin the shooting of what was to become a daily grind of "Everything is arranged" , they said. "No problems", they said. "Off repetition. The sweep deck crew, ably headed by PO(MW) "BRAD" you go and have great time", they said. Off we went, in company with DOYLE (RAN) were dressed in the current Action Working Dress, the MCMG course which was also to take place in Gibraltar. The great white overalls and anti-flash and were putto task. It must be said at this time started with a flight in an RAF C130 HERCULES, which is an point that the weather had improved dramatically and it was really quite experience on its own, but anything is endurable when the promise of hot. The team did well to maintain their ever present good humour and a sunnier climate is at the other end! WRONG! Yes you guessed, co-operation throughout. Over the following nine days the CIS was lashing down with rain: "Worst storm we've had in thirty years". Drat! deployed inch by inch, with every shackle, pendant and grip The weather improved for most of the MCMG time and I became quite painstakingly filmed from a variety of angles. Officers of the watch were hopeful forthe film-making . The day came for the arrival of the film crew kept on their toes by trying to manoeuvre the ship to ensure the and yes, you've guessed it again. Lashing down with rain: "Worst shadows were in the same place on the deck throughout the day, storm we've had for thirty one years". (Not to worry, things looked a (which I am delighted to say they managed to achieve for most of the little brighter that evening following the results of the hospitality match time). The first real problem came on day five, when the previously- vs. the film crew: RN 1 - Film Crew 0). arranged Fleet Tender was called for. "What Fleet Tender?" asked FO Gib's A/SOO. What followed was an hour of fast talking by me and Rolling some frantic phone calls, backed up with promises of liquid The weather on the first day of filming proved to be rather dismal and refreshments, courtesy of the film crew. Problem solved. Next problem overcast, so the decision was made to remain alongside and complete was the helicopter, which went U/S on the day it was required. as many of the interior shots as possible. These were to include the BROCKLESBY had streamed CIS early on and then spent the rest of 00W, Ops Room, and SCC. the day steaming around the Med awaiting the repair of the sick "petrol pigeon". It eventually appeared on the scene at approximately 1700 on "Piece of cake," we all thought, "it will be over in a couple of hours". that day and the overhead shots were completed. The recovery of the What we were not prepared for was the amount of time taken just kit was completed by approx 2100. setting up for each shot. It came as something of a surprise to find

• BROCKLESBY - "Showing how to do it" 14 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

15 15

scheduled for production. These warships will be based on the the on based be will warships These production. for scheduled LericiClass LericiClass vessels (but bigger, of course!). course!). of bigger, (but vessels

Intermarine USA was formed in 1987 to produce a new class of GRP Minehunter for the US Navy. Around 17 17 Around Navy. US the for Minehunter GRP of class new a produce to 1987 in formed was USA Intermarine Osprey Osprey Class vessels are are vessels Class

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery Flattery of Form Sincerest the is Imitation

A. A. See Page 29. 29. Page See

Q. Q. Spot the Australian (Clue: Who else would wear a "Woolly-Pully" Mid-Summer, Mid-Med?) Mid-Med?) Mid-Summer, "Woolly-Pully" a wear would else Who (Clue: Australian the Spot

MINEWARFARE PICTURE QUIZ QUIZ PICTURE MINEWARFARE

when the camera's were rolling?! Thanks Mate. Mate. Thanks rolling?! were camera's the when

Happy and safe sweeping. sweeping. safe and Happy

but I cannot understand why he kept turning up in make up, especially especially up, make in up turning kept he why understand cannot I but

the year! Volunteers form up on me. me. on up form Volunteers year! the

chauffeur and general shore-side organiser. His help was invaluable, invaluable, was help His organiser. shore-side general and chauffeur

will be in the Gibraltar areas sometime around the middle of of middle the around sometime areas Gibraltar the in be will

and in particular to CPO(MW) CPO(MW) to particular in and

"DIXIE" "DIXIE" Dean who acted as an unpaid unpaid an as acted who Dean films for Short Scope Buoys and Mk. 2 Danbuoys. Filming Filming Danbuoys. 2 Mk. and Buoys Scope Short for films

support given to us, without wh ich our task would have been impossible, impossible, been have would task our ich wh without us, to given support

P.P.S. P.P.S. I understand that there is talk of producing further instructional instructional further producing of talk is there that understand I

I would at this point like to say a big thankyou to MCM 4 staff for the the for staff 4 MCM to thankyou big a say to like point this at would I in their attempt at the recent WPE. WPE. recent the at attempt their in

P.S. P.S. Congrats, to BROCK's four LS(MW) who were all successful successful all were who LS(MW) four BROCK's to Congrats,

immortal words: "Thank you Gentlemen. Gentlemen. you "Thank words: immortal It's in the can". can". the in It's

crew. It was with relief and delight when the Directors did utter those those utter did Directors the when delight and relief with was It crew. Well done all and many thanks for your support. support. your for thanks many and all done Well

the thought of their promised return "hospitality match" vs. the film film the vs. match" "hospitality return promised their of thought the

Action Working Dress. I'm sure the only thing that keptthem going was was going keptthem that thing only the sure I'm Dress. Working Action

even the Australian! Australian! the even

beginning to look quite anaemic due to the constant wearing of full full of wearing constant the to due anaemic quite look to beginning

professional and those who had speaking parts came over really well, well, really over came parts speaking had who those and professional

Day nine saw a fairly "knackered" sweepdeck crew who were were who crew sweepdeck "knackered" fairly a saw nine Day

production was considered to be great success. The acting was most most was acting The success. great be to considered was production

team will be delighted to hear that they are all pretty good and the the and good pretty all are they that hear to delighted be will team

In the Can Can the In The first rushes were viewed in February and the BROCKLESBY's BROCKLESBY's the and February in viewed were rushes first The

Main Feature Feature Main www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk NATO News

"M.O.S.T." INAUGURATION by Captain D.B. Sluijter RNIN, Director, EGUERMIN

The official inauguration of the Mine Countermeasures Vessels After a first evaluation in Dec 89/Jan 90 the MOST will now serve up Operational Sea Training (M.O.S.T.) took place on 21 February to 12 BE and NL units in 1990. From 1991 onwards, the MOST will be 1990 at the Ostend Naval Base, Belgium. Commander in Chief open for other NATO units and since the need for the MOST arose from Channel (CINCHAN), Admiral Sir Benjamin Bathurst KCB, attended STANAVFORCHAN, it is expected that units assigned to the Force will this ceremony as the guest of honour. first have to pass the MOST before joining. Although MOST is BE-NL binational it has its NATO flavour and surely is unique within the Alliance.

1 -4;‘ . 00:4irir

• CINCHAN unveils the MOST nameplate • The MOST Staff - Red Devils, not Green Perils The establishmentof the MOST was initiated by the Channel Committee based on the findings in the Standing Naval Force Channel (STANAVFORCHAN) that, similar to the training of frigates in Portland UK, there was an urgent need to provide for a final training and grading of MCMV's up to NATO readiness standards, before joining the force. The Belgian-Netherlands Minewarfare School EGUERMIN in Ostend THE BE-NL MW SCHOOL, EGUERMIN was tasked to set up this weapon and safety training facility. The MOST has now become one of the major responsibilities of the school As a result of a bilateral agreement signed on 17 May 1965 and since October 1989, the first units (one BE and two NL Tripartite between Belgium and the Netherlands, all training in minewarfare Class minehunters and one NL minesweeper) have completed this for the two countries is concentrated in the joint BE-NL Minewarfare two-week intensive training period. School "EGUERM I N".

EGUERMIN is a truly integrated binational school on a 50/50 cost and personnel sharing basis. The Director of the school is responsible to the Chiefs of Staff of the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navies.

The Director of the school controls three departments : The Department of Instruction and Training, The Department of Mine Countermeasures Vessels Operational Sea Training (MOST) and the Department of Administration and Finance.

Although the majority of the students are of Belgian or Netherlands nationality the school is frequented by the students of all fourteen seagoing NATO nations, representing approximately 25% of the 1000-1200 students visiting the school annually. The school is proud to have established a name in Minewarfare instruction and training and is keen to further improve its reputation. • Heavy Smoking being dealt with on the bridge of BNS IRIS 16 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

17 17

060/90 060/90 DIVING SAFETY MEMORANDA IN FORCE FORCE IN MEMORANDA SAFETY DIVING 236/89 236/89 RALEIGH SEAMANSHIP TRAINING FACILITIES FACILITIES TRAINING SEAMANSHIP RALEIGH

054/90 054/90 USE OF OPERATIONAL SIC's ON OPDEF SIGNALS SIGNALS OPDEF ON SIC's OPERATIONAL OF USE 228/89 228/89 CARGO NETS - SWR AND CORDAGE CORDAGE AND SWR - NETS CARGO

052/90 052/90 RAS - PROBE REFUELLING REMATING LINE LINE REMATING REFUELLING PROBE - RAS 224/89 224/89 S10 RESPIRATOR AND CANNISTERS - ISSUES ISSUES - CANNISTERS AND RESPIRATOR S10

049/90 049/90 FIRES IN SHIPS , S/M's, RFA's JUL - DEC 89 89 DEC - JUL RFA's S/M's, , SHIPS IN FIRES 222/89 222/89 SEA SURVIVAL COURSES TRAINING FEEDBACK FEEDBACK TRAINING COURSES SURVIVAL SEA

048/90 048/90 S10 HAVERSACK CARD CARD HAVERSACK S10 219/89 219/89 MEDICAL FITNESS FOR SHIPS DIVERS COURSES COURSES DIVERS SHIPS FOR FITNESS MEDICAL

047/90 047/90 DEFENCE AGAINST CHEMICAL ATTACK - POSTERS POSTERS - ATTACK CHEMICAL AGAINST DEFENCE REPLACEMENT FOR RIGGING SLIP SLIP RIGGING FOR REPLACEMENT

STANDARDS STANDARDS 201/89 201/89 RAS - REMOVAL OF INTERMEDIATE LINK AND AS A A AS AND LINK INTERMEDIATE OF REMOVAL - RAS

029/90 029/90 MONITORING OF DIVING AND DEMOLITIONS DEMOLITIONS AND DIVING OF MONITORING 200/89 200/89 RAFT SERVICING CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE SERVICING RAFT

028/90 028/90 SHIPS DIVING TEAMS TEAMS DIVING SHIPS 194/89 194/89 SUBSISTANCE IN THE GULF - VISITORS VISITORS - GULF THE IN SUBSISTANCE

020/90 020/90 SHIPS HUSBANDRY ROADSHOW ROADSHOW HUSBANDRY SHIPS 186/89 186/89 RFA FUEL HOSE ARRANGEMENTS ARRANGEMENTS HOSE FUEL RFA

EXAMINATIONS90/91 EXAMINATIONS90/91 187/89 187/89 TAULRIT SPLICING SPLICING TAULRIT

018/90 018/90 COMMAND REFRESHER COURSES AND AND COURSES REFRESHER COMMAND 186/89 186/89 PAINTING OF BOLLARDS , WINCHES AND CAPSTANS CAPSTANS AND WINCHES , BOLLARDS OF PAINTING

COMPUTERS COMPUTERS 183/89 183/89 SAFEGUARD PROCEDURE PROCEDURE SAFEGUARD

016/90 016/90 182/89 182/89 SECURITYARRANGEMENTS FOR PERSONAL PERSONAL FOR SECURITYARRANGEMENTS OPERATION OF SMOKE CURTIANS CURTIANS SMOKE OF OPERATION

010/90 010/90 179/89 179/89 ANNUAL SEAMANSHIP SEMINAR AND AGM AGM AND SEMINAR SEAMANSHIP ANNUAL SOC's - PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS - SOC's

GUNS GUNS 178/89 178/89 NBCD QUAL - ADVANCEMENT TO LEADING RATE RATE LEADING TO ADVANCEMENT - QUAL NBCD

003/90 003/90 176/89 176/89 POSSESSION OF IMITATION FIREARMS AND STUN STUN AND FIREARMS IMITATION OF POSSESSION SSEL SUPERVISOR - TASK BOOK TRAINING TRAINING BOOK TASK - SUPERVISOR SSEL

175/89 175/89 NAV's YEO COURSES COURSES YEO NAV's

MW / SEAMANSHIP / NILE /NBCD 1990 1990 /NBCD NILE / SEAMANSHIP / MW PURCHASE PURCHASE

ROA - LEGAL EXPENSES FOR HOUSE SALE AND AND SALE HOUSE FOR EXPENSES LEGAL - ROA 169/89 169/89

ABOVE ABOVE 399/89 399/89 TAG-OUT SYSTEMS IN SURFACE SHIPS SHIPS SURFACE IN SYSTEMS TAG-OUT

FLEET ARMING OF PERSONNEL - SSBN/FF/DD AND AND SSBN/FF/DD - PERSONNEL OF ARMING FLEET 168/89 168/89 ROUTINES ROUTINES

165/89 165/89 INTRODUCTION OF WATCHKEEPING CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES WATCHKEEPING OF INTRODUCTION 398/89 398/89 MK 3 / 3A / 4 NBC SUIT DRESSING AND UNDRESSING UNDRESSING AND DRESSING SUIT NBC 4 / 3A / 3 MK

CAPABILITIES OF BOATS USED AS SEABOATS SEABOATS AS USED BOATS OF CAPABILITIES 156/89 156/89 396/89 396/89 MINE CLEARANCE GEMINI TOWING BRIDLE BRIDLE TOWING GEMINI CLEARANCE MINE

154/89 154/89 STANDARD SHIP DESIGNATORS DESIGNATORS SHIP STANDARD 394/89 394/89 MODE 4 HYPERFIX MODIFICATIONS MODIFICATIONS HYPERFIX 4 MODE

INTRO INTO SERVICE OF NBC SUIT NO1 MK4 MK4 NO1 SUIT NBC OF SERVICE INTO INTRO 141/89 141/89 SIGNALS SIGNALS

FOAM / WATER FIXED FIREFIGHTING HOSE REELS REELS HOSE FIREFIGHTING FIXED WATER / FOAM 140/89 140/89 382/89 382/89 SECURITY ACCOUNTING FOR DOCUMENTS AND AND DOCUMENTS FOR ACCOUNTING SECURITY

139/89 139/89 GEMINI / RIB COURSES FOR 1990 1990 FOR COURSES RIB / GEMINI 381/89 381/89 UNDER-VEHICLE EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DETECTOR DETECTOR DEVICE EXPLOSIVE UNDER-VEHICLE

CBM PJT COURSES FOR 1990 1990 FOR COURSES PJT CBM 137/89 137/89 380/89 380/89 SECURITYTRAINING AND EDUCATION EDUCATION AND SECURITYTRAINING

136/89 136/89 BOATSWAINS YEOMAN / NILE COURSES COURSES NILE / YEOMAN BOATSWAINS 376/89 376/89 GENERAL SERVICE LIFEJACKETS - MINOR DEFECTS DEFECTS MINOR - LIFEJACKETS SERVICE GENERAL

WELLING HOOKS HOOKS WELLING 375/89 375/89 MCMV's - DEGAUSSING DEGAUSSING - MCMV's

130/89 130/89 MMF LIGHT JACKSTAY - INHAULS AND OUTHAULS - - OUTHAULS AND INHAULS - JACKSTAY LIGHT MMF PROGRAMME FOR 1990 1990 FOR PROGRAMME

128/89 128/89 CONTINUATION DIVING TRAINING HORSEA ISLAND ISLAND HORSEA TRAINING DIVING CONTINUATION 365/89 365/89 RN MOBILE SEA SURVIVAL CLASSROOM - - CLASSROOM SURVIVAL SEA MOBILE RN

117/89 117/89 RAS - FIXED NATO LONG LINKS LINKS LONG NATO FIXED - RAS 356/89 356/89 CHIEF BOSUNS MATE REVISION OF COMPLIMENT COMPLIMENT OF REVISION MATE BOSUNS CHIEF

103/89 103/89 SURVIVAL SUIT POUCH POUCH SUIT SURVIVAL 355/89 355/89 BRIDGE RECORD OF WHEEL AND ENGINE ORDERS ORDERS ENGINE AND WHEEL OF RECORD BRIDGE

101/89 101/89 S2022's LIFESAVING AND SEAMANSHIP EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT SEAMANSHIP AND LIFESAVING S2022's 354/89 354/89 SHIPS STANDING ORDERS- SIGNATURE CONTROL CONTROL SIGNATURE ORDERS- STANDING SHIPS

N1 SMOKE GENERATORS - SAFETY REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS SAFETY - GENERATORS SMOKE N1 100/89 100/89 353/89 353/89 DRAFTING PREFERENCE CARDS CARDS PREFERENCE DRAFTING

97/89 97/89 COMPUTER SECURITY SECURITY COMPUTER 351/89 351/89 LARNE TARGET POLYESTER TOWING HAWSER HAWSER TOWING POLYESTER TARGET LARNE

96/89 96/89 BEDDING IN HM SHIPS SHIPS HM IN BEDDING 350/89 350/89 RAS. INTRO OF JACKSTAY GRIPPER GRIPPER JACKSTAY OF INTRO RAS.

95/89 95/89 LATE ENTRY INTO THE DIVER SUB BRANCH BRANCH SUB DIVER THE INTO ENTRY LATE 349/89 349/89 DAVIT PURCHASE WIRES WIRES PURCHASE DAVIT

84/89 84/89 REVISED SHIPS LOG INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION LOG SHIPS REVISED 247/89 247/89 RULE OF THE ROAD SOUND SIGNALS SIGNALS SOUND ROAD THE OF RULE

REFIT REFIT 338/89 338/89 HDLJ's MK 1,2,3 OPERATION OPERATION 1,2,3 MK HDLJ's

82/89 82/89 RATS - REPAIR AND MODERNISATION DURING DURING MODERNISATION AND REPAIR - RATS 337/89 337/89 CLEANSING STATION TRAYS TRAYS STATION CLEANSING

80/89 80/89 INTRO OF MARINER OUTBOARD ENGINES ENGINES OUTBOARD MARINER OF INTRO 326/89 326/89 RETURN OF EMPTY PALNETS DURING VERTREP VERTREP DURING PALNETS EMPTY OF RETURN

78/89 78/89 RED TAPE CORRESPONDENCE CORRESPONDENCE TAPE RED 324/89 324/89 NBCD 16 COURSES - LIGHT RESCUE TEAMS TEAMS RESCUE LIGHT - COURSES 16 NBCD

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS 319/89 319/89 LSSA EXTENTION OF REFITS REFITS OF EXTENTION LSSA

73/89 73/89 USE AND DURATION OF WATER / AFFF SPRAY SPRAY AFFF / WATER OF DURATION AND USE 317/89 317/89 RETENTION OF NBC SUITS FOR TRAINING SERIALS SERIALS TRAINING FOR SUITS NBC OF RETENTION

SYSTEMS AT NBCD STATE 1 AND 2 2 AND 1 STATE NBCD AT SYSTEMS DISENGAGING DISENGAGING

71/89 71/89 OPERATION OF FLOODING AND SPRAYING SPRAYING AND FLOODING OF OPERATION 315/89 315/89 RAS REFUELLING - ROUGH WEATHER WEATHER ROUGH - REFUELLING RAS

70/89 70/89 NEIL ROBINSON STRETCHER STRETCHER ROBINSON NEIL 314/89 314/89 SUIT SURVIVAL - SERVICING SERVICING - SURVIVAL SUIT

62/89 62/89 SNOME STAFF OFFICE OFFICE STAFF SNOME SUPERVISION SUPERVISION

52/89 52/89 ANTI FLASH AND NBC CLOTHING CLOTHING NBC AND FLASH ANTI SURVIVAL AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT SAFETY AND SURVIVAL 313/89 313/89

51/89 51/89 HEAT STRESS - CLOTHING AND WORK SCHEDULES SCHEDULES WORK AND CLOTHING - STRESS HEAT STRESS LINES LINES STRESS

FOR DIVING IN THE ARABIAN GULF GULF ARABIAN THE IN DIVING FOR 309/89 309/89 TOWING HAWSERS , TOWING PENNANTS USE OF OF USE PENNANTS TOWING , HAWSERS TOWING

50/89 50/89 USE OF BLUE OVERALLS OR BLUE UNDERSUITS UNDERSUITS BLUE OR OVERALLS BLUE OF USE 308/89 308/89 SOW ONE AND TWO AMN RIGS RATIONALISATION RATIONALISATION RIGS AMN TWO AND ONE SOW

COUPLINGS END FITTINGS FITTINGS END COUPLINGS 304/89 304/89 SHIPS LOGS CUSTODY INSPECTION AND DISPOSAL DISPOSAL AND INSPECTION CUSTODY LOGS SHIPS

49/89 49/89 ASTERN FUELING - RECEIVING SHIP - NATO B B NATO - SHIP RECEIVING - FUELING ASTERN 286/89 286/89 ENTRY INTO THE SEAMAN SUB BRANCH BRANCH SUB SEAMAN THE INTO ENTRY

48/89 48/89 LIGHT JACKSTAY RIG RIG JACKSTAY LIGHT MAINTENANCE ROUTINES ROUTINES MAINTENANCE

WARSHIP REPLENISMENT STATION DESIGNATORS DESIGNATORS STATION REPLENISMENT WARSHIP 47/89 47/89 282/89 282/89 HYPERFIX CHAINS , OPERATION AND AND OPERATION , CHAINS HYPERFIX

LIFEJACKETS LIFEJACKETS PENNANTS PENNANTS

86g CO2 CYLINDERS - ASSAULT TROOP TROOP ASSAULT - CYLINDERS CO2 86g 45/89 45/89 281/89 281/89 RAS - ASTERN / ABEAM FUELLING - HANGING HANGING - FUELLING ABEAM / ASTERN - RAS

SHIPS SHIPS TRAINING OF RELIEF CLEANSING STATION CREWS CREWS STATION CLEANSING RELIEF OF TRAINING 277/89 277/89

35/89 35/89 DAILY AND WEEKLY INSPECTIONS (ROUNDS) IN HM HM IN (ROUNDS) INSPECTIONS WEEKLY AND DAILY 276/89 276/89 LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSPORT STRETCHER STRETCHER TRANSPORT LIGHTWEIGHT

27/89 27/89 SENIOR RATES DIVISIONAL COURSES - RNDMS RNDMS - COURSES DIVISIONAL RATES SENIOR 254/89 254/89 PAINT SCHEMES - INTERIOR ASH GREY GREY ASH INTERIOR - SCHEMES PAINT

SUPPLY OF SIGNAL FLAGS AND ENSIGNS ENSIGNS AND FLAGS SIGNAL OF SUPPLY 11/89 11/89 249/89 249/89 FIRST AIDER IN THE DUTY WATCH WATCH DUTY THE IN AIDER FIRST

10/89 10/89 RAS COMMODITY BATS BATS COMMODITY RAS 248/89 248/89

STANDING SEA FIRST AID PARTY PARTY AID FIRST SEA STANDING MW / DIVING / SEAMANSHIP 1989 1989 SEAMANSHIP / DIVING / MW

FLEET TEMPORARY MEMORANDA MEMORANDA TEMPORARY FLEET

Reference Supplement Supplement Reference www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Reference Supplement

DEFENCE COUNCIL INSTRUCTIONS

1989 1990 DCI (RN) DCI (RN) 10/89 REGISTRATION OF SERVICE VOTERS - NEW REG 12/90 RATINGS MEDICALLY UNFIT FOR POLC / LRLC NEW FORM PROCEDURE 11/89 BLUE LINERS 15/90 NAVAL BASE COMMANDER PORTLAND 14/89 LS AND GC MEDALS 19/90 VISITS TO CENTURION 21/89 ALLOWANCE OF DC TIMBER FOR TRAINING 26/90 ADVANCE INFO ON CHANGES IN RESPONSIBILITIES 55/89 HEALTH AND SAFETY CO-ORD COMMITTEE OF THOSE INVOLVED WITH EXPLOSIVE STORES 62/89 CONDITIONS OF ENTRY TO CAREERS SERVICE 27/90 2OE -1990 SELECTION BOARD ARRANGEMENTS 74/89 TRANSFER OF ARMAMANT STORES TO SUPPLY 32/90 SMOKE GENERATOR - GST N6 MK 1 - INTRO INTO OFFICER SERVICE 83/89 INTRO OF S33OC FOR DEFECTIVE CLOTHING 48/90 GSM - GULF - ELIGIBILTY 89/89 COURSES AT SMOPS 50/90 REVISED INSTRUCTIONS - ID DISCS 101/89 STORES - CLOTHING ISSUE PRICES 53/90 INTRO OF ASSAULT TROOP LIFEJACKETS MK 3 103/89 2OE SELECTION BOARD MEETINGS 54/90 INTRO OF HDLJ MK 3 109/89 NBCD MARKINGS - CLEANSING STATIONS - GASTIGHT MARKINGS 120/89 HEALTH AND SAFETY DIVERS AT WORK REGS 1981 DCI (GEN) 131/89 UNIFORM - REVIEW OF CURRENT PROGRAMME IMPROVEMENTS 3/90 POSTAL BOMBS 132/89 STAINLESS STEEL ID DISCS 5/90 USE OF FACSIMILE MACHINES - SECURITY 153/89 INTRO OF PIPE CLAMPS FOR DC AND GENERAL USE 7/90 UNIT IDENTITY NUMBERS 168/89 INTRO OF NEW LIGHT GREY PAINT FINISHING 71/89 JOINT SERVICE DCI: GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL AWARD FOR SERVICE IN THE GULF 172/89 FIRES AND FIRE LOSSES 182/89 SQUADRON TRANSFER OF COTT. AND ATHE. 184/89 OPERATIONS BRANCH WPE DATES FOR 1990 202/89 SHIPS DIVERS COURSES 1990 203/89 INTRO INTO SERVICE OF SONAR TYPE 193M MOD 1 212/89 INTRO INTO THE SERVICE OF CAMS 218/89 GSM FOR GULF OF SUEZ MINE CLEARANCE 221/89 CLOSURE OF HMS RALEIGH LEADERSHIP SCHOOL 223/89 REVISION OF QRRN's BR2 237/89 INTRO INTO THE SERVICE OF NAUTIS COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM 256/89 GSM - ISSUE OF THE GULF CLASP 262/89 REDUCTION OF SHIPS HUSBANDRY TASKS 281/89 HMS ROYAL ARTHUR LEADERSHIP COURSES 1990/ 91 310/89 NILE COURSES 1990 311/89 INTRO OF PIPE CLAMPS 321/89 MCDO - APTITUDE TESTS 1990 336/89 DRIVING COURSES 1990 342/89 DIVISIONAL MANAGEMENT COURSES 346/89 SHIPS DIVERS - ENHANCEMENT OF CAPABILITY AND CESSATION OF WAIVER FOR JOINT SERVICES ADVENTUROUS TRAINING SUB AQUA DIVING DCI (GEN)

149/89 TESTING OF ANCHORS AND CABLES 169/89 GENERAL SERVICE LIFEJACKETS MK3 RETAINER

18 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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19 19

Documentation Documentation is not reaching Diving Supervisors Supervisors Diving reaching not is

Diving Diving 1 1 Documentation with information pertaining to diving diving to pertaining information with Documentation 85% 85% DIVO DIVO

Incidence Incidence

Action Action Subject Subject Priority Priority Details Details Percentage Percentage

DIVING DIVING

sweeping not to be left for more than 24 hrs hrs 24 than more for left be to not sweeping

ACORN Grip Grip ACORN

1 1 Grips need to be removed on completion of of completion on removed be to need Grips

KOMs KOMs

1 1 SDD SDD Shackles to be checked prior to deployment deployment to prior checked be to Shackles 60% 60%

Minesweeping Minesweeping

QX3 (3) (3) QX3

Sonar interfacing needs to be ratified ratified be to needs interfacing Sonar 1 1 100% 100%

teams teams

b. b. Poor dissemination of results of ops room room ops of results of dissemination Poor 95% 95% MWO/MHD MWO/MHD

SCC SCC

a. a. Wrong interpretation of information gathered gathered information of interpretation Wrong 1 1 80% 80% MWO/MHD MWO/MHD

Sonar 193/193M 193/193M Sonar

Classification Procedures Procedures Classification 1 1 85% 85% MWO/MHD MWO/MHD

Sonar 193M Mod1 Mod1 193M Sonar

MHD operating drills drills operating MHD 1 1 85% 85% MWO/MHD MWO/MHD

Minehuntinq Minehuntinq

LAX DC patrols and poor control of MBLO tallies tallies MBLO of control poor and patrols DC LAX 80% 80% WT Integrity Integrity WT ALL ALL 1 1

99% 99% ALL ALL requirement with different mine threat colour states states colour threat mine different with requirement

1 1

PPMS PPMS Dress: poor awareness of differing dress dress differing of awareness poor Dress:

General General

Incidence Incidence

Action Action Subject Subject Priority Priority Details Details Percentage Percentage

MINEWARFARE MINEWARFARE

by CST to COMMW COMMW to CST by

MCMVs UNDERGOING O.S.T. O.S.T. UNDERGOING MCMVs

COMMON WEAK AREAS - - AREAS WEAK COMMON

Reference Supplement Supplement Reference www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Reference Supplement

I OF D "HOT TIPS" DSSCCD UPDATE by Scouse Kidman By Mo Crang, D02, Since becoming Inspector Clearance Diving in November 1989, I have conducted 5 Clearance Diving Unit inspections, which MDDS Faculty of Smops have all achieved satisfactory assessments. Although standards appear satisfactory, there are always areas for improvement. As you are all aware, Diver's Set Self Contained Clearance Diving Therefore, I intend to highlight areas identified in inspections (DSSCCD) diving has been suspended since December 1989, that need attention by all Diving Unit members. In this edition, I dueto an unfortunate accident involving an HP oxygen explosion. will cover Transport Regulations. To understand the problem, it must be remembered that oxygen, when on its own, does not burn but when at pressure of 200 bars, temperatures During the inspections I have conducted so far, I have been concerned of over 1000 degrees Celsius can be achieved by the opening of with the lack of knowledge that unit drivers appear to have relating to valves and the subsequent down stream restriction caused by closed the Joint Service Road Transport Regulations (JSP 341). This JSP valves or regulators. These temperatures are sufficient to ignite the contains the regulations which govern all aspects of transport from the metal of gas pipework! Any contamination present, especially control of the vehicles to the licensing of drivers. The sections that hyrocarbons, such as oils or grease, will greatly increase the risk of drivers need to pay particular attention to are Chapters 8 and 9. explosion.

This risk has led to a need to revise training and operational procedures in respect of oxygen cleanliness and hygiene. The importance of maintaining a diver's gas breathing and testing system in a clean, operable and certifiable condition cannot be over-stressed.

"....responsibility rests with the individual To achieve the standards required it has been decided that MDDS will who is driving...." maintain all its oxygen equipment in two specialized clean rooms. These clean rooms and equipment have cost approximately £15,000 each and are now operational.

Such measures will achieve two main objectives:- 1. The current drafting and appointing nightmare (caused by MDDS not being able to qualifiy divers) will revert to the normal bad Chapter 8 gives the drivers' orders and responsibilities and points out dream. that under civil law, the responsibility for ensuring that a vehicle driven 2. Minimum oxygen maintenance procedures can be identified on public roads is roadworthy rests with the individual who is actually and, following experience in MDDS, will enable standards and driving. This means you and there are no exemptions for military procedures to be reviewed, tested and promulgated to the Fleet. vehicles. It is expected that the new procedures will be available to the Fleet by When driving a service vehicle, failure to comply with civil law will September 1990. § render you liable to prosecution and you will have to pay out of your own pocket and may even lose your civilian licence.

A mention about speed limits - the attachment of a trailer to a vehicle may impose a lower speed limit, so check before you proceed. Emergency vehicles such as EOD vehicles may exceed the speed limit only in circumstances when observance of the limits, signals and signs would hinder the use of their vehicles in their emergency Editor's Note: It has been suggested that the Supplement function. National speed limits are to be exceeded and traffic warning in the next edition of this maga:ine he that of "Check-Off signs are to be disregarded only in the most extreme emergency. Lists" . Another point to keep in mind when you have a need to exceed the The proposed nature would he that of local lists, not speed limit is the manufacturer's specifications of tyres, the max rating printed in any BR or CB, hut regarded as useful or even of landrover tyres is Avon 81mph, Michelin 75mph. Above these essential to members of the Minewarfare and Diving speeds, the probability of a blow out is real. communities. Afew examples that have been forwarded by the diving Chapter 9 deals with safety and gives information to the driver about school are: What do you put in your Diving Supervisors det hazardous cargoes and the safe loading of vehicles, amongst other box? things. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations What are the spares that you carry in your gemini known as COSHH were introduced in 1988 and require all vehicles box? carrying hazardous materials to carry the appropriate TREM cards. The need for individual preference will always come Compressed Air, Oxygen etc are all hazardous materials. Therefore, first and the aim is not to standardise any such list, merely to all diving equipment carried in vehicles requires COSHH forms. Units provide either food for thought for old salts or handy hints requiring TREM cards can obtain them from their local gas stores for novices. Answers on a postcard please, to the usual within the dockyards or from the Inspectorate. address.

This is just a brief outline of some of the legal requirements which must be met by military drivers. Remember, it is your civilian licence that is at stake every time you jump into one of your unit vehicles, so, if in doubt, ask. Safe driving. § 20 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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21 21

by George Turnbull Turnbull George by

GREEN PAINT"?! PAINT"?! GREEN

My one concern is "colour". I wonder how long it will be before a DCI is issued authorising holders of MOW outfits to draw tins of "DRAB OLIVE- "DRAB of tins draw to outfits MOW of holders authorising issued is DCI a before be will it long how wonder I "colour". is concern one My

the stowage of synthetic materials in magazines, however DGUW(N) are confident that these problems will be overcome in the near future. future. near the in overcome be will problems these that confident are DGUW(N) however magazines, in materials synthetic of stowage the

1400 tails have been purchased and will be distributed to units on completion of minor modifications. There is currently some concern regarding regarding concern some currently is There modifications. minor of completion on units to distributed be will and purchased been have tails 1400

who must despair at the cry of " I have lost you, return to ship". ship". to return you, lost have I " of cry the at despair must who

The encapsulation of a polystyrene sonar reflector has improved detection capabilities. which will hopefully bring a ray of joy to Gemini Cox'ns Cox'ns Gemini to joy of ray a bring hopefully will which capabilities. detection improved has reflector sonar polystyrene a of encapsulation The

somewhat, but not enough to affect handling procedures. procedures. handling affect to enough not but somewhat,

Constructed of man-made materials, it is lighter and more durable than the current version. The centre of gravity has changed changed has gravity of centre The version. current the than durable more and lighter is it materials, man-made of Constructed

The latest addition/amendment to the Mine Disposal outfit is the introduction of a new tail for the Mine Disposal Weapon (MDW). (MDW). Weapon Disposal Mine the for tail new a of introduction the is outfit Disposal Mine the to addition/amendment latest The

Minewarfare Update Update Minewarfare www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Oceanography

ARRAN Z ory

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KEY TO COLOURS AND SYMBOLS

Boundary between sediment types MODIFIED FOLK DIAGRAM GRAVEL >2.0mm Complex areas of gravelly sediments, 20 Bathymetric contour, depth in metres undivided.

gS Sediment type at individual sample Outcrop of bedrock on the sea bed. station Used only in area interpreted by Caston 11976/ Bedforms (after Caston, 1976) In general there are gradational boundaries kr between the sediment types shown on this map. In 7- 0 Areas of sand waves 2 6.- drawing the boundaries account has also been 6' .(2 taken of bathymetry and tidal data. 4a. 30 Symmetrical sand waves

Ain Bed transport inferred from sand wave asymmetry

44- Bed transport inferred from sand shadows and comet marks

MUD 1:9 1:1 9:1 SAND .st Orientation of sand ribbons (silt and clay) 10.0625-2.0mml SAND: MUD RATIO (<0.0625mm1 (not to scale) 22 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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23 23

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JA JA NUARY 1989 1989 NUARY

UWAFIII UWAFIII AVE AVE SEMMIX SEMMIX

* * * *

1:250 000 SCALE U.T.M. SERIES SERIES U.T.M. SCALE 000 1:250

AVAILABILITY OF MAPS MAPS OF AVAILABILITY

BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SURVEY GEOLOGICAL BRITISH

through normal Service channels.§ channels.§ Service normal through

hope they will be. Any support for such a proposal should be directed directed be should proposal a such for support Any be. will they hope

to the Minewarfare community? That I can not answer, but I would would I but answer, not can I That community? Minewarfare the to

demand for a wider access or distribution. Will they be made available available made be they Will distribution. or access wider a for demand

the clarity, and breadth of detailed information provided may prompt prompt may provided information detailed of breadth and clarity, the

sea bed on the charts. The total coverage is shown in Figure 2 below. below. 2 Figure in shown is coverage total The charts. the on bed sea found in other formats in existing classified MW publications. However, However, publications. MW classified existing in formats other in found

thickness and certain acoustic parameters is given for the areas of the the of areas the for given is parameters acoustic certain and thickness some of the information contained in these charts can certainly be be certainly can charts these in contained information the of some

current data and bedform distribution. An estimation of sediment sediment of estimation An distribution. bedform and data current reverberation outsidethe normal routes and exercise areas. Admittedly, Admittedly, areas. exercise and routes normal outsidethe reverberation

contours based on Hydrographic Department data as well as tidal tidal as well as data Department Hydrographic on based contours such as potential mine burial areas and possible areas of high high of areas possible and areas burial mine potential as such

scheme proposed by Falk in 1954. The charts also depict bottom bottom depict also charts The 1954. in Falk by proposed scheme friendly format could be of great value in determining important factors factors important determining in value great of be could format friendly

The sediments are classified according to a modified version of a a of version modified a to according classified are sediments The answer must be "Yes". Despite their unit cost of £15 each, the user user the each, £15 of cost unit their Despite "Yes". be must answer

Will these charts be of assistance to the Minewarfare community ?The ?The community Minewarfare the to assistance of be charts these Will

1 at left. left. at 1

sample of sedimenttaken from the top 15cm of the sea bed. See Figure Figure See bed. sea the of 15cm top the from sedimenttaken of sample (North and South). South). and (North

the UK Territorial Sea Area (12 nm). The charts are based on an an on based are charts The nm). (12 Area Sea Territorial UK the series covering the whole of the UK continental shelf within 12nm limit limit 12nm within shelf continental UK the of whole the covering series

the unconsolidated sediments of the UK continental shelf within within shelf continental UK the of sediments unconsolidated the produced. The second scale is 1:1 000 000. There are only two in this this in two only are There 000. 000 1:1 is scale second The produced.

and Quaternary Geology show the position in contour form of of form contour in position the show Geology Quaternary and chart scale 1:250 000 (see Figure 3). of which about 30 have been been have 30 about which of 3). Figure (see 000 1:250 scale chart

British Geological Survey Charts of the Sea Bed Sediments Sediments Bed Sea the of Charts Survey Geological British The charts are produced at two scales. The first is the main working working main the is first The scales. two at produced are charts The

by Roland Rogers Rogers Roland by

A MINE OF INFORMATION? INFORMATION? OF MINE A

Oceanography Oceanography

www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk Droggy's Corner

WHERE ARE WE?? by Ian Turner

There is nothing worse than getting a ship Hunt Class - problems centre on the CAAIS Survey ships regularly take part in MCM on task with everything and everyone computer which only accepts two Hyperfix exercises; there will be two Hydrographic ready to go only to find the precise patterns. A much more flexible and powerful Officers on the Staff of COM MW next year navigation system is on the blink... How navigation processor (NAV PAC) should be and further officers may be loaned for seariding often has it happened to you? in service by 1992 and will remove nay. during exercises. computations from the command system. A The fact is that minehunting and sweeping similar problem exists in the SRMH where the To conclude, there are many developments can be a total waste of time if you cannot Nautis computer has limitations as a nav on the horizon such as the satellite Global guarantee the absolute position of the ship processor. Positioning System which will revolutionize and the contacts which have been located. precise navigation - making it more accurate Why is precise nay. so difficult and unreliable? Training - in precise nay. techniques is now and simpler for the user to operate. In the Several reasons were discussed at the 1989 being done atthe RN Hydrographic School in meantime the current systems need to be MCD conference and a short summary is DRAKE for MWOs and MCDOs and the initial operated with care to ensure that the ship is given below together with an idea of what is feedback is very positive ("why weren't we being fixed to the required standard of being done to overcome the problems. taught this years ago?'). There is a accuracy. A lot of effort is being spent on requirement to understand which datum and improved kit which will do the job more Hyperfix - the major problem has always spheroid is in use to avoid plotting fixes in the effectively and make life easier for the man in been locking the receiver into the Hyperfix wrong place...different nay. aids are often the Ops Room trying to find out where he is. signals and detecting a lane slip. There is referred to different datums...it may be Precise navigation has been identified as a encouraging news that Mode 4 operation is complicated but it can't be ignored! crucial skill for MCMVs. There has been a lot working successfully in some areas and this of helpful co-operation between the Droggy permits the receiver to lock in automatically. Over the past 10 years or so the ability to and COM MW to improve the situation...long navigate precisely has improved enormously. may it continue. § QX3(3) - in the Ton Hunters is a capable The Hydrographer has built up a lot of system but some bugs need to be ironed out expertise which is currently being tapped by - improved software should be in use by early COMMW in many ways: HMS HERALD gave next year. invaluable support during Gulf operations;

24 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk Historical

laying were seven old cruisers of the Apollo class, which had been THE USE OF MINES fitted to carry 100 mines each, and these constituted the Minelaying Squadron. As far as the defence against the mine is concerned, simple wire DURING THE FIRST sweeps were available and explosive charges or grapnels could be fitted to these to increase their efficiency, but only a number of trawlers WORLD WAR and six old Torpedo Gun Boats, (CIRCA, HEBE, JASON, LEDA, by Paul Davey SPEEDY and NIGER), at first served to form the minesweeping forces. Germany held quite opposite views on the value of the mine and before the war started had decided to use it to the fullest extent, As a direct result of Great Britain's active dislike of the mine as a almost regardless of the Hague Convention. Consequently she held weapon of naval warfare, the outbreak of hostilities with Germany an ample stock of efficient mines carrying Hertz horn firing gear and on the 4th of August 1914 found her wholly unprepared for any had a large number of warships, auxiliaries and even submarines fitted extensive operations and equally lacking in a clear mining policy. Prior to the war it had been envisaged that mining activity would be for minelaying. Russia took a similar view to Germany with regard to the weapon and confined to the laying of a few lines of mines to defend certain areas, was well equipped for minewarfare; but other nations, even Japan, whilst the mining of enemy waters had not been seriously contemplated. had only small stocks of modern mines to meet a limited minelaying It was intended to go beyond the requirement of Article III of the Hague capability. Convention, by issuing general shipping warnings priorto the laying of Predictably, the Germans were the first in the field when war came and, any minefield. by the time that hostilities had actually started, the auxiliary minelayer The total stock of mines amounted to about 4000 of the 3251b "Service" KONIGIN LUISE was well on her way across the North Sea to lay a type, fired by a mechanical lever: this mine was minefield about 20 miles N.E. of the Outer Gabbard. She completed her task on the night of 4th/5th August and set off home. However, her movements had been observed by a stray British trawler which, early on 5th, met the cruiser AMPHION and reported seeing a suspicious vessel "throwing things overboard". " this mine was virtually untried and full of The AMPHION, accompanied by the Third Destroyer Flotilla, had left defects..." Harwich at dawn to take part in an offensive sweep along the Netherlands coast which resulted in the sinking of the KONIGIN LUISE by gunfire. However this story has a sequel; for the AMPHION, when returning to Harwich on the following morning, struck two mines in the KONIGIN LUISE's field and sank, losing one officer and 150 of her crew together virtually untried and therefore full of defects, even the firing pistols with most of the prisoners taken from the German Minelayer. being still in the process of modification. The only ships available for

what your looking for." "R.N.'s HUMAN The birth of the "P" Parties came during the Mediterranean campaign: It was found that the enemy could lay mines with a delayed action of up to 80 days - an unexpected threat to port liberation which had to be MINESWEEPERS" overcome. It was decided that the divers trained as human Admiralty Press Release minesweepers were the answer to this new menace. The Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit designed a special shallow water diving suit dated 6 October 1945 which embodied the first operational application of the revolutionary principle of mixture-breathing in a closed circuit. The safe passage of the giant 50,000 ton liner EUROPA out of Two "P" Parties - all volunteers - each of about 40 ratings and 2 officers Bremen was largely due to the efforts of the Royal Navy's were recruited. Personnel were trained in mine and bomb recognition, "Human Minesweepers": divers specially trained to find and in avoiding booby-traps, in the use of automatic weapons, in field work render safe mines which could not be swept by normal methods. and in tying bends and hitches in zero visibility. Since after D-Day these teams of naval diving and mine disposal The parties went into action soon after D-Day, one at Caen the other experts, known as "P" Parties, often working in appalling conditions at Cherbourg. A grid jackstay search technique was developed to and submerged in mud, had cleared every major portfrom Cherbourg cover the search area. to Bremen. It was at Bremen that the greatest test of their courage and Three more British parties and one Dutch party were speedily trained skill was made. Some 60 mines had been laid by the enemy before the and were seen moving along the European coast hard on the heels of surrender. Their location was unknown and the opening of this vital the liberation armies. Cherbourg, Caen, Boulogne, Calais, Brest, port was entirely dependant on these mine clearance experts. Dieppe, Le Havre, and Rouen were all cleared and new types of Diving and mining history was made when a "P" Party Officer, Lt. ground-mines, demolition-charges and jettisoned enemy gear were George Goose, RANVR of Adelaide, first rendered safe underwater a recovered. little known enemy "Oyster" mine at Bremen. Appalling conditions of ice and thick mud (often over the divers' head) "I had seen bits of one before but this was quite different from the one were encountered, but the work, vital to the speed of European I had seen", Lt. Goose said afterwards. liberation, never stopped. "The mine was resting on a body - there was plenty of rubbish and The clearance of Antwerp was completed in record time, and by the bodies in the harbour- butt didn't worryabout this. It was very dark and end of December, Zeebrugge and Flushing were free. Despite the I had to work by sense of touch in about two feet of mud. It was quite dangers of having to breathe oxygen under pressure and the continued cold too - and a little lonely,"he admitted. menace of underwater explosions, strict observance of standing "I took the primeroff and brought the mine up to the surface. It was like orders enabled the gigantic task of "P" Parties to be completed with taking the spark plug out of a car - you can do it in the dark if you know no lives lost through diving training or operations. 25 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Constructive

HUNT CLASS MCMV JUNIOR RATES ACCOMMODATION By George Turnbull

During a recent deployment of the Second MCM Squadron an The bathroom was criticised as being inadequate and it took excessive embarked Constructor Officer (Lieutenant S PURVIS) was given time to clear the air of both the smells of human waste and the water the task of investigating a possible solution to the "much vapour. The close proximity of the showers and the WC's (virtually discussed" Junior Rate habitability problem of the HUNT Class opposite each other) often made for some close encounters of the vessel. His proposals make interesting reading and have been unwanted kind. forwarded to DGUW(N) ARE PORTLAND for further discussion and evaluation. The "meat " of Lieutenant PURVIS's report is as Taking into account the above considerations, plus a host of other follows. factors Lieutenant PURVIS proposed the revised layout shown below in Fig A. The bathroom has been moved rightforward, being separated The design of the layout of the forward Junior Rates accommodation from the new Dining hall, which is situated aft on the port side by a on the HUNT class MCMV has long been criticised for its inhabitability. partition bulkhead. An eight berth cabin is sited opposite the Dining This becomes exacerbated in "heavy weather" when the junior rates Hall. The old Bathroom and Dining area are each converted to eight frequently camp out in the main passageway. In addition, the design berth cabins. of the bunks has been criticised for not being sufficiently sturdy or rigidly fixed. Overall, clear deck areas have been increased in all spaces, except the Dining hall, which now has seating for 6/7 instead of 10 as The retaining strap instills little confidence in the occupier of the top previously. A comparison of the current layout is at Fig B and a bunk and would readily be swapped for the old style lee-board. comparison of Deck area per man is shown at Table 1.

Space is at a premium, which is not helped by the intrusion of the two Constructive comments on this proposal would be welcome. hawse pipes, which effectively cut the mess into two narrow halves and wastes what could be clear forward space. The addition of the three DESIGN BATHROOM DINING HALL MESSES enhancement bunks withoutthe addition of adequate kit locker space is also a major cause of complaint. As well as the complaints about the physical presence of the hawse pipes there was much consternation PRESENT JR's 21 0.42 0.55 0.63 with regards to the noise produced by the anchor cables, not only when 24 0.37 0.48 0.55 working cables but also during normal cruising stations. The Dining area/Recreation space was considered to be poorly laid out with the PROPOSED JR's 21 0.48 0.41 0.69 Junior Rates privacy being constantly invaded by "All comers" who 24 0.42 0.36 0.60 wished to make use of the communal hot water boiler. In some ships this problem has been overcome by re-siting the boiler in the laundry compartment. Table 1: Deck Area Per Man Comparison (m2)

FIG B: MCMV ACCOMMODATION - PRESENT LAYOUT FOG A: MCMV JR ACCOMMODATION - PROPOSED LAYOUT

26 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

27 27

Perhaps there is a reader who knows the actual circumstances behind behind circumstances actual the knows who reader a is there Perhaps

BFPO Ships Ships BFPO

MCM4 MCM4 wooden decks. decks. wooden

SCPO (MW) (MW) SCPO based on sooty footmarks which marred the scrubbed and sunbleached sunbleached and scrubbed the marred which footmarks sooty on based

"DIXIE" DEAN DEAN "DIXIE" The distinctive funnel badge originated in the 1960's and is supposedly supposedly is and 1960's the in originated badge funnel distinctive The

Yours faithfully, faithfully, Yours

the adoption of the "sooty-foot" logo? logo? "sooty-foot" the of adoption the Patrols in the Far East during the Indonesian Confrontation. Confrontation. Indonesian the during East Far the in Patrols

around the UK, Minewarfare in the Mediterranean and Anti-Terrorist Anti-Terrorist and Mediterranean the in Minewarfare UK, the around

THE BLACKFOOT SYMBOL...." SYMBOL...." BLACKFOOT THE Since 1946 the Squadron has carried out Fishery Protection duties duties Protection Fishery out carried has Squadron the 1946 Since

"...:WE ARE CONSTANTLY ASKED ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF OF ORIGINS THE ABOUT ASKED CONSTANTLY ARE "...:WE English Channel, and then cleared the German minefields off Stavanger. Stavanger. off minefields German the cleared then and Channel, English

consisting of Algerine Class Mine Sweepers, they operated in the the in operated they Sweepers, Mine Class Algerine of consisting

a few months in Reserve Fleet, the Squadron was reformed and, and, reformed was Squadron the Fleet, Reserve in months few a

- r0 r0

the Isle of White and the assault beaches. In October 1945, after only only after 1945, October In beaches. assault the and White of Isle the

the invasion of Europe the Squadron cleared two channels between between channels two cleared Squadron the Europe of invasion the

Sweepers, the Fourth MCM operated around the UK. In preparation for for preparation In UK. the around operated MCM Fourth the Sweepers,

6000 troops back to the UK. From April 1941, equipped with Fast Mine Mine Fast with equipped 1941, April From UK. the to back troops 6000

(the evacuation from Dunkirk) the Squadron ships transported nearly nearly transported ships Squadron the Dunkirk) from evacuation (the

Halcyon and Hunt Class Mine Sweepers. During Operation DYNAMO DYNAMO Operation During Sweepers. Mine Class Hunt and Halcyon

the Squadron was disbanded and not reformed until June 1939, with with 1939, June until reformed not and disbanded was Squadron the

attached to the Grand Fleet at Scapa. At the end of the First World War War World First the of end the At Scapa. at Fleet Grand the to attached

traced back to early 1916 when it comprised of 13 trawlers and was was and trawlers 13 of comprised it when 1916 early to back traced

The roots of the Fourth MCM Squadron can be be can Squadron MCM Fourth the of roots The

further discussion, here isthe "Official Version". Version". "Official isthe here discussion, further

ro

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vr vr

the interested and hopefully to stimulate some some stimulate to hopefully and interested the

FEET . . - SHORN R R SHORN

ABC ABC Squadron's Blackfoot symbol. To try and satisfy satisfy and try To symbol. Blackfoot Squadron's

POLISH OUR OUR POLISH

the Fourth Squadron and, in particular,' of the the of particular,' in and, Squadron Fourth the

91-05, IN MCM4 WE WE MCM4 IN 91-05,

We are constantly asked about the origins of of origins the about asked constantly are We

• • • • AND HE &41b, NEVER MIND YDuR YDuR MIND NEVER &41b, HE AND • • ORIGINS OF THE BLACKFOOT BLACKFOOT THE OF ORIGINS

Dear Editor, Editor, Dear

Whitehall Whitehall

MoD Main Building Building Main MoD

on Page 2. 2. Page on

DI 57 57 DI

• • The reply to this letter can be found within the main Editorial Editorial main the within found be can letter this to reply The

Lt Cdr RUSSELL RUSSELL Cdr Lt

Very much appreciated. Look forward to next issue. issue. next to forward Look appreciated. much Very

HMS CALLIOPE CALLIOPE HMS

MAD MAG MAG MAD

Tyne Division RNR RNR Division Tyne

Dear Editor, Editor, Dear Commanding Officer Officer Commanding

Commander RNR RNR Commander

J.L. GALPIN GALPIN J.L.

Yours sincerely sincerely Yours

in the RNR. It is not in its "infancy". "infancy". its in not is It RNR. the in the same edition edition same the

acquired MSFs in 1986. There is therefore a wealth of MCM experience experience MCM of wealth a therefore is There 1986. in MSFs acquired correspondence will be given the automatic right of reply in in reply of right automatic the given be will correspondence

reformed in 1947. We started with M MS and then had "Tons" until we we until "Tons" had then and MS M with started We 1947. in reformed as such. Where possible authorities or Units involved in in involved Units or authorities possible Where such. as

continuously tasked in MCM operations since the Reserve was was Reserve the since operations MCM in tasked continuously Letters not intended for publication should be clearly marked marked clearly be should publication for intended not Letters

that the RNR, and the RNVR before it, has been involved and been been and involved been has it, before RNVR the and RNR, the that 0705-822351-24705. 0705-822351-24705.

With regards to your Editorial in Volume 1 Number 1, I would point out out point would I 1, Number 1 Volume in Editorial your to regards With edition for any article mentioned. Letters may be faxed to: to: faxed be may Letters mentioned. article any for edition

RNR MCM OPERATIONS OPERATIONS MCM RNR a daytime telephone number. Please cite page reference and and reference page cite Please number. telephone daytime a

Letters should be addressed to the Editor and should include include should and Editor the to addressed be should Letters Dear Editor, Editor, Dear

"Minewarfare And Diving " welcomes letters from readers. readers. from letters welcomes " Diving And "Minewarfare

--a --a , -- ' - ' 1 1t , ""

„ „

Wat;tiP4=- Wat;tiP4=- - .ziessteosp .ziessteosp

Letters to the Editor Editor the to Letters www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

More Letters

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, Many thanks for incorporating the BE-NL Minewarfare School DIVING BRANCH MOTTO EGUERMIN in the distribution of your new Magazine which is very Firstly, I would like to send my congratulations to all the people who much appreciated. We hope you will be able to keep on publishing the have contributed to the production of the "Minewarfare And Diving" magazine in the present format which looks very smart and promising. magazine. In the opinion of the guys here and myself it is a truly With kind regards, professional and informative job. D.B. SLUIJTER Food for thought: have we ever had a Diving Branch motto? The Captain RNIN Americans have"WE DIVE THE WORLD OVER"and"EXCELLENCE Director, EGUERMIN UNDER PRESSURE", the Aussies have "UNITED AND UNDAUNTED". I know Chris Ballinger continued the "READY, A YE, READY'With CLANSMAN, so how about it? Lets try and keep any suggestions mainly 'clean' and also avoid the advanced-course Latin stuff. Dear Editor, Yours, DIVING IN THE ARMY G.R. "BUCK" TAYLOR It was with great interest that the permanent staff of the Royal Engineer CPO(D) USN Exchange Diving Establishment based at HMS NELSON (Gunwharf) read the Consolidated Divers Unit new format "Minewarfare And Diving" Magazine. For some considerable San Diego, California period of time the Army's divers have been suggesting a magazine along the same lines, but our efforts have been limited to rather low level badly produced news sheets. Dear Editor, The editorial staff of this new format magazine have recommended You invited comments on the new magazine, so here goes; firstly, it is that we, the Army, participate and contribute to future editions thus a great improvement on the old, "photocopied" editions, and the FSU's cementing the close relationship that already exists between our are now dist'ed (this was the first mine mag to reach FSUO2 in the year respective Diving Training schools at Gunwharf. I heartily endorse this that I've been here - previously, we have relied on the boats showing view. Technical input can of course come from the school but articles them to us. Secondly, there are lots of nice, coloured pictures, which of interest must come from the Teams out in the field. should enable Tech Rates to look at the mag - which means a wider I appeal directly to all the Army's diving teams - here is the opportunity circulation. Last, but certainly not least, the "Where Are They Now?" you have all been waiting for, please support this excellent magazine feature: this is an excellent idea. Nick (now PC) Carter and I said this and forward any articles together with suitable photographs through back in '85. However, the one shown in the first issue is hopelessly out- the RE Diving Establishment for future publication. of-date - having enjoyed my buttons for the last year, may I have them Yours faithfully, back please? R. F. MUNDY If we are going to have this article as a regular feature (and we should) Lt Col RE can we research it a little better? Perhaps MW/DSR's should send the Superintendent of Diving (Army) Ed. a six-montly MW/D nominal list for ships and units ...? For those interested in amending their printout, FSUO2 at time of writing are:- Dear Editor, CPO(MW) P M (Pawl) STOCKLEY IRONMAN SYNDROME LS(MW) J J M (Paddy) O'ROURKE I would wish to point out that, although the "Ironman Syndrome" AB(MW) D J (Dave) McCARTHY (printed in Vol 1 No 1 of this magazine) is a salutary lesson to all divers, AB(MW) B K (Benny) CARROLL the incident in question did not in fact take place at Defence & Civil AB(MW) M S (Timmy) MALLETT Institute of Environmental Medicine (DCIEM), Toronto, Canada. AB(MW) C A (Stan) STANDAGE-SIMPSON The article was written by a USN Officer at an undisclosed USN facility. Yours Aye Staff at the Canadian Forces Experimental Diving Unit, DCIEM are still PAWL STOCKLEY working to discover wh ich particular tunes were used for the experiment CPO(MW) with a view to including these on the playlist for forth-coming dives! COXSWAIN FSUO2 FDU 3 team members beware...Congratulations on an excellent first • The shortcomings of the "Where Are They Now?" lists are issue. It is the envy of the CF Clearance Diving Branch. acknowledged. We relied on printouts provided by DNOA(X) Yours aye, and CND HMS CENTURION. Apologies to those affronted are JON CHAPPLE rendered in the Editorial - see Page 2. Our "Let-out" clause Lt RN was printed on Page S.8 of Voll Nol, but thank you for writing DCIEM, Canada to voice your opinion. Next, perhaps, an article from an FSU on "Happiness Is A Clear Jetty"?

28 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

29 29

1965-1990 1965-1990

buds ... and the beer's warm! warm! beer's the and ... buds George C and Taff J J Taff and C George

discordant note with my Australian taste taste Australian my with note discordant

And draw our hard-earned pension. pension. hard-earned our draw And to the general British taste, that strike a a strike that taste, British general the to

Thus, we must leave without reprieve reprieve without leave must we Thus, preponderance of'greasy' goods, common common goods, of'greasy' preponderance

The final days are in contention. contention. in are days final The

My only criticism of the Royal Navy is the the is Navy Royal the of criticism only My

But those days are past and we fear at last, last, at fear we and past are days those But

The Food Food The

When you received that deadly letter. letter. deadly that received you When

men have a great time! time! great a have men 'Til in '74 they were no more, more, no were they '74 in 'Til

The times were never better better never were times The loan postings receive counselling. Single Single counselling. receive postings loan

You moved along to old Hong Kong. Kong. Hong old to along moved You marriages and suggest that future RAN RAN future that suggest and marriages

The times of yore in good ole' Singapore Singapore ole' good in yore of times The

commitments - detrimental to their their to detrimental - commitments

separation - due to high operational operational high to due - separation

And, by God, we were contented. contented. were we God, by And,

married men may find the strain of of strain the find may men married

UW's did the job without a sob sob a without job the did UW's

However, I believe that accompanied accompanied that believe I However,

And Muppets were not invented invented not were Muppets And

the rest of my naval career. career. naval my of rest the In days of old when Sailors were bold bold were Sailors when old of days In

learned can and will be applied throughout throughout applied be will and can learned

Requiem To A Weapons Armourer Armourer Weapons A To Requiem

War Vessels Flotilla . The practical lessons lessons practical The . Flotilla Vessels War

the exacting standards set in the Minor Minor the in set standards exacting the

high profile of Minewarfare in the RN and and RN the in Minewarfare of profile high

experience - via these postings - due to the the to due - postings these via - experience

believe that the RAN gains invaluable invaluable gains RAN the that believe

As to the value of the loan exchange, I I exchange, loan the of value the to As

careers. careers. Happy hunting! hunting! Happy

The Benefit Benefit The

which would encourage them to further their their further to them encourage would which Branch structure. structure. Branch

experience, and sense of pride in their work work their in pride of sense and experience, lads will move forward to form a more secure secure more a form to forward move will lads

being allowed to get on and do it. it. do and on get to allowed being responsibility, thus giving the Killicks the the Killicks the giving thus responsibility, interest and motivation and, hopefully, the the hopefully, and, motivation and interest

doing what I have been trained to do and and do to trained been have I what doing down on-the-job training and increase job job increase and training on-the-job down Give the LS(MW) a sense of responsbilitity, responsbilitity, of sense a LS(MW) the Give

great job satisfaction, in that lam employed employed lam that in satisfaction, job great HUNTS. The aim of my proposal is to cut cut to is proposal my of aim The HUNTS. while producing a more experienced PO(MW). PO(MW). experienced more a producing while

Personally, the position of Bosun gives me me gives Bosun of position the Personally, increased over the years for all SR's on the the on SR's all for years the over increased is the only way of easing our manning shortage shortage manning our easing of way only the is

the troops - for many reasons). reasons). many for - troops the studied. prior to implementation. I feel that it it that feel I implementation. to prior studied. New jobs and paperwork have slowly slowly have paperwork and jobs New

4xLS(MW) is not a popular policy amongst amongst policy popular a not is 4xLS(MW) These proposals would obviously have to be be to have obviously would proposals These workload from the Bosun's/ORS shoulders. shoulders. Bosun's/ORS the from workload

of the leaders want to take charge. (The (The charge. take to want leaders the of are not being delegated, to take some of the the of some take to delegated, being not are

indians" situation, especially when all four four all when especially situation, indians" routine daily tasks. tasks. daily routine progress their Task Books. Responsibilities Responsibilities Books. Task their progress

there is a "too many chiefs and not enough enough not and chiefs many "too a is there We need to nurture our Leading Hands to to Hands Leading our nurture to need We assist the NBCDQ as his Runner, in his his in Runner, his as NBCDQ the assist

making my job that much easier. However, However, easier. much that job my making carry out the duty. The LS(MW) should also also should LS(MW) The duty. the out carry encouragement to become Senior Rates. Rates. Senior become to encouragement

Branch. This has the added advantage of of advantage added the has This Branch. Killicks are not receiving the proper proper the receiving not are Killicks there is no Seaman Branch SR embarked to to embarked SR Branch Seaman no is there

sailor manning problems in the Minewarfare Minewarfare the in problems manning sailor Course, was the Killick's. I now feel that the the that feel now I Killick's. the was Course, allowed on some Minor War Vessels. because because Vessels. War Minor some on allowed

with a view to alleviating current senior senior current alleviating to view a with seemed to repeat any previous Career Career previous any repeat to seemed (in either a DCI or FTM) that this has been been has this that FTM) or DCI a either (in

the position of PO(MW) more attractive attractive more PO(MW) of position the taught). The only course I ever found that that found ever I course only The taught). responsibility for NILE: I have read recently recently read have I NILE: for responsibility

An active attempt is being made to make make to made being is attempt active An Rates, LMCDO's and Hunt PJT's (which I I (which PJT's Hunt and LMCDO's Rates, C126's. The LS(MW) could take full full take could LS(MW) The C126's.

to complete a HUNT Class PJT at MDDS. MDDS. at PJT Class HUNT a complete to being taught, i.e. Babies, Killicks, Senior Senior Killicks, Babies, i.e. taught, being Stores allowances, demands and raising to to raising and demands allowances, Stores

me time to adjust to a different culture and and culture different a to adjust to time me training schedule. This covered all courses courses all covered This schedule. training The LS(MW) should have some insight to to insight some have should LS(MW) The

Arriving in the UK two months early gave gave early months two UK the in Arriving CPO(MW) Joe George with the HUNT Class Class HUNT the with George Joe CPO(MW)

The Feedback Feedback The carries out the duties of MH D. D. MH of duties the out carries ARCTURUS trainer in MDDS, assisting assisting MDDS, in trainer ARCTURUS

Prior to May '87, I spent 15 months in the the in months 15 spent I '87, May to Prior one weeks training, the LS(MW) in Tons Tons in LS(MW) the training, weeks one

Ops Room experience. After all, with only only with all, After experience. Room Ops HMS BROCKLESBY as Bosun. Bosun. as BROCKLESBY HMS

Ops Room duties. This would broaden his his broaden would This duties. Room Ops our future LS(MW). LS(MW). future our Twelve months sea service with the RN in in RN the with service sea months Twelve

I think we need to change the training for for training the change to need we think I Route Surveys, Minehuinting and in general general in and Minehuinting Surveys, Route The Job Job The

course? I askthis very seriously, because because seriously, very askthis I course? LS could also be better employed during during employed better be also could LS

swept-up, but boring SEA to AB(MW) AB(MW) to SEA boring but swept-up, give war cries and take charge as MHD. The The MHD. as charge take and cries war give

by Brad Doyle Doyle Brad by so that he could set up a Minehunting search. search. Minehunting a up set could he that so the LS(MW) Career Course Training just a a just Training Course Career LS(MW) the

I think the LS(MW) should be CAAIS-trained CAAIS-trained be should LS(MW) the think I Are our LS(MW) trained well enough, or is is or enough, well trained LS(MW) our Are

MID TERM REPORT REPORT TERM MID

by Alan Bainbridge Bainbridge Alan by POSTING - - POSTING

LEADING SEAMAN TRAINING TRAINING SEAMAN LEADING

RAN PO(MW) LOAN LOAN PO(MW) RAN

_ _

MINEWARFARE TRAINING TRAINING MINEWARFARE

.40 .40 y Aar paee paee Aar y

Minewarfare Training Training Minewarfare www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Recognition

J 1., ..) c ? 7 --) nc

"WHAT'S MY MINE?"

Here's a mix of mines of varying vintage for you to practice your recognition talents. See if you can identify the types of mine shown by reporting type and nationality. The solutions are on page 37.

30 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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31 31

1 , 5 KM. KM. 5

*KM. *KM. I'S I'S MMES._ MMES._ vbAt• ny ow ow ny vbAt• whilboW whilboW

MISSILE MISSILE EXOCET EXOCET AT AT Mu2AGE Mu2AGE sr sr SEA-WolY MIME AT AT MIME SEA-WolY SEEM AT AT SEEM ....Noce ....Noce simumtmr simumtmr To To

L L

and MUSL. MUSL. and

photographs by courtesy of USN USN of courtesy by photographs

• • By Dave Carey. Non-MODUK Non-MODUK Carey. Dave By

AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION RECOGNITION AIRCRAFT

RECOGNITION RIPPER RIPPER RECOGNITION

14 14 www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Divers Dits Association of First Class Divers. by Jim Green

On Saturday 14 Oct 89 the Association of First Class Divers held its first AGM which was followed by a Disco and Buffet supper. Many attendeeswere accompanied bywives, girlfriends oraunties. Qualification for membership of this exclusive Association is that of having successfully completed a diving course for First Class Divers. This includes serving and non- serving personnel, SD and GL- transfer SD officers. Honorary membership is open to all founder members of the Clearance Diving branch, pre-1960, who are worthy by their early professional attainments and whose honorary conferral will promote and enhance the special interests of the association. The President of the AOFCD is Captain J.C.L. Wright. OBE RN. Charman WO(D) Jim Green. Secretary WO(D) Scouse Kidman and treasurer WO(D) Piggy Trotter. Out of approx. 300 people eligible to join, we have a current membership of 140, of which 40 attended the AGM. Judging by the noise and exchange of dits many people were taking a trip down memory lane. Some members had not seen each other for nearly 30 years & consequently a lot of ground was covered in a short time. On departure it was apparent that everyone had a most GOLFING NEWS enjoyable evening and are looking forward to our next get-together. This long-awaited Association seemed much appreciated by its by Les Sharpe members. Hi Bandidoes! We are always anxious to hear from anybody wishing to join, so, please It's Pancho Villas here, back from a long siesta (make and mend spread the word! to the ignorant) after the closing of "Buddyline". For information contact Portsmouth NB 0705-822351 Ext. 24866/ Here is the latest news from the Diving Golfers scene. Maybe that 24583 or BT 0705-753751. should read "Golfing Divers", but I suppose it depends on one's A social committee has been formed and further events will include priorities. horse racing in HMS Nelson (being organised by turfs of the course The 1989 Championship gave us new names in the frame in both the Messers Sharpe and Sissons). for 5 May 90. Our AGM on 13 Oct 90 singles and pairs. The AM round was won by Dave Sandiford with a will be followed by a social function. This year you are requested to score of 42 points (yes, that's right - 42). Well done Dave but what leave parking billets adjacent to the entrance vacant for wheelchairs. happened in the afternoon? Too many wee drams? Second AM was Frank Spragg with a 41. "Frank who?" I hear you say. He's an old & bold ex-CDO. Good on yer Frank! The PM round was won with 39 points by Tug Wilson with Jesse Owen Bacardi On The Rock second with 36 points. Notice how the scores dropped after lunch. The pairs competition was won by Dave Sandiford and Raffel (sorry by Tony Devitt buddy I don't know your christian name) with a combined score of 135 points, with the second pair being Stuart Sissons and someone called Here it is, the first dit from the newly-formed Gibraltar Diving Ansell. (anyone know him?) with 131 points. The winner of the ladies Team. Our plush suite of offices on Coaling Island (well, a three- competition was again Mrs Sizer: well played Anna. The lesson was room mud hut to be precise) isn't much, but it's home-sweet- won by Ray Jarret (next years winner?), with the nearestto the pin and home to us. longest drive prizes scattered around the branch, a notable one was It has been a wet and rainy few weeks recently but at least its WARM by our Honorary Diver, Brian Humphries the sailmaker. rain. Diving viz is down to 10m and Bacardi's £6 a litre! Diving (we do Oh! I nearly forgot to mention the winner and 1989 Divers Champion. occasionally) is pretty good, although jobs depend on ship movements, Silly me, he'd never forgive me and as he's my DO and the granter of but we have plenty of wrecks to survey and we dive most days of the M&Ms so I'd better give him a build up. week. Larger jobs have come our way, PENELOPE for one. Help has The overall Divers Open Champion of 1989 with a score of 78 points been available from UK when needed and we try to prevent loaned was....Tat Tat Tat Taaaaaa!! Mo Crang with some very steady golf. He divers from ending up in Spanish Jails! has since bent my earhole on several occasions with the gory details Driving here is something else! The locals don't drive, they just aim the but hopefully his handicap has been slashed sufficiently to prevent car. They don't park. they just temporarily abandon their vehicles - a another win, but he tells me he is going to be the first champion to bit like driving a Red-wing really! The summer weather is good and if successfully defend his title, so watch him. water sports are your thing it's the place to be. The Costa is literally just Well done all winners, cheers to everyone who turned up to make it up the road with wall-to-wall (or beach-to-beach) scantily-dressed another successful day. females of all ages and nationalitiies: its the single man's dream come "The Committee's" organisation was magnificent so a special thanks true! Rooke accommodation is not the best but that should be soon to Stu Sissons, John Dadd and the other feller for a job well done. remedied. Married quarters are not brilliant but certainly habitable The date of the 1990 Championship is Monday 6 August and it looks Gibraltar can become a little cramped (I was going to put claustrophic as if the same committee are running it. The format is as for last year but I can't spell it!), but with the border open, Spain and Portugal are with details on the entry form. only a few hours away, and the REAL Spain is even nicer than the For an entry form send a stamped addressed envelope to: beaches. CPO SHARPE. Diving Section, HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF).

32 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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33 33

Es mentira mentira Es Es la verdad verdad la Es Quiero hablar con un abogado/mi consul consul abogado/mi un con hablar Quiero

Questo é falso falso é Questo Questa é la verita verita la é Questa Voglio parlare con un avvocato/il mio Console Console mio avvocato/il un con parlare Voglio

Dat is een leugen leugen een is Dat Dat is de waarheid waarheid de is Dat lk wil een advocat/mijn consul spreken spreken consul advocat/mijn een wil lk

Das ist eine Luge Luge eine ist Das Das ist die Wahrheit Wahrheit die ist Das Ich mochte mit einem Anwalt/meinem Konsul sprechen sprechen Konsul Anwalt/meinem einem mit mochte Ich

C'est un mensonge mensonge un C'est C'est la verite verite la C'est Je veux parler a un avocat/a mon consul consul mon avocat/a un a parler veux Je

That's a lie lie a That's That's the truth truth the That's I want to speak with a lawyer/my consul consul lawyer/my a with speak to want I

Lo siento mucho mucho siento Lo El empezo empezo El Por favor, no diga nada a mi marido/mujer/amigos marido/mujer/amigos mi a nada diga no favor, Por

Mi dispiace molto molto dispiace Mi Per favore non lo dite a mio marito/moglie/amici marito/moglie/amici mio a dite lo non favore Per ha cominciato lui lui cominciato ha

Het spijt mij erg erg mij spijt Het Vertel het alstublieft niet aan mijn man/vrouw/vrienden man/vrouw/vrienden mijn aan niet alstublieft het Vertel Hij begon begon Hij

Es tut mir sehr leid leid sehr mir tut Es Bitte erzahlen Sie nichts davon meinem Mann/Frau/Freunden Mann/Frau/Freunden meinem davon nichts Sie erzahlen Bitte Er hat angefangen angefangen hat Er

Je suis vraiment desole desole vraiment suis Je Ne le dites pas a mon marl/ma femme/mes amis amis femme/mes marl/ma mon a pas dites le Ne C'est lui qui a commence commence a qui lui C'est

I'm very sorry sorry very I'm Please don't tell my husband/wife/friends husband/wife/friends my tell don't Please He started it it started He

Dejenme libre!. libre!. Dejenme Aqui este mi testigo testigo mi este Aqui iDevuelvame mi botalOn! botalOn! mi iDevuelvame

Lasciatemi libero! libero! Lasciatemi Ho qui un testimonio testimonio un qui Ho Ridatemi ii mio bompresso! bompresso! mio ii Ridatemi

Laat me vrij! vrij! me Laat Hier is mijn getuige getuige mijn is Hier Geef mij mijn boegspriet terug! terug! boegspriet mijn mij Geef

Lassen Sie mich frei! frei! mich Sie Lassen Hier ist mein Zeuge Zeuge mein ist Hier Geben Sie mir meinen Bugspriet Zuruck! Zuruck! Bugspriet meinen mir Sie Geben

Liberez-moi! Liberez-moi! Voici mon temoin temoin mon Voici Rendez-moi mon beaupre! beaupre! mon Rendez-moi

Set me free! free! me Set Here's my witness witness my Here's Give me back my bowsprit! bowsprit! my back me Give

Le mandeme la factura factura la mandeme Le Soy inocente inocente Soy Mandare la facture facture la Mandare

Mandatemi ii conto conto ii Mandatemi Sono innocente innocente Sono Vi mandero it conto conto it mandero Vi

Stuur mij de rekening rekening de mij Stuur lk ben onschuldig onschuldig ben lk lk zal u de rekening sturen sturen rekening de u zal lk

Schicken Sie mir die Rechnung Rechnung die mir Sie Schicken Ich bin unschuldig unschuldig bin Ich Ich werde Ihnen die Rechnung schicken schicken Rechnung die Ihnen werde Ich

Envoyez-moi la facture facture la Envoyez-moi Je suis innocent innocent suis Je Je vous enverrai la facture facture la enverrai vous Je

Send me the bill bill the me Send I'll send you the bill bill the you send I'll I'm innocent innocent I'm

Mi derecho de paso paso de derecho Mi El tiene la culpa culpa la tiene El ,Puedo tener una celda con vistas al mar? mar? al vistas con celda una tener ,Puedo

La mia precedenza precedenza mia La E'colpa sua sua E'colpa Posso avere una cella con vista sul porto? porto? sul vista con cella una avere Posso

lk heb voorang voorang heb lk Het is zijn schuld schuld zijn is Het Mag ik een cel met uitzicht op de haven? haven? de op uitzicht met cel een ik Mag

Mein Wegerecht Wegerecht Mein Es ist seine Schuld Schuld seine ist Es Kann ich eine Zelle mit Blick zum Hafen haben? haben? Hafen zum Blick mit Zelle eine ich Kann

Ma prionte prionte Ma C'est sa faute faute sa C'est Puis-je avoir une cellule avec vue sur le port? port? le sur vue avec cellule une avoir Puis-je

My right of way way of right My It's his fault fault his It's May I have a cell with a harbour view? view? harbour a with cell a have I May

Calmese Calmese No este tan mal mal tan este No Mi barco esta/no este asegurado asegurado este esta/no barco Mi

Calma Calma Non é grave grave é Non La mia barca e/non é assicurata assicurata é e/non barca mia La

Blijf maar kalm kalm maar Blijf Het isniet zo erg erg zo isniet Het Mijn boot is/is niet verzekerd verzekerd niet is/is boot Mijn

Beruhigen Sie sich sich Sie Beruhigen Es ist nicht so schiimm schiimm so nicht ist Es Mein Schiff ist/ist nicht versichert versichert nicht ist/ist Schiff Mein

Calmez-vous Calmez-vous

Ce n'est pas si mal mal si pas n'est Ce Mon bateau est/n'est pas assure assure pas est/n'est bateau Mon

Calm down down Calm It's not so bad bad so not It's My boat is/is not insured insured not is/is boat My

Spanish Spanish

Italian Italian

Dutch Dutch

German German

French French STAN-SPEptik STAN-SPEptik

I I Key: Key: English English

of (or into) a sticky situation.... situation.... sticky a into) (or of

choice phrases that may get you out out you get may that phrases choice

NATORANTO, herewith a few more more few a herewith NATORANTO,

waters who hasn't got a full grasp of of grasp full a got hasn't who waters

For anyone about to foray into NATO NATO into foray to about anyone For

Stan-Speak Stan-Speak www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk More Letters

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, TON CLASS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS The Third AGM of the TON Class Association will be held at the Thank you for my copy of your magazine. For someone who left the Portsmouth Crest Hotel at 1400 on Saturday 22 September 1990. RN vowing never to have anything to do with it again, apart from The AGM will be followed by a reception and Reunion Dinner. bending the right elbow with my old chums, I find that I have spent the Further information is available from me, on request. last eight years involved to the hair roots (the long and straight kind not Yours Aye, the short and curly ones) with MCD and the HUNTS in particular. JACK WORTH As such I find the new magazine of great interest to me not only for the 'Amethyst' personnel update but for the technical and material matters which it Lerryn contains. Lostwithiel In the words of the proverbial, profligate pro, 'Keep it up I like it a lot'. Cornwall PL22 OQF I do have two gripes though; well you didn't really think you had gotten away with it scot-free did you?

Dear Editor, 1. The supplement is out of date, Where are Tim Paul and Tony Rose? They haven't changed jobs recently have they? HIJACK IN GLASGOW Congratulations on producing a very professional, well laid out and 2. The second is more personal and I doubt if I am the only one to informative MAD MAG. In fact, hardly had I read my copy than it bring it up as you have probably heard form a few old un's by now. was 'hijacked' by the PO Wren Writer!!! I stopped being a 'Mr' when I joined the Andrew as a boy seaman Yours Aye in 1947. I am still a Lieutenant Commander RN but on the 'Retired MICK JAGGER List'. I also have an 'active' dormant appointment in the "pit" at CPO (PD) Northwood so please let's get the title and form address correct. HMS GRAHAM Glasgow 'Gripes' apart, and they are not serious ones, you and your team have obviously put in a lot of hard work and have set yourselves quite a Dear Editor, standard to maintain. I look forward to the next edition with pleasure. Yours Aye, THE DIVING BRANCH - SOME THOUGHTS 'TAG' CAISLEY MBE Manpower cuts. commercialisation, procurement delays and equipment Lt Cdr RN (Retired) failures are assuming ever-increasing prominence in the affairs of the Bedhampton Diving Branch. It seems that we lurch from crisis to crisis, stuck as we Hants. are with outdated equipment of questionable reliability with, it appears, no hope of improvement. This. despite constant submissions from P.S. I forward the enclosed little rejoinder, to do with as you wish: CINCFLEET, COMMW and other staffs. It is easy to criticise and denigrate the MOD and other agencies such as DGUW(N). I can assure you that our MOD Desk Officers and those that support us in DGUW(N) are trying hard to get us the equipment we need and keep our current equipment going. Unfortunately, their room No 'Mr' he, for manoeuvre is limited, as is Treasury finance. They also have to But MCD, compete with other branches of the RN for a share of the budget. In An LTC no doubt. addition, the interminable bureaucratic wrangling is an integral part of Tho' now retired, this financial process which is why any improvements take so long to His ire gets fired, appear. When some remove his clout. The recent and latest DSSCCD problem is a case in point and the spin- So watch it chums, off effects on our operational capability led me to ponder the future of When your turn comes, the Diving Branch. Questions came to my mind such as: You'll rave and rant about, a. Do we really need all teams to have a DSSCCD capability? And feel as we, b. What is the future for divers in Minehunters? Ex MCD, c.Should Area Teams concentrate primarilyon Underwater Engineering If someone misses out, Support for the Fleet and be equipped as such? What you are due, Do we need an IEDD role? d. And 'titled to, e. If, as some advocate, Divers are removed from Minehunters, could And have a little pout. the branch survive? So come next 'do' f. Should we remain in the Ops Branch? You'll pay your screw, g. Where does CHALLENGER and Saturation Diving fit into this? Co's mate it is your 'shout'. h.Do we need so much emphasis on MCT in view of the supporting role we play? I am absolutely convinced the RN needs a dedicated Diving capability but it is the form it takes which needs to be addressed. BR 5063 Article 0201 lays out the tasks of the MCD and Diving Branch. It is the implementation of these tasks in the future which concerns me. • To err is human, to omit one's Sponsor from a summary Yours Aye, list of "Where Are They Now?" may be tantamount to journalistic JON RICHES suicide. A more detailed reply is included in the Editorial on Cdr RN page 2. HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) Stop Press: THE 1990 DIVERS' DINNER - HMS NELSON Wardroom - Friday 26 October - All MCDOs/Diving Officers past or present invited. Organiser: Lt. S MARSHALL RN, OIC FDU1, FDG, HMS NELSON (GUNWHARF) for further details 34 www.mcdoa.org.uk

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35 35

expected of us in this day and age, it is all too easy for less less for easy too all is it age, and day this in us of expected obtain instant credit...." credit...." instant obtain

all...lnstant credit cards. Because all these things are are things these all Because cards. credit all...lnstant "....apart from the fact that it was more difficult to to difficult more was it that fact the from "....apart

wife and kids, car and, of course, the easiest of them them of easiest the course, of and, car kids, and wife

fast lane. This means a hectic social life-style, mortgage, mortgage, life-style, social hectic a means This lane. fast

called "modern navy" people are expected to move in the the in move to expected are people navy" "modern called

The point I'm trying to make is that in these days of this so- this of days these in that is make to trying I'm point The

to seek advice when the occasion arose. arose. occasion the when advice seek to

things can be but at least I was fortunate enough to be able able be to enough fortunate was I least at but be can things

across this situation myself and I know how difficult these these difficult how know I and myself situation this across

Having served on MCMV's for quite some time I have come come have I time some quite for MCMV's on served Having

couldn't. couldn't.

Divisional Officer who may be only 26 years of age? I I age? of years 26 only be may who Officer Divisional

old with problems, would you be able to tell them to your your to them tell to able be you would problems, with old

he talk about the problems he has? If you were a 30 year- 30 a were you If has? he problems the about talk he

trouble? To whom does he turn for advice? To whom can can whom To advice? for turn he does whom To trouble?

what happens to a man onboard who finds himself in in himself finds who onboard man a to happens what

the whole messdeck let alone a 3-badge Able Seaman, so so Seaman, Able 3-badge a alone let messdeck whole the

way). These days you'd be lucky if you found 3 badges on on badges 3 found you if lucky be you'd days These way).

words of wisdom helped me through (I paid the fine by the the by fine the paid (I through me helped wisdom of words

it all before and had even helped write the Book so his his so Book the write helped even had and before all it problems of my own to sort out..." out..." sort to own my of problems

"....Don't bother me son, I've got enough enough got I've son, me bother "....Don't

"...where have all the Sea-Dads gone?...." gone?...." Sea-Dads the all have "...where

we wouldn't hear the all too-frequent warcry: warcry: too-frequent all the hear wouldn't we

how to advise and guide those around him. Perhaps then then Perhaps him. around those guide and advise to how

Rates Course he would have a better understanding of of understanding better a have would he Course Rates

Dad overnight, but at least by attending a Divisional Senior Senior Divisional a attending by least at but overnight, Dad

I'm not trying to turn every Senior Rate into an instant Sea- instant an into Rate Senior every turn to trying not I'm

through this you could be of value to someone else? else? someone to value of be could you this through

great value. After all, what's one week of your time when when time your of week one what's all, After value. great

I have done this myself, and can assure you that it is of of is it that you assure can and myself, this done have I

himself. himself.

had to seek advice, instead of keeping all his troubles to to troubles his all keeping of instead advice, seek to had

would give the younger man someone to confide in if he he if in confide to someone man younger the give would

he was the one on board who had seen it all before, done done before, all it seen had who board on one the was he as an ADQUAL before he joins his ship? At least this this least At ship? his joins he before ADQUAL an as

mind at ease and made my ordeal more bearable. After all, all, After bearable. more ordeal my made and ease at mind of the PO(MW) Course, a Divisional Senior Rates Course Course Rates Senior Divisional a Course, PO(MW) the of

worrying about going to the Table, but my Sea-Dad put my my put Sea-Dad my but Table, the to going about worrying go down too well, do you? But why not introduce, as part part as introduce, not why But you? do well, too down go

say), that I got into trouble. I was in a right old state state old right a in was I trouble. into got I that say), to sea to act as Divisional Officers, but I don't think this will will this think don't I but Officers, Divisional as act to sea to

I remember well the first time (but not the last. I hear you you hear I last. the not (but time first the well remember I I would suggest that maybe we could draft Warrant Officers Officers Warrant draft could we maybe that suggest would I

questions. questions. protect our interests? interests? our protect

sometimes worked anyway) and answered all your your all answered and anyway) worked sometimes keep a weather eye open for us, how are we going to to going we are how us, for open eye weather a keep

say?) "tuition", steered you out of trouble (well it it (well trouble of out you steered "tuition", say?) Now that we don't have our Sea-Daddies any longer to to longer any Sea-Daddies our have don't we that Now

job to make sure that you were given the correct (dare I I (dare correct the given were you that sure make to job thus avoiding the risk of him getting into trouble. trouble. into getting him of risk the avoiding thus

to even serve on Sweepers in those days), and it was his his was it and days), those in Sweepers on serve even to credit, a young man's activities could be monitored better, better, monitored be could activities man's young a credit,

badge Able Seaman (you had to be at least a one-badgeman one-badgeman a least at be to had (you Seaman Able badge from the fact that it was more difficult to obtain instant instant obtain to difficult more was it that fact the from

should I say Cox'n these days?). My Sea-Dad was a 3- a was Sea-Dad My days?). these Cox'n say I should In the good old days days old good the In when we had Sea-Dads, apart apart Sea-Dads, had we when

sure that you stayed on the right side of the Jossman (or (or Jossman the of side right the on stayed you that sure experienced men to fall foul and let all this get out of hand. hand. of out get this all let and foul fall to men experienced

He was the "Old and Bold" one on board who always made made always who board on one Bold" and "Old the was He

I did. did. I

Did you have one? one? have you Did

by George Kegg Kegg George by

GONE??? GONE???

THE "SEA-DADS" "SEA-DADS" THE

WHERE HAVE ALL ALL HAVE WHERE

Sweep Store Store Sweep www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk Reader's Response Page

Your Name

MINE

Di VINE, Your Rank/Rate MAGAZI E , Your Job Title

Your Unit

Your Address 1111ianft. EDITnR

Your Tel. No

Your FAX No

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

Dear Editor.

1. I have read this edition from cover to cover and I think: (a) It's terrific - keep up the good work (b) It's OK - but you need more

(c) It's no good - because

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

It is (a) a written article, typed, double spaced and word-counted. 0 (b) a photograph Eor a slide 0 of (c) a diagram or otherwise of (d) a letter to the Editor (see(a) for the preferred format) 0 (e) less than RESTRICTED in classification 0

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

4. I would/would not (delete as applicable) like my material/contribution returned on completion of printing.

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

Yours

Signed

36 www.mcdoa.org.uk

www.mcdoa.org.uk

37 37

UK UK 14 14 RIPPER RIPPER

of the above address. address. above the of

13 UK UK 13 VEM VEM

12 12 UK UK Details and prices are available on request, care care request, on available are prices and Details A MK 12 12 MK A

11 11 DENMARK DENMARK TYPE 6 MK 17 17 MK 6 TYPE Southampton. Southampton.

10 10 UK UK

MARCONI STONEFISH STONEFISH MARCONI

Sawell of Rainbow's End, Shamrock Quay, Quay, Shamrock End, Rainbow's of Sawell

9 9 YUGOSLAVIA M 70 70 M YUGOSLAVIA

badges, the service has been assumed by Roger Roger by assumed been has service the badges, 8 8 UK UK SHORT SCOPE WEIGHTS WEIGHTS SCOPE SHORT

7 7 UK UK M MK 1 1 MK M Minewarfare, overalls or No. 8 embroidered embroidered 8 No. or overalls Minewarfare,

6 6 UK UK MK 14 14 MK

For those persons interested in ordering Diving, Diving, ordering in interested persons those For

5 5 UK UK M MK 5 5 MK M

4 4 IRAN IRAN SADAF 120 120 SADAF

EMBROIDERED NAME BADGES BADGES NAME EMBROIDERED 3 3 ARGENTINA TYPE 1925 1925 TYPE ARGENTINA

UK UK 2 2 MK 28 28 MK

1 1 US US CAPTOR CAPTOR

Solutions - Page 30 30 Page - Solutions

Recognition Quiz Quiz Recognition

BFPO SHIPS SHIPS BFPO

$ MCM MCM $

A.N.Y. MOUSE MOUSE A.N.Y.

Shropshire Shropshire

Yours Aye, Aye, Yours

Broseley Broseley

the badge, and thus the tribute behind the badge. badge. the behind tribute the thus and badge, the

12 Caughley Close Close Caughley 12

SWEEPING ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS". Hence the"M/S A/S" beneath beneath A/S" the"M/S Hence SYSTEMS". ALTERNATIVE SWEEPING

CYRIL COOPER COOPER CYRIL

due to its failure, the powers that be decided on a new title: "MINE "MINE title: new a on decided be that powers the failure, its to due

Yours sincerely, sincerely, Yours

badge but, because the trial carried out was so secret, and to save face face save to and secret, so was out carried trial the because but, badge

of the "M/S" and "NS" letters at the bottom of the badge you featured). featured). you badge the of bottom the at letters "NS" and "M/S" the of

To give the Team recognition, it was decided to award them a blazer blazer a them award to decided was it recognition, Team the give To

aboard an RNPS Minesweeper or Asdic Trawler (hence the inclusion inclusion the (hence Trawler Asdic or Minesweeper RNPS an aboard

trial ended and the remaining fish were placed into ornamental retirement. retirement. ornamental into placed were fish remaining the and ended trial

The silver cuff-badge was awarded after a minimium of 6 months months 6 of minimium a after awarded was cuff-badge silver The

even muted that he began to take on the looks of his favourite fish), the the fish), favourite his of looks the on take to began he that muted even

own mines. mines. own

Dockyard, a few of the fish died or went AWOL. Alfie lost heart (it was was (it heart lost Alfie AWOL. went or died fish the of few a Dockyard,

Cuxhaven at the mouth of the Elbe to sweep—would you believe it—our it—our believe you sweep—would to Elbe the of mouth the at Cuxhaven

between Creasy Building in VERNON and the Navy Days shed in the the in shed Days Navy the and VERNON in Building Creasy between

defeat of Germany, we left our "E-Boat Alley" and proceeded to to proceeded and Alley" "E-Boat our left we Germany, of defeat

let the fish partake in Navy Days. Unfortunately, during the transit transit the during Unfortunately, Days. Navy in partake fish the let

Trawlers, and returned to operating from Great Yarmouth. After the the After Yarmouth. Great from operating to returned and Trawlers,

I say could, because Alfie decided it was time to be adventurous and and adventurous be to time was it decided Alfie because could, say I

After this, we handed our "patch" over to a Flotilla of "Free French" French" "Free of Flotilla a to over "patch" our handed we this, After

partaking in what could have been a major feat in the animal kingdom! kingdom! animal the in feat major a been have could what in partaking

and sorely needed port. port. needed sorely and

Circuitry Demonstration. Little did they know that they were, in fact, fact, in were, they that know they did Little Demonstration. Circuitry

we cleared and opened up the port of Cherbourg: this being our first first our being this Cherbourg: of port the up opened and cleared we

All this training was carried out under a suitable disguise: that of a Mine Mine a of that disguise: suitable a under out carried was training this All

join the "Yanks" at Normandy Landings where, with a flotilla of BYMS, BYMS, of flotilla a with where, Landings Normandy at "Yanks" the join were introduced into the tank. tank. the into introduced were

Command, Liverpool. With the rest of the Flotilla, we turned south to to south turned we Flotilla, the of rest the With Liverpool. Command,

sure the fish were aware of the possible consequences, model wrecks wrecks model consequences, possible the of aware were fish the sure

After she was commissioned we proceeded to Western Approach Approach Western to proceeded we commissioned was she After

a powered model ship was driven over the "targets" and just to make make to just and "targets" the over driven was ship model powered a

was still in the hands of the builders Camper & Nicholson). Nicholson). & Camper builders the of hands the in still was

types of seabed, concentrating on the high reverb aspect. Occasionally, Occasionally, aspect. reverb high the on concentrating seabed, of types

My next and last ship was HMMMS 1002, I joined her at Gosport, (she (she Gosport, at her joined I 1002, HMMMS was ship last and next My

by introducing "scaled" models of mines into their tank onto various various onto tank their into mines of models "scaled" introducing by

Ensign, dispelled such doubts. Craft such as this did sterling work. work. sterling did this as such Craft doubts. such dispelled Ensign,

The first step was to carry out Recognition Training. This was achieved achieved was This Training. Recognition out carry to was step first The

around the deck, coupled with the fact that she was flying the White White the flying was she that fact the with coupled deck, the around

Team and was responsible for the education and well-being of the fish. fish. the of well-being and education the for responsible was and Team

such a craft, but the SA Sweep over the bow and the LL sweep draped draped sweep LL the and bow the over Sweep SA the but craft, a such

tank on the mining deck. PO(MW) NEWMAN was appointed I/C of the the of I/C appointed was NEWMAN PO(MW) deck. mining the on tank

HMS SOLSTICE) I just did not believe thatthe Navy could possibly own own possibly could Navy thatthe believe not did just I SOLSTICE) HMS

The fish were locally purchased and placed into the mine demonstration demonstration mine the into placed and purchased locally were fish The

request) to HMS EUROPA, Lowestoft. When I first saw my ship (Drifter (Drifter ship my saw first I When Lowestoft. EUROPA, HMS to request)

a cheaper alternative: GOLDFISH! GOLDFISH! alternative: cheaper a

in 1942, from which I emerged as an OD Signalman, drafted (at my own own my (at drafted Signalman, OD an as emerged I which from 1942, in

purchase the required number of dolphins and therefore came up with with up came therefore and dolphins of number required the purchase

I was trained at HMS COLLINGWOOD COLLINGWOOD HMS at trained was I of restrictive Defence Budgets, they would never get approval to to approval get never would they Budgets, Defence restrictive of

seabed. They decided that this was a good idea but realised, in the light light the in realised, but idea good a was this that decided They seabed.

during the Second World War. War. World Second the during demonstrating the US Navy using dolphins to recover mines from the the from mines recover to dolphins using Navy US the demonstrating

in which I am proud to have served served have to proud am I which in It originated after a certain PO(MW) Career course watched the Video Video the watched course Career PO(MW) certain a after originated It

of the Royal Naval Patrol Service, Service, Patrol Naval Royal the of

representation of the silver badge badge silver the of representation Mine Recovery Team. Team. Recovery Mine

Volume 1, Number 1. It is a a is It 1. Number 1, Volume know it is the original emblem for the GMRT, that is: the Goldfish Goldfish the is: that GMRT, the for emblem original the is it know

of "Minewarfare And Diving" Diving" And "Minewarfare of All who served in the MW Section in the early to mid-eighties will will mid-eighties to early the in Section MW the in served who All

badge depicted on the back cover cover back the on depicted badge of the blazer badge displayed on the rear cover of Vol. 1 No. 1. 1. No. 1 Vol. of cover rear the on displayed badge blazer the of

I write in response to the blazer blazer the to response in write I I am surprised that you should ask for ideas reference the origin origin the reference ideas for ask should you that surprised am I

BIG BADGE CHALLENGE CHALLENGE BADGE BIG SPECIAL FORCES FISH FISH FORCES SPECIAL

Dear Editor, Editor, Dear Dear Editor, Editor, Dear

-THE RUNNERS-UP RUNNERS-UP -THE

BIG BADGE CHALLENGE I I CHALLENGE BADGE BIG

Challenge And Reply Reply And Challenge www.mcdoa.org.uk www.mcdoa.org.uk

BIG BADGE CHALLENGE II

The above badge was forwarded by a student on a recent PO(MW) Course. Little is known about its origins but it was obviously awarded to personnel involved in Mine Clearance. Contributions relating to the origin and background of this badge and the requirements for its award would be greatly appreciated. The best replies will be published in the next Edition (1 Sep 90). Stories generated from BIG BADGE CHALLENGE I (RN Patrol Service-Minesweeping and Asdic)are on Pages 7 and 37 of this Edition.

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