VANGUARD THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION NO.10 AREA APRIL 2007

FALKLANDS ALSO INSIDE: 25TH • WHO KILLED CROMIE? • PEARL HARBOUR ANNIVERSARY • HMS RINGTAIL SPECIAL ISSUE • WELCOME TO NUMBER 11 AREA

ONCE ROYAL NAVY - ALWAYS ROYAL NAVY • ONCE ROYAL NAVY - ALWAYS ROYAL NAVY • ONCE ROYAL NAVY - ALWAYS ROYAL NAVY THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION VANGUARD NO.10 AREA EDITORIAL

Or is it? After years of fending off questions With the sale of the London premises, it as to why headquarters had to be located in would allow a move to, say Portsmouth, in the London, it would appear it is now full speed hope that the MOD would provide us with ahead to quit the capital. Why the sudden accommodation in some building “going for a change of heart? The Vice Chairman of the song” in the nearby Historic Dockyard Association writing elsewhere in this complex. All well and good so far, magazine cites the reason that only the First unfortunately, the questions raised in the last Sea Lord is resident at the MOD (Navy) in issue of this magazine would still require London. In other words the seat of power has answers. What of the current London HQ’s moved out – that’s strange – it has always staff? Would they be willing to re-locate; - if been our understanding that the government not, generous severance terms would have to were the decision makers and they are firmly be paid to them. Wouldn’t extra staff be Decision Time planted in Westminster. Another reason put required to man the new headquarters over a In our last issue, we set out the pros and forward for the move to the seaside is the lack seven day period? There would be no point cons of uprooting the Association’s of space at Chelsea Manor Street: true, things in having a potential recruiting shop window Headquarters from Chelsea Manor Street in are cramped in the existing premises; one that was closed at weekends when the London to a place to be decided; (although can hardly deny that to hold a meeting of any Historic section of the dockyard was at its Portsmouth was considered the prime kind is not practical. Space is at a premium busiest: after all, that is the object of candidate) preferably one with a RN for other aspects of the operation – i.e. relocating is it not? Would there be any presence. storage of RNA goods and the valuable guarantee that the proposed move would space taken up by computer equipment – so generate any more interest in the RNA? It is Since then, despite many rumours, the necessary in the office world of today. now evident that today’s serving sailor has December Circular Letter gave an insight into other more pressing priorities than an the way matters are progressing on this One thing is certain; the lease on Chelsea organisation as they see it as an “old man’s” subject. Portsmouth as expected has Manor Street is a valuable asset with today’s club, whose members gather once a month emerged the front runner, despite an ongoing property values in the south east. The sale of in their local pub to swap yarns from their time review of the whole operation of the naval this property would realise a considerable in the service. At long last, the Association base ordered by the government in late sum to the Association, and this could well be has decided to concentrate its recruiting October. Whatever its fate, it is almost certain the real reason behind the moves to quit efforts to the 45- 55 year olds who have been that the Historic Dockyard would emerge London. Each year, sees fewer and fewer out of the service say 20 years or so: an unscathed from any drastic cut backs from members remaining with the RNA: fewer initiative this magazine has been pleading for the rest of the Portsmouth operation. members, means less subscriptions – less over the years. Let us hope, there are Therefore, any move to this part of the world subscriptions depletes the income needed to enough of these potential recruits to the RNA would almost certainly be concentrated on administer an association which cannot who will visit the Association’s proposed new some redundant premises in that complex. realistically increase the current subscription home, and join us. If not, we might as well Anywhere else in the naval base would rate given the year on year rises since 2004. stay at Chelsea Manor Street until it is time for present difficulties; mainly due to security With that avenue blocked, any relief afforded the last person to leave to turn off the lights. + problems, whereas, the Heritage section of by income generated from the Association’s the dockyard is open to the general public: investments will be swallowed up in the which is the main reason for moving wages and salaries of its staff, and the day to Headquarters out of that quiet corner of day running of the organisation. This state of London. affairs cannot continue for much longer.

PUBLISHER PUBLISHED NOTICE Benham Publishing Limited April 2007 Benham Publishing and Area 10 RNA, would like DESIGN & TYPESETTING EDITOR to point out that all editorial comment and David Coffey All editorial for publication should be sent to: articles are the responsibility of the originators and may or may not reflect the opinions of the ADVERTISING Royal Naval Association, no responsibility can Simon Castell Area Secretary, Mr Charles Hutton Royal Naval Association No.10 Area be accepted for any inaccuracies that may occur ADMINISTRATION MANAGER c/o 44 Railway Road, or the quality for obvious reasons of Kerry Howard Urmston, photographs reproduced. MEDIA NUMBER Manchester M41 0XW 1089 Tel 0161 748 6681

Benham Publishing Limited, 4th Floor, Orleans House, Edmund Street, Liverpool, L3 9NG Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 www.benhampublishing.com email: [email protected] Vanguard 3 Visit your area CONTENTS CHAIRMAN’S REPORT website at: 3 Editorial Hi Shipmates; need. Vanguard has been given another boost, when Charles and Alan Brooking the Area Treasurer, visited the number 11 Area www.rna-10- 5 Chairman’s Report Doesn’t time fly as we get Conference at Sunderland, they took some copies of Vanguard with older? Can you remember them and they went down very well, with a request for more of this when you were at school, issue. Lets face it shipmates, its your area magazine and you cant area.co.uk 6 Falklands Today and it seemed forever before get a better buy anywhere for a glossy magazine, so come on you reached 14 and left shipmates buy a copy, we have over 3000 members in the Area and 6 President’s Pulpit school and got your first job? we struggle to sell 1,500 copies, so get a couple and send one to an Then it seemed a lifetime oppo, remember that your donation of 50pence goes toward the Area 10 ‘A Damn Close-Run Thing” before you reached the Reunion. magical 21st birthday. Once that had passed, the years On the subject of the Area Reunion, we have gone back to Didsbury 11 Lt. Walter Childs, RN seemed to fly by at a rate of by popular demand, and it promises to be a great weekend. We have knots. I say this as it only got a great deal on the drinks - Bitter, Lager, Guinness and Beck’s or 12 Falklands 1982 seems like a couple of Pils at £1.60 and as an added bonus on Saturday and Sunday nights weeks since we were there will be free ‘tots’ for the men and free drinks for the ladies as 14 Laughter Pages celebrating 2007 and yet when this issue of Vanguard hits the streets, well as great entertainment. I know its not a ‘seaside’ venue, but does a third of 2007 will have already gone. Sadly, quite a few clubs in the it matter. A Reunion in my mind is a chance to meet up with old area have had to close due to lack of trading but the branches are still shipmates, ‘swing the lamp’ and have a few wets, so those of you 16 Who Killed Cromie? going. who are supporting us are sure to have a good time.

19 Reunions News I was very pleased to hear the news that S/m Bill Carruthers had Our Area President is still fighting our corner, with all guns blazing as been made an Association Life President, an honour richly deserved. you will see from his report. Steve Caulfield, the Area PRO is doing a 20 The USS Arizona Bill has done so much over the years for the RNA. firstly as National great job for us and the Association. Sadly, S/m Fred Atkinson, our Standard Bearer and then Association Ceremonial Officer and has National Council Member crossed the bar in February, after a long fought back to recover from a stroke. Well done Bill. illness, S/m Ron Fielding will be acting NCM pro tem.. 22 Your Letters At the AGM, I breathed a sigh of relief, when Charles our Area That’s about it from me shipmates. I thank you for your support and 24 HMS Ringtail Secretary was re-elected, he does so much for the area and he and many thanks to all those who regularly ask about Olive, my wife. Diana are the mainstay of Vanguard. I would like to thank all the members of the Area Committee for their support in making my job so Your’s Aye 26 Scranbag much easier. Jan Thomas has done a great job as Welfare Advisor, John Dixon since taking over the vacancy and is always on hand to help those in (Area Chairman) 28 Obituaries 30 Falklands 25 FALKLANDS 25 30 Combat Stress THE ROLE OF UK FORCES 32 Branch News IN THE FALKLANDS TODAY 34 Picture Gallery The armed forces continue to protect the Falkland Islands today. Their mission is 'To Deter Military Aggression Against The South Atlantic Overseas Territories'.

A combined force comprising members of the Army, ROYAL SAILORS’ HOME CLUB Royal Air Force and Royal Navy are based on the Islands. For Seafarers The Falklands Conflict led the way in the Services working The Falkland Islands are a dependent territory of the UK A first class club offering hotel and leisure facilities to Serving and ex-serving members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. together, and this has continued to the present day. and will remain so for as long as the Islanders wish to. The Membership is also open to serving and former Army/RAF personnel with Associate Membership available to the general public. Islands have flourished economically and socially since the • Double/twin/single and family rooms • Bars and Restaurants • Private function rooms The Islands offer excellent training opportunities for the conflict. • Swimming Pool/Jacuzzi/Steam room • Skittles Alley/Snooker room/Gym. Services, ensuring that they are well trained and well ALL AT ATTRACTIVE PRICES Licensed for the Marriage Ceremony equipped. The situation in the South Atlantic has changed substantially since the conflict: Argentina is now a Royal Sailors’ Home Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3HS TEL: 023 92 824231 FAX: 023 92 293496 Email [email protected] ~ The relationship between the forces personnel and the democracy, committed to the peaceful resolution of issues www.sailorshomeclub.co.uk HOME CLUB...HOME FROM HOME locals is very strong and close ties have been forged. over the Islands.

4 VANGUARD VANGUARD 5 In addition to the foregoing it would be a neglect of duty to overlook the “ghost” which Somebody once said “Admirals are very PRESIDENT’S PULPIT hovers over every meeting of Caesar and our professionals. Like a Transylvanian colourful, they flutter about at whim, vampire, sporting Soviet Union style stainless steel dentures, the “Treasury” sits on escaping ones grasp and proving very Caesars shoulders muttering his masters mantra,…Too Costly…Too Costly. difficult to pin down” The same can be said about butterflies too. Within the confines of the pre-rigged game of poker our braided professionals have to “It is upon the Navy, under play with marked cards trying desperately to convince Caesar that their case is just, for Readers seeking more details on this the continued welfare of the nature. MOD subject are recommended to read the good providence of “Lions, Donkeys and Dinosaurs” by retired Inspection of the wreckage of our fleet in 2007 makes for a dismal review and an Naval Officer Lewis Page. (A Heinemann elegantly braided telescope is not required to identify the fact that our Navy chiefs have publication) God, that the safety, long been losing the MOD(N) debate battle for many a long year . Whilst touring the Gettysburg Battlefield it Just how well have they been making their points is anyone’s guess. Are they firm and struck me that although Abraham Lincoln honour and welfare of this robust enough? Forceful enough? Have they been clever enough? Above all, it has to was not a sailor his Gettysburg, with a be asked, have they all been brave enough? touch of poetic licence, would serve RNA shipmates well at this time…. “Two score realm do chiefly depend.” We just do not know how bright, sharp and powerfully our chiefs have been presenting and thirteen years ago Royal Navy our case in our absence. We do not know just how well they have been fighting our shipmates brought forth into these Islands corner, and as things stand it will be 15 to 30 years, and all too late, before we have any a new Association, conceived in retirement opportunity to identify what was said, by whom, to whom, and how… that is unless and dedicated to the proposition that all By comparison, when facing severe difficulties with various members of the “Establishment”, our somebody breaks ranks and an Admiral “Dannat” appears??? shipmates are equal. The modern world greatest Admiral, who was a mere Captain at the time, openly declared ……” If ministers will not will little note nor long remember what our support me in my duties then may they find a severe want of naval officers to support them” (let us What little we have all learned of late is less than reassuring. i.e.; the RN making a deal long departed shipmates achieved and it is not forget that prior to Trafalgar he too was promised “more ships” – but he never got them). with one of the transient Caesars to “cut the Fleet in order to save 1 billion by April for us, the living, to ensure that the 2008” in return for a promise of “jam tomorrow” from those very same amateurs! (You association which they passed into our Apportioning responsibility for today’s sorry state of Naval affairs calls for a quick check on how could not make this up folks!!) A promise of “Jam Tomorrow” from those very same keeping continues to exist within the spirit the Ministry of Defence system operates. (It can hardly be described as actually “working”, but it amateurs who promised us two new aircraft carriers …five years ago. Anybody which they created, and this Association of does work). attended a Carrier keel laying ceremony lately??? the shipmates, by the shipmates and for the shipmates will continue to march Within the Whitehall Leaning-Tower-of-Babble there exist hordes of amateurish folk exercising Something must change because the survival of our Fleet is clearly in peril because behind the standard of free speech for all authority over highly trained, experienced and very dedicated professionals. (Pause for a moment successive Navy Chiefs have proved to be no more effective handling the MOD(N) shipmates. dear readers and imagine any stock exchange listed firm operating under that handicap . . . stop transient Caesars and that ever present Transylvanian bat than my granny was at surf laughing!!! boarding (she drowned ….twice) Have you packed your bucket and spade ready for Torquay yet shipmates? It is a Those fine words above This amateurish group of civil servants and politicians are led (and I use that word in its most The worldwide image and once proud profile of our Navy has long been rusting and delightful spot on the south coast but it had have served our Navy lightest of senses) by an amateur who was placed in position by another amateur and neither of declining away for far too long. For me the rot began with the closure of the RN’s (and been visited by it’s share of power-mad and our nation for close these decision deciding giants have had any training for the posts which they are temporarily the nations) most successful school, the world renown and respected HMS GANGES. dictators… Napoleon was a visitor to to four centuries. Very holding. (I kid you not shipmates; you just could not make this up). That establishment today signifies everything that is wrong with our Navy and our nation. Torbay in 1815 and then Basil Fawlty sadly, today, that It is derelict, abandoned, crumbling, rusting, when it should have become the Sea Cadet displayed his manic conduct. And now, Our freshly anointed Minister of Defence, fresh from Housing or Traffic Control Duties, dons training and holiday centre for our nation’s youngsters. Somebody failed very miserably coming to a Conference Hall near you – a declaration no longer some ill fitting suit of armour emblazoned with stark lettering …”Numero Uno Difesa” and makes back in 1976!! new show, fresh from the big city… “Faulty applies. his public statement …”How do I get to the Ministry of Defence”? (Some have been known to Powers” ATTEND AND TAKE NOTES! catch the wrong bus). During recent decades there have been so many of these men in suits of Move on half a decade and we had the pre-Falklands plans for cuts in ships and Why? Who are the guilty men? Who clanking, ill fitting, armour and it’s your starter for ten to attempt to name all of them. As for what manpower, delayed only long enough to save the skins of the blundering amateurs who GETTING THINGS IRONED OUT. reduced our fleet to its current state? Who they all had in common?? That is much easier, not one had so much as stood a watch on the placed those Islanders in danger in the first place – then it was a case of job-done, carry was on watch when the fleet in which we “bridge” of their own constituency high street hamburger Franchise. Nevertheless, they are now on cutting! Onto the fudges concerning the end of the Leander batches and their There has never been an RN ship names served disintegrated to a condition the nations Numero Uno shield facing our foes. (Hands up all who are sleeping peacefully??) replacements, the ditching overboard of that marvellous national edifice of pride and HMS Cast Iron . The Aussie had a Flotilla comparable to the decade prior to the history, Greenwich Collage, and still the amateurs ran riot. called “Scrap Iron” during WW11 one of battle of Trafalgar? So are latest amateur leader, lets call him Caesar, takes up office surrounded by his own the vessels, interesting enough, had the Praetorian Guard of Honour of junior amateurs of Boames. (Bereft of any military experience) What did Frank Sinatra and the Royal Tournament have in common? Both played to name of Vendetta. A sailing ship described What would the great Nelson have to tell However, all is not lost as the newly empowered Caesar has instant access to all seniors figures SRO (standing room only) crowds whenever they performed in London. That annual as “in irons” had lost wind power and was us on that subject? Not for him the likes of within our beloved Navy who are ready to provide Caesar with all details and advice to enable him tournament placed our Navy front and centre before the eyes of our Nation, not merely making little progress, Nil Momentum, the following . . . .” The political decision to act upon that advice and maintain our Fleet to required levels of ships and manpower to at the Earls Court venue for those lucky enough to get tickets, but on compulsive usually due to misjudgement and time frame was out of kilter with continue to ensure the wellbeing of our nation. viewing television . . . publicity which others would readily kill for. So what did a pot mishandling. operational requirements”!! Has mess of transient amateurs and Service Chiefs do? They killed off the most impressive everybody got that? Everybody So what is wrong with that system I hear you cry? That is what our Democratic process is all contact that all three services had with our Nation. . . . . Talk about devasting friendly More recently “Operation Cast Iron” was understand it? No? Welcome to the club about, isn’t it? Yes it is I hastily reply, but what happens if Caesar opts not to accept the fire. !! poorly managed and ran aground, but shipmates!! That shifty piece of professional’s advice? What if he prefers the whisperings and advice of his own, carefully selected attempts to refloat this hulk will probably gobbledygook comes to you direct from Praetorian Guard Boemes? How do we square that with the democratic process? Amateurs have he historic Navy Dockyard at Chatham is already a museum. Will Pompy or Guzz be continue. the palace of misplaced principles, that been disregarding or mistreating professionals since Adam was a lad and even Noah questioned next? Decisions are being made that are not simply changing history – they are denying monument to Murphy’s Law in Whitehall. the need for an ark!! the lessons of history. Keep sharp lookout shipmates.

6 VANGUARD VANGUARD 7 A DAMN CLOSE-RUN THING LIEUTENANT WALTER CHILDS, RN

Wednesday, with about a week to go until the deadline I had to come up with My wife Maureen’s Uncle Walter, also relations, and my wife, then a child, recalls visits to the CPO’s something both respectful and thought provoking, and to fit it in with a set of night known as “Flynn”, was one of the Navy’s mess, she said in those days Whale Island had a private zoo. shifts! characters. After our wedding I came to know and admire him, bluff, tall and Wally and Hilda never had children, but they both doted on My first thoughts, apart from taking the phone off the hook and emigrating, were of their niece Maureen. Wally was a good swimmer, and he would a rather broad nature – which colours work best, what pictures define the Conflict, athletic, he spoke with a distinctive spend hours in the sea swimming breast stroke with little and how do you show respect for the fallen, whilst celebrating the Islands' liberation? Dorset/Hampshire burr. Wally was a Maureen astride his back. At times, people would raise the All of these, along with the need to keep a decidedly naval slant on proceedings led kindly soul who loved his native land. alarm, but the Coast Guard Service knew him well enough to me to research the details of what happened 8,000 miles away for those 3 months a His views on politics and religious ignore these calls. quarter of a century ago. matters were not to be argued with. Eventually, Wally retired into the Naval Reserve, and got a job We all remember Sir John Nott, the “here today, and gone tomorrow” politician, as a bank messenger with the Westminster Bank at their intoning in his very measured and cultured voice “I regret to inform you that one of I was told that he had an unhappy childhood; his schooling headquarters in London, the job included a flat; so during the our ships has been hit”, and Brian Hanrahan's iconic “I counted them out, and I had finished when he was twelve and he left home and joined late 1930’s Wally and Hilda enjoyed life in the Metropolis with all counted them all back” yet neither of these gave a sense of both the tragedy and the Navy as a boy entrant. By WW1, he had become an its glamorous entertainments. sacrifice, and ultimately the success by our armed forces. Digging a little deeper, I Ordinary Seaman and while his early career is vague, it is known found that one of the famous misquotes of Sir Arthur Wellesley after Waterloo, was that he took part in the Zeebrugge raid under Roger Keyes 1939 put a stop to that; Wally was recalled as a reservist. Now also uttered after the Falklands - “It was a damn close-run thing” - and probably no Senior. the rule is that any such recall merits a rise in rating, but Wally other quote exemplifies the knife-edge that the whole campaign was balancing was already, as the ex Chief GI at Whale Island, at the top of his From Concept to upon. The object of the raid was to deny the harbour to U-boats by profession, so they made him a Warrant Gunner. Design... sinking block ships in the estuary. The supporting force was Armed with a suitable quotation, I then needed to show the sacrifice and danger shipped in requisitioned Mersey paddle steamers, these having He told me how he fudged the exam, but there he was, the boy Several weeks ago I was asked to faced by our forces, concentrating on the Naval setbacks. What better way to the required shallow draughts, (the name Royal Iris comes to entrant and OD had become a Naval Officer; he rose further to see if I could come up with a design commemorate the ultimate sacrifice, than to gather together in one place the names mind). full commissioned rank as a Lieutenant – and note this – he still for the current edition of Vanguard, and of all the Fallen, side by side with their comrades in arms. wore his DSM which is a lower deck decoration. rather foolishly I agreed to have a go. Wally was the ammunition number of a Vickers heavy machine Having seen several editions of the The set of photographs, all iconic pictures showing the last moments of once- gun team. In getting the weapon ashore they were very At first, Wally served in HMS Penelope, but his GI experience magazine, I felt I knew what was proud vessels were arranged so that no one picture took overall prominence, yet exposed, and the gun crew were badly shot up. Wally survived came to the notice of My Lords Commissioners, and he was put expected, a picture with an obvious when taken as a whole presented the viewer with a sense of the murderous violence by hiding under some railway trucks. He then fought his gun in charge of the DEMS Gunnery Training School at Roker Park, in naval slant, either a warship taken from that modern warfare engenders – so different from the sanitised video games and single handed, after which he succeeded in returning aboard Sunderland. His expertise regarding the older weapons that three-quarters on, or several uniformed films that most of us are lucky enough to associate with war. The plaintive and carrying a badly injured shipmate. For this exploit, he received were brought back into use in the armed merchant cruisers was men in various poses. So, being the haunting words of William Whiting's hymn has also crossed oceans and boundaries the D.S.M. an asset to that service. contrary soul that I am, (some would and is universally recognised as the “Naval Hymn” - one can almost imagine it being say just bloody minded!), I thought, in sung by a warship's young crew in memory of their shipmates. The next we hear of Wally is as a member of a victorious After WW2, Wally finally retired with Hilda to Bournemouth; he one of my Monty Python modes, Pompey team in one of the 1920’s Field Gun Races at Earls worked his days out as a local bank messenger. He was a keen “...and now for something completely Yet what of the Islands themselves? This little outpost of Britain, half a world away, Court. I can remember seeing the commemorative group gardener, filling his house with scrumptious vegetables. He had different!” yet only 300 miles off the coast of South America's major military power. None of us photographs. a flagstaff in his garden, and never failed to hoist his colours on had heard of them, in fact, why were the Argentineans invading islands off the coast the appropriate occasion. This year is the 25th anniversary of of Scotland? Putting aside the politics, the economics and the supposed indifference The 1920’s and 30’s were the heydays of the Navy, and Wally the Falklands Conflict, in which the of the UK government towards less than 2,000 sheep farmers, this country managed served in the Mediterranean Fleet under Admiral Cunningham. Wally was elected Secretary of the Zeebrugge Veterans Royal Navy played such a pivotal part. to fight a bloody little war with so many risks, under the eyes of the world's media, He had by then married Maureen’s Auntie Hilda, and they lived a Association, and he and Hilda would cross to Belgium and So what better theme for my design and with very little in the way of a “Plan B.” The Islanders remain resolutely British, life of luxury in Malta. Walter had risen through the ratings of the officiate at the annual reunions, he also took part in a broadcast debut, than the Falklands Conflict? yet their lives were changed irrecoverably, thrust onto the world stage, their country Gunnery Department, and was by now CPO. GI. Auntie Hilda commemorating the raid. Having decided upon this, I decided to turned into a garrison, with five servicemen for every Islander. The image of the told of regattas, receptions with all the panoply of the British leave it for a few weeks in the hope Islands coloured with the Union Flag shows this simply, effectively and provides a presence in that part of the world. Wally lies in a modest grave in Bournemouth; his estate was that someone else would take up the celebration of colour within the starkness and austerity of the design as a whole. left to Hilda, who in turn willed it to the Royal Lifeboat Institute. work! This ploy worked until last week There was no stopping him; he became Chief Gunnery when my father, your esteemed Area So, a magazine cover from start to finish in less than a week. Take some time off Instructor at Whale Island. Hilda lived in Bournemouth with her Submitted by Ken Nicholson. Secretary rang me up to remind me of for a set of nights, add in a family life and my penchant for beer, “It really was a my rather rash promise. So, on the damn close-run thing!”

8 VANGUARD VANGUARD 9 FALKLANDS 1982

On 2 April 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. There was, and is, a dispute over the sovereignty of the islands. The invasion was preceded by the landing in South Georgia (a Falkland Islands dependency) of an Argentine party in March. It is probable that the Argentine government’s perception had been shaped by efforts by the British to negotiate over the Islands and the impression that the Royal Navy was about to be reduced significantly, including the withdrawal from service of the Antarctic patrol ship ENDURANCE.

The powerful Argentine landing could The first active operation of the Task Force was the re-taking of South Georgia. A not be prevented by the small Royal small group of ships was sent ahead of the main force (ANTRIM, PLYMOUTH, Marines garrison and before long the CONQUEROR and RFA TIDESPRING) together with ENDURANCE and a number of Falkland Islands and South Georgia Royal Marines and special forces. This was Operation PARAQUAT and was were completely in Argentine hands. In successfully completed by 25 April. The Argentine garrison was captured, as was the the UK immediate steps were taken to submarine SANTA FE which had been reinforcing the Argentine forces. assemble a naval task force. The mission was given the title Operation Some days later the main Task Force moved into its main operating areas east of CORPORATE. Initially the Task Force the Falklands. On 1 May operations began against the enemy ashore with comprised two carriers, HERMES (Flag) bombardments by naval gunfire, carrier-borne Sea Harriers and a long-range and INVINCIBLE, a number of bombing attack by an RAF Vulcan from Ascension. On 2 May the Argentine cruiser, destroyers and frigates and support GENERAL BELGRANO, the flagship of one of two surface groups which had been ships. The first ships of the Task Force threatening the task force was followed, then attacked, by the nuclear submarine sailed from the UK only 3 days after the CONQUEROR. She sank with the loss of over 320 lives. From this point onwards the invasion. An amphibious group based Argentine surface fleet was little seen; some submarine operations were attempted on two assault ships and all available without any success. However, on 4 May, the Argentineans hit back and the destroyer landing ships followed with 3 SHEFFIELD was disabled by an air-launched Exocet missile. She later sank under tow Commando Brigade (Royal Marines, in bad weather. Paras and other units) embarked. Even before the initial deployment a number The Argentine air force and naval air force had proved their capabilities and of nuclear submarines had been remained formidable opponents until the end of the conflict. It was the crucial battle despatched to the South Atlantic. for air superiority which was the key to the whole campaign. Without it, there would have been no liberation of the Falkland Islands. On 15 May, a daring raid was carried It took some time for the force to make out by special forces on Argentine air units based on Pebble Island, north of West the passage of more than 7000 miles to Falkland. The aircraft were destroyed. the area of the Falklands. This was a time of much diplomatic activity; while 6 days later, at San Carlos, the major landings took place involving the two assault talks took place, military planning ships, FEARLESS and INTREPID together with a number of the landing ships and continued. Because of the extent of likely some STUFT vessels including the liner CANBERRA, (used as a troopship), and operations, the difficulties of the accompanied by a number of escorts. Small Argentine forces in the area were operating theatre and the great quickly dealt with and the landing force was rapidly built up. The reinforcing Army distances involved, there was particular force, 5 Brigade, was already on its way in various ships, including the requisitioned emphasis on reinforcements and logistic liner QUEEN ELIZABETH II. support. These involved two key factors: the building up of Ascension Argentine aircraft reacted to the landings and carried out a series of attacks. Several Island as a support base, and the escorts were hit, leading ultimately to the loss of the frigates ARDENT and ANTELOPE requisition of many merchant ships. as well as significant damage to others. The aggressive role played by the escorts Such vessels were known as STUFT allowed the transports to be largely unharmed. The San Carlos area, at sea and on (Ships Taken Up From Trade). shore, was subject to air attacks until near the end. Classic layered defence was used

10 VANGUARD VANGUARD 11 to counter them. Sea Harriers were surrendered and the Falklands conflict forces, which had to take with them deployed on Combat Air Patrol. Closer was effectively at an end. The whole the means to defend themselves in, ship missile systems were campaign had lasted less than 3 against air attack, and eventually win employed – and guns closer in still. months; there were a total of 255 sufficient air superiority to enable the An attempt to use a combination of British and 655 Argentine dead as well transported troops to be protected on missile systems in ships worked as three Falkland Island civilians. passage, and landed to defeat the reasonably well but the Type 42 occupying forces. COVENTRY was sunk by bombing A total of 68 Royal Navy and Royal during one such operation. On the Fleet Auxiliary vessels together with 45 In addition, RN surface ships took same day, 25 May, the STUFT ship STUFT ships were used. Land forces part in the air battle, destroying at ATLANTIC CONVEYOR was attacked were mainly 3 and 5 Brigades with least 15 enemy aircraft; they by air-launched Exocet and significant augmentation. There were completely deterred Argentine naval subsequently lost. This was significant also many aircraft involved from all 3 forces from attempting to intervene, as she had been carrying much vital Services. This was truly a and bombarded enemy positions equipment, in particular Chinook CORPORATE venture. ashore throughout the length of the helicopters which would have been conflict. very useful for land operations. The short but intense conflict once again emphasised the value of RN units took part in every aspect of A week after the landings the ground maritime power. The operation was the conflict, at and under the sea, in forces were well established. On 29 totally unexpected and not covered by the air, and on the ground. The cost May, Goose Green 15 miles South of any national contingency plans. was high, but the Royal Navy had San Carlos surrendered to 2 Para after Moreover, it took place nearly 8000 fulfilled its mission. a fierce fight. The following days were miles from the UK. The only way that to see considerable progress on land the Falkland Islands could have been Naval Historical Branch whilst Argentine air activity continued recovered was by the use of maritime November 2006 unabated. British naval and air units remained fully occupied dealing with aircraft and providing support to the land forces.

On 8 June, two landing ships, SIR GALAHAD and SIR TRISTRAM, which had taken troops to Fitzroy on the south coast of East Falkland were bombed with significant loss of life and damage. On 12 June, the destroyer GLAMORGAN returning from a shore bombardment operation was hit by a shore-launched Exocet missile and damaged. Nevertheless, the Army and Royal Marines advanced steadily to Port Stanley. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX On 14 June the Argentine forces

12 VANGUARD VANGUARD 13 LAUGHTER PAGES

BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, few parts left over.” But the fifth surgeon, from Washington, DC shut them all up IN THE BEGINNING Make and Mends at sea. He also labours, he had forgotten one thing. ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR when he observed: “You’re all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on; In the beginning was the word; and gave them a laundry that they might He had not given himself a WIFE ALONG AND GET A there are no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains and no spine, and the head and the word was God. All else was keep their splendid uniforms clean. Submariners white woolly jumper. WONDERFUL BARGAIN? the ass are interchangeable.” darkness and void without form. So When you are God you tend to get He thought long and hard and finally God created the heavens and the carried away. satisfied his mind. Not just anybody • Notice in health food shop A minister decided to do something a little different one Sunday morning. He earth. He created the sun and the can be a Submariner. window: said “Today, in church, I am going to say a single word and you are going to moon and the stars, so that light On the seventh day as you know CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS help me preach. Whatever single word I say, I want you to sing whatever hymn may pierce the darkness. The earth, God rested and on the eighth day at Submitted by S/m W Watts Salford that comes to your mind. God divided between the land and 0700 Zulu God looked down upon Branch • Spotted in a safari park: the sea and these he filled with many the earth and God was not a happy ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN The pastor shouted out “CROSS”. Immediately the congregation started assorted creatures God. So he thought about his GOD IS WATCHING YOUR CAR singing in unison, “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.” labours and with his infinite wisdom, The children were lined up in the The dark, salty slimy creatures that God created a divine creature, and cafeteria of their elementary school • Seen during a conference: The pastor hollered out “GRACE” The congregation began to sing “AMAZING inhabited the seashore he called the this divine creature he called a for lunch. At the head of the table FOR ANYONE WHO HAS GRACE, how sweet the sound.” Royal Marines and he dressed them Submariner. And these Submariners, was a large pile of apples. The CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW accordingly, and the flighty creatures whom God created in his own teacher made a note, and posted it IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON The pastor said “POWER”. The congregation sang “THERE IS POWER IN THE of the air he called ‘Airy Fairies,’ and image, were to be of the deep, and on the apple tray. It said, “Take only THE 1ST FLOOR BLOOD.” these creatures he clothed in to them he gave a white woolly one. God is watching.” uniforms which were ruffled and foul. jumper to keep them warm. He gave • Notice in a farmer’s field: The Pastor said “SEX” The congregation fell into total silence. Everyone was These creatures were not over them black, steely messengers of Moving further along the lunch line, THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS in shock. They all nervously began to look around at each other afraid to say popular as their droppings fell on the death to roam the depths of the at the other end of the table was a TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR anything. Then all of a sudden, way from in the back of the earth below, but God forgave them seas, waging war against the forces large pile of chocolate chip cookies. FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES. church, a little old 87 year old grandmother stood up and began to sing, because he said, they knoweth not of Satan and evil. He gave them A child had written a note, “Take all “MEMORIES.” what they do. The lower creatures of hotels to welcome them when they you want. God is watching the • Message on a leaflet: the sea God called Skimmers, and grew weary of doing Gods will. He apples.” IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS with a twinkle in his eye, and a sense gave them subsistence that they may LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW DEAR ABBY... of humour that only he could have. entertain ladies on nights ashore and DID I READ THAT TO GET LESSONS God gave them big grey targets to impress the hell out of the creatures SIGN RIGHT? Dear Abby, go to sea on. He gave them many called skimmers. • On a repair shop door: I’ve never written to you before, but I really need your advice on what could splendid uniforms to wear. He gave • TOILET OUT OF ORDER: PLEASE WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. be a crucial decision. I’ve suspected for some time now that my wife has been them many wonderful and exotic At the end of the eight day God USE FLOOR BELOW (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE cheating on me. The usual signs... Phone rings but if I answer, the caller hangs places to visit. He gave them pen looked down upon the earth and saw DOOR – THE BELL DOESN’T up. and paper so that they might write all was well. But still God was not • In a Laundromat: WORK) My wife has been going out with the girls a lot recently although when I ask home every week, and he gave them happy, because, in the course of his AUTOMATIC WASHING their names she always says, “Just some friends from work, you don’t know MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE • Northampton Hospital: them.” I always stay awake to look out for her taxi coming home, but she ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE BIRTH CONTROL ADVICE – always walks down the drive, although I can hear a car setting off, as if she has LIGHT GOES OUT PLEASE USE REAR ENTRANCE gotten out of the car round the corner. Why? Maybe she is in a taxi? I once picked her cell phone up just to see what time it was and she went berserk and • In a London department store: Surgeons from big cities were screamed that I should never touch her phone again and why was I checking BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS discussing who makes the best up on her. patients to operate on. The first • In an office: surgeon, from New York, says, “I like Anyway, I have never broached the subject with my wife. I think deep down I WOULD THE PERSON WHO to see accountants on my operating just didn’t want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I TOOK THE STEP LADDER table, because when you open them decided to really check on her. I decided I was going to park my Harley Road YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT up, everything inside is numbered King next to the garage and then hide behind it so I could get a good view of BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL “The second, from Chicago, the whole street when she comes home. It was at that moment, crouching BE TAKEN responds, “Yeah, but you should try behind my Harley, that I noticed that the rocker boxes on my engine seem to electricians. Everything inside them be leaking a little oil. Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it back • In an office: is colour coded. “The third surgeon, to the dealer? AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF from Dallas, says, “No, I really think SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT librarians are the best; everything Thanks, AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON inside them is in alphabetical order. Harley Man THE DRAINING BOARD “The fourth surgeon, from Los Angeles chimes in: “You know, I like • Outside a secondhand shop: construction workers...those guys WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING – always understand when you have a

14 VANGUARD VANGUARD 15 WHO KILLED CROMIE? k then give her captain a clear warning of the proposed sinking; the sailors by their officers shocked the British. Typically they The death of Captain zeal and ability with the Naval Brigade’. In December 1901 he was commissioned submarine captain must then make provision for the crew of his would spit in the face of a saluting sailor, and then order him Sub-Lieutenant and in June 1903 promoted to Lieutenant. He then made the decision victim, and ensure their safety’. The Sivonia refused to stop, so to turn and bend before kicking him. Francis Cromie CR. that was to lead to his death – he volunteered for the fledgling submarine service. Cromie fired ahead of her, then, after the crew had abandoned Not only were submarines dangerous but submariners were despised. In 1901 ship, he again fired but with little effect. In cinemas, the Russian ratings were only allowed behind DSO. RN passed Admiral Wilson declared that “captured submariners should hang, submarines were the screen and stood if an officer came or went. British almost unnoticed unfit for ‘gentlemen’”. Yet Cromie was every inch a gentleman. In 1963, Rear Admiral He tried torpedoes but the first failed after launch and the sailors, although in front of the screen, also stood for the Brodie remembered him as ‘tall, good looking, with curly black hair and whether in second dived deep and missed. Eventually the Savonia ran Russians, until they realised that the Russians did not afford amid the slaughter of sea-going or any other rig was always carefully dressed. Also, in contrast with some aground. British officers the same courtesy. The contemporaries, he was polite to the training class’, his Portsmouth landlady thought Russians complained, but Cromie backed the First World War. him ‘a lovely man’ A week later they attacked another his men. Yet on one day, German ship with four torpedoes. Two As Captain of HM Submarine ‘A3’, Lieutenant Cromie began earning the respect of missed, one circled just missing ‘E19’ Unsurprisingly, rebellion was brewing in without loss of life, his contemporaries. Under way off Spithead in February 1906, he dived fully clothed and another hit but failed to explode. the Russian fleet and during November, into the sea to rescue a seaman. Initially he held the man up before lapsing into Again the target ran aground. two battleships mutinied. he had stopped the unconsciousness himself. The seaman died but artificial respiration revived Crombe. Christmas 1915 came, and on However, ‘E19’s luck was changing, December 31st Cromie was promoted to entire German Fleet During 1907 he married Gwladys , and settled in Lee-on Solent. There Dolories and the next day made history. First she Flotilla Commander. The British were in the Baltic. Anthea his only child was born, and by 1908 Cromie was commanding a new “C” stopped the ore carrier Walter Leonhardt entertained ashore by expats, who later class submarine. putting the crew aboard a neutral recalled the high regard the officers and Today it is still uncertain who killed Swede, Cromie sank the ore carrier with crews had for Cromie. him, the Germans or his Russian allies. Promoted Lieutenant Commander in1911 he assumed command of the Devonport charges. Almost immediately, he sighted The Times reported in September flotilla. Next came command of the Navy’s latest submarine ‘E4’ but after just a year the Germania and chased her onto a As the weather warmed, the submarines 1918:- he left his family to command the Hong Kong flotilla. However with war approaching, Swedish reef. Leaving her there, Cromie sailed again, although now the Germans the flotilla returned home in August 1914. next stopped the Gutrune and after the tracked them by aircraft in the clear BRITISH ATTACHÉ MURDERED. crew left, sank her with three shells. shallow Baltic. During June 1916 ‘E19’ RUSSIA TO FIGHT ALLIES - A At Barrow in July 1915 Cromie commissioned ‘E19’, a boat of 664 tons surfaced and Again he persuaded a Swede to take was bombarded with over 34 bombs. PETROGRAD OUTRAGE 708 dived. At 181 feet long with a beam of 23 feet she was driven by two propellers the crew. Later that afternoon the Although revolution was drawing nearer, powered by two diesels at 14 knots on the surface. and Submerged, her speed was 9 Director Rippenhagen strayed into his the Russian officers seemed oblivious. A Born in Ireland on January 30th 1882 to knots driven by two electric motors. Her armament consisted of a six-pounder gun sights and was also scuttled, a ship being stopped to take her British sailor on his way to deliver a report encountered an an American father and a Welsh and ten 18inch torpedoes. After ‘working up’, ‘E19’ sailed to join the Baltic submarine crew. As darkness approached, the final target sailed into view. Russian Admiral, while standing and saluting, the Admiral spat mother, Francis Cromie grew up in flotilla based in Russia’s port of Reval. (now Tallin in Estonia). Neither E19’ nor Cromie The Niconiedia was sunk as her crew rowed to safety. in his face. Returning to his submarine, the sailor reported this Pembrokeshire. His father Charles had would return. to Cromie who immediately took him to the Admiral’s quarters joined the British army and while The episode became known as the ‘E19 massacre’; Cromie had and demanded and received a personal face to face apology stationed at Pembroke Dock married The Baltic approaches were mined, forcing ‘E19’ through neutral Swedish waters changed German strategy in the Baltic. Next day, not one German for the seaman. the Chief Constable’s daughter, Mary where internment awaited. detection. Dodging and diving she crept through the vessel appeared, so Cromie stopped the Swedish Nike carrying Ince Webb-Browne. shallow water. On one occasion her steering failed, and she refused to surface. After ore to Germany, believing this broke her neutrality he put a prize In May 1916, Cromie was awarded the DSO and in August four frantic hours she surfaced, listing and out of control. Grounding on Hven they crew aboard and escorted her to Reval, where he learned the the flotilla became an ‘independent command’, boosted by When Francis reached school age, blew more ballast and floated free, only to plunge to 50 feet with a 30-degree bow-up reason for the lack of targets. The German merchant fleet refused four smaller submarines. These arrived from England by they settled in Fishguard, where for 10 angle. By moving all portable gear for’ard the boat regained some degree of trim. to sail unescorted with Cromie’s submarine at large. barge along rivers and canals. The following winter, with years Francis was educated at the Free Surfacing, Cromie found the hatch stuck., forcing it half open he squeezed through everything again frozen, Russian unrest grew. On March 15th School. In 1891, after moving to only to find he could not re-enter until he had freed the hatch. The next patrol started with the Suomi being set alight, then on 1917 Russians sailors paraded to the sounds of the outlawed Haverfordwest, Francis attended the November 7th ‘E19’ sighted the German cruiser Undine . Marsellaise. When the ‘rebels’ set fire to the police station Grammar School until the summer of Still their troubles were not over. Diving to await darkness they found one motor had Submerged, Cromie closed to 1,100 yards before firing one next to the British Consulate, Cromie took 80 volunteers to 1896. ‘wiped’ its bearings. Finally on September 13, after bumping along the bottom at four torpedo that exploded amidships. As the crew abandoned ship, fight the fire, after extinguishing it, they marched back knots, they surfaced and entered Reval, serenaded by a Russian Naval band. he moved to the stern and fired a second torpedo that again unarmed to the dockyard amid random shootings. His father moved away in 1894 after exploded. divorcing Francis’ mother. On January On ‘E19’s first patrol her bad luck continued. She became entangled in an anti The Russians were now openly rebelling and killing their 15 1897 Francis joined the Royal Navy submarine net to which small charges were fixed, these exploded, alerting the Returning to Reval, Cromie was awarded the Order of St. despised officers. Cromie managed to save some, one was a and by June 1898 was a midshipman German Sylvania. For two hours the submarine crew struggled to free themselves, George, Russia’s highest award for bravery. Russian Paymaster and another later joined the Australian Air on HMS Repulse. While serving twice surfacing to be greeted by shell fire, they eventually escaped and crept away. Force, eventually becoming Winston Churchill’s interpreter. aboard HMS Balfleur, during the ‘Boxer Their bad luck continued when they sighted the German Svionia on October 3rd and In winter, with the sea frozen over and shipping immobile, the Rebellion’ of 1900, he landed as part of ‘E19’ surfaced in front of her. crews carried out maintenance while living aboard the old Russian Meanwhile in Kronstadt –the famous island fortress guarding the relieving force of Tiensin. Cromie British submarines at this time operated under the Hague Peace Conference rules cruiser Dvina. While officers shared the Russian wardroom, the the approaches to the capital Petrograd- the Russian fleet was commended as ‘showing much that stated; ‘Any boat intending to sink an enemy vessel must first stop that vessel, men had their own accommodation. The treatment of Russian mutinied, the sailors killing all the Admirals along with some 16 VANGUARD VANGUARD 17 WHO KILLED CROMIE? continued REUNIONS NEWS

100 other officers and imprisoning another 200. They hacked the CinC’s body to genuine counter revolutionaries. followed the hearse. The Dutch pieces and threw it piecemeal onto a bonfire in the town’s centre. The Russian fleet, Ambassador and Consul walked HMS Ambuscade now run by a ‘seamen’s committee’ threatened to try the Russian officers seconded Then, on August 30th, the chief of behind, leading a long procession. to the British fleet. Cromie successfully argued that they were subject to Royal Navy Petrograd’s secret police was Smolensky Cemetery is reached by Reunion in Crewe Cheshire May 19th 2007 Further details contact; I. Thornton 4 discipline. Cromie’s sailors also saved lives. Dvina’s bosun, an elderly warrant officer, assassinated, and Lenin was shot in crossing the river Neva where three Kimberly Close Thorpe Audlin PONTEFRACT W York’s WF8 3ER refused to join the rebels and was brought before the seaman’s committee. After he the neck and chest. Turmoil followed. Russian destroyers were moored, as had been humiliated and stripped of his uniform, they decided to hang him. However the procession approached, the HMS Antrim [D18} the British sailors confronted the mob and won his freedom. He escaped to London, The next day one of the ‘White Russians watched. Hearing that it was 25th Annual reunion at the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool October 6th becoming the doorman of the Imperial Russian Consulate. Russians’ phoned the British Embassy, Cromie’s funeral, the sailors lined up, [email protected] arranging to meet Cromie in the came to attention and saluted, much to Towards the end of April 1917 the patrols restarted and the flotilla moved to Hango embassy at 4pm. Meanwhile, cars, the annoyance and scorn of the in Finland, even though Russian-Finnish relations were becoming strained. With armed soldiers and civilians gathered accompanying secret police. HMS Cambrian Association Russia in a state of turmoil the Germans advanced and took Riga. around the embassy. Reunion at the Norbreck hotel Blackpool May 18th to May 21st 2007. Any interested ‘Happy is the country that has sons ex shipmates please contact Don Mc’Donald Tele 01344 774386 Crobie was advised to put his submarines under the control of the seaman’s Confusion surrounds events but at like Captain Cromie. May his splendid committee. His response was that the Admiralty had ordered him to fight the about 4.45pm Cromie opened the door and beautiful example inspire us ‘til the Germans not to take sides locally. Luckily he won the argument – four Russian officers of a conference room to find himself end of time’ said the Dutch HMS Fearless [L10] who also had the temerity to question the committee’s authority were executed. facing an armed Russian. Shutting the Ambassador as the coffin, still draped 25th reunion at the Royal Sailors Home club Portsmouth Friday June 1st Contact door, he told the two ‘White Russians’ in the Union flag, was lowered into the Ray Metcalf 23 Sedgewick Close, Gosport, Hants. PO13 9RB Tel. 023 9252 8302 By the winter, the situation in Russia was ready to boil over into full-scale revolution. and other embassy staff to remain in grave. Today they lie there still, lost in a [email protected] On November 7th, under protest, Captain Ericsson commanding the Russian cruiser the room, Drawing his pistol, he re- cemetery of untended wildness. Aurora took the ship up the River Niva to Petrograd. There he resigned his opened the door and faced down the HMS Glamorgan Association commission and left. At 2140 Aurora opened fire, signalling the start of the attack on man. Red guards, however, were all Home in England, Cromie’s widow Reunion Dinner at Portsmouth Royal Sailors Home club Saturday June 9th 2007 the Winter Palace. over the embassy and as Cromie sought to boost Cromie’s meagre Further information from [email protected] descended the stairs, two shots hit him pension. At the time of his death he Back in Hango the Russian CinC had vanished, leaving Cromie commanding the in the head from behind. was, Naval Attaché, Acting Russian and British submarines. The Bolsheviks, now controlling Russia, were seeking Ambassador in Petrograd and HMS Llandaff Association an armistice with Germany, making the British very vulnerable. That winter the flotilla He fell at the bottom of the stairs, as Commander of the defunct Baltic Fleet. 2007 reunion at Llandaff institute Cardiff September 28th and 29th. Further details moved to Helsingfors but relations with the Russian Navy were rapidly deteriorating. more armed Russians stormed through Many masters but few paymasters. from [email protected] The Bolsheviks considered the RN to be imperialist and capitalist, the enemy of the the embassy doors. The The Foreign Officer hinted that it might common man Cromie’s command of seven submarines and over 200 men was no embassy staff were all arrested and make a one-off payment of £500. But, HMS St Brides Bay Association longer welcome in Russian waters. In December 1917 the new ‘Sailors Soviet’ although they released the women that Cromie had served his purpose, 50th anniversary reunion. Possible venue Chester: date to be confirmed. Further decided to take the Baltic Fleet to Kiel. Cromie was determined this would not day, it was 13 weeks before the men although the manner of his death was information from Del Card 01904 630639 Or; David Lee 01392 725497 happen, and managed to persuade the Soviet that sailing was not wise with Germany were freed. used as propaganda, causing more ([email protected] still attacking Russia. With the situation worsening, Cromie managed to arrange ‘safe grief for his family. The King, however, passage’ overland for his sailors to Petrograd, then Marmansk and finally by freighter Cromie’s body was taken to the was more grateful. In September 1918, HMS Newcastle Association home. He and about 20 crew remained to prepare for scuttling his submarines to Smolny Institute where it lay unclaimed. Cromie’s wife was presented at the 2007 reunion at the Royal Sailors Home club Portsmouth on September 15thFurther prevent them falling into the hand of the advancing Germans. The Dutch Ambassador, William Jacob palace with her deceased husband’s Oudenijk came to the rescue, and ‘Commander of the Most Honourable information from David Park 15 Ditton Close Stubbington FAREHAM PO14 2EU Cromie was now also Naval Attache and acting as ambassador in Petrograd. persuaded the Russians to release Order of the Bath’ Telephone: 01329 314733 Regular payment for Cromie’s sailors had long ceased and so he sold the flotilla’s Cromie’s body, which was taken to the stock of clothing to pay the seamen. Eventually, with the Germans less than five miles English Church on Palace Quay. The London Gazette records the HMS Penelope Association away, they scuttled the submarines at sea, the remaining crew members then award; ‘in recognition of his 2007 Reunion at the Royal Fleet club Plymouth on 21st -22nd September 2007 returned home, leaving Cromie at the embassy in Petrograd. Other allied diplomats wanted a quiet distinguished services in the Allied Please contact Ron Thomas 07717 685657 email ron.thomas-gourd@coulter- burial, but Oudenijk would not hear of cause in Russia and of devotion to duty connection.co.uk for further details. With the Allies uncertain about the new Soviet Republic and even Lenin and Trotsky it. Organising a proper coffin, he had which he displayed in remaining at his unsure what to do next, Russia was a very dangerous place. The Revolutionaries the body cleaned and prepared. They post as British Attaché in Russia, when HMS St Vincent Association continued to sue for peace but Germany continued to attack. found a baby’s glove in one pocket of the British Embassy was withdrawn. AGM at St Vincent College in Gosport Annual Reunion Dinner at the Thorngate Halls his civilian suit along with the leather This devotion to duty cost him his life’. in Gosport Saturday 13th October 2007 For Further information please contact: Mrs CromIe now set about scuttling three abandoned British merchant ships before they straps from his watch in another, but Diane Smith 02392 584498. fell into German hands, enrolling anyone he could and cajoling often at gunpoint, he no watch or money. They tried to Back in Pembrokeshire they also persuaded the Russians to allow him to scuttle these ships at sea. This did not retrieve his naval uniform but this was remembered, and his old school endear him to the Germans who put a price of 1,000,000, rouble reward on his head. refused. Unable to find a White Ensign erected plaques. His name also graces HMS Tiger for the coffin they used a Union Jack. the County War Memorial, and a road is Reunion for 2007 is at the Royal Sailors Home club Portsmouth September 29th – Petrograd was rife with intrigue at this time, and Cromie was eventually caught up in named after him. 30th. No further information at present it. Allied agents were stirring up trouble among the rebels, while the Soviet secret Cromie’s funeral took place on police had planted two men within British circles where they pretended to be counter September 6th in the packed church. Grateful thanks to Pembrokeshire Life revolutionaries (White Russians). One of them, significantly perhaps, is believed to During the journey to the cemetery a and to John Bartlett, for permission to have been German. Cromie was taken in by their story and introduced them to coach containing floral tributes print this article

18 VANGUARD VANGUARD 19 Most shipmates will be familiar of the events ship is said to ‘weep’. Her teardrops take the form of small droplets of oil, which still leak from the which took place at Pearl Harbour on ship to break the surface above her. December 7th 1941. What many will not know THETHE FATEFATE OFOF THETHE UUSSSS is the story concerning the battleship USS Story by Rich Jacobs Arizona. Approximately 10 minutes after the With acknowledgements to the US Navy Cruiser magazine start of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour that fateful morning, USS Arizona was struck by ARIZONAARIZONA a 16” naval artillery shell which had been modified as an armour piercing bomb. The Pearl Harbour: The cost bomb struck the ship abreast ‘B’ main turret penetrated several decks, and entered the magazine spaces serving the forward main On Sunday, December 7th, 1941 the Japanese launched a surprise attack guns. The bomb exploded, setting off a against the U.S. Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii By planning his attack secondary explosion of the forward powder on a Sunday, the Japanese commander Admiral Nagumo, hoped to catch their magazines of the ship. This explosion wrecked entire fleet in port. As luck would have it, the Aircraft Carriers and one of the the entire forward section of the ship, blew the Battleships were not in port. (The USS Enterprise was returning from Wake bottom out, and the USS Arizona sank in under Island, where it had just delivered some aircraft. The USS Lexington was ferrying 10 minutes. 1,177 men died in the ship. aircraft to Midway, and the USS Saratoga and USS Colorado were undergoing repairs in the United States). Among the men aboard that day was Rear Admiral Isaac C Kidd Sr. Commander of In spite of the latest intelligence reports about the missing aircraft carriers (his Battleship Division One, which included the most important targets), Admiral Nagumo decided to continue the attack with his Battleships, USS Arizona, Oklahoma and USS Nevada. force of six carriers and 423 aircraft. At a range of 230 miles north of Oahu, he launched the first wave of a two-wave attack. Beginning at 0600 hours his first During the attack, Admiral Kidd made his way wave consisted of 183 fighters and torpedo bombers which struck at the fleet in to the signal bridge of USS Arizona, which lay Pearl Harbor and the airfields in Hickam, Kaneohe and Ewa. The second strike, just behind ‘B’ turret. He was still at the signal launched at 0715 hours, consisted of 167 aircraft, which again struck at the bridge when the fateful explosion occurred. The same targets. body of the Admiral, like so many others aboard that day was never recovered. The only At 0753 hours the first wave consisting of 40 Nakajima B5N2 “Kate” torpedo proof the Navy discovered regarding his death bombers, 51 Aichi D3A1 “Val” dive bombers, 50 high altitude bombers and 43 was his Naval Academy class ring. The ring Zeros struck airfields and Pearl Harbor Within the next hour, the second wave was not located on the deck of the signal arrived and continued the attack. bridge; it was actually discovered melted to the deckhead. In all likelihood, Admiral Kidd was completely vaporised in the explosion and When it was over, the U.S.losses were: subsequent conflagration following the bomb Casualties USN: 2,008 KIA, 710 WIA. USMC: 109 KIA, 69 WIA. hit. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour and on 22nd January 2005, the US Civilians: 68 KIA, 35 WIA. TOTAL: 2,403 KIA, 1,178 WIA. Navy christened the third vessel named in his honour, USS Kidd (DDG-100) an Arleigh Burke Battleships: USS Arizona (BB-39) – total loss when a bomb hit her magazine. class guided missile destroyer. USS Oklahoma: (BB-37) Total loss; when she capsized and sank in the harbour. USS California (BB-44) – Sunk at her berth. Later raised and repaired. USS West After the sinking of the USS Arizona and the Virginia (BB-48) – Sunk at her berth. Later raised and repaired. USS Nevada: - putting out of the fires which raged inside the (BB-36) Beached to prevent sinking: later repaired. USS Pennsylvania: (BB-38) – vessel; salvage work commenced. The ship was never to rise again from the bed of the Light damage. USS Maryland: (BB-46) – Light damage. USS Tennessee: (BB-43) harbour. However, as many workable fittingsas Light damage. USS Utah: (AG-16) – (former battleship used as a target) – Sunk. possible, including several components of the rear turrets of the ship, were salvaged for later Cruisers: USS New Orleans: (CA-32) – Light Damage. USS San Francisco: use. Among the other items recovered were (CA-38) – Light Damage. USS Detroit: (CL-8) – Light Damage. USS Raleigh: (CL- the personal effects of Admiral Kidd. These 7) – Heavily damaged but repaired. USS Helena: (CL-50) – Light Damage. USS were placed in a trunk and shipped to his Honolulu: (CL-48) – Light Damage. widow (Inez Nellie Gillmore Kidd) in Cleveland. She never opened the trunk, and it was placed Destroyers: USS Downes: (DD-375) – Destroyed. Parts salvaged. into the attic of the family home and forgotten. USS Cassin: - (DD-372) Destroyed. Parts salvaged. USS Shaw: DD-373) very After Mrs Kidd passed away, the Admiral’s son, heavy damage. USS Helm: (DD-388) – Light Damage. Isaac C. Kidd Jr. himself having attained the rank of Admiral, and accompanied by his own son, discovered the trunk in the attic, and Minelayer USS Ogala: (CM-4) – Sunk but later raised and repaired. opened it, not knowing it contained his father’s personal items from the time of the attack. What Seaplane Tender USS Curtiss: (AV-4) – Severely damaged but later repaired. an overwhelming and powerful moment it must have been for them. Repair Ship USS Vestal: (AR-4) – Severely damaged but later repaired.

The Kidd family decided to share their Harbor Tug USS Sotoyomo: (YT-9) – Sunk but later raised and repaired. discovery. Several of the items discovered in the trunk are now on display at the USS Arizona PHOTO: XXXXXXXXXXXX Aircraft: 188 Aircraft destroyed (92 USN and 92 U.S. Army Air Corps.) Memorial Museum in Hawaii. To this day, the

20 VANGUARD VANGUARD 21 YOUR LETTERS THE ESCORT CARRIER RULER S/m Tony Parsons Telegraphist

Dear Shipmate Editor, issue of Vanguard raised some interesting and women wearing navy or black blazers Resources, Arts and Crafts and Health and Having been on holiday and missing the points on the possible move out of with various badges sewn on the breast Safety, Sea going or ability to steer large monthly meeting of my local RNA branch, I London. pockets, and trousers and skirts of varying ships an advantage but not necessary as have just managed to read the October 2006 hues ranging from blue, to navy and all full training will be given on the job. issue of the Vanguard. Yes it is true that the present HQ. is on shades of grey? Some wear navy berets, the small size as those few shipmates who but all too often these resemble anything There will be a maximum of six ships of The Escort Carrier Ruler has a history unique. After some interesting reading and a good have visited will agree, indeed it is so from a pancake to a soufflé: slightly risen. various sizes and each ship will have 2 Of course the men aboard think, she’s a bloody freak. chuckle at the Laughter Page I turned to the small that you can walk past without even If you don’t believe me, take a good look admirals, with three rear admirals to stand One fine day in April, we steamed from Sydney Bay back page and there to my amazement and noticing the plaque on the wall outside. at the next parade. Very few shipmates on the rear of the ship, when it is leaving and headed north for Leyte – three thousand miles away. a feeling of “déjà vu” is a photograph of a There is no doubt that it has served the seem to be wearing the same ‘uniform’. harbour. The staffing level will be at any one The boys aboard were singing and buzzes flew around, Royal Naval Sub. Lieutenant incorrectly RNA well over the years, in the days when time; six captains, 6 WO1’s 12 CPO’s and until in Leyte harbour we anchored safe and sound. dressed! His rank epaulette is on the wrong the Royal Navy H.Q. were in the Admiralty How much smarter would we all look if 12 PO’s. Sufficient ratings to ‘man the side’, But on the way to Leyte we hadn’t time to slack side which in good old naval parlance means and a full staff of serving officers and there was a corporate uniform, that was when entering and leaving harbour, if costs for we passed Jap held New Guinea with a port they called Wewak. that he “is going astern”. A round of drinks I ratings employed it was a viable option, instantly recognised? The ordinary are found to be prohibitive i.e.; salaries, One week we spent in Leyte, and again we headed north believe! things have moved on since those halcyon member of the RNA, wearing his present insurance, holiday payments etc, each this time to Sakishima, the Ruler she set forth. days, the Admiralty incorporated into apparel, could be mistaken for ANY ex- rating will be issued with a cut-out dummy For thirty days and thirty nights the Ruler steamed around No doubt other shipmates have picked up Ministry of Defence, and only the First Sea service organisation. Try asking this appropriately dressed to affix to the deck, not once did the men aboard set eyes on solid ground. on this error, if they have not; I suggest a visit Lord is based in the capital: it is time to question when you are in company “Name to give the appearance of a full Now and then we’d join the fleet and fuel them through the day, to Specsavers. review the position of our H.Q. three ex-service organisations” First will be compliment. but soon this job was over for they hadn’t time to stay. The RBL, closely followed by the RAFA or S/m Colin Percival (Crewe Branch) We are an ageing organisation and must the Royal Marines, where is the Navy?, No more than three ships will be at sea at Then early one evening, before the light did fail look to the future: it is well known that over certainly not the first in line, (unless you any one time, no ship will sail further than another carrier came into sight and signalled she had mail. Sir, the years, conference have debated this live in or near a port). ten miles from harbour. All ships and The boys aboard the Ruler jumped up and down with glee, At our Area conferences I try to advise our on more than one occasion. personnel to be back in base by 1700, no and the saying of the evening was “Is there one for me”. members through the Delegates and The National Council are well aware that Could I put forward for discussion the ship to put to sea between 1700 Friday and VE Day we spent there steaming round and round, Observers how they may be able to receive a thorough financial review must take following? A ‘uniform consisting of the 0900 Monday ( this will cut down on yet the men aboard the Ruler uttered not a sound. assistance from various Welfare place, this will mean finding a property, following; white shirt, with an RNA tie, overtime and weekend payments). Then one day upon the flight deck before the setting sun, organisations. having a full inspection of any building and navy-blue double breasted jacket with the skipper he did tell us at last our job was done. Our Area Secretary sends out the any modifications that may need to be embroidered RNA logo, shoulder flashes The Royal Marine and Bluejacket Bands So we headed south to the Admiralty Isles, conference minutes which include my report, done, its location is also important, denoting that the wearer is a naval veteran will be hired out as session musicians. For but when the Ruler got there we soon lost all our smiles. in the hope that branch Secretary’s will pass shipmates must know that all of these and navy blue trousers/skirt and black purposes of ‘Beating The Retreat’ on board We went ashore at Pityilu and also at Ponam, on the details of the conference reports. points will be properly investigated and shoes. Ladies would wear the same outfit. ships, a large cinema screen will be erected but the beer ashore was rationed – one bottle for each man. Unfortunately, not all Secretaries’s read these checked before any decisions are (The jacket and trousers could be based on the upper deck – the Admiral will be Eight days we spent in Manus,then off again we went, minutes to their members and not all finalised. on the present Sea Cadet Officers uniform solely responsible for placing the C.D in the ourselves, four cruisers and a carrier and a Walrus we’d been lent. Delegates make notes of what has been and if ordered in bulk would be cheaper midi system, but if he/she is busy greeting discussed at the Area conferences, Shipmates will be kept informed of that single items bought from your local foreign dignities, this would then cascade The task force headed northwards to the Jap held isle of Truk, consequently, many points are not brought to progress, this will be communicated by shops. down the ranks until someone is free. but the Ruler as per usual was definitely out of luck. the attention of the branch members. NCMs and in the Circular, it will be up to The first day off the islands we ran into a storm, branch secretaries to make sure their Associate members could also wear this All present Naval Police will be seconded when the Walrus on the flight deck suddenly became airborne. I have been able to give advice to some of members are informed by reading the ‘uniform’ but instead of Naval Veteran to administer ASBO’s in the community. She took off down the flight deck, over the side without a sound, our shipmates, but from experience as a circular at meetings, not pushing it to one shoulder flashes, theirs would read Royal PTI’s will be employed by Local Education and the pilot enquired of everyone “Have you seen my kite around?” Welfare Caseworker I know we have side and ignoring this element of Naval Associate. Authorities to ensure all children are able to Someone up and told him, the pilot looked aghast, members who need financial help to help information do a three mile run daily while under 7’s will he went to see the skipper and someone got a blast. replace household items such as kitchen By the way, my grey skirt is now rather be required to complete one mile. The cruisers let Truk have it, and poured in shells galore appliances, carpets etc. Help is needed to Yours aye, Terry Halder. Association Vice old and decrepit; does anyone know the Japs left on the island must have been mighty sore. pay for decorating, beds bedding clothes Chairman, NCM No11 Area where I can buy another? Redundant catering staff will amalgamate Later we returned to Manus, and a chap said he would see and the cost of removals. Shipmates, if you with Jamie Oliver, Antony Worrall-Thomas that the gallant deeds of Ruler went down in history. need help please let me know and I will put Dear Editor, Diana Hutton (Associate member). and the school meal services, all children you in touch with people who can help. If Today’s RNA was given its present title will be fed a healthy diet, whether they want Three weeks we spent in Manu then off to sea again, you know anyone who needs help, let them when the Royal Naval Old Comrades Dear Sir, it or not we cruised around off Tokyo amidst the heat and rain. know: I can assist. There are those of you Association was renamed just over 60 With all the proposed cuts by For forty days and forty nights we have perspired up here, who may need respite care following an years ago. Should we now be bringing the Government, in Naval ships /manpower, As there will be a lot of ships surplus to typhoons are in fashion but we’ve managed to keep clear. illness or operation, - we are able to to get premier Association into the 21st century establishments and staffing levels needing requirements, aircraft carriers to be leased Now the Japs are crumbling and victory’s close at hand, that for you as well. There are wives and and reinventing ourselves? to be brought down to a level that the to the Air-force to practise takeoff and the next run ashore we hope will be in the Promised Land. widows who are able to receive the same Government deems viable, perhaps the landing in confined spaces, fast cruisers to But the skipper is all for it which makes it pretty grim, benefits, don’t let them struggle; let them When the RNA takes part in a parade or Ministry of Defence should consider the be hired out for deep-sea fishing parties of we feel we’ll never see Sydney if the matter rests with him. know that help is there for them also. march past, what does the ordinary man in following to save money. rich Americans. So all you fellow matelots wherever you may be the street see? A column of men and just say a prayer for Ruler for her forty days at sea. S/m Jan Thomas.. Area Welfare Advisor women following a ‘flag:’ and trying and in In the future the Admiral of the Fleet will All ships will be licensed for weddings, But forty days are nothing to what we’re going to do, some cases; failing to keep in step with be responsible and will oversee the Navy, Bar Mitzvahs etc, with all fees going to keep if the Jap Emperor Hirohito decided to see it through the band. How many of those spectators he/she must be educated to university the fleet afloat. Well that is all for now lads and I think you will agree Dear Editor actually know who we are; and what we degree level, with at least 4 useful degrees that the Escort Carrier Ruler has done her share at sea. Your interesting editorial in the October represent? Do they see a number of men to his/her name ie; Media Studies, Human Evan Evans Llareggub Submitted by the Oswestry branch

22 VANGUARD VANGUARD 23 HMS RINGTAIL During the summer of 1942, the Fleet Air The most impressive aircraft to arrive at the air station in August area reverted back to agriculture. The airfield was then used Arm forecast that it was due to expand by 1944 for further training was the ‘Curtis’ Helldiver. It was operated by occasionally by crop spraying aircraft but large sections of the the end of 1943 from 2,665t to 6,350 1820 squadron, which had been formed in the USA during April of runways have since been removed, which curtailed the end of flying aircraft. RAF schools had carried out most the same year. Unfortunately, several aircrews were killed in to and from the former air station. During the 1980’s, sport pilot and observer training on a piecemeal accidents in these large dive-bombers, which ultimately led to the parachuting took place and the control tower was refurbished as a basis, but the Admiralty had always disbanding of the unit on 16th December. headquarters. Unfortunately, the control tower later became derelict considered it a stopgap measure, rather and after a battle to save it was lost, it was sadly demolished in than a permanent programme. HMS For much of January and February 1944, 823 Sqn’s Barracuda +2004. Some of the small aircraft hangers are still dotted around Ringtail was built on 650 acres of aircraft were present and prior to embarking for the Indian Ocean. the perimeter and the Callender Hamilton’s have been re-clad. requisitioned rich farmland. Four runways Arriving in March 1944 from Inskip, near Lytham St Anne’s, 735 were laid of 1,000 yards (900m) and the Squadron stayed until it was disbanded at the end of April 1946, by On the former airfield, an industrial estate has sprung up, but HMS fourth aligned with the prevailing wind, of that time, the Squadron consisted of Swordfish, Hellcats and ‘Avro’ Ringtail has not been totally forgotten as some of the roads have 1,240 yards (1,100m). The width of the Ansons etc. been named with connections to the station, such as Ringtail Road runways was 30 yards (27m) compared and Admiralty Close. In the latter location, the former commanding with the standard RAF 50 yards (46m) The Barracuda was an aircraft with a dismal maintenance officer’s can still be seen. reputation and during a move from Crail in Scotland on September An Admiralty pattern three storey watch 7th 1944, a Barracuda from 812 Squadron ditched in the Irish Sea Standing at the HMS Ringtail monument today, it is difficult to tower was provided, along with 32 mainhill only a few miles short of the Air station. Blackpool lifeboat lifeboat imagine the scene all those years ago, the sky full of aircraft and the hangers and two Callendar Hamilton’s for rescued the crew of three and recorded that a bottle of rum in the Fleet Air Arm personnel around the town, enjoying and mixing with Royal Naval Air Station:. Burscough 1943 - 1946 major servicing. Much of the boat stores was subsequently consumed! the local people, enjoying great nights in the Bull and Dog Inn. We accommodation was in the form of Nissan can only admire the courage of those men and women, the new To most people the small village of Burscough in West Lancashire is huts. The Station was commissioned as May 3rd 1946 saw 1772 squadron, the final flying unit depart from monument being one important way of saying ‘Thank You’. It will be just another rural community, once it was on the banks of the largest HMS Ringtail on September 1st 1943, and the station after that the aerodrome was reduced to a care and a permanent focal point for future generations to learn the important planned to accommodate day and night maintainance base. The Squadron which consisted of Firefly’s, role HMS Ringtail and similar sites played in both local and national inland lake in the north of England, called Martin Mere, it also had a fighters, as well as Torpedo Training Units, a Wildcats and other assorted aircraft had been at HMS Ringtail since history. Priory. This being only two examples but take a closer look at its fleet requirements unit and a Radar School. late 1945 it later received some Seafires to augment its mixed bag of history and quite a different picture emerges. Buscough also had a aircraft. Thereafter the air station was taken over by RNAS Stretton For further information visit www.hms-ringtail.co.uk Royal Ordnance Depot during the Second World War, and in World During its operational career, more than as a sub-storage site, known as the Naval Engine Holding Unit. 40 squadrons were attached for short The Admiralty finally withdrew from the station in 1957 and its grass Lol Critchley. Hon member: Greater Manchester; FAA. War 1 had a Remount Depot, near to Lathom. So for a rural periods, training up to operational community the area is rich in military history as well. standards, aircraft type conversion of disembarkation from Aircraft Carriers in the On what is now an expanding industrial estate is located the remains of a Second World War Mersey. aerodrome. The older generation of local people knew it had been there, others had spotted the old hanger dotted around or like myself, had learned to ride a motor-bike as well as driving The first squadron to appear at HMS on its former runways. Ringtail was’808’ in in October 1943, which consisted of Supermarine Seafires, which I have always had an interest in aviation, my father was in the RAF, and I had been a member was the naval version of the Spitfire. This of the local Air Cadets – I still raise funds for them. Over the years, I wanted to learn more about squadron was joined a few days later by the historic site and its wartime role. It was three years ago that I discovered that the aerodrome three further Seafire Squadron’s, namely was a Fleet Air Arm station called HMS Ringtail, and not RAF as most people thought. I was 807,886and897. These all undertook also very concerned that the site was disappearing under an ever-expanding industrial estate tactical reconnaissance and other types of and in consequence, there was no recognition of its previous existence and role. training. The air station also acquired 758 Squadron, which consisted of ‘Airspeed After speaking to local people and a fellow researcher Mr Ray Jones, I decided that we Oxfords, a twin engine general-purpose needed some sort of focal point for veterans, their relatives and local people to honour the aircraft. personnel who served at HMS Ringtail. It was then that the campaign started to have a monument erected on the site as a permanent memorial. After a mammoth fundraising and Fourteen American built Corsairs of 1836 publicity effort, and with the help of many people and thanks to Buscough Parish Council, the Sqn were attached from 9th January until monument was built and a heart-warming dedication ceremony took place in 10th October March 8th 1944, when they embarked on 2004. Over 400 people attended, with the veterans marching behind six standards and a brass the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious. The band. The event which was covered by National and Local media, included a flypast by a RAF remainder of the year saw a succession of Training aircraft. A reception was held afterwards. British built ‘Fairy’ Barracudas, (810 and Every year at 11am on the 11th November, wreaths are to be laid at the memorial, which is 822 Sqns), Swordfish (835 Sqn) which were situated on a grass verge near the B5242 roundabout between Burscough and the Beaufort affectionately nicknamed ‘Stringbags’ and Hotel. Firefly’s (1771 and 1772 Sqns) with American ‘Curtis’ Hellcats (888 and 1840 At a recent ceremony in Manchester, I was made an honorary member of the Greater Sqns), Wildcats (1896 Sqns), and Manchester Branch of the Fleet Air Arm Association, in recognition of my efforts in securing the ‘Grumman’ Avengers 846 Sqns making an construction of the new memorial. This award held with pride, means that I am able to appearance too.1772 Squadron embarked represent the FAA Association locally at events and also give presentations about HMS Ringtail on HMS Ruler in January 1945 which then and the FAA. sailed to join the British Pacific Fleet. 24 VANGUARD VANGUARD 25 SCRANBAG

Bog off The burning destroyer set fire to accommodate these ships. To the RNA club, and no £10.00+ a year Hole in One the depot ship and as the three date, there appears to be a membership required at your local hostelry, is it When we do the shopping we aircraft reformed to return to delay in actually ordering the any wonder that our clubs are being driven to are met with offers such as; Buy base, the depot ship blew up. two carriers which in present desperate measures in order to survive. Add the An "illustrious" 1SL was leaving Main Building for one, get one free, or three for Four ships for three torpedoes - day costs, come in at £3.1 burdens of health and safety, catering legislation the final time. Before being driven away, he the price of two etc. We may a better offer than Mr Sainsbury billion – let alone the bill for the VAT and the impending smoking laws many of addressed the massed ranks of the Naval Staff and think this “summat for nowt” is a or Mr Tesco could give, don’t aircraft ordered from America to our clubs are considering is it all worth while other N.Os serving in London and gave a brief recent innovation, but it may you think? operate from them. No mention continuing to cater for an ever decreasing resume of achievements whilst in office. On the date back to WW2 because on has yet been made of where the number of RNA members. So, if many of our painful subject of the recently cancelled CVA01, he the morning of August 22nd Submitted by S/m A Reeson York manpower will come from to clubs have had to resort to enrolling “club announced "you do not require a full set of clubs to 1940 a Blenheim Bomber on a & District RNA Branch crew these ships: by 2013 which members” only, what are our governing body play the course". Whereupon, a voice from the back routine reconnaissance patrol is the earliest possible date one going to do? – close down the club? And, risk was heard to declare, loud and clear: "But, you do reported a depot ship with a of these ships could be losing the rapidly decreasing bone- fide members need a bloody ball!" Destroyer and a Submarine The Vanishing operational, the navy may have they do have; or get off their backs and leave moored side by side in Bomba Fleet shrunk in numbers to a point them to conduct their affairs in peace. Surely, the Obviously, nothing changes... Bay off the Libyan coast. As the when the remaining ships will branch is more important than the club. RAF had no Torpedo aircraft In early January several have to be decommissioned to available, it fell to a flight of sections of the press reported complement what increasingly Swordfish aircraft from HMS the disturbing news of plans to look like expensive white The Strategic Review Eagle which were at the time, ‘mothball’ a significant number elelephants. With the Astute disembarked at Dekhelia. It of ships currently in class submarine programme This was initiated by the deputy President of the was decided that these three commission, in order to make way over delivery date and Association, in an attempt to get to grips with the aircraft would be sufficient for savings of over £250million – budget, two of the new type 45 long term aims of the Association. Did anyone the task. the forecast shortfall in the Daring class destroyers will not understand the questions in the review? defence budget. Ships now be built. The flight of Swordfish was led expected to be reduced to by a Marine, Captain ‘Ollie’ reserve status were named as Whichever Admiral draws the Have a Gay Day Patch and Lieutenant Welham the type 22 frigates, short straw in having to address (who had torpedoed the Italian Cumberland, Chatham Cornwall our national conference in June, Times have certainly changed in today’s navy Battleship Cavour at Tarranto) and Cambletown. Two type 42 he will have to dig deep into his with the announcement in the January edition of and is now President of the Destroyers; Exeter and notes to assure us that all is Navy News of the Tri- Service conference of Leeds branch of the FAA Southampton were also named. well in today’s navy. Lesbian and Gays, Bi-sexual and Transgendered Association. The third Swordfish In addition, doubt remained which took place at the Union Jack club in was piloted by Lieutenant over the fate of the Portsmouth January. Cheesman. They stood well out base which is at present subject Club-land to sea to avoid detection and to a government review into its In a report carried in a daily newspaper also in then turned in towards the land future. The penny appears to have January, an article dealt with the RAF’s efforts to right in line with the targets. As finally dropped in the upper boost recruiting. It would appear, in desperation they “raced” in at 75knots!; and If there is any truth in these echelons of the Association that to attract recruits they have consulted the Gay that with a following wind, they reports: and there are plenty of not all our clubs are “Playing rights group “Stonewall” for help in this direction: spotted a second Submarine indications that all is not well the Game”. Recent all rather bewildering to us veterans. entering the harbour. The crew with the Navy at present, it does membership returns and branch had their washing hanging on raise the question of the permit applications have been the jumper wire and were continued need for three at variance with the actual Flying the Flag with the lounging on deck: they even dockyards, to maintain an ever numbers of people borne on the Royal Artillery waved to the aircraft as they decreasing fleet. Hence, the books of several of the RNA flew towards the targets. They present review ordered by the branches with club premises. As Members of the Oldham Branch of the Royal soon changed their tune as government into the three naval the rule book states, to be a Artillery Association on a visit to the National ‘Ollie’ turned to attack and bases – Portsmouth currently member of an RNA club, you Arboretum in Staffordshire last year, came across slammed his torpedo just below rumoured likely for the chop. also have to be a member of the the Standard of the 1st Destroyer Flotilla (1942 - the conning tower. That was But what of the plans to base Association. That’s fine in theory 45). The Standard which is laid up in the one down. The other two the two new super carriers in - unfortunately, in today’s world Arboretum Chapel aroused the interest of their Swordfish split to engage the Portsmouth? Facilities to most RNA clubs have to rely on Association Branch Secretary, who incidentally is remaining three ships from maintain these vessels are anyone who walks through the an Associate member of the Oldham RNA either side. Lieutenant Welham already in hand at this base, door in order to survive. With branch, and an avid reader of this magazine. hit the Destroyer which caught including a deep water channel the local Weatherspoons and in The accompanying photograph shows the fire, and Lieutenant Cheesman’s which has been specially a lot of cases the nearest pub Standard being held by their Standard Bearer torpedo hit the other submarine. dredged from Spithead to selling drinks far cheaper than Peter Shaw.

26 VANGUARD VANGUARD 27 OBITUARIES

Dear God be good to me; The Sea is S/m W Webb DSM (Liverpool) January this year after a long illness. sweetheart Angela, and together they so wide, and my boat is so small. Shipmate (Bill) Webb former His funeral took place on 30th January raised three children, David, Paul and Chairman of the branch sadly crossed attended by shipmates and the Branch Kerry. Fred suffered several heart S/m Joseph Lynch, GC (Wallasey) the bar after a fairly lengthy illness. Bill Standard. Walter served in the Royal attacks and had undergone heart by- was awarded the DSM for his wartime Navy during his National Service and pass surgery. Although his health was Former Chief Petty Officer Joseph service with the 15th gunboat Flotilla was the Branch Secretary for a number fragile he never let it interfere with his Lynch who died aged 93 on October 7 based in Kingswear South Devon. It of years. love of the RNA and SOCA,.and his 2006 won the George Cross while was from there, that the gunboats were duties as National Council member for serving in the cruiser Nigeria in the engaged in operations landing and Mrs Edna Clarke - Ramsey Branch this Area. Falkland Islands in 1948. He was also taking out secret agents in 1943 -4 Secretary. the holder of the BEM. from enemy occupied France. They also rescued escaped allied airman. S/m Fred Atkinson National Council Other obituaries include; On the night of February 26th 1948 Bill never spoke of his award, but was Member (No.10 Area) the Nigeria was lying at anchor at Port proud of it. Sadly, he lost his original Shipmates: Ray Woan and Roy Stanley. While disembarking from the DSM medal; this was mislaid in the Fred Atkinson who died on February Christopher (Leyland). motor cutter at the port boom a post and never returned to him having 6th 2007 at Wythenshawe Hospital leading seaman missed his footing on been sent for refurbishment to a Manchester had been the National Pat O Donnell, Ernie Gerrard Cyril the Jacob’s ladder and fell into the reputable medal supplier. Although it Council member for No.10 Area since Cooke Iris Dodd (Liverpool). Elwyn sea. It was dark with a rough sea state, was replaced, it was not the same as 1994. He was 59. Evans and Frank Pullin (Llandudno). and blowing a gale. Dressed in heavy the original awarded to him by the late Ken Townson (Macclesfield). Joe oilskins the leading seaman was King George 6th. Fred had been an enthusiastic Whittiker and Tom Harris (North having difficulty retaining his hold on member of the RNA for over 20 years Manchester). Norman Haywood and the ladder and could not pull himself Bill was also remembered for he was also Chairman of the Tom Parsons (Oswestry). George up, nor could he make for the cutter instigating the removal and restoration Wythenshawe RNA branch and club. Tucker (Skelmersdale). Leslie Pollard because of the extreme cold and his of a memorial plaque to American Prior to his election as National Council (Southport) Joseph Lynch GC cumbersome clothing. Joe Lynch was airman who had lost their lives in WW2. Member, he was for three years the (Wallasey) J Madden and J Parrish sitting in his mess when he heard the The plaque, which stood in the Festival deputy NCM for the Area. He retained (Wythenshawe). pipe “Away Sea Boats Crew” Dressed Gardens Liverpool in 1984 had a keen interest in the Submarine only in a singlet and trousers he made become overgrown with weeds and service joining the Submariners his way along the boom down the generally neglected. Thanks to Bill the Association before leaving the service. ladder and into the water alongside. restored plaque now sits proudly in the He became the Secretary /Treasurer of With Leading Seaman Hughes who grounds of the RNA club. the Manchester branch and for a short had by this time lapsed into period was the Association’s national unconsciousness he swam with the Secretary. man to a motor boat lying off 20 yards S/m John Morrow (Manchester away because of the heavy swell, and Branch RMA) He was born at Irby on the Wirral on the seaman was hauled aboard. Lynch John Morrow who died suddenly May 14th 1947 joining the Royal Navy then swam back to the ships side, but aged 83 in late December, was the at HMS Ganges on February 5th 1963. was unable to climb the ladder. founder member of the Manchester After initial training in the Engineering Returning to the sea boat a second and Salford branch of the RMA. in branch as an ME (Stoker) he joined time he was successfully taken on 1946. He was also the Founding HMS Ark Royal in January 1964 He board. Originally awarded the Albert member of the Manchester and District also saw service in HMS Tiger (1967) medal for saving Leading Seaman Liaison of ex Service Associations before transferring to the Submarine Hughes life, he was re-invested with (MADLEA) John was for a time an branch at HMS Dolphin Gosport in the George Cross at Buckingham active member of the Trafford RNA June 1967 for training. He served on Palace in 1973 Having left the Navy in branch. A native of Southern Ireland, various submarines, mainly the ‘A’ 1953, after a spell working for he moved to Manchester in the late class boats until his discharge from the Cadburys as a production line 1930’s joining the Royal Marines during service in 1974. manager; he eventually joined HM the Second World War. His funeral at Customs and Excise based in Dunham Massey (Altrincham) on On discharge, Fred joined Scragg Liverpool and Heathrow. He was a January 4th 2007 was attended by industries as maintenance and Security leading figure in the Wallasey branch representatives of the RMA, RNA RBL staff until 1975 when he took up the for many years. and MADLEA. The Last Post was post of boiler man at Manchester sounded by a Royal Marine Bugler University rising to shift/day charge S/m Alan Ette (Kendal) from the RM base at Lympstone. fitter. He remained at the University Allan Ette who crossed the bar was a until ill health forced him to retire in Founder member of the Kendal branch S/m Walter Clarke (Ramsey) 1996. and was its branch Secretary for Walter Clarke 78 yrs of Ramsey R.N.A 27years. branch crossed the bar on the 23rd In 1967 Fred married his childhood 28 VANGUARD VANGUARD 29 LINKING THE PAST 25 YEARS ON: number of Iraq veterans seeking help and support. The Society is currently dealing BATTLING with over 160 such cases although this is WITH THE FUTURE – viewed as the bow-wave of those still to FALKLAND ISLANDS WITH COMBAT come forward. Although the primary responsibility for Twenty five years ago the UK to sustain not only our ships at sea STRESS the care and treatment of ex-Service men launched an audacious campaign but also land and air forces and women lies with the NHS, Combat to recapture the sovereign territory operating remotely, limiting the Background: Stress provides a continuity of support to of the Falkland Islands. This logistic and force protection footprint Combat Stress is the only UK charity the ex-Service community. classic, resoundingly successful ashore. The new generation of that exists to provide specialist help amphibious operation, the first support ships in the Military Afloat and care to ex-Servicemen and women And finally since Suez in 1956, was conducted Reach and Sustainability (MARS) suffering from psychological injury The cost of providing these services is in at a distance of over 8000 miles project are being designed to meet caused or aggravated by their Service the region of £6 million per year, of which from the home base with only the this challenge. life. £2.8 million is provided by the Veterans airfield and anchorage at Ascension Agency through veterans in receipt of a Island as a staging post. A Operation CORPORATE ably Service and support to date: War Pension with the Treatment and Travel maritime operation from first to last, demonstrated the traditional Since the foundation of the Society in augmentation. carrier based combat air support maritime and amphibious qualities of 1919, we have worked with over 85,000 was critical in achieving air mobility, poise, self protection and ex-Servicemen and women, drawn As a charity, we are always seeking superiority and the collective self sustainability and offered the from all branches and all ranks of the finance to fund our efforts and the Society protection of high value units could Force Commander flexibility to deal Armed Services and Merchant Navy. is hugely grateful to those who have given only be achieved with a balanced with a broad range of situations. support through fundraising activities. If fleet of frigates, destroyers, The requirement for this capability Combat Stress has two core roles you would be interested in a fundraising submarines and organic has not diminished with time and it is through which it delivers its services: for us, or indeed need our help, then helicopters. The sea based logistic vital for the UK – as an island nation please do get in touch. effort was augmented by - to maintain an amphibious 1. A nation-wide Welfare Operation, indispensable support from the RAF capability to operate within a naval, delivered locally through a network of www.combatstress.org.uk maintaining an air bridge from the Joint or coalition task force and Regional Welfare Officers who cover UK to Ascension Island and by provide early and rapid entry to the UK and Ireland. parachuting dropping light spares theatre when Host Nation Support direct to the Task Force in the (HNS) is fragile or denied. 2. Admission to one of the three short- South Atlantic. stay Treatment Centres, located in The combat air support and strike Surrey, Shropshire and Ayrshire, is on a So what has changed? capability offered by the Sea Harriers short-term basis for remedial treatment. The sea is still the indispensable embarked in HMS INVINCIBLE and At these centres, well-recognised rebuilding traumatised lives medium for Global trade and HERMES defined the requirement for therapies are provided. (See opposite) provides access to areas of a sea deployable expeditionary air strategic interest and operations wing and Carrier Strike remains a The veterans that the Society cares Combat Stress, The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, is the only charity to specialise in helping from the sea are not constrained by vitally important insurance for the for have seen active service in every the needs of ex-servicemen and women with psychological injuries caused through service to their access, basing or over-flight UK’s future and well being. It offers, theatre of operation that the UK’s considerations. Now, as then, the uniquely, the opportunity for Armed Forces have been involved in country. We help veterans from the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy, from all ranks and all MOD is responsible for the external intervention overseas when other since 1945, including peace-keeping conflicts and of all ages through a nationwide network of welfare officers and three short stay defence and security of Britain’s means are not available. It presents operations. We are currently looking remedial treatment centres in Surrey, Shropshire and Scotland Overseas Territories but the world an option for the Government to after just over 300 veterans of the continues to change and increasing demonstrate early presence, Falklands War and whilst we recognise The demand for our care shows no signs of abating; we take on about 800 new clients each year. global insecurity, competition for influence and coercive or deterrent that the 25th Anniversary is an We have never been busier and are already working with the first veterans of the Iraq War to add to resources, reliance on energy intent, without commitment. And it important occasion, many will find supplies and uncertain regional will become an indispensable tool 2007 a difficult year, even after all this the list of the many men and women of recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations who currently partnerships provide a compelling across the spectrum of Defence time. need our help and support. case for deployable intervention activity, from influence to high- forces. intensity war-fighting. As an We are very busy: in the last year We have a lifetime commitment to all our clients. Your financial support is vital to ensure expression of flexible national power alone (2006) we received 994 new we can continue to offer support long after the battle is over. There is therefore a continued projection, it is unrivalled. referrals overall and now have close to requirement for a balanced Fleet to 8,000 registered veterans. The average Registered Charity No 206002 provide the Government with age of our veterans today is 43 years flexible platforms capable of and our commitment to all our veterans Combat Stress assured global reach, designed for is for life. Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX agility in operations with 01372 841600 capabilities from small to large As a result of the conflict and on- [email protected] scale. As in Operation going operations in Iraq, Combat www.combatstress.org.uk CORPORATE there is a requirement Stress is already seeing a significant

30 VANGUARD VANGUARD TRAFFORD President and retiring Salford Chairman Salford Chairman receives 25 year certificate from BRANCH NEWS At the October meeting S/m Charles in his capacity as Area Area President Secretary had the great pleasure of awarding S/m Joe Sharples SALFORD (Branch President) Life Membership of the Association. Joe has February was a significant month as the branch celebrated 25 been a tireless and dedicated member of the branch, and richly years in the RNA. At the Area AGM in Liverpool the Area President deserved the honour. Twenty members of the branch travelled to presented S/m Ron Fielding, our new Branch Chairman with our Llandudno and joined Shipmates from Runcorn branch and 25th Anniversary Certificate. And on Sunday February 18th the Llandudno, during a weekend away at the resort, and celebrated branch celebrated the event with a small luncheon at Monroes, the Battle of Trafalgar with a wreath laying ceremony and parade. where once again the Area President did the honours and presented our certificate to the retiring Chairman S/m Mike At the annual Remembrance Service, the branch was not as well Tunnicliffe, who has had to stand down due to his wife’s illness. represented as in previous years. This was due to several members having gone down with the ‘flu. The luncheon was only a small affair as we are now few in number. Our guests comprised of Area President Cdr. Harry December saw us celebrating the 90th birthday of the father of the Salford crew Harley and his wife Joan, S/m Charles Hutton and his wife Diana branch, S/m Harold Worsley, although Harold has suffered and S/m Steve Caulfield and his wife Ann. Monroes did a indifferent health over the past few years, he always tries to attend splendid job with a most excellent lunch and there were plenty of meetings, we wish him improved health in the future. S/m Len drinks, courtesy of the branch, everyone seemed to enjoy Milward was certainly surprised to receive a Certificate of themselves, and if they didn’t, well that was their fault!. Time Appreciation , for his service to the RNA, as both branch and passes very quickly and it doesn’t seem 25 years since we Deputy Area Standard Bearer, so surprised was Len when S/m commissioned, but we have made it and I wish to thank all those John Ault presented the award, he was rendered speechless!!. shipmates of Salford RNA, who have been with us for most of Although a little late, all the members of Trafford wish health and those years. We may be a small branch but I am proud to say happiness to all shipmates. that the branch has the Area Chairman, the acting Area NCM and S/m J Dixon & Ron Fielding with 25 year certificate S/m Diana Hutton the Area Standard Bearer. As Mike, our retiring Chairman once said “We may not have the quantity, but we have the quality. WHITEHAVEN Thanks you shipmates for all your support over the years and God The Whitehaven and District branch are few in numbers but we Bless You all. keep active, and we travel around. We have attended Maryport and Millom branches for their Standard dedications. We were also Shipmate John Dixon, Branch Secretary. at Barrow recently for the visit of HMS Cumberland; one of our shipmates attended the Captain’s cocktail party. Next day, several other shipmates were welcomed as guests of the Wardroom. is the only charity SEAFARERS UK We also travelled to Faslane Naval Base for a weekend, as guests that supports all seafarers: from the of the WO’s and Senior Rates mess. Whilst there, we were Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing welcomed aboard HMS Vanguard and the American submarine Hyman G Riechaver. We were also invited guests at three events fleets. It funds programmes that help organised by the local SCC unit including a visit on board TS John veterans, including those from the Jerwood when she visited Whitehaven during the summer. Falklands conflict, rebuild their lives. In October, the branch celebrated Trafalgar Night. Our year came BP S/m Len Milward receives Appreciation certificate to a close when the branch members and their wives and friends enjoyed a Christmas Dinner. We have already, arranged a couple of events for 2007 and we wish all our shipmates the kindest The charity was set up in 1917, as King George’s Fund for regards for the coming year. Sailors, to “recognise the courage shown by the Mariner, and to provide support for the excellent organisations existing for his Marine Mrs Lily Robbs Branch Secretary help and comfort in sickness and distress.” YORK Last year Seafarers UK gave £2.7 million to charities that support A party of eighteen of the ships company from our very own seafarers in need and their families. This will help to alleviate adopted ship HMS York descended upon us armed with the some of the problems often encountered by those who have necessary equipment and decorated a teenagers community spent their working lives at sea: ill-health, disability, debt, family rooms, made articles of furniture and brightened up the gardens of breakdown, homelessness and poverty. a local primary school. Their Commanding Officer, Tim Cryar RN made a special visit to Applefields School and presented the head with a cheque for SEAFARERS UK RELIES ON DONATIONS S/m Joe Sharples Life membership £1,380 donated by his company to help the school during the next TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ITS WORK financial year in different activities. It was not all hard work. AND WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR Commander Cryar and his stalwarts joined the York branch of the GENEROUS SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS. RNA for a buffet and the necessary liquid refreshments and answered the call of “Up Spirits” as only sailors can.

32 VANGUARD VANGUARD 33 PICTURE GALLERY

Ru ncorn Members at Llan dudno Llandudno parade certificate Len Milward receiving of Appreciation

at Llandudno Trafford Members rs at Llandudno Wythenshawe Membe Llandudn o Trafalgar Day parade

Up Spirits ‘Woods Style ’ at Llandudno

Os westry Branch new HQ

Llandudno parade

r Night p Spirits’ Trafalga Buxton Branch ‘U

to HMS Nelson Trafford members visit

34 VANGUARD VANGUARD 35