The Frigate 'Ajax' The Fourth Commission By Ken (Sharkey) Ward I joined HMS Ajax at Chatham on 1st April 1968, thinking, "is this the best day to join?" A lot of the ship’s company joined that day, trickle drafting hadn't yet been invented. I was an ME1 at the time, but shortly afterwards I was rated A/LME, usually referred to as a "Killick Stoker". We were accommodated in the R.N. Barracks, HMS Pembroke, whilst the ship was in a short refit. We were ferried to and from the Ajax in ex-London transport buses, which looked quite smart in Navy Blue livery. Our commanding officer was Captain David Hepworth, which meant we were to be a squadron leader. Around the end of July 1968 we re-commissioned as many of you will recall, the ceremony was preceded in time-honoured fashion, by much scrubbing painting and polishing. My particular memory of this was concerning our coal-fired "donkey boiler", generously provided by the dockyard to provide steam for domestic purposes. This vintage piece of equipment was situated on the jetty adjacent to the fo'c'sle, which had been repainted the day before the aforementioned ceremony. An unorthodox method often employed to clear soot from the boiler tubes being to slam the smokebox door shut vigorously a few times; this had the effect of dislodging the soot which then went up the "chimney". This method was considerably quicker and easier than using the very heavy tube brush. Unfortunately, the wind carried the dislodged soot onto the gleaming fo'c'sle. "Jimmy the One" and the "Buffer" weren't impressed! Several stokers were hastily dispatched to restore the pointed end to its former glory, I know, I was the donkey boiler watchkeeper that morning! After all the usual trials and tribulations of getting everything "flashed up" and "burning and turning" we proceeded to sea for trials and "shakedown". I should point out that at this time, Ajax was still in her "as built condition", twin 4.5" gun mounting for'd, two single Bofors where the "Seacat" missiles should have been, A/S Mortars aft and a "Wasp" A/S helicopter. This meant that the Seacat magazine was surplus to requirements, so was used by the NAAFI as a beer store, conveniently situated below the stokers mess. After several weeks of trials, we proceeded to Portland for our six week work-up, prior to our Far East deployment. This was hard work, but by way of relief I celebrated my 21st birthday during this period. This was a very successful run ashore, so much so that my messmates were obliged to conceal me from the shore patrol under a convenient railway bridge. HMS "Osprey" was used for Regulators (crushers) continuation training, so ships companies of vessels at Portland were considered fair game to practice on poor innocent matelots whose only crime was to perhaps to suffer a "steering gear failure" whilst returning back onboard. No doubt some readers will have experienced this phenomenon! We sailed from Portsmouth for Singapore (eventually!) in mid-December, our first stop being Santa Cruz, in Tenerife. As we were to be at sea for both Christmas and New Year, many chose this short stay to celebrate in advance. Back at sea, heading south, on Christmas Eve, we held a "Sods Opera" on the flight deck. The stokers mess contribution was our adaptation of that well known fairytale which we entitled "Stokerella". Our ships cox'n or head policeman, one Jack Rawlings, was in charge of applying the make-up, a role he wasn't really type cast for! We duly hung up our Xmas stockings on the boiler front, but, as we couldn't shut down the boilers, poor Santa couldn't get down our chimney!! On Boxing Day, we "crossed the line" (I still have the certificate), an event that was accompanied by the traditional activities, including the rigging of a canvas "ducking pool" on the flight deck. We saw in the New Year whilst still at sea, arriving in Simonstown, South Africa in early January 1969. The Suez Canal was closed at this time following the Arab/Israeli war, hence the "long way round" route. For the naval historian, Simonstown was an important R.N. base until the mid-1960's, when it was handed back to the South African Navy. Prior to its demise, one frigate was based there as the sole representative of the South African and South American (S.A.+S.A.) station. Nearby Cape Town was a great run ashore and the main railway station would be liberally dotted with "Jolly Jack" resting whilst awaiting the early morning train back to Simonstown. Care had to be taken to ensure that you were in the correct compartment, entering the "non-white" section inadvertently resulted in being "turfed out" by the guard. Post-apartheid, that situation no longer arises in South Africa. There were also some excellent beaches with views across to Table Mountain. We left Simonstown somewhat reluctantly, as we knew what was next on the agenda, the Beira patrol. As may be recalled, Rhodesia had declared its unilateral independence (U.D.I.) and subsequently the R.N. was ordered to blockade the Mozambique port of Beira, Rhodesia's main route for imports. This mainly consisted of cruising the Indian Ocean off Beira, stopping and inspecting shipping. In between, it could be rather boring - and hot! To relieve the monotony, ships on the patrol would contest for the "Beira Bucket". As its name suggests, this consisted of a humble "Dhoby" bucket, adorned with the names of participating ships. As I recall, the principal game played being deck hockey, which was hotly contested - broken teeth were not unknown! Another pastime was fishing. As to conserve fuel main engines would be stopped and the ship allowed to drift. Sharks would be attracted by tipping a small amount of the old style fire fighting foam overboard (against regulations) and a few large hooks deployed to catch them. This liquid was made up from offal and blood from slaughter houses, hence the interest shown. I never witnessed a shark being caught in this manner, but it provided some entertainment. After about 4 to 5 weeks of mostly boredom we were finally relieved and headed for Singapore. We called in at Gan, an R.A.F staging post in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Gan's main claim to fame was one female on the island, this was a lady of more mature years who was "something to do with the NAAFI". The reason for our visit was to take on fuel from the tanker permanently moored in the lagoon. A quick "look ashore" was permitted to both watches to stretch legs and visit the NAAFI club. I do remember that the "killick" in charge of the jetty patrol, a somewhat pompous individual, ended up in the "oggin" after being pushed from behind by an "admirer". This incident confirmed that pussers whistles don't work once they have been submerged! About three days later we arrived at Singapore Naval Base. My first impression was how few warships were berthed there compared with my previous visit, which was in 1964/5 at the height of the Indonesian confrontation, (the word "war" wasn't in fashion with the government at the time). The majority of the base was already in civilian hands, under the auspices of Sembawang Shipyards, an indication of the ongoing reduction of British influence East of Suez. The Naval element was now confined to the stores basin area at the far end of the base. However, some things hadn't changed too much, the "Armada" and "Britannia" clubs, Tiger Balm Gardens, Bogis street, Neesoon and so on. Exercises with S.E.A.T.O. (South East Asia Treaty Organisation) ensued, on completion of which the obligatory "banyan" weekend anchored off the island of Palau Tioman with other participating ships. It was here that I unfortunately stood on a Sea-Urchin which was very painful, which made me submerge my 'posh' camera, they don't like salt water! I believe the next "event" was a trip to Western Australia in company with the carrier Hermes and other escorts. My brother was serving on her at the time, so we did manage to get the odd run ashore together, but not in "Oz" as the various ships visited different ports. Hermes went to Freemantle, Ajax to Bunbury on the South West corner of W.A., a mining town if my memory serves me right. We were treated to the traditional "Aussie" hospitality - no it's not true that they all hate "Poms"! As you will know if you've been "down under", they like their beer very cold - so if you don't want stomach ache, the best procedure is to buy a pitcher (jug) of Swan lager in advance of your "shout" so allowing it to warm up a bit so at least you can taste it. As with all these "show the flag" visits there were the usual sport and social events. We had a passable soccer team but I can't remember any results. Another tradition was to host a party onboard for the local under-privileged children. This consisted of dressing up in pirate rig, a film show, "tea and stickies", party games, etc., however, on this occasion we also rigged up a "walking the plank" demonstration to enhance the pirate theme. I borrowed a sheath knife from a mess mate to hold between my teeth for extra effect, but when I hit the water it became dislodged and sank to the bottom. The owner was rather upset about this, so I had to pay compensation in the form of "gulpers", this was on top of a similar payment to one of the ship’s divers who had attempted to find it! Even in the very clear water it was never found. Another "highlight" of this visit was the wardroom cocktail party (I wasn't invited). It was unusual in that the guests were transported to the ship by a vintage steam train along the jetty, this has stayed in my memory as I must confess to being a bit of a steam train "crank". Following this visit we rejoined Hermes and other escorts and headed back to Singapore via the Sunda Strait. After, a short spell alongside we conducted exercises with other elements of the Far East fleet and our R.A.N. and R.N.Z.N. allies in the Singapore areas. Around this time we were ordered "best speed" to the scene of a collision in the South China Sea. A U.S. navy destroyer, the USS Frank E. Evans, had been cut in half by the Australian carrier Melbourne on 3rd June 1969. This was the second ship to suffer the same fate, the first being HMAS Voyager in February 1964. Tragically, quite a few crew members went down with the fore section of the ship when it sank, leaving the after section still afloat. I can remember the "cut" was very clean, as if by a knife and the different decks and compartments could be clearly seen. The tragedy happened when the destroyer, acting as "plane guard" turned across the Melbourne's bows in the dark and was struck amidships. Needless to say, damage to the carrier's bows was minimal. The destroyers remaining section was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, were a memorial service was held for those who were lost. In fact, Subic Bay was our next port of call on completion of the exercises and we saw the remaining after section in a floating dock. On a lighter note, those of you who have been to Subic Bay (now closed) may recall that once you have traversed the immaculate Naval base with all its riverside facilities, you crossed over a bridge into the town of Olongopo - what a cultural change! It was built on 'frontier town' lines complete with dirt streets and wooden sidewalks. It consisted mainly of bars, gambling dens, so called restaurants and "massage parlours". It was recommended you stay together in groups as robbery was quite common. The U.S. Naval Shore Patrols usually left "jolly jack" alone, preferring to prey on their own enlisted men. Another unsavoury activity there was the sale of live chicks to feed to the alligators in the river! We then headed north to Japan, first stop was Yokosuka, another U.S. Naval base. I was "lucky" enough to be shore patrol whilst there, a U.S. Navy Chief was in charge and was quite taken aback when we suggested having a quiet "wet" whilst visiting various bars, needless to say, his reply was in the negative! We next visited Muroran, a medium sized port and I recall going on a coach trip to various temples, shrines and other places of interest. ‘Ajax’ then headed south to Hong Kong, which evokes many happy memories of Wanchai ("the Wanch" for short), China fleet club, the Peak, Star ferries, Kowloon and "A.F.O.'s". Another unique feature was "Jennies side party" who spruced us up in readiness for the Queen's birthday parade. The side party was a long established, all female set-up, led by Jennie, who for a good price would do what was necessary to make us look good, in part repayment, all waste food was collected in tins and distributed amongst their families, most of whom spent their entire lives afloat on junks. The Queen's birthday celebrations were an important event in the colony's calendar with pomp and ceremony being the order of the day. To this end, we slipped our berth in HMS Tamar and anchored out in the harbour, "Dressed Overall", gave a twenty one gun salute then back alongside again. At least I think it was 21, I didn't count them at the time! A trip to "honkers" was not complete without a ride to the top of Victoria Peak on the Funicular tramway. This afforded a spectacular view of the harbour, Kowloon and the New Territories which were ceded to Britain from China following the acquisition of Hong Kong. It was then back to the Singapore areas for more exercises, followed by a maintenance period. This meant moving up into the barracks at HMS Terror. We were given 1 week’s station leave to each watch over this period, so four of us hired a car and set off across the causeway to Jahore Bahru (113) and then northwards to Kuala Lumpur (KL), the Malaysian capital. This was another bustling place, with much evidence of new building to transform it into a modem city. We then headed back southwards, visiting Malacca on the return journey. There was still a night time curfew on in the area because of terrorist activity (sounds familiar?) which meant being out of doors after 11pm could seriously damage your health (or get shot, whichever came first!). The accepted routine was to retire early or spend the night in a bar, you guessed it; we retired early!! On our return, it was back to routine and a special treat - our inspection. This was conducted by a Rear Admiral as our Captain was a "four ringer". As far as I remember we passed it satisfactorily. This was followed by further S.E.A.T.O. exercises, mainly with the Aussies and Kiwis. Speaking of which, it reminds me that the most popular spectator sport for us was rugby matches between the aforementioned "allies". There was considerable enmity between them, especially where rugby was concerned - the term blood matches comes to mind! This would manifest itself on the floodlight pitch at the Armada club, HMS Terror, in the form of bloody noses, missing teeth, swollen jaws and so on. Of course this was hugely entertaining to "Jolly Jack" and was made all the more so by the provision of "Tiger" beer, delivered to your bench by a friendly Chinese on a three wheeled bike, fitted with an insulated container on the front to ensure it was at the correct temperature. Now that was what I call "service with a smile!" Anyway, I digress; following the exercises we proceeded in company with HMNZS Blackpool, a Whitby class frigate, to visit Bangkok in Thailand. We became what is known as "chummy" ships as we spent a few weeks in company. Since then I've often thought that our "Kiwi" cousins were more pro-British than the "Brits". I'm not sure if this is still the case today. Ajax and Blackpool initially went alongside in Bangkok, but after a day we had to moor out in the river. This was because there was so much debris that it kept blocking the various cooling water intakes on the ships bottom and causing problems. The debris included dead dogs and pigs which floated freely down river and wasn't a particularly welcoming sight. Bangkok had a lively night life, there were many U.S. personnel there on "R&R" (rest and recuperation) from Vietnam. We went on a tour of the many spectacular Buddhist shrines and temples and also visited the famous floating market - in a boat of course. One incident comes to mind whilst in Bangkok, which involved a replica Thai ceremonial sword I had purchased. We were waiting for the "liberty boat" to take us back to the ship, in a bar adjacent to the jetty, my sword was leaning against my chair. A very large Maori matelot off Blackpool was also there in a state of extreme intoxication. On espying the sword, he suddenly grabbed it, took it out of its sheath and began shouting and waving the sword above his head in a most alarming fashion. I was aware that being a replica, the blade wasn't particularly sharp but nevertheless it was a bit bowel clenching at the time! Fortunately, a couple of his shipmates, no doubt familiar with these outbursts, managed to calm him down, disarm him and return the "weapon" to its rightful owner. That, incident apart, we got on extremely well with the "Kiwis" and some crew members swapped places with each other for the passage back to Hong Kong. As an aside, the R.N.Z.N. drew their "TOT" some considerable time after we lost ours. Can anyone remember how long? After exercises, it was back to good old Hong Kong for our second visit, we went over on the Star ferry to Kowloon a couple of times for a change of scenery. There was also a coach trip around the New Territories, including the border with China, a favourite crossing point for illegal immigrants. I also remember visiting Happy Valley race course, the Chinese seem to be very fond of gambling. At this time there were many U.S. Naval personnel on "R&R" from Vietnam and it was interesting to read the handbooks they were issued with about Hong Kong. Included were a list of "do's and don'ts", one of the don'ts being "don't try and out drink British sailors, experience has shown it can't be done!" They would also ask when we were coming to `Nam, to which would be the reply "when the Vietnamese ask us". It was advisable to do this when you were in a numerically superior position! I remember the China Fleet club erupting once when this line was used. The bar staff were very adept at vaulting over the bar and closing the shutters in a very short space of time! Another feature of "Honkers" was Kai-Tak airport, this consisted of a single runaway jutting out into the harbour, space being at a premium here. Aircraft coming into land had to approach a few feet above the roof tops of Kowloon because of the minimal runway length. A new multi-billion pound airport has now been constructed further out, but of course ownership has reverted back to Communist China. ‘Ajax’ then headed back to the Singapore areas for further exercises, then alongside in the Naval base for some maintenance. It was during this last stay that the Dockyard Theatrical Society invited the ship's company to take part in a revue to be entitled "Tars and Stars". To be performed at the dockyard theatre. The stokers mess contribution was the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. The fairy's outfit was provided, the rest of the ensemble were dressed in pussers diving underwear, better known as "long johns", with steaming boots completing the necessary footwear for the supporting dancers. Padding was strategically placed in the groin area, a la Bolshoi Ballet. Dance training was expertly given by a choreographer who stated that she'd never had a bunch of stokers before! The revue ran for 2 or 3 nights and was a considerable success, the naval involvement was largely due to our communications officer who had thespian leanings. I do remember we had a great party afterwards! Around the beginning of September 1969 we sailed for home, this being my last visit to the Far East. As is well known, by the early seventies the British withdrawal from East of Suez was all but complete, Hong Kong being the main exception. We called in at Gan again for fuel, but perhaps we had upset someone on the tanker because shortly after sailing we experienced severe water in the fuel 8 problems. The subsequent "total steam failure" proved that water will not burn and we were stopped in the water until things were sorted out and we could get underway again. Shortly after we anchored off a small island in the British Indian Ocean Territories for a "Banyan". The Captain called on the Chief of the island courtesy of the ship's helicopter, I understand he presented him with a bottle of whiskey. In return, we were presented with a live pig which was slaughtered and it was fresh pork all round, a most welcome change from the frozen variety! The next task was the Beira patrol for about 3 weeks, then southwards for our return visit to Simonstown and a welcome "run ashore". After rounding the Cape we headed north, up the West African coast, calling at Dakar in Senegal enroute. We then had two days in "Gib", arriving back in Chatham on 30th October 1969. According to my pay book, I was granted long weekend leave, therefore I must have been second leave party. This brought to a close the Far East leg of the commission. Following Christmas leave and a maintenance period, ‘Ajax’ prepared for the Mediterranean leg of the commission. I believe that during this stay in Chatham, we were converted from burning furnace fuel oil to diesel, which was much cleaner to burn, resulting in less time spent boiler cleaning. We sailed for "Gib" in early January 1970, were we did a couple of stints as guard ship because at that time Spain was being awkward about opening and closing the border and would send a gunboat to "poke around" the area. As a "deterrent" the guard ship provided a crew to man an M.F.V. (Motor Fishing Vessel) to patrol the territorial waters. I'm not sure how effective a deterrent a Pussers M.F.V. was, needless to say, no naval engagements occurred during our stint! Several gunnery firings took place in the Gib exercise area, no doubt taking advantage of the better weather conditions compared with the U.K. Plenty of opportunities were taken to sample the delights of Main Street, commencing at the Dockyard end, once you ran out of pubs you knew you had reached the other extremity. During this deployment, we also visited Tangiers and Malta. The latter was very much a shadow of its former self, I think we were the only "Grey Funnel Line" ship in Malta at that time. That said, the "Gut" was still in business including the "Galvanised Donkey" (sorry, Silver Stallion"). "Marsovin" was still available at 2/6d (12 ½p) a bottle, which was the local "Vino Collapso", guaranteed to kill all taste buds for at least 24hours! In April 1970, ‘Ajax’ returned to Chatham for Easter leave and maintenance. We then came to what was effectively the "home" leg of the commission. It was decided that ‘Ajax’ would be involved in a round Britain "meet the navy" cruise, commencing in May 1970. First port of call was Liverpool, always a favourite with "Jolly Jack". This visit coincided with the annual Battle of the Atlantic commemoration, Liverpool being the wartime western approaches Headquarters. Included in the event was a service in the Anglican Cathedral, followed by a march past to the pier head, ‘Ajax’ being represented by a contingent. Another novel idea introduced during our stay was a scheme dubbed "Dial a Sailor". What happened was the good citizens of Liverpool could phone the ship (as advertised in the "Echo") and invite a/some poor, lonely Sailor(s) into the bosom of the family, referred to as "up homers" or a "grippo". This scheme proved particularly popular with the local ladies who could give vital statistics and other useful information which was duly recorded on a card and placed on the notice board. Jack could then select the family/lady of his choice and a meeting was arranged. Needless to say it was a great success and attracted considerable media attention, but when the news trickled back to Chatham, it wasn't received with the same enthusiasm! It seems that the wives protested to their lordships at the Admiralty and, much to our disgust, the scheme was quietly dropped. As a young single man, I thought this was a bit of a liberty to say the least, but I suppose that's life in a "Blue Suit", as the saying goes! About the same time, I was awarded my "boiler ticket" which meant that I could be in charge of the boiler room "in all steaming conditions". Although still a "killick" stoker at the time, I occasionally was invited into the POM(E)'s mess for a neat tot, a much appreciated gesture. Ajax then proceeded to the west coast of Scotland, including the picturesque Western Isles, visiting Portree, Ullapool, Oban and Stornoway. We also anchored off Loch Melfort, where the Captain owned a substantial house. A reception was held here for some of the ship's company. Next it was across the Irish Sea to the Londonderry exercise areas for anti-submarine exercises (Casex's for short), and included a short spell at the Naval Base which existed at that time in 'Derry. A feature of the base was the Foyle Canteen and I remember all the stokers marching back to the ship after a particularly lively lunchtime session all singing their hearts out. The Engineer officer was officer of the day on this occasion and I was informed later that he had hidden himself away! Unfortunately I ended up in the River Foyle and had to be rescued by some obliging dockyard matey's in a harbour launch. The skipper was not particularly impressed because his lunch party was interrupted by "man overboard" on the tannoy. Derry at the time (1970) was still a good run ashore, the "troubles" had only just started, there was a military presence but "Jolly Jack" didn't seem to notice. A bus could be caught to travel over the border to Muff which had more liberal licensing laws, a boon for thirsty matelots! After more exercises, ‘Ajax’ anchored off Scrabster, near Thurso at the Northern end of Scotland. I recall going on a visit to Dounray, run jointly by the Admiralty as a Nuclear research facility for reactors for the latest submarines. The next port of call was Dundee, continuing our "meet the Navy" theme, but without the "Dial a Sailor" bit! Whilst there I went on a trip to Dewars distillery near Perth. It was interesting to see whisky being propelled along open stainless steel channels, the smell was quite overpowering. Even more interesting to our eyes was the "hospitality suite" (bar) which we visited on completion of the tour. This was very tastefully decorated with tartans, stags heads, and other Scottish regalia. Young ladies in appropriate "rig" plied us with numerous drams of the golden nectar which was all received most gratefully. When our bus was ready to depart, it was observed that the Cox'n, Jack Rawlings, was missing. Some bright spark told the driver to proceed, but as we reached the main entrance, the driver glanced in his mirror and saw Jack doubling down the drive, on boarding the bus, red faced, he promised us he couldn't be got rid of that easily and clearly didn't believe us when told it was a genuine oversight! Following another exercise, Ajax docked at Leith in company with other "grey funnel line" ships. This was to represent the R.N. at the commonwealth games, held that year in Edinburgh. Then across the North Sea to traverse the Kiel Canal for Kiel week. This is an important event in the yachting calendar and several warships of participating nations were present. The Germans had obligingly set up many beer tents in the area, which was much appreciated. Departing from Kiel, we took passage back across the North Sea to Hull, for our last "meet the Navy" visit. This being a fishing port, the Navy was invariably made welcome. On leaving Hull we returned to Chatham for maintenance and to give summer leave. It had been a busy and enjoyable three months, whether we persuaded anyone to join the "Andrew", I couldn't say. I doubt if a programme of this nature would go ahead today given the reduction in the size of the fleet. During the leave period, on 31st July 1970, occurred the saddest and most significant event in my naval career, the last issue of the "TOT", we were suitably attired with black armbands and ‘Ajax’ was featured on BBC TV for this sombre event. Conversation on the mess decks all followed much the same pattern - how can we get anything done now we can't "call round" someone for "sippers" or even "gulpers"? Following leave we were briefly at Portland for exercises, then to Antwerp for a pre-refit visit. Then, finally, to Devonport to pay off for long refit and conversion to an "Ikara" Leander class Frigate, which was to take three years.

For myself, it was off to HMS Sultan for the "Killicks" course having enjoyed a very varied commission of the "general service" variety. "NEC QUISQUAM NISI AJAX" Ken (Sharky) Ward. L.M.(E) HMS Ajax April 1968 — October 1970

September 2018 – Over 50 years after joining ‘Ajax’ (F114), 3 ‘killick stokers’ meet up again in Great Yarmouth. Left to Right: Ken ‘Sharky’ Ward, Tom ‘Bud’ Flanagan, Roger ‘Desperate’ Dann