5 Feb 12 - Arrangements for the funeral of Lt Cdr Peter Cobby BEM RN

I have received this email from Peter's son Bruce:

"Dear Rob,

Many thanks for your speedy reply, kind words and for forwarding my email to others.  I have already received some very kind and moving messages which I have forwarded to my brother and sisters.  It is nice to know how highly regarded Dad was as he rarely spoke about himself or his lifetime achievements.

The service is planned for 1130 on Friday 10th February at Inverness Crematorium.  We have asked for family flowers only.  Anybody wishing to make donations to Dad's chosen charities should forward them to John Fraser & Son, 17-29 Chapel Street, Inverness, IV1 1NA.  The charities are Highland Hospice and St Dunstan's.

Thanks again & best regards,

Bruce"

As I receive tributes to Peter, I am appending them to the entry for 4 Feb 12.

4 Feb 12 - Death of Lt Cdr Peter Cobby BEM RN

I received this sad news this morning:

"Dear Sir,

The following might be of interest to some of the older member of your website.  My father, ex-clearance diving officer Lt Cdr Peter Cobby, died peacefully on 2 February after several months of illness.  If you'd like to post a photo, I have always liked the attached photo which was taken in the USA during an officer exchange in the early 1970s:

Pete Cobby with US Navy divers

Regards,

Bruce Cobby"

As a Petty Officer, Peter Cobby was awarded the BEM for gallantry and skill while assisting Cdr Gordon Gutteridge OBE, Lt Cdr Mark Terrell MBE and Lt Charles Heatley MBE render safe a German mine underwater and in darkness in the West India Dock, London on 26 January 1957.  LS Peter Alderton and AB Eric Harris were also awarded BEMs for the same operation.  If you use the Pico search facility on the Home page of the website, you will find several other references to Peter.  He lived near Inverness and I often called upon him to help answer queries about our Branch history.  I will miss his deep specialist knowledge and sage advice.

I have passed Bruce my sincere condolences on his loss and asked him to apprise me of any funeral arrangements in due course.

From MCDOA member Bryan Barrett in the USA:

"Dear Bruce,

I am so sorry to hear of the death of your father, Peter Cobby.  I knew Peter well going right to back to when I qualified as a CDO in 1965, and then especially when he and I were the two CDOs on exchange duty with the US Navy in the early 1970s.  He was tremendously well thought of by the US Navy diving community and did such a lot to establish the great working relationship that existed between our services in those early days of saturation diving.  He was admired and respected by everyone who worked with him as an incredibly competent, thoroughly good guy.

I will pass on the sad news of his passing to his many friends here in the States.

Yours sincerely,

Bryan Barrett"

From ex-CD1 Cris Ballinger:

"Peter was one of those people you thought would live forever.  I served with him and for him.  He was a great inspration to me and is sadly missed.  My condolences go to his family.

If possible, please inform me of the funeral details.

Cris Ballinger"

From MCDOA member Ed Thompson MBE:

"Dear Bruce,

Just received the sad news of your dad.  May I tender my condolences.  Your father was not only "one of the best", he was "THE BEST".  I feel myself fortunate to have known him as a friend and colleague.  The world is a sadder place this morning for me.  

Yours aye,

Ed Thompson"

From ex-CD Dave Hitchens

"I was sorry to read about Pete Cobby.  I served on the Reclaim with him 1968-69.  He was a good officer and a good diver.

Dave Hitchens"

From ex-CD Colin 'Foggy' Goff:

"My sincere condolences.  I was on the Reclaim in 1969 when Peter was the CDO.  It was an honour to have served under him.  I only met him once after that, I think at the deep dive centre at the NHC in Aberdeen.

RIP Pete."

From MCDOA member Jim Bladh in the USA:

"Sorry about Peter crossing the Bar.  I was the first exchange officer to the RN.  As such I had the unique experience of going to sea in HMS Reclaim with Peter Messervy, Peter Cobby and Bob Fraser.  Peter helped me tremendously qualifying as Diving Officer in Reclaim.  He will certainly be missed.

Warmest personal regards to all,

Jim Bladh

LCDR USN (ret)" 

3 Feb 12 - David 'Tanzy' Lee

I have received this request from ex-CD Pete Gallant:

"Hallo Rob,

Would you kindly put this on the CDs' website.  I was with Dave at Safeguard diving school, Rosyth in 1966 and in Nurton in 1967.  Lt Alan Padwick was our Diving officer.  This photo shows Dave and me (Dave has the beard): 

Dave 'Tanzy' Lee and Pete Gallant at the Belsen

Concentration Camp memorial

We worked together diving in Egypt for Solus Schall before he lost his life. I have sent Martin photos and information on the above years. Can anyone fill in the years between? Many thanks.

Best regards,

Pete Gallant"

"Dear Peter Gallant,

I am not sure if you know me but I am sure you knew my dad David Lee or 'Tanzy' as he was known in the Navy.  Richard Conway passed on your email address to me as I have been trying to locate fellow mine clearance diving colleagues of my late father so they could share what memories they have of my dad during his years in the Royal Navy.   As I was only 18 months when he passed away, I sadly have no memory of him.

Last September I came into the possession of a photograph of the Royal Navy diving team that searched for Donald Campbell and Bluebird.  Through my research on the internet I have so far got in contact with Lieutenant Commander John Futcher and George Porter.  It was George who gave me your name as on the photograph there are only first names.  I hope that you will be able to share your recollections of my father and any stories you have.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Lee"

If you can help Pete and Tanzy Lee's son, please email me via my webmaster address.

2 Feb 12 - SDU1 to help clear net from wreck of HMS Scylla

Last month, the BBC News website contained this article explaining how it would cost up to £20,000 to clear a fishing net from the wreck of the Leander class frigate HMS Scylla, sunk as an artificial reef off Whitsand Bay, Plymouth in 2004.  Today's Plymouth Herald contains this article stating that members of Southern Diving Unit 1 (SDU1) are being brought in to assist with the work.

1 Feb 12

HMS Brocklesby rewarded for her Libyan mission

The RN website contains this article and the Navy News website this article describing the award of the James Acton Mine Warfare Efficiency Trophy (named in memory of MCDOA member Jim Acton killed while on duty in Turkey during the 1999 earthquake) and the Surface Fleet Efficiency Pennant to HMS Brocklesby by Rear Admiral Duncan Potts (Rear Admiral Surface Ships) and MCDOA member Capt Mark Durkin (Captain Minor War Vessels and Fishery Protection (CMFP)).

Rear Admiral Potts addresses the ship's company of HMS Brocklesby

(Navy News photo by LA(Phot) Darby Allen, FRPU East)

Congratulations to all involved.

Where is David Lermitte?

I have received this request for help from ex-CDO Lt Cdr John Futcher MBE RN who lives in Plainland, Queensland in Australia (see entry for 24 Jun 09 in News Archive 26 and second entry for 12 Jul 09 in News Archive 27):

Lt Cdr John Futcher MBE RN 

"Hallo Rob,

I am trying to locate ex-CDO Lt Cdr David Lermitte.  We both qualified CDO together and we have maintained contact ever since.  We did not receive a Christmas card from him this last year and all efforts to contact him have failed.  We phoned his home number but the person who answered the call said that the phone number was no longer David's.  He told me that David's wife Susan had been put into hospital and that David had fallen from a ladder and badly injured and was also put into hospital.  His house had been sold and that the telephone number reallocated and he had no further information he could give us.  

If you have any information Rob regarding the condition and whereabouts of David or his wife or any family member it would be greatly appreciated.  I was best man at his wedding many moons ago.

I would like to join the MCDOA and will do so as soon as possible.

Best regards,

John"

David Lermitte is not a member of the MCDOA but if you can help John with his query, please email me via my webmaster address.

From MCDOA member David Burstall:

"Rob,

Thanks for your email re David L (known in our family affectionately as "Lermitte-the-Termitte" after he had relieved me as FCDO, FEF in 1964).  I am indeed sorry to hear of his and Susan's various mishaps.  The only contact I have for him is a very old address. 

It was good to see you again and Alan P and Bruce M at Tim's Thanksgiving Service.  What a stalwart supporter of his community he had been and such a good example to us all.  Tim Trounson was my "winger" in the Far East Fleet CD Team having relieved Dennis (the Menace) Selwood in 1963.

I must attend the annual MCD dinner this year before I lose complete touch with everyone.

Regards,

David"

From MCDOA member John Grattan OBE:

"Dear Rob,

It is very good to hear of Kath and 'Jonny' again as they disappeared over the horizon so many moons ago.  Thank you so much for including me in your exchange of emails.  I relieved Jonny as CO of Dingley (David Lermitte was CO of Brenchley at that time) in May 1959.  Later, after Jonny retired from the RN, I greatly admired their pioneering work in lobster faming near Cape Wrath.  They were the very first and set the pace for a whole future industry which is one hell of an achievement in anyone's language.  All sorts of rumours filtered back from Oz and I am so pleased that they are still around and thriving.  I wonder what happened to Tom and how he is?   

Sadly I have also lost touch completely with David and Susan Lermitte.  I am sorry to hear that David had another ladder accident.  Many years ago he slipped on a ladder and in grabbing some wire mesh succeeded in amputating one finger!  I can only guess that David Edwards or Mike Gillam will now have contact.

All these names conjure up memories from the long distant past of The Branch.  What happy days they were, too.  Please let me know if and when you do find them plus their up to date news.

Yours aye,

John"

31 Jan 12 - Defence firm takes the plunge at new Gosport test site

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article describing the opening of QinetiQ's Diving and Hyperbaric Test Centre last week.  The article features MCDOA associate member Gavin Anthony, QinetiQ’s principal consultant for diving.

The diving tank at QinetiQ's new test facility at

Haslar Marine Technology Park

(Portsmouth News photo by Paul Jacobs)

30 Jan 12 - Opening of new Diving & Hyperbaric Test Centre at Haslar

Unfortunately, a family bereavement prevented me from attending the official opening of QinetiQ's new Diving & Hyperbaric Test Centre by Cdre Henry Parker at Haslar last Wednesday but Chris Baldwin, MCDOA Chairman and Superintendent of Diving, has kindly sent me these photos:

Line up that includes MCDOA member and HSE Chief Inspector of Diving

Chris Sherman (second left), MCDOA Chairman Chris Baldwin (fifth left)

and MCDOA associate member Gavin Anthony (third right)

Cdre Parker with MCDOA Chairman Chris Baldwin just astern of him

(plus ex-CD1 Andy Brunton MBE in the background if I'm not mistaken)

My invitation to the opening contained this useful history:

"The Royal Naval Physiological Laboratory (RNPL) was formed 1942 in the then HMS Dolphin, to investigate the physiological aspects of man underwater.  The following year it moved to Peel Cottage, on Clayhall Road, Gosport, before moving to the Alverstoke site south of Fort Road, Gosport in 1962.

In parallel to the work of RNPL the Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit (AEDU) was formed in 1943 at Tolworth in Surrey to look at the engineering aspects of diving equipment.  Following a brief period in Brixham it was moved in 1945 to HMS Vernon in Portsmouth, now known as Gunwharf Quays, where it remained until being co-located with the physiological research on the Alverstoke site in 1988.

Record breaking fundamental research was conducted on the Alverstoke site into blast effects on divers, submarine escape and rescue, diving breathing apparatus, diver thermal protection, diving decompression and significantly identifying the maximum pressure (i.e. maximum diving depth) that a diver could withstand.

The main man rated facilities on the Alverstoke site in the 1960s, 1970 s and 1980s were a 100 m rated riveted compression chamber that was transferred from the Peel Cottage site, a 690 m rated High Pressure Chamber Unit (HPCU) and the 360 m rated Deep Trials Unit.  These chambers were used to help identify saturation diving techniques, now used extensively in the North Sea oil industry, and to define the depth limits of diving.  The ability of divers to ‘go deep’ on helium was demonstrated, with the scientific studies progressing through a series of new depth records; the last world depth record achieved on the Alverstoke site was 660 m on 28 Oct 1980.  These facilities have been closed down with the chamber from Peel Cottage and the world record breaking HPCU chamber now exhibited at the Diving Museum located in No. 2 Battery at the west end of Stokes Bay [By Webmaster: See entry for 2 Nov 11 in News Archive 36].

From the 1980s to the co-location of the diving and hyperbaric capabilities with the hydrodynamic capabilities on the Haslar site in 2009, many new facilities were established on the Alverstoke site i.e. Submarine Escape Simulator (SES), Life Support Systems Laboratory (LSSL), Experimental Diving Tank (EDT) and the Hydrostatic and Extreme Temperature Tank (HETT).  These facilities have been extensively used to support the development and testing of RN submarine escape and rescue systems, diving equipment and decompression procedures.  Under a Maritime Strategic Capability Agreement (MSCA) with the MOD the facilities have now been moved to the Diving and Hyperbaric Test Centre (DHTC) on the QinetiQ Haslar site.

The Alverstoke and Haslar sites progressed through a series of MOD research establishment names (i.e. AMTE, DRA and DERA) before being re-born into the private sector as QinetiQ in 2001.  The new company is a science and technology powerhouse formed from the major part of DERA and continues to offer on the Haslar site unique knowledge and expertise in maritime related technologies including hydrodynamics, propulsion, atmosphere control, diving and submarine escape and rescue.

Recently the Haslar teams have joined experts based all over the UK to form QinetiQ Maritime, bringing together the survivability, structures, shock testing, noise and vibration capabilities from Rosyth and the in-service support services from QinetiQ’s Ranges cross the UK."

29 Jan 12 - Thanksgiving Service for Lt Cdr Tim Trounson MBE

Around 150 people were present in the Minster Church of St Denys at Warminster yesterday for MCDOA member Tim Trounson's Thanksgiving Service (see entry for 29 Dec 11 in News Archive 36).  Apart from me, MCDOA members present included our Hon Secretary Mick Beale (in uniform), David Burstall, Bruce MacKay and Alan Padwick OBE, the latter three accompanied by their wives.  PO(D) Gerry Mulholland and LS(D) Nick Kershaw, both members of FDU1, also attended in uniform, much to the pleasure of Tim's family.

The service was conducted by the Rector, Harvey Gibbons, supported by Assistant Curate Nick Brown and Associate Priest Carol Owen.  Kerry Bishop provided musical accompaniment on the organ.  Mourners entered the church to a medley of songs from musicals before the opening prayers.  We then sang the Naval Hymn (Eternal Father) before Tim's friend Col Tim Hoggarth, the Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Musicians, read the Lesson (Revelations 21: verses 1 to 7 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth).  Tim's younger son Jonathan then gave a glowing tribute to his father in which he described life around the world as a member of Tim's family in which rugby, football and cricket predominated.  I had no idea that Tim had been the prime mover in so many social, civic and charitable organisations.

We then listened to a rendition of Howard Godall's 'Lacrymosa' (Do not Stand at my Grave and Weep) before launching into 'I Vow to Thee My Country'.  A second address was then given by Ben Hawkins who had known Tim since they were childhood friends (when Tim had shot him) and fellow pupils at prep school before entering the Royal Navy at Dartmouth together.  Prayers were then said, including the Lord's Prayer, before we sang 'Thine be the Glory'.  The service ended with another prayer, the Commendation, a rendition of John Rutter's 'A Gaelic Blessing' and the final blessing.

We then sauntered down the road to the Weymouth Arms where I took this photo of the Fleet Diving Squadron representatives:

Gerry Mulholland, Nick Kershaw and Mick

Beale outside the Weymouth Arms

Tim's sons Stuart and Jonathan and daughter Emma had arranged a splendid reception with a buffet and drinks in the pub and I managed to capture this photo of the serving RN contingent with Stuart and Jonathan: 

Mick Beale, Stuart Trounson, Gerry Mulholland, Jonathan Trounson

and Nick Kershaw inside the Weymouth Arms 

Finally, here is a rare photo of Yours Truly with fellow MCDOA members Alan Padwick, Bruce MacKay and David Burstall.

Rob Hoole, Alan Padwick, Bruce MacKay and David Burstall

Our Treasurer Soapy Watson has arranged a donation from the Association to the RNLI in memory of Tim.  Once again, we extend our sincere condolences to Tim's family on their sad loss.

28 Jan 12 - A letter from the Gulf

I am grateful to MCDOA member Martin Mackey for this topical update:

"Hi Rob,

I thought you might like to see this photo taken last night (27 Jan) in Bahrain outside Andy Elvin’s front door.  Andy and Joy kindly invited the UK and US MCMers over to their house for curry and drinks.   A number of familiar faces can be seen.  Bob Hawkins arrived recently and took over from Damian Slattery in the SO2 MCD job on the US MCM CTF 52 staff working with Andy Elvin who is the deputy commander.  Some of that team are in the photo.  Present also is Dennis Chawira who took over from Rory Armstrong as the SO2N5 MCM on the UKMCC staff.  Your’s truly is the UK’s MCM Force commander, a role I took on from Dave Bence 23 Oct 11 and will keep until mid-May. 

The MCM2 Mine Warfare Battle Staff (MWBS) is out here for exercises embarked in RFA LYME BAY (some of whom are in the photo).  Steve Brown (DCST FOST MPV) is over doing a review of training.  Members of the US ships as well as HM Ships MIDDLETON and RAMSEY are also there.  A really good mix of people who work very well together demonstrating the close relationship that we enjoy whilst we deliver what we all know is the ‘jewel in the crown’ capability.

This other picture was taken last November on the jetty in Bahrain and comprises all four crews and the MCM2 MWBS who were deployed for a UK/US/Japanese MCM trilat exercise.  All the crews have changed over since the photo.  For those interested to know what the large blue hoses are, they blow cold air into the ships when they are alongside.  Not required at the moment though because it is pretty cool.  I had a bit of ‘cold water shock’ today when I went for a dive in a wet suit for a ship’s hull survey on HMS QUORN.  You just don’t expect it to be cold out here, but it is. 

So, all is well with the UK’s MCM force in the Gulf, but we watch the news with keen interest.

Regards,

Martin"

27 Jan 12 - Death of Canadian CDO Chuck Edwards

I have received this information from MCDOA member Mike Kooner MBE:

"Hello Rob,

I have just heard the sad news about Charles 'Chuck' Edwards from his wife Beverly.  He passed away in early November 2011 and was cremated, with his ashes scattered on his beloved lake next to his house.  

You may recall Chuck was on exchange from the Canadian Navy to the RN in UK at the Experimental Diving Unit during the early 1980s.  He worked with me in VERNON and during the COVENTRY salvage operations.  We have remained good friends over the years and I was so shocked to hear the news of his death of a massive stroke at the age of 60.  He lived such an active and full life; hiking, touring, working for the mail, hauling heavy bags around (just to keep fit), tree felling, etc., and participating fully in the outdoor life and enjoying the beauty of Nova Scotia   

I know he was well thought of by the VERNON diving community as well as members of the RNSD&TT.  I would be grateful if you let both our members and those of the CD association know of this sad and unexpected loss.

Best Wishes,

Mike"

I certainly remember Chuck and I am sure that all members of the RN diving community will join me in extending our sincere condolences to his wife Beverly and the rest of his family on their tragic loss.

From MCDOA member Graham 'Tug' Wilson MBE:

"Rob,

Sad to hear about Chuck.  I was on the Sat Team with him as a LD and we did the Coventry together.  We were in the second dive along with Stevie Clegg (who was the victim of the famous Superlite 17 explosion), Ray Suckling, Chris David (who was evacuated early after another massive explosion), Dickie Daber and Harry Harrison who was awarded the QGM during that dive.  So I have some fond memories.

Tug" 

26 Jan 12 - Thinking to the finish

The RN website contains this article describing the imminent exchange of MCM2 Crew 2 of HMS Atherstone at Faslane with MCM2 Crew 8 which has been manning HMS Middleton in the Gulf for the past seven months.

HMS Middleton in the Gulf

(RN website photo)

25 Jan 12 - SDU2 deals with unexploded shells in Essex

The Southend Echo website contains this article describing the disposal of unexploded shells on the beach at Leigh-on-Sea in Essex by members of Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2).

Coincidentally, Leigh-on-Sea is the home of the Essex Yacht Club which has the former minehunter HMS Wilton as its clubhouse.  I was her First Lieutenant 1977-79 and was able to provide the club's Commodore with some useful technical advice two years ago when the ship's sonar trunk, now used as a sewage tank, sprang an embarrassing (and distinctly smelly) leak.

The former HMS Wilton as the clubhouse of Essex Yacht Club

at Leigh-on-Sea

24 Jan 12 - Submarine Rescue System is put through its paces

The Ministry of Defence website contains this article and the Royal Navy website this article describing Exercise MASSIVEX, a recent three-day trial of the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS).  The articles feature MCDOA member Kev Stockton, Commanding Officer of the Faslane-based Northern Diving Group (NDG) which provides attendants in the decompression chambers during rescue operations.

Members of Northern Diving Group testing one of the

giant NSRS decompression chambers

(RN website photo by LA(Phot) Ben Sutton)

NSRS Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV)

(RN website photo)

23 Jan 12 - HMS Ledbury at Gibraltar

I am grateful to local photographer Daniel Ferro for kindly allowing me to publish these images of HMS Ledbury in Gibraltar on 14/15 January while en route to join Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) in the Mediterranean (see entry for 10 Jan 12).  Her visit coincided with that of HMS Daring bound for the Gulf.

22 Jan 12 - Stormy weather behind spate of finds, says head of bomb disposal unit

The Tayside Courier contains this article featuring MCDOA member Kev Stockton, Commanding Officer of the Faslane-based Northern Diving Group (NDG), being interviewed about recent discoveries of unexploded ordnance north of the border.

Detonation of unexploded ordnance on Montrose beach

on Sunday 15 January 2012

20 Jun 12 - Pony Moore's dining-out 

Last night, many members of the Minewarfare Association (MWA) (plus several others who have yet to part with the £12 annual membership fee) gathered in Fareham to dine WO1(MW) Pony Moore out of the Royal Navy.  Apart from Yours Truly, MCDOA members present included Tim Curd (who had to depart early), Chris Davies and Bill Kerr.  After gaining flying speed in a pub, our group migrated to an Indian restaurant down the road where we were invited to occupy a very long table.  Exotic fare was eaten, myriad beverages were drunk and certain people, including Pony's boss Bill Kerr, made valedictory statements, some of them complimentary.

A long way to pass the salt

During the course of the evening, Pony was presented with an engraved crystal decanter and matching set of glasses.  He then gave a moving farewell speech in which he expressed his pride in having been a member of the MW Branch (although it was revealed that he had previously been a Gunner and a Regulator!) and his appreciation for all the good friendships he has developed over the years.  He has promised to stay in touch with his roots and we wish him well in his future career 'outside'. 

WO1(MW) Pete Mills presents Pony with his crystal decanter

and glasses

Well done to 'Pinta' Beer and Taff Reader for organising this joyful event.  More photos of proceedings are available on the Flickr website here.

19 Jan 12 - High Threat IEDD role in Afghanistan for RN Clearance Divers

It is an open secret in the Branch but the RN website contains this article and the Navy News website contains this article announcing the qualification of MCDOA member Al Nekrews and LS(D) Craig Waghorn in the High Threat (HT) Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) role.  They will be deploying to Afghanistan to work with the RLC's HT IEDD teams in due course.

LS(D) Craig Waghorn and Lt Cdr Al Nekrews

(RN photo by LA(Phot) Gaz Weatherston)

RN Clearance Divers have deployed to Afghanistan in an EOD role since 2002 but this is the first time they will work with the RLC in an HT IEDD capacity.  Many congratulations to both individuals for achieving the extremely demanding standards required.  Stay safe.

Postscript: The Portsmouth News published this article on 20 January.

18 Jan 12 - Pembroke’s crew raise the ship – and £1,300 to boot

The RN website contains this article and the Navy News website this article describing how ship's company members of HMS Pembroke in the Gulf lifted the equivalent weight of their ship in two hours to raise funds for the RN & RM Charity and Pembroke House.

HMS Pembroke's charity weight-lifters

(Navy News photo)

The physical challenge is over but the fund-raising continues.  Donations can still be made via:

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/hmspembroke.

17 Jan 12

MSMs for Andy Strickland and Sid Lawrence

Many congratulations to WO1(MW) Andy Strickland and PO(D) Sid Lawrence on their award of the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).  The latest Naval Service recipients are listed in the London Gazette here.

John Bevan's radio interview about the capsized cruise liner Costa Concordia

MCDOA member John Bevan's interview on the BBC (see postscript to entry for 16 Jan 12) about the difficulties and hazards likely to be experienced by the divers searching for survivors trapped inside the capsized cruise liner Costa Concordia can be heard again on iPlayer for the next seven days as the first item in 'The World Today' here.

16 Jan 12 - HDS Bunker update

MCDOA member Dr John Bevan, Chairman of the Historical Diving Society (HDS), has provided this update about the 'self-help' refurbishment and conversion of a WWII bunker in Gosport as the Society's library and repository for the Diving Museum's reserve collection:

"Alan Stillwell and John Towse complete the kitchen!

Today our new kitchen was commissioned!  The units, work-tops and sink unit came from Kevin Casey and John Towse.  The construction and plumbing was by Alan Stillwell, assisted by John Towse.  Ray Mabbs and the Electric Department Team installed the electrics.  I made the tea.

Left: Alan Stillwell in the kitchen 

Right: John Towse and Alan Stillwell

The kitchen in all its glory 

John Towse also built a kitchen unit which has been placed in the 'Office'.  John Dadd has bricked up an insecure window.  Martin Marks and Jim Thomson have boarded up window spaces.

Various small jobs remain and we do need a couple of doors and shelving.  I have a meeting with Hants County Council soon to see if they have any library furniture to spare. 

Coming soon

Re-arranging the Diving Museum exhibits.  Ann Bevan has computerised the layout in 3-D and optimised the distribution and layout.  Stand-by for further exciting announcements!

Here are some pics following the BIG MOVE on Thursday 12 Jan!  Thanks to Barry Jackson's Bourke's Removals and a hearty gang including (but not limited to) Ray Mabbs, John Millerchip, Graham Mellors, Paul Beard, Martin Hill, Rob Hoole, John Dadd, Alan Stillwell, John Towse, Ann Bevan, Jim Thomson and Bourke's employees Kim Shipp and Malcolm Janiec for the huge effort of humping the kit into the truck and back out again at the Bunker.

Left: Bookcase carcases but few shelves in the Lecture Room/Library

Right: The Office

What was previously the toilet 

The Reading Room 

Wish list

Hardwood shelves for book cases (905mm x 282mm)

Worktop for work bench

More carpeting

Two doors for lecture room/library

Short bannister

Clothes hooks for cloakroom  

More chances to join in the fun at the Bunker on Wednesday 18 and Saturday 21 Jan from 1100 each day.

John B"

If you feel able to help in any way, please contact John via this email address or call him on 07802 785050.  You don't have to be an HDS member to get involved.    

Post script:  I happened to be listening to the BBC World Service in the wee small hours of Tuesday morning (17 Jan) and heard John Bevan being interviewed as Chairman of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT)'s Diving Committee about the difficulties likely to be experienced by the divers searching for survivors trapped inside the capsized cruise liner Costa Concordia:

Guardian 17 Jan 2012: Costa Concordia: divers blow holes in cruise liner

15 Jan 12 - RN Diving Heritage: Hall Rees submarine escape helmet

A few days ago, I spotted this message on the World Naval Ships Forums website:

"I have a submarine (RN) escape helmet from about 1910/1911 that we found when I was a small boy and we knocked the outside lav down (we have no idea how it got there in the first place, although the village [Noss Mayo] was popular with naval officers based at Devonport).

I offered it to the Submarine Museum and initially they wanted it, but have now changed their minds saying they already have one in better condition.  So I'm now not sure what is best to do with it.  Any ideas?"

I immediately identified the object as a Hall Rees helmet which is described in this excerpt from the fifth edition of 'Deep Diving & Submarine Operations' by Sir Robert H Davies, the Managing Director of Siebe, Gorman & Co Ltd of London (London: St Catherine Press Ltd, 1951):

The entire apparatus is shown here when configured as a shallow water diving dress:

Hall Rees apparatus configured for shallow water diving

I have since put the owner of the helmet, an individual called Chris Shepherd, in contact with MCDOA member Dr John Bevan, the Chairman of the Historical Diving Society (HDS).  As a result, Chris has kindly consented to have this significant piece of naval diving history exhibited in the society's Diving Museum at Stokes Bay on an open-ended basis.  Once former FCPO(D) John Dadd and ex-CDs Jim 'Tommo' Thomson and Mike O'Meara have polished it up, I am sure it will make a superb addition to the RN section when the museum re-opens in the Spring.

14 Jan 12

Falklands 30

The latest newsletter from Maritime Books contains this announcement:

"In 2012 it will be 30 years since the Falklands conflict took place.  To mark this anniversary the Fleet Air Arm Museum is planning a new exhibition which will not only look again at the events of the spring and summer of 1982 but also tell the stories of those who served in the conflict, the families they left at home and the experiences of the Falkland Islanders.

To help present the human side of this military campaign as clearly and effectively as possible they need to have those personal stories - the voices of individuals on whom the conflict had the greatest impact.  They are asking if you are interested in:

a) providing one abiding memory you might have of the conflict - this might be to do with the military campaign itself or it might be something not directly connected to military operations but that is indelibly linked in your memory to the period of the conflict; 

b) being recorded so that your reminiscences are added to our oral history archive but might also be used in the exhibition; and  

c) letting them know of any objects or material of interest they might have from that time that you would be willing to loan to the museum for the duration of the exhibition (about 1 year) 

If any of you would like to be involved in this exhibition in this way then if you would contact Susan Dearing, in the first instance by email at falklands30@fleetairarm.com, she would be very pleased to hear from you."

Let's make sure that the achievements of the Minewarfare & Clearance Diving branch (see The Forgotten Few of the Falklands in the website's Dit Box) are properly represented.  Over to you.

January Navy News

The January issue of Navy News, containing several items of MCD interest, can be downloaded here.  

13 Jan 12 - Appointment of MCDOA President as Aide-de-Camp to the Queen

Commodore Paddy McAlpine OBE ADC

I was delighted to receive this welcome news from MCDOA President Paddy McAlpine today:

"Dear Rob,

Happy New Year.  

Thank you for announcing my new appointment as COMUKTG on the MCDOA Website [see entry for 15 Nov 11 in News Archive 36].  I had another bit of good news today; I've been appointed as an Aide-de-Camp to HM The Queen.  I'm utterly delighted with the way my career is panning out and could not have foreseen any of this.  All I wanted to do when I joined the Service was to become a Clearance Diver - everything else is a bonus!

v/r,

Paddy"

To the best of my knowledge, Paddy is the first ever MCD officer to be appointed an ADC to the Queen.  I know that all MCDOA members, and many others in our community, will join me in extending him our warmest congratulations on this singular honour.

Incidentally, Paddy features in this article on the RN website describing meetings between Britain’s amphibious force commanders and their European counterparts to discuss major exercises that will see the Royal Navy committed from the Arctic to the Mediterranean in 2012.

12 Jan 12 - The Historical Diving Society's 'Big Move'

Today saw the 'big move' of the Historical Diving Society (HDS)'s reserve collection and other paraphernalia from the Diving Museum at Stokes Bay to the newly refurbished ex-WWII bunker in The Avenue, Gosport which is destined to become the HDS's Library and repository for extraneous artefacts.  The move took two trips in Barry Jackson's 30-foot removals lorry.

Left: Barry's lorry waiting outside the Diving Museum

Right: Barry in his lorry

Loading the lorry started off easily enough with several crates of gear and odd h.p. gas bottles but larger items like bookshelves and cabinets posed more of a problem negotiating the main door of the museum.

Left: Loading the lorry starts easily enough

Right: Larger items prove more difficult

After a while, John Bevan's wife Ann brought us all some cups of tea and coffee from the Bayside Cabin next door, bless her.  Apart from Barry Jackson, our working party comprised Paul Beard, Ann Bevan, Martin Hill, Rob Hoole, Malcolm Janiec, Ray Mabbs, Graham Mellor, Kimm Shipp and ex-CD Jim 'Tommo' Thomson.  We were joined later by former FCPO(D) John Dadd who had missed the emailed OPORDER but was alerted by his wife who had spotted our activity while passing.  Before moving off for our first trip, we had a team photo taken with Ann providing the eye candy.

Left: A tea-break for the team (Yours Truly was behind the camera)

Right: Ann poses with the team (Bourke's or Berks?)

At the bunker, HDS Chairman and MCDOA member Dr John Bevan was waiting to supervise the stowage of items from the museum.  The lorry soon arrived and unloading began in earnest.  John thought it prudent to inform Gosport police that the lorry would be spending some time parked in the restricted area outside the adjacent school so Barry Jackson gave him a telephone number off the top of his head.  However, when the phone was answered, it transpired that the Gosport branch of Boots the Chemist wasn't that interested.

Left: John Bevan and the team await the arrival of the lorry

Right: There it is! 

Left: Unloading begins

Right: John Dadd and John Bevan stacking some of the crates 

It was then back to the museum for the second load.  Ann wanted some of the exhibits moved around and inevitably some horseplay occurred.

Left: A tricky customer is made to come quietly

Right: An impromptu trial of the Dräger one-man chamber

It was then back to the bunker again to unload a second time.

Above and below: Surplus artefacts and furniture in their new location

although there is still considerable sorting out to be done

Ex-RNPL staff members John Towse and John Bevan

looking satisfied with the end result 

There will be more opportunities to join in the fun at the Bunker on Sunday 15, Monday 16, Wednesday 18 and Saturday 21 January from 1100 each day.  Watch this space for news of further HDS Museum working days needing your help if you live in the Portsmouth & Gosport area. 

11 Jan 12 - RN Minewarfare Heritage: CPO(Ops)(MW) Wilfred Phillips BEM RNR

CPO(Ops)(MW) Wilfred Phillips BEM RNR

A couple of days ago, I received this email concerning the above individual and his award of the BEM (British Empire Medal) in the 1983 Queen's Birthday Honours:

"I see you have my husband on your listing of Post WW II Awards for RN Minewarfare, Clearance Diving and EOD but without any information.  I have the citation and any other details you may like.  Please let me know if you would like me to e-mail the details to you.

Ann Phillips"

I informed Ann that I would be delighted to receive any further information about her husband and she sent back this reply:

"Hello Rob,

I have attached some photos in case you want to use them.  The citation reads:

Wilfred Phillips receiving his BEM from Vice Admiral

Sir David Brown KBE at HMS Flying Fox in 1983

He first joined Severn Division (RNVR as it was in those days) on 21st Jan 1954 until he finished his apprenticeship & was called for National Service.  He was in the RN from 4th Nov 1957 until 31 May 1959.  He trained at Vernon and served aboard HMS Carysfort as a TAS rating from 4th Mar 1958 until 13 Jan 1959.  He then transferred to HMS Scarborough until 28th Apr 1959.  He then came back to Bath & rejoined HMS Flying Fox at Bristol until 17th Oct 1990. 

Wilf is still alive although with a few health problems.  I don't mind if you feature him in your Latest News page.  By the way, the RN connection still survives in the family.  Our eldest son, Ian, is now a Commander currently serving in Kabul!   Two of our other children also joined the Forces, although the RAF!  (My Dad served in the RAF in WWII).  Clare was also in Afghanistan with Ian in the summer, although in Camp Bastion.  She is a Chief Tech.  Andrew was an Armourer injured in the first Gulf war and unfortunately is now a War Pensioner.

Let me know if you feature Wilf.

Ann"

I have now amended Wilf's entry in the Post WW II Awards for RN Minewarfare, Clearance Diving and EOD section of the website and informed Ann accordingly.

10 Jan 12 - Tearful farewell as HMS Ledbury is first navy ship to leave in 2012

The Portsmouth News contains this article describing yesterday's departure of HMS Ledbury for a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2).  The article features the last-minute pierhead jump of clearance diver Tom Hilder from Horsea Island to replace an injured member of the ship's company.

9 Jan 12 - HMS Ledbury opens the Royal Navy’s account for 2012

The Portsmouth News website contains this article, the RN website this article and the Navy News website this article announcing today's departure from Portsmouth of HMS Ledbury for a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2).  She is due to pass the Round Tower at around 1530 this afternoon.

Fair winds and calm seas to LED and her ship's company.

HMS Ledbury exiting 2 Basin in Portsmouth

(Navy News library photo by LA(Phot) Dave Jenkins)

7 Jan 12 - Progress report on Historical Diving Society's bunker

HDS Chairman and MCDOA associate member Dr John Bevan has provided this progress report on the Second World War bunker in Gosport, destined to become the Historical Diving Society's (HDS) library and winter repository for perishable artefacts from the Diving Museum at Stokes Bay:

"I attach a few pics of the Bunker as of yesterday.  The Kitchen is presently under construction (thanks to Alan Stillwell) and more carpeting is expected soon from Barry Jackson.  The naming of the rooms is provisional. 

Office

Left: Cloakroom

Right: Store 1

Left: Library

Right: Reading Room 

We are especially proud of the new hand rail donated and installed by John Dadd.  It's the second thing you can do with an old boat-hook!  What have you got in your loft/garage that would be useful in the Bunker?!

Handrail on steps leading down

into bunker 

A detailed survey was carried out by Mike Fardell and Nigel Phillips on Thursday and I'm delighted to report that it met with their approval.

Next playtime is Sunday 8 Jan at 1000 then 10, 12 and 15 Jan.  At 1000 on Thursday 12 January, the BIG MOVE will happen.  Barry Jackson is kindly providing a 30-foot removals truck to help us move the stored material from the Museum to the bunker.  This will involve carrying bits out of the Museum, loading them on the truck and unloading them at the bunker.  Many hands make light work!  So hope to see you there if you can spare the time.  We now have lots of kitchen components donated by Kevin Casey and John Towse.

John B"

If you feel able to help in any way, please contact John Bevan via this email address or call him on 07802 785050.

Incidentally, members of the Historical Diving Society's Northern Working Equipment Group will feature in tomorrow's episode about diving in BBC2's fascinating TV series To Boldly Go which can be viewed again here on iPlayer until 2200 on Sunday 22 January 2012.  The programme description states:

"Doctor Kevin Fong sets out to discover how unsuited human biology is to living on much of the planet - and how we have developed the technology to let us survive there.

In this first programme, about how to survive underwater, Dr Fong escapes from a sinking helicopter, walks through a tank of sharks in an antique diving suit and intentionally gives himself nitrogen narcosis.

We have one fundamental problem with water - we can only survive under its surface for as long as we can make one breath of air last. But the way our bodies respond can dramatically alter how long we can make that breath last - a fact graphically demonstrated by Kevin's attempt to escape from the Royal Navy's helicopter escape trainer. As it is plunged into the water and turned upside down, the body's response is to activate its fight or flight response, preparing it for sudden action, but limiting the time he can hold his breath to just 25 seconds. It's long enough to make it back to the surface - but only just.

Travelling to Egypt, Kevin meets Sara Campbell - a champion free-diver, who can hold her breath for over five minutes and dive to depths of nearly 100m. However, to really explore the depths, we need to turn to technology. In an aquarium in Cheshire, Kevin tries one of the oldest diving technologies - a 'Standard Dress' diving suit - with brass helmet and boots. These suits allowed divers to work deep underwater for long periods of time - but they came with a downside - a terrible industrial disease that saw divers coming to the surface contorted or paralysed. To demonstrate its causes, Kevin climbs into a decompression chamber to subject himself to the sort of pressure divers experience." 

This entertaining and informative programme contains some fabulous underwater photography and is highly recommended.

6 Jan 12

Royal Navy’s Gulf presence is key to global trade says Defence Secretary

The Royal Navy website contains this article describing the Defence Secretary's pledge to maintain a continued RN presence east of Suez to keep the sea lanes open for trade with particular regard to the Strait of Hormuz.  The article features the four-strong force of RN minehunters based at Bahrain for the past five years, currently the Sandown class vessels HMS Ramsey and HMS Pembroke and the Hunt class vessels HMS Middleton and HMS Quorn.

Two Sandowns in the Gulf

(RN website photo)

As the Commanding Officer of the then brand new Hunt class MHSC HMS Berkeley (now HS Kallisto in the Greek Navy) deployed in the Gulf on Operation ARMILLA ACCOMPLICE at the tail end of the Iran-Iraq 'Tanker War' in 1988/89, I feel a certain déjà vu about the current situation.  These are some of the House of Commons written answers on Defence recorded in Hansard on 10 November 1987: 

Commons Sitting of 10 November 1987 Series 6 Vol. 122

Oral Answers to Questions

Minesweepers

3. Mr. Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many minesweepers or mine countermeasure vessels are immediately available for service within British territorial waters.

Mr. Ian Stewart: There are currently 40 mine counter measures vessels, including minesweepers, in service with the Fleet of which 33 are operational or engaged in preparing for service or trials or training.  Except for the four Hunt class MCMVs attached to the Armilla patrol, all these 33 vessels are available for NATO and national tasks within European waters in the normal way.

Persian Gulf

14. Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the arrangements for co-operation between the Royal Navy and other Western navies in the Gulf.

Mr. Ian Stewart: Satisfactory arrangements have been developed, both locally and between capitals, for co-operation.  Although the Royal Navy's Armilla patrol remains a wholly national operation, the United Kingdom is committed to close co-ordination with other Western navies also working to preserve international freedom of navigation on Gulf waters.

31. Mr. Andy Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Royal Navy's mineclearing operations in the Gulf.

Mr. Ian Stewart: Four Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels with afloat support arrived in the Gulf area in mid-September.  They have carried out mine clearance operations at Fujairah, where they detected and destroyed five mines [laid by Iran], and off Dubai.  They are currently involved in a further mine clearance operation off Qatar.

34. Ms. Primarolo: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of British units and ships currently serving in the Gulf area and their length of service there to date.

Mr. Ian Stewart: It is not our general policy to give details of the operational deployments of Royal Navy ships.  However, I can say that there are currently three destroyers-frigates, four mine counter-measures vessels and their afloat support in the area of the Gulf.  Royal Navy ships have been serving in the area as part of the Armilla patrol since 1980; the MCMVs supporting the patrol arrived in the area in mid-September.  Although there are no British military units currently in the Gulf area, a number of loan service personnel are serving in various countries in the region.

Armilla Patrol

47. Mr. Harry Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many merchant ships the Royal Navy's Armilla patrol has accompanied through the Straits of Hormuz since the start of the current year.

Mr. Ian Stewart: Up to the beginning of this month, the Armilla patrol has accompanied approximately 300 British merchant ships through the Straits of Hormuz this year.

A book called 'No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf' by Bradley Peniston describes the events of the period in vivid detail.  These include the Iraqi air-to-surface Exocet attack on the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate USS Stark on 17 May 1987, the mining of the US-flagged supertanker Bridgeton during Operation EARNEST WILL on 24 Jul 1987, the capture of the Iranian minelaying landing craft Iran Ajr on 22 Sep 1987, the mining of the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts on 14 April 1988 and the subsequent retribution exacted by US naval forces on Iranian forces and infrastructure during Operation PRAYING MANTIS on 18 April 1988.

The Iran Ajr after her capture by

US Marines on 22 Sep 1987

NDG deals with 'bombs' found at farm in Scotland

The Kilmarnock Standard website contains this article describing the disposal of two items of unexploded ordnance found on a farm near Symington in South Ayrshire by members of the Faslane-based Northern Diving Group (NDG). 

5 Jan 12 - SDU1 gets ready for the Olympics

The Plymouth Herald contains this article describing the involvement of Plymouth-based Southern Diving Unit 1 (SDU1) in the security operation for the 2012 Olympics and features OIC Lee Beeching, CPO(D) Mike Kasapi and PO(D) Mac McPherson.  In fact, this task will keep much of the Fleet Diving Squadron (FDS) even busier than usual between June and September this year.

1 Jan 12 - A 'hauling down message' from Lt Cdr Paul 'Taff' Sweeney RANR

Lt Cdr Paul 'Taff' Sweeney RANR

I sent Taff Sweeney an email to congratulate him on his 50 years in naval uniform; 24 years RN and 26 years RAN (see entry for 28 Dec 11) and asked him for a few words for his friends 'back home'.  He has been kind enough to send this reply:

"Rob,

Thank you for your email.  As the festive season draws to an end, I am trying to catch up with all my unanswered messages after my farewell on Friday the 9th of December 2011.  The occasion will remain with Maggie and me forever as a day which, while unexpected, was greatly appreciated.  Admiral Russ Crane as MC did a great job.  However, three hours of stories and presentations, including extracts from my 'Blue Jacket', raised a few eyebrows.

Taff being presented with one of several mementos of his service

With regard to my combined service in uniform, I remember joining HMS GANGES Annex on 2 January 1962 aged 15 (birthday 3 October 1946).  However, my Service Record shows me signing up on 8 January 1962, one week later.  I continued service until Friday 3 January 1986, joining the Royal Australian Navy on Saturday 4 January 1986 at Australia House in London.  I have continued full time service without a break and will retire on 8 January 2012 (50 years and one day of continuous service).

As for a Hauling Down Message, well, here goes:  After serving continuously for 50 years in the Royal and Australian Navies (45 as a Clearance Diver) my body tells me that it is time to retire.  Although in my heart I would like to stay, a Clearance Diver's job in any Navy is for young men.  The close friendships and many acquaintances I have made will never be forgotten and, hopefully, I will be able to recognise past acquaintances when bumping into them as Maggie and I travel the world.  After leaving HMS Ganges, I was fortunate to serve in the  Mediterranean for two years as a Junior Seaman in a Ton Class Minesweeper.  This one posting taught me the basics of Seamanship and how to be an effective sailor, traits that have served me exceptionally well especially during my CD2, POCD and MCDO Courses.  Marrying a Chief Dental WREN as a Leading Seaman (together now for 42 years), completing my Clearance Diving Courses and graduating from Britannia Naval College were the highlights of my RN career.  Three Flag Officer commendations for Diving and EOD jobs and serving in at least eight or nine Ton Class MCMV's from Junior Seaman to Lieutenant comes a close second.

Maggie and Taff Sweeney flanked by Lt Cdr Russ Crawford and

VA Russ Crane who both served as exchange officers in the

Minewarfare Section at HMS Vernon during the 1980s

After completing a three-year exchange with the Royal Australian Navy at the RAN Diving School HMAS PENGUIN in Sydney as the Diving Training Officer, the attractions of this marvellous country were enough to entice us back to Australia and a new lease on life.  Command of HMAS PROTECTOR and periods as Officer-in-Charge of the RAN Diving and Leadership & Management Schools made the transition definitely worthwhile.  One posting overseas to the Pacific Island of Samoa for 12 months gave both Maggie and me a new outlook on life that will forever remain with us.  My last few years have been as 2I/C of the RAN Diving School where, hopefully, I have contributed a little to improving the quality of Clearance Divers graduating at all levels while overseeing the design and re-build of the Diving School at HMAS PENGUIN.

Farewell to all.

United and Undaunted!

Lieutenant Commander D.P. Sweeney (Taff)

RANR"

Postscript: I am grateful to MCDOA member Cdr Jake Linton BEM RAN for drawing my attention to these wonderful photos of Taf'f's retirement ceremony on the RAN Media Library website.

Post Postscript: I have managed to unearth this old photo of LMCDO '79 from among the dust in the attic.  See if you can spot Taff and identify his fellow course members, one of whom is a past-President of the MCDOA:

Vintage photo of LMCDO '79 at HMS Vernon

31 Dec 11 - GOD (Grumpy Old Divers) Squad returns

From MCDOA member Mike Welford in Australia:

"Rob,

On a lighter note, please be advised that some ex-RN and ex-RAN MCDOs are STILL diving.  See this extract from the Cebu Chronicle and enjoy.  

May we all have a more prosperous New Year in 2012.

Mike" 

GOD (Grumpy Old Divers) squad returns from diving in Malacapascua

"Two ex-Naval Officers, one Leading Stoker, a Sergeant parachute rigger and three Civvies (with an average age of 63) returned today from Malapascua, a small island off Cebu Province in the Philippines.  The seven Grumpy Old Divers (GOD), masquerading as defrocked priests, wreaked havoc on the island and surrounds for nearly eleven days with their bawdy songs, heavy drinking and womanising (the latter in their dreams).  We are advised that, far from being frightened by the outlandish behaviour, the locals were greatly amused and even asked them to return the next year as they had contributed so much to the island’s economy in terms of finance and footwear.

Tony, Phil, Mike (Welford), Dive Mistress Sheelagh, Dive Master

Jules, John, Robert, Boat Skipper, Graham (Sharp Paul) and Don

Luckily there were few casualities to the priests and the environment as the local thresher sharks, in particular, had been warned of the impending visit and, despite getting up at zero five tinkle ringbolt every day to view these monsters, the sharks were able to remain invisible until the penultimate day of their visit. 

The Dive Masters and Mistresses supervising the dives were greatly frustrated in the early stages of the dives as, when various amazing and colourful aquatic species were pointed out to some of the defrocked priests, the latter showed little or no interest!  Eventually it was ascertained that very few of the priests could see anything less than an inch long and, if much below 10 to 15 feet, they could not discern colours.  After this initial misunderstanding, priests and Dive Masters got along quite well.  Whilst most members of the GOD squad were happy to dive to 100 feet, one intrepid (decrepit?) priest had to crack the 100 meters.

Whilst these cats were away, the mice did play and those spouses in the Canberra Region took off for the highlands around Mount Kosciusko taking in the scenery and shopping to their hearts content.

(From our correspondent in Malapascua, a recently retired journalist from the News of the World.  Any hacking into mobile phones for this report is emphatically denied and if proven was caused by a slip of the finger when dialling.)"

30 Dec 11 - Death of Master Chief Petty Officer Patrick (Pat) Warren USN

More bad news, I'm afraid.  Ex-CD1 Perry Mason has asked me to publish this announcement:

"It is with great sadness I have to report the death of Master Chief Petty Officer Patrick (Pat) Warren USN.  Pat was the exchange Master Chief Petty Officer at DEODS back in 1978.  He was a master joker and an amiable host to all who passed through DEODS back in that time frame.  I know that John Meakin, Tug Wilson, Terry Settle and John Dadd (to name a few) knew him well.

According to his wife Carol, he had been ill for some time and went into hospital with flu-like symptoms.  It was later found that his heart was only working at 5% and he was put into hospice care at the weekend.  He finally succumbed to his illness at 4:40 on Thursday 29 December 2011.  Carol has asked that I provide her contact details.  I will also post the funeral information as soon as I know it.

Perry"

I am sure all members of the RN minewarfare and diving community will join me in extending our commiserations to Pat's widow Carol.  I can provide her contact details on request.

Postscript: The Zanesville Post Recorder published this obituary on 31 December 2011.

29 Dec 11

Death of Lt Cdr Tim Trounson MBE RN

I regret to report the sad news that MCDOA member Tim Trounson (LCDO '63 and MW Conversion during LMCDO '70) succumbed to cancer on Christmas Day at the age of 74.  I was informed by fellow MCDOA member Bruce MacKay this morning.  Tim's wife Pat passed away in March this year.

LCDO '63 Course Photo

Members of LMCDO '70 at the Annual Dinner in November 2005

(Tim Paul, the late Tim Trounson, Alan Padwick (Boss),

the late Terry Digges, David Cartlidge and Martyn Holloway)

A cremation will take place on 10 January in the presence of family but a Thanksgiving Service will be held at The Minster Church in Warminster, Wilts on Saturday 28 January at 1400.  Family flowers only, donations to RNLI.  All will be welcome afterwards at the Weymouth Arms, Emwell Street, Warminster, BA12 8JA.  Enquiries to F Curtis & Son, 01985 212033.

Tim Curd, Stu Harper and the late Tim Trounson chatting with

MCDOA Chairman Chris Baldwin at the AGM in November 2010

I have conveyed my condolences to Tim's son Jonathan.  I am sure all members of the RN minewarfare and diving community will join me in extending our deep sympathy to Tim's family on their sad losses this year.

Postscript: The Times published this obituary and the Daily Telegraph published this obituary on 30 December 2011.

From John O'Driscoll MBE (LCDO '65):

"Rob,

So sad to see the loss of one of the old brigade.  Always great company and a real character.

I shall attend the service if I possibly can.

Yours Aye,

John O'D"

From Cyril Lafferty (LCDO '63):

"Rob, Peter et al,

Tim, Bruce McKay, Ted Stratton, Tony Sanee and I were all on the same CDO Course (before the M was added).  None of us has been very good at keeping in touch, probably my fault.  But the sad news of Tim's death also brings many good memories.

I hope the Memorial Service goes well and I am sorry I will not be able to attend as I will be abroad.

Cyril"

From MCDOA Honorary Teasurer Richard 'Soapy' Watson:

"Rob,

Very sad news!  I have met Tim a couple of times over the years - a great loss! 

I will make the arrangements for a donation from the association to the RNLI.

Kind Regards,

Soapy"

From Jon Riches in France (LMCDO '66):

"Rob,

How very sad. I never actually served with Tim but had many dealings with him when I was OIC of the Western Fleet CD Team and he was Boss of the FOSNI team.  I also had dealings with him when I was in DNW in the MOD.  He was always unfailingly helpful and cheerful and he will be a sad loss to the MCD community and also to the MCDOA where he was very supportive member.

I will certainly make every effort to make the Memorial Service.

Jon"

From John Lang (LMCDO '66):

"Rob,

How very sad.  Have not seen Tim in a number of years.  We served together in Safeguard, Scotland many moons ago.  He was also Godfather to one of my sons.

Please pass on my condolences.

John"

From Peter Waddington (LCDO '64)

"Rob,

Very sad news about Tim.  Yet another contemporary gone.  He relieved me as MCM1's SMCDO and XO of ABDIEL, apart from which we only occasionally crossed paths, except socially, while serving.  He was, however, also one of my Dartmouth term-mates, so acquaintance goes back a very long way, and we hailed each other as friends when we did meet.

If you are able to pass on individual condolences to Jonathan, please do so on my behalf.  Doubly sad that he should lose both his parents in the same year.

Regards,

Peter"

From Mike Welford in Australia (LMCDO '71):

"Rob,

Thanks for the terribly sad news about Tim.  Should you make it to the funeral, please convey my thoughts to Jonathan.

It was only after leaving the RN that I discovered we both went to the same school (Blundell’s) when I attended an OB reunion in Tiverton for our 400th on one of my many Government-paid visits to England whilst in the RAN (must have been 2004?)  I did not know him well whilst in the RN, but found him to be a really nice guy, with a great sense of humour.  Somewhere, I still have a picture of us in the original school grounds (no doubt planning some scurrilous affair to take the Mick out of the Chairman of the event... an RM Brigadier!).  Although we did not communicate regularly, I had heard from him in the last few years but I was not aware of any problems and subsequently lost e-mail connection due to system problems.

Naturally we will not be able to attend but we will be there in spirit.

Best wishes for a better year in 2012.

Mike"

From Martyn Holloway (LMCDO '70):

"Tim was always good fun to be around.  He joined LMCDO '70 for his MW conversion along with such stalwarts as Bob Pilling, Piggy Page and Les Maynard.  One day we flew up to RAF Brawdy in a Pussers Heron so that the Course could visit RNAD Milford Haven.  After a tedious time visiting one cavernous magazine full of mines after another we were asked if there was anything we should like to do or see again.  Tim piped up and asked whether we could have another ride on the train that serviced the depot.  Up to that point that had been the highlight of the day.  

It is a sad day and I shall miss him.

Martyn"

From Dan Nicholson (LMCDO '70):

"Rob,

Many thanks for your information.  Poor old Tim - one of life's 'proper officers'.

Regards,

Dan"

From Geoff Goodwin (LMCDO '74):

"Hi Rob,

I was very sorry to hear about Tim Trounson.  I did not know him well but nonetheless found him to always be friendly and often the life and soul of any party. 

Please pass on my condolences to his family.

Regards,

Geoff Goodwin"

From Alan Padwick OBE (Course Officer for LMCDO '70):

"Dear Rob,

Thank you for letting us all know.  My first appointment after Dartmouth was to relieve Tim as Correspondence and Gunnery officer of HMS Stubbington.  I am very sorry to hear the news.

Alan Padwick"

Yachting Monthly's Crash Test Boat

As a yachtsman, I was intrigued by this article in the Portsmouth News describing the transport of the 1982 Jeanneau Sun Fizz ketch 'Fizzical' from Hamble Point Marina to London’s ExCeL where it will be displayed at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show next year.  The article states that the yacht, used by Yachting Monthly to promote safety awareness, was blown up by the Royal Navy off the Isle of Wight to demonstrate the effects of a gas explosion on board.  Mistakenly thinking that the Fleet Diving Squadron was involved, I found this article on the Admiral Boat Insurance website together with this graphic video of the event: 

28 Dec 11 - Taff Sweeney retires after 50 years in uniform

The RAN Clearance Diving Association website's Notice Board contains an article describing the retirement of ex-RN MCDO Lt Cdr Dennis 'Taff' Sweeney RAN after 50 years in naval uniform (24 years RN and 26 years RAN).  He was presented with a parting gift by MCDOA honorary member Vice Admiral Russ Crane, former Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, at a ceremony held at the RAN Diving School in HMAS Penguin on 9 December 2011.

Taff Sweeney being presented with a memento of his service

by Vice Admiral Russ Crane

(RAN Clearance Diving Association photo)

I am sure that all members of the RN minewarfare & diving community will join me in wishing Taff a long and happy retirement.

24 Dec 11

Navy captain makes time to mark day

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article describing Christmas Day plans for HMS Pembroke in the Gulf.

Christmas won’t be the same without seeing my three kids’

Ian Geraghty

Today's Portsmouth News also contains this article featuring MCDOA member Ian Geraghty who is participating in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race on board Geraldton Western Australia.  The fleet departed from Southport Yacht Club, New South Wales on Australia's Gold Coast today for its next leg to Singapore.

Ian Geraghty on board Geraldton WA

(Don't ask me about the fetching pink dress!)

Ian left Southampton on 31 July and our thoughts are with all those who will be away from their families this Christmas, particularly members of the Royal Navy's minewarfare & diving community.

23 Dec 11 - UK visit by David Honour

Yesterday I at last had the pleasure of meeting David Honour, nephew of Lt Cdr Stuart 'Jazz' Honour MBE RN (see entry for 10 Jun 10 in News Archive 30), while he was visiting the UK from working in Mauritius although he lives in South Africa.  He was accompanied by his sister Lynne, a resident of Ashtead in Surrey, and we rendezvoused in the Old Customs House pub at Gunwharf Quays, formerly the Captain's offices in HMS Vernon.

David Honour and his sister Lynne

David was particularly keen to pass me letters written by his uncle during his eventful naval career and the handover took place in what had once been Vernon's typing pool:

David Honour hands over his uncle's correspondence

After lunch, I showed David and Lynne around Gunwharf Quays and we paused near a collecting box which Peter Emery, the Centre Director, has kindly had installed for donations towards the Project Vernon monument intended to commemorate the minewarfare & diving heritage of the site.  We put a few bob into the box but donations can also be made online via the Project's Virgin Giving webpage here.

David and Lynne flanking the Project Vernon collection box

Artist's impression of the Project Vernon monument when in situ

Before going our separate ways, a passing stranger was kind enough to take this photo of our trio in front of one of the Mk 17 moored mines on display at Gunwharf Quays.

Rob Hoole with David Honour and his sister Lynne

Postscript:

I have since received this from Stuart Honour's nephew, David:

"Hi Rob,

Well I’m back in the tropics again now, a little different to the temperature we had at Gunwharf Quays, it was 36 degrees when I was in Port Louis earlier today.   Thank you so much for meeting Lynne and I last month and showing us around the old HMS Vernon sites; we both thoroughly enjoyed the day out.

I’ve attached the photos we took handing over Uncle Stuart’s letters for you to add to the website if you want.  I hope the letters have been of interest and would appreciate to know when you pass them on to the Royal Navy Museum eventually.

All the very best for 2012.

Dave Honour

P.S. Interesting to see that Uncle Stuart gets in the photo of the article dated 29 December 2011.  Just can’t seem to keep him out of the limelight! "

I have also received this from Stuart Honour's neice, Lynne:

"Yes, I noticed that.  At first I thought it was part of our article but then realised Uncle Stuart’s picture had sneaked in to another two!  

I must say I was impressed with the detail and scope of the newsletter – now I can see why it keeps you so occupied.  Got rather carried away reading it then realised I ought to get on with some work!  

Thank you so much for taking time out to show us around.  I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up a bit more history and finally getting to see Gunwharf Quays but I am still not sure about the aesthetic qualities of that huge crane!!!

Lynne"

22 Dec 11 - Re-enactment of Second World War Rendering Mines Safe (RMS)

A few days ago I received this unusual request for information:

"Dear Rob,

I hope you don't mind me contacting you like this but I am desparately trying to find technical information about rendering safe German magnetic/acoustic mines (LMA/LMB). [Designated GD and GC respectively by the British.]

I am a teacher with a keen interest in naval issues during WW2 and have found myself getting involved in re-enacting.  Having read many books on this subject and found Noel Cashford's story and books inspiring, I have gone about re-creating a scenario where I render safe a replica parachute mine as an RNVR officer.  I have been invited to display at Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower next April when they are having a 1940s weekend.  [If Tony looks at the interactive displays in the museum's Mining Hall, he may see a familiar bearded, bespectacled face.]

I have tried very hard to make this as realistic as possible, except the big bang!  However, I have really struggled to find technical details beyond the accounts and descriptions given by officers of the day.  I would particulary like to read and perhaps copy the RN manuals on this topic.  Noel has mentioned them several times in his book.  Also the internal details are very scarce: what did a detonator look like; what was the bakelite cover like; how many wires, etc?  All of this information would help make my scenario more accurate.

It was whilst reading Noel's last book that I suddenly twigged that I had read posts from you on the World Naval Ships Forum relating to Cdr Ouvry and though I might perhaps try contacting you.  If you are interested I can send you a few pictures of the replica mine and perhaps we can discuss further sources of information.

Again, many thanks for your time and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Kind regards,

Tony Boyle"

I sent Tony some of the information he wanted and received this in reply:

"Dear Rob,

Thank you so much for the information you have sent me. I wasn’t expecting it so quickly.  I will set about printing it out and reading through it.

Thanks for you reference to Steve Venus’ website.  I have been in touch with Steve who has been incredibly useful.  He provided me with some photographs which enabled me to get the detail necessary to make a replica of the VzZ34 fuze which I use in my demonstration:

This is the replica of the LMB [GC] mine I have made:

I have found people at the events where I demonstrate this RMS procedure are very interested.  Most are totally unaware of the danger mines represented and the vital role the Royal Navy played in making them safe.  I often get people who have childhood memories of wartime bombing come up and talk about their experiences and recount encounters with these mines.  The most rewarding experience was a young boy who came up and shook my hand thanking me for telling him about these events and the people involved.  I do find it a very gratifying experience to keep the memory of those brave men going.  

As I said earlier I have read widely period accounts.  Strangely, I just started reading ‘Mines over Malta’ this morning only to find you had written the preface!  However, these moving accounts are generally lacking detail of the technical information.  For example, I have yet to find a picture of the primer used in these mines which was behind the sprung release mechanism, I have not found a picture of the detonator on the opposite side and its wiring which was beneath the Bakelite cover, etc.  These are the sorts of things I hope to find to make the demonstration more accurate.  Secondly I hope to research the rendering safe procedures in better detail.

Steve sent me a couple of pages from a manual but ideally I would like more information on this area too. Have you ever come across the manual below?  There are three parts 3, 3a and 3b I think. If you know of a copy is there any way I could view it?

So again, many thanks for your time and effort and hope to meet you sometime.  

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,

Kind regards,

Tony"

Tony's re-enctment should take place at the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport on Saturday 14 April during a 'Spirit of the 40s' weekend.  Is there anyone out there who can help him further with his quest for information? 

20 Dec 11 - Pembroke says konnichiwa and howdy on exercises in the Gulf

The Navy News website contains this article describing Exercise UNIFIED SHIELD in the Gulf involving HMS Pembroke, HMS Ramsey and HMS Quorn with the US Navy minehunters USS Gladiator and USS Dextrous and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force minehunter JDS Tsushima and minesweeper support ship JDS Uraga.

US and Japanese ships trail HMS Pembroke out of Bahrain

(Navy News photo)

19 Dec 11 - December Navy News

The December issue of Navy News, containing several items of MCD interest, can be downloaded here.  

17 Dec 11 - Minehunters battle through Gulf storms during joint exercise with the Saudis

As the RN Training Officer for the ships' companies joining the first two Royal Saudi Naval Force (RNSF) Vosper-built Al Jawf class minehunters (similar to the Sandowns) in the early 1990s, I was particularly interested to see this article on the Navy News website describing recent exercises in the Gulf involving Al Jawf and Al Kharj with HMS Middleton and HMS Ramsey.  It sounds as though the weather provided its own challenges.

His Majesty's Ship Al Kharj

(Navy News photo)

16 Dec 11 - TCA Christmas lunch 

I always enjoy the annual Ton Class Association (TCA) Christmas lunch at the Royal Maritime Club in Portsmouth because it tends to end up being an anarchic affair.  Yesterday proved no exception and I would like to extend my thanks to Chris Green for organising it with his usual flair.  Apart from me, MCDOA members present included Doug Barlow, Bob Lusty and Brian Dutton (with his wife Audrey) as well as ex-CD1 Les Sharpe and his partner Valerie.

Things start off relatively seriously until...

...Dutton and Barlow discover their goody bags

Right: Bob Lusty and Audrey Dutton

Left: Les Sharpe and his partner Ruth

Right: Chris and Dulcie Green

Eddie and Valerie Savage

The 'top' table

The 'bottom' tables

14 Dec 11 - Alex is diving into a successful career

The Donside Piper and Herald website contains this article describing the successful completion of the CD Basic course by AB(D) Alex Briggs of Banchory.  The article also features MCDOA member Tom Russell, Commanding Officer of the Defence Diving School (DDS).

13 Dec 11 - IExpE meeting at Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower

Last night I attended a South-West & Central Branch meeting of the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE) at the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport.   Around two dozen IExpE members were present including fellow MCDOA members Stu Harper and Angus Benton as well as ex-CDs Colin 'Scouse' Kidman and Ricky McCabe.  We were treated to a tour of the museum conducted by Marc Farrance, the Visitor Services Officer, before convening in the boardroom for an Institute presentation followed by a workshop.

MCDOA members Stu Harper and Angus Benton

with ex-CD Ricky McCabe 

Left: IExpE members Alan Morley, Major Peter Norton GC, RLC and Angus Benton

Right: Alan Morley talks with Colin Kidman in the background

12 Dec 11

Defence Diving School represent RN at Exercise Racing Ice

Lt Gregg Powell RN

The RN website contains this article describing the participation of of Lt Gregg Powell and AB(D) Mark Elson of the Defence Diving School (DDS) as members of the RN Skeleton Bobsled team in Exercise Racing Ice, an arduous Army-led training week at the German National Sliding Centre, Winterburg last month.  The RN Skeleton Team is led and managed by former Team GB athlete and international coach PO(D) Sid Lawrence of DDS and will compete at the Inter-Service Championships to be held in March 2012 at Igls, Austria.

An RN Skeleton Bobsleigher

(RN website photo)

Historical Diving Society's bunker involves all the Johns

The interior walls of the Second World War bunker in Gosport, destined to become the Historical Diving Society's (HDS) library and repository for surplus artefacts from the Diving Museum at Stokes Bay, have now been filled, scraped, rubbed down and painted.  Here is HDS Chairman and MCDOA associate member Dr John Bevan getting to grips with a vacuum cleaner in preparation for painting the decks:

John Bevan in action

Deck painting was conducted over the weekend by former WO(D) John Dadd, John Millerchip and John Towse:

John Towse, John Millerchip and John Dadd 

Deck painting complete in the two main rooms 

John Bevan says that the next stage will involve moving some of the more perishable artefacts from the diving museum to overwinter in the dryer environment of the bunker.  If you can help in any way, please contact him via this email address or call him on 07802 785050.

11 Dec 11 - Update from Mona Lott in Australia

I have previously covered the legendary Lt Cdr Stuart 'Jazz' Honour MBE RN in the entry for 10 Jun 10 in News Archive 30 but former FCPO(D) Dave 'Mona' Lott BEM, author of 'A Corkhead's Chronicle - Experiences of a Royal Navy Clearance Diver 1955-76' and longtime resident of Eden, NSW in Australia, has passed me this story which has particular resonance following the recent MCM operations off Libya:

"G'day Rob,

Please bear with me as this is slightly long-winded but you might find it as coincidental as I do. 

Last night I was going back through my umpteen photo albums which are separated into the various teams and periods of my RN service.  I had promised Les Maynard [a former RN CDO also living in Australia] copies of two photos taken in Benghazi that I have from 1958.  Half of the Med Fleet Clearance Diving Team (including Yours Truly) was in Cyprus performing searches of the underwater sections of a large contingent of the Med Fleet and RFAs at anchor off Famagusta at 0400 each morning  (EOKA and Colonel Grivas's terrorist times).  The other half was in Tripoli and clearing Benghazi harbour of much ordnance including quite a few German GG ground mines.

Anyway Les Maynard was one of the lucky ones at Benghazi.  Although he is NOT in the photographs, I had finally got around to scanning these photos with comments hand-written by Jazz Honour on the backs.  One of these photos was on the same page as an underwater photo of a sunken British moored mine.

Sunken British moored mine in Mediterranean in 1958

Here's the other one from Benghazi (1958).  Please note the 'Gemini' with twin three-manpower engines at bottom left.  On the back of this photo Jazz has inscribed: "One of hundreds, a full photographic record is being kept."

Mine disposal in Benghazi harbour in 1958

Anyway, I had finally gathered together the stuff to post to Les which I was going to send today.  However, I first had to visit the Doc for my monthly check on the level of rat poison in the body.  As I was driving home, I passed a stationary 4-wheel drive with a trailer attached.  Lashed down on the trailer I saw what I thought was an old British buoyant mine.  I reached the town's roundabout and then returned along my previous route as my curiosity nagged at me.  I parked and walked back to the 4-wheel drive and, sure enough, it was an old and very decrepit M Mk1 (minus its explosive - I checked!) as I had thought.  To me, this was a considerable coincidence after doing Les's scans the previous night because there aren't too many British buoyant mines swanning it around in the Eden area I can assure you.  

After quite a long talk with the 4-wheel driver, it turned out that there is a museum in the small township of Mallacoota in Victoria, just over the border from Eden.  That was where the mine was headed.  One comment from the driver was that he was disappointed that there were no "spikes" on this mine at which point I explained why.  This prompted the question as to how I knew about mines?  A short and brief history followed in reply.  I then volunteered (something that we aren't supposed to do) and offered to send some facts and display material.  So today I have pulled out all of my old CD3 qualifying B & MD material (I knew that it would come in handy one day... some 56 years later) and gathered together quite a few scans from old HMS Vernon pamphlets on Brit buoyant mines. 

I have attached the scans of the photos for your interest and for Jock as he was also at Benghazi with Les.  On the back of this photo, Jazz has commented: "The day the GGs were found. What a shower."

Stuart Honour with members of the Mediterranean Fleet

Clearance Diving Team at Benghazi in 1958

Finally, I spoke to Les Maynard earlier today.  Unfortunately, his current prognosis for pancreatic cancer is not good and he is having quite a rough time."

I know that everyone will join me in thanking Mona Lott for his entertaining 'dit' and in wishing Les Maynard the best possible future in such difficult circumstances.

9 Dec 11 - Last MWA Southern Area 'Dit Session' of the year

Members of the Minewarfare Association (MWA) gathered at the Lord Arthur Lee in Fareham last night for the last Southern Area 'Dit Session' of the year.  Those present included MCDOA members Tim Curd, Bill Kerr and Rob Hoole plus Bagsy Baker, Taff Davies, Dixie Dean, Steve Gill, John Gunter, Bob Mitchell, Peter Hitchcock, Pony Moore and Taff Reader.  Our volunteer photographer nearly cut out Pete Hitchcock (extreme left) but luckily I'd already taken a snap of him with Bob Mitchell who had to leave early.  I can't say we solved the Euro crisis but we'd have had a damned good try if the subject had arisen.

Left: (Left to right) Pete Hitchcock, Bill Kerr, Rob Hoole, Tim Curd, Taff Reader, Bagsy Baker,

Pony Moore, Steve Gill, Taff Davies, John Gunter and Dixie Dean

Right: Pete Hitchcock and Bob Mitchell

Incidentally, MCDOA associate member Doug Barlow and his partner Jill have just returned from a Fred Olsen cruise around the Mediterranean.  Among the first people they met on board were ex-MW branch stalwart George Turnbull and his wife Louise.

8 Dec 11 - Prime Minister hosts veterans of Libya campaign

Dixie Dean MBE, Chairman of the Minewarfare Association (MWA), has drawn my attention to this article on the MoD website describing a special reception at No 10 Dowing Street for service personnel involved in the Libyan campaign.  The Prime Minister remarked on how the cabinet were anxious to know whether the 'minesweeper would make it through to Misurata'.  As Dixie says, he obviously doesn't know the minewarfare fraternity very well.

As regular followers of this website will know, HMS Brocklesby and HMS Bangor (commanded by MCDOA member Neil Marriott) were both involved in clearance operations off Misurata.

7 Dec 11 - HMS Ocean video 'goes viral'

HMS Ocean has little connection with minewarfare and diving except as a High Value Unit (HVU) but this video showing members of her Aviation Department miming to Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas is You' is proving very popular on YouTube and I think it is hilarious. 

HMS Ocean sailed for a seven-week exercise in April and ended up spending seven-and-a-half months (225 days) away from home having already spent 214 days away last year on BOST and AURIGA.  She returns to Plymouth on Friday.

While we're at it, give a thought to purchasing the CD of the Military Wives Choir singing 'Wherever You Are' available for only £1.99 via this website and support the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) in the process:

6 Dec 11 - HMS Vernon 'dramatised' at Gunwharf Quays

According to the description on its website here, Winchester-based 'Wet Picnic' is "...a mischievous theatre company who create work in a number of different spaces and places".  It is currently engaged in the six-month long Depth Charge Project which has been commissioned by Gunwharf Quays and the Arts Council.  This aims to re-create aspects of HMS Vernon which previously stood on the site of Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and I have provided historical material for incorporation in the displays and exhibitions.

On the evening of Sunday 4 December, the Wet Picnic Theatre Group performed an audience-participation ‘mystery tour’ around Gunwharf Quays.  The final act was a ‘still life’ scene where an actor dressed as the legendary Cdr Lionel 'Buster' Crabb OBE, GM, RNVR stood on a platform in front of two illuminated spheres surrounded by a ring of flaming torches.  The actor was wearing appropriate 1940s diving equipment provided by the Historical Diving Society's museum at Stokes Bay. 

MCDOA member and former Royal Naval Physiological Laboratory (RNPL) research diver Dr John Bevan, Chairman of the Historical Diving Society, has kindly supplied these stunning photos of the finale:

Wet Picnic's theatrical performance at Gunwharf Quays last Sunday

I understand that a Log-Room containing HMS Vernon memorabilia can be viewed just inside the main gate of Gunwharf Quays and the Depth Charge Project will culminate in another spectacular interactive show on Sunday 15 April 2012 described as:

"An explosive performance pulling together the October and December research periods, with story telling, an installation, and larger promenade performance on and in the water with large audience numbers."

A date for the diary, I think.

4 Dec 11 - News from HMS Cattistock

HMS Cattistock

(RN website photo)

I have received this update from Lt Cdr Steve Higham RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock (MCM2 Crew 2), in my capacity as the 'MCMV News' columnist for the Ton Class Association's bi-monthly newsletter 'Ton Talk':

"I thought you would be interested to know that HMS Cattistock has just completed her predeployment and Operational Sea Training (OST) to a 'Very Satisfactory' standard.  This positive and encouraging assessment by the staff of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) reflected a huge amount of hard work and commitment by MCM2 Crew 2, and puts my team in a strong position to deploy in January 2012.

The five week OST package tested HMS Cattistock's Ship's Company across all facets of operations from humanitarian relief and salvage through to high intensity warfighting and complex MCM.  Throughout, the Ship maintained a calm business-like manner and commitment to teamwork that was noted by embarked assessing staff.  Having been fully tested, a Final Inspection (FI) allowed all the training and development to be put into action and I'm proud to report that my team performed exceptionally. 

As I write, we are at sea on our way back to Portsmouth where HMS Cattistock will be handed over to BAE Systems who will carry out work to prepare her for the next Crew to join in February 2012.  As we prepare to deploy to the Middle East and take over HMS Middleton, this letter marks an end of my custodianship of our much valued affiliation with you [the TCA].  I know I speak on behalf of my Ship's Company when I say we have appreciated your support and I am confident that Lt Cdr Andy Ingham and MCM2 Crew 8 will continue to foster and develop this prized affiliation.

Yours sincerely,

Steve Higham" 

3 Dec 11 - British Military Tournament 2011

I spent yesterday in London representing Project Vernon with some wonderful fellow exhibitors at the British Military Tournament at Earls Court.  Apart from me, our team comprised fellow MCDOA member Martyn Holloway, former WO(MW) Dixie Dean MBE and former WO(D) John Dadd BEM.  We distributed scores of leaflets and drew people's attention to the Project Vernon website which enables them to purchase merchandise and donate to the cause online.  Unlike last year's Army-dominated show, this was a proper tri-service event which was reflected in the wider range of exhibitors, displays and spectators.

Typhoon Eurofighter and armoured fighting vehicles

on the forecourt of Earls Court

We arrived early to secure our premium parking space around the back of the exhibition hall and then unloaded the display items from Dixie's car and set up our stall in our allocated space.  This was a prime position at the bottom of the stairs leading to the balcony lounge bar. 

Left: John Dadd, Dixie Dean and Martyn Holloway

Right: The Project Vernon stall ready for business

Soon afterwards, members of the Fleet Diving Squadron arrived and set up their stall adjacent to ours.  Their team comprised CPO(D) Ruby Murray, LS(D) Rickie Throup, LS(D) Ross Binns, LS(D) Craig Tower and AB(D) Mark Humberstone. 

Above and below: 

Fleet Diving Squadron display alongside Project Vernon display

The RN clearance divers brought with them a range of land ordnance, a Vallon mine detector, a lightweight tracked remote operated vehicle (ROV) used for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), a REMUS Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV), a Shark underwater navigation system and a Clearance Diver Life Support Equipment (CDLSE) rig.

EOD ROV picking up a Sapper's mobile phone

A fellow exhibitor takes an interest in CDLSE 

Above and below: Close-up views of CDLSE

Shark Navigator system used by a diver to relocate seabed objects detected by REMUS

during VSW (Very Shallow Water) operations

Last year, the Fleet Diving Squadron provided the tank for diving displays.  This year, a tank was supplied by the Royal Engineers and they set up their stand across the aisle from ours.  Their team from 22 Engineer Regt comprised Lt Mike Dudley RE, SSgt Gareth Richardson, SSgt Leigh Davies and Cpl Steven Lord.

The Royal Engineers diving tank and display

One of the more unusual sights was a dry suit made in Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage material. 

MTP dry suit

The display area still looking a bit empty

Finally, members of the Historical Diving Society's Working Equipment Group set up shop next to the Sappers.  Their team comprised Chairman Dr John Bevan, Peter & Cheryl Wingett, Gary Wallace-Potter, Adrian Barak, Mike Burchett and Chris Martin.  They had brought with them two RN Admiralty Pattern helmets, a US Navy Mk V helmet and a post-war German naval helmet.

The combined RE Divers and HDS display

Left: Peter Wingett and Gary Wallace-Potter of the HDS pose behind their stall

Right: The combined RE Divers and HDS display

Left: Another view of the RE Divers display

Right: Dixie Dean sells a Project Vernon print of 'Danger at Depth' to one of the RN divers

Our setting up was punctuated by loud bangs from the arena behind us as the dress rehearsal for the evening's performance proceeded.  I captured this scene among others from a spectacular display by American Civil War re-enactors:

American Civil War re-enactors doing their noisy thing

in the arena during the dress rehearsal

The doors were opened to the publc at 1600 whereupon a steadily increasing trickle of spectators started arriving for the 1900 performance, also watched by Her Majesty the Queen.  They were treated to the sight of RN, Army and HDS divers performing underwater in a variety of diving equipment ranging from the antique to the modern.

Above and below: RN, Army and HDS divers performing in the tank 

The Project Vernon stand will be manned until the tournament finishes on Sunday evening.  Dixie Dean, MCDOA member David Sandiford and ex-CDs Stew 'George' Sissons and Dennis Brady are on duty today (Saturday).  Dixie Dean, John Dadd and MCDOA members David Sandiford and Keith Broughton will be on duty on Sunday.

Postscript: According to Dixie Dean, the Project Vernon stand took over £500 in sales and donations at this event.

2 Dec 11 - HMS Shoreham sails into Liverpool for weekend visit

The RN website contains this article describing a visit by HMS Shoreham (MCM1 Crew 4) to Liverpool this weekend.

HMS Shoreham

(RN website photo)

1 Dec 11 - New book about the TON Class MCMVs

Your attention is drawn to this page on the Halsgrove Publishing website via which copies of 'Last of the Wooden Walls - An Illustrated History of the TON Class Minesweepers and Minehunters' (cover price £24.99) may be ordered in advance for only £19.99.

As reported in the entry for 6 Nov 11, this 160-page A4-sized hardback tome, edited by your humble Vice Chairman & Webmaster and containing a foreword by the Ton Class Association's Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, will be launched at the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth Naval Base on 9 March 2012 to mark the TCA's 25th Anniversary.

'Jacks of All Trades', a companion volume, is being published privately by the Ton Class Association and will also be available in March.  This lists the operational history of each TON that served in the Royal Navy with a photograph of each ship plus a summary of the 37 TONs that were transferred to other navies.  Lack of space precluded its incorporation in 'Wooden Walls'. It will be distributed by the TCA at a discounted price of £9.49 (inc p&p) and may be ordered from: TCA Stores Officer, Lawrence Johnson, 4 Downham Close, Cowplain, Hampshire PO8 8UD.  Cheques should be made payable to 'Ton Class Association'. 

Please note that all royalties from the sales of both books will be going to the TCA, not to any individuals.

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