Unfortunately, contact has been lost with Messrs Jones and Murphy, and Bill Lampard was unable to travel from Australia but he did manage to attend a smaller course reunion back in June 2005:

LMCDO '69 members Brian Dutton, Richard Lowther, Julian Malec,

Bill Lampard and Dan Nicholson in June 2005

On this occasion, LMCDO '69 course members were accompanied by their wives and girlfriends (WAGs):

LMCDO '69 course members and their wives then took their places in the pub's Blythe Room (the old Commander Assistant's office) where I left them to enjoy their lunch together.

30 May 09 - Mike Welford in town

Former RN MCDO Mike Welford transferred to the RAN c.1980 and retired as a Commander in 2002 after a total of 39 years in both navies.  He says he was a 'gun-runner' for two years but now lives in the Southern Tablelands 40 miles from Canberra where he describes himself as an 'Extra VIRGIN Olive Oil producer AND processor'.  He is currently in the UK with his wife Erica, his son James and James's partner Rosa to help his mother celebrate her 90th birthday in Devon.

Last night Ralph & Liz Mavin, Martyn & Ann Holloway and Mrs Webmaster & I were reunited with Mike and his family for an excellent meal at the Horse & Jockey at World's End near Hambledon where, as you can see, a fine time was had by all.

L to R: James, Martyn, Rosa, Ralph, Ann,

Liz, Mike, Linda, Erica and Yours Truly

25 May 09 - News from HMS Brocklesby

HMS Brocklesby in NATO colours

I am grateful to MCDOA member Rory Armstrong, the Operations Officer of HMS Brocklesby, for providing this update.  It's always nice to hear news straight from the horse's mouth.

"Rob,

Hope all is well at the Association.  Please find attached some photos of BROC’s involvement in Op BENEFICIAL COOPERATION 09 last week off the Hook of Holland as part of our ongoing SNMCMG1 commitment.  BENEFICIAL COOPERATION is an enduring operation to dispose of historical ordnance which has fouled the nets of fishing vessels and attracts a significant profile in the Low Countries since a Dutch fishing vessel suffered three fatalities and very severe damage in 2005 when a WW2 US air-dropped bomb functioned on deck as they tried to release their catch.  The positions of newly found UXBs are being reported to Admiral Belgium & Netherlands (ABNL) by fishing vessels on a daily basis across the North Sea with approx 25 remaining to be prosecuted within the Dutch/Belgian EEZ [Economic Exclusion Zone] and known positions of almost 70 inside the UK EEZ.

In total, 22 air-dropped US and UK 500 lb and 1,000 lb bombs were countermined over the course of the week by BROC, HNLMS MAKKUM and BNS BELLIS with HDMS THETIS acting as Command Ship.

BROC disposed of six bombs over four days – not a bad total when you consider all were countermined by diver-placed charge rather than remote means and three were required to be moved up to 1,400m by Enclosed Mine Lifting Bag (EMLB) in depths up to 42m.  Conditions in the North Sea were initially fairly challenging with a day lost to the weather but moderated throughout the week to allow full use to be made of the brief diving windows.  

The CD Element and the MW Department are looking forward to adding to the tally during a further day of BENEFICIAL COOPERATION at the tail end of next week after a couple of days of Force Protection training under the auspices of MOST [Minewarfare Operational Sea Training].  Photos include: 

• SEAFOX image of US 500 lb GP bomb

• Countermining of US 1,000 lb GP bomb

• UK 500 lb GP bomb with prominent pistol underslung from EMLB

Left: SEAFOX image of US 500 lb bomb

Right: Countermining of US 1,000 lb GP bomb

UK 500 lb GP bomb underslung from EMLB 

This photo shows some of the team earlier in the deployment on Ex LOYAL MARINER 09.  L to R: LS(D) Paul “Hank” Hawkshaw, AB(D)1 Dave “Boz” Boswell, PO(D) Ken Smith, Lt Rory Armstrong, AB(D)1 Mark “Humber” Humberstone (now of FDS).  Missing are AB(D)1 Luke “Rocky” Halbauer and AB(D)2 Todd “Foxy” Fox.

HMS Brocklesby divers with EMLB

Regards,

Rory Armstrong"

23 May 09 - More bangs for your Brock

The coverage of HMS Brocklesby's recent activities continues with this article on the Navy News website featuring AB(D)1 Dave “Boz” Boswell.

21 May 09 - More bombs for Brocklesby

The Portsmouth News has followed up yesterday's RN website coverage with this article describing how HMS Brocklesby has now disposed of two 500 lb bombs off the Dutch coast.

20 May 09 - HMS Brocklesby Disposes of Bomb

The RN website contains this article describing the disposal of a wartime bomb in the North Sea yesterday by HMS Brocklesby.

19 May 09 - Project Vernon Summer Draw

“SUMMER DRAW”

RAFFLE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE 

The historic waterside property once occupied by HMS Vernon, in Portsmouth, was the previous alma mater for Mine Warfare & Diving specialists, amongst many who served and were based there over the years. It has since been redeveloped into the successful retail and residential site known as Gunwharf Quays. There is no known other monument in the UK dedicated to the heritage of the Mine Warfare and Diving community, let alone one commemorating the thousands of personnel that trained & worked in HMS Vernon during a period covering most of the 20^th century.

Map of Gunwharf Quays       

“Artistic Impression”                                                                                                

Exercising and operating around the globe, the disposal of mines and underwater explosive ordnance involves one of the more low-profile but most closely-knit and highly-decorated communities in the British Armed Forces. In April 2008 the three related MW and D Associations (MCDOA, AORNFCD and MWA) launched a combined campaign to design, build and install a suitable monument to the Mine Warfare and Diving heritage of HMS Vernon. Full details of Project Vernon can be found online at www.Vernon-Monument.org. The statue’s upper section, of a moored mine and a diver, will be made of bronze, with a steel & granite plinth below, supported in five metres of water by a concrete tripod stand. The whole structure will be illuminated at night. All funds will come from voluntary donations. 

As part of the fundraising campaign to procure this unique monument, raffle tickets, priced £2, are now available for the charity’s Summer Draw, with all proceeds going to the Vernon Monument Fund, now a registered Charitable Trust. The First Prize will be a Limited Edition print, copy number 000, the final proof of Danger At Depth, by John R Terry FCSD. Other, supplementary, prizes will be specified on the website.

The Vernon Mine Warfare and Diving Monument Trust has commissioned a series of special edition prints of John Terry’s original oil painting, now on sale to help raise funds. Available unframed, or mounted & framed, of A3+ size, all signed by the artist, they can be purchased online via the website. Prices include Postage & Packing. Each has a Fine Art Trade Guild quality seal: an excellent choice as a gift for “leavers”, relatives & friends.

Full details of this Summer Draw and the Limited Edition prints are available on the Project Vernon website. Registered with Portsmouth City Council, LRN 31, the draw is due to be held on 31^st August at FDG HQ, Horsea Island. To buy your Raffle Tickets, your local source is:  webmaster@mcdoa.org.uk

Registered as a Charity in England & Wales, Number 1128677

N.B. Project Vernon's next step is to recruit 21 more volunteer Local Draw Promoters, needed to register with the Fund Raising Working Group and sell on batches of draw tickets in their own locality. A significant prize will be awarded to the most successful Local Draw Promoter.  Volunteers please contact webmaster@mcdoa.org.uk.

18 May 09 - Paddy McAlpine assumes Command of HMS Daring

Congratulations to MCDOA member Paddy McAlpine who assumed Command of HMS Daring, the first of the Type 45 destroyers, on 5 May.  Coincidentally, the Captain's dining table in HMS Daring was commissioned and presented by one of the ship's afiliated organisations, the Carpenters' Company based at Carpenters' Hall in London where fellow MCDOA member Brian Dutton was the Beadle for several years. 

Carpenters' Company table in Paddy McAlpine's

day cabin on board HMS Daring

Brian was recently installed as a Liveryman of the Carpenters' Company and is presenting it with a framed Double Remarque print of 'Danger at Depth'.  This is the picture of a diver on a mine, painted by John Terry FCSD to raise funds for Project Vernon, the campaign to erect a monument at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth to commemorate the minewarfare and diving heritage of HMS Vernon.  Have you ordered your copy yet?

Late News: According to this article on the Liverpool Daily Post website, HMS Daring will visit Merseyside this weekend and be open to the public Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May from 1300 to 1700.

17 May 09 - MCDOA Ladies Night

Once again our busy Honorary Secretary, Tony Griffiths, deserves our congratulations and heartfelt gratitude for organising yet another highly successful event at Hornet Sailing Club in Gosport last night.  Attendees included Brian & Audrey Dutton, Tony & Debbie Griffiths, Peter & Kay Hicks, Rob & Linda Hoole, Paul & Yvonne Jones, Martin & Fiona Mackey, Ralph & Liz Mavin, Chris & Christine Meatyard, Ian & Elma Morton and Les & Helen Rutherford.  Our thanks also go to Maîtresse d'Hôtel Amy Pyne and Chef de Cuisine Lisa McLean who, together with their attentive staff, provided such a delicious meal and impeccable service.

Ladies Night attendees enjoy good food in the company of good friends

Coincidentally, MCDOA member Jason Poole was also dining in the club with his wife Alison, their 15-month old twin girls and Jason's parents.

Jason Poole and Paul Jones

These MCDOA functions provide a wonderful opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones.  They don't cost an arm and a leg but they do need your support if they are to continue.  Don't be shy in coming forward.

14 May 09 - MCD Promotions to Commander

I am grateful to MCDOA member Phil Ireland for advising me that the following MCD officers have been selected for promotion to Commander according to the signal released today:

A/Cdr Graham Landrock (SACT Brussels)

Lt Cdr Roger Readwin (XO HMS Monmouth)

Warm congratulations to both worthy individuals.

13 May 09 - News from HMS Penzance

I am grateful to Lt Pete Evans RN, the Navigating Officer of HMS Penzance, for providing this update:

HMS PENZANCE April to May

HMS PENANCE was taken on by a new crew (formerly the crew of HMS PEMBROKE) in March and spent March and most of April alongside Faslane undergoing maintenance.  Following considerable effort by the ME department, the ship completed her maintenance period and conducted a number of port visits in support of Royal Navy In the Public Eye (RNIPE).   

Her first port of call was to Fort William which, because it is not a common stop for the Royal Navy, was highly anticipated by the crew.  The ship made two day trips out into Loch Linnhe and demonstrated her weapons, operating procedures and her unique manoeuvrability to groups from the local sea cadet force and schools.  The ship also hosted Commodore Charles Stevenson Royal Navy, the Naval Regional Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

Just one day later HMS PENZANCE called into the small fishing community of Kinlochbervie and was proud to be the first ship of MCM1 squadron to visit.  

Strong winds made the narrow entrance somewhat 'interesting'.  Once alongside the ship hosted a number of visits from local school children and was also open to the general public over the weekend.  The Ship’s Company took advantage of the excellent hospitality extended by the local community and amongst other things the Ship’s football team played the local side and some of the Ship’s company were taken to some local surf spots, on some of the UK's most remote beaches.   

The visit proved highly successful and all was well until the passage across the North Sea to Hamburg.  Despite relatively light wind speeds a heavy residual beam-on swell and a slow top speed made an uncomfortable four day passage.  

Nevertheless, PENZANCE arrived safely at the mouth of the Elbe and then began a 9-hour passage upriver in company with some 13 other warships from around Europe.  The visit coincided with the Port of Hamburg’s 820th birthday and a whole host of ships from 7 different countries took part in a two-day river festival.  During the starting procession along the Elbe, it was heartening to see that PENZANCE was swamped by speedboats, yachts and tour boats, more so even than the flagship, FGS HAMBURG!  

Following her visit to Hamburg, PENZANCE will make a brief stop in Portsmouth in order to conduct defect rectification and will then commence a period of Operational Tasking in UK waters.

12 May 09 - Armed Forces launch new Action Toys

RN Clearance Divers and a Royal Marine display new action figures

(RN website photos)

Okay, own up.  Who modelled for the new RN Diver 'Action Toy' with his SABA switched to bail-out?  See this article on the RN website and watch the action-packed video here.

Buy your own miniature RN diver for £19.99 via the Argos website here.  Ideal for getting in your minutes by proxy, clearing blocked sinks, conducting bottom searches on bathtub ships, cleaning fish ponds and aquariums or rendering safe fireworks on Bonfire Night.

HM Armed Forces Royal Navy Diver - Details

* The detail is stunning and the likeness to the real life Royal Navy Diver is amazing.

* This fully articulated action figure is kitted out with a realistic fabric diving suit, breathing apparatus and has a large spanner enabling you to carry out your own underwear (sic) missions!

* In full detail, this figure has poseable fins, a removable shallow-water face mask and air tanks.

* The Royal Navy's Divers are a very highly trained group of men who have been specially selected to carry out specific tasks both underwater and on land for the United Kingdom's fleet of warships wherever they are operating.

* Clearance divers have to be able to operate in all seas and to work in all conditions.

* They are trained to dispose of sea mines and bombs by blowing them up or defusing them to clear the way for ships to pass safely.

* All divers are trained in the use of personal side arms.

* Using a wide variety of equipment and capable of underwater engineering, search and rescue and salvage tasks RN divers deliver a crucial operational capability to the Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy.

* For ages 5 years and over.

11 May 09 - RAN CD Paul de Gelder back in the swim

According to this article on the Australian 9 News website, RAN clearance diver Paul de Gelder, who lost a hand and a leg in a Sydney Harbour shark attack on 11 February, is back diving and walking and says he wants to return to work at the scene of the attack (see entries for 26 Feb 09 in 'News Archive 25').  Be sure to watch the video of this amazing guy here.

Paul de Gelder swimming with nurse sharks

8 May 09 - Dave Ince hands over in Afghanistan

According to the 'Bubblies Bugle' on the RAN Clearance Divers' Association website, former RN MCDO and MCDOA Treasurer Dave Ince, who transferred to the RAN in early 2007, has handed over to his relief in Kabul:

Lt Cdr Doug Griffiths RAN (left) and Lt Cdr David Ince RAN

handing over in Kabul

"Lt Cdr Griffiths is currently serving in Afghanistan as the Chief Exploitation Officer to the Counter-IED Branch at HQISAF in Kabul.  Doug is the third MCDO in the position (Russ Crawford was the first).  It's not often that two MCDOs will hand over a tri-service rotational operational billet in a land-locked country."

Incidentally, many MCDOA members will remember Russ Crawford from when he served on exchange in the Minewarfare section at HMS Vernon during the late 1980s.  His son Jonathon is an AB Diver in the RAN.

Here is a photo of Dave Ince with fellow MCDOA member Mark Durkin (still RN) in Afghanistan earlier this year:

Mark Durkin and Dave Ince in Afghanistan

7 May 09 - Volunteers needed to help at Horsea Island barbecue

Soapy Watson, our erstwhile MCDOA Hon Treasurer and Membership Secretary, has issued this appeal for help at the joint-MCDOA, AORNFCD and MWA barbecue at Horsea Island next month:

"Ladies, Gentlemen,

The Summer barbecue on 13 June 1500-2100 (sleep over facilities) will be an open invite to all at the Island.  We have permission to camp out overnight so it will be great fun for the kids.

I need assistance with this evolution as I will be on the CDLSE trial. Please would you mind helping me out with this event?  I would like to employ:

1 x Marquee manager

1 x Beer and wines manager

1 x Barbecue manager

1 x Tombola Manager

1 x Horse Racing Manager

1 x 'Tickets at the door' manager

1 x 'Looking after the live band' manager

It is a family affair and should be good fun.  Tickets are available from me and forms for the event and timings are on the websites.  Forms and cheques to me please!

Please advertise and encourage all as much as you can.  We are trying to raise money for Project Vernon, the planned monument at Gunwharf Quays to commemorate the minewarfare and diving heritage of HMS Vernon.

Kind Regards,

Soapy"

I've already volunteered to run the Horse Racing.  Come on guys, don't keep leaving it to 'someone else'.  He's overworked enough as it is.  If you can help, contact Soapy via this e-mail address.

6 May 09

Project Vernon raffle tickets - Volunteer sellers required

The Organising Management Committee (OMC) of Project Vernon is organising a raffle to raise funds for the monument.  First prize will be print No.000 of the painting 'Danger at Depth' by John Terry FCDS.  The raffle tickets will be delivered within the next 10 days and will be on sale as quickly as they can be distributed.  If you would like the chance to win print No.000 of 'Defence at Depth', I will gladly sell you tickets.  They will cost £2 each or £10 will buy you a book of 5 tickets.  All proceeds will go towards the monument.  Watch this space for when tickets actually go on sale.

Original painting of 'Danger at Depth' currently

hanging in Gunwharf Quays management centre

Any help in selling the tickets would be appreciated as we would like to spread the message about Project Vernon across the country to all those who were involved in minewarfare or diving at HMS Vernon.  If you would like some books to sell, please let me know via my webmaster e-mail address.

MCDOA Ladies Night - Final Reminder

This is a final reminder for this year’s MCDOA Ladies Night at Hornet Sailing Club, Gosport on Saturday 16 May as applications (available for download via the 'Upcoming Events' page in the Members Area) have to be with Tony Griffiths by Mon 11 May.  Please come and give this convivial gathering your warm support.

5 May 09 - News from HMS Ramsey

Once again, I am grateful to Lt Marc Taylor, the Navigating Officer of HMS Ramsey, for providing this update:

HOME AT LAST!

After over two and a half years away from her base port and over seven months away from home for her current Ship's Company, HMS RAMSEY finally returned home to the Clyde and Faslane Naval Base in March.  Nearly two hundred family and friends lined the jetty to see RAMSEY and her sister ship, HMS BLYTH come home, a turn out which was hugely appreciated by the Ships.  It was an emotional return, particularly for those with young children.  POET(ME) Daly was reunited with his son, now eight months old.  As the crowds dispersed and the Neptune Volunteer Band marched off, Ramsey's Ship's Company were looking forward to some well deserved leave.  

On the way home, RAMSEY and BLYTH had an eventful passage from Oporto De Leixoes in Portugal, despite the fact that they had delayed sailing by 24 hours due to adverse weather conditions.  The ships battled through the Bay of Biscay where they encountered 50 knot winds and finally managed to get into the Irish Sea where the sea state and wind abated.

HMS Ramsey in Bay of Biscay

In contrast, the weather was glorious as RAMSEY sailed into her base port, with beautiful blue skies welcoming her back into the Gareloch.  Her return also generated significant media interest and 16 members of the press were embarked for the transit into Faslane.  As the Sandown Class Mine Hunter berthed alongside and secured it was clear that the Telic MCMV deployment had finally come to an end for HMS RAMSEY after over two and half years in the Gulf.

HMS Ramsey berths at Faslane 10 Mar 09

As Ramsey's sailors returned to Faslane after a much needed leave period, it wasn't long before one in particular was heading home again.  Lt Cdr Nick Borbone RN, the Commanding Officer, was moving on and handed Command over to Lt Cdr Sarah West RN.  After joining Lt Cdr West commented that Command of any warship is a great privilege and that she was particularly delighted to have been appointed to HMS RAMSEY.  She continued that she was already impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the Ship's Company and looked forward to the future Ship's Programme.

Supersession of HMS Ramsey's

Commanding Officer

HMS RAMSEY is now in the middle of a maintenance period before going to sea in May which will incorporate a visit to the Isle of Man and her home town of Ramsey.

4 May 09 - HMS Bronington in extremely poor condition

HMS Bronington was purchased in January 1989 by the Bronington Trust, a registered charity whose patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, commanded her in 1976.  For some time, the ship was berthed in the historic Manchester Ship Canal at Trafford Park, Greater Manchester.  In 2002, she became part of the collection of the Warship Preservation Trust berthed at Birkenhead.  Since the closure of the Warship Preservation Trust on 5 February 2006 owing to the redevelopment of the adjacent Grade II listed former flour milling warehouses, she has remained at Vittoria Dock, Birkenhead in the custody of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company.  The second video below is a particularly poignant 'before and after' illustration of her deterioration during this period.

Peter Emery, the Director of Gunwharf Quays and a staunch supporter of Project Vernon, has just posted this message on the Ton Class Association's website forum:

"I visited HMS Bronington in April 2009 with a view to investigating her condition with the possibility of offering her a berth at Gunwharf Quays as a visitor attraction, cadet training ship, use for the TCA  - basically to 'bring her home'. 

I was truly saddened to see her current unloved condition.  I have shot and edited a couple of home videos and posted them on You Tube.  I was hopeful that you may be kind enough to post the following links on your website, with the last hope that someone will show some interest and possibly offer a way out from the breakers, which the local council now say is imminent.

If nothing else, I hope that your members will at least have a chance to see her before her fate is sealed. 

Her condition is criminal and quite frankly 'official vandalism'.  How can this happen to a ship registered as having National Interest?"

There is little I can add to Peter's impassioned plea.

1 May 09

Navy News items

The May e-edition of Navy News contains the following items of MCD interest: 

• Red with relief: The Comic Relief fundraising efforts of staff at the Defence Diving School (DDS).

• Awards in Brief: The award of the Trafalgar Prize by Portsmouth University to CPO Nathan Geddes, the DMEO of HMS Cattistock. 

• Minesweeper men honoured: Notice of a memorial parade to be held in Queenborough on the River Medway to commemorate those who served in minesweepers based at HMS Wildfire III in Sheppey, Kent during the Second World War.

• Hope for Explosion: A reprieve for Explosion!, the Museum of Naval Firepower at Gosport which features an outstanding mining hall.

• Hurworth welcomes party from TS Norfolk: A visit by Sea Cadets from TS Norfolk at Great Yarmouth to HMS Hurworth.

 MWA Monthly Dit Session

Last night's monthly 'Dit Session' of Portsmouth-based members of the Minewarfare Association (MWA) was held at The George on top of Portsdown Hill in Widley.  Several dits were spun and the world was put to rights yet again.  Dit sessions are held at different venues on the last Thursday of each month.

Left: Taff Owen, Pony Moore, Bomber Mills, Dixie Dean, Taff Reader, Rob Hoole and Peter Whitehead

Right: MWA Dit Session in full swing - you work it out

The MWA is open to all MW qualified ranks and rates including MCDOs and MWOs.  Membership costs £12 per year and application forms are available for download here.

A Sobering Tale

MCDOA member John Bevan has drawn my attention to this article on the US Navy Times website which describes the deaths of two US Coast Guard divers in particularly harrowing circumstances.

30 Apr 09 - Bill Filer pushes the boat out

The picture below shows a convivial gathering yesterday at Lee-on-the-Solent Tennis Club where Honorary MCDOA life member 'Uncle Bill' Filer GM MBE, now in his 92nd year, is a regular in the clubhouse.  He had invited ex-CD1 Hoppy Hopewell BEM (his old colleague at the Deep Trials Unit at Alverstoke which Bill ran for many years) together with ex-CD1 Willie Wilkes and his partner Maureen, Claire Harris (daughter of the late MCDOA member Jackie Warner OBE(Civil) MBE(Mil) DSC who also founded the HSE Diving Inspectorate when it was part of the Dept of Energy's Petroleum Production division) and Yours Truly to join him for lunch.

Left to right: Bill Filer, Hoppy Hopewell, Claire Harris,

Rob Hoole, Maureen, and Willie Wilkes

This was a truly delightful occasion and I am most grateful to Bill for allowing me to share it.

29 Apr 09 - Memorial to sailors who kept seas free of mines

Minesweeping trawler with Kango 'SA' acoustic hammer in raised position over bow

The Worcester Journal website contains this article describing how Pershore members of the Royal Naval Minesweepers Association have helped raise £7,000 to fund a memorial dedicated to the Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS) at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.  The memorial’s official dedication will take place at 1100 on Sunday 23 August, the 70th anniversary of the creation of the RNPS.

Batch 2 British Yard Minesweeper (BYMS)

28 Apr 09 - News from HMS Pembroke

Lt Roger Skelley RN, the Navigating Officer of HMS Pembroke, has kindly sent this update:

HMS PEMBROKE - OPERATION TELIC MARCH/APRIL 2009

HMS PEMBROKE arrived in Mina Salman Port, Bahrain on 25th January after a four month transit from the UK.  A crew rotation in late February means a new crew, previously from HMS PENZANCE, led by Lt Cdr Antony Crabb RN, is now on board.  Since arriving in theatre we have had a busy programme starting with a short period of sea training whilst en route to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.  We then conducted some operational tasking whilst transiting back to Bahrain.

Over the past two weeks we have been operating in the Northern Arabian Gulf where we’ve been assisting with the training of the Iraqi Navy in company with HMS CHIDDINGFOLD.  On completion of the training we had a brief stopover in Um Qasr, southern Iraq and have recently arrived back alongside in Bahrain.  We now start a short maintenance period before continuing operations in early May.

27 Apr 09 - HMS Quorn pays home town visit to Ipswich

MCDOA member David Hunkin, Commander Second MCM Squadron (2MCM), is continuing his successful campaign to raise public awareness of mine countermeasures (MCM), particularly in his home territory of East Anglia (see third entry for 17 Apr 09).  He has just drawn my attention to the following well-illustrated article on the Ipswich Star website describing a visit by HMS Quorn to her affiliated town:

Gallery: Warship sails into Ipswich

Late News: The Portsmouth News followed up with this article on 28 April.

26 Apr 09 - A trip down Memory Lane

More senior members of the Branch may identify with this e-mail received yesterday:

"Hi there,

I came across your site while trying to locate some old navy oppos.  I don't think I will be eligible to become a member but thought you might be able to help me get in touch with people I might know.

My name is John Mackins, ex-AB UW2 free diver (always highly recommended for CD but I declined as it would have meant me signing on).  Between 1961 and 1963, I served in HMS Ausonia [repair ship] at Lazzareto Creek, Malta under Lt Joe Scurr (TASO & Diving Officer).  My job was looking after the torpedo warhead magazine, demolition magazines containing the submarine scuttling charges, pyrotechnic lockers and noise ranging equipment which we often took out to sea on the diving launch to range submarines and minesweepers.  On one occasion, a team from AUWE [Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment] came out from the UK with underwater cameras which we tested for them.  Most of the time I was part and parcel of the diving store, maintaining the diving gear and diving as required under CPO 'Birdie' Crane and, later, CPO Dutchy Holland.  I was the main instigator of spear-fishing trips down to Zonker Point, etc. 

After returning HMS Ausonia to the UK for scrapping, I joined HMS Maidstone at Faslane, serving my last two years very happily on the Fleet Diving Tender 'Yoyo' [FDT Ironbridge] as part of a six-man diving team of free divers.  I started off with a really nice old Chief Diver with grey hair.  His name was Fawcet and he had previously been in Singapore.  When he left Yoyo, he retired from the Navy and I believe he went to Simonstown, South Africa to take up a position as the South African Navy's senior bomb & mine disposal officer based at their diving school.  He was replaced by CPO Jack Semple who proved to be another very good boss.

Our lives continued to remain very happy on board Yoyo.  Our overall boss, based in HMS Maidstone, was Lt Cdr [Frank] Spragg, a very good and enthusiastic man.  He permitted our team of free divers to do all kinds of things not normally allowed, one of them being night attacks.  He was relieved in turn by Lt Tony Shepherd.  When Tony left the Navy he set up in business as "West Highland Shellfish & Diving".  I worked with him for a short time from a remote farmhouse near Ardfern, Argyle.  Jack Dodds, another ex-CD, dived with us for clams and we lifted a boat that had sunk in the Crinan Canal.

About the time I stepped out into Civvy Street, early in 1966, the base was getting its own CD Team and Tony became part of that.   During my two years in Yoyo, we did several submarine screw changes, inspected the bottoms of a few nuclear and conventional submarines, cleaned lots of intake filters and carried out a few underwater attacks at night on submarines at Arrochar.   We recovered crashed Buccaneer aircraft parts from Luce Bay and located wire-guided torpedoes off Arran for a recovery vessel.  We also conducted wreck surveys for the Admiralty Hydrographic Department, assisted AUWE set up experiments in Loch Long, fitted elm fender strips to the new jetties being constructed and gathered lots of scallops off Rothesay, Bute where we spent many a happy weekend.  Our pubs were the Grapes and the Victoria and the local girls were very nice and very friendly.  Among my shipmates on Yoyo were:  Sharkey Ward (Newcastle); Brum Manning (Birmingham); Micheal Le Curio; and Brum Logan (Birmingham).  Unfortunately, I cannot recall the other names.

Over the years in my commercial diving career, I worked with a number of CDs including Jock Waddle, Jack Dodds, Billy Mcevoy, Tony Shepherd, Eric Sykes, Johnboy Walton, Mo Morrison, Bungy Williams (Folkestone) plus others whose names elude me.  Bungy was in my first ship in the Navy, HMS Bastion in 1955-6.  I understand that he was an orphan and went on to become a Chief Diver.  After I left the Navy, I spent about 30 years as a civil engineering diver, mainly as supervisor but insisting throughout on doing my time in the water every day. Some of my projects included: the burial of cross-channel power cable inshore ends from Folkestone and from Sangatte near Calais; the new deep water harbour at Peterhead, Scotland; a new jetty at Sandwick oil supply base, Shetland; a new harbour at St Helier, Jersey; a new fishing harbour in Qatar, Persian Gulf; and the new harbour and breakwater at Port Jubail, Saudi Arabia, also in the Gulf.  On this job we had 25 divers on site at any one time, with others at home on their month off.  We worked three months on and one month off.  I also worked in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea building intakes and outfalls for a new power station de-salination plant and for the Scottish Hydro Board, working on dams and power cables all around the Scottish coast.  Other jobs included: a 1/4 mile road section at the pass of Brander, Loch Awe; pipelines all around the Scottish coast; a sewage outfall at Leith; new fender systems on many jetties; Admiralty jetty inspections on the Clyde and the Forth; concrete oil platform construction at Kishorn, for Howard Doris, building the Ninian central platform, (I believe the largest floating structure in the world at the time.)  Also concrete platform construction at Ardoyne Point on the Clyde for McAlpine and the French Sea Tank Company including, among others, the Shell Brent "C".

I was diving almost every day of my civil engineering diving career of 30 years, on so many jobs, that I cannot record them all here.  In all that time diving, I never contracted the bends and my health still seems to be in great shape, unlike most of the guys I worked with over the years who have passed on or have bad health problems.  They all put this down to the fact that I never did any mixed gas diving.  When I got a bit too old for the diving game (I didn't want to play if I could not be active in the water), I went to welding, fabricating & erecting, finally retiring when I was 69.

I am now 72 and live in Thanet, Kent.  I keep myself very happy and active and fish fixed nets, catching lots of bass, Dover sole, mackerel, grey mullet, etc.  I also buy, refurbish and sell old hand tools on a stool at car boot fairs.  This helps pay for the running of my car and holidays abroad each year.  In 2007 I spent a month off the tourist track, travelling in China with my brother who works at a university in Wuhan.  On our travels, we visited the homes of his ex-students, a great experience, and something you cannot buy.  I usually spend a couple of weeks walking the coast of Malta in the winter where I still have friends from my navy days.  I am now walking with dignity towards the exit sign, but hope I have a few years left before I arrive.  I feel that my chances for that are pretty good as I eat a very healthy diet, am physically very active, and take no prescribed drugs at all.

If you are not able to post this on your site, then perhaps you could connect me to some of the people I have mentioned here.

Thanking you in anticipation,

John Mackins"

Please send any feedback via my webmaster address.

25 Apr 09

Busy week for SDU2

The Portsmouth News website contains this article describing how Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2) has been kept busy recently.

Talk by Chris Hunter on 29 April

John Pressagh of The London Flotilla has informed me that our members will be welcome to attend the following talk by Maj Chris Hunter RLC, the author of Eight Lives Down:

Eight Lives Down – Bomb Disposal in Iraq

Talk by Major Chris Hunter, Royal Logistics Corps

Wednesday 29th April 2009

The Naval Club, 38 Hill Street, Mayfair, London

Meet in bar from 1730.  Talk to begin at 1800

Chris Hunter joined the Army in 1989 aged sixteen and served for seventeen years.  Commissioned from Sandhurst at twenty-one, he later qualified as a counter-terrorist bomb disposal operator.  He served with a number of specialist counter-terrorism units and during his career deployed to numerous operational theatres including the Balkans, Northern Ireland, Colombia, Afghanistan and Iraq plus using his specialist knowledge during the July 2005 London bombings.  For his actions during his Iraq tour he was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

Coincidentally, this is the book I managed to finish during my Easter break and I can thoroughly recommend it.

RN Diving Heritage - PO Albert Strange

Councillor Irene Strange of Southsea recently contacted the Project Vernon committee requesting information about making a donation towards the planned monument at Gunwharf Quays to commemorate the mine warfare and diving heritage of HMS Vernon.  She also provided this information:

".... My late husband Petty Officer Albert Strange was involved in Bomb and Mine disposal along with Lt Cdr [Jackie] Rea, Lt Cdr [Harry] Wardle and Lionel 'Buster' Crabb on Horsea Island 1953 / 1954 onwards.  I have photos of Albert and others with some of the wartime mines they disposed of.  Also, our daughter was christened in HMS Vernon's ship's bell [more likely the chapel's diving helmet] and we still have the certificate if this should it be of interest.  We would wish to be kept informed of progress [with the Project Vernon monument] and be included in the arrangements for the dedication, as and when.  I still keep constant contact with Mrs Rea."

Here are some of the photos furnished by Cllr Strange:

Albert Strange in Standard Diving Dress

(Siebe Gorman 12-bolt helmet)

Albert Strange (far right in second photo) with divers donning

Mine Recovery Suit (MRS) rigged for surface supply

Albert Strange in old-style CDBA

Albert Strange helping Gunner(T) (later Lt Cdr) Stuart Honour

and PO(CD1) Bungy Edwards deal with beached mine

Can anyone name the third man in the last picture?

From MCDOA member Mike Gillam:

"Rob,

The POCD1 with Jazz Honour in the photos supplied by Councillor Mrs Irene Strange looks much like Bungy Edwards.  He also worked with me on the first NATO CD Course from HMS Defiance - three old hulks and the Nissan huts of Wilcove camp up the hill on the Western side of the Tamar.  This was where I first met Jazz Honour when he was the Plymouth B&MDO.  We were the only ones living-in.  From there many great runs ashore were embarked upon about which many great stories have been told.

Michael"

From former CD1 Tom Norman:

"I also think that the PO in the photo is Bungy Edwards (an ex Japanese prisoner of war) who served with me in the Singapore team during 65 and 66. As far as i know he settled in OZ soon afterwards."

From former CD1 Leo Whelan:

"Like Tom, I think it is Bungy Williams ex-FECDT 1963-65 but I remember that he left the Service for a long while and rejoined after a spell at Dartmoor as a prison officer.  But it does look like him."

From Louise Green (Stuart Honour's daughter) in Australia:

Dear Rob,

Thank you so much.  The article is of great interest to me.  I have printed a copy in full and will keep it with great care in my collection of precious memorabilia which I have collated of my dad, Stuart Honour.  It gives me great pleasure to see he is remembered with such great respect and also happy memories of the character he most surely was.

Kind regards,

Louise

From David Honour (Stuart Honour's nephew) in South Africa:

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the e-mail and link; certainly an old photo but unmistakable as my uncle.

I am popping over to England in June for my mother’s 85th birthday and will be traveling through the Portsmouth area staying for a while in Bournemouth.  I still have the letters of my Uncle that I mentioned I would donate to the RN museum.    I think you said some time ago that you might be able to assist with this or would like to see them first.  If so may be I could meet up with you during my trip?

Regards,

Dave

[By Webmaster: I have agreed to meet with Dave when he comes over to the UK.]

24 Apr 09 - Things looking up for Explosion!

According to this article in today's Portsmouth News, the reprieve for Explosion!, the Museum of Naval Firepower at Gosport threatened with closure, has been confirmed (see second entry for 10 Apr 09).

Mining Hall at Explosion!

the Museum of Naval Firepower

21 Apr 09 - Combined MCDOA, AORNFCD & MWA Summer BBQ and Social

Horsea Island Barbecue 2008

As we move into summer, thoughts turn to heading outdoors to gather with our friends and fellow-Association members to enjoy some fine fare, accompanied by a cool glass of amber nectar.  Thankfully the perfect opportunity is again at hand as our Associations stage the annual BBQ and Summer Social on Saturday 13 June at Horsea Island.  

The intention is once again to enjoy an informal outdoor family orientated evening which, in addition to a professional ‘hog roast’ and on-site refreshments, will include live music from MCDOA members Martyn Holloway, Dan Nicholson and The Zodions with an excellent mix of sounds of the '60s and '70s with a few more recent classics thrown in, a tombola, ‘treasure hunt’, traditional mess horse-racing (for children - big & small), the opportunity for a quick swim in the lake and, of course, the chance to meet-up with old friends and their families. Dress will be casual and there will be a prize for the ‘best’ cowboy/girl, as judged by the Committee (of good taste). Car parking will be available in the car park adjacent to the Training Area at the Southern end of the lake.  

All this for the excellent price of only £10 per head, inclusive of the first drink; so come along, wearing your cowboy/girl dress, and have a great evening. You will also be supporting an excellent cause, with all profits raised on the day going toward the Project Vernon monument (which will include the opportunity to enter into a prize draw to win a limited edition print of 'Danger at Depth', signed by artist John Terry FCSD).

To make sure that you don’t miss out on this once a year opportunity, please contact MCDOA Hon Treasurer Richard 'Soapy' Watson (Mil: 938324176/Civ: 02392 224176) at the Defence Diving School for tickets, or return the proforma available for download here by 1200 on Monday 8 June.

17 Apr 09

It's catch-up time

The website has not been updated for the past week because Mrs Webmaster and I have been away for an Easter break with friends in a remote part of Wales.  Our picture-postcard cottage lacked TV, mobile phone coverage or internet access but I managed to finish the book I've been struggling to read for the past six months.  We were surrounded by glorious countryside and a profusion of wildlife including 28 different species of birds logged by our accompanying ornithologist (okay, Frank W?).  There were also twice-daily parades of sheep with their new-born lambs past our front gate.  On our final morning, one of the three resident Mallards appeared on the pond with her newly hatched brood of 12 ducklings, much to the disgust of the unaccompanied female Mandarin.  Our batteries are now suitably recharged for whatever the next few months have to offer.

MCDOA Webmaster's Easter hideaway

MCDOA website receives its millionth visit

During my absence, the MCDOA website received its millionth visit (including multiple visits by the same persons).  It is currently receiving over 14,000 visits per month comprising around 500,000 hits on individual pages, files and images with about 12 gigabytes of data downloaded.

Raising the profile of MCM in East Anglia

Commander David Hunkin MSc Royal Navy

(RN website photo)

MCDOA member David Hunkin, Commander Second MCM Squadron, is campaigning to raise the public profile of RN Mine Countermeasures, particularly in his own neck of the woods in East Anglia.  He has drawn my attention to the following articles featuring HMS Atherstone and HMS Quorn on the Ipswich Evening Star's website:

Video: Navy life isn't all smooth sailing

Video: On patrol with Suffolk's new naval crew

Video: Life can be tough for a naval officer

Latest Project Vernon Newsletter

Following a series of meetings of the Project Vernon Organising Management Committee and sub-committees at Gunwharf Quays on 9 April, Newsletter 03 was released.  Among other things, it shows a simplified representation of the agreed final design of the almost twice life-size monument to be sculpted by Les Johnson.  The base will comprise a pile of 'rocks' and the mine will be fouled on a stainless steel spar protruding from the seabed.  The statue will also include a length of sweep wire with a TMk 8 explosive cutter fouled around the spar.

Australian sculptor Les Johnson with simplified maquette

showing agreed final design of Project Vernon statue

The management of Gunwharf Quays has kindly allowed the Project Vernon committees the use of its executive boardrooms and has just given all five of them historic names associated with HMS Vernon, the site's previous occupant.  As a token of our gratitude, appropriate framed pictures of HMS Vernon's Main Gate, HMS Warrior and the hulks of Donegal, Warrior and Marlborough have been presented to the senior management.  From left to right in the picture below are Mr Sean Sweeney MBE (Operations Manager, Gunwharf Quays Management Ltd), Mr Peter Emery (Centre Director, Gunwharf Quays Management Ltd and a Vice-Patron of Project Vernon), Mr John Terry FCSD (Artist) and MCDOA committee member Frank Ward (Chairman of Trustees and Honorary Secretary for Project Vernon) 

Presentation of 'Vernon' pictures to

management of Gunwharf Quays

The signatories of the Artist's Proofs and Double Remarque versions of the Limited Edition (LE) prints of John Terry's painting 'Danger at Depth' are shown below.  From left to right are: former WO(D) Don (Jimmy) Green (Chairman of the Association of RN First Class Divers); MCDOA member Martyn Holloway (Senior Officer of the 11th MCM Squadron for Operation Corporate); Mr John Terry FCSD (Artist of 'Danger at Depth'); Colin Welborn (President of the MCDOA), former WO(D) Terry Settle MBE, QGM, BEM (involved in the Operation Harling recovery of the Red Sea mine); and MCDOA member Brian Dutton DSO, QGM (OIC FCDT 1 for Operation Corporate).  WO1(MW) Nat Coles (President of the RN Minewarfare Association) will sign the prints as well but he was unable to attend the formal ceremony owing to personal commitments. 

'Danger at Depth' signatories

Information about purchasing LE prints of 'Danger at Depth' is available here on the Project Vernon website.  I've ordered mine; have you ordered yours?  All proceeds go towards the erection of the monument.

Original painting of 'Danger at Depth' currently

hanging in Gunwharf Quays management centre

10 Apr 09

CPO(D) Ian Fleming to run in Project 65

CPO(D) hard at work

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article describing how CPO(D) Ian Fleming of the Defence Diving School (DDS) is planning to follow up his participation in the London Marathon (dressed as a duck) and the Great South Run (in full diving gear).  Between 4 and 6 June 2009, he will be the only RN representative running the 65-mile distance overland on the route taken by the gliders involved in the operation to seize Pegasus Bridge at Caen during the Second World War.  Funds will be raised for several Service charities under the umbrella of Project 65 and you can sponsor Ian in this worthy cause via this page on the Just Giving website.

Reprieve for Explosion! Museum

I am pleased to report that Explosion!, the Museum of Naval Firepower at Priddy's Hard, Gosport (see entry for 28 Feb 09) looks likely to remain open according to this article in today's Portsmouth News.  Among those to thank is Councillor Peter Langdon who once served at HMS Vernon as the Establishment Engineer Officer.

9 Apr 09 - Lord Mayor of Portsmouth visits DDS

The RN website contains this article describing a recent visit by Councillor Richard Jensen, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, to the Defence Diving School (DDS) on Horsea Island.

The current CO of DDS, Lt Col Laurence Williams RE (left),

with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth

(RN website photo)

8 Apr 09 - Project Vernon statue receives another boost

Former WO(MW) Dixie Dean, Head of Communications for Project Vernon, the planned erection of a statue at Gunwharf Quays to commemorate the mine warfare and diving heritage of HMS Vernon, has drawn my attention to this article in today's Portsmouth News describing how the project has achieved another milestone by being granted official charity status.  The article features Dixie, MCDOA member Dave Carey (Project Manager), WO(MW) Cris Applegarth (MW Branch Champion) and Yours Truly.

Cris Applegarth, Rob Hoole and Robert

'Dixie' Dean at Gunwharf Quays

(Portsmouth News photo)

7 Apr 09 - HMS Kellington in dire straits

The Ton Class minehunter, ex-HMS Kellington, is still afloat after 53 years and can be found on the River Tees as the Stockton Sea Cadet Unit's headquarters and training ship, TS Kellington.  Those having connections with her will be saddened to hear the following news received yesterday from Cdre John Madgwick OBE RN, the Naval Regional Commander Northern England:

"Breaking news……a swift update on KELLINGTON – it would appear that vandals have been onboard over the weekend and attempted to remove the starboard condenser.  In the process they breached the hull and there has been significant flooding.  The ship is listing heavily to starboard, against the wall, and is markedly lower in the water.  It is not clear if she has further to settle yet.  An initial damage assessment was completed by Able UK and Stockton Council.  They are in the process of placing a boom around the ship to trap any bilge water – and also to cordon off the riverside next to the ship to protect the public.  Draught marks are being monitored.  

It’s too early yet to offer any clear idea of a way ahead – or who can commit what!  Will keep you posted……

John Madgwick"

TS Kellington 7 April 2009

I have received this follow-up today:

"Overnight the hulk has continued to flood and the state of the vessel has deteriorated.  See attached picture.  An emergency meeting today has decided: 

• Environment Agency/British Waterways/Able UK are taking immediate actions, advised by MOD Salmo, to stabilise the vessel.  This will include on site (human) security provided by Stockton Borough Council.

• Demolition work, previously awaiting due process of statutory legislation, will now commence Tues 14 April – but clearly immediate progress will be dependent on stabilisation work.  This will then run until the vessel is fully dismantled. Demolition contractor is Able UK.

There is local press interest that is being coordinated by Stockton BC.  There is a plethora of contracts activity to take place between Stockton BC, MSSC and Able UK but further discussion will take place as work is occurring, and not precede it.   The key is stabilisation over the next 24-48 hours.

John Madgwick"

TS Kellington in happier times 

1 Apr 09 - Navy News items

The April e-edition of Navy News contains the following items of MCD interest: 

• All that glisters: The return to Faslane of HMS Blyth and HMS Ramsey after their 27-month deployment to the Gulf.

• 'chuting stars: The discovery by HMS Brocklesby of a bomb and parachute off Sardinia in the Mediterranean.

• Aman at arms: The participation of HMS Atherstone and HMS Grimsby in exercises off Pakistan.

• 'stock is rising: The emergence of HMS Cattistock from refit.

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