ON APRIL 1ST 1945 EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, H.M.S.ULSTER WAS AT
SAKASHIMA, ASSISTING THE AMERICAN INVASION OF OKINAWA.
WE WERE CRIPPLED BY A KAMIKAZI AND TOWED THE 1000 ODD MILES TO LEYTE BY THE CRUISER H.M.N.Z.S. GAMBIA, BY OUR OWN ANCHOR CHAIN. I THINK IF SHIPS COULD TALK, GAMBIA WOULD HAVE SAID IN LEYTE:
Take this chain from my arse and set me free!
I’ve dragged “Ulster” through many miles of sea’
Oh, the agony and pain, from that rusty anchor chain!
Take this chain from my arse and set me free!
Take this chain from my arse and let me be,
That damn boat nearly dragged the arse off me!
Dragging “Ulster” all those miles, that was worse than having piles,
Take this chain from my arse an' set me free!
Take this chain from my arse I’ve had enough!
Tell that boat where her cable she can stuff
Put an end to all this farce. Get this thing from off my arse!
Take this chain from my arse and set me free!!!
Jim Slade.
Thank you for your letter enquiring about your possible eligibility to
the Naval General Service Medal (NGSM) with Clasp Canal
Thank you for your letter enquiring about your
possible eligibility to the Naval General Service Medal (NGSM) with ClaspCanal Zone.
I am pleased to inform you that you are eligible for
this award for your service in HMS GAMBIA during the period 17 October 1951 to 15 November 1951.
An order is being placed with the Engravers and
delivery will take two to three months.
I am grateful to Ken Booth for this little piece, which I must confess got lost somewhere on my hard disc.... so sorry Ken, and thanks again.
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a
day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar ........ and the beer.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of
him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty
mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes".
The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space
between the sand.
The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your children, your health, your friends, your favourite passions --things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your
car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for
the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your
time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things
that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with
your children. Take time to get medical check-ups. Take your partner out to
dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house, and
fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your
priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.
The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no
matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of
beers."
Ahoy Shipmates:
In the summer of 1952 HMCS Magnificent was operating with the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean, Lord Mountbatten was C in C with his flag in HMS Glasgow. During this cruise a large regatta was held
in Navarin Bay and Banyan Parties were held ashore for the ships.
A Royal Navy landing barge of some type was run up onto a beach and canvas canopies were rigged with numerous cases of beer for the ships companies to enjoy.
I would like to identify the Landing craft that was involved.
It has now been identified as H.M.S. Dieppe as shown in the photograph shown here.
In his autobiography Mountbatten mentions members of ships companies stealing ships boats. It was in Navarin Bay at the time this photo was taken that he was referring to. Also Lady Mountbatten was accompanying him in Surprise, and we swiped his barge.
Jerry Sullivan
Ex RCN
Toronto
The end?
A three page note from Dave Macleod for the interest of Members who have access to the Internet!
Dear Bill,
I just thought you & perhaps your Members might like to know that The Medal Givers (TMG) have decided NOT to award the Suez Gong to your rival ship - HMS KENYA.
Whilst our service in Suez cannot be denied, we apparently broke the Medal Rules (MR) by taking a trip, at the behest of Lord Mountbatten to collect his ponies from Beirut, thereby disqualifying ourselves - stupid us!! didn't we know that years later such stupidity on our part would have such results.
The story goes something like this (published in Kenya's mag).
We had arrived in Grand Harbour - after 2 spells at Abadan & a dose of the Mau-Mau (which really is a bit like catching boat up) & we were promised to be home for Christmas. It was a Saturday afternoon & most of the lads were ashore getting pissed down the Gut & I was QM.
My OoW was Black George Ellison (he was also my DO, the Direction Officer, brilliant playwright & piss artist extraordinaire). Anyway, BGE was in the wardroom, pouring pink gins down his gullet as fast as the Steward could mix them and I was whiling away the boring hours, shuftying the maidens in the hotels through the huge Japanese binos that dominated the centre of the QD.
I idly swung the binos around the harbour & as my line of vision crossed the harbour entrance I noticed a flash of green above a bow wave. "Shit" I thought, as I rapidly focused on a Green Parrot hammering over the glistening water - towards us.
"Bosun's Mate" I shouted, "Quick!!! go & tell the OoW (BG as you will recall, pissed in the wardroom) "that the C In C's barge may pass the ship - quickly !!! sunshine, don't stand there bloody gawking"
"Yes PO" he said as he strolled away.
Meanwhile, the flash of green was getting closer, but I really expected his Cox'n to call "Passing" to my "Boat Ahoy" - but no - "Oh shit, shit, shit" His reply was "FLAG"
"Corporal, quickly - man the side" which we did!!!!!!!!!!! well you can imagine the shambles.
The barge came alongside & up bounded Lord Mountbatten, just at the very moment that BG fell over the wardroom screen combing, flat on his fissog.
Lord Louis stood for a second & looked at George flaked out on the deck, then turned to me & said "I'm here to see the Captain." Well he would, wouldn't he - he certainly hadn't come to see Black George, nor me for that matter.
We had forgotten all about the Skipper (David Trentham) and as far as I knew he was asleep in his cabin - which he was. Anyway, Lord Louis bounded away like a racehorse across the pristine deck & disappeared down the centre hatch. We all relaxed, George picked himself up and asked "Shay who wash that?"
"S'alright BG, t'was only Lord Louis" (on first name terms now you'll notice)
"thas alright then" thinking I was taking the mick, he then returned to the wardroom, never to be seen again.
We stood around for half an hour or so, when suddenly the Skipper's Bootie stuck his head over the combing & called me over. "Mac, the old man says - Clear Lower Deck"
"WHAT! is he mad" I said, "No, just clear lower deck"
Being obedient PORP1 I did just that - "Joo 'ear there - Clear Lower Deck - muster on the Quarterdeck" & clicked off the tannoy with a loud CLICK.
Well you may well imagine the sight that came aft - I mean 3/4 of the crew were ashore & the rest were either crashed, pissed or doing their dhobeying - anyway, almost all to a man they came, naked, beach towels, slips & flipflops, tatty blue shorts, armed with polished dhobey buckets & bars of Pusser's 'ard - they came aft in their dribbles.
The Joss - large bath towel wrapped around his ample middle - said "wot's up Mac" "Dunno Master - Lord Louis is with the Skipper." "Oh Shit," He said , "that can only mean trouble."
So we stood around in groups - stokers, Tiffs, Boys, Pigs, Chiefs & Pos - muttering - when up bounded HIMSELF followed by the Old Man.
"Right Cheps" HE said, "Gether eround, come quickly, quickly" leaping on to the centreline capstan.
"Now, I know you won't mind, but your ceptain hes kendly lent me your ship." "Huh!!" since when did Trentham go around lending anyone his ship - we weren't Med Fleet & we were on our way home.
"He hes kendly agreed to go down to Suez to relieve ?????, so thet my leds cen come here for Christmas........"
"WHaaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!!!" his audience visibly riled............ "Yes" he said, "you are going home & I know you won't mind begrudge letting my cheps come back here for Christmas.
This was a very tricky moment - what few lads there were, were up in arms in an instant. "Chuck 'im over the side" shouted one as pandemonium grew.
But to give LL his due - he jumped off the capstan & saying "Right thets it - Gangway, gangway...." as he literally ran for the ladder & down into his barge & away.......
We stood around - the old man had also gone below - the few pigs aboard stood muttering & the rest drifted away in rebellion "I'm not goin' anywhere..........." Drip drip drip....
But of course we went & was it Gambia came ?? came back to Malta for Crimble - if it was we'll NEVER forgive you.
Meanwhile, down at Suez and a few days before Crimble there was an SOS from a cruise ship off Beirut that had gone aground on the beach - so we shot off to her to try to assist - bit of a failure, then on the return - Crimble Day to be precise - we came across the SS Burica, being towed by an RASC frigate - to cut another long story short - another time - we took over the tow & my salvage money was 10/6 hey don't knock it - that bought me a couple of pints,a bout tens years later.
Then after that & a few other incidents - we went back to Beirut to collect Lord Louis's ponies - we had wondered what the HORSE BOXES on the boat deck were for. I recall that there was even a "Horse Party" to clean the bastards out.
Now I think you must agree that the Medal Givers are truly right - how can you award a gong for that ??
Bit of green rub - perhaps a DSC or even a VD & Bar........... but no medals please!
Mac MacLeod (PORP1 & QM on the day)
Subject: MBE Presentation at Buckingham Palace
Dear Friends
We thought you may like to share some photos of our very special day at Buckingham Palace, 15 October 2004.
In the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June David was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire).
The very rare triple citation in The London Gazette said "David A Judge for services to Rotary International, Scouting Worldwide and the Community of Essex."
The Prince of Wales HRH Prince Charles conducted the Investiture.
David and Christine were joined by Christine's youngest son Martin and David's daughter Christine.
Beefeaters from The Tower of London were in attendance as The Queen's Body Guard.
Following the Investiture Colchester Member of Parliament Bob Russell MP hosted the family for Lunch at The Palace of Westminster (Parliament). Bob is a keen Scout and is pictured with David and IFSR Banner.
It was a truly memorable day we shall remember throughout our lifetime.
Best Wishes to you all
David and Christine
I am sure that all Association Members will be of accord in congratulating David for his excellent service to the community,
a Credit to the Association.
Editor.
This was the WW1 Memorial in Huddersfield, before the Vandals got to it. It can only be assumed that what happened to a certain Dictators statue in Iraq may have been the destiny of the above! Not many Yorkshire Folk left in Huddersfield these days I am afraid....
Much to do about nothing, and I am reminded that we have a tenacious link with the City of Huddersfield, which has suffered the ignomy of what is laid out below here!
This page was last updated: August 9, 2010
"England has saved herself by her exertions, and will, as I trust,
save Europe by her example" - William Pitt, 1805
Halifax Veteran, aged 87, endures Ontario Heat to fulfill dream of revisiting his old ship, by Nicole Macintyre / The Hamilton Spectator. HAMILTON, Ont.
Alf Shano, right, and his son Ron visit HMCS Haida on the Hamilton,
Ont., waterfront on Monday.
The Halifax war veteran was among the first crew members of the Haida when it was commissioned in 1943 to protect supply ships in the North Atlantic during the Second World War.
Bittersweet voyage for an aging sailor.
Alf Shano's last wish was to return to HMCS Haida, the ship that carried him to war and safely home more than 60 years ago.
At 87, with a weak heart and failing arteries, he knew time was limited and asked his son to book the trip from Halifax to Hamilton for the fall.
Doctors told him he couldn't fly. Driving wouldn't be safe either, so Shano booked a train ticket.
When his health began to fail, he bumped up the trip to July, mindful of Ontario's scorching heat this summer but more concerned about returning to Haida's decks.
"If the Lord keeps me going until I see the ship, I would be a happy man," he told his son Ron before they set off to Ontario with his wife Helen, 87, and daughter-in-law.
Dressed in his best, with medals hanging proudly from his jacket and a Haida tie around his neck, Shano used his cane as a pointing stick as he gave his family the grand tour Monday.
"I love this old ship," he said with a wide smile. "She was so faithful and a fighter."
Pausing to rest on one of the ship's guns, the excitement and 33 C heat took its toll on Shano's frail body. He collapsed onto the deck and his son rushed to his side.
For a few breathless moments it seemed as though Shano's determination to fulfil his wish may have been too much for his heart to bear.
But quickly regaining consciousness as emergency crews arrived, Shano reassured onlookers he was just fine and would be back to finish his tour.
"You can't keep a good man down," he quipped before he was taken to hospital.
A relative said Thursday night that Shano was released from hospital and toured the ship again the next day.
Gail Shano said he was "worn down" from the long train ride and "all the excitement."
The Shano family were on their way back to Nova Scotia on Thursday and are expected to arrive this afternoon.
Shano was among the first crew of the Haida when it was commissioned in 1943 to protect supply ships in the North Atlantic during the Second World War.
As chief cook, he was responsible for feeding the entire ship, a demanding task, especially when it came to bread. England provided pre-made bread, but it was terrible, recalled Shano.
"Most of it went overboard," he said with a chuckle.
Shano took on the task of making fresh bread, drawing on the skills of a fellow crew member.
Shano was responsible for carrying bowls of yeast up from a lower deck. The stairs were tiny and the handrail non-existent, Shano said, remembering his precarious balancing act with a laugh.
He stayed with Haida for a year, witnessing many battles and the loss of two crew members - killed by one of the ship's own guns.
His memories, like most veterans', are mixed, but mostly he speaks of the positive.
"There wasn't a bad crew member on the trip," he said, recalling the ship's return home after completing the notorious Murmansk run, to the Soviet Arctic port.
"I was the first one off."
The Murmansk convoys, around the northern tip of Norway, were exposed to one of the largest concentrations of German U-boats, surface ships and aircraft anywhere in the world.
Hearing Shano's stories gave Alice Willems, manager of the Haida site, goosebumps.
She spends her days educating others about the ship, so it's a remarkable experience to learn more from a veteran, she said.
"It's such a privilege," she said. "This ship is a structure, what brings it alive are people like Alf."
Shano stayed in the navy until 1968, retiring after 27 years of service.
He sailed with many ships, but often spoke of the Haida, said his son Ron, 60.
"He never forgot this ship."
With glassy eyes, Ron acknowledged this trip to Hamilton will likely be his father's last. They knew coming that he might not make it home, he said.
"He came up . . . to say goodbye to the ship," he said.
The above painting was sent to me by David Green,
and I discovered it during my trawl of the Internet. David very kindly allowed me to have a copy to add to our Site.
The picture depicts a Colony Class Cruiser, and was signed by a Peter J******on, could be Jackson and was dated 1951 off Mombassa. Anyone who may be able to add any facts to the information here, please contact me at your convenience. (We are aware that Gambia was not in Mombassa at the suggested time, but that is what the picture tells us)
LAST MAN ON BOARD
I joined HMCS Quebec early in 1953, as the replacement for CPO. Ruthledge, as the Chief GI and for duty in the Commander’s Office. Captain Budge was being replaced by Captain Finch Noyce.
Commander Ralph Hennessey the Commander and Lcdr. I. B. B. Morrow the first Lieutenant.
I remained in the Commander’s office for the next three years until I left the ship in New York and proceeded to Victoria for prep school and on to Whale Island where I was fortunate enough to become a Commission Gunner.
On my return from England I joined HMCS Buckingham as the Navigating officer and enjoyed this ship immensely for the next year and a half. How does a Commissioned Gunner become a Navigating Officer? You may never know.
One morning prior to the Squadron sailing for exercises I was called to the Admiral’s office and informed by Admiral Budge that I was, as of today the 7th. Escort Squadron’s Gunnery Officer. This was quite an unexpected and rather surprising turn of events, especially when he informed me that the squadron had the distinction of having the worst record in gunnery possible and that I better move my butt and do something about it. But "Sir" I’m a Navigator. Those were the last word I uttered, before he told me to get out.
You have to understand that I was the trial officer for the famous 3.70" and had made my report that whoever decided to buy the 13 weapons should have their heads examined. (Not in those terms, but close). Reason why I was on board Buckingham as Navigating Officer.
The trial crew was a gathering of the best: CPO. Bud Flanagan, CPO. Gerry Lavery, CPO. Brimble and Cmd. Gunner Sid Brain
I was not very happy with this new and second string appointment. However I joined the ship and made it my home for a couple years. The Squadron Commander "Charlie La Rose" was being replaced by Commander Coulter who took me under his wing and thought me more during the next two years on how to handle a ship, which has served me well after my retirement from the service.
Just before the end of 1960, Fort Erie entered Sidney, Nova Scotia for a few days and behold on entry I spotted my old ship "HMCS Quebec". I remember looking at her and it was a sad moment to see her all rusty, masts cut off, no funnels and all boarded up.
"I had to visit her." I found out that the Commander of the dockyard was Commander Marcel Jette and I went to see him. I also found out that she was ready to be towed out the next day for passage to Japan and that the ship had been inspected and was literarily welded shut. I had served with the Commander in Nootka and D’iberville and I pleaded with him to let me go on board.
He called in someone who gave me a set of keys and a flashlight and told me to be careful.
The following experience will follow me for ever and believe me I will never do this again.
I entered the port side hatch just under the old hanger deck (Chief’s Mess) and proceeded to the starboard side, where the Commander’s Office was. The door to the office was open and I looked inside and it came alive. I could see Petty Officer Seabold typing away and on my desk the plastic sheet covering the Watch & Quarter Billboard was still there.
Upon further inspection I soon found out that all brass had been removed, telephones gone, the office was completely stripped. I had a bunk bed made during one of our refits that folded on the wall, it was still there. Then I heard Doc Savage call me from sick bay, just near the commander’s office, I answered him but got no reply. I left the office and in the dark proceeded forward. I could hear voices, I could hear the Master at Arms yelling at someone. The more I moved forward the more I heard voices; I ended in the fore messes and went below to the stokers messes.
I found my way to the Chief’s mess and when I entered they were all there. Gordon, Manderson, Le Page, Aldhem-White, Starky, Cruickshank, Martin, Jenkins and many more.
I found my way to the bridge and I could hear Lt. Cdr. Morrow ask when the coffee was coming up. I stood the morning watches with him for 3 years.
I got lost in the dark a couple of time trying to get to the TS. My old action station. It was empty, but I could hear Petty Officer Flanagan, holding a big stick, telling his gang to stop playing with the handles.
I had to visit Y turret. You remember it was the show piece of the ship, all the inside white with the brass polished and all guns named. I could remember the engraved brass plaques that were above each breach. YVONNE - YVETTE – YOLANDE Where are the brass plates now? Anyone!
The breaches had been cut and scarred badly by blow torches and all visible hydraulic and electrical line cut up. What a mess. I closed the turret door and locked it. I was leaving the ship, with a sense of pride for having served on her and also with a feeling of not doing enough to keep her. What could I do?
I stood on the quarter deck for a long time. Remembering all those that had been on board and some of the highlights of her career in peace time. All the young sailors we had trained and all those who had volunteered for the Sunset Ceremony and had performed this old tradition all over the world. The trip to South America in 1954, the African cruise in 1955. How many remember Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Mombassa and Port Said. Not forgetting the ship’s hockey team being trounced by the Johannesburg hockey team 9 to 11.
On returning on board I asked Commander Coulter if we could do something to see the ship off. When the ship was towed out the next morning the whole ship’s company at division paid their respect to H.M.C.S. Uganda/Quebec
I stood on the quarter deck until she was just about out of sight and as Officer of the Day I ordered her piped and gave her my last farewell salute and wiped the tears from my eyes.
To this day I regret going on board and at the same time I’m glad I was there for her. She had taken us thru a Hurricane, North Atlantic storms and safely thousands of miles and never let us down.
R. Leduc
The Veterans Badge
This Badge was first awarded to all those who served in WW2, and that award has now been extended to those who served between the end of WW2 and 31st December 1994.
To obtain your Badge, telephone for UK, 0800 169 2277
To qualify for the Veterans Badge any of the following criteria must be met
•Men and Women who Served in HM Armed Forces up to and including 31st December 1994
oMerchant Navy Seamen, Polish Forces under UK Command, Cyprus Regiment, Homeguard
(This does not include Veterans who Served in Armed Forces of other countries and who Served alongside HM Armed Forces)
• It is regrettable that the badge cannot be issued posthumously as it is a survivors’ badge, which is to be worn on civilian clothing.
The only exception to this is Widow(er)s in receipt of a War Widow(er)s Pension paid by Veterans Agency.
The deceased must have Served up to and including 31st December 1994 (please provide your National Insurance Number)
Tuppence-Halfpenny Postage Paid. Those were the days....
Bill:
Regarding the change in postage rates from days of "Yore" as noted on Gambia`s Noticeboard. ( Above ) I have attached two hotel receipts from 1952 and 1953
(1) Grand Central Hotel Belfast, 2/6d a night for two nights, "in advance."
This included a paper at your door in the morning and if you left your shoes, boots out they were polished during the night. We had a 72 Hrs there in 1953.
(2) Lancaster Gate Hotel London, 2/6d a night.
Came across the receipts while rummaging through the Scran Locker and Clues Closet a few months ago, why I kept them I do not know, why I was in these hotels I will never tell!! And we will never know unless you tell us.
Checked the Internet for both hotels Grand Central must have been replaced but, rates today start at 85 pounds to over a hundred. Lancaster Gate is still on the go, imagine the rates are the same, probably higher in London.
Those were the days!! Times certainly have changed.
Jerry
(In A Cold Toronto)
Those certainly were the good old days.
Thanks for the memory.
Ed.
The two pictures immediately below, were sent to me by Member Richard Evans from Canada. And we complain about stray cats in our gardens, eh? Pictures taken by Rose Evans, and I don't think it a good idea to stand so close to that window, and in the second picture, I would want more than a fly screen between me and that grizzly.
Thanks for the pictures Richard and Rose.
(Sadly, Rose has now passed away.)
Cliff Hewitt pictures follow here....
More nostalgia kindly sent in by Julian Best.
Thank you Julian.
The 'Comet' slogan postmark was tried out on George VI letters. (See below), and carried some logo about saving bread or don't waste bread. Something of a Collectors Item apparently...
Any knowledge of the item pictured below would be appreciated, and my kind thanks to Mike Crowe for submitting them to me in the first instance.
HMS Gambia Standard prominent at Service for those lost on HMS Barham, whose graves had been renovated.
This duty fell to the RNA at Crosby, but as that Branch closed, the duty then befell to our own Standard Bearer and his Branch of the RNA in Liverpool.
KIT INSPECTION sent in by Julian Best.
Memories, eh?
Pictured below is Alan Clements resident in Adelaide, who is just about to join the Association, So welcome Alan.
Alan with his guest onboard.
Info' below sent in by the Fresh Water Tanky, who apparently has even more interesting snippets in the pipeline...can't wait. Ed.
There is a flag Eastern Climb
Its called the ‘Rising Sun’
It’s been the curse of many a ship,
And Ulster sure was one
To Sakashima, Ulster came
At dawn on April One,
While Yanks to Okinawa came
To Quell the “Rising Sun.”
An Aircraft flew down Ulster’s side
Attacked by ev’ry gun,
And blazoned on the fuselage
We saw the “Rising Sun.”
A bomb blew in the Ulster’s side,
Her fighting days were done.
And five brave lads would never see
Another rising sun.
The years have numbered forty-five
Since Ulster’s race was run,
And five lads died that we might see
This mornings rising sun
Though April Fools we well may be,
Today, we pray as one;
God took their souls that Easter Morn
To join his Rising Son
Ulster was towed to Leyte Gulf by the cruiser Gambia and despite the tragedy there were some lighter moments. Being unable to make fresh water we were rationed to one cup of water per man, per day, to be taken as tea. There was no water for washing and no saltwater soap, so we rigged awnings slackly to catch rainwater, but it never rained for the whole week of the tow, and we arrived at Leyte to a hero’s welcome - and an anticlimax. See Ode above about the Tow that HMNZS Gambia gave to HMS Ulster.
JUST A WHITSUN WEEKEND LEAVE
I would imagine that the reader will say “Oh Yes?” when I explain, that an ordinary Whitsun Weekend leave from my ship H.M.S. Gambia in Rosyth, to my home in Leicester, brings in a fast army lorry ride, being given wrong train times by British Rail, a fog bound train, the filming of the film “Sink the Bismark” and much much more. Don’t believe me?
Well, sit back, pour yourself a Tot and read a story which I can hardly believe happened, but it did!!
I had been deferred until I was twenty one to serve my two years National Service as I was completing a five year apprenticeship as a Marine Electrical Engineer. Come the age of twenty one and a bit, I was called up to do my stint in the Royal Navy. Almost all of the first year was served at H.M.S.Collingwood, the Royal Navy’s Radio, Radar and Electrical School at Fareham between Gosport and Fareham in Hampshire. Now a National Serviceman’s pay was not all that good so many of my off duty weekends were spent in Leicester thanks to ‘my Thumb’; I hitch hiked. This was easy as the ‘Sailor Suit’ helped, ‘Hop in Jack. Where’re you going?’
I very soon developed the art of hitch hiking. For example, knowing where to stand so the drivers could see me and have time to pull in. Fortunately the roads were nowhere near as busy as they are now and also, no Motorways, so no restrictions on where I could stand and for the motorist to stop without having a dozen vehicles pile into the back of him.
So, Whitsun Weekend 1959, non duty watch had from 1600 on Friday to 0800 on the Tuesday. I was non duty. Did I want to spend three days on board in Rosyth Dockyard? No. Now as a National Serviceman I could not afford the fare from Rosyth to Leicester return. Couldn’t really afford it single, but using my experience in hitch hiking, I would look into hitching down on the Friday, but get the train back. Hitch hike from Rosyth to Leicester? Yes, well think about it! A very handy book to the hitch hiker was the A5 size book of maps supplied to members of the AA, and I had one! Work out the route. Calculate the mileage. Calculate the time it would take going on the average I had been making in the past of H.M.S.Collingwood to Leicester and return. Yes I used to hitch both ways. Average over many journeys = 25 MPH. Leave Rosyth at 16.00. MFV to Queensferry which is south of the Forth and make for the road. I calculated I would reach home in a little over 12 hours at 04.30 on Saturday morning.
When I started to get serious about this with the AA book of maps, pen and paper and calculations and I told my messmates, they thought I was mad. “You’ll get there in time to turn round and come back” was the most common.
Well I was going to have a go. And have a go I did, not knowing just what an adventure it was going to be.
As planned I left the ship with the first Liberty Men, got the MFV from Rosyth Dockyards across to Queensferry, I believe it was a Minesweeping Base if I remember correctly, and headed for a road south. The first lift came along quite quickly which took me into and out of Edinburgh and the A1. Now I don’t know where it was, somewhere up near Berwick upon Tweed and not very far into the journey, that I was standing, ‘thumb poised’ when an Army lorry came into view. Army Lorries are not exactly “E-Type” Jags, so, sorry Pongoes, I turned my back and started to stroll along. Heart sank, it pulled up alongside me “Where you going Jack?” Now I knew the journey and I always asked for the next town. “Oh well it will help get me South” I thought. “OK Jack, hop up in the back, there’s some more in there”. Canvas backed lorry. Hardly Limmo!! “Come on Jack let’s have your case” Smally Brown case and me were hoisted into the back. “Where are you going?” I was asked, again, told them the next town. I hardly had time to get comfortable on ‘something’ when we were off. You know how a Greyhound comes out of a trap? We beat all the rest of the traps. We were moving. ‘Bat out of Hell’ We were on a mission. “We are on weekend Leave and heading for Nottingham. How far are you going?” All of a sudden this was ideal. I was heading into and out of Nottingham on my way to Leicester, so when the Driver stopped at wherever it was I told him, I explained where I was going and settled down.
Nottingham arrived, or we arrived in Nottingham, not sure which because I settled down and the journey seemed very quick. Out onto the Leicester road and I soon picked up a lift, going right into Leicester. A Market man if I remember correctly. Superb. I lived on the outskirts of Leicester, on the City boundary on the road out to Lincolnshire. From the centre of Leicester to within 200 yards of home, another Market man and I was there. My calculations as to what time I would get home were not too bad. I put the key in the front door at 4.28 am. Yes, Saturday! TWO MINUTES OUT!!!
Now we must get the journey home organised and I wasn’t trusting to my thumb. Let the train take the strain.
Later on during that Saturday my wife and I went to Leicester London Road Railway Station and asked for “Train times to get me to Inverkeithing Station before 08.00 on Tuesday” I must be on board by 08.00 because the ship was under sailing orders. The Clerk duly thumbed through all the timetable books and eventually presented me with a piece of paper with my connections. 19.53 from Leicester’s other Station, ‘Central’, change at Nottingham for the fast train to Edinburgh, then local train to Inverkeithing. All nice and easy. Relax and spend the rest of Saturday and then Sunday and Whit Monday at home.
Come Monday Evening and we make our way to the Central Station. Plenty of time for the 19.53 when we arrived at about 19.35. “Single to Inverkeithing please’. Booking Clerk looks at me and asks, ‘Which way are you going? Pass the piece of paper with the train times across to him. He studies it, looks up and announces, ‘These are the Sunday times. Weekdays the train goes at 19.25. It’s gone’. “As I was here on time and the fact that these are British Rail times, can you sign my chit please? The Navy won’t believe me otherwise” and this was the first of many signatures and notes on this chit!!
So what now? I knew from experience that there was a later train to Edinburgh via Nottingham from London Road Station, but it left later and arrived later. I would be about half an hour adrift. Train times confirmed and we made our way to London Road Station. I cannot remember the exact times, but it would leave somewhere around 22.00, maybe before, not worth going home so my wife went back home and I waited at the Station. Train came. Got on and we departed Leicester. This train met with the fast train from Kings Cross at Nottingham, leaving there at about 22.50, but not long into the journey we slowed down, stopped, started, slowed down, stopped etc much to the bewilderment of the passengers who must all be regulars because it didn’t normally do this. Someone found the answer ........ Fog. And so we arrived at Nottingham, late, and I missed the fast train to Edinburgh. What time is the next one? 08.00 tomorrow. Another signature on my little bit of paper!
So what now? About midnight and in Nottingham. Need to get to Edinburgh. Next train 8 hours away. Travelling time on the train and it would get me there by about 16.00 Tuesday afternoon!!
So I polished my thumb and hit the road again!! I don’t really remember much about the journey North except that once again I had some superb luck and lifts. A bit I do remember was one of the lifts. A serving RAF Officer who picked me up in his sports car! He too was willing to sign my chitty of paper to say I was at least trying!! Another part of the journey was being dropped off in Gateshead. Now the problem was that I wanted the road north of Newcastle. I was way down South of this and whilst there was traffic about, it was local. Only one option, walk across that huge iron bridge and make for Newcastle. I do remember looking at my watch as I walked across that bridge 04.00. Never been across it since!! I had done more than half the journey in about 4 hours! A few more un-remembered lifts until the last one. A lorry. We were close enough to Edinburgh to explain I wanted Waverley Station. “Where are you heading?” ‘Rosyth Dockyard’, “Settle down, I will drop you at the gates, I will be going by them.”
I am afraid that this is where things didn’t quite work out due to my lack of knowledge and it was more ironic when I tell you we were in the vicinity of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station at about 08.00, good time or what? Of course in 1959 the Forth Road Bridge hadn’t been built so the lorry driver took me the long way round, up to the Kincardine Bridge and back to Dunfirmline and Rosyth. Duly dropping me off at the Dockyard Gates as promised at 12.30.
The Dockyard Police informed me that H.M.S.Gambia had sailed. “Where to and is she coming back here?” ‘Don’t know and don’t know. You had better join your mates in there’ and directed me to an inner room whereupon I met 4 more off H.M.S.Gambia who had missed the boat!! Their story was simple. They had been ashore for a good night out in Edinburgh, stayed overnight in a Navy Club and when they were given a shake this morning, turned over and went back to sleep!! One of them was a Leading Hand so was put in charge of us. My worries or concerns were over. Let the Navy worry now.
We were dispatched to H.M.S.Cochrane, the Naval Base for Rosyth and found beds and food. A great relief. But where was H.M.S.Gambia? Well we were called together a couple of days later. The leading hand given train passes etc etc and off we went. To Loch Eriboll. Where is Loch Eriboll? Get your map of Scotland out, you will be needing it, and look right at the top near Cape Wrath, that’s the place right in the top left hand corner of Scotland. Move along the top coast to the East and you will find a huge inlet. That is Loch Eriboll. We are at present, just north of Edinburgh. We have a long, exciting and in parts, a beautiful journey ahead of us.
Once again I have to admit that there are parts of the journey to Loch Eriboll I do not remember. For example after the overnight train from Edinburgh to Inverness, did we change there or did that train go a bit further and we changed later? I do know that our last train took us as close to Loch Eriboll as possible and this was to a place called Lairg. Lairg is at the southern end of Loch Shin, so we had to get out. We had arrived and the place wasn’t really awake, neither were we come to that, but it didn’t take long to see most of Lairg and our Leading Hand found an hotel where we had breakfast. Look at where Lairg is and imagine the looks we were getting. 5 matelots in ‘Sailor Suits’ as far away from the sea as one could get quite likely!!!.
So what happens now? We wait for ‘the daily bus’ to come and pick us up. This is the local post/community/everything bus. (You will need your map here) It leaves Durness in the morning, arriving at Lairg at midday. The driver has a rest and lunch, then departing at 14.00, he drives back to Durness and we would be on it! It must be pointed out that this was once an ordinary bus but the back few seats had been taken out and a wire netting partition put across. This was the ‘cargo’ area, reached through the back door. I cannot remember what there was in there, but I am led to believe that cattle ‘could’ be in there!! Something we did have, in the bus itself and alongside the driver, was a milk crate with mail on top, complete with newspapers and bread! A ‘Community Bus’ in the true sense. What was to unfold now, was the highlight of the journey to the ship, from where the Ticket Clerk told me I had Sunday train times and that my train had gone. We travelled alongside Loch Shin, Loch Merkland, Loch More, other Lochs and rivers through some stunning scenery, and remember this was late spring.
What was fascinating , was that every so often the bus would stop in a field gateway, no buildings around, and the driver would get out and shove a newspaper or letters or a bottle of milk in a hole in the hedge, “There are some houses down there, they will be up for them in a minute” and with that drove off to a group of houses clustered at the roadside with people waiting. The driver would hand out goodies again, mail, milk, letters etc and so on to these little gatherings which were in some cases miles apart and the only sign of any human life.
That journey, one of the most fascinating of my life took the afternoon and so we arrived at Durness. We looked for H.M.S.Gambia tied up alongside the wall. I don’t even recall a wall for a Colonial Class Cruiser to tie up against, but what we did see, was a Royal Navy, because it had RN on it and painted Navy Blue, yes a Royal Navy Land Rover! Up here in the very north of Scotland! Why? How? What for?
We were flying the Flag of the Admiral of the Home Fleet and as such, he had his own staff, AND, a Land Rover for running about and getting messages etc. His Land Rover had driven all the way up to Scotland to be on duty and his duty tonight was to take us back to the ship. Well to a jetty half way up the Loch to where the ship’s motor boat would come and fetch us.
And so at about 19.30, 5 days adrift, I stepped back on board. “Nice to see you Mike. Welcome back. Go and get something to eat, have a wash and get your head down” ? No not likely, it was OOW’s defaulters. “Off Caps” ‘Commander’s defaulters tomorrow’. I was then allowed to sort myself out. Commander’s defaulters sent us to Captain’s defaulters and so I was ‘sentenced’. To be very honest I was a bit miffed. I was given 5 days stoppage of leave, 5 days stoppage of pay and 5 days extra duties, ‘Men under punishment’ (Forgot whether it was 9’s or 10’s) My Divisional Officer said I could appeal. I thought I had done well and used my initiative to get back and should be let off, but as my DO explained, someone had to do my work whilst I was away. When I heard what the others got, I shut up.
Let’s look at what I had got. 5 days stoppage of leave. We were stuck in Loch Eriboll and there was nowhere to go. When we did leave, it was on an exercise, at sea. 5 Days stoppage of pay. As a National Serviceman my pay was minimal so 5 days of next to nothing didn’t add up to a fortune and 5 days extra work. Like washing paintwork on the upper deck as the sun was climbing in the early morning still of the Loch. Packing the packed lunch for an exercise one of the days in the near future.
And the other 4 who were adrift through their own fault? 21 days stoppage of leave. That would affect them later. 21 days stoppage of pay. These chaps were regulars and that would hurt. 21 days extra duties, well it depends on your view on that.
I mentioned an exercise. Well I did go ashore on this and it turned out quite hilarious, well I have just had 5 full days and nights of ‘fun’, why not a few more? We had a detachment of Royal Marines on board and very early in the morning they went ashore and got themselves dug in and camouflaged amongst all of the heather etc. The ship’s company went ashore later and were lined up across the glen. The signal to sweep across and dig them out was a Very light fired into the sky where we would all see it. The time came, Very light fired and it went high. We started the sweep. Meanwhile, behind us, ‘what goes up, must come down’ and the very light did just that. Into the very dry heather. This caught fire. Exercise called off, we spent the next 12 hours fighting the fire in the heather.
Thus ended my Whitsun Weekend ‘and a bit’.
Filming of the film ‘Sink the Bismark’ mentioned at the top? Well on her way from Rosyth to Loch Eriboll, H.M.S.Gambia was used as the Bismark. In the film, many of those ‘lined up on Bismark’s deck’ were H.M.S.Gambia’s crew, including one from my mess, Tom Keefe. Always smile when I see that excerpt and see Tom looking all German!!
Men and Women who Served in HM Armed Forces up to and including 31st December 1994 
