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: January 20, 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.
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 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.
Men and Women who Served in HM Armed Forces up to and including 31st December 1994 
