29 Sep 08

SDU2 blows wartime mine off Sheerness

The BBC News website contains this article, featuring CPO(D) Sid Lawrence, which describes the disposal yesterday of a German WWII 'GC' mine off Sheerness by Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2).  The Portsmouth News website contains this article and the Sheerness Times Guardian website contains this article about the same incident.  The Navy News website contains this article including the photo shown below.

Mine blown off Sheerness by SDU2

(Navy News photo by CPO(D) Sid Lawrence)

HMS Ledbury on NATO Exercises in Mediterranean

The RN website contains this article describing the continuing deployment of HMS Ledbury in the Mediterranean with Standing NATO MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1) under the Command of MCDOA member Chris Davies embarked in HMS Roebuck.

FGS Homberg and HMS Roebuck manoeuvre close to

HMS Ledbury in a recent navigation exercise

(RN website photo)

26 Sep 08 - John Beavis in Cancer Run

MCDOA member John Beavis, who has been on exchange with the Canadian Navy at the Defence Research and Development Centre (DRDC - formerly DCIEM) in Toronto for the past two and a bit years, informs me that he and his wife are competing in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon on 28 September to raise money for the Against Breast Cancer charity.

You can sponsor John via his page on the Just Giving website here.

Post Race feedback from John Beavis on 1 Oct 08

"Hi all,

Just a brief e-mail to say a big THANK YOU for your generous donations; it was greatly appreciated!   All completed in 1:36, so pretty respectable all in all and am now nursing the blisters!

Thanks again and due to your help we've raised £205.00 for Against Breast Cancer.

John and the team"

25 Sep 08 - New Personal Updates

The Members Only area contains updates with photos from MCDOA past-Chairman Chris Ameye and MCDOA past-Treasurer Dave 'Spidey' Ince who transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in November 2006.  They have just renewed acquaintance with each other in Afghanistan.

"Haven't we met before?" - MCDOA members

Dave Ince and Chris Ameye in Afghanistan

24 Sep 08 - HMS Brocklesby in Maintenance Period

The RN website contains this article describing activities on board HMS Brocklesby since summer leave.  Several members of her MW Department feature in her photo gallery here.

23 Sep 08

RN EOD Team destroys object on Chesil Beach

The following links provide news and pictures of the disposal of an explosive object on Chesil Beach in Dorset this morning by a Royal Navy EOD team, presumably SDU1:

BBC News website

BBC News website

Dorset Echo website

Dorset Echo website

News of HMS Blyth

The RN website contains this article about the activities of HMS Blyth as she approaches the end of her time in the Gulf.

HMS Blyth (foreground) and HMS Atherstone

in Umm Qasr, Iraq earlier this month

(RN website photo)

21 Sep 08 - Annual Minewarfare Association Reunion

Well done to Taff Reader, Pete Mills and all the other organisers of the Minewarfare Association's Annual Reunion in HMS Collingwood last night.  Here is a selection of photos of some of the attendees:

Left: Dixie Dean with Bob 'Mitch' Mitchell

Right: Slinger Wood, Ed Smith and Dick Barton

Gary Abnett with Pete Mills

Left: Steve Downey with Ian 'Herman' Gearing

Right: Benny Bennion and Steve Doyle

Left: Polly Porter and Nat Coles

Right: Taff Reader, Pawl Stockley and Jim Hawkins

A welcoming speech was given by MW Association Chairman Pete Mills.

MW Association Chairman Pete Mills

Assembled MW Association Reunion attendees

Among the other highlights was Steve Harvey's presentation of a whisky decanter set (including silver mine stopper) to Pawl Stockley who will be leaving the RN next April.

Nat Coles presents decanter set to Pawl Stockley

Pawl Stockley with his retirement decanter set

Don't forget that the embryonic RN Minewarfare Association is open to MW specialists of all ranks, including MWOs and MCDOs.  Membership applications can be downloaded from its website here.

19 Sep 08 - Prospective sculptors of Project Vernon Statue given acquaint

Yesterday, the three sculptors short-listed to create the statue in Gunwharf Quays to commemorate the Minewarfare and Diving heritage of HMS Vernon attended a familiarisation day in the Portsmouth area.  The aim was to provide each sculptor with sufficient background information to produce a maquette (miniature) of a statue of a mine with a clearance diver to enable us to select a single design for the full-scale version.  For further information, see the Project Vernon website.

Conceptual design for

Project VERNON statue

After assembling at Gunwharf Quays for an introductory brief by the Project Manager, MCDOA member David Carey, the sculptors and their companions were accompanied to the Mine Warfare Operational Training Centre (MWOTC) at HMS Collingwood where MCDOA member Ian Berry gave a presentation about RN minewarfare before a tour of the mining deck.  As well as David Carey and Ian Berry, those present included Rob Hoole and Tony Griffiths representing the MCDOA, serving WO(MW) Cris Applegarth and retired WO(MW) Dixie Dean representing the RN Mine Warfare Association and serving WO(D) Andy Carss and retired CPO(D) Mike Handford representing the Association of RN First Class Divers.  MW Association members WO(MW) Nat Coles and CPO(MW) Taff Reader of MWOTC were also present for at least some of the visit.

Above and below: Project Vernon statue sculptors and hosts at MWOTC

CD Branch Champion WO(D) Andy Carss with

MW Branch Champion WO(MW) Cris Applegarth

We then returned to Gunwharf Quays where we were joined by MCDOA member Frank Ward, artist John Terry of Fleet Graphics, and ex-RN Gunwharf Quays Operations Manager Sean Sweeney MBE to show the sculptors possible locations for the statue.

Gunwharf Quays Operations Manager Sean Sweeney MBE briefs sculptors

After lunch in the adjacent Café Rouge, we took the sculptors to Fleet Diving Headquarters at Horsea Island to show them examples of appropriate diving dress and equipment before dispersing our separate ways.  I'd like to thank everyone who made our day possible.

16 Sep 08 - HMS Ledbury Exercises off the French Coast

The RN website contains this article describing the involvement of HMS Ledbury in a major MCM exercise off the south coast of France.

FGS Homberg closes HMS Ledbury to pass tow

(RN website photo)

14 Sep 08 - Quick update on Russian Sea Mines

Retired members wishing to refresh their knowledge of Former Soviet Union (FSU) sea mines might find this article on the Russian Gidropribor Central Research Institute's website of interest.

13 Sep 08 - News from HMS Ramsey

I am grateful to Lt Marc Taylor RN, the Navigating Officer of HMS Ramsey, for forwarding this update:

"As part of Operation Aintree, the new Ship’s Company of HMS RAMSEY flew out to Bahrain at the beginning of July to conduct a swap with the outgoing team who will take over HMS SHOREHAM in the UK after some well deserved leave.

For many of the fresh faces it was a culture shock, leaving behind a gloomy Faslane and stepping out into a raging sun and 45 degree heat.  After having a few days to acclimatise to their new surroundings, RAMSEY was out to sea with the Ship’s Company putting their new platform to the test.  RAMSEY had to hit the ground running since it wouldn’t be long before the team from the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) organisation would make the trip out to Bahrain to assess her Operational Capability.

RAMSEY spent several days at sea exercising all of her capabilities including the use of her remote controlled mine hunting vehicles, Mk 44 Mini Guns and Mine Clearance Divers.  Time was also allocated to safety drills such as man over board and damage control exercises.  Operating with another Sandown class vessel, HMS BLYTH, the opportunity was also taken to undertake manoeuvres in close company.

HMS Ramsey in Bahrain

As part of the Coalition Forces in the Gulf region, RAMSEY is primarily tasked with Mine Countermeasure operations, which includes ensuring commercial sea lanes remain open.  RAMSEY also assists in counter terrorism operations, helping to promote stability in the Gulf.  The Commanding Officer of HMS RAMSEY, Lt Cdr Nick Borbone RN, commented:

“It was sad to say goodbye to HMS SHOREHAM, however we are now in an environment that will fully test our capability and we are making an important contribution to regional operations."

After successfully completing her FOST Assurance Visit, RAMSEY is now available to the operational commander for tasking.  HMS RAMSEY left the UK in November 2006 as part of Operation Aintree and is due to return to the UK at the end of 2008."

12 Sep 08

HMS Cattistock in Falmouth for start of Tall Ships Race

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article describing the participation of HMS Cattistock in the Regatta at Falmouth this week to celebrate the start of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Race.  Tomorrow, Cattistock will accompany the sailing ships from Falmouth, across the Bay of Biscay to Ilhavo (Port of Aveiro) in Portugal, on the first leg of their race to Madeira.

HMS Cattistock in the turn

(RN website photo)

RN Diving Heritage

At the annual RN Divers' Reunion held last June, I was privileged to sit and chat with Ray 'Brum' Maries BEM, a venerated member of the Association of RN First Class Divers (AORNFCD).

Rob Hoole and Ray 'Brum' Maries BEM

Ray was awarded a Mention in Despatches and the British Empire Medal for his exemplary service with Naval Party 1572 ('P' or 'Port Clearance' Party 1572) during operations to clear explosive ordnance, including booby traps, from ports, harbours and anchorages as the Allies advanced through Europe after the invasion of Normandy.  The 'P-Parties' were the immediate fore-runners of the Royal Navy's Clearance Diving branch.  At the end of the evening, Ray passed me some copies of photos showing divers being dressed during training at HMS Vernon(D) based at Brixham between October 1944 and October 1945.  The 'D' signified the unit's accounting base at Dartmouth. 

Initially, 'P-Parties' were equipped with the 'P-party Mk I Suit' which embodied the infamous Sladen suit developed for human torpedo 'charioteers', otherwise known as 'Clammy Death' owing to its ability to pinch delicate parts of the body when under pressure.  The suit was entered via the loose folds of an aperture in the front which were then folded concertina-like and clamped.  It was used in combination with an enlarged derivative of the Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus (DSEA), a closed-circuit breathing system using pure oxygen. 

Trainee being dressed in Sladen 'Clammy Death' diving suit

However, the thin Sladen suit was deemed too flimsy for arduous clearance work and DSEA was unsuitable for diving in depths greater than 30 feet.  Consequently, 'P-Parties' tended to use Siebe Gorman's 'Shallow Water Diving Suit' which incorporated the Admiralty Neck Salvus (ANS) Self-Contained Diving Apparatus using a closed-circuit enriched oxy-nitrogen mixture.  This photo shows a trainee being dressed in what I believe to be a 'Shallow Water Diving Suit'. 

'P-Party' trainee being dressed in Shallow Water Diving Suit at HMS Vernon(D)

(Courtesy of Ray 'Brum' Maries BEM)

Eventually, 'P-Parties' were equipped with the 'P-party Mark II Suit' which was more durable and incorporated a modification of the existing Salvus apparatus.  This was the first truly successful attempt to use mixture breathing in a closed circuit.  The following illustration from Deep Diving and Submarine Operations by Sir Robert H. Davies depicts all three types of diving suit worn by 'P-Parties'.

Diving suits used by 'P-Parties'

This sequence of photos shows a trainee being dressed in Siebe Gorman's 'Mine Recovery Suit' (MRS), a completely non-magnetic two-piece self-contained helmet suit which was developed earlier in the war and used a 45/55 oxy-nitrogen mixture.  The MRS was generally worn by the Officer-in-Charge of the relevant 'P-Party' to render safe any ordnance found by members of the team during their search.

'P-Party' trainee being dressed in Mine Recovery Suit (MRS) at HMS Vernon(D)

(Courtesy of Ray 'Brum' Maries BEM)

'P-Party' trainee in MRS

(Courtesy of David Shane)

This illustration from Deep Diving and Submarine Operations by Sir Robert H. Davies depicts a diver in MRS going about his hazardous work: 

Diver in Mine Recovery Suit (MRS)

This photo from my archives shows Lt Cdr George Gosse GC RANVR, OIC of 'P-Party' 1571 in MRS after rendering safe one of several German 'Oyster' pressure mines in Bremen docks in May 1945.

Lt Cdr George Gosse GC RANVR in MRS

This illustration from Deep Diving and Submarine Operations by Sir Robert H Davies depicts 'P-Party' members performing their various tasks:

'P-Party' members at work 

Thank you for the photos Ray.  I hope to renew our acquaintance at next year's reunion.

11 Sep 08 - Project VERNON Update

Project VERNON Statue

(Conceptual Design)

During the past few weeks there has been a flurry of activity involving the project to erect a statue in Gunwharf Quays commemorating the Minewarfare and Diving Heritage of HMS Vernon.  Thirteen leading sculptors expressed an interest in producing the statue and a committee comprising members of the MCDOA, the Minewarfare Association and the Association of RN First Class Divers (AORNFCD) has selected three of them to produce 'maquettes' (miniatures) of their proposed designs.

Action is currently being taken to establish the project as a charity with members of the above organisations as trustees.  When this has been achieved, fund-raising will begin in earnest.  Much credit is due to MCDOA member Dave Carey, the Project Manager, for his hard work behind the scenes and meticulous attention to detail.

For further information about progress, look at the latest Blog entry on the Project VERNON's website at http://vernon-monument.org.  Why not pledge a donation or offer other support while you're there?

10 Sep 08 - RN Minewarfare & Diving Heritage

In April I published an article about the death of ex-CD Derek 'Dan' Neave including his service with the clearance diving team attached to the 51st Minesweeper Flotilla (51st MSF) c.1956 (see entry for 22 Apr 08 in News Archive 22).  This team was normally embarked in HMS Brenchley.

HMS Brenchley

(TCA photo)

Former FCPO(D) Dave 'Mona' Lott in Australia has also drawn my attention to the 50th MSF's diving team embarked in HMS Diver around the same time and has provided this photo:

50th MSF Diving Team

(normally embarked in HMS Diver)

When I eventually asked Mona to identify the individuals shown, he sent this reply:

"G'day Rob,

When I looked at the date of the original sending I decided that you should get 10 out of 10 for determination.  Left to right are:

• Dave Lardner (later to be CPO(CD1) i/c Med Team after relieving Ernie Foggin) who was then killed in a civilian diving accident a few years later.

• Ginger Andrews, later to be FCPO(D).

• Ernie Whitmore, (I think I saw a photo of him when he attended one of the Divers' reunions a couple of years back.

• Nutty Carr, later I think Lt SD Carr.

• LM(E) N J Grant, HMS Diver's Leading Stoker who was also a shallow water (ships') diver.

• A very young (and at the time not bad looking), Robert Keir (Bob) Adam, later CPO(CD1).

• Bringing up the rear, but otherwise always in front, Lt Cdr Bill Filer.

Apart from Grant, all were CD's from the 50th Unit based at Queensferry on board HMS Diver although Dave Lardner was on loan from HMS Lochinvar.  I guess the 51st and the members of their diving team onboard HMS Brenchley (including myself) are just out of the photo, and round the headland underwater and working as usual, as opposed to posing for happy snaps...(LOL)

P.S.  They didn't actually dive as their proto canisters were empty; not that they would have noticed any difference!  I shall also forward to Bob Adam so in view of my above remarks we may get a rapid, possibly heated reply.  Mind you any form of warmth was welcome in those days of just wearing thin blue undersuits under the rubber bag...

Dave (Mona) still in Eden NSW"

Although 'Uncle Bill' Filer hung up his fins long ago, he remains a stalwart member of the MCDOA and celebrated his 91st birthday last month.  He can be found on his favourite bar stool at the Lee-on-the-Solent Tennis Club most lunchtimes.

HMS Diver

(TCA photo) 

At various times, the 50th MSF included the Ley Class inshore minehunters (each fitted with Multiple Towed Gradiometer (MTG)) HMS Brearley (1957-60), HMS Brinkley (1956-60) and HMS Burley (1955-56).  It also included the Ham Class inshore minesweepers HMS Chillingham (1957-58), HMS Inglesham (1954-58), HMS Reedham (1959) and HMS Yaxham (1959-62) and the Ton Class minesweepers HMS Boulston (1956-57), HMS Clarbeston (1962-62), HMS Glasserton (1955-62), HMS Highburton (1958-62), HMS Shoulton (1960-62) and HMS Sullington (1955-56).

The 50th MSF was based at Port Edgar on the Firth of Forth from 1955.  In 1958 it moved to Portland where it was renamed the 50th (Portland AUWE Trials) Minesweeping Squadron before becoming the 3rd Minesweeping Squadron (3rd MSS) on 1 October 1962.  In 1966, this became the 3rd Mine Countermeasures Squadron (3rd MCMS) shortly before it incorporated the RN's first minehunter HMS Shoulton (1967-78), along with the minesweepers HMS Glasserton (1964-78) and HMS Wotton (1971-78).  The 3rd MCM Squadron was disbanded in 1978 but reformed at Rosyth (with funnel badge trident pointing up instead of down) in 1984. This, in turn, was disbanded when the last MCMVs left Rosyth in Sep 1993.

In the meantime, the 51st MSF remained at Port Edgar and was renamed the 51st MSS in 1958.  On 1 October 1962, it was renamed the 1st Minehunting Squadron (1st MHS) comprising HMS Shoulton, HMS Bronington, HMS Brinkley and HMS Brenchley.  On 1 January 1966, this squadron combined with the 2nd and 5th (Vernon) Minesweeping Squadrons to form the 1st Mine Countermeasures Squadron (1st MCMS).

On 24 January 1972, the Second MCM Squadron was re-formed at HMS Vernon following the return of HMS Hubberston and HMS Bossington from Hong Kong where they had been members of the Sixth MCM (Dragon) Squadron. The 2nd MCM Squadron was completed with the arrival of HMS Upton, HMS Lewiston and HMS Iveston later in the year.

9 Sep 09 - HMS Atherstone and HMS Blyth make history

Todays Portsmouth News contains this article describing how Portsmouth-based HMS Atherstone, accompanied by Faslane-based HMS Blyth, have made history by becoming the first RN ships to enter an Iraqi port since the invasion of 2003.

HMS Blyth and HMS Atherstone arriving in Umm Qasr

(RN website photo)

5 Sep 08

Remembrance Service for Lt Cdr Ian Fraser VC DSC RD* RNR

The remembrance service for Ian Fraser (see entry for 2 Sep 08) will be at St James Church, Victoria Road, New Brighton, Wallasey at 1500 on Thursday 11 September.  Follow M53 signs for New Brighton Station and the church is close by.  Rig of the day will be blazer and slacks or suit and medals.  Submariners will muster at 1445.  All are then cordially invited back to the Grove Hotel, Grove Road, Wallasey for a reception and drinks.  This is ten minutes from the church and is quite easily reached.

From MCDOA member John Grattan:

"Dear Rob,

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend Ian's funeral as I will be abroad.  He and I met at the 1958 Divers' dinner which was also attended by Peter Roberts, another V.C. holder.  I saw much of Ian whilst driving HMS Dingley and the HSCDT [Home Station Clearance Diving Team] because he came down to Vernon on many occasions.  In fact he tried to persuade Stuart Honour and me to leave the RN and join his company in Liverpool; but we were having so much fun at that time that we did not give it much consideration.  Years later ['76 to'78] he and I were on the AODC [Association of Offshore Diving Contractors] Safety committee and we wrote much of the offshore safety legislation.  He was a wonderful colleague with a crystal clear mind and great fun to be with.

Peter Roberts taught me to drive the only chariot then in existence, based at Horsea - great fun and a hell of an experience.  Furthermore neither of us were much good at driving the submersible canoes also based at Horsea.  I wonder what happened to all that kit.  Is it any wonder that we were so very proud to join a Branch with such eminent members at that time?

Happy days and wonderful memories.

Yours,

John"

HMS Blyth and HMS Atherstone visit Iraq and HMS Pembroke completes refit at Rosyth

The RN website contains this article about the arrival of HMS Blyth and HMS Atherstone in the port of Umm Qasr in Iraq, the first visits by RN ships since 2003.  It also contains this article about the return to sea of HMS Pembroke following her refit at Rosyth.

HMS Penzance visits Penzance this weekend

The Navy News website contains this article announcing a visit to Penzance by HMS Penzance this weekend.  She will be open to the public at West Dock on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September from 1000 to 1400.  Admission is free.

HMS Penzance

(Navy News photo)

3 Sep 08 - HMS Ledbury update

The RN website contains this article describing the operations of HMS Ledbury off La Spezia in Italy with her fellow members of Standing NATO MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1).

HMS Ledbury's fellow members of SNMCMG1

(RN website photo)

2 Sep 08 - Death of Lt Cdr Ian Fraser VC DSC RD* RNR

The Daily Telegraph website contains this obituary for submariner and diver Lt Cdr Ian Fraser RNR who died on Monday aged 87.  He was the last surviving RN holder of the Victoria Cross, awarded for navigating the midget submarine XE-3 into the heart of Singapore harbour on 31 July 1945 and attacking the 10,000 ton Japanese cruiser Takao.  LS James Magennis, his diver, was decorated with the VC for the same mission.  After planting three limpet mines at each end of the Takao, Magennis had to exit the submarine again to free one of its two-ton side charges, timers already ticking, which had only partially released and prevented the craft from moving.

XE Craft exercising on the surface

in Sydney Harbour

Immediately after the war, Ian Fraser recruited fellow divers to form his own 'Frogman show' which performed at various venues around the country.

Left: Ian Fraser's Frogmen Show

Right: Divers in 20,000 gallon tank at Belle Vue, Manchester

Ian Fraser adjusts his noseclip

In 1965 Ian Fraser formed Universal Divers and North Sea Diving Services and expanded into seabed exploration and the maintenance of North Sea oil and gas rigs.  After selling out to the Blue Star Line in 1975 he continued to serve with Star Offshore Services Marine Ltd until 1982.  He entitled his memoirs Frogman VC and I have a copy on my bookshelf.  I was invited to comment on BBC Radio 4's PM programme today and a recording of my interview can be heard here.  I regret the sound quality is less than perfect owing to the need to compress the file for use on the website.

Lt Cdr Ian Fraser VC DSC RD* RNR

(18 Dec 1920 - 1 Sep 2008)

28 Aug 08 - HMS Atherstone update

The RN website contains this article describing the latest activities of HMS Atherstone in the Gulf.

Atherstone's AB(MW) Monk on duty

(RN website photo)

26 Aug 08 - HMS Vernon Heritage

I am most grateful to MCDOA associate member Gavin Anthony for providing this image of members of HMS Vernon's wardroom mess on its closure in March 1986.  It contains many familiar figures, including some illustrious MCDOA members, but I won't attempt to name them all here.

HMS Vernon Wardroom Mess members on closure March 1986

24 Aug 08 - Diving knives

Can any spotters help with this request?

"Hi,

I have been collecting diving knives for a few years now and was hoping someone in your organisation would be able to help me identify the material used to make the Siebe Gorman non-magnetic diving knife blades.  I have attached a photo of my Admiralty Pattern SG knife with two other clearance diver's knives, also another photo of a few other diving knives from my collection.

Best wishes,

John Wilkins"

Left: John Wilkins' clearance diving knives

Right: John Wilkins' diving knife collection

If anyone can help with John's enquiry, please e-mail me via my webmaster address.  My own collection of diving knives, courtesy of the 1983B LMCDO course staff & students and MCDOA member Dan Nicholson respectively, is much more modest and awaits the establishment of a permanent RN Diving Museum by a wealthy philanthropist.  Any offers?

Hoole's diving knife collection

22 Aug 08 - HMS Ledbury update

The RN website contains this article describing the progress of HMS Ledbury through the Mediterranean with NATO Standing MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1) commanded by MCDOA member Chris Davies.  Fellow MCDOA member John Staveley, who has worked for several years at the NATO Undersea Research Centre (NURC) in La Spezia, tells me he is much looking forward to welcoming Chris and his group.

AB(MW) Kieron Putt fires Ledbury's port Mk 44 MiniGun

during a gunnery serial off Corsica

(RN website photo)

20 Aug 08 - HMS Blyth update

The RN website contains this article describing how the ship's company of HMS Blyth has been exchanged with that of HMS Walney in Bahrain.

Left: LS(D) Des Haman talks Bahrain Defence Force personnel through Specials on Blyth's forecastle

Right: Clearance Diver surveys Blyth's Voith-Schneider propulsors

(RN website photos)

18 Aug 08 - Help needed with Study of Diver Hazards and Risks

MCDOA associate member Gavin Anthony of QinetiQ has sent me this request for help with an important study for the Health & Safety Executive:

"Rob,

If possible I would be grateful if you could assist me with the project below by publishing this and requesting responses to me and/or Arran Fisher as per the attached.

Regards,

Gavin"

Study of hazards and risks associated with localised differential pressure

QinetiQ are conducting a study for the United Kingdom (UK) Health and Safety Executive (HSE), (a non-profit governmental organisation), on localised differential pressure hazards in the diving industry.   We are looking at all possible sources of information that may be able to contribute to this study.  Accordingly we would be most grateful if you could read the attached proposal and hope you will be able to contribute.   Please feel free to copy and disseminate this request to any party you feel may be able to assist.

Please take a look at the proposal and provide Gavin and Arran with any information that might help reduce such accidents to divers in future.

15 Aug 08   Death of Roy Evan Rees

I have received this notification of the death of former RN Diver Roy Rees:

"Dear Sirs,

Some sad news that may be of interest to those of your members with links to HMS Reclaim.   Roy Evan Rees passed away in the early hours of the 28th of July 2008.  Roy was a 'full career' diver with the RN and among many other things served on board HMS Reclaim during the time of Lt Wookey's world record dive to 600 ft in 1956.  Indeed, this image on your website shows Roy on the right of the picture (see 'HMS Reclaim - A World Record Breaker' in the website's Dit Box):

Roy Rees (right) helping to dress the late MCDOA member

George Wookey for his 600 ft World Record Dive

His family were present at his bedside and he will be much missed by them.  Roy was my sister's father-in-law.

Kind regards,

Clark Christie"

I have passed Clark our condolences.  People like Roy Rees helped enrich the heritage of our branch when RN diving achievements were the envy of the world.

From ex-FCPO(D) Dave 'Mona' Lott in Australia:

"G'day Rob,

I would like to pass on the sincere condolences of both Les Maynard and myself to Roy's family members.  Roy was a great addition to the CD branch when he eventually converted over from a "Steamer".

I first knew Roy as a Standard Diver in Malta during the late 1950s.  He had a very buoyant personality and was very well liked.  I am only sorry to have lost contact with him since we both left the RN, a considerable number of years ago now.

Dave (Mona)

Eden NSW Au"

From MCDOA member Bob Lusty:

"Sorry to hear about Roy.  I send my condolences to all his family.  I met Roy in Reclaim a few months after GW’s dive.  George Clucus had just left under a cloud owing to high spirits and Sam Hurn was relieved by John Peach as Chief Diver.  We were guests in Reclaim carrying out trials on the MRO [Mine Radiographic Outfit] set which replaced MRS.  Bill Filer was the boss of the trials team.

We had a pleasant stay in Reclaim being welcomed by Roy who was leading hand of the divers’ mess.  Of course, we were cork heads and not real divers.  Roy made an impact on the few weeks we were with him.  He was a very kind and polite human being and made our stay enjoyable.

Thank you Roy.

Bob Lusty"

Death of Lt Cuthbert 'Bert' Blackmore RNVR

Sheila Cartwright, a mutual friend, has drawn my attention to the death of Bert Blackmore in a hospice on 7 August.  He was 91 and his funeral is being held today.  Some years ago, Bert was kind enough to give me a personally inscribed copy of his book, 'The Explosive Years', which describes his wartime naval bomb & mine disposal experiences.

The Explosive Years

by Bert Blackmore

Cuthbert (Bert) Blackmore was born in Londonderry in Northern Ireland on 1 July 1917.  In 1933 his family moved to England when his father, who worked in the Ships Surveyors’ Department of the Board of Trade, was transferred to Hull.  Bert started work in the branch office of a London company engaged in the manufacture of engineering supplies.  When war came he registered for National Service and joined the Royal Navy in June 1940.  After new entry training at HMS Collingwood he served as an Ordinary Seaman in the ill-fated destroyer HMS Jersey, a ship in Lord Louis Mountbatten's 5th Flotilla, and saw action in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.  

In September 1941 he was commissioned in the RNVR and was injured by a bomb during the Blitz on Portsmouth.  He immediately volunteered for service with the Directorate of Unexploded Bombs and after training at HMS Volcano, the RN's bomb disposal school at Holmrook Hall near Ravenglass in Cumbria, he rendered safe and disposed of numerous types of bombs and mines in the UK and later in North Africa, Turkey, Greece (during the Civil War) and South East Asia.  After being demobilised in September 1946, he transferred to the RNVR Supplementary Reserve.  Surprisingly, it seems that he was never honoured or decorated for any of his hazardous work.  

Out of uniform he married Mary, whom he had met on leave in 1941, and returned to work for his old employer in Hull, in due course taking over management of the branch.  In 1957 he forsook the world of commerce and entered the Queen's Theological College, Birmingham, to train for the ministry of the Church of England.  Ordained in York Minster in 1959, he worked in parishes in York and the Scarborough area where, for a period, he was Rural Dean.  He retired from the active ministry in 1983.  

Bert was not a member of the MCDOA but he and his wife Mary have helped me with my Branch research on several occasions.  I will miss him dearly and can only offer Mary and the rest of his family my deepest condolences.

Lt Bert Blackmore RNVR

(1 Jul 1917 - 7 Aug 2008)

14 Aug 08 - RN CDs and a former MW to participate in Great South Run

Today's Portsmouth News contains this article describing the participation of CPO(D) Ian 'Scouse' Fleming and a team from the Defence Diving School in the BUPA Great South Run in Southsea on Sunday 26 October.  It looks like two of the team will run wearing diving sets.  Ian's step-daughter Claire died from meningitis in 1989 and donations can be made to the Meningitis Trust via the team's web page at www.justgiving.com/navydiver.

Coincidentally, former CPO(MW) Dorian 'Simmo' Simmonds will also participate in the Great South Run.  His 11-year old daughter Neve has been suffering from Crohn's Disease for the past four years and donations to the Crohn's in Childhood Research Association can be made via his web page at www.justgiving.com/doriansimmonds.

Simmo with Neve

Come on guys, give whatever you can spare.  These are people from our own 'extended family'.

13 Aug 08 - HMS Ledbury in Lisbon

The RN website contains this article about the deployment of HMS Ledbury to the Mediterranean with Standing NATO MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1) under the command of MCDOA member Chris Davies.

HMS Ledbury leads SNMCMG1 into Lisbon, passing

beneath the huge '25 of April' bridge over the Tagus

(RN website photo)

12 Aug 08 - Gentlemen Who Lunch (plus one)

The MCDOA's 'Not Quite the Last of the Summer Wine' trio of Doug Barlow, Martyn Holloway and Rob Hoole was joined today by fellow MCDOA member Dan Nicholson.  He was visiting friends in the Portsmouth area from his home in Poole which he and his wife Christine are selling in order to move on board their newly purchased narrow boat pending a move to the north of England.  Last week, Dan, Chris and Martyn brought a yacht back from the Channel Islands to Plymouth via Dartmouth in atrocious weather conditions.  The weather today was not conducive to sailing either so we ended up in our favourite haunt, The Blue Bell in beautiful downtown Emsworth, where we enjoyed a pleasant lunch washed down with a few pints of Doom Bar real ale.  

Nicholson, Hoole, Barlow & Holloway

in the Blue Bell in Emsworth

Afterwards, we returned to Barlow's cottage for tea and stickies prepared by Barlow's lovely hostess Jill.  This photo was taken in the garden before we went our separate ways for another week.

Nicholson, Hoole, Barlow and Holloway in Barlow's garden

9 Aug 08 - Death of ex-Clearance Diver Roy 'Dixie' Dales

Former Clearance Diver Mick Lambert has forwarded the following e-mail:

"Dear all,

I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it is with deepest regret that I have to inform you that Roy (Dixie) Dales passed away in the early hours of Wednesday 6 August 2008, one day before his 74th birthday.  If you are wondering, I am (was to be) his future grandson-in-law.  I helped Roy with all things gadgetry and was amazed that someone in their 70s was so keen to learn about all things modern.  He was a matelot and I'm in the RAF so, as you can imagine, I got plenty of good-humoured stick.

Roy died due to a massive heart attack sat in his armchair in his house.  It has come as a deep and unexpected shock to all his family.  He will be cremated at Octon Crematorium on Friday 15 August at 10:00 and any cards or letters of condolence should be sent to the address below.  Please will you be kind enough to pass this sad news on to anyone who knows Roy and especially the guys from the "Ganges" Club, as I know he was very fond of them all.  

Thanks for your time.  Once again I am so sorry to be the bearer of this news and sorry it's a group e-mail but there is a lot to be done.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Walker"

6 Aug 08 - HMS Ledbury update

The RN website contains this article about HMS Ledbury being the last ever winner of the Soberton Trophy for Fishery Protection and this article about her departure to the Mediterranean for a four-month deployment with Standing NATO MCM Group 1 (SNMCMG1).

HMS Ledbury

(RN website photo)

5 Aug 08 - MCDOA members meet in Bahrain

I am grateful to Mike Loane for the following e-mail:

"Rob,

Last week, at the suggestion of Steve Marshall, we got together for an impromptu but most enjoyable evening of food and tall tales.  The Thai restaurant in the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain, was the venue and myself, Steve, Topsy Turner (on duty in Bahrain with RNZN) and WO1(D) Pete Younger were in attendance.  Steve had been in KSA with Pete and myself doing a bit of work with the RSNF.  For some reason most of the dits revolved around Bob Hawkins, can't think why......?   All good fun as you can see from the picture.

All the best from sunny KSA.

Mike"

MCDOA members with Pete Younger in Bahrain

4 Aug 08 - Standing NATO MCM Group 1 reassembles at Devonport

The RN website contains this article describing the reassembly of SNMCMG1, commanded by MCDOA member Chris Davies, at Devonport after their summer break.  The ships of the group include HMS Ledbury and the former HMS Sandown, now known as ENS Admiral Cowan in the Estonian Navy.  ENS Admiral Cowan is named after Admiral Sir Walter Henry Cowan who led Royal Navy forces in the Baltic during the Russian Civil War and supported Estonia during its War of Independence.  Her ship's badge is based on Admiral Cowan's family coat of arms and was presented by the Queen at a ceremony in Tallinn on 20 October 2006.

SNMCMG1 ships at Devonport

(RN website photo)

2 Aug 08

New book from Maurice Cocker

I am grateful to our newest MCDOA associate member, Maurice Cocker, for sending a copy of his latest book, Royal Navy Submarines 1901 to the Present Day.

Royal Navy Submarines

1901 to the Present Day  

Maurice is a retired Lt RNR who also served in the Auxiliary Coastguard, the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (where he went to sea in the Ham Class inshore minesweeper HMS Puttenham) and the Civil Service.  He is an Associate of the Royal Historical Society and his previous books include: 

• Destroyers of the Royal Navy 1893 - 1981

• Observers Directory of Royal Naval Submarines 1901 - 1982

• Frigates, Sloops & Patrol Vessels of the Royal Navy 1900 to date

• Minewarfare Vessels of the Royal Navy 1908 to date (which I have in my bookcase)

• West Coast Support Group TG 96.8 Korea

• Coastal Forces Vessels of the Royal Navy from 1865

• Aircraft Carrying Ships of the Royal Navy 1912 to date

Royal Navy Submarines 1901 to the Present Day is a richly illustrated 136-page hardback with forewords written by Vice Admiral Sir Lancelot Bell Davies KBE and Admiral Sir James Perowne KBE.  The book is the first to list every submarine that has worn the white ensign and it contains class notes, specifications and brief information about each vessel, including their fates where appropriate.  Members may be particularly interested in the section covering the first Porpoise Class, also known as the Grampus Class, comprising Grampus, Porpoise, Narwhal, Rorqual, Cachalot and Seal.  Apart from being able to lay ground mines from their torpedo tubes like other submarines, vessels of this class could also lay 50 moored mines from a special compartment running most of the length of the upper casing.  They saw extensive action in the Baltic, Mediterranean and in the Far East during the Second World War and were responsible for many enemy casualties.  However, only one of them survived the war.  From Maurice's book:

"...The periscope standards were offset vertically to starboard within the inner conning tower to allow a clear run for the mine-carrying railway which ran down the centreline from the inner bow to the outer stern doors.  Compensating ballast was carried on the port side to ensure stability."

Outline of Porpoise Class submarine showing encased minelaying arrangement

Royal Navy Submarines 1901 to the Present Day is recommended for anyone who would like a concise description with photos of every type of submarine to have seen service in the Royal Navy.  Its jacket price is £19.99 but it is currently available for £15.99 from Pen and Sword Books.

HMS Vernon Heritage

I have received the following e-mail:

"Of interest possibly to your site: HMS Vernon’s yacht See Otter and its crew taken approx 1949/50.  My father, a former CPO TASI, was an active member of Vernon’s sailing team with its fleet of whalers and the ex-German yacht See Otter now lying in a yard off Castle Street in Portchester.  On retirement he purchased the Vernon Officers' Mess Victory class Bien Aimée, still sailing with the Victory Class at Portsmouth.

Regards,

Ron Lansley"

HMS Vernon's Windfall yacht See Otter c.1949

Left: HMS Vernon's Sailing Team in front of Admin Building c.1949

Right: HMS Vernon's Sailing Team in Vernon Creek c.1949

HMS Vernon's Sailing Team c.1950

Ron Lansley on Victory Class dayboat

Bien Aimée off Seaview, Isle of Wight

I am extremely grateful to Ron for these historic photos.  See Otter, with 50 sq metres of sail, was one of the 'Windfall' yachts, so called because they were confiscated from the German Navy as war reparations after the Second World War.  Most were used by the British Armed Forces for sail training.  See Otter ended up in HMS Vernon and MCDOA member Doug Barlow, then the Waterfront Officer, remembers sailing her regularly during the early 1970s.  She was bought in 1958 by the late Cdr Peter Richardson DSC RN, a staff officer at Vernon who had been responsible for bringing several Windfalls back from Germany and subsequently did much good work for RNSA.  He kept the yacht at HMS Vernon into the 1980s but died in 2002.  The last I heard, See Otter was being restored by one of his sons at his old home in Portchester.

Windfall yacht See Otter at Kiel Regatta

in 1936 when still in German hands

Victory Class dayboats date back to 1934 when they were used exclusively by the Royal Navy for recreational sailing.  Most of them were based at Portsmouth and Gibraltar (see Doug Barlow's amusing tale, 'Victory is Ours!', in the website's Dit Box).  All the Victorys are now owned privately but those in Portsmouth still race regularly.  See here for further information.

1 Aug 08 - Navy News items

The August issue of Navy News contains the following MCD-related items: 

• A round-up of UK port visits made by RN ships including the minehunters HMS Shoreham, HMS Bangor and HMS Grimsby.

• The role of former minehunter HMS Brecon as a training ship at HMS Raleigh.