27 Sep 19 - SDU2 detonates wartime mine off Southend

The Royal Navy website contains this article reporting the disposal by members of Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2) of a German GC ground mine found in the wreck of a 17th century warship near Southend Pier in Essex.

(Royal Navy images)

16 Sep 19 - Death and funeral of Lt Cdr Nigel Davies RN

Lt Cdr Nigel Joseph Ayrton Davies RN

I was saddened to receive this email today from MCDOA member Nigel Davies' wife Sue:

"Dear Rob,

I am writing to inform you of the death of my husband, Lt Cdr Nigel J.A. Davies RN.  He died while on holiday in Norway on Tuesday 10 September 2019.

Perhaps you would like to inform the other members of the retired MCDO branch of his passing.

Yours,

Susan Davies"

Nigel qualified as an LMCDO at HMS Vernon in 1967.  His Course Officer was Hec Donohue RAN and his fellow students were David Bartlett MBE, Jack Birkett OBE RN/RAN, Peter Fougstedt SAN, Pat Gale, Mike Harwood MBE, Geoff Mullett, Chris Niven and David Ramsden RN/RAN. 

Nigel served mostly in Scotland, where he lived in Kircudbright, Dumfries & Galloway,  His appointments included the Battle class destroyer HMS Agincourt (1966-67), HMS Vernon for LMCDO Course 1967-68, HMS Maxton (1968-69), Plymouth Clearance Diving Team (1970-72), HMS Quainton (1973), HMS Kellington (1974), HMS Cochrane for SNICDT (1975-77), HMS Neptune for Faslane CDT (1977-79), HMS Cochrane as SOO MCM10 (1980-83), CO HMS Cattistock (1984-86), SMCDO to FOSNNI (1987-89), XO HMS Endurance (1990-91) and XO HMS Malabar in Bermuda (1992-95). 

After leaving the Royal Navy in 1995, Nigel became the manager of the Kirkcudbright Training Area which includes the Dundrennan Range.

In 2012, Nigel attended the MCDOA Northern Dinner and appears in this photo with seven other members who had completed an appointment as SMCDO to FOSNNI (see entry for 9 Mar 12 in News Archive 37).

Left to right: Don Crosbie, Rich Osbaldestin, Matt Offord, John Law, Bertie Armstrong,

 Phil Ireland DSC, Nigel Davies and Kev Stockton at HMS Neptune in March 2012

In 2017, Nigel and three other members of LMCDO '67 celebrated the 50th anniversary of their course at the MCDOA's Annual Dinner in HMS Excellent (see entry for 27 Nov 17 in News Archive 60).

Left to right: Pat Gale, David Bartlett, Nigel Davies and David Ramsden

at the MCDOA Annual Dinner in November 2017

A funeral service will be held for Nigel at 12 noon on Wednesday 2 October in Greyfriars Church, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4HZ.  Family flowers only.  Donations, if desired, in Nigel's memory to the RNLI and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.

In the meantime, I am sure all members of our community will join me in extending our heartfelt condolences to Nigel's wife Sue and their family at this difficult time.

From MCDOA member David Ramsden RN/RAN in Australia (LMCDO '67):

"Good morning Rob,

Very sad and surprising to hear about Nigel’s passing.  As you said it is a very premature departure and it will be devastating for Sue and the family.

So glad that we had the ‘catch up’ at the dinner after all these years.  We were togethor in Singapore as well as during the course.

Thank you for including me in the sad news.  I will contact Sue separately.  

Best wishes,

David"

From MCDOA member Martyn Holloway:

"Dear Rob,

What desperately sad news concerning the death of Nigel Davies.  Such a gentle man with a perpetual smile and good word for anyone, a natural leader of men.  He relieved me as XO of HMS Kellington in late ’73 and I always enjoyed crossing paths with him ever since.   

Post Falklands conflict when Nigel and Karl Lees arrived at Port Stanley to relieve Alex Manning and Chris Meatyard, Nigel was instrumental in allowing the 11th MCM to escape the clutches of the burgeoning peacetime administration.  We were shattered having just finished clearing the minefields and wanted to go home but were being used to collect the gash from merchant vessels at anchor.  Having made a case that our draught (24 feet) prevented us from accessing the small harbours and we were thus of no real use, Nigel told us to sail and leave behind a long Intend Navmove that nobody would read and notice our route was direct to Gibraltar, skimming South America and passing over 1,000 miles from Ascension Island thus saving us days.  

It was good to see him at the 2017 MCDOA dinner where we laughed over the story.  I shall miss his cheery face.  

Yours aye,  

Martyn"

From MCDOA member David Bartlett MBE (LMCDO '67):

"Dear Rob,

Very sorry to hear the sad news of Nigel.  I have many great memories of LMCDO '67.  We never served together in the same area but kept in touch throughout the years.  It was a privilege that we were able to share those memories during our time together at the reunion in 2017.

Please pass on our love and condolences to Sue.

Regards,

David.  

From MCDOA member Dougie MacDonald:

"Hello Rob,  

What very sad news.  I will indeed join you in extending heartfelt condolences to Sue and family. 

Nigel and I crossed paths frequently but I will always have two enduring memories of him:

- He hosted a whiskey party in Rosyth.  I don’t like whiskey but I met Mrs MacDonald.

- I commiserated with him in Port Stanley when he was trying to write off the cost of breaking bail for half his ship’s company after a visit to Montevideo.  

I regret that I can’t attend his funeral, overseas again but second retirement beckons.  

Best,

Dougie"

From Cdre Hector 'Hec' Donohue AM RAN in Australia (LMCDO '67 Course Officer):

"Good afternoon Rob,

Thank you so much for keeping me in the loop regarding the untimely passing of Nigel Davies.  I still remember him as a fresh-faced young Sub Lieutenant when he joined the course and was delighted when he turned out to be a very capable and competent MCDO.

Very sad news.

Regards,

Hec"

From MCDOA member Peter Waddington:

"Dear Rob,

Very sorry to read your email about Nigel's passing.  As suggested in your message of condolence, he was one of those people who one might have expected to be around for ever.  We had fairly frequent contact when he was on MCM10's Staff and I was the RN Staff Officer at HMS EAGLET.

A somewhat poignant recollection is my feeling that the last time we met was when he spoke at length about Chris Beresford Green at the latter's funeral; another untimely death.

Regards,

Peter"

12 Sep 19 - News from Andy Elvin

I am grateful to MCDOA member Andy Elvin OBE for this update (see second entry for 21 Mar 14 in News Archive 45):

"Good morning Rob,

Great work on the website, etc,.  I thought I'd drop you a quick update. 

My family and I moved to Rhode Island after retiring in 2014 where I keep busy with consulting work with my company, support International Programs at the US Naval War College, diving with the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), and if you ask my wife, too many projects in the garage.

Of particular note is the current work with RIMAP.  During the colonial period in the Americas, Newport, Rhode Island, was the third most important harbour in North America, second only to Philadelphia and Boston, and as a result there are numerous wrecks that litter the seabed.  Of particular note are the vessels that were lost during the American Revolution, when British and Hessian troops occupied Newport and the surrounding area in Rhode Island.  As part of the defences of Newport, the British scuttled 13 vessels to keep the French Fleet at range from Newport. 

Through 25 years of extensive research and wreck investigation, one of these scuttled vessels is believed to be the Lord Sandwich, formerly Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour.  Along with the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), we have been investigating a significant site where we have yet to identify any evidence that discount the site from being Cook's ship.

For more information, see http://www.rimap.org.

Looking forward to the miniatures of the new Vernon Monument.  Always a bed and a beer available to anyone passing  

All the best,

Andy"

11 Sep 19 - MCDOA President assumes Command at BRNC Dartmouth

I am sure all members of our community will join me in congratulating MCDOA President Roger Readwin on superseding Capt Jolyon 'Jol' Woodard RN as the Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) at Dartmouth yesterday.

Capt Roger Readwin RN
(RN photo)

10 Sep 19 - Latest awards of LS&GC

Congratulations to WO1(D) Si 'Ruby' Murray on being gazetted for the award of the second clasp to the Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

Congratulations as well to PO(MW) L Gordon on being gazetted for the award of the Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

9 Sep 19 - 3D images of Vernon Monument

These images were produced from the 3D scan of Mark Richards’ half life-size maquette of the Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument.  The scan is being used to create the final one-and-a-quarter life-size version due to be installed next spring at Gunwharf Quays on the site in Portsmouth previously occupied by HMS VERNON.

Quotes from various sources are currently being compared for the production of miniatures in various formats, sizes and materials.  Understandably, there is much to consider because the structure is more intricate than most designs of a similar nature.

Keep those pennies rolling in to the MCDOA's adopted cause:

Project Vernon - Donations

Project Vernon - Shop

8 Sep 19 - Call-out for NDG at Gourock

The Inverclydenow website contains this article describing yesterday's call-out for Faslane-based Northern Diving Group (NDG) to investigate a possibly explosive item on the beach at Gourock on the Clyde.  The item was declared safe.

7 Sep 19 - An 'extraordinary' MWA Dit Session

A special Southern Area Dit Session of the Minewarfare Association (MWA) took place at The Crown in Fareham on Thursday in honour of the visit of Steve Downey from Scotland to see his son pass out at HMS SULTAN.  However, by the time things had quietened down enough to take a photo, my fellow MCDOA/MWA joint-member David Sandiford, Barney Barnett and Dusty & Karen Miller (with their son Young Dusty) had, like Elvis, left the building.

Left to right: MWA members Peter Whitehead, Rob Hoole, Peter 'Taff' Reader, Jim Bowen,

Steve Downey and Steve 'Stirling' Moss

6 Sep 19 - New book about RAN CD Branch

I am hugely grateful to Don 'Scotty' Allan, historian of the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers' Association (RANCDA), for a complimentary copy of this book he has co-authored with RANCDA honorary member John Kennett.  It is an extremely welcome addition to my archives.

This colourful 420-page A4-sized paperback has taken five years to produce and only 330 copies have been printed.  It not only lists all RAN clearance diver recipients of honours and awards and describes the operations in which they were involved with vivid illustrations but also contains a roll of all RAN CDs who qualified up to 2018 with a special section dedicated to those lost on duty, during service or while under training.  Scotty says he has only 22 of the first print run left which he intends handing over to the RANCDA next week to sell on.  He is considering the production of a 70th Anniversary edition in 2021 which will include a condensed version of everything in this book plus any new material.  It will be hard cover and is likely to cost about $100 AUS plus postage.

5 Sep 19 - Funeral of former CPO(D) Kevin 'Kev' Scargill

I am grateful to former CD1 Cris Ballinger BEM for sending me the order of service for the funeral of Kev Scargill at Weston Mill Crematorium in Plymouth on Thursday 29 August (see entry for 15 Aug 19).

Click on the image to see in full.

Cris informs me that it was a short service conducted by a retired Commando gunner, a friend of Kev's.  A rousing chorus of Eternal Father, gustily sung by a good turn out of former clearance divers, but surpassed by the enthusiasm of the organist who was determined not to be drowned out.  There was also a uniform presence from Plymouth-based Southern Diving Unit 1 (SDU1).  Afterwards, people retired to the Ernesettle Working Men's Club [Parkway Social Club] to carry on the story telling. 

4 Sep 19 - MCD Heritage:  Stuart Honour's medals

I am grateful to David Honour, nephew of the legendary Lt Cdr Stuart 'Jazz' Honour MBE RN, for this update (see entry for 10 Jun 10 in News Archive 30).

"HI Rob,  

Long time no see. 

It's been quite a while since I last contacted you.  As you will see I now have a new e-mail address after leaving my last company.  I'm now working on contract.  

An amazing thing happened last week when my wife was packing up some additional items to bring over to SA.  She had been in UK working and we decided that after waiting five years we would have Stuart’s tribute ship's bell from the shipmates at HMS Triumph brought over here.  As she was wrapping the bell, she found a box in among some packing material and inside was Stuart’s long lost medal set.  These have been missing for about 40 years and thought to have been stolen.  Louise had a replica set put together for her tribute to Stuart in Australia as we never thought the originals were ever going to be found.  

So I have attached a photo of the set which may be of interest to the MCDOA as it includes the Bomb and Mine Clearance medal with Mediterranean and Near East clasps.  Also in the collection was the MBE presentation box with the citation showing why he was awarded it.  Clearing 53 tons of explosives from Tobruk is certainly an achievement worthy of an MBE.

I hope all is well in the South of England and the MCDOA website is going strong.  I must admit I haven’t managed to check on it for a long time.  

All the very best,

Dave"

David and I last met in 2011 when he visited the UK from working in Mauritius although he lives in South Africa.  He was accompanied by his sister Lynne, a resident of Ashtead in Surrey, and we rendezvoused in the Old Customs House pub at Gunwharf Quays, formerly the Captain's offices in HMS Vernon (see entry for 23 Dec 11 in News Archive 36).

31 Aug 19 - Something different for SDU1

The Plymouth Live website contains this article reporting a call-out for Plymouth-based Southern Diving Unit 1 (SDU1) on Bank Holiday Monday (26 August) to deal with suspect IEDs planted in a garage at Upton Cross near Liskeard in Cornwall.  Police have classed the investigation as an attempted arson.  Officers suspect that an attempt was made to cause damage sometime between the evening on Sunday 25 August and the afternoon of the following day.

30 Aug 19 - Funeral of former CPO(MW) Tony 'Fred' Bassett

There was a good turnout at Holy Rood Church in Stubbington today for the traditionally rousing Welsh-oriented Thanksgiving Service for the life of Tony Bassett (see entry for 10 Aug 19).

Attendees included fellow MCDO member Phil Burrell (Tony's head of department at Babcocks) and Yours Truly (Rob Hoole) plus my fellow MWA members Lee 'Barney' Barnett BEM, Paul Campbell, Brian 'Sam' Cook (TCA Standard Bearer), John 'Jan' Harvey (MWA Standard Bearer), George Heir, Allan 'Bomber' Mills, Bob Mitchell and Peter 'Taff' Reader.  Former CPO(D) Sid Seabrooke also attended and it was particularly good to see some serving personnel in uniform, too.

Click on the image below to see the Order of Service:

After the service, most mourners repaired to the Cams Hall Golf Club to raise a glass in Tony's memory.

Once again, we offer our sincere condolences to Tony's wife Rona and their family.

29 Aug 19 - MWA Southern Area Monthly Dit Session

It was good to see our old friend and colleague, former CPO(MW) Vaughan 'Nobby' Clarke BEM, at our Minewarfare Association (MWA) Southern Area Monthly Dit Session last night.  Other attendees included my fellow joint-MCDOA/MWA member Bill Kerr, Robert 'Dixie' Dean MBE and Westy Westbrooke.

Left to right: Rob Hoole, Bill Kerr, Nobby Clarke, Westy Westbrooke and Dixie Dean

Nobby is currently visiting his UK homeland from New Zealand.

28 Aug 19 - A busy week for SDU1

Plymouth-based Southern Diving Unit 1 (SDU1) has certainly been kept busy with EOD incidents in the West Country this week:

29 August: Watch the moment a World War Two bomb is blown up on South Devon beach

28 August: Police and bomb disposal called after unidentified packages found

28 August: Police investigate after bomb found at business in Cornwall  [The library photo mistakenly shows a member of the RAF’s 5131 Bomb Disposal Squadron, due to be disbanded in April next year.  See: End of an era: UK air force to disband bomb disposal unit]

28 August: Royal Navy clears scores of 'lethal munitions' at Devon harbour after Boris Johnson visit

27 August: Brixham restaurant evacuated after ‘grenade fuses’ found

27 Aug 19 - Spanish minehunter runs aground 

The Costa Blanca & Costa Caleda Leader website contains this article reporting that the Spanish minehunter SPS TURIA ran aground off the La Manga headland this morning as it joined in the search for aircraft wreckage following yesterday’s crash of a C101 trainer fighter jet in which the pilot, Comandante Francisco Marín, lost his life.

The design of the six Spanish Segura class minehunters is based on the RN Sandown class minehunter.

Postscript: The same website published this article on 19 September announcing that:

"The Naval Chief of Staff (Ajema), Teodoro López Calderón, has removed the commander of the Cazaminas Turia from his post and suspended him from duty...

Engineers from Navantia and from the Navy are still assessing the damage suffered to the fiberglass and polyester hull, as well as to the engines and equipment which were affected by the water.  Initially, according to shipyard sources, the repair could be cost prohibitive and everything currently indicates that the ship, with 19 years’ service, will be scrapped and converted into a bank of spare parts for its five sister ships."

24 Aug 19 - Recent tweets     

Click on the linked dates to see all associated photos and videos

Royal Navy

14 Aug 2019 - Welcome home HMS Ramsey!  After a four-month NATO deployment, HMS Ramsey has returned home – read about her deployment here: http://ow.ly/Elbw50vvdTn

HMS Chiddingfold (MCM2 Crew 2)

22 Aug 2019 - Exciting times ahead for HMS CHIDDINGFOLD.  This morning she returned to sea after a 12 week maintenance period.  A period of sea training lies ahead working towards her Deployment to the Middle East.

HMS Ramsey (MCM1 Crew 2)

10 Aug 2019 - HMS Ramsey welcoming friends and families on board for the final part of our return transit to HMNB Clyde.  The Crew have been deployed for nearly 4 months with SNMCMG1 and today we return to our home port for some well deserved leave.

10 Aug 2019 - HMS Ramsey paid a short visit to Tobermory on her return transit to HMNB Clyde.  We had a fantastic welcome by all of the locals.  Thank you all for your hospitality!

8 Aug 2019 - Guest appearance as Swimmer of the Watch by the Leading Chef today.  Well done LCh Si Parkes although I think we will need to find a smaller suit for you next time!

8 Aug 2019 - No matter where we are, what we are doing, the basics of being a sailor underpin everything. Here's HMS Ramsey letting go her anchor off the coast of Denmark while working with SNMCMG1.

8 Aug 2019 - From all on HMS Ramsey we would like to thank HDMS THETIS for her magnificent support to us as the Flagship of SNMCMG1.  It has been an honour to work alongside you during our time with the NATO task group.

4 Aug 2019 - MINE ON DECK!  HMS Ramsey using our Drill Mine to test our sonar and drill our divers whilst working alongside our NATO partners and allies.

3 Aug 2019 - HMS Ramsey welcoming FGS Weilheim to SNMCMG1.  We look forward to working alongside our German partners during the remainder of our time with the Task Group.

3 Aug 2019 - HMS Ramsey conducted a FIREX to refresh our skills.  We are currently deployed with SNMCMG1 conducting MCM operations.  We must always be ready to deal with any emergency at sea.

HMS King Alfred

18 Aug 2019 - In August 1944, Lt Cdr Sworder became one of the few WWII Royal Naval Reserve to be awarded the Legion of Merit by the US for bravery.  Trained at HMS King Alfred & an expert at minesweeping, he had already won the DSC for his courage on Operation Torch in North Africa.

19 Aug 2019 - It's worth mentioning that Lt Cdr Sworder's post-war RNR career was also remarkable.  After hostilities ended, he was temporarily retained in Royal Navy service & was later awarded the OBE for removing 75,000 German sea mines in four years from the Mediterranean!

Lt Cdr Edward Robert Denys Sworder OBE DSC RNVR was:

Gazetted on 18 May 1943 for the award of the DSC "for outstanding bravery and enterprise in the action in the harbour at Oran in HMS Walney"

Gazetted on 10 July 1945 for the award of the US Legion of Merit "for gallant and distinguished service during the invasion operations of the South of France"

Gazetted on 11 December 1945 for his appointment as an OBE "for Distinguished Service during the war in Europe"

His story is contained in his autobiographical 'The Time Has Come: Memoirs of a Seafaring Man'.

Edward Sworder fell in love with the sea at an early age and the sea loomed large throughout his life.  Whilst carefree 'messing about in boats' defined his youthful and later years, the very serious business of war as a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officer certainly proved his mettle.

Starting in 1939, he worked up ancient trawlers and their individualistic crews into effective minesweepers; then led them through the extreme dangers of clearing minefields around the British Isles and for the landings in Sicily, Italy and southern France.  Separately he took part in the ill-fated commando 'enterprise of desperate hazard' in Oran harbour which earned him a DSC and his war concluded with the award of an OBE - to be followed by a further four year retention (remarkably, as a Volunteer Reserve Officer) in the Service. 

This was, first, to coordinate the contribution of Great Britain and the other relevant nations in the task of clearing the Mediterranean of over 50,000 wartime mines, then to act in the most responsible role of British Naval representative to the British Government in prosecuting their successful action against Albania at the fledgling United Nations. This concerned the notorious 1946 Corfu Channel 'Incident', when two of His Majesty's warships were mined with extensive damage and many casualties, including the loss of 44 lives. 

His pre-war training and work as an engineer, nine post-war years in the Middle East as diplomat and businessman (which ended with the momentous changes resulting from the murder of the Iraqi king) then led to the promotion of Coseley's steel section hurricane-proof buildings in South America and the Caribbean and finally to his retirement base in Barbados. Illustrated.

23 Aug 19 - Latest from Project Vernon

Here is the latest 'artist's impression' of the Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument in situ in Pool B at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, the site previously occupied by HMS VERNON.  It is based on a 3D printed model using a laser scan of the half life-size maquette.  The finished bronze structure, due to be installed next spring, will be one-and-a-quarter life-size.

Project Vernon is the MCDOA's adopted charity and this monument will be dedicated to all those involved with minewarfare, diving and EOD - past, present and future.  Thank you, sculptor Mark Richards, for doing such a fantastic job!

22 Aug 19 - Funeral of former CPO(D) Kev Scargill

Brian 'Troy' Tempest, Secretary of the Association of RN First Class Divers (AORNFCD), has reported that the funeral of Kev Scargill (see entry for 15 Aug 19) will take place at 1045 on Thursday 29 August at Weston Mill Crematorium, Plymouth PL2 2EP. 

Following the service, a wake will be held at The Parkway Social Club, Ernesettle PL5 2EY.

Flowers and donations to Devon Air Ambulance should be submitted via the Funeral Director:

Walter C Parsons

The Firs

702 Budshead Road

Crownhill

Plymouth

PL6 5DY

21 Aug 19 - Gentlemen Who Lunch

Doug Barlow and your humble webmaster upheld the honour of the MCDOA's ‘Not Quite the Last of the Summer Wine’ trio yesterday with our old friend Lez Howard taking the place of the temporarily absent Martyn Holloway.  We were joined by Doug’s wife Jill and Lez’s mum Edna for a splendid lunchtime session at the Red Lion in Chalton where we were well looked after by its charming Welsh manageress Tracy before adjourning to Doug & Jill’s cottage in Emsworth for tea & stickies.

20 Aug 19 - History of the RAN CD Branch

Three illustrated podcasts have recently been released covering the history of the RAN Clearance Diver Branch which very much mirrors that of the RN CD Branch.  They have been produced by the University of New South Wales (Canberra) Naval Studies Group in conjunction with the Submarine Institute of Australia, the Australian Naval Institute, Naval Historical Society and the RAN Seapower Centre.

Four of the five narrators (Vice Adm Russ Crane AO CSM RAN, Cdre Hec Donohue AM RAN, Cdr Edward 'Jake' Linton BEM RAN and Lt Cdr Doug 'Pony' Moore GM RAN) have served at HMS VERNON and are keen supporters of the Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument, the MCDOA's adopted charity.  The RANCDA has graciously donated $500 AUS towards the Project and individual members have donated several hundreds more.

Clearance Diving in the RAN (Part 1)  Vice Admiral Peter Jones & his expert panel of Commodore Hec Donohue, Commander Jake Linton & Lieutenant Commander Doug Moore discuss the early days of clearance diving in the RAN and the achievements in both World Wars.

Clearance Diving in the RAN (Part 2) - From Confrontation to the end of Vietnam War  Vice Admiral Peter Jones & his expert panel of Commodore Hec Donohue, Commander Jake Linton & Lieutenant Commander Doug Moore discuss clearance diving in the RAN from the end of World War II to the Vietnam War. 

Clearance Diving in the RAN (Part 3) - From Vietnam War to 2019  Vice Admiral Peter Jones & his expert panel of Vice Admiral Russ Crane, Commodore Hec Donohue & Commander Pete Tedman discuss clearance diving in the RAN from the end of the Vietnam War to 2019.

From MCDOA member Bob Lusty:

"I was interested in the recent RAN podcast discussion regarding the early days of the Australian CD Branch.  CPO Raymond 'Dixie' Foord BEM was mentioned and, if my memory is correct, he joined us in HMS Vernon/Horsea Island in 1956/57 when I was a young Leading Seaman CD3 in the Acceptance Trials Team with our leader Lt Cdr Joe Brookes of X-6 fame.  Also the CO of X-6 was Australian Max Shean who stayed with me during the last supper with X-6 Crew.  CPO Foord was a well liked, enthusiastic member of the branch and an excellent ambassador for Australia liked by everyone during his time with the RN.  Doug 'Pony' Moore GM was around a little later.

The British Sub Aqua Club was organising an underwater challenge in Aldershot and invited RN CDs to enter.  Four of us were detailed off to take part.  There were ten different tasks each with a winners cup.  The first event was a surface swim which we lost by a mile.  Doug, the officer-in-charge, was not amused and accused all four of us swimming like bent sticks!  We won the remaining nine cups which we gave to the runners-up.  

The next time I met the Australian CDs was in 1960 during a SEATO exercise.  It was the early days of the Vietnam War, the Americans were in danger of being pushed out of Vietnam and wanted a way back in.  A beach in the Gulf of Thailand was selected for a survey.  USS Cook came in to Hong Kong and embarked the Far East CD Team.  Arthur Checksfield flew to Bangkok to make arrangements for the team.  USS Cook had their UDT Group and Recon people on board and a very happy group arrived in Thailand to start the work where we were joined by the Australian CD’s.  On completion of the survey USS Cook took us back to Hong Kong where the Brits, Aussies and the American teams had a week's jolly together.  

The next and last time I met our Australian naval brothers was again off Thailand whilst doing bridge time on HMS Dainty, a Daring class destroyer, having completed our Beira Patrol en route to Hong Kong via Bangkok.  We met two Australian Darings and exercised for a couple of days before going our separate ways.  They went up to the gun line in Vietnam and we went for a jolly in Bangkok which we didn’t feel good about.    

It is good to see the links between us are as strong as ever.  Long may it last.  

Yours Aye,

Bob Lusty"

From Don 'Scotty' Allan - RANCDA Historian:

"Rob,

The Daring class referred to with no dates could only be HMAS Vendetta & Vampire.  Both ships were allocated Op Service in Vietnam for the period: Vendetta 20/09/65 - 31/10/65 and Vampire 31/05/65 - 22/06/65. 

Neither of these ships deployed to the Gunline.  Escort duty only.  Vendetta did deploy to the Gun Line 15/09/69 - 11/04/69. 

Cheers,

Scotty" 

19 Aug 19 - Anniversary of the death of Lt Cdr James Shermer Acton RN

Jim Acton on LMCDO '87B

Today is the 20th anniversary of the death of MCDOA member Jim Acton at the tragically early age of 37.  Jim was visiting the Naval Base at Gölcük in Turkey on 17 August 1999 to discuss a forthcoming MCM exercise as SOO MCM2 when it was struck by an earthquake.  He suffered internal injuries when he was trapped in rubble for six hours and died during the CASEVAC flight to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. 

Jim's funeral took place on 27 August 1999, firstly at St. Barbara's Church in HMS Excellent and then at Portchester Crematorium.  The service was attended by a large number of Service personnel and the MCDOA provided a wreath.

Please pause for a few moments today to think of Jim and his bereaved wife Alison, son Ashley and daughter Laura.

18 Aug 19 - News from Chris Baldwin

I am grateful to MCDOA past-Chairman Chris Baldwin for this update:

Cdr Chris Baldwin

The Reserves Diving Group has recently completed a diving work-up period in Portland Harbour and kindly invited me to join them so that I could regain currency on the SABA HMV diving set.  The aim of the week was to conduct hull and jetty/seabed search training for the RDG’s wartime role supporting the Fleet Diving Squadron in Maritime Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance.

PO(D) Steve Boyd attending RDG divers on completion of their dive

The team took their opportunities for diving on the new RFA TIDEFORCE and RFA LYME BAY.

Left to right: Lt Cdr Adam Bolton, LS(D) Steve Cottrell and Lt Cdr Nick Foster

During the week the team also carried out some diving search tasks for the benefit of the Portland harbour authority.

As the Operations Officer of the NATO Submarine Rescue System I know what a significant contribution the RNR diving cadre makes to the UK’s commitment to the NSRS.  In fact, the RNR divers make up 60% of the RN NSRS diving team operating the transfer under pressure complex.  It was therefore an absolute pleasure to get the chance to dive with the team and get back in the water.  There was even a chance for a swift visit to the Green Shutters public house, which I’m sure all those who ‘enjoyed’ a period of training at FOST when it was based in Portland will remember fondly! 

17 Aug 19 - SDU2 deals with ordnance in West Sussex

The Worthing Herald website contains this article (including video) reporting the detonation on the beach at Goring, presumably by members of Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2), of ordnance removed from a garden near Worthing.

16 Aug 19 - RN diver commended for saving sailor's life

The Royal Navy website contains this article reporting that AB(D) Euan Griffiths has been commended for saving a fellow sailor's life in a swimming pool while off-duty in Bahrain.  AB(D) Griffiths is serving in HMS Shoreham (MCM1 Crew 6) and the article also features MCDOA member Dan Herridge, the ship's Commanding Officer.

AB(D) Euan Griffiths (left) being presented with his commendation

by Cdr Simon Cox (COMUKMCMFOR)

15 Aug 19 - Death of former CPO(D) Kev Scargill

Kev Scargill in June this year

Brian 'Troy' Tempest, Secretary of the Association of RN First Class Divers (AORNFCD), has sent this sad news:

"It gives me great sadness to have to inform you of Kev Scargill’s death at the age of 70.  A regular at the AORNFCD AGM [see entry for 8 Jun 19 in News Archive 66], he passed away yesterday and will be sadly missed by many. 

I will pass on more information, when known, regarding his funeral details.

Please inform others of the sad passing of this fellow diver, friend and colleague to many. 

Five Bells, mate."

14 Aug 19 - Award of LS&GC

Congratulations to CPO(D) David 'Daisy' May on being gazetted for the award of the 2nd Clasp to the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal​.

This is an old photo of Daisy as a PO(D) 'getting them in for the team' during a Project Vernon promotion at Gunwharf Quays in 2011 but I couldn't resist it.

13 Aug 19 - SDU2 deals with suspected ordnance on IOW

The County Press website contains this article reporting a call-out on Sunday for members of Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2) to remove suspect unexploded ordnance found at Steephill Cove near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.

12 Aug 19 - HMS Ramsey's homecoming

The Royal Navy website contains this article reporting the return of HMS Ramsey (MCM1 Crew 2) to her home base at Faslane, after a brief visit to Tobermory to embark families, following her four-month deployment with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1).  The article features AB(MW) Rzepecki.

(Royal Navy images)

I am sure all members of our community will join me in wishing the members of HMS Ramsey's ship's company an enjoyable time during their well-deserved summer leave.

11 Aug 19 - MCDOA members in Cyprus

I am grateful to MCDOA past-Chairman Paul Jones for this news of a 'brief encounter' with fellow MCDOA members Bob Hawkins MBE and Chis Flaherty in Cyprus:

"Rob,

I'm just dropping Bob the Dog [Hawkins] and Trudy off at Larnaca Airport after 10 days hols with me in North Cyprus.  We arranged to meet up with ex-Lt Cdr Chris Flaherty (OIC FDU1 (Chalfont) / XO HMS BLYTH) who is working in a dive centre here in Larnaca with his wife Gillian.

As you can see Bob pulled the RNCDA coin trick... Chris and I failed."

10 Aug 19 - Death and funeral of former CPO(MW) Tony 'Fred' Bassett

Tony Bassett

Tony passed away peacefully during the night of 5 August after a short illness.  He had an illustrious career in TON, HUNT and SANDOWN class MCMVs and served in Northern Ireland, the Falklands and the Gulf.  He was also an MCM Squadron Chief and spent time with the RNR but will probably be remembered most recently for leading the Hunter Project so effectivly in delivering RSNF training.

Tony's funeral will take place at 1100 on Friday 30 August at Holy Rood Church in Stubbington, Hampshire PO14 2AS.  The service is open to all who wish to pay their last respects and the family would like to welcome all who knew him.  After the ceremony, a cremation service will be held for family members only.

I am sure all members of our community will join me in extending our sincere condolences to Tony's wife Rona and their family.

9 Aug 19 - Maquette of Vernon Monument scanned

Following the approval of the final design by a panel of Project Vernon volunteers (see entry for 6 Aug 19), 3D laser scanning of the half life-size model of the Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument was conducted today.  This will enable casting of the one-and-a-quarter life-size bronze sculpture and, eventually, miniatures in various materials.

The other photos show the enormous complexity of the task and the fine detail sculptor Mark Richards has applied to his creation without making it a characterless static 'teaching aid'.  He said that balancing such a large inanimate object as a moored mine with the dynamic human life forms of the divers so that they work in harmony was his greatest challenge and his greatest source of satisfaction.

For further background, information and pictures, go to the Project Vernon website at www.vernon-monument.org.uk or the Project's Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/vernonmonument.

8 Aug 19 - NDG deals with explosive ordnance in Scotland

The Courier website contains this article reporting yesterday's detonation by members of Faslane-based Northern Diving Group (NDG) of an explosive device on the beach near Carnoustie in Angus.

The Northern Times website contains this article reporting Tuesday's detonation by members of NDG of explosive ordnance found in the water at Golspie in Sutherland.

7 Aug 19 - Funeral of former FCPO(D) David 'Mona' Lott BEM in NSW, Australia

I have just spotted this notice (see entry for 28 Jul 19):

LOTT, David.  Passed away 26/7/2019

The Funeral for the late David LOTT, of Eden, will be held on Monday 12 August 2019, with a service commencing at 2.00 PM, in the Chapel of Sapphire Coast Funerals, Pambula.  This will be followed by a Private Cremation.

I hope our Aussie friends give Dave the send-off he deserves.

6 Aug 19 - Final design of Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument approved

Today, a panel of Project Vernon volunteers, constituting members of the main supporting organisations (MCDOA, AORNFCD, MWA, TCA and RNCDA), visited the studio of distinguished sculptor Mark Richards in Ludlow, Shropshire and approved his final design of the Vernon Minewarfare & Diving Monument. 

This is the half life-size model from which the one-and-a-quarter life-size bronze sculpture, and eventually miniatures, will be produced.

The Project Vernon panel comprised Grenville Johnson MBE, Colin 'Scouse' Kidman QGM, David Sandiford, John 'George' Turnbull and Yours Truly (Rob Hoole), seen here flanking sculptor Mark Richards and his assistant Emma Lilley.

N.B. The supporting scaffolding poles will not appear in the finished product!

5 Aug 19 - Latest EOD incidents

5 August: Royal Navy blows up 15 bombs found on Westcountry beach

3 August: Bomb disposal squad in Cornwall park after man kicks suspect grenade

1 August: Glasgow street locked down as bomb squad probe 'grenade' found in house

20 July: UP IN SMOKE  Bomb disposal unit called to deal with WWII grenade – but it was just a lighter

4 Aug 19 - Don Crosbie assumes role of Deputy CTF 52

MCDOA past-Chairman Don Crosbie superseded Andy Lamb on 16 July as Deputy Commander of Task Force 52, US CENTCOM's Fifth Fleet organisation responsible for the command & control of all mine warfare assets in the region (see entry for 18 Jul 19).  He will be based at Bahrain for the foreseeable future and I am sure all members of our community will join me in congratulating him on his new rank and appointment.

Capt Don Crosbie RN

Don has pointed out that his fellow MCDOA members Capt Jim Byron DSC RN, an MWO and former Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force (UKMCMFOR - see entry for 2 Dec 13 in News Archive 44), is also serving in the Gulf as the Deputy UK Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC) and Dan Herridge commands HMS Shoreham (MCM1 Crew 6), currently based in Bahrain for Operation KIPION.  Congratulations to Jim and Dan, too. 

2 Aug 19 - The Minesweepers' Victory

MCDOA member Nick Stanley has started a Twitter account titled 'The Minesweepers' Victory' and is publishing daily tweets chronicling events of interest during the lead-up to the Second World War 80 years ago.

Click on the image to visit.

1 Aug 19 - SDU2 detonates ordnance off IOW

The Island Echo website contains this article (including video) describing today's detonation, presumably by members of Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 (SDU2), of an unexploded shell near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.