1. law, govt and politics
2. armed forces
3. navy

Derbyshire Deeps Newsletter Issue Number 181 November 2014
Freedom of the City of Derby to RN Submarine Service Granted 28 April 2002
EDITORIAL
LIST OF CONTENTS
Page/s
Content
1
CONTENT & EDITORIAL
2
DERBYSHIRE POLICE ALERTS
3/4
HARRY MYCROFT R.I.P.
Burma Star Association
Harry was a WWII RN
Torpedo Vet, and very much
to the front with the
organisation of the various
Remembrance Services in
Derby. His funeral saw a full
Chapel with Nine Service Standards, showing the measure
of the respect for him. I was working with Harry helping
and only spoke to him on the Friday as he died on Sunday.
It does not surprise me that ‘everything’ was organised for
both the Chaddesden Children’s Service and 11/11
Soldiers corner.
We will drink a ‘Pussers’ Toast,
compliments of DS at the 11/11 Coffee Morning he so
much encouraged. Harry asked me to do it as part of the
Remembrance programme and it has got better over the
three years we have undertaken this task.
UN PC PAGE HUMOUR
(Strictly for Adults & Matelots)
5
JEFF BACON © CARTOONS/Bits & Bobs
Derby Remembrance Services 2014
6
SA & OTHER SUBMARINER NEWS
7
DS LOCAL NEWS AND MISC NEWS
8
WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS 1
9
DS TRAFALGAR DINNER REPORT
10
DS TRAF DINNER PART TWO
11
SA News, RESO Reunion & Misc News
12
RNSM News & Dartford Tunnel New Tolls
13
DERBY&DISTRICT CONSTITUTION
14
WORLD SHIPPING NEWS
15
REMEMBRANCE SUN PARKING DERBY
16
A CANADIANS VIEWS ON SUBMARINES
17
CHRIMBO LUNCH ORDER & LUNCH CLUB
18
SAIL WELFARE NEWS/DS2015 Memb Form
19
FNA & SA REUNION 2015 BOOKING
20
DS DIARY 2014 & EDITORS COMMENTS
A POSITIVE THOUGHT
FOR THE MONTH
Its not hard to
meet expenses;
They're
Everywhere
TRAFALGAR DINNER. Well another DS Trafalgar Dinner
has come and gone, and thank you everyone for the kind
feedback on the organisation, and if it was indeed the best
one yet as so many stated, I suggest I have a relief to
make it better? It was an absolute pleasure to have Gill &
Jamie Molyneux as well as Adm Sir Trevor Soar and Lady
Anne, as well as representatives from Derby’s Submarine
Ambush and indeed everyone who attended. The full
report on the evening by the Master of Ceremonies is on
page 9&10, but unfortunately our Social Correspondent
has a computer problem, so I am afraid you will have to
wait until next month to learn what really happened!!
CHRISTMAS LUNCH. We need to confirm our booking for
the balcony at the front at the Park, so please let me have
your orders by 12 November so a decision can be made
as to whether we can have the area voted for by members,
as it is subject to a minimum number. (20 Booked to date)
FNA REUNION Pg 19 & Sitrep Pg 20. Members will be
advised as soon as I hear any decisions.
DS POLO SHIRTS AND BADGED KIT. The template is
now paid for with a local Derby Supplier. Every one who
attended the Traf Dinner was impressed with the Logo. I
have brought two individual Polo’s to show people the
quality of badge and kit. The auditors have agreed that the
initial order of a Polo Shirt will be reduced from £15.50 to a
bargain £12.50 each. No restrictions on number ordered,
and if you want your name under the badge, it will be a
further £3 per order. Other items available at cost, and the
DS has stood the £40 set up free of the badge itself. A
order form will be issued, and only orders with full payment
(inc email & Internet Direct Bank Transfer) will be accepted.
BIRTHDAYS 2014
03 Nov
04 Nov
09 Nov
12 Nov
Julia Holland
Stan Smart
Colin Watson
Jenny Williamson
09 Dec
Andy Law
Terry Hall, Derbyshire Submariner Newsletter Editor
Hon Secretary, Derbyshire Submariners
1
Ensure that your anti-virus software is up-to-date and
performing regular scans; If you have not recently made an
order with the company specified in the email do not open
the attachment; Always check the legitimacy of the email.
The NFIB suggests finding a telephone number for the
company independently from the one suggested in the
email as the phone number provided may be fake, or go
straight to the suspect. For information around frauds and
scams visit the dedicated Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire
webpage at www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud.
Legal Highs. Derbyshire detectives are issuing advice to
help protect residents from falling victim to lottery and prize
draw scams. The scam begins when fraudsters contact a
victim through email or letter to inform them that they have
won a large amount of money in an online or overseas
lottery draw. However, this prize does not exist. The victim
is asked to keep their winnings a secret and to contact the
fraudster who claims to be an official at a lottery company.
They then use this lottery scam to gain personal
information, banking details and copies of official
documents from the victim such as a passport, for proof of
identity. This information can also be used to steal the
victim’s identity and to empty their bank account. The
fraudsters will then ask the victim to pay various fees such
as legal costs, banking fees or taxes, so that the nonexistent winnings can be released. Each time a payment is
made by the victim, the fraudster will give more reasons
why the winnings cannot be paid out unless further
payment is made. East Midlands Fraud and Financial
Investigation Unit said: ‘Lottery or prize draw scams can
see victims losing a large amount of money by paying out
to the fraudster to claim their prize. ‘Thankfully there are
simple steps which can be taken to protect yourself from
becoming a victim to this fraud. ‘Official lotteries will not
contact you to tell you of your win so please remember, if
you haven’t entered a lottery or prize draw then you
couldn’t have won it. Also, genuine lotteries encourage
publicity so if they ask you to keep your big win a secret
then it’s likely to be a fraud.’ Other advice includes: Never
disclose bank details or pay fees in advance. If you believe
that your details have been compromised, contact your
bank or building society straight away; Be wary of email
addresses such as @hotmail.com, @yahoo.com or
telephone numbers beginning with 07 as these are free to
get hold of; Be suspicious of bad spelling and grammar as
this is often an indication that fraudsters are behind this.
For information around frauds and scams visit the
dedicated Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire webpage at
www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud.
Theft From A Garages in the local area continue to cause
concern with there frequency. If you see property being
sold at prices too good to be true e.g. Car Boot Sales etc
report them to the police and if possible take a photo on
your phone or camera of the goods! Trimmers, mowers
and chain saws appear as targets of preference.
1300 Cases of Bank Fraud were reported in Derbyshire
last year. Bank account fraud often takes place as a result
of identity theft when cards or bank account information
has been stolen from the victim. The fraudster will then
use this information to access the victim’s bank account
and pay for transactions using the stolen details.
Fraudsters are finding new ways to target their victims and
they are often unaware that they have fallen victim to this
until they notice transactions showing up on their bank
statement which they have not made themselves. We
would like to encourage people to take steps to better
protect their details from these criminals by following some
simple yet effective crime prevention advice. Firstly, it is
important to regularly check your statements carefully and
notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity
on your account. Secondly, don’t leave things like bills
lying around for others to look at and always make sure
that any documents containing your name, address or
financial details are shredded before being discarded.
Finally, get regular copies of your credit report and it you
are expecting a bank or credit card statement which
doesn’t arrive, contact the financial institution involved.’
Other crime prevention advice includes: Never reveal your
full password, login details or account number if you
receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what
appears to be your bank or building society asking for your
security details.
Most banks will not contact their
customers in this way; Always select strong passwords
and pins for online banking and never share your details
with anyone; Editor Most banks will also recommend
and allow you to download IBM Security Trusteer
Rapport which is a very good add on to protect your
personal details and thwart cyber attacks such as key
loggers and warning you of unsafe passwords.
Cyber Criminals.
Derbyshire residents are being
encouraged to further protect themselves from cyber
criminals following reports of ‘fake payment’ phishing
emails. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has
recently received a number of reports about emails
containing an attachment, which once opened, may infect
the computer with a virus. The email contains information
about a transaction which appears to have been sent by a
legitimate company. However, the email address of this
company has been ‘spoofed’ and has actually been sent by
a fraudster. The email is sent to the victim with information
regarding a fake transaction which has recently taken place
and is often complete with an order number and payment
details. The email will state that more detailed information
about the purchase can be found in the attachment. Once
opened, this is likely to download a virus onto the
computer. The EM Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit
said: ‘Scams such as this are designed to play on your
curiosity in order to get you to open the email attachment
and infect your computer with a virus. These emails
appear highly convincing and many people fall victim to the
scam as they want to find out more about the transaction.
If you receive one of these emails, do not open or
download the attachment, delete it straight away and report
it to Action Fraud. Police are advising people to follow the
below steps to help to protect themselves from falling
victim to phishing email scams: Firstly, do not open
attachments or click on links within emails unless you are
sure that you know who has sent them;
Mobile Phones. Local officers would like to ask residents
and businesses to record the IMEI number from their
phone in case it is ever lost or stolen. The unique number
is used by a phone network to identify valid devices and
therefore can be used for stopping a phone from accessing
that network. For example, if a mobile phone is stolen, the
owner can call their network provider and instruct them to
‘blacklist’ the phone using its IMEI number. This renders
the phone useless on that network and sometimes other
networks too, whether or not the phone's SIM is changed.
The IMEI numbers can be found in several ways;
sometimes the number may be on the back of the phone, it
may be on the battery or in certain models the number will
be recorded on the SIM tray. You can also find the IMEI
number of the phone if it is still switched on by dialling
*#06#. You can register this number through
www.immobilise.com who will keep your details and can
enable the police to trace the owner of any phone found.
The Original Point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
2
DEFINITIONS.
Adult: A person who has stopped growing at both ends
and is now growing in the middle.
Beauty Parlour: A place where women curl up and
dye.
Chickens: The only animals you eat before they are
born and after they are dead.
Committee: A body that keeps minutes and wastes
hours.
Dust: Mud with the juice squeezed out.
Egotist:
Someone who is usually me-deep in
conversation.
Handkerchief: Cold Storage.
Inflation: Cutting money in half without damaging the
paper.
Mosquito: An insect that makes you like flies better.
Raisin: A grape with a sunburn.
Secret: Something you tell to one person at a time.
Skeleton: A bunch of bones with the person scraped
off.
Toothache: The pain that drives you to extraction.
Tomorrow: One of the greatest labour saving devices
of today.
Yawn: An honest opinion openly expressed.
Wrinkles: Something other people have, similar to my
character lines!!!!!.
THE UN PC PAGES
The Queen was in Glasgow when she formally met Alex
Salmond, Scotland's First Minister. EIIR: ‘How nice to
see you Mr. Salmond.’ AS: ‘Nice to see you Your
Majesty. Now, what are we going to call Scotland when
we win Independence? EIIR: ‘Oh dear, one hasn't
considered that yet!’ AS: ‘How about calling it a
'Kingdom' and then I will be King? EIIR: ‘Near! One
doesn't think that is appropriate.’ AS: ‘How about
'Empire' then I can be an Emperor? EIIR: ‘Near! In
one's dreams!’ AS: ‘All right! So how about calling it a
'Principality' and then I can be a Prince?’ EIIR: ‘Near,
Mr. Salmond! I think we will let it remain a 'country' and
you can carry on as you are.’
Time & Motion. For all of you who frequent restaurants
and understand the need for the service to be faster,
this short story is a timeless lesson on how Consultants
can make a difference to an organisation. Last week,
we took some friends out to a new restaurant and
noticed that the waiter who took our order carried a
spoon in his shirt pocket. It seemed a little strange.
When another waiter brought our water, I noticed he
also had a spoon in his shirt pocket. Then I looked
around and saw that all the staff had spoons in their
pockets. When the waiter came back to serve our soup
I asked, 'Why the spoon?' 'Well', he explained, 'the
restaurant's owners hired Andersen Consulting to
revamp all our processes. After several months of
analysis, they concluded that the spoon was the most
frequently dropped utensil.
It represents a drop
frequency of approximately 3 spoons per table per hour.
If our personnel are better prepared, we can reduce the
number of trips back to the kitchen and save 15 man
hours per shift.' As luck would have it, I dropped my
spoon and he was able to replace it with his spare. 'I'll
get another spoon next time! I go to the kitchen, instead
of making an extra trip to get it right now.' I was
impressed. I also noticed that there was a string
hanging out of the waiter's fly. Looking around, I noticed
that all the waiters had the same string hanging from
their flies. So before he walked off, I asked the waiter,
'Excuse me, but can you tell me why you have that
string right there?' 'Oh, certainly!' Then he lowered his
voice. 'Not everyone is so observant. That consulting
firm I mentioned also found out that we can save time in
the toilet. By tying this string to the tip of you know
what, we can pull it out without touching it and eliminate
the need to wash our hands, shortening the time spent
in the restroom by 76.39%. I asked 'After you get it out,
how do you put it back?' 'Well,' he whispered, 'I don't
know about the others, but I use the spoon.'
Sometimes there are facts that no right minded people
can dispute? Here are five of those facts;
1. A girl is said to be grown up when she starts wearing
a bra. A boy is grown up when he starts removing it.
2. We all love to spend lots of money buying new
clothes but we never realise that the best moments in
life are enjoyed without clothes.
3. Having a cold drink on hot day with a
few friends is nice, but having a hot
friend on a cold night after a few drinks is
far better!
4.
Breaking News: Condoms don't
guarantee safe sex anymore. A friend of
mine was wearing one when he was shot dead by the
woman's husband.
5. Arguing over a girl's bust size is like choosing
between Coors, Fosters, Carlsberg & Budweiser. Men
may state their preferences, but will grab whatever is
available.
A Woman went into a bar in Lymstone and saw a Royal
Marine with his feet propped up on a table. He had the
biggest boots she'd ever seen. She asked him if was
true what they say about men with big feet? The bottie
grinned and said, ‘It is, my beautiful lady. Why don't you
come over to the barracks and let me prove it to you?’
The woman wanted to find out for herself, so she spent
the night with him. The next morning she handed him a
£50 note. Blushing, he said, well, thanks, ma'am. I'm
real flattered. nobody ever paid me for my services
before’ She told him. Don't be flattered, take the money
and buy yourself boots that fit.
A Golfer hits his ball into a yard next to the golf course.
As he goes to get it a man in the yard says, ‘Don't you
see the sign? It says, 'Private property - Stay Out!'‘ The
golfer says, ‘I'm sorry, I did not see it. That is my ball
there. May I have it, please?’ The man says, ‘It's in my
yard, and so it's my ball now.’ The golfer looks at the
man and says, ‘I understand.’ He then walks back to
the golf cart, gets another golf ball, then walks back and
throws it into the yard. The man says, ‘What is that for?’
The golfer replies, ‘I consider myself a gentleman, and I
believe every prick should have two balls
Somebody Asked Me recently ’Well what do you do
when you are retired? I just replied ‘Not much’. Only
‘cos I didn’t know where to start! But to be fair, I do a lot
of just what I want to do (and what the wife tells me to
do) and in my own time.
If I Have Told My Wife once, I have told her a dozen
times. Once she has asked me to do a job she does
not have to keep reminding me every six months.
When You Are Dissatisfied and would like to go back
to your Youth, think of Algebra.
3
Tuit for Derbyshire Members. Yes, a Free Gift to all
Derbyshire Submariner Members. Just cut this Tuit out
and it is yours forever. Thank you’s in writing from
wives and sweethearts are not required, its all part of
the service!
An Important Lesson. There once was a happy little
fly buzzing around a barn, when she came upon a large
pile of fresh cow manure. Since it had been hours since
her last meal and she was feeling hunger pangs, she
flew down to the irresistible delicacy and began to
banquet. She ate, and ate, and then, she ate some
more! Finally, she decided she'd had plenty. She
washed her face with her tiny front legs, belched a few
times, then attempted to fly away. But alas, she had
pigged out far too much and could not get off the
ground. She looked around wondering what to do about
this unpleasant situation when she spotted a pitchfork
leaning upright against the barn wall. She'd found a
solution! She realised that if she could just become
airborne she'd be able to fly again.
So, she
painstakingly, climbed to the top of the handle. Once
there, she took a deep breath, spread her tiny fly wings,
and leaped confidently into the air. She dropped like a
rock and splattered all over the floor; Dead fly. The
Moral Of This Sad Story? Never fly off the handle when
you know you're full of crap!
Two Irish Sisters in a Derbyshire Nursing Home were
turning one hundred years old. The editor of the local
newspaper told a photographer to get over there and
take pictures of the two 100 year old twins. One of the
twins was hard of hearing and the other could hear quite
well. Once the photographer arrived he asked the
sisters to sit on the settee. The deaf sister said to her
twin, ‘What did he say?’ Her sister said ‘He would like
us to sit over there on the Settee together.’ The
photographer then asked them ‘Now get a little closer
together,’. Again her sister said, ‘What did he say?’ ‘He
says to squeeze together closer’. So they wiggled up
close to each other. ‘Just hold on for a bit longer, I've
got to focus a little,’ said the photographer. Yet again,
‘What did he say?’ ‘He says he’s going to focus!’ With
a big grin, the deaf twin shouted out, ‘Oh! Good! Is that
both of us?’
Family Planning. A 25-year-old Aberdeen girl tells her
mum that she has missed her period for 2 months. Very
worried, the mother goes to the local pharmacy and
buys a pregnancy test kit. The test confirms that her
daughter is pregnant. Shouting and crying, the mother
says, ‘Who was the selfish bastard that did this to you?
I demand to know!’ The father coming in on the
shouting and hearing the story threatens severe
physical damage to the unsuspecting father. Without
answering either of them, the girl picks up the phone
and makes a call. Half an hour later, a Bentley stops in
front of their house.
A middle-aged and very
distinguished man steps out of the car and enters the
house. He sits in the lounge with the father and mother,
and tells them, ‘Your daughter has informed me of the
problem. I can't marry her because of my personal
family situation, but I'll take charge. I will pay all costs
and provide for your daughter for the rest of her life.’ He
continues, ‘Additionally, if a girl is born I will bequeath
two retail furniture stores, a deli, a château in France
and a £1m bank account.’ He continues, ‘If a boy is
born my legacy will be a chain of jewellery stores and a
£25m bank account. However, if there is a miscarriage
I'm not sure what to do. What would you suggest?’ All
were silent at this point, until the father placed a hand
firmly on the man's shoulder and told him, ‘You'll have to
try again son’.
The Submariner’s Family were considering putting
their grandfather in a nursing home. All the ex Service
Navy Homes were completely full, so they had to put
him in a RAF Nursing home. After a few weeks in the
home, they came to visit Grandpa. ‘How do you like it
here?’ asked his submariner grandson. ‘It’s wonderful!
Everyone here is so courteous and respectful,’ said
grandpa. ‘We’re so happy for you. We were a little
worried that this was the wrong place for you, since you
are a little different from everyone else being a
submariner.’ Oh, no! Let me tell you about how
wonderfully they treat the residents, he said with a big
smile. ‘There’s a musician here, he’s 85 years old. He
hasn’t played an instrument in 20 years, and everyone
still calls him Maestro! There is a judge in here, he’s 95
years old. He hasn’t been on the bench in 30 years and
everyone still calls him Your Honour. There’s a doctor
here, 90 years old. He hasn’t practiced for 25 years,
and everyone still calls him Doctor! And Me, I haven’t
had sex in 35 years, and they still call me The F**ing
Submariner.’
SIX YEAR OLD JOY returns home from school and
says that today she had her first family planning lesson
at school. Her mother, very interested, asks: ‘Oh, How
did it go?’ I nearly died of shame! she answers. Sam
from down the street says the stork brings babies. Sally
next door said you can buy babies at the orphanage.
Pete in my class says you can buy babies at the
hospital. Her mother answers laughingly, ‘But that’s no
reason to be ashamed.’ No, but I can't tell them that we
were so poor that you and daddy had to make me
yourselves!
A Ships Medical Officer walked into his sick Bay to
find a man leaning against the wall. What's wrong with
him?, he asked his Medical Assistant (MA). He came in
for cough syrup, but I couldn't find any, so I gave him an
entire box of laxatives. You fool said the Doc, you can't
treat a cough with laxatives. Of course you can the MA
replied, Look at him; he daren't cough now!!
4
JEFF BACON © CARTOONS
REMEMBRANCE PROGRAMME DERBY 2014
Tues 4 Nov 10am
RBL Ilkeston outside Service of
Remembrance Park Cemetery, Park Rd jct Cantelupe Rd,
Ilkeston, DE7 5DJ. In conjunction with Chaucer School where
the children lay 66 Poppy crosses around the War Memorial.
There are now 49 casualties of WWI and 22 of the WWII
buried or commemorated at Ilkeston (Park) Cemetery. These
totals include five servicemen commemorated by name on a
Screen Wall in this cemetery but who are buried at Ilkeston
(Stanton Road) Cemetery where their graves could no longer
be maintained. Those whose graves in this cemetery are not
marked by headstones are also named on the Screen Wall.
As
I
said
as
introduction
of
a
presentation to Jamie
Molyneux
at
our
Trafalgar Dinner; As
he embarks on his
future following in his
Fathers footsteps in
the RN, it is always of
interest to learn our
history
and
sometimes for all of
us to look up what
someone is saying? I
Tuesday 4 November 11am
RBL Ilkeston Service of
Remembrance, All Saints Church, Ladywood Road, A6096,
Kirk Hallam DE7 4NF. This is a short Service in Church
followed by the pupils of Ladywood School/Daly Moor Junior
laying 8 Poppy crosses in the Churchyard at War Graves.
personally believe that three books cover
this requirement, The Bible, An Oxford
Dictionary, and Jackspeak.
Certain
officers may decree a full copy of BR’s, but
we cannot help with that, so with utmost
pleasure we present him with a copy of
Jackspeak signed by the author, Capt Rick
Jolly OBE, which we hope will remind him of his early runs
ashore to Derby.
Friday 07 November 10am. Friends of Chaddesden
Park organised by Harry Mycroft and involves at least
seven local schools. Ex Servicemen are invited to act as a
Squad Ldr and mentor individual schools from the car park
to march up past the Mayor and other dignitaries at the
War Memorial and back again. There is an award for the
smartest school as judged by the Mayor. The open air svc
is followed by Tea and Biscuits in one of the adjacent
Friends buildings. Standards are welcome as are Veterans
to march in the Vets squad. Good support encourages
children with the concept of Remembrance. DE21 6LN
DERBYSHIRE
SUBMARINERS
Sunday 10 November 11am Most City, Town and Villages
have their own services supported by our members. The
City of Derby is supported by DS with a wreath being laid
by Derbyshire Submariners. Individual details as issued by
Councils who are the Civic leaders in this National
Memorial Service. DE1 3AE
This copy of ‘JACKSPEAK’ is
verified as being signed by the
author Surgeon Captain ‘Rick
Jolly OBE RN (retd) and was
donated as a Gift to;
Tuesday 11 November 10am Derbyshire Submariners
Annual Homage to two WWI Submariners. Meet at the
main gate entrance Nottingham Road, DE21 6FP. Anyone
requiring directions please contact me for an email map
which contains brief information on the loss of the two
submariners interned in the cemetery. We escort the
Mayor of Derby in convoy down to the first grave; ERA
John Brooks S/M C16 grave. thence onto the grave of
Signalman Charles Buttle S/M C25 which is near Soldiers
Corner. After the two short services we adjourn to Soldiers
Corner a short walk away.
JAMIE MOLYNEUX
in recognition of his achievement
of passing his AIB, and gaining
entrance to Welbeck College.
Presented by the
Derbyshire Submariners at our Trafalgar Dinner
In Derby on 17 October 2014
Monday 11 November 10:45am Derby City Council
Assemble at the Commonwealth War Graves at Soldiers
Corner. As a concession by DCC due to
age and infirmity they will allow exit straight
down from Soldiers corner onto Nottingham
Rd opposite Reginald Rd Chaddesden,
DE21 6ND. Please take care crossing this busy road
whether walking or driving to the Jubilee Club.
HMS AURIGA. As part of our Traf Celebrations I made a
personal Birthday Card for our Chairman, and as Jeff
(Godfrey) Dykes was John’s RS (PO Radio Supervisor) in
the 1960’s. I asked Jeff for a photo of Auriga from that
time.
Jeff responded advising during her Singapore
commission [I was in Auriga for both commissions] we had
a gun sponson only in UK, and our passage out to join
SM7, being fitted with the gun for the Indonesian War in
Singapore dockyard. We came home with it at the end of
the commission which caused a stir in Blockhouse where
we were alongside for just one week before taking the boat
round to Chatham to a final refit. After this refit she was UK
based, and during an exercise off Gibraltar, she had a
major battery fire after which she was scrapped. The photo
with Auriga in ice was taken in the Cabot Strait during
John's time in the boat, by a RCAF ASW Orion which was
the equivalent to our ASW Shackleton
Monday 11 November From 11:15am
Derbyshire
Submariners On completion of the Soldiers Corner you
are invited to join the Mayor of Derby and socialise at the
Jubilee Club, Morley Road, Chaddesden, Derby, DE21
6LJ. This is very much an informal gathering where tea or
coffee and bar will be available. We will hold a raffle to
cover expenses and we take this opportunity to thank the
Committee and Jubilee Club Members for opening
specially for this occasion at a lunchtime, and sharing their
club with the ex Service Community. The event is open to
all, and we feel a nice conclusion to the Remembrance
Time in fitting company.
Please note I have endeavoured to put in postcodes to the
locations for Satnav users but as with all electronics please be
aware of roughly where you are travelling too beforehand
5
UNVEILING OF BLUE PLAQUE to Lt Norman Holbrook
Hopefully, you may all be aware that the unveiling of our 2 nd
Blue Plaque dedicated to Lt. Norman Holbrook VC RN took
place at Portsmouth Grammar School on Saturday 20th
September. The official report read; Cdr Norman Holbrook
was the first RN recipient of a Victoria Cross in the WWI for
his exploits in command of B11 in the Dardanelles. On 13
December 1914 Holbrook, then a 26-year-old lieutenant,
took the obsolete submarine into the narrow strait, which
was heavily defended by minefields, gun batteries and
regular patrols. At the end of this dangerous run Holbrook
attacked the old 10,000-ton Turkish battleship Messudiyeh,
causing the ship to sink in ten minutes. B11’s return
journey was even more hazardous, having stirred up a
hornet’s nest, Holbrook and his crew had to cope with the
mines, the gunfire, treacherous currents and shallow water
(the boat became grounded with her fin exposed at one
point) before they reached the safety of the open sea. By
the time she reached the Aegean the submarine had been
submerged for nine hours, an exceptional feat in early
submarine operations. The air on board was virtually
unbreathable and the batteries almost exhausted.
Although Holbrook’s actions were not the first to attract a
Royal Naval VC nomination, that honour went to Capt
Henry Ritchie for his service in November 1914 in Africa; it
was the first to be gazetted. His First Lieutenant, Sidney
Winn, was awarded a DSO and the remaining crew of 15
were given DSMs.
SA & OTHER S/M RELATED NAVY NEWS
I am putting the finishing touches to a book about HMS/M
Saracen, scuttled on 14 August 1943 off Bastia, Corsica.
The crew was taken from Bastia to Italy and the ratings
were held in Campo Marina N.1. Manziana to the north of
Rome until the Italian Armistice on 8 September. Stoker
Metcalfe escaped and was not recaptured, but other that I
can find no other information on him (except a short
excerpt on a website selling medals in which he describes
his experience at Bastia) other than the fact that he
belonged to your association. Do you know of anyone I
might contact to find out some more details? I have an
email address for his granddaughter which I obtained from
the daughter of another crew member but despite having
sent two or three emails I have received no response.
Perhaps he recounted the story of his time on the run in
Italy to other members of the association. Yours sincerely,
Janet Kinrade Dethick Researcher 2nd World War, Italy
Cold War Pins. We have now been able to cost the Cold
War Pins; after some negotiation with the manufacturer,
and including postage and packaging, over which we have
no control, the pins will be £4.00 each. As we are
supporting the Submariners' Benevolent Fund, please dig
deep gentlemen and let us have your orders as soon as
possible. The pins should be with me sometime in the next
3/4 weeks. Davy George NI SA
SA History. Update of ‘A Potted History’, The First 50
Years of the Submarine Old Comrades Assn and the SA’
previously published in 2005 is currently being considered.
This new edition will incorporate updates to Branch
Histories, and histories of new Branches formed since
2005 and correct a few omissions in the first edition. It is
anticipated that a revised edition could be published to
coincide with the 60th Anniversary in 2015. Branch
Secretaries are requested to assist by providing
information on their Branch, date of formation, founding
members, Meeting places and times, Branch Officers since
formation, current Officers, current members, significant
Branch events & functions and anything else considered to
be significant. All contributions to be forwarded to Barrie
Downer Editor; At the Sept meeting I was tasked with
actioning this request but have been given the proviso
subject to time as this is fairly short notice for a large task
of research especially given my memory. Anything you
think relevant please advise me and I will try to collate an
accurate response to Barrie if not on time soon after.
Holbrook, who was born in Southsea in 1888 and attended
Portsmouth Grammar School from 1900 to 1903, when he
moved on to Dartmouth for Naval training. Headmaster
James Priory said young Norman’s reports showed ‘some
room for improvement’ but that he made his mark on the
sports field, including a win in the 100-yard dash ‘in the
face of a stiff breeze’ and came third in an obstacle race,
an early indication of skills which stood him in good stead
in the war, suggested Mr Priory. His time at the school has
now been formally recognised by the unveiling of a blue
plaque, part of an initiative by the Submariners Association
over the next few years to remember 14
leading submariners.
The plaque was
unveiled by Mr Priory and the president of
the Submariners Association, Admiral Sir
James Perowne. Holbrook’s fame spread
rapidly throughout the British Empire after
his attack in the Dardanelles, and a small town in Australia
decided to change its name from Germanton to Holbrook in
his honour, a not uncommon action at a time of antiGerman feeling.
The officer visited his namesake
community several times before his death at the age of 87
in 1976, and his wife subsequently donated his medals to
the town.
The submariner also featured in such
memorabilia as cigarette cards, and a framed set of cards,
Wills’s Victoria Cross Heroes, including one of Holbrook,
was presented to the school by the Association, along with
an Assn plaque.
First Submarine Lost In WWI Remembered By RAN
Australians have paid tribute to the first submariners lost in
the Great War as they search for the wreck of HMAS AE1.
More than 1,500 people gathered in Simpson Harbour,
Papua New Guinea, for a centennial service 100 years to
the day that the boat was lost. Built in Barrow and crewed
by 18 Australians, 16 Britons (all her officers, plus men
who'd transferred from the RN to the RAN) and one New
Zealander, AE1 was the first boat in the Royal Australian
Navy, arriving in Sydney just a couple of months before the
outbreak of war. In September 1914 she and her sister
AE2 were sent as part of a force dispatched to drive
German forces out of New Guinea. One day after the
capture of the key port of Rabaul, AE1 headed out on
patrol and was never seen again.
‘It is incredibly poignant for us to be able to commemorate
Norman Holbrook in a year when the whole nation has
been reflecting on the Great War and the heroism of so
many in service of their country,’ said Mr Priory. ‘We were
honoured to be asked by the SA to be the home to a
plaque commemorating his daring exploit, and hope that
for years to come pupils and passers-by will be able to
remember his bravery and learn his story when they see
the plaque.’ Several members of the Holbrook family were
there to see the ceremony, the family has strong roots in
the area, and sailors from HMS Sultan, serving
submariners, members of the Portsmouth Grammar School
Combined Cadet Force and veterans of the SA also
gathered at the Upper Junior School site on Cambridge Jct.
Plymouth Naval Base Heritage Open Day Plymouth
Naval Base is opened its gates to visitors on Sun 26 Oct
for the final chance this year to glimpse its rich maritime
history with the theme of Remembering WWI. As well as
historical exhibitions, in contrast, visitors can enjoyed free
boat trips round the operational warships in HM Naval
Base, Devonport.
6
TS KENYA SEA CADETS PRESENTATION EVENING
What a splendid turn out of support from Derbyshire
Submariners in support of the Sea Cadets and Staff. Peter
& Joyce, Jim and John who both serve on the management
committee of TS Kenya and yours truly. We assembled on
the Drill Deck with the Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets on
Divisions. It does however make you feel a little old when
you recognise a new member of staff who you remember
as a baby cadet several years ago! To me it shows that
belonging to a uniformed disciplined body does give
youngsters confidence, responsibility, discipline, and get up
and go, BZ to them all. The evening always starts with
‘Colours’ and the raising of the Sea Cadet Flag obviously to
please ex communicators the ‘Prep’ flag is raised one
minute before and struck on the Pipe ‘Colours’ Sir. Most of
the Cadets are very able with the Bosun’s Pipe and those
attending our Trafalgar Dinner will be privileged to hear
how good they are when our Principle Guests are Piped
into Dinner. The proceedings were conducted by the
Commanding Officer, Capt Andy Fuller RMR who
unfortunately is due to stand down having completed ten
years as CO of TS Kenya. He will be sadly missed having
been a very active CO in the last ten years we have known
him. The evening was well supported with the Lord Lt of
Derbyshire and the Mayor of Derby carrying out the
presentations. Both the Naval ex Service Assn’s and
parents turned out in force to support this very special
evening. The DS Submariner was awarded to the newest
member of Staff and of course the DS Tom Smith
Cenotaph Guard trophies (4) will be presented to the four
cadets that win the privilege of marking the War Memorial
on Remembrance Sunday in Derby Market Place. An
enjoyable evening despite a certain amount of rib taking
when the DS Secretary picked a ‘Pussy Bed’ for our two
pet rescue feral cats. The punch line was the framework
was designed to go over very large radiators like pusser
used to have when the pot bellied stoves were replaced in
barracks! Thus the framework was useless to me, but the
cats seem to enjoy the covering to go to sleep on!!
NATIONAL REUNIONS FNA & SA*
The National has issued details for the reunion for March
2015.
As with the FNA Reunion, you can book
independently with the organiser or if you would prefer to
do a central booking through me as Secretary of
Derbyshire. All the paperwork is issued as individual
documents, which feedback has told me is not a preferred
option and I have rolled all the documents into one if you
wish to read in one, and use the booking forms. SA
Members Conference. Any SA Member can also volunteer
or nominate your representative to attend conference. As
Secretary I will do it if requested, but the option is open to
all and this will need to be decided at the December
Meeting as we no longer hold a January meeting. Any
nominations or volunteers to me please? The Booking
Form and Food choices are excel transcribed to the word
document. I can send the original email with the three
attachments on by request. For the record, it would be
helpful please; if I do know members intentions if you are
booking direct with FNA or SA so I do have answers to any
questions and so I know who is attending what.
* Editor. SA Reunion only open to Full SA Members and
the FNA Reunion is open to ALL DS Members.
HM SUBMARINE TRUCULENT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Dear Submariners and supporters, Medway Towns SA are
holding the annual Memorial Service for all those who lost
their lives when HM Submarine Truculent was sunk
following a collision at sea on 12 January 1950. We
cordially invite you to the Service. The service will be held
on Saturday 10th. January 2015 at St. Georges Centre,
Chatham, Kent. On the university campus which is
situated at the bottom of Dock Road, Chatham. (Used to be
HMS Pembroke). The service will start at 1050 hrs. and
will be followed by a buffet/tots/wine etc. All are welcome.
We hope that you will be able to attend. We look forward to
seeing you as always. Any questions regarding the above,
please contact Derek Grant or Derek Williams by E-mail or
telephone. Yours aye, Derek Grant (Branch Secretary).
[email protected] Editor: Albert & I attended
this Service in 2014 and it was an excellently organised
Service. However, I do point out that the Chatham Historic
Dockyard is not open in January and I draw your attention
on the M25 Toll changes at the Dartford Bridge and Tunnel
in this issue on page 12.
Un-Official Cold War Pin. Hello Terry, I suspect defining
who served in submarines the Cold War and who didn’t,
could be troublesome, even divisive. Do we really need an
unofficial pin? Peter. Editor; My personal response was
on the lines of; I can understand where you are coming
from. I personally have a box full of them, and the trend of
putting years on some of them is I feel so wasteful, and
assume the whole purpose is marketing to raise funds on
an ongoing basis. However, as Secretary it is my job to
advise members what is going on, what is available and
the choice is theirs. However, having said that, the NI
Branch do seem proactive in this field, and I confess their
original Poppy Pin with Dolphins under them is one of the
few I do get to wear with pride. As you say defining who is
a difficult one. Does only a 'Mizzie' count, or does serving
at that time qualify? Other feedback has criticised the pin
shows a nuclear boat, when as we know the conventional
S/M’s were very much involved in the cold war! My
conclusion was that the title of the email had hit the target
with the email subject title!! Un-official Cold War pin
SOME TRAFALGAR DINNER FEEDBACK
Ey up lad, Another rubbish night was the beginning one
feedback message but changed to BZ dear boy.
Seriously, what a super night Terry. The atmosphere
was superb, really like a big party. Another message
said Thank you for my birthday gifts, firstly the bottle of
red and the second for you not singing. That was a total
surprise (the gift not you singing) and I feel quite
honoured, we normally only do that at 90.
Dear Terry, Thank you so much for organising last
night’s celebrations. I think it was the best so far, a
most enjoyable evening. As always it ran seamlessly
and Gill was an excellent speaker. It was a treat to
catch up with everyone especially Ken & Mary, he is
doing so well. Thanks again for everything.
Uncorking the Port. I asked four people to take charge
and uncork the Port at Trafalgar Dinner. Obviously the first
choice was Gillian Molyneux and the other choices were
deliberate as a thank you for services to DS. Thus this
year we asked our webmaster, Jeff Dykes, Albert Birchnall
and Max Horton QGM to uncork their respective tables.
Most replied WMP (With Much Pleasure) but one
member’s secretary responded ‘*** says he would be most
honoured, opening bottles is one of his expertise, no
training required’ I personally thought this was a wonderful
response and it certainly brought a smile to me when I read
it.
Hi Terry, Thank you again for inviting us to such a
special evening we had a fabulous time!
Terry. It is with a big thank-you that I appreciate the
Evening and the whole week-end that I had with you,
and as it turned out an interesting visit to the Sea Cadet
Base as well, Andy Fuller deserves his Promotion and I
am sure the Cadet Force will benefit as well. So thanks
Mate John (John is Sec of HMS Kenya Assn)
7
US NAVY ISSUES WARNINGS ON
RUSSIA, CHINA’S SUBMARINE FLEETS
Military.com, 20 September 2014
The US Navy's Atlantic Submarine Force commander, Vice
Admiral Michael Connor, has suggested that future
submarine operations may start to again resemble those
during the Cold War. Russia's recent revanchist* policies
and increasing pronouncements with regard to its military
power could renew something close to the Cold War
dynamic, but this will also be shaped by China's expanding
fleet of attack and missile submarines. The US Office of
Naval Intelligence had estimated that China's fleet of
nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) will
likely be ready to conduct nuclear deterrence patrols
sometime this year, and overall submarine developments
have been accelerating. Russia has also made various
announcements with regard to rebuilding its own attack
and missile submarine forces, and has maintained the
capability to conduct deterrence patrols since the collapse
of the Soviet Union, though numbers of patrols conducted
have fluctuated. Analysts suggest that this means the
USN's own attack submarine force may itself be further
taxed in its deployments to track the movements of foreign
SSBNs. Editor: *Revanchism (from French: revanche,
revenge) is a term used since the 1870s to describe a
political manifestation of the will to reverse territorial losses
incurred by a country, often following a war or social
movement
WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS
AUSTRALIA LEANING TOWARDS BUYING JAPANESE
SORYU-CLASS SUBS
Jane's, 14 September 2014
There has been increased speculation in recent months
regarding the future of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
submarine procurement program, and a defence
cooperation agreement signed in July between Canberra
and Tokyo has fuelled speculation that a Japanese design
may be the government's preferred choice to replace their
existing Collins-class submarines.
The issue of
shipbuilding in Australia has been increasingly polarized in
the midst of debates over domestic versus foreign
procurement, and PM Tony Abbott has suggested that the
ultimate goal of the submarine programme is to obtain the
best possible vessels as the most reasonable price.
Defence Minister David Johnston also said earlier this year
that Japan's 4,600 ton Soryu-class diesel-electric
submarines were the only in-service designs to closely
match Australian requirements, and in June the minister
toured a Soryu-class boat during a visit to Japan. Earlier
reports suggested that Australia had first only been
interested in procuring drive systems from Japan, but there
are new suggestions that the RAN might find itself in
possession of up to ten submarines which will be fully built
in Japan at an estimated cost of USD $18.3 billon.
Preliminary estimates for a full class of submarines
designed and built in Australia were in excess of $32b.
Sweden's Saab Kockums is also understood to be
preparing a proposal, as is Germany's ThyssenKrupp
Marine Systems.
NAVY TEST-FIRES UPGRADED TOMAHAWK
by Kris Osborn Defence Tech 01 October, 2014
The Navy and Raytheon recently flight tested software
upgrades to the Tomahawk missile with two sea-launched
test-firings near China Lake, Calif., designed to shoot the
weapon up to high altitudes and assess the weapon’s
improved manoeuvrability. The first test took place from a
nuclear submarine, the USS Hampton. The submarine
fired a Tomahawk Block IV from its vertical capsule launch
system. The missile flew a pre-planned mission until a
strike controller located at a maritime command centre
directed the Tomahawk to a new target. The missile
successfully demonstrated enhanced flex retargeting
before striking the updated target. In the second test, the
Tomahawk Block IV Missile’s achieved the highest ever
altitude. The Tomahawk flew a series of pre-planned high
altitude manoeuvres demonstrating improved performance
in its flight regime. The missile completed a pre-planned
vertical dive impacting a target on San Nicolas Island off
the Southern California coast. The Navy Tomahawk
program manager said the ‘tests validated recent software
updates that improve the weapon system flight
performance.’ Raytheon officials said the tests were
merely the latest move in a series of ongoing steps aimed
at further upgrading and modernizing the Tomahawk Block
IV missile. We’re constantly trying to provide more value
out of the Tomahawk and upgrade its software and
hardware. These tests pushed the envelope in terms of
manoeuvres, Roy Donelson, Raytheon Tomahawk program
manager added. He explained that the test showed what
he called enhanced flux in-flight re-targeting wherein the
missile can skim along the sea or fly at high altitudes
before reaching its target. Overall, Raytheon has delivered
more than 3,000 Tomahawk Block IV missiles to the Navy.
The missiles are expected to complete a 30-year service
life after being re-certified at the 15-year mark. The
inventory of Block IV missiles are slated to go through a recertification process in 2018 and 2019. Tomahawks have
been upgraded numerous times over their years of service.
The Block IV Tomahawk, in service since 2004, includes a
two-way data link for in-flight re-targeting, terrain
navigation, digital scene-matching cameras and a highgrade inertial navigation system, said Donelson.
US MILITARY CONTRACTORS
HIT BY CHINESE HACKERS
BBC News, 18 September 2014
The results of a year-long US Senate Armed Services
Committee investigation into hacking of unnamed US
military contractors have been released, with results
showing that sensitive computer networks were infiltrated
at least 50 times during the investigation period. The
cyber-attacks targeted systems contractors doing work for
US Transportation Command, which may have
compromised US military logistics, and all were attributed
to Chinese government-linked hackers; Chinese officials
have routinely denied hacking allegations and questioned
the validity of the report. The investigation also found that
government agencies failed to adequately share
information on the hacks amongst themselves, leading one
Committee member to recommend that a governmental
clearinghouse be created to better coordinate information
on cyber-attacks. The issue of cyber-espionage between
China and the US has been ongoing, with each side
accusing the other of attacks
SOUTH KOREA SPOTS SIGNS OF NORTH KOREA'S
SUBMARINE ROCKET DEVELOPMENT’
Yonhap News, 14 September 2014
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Sunday that the
South Korean military has detected signs that North Korea
is developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile
(SLBM) system. An anonymous source further said that an
SLBM tube has been detected at a North Korean naval
base, which may prompt Pyongyang to modify its existing
subs or acquire larger boats to incorporate the technology.
The North reportedly bought ten 3,000-ton Golf-class
diesel-electric attack submarines from Russia in the 1990s,
which could be upgraded with an SLBM capability, but it is
unclear how operationally capable the Cold War-era boats
actually are.
8
DS TRAFALGAR DINNER 2014
Hallmark Hotel Derby 17 October
On arrival at the hotel around 2pm I had the unhappy news
that the room we were booked to start at 6pm which I had
been advised would be available in the afternoon to make
up had a late meeting booking until 5pm! This was
devastating news, not least because that was my
designated time for a shower and change to meet and
greet from 5:30pm to start at 6pm. Fortunately I was
allowed to use a small adjacent room to stow all our gear,
and get things unpacked and ready for a swift set up. We
got into our room at 16:45, and the hotel staff under the
able direction of Ricki stripped the room of the conference
table and chairs and re-set up with our four big round
tables and seats and with able help of Colin & Isobel
Watson we shifted our kit in and set out raffle prizes,
presentations, the PA system, cake and then discovered
the flowers had not arrived! Fortunately, the florist was still
available, and my frantic phone call resulted in an abject
apology as it transpired the flowers had gone to The Spot
which I am sure would have been appreciated by the RNA
who’s Traf Dinner follows ours on the Saturday! The flower
problem was quickly resolved, and somehow, and I am
unsure how; we were ready for lift off at 6pm, and several
people, as expected had already arrived! The next half an
hour was manic but all guests were unaffected in the bar
area, with everyone enjoying the atmosphere or should I
say bar services!!
The Dinner was five course commencing with a choice of
three starters Soup, Pate or Melon. The main courses
were Beef, Chicken or Salmon and finally Apple Pie,
Cheese Board and Fruit Salad. We thence enjoyed Coffee
and tea and the fifth course later in the evening being the
excellent fruit cake which was a shame to cut but enjoyable
to eat! A bargain at £25 per person given the cost! At the
end of the Ease Springs we drew the raffle which consisted
of prizes in the region of £300, so thank you to everyone
who donated prizes, and some very worthwhile ones too.
The first prize to go was a Fortum & Mason Champagne
Gift Box with chocolates valued at approx £80 and the Ltr
Bottles of German Brandy, VSOP and whiskey and other
bottles also appeared to be popular but surprisingly so was
the Electric Ceramic Tea Pot! The DS special coming
home off Dieso Patrol Survival Kit provided some amusing
comments, and we thank everyone for their wonderful
support. We then proceeded into the formal part of the
evening with the Toasts and Presentations. The request,
Gentlemen, (and Lady), Please be so kind as to Uncork the
Port. This tradition is normally undertaken by the Mess
President, but with four tables with individual decanters this
was designated to special guests, and members honoured
as a thank you. We had Gill Molyneux and Jeff Dykes, and
two of our more mature members; Albert Birchnall and Max
Horton QGM do the honours on the other two tables. The
Loyal Toast was undertaken by our President a WWII
veteran, and survivor of the sinking of HM Submarine
Sahib in 1943 whilst on patrol from that famous fighting
10th Submarine Squadron based in Malta. Our principle
guest to undertake the Immortal Toast was Gill Molyneux
introduced with the announcement that ‘Our Principle
Guest needs no introduction from me and I am sure you
will all know Gillian Molyneux. We have been privileged to
meet up with Gill at various events, mainly connected with
Ambush, which has been an absolute pleasure. However,
she has been known to make some people cry as her
winning smile has extracted money from them for the
Seafarers UK Charity for which Gillian just happens to
normally have a collecting tin in her handbag at these
events when she ‘Ambushes’ you!
Gillian’s speech
resulted in a standing ovation and a suggestion from none
other than a very senior person, who suggested she goes
on the ‘Speeches Circuit’. I do not think anyone would
disagree with that suggestion, and we were immensely
privileged and honoured, to enjoy her and Jamie’s
company throughout the evening. A presentation of a
bouquet was made to Gill by our Chairman, and I had the
great privilege of presenting Gill with a Glass Candle
Holder inscribed with the City of Derby City Council as a
gift from the City with the message that there will always be
a candle burning in Derby for her, or her family. The final
Toast was to the Submarine Service and Submariner very
ably given by Mr Jeff Dykes and concluded with a
presentation of a DS Plaque by his ex LRO of HMS Auriga
days way back in the 1960’s on the Canada commission.
Thus the Edale Suite was ready with four tables of ten to
capacity with individual place markers, place mats, table
markers, the room decorated with a large White Ensign,
and a Trafalgar Pennant hung up behind the top table and
a special iced cake which depicted the crest of Welbeck
Defence College as a BZ to Jamie Molyneux gaining a
place and passing his Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) for
entrance to training as an Engineering Officer. The DS
Ceremonial Bell, White Ensigns on each table, Event
Programmes, DS Cut Glass Tutbury and Derwent Crystal
Decanters and high class port, Drinks, presentation items
and raffle prizes; and importantly for the Master of
Ceremonies, the PA System which prevents me being
hoarse by the end of the evening. At 18:30 Guests were
invited to take their seats filing past the Guard of Honour
provided by TS Kenya Sea and Marine Cadets headed by
their CO, Capt Andy Fuller RM. Shortly afterwards I led the
principle guests, Gillian & Jamie Molyneux, Admiral Sir
Trevor Soar KCB and Lady Anne Soar into the room to the
traditional welcome of a slow handclap, to be met by our
President, Mr Ken Holtham and Chairman John Sayers
and all assembled.
The Welcome & Safety Brief was completed concluding
with the advice that ‘We are very fortunate to have the
services of an avid Photographer friend of mine, Roger
Wood, who will be taking photographs throughout the
evening, thank you Roger. Hopefully, no one will have any
objection to their photo’s being used for publicity use, but if
you do please advise me by email or a note, preferably
after this evening. If you are here and should not be for
whatever reason, I will not guarantee not to laugh or smile,
but do promise I will not put it in Derbyshire Deeps!
Seriously, I am an ex Chief Radio Supervisor and you can
be assured of my reticence, especially if I am offered Red
Australian Wine’.
The WWII Submariner Statue is our icon of
remembrance.
The Tom Smith Memorial Trophy is
awarded annually by secret votes by ALL Members. This
was audited by John Rickwood the Secretary of HMS
Kenya Assn; Derby’s WWII Warship Week Ship which still
celebrates their AGM and Reunion in Derby Annually. Gill
Molyneux opened the envelope and declared the winner
was: Mr Ken Holtham, our President. Sadly the voting
was down on last year, but we still had 18 out of 30
Members voting, so though more healthy than a Council
election; it would be nice to have had a little higher number
of votes though! It was sad that one vote was disallowed
as the submission was not put on the correct voting form,
which is individual with a watermark, but it was put on one
of the advisory forms of the vote thus the adjudicator rightly
disallowed the vote.
The ‘Grace’, was undertaken by Lady Anne Soar, an
Honorary Derbyshire Submariners Member, and the
Sponsor of HMS Ambush which is Derby City affiliated
Submarine is always most welcome in Derby. It was thus
time for the most important aspect of the evening – The
Food and Drink!!
9
Ken was a clear winner but more than four names were
nominated so another chance next year for everyone! The
next presentation was based on the well known fact that
the Submarine Family is very close knit and in that we
include our womenfolk. All our wives and in some cases
sweethearts have varying ‘crosses to bear’ acting as their
husbands or partner’s diary keeper, secretary and taking
phone messages. Before I get any heckling at my next
statement I state categorically that the job of the secretary
is to keep members fully informed, thus one particular
young lady does tend to land up chatting up the secretary
more than most for me to fulfil this duty. This is of course
Rita, the wife of John, our Chairman. As a token from DS
of the disruption, and inconvenience you are put to more
than most, due to your husbands exalted position; we
would like you Rita to accept a bouquet of flowers, suitably
presented by your husband on our behalf as a token of our
appreciation for all that you do. At this point I declared
today is Johns 70'er something birthday. I hope you are in
fine voice because when I start to sing (ask Jim) it is painful
so I would like you all to remain seated and give me your
best rendition of Happy Birthday. On completion of this
enthusiastic rendition I declared that it would not have
made any difference whether I sang or not, and we
presented John with an appropriate Birthday Card and a
bottle of red wine.
Each Trafalgar Dinner we have a unique Traditional
Derbyshire Submariners Trafalgar Dinner Presentation to
make. As I stated earlier we are all really appreciative of
the support we receive from our womenfolk. Once a year
we undertake a token thank you by presenting all ladies
present with a Rose Stem from the Derbyshire
Submariners to show our appreciation of those who work
behind the scenes, and the two serving Submariners were
tasked with presenting EVERY lady present with a Rose
Stem. This task was undertaken by Lt Alex O’Dell and
Petty Officer Sean Reader both of HMS Ambush recently
back from a ‘Jolly’ in the Atlantic. Editor: I did get the
expected Whoo’s and R’s to this tongue in cheek quip!
Finally it was time for the fifth course – The Cake! Mr
Jamie Molyneux and his mother Gill as our very special
guests were requested to undertake this task and as a
token of our appreciation I announced ‘As Jamie embarks
on his future following in his Fathers footsteps in the RN it
is always of interest to learn our history and sometimes for
all of us to look up what someone is saying. I personally
believe that three books cover this requirement, The Bible,
An Oxford Dictionary and Jackspeak. Certain officers may
decree a full copy of BR’s but we cannot help with that, so
with utmost pleasure we present him with a copy of
Jackspeak signed by the author which we hope will remind
him of his early runs ashore to Derby. To undertake this
presentation I call on our webmaster to present Jamie with
a copy of Jackspeak signed and verified by Capt Rick Jolly
OBE the author. We finally concluded thanking the
Hallmark and all the Staff, especially David Croasdale the
Manager, Riki and all the staff who have directly looked
after us so well. We thank all members, and wives and
friends of the Derbyshire Submariners who have
contributed to the evening, and finally we thank all of you
for joining us on this special occasion.
Our President as we know sadly lost his wife of 69 years.
Elena had been very much part of our group with Ken
being a founding member back in 1980. Mary his daughter
was asked by me if she would accompany her father, and
here the water gets a little muddied with different stories
from Mary, Ken and myself. Ken says I must have been
very persuasive, which I deny. Mary says I was almost
ordered! The truth is, I did ask very politely if she would
consider coming with her father to the Trafalgar Dinner,
being very subtle, and I do admit I have a note on my brief
of do not let Mary have the microphone. I confess I did tell
a little white lie that her dad said he would pay for her
meal. Once she got over that shock, she readily agreed,
honest! The bottom line whatever the truth Mary, we would
like to thank you for the pleasure of your company tonight,
and bringing Ken with you, and I would like to ask your Dad
to present you with a bouquet of flowers in thanks from all
of us and please pass on our sincere apologies that we
could not due to numbers accommodate your husband
with us tonight. Our final bouquet of Flowers went to Lady
Anne Soar who as our Honorary Member is always
delightful company whether we meet her in Barrow,
Faslane or here in Derby at our Freedom of the City Coffee
Morning or here at the Hallmark. It is also nice that Admiral
Sir Trevor had the opportunity to join us tonight too. On the
basis that Lady Anne is the Sponsor of HMS Ambush we
called on Lt Alex O’Dell RN of Ambush to undertake this
honour on behalf of the Derbyshire Submariners; also as
this will save time as he has the least distance to walk!!
We had 19 of the total of 40 attendees making a night of it
and stopping over at the hotel/inn. On completion of
tidying up and storing all the artefacts and material in my
car it was getting on for 1am, and I expected most would
have drifted to bed, but was wonderfully surprised to find
nearly everyone in the bar area enjoying a party and social.
This continued for over an hour before people started to
drift off to bed! I had by this time undertaken a quick
change to my Poppy Appeal Tee shirt to cool down but I
think everyone excused me wearing Pirate Rig! Wonderful
company and wonderful event.
I enjoyed a good breakfast at 8am, and managed to see
most guests who drifted down to breakfast at both hotel
and inn before departure; except two who decided to go
clubbing at 3am! I sorted out the new DS Polo Shirt Logo,
and trial order, and enroute home picked up the
programmes for the Soldiers Corner Service organised
by Harry Mycroft, Burma Star; and have pledged the
Submariners to help distribute on 11/11 after the two WWI
Submariners Services we hold before we go up to the
Chaddesden Jubilee Club. Special permission for corkage
free has been given to undertake a ‘Pussers Rum’ toast
donated by our President in Harry Mycroft’s Memory of
what a Burma Star ex Royal Navy Veteran has done to
enhance Remembrance in Derby both at Soldiers Corner
and the Chaddesden Children’s Service. We are fortunate
Harry did all the work before he died, and I feel it most
appropriate that he should be saluted in this way and
permission is appreciated from both the Jubilee Club and
Harry’s son who was enthusiastic when I asked if this
would be OK. We look forward to anyone who can attend
this conclusion of the Remembrance Period. (Though I do
have one final Remembrance Service on 15/11 at Ilkeston
Rugby Club on match day carrying our Standard) Terry H
Many will be aware of the Pilot Scheme of We Remember
Submariners and after careful thought and deliberation I
asked Gill Molyneux if she would consider presenting one
to Jean Slater in Remembrance of Ron Slater. Gill
remembered that in 2011 when attending our Trafalgar
Dinner at the Spot in Derby as a guest with two of her son’s
that Ron had been too ill with cancer to attend the Dinner.
The consequence was that when Ron’s name was
nominated for the first ever presentation of the Submariner
by Admiral Sir Trevor, she accepted it on his behalf. This
as can be expected was a very emotional presentation for
both Gill and Jean and we really do thank Gill for honouring
us and undertaking this very personal presentation of the
Moly Pin to Jean in memory of Ron, who was a friend to all.
10
SA WEBPAGE
HMS RESOLUTION ASSOCIATION REUNION 2015
www.submarinersassociation.co.uk /index.htm
Can I please make you all aware that following a lot of very
hard work and dedication over the last three months by our
Webmaster Mike Kemp the Association Website has been
updated and brought into the 21st century. The message
below from Mike explains how the new Website evolved
and will also help you get started on your voyage of
discovery. Hon. Nat Sec
Gents, Earlier this year I worked on two Mobile Applications
for Smartphones, for both Android and Apple Mobile
devices. To test one of the Applications I asked Peter Swift
(Chairman) & Ian Warner (Secretary) and some of the
members of the Blackpool Branch. I am grateful for their
assistance and input. The Mobile Application was well
received and I keep a copy for training purposes on my PC
& Phone. However, I encountered some difficulties with the
100's of varied devices on the market also I had some
problems in getting iTunes (Apple) to accept the App.
Having trawled various Websites, I decided to rebuild our
website throughout to be more Mobile Phone and
Responsive. To enable the site to run on most if not all
Devices, from PC's, Laptops, Tablets, PDA's, and Mobile
Smartphones Templates were purchased and I started
work on the 1st August 2014, migrating the information
from the Current Website to the New one. Earlier this
morning (30/09/2014) the Website you know has been
removed and the new site is now live. The Website has
been tested on PC, Laptop, Android Tablet, iPad mini, and
Mobile Smartphone. However: The Database Tables are
linked from the Server and they may look strange on a
small Phone screen. The Database Pages, i.e.: Current
Membership, WWII Membership and In-Memoriam are best
to look at on a larger device than a Mobile Phone screen. I
would recommend using Google Chrome as it does not
have the issues with Cache as Internet Explorer! Perhaps
make this your Default Internet Browser?
The new
Website
link
for
your
Devices
is
www.submarinersassociation.co.uk /index.htm. Please
note that is [htm]. There are hundreds of links, and I think
they are all working but I am sure someone will find a link
they cannot get. I will answer them in due Course. Please
take a look and enjoy, It has been an interesting Challenge!
Regards, Mike Kemp
[email protected]
www.submarinersassociation.co.uk
The annual reunion For Resolution Association members
will take place at the Hallmark Hotel Hull (voted City of
Culture 2017) 20th to 22nd March 2015. Come and meet
and greet your old shipmates with a chance to catch up
and celebrate. Early booking discount available before 31
Jan 2015. The Association is open to all former crew
members of HMS Resolution
Contact: [email protected]
Website : http://www.hmsresolution.org.uk/home.php
Hotel: http://www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/our_hotels/hull
CLOISTERS OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY SERVICE
This will be on Saturday 1 November, muster about 13:00
for service at 14:00. The service is usually conducted by
the duty Canon who doesn't mind how badly you sing.
Serving personnel will be taking part and all (Ladies inc)
are welcome. With Thanks Ted Hogben
PHILIP WILLIAM CHARLES (Bill) ELLIOTT MBE.
Sadly one of SA long serving Honorary Vice President’s
and WWII Veteran’s, slipped and proceeded on his final
patrol at the age of 94 on Sunday 28 September 2014. Bill
served in Submarines as an AB. LR2 from November 1942
until January 1946 in the following Submarines: H44, H50,
Sunfish, Visigoth & Templar. Shortly after leaving the
Service Bill joined the London Branch of SOCA and went
on to serve as National Chairman from 1963 until 1967,
when he became a Hon. Vice President. When the London
Branch had to shut he then joined the Medway Towns
Branch. Bill’s funeral took take place 20th Oct.
SERVICE PERSONNEL & VETERANS AGENCY
An Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence
SPVA’s Veterans UK helpline has changed its freephone
telephone number. The new number 0808 1914 218
represents the start and end dates of the Great War 19141918. It is hoped that the link to such an historic event will
create a more memorable number in the 100 th anniversary
year of WWI. To coincide with the recent announcements
on improving support for veterans from the Defence
Minister. The Veterans UK helpline has made significant
changes to improve the service it provides to veterans and
the wider veterans community. As well as the new more
memorable freephone number another part of the new and
improved service to the Veterans UK helpline is the
extension to its opening hours. The helpline is now open
from 7:30am to 5:30 (5 on Friday) on all working days.
Currently those calling the helpline out of hours get through
to an answerphone service enabling a message to be left
and advising of the next working day call-back. However
SPVA as part of the improvements has negotiated a
partnership with Combat Stress and with the Samaritans,
whose helplines operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. This
newly formed agreement will allow out of hours callers to
the SPVA Veterans UK helpline to opt to be routed to
Combat Stress or the Samaritans; this now allows caller in
crisis to access help out of hours.
PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD CONCESSION
SA have been awarded the same concessions for entry to
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and its associated
attractions as those enjoyed by the Association of Wrens,
RNA and RMA. The Terms and Conditions for taking
advantage of this Concession which are displayed below.
£10 ticket valid for one day only for themselves and up
to four members of their friends and family at £10 per
ticket each on production of valid and in date association
membership ID card. Tickets are valid for one day only.
Tickets give access to Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory,
HMS Warrior 1860, Action Stations, National Museum of
the Royal Navy, Harbour Tours, Royal Navy Submarine
Museum and HMS Alliance, Royal Marines Museum and
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. A complimentary
Waterbus service is available for transportation between
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Gosport attractions.
This is on a first come, first served basis and cannot be
guaranteed. Tickets must be purchased in person in the
Visitor Centre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and valid
and in date ID card must be shown. This special rate ticket
cannot be purchased directly from the Submarine Museum,
Marines Museum or Explosion Museum, No upgrades or
refunds are available after purchase and tickets are nontransferable.
ARMED FORCES TELEVISION CHANNEL
Are you aware of the new TV channel launched on 10
June? It is not surprisingly called Forces TV and is
dedicated to bringing programmes and news specifically of
interest to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
This new feature can be found on the following channels:
Sky channel 299. Virgin channel 244. Free Sat channel
652. Have a look. You might find something of interest.
DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH OR DERBY TIMES
A photographer turned up at our Trafalgar Dinner and with
Roger our phots permission I have sent him copies of the
photographs for printing. If you see any reports in the DET
or Derbyshire Life who I also forwarded a selection of phots
to please advise me. Terry Hall
11
No meeting date has yet been set for the next NMRN
Members/Friends Working Group. It was agreed that more
needed to be done in order to recruit new and younger
members, such as providing for family, school and
corporate memberships. This work ongoing. However, it
was agreed that additional pop up banners to encourage
new members were required.
The structure of the
membership survey had been completed and a form will be
sent out with Harbour Stations in October. There will be
three methods of response covering email and hard and
soft copies. Analysis of results will be available for the
spring meeting on 21st May 2015. The Vice Chairman
(Jock McClees) had talked to the SMCC when they visited
the museum on 21 July and will endeavour to speak to
future Perisher courses when they visit the Museum. Date
of next meeting 22nd January 2015
David Ottley (SA Representative on RN Submarine
Museum Friends Committee) 09.10.14
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE RN S/M MUSEUM
Summary of 64th Committee Meeting held 26 Sept 2014
Jon Westbrook (JW) took over as chairman of the
committee. The AGM had taken place on 6 May 2014.
Paul Hoddinott had stood down as Chairman. Paul had
spoken with Mr Keating of the Helensburgh Submarine
Museum about writing an article for ‘All Round Look’ and
establishing links between the Friends of the two
museums. Stefano Mannucci (Liaison, S/M Command
/serving submariners and RNSM) undertook to liaise with
Bob Seaward (Friends representative in Scotland) and Mr.
Keating. It was agreed that the Friends would lay a wreath
at the museum during the Remembrance Day service. It
was agreed that membership cards should last five years
before renewal. Isabella Stagg introduced herself as the
new Museum Operations Manager. Since Alliance had
reopened footfall was up (75097 compared to 250951 for
the same period last year. The numbers were greatly
enhanced by the ‘All Attractions’ Ticket issued by
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which included a return boat
trip across the harbour. Due to this increase of visitors it
had not been possible to operate the normal guided tour
routine every 15 mins. A guide with up to 25 persons on 40
min. tour through Alliance) and a free flow system had to
be implemented with groups of visitors let onto the boat
every 10 mins. with guides stationed in various
compartments. The museum budget is being cut by 10%
and as a result the Friends would endeavour to financially
support gardening costs. A letter of thanks had been sent
from JW to Sir Tim McClement for his sterling services as
Chair of Trustees of the Submarine Museum. Sir Tim had
expressed his thanks and gratitude.
THE DARTFORD - THURROCK RIVER CROSSING M25
From late November 2014 there will be changes to how
you pay to use the Dartford crossing. You will no longer
pay at the barriers, instead you’ll be able to pay in
advance, or up to midnight the day after crossing. Editor;
Once again the Highway Agency only communicates with
those on a computer or who use social media!! I found out
about this yesterday 7/10 when discussing it with a mate
and my proposed trip to Chatham in January thence March
next year. Basically the present charge for a car is £2 paid
at a toll booth as you pass through either at the end of
Bridge South and before the tunnels North. Now you will
go through an electronic recognition system so unless you
are local or a regular user from the area you will be
electronically clocked. This leaves you the option of
posting in for a prepaid ticket which will be £2.50 plus I
assume two stamps to cover sae thus £3.56p (Nearly
double the previous charge of £2) or you drive through not
realising that you are subject to a toll of £2.50 which must
be paid for within 24 hrs by phone, computer etc or you will
be prosecuted and Fined! Apparently this planned change
has been known about for some months on line, a bit like
the road tax disc change which is another rip off. So
people like me who only venture South on sparse
occasions such as Ton Class Meetings, Naval Reunions or
Remembrance Services a couple of times a year are kept
in the dark and charged more. I note they have thrown a
£1 on the lorries as well.
As
everything is shifted by road it means
all freight will ultimately go up, and
everything we buy to transit a bit of
road bridge or tunnel which with our
road tax we have already paid to
use!! I note on the reasons given for
the tolls it is to stop too many people using it causing
distress to the area and those who live there. The
Highways think if it’s free they will get too much traffic for
the road. As far as I am aware there is no option but to
cross the bridge/tunnel without a very large detour or
paying a congestion charge, so I think they are again lying
through their back teeth and it all about taxing the very last
penny out of everyone they can. Still MP's pay rises and
Foreign Aid have to be raised from somewhere!! The full
information is available on the web if you can make head or
tail of it. At present I do not find it very clear what the
options are and how you go about it.
The Treasurer presented the accounts to date and advised
that there was just over £37K in the bank, which, after
allowing for the £8K reserves and £11.5K already
committed this left £17.5K available for the Museum.
There was discussion over what Museum projects the
NMRN should fund and what projects the Friends provide
to place ‘icing on the cake’. Because the new NMRN was
a new organization and it appeared that there were now at
least two sources of bids to the Friends for funds; from the
NMRN curatorial staff (displays and artefacts) and from the
Museum Operational Manager (onsite operational
projects). It was agreed to invite Bob Mealings (NMRN
curatorial staff) to the next meeting in order to clarify this
matter. The annual report to the Charity Commission had
been submitted and can be viewed on the website. Charity
No. 1046251. Deadline for ‘Harbour Stations’ contributions
was agreed as 10 April 2015. 21 May was agreed as the
spring committee meeting date. The 2015 ASGM date was
set as Frid 26 June 2015. There are 666 paid members
and 10 outstanding queries to resolve. It was agreed to
increase annual membership subscription to £20 minimum.
The new Friends brochure has been finalized and number
to be printed along with associated costs are ongoing.
Changes to the Constitution were agreed and an updated
version will be sent out with calling notices for the 2015
AGM. Following Museum projects were reviewed;
Artefact storage boxes; £1000 no longer required:
Memorial book; £1500 ongoing: VC exhibition; £5000
ongoing: Photo album; no longer required: Boats in
action; on hold awaiting safety clarifications: Learning/
Outreach community engagement; declined as outside
Friends remit: Exhibition First in Last Out WW1; £9250
awaiting justification from NMRN as to why Friends should
provide costs: Poppy Display; £4000 NMRN had declined
the project. Two committee members to establish project
viability since doubt expressed whether Tower of London
poppies were frost proof. The Friends website will be
modified to invite contributions re submariner’s stories and
memorabilia.
A Ton Class friend of mine, who as far as I am aware was
not even a communicator*, but a Minesweeper Coxswain
(Unless he was a covert Communicator before converting)
responded with a Biblical Quote: King James Bible Isaiah
Chap 56 v 11 Translation on PAGE 20 Column 2.
12
Welfare; The Association does not exist to take on the roles of
its affiliated associations. The wide knowledge of members will,
on occasions, make meetings a useful point of reference where
enquiries can be aired and solutions suggested.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) RBL membership of the
Association will be effected by the Derbyshire County
Committee which will appoint the RBL representative, who
must reside in the City of Derby and district. Individual
branches in Derby and district will not be members of the
Association, but will be able to raise individual
comments/concerns through the County organisation.
Representatives from branches in the area defined above
are welcome to attend Association meetings, but will not be
entitled to vote.
Attendance of non-members at meetings It may be
beneficial to allow non-members to attend and address
meetings of the Association – for example, those involved
in the detailed planning of Remembrance Day. The
Chairman will decide who should be invited to meetings
and who will address the meetings on whatever subject.
Non-members will have no vote.
Charitable Status / VAT Status The Association is not a
registered charity and is not registered for VAT purposes.
Dissolution Should membership of the Association fall to
the extent that it may become unsustainable, then at least
2/3rds of the membership, as at the preceding AGM, must
be present for any debate on dissolution. If the Association
is dissolved, any balances of funds, after payment of all
liabilities should be donated to the RBL Poppy Appeal.
Editor: The D&D are reviewing the Constitution and seek
any suggestions for any changes (if any) that are required
to the present constitution. Any suggestions or proposals
to Secretary who is at present the DS Representative for
D&DExSvcAssn
CONSTITUTION FOR THE DERBY & DISTRICT
EX-SVCS ASSOCIATION
Adopted 25 March 1996 and Amended January 2010
Purpose: To exchange views between members. To
effectively represent the views of the ex-service community
in the City of Derby to the local authority, to the media and
others as appropriate.
Membership: Is open to all ex-service assn’s within the
City of Derby and district, upon payment of an annual
affiliation fee to cover the year 1 Jan to 31 Dec. Where an
assn does not operate specifically within Derby, but covers
a wider area including Derby, members of that Assn (Assn)
can apply for their Assn to become members of the Assn.
Only Derby and District residents may vote on behalf of an
Assn and it will be expected of all who attend meetings that
they give consideration to Derby issues in preference to
their Assn, should a conflict of interest arise. Membership
will be deemed as having lapsed if the affiliation fee is not
paid for two successive years by the start of the AGM.
Once an Assn is a paid-up member, any number of
members of that Assn may attend Assn meetings, but each
Assn is entitled to only one vote. The Assn may agree to
honorary memberships for associations where the fee is
waived. The Association may grant Life Membership to
individuals.
Both honorary membership and Life
membership must be approved by a full meeting of the
Association.
Committee: The committee shall comprise a Chairman,
Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and two others
members; as agreed at the AGM 18 January 2010 – each
to be elected from nominations put forward to the Annual
General Meeting (AGM) of the Association. Committee
members must be members of affiliated associations with
the exception of the Secretary, who may be co-opted
subject to approval at the AGM. Sub-committees may be
formed from the membership to report to Association
meetings on specific issues and/or projects, as and when
appropriate.
Meetings: The Annual General Meeting will: Elect the
Committee from nominations submitted to the Secretary at
least 14 days before the meeting; Review affiliation fees;
Consider changes to the Constitution, with proposals being
submitted in writing at least fourteen days in advance;
Approve the statement of accounts and balance sheet,
prepared by the Treasurer and audited by a member of the
Association; Appoint the auditor for the following year;
Consider the appointment of a President; Consider items
raised by any member association or affiliated individual
that has been submitted at least 14 days prior to the
meeting. This same 14 day rule applies to other meetings
during the year. The Assn will meet not less than twice
each year and generally three times each year. The AGM
will take place at the end of Jan and one other meeting will
take place in Sept to discuss arrangements for
Remembrance Day. There should be a minimum of ten
voting members present to constitute a quorum. The
Chairman, Secretary and at least one other committee
member should meet 14 days before principal meetings to
create an ordered agenda. The Chairman will have a
casting vote when necessary.
Expenditure Income will be derived from affiliation fees
and held in a bank account in the name of the Association.
A minimum of two signatures from the three on the
Mandate will be required to withdraw funds. The Treasurer
will report the state of finances to each meeting. Proposals
for spending of funds must be voted on at meetings of the
Association, and will not involve expenditure on welfare of
members. Decisions on spending of funds between
meetings is delegated to committee members, up to a
maximum of £200.
NAVY BOOKS.COM NEWS
HAPPY HOMECOMING FOR
HMS ASTUTE
The first of Class in the Royal Navy's
most advanced fleet of attack submarines, HMS Astute,
returned to HMNB Clyde on Tuesday (October 7) after
spending eight months at sea on her first operational
deployment. HMS Astute sailed from UK waters in March to
become the first Astute Class to contribute towards the
UK's presence in the Mediterranean. A call in to Gibraltar
allowed the boat to demonstrate some of the unique
capabilities of the Astute Class, while she also went
alongside at the NATO facility on the island of Crete. After
transiting the Suez Canal in July, the boat provided support
to counter-smuggling operations, contributed towards
defence diplomacy in Bahrain and took part in an
international exercise in the Gulf of Oman. Returning
westbound, the submarine undertook further operations
with US Maritime aircraft before returning to Crete for a
final time in mid September to collect five students from the
latest UK Submarine Command Course, known as
'Perisher'. This was the first SMCC to be conducted on an
Astute Class submarine and to be held entirely within the
Mediterranean.
WHITE ENSIGN ON HMS ROYAL OAK
Members of the Royal Navy's Northern Diving Unit,
based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Glasgow, have
successfully replaced the White Ensign on HMS Royal
Oak in Scapa Flow. The flag exchange ceremony has
been made in advance of commemoration events on
Tuesday (October 14) to mark the 75th anniversary of
the sinking of HMS Royal Oak., which sank in Scapa
Flow on October 14, 1939 with the loss of 834 lives after
being hit by torpedoes from German U-Boat U-47.
13
TAIWAN REPORTEDLY TESTS SUBMARINELAUNCHED MISSILES
Channel News Asia, 19 October 2014
The Taiwanese Navy successfully test-fired two submarinelaunched Harpoon anti-ship missiles for the first time during
an exercise last week, according to local media. The
missiles, which were fired from a Dutch-built diesel-electric
Chien Lung-class sub, Hai Hu, have a range of 150
nautical miles, and extend the boat's capabilities beyond its
prior torpedo-only armament. Although Taiwan already has
Harpoons that can be fired from its frigates and F-16
fighters, the successful operationalisation of a sub-based
Harpoon capability gives Taipei more options in the event
of a Chinese invasion, and underscores Taipei's desire for
greater submarine capabilities. The Harpoon missile's
submarine launched variant is fired via the vessel's
torpedo-tubes and have a range of about 75 nautical miles.
CHINESE SUBMARINE HEADED TO GULF OF ADEN
FOR COUNTER PIRACY OPERATIONS
US Naval Institute News, 30 September 2014
A press briefing by China's Ministry of National Defence
during the week of 22 Sept revealed that the People's
Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has deployed what appears
to be a Song-class diesel-electric attack submarine to
assist with PLAN anti-piracy operations off the coast of
Somalia. The boat docked in Sri Lanka 7-14 Sept for fuel
and supplies, and should have joined the PLAN flotilla
around the beginning of October. The Song's deployment
is likely a test by the PLAN to deploy submarine forces well
out-of-area, much as its anti-piracy forces has tested and
honed expeditionary skills, as well as investigate the
possibility of submarine logistics in the Indian Ocean with
regional partners such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
UNIQUE S/M ADDED TO KEYPORT NAVAL MUSEUM
Ed Friedric, Associated Press
US Naval Undersea Museum added a submarine rescue
vehicle to its collection this week. Mystic becomes the third
deep submergence vessel displayed outside the museum,
joining Trieste II and Deep Quest. Mystic could descend to
5,000 feet, substantially less than Trieste II (20,000 feet)
and Deep Quest (8,000). But only Mystic could pluck
sailors out of sunken subs. Neither it nor sister ship Avalon
ever had to perform a rescue. They were developed in
1963 in response to the loss of USS Thresher and its 129man crew and launched in 1970. They served as the
Navy's primary submarine rescue system from 1977, when
they became fully operational, to 2008. They could dive,
latch onto the disabled vessel's hatch and bring up 24
sailors at a time. ‘That's a good thing. That's how we look
at it,’ museum curator Mary Ryan said. ‘They were always
standing by, always vigilant, but the US has not lost a
submarine since they entered service.’ Mystic, built by
Lockheed for the Navy for $41 million, was replaced by a
new system in 2008. It remained in a warehouse in San
Diego until now. These were designed back in the 1970s.
But even today, they're two of the most sophisticated
submersibles in the world. The sub is 49 feet long, 8 feet
wide and weighs 600,000 pounds. Electric motors pushed
it along at 4 knots (4.6 mph). The acquisition was
considered an internal transfer, from the Navy to one of 10
Navy museums, so it didn't cost the Keyport facility
anything, Ryan said, though there were other expenses.
Mystic was supposed to arrive last week, but the truck
designed specifically to haul it broke down in California.
One of the rescue subs had been on the museum's wish
list for a couple of years, said director Lindy Dosher. It's
now a reality. It was accompanied by 80 boxes of Mystic
artefacts. It'll probably take three years to go through them
all. Museum officials hope to someday bring all three
submersibles inside, where they wouldn't need as much
maintenance, she said. On 30 Oct. 30, the museum is
scheduled to open a related exhibit, The Thresher Legacy:
A Better, Safer Navy. It will look at how the tragic loss
produced positive results. Museum hours are 10-4 p.m.
every day except Tues, when it's closed. Admission is free
SWEDEN READY TO USE FORCE AGAINST
SUSPECTED SUBMARINE
Guardian, 20 Oct & Zee News, 21 Oct 2014
The Swedish military is continuing its search for a
suspected submarine that has reportedly been spotted in
the Stockholm archipelago several times since Friday.
Other
reports
suggest
that
various
electronic
communications were intercepted emanating from the
Stockholm area and directed towards the Russian city of
Kaliningrad. Though there is widespread suspicion that the
craft, if it is indeed present; is a Russian Special Forces
mini-submarine, Swedish officials have refused to
speculate on the craft's national origin. Independent
experts suggest that a photograph released by the
Swedish government showing a craft breaking the surface
30 miles east of Stockholm appears to show what could be
a Russian Triton or Piranha mini submarine, each of which
carries just a handful of personnel for covert operations. A
Russian-owned commercial tanker was also seen in the
vicinity, and was said to be manoeuvring suspiciously.
Swedish officials have reportedly not requested any
assistance from NATO or other allies, though a NATO
official suggested that the Swedish military would not be
dedicating so many assets to the hunt for the submarine if
they were not reasonably certain that a foreign craft was in
the area. Military officials said they were determined to
show that Sweden will act to protect its sovereignty, and
that force may be used to compel the vessel to surface
when it is found. Various naval vessels were said to be
involved in the search, including the navy's 640-ton Visbyclass corvettes, as well as minesweepers and maritime
patrol aircraft. Editor; Who was it who said that the
coming down of the Berlin Wall was the end of the Cold
War? See also the article below with regards the Pacific!
Same principle as the Atlantic just a different Theatre!
CHINA 'INSTALLS BUOYS' IN PACIFIC OCEAN
Bangkok Post, 22 October 2014
Reports in the Chinese press suggest that a Chinese
oceanographic research vessel, identified as the 3,300 ton
Kexue, has installed 17 sets of submerged buoys in ‘key
marine areas’ of the western Pacific Ocean. The Chinese
press claimed it was the first time that China had installed
arrays to such an extensive degree, though there were few
details of where the buoys may have been placed.
Chinese sources claim that the arrays will be used to
collect oceanographic data, though some sources suspect
that they may also be used for underwater surveillance. A
report from the United States Naval Institute published in
April suggested that China had made great progress in
developing and installing undersea acoustic arrays off its
coast, conceivably to monitor foreign submarine activities.
MV Mary Mearsk is the
third vessel in Maersk
Line’s
Triple-E
class,
which
have
nominal
capacity of 18,270 TEU,
although port restrictions
have prevented the vessels from reaching full capacity.
Editor with over 18 thousand containers onboard (Units);
is it any wonder that some get lost at sea? It shows the
incredible seamanship of the Masters and the crews but
such a shame our own Merchant Navy Fleet was so
devastated.
14
PARKING IN DERBY FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
2015 TRAFALGAR DINNER
No it is not too early to ask the question what do you
want to do next year for Trafalgar Dinner? Trafalgar
Day falls on a Wednesday midweek giving us the choice
of Friday 16 Oct, Weds 21 Oct, Friday 24, Sat 25 Oct.
I do not think the midweek date would be practical to
many, thus the choice of three dates, two Friday and
one Saturday. We then need to confirm the venue,
room size and numbers we are going to target to get the
booking deposit in as early as possible. The available
dates are based on leaving out Sat 17 October as I
know this has been booked at the Spot by the RNA for
their Trafalgar Dinner. The straw poll a couple of years
ago stated preference for Friday but I am aware this
decision may have changed for some. Please let me
have your feedback preferably before the Thursday 6
November Meeting at the Jubilee Club 10am
In the past three members have been issued with parking
tickets for exceeding their maximum 2 hours paid parking.
The problem arises as assembly is 10am, and thence the
11am Service can without any stopping for a chat with old
soldiers exceed the Noon deadline, & the men in the green
hats in the words of a ninety year old ‘Take no prisoners’.
This prompted a proposal from our members to write to the
Leader of the Derby City Council, Cllr Ranjit Banwait
requesting consideration be given to suspending parking
charges in the vicinity of the War Memorial on the Market
Place between 10am-1pm on Remembrance Sunday. The
response has now been received from Paul Robinson,
Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods
Dear Mr Hall. Parking in Derby – Remembrance Sunday
Thank you for your recent letter concerning parking on
Remembrance Sunday. The City Council is of course
pleased to do everything it can to support the Act of
Remembrance, Commemorating the contribution of British
and Commonwealth servicemen and women in past
conflicts is important to us all. There are many events that
take place in the city centre and which celebrate and
support good causes. The Council is frequently asked to
suspend parking charges to help facilitate these events
and it is important that we treat each request on its merits
while at the same time maintaining a degree of
consistency. I disagree to an extent with your comments
about local bus services but I do accept that many people
attending the service will chose to use the car. The
purpose of car parking charges in the city centre is to help
manage the demand for parking. The city centre is a
popular destination and on days including Remembrance
Sunday the demand for parking is high. Retaining a
parking charge will actually help to ensure that parking is
available for those with the greatest need and rather than
being a barrier charges should be seen as a benefit. Even
on Remembrance Sunday there will be many people
visiting the city centre for other purposes and it is
impossible for the Council to provide a different parking
solution for different people. What I can assure you of is
that we do understand that on Remembrance Sunday
people are often delayed returning to their vehicles. We
have for the past few years taken this into account and
adopted a more considered approach to parking
enforcement on the day. We will continue to do this and
should any particular difficulties arise I’d encourage people
to talk to us so that we can take account of these. I a
veteran does receive a parking ticket please contact me,
Paul Robinson on 01332 643555 and I will arrange for the
charge to be waivered. I trust this clarifies the situation. If
you require any further information please do not hesitate
to contact me again. PR
Terry Hall Welfare Chair. I can confirm that on the cases I
have been involved with the City Council the City Council
has adopted a more considered approach to parking
enforcement on Remembrance Sunday, and refunded
parking tickets. The only thing I can say is; those who feel
aggrieved by this policy that locally Belper, Ilkeston and
Long Eaton, Mickleover, West Hallam as well as many
other Remembrance Sunday Services outside the City
Centre all offer free parking on this special day!! As for the
I disagree to an extent with your comments about local bus
services, I agree the local inner City Buses are good, but
those like myself a few miles outside the City only have 4
buses a day, thus 09:25 is ideal to get in for 10am but I
would have to wait until 2pm to get home at 2:30pm, which
is the reason I choose to use my car. So we have to
accept The purpose of car parking charges in the city
centre is to help manage the demand for parking, and
things will remain as they were. Basically the answer is
NO to DS request for Free Parking on Remembrance
Sunday.
OH! TO BE YOUNG AGAIN.
There were mis-musters, slop chits, tot time and pay.
There’s rising and shining and hitting the hay,
there’s thickers and strongers and neaters as well.
There’s DQ’s and chokey and the tiller flat cell.
There’s aft and there’s for’ard, abeam and abaft,
To civvies this cackle seems awfully daft.
But to those in the Andrew, it doesn’t seem strange,
Like the draft chits, the Jossman can always arrange.
We’re always being ‘seen off’ and ‘getting green rubs’.
Chasing up rubbers, and looking for subs,
And going ashore like a great herd of cattle,
And getting filled in and put in the rattle.
There’s runs out to Honkers that to Jack are just fine,
There’s times when we say, ‘Roll on my time.’
But many a time in HM’s Submarines,
the submariner is proud and happy with his Queen’s
And when time comes and we’re out on the dole
In old civvy street, where we don’t know a soul
We think of the good times and wish we were back
In bells, silk and lanyard; A real ‘tiddly Jack’!
CURRENT AFFAIRS
The IS Ambassador to the UN had just finished giving a
speech and walked out into the lobby of the convention
centre where he was introduce to the US Admiral of the
Fleet. As they talked, the IS rep said, ‘I have just one
question about what I have seen in the West?’ The
Admiral said, ‘Well, anything I can do to help? ‘The IS
representative whispered, ‘My son watches this show
called 'Star Trek' and in it there is; Kirk who is Canadian,
Chekhov who is Russian, Scotty who is Scottish, Uhura
who is black, and Sulu who is Japanese, but there are
no Muslims.
My son is very upset and doesn't
understand why there aren't any Iranians, Iraqis,
Afghans, Egyptians, Palestinians, Saudis, Syrian or
Pakistanis on 'Star Trek'. The Admiral leaned toward
the IS Ambassador, and whispered in his ear, ‘That's
because it takes place in the future’
OLD COMRADES ASSOC/SERVICE CHARITY FAIR
A suggestion has been made to arrange an OCA Charity
Fair to take place on the Derby Market Sq. OCA’s, SSAFA,
RBL, et al to have a stall and thus promote their existence
and endeavour to encourage new people to join. A
measure of fund raising would also be possible. Ideally
this would take place in conjunction with Armed Forces Day
in June 2015.
15
It is always a mug’s game to predict the world next year let
alone 25 to 40 years from now; the life of major naval units.
Like the stock market, diversification or a balanced force in
naval parlance generally provides the best long term risk
reduction and the capacity to respond to the
unpredictability of the future. Maclean Canada
https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=6547216
Editor: With the arguments in UK & Australia all struggling
to maintain an efficient Submarine Force or indeed a Navy
because of budget restraints; It Is a fact, that so called
Third World Countries continue to expand and dominate
Naval Power. China continues to go Deep Blue throughout
the world and it is a case of the old adage of not taking
heed of history and remembering how Empires were built;
and consequently fall through lack of defence against
aggression!
A CANADIANS VIEWS ON SUBMARINES
In my experience there are three segments who line up
against submarines. First are those who don’t want a navy.
You will never convince anyone here the value of subs.
There is another group who really don’t want a navy so
much as a Coast Guard; again no room for submarines.
Then there is a third one, the majority of naysayers, who
like the idea of a navy but not so much one with
submarines. A variety of reasons include no need, too
offensive, and too costly. It is here where the argument for
boats must be won or at least preserved. Historically,
Canada has agreed the need for a navy with a blue water
reach. The mix has evolved, waxed and waned, but no
government has yet decided to get out of this kind of navy.
Issues of cost, delays, waste, Canadian defence
imperatives tend to be issues of the day (h’mm, perhaps
decades in Canada) rather than decisions against a
modern navy writ large. Many will point out that tactical
decisions can have effect with significant consequences to
our strategic position. Ridding the Air Force of the Chinook
and Air to Air Refuelling in the 1990s came back to hurt us.
Sea King and submarine replacement cancellations, the
cancellation of the AOR replacement project in 2008 and
most recently the retirement and gapping of destroyers and
AORs all have significant detrimental effect. But at the
strategic level, Canada continues to commit to a global
reach and it is my sense this will continue.
LOTTERY CASH SAVES THE DAY
The only surviving D Day landing craft, long abandoned
semi submerged in Birkenhead docks, was brought to the
surface last week. She is to be refitted and eventually
displayed at the D Day museum in Portsmouth thanks to a
massive heritage lottery grant. Meanwhile reports from
Turkey indicate that the frigate HMS Plymouth towed to
Aliaga, Turkey from Birkenhead for scrapping is already
50% demolished.
GALLIPOLI GUNBOAT TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
FOR CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS
Consequently, the more germane question is not why
submarines, but rather why not submarines? Governments
reserve the right to take a political decision or more
cynically the right to take the wrong decision. Politics is
politics and a good military argument can be trumped or
stymied by government but there must generally be
compelling political rationale. And note it is politically
harder to get out of a business than start a new one. With
three ocean borders, an incredibly valuable EEZ, long
standing alliances, a national interest which is more global
and maritime in scope than at anytime in our history, I
would find it remarkable that people who understand
maritime affairs and support a
maritime control capability in our
waters and beyond would advise
and support getting out of the
submarine business. Why, in a
world where over 40 nations
operate submarines and where
submarines represent a growing component in many
navies would Canada decide almost unilaterally to get out
of the submarine business? What do we know that other
maritime nations don’t? Heavy sledding politically to take
such a decision. In a modern navy the ability to deal with
threats above, at and under the ocean is vital to success.
No one platform can do it all. Getting there, staying there
and fighting there means ships, planes and submarines.
Even more so if you want to do so independently.
The only surviving British ship from the Gallipoli campaign
will be opened to the public for the first time next year for
the battle's 100th anniversary. Monitor HMS M33 once
shelled Turkish positions in the Dardanelles during the illfated campaign to advance up the peninsula, seize
Constantinople and knock the Ottoman Empire out of
World War I. For nearly 20 years, the vessel has been
slowly undergoing restoration work in Portsmouth Historic
Dockyard - work that can now be completed thanks to
£1.75m of lottery cash. Once opened to the public, visitors
will be able to view M33 below decks in her home in No.1
Dock (a short distance from HMS Victory) before touring
the 568-ton vessel and her 6in gun. Editor: This is the
vessel in the Dry Dock next to Victory in the Dockyard in
Pompey and it is fitting it has been restored.
GREECE COMMISSIONS SECOND TYPE 214 S/M
Theodore L Valmas, Athens - IHS Jane's Navy Int’l
On 6 Oct the Hellenic Navy held the naming, flag-raising
and launching ceremony for HS Pipinos (S-121), its second
Type 214HN-class submarine, at the Hellenic Shipyards'
Skaramangas yard.
Having completed its harbour
acceptance trials, HS Pipinos is scheduled to commence
Sea Acceptance Trials immediately and is expected to be
fully operational in Nov. In mid-Oct, HS Okeanos (S-118),
the world's sole Type 209/1200 submarine upgraded with
new electronics and an Air Independent Propulsion
module, bringing it up to Type 214 standards, is scheduled
for sea acceptance trials, in order to be fully operational by
Dec.
The Hellenic Navy's Neptune II modernisation
programme for three of its four-strong Type 209/1200
submarines ceased after work on HS Okeanos in order to
fund the construction of two more Type 214 submarines,
although due to budget cuts their fate now looks tenuous.
At a point where our overall defence budget is likely to fall
below 1% of GDP and where our government will balance
the books at least in the short term, then Canadians cannot
easily argue that there is no fiscal choice for submarines.
We had to deal with a much more challenging fiscal
imperative in the 1990s. And there was a view, again by
some ‘experts’ in that decade that navies and particularly
submarines were increasingly cold war relics. The navy
leadership then recognized the essentiality of submarines
to a modern navy and fought hard for and found a solution
to maintaining the capability with the acquisition of the
Upholder class. An imperfect solution, but looking ahead
from 2014 the world looks a lot less comforting then in the
heady days of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
SUBMARINE ASTUTE EIGHT-MONTH VOYAGE
By: Dean Herbert Scottish Express 8 October, 2014
HMS Astute arrived back at HMNB Clyde at Faslane after
leaving Scotland in February to become the first Astute
Class submarine to contribute to the UK’s presence in the
Mediterranean. Commanding Officer Gareth Jenkins said
the deployment had been a ‘huge success’.
16
NOVEMBER DS LUNCH CLUB: THE KINGS CORNER PH
Lime Lane, Oakwood, Derby, DE21 4RF http://www.kingscornerpub.co.uk/ for full menu
Wednesday 26th November 2014 12:00 for 12:30 Dine Please
Stanley Village
A first visit since 2012 for a change, and the last pub on the DS survey to do list! Situated on
the Morley Road exiting Chaddesden to Stanley. Served by the Black Cat Buses and Notts
Derby No. 11 from Derby timed 00 & 30 Hourly from No4 Bay Derby Bus Station.
Kings Corner PH
Chaddesden
The Kings Corner is a Marsden’s Pub. The menu is quite comprehensive and a selection of
what is available is listed below. Please ensure you ring (or email) Terry about a week before.
MAIN DISHES
Chicken Enchiladas Mex
Chicken & Chorizo Bake
Golden Scampi, chips & peas
Steak & Ale Pie, chips,peas
Fish & Chips, Mushy or Normal
Beef Lasagne (Veg Option)
All Day Breakfast
BBQ Chicken & Bacon Mlt
Sizzling Fajitas Steak/Chick/Mushrm
Ploughmans Tart, Chips, Salad
Peperoni Pizza Pie, Chips, Salad
Grilled Red Pepper Pasta Spirals
GRILLS
LIGHT BIGHTS
£6.50
£6.00
£7.00
£7.00
£7.00
£6.00
£4.50
£8.00
£7.40
£6.00
£6.50
£6.00
Breaded Plaice
Ham, Egg and Chips
Veggie Sausages and Mash
4oz Gammon Steak with egg
Chicken & Bacon Melt
SAUSAGE OPTIONS
Sausages and Mash with peas
Sausage & Mash ChilliconCarne
Sausage, Bacon & Mash Pie
£5.00
£5.00
£5.00
£5.00
£5.00
£5.50
£6.50
£6.00
Mash opt for rice, chips or wedges
Jacket Potatoes from £4-£4.50
Cheese, Ham, Cajun Veg, Tuna
8oz Rump Steak
8oz Sirloin Steak
8oz Gammon Steak (Egg or Pineapple)
Mixed Grill Steak,Chick, Gammon etc
Surf & Turf
Larger Options on request
Curries with Rice or Chips, nan etc
Chicken Jalfrezi, Tikka, Korma
Prawn Bhuna
Lamb Saag Masala
Bhajis, Samosaas, Naan extras
£8.50
£10.00
£6.50
£10.50
£10.50
£6.50
£6.50
£7.00
Enquire
It appears to be the trend with all pubs to be complicating their menu’s to offer more and more tweaks to the existing choices.
The changing from twice a year menu’s with Summer and Winter now seems to include Spring and Autumn! I have to look and
plan a menu venue three months in advance to get it in the newsletter and planning is crucial to make this event successful and
we cannot just have 20 diners turn up expecting service at our specified time especially if they are busy so I see no alternative
but to carry on as we are.
The Kings Corner, 01332 678410 Luncheon Club doc
CHRISTMAS LUNCH APPLICATION FORM
THE PARK, TOBY CARVERY
Toby Carvery, Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6LZ
01332 662504
Wednesday 17 December 2014 Noon for 12:30pm
Please mark your choice Clearly with a choice from the box below e.g. S2, M1, P2, A blank box will be taken that you have
declined that course, and it is regretted the choices are fixed, with no alternatives to this package. I need your individual Food
Orders In with Full Payments By 12 November please. This is so we can confirm our numbers to the area of the restaurant
we desire at this busy time. I have booked a provisional 20 and capacity is 35 in our preference area in the front balcony private
area, but we need 30 to guarantee the area to ourselves. Placecards with choices will be given to you on entry which checks off
you have arrived. Put these where you wish to sit, and with whom! Cheques to be made out to DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY SO I CAN READ YOUR REQUIREMENTS
(and please do not forget to PRINT your names in un-joined up writing!)
MEMBERS NAME _________________________________
Please book me the
following
1
2
3
4
Name
(Block Capital Please)
Starter
Choice S1-S2
Main
Choice M1-M5
Sweet
Choice P1-P2
DS Member
DS Guest
DS Guest
DS Guest
COST PER
PERSON
£10
£15
£15
£15
Totals Cost Payable:-
No other alternatives to choices. * Please advise if you want Choc, Strawberry, lemon, butterscotch or No sauce on Ice Cream
THE CHOICES
MAIN
STARTER
S1
S2
S3
S4
Honey Roasted Parsnip Soup (v)
Fresh Fruit Salad (v)
Prawn & Lobster Sensation Cocktail
Oxford Blue Cheese & Pear Tart (v)
M1
M2
M3
M4
M5
M6
Traditional Roast Turkey
British & Irish Roast Beef
Festive Glazed Gammon
Roast Port & Crackling
Goat’s Cheese Nut Roast (v)
Salmon Fillet wiv Bearnaise Butter
PUDDING
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
Dairy Ice Cream (v) (pick a sauce)*
Christmas Pudding (v) Sauce or Custd
Terry’s Choc Orange Sundae (v)
Toby’s Festive Apple Crumble Custard
Choc Fudge Cake with whipped cream
Tea or Coffee
DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS 2015 MEMBERSHIP
Please respond by 31 December 2014, and make all cheques out to Derbyshire Submariners and put
your name on back if not on the front of the cheque. (e.g. Building Society Cheque)
Derbyshire Submariners 2015
(£12.50)
£___________
Submariners Association 2015
(£10.00)**
£___________
In Depth National Newsletter 2015
(£ 5.00)
(Free On Line)
£___________
Post & Packaging (If applicable)
(£ 2.50)
(For In Depth)
£___________
Submariners Assn Diary
(£ 3.00)
No ______
£___________
*Cold War Pins (See Oct DD)
(£4.00)
No ______
£___________
Total Enclosed
£___________
This Form is for use by ALL DS Full and Associate Members.
If you use on line banking you can pay your Subscriptions direct into the Derbyshire Submariners HSBC Account, just contact
the Treasurer for full details. I would appreciate payment by 31 December 2014 to close the Branch books and make sure
everything has gone through the banking system at the end of the financial year 31 January 2014 to get the books closed and
audited at the end of our financial year. ** As voted at DS AGM includes £2.50 to cover admin of SA Memberships & cards.
It would also be appreciated that ALL On-Line Members carry out an annual ‘Check Report Email’ which confirms that we are
in touch via email two ways. I will follow none replies up in January 2015 if not received renewals therefore if you do not intend
to rejoin DS/SA I would be grateful to be notified, so as not inconvenience you with unnecessary contact
Terry Hall, Derbyshire Submariners Membership Secretary
69 Station Road, STANLEY VILLAGE, Nr Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6FB
SAIL WELFARE NEWS (BENEFITS 4th QUARTER UPDATE 2014
Sail kindly supplies us with their Benefit updates. SAIL who focus mainly on fishermen and merchant seafarers, but they are able to
help serving & former RN & RM personnel via referrals from the White Ensign Association (WEA).
(http://www.whiteensign.co.uk). However primarily SAIL is a specialist telephone advice service for merchant
seafarers, fishermen & their families and dependants. The seafarer’s advice and information line (formerly known
as Seafarers Benefits Advice Line) is a UK based advice service operated by Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux
Ltd (GCAB) on behalf of Seamen’s Hospital Society. They provide free independent impartial and confidential
advice by telephone, email post or fax. SAIL posts updates on Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Seafarers.Advice (Cut and paste
to Browser)
ADVICE
AREA
SUBJECT
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Benefits
Personal Independence
Payment (PIP)
Universal Credit (UC)
Benefits
Bedroom Tax
Benefits
Checking on Claimants
Debt
Payday Loan Companies
Debt
Advice at Food Banks
Housing
Dept Management
Companies (DMC)
Housing
Revenge Evictions
Financial
Private Pension
There are huge delays in assessing PIP applications, averaging around 8 months. We
are advising many ex-seafarers suffering with this issue. PIP is replacing DLA
Latest government figures show there are still less than 10,000 claimants across the UK.
We’ve yet to see our first seafarer with UC. UC is designed to have a massive impact,
replacing six benefits (including Tax Credits) for working age people
Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party have all pledged to scrap the
Bedroom Tax
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is using data from HM Revenue and
Customs to check the ‘real-time’ income of 300,000 benefit claimants. Separately, DWP
inspectors are doing unscheduled home visits to a small number of randomly selected
benefit claimants
Wonga announced it was writing off the debts of 375,000 of its clients – a massive
number given that there are only around 2 million payday loan clients in total. This is
undoubtedly good news, as we’ve seen the hugely damaging impact of rolled-over
payday loans on the finances of a number of seafarers
The Trussell Trust, which runs over 400 food banks across the UK, announced it would
be offering debt advice at it food bank
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating a number of DMC over the fees
they charge. Two rules for debt advice – never pay for it (SAIL and many charities can
help for free); and always get advice from a FCA-regulated organisation
The government backed a private members bill outlawing ‘revenge evictions’ by private
landlords, where tenants are evicted after asking landlords to do repairs to their property
From April 2015, up to 25% of a pension pot can be taken as a tax-free lump sum and
the remainder can be taken as a taxed lump sum. There is plenty of free advice available
to help make an informed choice on this vitally important financial decision
Benefits
For further advice please contact the relevant benefits centre as these benefits are handled by a mixture of local
authorities, JobCentrePlus, HMRC and Dept Work & Pensions, NOT SAIL
Sail have kindly given permission for their article to printed in this newsletter for information only
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFO
FEDERATION OF NAVAL ASSOCIATION (FNA)
AGM /REUNION /SOCIAL WEEKEND
TO BE HELD AT GRAND BURSTIN HOTEL FOLKESTONE
FRI 8th MAY TO MON 11th MAY 2015
£96 PER PERSON 3 NIGHTS HALF-BOARD ALL ACCOMMODATION EN SUITE
Surname……………………………………………………
First Name ……………………………………..
Address ……………………………………………………………………………………..………………………
……………………………………….………………………………………………………………..Postcode…………………….…
Tel No ……………………………………... E-Mail……………………………………………
Name of other persons in your group …………………………………………………………………………………………..........
Total Number in party …….... Car Reg…………..………... Rooms Required. Double …...... Twin…..…. Single…………
Special requirements (Diet/Mobility/Etc) Please note there are no walk in showers at this venue
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………
Single accommodation is limited so some may have to share. If you are willing to share please indicate here Yes / No
To Book. A Deposit of £25 per Person is required with this order form made out to Derbyshire Submariners for DS
group booking before 6 November (You can pay in full if you wish) to DS Treasurer or to book direct send to Robbie
Robson Federation of Naval Associations. 12 Rainton Street, Old Penshaw, DH4 7HQ Tel: (0191) 584 7058
Cheques to; FNA, email [email protected]. Full payment by either method is required by 1 March 2015
In your own interest please make sure you have your own Travel insurance
FNA PROGRAMME Frid 8 May – Mon 11 May 2015 (Please See comments page 20 Col 2)
Frid
09
May
14:00
15:00
1400 - 1500 Arrival at Grand Burstin, Meet and greet. Parking is available, (please note your Car
Registration No. on the Booking Form). All of the delights of Kent area are at your disposal for the
weekend. This weekend is run on a very informal level with the minimum of any pomp or
circumstance. No Frills; No Drills.
18:00
Evening meal. Rest of the evening 'swinging the lamp' in general and socialising.
Entertainment is supplied by the venue
Sat
10
08:00 8am - 9am Breakfast
May
O/C
F.N.A. Annual General Meeting. Please note. All are invited to attend, but only one delegate from each
Fully Paid up Association of the FNA, or Ships Company Member is/are eligible to vote on FNA matters
18:00 UP SPIRITS, followed by Dinner, then followed by entertainment laid on and socialising
Sun
11
08:00 8am - 9am Breakfast
May
O/C
Free to relax, do as you wish. Visit friends in the area, etc. A visit to the Hythe RBL Club for those
wishing to partake of `Jacks Dinner Time Sesh`, which is a tried and tested pastime, where many world
problems are discussed, but invariably never solved
18:00 Evening meal, followed by entertainment laid on
Mon
12
08:00 8am - 9am Breakfast
May
Depart for home Pastures
This itinerary is a general guide and is subject to change where necessary and in regard to timings. A Raffle for Association
Funds will be held over the weekend and drawn Sunday after Church service. Raffle prizes donated will be most welcome.
SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION
AGM & MIXED REUNION SOCIAL WEEKEND
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFO
TO BE HELD AT THE HOLIDAY INN, LEICESTER, LE1 5LX
FRI 27th MARCH TO MON 30th MARCH 2015
£145 PER PERSON 2 NIGHTS HALF-BOARD / £125 Per Person if sharing a room
£205 PER PERSON 3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD / £160 Per Person if sharing a room
Surname …………………………………………………… First Name ……………………………………….
Address ……………………………………………………………………………………..………………………
……………………………………….………………………………………………………………..Postcode…………………….…
Tel No ……………………………………... E-Mail……………………………………………
Name of other persons in your group …………………………………………………………………………………………..........
Total Number in party …….... Car Reg…………..………... Rooms Required. Double …...... Twin…..…. Single…………
Add any other supporting information or requirements on separate sheet if necessary and submit all applications to
Dave Barlow, Submariners Association, 84 Holbeck Park Ave, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0SB. Tel; 01229 831196
Make cheques payable to ‘Submariners Association’ only please. Car parking is NCP and is £5 per day.
Note Full 4 page A4 Information Sheet & Booking Forms including Food choice available on request from Secretary
DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS DIARY
29 Oct
Luncheon Club Bartlewood Lodge, Spondon
02 Nov
Derby Festival of Remembrance Cancelled +
04 Nov
RBL Park Rd, Ilkeston Children’s Svc. 10am +
04 Nov
RBL Kirk Hallam Children’s Svc. 11am +
06 Nov
DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Fri 10am-12am
07 Nov
Annual Chaddesden Park Children’s Svc. 9:30am+
09 Nov
Remembrance Sunday Derby +
11 Nov
Armistice Day 11/11 Submariners Services
10am Meet Main Entrance to convoy to 1st Grave
ERA John Brooks C16 & Sig Charles Buttle C25 *
o/c for 11am. Nottm Road Soldiers Corner +
11 Nov
DS Armistice Day Coffee Morning Jubilee Club
O/C Soldiers Corner but Subject to Permission
26 Nov
Ilkeston Rugby Club Service of Remembrance
Luncheon Club Kings Corner, Oakwood
05 Dec
DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Fri 12:00
06 Dec
Over by Christmas Concert Long Eaton £10
Ring 01332 812067 for booking and tickets
17 Dec
DS Christmas Lunch The Park Chaddesden
Details and order form on Page 19 Oct DD 180
Legend The Post of DS Standard Bearer is at present
vacant. However, + TH as Asst Standard Bearer is filling in
where possible and * PJ is assisting where possible.
19 Jan
14-17 Mar
20 Mar
27-29 Mar
D&DExSvc AGM Council House, Derby
Ton Spring W/E Chatham Run Ashore!
RMA Coffee Morning, Council House, Derby 10am
SA AGM & Mixed Reunion Leicester See Page
* King James Bible Isaiah Chap 56 v 11 (From Pg 12)
Verse 11. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have
enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand:
they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his
quarter. Many old mature ex communicators will remember
when HM Ships always had a bible on the bridge, mainly
used for sending signals, or from many a Senior Officer to
send a rebuke to a Junior Officer if it was thought he had
transgressed and to give them the task of a suitable reply.
The senior Chief Yeoman or in latter years Chief Radio
Supervisors became quite knowledgeable on quotes and
many had their own cribs to cover most situations. I will dig
my own crib out sometime! The last time I used it was in the
early 2000’s for a Church Magazine article!!
DERBY STANDARD ANSWER
Following a verbal request to one of our members that
our original SOCA Standard, (Now properly laid up) was
requested back by an ex SOCA member as he had paid
for it at the time, our President has dug through his
records and provided me with a Derby Telegraph report
from 1980. It reads as follows; Submariners Dig For
Standard. Thirty men, including one who served on
submarines from 1925-30, attended the first meeting of
Derby Branch of the Submariners Old Comrades
Association last night. Within a few minutes the new
members had collected £132.50p to buy a branch
standard.
It is thought the Standard in question
requested back is the one known as the Derby SOCA
Royal Standard from the 1980’s. But nobody remembers
where, when, or who laid it up? What is known, and
stated categorically by founding members still part of DS
is; it was one big embarrassment at the time, and buried
quickly! I did not join SOCA until 1991, and was not Sec
until 1997, without a date guideline, and someone with
the time to trawl the historic archives it will remain a
mystery I am afraid. End of Standard Dit
COLD WAR PINS & OTHER SLOPS . The Cold War pins
are available from me as treasurer as per the article on page
6 of this newsletter. Other Slops in stock
include: Ladies Dolphins with bow, Enamel
Poppy with Dolphins, Tie Pins (just over 2’)
Black representing Swiftsure Class and P&O
Submarine (2 of each available) all at £4 each.
All of course sold on first come first served basis Stop Press
22 Oct Their has been a delay in the supply of these Pins.
FNA REUNION STOP PRESS
The Weekend Papers 19/10 advised that Britannia Hotels
had 130 rooms booked to illegal immigrants causing distress
to paying guests. I understand the FNA Committee have
been assured this practice has been stopped, but they are
seeking stronger verification and assurances and seeking
the position in Folkestone before considering if the Reunion
does need to be moved to another place or venue.
Members will be kept informed of developments.
13 Apr
D&DExSvc Meeting Council House, Derby
23 Apr
St. Georges Day Parade and Celebration Derby
Current and 1 year Back Issues on Derbyshire Submariners Web Page
www.godfreydykes.info/DERBYSHIRE_SUBMARINERS_PAGE.htm
24 Apr
DS Coffee Morning 13th Anny Freedom of City 10am
&
www.britishlegion-derbyshire.org.uk/D&DexSA/Derbyshire Submariners.htm
8-11 May
FNA Reunion Folkstone (See Page 19)
27 Jun
Armed Forces Day UK
01 Aug
Dieso Boat Reunion, Plymouth
03 Sept
Merchant Navy Day
14 Sept
D&DExSvc Meeting Council House, Derby
21 Oct
Trafalgar Day
NEWSLETTERS ONLINE
Views & comments of this newsletter do not
always reflect the official policy, or the decisions
of the Derbyshire Submariners
Terry Hall, Newsletter Editor
Derbyshire Submariners
69 Station Road
STANLEY VILLAGE
Derbyshire, DE7 6FB
[email protected]