HMS BERMUDA 1961
In the Mediterranean then Home Fleet where an Admiral puts the ship's company to the test in Scotland's Loch Torridon
In the Mediterranean then Home Fleet where an Admiral puts the ship's company to the test in Scotland's Loch Torridon
The arrival of 1961 found BERMUDA on Parlatorio Wharf, Malta, with little to do but acknowledge the comings and goings of the destroyer SOLEBAY, and minesweepers MMS 116 and ASHTON. The duty watch scrubbed decks in BERMUDA and 'Hands employed part of ship' was a fairly relaxed existence that was broken on Tuesday the 3rd with, first, 'Both Watches' being called to witness the reading of Warrants No's 136 & 7 and, secondly, by 'Clear Lower Deck' for Warrant No. 138. Such were the joys and evils of celebrating Christmas/New Year. The following Sunday, the 8th, one Able Seaman GREENING was placed in cells. I don't know why but if you do please put us out of our misery by letting us know!
On Monday TRAFALGAR left harbour and at 0800 the next day, the 10th, BERMUDA's special sea dutymen closed up to take her to sea and into Anti-Aircraft tracking exercises. After that a RAS with FORT DUQUESNE before burying the pick in Marsaxlokk at 1730. Wednesday was used for deguassing ranging, OOW manoeuvres and speed trials before passing a line at 1805 and taking on 235T of fuel from WAVE KNIGHT. With 'all gone' at 1930 the ship tucked into St Paul's Bay for the night just before 2200.
By 0720 on Thursday St Paul's Bay was slipping astern as guns were being redied for firing at a sled prior to Tri-plane target exercises. In between all this Warrant No 140 was enacted. Supper complete the ship went to Action Stations and, after steering to remove a fishing vessel from the line of fire, starshells were followed by 6" salvoes until 2000. The ship, undarkened, then returned to St Paul's Bay to anchor at 2108 giving Leave to bone-fide natives from 2130 to 0600. Not another early start!!!! Well 0700 wasn't early in those days. As she slipped out of the Bay there was a quick ID exchange with LOCH LOMOND as BERMUDA prepared for a broadside shoot of her nine 6 inch guns. Not something you would want to be down range of OR on deck for I remember. Friday had got to 1610 by the time the ship had manoeuvred herself alongside Parlatorio Wharf for the weekend.
Saturday saw the ship at 2 1/2 hours notice with a Gale forecast so, as if to pass the time, Warrant No. 141 was read before the offender went away quietly as did the Gale. 'Dirty Dicks', the canteen and the fried egg sandwich were all doubtlessly worshipped through the weekend. I wish I could say peacefully but that seems unlikely as by Thursday Warrant No. ??? - come on now-keep up - yes that's right, 142 was being read and it included the word 'Detention'. I think offenders were returned to the UK for 'Detention'.
Mustn't get too ahead of ourselves as its only Monday morning, the 16th of January 1961 and it's a leisurely start to the week as the last lines were hauled inboard at 1030 to allow BERMUDA to follow TRAFALGAR and JUTLAND out of harbour. A rapid run up and down the Measured Mile soon gave way to a tracking exercise as preparations were made to take DUNKIRK in tow. After the tow was done and hawsers had been recovered BERMUDA then shot at splash targets being towed by CAMPERDOWN and SOLEBAY to pass the remaining hours of light. As darkness fell the island of Filfla began to tremble as the triple 6" guns in 'A' & 'B' turrets commenced a two hour bombardment. It finished just as a vessel was observed to be on fire. SAINTES was detached to investigate. It turned out to be in a fishing vessel - I wonder if it was the one that was in BERMUDA's line of fire last Thursday - and was quickly extinguished prior to the tug SEA GIANT taking it in tow. A destroyer screen around BERMUDA took the ships through the night of 16/17 January.
The forenoon saw the ships in AA firing exercises as well as squaring off the upper-deck in readiness to take centre-stage. At 1300 BERMUDA took up station at the head of the 'V' formation of ships of the 1st and 7th Destroyer Squadrons for a photo's session before returning to harbour in the middle of the afternoon on Wednesday.
With the Tug FAITHFUL for'ard and FRISKY aft the ship was hauled off Parlatorio Wharf at 0750 next morning to commence passage to Cagliari. One and a half hours at Action Stations led to AA firings before Clear Lower Deck was piped for the Captains address. It must have been fairly comprehensive for it lasted some 32 minutes. The ship continued her passage, at economical speed with Light winds on the bow and a temperature around 53degreesF, to raise Sardinia at 0320 on a Bearing of 293 degrees. A pilot boarded at 0848 and the ship secured stern-to on Roma Wharf at 0930. The usual Civil & Military dignitaries arrived and left the ship and their calls were reciprocated as well as the ship being 'Open to visitors' during the visit.
The people of Cagliari watched BERMUDA sever her link with the wharf at 0915 on Wednesday the 25th of January to head back to Malta, reading Warrants 143 & 144 and carrying out fuel consumption trials before arriving alongside Parlatorio Wharf at 1100 Thursday. At 1855 that evening the ships No. 2 Cutter and Dghaisa No 292 were reported sunk!!! (Anyone know the details?). I wonder if it was the same cutter that I had propelled 'buckets open' into the head of the raised floating dock in 1958. At least I didn't sink it I only sprung a few planks and splintered the stempost - nothing that the Chippy couldn't repair given time!
Friday saw ammunitioning and storing during the forenoon and Warrant No. 145 in the afternoon as preparations continued to take the flag of FOF (Mediterranean) at 0830 on Tuesday the 31st. Later that morning the ship, in company with the 7th DS, departed for Leghorn. On passage the junior officers were set before the Admiral to show their conning skills as the ships carried out manoeuvres before switching to overnight sonar (non-sub) exercises.
The numbers for the month of January 1961 were 1828 miles run in 139 hours of seatime.
On Monday TRAFALGAR left harbour and at 0800 the next day, the 10th, BERMUDA's special sea dutymen closed up to take her to sea and into Anti-Aircraft tracking exercises. After that a RAS with FORT DUQUESNE before burying the pick in Marsaxlokk at 1730. Wednesday was used for deguassing ranging, OOW manoeuvres and speed trials before passing a line at 1805 and taking on 235T of fuel from WAVE KNIGHT. With 'all gone' at 1930 the ship tucked into St Paul's Bay for the night just before 2200.
By 0720 on Thursday St Paul's Bay was slipping astern as guns were being redied for firing at a sled prior to Tri-plane target exercises. In between all this Warrant No 140 was enacted. Supper complete the ship went to Action Stations and, after steering to remove a fishing vessel from the line of fire, starshells were followed by 6" salvoes until 2000. The ship, undarkened, then returned to St Paul's Bay to anchor at 2108 giving Leave to bone-fide natives from 2130 to 0600. Not another early start!!!! Well 0700 wasn't early in those days. As she slipped out of the Bay there was a quick ID exchange with LOCH LOMOND as BERMUDA prepared for a broadside shoot of her nine 6 inch guns. Not something you would want to be down range of OR on deck for I remember. Friday had got to 1610 by the time the ship had manoeuvred herself alongside Parlatorio Wharf for the weekend.
Saturday saw the ship at 2 1/2 hours notice with a Gale forecast so, as if to pass the time, Warrant No. 141 was read before the offender went away quietly as did the Gale. 'Dirty Dicks', the canteen and the fried egg sandwich were all doubtlessly worshipped through the weekend. I wish I could say peacefully but that seems unlikely as by Thursday Warrant No. ??? - come on now-keep up - yes that's right, 142 was being read and it included the word 'Detention'. I think offenders were returned to the UK for 'Detention'.
Mustn't get too ahead of ourselves as its only Monday morning, the 16th of January 1961 and it's a leisurely start to the week as the last lines were hauled inboard at 1030 to allow BERMUDA to follow TRAFALGAR and JUTLAND out of harbour. A rapid run up and down the Measured Mile soon gave way to a tracking exercise as preparations were made to take DUNKIRK in tow. After the tow was done and hawsers had been recovered BERMUDA then shot at splash targets being towed by CAMPERDOWN and SOLEBAY to pass the remaining hours of light. As darkness fell the island of Filfla began to tremble as the triple 6" guns in 'A' & 'B' turrets commenced a two hour bombardment. It finished just as a vessel was observed to be on fire. SAINTES was detached to investigate. It turned out to be in a fishing vessel - I wonder if it was the one that was in BERMUDA's line of fire last Thursday - and was quickly extinguished prior to the tug SEA GIANT taking it in tow. A destroyer screen around BERMUDA took the ships through the night of 16/17 January.
The forenoon saw the ships in AA firing exercises as well as squaring off the upper-deck in readiness to take centre-stage. At 1300 BERMUDA took up station at the head of the 'V' formation of ships of the 1st and 7th Destroyer Squadrons for a photo's session before returning to harbour in the middle of the afternoon on Wednesday.
With the Tug FAITHFUL for'ard and FRISKY aft the ship was hauled off Parlatorio Wharf at 0750 next morning to commence passage to Cagliari. One and a half hours at Action Stations led to AA firings before Clear Lower Deck was piped for the Captains address. It must have been fairly comprehensive for it lasted some 32 minutes. The ship continued her passage, at economical speed with Light winds on the bow and a temperature around 53degreesF, to raise Sardinia at 0320 on a Bearing of 293 degrees. A pilot boarded at 0848 and the ship secured stern-to on Roma Wharf at 0930. The usual Civil & Military dignitaries arrived and left the ship and their calls were reciprocated as well as the ship being 'Open to visitors' during the visit.
The people of Cagliari watched BERMUDA sever her link with the wharf at 0915 on Wednesday the 25th of January to head back to Malta, reading Warrants 143 & 144 and carrying out fuel consumption trials before arriving alongside Parlatorio Wharf at 1100 Thursday. At 1855 that evening the ships No. 2 Cutter and Dghaisa No 292 were reported sunk!!! (Anyone know the details?). I wonder if it was the same cutter that I had propelled 'buckets open' into the head of the raised floating dock in 1958. At least I didn't sink it I only sprung a few planks and splintered the stempost - nothing that the Chippy couldn't repair given time!
Friday saw ammunitioning and storing during the forenoon and Warrant No. 145 in the afternoon as preparations continued to take the flag of FOF (Mediterranean) at 0830 on Tuesday the 31st. Later that morning the ship, in company with the 7th DS, departed for Leghorn. On passage the junior officers were set before the Admiral to show their conning skills as the ships carried out manoeuvres before switching to overnight sonar (non-sub) exercises.
The numbers for the month of January 1961 were 1828 miles run in 139 hours of seatime.
Passage to Italy continued with BROADSWORD, SOLEBAY, JUTLAND, TRAFALGAR, DUNKIRK & FINISTERRE in deteriorating weather. The focsle was secured for bad weather at 1600 and by 1900 the port torpedo space and whaler bay were put out of bounds. Between 1200 and 2000 the pressure had dropped from 1017 to 1008m/bs and now the wind was 310 at 40 knots under a cloudy sky but with excellent visibility, save for the sea spray. A Mediterranean winter in fact that would have had the destroyers leaping about a bit..
The gale was weathered, better in BERMUDA than in the smaller ships, and she secured stern-to on the Molle di Medici at 0930. The weather remained changeable as the glass continued down to 999m/bs at midday before beginning a slow recovery to give light winds and blue sky for most of the visit. The long stay at Livorno gave the opportunity - no doubt eagerly seized as always - to get to know the sights, sounds and people of this part of Italy including, of course, Florence and Pisa.
Loudly, the call for Special Sea Dutymen to close up reverberated through the ship just before 0800 on Thursday the 9th of February and within the hour the liaisons forged, official and private, were a receding memory as BERMUDA and the destroyers, joined by Italian ships, were bringing their speed up to 28 knots at the start of a surface action exercise. Always exciting stuff in peacetime!
There was to be no leave for the next week instead the ship zigged and zagged around in convoy escort duties, chased off submarines, replenished destroyers two at a time and replenished herself from RFA BROWN RANGER before arriving in Suda Bay on the 13th to 'wash-up'. The next day was spent scrubbing ship before sailing on the 15th for Piraeus and a visit from HRH Crown Prince Constantine.
The four corners, as well as the heights of Athens were well investigated during the visit but all too soon it was back to sea. As night fell on the 21st the pipe 'Darken Ship' was made as BERMUDA went in pursuit of the destroyers once more before becoming, at first light, the victim of a 'torpedo attack' by them. In the early hours of the 24th hands were called for a RAS with RFA WAVE KNIGHT and a couple of hours were passed with the ships 'tied together' on a Westerly heading at 11 knots. Thus the passage back to Malta was gainfully used.
At 0830 that same morning she secured to No8 Buoy in Grand Harbour, but only temporarily, for less than an hour later she slipped again, with families and 'Wrens' embarked, and returned to sea to show off with her guns and man overboard recovery skills. It was all over in a couple of hours and the ship returned to No. 8 Berth to see out the month.
A distance of 2674.5 miles in 194 hours underway had been February's totals
The gale was weathered, better in BERMUDA than in the smaller ships, and she secured stern-to on the Molle di Medici at 0930. The weather remained changeable as the glass continued down to 999m/bs at midday before beginning a slow recovery to give light winds and blue sky for most of the visit. The long stay at Livorno gave the opportunity - no doubt eagerly seized as always - to get to know the sights, sounds and people of this part of Italy including, of course, Florence and Pisa.
Loudly, the call for Special Sea Dutymen to close up reverberated through the ship just before 0800 on Thursday the 9th of February and within the hour the liaisons forged, official and private, were a receding memory as BERMUDA and the destroyers, joined by Italian ships, were bringing their speed up to 28 knots at the start of a surface action exercise. Always exciting stuff in peacetime!
There was to be no leave for the next week instead the ship zigged and zagged around in convoy escort duties, chased off submarines, replenished destroyers two at a time and replenished herself from RFA BROWN RANGER before arriving in Suda Bay on the 13th to 'wash-up'. The next day was spent scrubbing ship before sailing on the 15th for Piraeus and a visit from HRH Crown Prince Constantine.
The four corners, as well as the heights of Athens were well investigated during the visit but all too soon it was back to sea. As night fell on the 21st the pipe 'Darken Ship' was made as BERMUDA went in pursuit of the destroyers once more before becoming, at first light, the victim of a 'torpedo attack' by them. In the early hours of the 24th hands were called for a RAS with RFA WAVE KNIGHT and a couple of hours were passed with the ships 'tied together' on a Westerly heading at 11 knots. Thus the passage back to Malta was gainfully used.
At 0830 that same morning she secured to No8 Buoy in Grand Harbour, but only temporarily, for less than an hour later she slipped again, with families and 'Wrens' embarked, and returned to sea to show off with her guns and man overboard recovery skills. It was all over in a couple of hours and the ship returned to No. 8 Berth to see out the month.
A distance of 2674.5 miles in 194 hours underway had been February's totals
A week of maintenance was brought to an end on Friday the 3rd of March with 'Ammunition Ship'. There followed another weekend of The Gut, Corrodino Canteen, tombola and maybe even roller skating at St Julians amongst other things before the slip-rope was again rigged.
Just after Noon on Monday the 6th of March 1961 BERMUDA glided out through Malta's Grand Harbour yet again. This time however there was a little more interest in the vista's, a little more verve in the salutes exchanged with ST ANGELO and others and a little more pride in those manning the sides. In no time at all though the Breakwater was passed and the ship was brought round onto a North Westerly heading. There was to be West in the course for the next 36 or so hours en-route to the pleasures of three days in Palma, Majorca. Those days quickly passed and it was back to sea but now, instead of heading East in the direction of Malta, the course was again West and, 27 hours later, BERMUDA, with the 7th D.S., was in Gibraltar and alongside 46 Berth.
After a couple of days of meetings and a gin or two the flag of FOF (Med) was formally exchanged for that of FOF (Home) at 0800 on Wednesday 15th March. BERMUDA, still accompanied by the 7th Destroyer Squadron, sailed six hours later through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean. Hardly had the sun set when the ships were darkened and went into Exercise 'Dawn Breeze' as they were joined from the North by FORTH, APOLLO, TEAZER, TENBY and UNDAUNTED. Anti-submarine exercises then jackstay transfers in and out of CinC Eastlant were followed by Action, Defence and Shelter Stations before entering Brest for the weekend. Monday saw them all out to continue exercises as they worked their way closer and closer to Devonport and the familiar side of TYNE on No 5 Wharf. The expression 'rats up drainpipes' cannot be excelled in describing the clamour of the 'Guzz' natives as leave was piped. The others had to make do with a pint or three, a plod round Kimbells Ballroom and a pasty (for the brave a pigs trotter outside St Leven's Gate perhaps) before heading back onboard to the familiar hammock/bunk - standfast those that got lucky, of course!
HMS BERMUDA's homecoming in March 1961 put 3129 nautical miles beneath her keel in 229 hours of seatime.
Just after Noon on Monday the 6th of March 1961 BERMUDA glided out through Malta's Grand Harbour yet again. This time however there was a little more interest in the vista's, a little more verve in the salutes exchanged with ST ANGELO and others and a little more pride in those manning the sides. In no time at all though the Breakwater was passed and the ship was brought round onto a North Westerly heading. There was to be West in the course for the next 36 or so hours en-route to the pleasures of three days in Palma, Majorca. Those days quickly passed and it was back to sea but now, instead of heading East in the direction of Malta, the course was again West and, 27 hours later, BERMUDA, with the 7th D.S., was in Gibraltar and alongside 46 Berth.
After a couple of days of meetings and a gin or two the flag of FOF (Med) was formally exchanged for that of FOF (Home) at 0800 on Wednesday 15th March. BERMUDA, still accompanied by the 7th Destroyer Squadron, sailed six hours later through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean. Hardly had the sun set when the ships were darkened and went into Exercise 'Dawn Breeze' as they were joined from the North by FORTH, APOLLO, TEAZER, TENBY and UNDAUNTED. Anti-submarine exercises then jackstay transfers in and out of CinC Eastlant were followed by Action, Defence and Shelter Stations before entering Brest for the weekend. Monday saw them all out to continue exercises as they worked their way closer and closer to Devonport and the familiar side of TYNE on No 5 Wharf. The expression 'rats up drainpipes' cannot be excelled in describing the clamour of the 'Guzz' natives as leave was piped. The others had to make do with a pint or three, a plod round Kimbells Ballroom and a pasty (for the brave a pigs trotter outside St Leven's Gate perhaps) before heading back onboard to the familiar hammock/bunk - standfast those that got lucky, of course!
HMS BERMUDA's homecoming in March 1961 put 3129 nautical miles beneath her keel in 229 hours of seatime.
HMS BROADSWORD 1948-1968 HMS APOLLO 1944-1962 HMS DUCHESS 1952-1972
As time for Easter Leave arrived the OOD, QM and Gangway Sentry acknowledged the comings and goings of ships such as CHAPLET, PELLEW, CARDIGAN BAY & VENUS (Frigates), ALLIANCE, TACITURN & AMPHION (Submarines) as well as the Survey Ship SHACKLETON. Tobacco Coupons were issued on the 5th of April. (It was for 200 cigarettes a month in shore establishments and, I think, double that in ships.)
Colours were half-masted on the 10th for the funeral of CPO(ME) POLLARD. I assume his demise was brought about by 'natural causes'.
Soon after 1400 on Monday the 17th of April BERMUDA, on leaving harbour, fired a 13 gun salute to Admiral Superintendent, Devonport. Once clear of the Plymouth Breakwater headings were set to run down Channel and she crossed the 100 fathom line at 0122 on Tuesday heading 217 at 17 knots. Any guesses as to her destination? The pipe later that day may help - "Freetown Guard to drill". At 0307 on Sunday morning RFA WAVE RULER was sighted and hands were called for a RAS. Between 0406 and 0605 the two ships, joined by hoses fore and aft, continued South at 17 knots with the Cape Verde Islands about 35 miles to the West.
The next morning at 0742 BERMUDA became 'attached' to another ship this time the AA frigate LEOPARD from where F.O. South Africa/South America (Vice Admiral N A Copeman, CB, DSC) came aboard. That done there was a quick transfer with LYNX before the ships entered Freetown at 1400 together with NIGERIA, AFADZATO (Ghana) and HERMITAGE (US). This visit was to mark Sierra Leone's independence so BERMUDA fired a 21gun salute on Thursday the 27th of April and held a Reception on-board the following day. F.O. (SA/SA) left the ship at 0015 on Saturday to return South to Wynberg, South Africa and the ship sailed at 0700 for Las Palmas.
Colours were half-masted on the 10th for the funeral of CPO(ME) POLLARD. I assume his demise was brought about by 'natural causes'.
Soon after 1400 on Monday the 17th of April BERMUDA, on leaving harbour, fired a 13 gun salute to Admiral Superintendent, Devonport. Once clear of the Plymouth Breakwater headings were set to run down Channel and she crossed the 100 fathom line at 0122 on Tuesday heading 217 at 17 knots. Any guesses as to her destination? The pipe later that day may help - "Freetown Guard to drill". At 0307 on Sunday morning RFA WAVE RULER was sighted and hands were called for a RAS. Between 0406 and 0605 the two ships, joined by hoses fore and aft, continued South at 17 knots with the Cape Verde Islands about 35 miles to the West.
The next morning at 0742 BERMUDA became 'attached' to another ship this time the AA frigate LEOPARD from where F.O. South Africa/South America (Vice Admiral N A Copeman, CB, DSC) came aboard. That done there was a quick transfer with LYNX before the ships entered Freetown at 1400 together with NIGERIA, AFADZATO (Ghana) and HERMITAGE (US). This visit was to mark Sierra Leone's independence so BERMUDA fired a 21gun salute on Thursday the 27th of April and held a Reception on-board the following day. F.O. (SA/SA) left the ship at 0015 on Saturday to return South to Wynberg, South Africa and the ship sailed at 0700 for Las Palmas.
John Tyler, Chief Electrical Artificer joined HMS BERMUDA upon her return to Devonport from the Mediterranean in April 1961 and tells me 'I served aboard her for a mere six months before completing my 'dozen' in October but during this short period there were a number of memorable events!' They are shown within the relevant 'event' in the narrative.
His first begins 'During the visit to Freetown (24-29 April) for the Sierra Leone Independence celebrations I met up with a family of ex-pats from Wales. The man of the family had been Clerk of Works on the staff of the Governor and had been seconded to the new President to ensure a smooth turnover of buildings and equipment. One of his first call-outs had been a report that the toilets in the Presidential Residence were blocked. When his staff cleared the blockage it was found to consist of items of clothing! It appears that some of the newly independent presidential staff had never seen a wc before and thought it was the washing machine!!'
At sea for 210 hours in April the ship logged 3562 miles.
His first begins 'During the visit to Freetown (24-29 April) for the Sierra Leone Independence celebrations I met up with a family of ex-pats from Wales. The man of the family had been Clerk of Works on the staff of the Governor and had been seconded to the new President to ensure a smooth turnover of buildings and equipment. One of his first call-outs had been a report that the toilets in the Presidential Residence were blocked. When his staff cleared the blockage it was found to consist of items of clothing! It appears that some of the newly independent presidential staff had never seen a wc before and thought it was the washing machine!!'
At sea for 210 hours in April the ship logged 3562 miles.
The month of May started with a Fresh to Strong wind from the North as the ship scythed into it at 19.5 knots doing little other than routine tasks and a small-arms firing before waking the citizens of Las Palmas with a 21 gun salute on Tuesday. A couple of nights leave in a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit was enjoyed before resuming the run North on Thursday morning.
In an hour of hectic activity during the forenoon on Friday the ship fired five reduced-charge broadsides from her 6 inch guns, then starshell from her 4" as targets for her Bofors 40/60 guns. After that the ship went as quiet as a ship ever does as she continued up the Atlantic in Westerly Force 6 winds, excellent visibility and 8 to 10 feet high seas through the weekend. Into the Channel on Sunday evening, Casquets Light, north of the Channel Islands, was passed at 0140 on Monday as the ship headed for Portsmouth. Not via the Nab Tower this time but through the Needles Channel instead, past Hurst Castle and Cowes to anchor at Spithead at 1000. Formal entry into harbour - after a frisking by HM Customs & Excise - saw BERMUDA alongside South Railway Jetty by 1450. Next morning it was 'Clear Lower Deck' for the Captain's (Capt. A D Robin, DSC) Farewell Address as the ship prepared to re-commission.
As an historical aside HMNZS TARANAKI departed Portsmouth on Sunday the 14th of May 1961. Was that a routine departure or was this new frigate setting out for 'home' for the first time?
Our Guard went to a final drill on Monday in preparation for the start of a new commission the next day. Led by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Home Fleet) the new ship's company marched down from the Royal Naval Barracks (HMS VICTORY) in Queen Street to the ship where the commissioning ceremony was witnessed by His Worship The Mayor of West Bromwich - the town that had adopted the ship when she first commissioned back in 1942 - as well as local dignitaries. The afternoon saw 'Hands to slinging hammocks'. The rest of the week was spent finding their way round the ship and with Action and Defence Station exercises and basin trials.
The new Captain (Capt. M G R Lumby, DSO, DSC) addressed the ship's company wherein he described the role of the ship as flagship of the Home Fleet whose Flag Officer (Flag Officer Flotillas, Home (FOFH)) was Vice Admiral J G Hamilton CB CBE.
The weekend passed and on Monday the 22nd of May, shortly after a small fire in 'B' Boiler Room that was immediately extinguished, 'Special Sea Dutymen' closed up to take the ship to sea for the first time on her Home Sea Service commission.
Tuesday saw the shake-down start in earnest as Gyro's failed closely followed by the steering gear. Then measured mile runs were made before man overboard in darkness and other exercises took the ship through the night and westwards past Anvil Point in Dorset. Wednesday it was in and out of Portland Harbour/Weymouth Bay, AA Tracking, Helicopter directing, ship-handling using a dan buoy then a ship's cutter before finally anchoring in the Bay at 1930. That was much earlier than DIAMOND and EASTBOURNE who came to anchor just before 0200. Their's was to be a short respite as they followed the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier VIKRANT to sea at 0630.
At 0730 BERMUDA weighed to go into 4" long-range firing then a transfer with EASTBOURNE and radar calibrations before securing to Portland's A2 Buoy for gunnery tracking exercises during the Dog-Watches. At the same time bottom lines were rigged and the ships divers carried out a bottom search. The fact that the ship was darkened didn't cause them too much anxiety. Friday saw more of the same, this time with FO Sea Training embarked, sea handling exercises ensued before FOST left by helicopter. Then it was fuelling from RFA BLACK RANGER and afterwards gun salute training before going alongside the Coaling Jetty in Portland at 1710 to exercise 'Dress Overall' before relaxing for the weekend.
By 0800 Monday morning the ship was into Weymouth Bay on her way to sea - with FOST staff onboard - exercising ABCD drills in all their variations through the forenoon immediately followed by taking DIAMOND in tow. That complete a daylight starshell shoot was followed with another replenishment from BLACK RANGER which ended just before 2100 allowing BERMUDA to anchor in Weymouth Bay.
Tuesday brought more manoeuvres and transfers, a full power trial, boiler room shut-downs, gun and radar tracking and calibrations all of which led on to a night starshell shoot whilst zig-zagging up and down the Channel with GRAFTON before anchoring back in Weymouth Bay at 0215. On Wednesday it was Departmental exercises AM and then to a buoy to carryout Booms & Boats training. Later, fuel and water barges were secured alongside to bring the day and month to a close.
May had passed with 221 hours at sea and 3186 nautical miles steamed.
In an hour of hectic activity during the forenoon on Friday the ship fired five reduced-charge broadsides from her 6 inch guns, then starshell from her 4" as targets for her Bofors 40/60 guns. After that the ship went as quiet as a ship ever does as she continued up the Atlantic in Westerly Force 6 winds, excellent visibility and 8 to 10 feet high seas through the weekend. Into the Channel on Sunday evening, Casquets Light, north of the Channel Islands, was passed at 0140 on Monday as the ship headed for Portsmouth. Not via the Nab Tower this time but through the Needles Channel instead, past Hurst Castle and Cowes to anchor at Spithead at 1000. Formal entry into harbour - after a frisking by HM Customs & Excise - saw BERMUDA alongside South Railway Jetty by 1450. Next morning it was 'Clear Lower Deck' for the Captain's (Capt. A D Robin, DSC) Farewell Address as the ship prepared to re-commission.
As an historical aside HMNZS TARANAKI departed Portsmouth on Sunday the 14th of May 1961. Was that a routine departure or was this new frigate setting out for 'home' for the first time?
Our Guard went to a final drill on Monday in preparation for the start of a new commission the next day. Led by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Home Fleet) the new ship's company marched down from the Royal Naval Barracks (HMS VICTORY) in Queen Street to the ship where the commissioning ceremony was witnessed by His Worship The Mayor of West Bromwich - the town that had adopted the ship when she first commissioned back in 1942 - as well as local dignitaries. The afternoon saw 'Hands to slinging hammocks'. The rest of the week was spent finding their way round the ship and with Action and Defence Station exercises and basin trials.
The new Captain (Capt. M G R Lumby, DSO, DSC) addressed the ship's company wherein he described the role of the ship as flagship of the Home Fleet whose Flag Officer (Flag Officer Flotillas, Home (FOFH)) was Vice Admiral J G Hamilton CB CBE.
The weekend passed and on Monday the 22nd of May, shortly after a small fire in 'B' Boiler Room that was immediately extinguished, 'Special Sea Dutymen' closed up to take the ship to sea for the first time on her Home Sea Service commission.
Tuesday saw the shake-down start in earnest as Gyro's failed closely followed by the steering gear. Then measured mile runs were made before man overboard in darkness and other exercises took the ship through the night and westwards past Anvil Point in Dorset. Wednesday it was in and out of Portland Harbour/Weymouth Bay, AA Tracking, Helicopter directing, ship-handling using a dan buoy then a ship's cutter before finally anchoring in the Bay at 1930. That was much earlier than DIAMOND and EASTBOURNE who came to anchor just before 0200. Their's was to be a short respite as they followed the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier VIKRANT to sea at 0630.
At 0730 BERMUDA weighed to go into 4" long-range firing then a transfer with EASTBOURNE and radar calibrations before securing to Portland's A2 Buoy for gunnery tracking exercises during the Dog-Watches. At the same time bottom lines were rigged and the ships divers carried out a bottom search. The fact that the ship was darkened didn't cause them too much anxiety. Friday saw more of the same, this time with FO Sea Training embarked, sea handling exercises ensued before FOST left by helicopter. Then it was fuelling from RFA BLACK RANGER and afterwards gun salute training before going alongside the Coaling Jetty in Portland at 1710 to exercise 'Dress Overall' before relaxing for the weekend.
By 0800 Monday morning the ship was into Weymouth Bay on her way to sea - with FOST staff onboard - exercising ABCD drills in all their variations through the forenoon immediately followed by taking DIAMOND in tow. That complete a daylight starshell shoot was followed with another replenishment from BLACK RANGER which ended just before 2100 allowing BERMUDA to anchor in Weymouth Bay.
Tuesday brought more manoeuvres and transfers, a full power trial, boiler room shut-downs, gun and radar tracking and calibrations all of which led on to a night starshell shoot whilst zig-zagging up and down the Channel with GRAFTON before anchoring back in Weymouth Bay at 0215. On Wednesday it was Departmental exercises AM and then to a buoy to carryout Booms & Boats training. Later, fuel and water barges were secured alongside to bring the day and month to a close.
May had passed with 221 hours at sea and 3186 nautical miles steamed.
The duty RM Bugler sounded Reveille at 0615 the next morning and the ship was underway by 0800 to start Naval Gunfire Support exercises through the forenoon before dis-embarking Flag Officer, Sea Training staff back in Weymouth Bay. The rest of the day was taken up with 6" Gun calibrations. sea-boat training and various other drills. At 2215 the ship rendezvoused with BLACK RANGER to take on 310 tons of fuel. On completion boats crews were exercised as the ship edged towards Portsmouth overnight.
At 0800 on the 2nd of June, with masthead flags flying and lower deck cleared for entering harbour BERMUDA fired a 17-gun salute to Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth before securing alongside TYNE. By 0910 the ship's magazines were being replenished from an ammunition lighter alongside. At 1130 FOF (Home), embarked.
Promptly at 0900 the next day, a Saturday, the flagship of Flag Officer Flotillas (Home) slipped and, in company with the destroyers DUCHESS and DIANA, set off East up the English Channel bound for Invergordon. On Sunday morning the Ship's Company put on No.1's and went to 'Divisions' whilst the ship slid up a calm North Sea. Well, you wouldn't expect the passage time to be wasted would you? That done the two destroyers were brought abeam for replenishment station keeping and manoeuvres. At 0423 on Monday with Kinnairds Head 8.2nm off the port quarter the ship turned to cross the Moray Firth on her way to anchor at Invergordon at 1000. No time was then lost in rigging stages to get the ship's side painted over the next two days.
On Tuesday FOF (Home) held a Dinner Party for Senior Officers from the British, Danish, Dutch and Norwegian ships that had gathered at Invergordon to prepare for the next two weeks of exercises together. That started, for BERMUDA, when she weighed anchor at 0637 on Thursday the 8th of June 1961 to go to sea. Instantly they went into a run of manoeuvres and jackstay transfers and then 6" firings prior to anchoring off Buckie late the same evening. The next morning's early start was going well until the Norwegian OSLO (ex HMS Crown)lost a seaman overboard and was unable to find and recover him. Thereafter the day was full and varied until the ships returned to Invergordon just before midnight for a weekend of exchanges and opening to visitors. The ships open included the Danish WALDEMAR SEJR (ex HMS Exmoor) and FLORA, Dutch KAREL DOORMAN (ex HMS Venerable) and GRONINGEN plus the Norwegian HAUGESUND (ex HMS Beaufort) and TROMSO (ex HMS Zetland).
Just before Midnight on Sunday BERMUDA, with others, got underway to round the top of Scotland carrying out turret and quarters drills before bombarding Hoan Island with her 6" guns. Later BERMUDA went to the aid of the Boom Defence Vessel BARBICAN when she reported she was taking water. The situation was brought under control and TENBY stayed with her while BERMUDA went off to carryout torpedo firings before going to anchor in Loch Eribol at 2037. An hour of Operation Awkward 22-2300 finished the day off.On Tuesday the 13th the submarine SEA SCOUT sailed at 0530 and BERMUDA followed one hour later. Her first task was to carryout more bombardment shoots under the watchful eye of the Staff Gunnery Officer. After that convoy screening anti-submarine exercises continued through the rest of Tuesday and most of Wednesday before they came to anchor in Spey Bay just after 1800.
After sailing at 0700 time was found to read Warrant No. 2 in between Surface Action Stations and Shelter Stations. After that a helicopter transfer out of the Admiral was made before going on to a 4" shoot then a jackstay return of the Admiral. The night was passed with a Tactical Screening exercise. Friday was another hectic day. PUMA joined and made a jackstay transfer that was just completed before they came under massed air and submarine attack. That was enough for anyone and BERMUDA slid into Invergordon just before 1600.
At 0800 on the 2nd of June, with masthead flags flying and lower deck cleared for entering harbour BERMUDA fired a 17-gun salute to Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth before securing alongside TYNE. By 0910 the ship's magazines were being replenished from an ammunition lighter alongside. At 1130 FOF (Home), embarked.
Promptly at 0900 the next day, a Saturday, the flagship of Flag Officer Flotillas (Home) slipped and, in company with the destroyers DUCHESS and DIANA, set off East up the English Channel bound for Invergordon. On Sunday morning the Ship's Company put on No.1's and went to 'Divisions' whilst the ship slid up a calm North Sea. Well, you wouldn't expect the passage time to be wasted would you? That done the two destroyers were brought abeam for replenishment station keeping and manoeuvres. At 0423 on Monday with Kinnairds Head 8.2nm off the port quarter the ship turned to cross the Moray Firth on her way to anchor at Invergordon at 1000. No time was then lost in rigging stages to get the ship's side painted over the next two days.
On Tuesday FOF (Home) held a Dinner Party for Senior Officers from the British, Danish, Dutch and Norwegian ships that had gathered at Invergordon to prepare for the next two weeks of exercises together. That started, for BERMUDA, when she weighed anchor at 0637 on Thursday the 8th of June 1961 to go to sea. Instantly they went into a run of manoeuvres and jackstay transfers and then 6" firings prior to anchoring off Buckie late the same evening. The next morning's early start was going well until the Norwegian OSLO (ex HMS Crown)lost a seaman overboard and was unable to find and recover him. Thereafter the day was full and varied until the ships returned to Invergordon just before midnight for a weekend of exchanges and opening to visitors. The ships open included the Danish WALDEMAR SEJR (ex HMS Exmoor) and FLORA, Dutch KAREL DOORMAN (ex HMS Venerable) and GRONINGEN plus the Norwegian HAUGESUND (ex HMS Beaufort) and TROMSO (ex HMS Zetland).
Just before Midnight on Sunday BERMUDA, with others, got underway to round the top of Scotland carrying out turret and quarters drills before bombarding Hoan Island with her 6" guns. Later BERMUDA went to the aid of the Boom Defence Vessel BARBICAN when she reported she was taking water. The situation was brought under control and TENBY stayed with her while BERMUDA went off to carryout torpedo firings before going to anchor in Loch Eribol at 2037. An hour of Operation Awkward 22-2300 finished the day off.On Tuesday the 13th the submarine SEA SCOUT sailed at 0530 and BERMUDA followed one hour later. Her first task was to carryout more bombardment shoots under the watchful eye of the Staff Gunnery Officer. After that convoy screening anti-submarine exercises continued through the rest of Tuesday and most of Wednesday before they came to anchor in Spey Bay just after 1800.
After sailing at 0700 time was found to read Warrant No. 2 in between Surface Action Stations and Shelter Stations. After that a helicopter transfer out of the Admiral was made before going on to a 4" shoot then a jackstay return of the Admiral. The night was passed with a Tactical Screening exercise. Friday was another hectic day. PUMA joined and made a jackstay transfer that was just completed before they came under massed air and submarine attack. That was enough for anyone and BERMUDA slid into Invergordon just before 1600.
HMS PLOVER 1937-1969 HMS SEA SCOUT 1944-1966 HMS BLACKWOOD 1957-1976
The Chaplain of the Fleet, The Venerable Archdeacon Armstrong, visited the ship at 1700. Between 1730 & 1830 SEA SCOUT and TRUNCHEON berthed alongside but only for the night as they both went to sea again at the crack of dawn on Saturday. BERMUDA on the other hand was to remain firmly fixed to the bottom for the weekend. The time was used to read Warrant No. 3, take a Make & Mend, clean ship and Sunday Church services.
The ship was underway by 0830 Monday and soon weaving all over the ocean firing break-up shot at more attacking aircraft. As they were fought off she joined the screen around the carrier HERMES and fuelled from TIDESURGE as the exercises continued overnight to take them into Shelter and ABCD Stations and continuing defensive exercises around the carrier through Wednesday and Thursday forenoon. The afternoon brought some relief when 'courses as required to berth on No. 1 Jetty at AARHUS' were set. They were not, it seems, welcomed by everyone as "A Fishing Vessel, apparently deliberately, laid nets across the Fairway three-quarters of a mile ahead" of BERMUDA with her escorts, UNDAUNTED & PUMA, as they approached.
The weekend saw FOFH and CinC Home Fleet present with the ships open to visitors and CinC's Band Beating Retreat. On Sunday FOFH transferred to UNDAUNTED and BERMUDA embarked the CinC. Just before 2000 on Sunday the ships of the foreign navies followed the Danish Royal Yacht DANNEBROG to sea on passage to Copenhagen where they arrived around 0800 on Monday. Tuesday saw CinC wreath laying at Nyhavn and the UK Minister of Defence on board BERMUDA.
The next day BLACKWOOD arrived, The Danish King Frederik and Queen Ingrid lunched in BERMUDA. After they left came the serious stuff - a Children's Party onboard. At 1500 the CinC's flag was transferred back to his Northwood HQ and FOF(H) was able to reclaim his bunk! The visit ended on the 30th when the ships sailed at 1530.
During the busy month of June 1961 BERMUDA spent 294 hours underway to achieve 3415 nautical miles.Through the night several course changes were made to avoid fishing vessels, mainly Russian, as the ship made her way over the weekend to berth alongside in Rosyth soon after 1030 on Sunday. Next morning fuel and ammunition lighters were brought alongside. On Tuesday there was a 'Captain's Address'* and storing and self-maintenance continued as the main activity through the week. Visitors included the Captain of DUNCANSBY HEAD, the Chief of Staff to Flag Officer, Scotland and the Captain, Fishery Protection Squadron.
The ship was underway by 0830 Monday and soon weaving all over the ocean firing break-up shot at more attacking aircraft. As they were fought off she joined the screen around the carrier HERMES and fuelled from TIDESURGE as the exercises continued overnight to take them into Shelter and ABCD Stations and continuing defensive exercises around the carrier through Wednesday and Thursday forenoon. The afternoon brought some relief when 'courses as required to berth on No. 1 Jetty at AARHUS' were set. They were not, it seems, welcomed by everyone as "A Fishing Vessel, apparently deliberately, laid nets across the Fairway three-quarters of a mile ahead" of BERMUDA with her escorts, UNDAUNTED & PUMA, as they approached.
The weekend saw FOFH and CinC Home Fleet present with the ships open to visitors and CinC's Band Beating Retreat. On Sunday FOFH transferred to UNDAUNTED and BERMUDA embarked the CinC. Just before 2000 on Sunday the ships of the foreign navies followed the Danish Royal Yacht DANNEBROG to sea on passage to Copenhagen where they arrived around 0800 on Monday. Tuesday saw CinC wreath laying at Nyhavn and the UK Minister of Defence on board BERMUDA.
The next day BLACKWOOD arrived, The Danish King Frederik and Queen Ingrid lunched in BERMUDA. After they left came the serious stuff - a Children's Party onboard. At 1500 the CinC's flag was transferred back to his Northwood HQ and FOF(H) was able to reclaim his bunk! The visit ended on the 30th when the ships sailed at 1530.
During the busy month of June 1961 BERMUDA spent 294 hours underway to achieve 3415 nautical miles.Through the night several course changes were made to avoid fishing vessels, mainly Russian, as the ship made her way over the weekend to berth alongside in Rosyth soon after 1030 on Sunday. Next morning fuel and ammunition lighters were brought alongside. On Tuesday there was a 'Captain's Address'* and storing and self-maintenance continued as the main activity through the week. Visitors included the Captain of DUNCANSBY HEAD, the Chief of Staff to Flag Officer, Scotland and the Captain, Fishery Protection Squadron.
'Captain's Address'* If not at this time the Captain certainly included the subject of crossing the Forth Bridge at some time as this newspaper cutting from Peter Camis indicates. His picture of BERMUDA floodlit at Amsterdam in September 1961.
Monday the 10th of July saw 'All gone forward and aft' at 1135 and off they went again into AA tracking and firings with ABCD states raised and lowered plus Action Messing as they rounded the top of Scotland. Their destination this time was the remote Western Highland Loch Torridon where the hook was dropped at 1836 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, as TROUBRIDGE came to anchor, No's 1 & 2 Internal Security Platoons in BERMUDA were being fitted out ready for landing and the day ended with a 'Ship's Quiz'. Next morning both Platoons were landed whilst, onboard, there was 'For exercise - fire in the Wardroom Galley' as well as the firing of two 4" shells before the Platoons returned.
An early 'Reveille' was sounded on Friday morning. At 0630 landing of the Ship's Company commenced for 'Ingenuity Tests' at Sheildaig. With all boats engaged in ferrying men and equipment ashore the landing was completed just on 0900 and FOF (H) and Staff Officers landed at 0930. By 1130 electricity, radio and cooking facilities were up and running. The whole procedure was set in reverse at 1500 and everyone was back aboard for 'Up Spirits' at 1830. They had had a busy but different day that most would have enjoyed. Tomorrow was to be tougher!
An early 'Reveille' was sounded on Friday morning. At 0630 landing of the Ship's Company commenced for 'Ingenuity Tests' at Sheildaig. With all boats engaged in ferrying men and equipment ashore the landing was completed just on 0900 and FOF (H) and Staff Officers landed at 0930. By 1130 electricity, radio and cooking facilities were up and running. The whole procedure was set in reverse at 1500 and everyone was back aboard for 'Up Spirits' at 1830. They had had a busy but different day that most would have enjoyed. Tomorrow was to be tougher!
Sheildaig July 1961 - 'Base Camp established' with Adm Hamilton looking over it. (Thanks to Rob (Nobby) Guyatt for pics.)
By 0800 next morning the Admiral and Staff were on their way ashore as 60% of the Ship's Co. prepared to go ashore in 'Exercise Torex', an assault on the 1360' (415M) Ben Sheildaig. Much tougher than yesterday but they got back a bit earlier and earned a 'Very Well Done' from FOF as they drank their tots just after 1700. Sunday was a relaxed day with a Mountain Party away and a Fishing Competition onboard.
CEA John Tyler recalled the hard work involved thus:
'I well remember the "Ingenuity Tests" (11-16 July) thought up by the FOF Staff! As I recall it, the premise was that a landing party were to "capture" Shieldaig village. When this had been accomplished a radio message was to be sent from shore to Admiralty, Whitehall. Use of any shore facilities such as power or telephones was prohibited. We were given (I think) 48 hours to make preparations.
There was a meeting of heads of departments and it was agreed that, as it was not possible to send the signal using portable transmitters, it would be necessary to create a "power station" ashore and provide power to a larger radio set . To accomplish this a large redundant 220volt 30HP electric motor was taken from its normal location and converted to a generator and provided with the appropriate control gear. The Shipwrights constructed a timber bedplate to accommodate the generator which was coupled to a spare diesel engine from one of the ship's boats. The Engineers manufactured a flexible coupling and provided storage tanks and associated pipework for the fuel and cooling systems and the whole set-up was tested on board with success.
This diesel generator was then shipped ashore using two whalers as a catamaran. I can't remember how it was lifted off the boats when they got to the shore but I imagine that it necessitated shearlegs! (It is this generator which can be seen in one of your photographs in the process of inspection by FOF & his Staff.)
Whilst all this was going on, the Communications Dept were selecting a suitable portable (more or less) radio system which was also shipped ashore where it was connected to the generator. It was about this time that it was realised that Shieldaig was surrounded by mountains! I have no recollection how sending the signal was achieved but it certainly was.
In addition to there being power to supply the radio set we also managed to squeeze out a few amps to drive a rotisserie on the barbeque grill!! I often wonder what the cost was for that little escapade!!'
'I well remember the "Ingenuity Tests" (11-16 July) thought up by the FOF Staff! As I recall it, the premise was that a landing party were to "capture" Shieldaig village. When this had been accomplished a radio message was to be sent from shore to Admiralty, Whitehall. Use of any shore facilities such as power or telephones was prohibited. We were given (I think) 48 hours to make preparations.
There was a meeting of heads of departments and it was agreed that, as it was not possible to send the signal using portable transmitters, it would be necessary to create a "power station" ashore and provide power to a larger radio set . To accomplish this a large redundant 220volt 30HP electric motor was taken from its normal location and converted to a generator and provided with the appropriate control gear. The Shipwrights constructed a timber bedplate to accommodate the generator which was coupled to a spare diesel engine from one of the ship's boats. The Engineers manufactured a flexible coupling and provided storage tanks and associated pipework for the fuel and cooling systems and the whole set-up was tested on board with success.
This diesel generator was then shipped ashore using two whalers as a catamaran. I can't remember how it was lifted off the boats when they got to the shore but I imagine that it necessitated shearlegs! (It is this generator which can be seen in one of your photographs in the process of inspection by FOF & his Staff.)
Whilst all this was going on, the Communications Dept were selecting a suitable portable (more or less) radio system which was also shipped ashore where it was connected to the generator. It was about this time that it was realised that Shieldaig was surrounded by mountains! I have no recollection how sending the signal was achieved but it certainly was.
In addition to there being power to supply the radio set we also managed to squeeze out a few amps to drive a rotisserie on the barbeque grill!! I often wonder what the cost was for that little escapade!!'
The anchor was 'Up and Down' at 1130 as the ship went into sea routine and headed round the Isle of Skye and southwards. On Wednesday morning a Canberra aircraft came into sight off Plymouth for the ship to carryout Sleeve Target firings with Close Range weapons. It was but a short intermission as BERMUDA continued up the Channel, through the Dover Straits and into the Thames Estuary to anchor 1.25nm off Southend-on-Sea's famous pier around 0830 on Thursday the 20th of July 1961.
At 1030 His Worship The Mayor was received onboard then returned the compliment in his Parlour at Porters Grange before returning on board to a Reception that evening. At 2250 HM Yacht BRITANNIA, with The Queen embarked, passed inwards for London. Visitors to BERMUDA came by the boatload over the weekend and there was plenty of waving to the trippers in the 'Cruise round the Warship' boats by those who had not gone ashore to sample the delights of the 'Golden Mile' and Kursaal. Divisions, inspected by FOF (H), were held at 1030 on Sunday just to keep everyone on their toes.
At 1030 His Worship The Mayor was received onboard then returned the compliment in his Parlour at Porters Grange before returning on board to a Reception that evening. At 2250 HM Yacht BRITANNIA, with The Queen embarked, passed inwards for London. Visitors to BERMUDA came by the boatload over the weekend and there was plenty of waving to the trippers in the 'Cruise round the Warship' boats by those who had not gone ashore to sample the delights of the 'Golden Mile' and Kursaal. Divisions, inspected by FOF (H), were held at 1030 on Sunday just to keep everyone on their toes.
Peter Camis shares more of his memorabilia from his 1961 days in HMS BERMUDA.
Whilst the residents of Southend were hitting alarm clocks and thinking of starting their Monday BERMUDA was, by 0600, already edging her way through the busy Thames Estuary to run down to Portsmouth to berth on North Corner Jetty at 1630. The rest of the week was spent de-ammunitioning, cleaning and preparing while the Gangway staff acknowledged, amongst others, AMPHION, JUTLAND, VIGILANT, & CARRON as they came and went while alongside the ship the Tank Cleaning Vessels BERN & LUNDY were busy. To finish the month some of the ship's company had their children christened onboard. If it was you or yours I would be pleased to know.
John Tyler and his family were there and provides the proof. He says 'On Sunday July 30th 1961 my daughter, Alison, was christened on "Bermuda". The service, which was conducted by the Chaplain, Rev Alan Jones, included several other babies as well so it was quite cosy in the chapel with all the parents and God-parents.
I am not at all sure why, but we were "first up" and Alison started to give it all that her young lungs would offer! She was causing so much havoc that, as soon as she had been baptised, I took her out on the upper deck from where she had a good view of the Semaphore Tower - in perfect silence, of course.
When all had quietened down and the ceremonies completed my family and Alison's God-parents adjourned to the Chiefs' Mess where a beautiful christening cake was awaiting. This had been made and iced by the Captain's and/or Admiral's Chief Chef with whom I had established a good friendship at the start of the commission.
He had a very well-worn car - a Fiat from memory - and it had electrical problems which, late one evening, I had been able to rectify such that he was able to get away for a precious Long Weekend. This was a very beneficial favour as it subsequently provided me with the opportunity, when General Messing meals didn't appeal, to partake of whatever the Admiral and/or Skipper was having - although not at his table of course!!'
I am not at all sure why, but we were "first up" and Alison started to give it all that her young lungs would offer! She was causing so much havoc that, as soon as she had been baptised, I took her out on the upper deck from where she had a good view of the Semaphore Tower - in perfect silence, of course.
When all had quietened down and the ceremonies completed my family and Alison's God-parents adjourned to the Chiefs' Mess where a beautiful christening cake was awaiting. This had been made and iced by the Captain's and/or Admiral's Chief Chef with whom I had established a good friendship at the start of the commission.
He had a very well-worn car - a Fiat from memory - and it had electrical problems which, late one evening, I had been able to rectify such that he was able to get away for a precious Long Weekend. This was a very beneficial favour as it subsequently provided me with the opportunity, when General Messing meals didn't appeal, to partake of whatever the Admiral and/or Skipper was having - although not at his table of course!!'
'The "cast" from left to right - for what it is worth are: Me, my wife Bronwen holding the infant Alison, Harry Ryall ex CERA, Mrs Girleen Button, Mrs Shirley Ryall. The children in the front are our son,Peter, our son David and Susan Ryall.' The picture was taken by the godfather Bill Button!!' (My thanks to John for adding this personal story to the page).
July had seen the ship return from Denmark, test Aid/Internal Security Platoons and working parties, almost circle the mainland, entertain the folks of Southend and then undertake a christening service onboard. The ship was at sea for 144 hours and steamed 1842 nautical miles.
August was Summer Leave time but before that they had to get the ship docked down in Portsmouth's No. 14 Dock where she remained for the whole month.
August was Summer Leave time but before that they had to get the ship docked down in Portsmouth's No. 14 Dock where she remained for the whole month.
On the 1st of September she was floated out and until the 8th of September all the things that were necessary to make her ready for sea trials were done. Ammunition and stores were taken on as the final bits of painting and polishing were completed so the upperworks matched the bottom! OAKOL brought the fuel without spillage or paint damage!
Soon after 1300 on Monday the 11th of September 1961, men in brown overalls began to arrive on the jetty then SSD closed up, the Brow was lifted clear and at 1415 BERMUDA severed her connections with the jetty. In no time at all she was out off the Nab Tower making sure everything was working properly. It was, and she returned to anchor at Spithead just before 1800 on Wednesday to land dockyard personnel and 'Natives' only for overnight leave.
Next morning, as the liner QUEEN ELIZABETH II, the submarine TIRELESS and support ship PLOVER passed, BERMUDA got underway to go into Action exercises of all descriptions as well as degaussing. She refuelled from BLACK RANGER as she steamed round to Milford Haven and back to Plymouth Sound to anchor at 0900 on Sunday.
Early Monday morning it was back to sea and into fighting off aircraft attacks, jackstay transfers, station keeping, tracking and starshell illumination firings plus a host of other shipboard exercises. On Thursday boarding parties were assembled to 'take' BLACK RANGER prior to the ships arriving, late evening, back at Spithead. Friday saw the ship alongside South Railway Jetty in Portsmouth Dockyard, the reading of Warrant No. 8 and weekend leave. It also saw an Escort of 1 + 3 leave the ship to go north to Sheffield where the police had two of the ship's company in custody. All six returned onboard late Sunday. Do you feel a 'Warrant' or two coming on?
BERMUDA went to sea at 1440 the following Wednesday, 27th September, with the familiar destroyers TRAFALGAR, SCORPION, JUTLAND and BROADSWORD. They were bound for Ijmuiden, the North Sea Canal and Amsterdam where BERMUDA took the two buoys off Central Station, not a million miles from the delights of Canal Street and, of course, all the other pleasures that the city always gave to visiting RN ships.
In the month they had been at sea for 238 hours and steamed just over 10 nautical miles during each one to accumulate a total of 2450.
Soon after 1300 on Monday the 11th of September 1961, men in brown overalls began to arrive on the jetty then SSD closed up, the Brow was lifted clear and at 1415 BERMUDA severed her connections with the jetty. In no time at all she was out off the Nab Tower making sure everything was working properly. It was, and she returned to anchor at Spithead just before 1800 on Wednesday to land dockyard personnel and 'Natives' only for overnight leave.
Next morning, as the liner QUEEN ELIZABETH II, the submarine TIRELESS and support ship PLOVER passed, BERMUDA got underway to go into Action exercises of all descriptions as well as degaussing. She refuelled from BLACK RANGER as she steamed round to Milford Haven and back to Plymouth Sound to anchor at 0900 on Sunday.
Early Monday morning it was back to sea and into fighting off aircraft attacks, jackstay transfers, station keeping, tracking and starshell illumination firings plus a host of other shipboard exercises. On Thursday boarding parties were assembled to 'take' BLACK RANGER prior to the ships arriving, late evening, back at Spithead. Friday saw the ship alongside South Railway Jetty in Portsmouth Dockyard, the reading of Warrant No. 8 and weekend leave. It also saw an Escort of 1 + 3 leave the ship to go north to Sheffield where the police had two of the ship's company in custody. All six returned onboard late Sunday. Do you feel a 'Warrant' or two coming on?
BERMUDA went to sea at 1440 the following Wednesday, 27th September, with the familiar destroyers TRAFALGAR, SCORPION, JUTLAND and BROADSWORD. They were bound for Ijmuiden, the North Sea Canal and Amsterdam where BERMUDA took the two buoys off Central Station, not a million miles from the delights of Canal Street and, of course, all the other pleasures that the city always gave to visiting RN ships.
In the month they had been at sea for 238 hours and steamed just over 10 nautical miles during each one to accumulate a total of 2450.
Wednesday the 4th of October dawned cold and foggy thus there was bursts of rapid bell ringing. Fog always honed every orifice; the ears to better hear anything approaching; the eyes to see in time to avoid and all the others in sheer anxiety I remember. By 1030 it was finally clear enough for the bell-ringing to cease and the destroyers to sail. BERMUDA remained until 1500 and locked out into the North Sea at 1800.
At midday on Thursday she was secured alongside No. 22 Jetty at Antwerp for a five-day memorial visit during which they opened to visitors and Banyan Parties went off for a day or two.
At midday on Thursday she was secured alongside No. 22 Jetty at Antwerp for a five-day memorial visit during which they opened to visitors and Banyan Parties went off for a day or two.
Remembrance Service Guard at Antwerp 8 October 1961 (Pic. Rob Guyatt)
Leaving Antwerp on Wednesday the 11th BERMUDA soon made acquaintance with such shups ans the Dutch KAREL DOOMAN, GRONINGEN and others as they went to 'Action' again enroute to Invergordon.
BERMUDA was alongside Admiralty Pier there by 0830 on Friday the 13th and during the weekend the Dutch ships as well as LYNX, MURRAY, KEPPEL, BLACKWOOD, TRAFALGAR and the other squadron destroyers, then RHYL and SEA SCOUT arrived ready to start a 'war' on Monday morning. All went well with bombardments, tows and high speed manoeuvres until late Tuesday night when the ships received a Gale Warning.
Focsle's were secured as the pressure dropped and a southerly wind rose steadily through the Middle and Forenoon watches to reach 40+ knots by Noon. It stayed around 30-35knots for the rest of the day. The Action continued relentlessly through Thursday with a 4" shoot and night bombardment then anti-submarine actions with ships going in
to Loch Eriboll to anchor for an hour or two before being called or forced out by 'enemy' ships or the weather. At 1430 on Saturday the anchor was let go in Scapa Flow where she had first gone, fresh from her builders, almost 19 years ago to the day. The war was real then!
Both the action and the gales continued through the weekend with 35-40 kt winds as the submarine TRUNCHEON sailed at 0045 on Monday morning. It was still the same when BERMUDA weighed at 0600 but, to the relief of everyone it had dropped away to 10 knots as she returned to anchor for a couple of hours at 1330. By 1730 BERMUDA was back at sea replenishing from WAVE CHIEF. That completed it was back to anchor and divers down to inspect the starboard outer screw to bring the day to an end. On Tuesday they were underway by 0730 and through the Forenoon carried out a jackstay transfer then an A/S exercise during which air attacks were thrown in for good measure. The afternoon was altogether more sedate - just a 6" shoot at 1400 before engaging four boilers and shafts for 20 knots about 1500 and doing a helicopter transfer.
The wind had stayed around 40 kts all day and as night set in it began to increase. By 0400, off Cape Wrath in winds reaching 60 knots, BERMUDA was keeping a very careful watch on the smaller ships especially the frigate BLACKWOOD close by. Things had improved somewhat by the middle of the afternoon when a helicopter from KAREL DOORMAN ditched. 35 survivors were picked up. I don't know if this was the full complement of the aircraft. Late on Wednesday the fleet anchored in Spey Bay to 'Wash-up' the next day.
They sailed together in formation during the Dog Watches on Thursday to round Kinnaird Head and disperse to their
home areas. BERMUDA went to Rosyth where she secured alongside South Arm at 0945 the next day. That night saw a rush to the Dunfermline dance halls and pubs so patrols were landed accordingly. A relaxing weekend followed before FOFH held a 'Wash-up' meeting onboard on Monday while the ship's company ammunitioned ship. The day ended with BERMUDA again at sea having slipped at 1745 to head South for an official visit to Newcastle upon Tyne. She was on No23/4 Berths by 0930 on Tuesday October the 31st and ready for the visitors, official and civil.
In a month of almost continuous exercises off Scotland she had steamed 2361 nautical miles during 269 hours at sea.
BERMUDA was alongside Admiralty Pier there by 0830 on Friday the 13th and during the weekend the Dutch ships as well as LYNX, MURRAY, KEPPEL, BLACKWOOD, TRAFALGAR and the other squadron destroyers, then RHYL and SEA SCOUT arrived ready to start a 'war' on Monday morning. All went well with bombardments, tows and high speed manoeuvres until late Tuesday night when the ships received a Gale Warning.
Focsle's were secured as the pressure dropped and a southerly wind rose steadily through the Middle and Forenoon watches to reach 40+ knots by Noon. It stayed around 30-35knots for the rest of the day. The Action continued relentlessly through Thursday with a 4" shoot and night bombardment then anti-submarine actions with ships going in
to Loch Eriboll to anchor for an hour or two before being called or forced out by 'enemy' ships or the weather. At 1430 on Saturday the anchor was let go in Scapa Flow where she had first gone, fresh from her builders, almost 19 years ago to the day. The war was real then!
Both the action and the gales continued through the weekend with 35-40 kt winds as the submarine TRUNCHEON sailed at 0045 on Monday morning. It was still the same when BERMUDA weighed at 0600 but, to the relief of everyone it had dropped away to 10 knots as she returned to anchor for a couple of hours at 1330. By 1730 BERMUDA was back at sea replenishing from WAVE CHIEF. That completed it was back to anchor and divers down to inspect the starboard outer screw to bring the day to an end. On Tuesday they were underway by 0730 and through the Forenoon carried out a jackstay transfer then an A/S exercise during which air attacks were thrown in for good measure. The afternoon was altogether more sedate - just a 6" shoot at 1400 before engaging four boilers and shafts for 20 knots about 1500 and doing a helicopter transfer.
The wind had stayed around 40 kts all day and as night set in it began to increase. By 0400, off Cape Wrath in winds reaching 60 knots, BERMUDA was keeping a very careful watch on the smaller ships especially the frigate BLACKWOOD close by. Things had improved somewhat by the middle of the afternoon when a helicopter from KAREL DOORMAN ditched. 35 survivors were picked up. I don't know if this was the full complement of the aircraft. Late on Wednesday the fleet anchored in Spey Bay to 'Wash-up' the next day.
They sailed together in formation during the Dog Watches on Thursday to round Kinnaird Head and disperse to their
home areas. BERMUDA went to Rosyth where she secured alongside South Arm at 0945 the next day. That night saw a rush to the Dunfermline dance halls and pubs so patrols were landed accordingly. A relaxing weekend followed before FOFH held a 'Wash-up' meeting onboard on Monday while the ship's company ammunitioned ship. The day ended with BERMUDA again at sea having slipped at 1745 to head South for an official visit to Newcastle upon Tyne. She was on No23/4 Berths by 0930 on Tuesday October the 31st and ready for the visitors, official and civil.
In a month of almost continuous exercises off Scotland she had steamed 2361 nautical miles during 269 hours at sea.
At 1930 the next day the tugs that had eased her alongside just 34 hours earlier were alongside again to haul her off the jetty. At the end of a very short visit BERMUDA made he way back down the Tyne to a rendezvous with the tanker WAVE CHIEF at 2250 off Blythe. They fuelled for two hours as they headed back towards Rosyth's South Arm that was reached the next morning. Thursday and Friday was spent cleaning and maintaining ship and the weekend was spent seeking licensed premises, where, on Sunday in Scotland, you could only get a drink if you ate a meal.
CinC Home Fleet was much in evidence during the next week. On Monday there was a Dinner Party onboard for him and he was back again on Wednesday together with Flag Officer, Scotland and Air Officer Commanding (Scotland). On Thursday he was back again to carry out a 'Walk Round' inspection of BERMUDA. At the other end of the spectrum there was 'two offenders from SCORPION placed in cells' on Friday. On Sunday Remembrance Day Services took place in the Dockyard attended by FOF (H) and the Captain whilst the customary two minutes silence was observed in the ship. In the afternoon they opened to visitors' and 378 people were given the 'Tour'.
Monday the 13th was a clean ship day and a day when 6 Nigerian ratings joined the ship from the Mechanical & Engineering School SULTAN plus 1 rating from COCHRANE, 1 from ARK ROYAL and 1 from PELLEW that had, only a week earlier, entered Rosyth with her Paying Off pennant flying. They were in time to see warrant No 15 read and BERMUDA undergo basin trials.
It was off to sea once more on Tuesdat, this time to round the top of Scotland again and anchor in Loch Scavaig on the south side of Skye at 1900 on Wednesday. On Thursday bedding was mustered and at 1115 Leading Rates were called to the Quarterdeck to witness the reading of Warrant No. 17. Advancement for somebody! Diving operations were carried out during the afternoon before BERMUDA weighed and proceeded.
The overnight passage took her south to round the Mull of Kintyre and go alongside Princes Pier, Greenock on Friday morning. By lunch time the US 18th Carrier Division, led by USS ESSEX arrived in the Clyde. On Saturday BERMUDA was opened to visitors from 1400 to 1630 during which she logged 2971 visitors. Quite a difference compared to her recent visit to Newcastle! During the afternoon the 3rd Submarine Squadron's mother ship ADAMANT passed outwards. The experimental submarine EXPLORER went out on Monday and so did SCORPION & BROADSWORD as more American ships came in.
The American ships left on Tuesday and at 0800 the next morning BERMUDA went after them and into a week of intense anti-submarine exercises. Included in the US Fleet were ESSEX, ROBINSON, STRIBLING, NOAH, JONAS INGRAM, MILLER and WACCAMAW. RN Ships included TRAFALGAR, FINISTERRE, JUTLAND, LLANDAFF, BERWICK, and EXMOUTH with three 'WAVE' tankers, RULER, KNIGHT & CHIEF plus TIDEFLOW. The exercise ended on Thursday the 30th with the ships entering Belfast in the forenoon. 'Wash-up' meetings were then held and by 2000 the American ships had left. On Friday BERMUDA moved from her anchorage to Victoria Wharf in the city.
During November the ship spent 219 hours steaming 2552 nautical miles.
CinC Home Fleet was much in evidence during the next week. On Monday there was a Dinner Party onboard for him and he was back again on Wednesday together with Flag Officer, Scotland and Air Officer Commanding (Scotland). On Thursday he was back again to carry out a 'Walk Round' inspection of BERMUDA. At the other end of the spectrum there was 'two offenders from SCORPION placed in cells' on Friday. On Sunday Remembrance Day Services took place in the Dockyard attended by FOF (H) and the Captain whilst the customary two minutes silence was observed in the ship. In the afternoon they opened to visitors' and 378 people were given the 'Tour'.
Monday the 13th was a clean ship day and a day when 6 Nigerian ratings joined the ship from the Mechanical & Engineering School SULTAN plus 1 rating from COCHRANE, 1 from ARK ROYAL and 1 from PELLEW that had, only a week earlier, entered Rosyth with her Paying Off pennant flying. They were in time to see warrant No 15 read and BERMUDA undergo basin trials.
It was off to sea once more on Tuesdat, this time to round the top of Scotland again and anchor in Loch Scavaig on the south side of Skye at 1900 on Wednesday. On Thursday bedding was mustered and at 1115 Leading Rates were called to the Quarterdeck to witness the reading of Warrant No. 17. Advancement for somebody! Diving operations were carried out during the afternoon before BERMUDA weighed and proceeded.
The overnight passage took her south to round the Mull of Kintyre and go alongside Princes Pier, Greenock on Friday morning. By lunch time the US 18th Carrier Division, led by USS ESSEX arrived in the Clyde. On Saturday BERMUDA was opened to visitors from 1400 to 1630 during which she logged 2971 visitors. Quite a difference compared to her recent visit to Newcastle! During the afternoon the 3rd Submarine Squadron's mother ship ADAMANT passed outwards. The experimental submarine EXPLORER went out on Monday and so did SCORPION & BROADSWORD as more American ships came in.
The American ships left on Tuesday and at 0800 the next morning BERMUDA went after them and into a week of intense anti-submarine exercises. Included in the US Fleet were ESSEX, ROBINSON, STRIBLING, NOAH, JONAS INGRAM, MILLER and WACCAMAW. RN Ships included TRAFALGAR, FINISTERRE, JUTLAND, LLANDAFF, BERWICK, and EXMOUTH with three 'WAVE' tankers, RULER, KNIGHT & CHIEF plus TIDEFLOW. The exercise ended on Thursday the 30th with the ships entering Belfast in the forenoon. 'Wash-up' meetings were then held and by 2000 the American ships had left. On Friday BERMUDA moved from her anchorage to Victoria Wharf in the city.
During November the ship spent 219 hours steaming 2552 nautical miles.
Down in the Galley Christmas pudding was stirring for the very last time! More nostalgia - Deck Uckers (Ludo) (Pics. Rob Guyatt)
The ship was opened Saturday afternoon and 103 came onboard. Sunday was spent quietly and FOF (H) went to Londonderry for a 'Wash-up' on Monday while the Ships Company were employed 'part of ship'. Sailing time on Tuesday was 0930 and as the ship was cleaned below the engine room staff were engaged in the quarterly Full Power Trial when they managed to coax an exhilarating 29.9 knots out of her. The cutlery and crockery might have been rattled but the Portsmouth natives certainly were not as the ship raced down the Irish Sea intent on arriving at Pitch House Jetty in time for Libertymen on Wednesday.
USS ESSEX and STRIBLING remained at Portsmouth for a day or two but there were lots of other ship movements for the Gangway Staff to attend to. Old ships like CARRON, WIZARD, URCHIN, VIGILANT, ROCKET & LOCH RUTHVEN and some newer ones such as BRIGHTON, LOWESTOFT & KEPPEL came and went. On Wednesday the 13th BERMUDA's 1st Christmas Leave Party were piped away and on Friday Chiefs and PO's were mustered to witness the reading of Warrant No. 19 and, coincidentally, the arrival of HMY BRITANNIA.
USS ESSEX and STRIBLING remained at Portsmouth for a day or two but there were lots of other ship movements for the Gangway Staff to attend to. Old ships like CARRON, WIZARD, URCHIN, VIGILANT, ROCKET & LOCH RUTHVEN and some newer ones such as BRIGHTON, LOWESTOFT & KEPPEL came and went. On Wednesday the 13th BERMUDA's 1st Christmas Leave Party were piped away and on Friday Chiefs and PO's were mustered to witness the reading of Warrant No. 19 and, coincidentally, the arrival of HMY BRITANNIA.
HMS RHYL 1960-1985 RFA BLACK RANGER 1941-1973 HMS CARRON 1944-1967
On Monday the 18th of December HRH The Duke of Edinburgh passed in the Royal Barge and on Tuesday the aircraft carrier VICTORIOUS entered harbour - always an impressive sight.
Christmas Day arrived and the officers served the customary dinner on the lower deck as those left onboard enjoyed the day. On the 27th the two remaining US destroyers sailed and on Thursday 1st Christmas Leave expired at 0930, two hours before the 2nd began, thus 1961 came to an end. Well, there was New Years Eve of course, always a time of high spirits and intership raids/rivalries.
A modest month's seatime of less than 31 hours and 515 miles brought BERMUDA and her Company to the end of a busy, much travelled and interesting 1961.
HMS BERMUDA was at sea for 2,188 hours and steamed 27,550 nautical miles in 1961. Bearing in mind the whole of August was spent in dry dock she averaged 198.9 hrs and 2504 miles in each of the remaining 11 months.
Christmas Day arrived and the officers served the customary dinner on the lower deck as those left onboard enjoyed the day. On the 27th the two remaining US destroyers sailed and on Thursday 1st Christmas Leave expired at 0930, two hours before the 2nd began, thus 1961 came to an end. Well, there was New Years Eve of course, always a time of high spirits and intership raids/rivalries.
A modest month's seatime of less than 31 hours and 515 miles brought BERMUDA and her Company to the end of a busy, much travelled and interesting 1961.
HMS BERMUDA was at sea for 2,188 hours and steamed 27,550 nautical miles in 1961. Bearing in mind the whole of August was spent in dry dock she averaged 198.9 hrs and 2504 miles in each of the remaining 11 months.
EM Peter Camis sent me this and pictures elsewhere in HMS BERMUDA 1961 in 2013:
' I was an EM1 in Bermuda from 16th May 1961 until 25th January 1962 with EA Phil Hole working on 6" guns'
He went on to say describe the flooding of the EM's Mess which was...'forward on 3 deck during the roughers around the top of Scotland. It was at breakfast time when sea water came pouring down into our mess from the fo'c's'le hatch. The hatches to our mess were shut by those in the mess above. When we reported by telephone to DC [Damage Control] HQ that we had over 2ft of free surface water they told us to mop it up!'
'At the same time the sea boats were smashed as were the forward guardrails. We put into Rosyth for repairs to the fo'c's'le hatch, guard rails and to take on new sea boats.
I can remember storming ashore in the wilds of Scotland as tribesmen in 'pirates rig' and climbing up the mountain/hill, returning to a banyan on the waters edge. I have newspaper cuttings about ratings returning from leave via the new Forth Bridge, then under construction and matelots using the builders catwalks to get back to the ship.'
Peter - a Control Electrical Mechanic 1 (L) when he left the the navy.
' I was an EM1 in Bermuda from 16th May 1961 until 25th January 1962 with EA Phil Hole working on 6" guns'
He went on to say describe the flooding of the EM's Mess which was...'forward on 3 deck during the roughers around the top of Scotland. It was at breakfast time when sea water came pouring down into our mess from the fo'c's'le hatch. The hatches to our mess were shut by those in the mess above. When we reported by telephone to DC [Damage Control] HQ that we had over 2ft of free surface water they told us to mop it up!'
'At the same time the sea boats were smashed as were the forward guardrails. We put into Rosyth for repairs to the fo'c's'le hatch, guard rails and to take on new sea boats.
I can remember storming ashore in the wilds of Scotland as tribesmen in 'pirates rig' and climbing up the mountain/hill, returning to a banyan on the waters edge. I have newspaper cuttings about ratings returning from leave via the new Forth Bridge, then under construction and matelots using the builders catwalks to get back to the ship.'
Peter - a Control Electrical Mechanic 1 (L) when he left the the navy.
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This HMS BERMUDA 1961 section first published online 2002 and since revised