HMS JAGUAR 1962
This year sees us providing a response to geological upheaval that changes people's lives before contributing to the advance of British technological achievement in space and in South Africa and South America
receiving warm welcomes and a live namesake!
This year sees us providing a response to geological upheaval that changes people's lives before contributing to the advance of British technological achievement in space and in South Africa and South America
receiving warm welcomes and a live namesake!
JANUARY 1962
The new year presented us with a relatively slow and relaxed maintenance and preparation period for our next task which was a trip north again to show the flag in more West African ports.
On the front of that we were able to show our appreciation to some of the families who had hosted us through the holidays by taking about 400 of them on for a trip round to Capetown the 23rd. In the finest of weather we showed them our ship, fired our guns and Squid Mortar and the chef’s prepared a feast for them. It was our way of saying thank-you and we enjoyed the day as much as they did. After they left to return home we walked up the road to the Nor Easter Bar or Les Catacombs to while away an hour or two imbibing liquid refreshment on terra firma.
Leaving at 0800 on Thursday the 24th we set off on our tour of ex-French West African ports beginning at Pointe Noire, French Congo on the 30th. The Editors (Mike Hickman (Electrical Officer) & David Joel (1st Lt)) of our ‘Commission Book’ noted that as well as having the opportunity to exercise French language skills the place name might have been seen as significant after the French Post Office there returned our mail to London when it arrived before we did. We also had competition with the presence of the French warship PAUL GOFFANY. I personally remember Pointe Noire as the place I bought, from the artist, some colourful pastel on black paintings which I have fondly kept to this day. Log 1800nm in 144hrs.
The new year presented us with a relatively slow and relaxed maintenance and preparation period for our next task which was a trip north again to show the flag in more West African ports.
On the front of that we were able to show our appreciation to some of the families who had hosted us through the holidays by taking about 400 of them on for a trip round to Capetown the 23rd. In the finest of weather we showed them our ship, fired our guns and Squid Mortar and the chef’s prepared a feast for them. It was our way of saying thank-you and we enjoyed the day as much as they did. After they left to return home we walked up the road to the Nor Easter Bar or Les Catacombs to while away an hour or two imbibing liquid refreshment on terra firma.
Leaving at 0800 on Thursday the 24th we set off on our tour of ex-French West African ports beginning at Pointe Noire, French Congo on the 30th. The Editors (Mike Hickman (Electrical Officer) & David Joel (1st Lt)) of our ‘Commission Book’ noted that as well as having the opportunity to exercise French language skills the place name might have been seen as significant after the French Post Office there returned our mail to London when it arrived before we did. We also had competition with the presence of the French warship PAUL GOFFANY. I personally remember Pointe Noire as the place I bought, from the artist, some colourful pastel on black paintings which I have fondly kept to this day. Log 1800nm in 144hrs.
Floodlit at Pointe Noire, French Congo Feb. 1962
FEBRUARY
Sailing on the 2nd we made our way a further 850nm north to Cotonou, Dahomey (now Benin), to remain for just a couple of days. The picture (left) illustrates the means of getting ashore here - a crane on a barge. The British Vice-Consul, Mr Chapman hosted an Official Cocktail Party at his home attended by Chief & Petty Officers in best bibs and tuckers give or take a bit of ‘bucket debris’.
Despite there being an uncomfortable sea swell it did not stop our Doctor from delving into Ordinary Seaman Baker to remove his angry and painful appendix.
Despite there being an uncomfortable sea swell it did not stop our Doctor from delving into Ordinary Seaman Baker to remove his angry and painful appendix.
Our next stop, the morning after leaving Cotonou on the 7th, was the more sophisticated and very expensive Ivory Coast port city of Abidjan. We might not have been able to afford too much but we were able to register two Rugby successes beating a French Navy Team - 1 cruiser and 4 frigates in port - and holding an Abidjan Team to a draw. The Ivory Coast Ministry of Defence hosted a Reception and the 300 or so strong British Community, together with Shell Oil Company, welcomed a large number of us at a Barbeque.
Around the city our officers - always resolute and determined - devised a simple way of circumventing the high price of liquid refreshment as the resident British Ambassador ( Mr T C Ravensdale CMG) noted in his subsequent ‘Report’ of our visit. ‘……. There is one final part which I mention with some diffidence, knowing as I do how exorbitant prices are in Abidjan, particularly in hotels and restaurants. I am told that the ship’s officers exposed themselves to unfavourable comment by ordering a single bottle of Perrier Water for a group of six or more, using the contents of their hip flasks to provide flavouring. In the more select establishments in Abidjan this kind of thing is resented; if they cannot afford whisky or brandy they could surely order beer. It would be a pity if visiting ships of the Royal Navy were to have the “poor white” label tagged on them in this part of Africa.’ The Ambassador also included ‘……I think Jaguar’s visit can be considered a success and I am grateful to Commander Goodhugh and his ship’s company for the contribution they have made towards the strengthening of Anglo - Ivory Coast relations……’
Around the city our officers - always resolute and determined - devised a simple way of circumventing the high price of liquid refreshment as the resident British Ambassador ( Mr T C Ravensdale CMG) noted in his subsequent ‘Report’ of our visit. ‘……. There is one final part which I mention with some diffidence, knowing as I do how exorbitant prices are in Abidjan, particularly in hotels and restaurants. I am told that the ship’s officers exposed themselves to unfavourable comment by ordering a single bottle of Perrier Water for a group of six or more, using the contents of their hip flasks to provide flavouring. In the more select establishments in Abidjan this kind of thing is resented; if they cannot afford whisky or brandy they could surely order beer. It would be a pity if visiting ships of the Royal Navy were to have the “poor white” label tagged on them in this part of Africa.’ The Ambassador also included ‘……I think Jaguar’s visit can be considered a success and I am grateful to Commander Goodhugh and his ship’s company for the contribution they have made towards the strengthening of Anglo - Ivory Coast relations……’
Our passage onwards and upwards resumed on the 13th with Dakar, the capital of Senegal, our destination. It was here that I witnessed the most stunning sunrise and, at the opposite end of the spectrum, a dishevelled and legless man carried along a street and deposited on the ground with a lamp-post for a back-rest where he begged.
As the value of our money bought even less in Dakar than in Abidjan our runs ashore were, of necessity, more cultural than consumable.
It was here that LEOPARD caught us up but when we departed on the 19th we were going back south whilst she was north and homeward bound taking with her four of our ship‘s company on draft.
Making a brief stop at Kissy Oil Jetty, Freetown on the way we reached Simonstown on the 1st of March. Log 4965nm in 432hrs (includes Ist March).
As the value of our money bought even less in Dakar than in Abidjan our runs ashore were, of necessity, more cultural than consumable.
It was here that LEOPARD caught us up but when we departed on the 19th we were going back south whilst she was north and homeward bound taking with her four of our ship‘s company on draft.
Making a brief stop at Kissy Oil Jetty, Freetown on the way we reached Simonstown on the 1st of March. Log 4965nm in 432hrs (includes Ist March).
MARCH.
Freshly berthed at C Berth, East Wall, Simonstown, a Funeral Firing Squad went to drill at 0950. More routinely hands were caring for and cleaning ship at 8 hours notice for sea. Leave patterns were as follows: weekdays: 1630 - 0815 Saturday 1230 - 0845, Sunday 1030 - 0815. (Chief & Petty Officers usually returned fifteen minutes later). Men under age (MUA/18) 0030.
On Sunday the 4th flags were half-masted from 1000 to 1100 for the funeral of Radio Operator Francis Collins SS938106. (HMS AFRIKANDER)
On Monday the 5th leave as described was given but on Tuesday the seamen alone suffered victimisation…. the cause? Paintship! Their working day was extended from 1600 to 1800. Nobody minded too much as the task was always more enjoyable when the temperature hovered around 70F. As the finishing touches were being applied on Friday Red Cross as well as more usual stores and 74 rounds of 4.5” ammunition were embarked. Warrant No 6 was also read.
Freshly berthed at C Berth, East Wall, Simonstown, a Funeral Firing Squad went to drill at 0950. More routinely hands were caring for and cleaning ship at 8 hours notice for sea. Leave patterns were as follows: weekdays: 1630 - 0815 Saturday 1230 - 0845, Sunday 1030 - 0815. (Chief & Petty Officers usually returned fifteen minutes later). Men under age (MUA/18) 0030.
On Sunday the 4th flags were half-masted from 1000 to 1100 for the funeral of Radio Operator Francis Collins SS938106. (HMS AFRIKANDER)
On Monday the 5th leave as described was given but on Tuesday the seamen alone suffered victimisation…. the cause? Paintship! Their working day was extended from 1600 to 1800. Nobody minded too much as the task was always more enjoyable when the temperature hovered around 70F. As the finishing touches were being applied on Friday Red Cross as well as more usual stores and 74 rounds of 4.5” ammunition were embarked. Warrant No 6 was also read.
At 0945 on Saturday the 10th the Commander in Chief, with Lady Copeman, was piped aboard and fifteen minutes later with more piping, bugle calls and saluting we left the dockyard on another long passage. In the early hours of Sunday the depth was recorded at 100 fathoms (600ft/183M) as we headed east at 16 knots in a moderate sea.
On Tuesday the 13th the ship was steered for exercise from the Tiller Flat for an hour as passage, course, speed and good weather prevailed. Our 4.5” guns each fired a few shells on Wednesday/Thursday. At 0230 on Friday ‘’Away Seaboats Crew’ was ordered and the boat was manned and ready to slip into the Indian Ocean 2 minutes and 35 seconds later. It didn’t and we continued now on a heading of around 055° until at 1445 the ship stopped and ‘Finished with main engines’ for an hour with Reunion Island 50nm ahead. Underway again at 12kts we had cleared south and east of the island by 2359.
On Tuesday the 13th the ship was steered for exercise from the Tiller Flat for an hour as passage, course, speed and good weather prevailed. Our 4.5” guns each fired a few shells on Wednesday/Thursday. At 0230 on Friday ‘’Away Seaboats Crew’ was ordered and the boat was manned and ready to slip into the Indian Ocean 2 minutes and 35 seconds later. It didn’t and we continued now on a heading of around 055° until at 1445 the ship stopped and ‘Finished with main engines’ for an hour with Reunion Island 50nm ahead. Underway again at 12kts we had cleared south and east of the island by 2359.
A 15 gun salute to the Governor of Mauritius (Sir Colville M Deverell KCMG CMG CVO OBE) at 0900 on Saturday the 17th heralded our arrival at Port Louis where welcomes, official calls and visits, enhanced by the presence of the C in C, ensued. As they continued those not duty prepared for a run ashore the expiry time of which was curtailed to 0200 unless extended to 0800 by special request.
The C in C ‘abandoned ship’ to share “Le Reduit“, the Governor’s residence, as our floodlighting was being rigged to be switched on from Dusk (c.1900) to midnight daily. On Sunday our Cricket Team landed at 0935 with one or two others but leave didn’t start until 1230. We also opened to visitors in the afternoon.
Our C.O was also admitted to hospital leaving No.1 (Lt Cdr Joel) temporarily in command of the ship.
The development and progress of a potential hurricane gained attention during the forenoon of Monday the 19th. Despite that nine officers and seventeen ratings left the ship to attend the Commissioning of the Royal Naval Wireless Station, HMS MAURITIUS. Following the ceremony The Civil Lord of the Admiralty, Mr Ian Orr-Ewing, M.P. made a visit to the ship. Alas, our invitation to take him home was declined. He apparently had an aircraft laid on!
As we continued to watch weather developments on Tuesday the Red Cross stores we had brought with us were put ashore.
The island had suffered severe damage just a couple of weeks ago when Hurricane Jenny struck on 27-8 February when wind speeds up to 235km/h (146mph) were recorded. It was said to be the second-most intense cyclone since records began in 1892. Pic. RC Church damage. The worst (Carol) occurred two years earlier, almost to the day, in February 1960 when the highest wind recorded was 256km/h (159mph
The C in C ‘abandoned ship’ to share “Le Reduit“, the Governor’s residence, as our floodlighting was being rigged to be switched on from Dusk (c.1900) to midnight daily. On Sunday our Cricket Team landed at 0935 with one or two others but leave didn’t start until 1230. We also opened to visitors in the afternoon.
Our C.O was also admitted to hospital leaving No.1 (Lt Cdr Joel) temporarily in command of the ship.
The development and progress of a potential hurricane gained attention during the forenoon of Monday the 19th. Despite that nine officers and seventeen ratings left the ship to attend the Commissioning of the Royal Naval Wireless Station, HMS MAURITIUS. Following the ceremony The Civil Lord of the Admiralty, Mr Ian Orr-Ewing, M.P. made a visit to the ship. Alas, our invitation to take him home was declined. He apparently had an aircraft laid on!
As we continued to watch weather developments on Tuesday the Red Cross stores we had brought with us were put ashore.
The island had suffered severe damage just a couple of weeks ago when Hurricane Jenny struck on 27-8 February when wind speeds up to 235km/h (146mph) were recorded. It was said to be the second-most intense cyclone since records began in 1892. Pic. RC Church damage. The worst (Carol) occurred two years earlier, almost to the day, in February 1960 when the highest wind recorded was 256km/h (159mph
At Noon on Monday a Grade 1 Hurricane warning was issued but that didn,t stop us from holding a planned Children’s Party onboard from 1330! Whilst the children, and their hosts in various party rigs of course, thoroughly enjoyed themselves others prepared the ship for sea. By the time the party ended at 1645 the wind had freshened to 15kts (F4) in a temperature of 90° F (32° C). As a precaution we proceeded to sea at 1733 with Lt Cdr Joel driving. The wind speed was 33kts at 1930 but during the next 24 hours at sea (338nm) it didn’t go much above that for which we and, no doubt, the Mauritians were grateful.
Alongside again soon after 1800 on Wednesday preparations for a Cocktail Party were completed as the C in C arrived onboard. Within the hour The Governor and other guests boarded our floodlit ship. Inconspicuously the ship was fuelled as they fuelled themselves, so we were again ready to meet any task. The Governor left at 2300 in company with the CinC.
Alongside again soon after 1800 on Wednesday preparations for a Cocktail Party were completed as the C in C arrived onboard. Within the hour The Governor and other guests boarded our floodlit ship. Inconspicuously the ship was fuelled as they fuelled themselves, so we were again ready to meet any task. The Governor left at 2300 in company with the CinC.
Commander Goodhugh returned from hospital and to command at 0915 on Thursday the 22nd. Within the hour the C in C and Mrs Copeman had also re-embarked and we left to retrace our furrow back to Simonstown.
The postman, in the form of a SAAF Shackleton aircraft, called on Monday to bring a smile to our faces and a tear to our eye. We were now at the pivot point having been away from home for six months so it was downhill all the way now! By 1530 on Tuesday 27th we were back at Simonstown with another 2300 sea miles under our belts, ready for a break from watch keeping and a tot or two of Cape brandy. Log 5000nm in 274hrs.
On Friday we watched enviously as another four ratings left the ship to go home via HMS PROTECTOR,
The postman, in the form of a SAAF Shackleton aircraft, called on Monday to bring a smile to our faces and a tear to our eye. We were now at the pivot point having been away from home for six months so it was downhill all the way now! By 1530 on Tuesday 27th we were back at Simonstown with another 2300 sea miles under our belts, ready for a break from watch keeping and a tot or two of Cape brandy. Log 5000nm in 274hrs.
On Friday we watched enviously as another four ratings left the ship to go home via HMS PROTECTOR,
HMS PROTECTOR
APRIL
The month began unexpectedly for our Doctor who responded in the early hours to a request from PROTECTOR for his services - he was away for an hour. Our whaler crew went away to hone sailing skills during the afternoon.
HMS PROTECTOR, (Antarctic Patrol Ship) continued her passage home to the UK on Monday the 2nd of April.
On Tuesday five (2 PO’s + 3) went flying in a SAAF Shackleton and three of our radio operators left on loan for a 24 hours to HMS AFRIKANDER (Wynberg RN Base). Ship’s dressed overall for Jan van Riebeeck Day (Dutch founder of Capetown 1652) on Friday and the whaler crew spent another afternoon sailing.
Normal Harbour Routine prevailed from Monday the 9th to Sunday the 15th. Routine care and maintenance interspersed with night and weekend leave in fair weather was pleasant as was the sight of SAN ships coming and going as we sat tight alongside. However, we did take on a lot of stores on Saturday which indicated a change of routine was in the offing!
Moving berth on Monday the 16th ammunition was embarked from 1315 to 1645.
The month began unexpectedly for our Doctor who responded in the early hours to a request from PROTECTOR for his services - he was away for an hour. Our whaler crew went away to hone sailing skills during the afternoon.
HMS PROTECTOR, (Antarctic Patrol Ship) continued her passage home to the UK on Monday the 2nd of April.
On Tuesday five (2 PO’s + 3) went flying in a SAAF Shackleton and three of our radio operators left on loan for a 24 hours to HMS AFRIKANDER (Wynberg RN Base). Ship’s dressed overall for Jan van Riebeeck Day (Dutch founder of Capetown 1652) on Friday and the whaler crew spent another afternoon sailing.
Normal Harbour Routine prevailed from Monday the 9th to Sunday the 15th. Routine care and maintenance interspersed with night and weekend leave in fair weather was pleasant as was the sight of SAN ships coming and going as we sat tight alongside. However, we did take on a lot of stores on Saturday which indicated a change of routine was in the offing!
Moving berth on Monday the 16th ammunition was embarked from 1315 to 1645.
All work stopped at 0915 on Tuesday to enable us to watch - and participate in - the SAN Fleet Regatta for which our whaler crew had laboured so hard. They only made eighth place out of eleven which was avenged by our ship’s company accurately bombarding the SA boats with potatoes.
at
Oil was taken on and the port shaft was run on Wednesday the 18th after some work had been done on it as our sense of purpose heightened. It had all been in anticipation of Good Friday’s Tannoy message at 0945 “Hands to stations for leaving harbour…Special Sea Dutymen close up…Assume ABCD State 2 condition Yankee”. With watertight integrity thus assured the propellers began to turn and the jetty was left behind at 1000. We were going on yet another long journey this time carrying two scientists, a Mr Frost from Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment, Portsdown, Portsmouth and a Mr Fea, from London University.
By mid afternoon on Wednesday the 25th Tristan Da Cunha was 64nm ahead of us as we gained the company of a Russian Fish Factory Ship and her several fishing vessels. A coincidence or what?
At 1630 on Thursday the 26th the ‘Satellite Tracking Team’ closed up and all electrical machinery not used for tracking was stopped. Beginning at 1824 we had the unique privilege of tracking the United Kingdom’s very first satellite, UK 1, on its maiden pass. At that time the ship was 103nm east of Tristan. We then turned from a westerly to an easterly heading. Stood down at 1834 the Tracking Team were back in action from 1950 to 2025 and again on Saturday and Sunday as we made our way back towards the Cape.
On the last day of April we exercised Action Stations and Damage Control before arriving back in Simonstown on May 1.
Log: 3400nm in 254 hours at sea.
Oil was taken on and the port shaft was run on Wednesday the 18th after some work had been done on it as our sense of purpose heightened. It had all been in anticipation of Good Friday’s Tannoy message at 0945 “Hands to stations for leaving harbour…Special Sea Dutymen close up…Assume ABCD State 2 condition Yankee”. With watertight integrity thus assured the propellers began to turn and the jetty was left behind at 1000. We were going on yet another long journey this time carrying two scientists, a Mr Frost from Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment, Portsdown, Portsmouth and a Mr Fea, from London University.
By mid afternoon on Wednesday the 25th Tristan Da Cunha was 64nm ahead of us as we gained the company of a Russian Fish Factory Ship and her several fishing vessels. A coincidence or what?
At 1630 on Thursday the 26th the ‘Satellite Tracking Team’ closed up and all electrical machinery not used for tracking was stopped. Beginning at 1824 we had the unique privilege of tracking the United Kingdom’s very first satellite, UK 1, on its maiden pass. At that time the ship was 103nm east of Tristan. We then turned from a westerly to an easterly heading. Stood down at 1834 the Tracking Team were back in action from 1950 to 2025 and again on Saturday and Sunday as we made our way back towards the Cape.
On the last day of April we exercised Action Stations and Damage Control before arriving back in Simonstown on May 1.
Log: 3400nm in 254 hours at sea.
The 'boffin' prepares the tracking aerial in a sunny Simonstown with Chief Ordnance Artificer Foster.
Wikipedia indicates that ‘Ariel 1’ was launched aboard an American Delta-Thor rocket from Launch Complex 17A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at 18:00:16 GMT on 26 April 1962. Ariel 1 was among several satellites inadvertently damaged or destroyed by the Starfish Prime high-altitude nuclear test on July 9, 1962, and subsequent radiation belt. It decayed from orbit on 24 April 1976
Ariel 1 (also known as UK-1 and S-55), was the first British Satellite, and the first satellite in the Ariel Programme. Its launch in 1962 made the United Kingdom the third country to operate a satellite, after the Soviet Union and the USA. It was constructed in the United States by NASA, under an agreement reached as the result of political discussions in 1959 and 1960.
Six experiments were carried aboard the satellite. Five of these examined the relationship between two types of solar radiation and changes in the Earth's ionosphere. They took advantage of techniques developed in the Skylark programme.2.‘
Ariel 1 (also known as UK-1 and S-55), was the first British Satellite, and the first satellite in the Ariel Programme. Its launch in 1962 made the United Kingdom the third country to operate a satellite, after the Soviet Union and the USA. It was constructed in the United States by NASA, under an agreement reached as the result of political discussions in 1959 and 1960.
Six experiments were carried aboard the satellite. Five of these examined the relationship between two types of solar radiation and changes in the Earth's ionosphere. They took advantage of techniques developed in the Skylark programme.2.‘
MAY
JAGUAR returned alongside in Simonstown Dockyard at 0900 on May Day. Leave began at 1615 with the proviso “ Libertymen are warned that there is no extension of leave and that leave expires at 0815. The week was spent cleaning and painting ship.
On Tuesday the 8th with VIP’s embarked we slipped at 1030 to go round to Capetown. Firing a Squid mortar enroute we berthed on ‘J/H’ Berth Duncan Dock soon after 1500. ((73.4nm 4.5hrs))
The ship was floodlit throughout our stay. On Wednesday the officers held a Cocktail Party from 1830-2030 and the rest of us had but a few paces to tread to Capetown’s places of relaxation and entertainment instead of the hour plus train journey…a very convenient (and well earned) luxury!
On Thursday the 10th The Captain and Officers hosted Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador, Sir John Maud GCB CBE and Commander in Chief SASA at lunch onboard. The ship was opened to visitors on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
JAGUAR returned alongside in Simonstown Dockyard at 0900 on May Day. Leave began at 1615 with the proviso “ Libertymen are warned that there is no extension of leave and that leave expires at 0815. The week was spent cleaning and painting ship.
On Tuesday the 8th with VIP’s embarked we slipped at 1030 to go round to Capetown. Firing a Squid mortar enroute we berthed on ‘J/H’ Berth Duncan Dock soon after 1500. ((73.4nm 4.5hrs))
The ship was floodlit throughout our stay. On Wednesday the officers held a Cocktail Party from 1830-2030 and the rest of us had but a few paces to tread to Capetown’s places of relaxation and entertainment instead of the hour plus train journey…a very convenient (and well earned) luxury!
On Thursday the 10th The Captain and Officers hosted Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador, Sir John Maud GCB CBE and Commander in Chief SASA at lunch onboard. The ship was opened to visitors on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
We were on the way to sea with SAS GOOD HOPE at 0930 on Monday the14th to exercise with and a SAAF Shackleton before the two ships carried out a Jackstay transfer. After dinner a shoot took place followed by anti-submarine training before anchoring off Capetown around 1730. (98nm) Night Leave from 1820 to 0830 on the dockside. Moving off early to swing the compass before returning to pick up liberty men started Tuesday. Action and A/S Mortar firing then used the passage to Simontown and buoy No3 from where leave commenced at 1700. (94nm). Wednesday’s sea exercises lasted from 0900 to 1600 and had us exercising seaboats crew and steering breakdown before turning our attention to AA gunnery training. (54.3nm) On Thursday we went to sea at 1300 for more AA firings and returned to go alongside in the dockyard 50nm later at 1630. An otherwise quiet weekend was spent either side of Divisions at 0930 on Sunday.
Monday the 21st was a spit and polish day for ship and company. “Call the Hands” was piped at 0530 on Tuesday to begin cleaning and tidying before changing into our best suits and falling in at Divisions at 0930 to ‘welcome’ C in C’s Staff onboard five minutes later. At precisely 0943, with full ceremony, Vice Admiral Copeman arrived onboard.
We were now very attentively in their hands as Admiral and Staff toured the ship knowing that we knew that they knew how to find faults/omissions etc. Despite our best efforts they would inevitably win the contest but only by the slimmest of margins…. we hoped! At 1330 we were again fallen-in by Divisions to spend the afternoon performing various evolutions relevant to the ship and its company’s safety, effectiveness and resolve. With a phew and smile the Harbour Inspection ended at 1500.
We laid in our bunks/hammocks until 0600 on Wednesday and then went to Action Messing Breakfast at 0630 before “Hands to Action Stations assume ABCD State 1YB”. CinC boarded at 0825 and we sailed immediately going to State 1YA with the ship closed-down and pre-wetting spraying the outside surfaces against fall-out. At 0855 we came under attack from Vampire aircraft and subsequently Damage Control parties were put to the test to finish off the forenoon watch. In the afternoon it was surface defence firing first at a Battle Practice Target and afterwards carrying out a bombardment which ended at 1500 and allowed us a formal return to Simonstown‘s C Wall where the C in C left at 1615 (92.6nm).
All we had to do now was await the Captain’s address! On Thursday The ‘Guard’ collected rifles and bayonets at 0745 before leaving for Capetown returning at 1150. On Friday “Clear Lower Deck of All Senior Rates” preceded the reading of Punishment Warrant No. 7. When the sun set just before 1800 a large proportion of the ship’s company were on leave for the night or weekend leaving the 2nd Part of Port Watch to look after the ship in Light NW wind and temperatures in the mid 60’s(F).
The whaler was away sailing through the daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday and Harbour Routine meant leave began at 1000.
We continued care and maintenance from Monday the 28th. Republic Day on Wednesday meant a 21 gun salute and ships colourfully dressed overall before the month finished quietly on Thursday. Log: 591nm during 49hrs at sea
We were now very attentively in their hands as Admiral and Staff toured the ship knowing that we knew that they knew how to find faults/omissions etc. Despite our best efforts they would inevitably win the contest but only by the slimmest of margins…. we hoped! At 1330 we were again fallen-in by Divisions to spend the afternoon performing various evolutions relevant to the ship and its company’s safety, effectiveness and resolve. With a phew and smile the Harbour Inspection ended at 1500.
We laid in our bunks/hammocks until 0600 on Wednesday and then went to Action Messing Breakfast at 0630 before “Hands to Action Stations assume ABCD State 1YB”. CinC boarded at 0825 and we sailed immediately going to State 1YA with the ship closed-down and pre-wetting spraying the outside surfaces against fall-out. At 0855 we came under attack from Vampire aircraft and subsequently Damage Control parties were put to the test to finish off the forenoon watch. In the afternoon it was surface defence firing first at a Battle Practice Target and afterwards carrying out a bombardment which ended at 1500 and allowed us a formal return to Simonstown‘s C Wall where the C in C left at 1615 (92.6nm).
All we had to do now was await the Captain’s address! On Thursday The ‘Guard’ collected rifles and bayonets at 0745 before leaving for Capetown returning at 1150. On Friday “Clear Lower Deck of All Senior Rates” preceded the reading of Punishment Warrant No. 7. When the sun set just before 1800 a large proportion of the ship’s company were on leave for the night or weekend leaving the 2nd Part of Port Watch to look after the ship in Light NW wind and temperatures in the mid 60’s(F).
The whaler was away sailing through the daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday and Harbour Routine meant leave began at 1000.
We continued care and maintenance from Monday the 28th. Republic Day on Wednesday meant a 21 gun salute and ships colourfully dressed overall before the month finished quietly on Thursday. Log: 591nm during 49hrs at sea
JUNE
A routine Friday ended with a bang, or two to be precise. At 2145 “Felt two dull blasts” was recorded without subsequent explanation. I do remember fairly frequent explosions in the Hottentot mountains area across False Bay without discovering anything more about them. On Saturday the 2nd we dressed overall and at noon fired a 21g salute in recognition of the Queen’s official birthday and anniversary of her coronation.
The week to Sunday the 10th was passed routinely with sport and a make and mend on Wednesday however our whaler, away sailing, capsized in Kalk Bay on Sunday afternoon without loss except that of the boat’s compass.
A noon 21g salute for HRH Prince Philip’s birthday also gave an unofficial mid-winter welcome to our sister ship HMS PUMA as she made he way up False Bay to berth alongside us at 1345 on Monday the 11th. It was not long before other Captain’s came calling on the newcomer whose Captain was senior to ours and therefore defined as Captain (F). The trail of callers continued across us throughout the week whilst we cleaned inside and out in Harbour Routine and watched SAN ships coming and going.
A routine Friday ended with a bang, or two to be precise. At 2145 “Felt two dull blasts” was recorded without subsequent explanation. I do remember fairly frequent explosions in the Hottentot mountains area across False Bay without discovering anything more about them. On Saturday the 2nd we dressed overall and at noon fired a 21g salute in recognition of the Queen’s official birthday and anniversary of her coronation.
The week to Sunday the 10th was passed routinely with sport and a make and mend on Wednesday however our whaler, away sailing, capsized in Kalk Bay on Sunday afternoon without loss except that of the boat’s compass.
A noon 21g salute for HRH Prince Philip’s birthday also gave an unofficial mid-winter welcome to our sister ship HMS PUMA as she made he way up False Bay to berth alongside us at 1345 on Monday the 11th. It was not long before other Captain’s came calling on the newcomer whose Captain was senior to ours and therefore defined as Captain (F). The trail of callers continued across us throughout the week whilst we cleaned inside and out in Harbour Routine and watched SAN ships coming and going.
Monday the 18th had us preparing for sea once more. PUMA sailed at 1500 and we followed her out. Exercising and ‘getting to know one another we calibrated gunnery radars, took one another in tow, fired our guns and manoeuvred our way eastwards. Cape Recife Light was raised at 0606 on Thursday and by 0830 we were secured alongside 10 Berth at Port Elizabeth.
During the forenoon visitors included Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul, the Captain of SAS DONKIN, the Mayor, Town Clerk and Chief Magistrate of Port Elizabeth. Colonel Lieisegang called and inspected our Guard and at 1130 our C in C left to return calls. Whilst cocktail parties were underway ashore our ship’s company were intent on discovering or re-discovering the finer parts of the city and old acquaintances.
On Saturday three ratings departed on detachment to the Veld and Vrei Adventure School as the CinC and Mrs Copeman continued their visits through the weekend. The ship was opened to visitors in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. SAS RIJGER and PORT ELIZABETH entered harbour early in the afternoon on Sunday to add to the numbers.
Whilst all that was going on a group of us had left to spend the day fifty miles away in the company of a Bantu Xhosa tribe at their village home in the Bush. Guided by Bantu Constable MRAS we were welcomed into their homes, watched them in tribal dances and rituals including stick dances and a coming-of-age ceremony. They created
their own medicines from plants, fish etc. and built their own homes, using mud and plants, in a couple of weeks which they said lasted for at least 15 years. It was a thoroughly fascinating, enjoyable and enlightening history lesson that has lived in my memory ever since so could not go unmentioned!
During the forenoon visitors included Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul, the Captain of SAS DONKIN, the Mayor, Town Clerk and Chief Magistrate of Port Elizabeth. Colonel Lieisegang called and inspected our Guard and at 1130 our C in C left to return calls. Whilst cocktail parties were underway ashore our ship’s company were intent on discovering or re-discovering the finer parts of the city and old acquaintances.
On Saturday three ratings departed on detachment to the Veld and Vrei Adventure School as the CinC and Mrs Copeman continued their visits through the weekend. The ship was opened to visitors in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. SAS RIJGER and PORT ELIZABETH entered harbour early in the afternoon on Sunday to add to the numbers.
Whilst all that was going on a group of us had left to spend the day fifty miles away in the company of a Bantu Xhosa tribe at their village home in the Bush. Guided by Bantu Constable MRAS we were welcomed into their homes, watched them in tribal dances and rituals including stick dances and a coming-of-age ceremony. They created
their own medicines from plants, fish etc. and built their own homes, using mud and plants, in a couple of weeks which they said lasted for at least 15 years. It was a thoroughly fascinating, enjoyable and enlightening history lesson that has lived in my memory ever since so could not go unmentioned!
On Monday the C in C hosted a Cocktail Party onboard between 1730 and 2030.
In the early hours of Tuesday the SA Navy ships left harbour and at 1040 so too did PUMA closely followed by us. In little wind and a long swell we wound up our speed to 24kts, housed our stabilisers and pursued a full power trial until 1335. At 1555 PUMA came within sight and the two ships carried out manoeuvres until 1720 after which we continued passage on parallel courses at 12kts.
By 0835 on Wednesday the 27th both ships were berthed at East London ready for the C in C to repeat the courtesies and accept more lavish hosting. The ships were floodlight during the stay. On Friday the CinC and Lady Copeman made an official visit to East London Orthopaedic Hospital in the morning and in the evening hosted a Cocktail Party onboard. Encouragingly our Shore Patrol returned onboard just before midnight with “nothing to report” so we were all on our best behaviour! We again welcomed visitors on Saturday and Sunday (1st July) The Patrol on Sunday also reported “no incidents“. Also on Sunday, Lady Copeman departed for Durban. Log: 671nm in 62hrs
In the early hours of Tuesday the SA Navy ships left harbour and at 1040 so too did PUMA closely followed by us. In little wind and a long swell we wound up our speed to 24kts, housed our stabilisers and pursued a full power trial until 1335. At 1555 PUMA came within sight and the two ships carried out manoeuvres until 1720 after which we continued passage on parallel courses at 12kts.
By 0835 on Wednesday the 27th both ships were berthed at East London ready for the C in C to repeat the courtesies and accept more lavish hosting. The ships were floodlight during the stay. On Friday the CinC and Lady Copeman made an official visit to East London Orthopaedic Hospital in the morning and in the evening hosted a Cocktail Party onboard. Encouragingly our Shore Patrol returned onboard just before midnight with “nothing to report” so we were all on our best behaviour! We again welcomed visitors on Saturday and Sunday (1st July) The Patrol on Sunday also reported “no incidents“. Also on Sunday, Lady Copeman departed for Durban. Log: 671nm in 62hrs
JULY
The Flag of C in C transferred to PUMA at 0800 on Monday the 2nd and we followed PUMA to sea at 0905. During the forenoon we carried out a Jackstay RAS before taking station 3 cables abeam of her. The afternoon was used for asdic exercises.
At 0835 on Wednesday we passed Durban Breakwater to berth alongside PUMA at Maydon Wharf. The CinC now in PUMA our life was a little more relaxed as we entertained local scouts/cubs, hosted a cocktail party and childrens party, opened to visitors, fired gun salutes and switched on our floodlights. We also accepted with gratitude the kindness of the people of Durban and the services of the APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA - STELLA MARIS, On Sunday the Reverend Fea (coincidently the same surname as our Satellite-tracking scientist) came onboard to officiate at Church and Midshipman Edmondson, with four cadets, joined the ship for passage to Simonstown.
The Flag of C in C transferred to PUMA at 0800 on Monday the 2nd and we followed PUMA to sea at 0905. During the forenoon we carried out a Jackstay RAS before taking station 3 cables abeam of her. The afternoon was used for asdic exercises.
At 0835 on Wednesday we passed Durban Breakwater to berth alongside PUMA at Maydon Wharf. The CinC now in PUMA our life was a little more relaxed as we entertained local scouts/cubs, hosted a cocktail party and childrens party, opened to visitors, fired gun salutes and switched on our floodlights. We also accepted with gratitude the kindness of the people of Durban and the services of the APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA - STELLA MARIS, On Sunday the Reverend Fea (coincidently the same surname as our Satellite-tracking scientist) came onboard to officiate at Church and Midshipman Edmondson, with four cadets, joined the ship for passage to Simonstown.
The Commander in Chief came onboard to address us shortly before we sailed ast6ern of PUMA at 1000 on Monday the 9th. Cheering-ship on passing her we then turned SE for Simonstown as they set of NE for a 1500nm run to Diego Suarez at the top of Madagascar.
A full power trial from 0810 to 1445 helped us on our way during Tuesday enabling us to reach Simonstown at 0900 on Wednesday well in time for a Make and Mend and leave from 1230. The Captain and officers held a Cocktail Party on Thursday the 12th of July. The four ratings that had been ‘loaned’, on the 18th of June, to the Veld and Vlei Outward Bound Centre whilst we were at Port Elizabeth returned to the ship in the early hours of Friday the 13th. It was a timely return as you will see.
Leave on Saturday was defined as follows: “To Starboard Watch and 1st of Port from 1230 until 0930, C&PO’s 0930, MUA 0045, Juniors 0045. The ship is under sailing orders for 1200 tomorrow.
A full power trial from 0810 to 1445 helped us on our way during Tuesday enabling us to reach Simonstown at 0900 on Wednesday well in time for a Make and Mend and leave from 1230. The Captain and officers held a Cocktail Party on Thursday the 12th of July. The four ratings that had been ‘loaned’, on the 18th of June, to the Veld and Vlei Outward Bound Centre whilst we were at Port Elizabeth returned to the ship in the early hours of Friday the 13th. It was a timely return as you will see.
Leave on Saturday was defined as follows: “To Starboard Watch and 1st of Port from 1230 until 0930, C&PO’s 0930, MUA 0045, Juniors 0045. The ship is under sailing orders for 1200 tomorrow.
By 1115 on Sunday the 15th of July the Jetty alongside the ship was becoming crowded with people in their Sunday best. At the same time we were changing into our best suits as well. Ashore or afloat we were all well aware that a tear or three was about to be shed and then, at Noon precisely, the ships wires were let-go and so too were the strong bonds and even ties that had been formed between those on the Jetty and ourselves. What was different this time was that we were leaving to go home, most of us perhaps never to return to South Africa.
Just some of our fondly welcoming 'hosts' shedding a tear or two whilst we swallowed hard and blinked as we waved our goodbye's. “Dankie vir jou warm liefde in die neem van ons harte en huise. Ons sal vir ewig onthou jy"
Our homeward passage was via South America so we first had to cross the South Atlantic which took us 285 hours and 3,788 nautical miles.+
You can be sure we were very pleased to first see the lighthouse at Isle de Lobo in the early minutes of Friday the 27th of July and reach the calm water at Montevideo, Uruguay at 0900. As if to illustrate the vastness we had seen just one other vessel, the merchant ship (Callsign VSNA) bound for Mena in the Persian Gulf and that was on the 22nd. During the crossing Warrant No. 8 was read with the accompanying punishment of 42 days confinement (suspended), 7 days stoppage of leave and 7 days pay forfeited. July Log 5093nm in 331hrs
You can be sure we were very pleased to first see the lighthouse at Isle de Lobo in the early minutes of Friday the 27th of July and reach the calm water at Montevideo, Uruguay at 0900. As if to illustrate the vastness we had seen just one other vessel, the merchant ship (Callsign VSNA) bound for Mena in the Persian Gulf and that was on the 22nd. During the crossing Warrant No. 8 was read with the accompanying punishment of 42 days confinement (suspended), 7 days stoppage of leave and 7 days pay forfeited. July Log 5093nm in 331hrs
+ (Webmaster's musings in 2015) Writing this I idly pondered how many ‘JAGUAR’s, set end-to-end, would fit in that distance…. 66,847! My next thought was of the Indian Ocean and the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 (MH370) which tragically disappeared a similar distance into the Indian Ocean in March 2014 and to date has yet to be located. The same calculation for the aircraft produced a number of 93,801 aircraft. A staggering number but that is only along a straight line! As well as for those lost, spare a thought also for those charged with the unenviable and perhaps impossible task of trying to locate MH370).
AUGUST
Returning to JAGUAR we were warmly welcomed and hosted during our six day stay at Montevideo and were visited by 6,000 people. Our Guard paraded to lay a wreath at the Stature of General Artigas in the Main Square and were roundly cheered by the crowds there. Some of us went on bus tours, others formed a ‘Painting Party‘ to help a local hospital and children partied onboard.
We sailed, with a good send-off, on the 3rd of August for a 930nm passage to Santos, Brazil. berthing on No 6 Wharf at 0900 on Monday the 6th. In no time at all we were into the customary exchanges, entertaining and cocktail parties etc.
A good number of the ship’s company seized the opportunity to buy a large colourful parrot with their new found wealth. That wealth, all be it temporary, was due to the volatility of the Brazilian Cruziero which resulted in getting more sterling back than was originally paid for the cruziero.
Much to the displeasure of the 1st Lieutenant and Gunnery Officer, ’X’ turret gun bay became the home of the individually caged birds where ‘Jolly Jack’ was to spend untold hours teaching his bird English! Even now I shudder in remembering the richness of that teaching and have always wondered how it went down with wives and families when ‘Pretty Polly’ settled in its new home. Some of the words taught were rare to me never mind Nan and Granddad fresh from Sunday Chapel! Late in our stay I asked a messmate to get me one which he did but instead of it being a large green one it was a small grey/red one whose party piece was to bite through an industrial leather glove with enough savagery to puncture the finger within it. I was never able to ‘tame’ it and it never reached the UK but I honestly can’t remember what became of it.
Returning to JAGUAR we were warmly welcomed and hosted during our six day stay at Montevideo and were visited by 6,000 people. Our Guard paraded to lay a wreath at the Stature of General Artigas in the Main Square and were roundly cheered by the crowds there. Some of us went on bus tours, others formed a ‘Painting Party‘ to help a local hospital and children partied onboard.
We sailed, with a good send-off, on the 3rd of August for a 930nm passage to Santos, Brazil. berthing on No 6 Wharf at 0900 on Monday the 6th. In no time at all we were into the customary exchanges, entertaining and cocktail parties etc.
A good number of the ship’s company seized the opportunity to buy a large colourful parrot with their new found wealth. That wealth, all be it temporary, was due to the volatility of the Brazilian Cruziero which resulted in getting more sterling back than was originally paid for the cruziero.
Much to the displeasure of the 1st Lieutenant and Gunnery Officer, ’X’ turret gun bay became the home of the individually caged birds where ‘Jolly Jack’ was to spend untold hours teaching his bird English! Even now I shudder in remembering the richness of that teaching and have always wondered how it went down with wives and families when ‘Pretty Polly’ settled in its new home. Some of the words taught were rare to me never mind Nan and Granddad fresh from Sunday Chapel! Late in our stay I asked a messmate to get me one which he did but instead of it being a large green one it was a small grey/red one whose party piece was to bite through an industrial leather glove with enough savagery to puncture the finger within it. I was never able to ‘tame’ it and it never reached the UK but I honestly can’t remember what became of it.
Our passage onwards and upwards resumed at 0930 on the 10th. Exercising with Brazilian Navy ships on the way we announced our arrival at Rio de Janeiro the next day with a 21gun Salute to the Republic of Brazil. Here we saw the delights of Copacabana Beach, Sugar Loaf Mountain and The Corcovado as well as the deprivation of the shanty township in its shadow. There was more ’Navy’ in Rio so we had Commanding Admirals and other naval groups and individuals coming and going in addition to consular and civil heads. The destroyer BNS PERNAMBUCO was nearby and hosted our officers and vice-versa.
This Jaguar became one of our 'company' for the journey from Rio on his way to London Zoo. Named 'Jason' he was a
gift from Brazil. (See also HMS JAGUAR 1963 section)
gift from Brazil. (See also HMS JAGUAR 1963 section)
By the time we sailed, at 1005 on Friday the 17th of August, we had finalised our ’rabbit’ buying and were beginning to hope that Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise officers would not hit us too hard when we got home.
We crossed quietly into the Northern Hemisphere at about 0600 on Wednesday the 22nd and entered Las Palmas at 1000 on Tuesday the 28th to refuel. Privilege Leave was given from 1030 to 1300. By 1500 we were leaving harbour again and, aided and abetted by a Full Power Trial on Wednesday, made Gibraltar by 0900 on Thursday.
Port Watch and 2nd Starboard were given leave from 1230 to 0100 (C&PO’s 0730). On Friday Sub/Lt Stephens and Midshipmen Robertson and Barker became the first to leave the ship for appointments elsewhere. So near to the UK I wonder if they would have preferred to complete the homeward passage with us? Log 5465nm in 395 hours seatime.
We crossed quietly into the Northern Hemisphere at about 0600 on Wednesday the 22nd and entered Las Palmas at 1000 on Tuesday the 28th to refuel. Privilege Leave was given from 1030 to 1300. By 1500 we were leaving harbour again and, aided and abetted by a Full Power Trial on Wednesday, made Gibraltar by 0900 on Thursday.
Port Watch and 2nd Starboard were given leave from 1230 to 0100 (C&PO’s 0730). On Friday Sub/Lt Stephens and Midshipmen Robertson and Barker became the first to leave the ship for appointments elsewhere. So near to the UK I wonder if they would have preferred to complete the homeward passage with us? Log 5465nm in 395 hours seatime.
SEPTEMBER
With excitement continuing to rise we said goodbye to Gibraltar on Saturday the 1st and at best economical speed aimed for Cape St Vincent, the Bay of Biscay, Ushant, the Channel Islands and our wives/girlfriends (not both some hoped) and families.
But first….just before 0800 on Tuesday the 4th of September, off Anvil Point, a target towing aircraft passed down our side for us to fire our guns at for half an hour. It didn’t, though, delay our arrival at Spithead where we anchored at 1007 to clear Customs.
As they finished with us, from the waiting dockyard craft, we embarked and embraced those we loved and had kissed goodbye exactly one year ago. On arrival my wife was tripped-up by a ringbolt/davit stay but everyone else around was too intent on other things to notice, and I did catch her! With them, the two JAGUAR’s made their way the last couple of miles to secure on Middle Slip, Portsmouth Dockyard.
Log 960nm - 72hrs
Perhaps unsurprisingly both the Officer of the Watch and the Quartermaster had lost interest in the Ship’s Log after HM Customs arrived aboard as it contains no further ’Remarks’ on that remarkable day! For my wife and I it was a Southsea Hotel where we did, at some time, find a moment to recharge our batteries by eating fried chicken ........ in bed! Uncivilised I know and best not divulged to our grandchildren please!
With excitement continuing to rise we said goodbye to Gibraltar on Saturday the 1st and at best economical speed aimed for Cape St Vincent, the Bay of Biscay, Ushant, the Channel Islands and our wives/girlfriends (not both some hoped) and families.
But first….just before 0800 on Tuesday the 4th of September, off Anvil Point, a target towing aircraft passed down our side for us to fire our guns at for half an hour. It didn’t, though, delay our arrival at Spithead where we anchored at 1007 to clear Customs.
As they finished with us, from the waiting dockyard craft, we embarked and embraced those we loved and had kissed goodbye exactly one year ago. On arrival my wife was tripped-up by a ringbolt/davit stay but everyone else around was too intent on other things to notice, and I did catch her! With them, the two JAGUAR’s made their way the last couple of miles to secure on Middle Slip, Portsmouth Dockyard.
Log 960nm - 72hrs
Perhaps unsurprisingly both the Officer of the Watch and the Quartermaster had lost interest in the Ship’s Log after HM Customs arrived aboard as it contains no further ’Remarks’ on that remarkable day! For my wife and I it was a Southsea Hotel where we did, at some time, find a moment to recharge our batteries by eating fried chicken ........ in bed! Uncivilised I know and best not divulged to our grandchildren please!
On Wednesday our sister ship LEOPARD berthed alongside us in the morning and Sub Lt Buck, presumably with little interest in completing this ’Chatham’ ship’s passage home, left us in the afternoon.
We sailed for ‘home’ at 1600 on Thursday and rounded Sheerness into the Medway at 0630 on Friday the 7th of September 1962. It wasn’t long before the welcoming arms of Chatham’s South Lock enclosed us - now we were back home exactly one year to the day after leaving.
By 1000 First Leave Party was streaming over the gangway accompanied by parrots and 'rabbits'.
Log 150nm 12.5hrs
Hardships? Bren and I had now been married for 390 days and had spent just 19 together two of which were this week!
It had been a l o o o o o o o n g year!
We sailed for ‘home’ at 1600 on Thursday and rounded Sheerness into the Medway at 0630 on Friday the 7th of September 1962. It wasn’t long before the welcoming arms of Chatham’s South Lock enclosed us - now we were back home exactly one year to the day after leaving.
By 1000 First Leave Party was streaming over the gangway accompanied by parrots and 'rabbits'.
Log 150nm 12.5hrs
Hardships? Bren and I had now been married for 390 days and had spent just 19 together two of which were this week!
It had been a l o o o o o o o n g year!
SOUTH AMERICA/SOUTH ATLANTIC YEAR OF THE COMMISSION:
CHATHAM 7 September 1961 - CHATHAM 7 September 1962
LOG 48164 nautical miles (55437 miles/89200 km) during 3,533 hours at sea.
CHATHAM 7 September 1961 - CHATHAM 7 September 1962
LOG 48164 nautical miles (55437 miles/89200 km) during 3,533 hours at sea.
‘CHATHAM DOCKYARD ROUTINE’ quickly became the norm as we welcomed or accepted ’Dockyard Assistance’ which entailed dockyard mateys quickly settling their toolboxes in any available corner or caboose. On the 18th of September the ship was cold moved through to No1. Basin and into No6 Dock. On Friday the 21st Second Long and LWE Leave commenced at 1545.
While work progressed the ship’s company were accommodated in Barracks marching down to the ship to work from 0835-1140 & 1340-1530. Only the Duty Watch slept onboard.
While work progressed the ship’s company were accommodated in Barracks marching down to the ship to work from 0835-1140 & 1340-1530. Only the Duty Watch slept onboard.
HMS JAGUAR at rest in No. 6 Dock, Chatham Dockyard, October 1962
On the 22nd of October the ship moved back into No3 Basin.
The Dockyard Police were called on the 28th after it was discovered that four of the ship’s Webley pistols plus one privately-owned Smith & Wesson were missing from their stowage in the Bofors magazine.
Rear Admiral Ian Hogg DSC*, Admiral Superintendent, Chatham inspected refit progress in mid-December after which the remainder of 1962 passed unremarkably in No3 Basin.
The Dockyard Police were called on the 28th after it was discovered that four of the ship’s Webley pistols plus one privately-owned Smith & Wesson were missing from their stowage in the Bofors magazine.
Rear Admiral Ian Hogg DSC*, Admiral Superintendent, Chatham inspected refit progress in mid-December after which the remainder of 1962 passed unremarkably in No3 Basin.
By Christmas the ship had moved through all three Basins and I have to say each looked significantly more empty of ships than when we left a year ago but for those interested still there were the destroyers CROSSBOW (3/48-12/71) & DIAMOND (2/52-11/81), frigates LYNX (3/57-2/82 Sold Bangladesh in svc until 2013.) HARDY (12/55-3/84), BLACKWOOD (8/57-76) & GRAFTON (1/57-71), minesweeper BELTON (5/57-11/74) Survey ship SCOTT (2/39-6/65) and the smaller survey vessels, ECHO, EGERIA & ENTERPRISE (See HMS ECHO section).
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This HMS JAGUAR 1962 section first published online 2015.