HMS JAGUAR 1963
Post-refit trials soon lead to re-commissioning then work-up followed by submariner training in Scotland, multi-national work in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and Christmas again in South Africa.
Post-refit trials soon lead to re-commissioning then work-up followed by submariner training in Scotland, multi-national work in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and Christmas again in South Africa.
JANUARY
Refitting continued in January but our dockyard mateys began to remove their boxes and selves ashore as we prepared to take JAGUAR back to sea again.
FEBRUARY
With some gratitude the for work done by the dockyard staff we were pleased to move with the aid of tugs into North Lock early in the afternoon of February the 1st and sail out to run down the river to No8 Buoy at Sheerness. We spent Saturday forenoon compass swinging and after dinner proceeded to sea for trials which ended with us anchoring in Margate Roads at 2030. The Starboard Watch was called at 0600 on Sunday to get ready to weigh anchor at 0700 and enable us to head north for gun functioning trials in the Gabbard Area where I had spent so much time earlier, in OBDURATE, taking classes from Chatham Gunnery School for gun firing. On completion we headed back to pick up No8 Sheerness at 1600.
Monday the 4th was spent at sea on engine trials between 0900 and 1800 and the night on a buoy at Sheerness. By 1000 on Tuesday we were back in No3 Basin in the dockyard. Painting the ship’s side on Wednesday/Thursday in temperatures around freezing was made slightly more tolerable by light wind from the SE. We locked out after dinner on Friday for an overnight passage to Portsmouth but the continuing light winds were now a burden as we had low visibility and fog to contend with on the way. From North Corner Jetty Short Weekend leave was granted.
Monday the 11th was devoted to ‘ammunition ship’ a task for which all hands unable to find a reasonable excuse were commandeered. Leave was not given until all was safely embarked and stowed. I can’t recall why L/S Tony Head and A/B Ellis went to RN Hospital Haslar at 1600 but chances are it had an ammunition connection!
The French Navy Ships CHAVALIER PAUL, GUEPRATTE, LE BRETON and NORMONDE came in on Tuesday.
Refitting continued in January but our dockyard mateys began to remove their boxes and selves ashore as we prepared to take JAGUAR back to sea again.
FEBRUARY
With some gratitude the for work done by the dockyard staff we were pleased to move with the aid of tugs into North Lock early in the afternoon of February the 1st and sail out to run down the river to No8 Buoy at Sheerness. We spent Saturday forenoon compass swinging and after dinner proceeded to sea for trials which ended with us anchoring in Margate Roads at 2030. The Starboard Watch was called at 0600 on Sunday to get ready to weigh anchor at 0700 and enable us to head north for gun functioning trials in the Gabbard Area where I had spent so much time earlier, in OBDURATE, taking classes from Chatham Gunnery School for gun firing. On completion we headed back to pick up No8 Sheerness at 1600.
Monday the 4th was spent at sea on engine trials between 0900 and 1800 and the night on a buoy at Sheerness. By 1000 on Tuesday we were back in No3 Basin in the dockyard. Painting the ship’s side on Wednesday/Thursday in temperatures around freezing was made slightly more tolerable by light wind from the SE. We locked out after dinner on Friday for an overnight passage to Portsmouth but the continuing light winds were now a burden as we had low visibility and fog to contend with on the way. From North Corner Jetty Short Weekend leave was granted.
Monday the 11th was devoted to ‘ammunition ship’ a task for which all hands unable to find a reasonable excuse were commandeered. Leave was not given until all was safely embarked and stowed. I can’t recall why L/S Tony Head and A/B Ellis went to RN Hospital Haslar at 1600 but chances are it had an ammunition connection!
The French Navy Ships CHAVALIER PAUL, GUEPRATTE, LE BRETON and NORMONDE came in on Tuesday.
FNS CHEVALIER PAUL 1954-1994
The reading of Warrant No 10 resulted in a disrating on Wednesday. On Thursday the new South African Ship PRESIDENT KRUGER berthed. The modified Type12 frigate had completed trials and work-up and was preparing to depart for her home port of Simonstown.
A/B Ellis returned to the ship from RNH Haslar on Monday the 18th. Dockyard staff came and went through the week as we got on with post-refit work and watched ships like the frigate URSA, carrier CENTAUR and submarine CACHELOT on the move. On.Friday the 22nd we left the dockyard just before 0800 to go out to anchor in Spithead for radar alignment trials with the aid of an aircraft and other calibrations through the weekend resulting in those wanting leave to have to contend with pre-timed boat trips.
Radar checks continued on Monday the 25th this time at sea from 0800 to 1730 again in not much above freezing temperatures. We went to sea at 0800 on Tuesday and Wednesday zig-zag plotting and conning south of the Owers Lt before returning to anchor at 1900 each evening. The same times and distances on Thursday allowed us to check our gunnery radar. We only remained at anchor until midnight on Thursday.
Log: 1313nm/92hrs.
A/B Ellis returned to the ship from RNH Haslar on Monday the 18th. Dockyard staff came and went through the week as we got on with post-refit work and watched ships like the frigate URSA, carrier CENTAUR and submarine CACHELOT on the move. On.Friday the 22nd we left the dockyard just before 0800 to go out to anchor in Spithead for radar alignment trials with the aid of an aircraft and other calibrations through the weekend resulting in those wanting leave to have to contend with pre-timed boat trips.
Radar checks continued on Monday the 25th this time at sea from 0800 to 1730 again in not much above freezing temperatures. We went to sea at 0800 on Tuesday and Wednesday zig-zag plotting and conning south of the Owers Lt before returning to anchor at 1900 each evening. The same times and distances on Thursday allowed us to check our gunnery radar. We only remained at anchor until midnight on Thursday.
Log: 1313nm/92hrs.
MARCH
In the first minutes of March we sailed for Chatham arriving at the Locks there at 1400 on Friday to give Port Watch long weekend leave (176nm 14hrs).
The first two weeks of March were spent in post-refit cleaning, tidying, painting and preparing the ship as individuals were drafted out to be replaced by newcomers. Our Electrical Officer, Lt Cdr M J Hickman left on the 8th.
Having joined the new ship at the builders in Dumbarton in December 1959 I had seen her through her first faltering steps, engine repairs and then her belated first commission but the time had now come for me to leave JAGUAR as well! It was going to be a bit of a wrench but on Tuesday the 12th of March 1963 I turned my back on the ship to go ashore and through the gate into HMS PEMBROKE Barracks.
On the same day our Captain, Commander D T Goodhugh also left the ship on re-appointment, and to her new Captain, Commander J D Rowbotham.
AT 1140 ON FRIDAY the 15th of March 1963, in the presence of Flag Officer, Medway, Vice Admiral I L T Hogg, CB, DSC* (pictured), HMS JAGUAR re-commissioned in a ceremony signalling the beginning of another adventure for the ship, her company and, elsewhere, for me.
In the first minutes of March we sailed for Chatham arriving at the Locks there at 1400 on Friday to give Port Watch long weekend leave (176nm 14hrs).
The first two weeks of March were spent in post-refit cleaning, tidying, painting and preparing the ship as individuals were drafted out to be replaced by newcomers. Our Electrical Officer, Lt Cdr M J Hickman left on the 8th.
Having joined the new ship at the builders in Dumbarton in December 1959 I had seen her through her first faltering steps, engine repairs and then her belated first commission but the time had now come for me to leave JAGUAR as well! It was going to be a bit of a wrench but on Tuesday the 12th of March 1963 I turned my back on the ship to go ashore and through the gate into HMS PEMBROKE Barracks.
On the same day our Captain, Commander D T Goodhugh also left the ship on re-appointment, and to her new Captain, Commander J D Rowbotham.
AT 1140 ON FRIDAY the 15th of March 1963, in the presence of Flag Officer, Medway, Vice Admiral I L T Hogg, CB, DSC* (pictured), HMS JAGUAR re-commissioned in a ceremony signalling the beginning of another adventure for the ship, her company and, elsewhere, for me.
One week later, on Friday the 22nd the first entry in the Ship’s Log’ reads ‘0640 Juniors to PT (Physical Training) on ‘X’ gundeck’. ‘A new broom sweeps clean’ springs to mind here. PT was one of those things set out in the Regulations/Instructions that soon fell by the wayside in light of higher priorities. By 1000 the ship was entering the river on the way to a buoy at Sheerness. Those in her were on their way to training, drills and exercises that would test and tire them on their way to becoming a cohesive and competent unit of the fleet.
{You will have read about day to day operations in the many other pages and sections of this website/written history and for that reason I will try henceforth to limit the record to whereabouts and highlights.}
No9 Buoy Sheerness was slipped at 1000 on Saturday and passing Dungeness at 1545 the ship continued her way down the Channel towards Tor Bay. Arriving there around 0900 on Monday they moored ship (both anchors let go a distance apart and a swivel inserted to join the anchor cables together) and then pulled it all back inboard at 1030. They practiced securing to a buoy at Portland then returned east and were 20nm south of the Isle of Wight at midnight.
Exercises and evolutions on Tuesday the 26th, including anti-submarine tracking, ended with arrival at Portland at 1730. The Degaussing Range running was the first task on Wednesday and another night and day at sea concluded at anchor in Portland Harbour at 1830 Thursday where liberty boats enabled leave. Manoeuvres, gear breakdowns and submarine pursuit and avoidance was practiced before returning to Portland and Short Weekend Leave on Saturday.
Log 780nm/83hrs
{You will have read about day to day operations in the many other pages and sections of this website/written history and for that reason I will try henceforth to limit the record to whereabouts and highlights.}
No9 Buoy Sheerness was slipped at 1000 on Saturday and passing Dungeness at 1545 the ship continued her way down the Channel towards Tor Bay. Arriving there around 0900 on Monday they moored ship (both anchors let go a distance apart and a swivel inserted to join the anchor cables together) and then pulled it all back inboard at 1030. They practiced securing to a buoy at Portland then returned east and were 20nm south of the Isle of Wight at midnight.
Exercises and evolutions on Tuesday the 26th, including anti-submarine tracking, ended with arrival at Portland at 1730. The Degaussing Range running was the first task on Wednesday and another night and day at sea concluded at anchor in Portland Harbour at 1830 Thursday where liberty boats enabled leave. Manoeuvres, gear breakdowns and submarine pursuit and avoidance was practiced before returning to Portland and Short Weekend Leave on Saturday.
Log 780nm/83hrs
APRIL
After the first week of the month was spent on harbour drills they were ready for anything!
On Monday the 8th sea ‘Work-up’ began in earnest and for the next eight days consisted of going to sea before 0800 and returning to harbour at varying times between 1700 and midnight or staying at sea overnight during which time the ship’s company fought against surface raiders, aircraft attacks, submarine stealth, equipment failings, radioactive fallout and frogmen. They guided their own ship and those they were screening and protecting through narrow lanes between minefields, re-fuelled and stored from RFA ships, took others in tow or were towed, landed and recovered Defence/Security Platoons, put out fires and boats to recover men from the sea. Additionally they also slept and ate but only when ’battle’ permitted. They also cleaned and polished the ship and themselves for an inspection by Rear Admiral H R Law OBE, DSC, Flag Officer, Sea Training (FOST).
At 1730 on Thursday the 18th, having shot down a Pilotless Target Aircraft with the second shell, the war was over….but not the seatime. Course up Channel was then set for home and the shelter of Chatham Dockyard where, at 1030 on Friday, Port watch left for their Easter Leave.
On Monday the 22nd JAGUAR’s (1st commission) Engineer Officer, Lt Cdr C J Edwards left the ship on re-appointment. I know he had enjoyed his time in the ship except for the singular exception of having his best white tropical uniform jacket marked in permanent ink with a one inch (2.5cm) high and wide figure 3. It was his correct laundry number but was, unfortunately, put on the OUTSIDE centre-back of the collar instead of the inside. The word ’unfortunately’ is my word and bears no similarity whatsoever to those he uttered! I never found out who did it and I don’t think the EO or the Laundry Officer, Mike Goodwin, did either! Come to think about it he didn’t even apologise for holding me by the scruff of the neck against the bulkhead with one hand and brandishing said jacket in the other whilst seeking a confession from me! My insistent, if high pitched, ’Not me Chief’’ failed to drain the blood from his eyes but he did drop me and headed aft down the Khyber Pass for my ’oppo’ who happened to be a member of the engineering branch. Happy days.
‘Self-maintenance’ onboard, and ashore for those on leave, continued to the month’s end.
Log 1021nm 95hrs.
After the first week of the month was spent on harbour drills they were ready for anything!
On Monday the 8th sea ‘Work-up’ began in earnest and for the next eight days consisted of going to sea before 0800 and returning to harbour at varying times between 1700 and midnight or staying at sea overnight during which time the ship’s company fought against surface raiders, aircraft attacks, submarine stealth, equipment failings, radioactive fallout and frogmen. They guided their own ship and those they were screening and protecting through narrow lanes between minefields, re-fuelled and stored from RFA ships, took others in tow or were towed, landed and recovered Defence/Security Platoons, put out fires and boats to recover men from the sea. Additionally they also slept and ate but only when ’battle’ permitted. They also cleaned and polished the ship and themselves for an inspection by Rear Admiral H R Law OBE, DSC, Flag Officer, Sea Training (FOST).
At 1730 on Thursday the 18th, having shot down a Pilotless Target Aircraft with the second shell, the war was over….but not the seatime. Course up Channel was then set for home and the shelter of Chatham Dockyard where, at 1030 on Friday, Port watch left for their Easter Leave.
On Monday the 22nd JAGUAR’s (1st commission) Engineer Officer, Lt Cdr C J Edwards left the ship on re-appointment. I know he had enjoyed his time in the ship except for the singular exception of having his best white tropical uniform jacket marked in permanent ink with a one inch (2.5cm) high and wide figure 3. It was his correct laundry number but was, unfortunately, put on the OUTSIDE centre-back of the collar instead of the inside. The word ’unfortunately’ is my word and bears no similarity whatsoever to those he uttered! I never found out who did it and I don’t think the EO or the Laundry Officer, Mike Goodwin, did either! Come to think about it he didn’t even apologise for holding me by the scruff of the neck against the bulkhead with one hand and brandishing said jacket in the other whilst seeking a confession from me! My insistent, if high pitched, ’Not me Chief’’ failed to drain the blood from his eyes but he did drop me and headed aft down the Khyber Pass for my ’oppo’ who happened to be a member of the engineering branch. Happy days.
‘Self-maintenance’ onboard, and ashore for those on leave, continued to the month’s end.
Log 1021nm 95hrs.
Engineer Branch Photo. Lt Cdr Edwards (bearded) second row centre
MAY
With everyone back on board the ship locked-out into Gillingham Reach at 1430 on Monday the 6th of May to make her way back to Portland to continue ‘Work-up’ on Tuesday morning. By Friday all of the previously practiced events were repeated and enhanced with some new ones in the form of helicopter (Dragonfly) transfers of FOST Staff and search planning and execution for a silent submerged submarine. A weekend in Portland did allow SWE Leave on Saturday until 0700 Monday.
An 0745 departure on Monday the 13th saw the ‘war’ continued and intensified in volume and complexity, interspersed with SWE Leave, through to Wednesday the 29th.
After an hour and a half alongside in Portland the ship sailed at 2100 and entered Portsmouth Dockyard at 0930 on Thursday the 30th of May. Phew! A Long Weekend for most had been well earned and was eagerly taken.
Log: 1730nm/154hrs.
JUNE
The month began for Starboard Watch with Whitsun Leave from 1230 Saturday the 1st to Wednesday the 5th. Surgeon Lt Golden joined the ship on Tuesday and so too did a Petty Officer and Ordinary Seaman of the Royal Malayan Navy. The ship was moved from N Wall Tidal Basin to South Slip Jetty on the 10th. The first Punishment Warrant was read after Prayers on Thursday the 13th and the offender and escort had left for HMS VICTORY (Barracks) RNDT Cells by 0800.
A short trip to sea between 1400 and 1630 added 23miles to their travelled distance and made for a delayed start to LWE Leave which began at 1715 and ended at 0715 Monday with the ship under sailing orders. Surg. Cdr (Dental) Pett RNR joined on Sunday.
With everyone back on board the ship locked-out into Gillingham Reach at 1430 on Monday the 6th of May to make her way back to Portland to continue ‘Work-up’ on Tuesday morning. By Friday all of the previously practiced events were repeated and enhanced with some new ones in the form of helicopter (Dragonfly) transfers of FOST Staff and search planning and execution for a silent submerged submarine. A weekend in Portland did allow SWE Leave on Saturday until 0700 Monday.
An 0745 departure on Monday the 13th saw the ‘war’ continued and intensified in volume and complexity, interspersed with SWE Leave, through to Wednesday the 29th.
After an hour and a half alongside in Portland the ship sailed at 2100 and entered Portsmouth Dockyard at 0930 on Thursday the 30th of May. Phew! A Long Weekend for most had been well earned and was eagerly taken.
Log: 1730nm/154hrs.
JUNE
The month began for Starboard Watch with Whitsun Leave from 1230 Saturday the 1st to Wednesday the 5th. Surgeon Lt Golden joined the ship on Tuesday and so too did a Petty Officer and Ordinary Seaman of the Royal Malayan Navy. The ship was moved from N Wall Tidal Basin to South Slip Jetty on the 10th. The first Punishment Warrant was read after Prayers on Thursday the 13th and the offender and escort had left for HMS VICTORY (Barracks) RNDT Cells by 0800.
A short trip to sea between 1400 and 1630 added 23miles to their travelled distance and made for a delayed start to LWE Leave which began at 1715 and ended at 0715 Monday with the ship under sailing orders. Surg. Cdr (Dental) Pett RNR joined on Sunday.
HMS HAMPSHIRE 1963-1979
The new Guided Missile Destroyer HMS HAMPSHIRE entered harbour on Monday the 17th before JAGUAR sailed at 1115 to arrive at Portland at 1700. On Tuesday degaussing and compass swing was followed by an anti-aircraft shoot on the way back to Portsmouth. Log: Sailing at 1140 on Thursday passage to Kiel, Germany via the Kiel Canal was completed at Scharnhorst Jetty there at 1715 on Saturday the 22nd. The stay in Germany ended at 0845 on the 28th of June when they sailed via the Kattegat to the Clyde. Log 1408nm/142hrs.
JULY
The ship took part in anti-submarine exercises on Monday the 1st of July before securing on ’B’ Buoy at Rothesay at 1740. Underway at 0800 on Tuesday to act, with GHURKA and HARDY, as target ship for the Submarine Officers Qualifying Course in the submarine GRAMPUS the ship returned to the buoy at 1820 and GRAMPUS secured alongside. Wednesday’s continuing exercises from 0800 ended with JAGUAR getting to Gourock at 1700.
JAGUAR hosted a Cocktail Party 1830-2030 on Thursday at which guests included Captain HMS MAIDSTONE and Captain USS HUNLEY. Moving to Greenock for the weekend leave was granted until 0600 Monday.
Leaving Custom House Pier at 0645 on Monday the 8th the day was spent in more anti-submarine exercises which were completed at 2215 leaving the ship to get to anchor off Brodick Bay (Isle of Arran) just before 2300. Underway at 0750 on Tuesday the submarine DREADNOUGHT was in sight an hour later and, with GRAMPUS, exercises resumed and continued until 2225.
Turning southward JAGUAR set courses to transit the Irish Sea on the way back to Chatham. A three hour exercise south of Portland on Thursday afternoon was an interruption but by 0730 on Friday the ship was locking-in at Chatham. There Malayan Navy ’guests’ said their farewells and left the ship in the afternoon. Log 1250nm/113hrs.
On Monday the 15th the Civil Lord of the Admiralty Mr C I Orr-Ewing with Flag Officer Medway was acknowledged passing the ship. By the end of the week JAGUAR was sitting dry in No 6 Dock to remain through the month’s end.
JULY
The ship took part in anti-submarine exercises on Monday the 1st of July before securing on ’B’ Buoy at Rothesay at 1740. Underway at 0800 on Tuesday to act, with GHURKA and HARDY, as target ship for the Submarine Officers Qualifying Course in the submarine GRAMPUS the ship returned to the buoy at 1820 and GRAMPUS secured alongside. Wednesday’s continuing exercises from 0800 ended with JAGUAR getting to Gourock at 1700.
JAGUAR hosted a Cocktail Party 1830-2030 on Thursday at which guests included Captain HMS MAIDSTONE and Captain USS HUNLEY. Moving to Greenock for the weekend leave was granted until 0600 Monday.
Leaving Custom House Pier at 0645 on Monday the 8th the day was spent in more anti-submarine exercises which were completed at 2215 leaving the ship to get to anchor off Brodick Bay (Isle of Arran) just before 2300. Underway at 0750 on Tuesday the submarine DREADNOUGHT was in sight an hour later and, with GRAMPUS, exercises resumed and continued until 2225.
Turning southward JAGUAR set courses to transit the Irish Sea on the way back to Chatham. A three hour exercise south of Portland on Thursday afternoon was an interruption but by 0730 on Friday the ship was locking-in at Chatham. There Malayan Navy ’guests’ said their farewells and left the ship in the afternoon. Log 1250nm/113hrs.
On Monday the 15th the Civil Lord of the Admiralty Mr C I Orr-Ewing with Flag Officer Medway was acknowledged passing the ship. By the end of the week JAGUAR was sitting dry in No 6 Dock to remain through the month’s end.
AUGUST
The Dock was flooded on Thursday the 1st and the ship was moved back into No3 Basin on Friday.
The next ten days involved intensive storing and equipment checking as well as fuelling, cleaning and painting.
On Monday the 12th of August JAGUAR slid out of South Lock at Chatham and was, by the same time on Thursday, entering Gibraltar.
Gibraltar was left behind on Saturday and stopping a couple of times for ‘Hands to Bathe’ on the way, a ceremonial entry was made into Grand Harbour, Malta on Tuesday.
Commander in Chief, Mediterranean Fleet, Admiral Sir Douglas Holland-Martin KCB, DSO, DSC* came visiting on Wednesday as stores, ammunition and fuel was embarked.
After AB Cooper had been discharged to RN Hospital Bighi JAGUAR left harbour at 0800 on Thursday the 29th and turned right for Port Said which was reached at 2240 on the last day of the month. Log: 5354nm / 369hrs.
The Dock was flooded on Thursday the 1st and the ship was moved back into No3 Basin on Friday.
The next ten days involved intensive storing and equipment checking as well as fuelling, cleaning and painting.
On Monday the 12th of August JAGUAR slid out of South Lock at Chatham and was, by the same time on Thursday, entering Gibraltar.
Gibraltar was left behind on Saturday and stopping a couple of times for ‘Hands to Bathe’ on the way, a ceremonial entry was made into Grand Harbour, Malta on Tuesday.
Commander in Chief, Mediterranean Fleet, Admiral Sir Douglas Holland-Martin KCB, DSO, DSC* came visiting on Wednesday as stores, ammunition and fuel was embarked.
After AB Cooper had been discharged to RN Hospital Bighi JAGUAR left harbour at 0800 on Thursday the 29th and turned right for Port Said which was reached at 2240 on the last day of the month. Log: 5354nm / 369hrs.
SEPTEMBER
An 0600 call and 0800 weighing of the anchor on the 1st got JAGUAR into the Suez Canal at the head of the convoy. Through the Bitter Lakes by midnight the passage was continued into the Gulf and Red Sea on the way to fuel from RFA TIDEREACH early on Thursday before anchoring at Aden at 1030. By the time they sailed again at 1100 on Saturday the 7th the stores ship RFA HEBE and destroyer USS ROBERT A OWENS had come in, Flag Officer, Middle East had visited the ship and the landing ship HMS STRIKER had gone to sea.
Muscat was abeam at 1830 on Tuesday and the anchor was dropped off the Deep Water Jetty at Bahrain at 1240 on Thursday the 12th. Alongside ASHANTI on Friday Senior Officer Persian Gulf visited and welcomed JAGUAR.
At 0800 on Saturday it was time to return to sea for a week of exercises with landing ships/craft including STRIKER, MESSINA, PARAPET, REDOUBT and BASTION plus the coastal minesweepers APPLETON and FLOCKTON.
An 0600 call and 0800 weighing of the anchor on the 1st got JAGUAR into the Suez Canal at the head of the convoy. Through the Bitter Lakes by midnight the passage was continued into the Gulf and Red Sea on the way to fuel from RFA TIDEREACH early on Thursday before anchoring at Aden at 1030. By the time they sailed again at 1100 on Saturday the 7th the stores ship RFA HEBE and destroyer USS ROBERT A OWENS had come in, Flag Officer, Middle East had visited the ship and the landing ship HMS STRIKER had gone to sea.
Muscat was abeam at 1830 on Tuesday and the anchor was dropped off the Deep Water Jetty at Bahrain at 1240 on Thursday the 12th. Alongside ASHANTI on Friday Senior Officer Persian Gulf visited and welcomed JAGUAR.
At 0800 on Saturday it was time to return to sea for a week of exercises with landing ships/craft including STRIKER, MESSINA, PARAPET, REDOUBT and BASTION plus the coastal minesweepers APPLETON and FLOCKTON.
HMS PARAPET 1945-1966 (Sold)
Returning to Bahrain on Sunday the 22nd to lay alongside the new Tribal Class frigate ASHANTI signalled a quiet week of trying to hide from the sun and 100+ temperatures whilst caring and maintaining both the ship and her company. During the week USS VALCOUR came in and on the last day of the month the ship momentarily moved aside to allow ASHANTI to go to sea.
Log 4187nm/337hrs.
Historical note: The Persian Gulf, in which a number of states on the western side had long been part of the British India Administration and since the early 20th century a developing source of oil was, in common with other British administered outposts, now seeking independence. Kuwait was the first to become independent in 1961 and by 1971 the British Protectorate ceased to exist. Conflicts of interest between former protectorate countries and Iraq and Iran on the eastern side of the Gulf then followed.
Log 4187nm/337hrs.
Historical note: The Persian Gulf, in which a number of states on the western side had long been part of the British India Administration and since the early 20th century a developing source of oil was, in common with other British administered outposts, now seeking independence. Kuwait was the first to become independent in 1961 and by 1971 the British Protectorate ceased to exist. Conflicts of interest between former protectorate countries and Iraq and Iran on the eastern side of the Gulf then followed.
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
During the forenoon of Tuesday the 1st Midshipman Elliot was drafted to RAF Maharak (Bahrain) and in the afternoon the merchant ship ADELE BEAM rammed JAGUAR up the back end resulting in damage to the stern and crushing damage to LCA 603. It brought distress to JAGUAR’s First Lieutenant and work for the ships divers and local repair crews that continued into the early hours of Friday.
Sailing at 1115 Friday RFA ORANGELEAF, on passage from Malta to Rastan Nura, was passed as JAGUAR made her way to KHOR AL FAAKAN to anchor there at 1220 Saturday with PLYMOUTH and ARK ROYAL.
From Monday the 7th of October through to Friday the 22nd of November JAGUAR was in the shadow of ARK ROYAL and engaged in exercises constantly. The area of operations extended from the Persian Gulf, 2,600nm south to Mombasa, Kenya and 2,700nm east to Karachi, Pakistan. Harbour stops were; 7th 0800-Sharjah-9th 1300; 11th 1740- Jagrat-11th 2300; 12th 0255-Sharjah-12th 1322; 18th 1545-Mombasa-1st Nov; 9th 1800-Karachi-14th 0710; 16th 1450-Karachi-18th 1330, 22nd 1100-Karachi-23rd 1535.
Other ships involved in addition to the landing craft and ARK ROYAL herself included the frigates HMS PLYMOUTH, ASHANTI, NUBIAN and ESKIMO; submarines AMPHION and ANDREW and minesweepers APPLETON and FLOCKTON; RFA tankers TIDESURGE and WAVE CHIEF and stores ships FORT ROSALIE and FORT DUQUESNE. Pakistan Navy ships also participated whilst the ’fleet’ was there.
During the forenoon of Tuesday the 1st Midshipman Elliot was drafted to RAF Maharak (Bahrain) and in the afternoon the merchant ship ADELE BEAM rammed JAGUAR up the back end resulting in damage to the stern and crushing damage to LCA 603. It brought distress to JAGUAR’s First Lieutenant and work for the ships divers and local repair crews that continued into the early hours of Friday.
Sailing at 1115 Friday RFA ORANGELEAF, on passage from Malta to Rastan Nura, was passed as JAGUAR made her way to KHOR AL FAAKAN to anchor there at 1220 Saturday with PLYMOUTH and ARK ROYAL.
From Monday the 7th of October through to Friday the 22nd of November JAGUAR was in the shadow of ARK ROYAL and engaged in exercises constantly. The area of operations extended from the Persian Gulf, 2,600nm south to Mombasa, Kenya and 2,700nm east to Karachi, Pakistan. Harbour stops were; 7th 0800-Sharjah-9th 1300; 11th 1740- Jagrat-11th 2300; 12th 0255-Sharjah-12th 1322; 18th 1545-Mombasa-1st Nov; 9th 1800-Karachi-14th 0710; 16th 1450-Karachi-18th 1330, 22nd 1100-Karachi-23rd 1535.
Other ships involved in addition to the landing craft and ARK ROYAL herself included the frigates HMS PLYMOUTH, ASHANTI, NUBIAN and ESKIMO; submarines AMPHION and ANDREW and minesweepers APPLETON and FLOCKTON; RFA tankers TIDESURGE and WAVE CHIEF and stores ships FORT ROSALIE and FORT DUQUESNE. Pakistan Navy ships also participated whilst the ’fleet’ was there.
HMS ASHANTI 1961-1988
At Karachi on Saturday the 23rd of November JAGUAR moored alongside RFA Tanker WAVECHIEF at 1230 then, full of fuel, left her side at 1500 to go to sea saluting and bidding farewell to all of the other ships as she went. Alone again and out of the exercise mix the ships company spent the next five days relatively relaxed as they crossed the Indian Ocean to arrive at Mombasa at 0830 on Friday the 29th. JAGUAR stayed overnight and sailed again at 1500 on Saturday to set off southwards into December.
Log: OCT: 3824nm/236hrs. NOV 6950nm/485hrs.
DECEMBER
Someone had misbehaved resulting in Warrant No. 2 being read on Monday the 2nd. As the sun rose on Thursday the 5th the ship glided into Durban to secure alongside Mayden Wharf at 0715. Within the hour ships of South Africa’s 10th Frigate Squadron, SAS GOOD HOPE, PRESIDENT STEYNE, PRESIDENT KRUGER (first seen at Portsmouth in February) and TRANSVAAL came in. JAGUAR hosted a Cocktail Party in the evening and on Friday senior officers exchanged calls before the Captain and 12 officers attended the SAN Commodore’s Reception in GOOD HOPE. Short W/E Leave was given from 1230 to 0815 and the ship opened to visitors on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Log: OCT: 3824nm/236hrs. NOV 6950nm/485hrs.
DECEMBER
Someone had misbehaved resulting in Warrant No. 2 being read on Monday the 2nd. As the sun rose on Thursday the 5th the ship glided into Durban to secure alongside Mayden Wharf at 0715. Within the hour ships of South Africa’s 10th Frigate Squadron, SAS GOOD HOPE, PRESIDENT STEYNE, PRESIDENT KRUGER (first seen at Portsmouth in February) and TRANSVAAL came in. JAGUAR hosted a Cocktail Party in the evening and on Friday senior officers exchanged calls before the Captain and 12 officers attended the SAN Commodore’s Reception in GOOD HOPE. Short W/E Leave was given from 1230 to 0815 and the ship opened to visitors on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
SAS PRESIDENT KRUGER 1963-1982 (Sunk 10 Lost)
All of the ships went to sea around 0900 on Monday the 8th to exercise their way south and west to Simonstown arriving there in the early afternoon of Thursday the 11th. Log 2522nm/177hrs brought this years extensive seatime to an end.
The ships company, dressed in their finest, fell in by Divisions on Saturday for the visit of and inspection by Commander in Chief, South Atlantic/South America Station, Rear Admiral A Talbot CB DSO*.
After that the run up to Christmas and 1964 was made quietly and routinely alongside the wall with courtesy calls being made and runs ashore being enjoyed. The ship had to be cared for and cleaned of course but otherwise the only highlight was the departure of a ‘prisoner and escort’ to HMS AFRIKANDER the RN Base at Wynberg upon ‘earning’ Punishment Warrant No.4 on the 10th.
Oh yes! I’m probably right in saying that Christmas activities included raids and counter raids between ships just as they had a year earlier when I had been there in JAGUAR and found myself caught up on the harbour wall with two South African sailors debating - with their beer ration undoubtedly enhanced by illicit extras - whether or not to throw me into False Bay. I escaped and got back to JAGUAR safely!
The ships company, dressed in their finest, fell in by Divisions on Saturday for the visit of and inspection by Commander in Chief, South Atlantic/South America Station, Rear Admiral A Talbot CB DSO*.
After that the run up to Christmas and 1964 was made quietly and routinely alongside the wall with courtesy calls being made and runs ashore being enjoyed. The ship had to be cared for and cleaned of course but otherwise the only highlight was the departure of a ‘prisoner and escort’ to HMS AFRIKANDER the RN Base at Wynberg upon ‘earning’ Punishment Warrant No.4 on the 10th.
Oh yes! I’m probably right in saying that Christmas activities included raids and counter raids between ships just as they had a year earlier when I had been there in JAGUAR and found myself caught up on the harbour wall with two South African sailors debating - with their beer ration undoubtedly enhanced by illicit extras - whether or not to throw me into False Bay. I escaped and got back to JAGUAR safely!
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This HMS JAGUAR 1963 section first published online 2015 and since revised