HMS JAGUAR 1967
From refitting to trials the shape of the ship changes and a new ship's company begin the task of making it fit to rejoin the Fleet.
From refitting to trials the shape of the ship changes and a new ship's company begin the task of making it fit to rejoin the Fleet.
As 1967 opened the ship was cold and unmanned save for Chatham dockyard men who would continue their refitting tasks through the first half of the year.
During those first six months the ship acquired a new aircraft detection system which required significant structural alterations above and equipment changes below decks.
In summary the hitherto Type 960 Radar System was replaced with Type 965. The changes brought much improved air detection and defence capabilities with target acquisition extending to 200nm from the old radar's 120nm and enhanced gun control systems. The fitting of the AKE1 (Bedstead) antenna also changed the ship's profile as can be seen below.
During those first six months the ship acquired a new aircraft detection system which required significant structural alterations above and equipment changes below decks.
In summary the hitherto Type 960 Radar System was replaced with Type 965. The changes brought much improved air detection and defence capabilities with target acquisition extending to 200nm from the old radar's 120nm and enhanced gun control systems. The fitting of the AKE1 (Bedstead) antenna also changed the ship's profile as can be seen below.
JULY - SEPTEMBER
On the last day of July 1967 Commander P W Greening was appointed Commanding Officer as a ship’s company was being put together and accommodated in Chatham Barracks, HMS PEMBROKE in readiness for post-refit trials and a return to active service.
Between the 12th and 25th of August Tilt Tests and Alignments of the ship were checked in No. 7 Dock and subsequently the refit completion date was moved out from the 29th of September to the 20th of October.
That in turn set back the arrival of a Trials Teams which, in a retrenching navy, now had to come from Portsmouth.
OCTOBER
The Ship’s Company embarked at 0900 on Monday the 2nd of October 1967 followed at 1350 by the Captain, thus a pulse was again detectable as JAGUAR sprang into life and normal harbour working days from 0730 to 1600.
The first priority was stowing bedding and kit and making the ship habitable. On Tuesday the Captain addressed them later talking separately to Senior Rates. On Wednesday the Navigating Officer and his Yeoman had to go to Portsmouth to collect the ship’s Chart outfit whilst everyone else got on with familiarising themselves with and tidying the ship with the support of dockyard painters who worked day and night in various parts of the ship.
Fire Fighting Teams were landed for training and coincidently a fire occurred in a compartment at 0815 on Thursday which was dealt with by the Dockyard Fire Brigade. One Rating was later placed in 'Safe Custody' in Barracks!
On Friday the First Lieutenant briefed Gangway Staff (Quartermasters and Bosun’s Mates) on the maintenance of security of the ship. Stores and equipment continued to arrive in increasing volumes keeping everyone busy in both its embarkation and correct stowage.
Over the weekend dockyard painters and weapons electrical engineers continued their tasks.
Basin Trials tested the propulsion machinery on Monday the 9th and overnight painting of guns was progressed. On Tuesday Divers exercised at the Diving Centre and the Command Medical Staff made their final inspection of JAGUAR’s Sick Bay. Bilges were pumped out into a barge and floodlights highlighted the painters throughout the week.
On Thursday Naval Architects were seen wandering around the ship taking photographs that would be used to update Ship Drawings. Elsewhere awning and carpet fitting added a different set of challenges as did overnight lagging of the Engine Rooms.
Long Weekend Leave was given from 1540 on Friday and SWE from 1230 Saturday which gave the dockyard mateys more space and fewer dripping (moaning) matelots to deal with as they continued gun and anti-submarine systems calibration.
A major step forward came on Monday the 16th with the arrival of Trials Teams from HMS EXCELLENT (Gunnery) and HMS VERNON (Torpedo & Anti-submarine) at Portsmouth. They would, with Dockyard Staff and ship’s company, now begin testing the viability of the systems prior to live sea trials.
During the week visitors included the CO HMS DIAMOND and a Senior Supply Officer from the Ethiopian Navy. Ammunition was embarked in small quantities and some newly trained Junior and Ordinary Seaman joined from HMS CAMBRIDGE, Wembury Nr. Plymouth. A Cocktail Party was - by way of thanks and encouragement - held for Dockyard Officers on Wednesday prior to a Progress Meeting on Thursday! Also on Thursday JAGUAR’s ceremonial guard went ashore to drill. Elsewhere there was no let-up in the onboard efforts of dockyard painters and technical staff.
On Friday Vice Admiral W J Parker, CB, OBE, DSC, Flag Officer, Medway spent an hour onboard in the forenoon followed in the afternoon by his Captain of the Fleet, Captain F Hayden.
RE-COMMISSIONING DAY.
At 1000 on Saturday the 20th of October 1967 ‘Hands clean into No.1’s’ was followed at 1100 by ‘Clear Lower Deck’ for Commissioning Ceremony. The Ceremony took place with family visitors present to witness the formal hoisting of the Union Jack, White Ensign and Commissioning Pennant to again become an active ship of the fleet before it was opened for them to visit.
Despite the formalities dockyard workers finalised their making-ready activities over the weekend.
With the ship under sailing orders all leave expired at 0755 on Monday the 23rd of October and by the time the Tug COLLIE and TID 172 secured alongside at 1045 last-minute stores had been embarked.
The Ship’s Company embarked at 0900 on Monday the 2nd of October 1967 followed at 1350 by the Captain, thus a pulse was again detectable as JAGUAR sprang into life and normal harbour working days from 0730 to 1600.
The first priority was stowing bedding and kit and making the ship habitable. On Tuesday the Captain addressed them later talking separately to Senior Rates. On Wednesday the Navigating Officer and his Yeoman had to go to Portsmouth to collect the ship’s Chart outfit whilst everyone else got on with familiarising themselves with and tidying the ship with the support of dockyard painters who worked day and night in various parts of the ship.
Fire Fighting Teams were landed for training and coincidently a fire occurred in a compartment at 0815 on Thursday which was dealt with by the Dockyard Fire Brigade. One Rating was later placed in 'Safe Custody' in Barracks!
On Friday the First Lieutenant briefed Gangway Staff (Quartermasters and Bosun’s Mates) on the maintenance of security of the ship. Stores and equipment continued to arrive in increasing volumes keeping everyone busy in both its embarkation and correct stowage.
Over the weekend dockyard painters and weapons electrical engineers continued their tasks.
Basin Trials tested the propulsion machinery on Monday the 9th and overnight painting of guns was progressed. On Tuesday Divers exercised at the Diving Centre and the Command Medical Staff made their final inspection of JAGUAR’s Sick Bay. Bilges were pumped out into a barge and floodlights highlighted the painters throughout the week.
On Thursday Naval Architects were seen wandering around the ship taking photographs that would be used to update Ship Drawings. Elsewhere awning and carpet fitting added a different set of challenges as did overnight lagging of the Engine Rooms.
Long Weekend Leave was given from 1540 on Friday and SWE from 1230 Saturday which gave the dockyard mateys more space and fewer dripping (moaning) matelots to deal with as they continued gun and anti-submarine systems calibration.
A major step forward came on Monday the 16th with the arrival of Trials Teams from HMS EXCELLENT (Gunnery) and HMS VERNON (Torpedo & Anti-submarine) at Portsmouth. They would, with Dockyard Staff and ship’s company, now begin testing the viability of the systems prior to live sea trials.
During the week visitors included the CO HMS DIAMOND and a Senior Supply Officer from the Ethiopian Navy. Ammunition was embarked in small quantities and some newly trained Junior and Ordinary Seaman joined from HMS CAMBRIDGE, Wembury Nr. Plymouth. A Cocktail Party was - by way of thanks and encouragement - held for Dockyard Officers on Wednesday prior to a Progress Meeting on Thursday! Also on Thursday JAGUAR’s ceremonial guard went ashore to drill. Elsewhere there was no let-up in the onboard efforts of dockyard painters and technical staff.
On Friday Vice Admiral W J Parker, CB, OBE, DSC, Flag Officer, Medway spent an hour onboard in the forenoon followed in the afternoon by his Captain of the Fleet, Captain F Hayden.
RE-COMMISSIONING DAY.
At 1000 on Saturday the 20th of October 1967 ‘Hands clean into No.1’s’ was followed at 1100 by ‘Clear Lower Deck’ for Commissioning Ceremony. The Ceremony took place with family visitors present to witness the formal hoisting of the Union Jack, White Ensign and Commissioning Pennant to again become an active ship of the fleet before it was opened for them to visit.
Despite the formalities dockyard workers finalised their making-ready activities over the weekend.
With the ship under sailing orders all leave expired at 0755 on Monday the 23rd of October and by the time the Tug COLLIE and TID 172 secured alongside at 1045 last-minute stores had been embarked.
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RMAS Tug COLLIE. Assisting the Antarctic Patrol Ship HMS ENDURANCE into Chatham Dockyard Locks in the 1960's. (Above) A TID tug. http://rfanostalgia.org/gallery3/index.php/RMAS/Tugs/Dogs
Slipping at 1105 the ship was moved to North Lock where Surgeon Lt Walker joined.
Leaving the Lock at 1355 for Sheerness No1 Buoy the boom and ladders were out and engines had been ‘rung off’ by 1430. All that was left to do today was tidy up. Night leave was given to Starboard Watch until 0730 (SUSO).
All 230 in the frigate knew they were at the beginning of a new sea-going adventure that would demand their unity, learning, skills and attention to detail to bring the ship, with its older familiar equipment and significant new detection and defence systems, to its full potential. It would be hard and repetitive.
Dockyard personnel were onboard and the ship was ready for sea at 1000 on Tuesday but a generator failure followed by a gearbox problem deferred that until 1300. Thirty minutes later both engines had to be stopped when the Motor Vessel SCHWARTHEIDE turned across the bow before going astern out of the Fairway.
Gunnery Serials were carried out for an hour from 1610 which were followed by the ’unplanned’ event of a fire in the after funnel effectively giving that a post-refit clearout. Sheerness No1 was reached at 2145 where dockyard personnel disembarked.
An 0830 Wednesday sailing again with dockyard staff embarked for engine trials took the ship up off the Essex/Suffolk coast overnight and ended with a return to Sheerness at 1725 on Thursday.
The buoy was slipped by 0830 on Friday to continue engine tuning and tests of gun and Squid Mortar functioning. Before that the upper deck was cleared of all personnel to permit unencumbered pictures of the ship to be taken. The pictures were not just for publicity and recruitment purposes but also to bring naval records up to date following the changed profile of the ship caused by the radar change. It was 2300 when the ship got back to Sheerness.
The short run upriver on Saturday to ‘H’ Berth off Chatham Locks was completed soon after 0800. Dockyard staff worked over the weekend on the 965 wiring and SWE Leave was given from 1230 to 0745 Monday (SUSO).
Dockyard personnel were again onboard when the ship sailed at 0900 on Monday the 30th to continue testing throughout the day rounding the North Hinder Light to return towards Sheerness where they were landed at 2000. The ship then returned to sea for other evolutions before anchoring off Sheerness at 2330.
Dockyard men were embarked by 0830 on Tuesday when the ship headed north-east and began a full power trial which was interrupted by a defect in P4 engine. Further attempts throughout the afternoon were also unsuccessful prior to a return to Sheerness at 1930. Leave was not given.
Distance run in month 1336.7nm during 85.5 hrs at sea.
NOVEMBER
On Wednesday the 1st No.1 Buoy Sheerness was left behind at 0830 as the ship headed up river to Lock-in to No.3 Basin followed by the Survey Ship HMS VIDAL.
In the afternoon one absentee rating returned onboard as dockyard staff began rectifying defects.
The first Punishment Warrant of the commission was read before the Ship's Company on Friday spoiling the clean sheet and the Wednesday absentee's day.
Friday was eventful with the unloading of Mortar Bombs to a lighter alongside twenty minutes before a generator exploded in the Engine Room. In the afternoon engine trials were carried out and the generator was attended to by the Engine Room Artificers and dockyard workers retiled the galley floor overnight. Dockyard work on the capstan continued on Sunday and a rating had to be taken to the Barracks Sick Bay where his head acquired three stitches.
Dockyard and ship’s engineers continued engine basin trials on Monday 6th and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, after more basin trials, the Tug RESOLVE secured alongside and moved the ship into North Lock at 1530. Serviceable again the ship sailed rounding Garrison Point, Sheerness at 1700 and Beachy Head at 2300 on the way to Portsmouth and anchor in Spithead at 0217 on Thursday. After a ten minute delay when the capstan was again temperamental, the ship was underway at 0855 Thursday to go south of the Isle of Wight to test anti-submarine equipments; carryout a speed trial and exercise Defence Stations before securing alongside North Corner Jetty, Portsmouth at 1550. Leave 1630-0745.
Ships that passed by included HMS ARGONAUT, HMS/M's AENEAS and ALCIDE plus the Dutch Minesweeper TJEIK HIDDES from which some officers later visited JAGUAR. Normal SWE and Night Leave. HMS WAKEFUL came in during Saturday and HMS ARETHUSA on Sunday. All, like JAGUAR, would have had a Remembrance Sunday Service onboard.
By 0815 on Monday the 13th barges filled with ammunition were alongside and the ship's company (except for those who had a 'watertight' excuse) were to spend the day - eased only by their Rum Ration and Dinner- removing the contents of the barges to JAGUAR's magazines. On Tuesday it was provisions that had to be embarked from a lighter. Between 0900 and 1530 the ship's Divers were in and out of the water around the ship whilst gunnery radar alignment was carried out with the aid of an aircraft.
Sailing at 0830 on Wednesday the day was spent south of the IOW on live aircraft tracking exercises and various routine evolutions before returning to North Corner Jetty at 1726. (116.4nm). Leaving at 0830 and returning at 1730 on Thursday the day was taken up with evolutions and anti-submarine Mortar live firings. (91.1nm). Friday was spent alongside during which Landing Party Platoons were mustered, stores were embarked and the ship was cleaned.
Routine Long & Short Weekend Leave granted.
An 0839 departure on Monday the 20th got the ship South of Selsey Bill to close-up Gun Control Teams for training and a Full Power Trial. The FPT was again unsuccessful and the ship returned to berth on South Railway Jetty at 1400. Tuesday was spent cleaning and painting and a formal Guard practiced in preparation for a burial at sea service.
On Wednesday the 1st No.1 Buoy Sheerness was left behind at 0830 as the ship headed up river to Lock-in to No.3 Basin followed by the Survey Ship HMS VIDAL.
In the afternoon one absentee rating returned onboard as dockyard staff began rectifying defects.
The first Punishment Warrant of the commission was read before the Ship's Company on Friday spoiling the clean sheet and the Wednesday absentee's day.
Friday was eventful with the unloading of Mortar Bombs to a lighter alongside twenty minutes before a generator exploded in the Engine Room. In the afternoon engine trials were carried out and the generator was attended to by the Engine Room Artificers and dockyard workers retiled the galley floor overnight. Dockyard work on the capstan continued on Sunday and a rating had to be taken to the Barracks Sick Bay where his head acquired three stitches.
Dockyard and ship’s engineers continued engine basin trials on Monday 6th and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, after more basin trials, the Tug RESOLVE secured alongside and moved the ship into North Lock at 1530. Serviceable again the ship sailed rounding Garrison Point, Sheerness at 1700 and Beachy Head at 2300 on the way to Portsmouth and anchor in Spithead at 0217 on Thursday. After a ten minute delay when the capstan was again temperamental, the ship was underway at 0855 Thursday to go south of the Isle of Wight to test anti-submarine equipments; carryout a speed trial and exercise Defence Stations before securing alongside North Corner Jetty, Portsmouth at 1550. Leave 1630-0745.
Ships that passed by included HMS ARGONAUT, HMS/M's AENEAS and ALCIDE plus the Dutch Minesweeper TJEIK HIDDES from which some officers later visited JAGUAR. Normal SWE and Night Leave. HMS WAKEFUL came in during Saturday and HMS ARETHUSA on Sunday. All, like JAGUAR, would have had a Remembrance Sunday Service onboard.
By 0815 on Monday the 13th barges filled with ammunition were alongside and the ship's company (except for those who had a 'watertight' excuse) were to spend the day - eased only by their Rum Ration and Dinner- removing the contents of the barges to JAGUAR's magazines. On Tuesday it was provisions that had to be embarked from a lighter. Between 0900 and 1530 the ship's Divers were in and out of the water around the ship whilst gunnery radar alignment was carried out with the aid of an aircraft.
Sailing at 0830 on Wednesday the day was spent south of the IOW on live aircraft tracking exercises and various routine evolutions before returning to North Corner Jetty at 1726. (116.4nm). Leaving at 0830 and returning at 1730 on Thursday the day was taken up with evolutions and anti-submarine Mortar live firings. (91.1nm). Friday was spent alongside during which Landing Party Platoons were mustered, stores were embarked and the ship was cleaned.
Routine Long & Short Weekend Leave granted.
An 0839 departure on Monday the 20th got the ship South of Selsey Bill to close-up Gun Control Teams for training and a Full Power Trial. The FPT was again unsuccessful and the ship returned to berth on South Railway Jetty at 1400. Tuesday was spent cleaning and painting and a formal Guard practiced in preparation for a burial at sea service.
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At 1200 on Wednesday the 22nd at Noon a 19 gun Salute was fired from the Submarine Base HMS DOLPHIN. In JAGUAR the Guard fell-in on the Jetty at 1430; the ship was made ready for sea and at 1515 Official Guests embarked followed by Commander in Chief, Home Fleet & Allied Forces Eastern Atlantic,
Admiral Sir John Frewen, KCB (Left)Pic Copyright IWM A34922) At 1525 the ashes of the Late Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield, PC, GCB, OM, KCMG, CVO. (1873-1967) were received onboard. Minutes later JAGUAR was underway towards St Helen's Fort. Stopping 1.6 miles off the fort where in light wind and a calm sea, the Burial Service took place at 1610. (A Memorial Service at Westminster Abbey followed on the 5th of December 1967) |
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Returning to South Railway Jetty the guests were disembarking by 1700 and Leave given from 1730 to 0715 (SUSO)
Sailing at 0800 on Thursday the day was spent on gun function and control testing with other evolutions before returning to berth on North Wall at 1715.. Friday the 23rd was meant to be another gunnery day with the Trials Team onboard for firings south of the Owers Bank but the weather thwarted aircraft availability so a return to the Dockyard's North Wall was made at 1525 in time for Long WE Leave.
Monday the 26th began in earnest with a departure at 0850 to spend the forenoon with the gunnery Trials Team and an aircraft both present for part of the time. On completion the TT disembarked around 1400. An Engineering TT were also onboard for Full Power Trials and logged, at last, a success before disembarked at 1830. The ship then headed for Portland anchoring there at 2210. Half an hour later the Duty Staff Officer called. On Tuesday the ship moved from anchor to secure on 'D20' head and stern buoys at 0820. Mortar calibrations took up the forenoon before sailing at 1242 for more trials this time with Radar switched off. At 1446 the starboard shaft developed a fault and had to be stopped leaving port to maintain speed until resolution at 1632, about an hour before anchoring at Portland. Engine Room staff spent the night working on a defective Lube Oil pump.
With the ship yawing 60° sleep was interrupted for some when the second anchor was dropped at 0400 Wednesday. Both were weighed by 0910 for JAGUAR to first go to the Degaussing Range and then on to the Measured Mile until 1330. Headings were then set for Portsmouth via the Needles Channel to arrive alongside HMS ULSTER at 1640. (65.2nm). Thursday the 30th was a harbour day - time to clean, square-off and maintain! Other ships on the move included UNDAUNTED, CORUNNA, JUNO and NUBIAN.
November Log Total 1113.3nm in 84hrs
Returning to South Railway Jetty the guests were disembarking by 1700 and Leave given from 1730 to 0715 (SUSO)
Sailing at 0800 on Thursday the day was spent on gun function and control testing with other evolutions before returning to berth on North Wall at 1715.. Friday the 23rd was meant to be another gunnery day with the Trials Team onboard for firings south of the Owers Bank but the weather thwarted aircraft availability so a return to the Dockyard's North Wall was made at 1525 in time for Long WE Leave.
Monday the 26th began in earnest with a departure at 0850 to spend the forenoon with the gunnery Trials Team and an aircraft both present for part of the time. On completion the TT disembarked around 1400. An Engineering TT were also onboard for Full Power Trials and logged, at last, a success before disembarked at 1830. The ship then headed for Portland anchoring there at 2210. Half an hour later the Duty Staff Officer called. On Tuesday the ship moved from anchor to secure on 'D20' head and stern buoys at 0820. Mortar calibrations took up the forenoon before sailing at 1242 for more trials this time with Radar switched off. At 1446 the starboard shaft developed a fault and had to be stopped leaving port to maintain speed until resolution at 1632, about an hour before anchoring at Portland. Engine Room staff spent the night working on a defective Lube Oil pump.
With the ship yawing 60° sleep was interrupted for some when the second anchor was dropped at 0400 Wednesday. Both were weighed by 0910 for JAGUAR to first go to the Degaussing Range and then on to the Measured Mile until 1330. Headings were then set for Portsmouth via the Needles Channel to arrive alongside HMS ULSTER at 1640. (65.2nm). Thursday the 30th was a harbour day - time to clean, square-off and maintain! Other ships on the move included UNDAUNTED, CORUNNA, JUNO and NUBIAN.
November Log Total 1113.3nm in 84hrs
DECEMBER
Friday the 1st and the weekend was spent alongside with work continuing in engine rooms and control rooms in pursuit of full working order and efficiency. Normal WE Leave.
Flag Officer, Flotillas, Western Fleet, Rear Admiral P Compston spent two hours onboard on Monday the 4th before the ship was cold moved to South Railway Jetty(SRJ) to embark Doppler radar. Sailing at 0900 on Tuesday gunnery/radar calibrations as well as direction finding equipment checks were carried out before returning to SRJ at 1630.
On Wednesday (0830-1620); Thursday (0837-1750) and Friday (0820-1635) the ship had the 'boffins' aboard to continue radar tweaking assiduously watched by the ships operators. Around the ship, by Departments, others continued testing and familiarising themselves with machinery, equipments and devices that combine to make and keep a warship afloat and effective. Saturday was anything but quiet. Dockyard workers were onboard when a replacement generator was craned inboard. Sunday, for most, was 'normal' Sunday routine.
On Monday the 11th the Internal Security Platoon* went ashore for drill and training before the ship sailed at 0830 for Direction Finding equipment calibration with MFV BEAULIEU before returning to secure alongside HMS NUBIAN on Fountain Lake Jetty at 1700. I S Platoons were ashore again on Tuesday and so were two ratings for training in the art of Ship's Postman. * For descriptive interpretation browse ‘isplatoon-navynet’.
Ammunition Ship in the forenoon and victualling stores in the afternoon on Wednesday commandeered all ratings unable to hide.
At 0730 on Thursday preparations for sea were commenced and lines were inboard at 0830
as JAGUAR set off for more radar trials that were thwarted by the weather and replaced by gunnery training. Returning to FLJ the Captain hosted a Dinner. Slipping just before 0900 on Friday anti-submarine attack trials were completed in the afternoon and the ship headed east
passing 10nm South of the Royal Sovereign Light at 1900. By 0200 on Saturday the West Hinder Lt was close abeam and with a Pilot shipped a good run ashore was assured upon arrival at Parkkade, Rotterdam soon after 1000.
On Sunday ‘Clear Lower Deck’ was piped at 0925 for Divisions and the presentation of a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to Engine Room Artificer Rainer. Afterwards the Captain, accompanied by the Naval Attache, left for Amsterdam and those not duty were free to go ashore. The afternoon ‘Open to Visitors’ rewardingly brought 980 visitors.
Official visitors on Monday the 18th included the British Consul and in the evening a Cocktail Party was enthusiastically attended. For the ship’s company Leave expired at 2359.
The ship was a hive of activity by 0500 on Tuesday and underway fifteen minutes later to retrace her steps to sea and across the North Sea to arrive at Chatham Dockyard and a welcome by HM Customs at 1445 (to 1700). Divers later investigated the Port screw.
First Christmas Leave Party went away at 1200 on Wednesday the 20th. Dockyard work on the screw was in hand and HMS CHICHESTER entered 3 Basin from sea. On Thursday Warrant Number 3 was read before the ships company as one rating coped with his remorse. Soon after the Captain and First Lieutenant went on leave. Friday was normal Daily Routine 0730-1600 Leave 1640-0745. Deck treads were set up in advance of overnight painting, by two seamen, of the ‘Burma Road’ the internal passageway that ran almost the length of the ship at Quarterdeck level. On Saturday the 23rd, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Days leave was from, at latest 1200. For those left onboard a Carol Service was held in 10 Mess on Christmas Day.
Some semblance of normality returned from Wednesday the 27th and on Friday 1st Leave Party returned at 1100 and 2nd went away at 1200 and Sunday was a good day to end the year on.
Log: 804.9nm in 84.5hrs seatime.
Friday the 1st and the weekend was spent alongside with work continuing in engine rooms and control rooms in pursuit of full working order and efficiency. Normal WE Leave.
Flag Officer, Flotillas, Western Fleet, Rear Admiral P Compston spent two hours onboard on Monday the 4th before the ship was cold moved to South Railway Jetty(SRJ) to embark Doppler radar. Sailing at 0900 on Tuesday gunnery/radar calibrations as well as direction finding equipment checks were carried out before returning to SRJ at 1630.
On Wednesday (0830-1620); Thursday (0837-1750) and Friday (0820-1635) the ship had the 'boffins' aboard to continue radar tweaking assiduously watched by the ships operators. Around the ship, by Departments, others continued testing and familiarising themselves with machinery, equipments and devices that combine to make and keep a warship afloat and effective. Saturday was anything but quiet. Dockyard workers were onboard when a replacement generator was craned inboard. Sunday, for most, was 'normal' Sunday routine.
On Monday the 11th the Internal Security Platoon* went ashore for drill and training before the ship sailed at 0830 for Direction Finding equipment calibration with MFV BEAULIEU before returning to secure alongside HMS NUBIAN on Fountain Lake Jetty at 1700. I S Platoons were ashore again on Tuesday and so were two ratings for training in the art of Ship's Postman. * For descriptive interpretation browse ‘isplatoon-navynet’.
Ammunition Ship in the forenoon and victualling stores in the afternoon on Wednesday commandeered all ratings unable to hide.
At 0730 on Thursday preparations for sea were commenced and lines were inboard at 0830
as JAGUAR set off for more radar trials that were thwarted by the weather and replaced by gunnery training. Returning to FLJ the Captain hosted a Dinner. Slipping just before 0900 on Friday anti-submarine attack trials were completed in the afternoon and the ship headed east
passing 10nm South of the Royal Sovereign Light at 1900. By 0200 on Saturday the West Hinder Lt was close abeam and with a Pilot shipped a good run ashore was assured upon arrival at Parkkade, Rotterdam soon after 1000.
On Sunday ‘Clear Lower Deck’ was piped at 0925 for Divisions and the presentation of a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to Engine Room Artificer Rainer. Afterwards the Captain, accompanied by the Naval Attache, left for Amsterdam and those not duty were free to go ashore. The afternoon ‘Open to Visitors’ rewardingly brought 980 visitors.
Official visitors on Monday the 18th included the British Consul and in the evening a Cocktail Party was enthusiastically attended. For the ship’s company Leave expired at 2359.
The ship was a hive of activity by 0500 on Tuesday and underway fifteen minutes later to retrace her steps to sea and across the North Sea to arrive at Chatham Dockyard and a welcome by HM Customs at 1445 (to 1700). Divers later investigated the Port screw.
First Christmas Leave Party went away at 1200 on Wednesday the 20th. Dockyard work on the screw was in hand and HMS CHICHESTER entered 3 Basin from sea. On Thursday Warrant Number 3 was read before the ships company as one rating coped with his remorse. Soon after the Captain and First Lieutenant went on leave. Friday was normal Daily Routine 0730-1600 Leave 1640-0745. Deck treads were set up in advance of overnight painting, by two seamen, of the ‘Burma Road’ the internal passageway that ran almost the length of the ship at Quarterdeck level. On Saturday the 23rd, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Days leave was from, at latest 1200. For those left onboard a Carol Service was held in 10 Mess on Christmas Day.
Some semblance of normality returned from Wednesday the 27th and on Friday 1st Leave Party returned at 1100 and 2nd went away at 1200 and Sunday was a good day to end the year on.
Log: 804.9nm in 84.5hrs seatime.
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This HMS JAGUAR 1967 section first published online Nov. 2017.