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HMS JAGUAR 1969
JULES VERNE AHEAD AND ASTERN - AROUND THE WORLD IN 330 DAYS.
JANUARY
The ship was in No. 5 Dock at Chatham until the 5th when it moved back to 3 Basin to continue, with dockyard assistance, the myriad checks and adjustments. On the 7th the Commanding Officer, Commander C A CLAPP, arrived onboard and on the 13th hosted a Cocktail Party substantially to thank the Dockyard Managers. On the 15th Basin Trials were carried out as, with a growing sense of excitement and anticipation, storing was completed.
Soon after dinner on Monday the 20th wires holding the ship and Chatham together were removed and at 1418 the ship exited South Lock to begin her passage down the River Medway and onward into the Thames Estuary, Dover Strait and English Channel on her way - via a stop to ammunition at Portsmouth’s South Railway Jetty from 0820 to 1700 on Tuesday – to Portland. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were spent at sea exercising in company with HMS ARETHUSA, HAMPSHIRE and JUNO before returning to Portsmouth for the weekend.
During the Forenoon on Monday the 27th there was a double dose in the form of a Film and Lecture on the vagaries of Venereal Disease in the Young Ratings Mess whilst the experienced and wiser old-hands stored ship.
Leaving Portsmouth at 1000 on Tuesday the 28th a couple of hours were spent Noise Ranging at Portland before continuing west to anchor of the Lizard. Wednesday, heading towards the Atlantic, was spent exercising with the submarine GRAMPUS and Thursday forenoon fending off attacks from 700 mph French Etendard aircraft. By 1800 on Friday and rounding Cape St Vincent a replenishment was made with RFA’s TARBERTNESS and WAVE CHIEF.
Following an early ‘Reveille’ the ship secured alongside at Gibraltar at 0600 on Saturday and the enjoyment began.
LOG: 1937 nm /132 hours seatime.
The ship was in No. 5 Dock at Chatham until the 5th when it moved back to 3 Basin to continue, with dockyard assistance, the myriad checks and adjustments. On the 7th the Commanding Officer, Commander C A CLAPP, arrived onboard and on the 13th hosted a Cocktail Party substantially to thank the Dockyard Managers. On the 15th Basin Trials were carried out as, with a growing sense of excitement and anticipation, storing was completed.
Soon after dinner on Monday the 20th wires holding the ship and Chatham together were removed and at 1418 the ship exited South Lock to begin her passage down the River Medway and onward into the Thames Estuary, Dover Strait and English Channel on her way - via a stop to ammunition at Portsmouth’s South Railway Jetty from 0820 to 1700 on Tuesday – to Portland. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were spent at sea exercising in company with HMS ARETHUSA, HAMPSHIRE and JUNO before returning to Portsmouth for the weekend.
During the Forenoon on Monday the 27th there was a double dose in the form of a Film and Lecture on the vagaries of Venereal Disease in the Young Ratings Mess whilst the experienced and wiser old-hands stored ship.
Leaving Portsmouth at 1000 on Tuesday the 28th a couple of hours were spent Noise Ranging at Portland before continuing west to anchor of the Lizard. Wednesday, heading towards the Atlantic, was spent exercising with the submarine GRAMPUS and Thursday forenoon fending off attacks from 700 mph French Etendard aircraft. By 1800 on Friday and rounding Cape St Vincent a replenishment was made with RFA’s TARBERTNESS and WAVE CHIEF.
Following an early ‘Reveille’ the ship secured alongside at Gibraltar at 0600 on Saturday and the enjoyment began.
LOG: 1937 nm /132 hours seatime.
FEBRUARY
By the time they went to Divisions at 0900 on Sunday M.E. Donavan had been returned to the ship under escort and so too was A.B Cresswell after spending the night in Cells ashore. Unsurprisingly, the Captain, having inspected Divisions, went on to ‘address’ the ship’s company regarding his expectations of them.
With levels of alcohol-induced-remorse subsiding and offenders recognising reality the ship set off southwards down the Atlantic on Monday the 3rd accompanied by the frigate HMS ARGONAUT Participating in routine evolutions and exercises they refuelled from RFA Tanker WAVE CHIEF before exchanging greetings with the homeward-bound RMS WINDSOR CASTLE ON Sunday.
+PIC Wind Cas.
At 1040 on Monday the 10th, without ceremony, King Neptune authorised the ship’s crossing from the Northern to Southern hemisphere. On Tuesday ARGONAUT, having developed a steam leak, detached to make direct for Simonstown Naval Base taking with her JAGUAR’s out-going mail. Remaining at sea for a week of evolutions JAGUAR arrived at Simonstown on the 18th just in time to see HMS GLAMORGAN and HMS ARETHUSA leave harbour in company.
For the remainder of February the ship stayed alongside while her sailors filled the trains between Simonstown and Capetown to enjoy themselves accumulating just two additional Punishment Warrants.
LOG: 5546 nm / 416 hrs.
By the time they went to Divisions at 0900 on Sunday M.E. Donavan had been returned to the ship under escort and so too was A.B Cresswell after spending the night in Cells ashore. Unsurprisingly, the Captain, having inspected Divisions, went on to ‘address’ the ship’s company regarding his expectations of them.
With levels of alcohol-induced-remorse subsiding and offenders recognising reality the ship set off southwards down the Atlantic on Monday the 3rd accompanied by the frigate HMS ARGONAUT Participating in routine evolutions and exercises they refuelled from RFA Tanker WAVE CHIEF before exchanging greetings with the homeward-bound RMS WINDSOR CASTLE ON Sunday.
+PIC Wind Cas.
At 1040 on Monday the 10th, without ceremony, King Neptune authorised the ship’s crossing from the Northern to Southern hemisphere. On Tuesday ARGONAUT, having developed a steam leak, detached to make direct for Simonstown Naval Base taking with her JAGUAR’s out-going mail. Remaining at sea for a week of evolutions JAGUAR arrived at Simonstown on the 18th just in time to see HMS GLAMORGAN and HMS ARETHUSA leave harbour in company.
For the remainder of February the ship stayed alongside while her sailors filled the trains between Simonstown and Capetown to enjoy themselves accumulating just two additional Punishment Warrants.
LOG: 5546 nm / 416 hrs.
+ ‘THE BEIRA BUCKET’ Desc. To be added……in text above……..
MARCH
Sailing at 1100 on Monday the 3rd guns crews were already closed-up when a South African Airforce Dakota arrived on scene towing a sleeve target for them to fire at for an hour. Something of a nerve-racking time for aircrew. Tuesday’s highlight was the close-by sighting of a large school of porpoise and a whale. Progress on Thursday totalled 460nm’s and on Friday the 7th HMS ZULU was met prior to JAGUAR assuming Patrol Duties off Beira*, Mozambique. The two ‘patrol areas’ were defined as ‘HOPE’ the northern part of the Mozambique Channel and ‘JOY’ to the south of Beira which JAGUAR was now within. The ship anchored off the port that evening to continue the visual and radar monitoring task.
*The Port of Beira was tightly monitored by the British Government (Prime Minister Harold Wilson) with the aim of preventing oil supplies getting through to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) following that British Colony’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence on Armistice Day 1965. The embargo endured from March 1966 to June 1975 with limited success and a lot of Royal Navy / Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships and Royal Air Force aircraft. The financial cost was said to be around £3M (2018 equivalent = £49.5M a year).
JAGUAR remained on task, either at anchor or underway, taking stores and fuel etc. from RFA ships REGENT, TIDEREACH and DEWDALE until Sunday the 30th. Highlights during this period included a gun shoot, anti-submarine exercises and Boarding Parties from ZULU. On Saturday the 29th flags were flown at half-mast upon the death of General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
On the same day a ‘Beira Bucket’ competition saw JAGUAR defeated by ZULU. Bearing in mind that no Leave was given it is perhaps not surprising that, on one occasion, the Quartermaster of the Middle Watch (Midnight-0400) filled in the Ships Log Book thus: From: ‘Here’ To: ‘Eternity’.
On Sunday the 30th, in response to a request for ‘Medical Assistance’, JAGUAR set off south at 22 knots for Astove Island in the Seychelles.
LOG: 5508nm / 370hrs
MARCH
Sailing at 1100 on Monday the 3rd guns crews were already closed-up when a South African Airforce Dakota arrived on scene towing a sleeve target for them to fire at for an hour. Something of a nerve-racking time for aircrew. Tuesday’s highlight was the close-by sighting of a large school of porpoise and a whale. Progress on Thursday totalled 460nm’s and on Friday the 7th HMS ZULU was met prior to JAGUAR assuming Patrol Duties off Beira*, Mozambique. The two ‘patrol areas’ were defined as ‘HOPE’ the northern part of the Mozambique Channel and ‘JOY’ to the south of Beira which JAGUAR was now within. The ship anchored off the port that evening to continue the visual and radar monitoring task.
*The Port of Beira was tightly monitored by the British Government (Prime Minister Harold Wilson) with the aim of preventing oil supplies getting through to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) following that British Colony’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence on Armistice Day 1965. The embargo endured from March 1966 to June 1975 with limited success and a lot of Royal Navy / Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships and Royal Air Force aircraft. The financial cost was said to be around £3M (2018 equivalent = £49.5M a year).
JAGUAR remained on task, either at anchor or underway, taking stores and fuel etc. from RFA ships REGENT, TIDEREACH and DEWDALE until Sunday the 30th. Highlights during this period included a gun shoot, anti-submarine exercises and Boarding Parties from ZULU. On Saturday the 29th flags were flown at half-mast upon the death of General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
On the same day a ‘Beira Bucket’ competition saw JAGUAR defeated by ZULU. Bearing in mind that no Leave was given it is perhaps not surprising that, on one occasion, the Quartermaster of the Middle Watch (Midnight-0400) filled in the Ships Log Book thus: From: ‘Here’ To: ‘Eternity’.
On Sunday the 30th, in response to a request for ‘Medical Assistance’, JAGUAR set off south at 22 knots for Astove Island in the Seychelles.
LOG: 5508nm / 370hrs
+ ‘THE BEIRA BUCKET’ Desc. To be added……in text above……..
APRIL
After a cautious approach the ship stopped off the Island at 0600 on Tuesday the 1st to send the Medical Officer and others ashore in the ‘Gemini’. Leave was granted to Port Watch from 0600 to 0800! The ‘patient’ Mr Veevers-Carter was brought on board and by 0840 the ship was on her way at 21kts to Mombasa where she berthed alongside HMS BERRY HEAD at 1645 on Wednesday. (I’m unaware of his ‘medical’ needs at the time but anyone in the ship or interested see: https://everipedia.org/wiki/Astove_Island/
JAGUAR remained at Mombasa, on Tropical Routine (working 0715-1255), with leave, recreation and rest the order of the day until Tuesday the 15th. The Duty Watch had, of course, to provide the customary shore patrols to discourage misbehaviour. During the stay the Minesweepers HMS APPLETON, BURNASTON, CHAWTON and BRINTON and the Survey Ship HMS VIDAL came and went as did RFA RESURGENT.
Before JAGUAR left Mombasa on the 15th a group of ratings and a Pilotless Target Aircraft Team led by Lt Cdr Goodman, the latter to challenge the gunnery skills of the various Beira Patrol warships, joined from UK for passage to Beira.
The ship entered Area ‘JOY’ on Saturday the 19th to patrol underway during the day or sometimes at anchor overnight, until being relieved by ARGONAUT at 1830 on Saturday the 26th. Punishment Warrant No.20 was read before Junior Rates on Sunday and the ship sailed at 1850 for another Patrol until Tuesday the 29th and again a couple of hours before the new month.
Log: 3584nm / 279hrs
After a cautious approach the ship stopped off the Island at 0600 on Tuesday the 1st to send the Medical Officer and others ashore in the ‘Gemini’. Leave was granted to Port Watch from 0600 to 0800! The ‘patient’ Mr Veevers-Carter was brought on board and by 0840 the ship was on her way at 21kts to Mombasa where she berthed alongside HMS BERRY HEAD at 1645 on Wednesday. (I’m unaware of his ‘medical’ needs at the time but anyone in the ship or interested see: https://everipedia.org/wiki/Astove_Island/
JAGUAR remained at Mombasa, on Tropical Routine (working 0715-1255), with leave, recreation and rest the order of the day until Tuesday the 15th. The Duty Watch had, of course, to provide the customary shore patrols to discourage misbehaviour. During the stay the Minesweepers HMS APPLETON, BURNASTON, CHAWTON and BRINTON and the Survey Ship HMS VIDAL came and went as did RFA RESURGENT.
Before JAGUAR left Mombasa on the 15th a group of ratings and a Pilotless Target Aircraft Team led by Lt Cdr Goodman, the latter to challenge the gunnery skills of the various Beira Patrol warships, joined from UK for passage to Beira.
The ship entered Area ‘JOY’ on Saturday the 19th to patrol underway during the day or sometimes at anchor overnight, until being relieved by ARGONAUT at 1830 on Saturday the 26th. Punishment Warrant No.20 was read before Junior Rates on Sunday and the ship sailed at 1850 for another Patrol until Tuesday the 29th and again a couple of hours before the new month.
Log: 3584nm / 279hrs
MAY
At sea in ‘JOY’ and relieved at 0600 on the 3rd by JUNO. Later, after what was, for most if not all, of primary importance came a Mail Drop. Some from JAGUAR transferred to JUNO for a ‘Beira Bucket’ fishing competition until 1700. Sunday Divisions took place as usual on the 4th at which a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal was presented and prayers were said before going back for more ‘JOY’ in the afternoon.
A newcomer in the form of HMS DIAMOND hove into view on Monday the 5th . The Captain and some officers and ratings - a few of which remained until Wednesday – crossed to her to brief on the patrol task.
JAGUAR, after fuelling from TIDESURGE on Thursday, set a heading of 060°. On Friday Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Fleet, Rear Admiral A Griffin, CB, transferred in from RFA RESURGENT for a couple of hours. On Saturday a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with RFA STROMNESS at 15kts from 0900 to 1330 gave JAGUAR much welcomed meat and vegetables as well as an array of other stores and essentials.
A two-hour stop was made off Coetivy Island in the Seychelles on Monday before continuing to the Maldives where a four-hour fuelling stop was made alongside RFA WAVE VICTOR at Gan on Thursday the 15th. Beach Parties landed with a Patrol to round them up at return time!
Under way by 1730 a course of 073° at 18 knots was set. A full-power trial the next day accelerated the ship to 22.35kts between 0730 and 1130. Gun firing on Saturday; Prayers on Sunday; a general tidy up on Monday and a visual-signal exchange with the Malaysian warship SRI KEDAR preceded JAGUAR’s arrival alongside the Depot Ship HMS BERRY HEAD in Singapore Naval Base at 1518 on Tuesday the 20th of May. Significantly Leave was granted for the first time in the month.
Again in Tropical Routine of 0715–1300 was the normal working day after which a run ashore, visit to HMS TERROR Barrack’s Canteen, Swimming Pool, Sailing Centre or to Aggie Weston’s Royal Sailors Rest just outside the Dockyard Gate would become commonplace.
Thursday was pay day and they had stashed cash during Beira Patrols so most were eager to exchange, in varying proportions, some of it for Tiger &/or Anchor beer, not to mention the culinary and other delights that awaited them in Bugis Street. For those in search of more cultural/refined pleasures there was always the Goodwood Hotel or a Singapore Sling at Raffles or even a walk around Tiger Balm Gardens. Wherever they went I have to say that - except for Tiger Balm Gardens - it bore little resemblance to the 21st century Singapore of today. That said, the uniqueness of the ‘old’ was as compulsive as the ‘new’ which, I would suggest, should be on everyone’s ‘Must-do’ list.
On Friday the Commander, Far East Fleet, Vice Admiral A D O’Brien, CB, DSC visited the ship. The destroyer HMS DECOY was in and out and the Commando Carrier HMS ALBION came in on Wednesday the 28th. On Thursday whilst the frigates AJAX and ARGONAUT were on the move some from JAGUAR were participating in a Swimming Gala in TERROR’s pool. Flags were at half-mast for US Memorial Day on Friday and on Saturday the 31st Acting Sub Lt. (SD) (TAS) Bingham joined JAGUAR.
Log: 5852nm / 411hrs seatime
At sea in ‘JOY’ and relieved at 0600 on the 3rd by JUNO. Later, after what was, for most if not all, of primary importance came a Mail Drop. Some from JAGUAR transferred to JUNO for a ‘Beira Bucket’ fishing competition until 1700. Sunday Divisions took place as usual on the 4th at which a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal was presented and prayers were said before going back for more ‘JOY’ in the afternoon.
A newcomer in the form of HMS DIAMOND hove into view on Monday the 5th . The Captain and some officers and ratings - a few of which remained until Wednesday – crossed to her to brief on the patrol task.
JAGUAR, after fuelling from TIDESURGE on Thursday, set a heading of 060°. On Friday Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Fleet, Rear Admiral A Griffin, CB, transferred in from RFA RESURGENT for a couple of hours. On Saturday a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with RFA STROMNESS at 15kts from 0900 to 1330 gave JAGUAR much welcomed meat and vegetables as well as an array of other stores and essentials.
A two-hour stop was made off Coetivy Island in the Seychelles on Monday before continuing to the Maldives where a four-hour fuelling stop was made alongside RFA WAVE VICTOR at Gan on Thursday the 15th. Beach Parties landed with a Patrol to round them up at return time!
Under way by 1730 a course of 073° at 18 knots was set. A full-power trial the next day accelerated the ship to 22.35kts between 0730 and 1130. Gun firing on Saturday; Prayers on Sunday; a general tidy up on Monday and a visual-signal exchange with the Malaysian warship SRI KEDAR preceded JAGUAR’s arrival alongside the Depot Ship HMS BERRY HEAD in Singapore Naval Base at 1518 on Tuesday the 20th of May. Significantly Leave was granted for the first time in the month.
Again in Tropical Routine of 0715–1300 was the normal working day after which a run ashore, visit to HMS TERROR Barrack’s Canteen, Swimming Pool, Sailing Centre or to Aggie Weston’s Royal Sailors Rest just outside the Dockyard Gate would become commonplace.
Thursday was pay day and they had stashed cash during Beira Patrols so most were eager to exchange, in varying proportions, some of it for Tiger &/or Anchor beer, not to mention the culinary and other delights that awaited them in Bugis Street. For those in search of more cultural/refined pleasures there was always the Goodwood Hotel or a Singapore Sling at Raffles or even a walk around Tiger Balm Gardens. Wherever they went I have to say that - except for Tiger Balm Gardens - it bore little resemblance to the 21st century Singapore of today. That said, the uniqueness of the ‘old’ was as compulsive as the ‘new’ which, I would suggest, should be on everyone’s ‘Must-do’ list.
On Friday the Commander, Far East Fleet, Vice Admiral A D O’Brien, CB, DSC visited the ship. The destroyer HMS DECOY was in and out and the Commando Carrier HMS ALBION came in on Wednesday the 28th. On Thursday whilst the frigates AJAX and ARGONAUT were on the move some from JAGUAR were participating in a Swimming Gala in TERROR’s pool. Flags were at half-mast for US Memorial Day on Friday and on Saturday the 31st Acting Sub Lt. (SD) (TAS) Bingham joined JAGUAR.
Log: 5852nm / 411hrs seatime
JUNE
The first two weeks were spent quietly alongside carrying out (dockyard assisted) maintenance of the ship and themselves!
That all changed at 0001 on Sunday the 15th of June when hands fell-in and special sea dutymen went to their stations for leaving harbour. At 0030 JAGUAR was on her way through the Johore Straits and to sea again. At 1545 the ship responded to a request for medical assistance from the SS AMICUS by sending the Leading Medical Assistant at 1545. He returned an hour later and passage was resumed. A RAS with RFA GOLD RANGER was made on Tuesday and USS GEIGER was passed in the night. At 1800 on Wednesday JAGUAR secured on Hong Kong’s North Arm.
Remaining there to through the months end, nightly landing Naval Patrols and Harcourt Gate Sentries. Internal Security Platoons were landed for training on the 27th. Commodore, Hong Kong, in JAGUAR, hosted Admiral Budden, US Navy on the 30th. The Australian Navy destroyer VAMPIRE and (recently re-designated – Destroyer Escort) HMAS STUART sailed in the afternoon. Other warships around included HMS AJAX, LONDON, MAXTON, HOUGHTON, CACHALOT, ARGONAUT, DECOY, DANAE, BERRY HEAD, HMAS MELBOURNE and HMAS ROWAN.
LOG: 1593nm / 90hrs.
The first two weeks were spent quietly alongside carrying out (dockyard assisted) maintenance of the ship and themselves!
That all changed at 0001 on Sunday the 15th of June when hands fell-in and special sea dutymen went to their stations for leaving harbour. At 0030 JAGUAR was on her way through the Johore Straits and to sea again. At 1545 the ship responded to a request for medical assistance from the SS AMICUS by sending the Leading Medical Assistant at 1545. He returned an hour later and passage was resumed. A RAS with RFA GOLD RANGER was made on Tuesday and USS GEIGER was passed in the night. At 1800 on Wednesday JAGUAR secured on Hong Kong’s North Arm.
Remaining there to through the months end, nightly landing Naval Patrols and Harcourt Gate Sentries. Internal Security Platoons were landed for training on the 27th. Commodore, Hong Kong, in JAGUAR, hosted Admiral Budden, US Navy on the 30th. The Australian Navy destroyer VAMPIRE and (recently re-designated – Destroyer Escort) HMAS STUART sailed in the afternoon. Other warships around included HMS AJAX, LONDON, MAXTON, HOUGHTON, CACHALOT, ARGONAUT, DECOY, DANAE, BERRY HEAD, HMAS MELBOURNE and HMAS ROWAN.
LOG: 1593nm / 90hrs.
JULY
JAGUAR, suffering some engine problems, remained at Hong Kong where all the local activities of June were continued with the addition of a Commodore’s Inspection and Divisions in No1 uniforms. Working Parties were sent to Lantau Island and the British Red Cross Society’s Blood Transfusion Unit spent a productive day onboard. On Wednesday the 23rd Lt Freeman and Sub Lt Savage joined the ship just in time for the Inspection.
Other ships seen included USS IMPLICIT, PERSISTENT, DIODON, DALE, CHICAGO, QUAPAN, BAYA, SEGUNDO, TORTUGA, and CARRONADE. The abundance of Australian and American warships was due to the Vietnam War now about its zenith. Though Britain was not involved Australia and New Zealand forces were.
JAGUAR left Cosmopolitan Dry Dock at 2250 on Tuesday the 29th and went to sea at 1130 Wednesday to make sure all was well before taking fuel from RFA GOLD RANGER and stores from RESURGENT before returning to anchor at Hong Kong at 1840 on Thursday the 31st. Within two hours the anchor was up and down and JAGUAR was on her way towards the Philippines and Subic Bay. There would have been a little disappointment onboard as, on leaving Singapore, the ship had been destined to visit Yokohama, Japan.
Log: 659nm / 36hrs.
AUGUST
The route west and south through the Torres Straits began with a full-power trial on Friday the 1st and another on the 2nd. On the 5th ARGONAUT and TIDEREACH were met and henceforth exercises and replenishments were made as required until arrival at Calliope Wharf, Auckland at 0730 on the 13th. The passage of 4846 nautical miles (5577 Statute / 8975Kms.) had expended 300 hours at sea.
Arrival at Auckland provided no respite! Within two hours of berthing the Captain and some officers left the ship to attend a pre-exercise meeting. Thursday was spent alongside with Leave and a Canteen Patrol. At 0830 on Friday ‘Action Station’ alarms were sounding all around as the British, New Zealand and American navies sailed to ‘war’ on ‘Exercise Longex’ A clue is in the name. The purpose was convoy protection against surface, submarine and air attacks (Canberra bombers) as well as gunfire support bombardment. They also defended themselves against supposed nuclear fallout and, as always, had to be supported by replenishment ships. At one minute before 0800 on Thursday the 21st they secured from War Stations and JAGUAR berthed on Princess Jetty at Auckland. The ‘Wash-up’ engaged some on Friday-Saturday whilst most enjoyed some rest and Leave.
The ship left Auckland at 0900 on Sunday for the 48 hour passage to the southern end of NZ and Otago Harbour, Dunedin. There from Tuesday they entertained with a Children’s Party, floodlights and visitors afternoons in addition to the usual Civil and Military courtesies.
Sailing at 0930 on Friday the 29th the ship was off Swan Island Light and just over 1000 miles distant from Dunedin when August changed to September.
The figures below equate to just 8.6 harbour days in the month. They are certainly working hard for their money with, again, limited opportunities to spend it!
Log: 8094nm / 548hrs
The route west and south through the Torres Straits began with a full-power trial on Friday the 1st and another on the 2nd. On the 5th ARGONAUT and TIDEREACH were met and henceforth exercises and replenishments were made as required until arrival at Calliope Wharf, Auckland at 0730 on the 13th. The passage of 4846 nautical miles (5577 Statute / 8975Kms.) had expended 300 hours at sea.
Arrival at Auckland provided no respite! Within two hours of berthing the Captain and some officers left the ship to attend a pre-exercise meeting. Thursday was spent alongside with Leave and a Canteen Patrol. At 0830 on Friday ‘Action Station’ alarms were sounding all around as the British, New Zealand and American navies sailed to ‘war’ on ‘Exercise Longex’ A clue is in the name. The purpose was convoy protection against surface, submarine and air attacks (Canberra bombers) as well as gunfire support bombardment. They also defended themselves against supposed nuclear fallout and, as always, had to be supported by replenishment ships. At one minute before 0800 on Thursday the 21st they secured from War Stations and JAGUAR berthed on Princess Jetty at Auckland. The ‘Wash-up’ engaged some on Friday-Saturday whilst most enjoyed some rest and Leave.
The ship left Auckland at 0900 on Sunday for the 48 hour passage to the southern end of NZ and Otago Harbour, Dunedin. There from Tuesday they entertained with a Children’s Party, floodlights and visitors afternoons in addition to the usual Civil and Military courtesies.
Sailing at 0930 on Friday the 29th the ship was off Swan Island Light and just over 1000 miles distant from Dunedin when August changed to September.
The figures below equate to just 8.6 harbour days in the month. They are certainly working hard for their money with, again, limited opportunities to spend it!
Log: 8094nm / 548hrs
SEPTEMBER
On the first day of the month, at 1026, JAGUAR secured alongside No2 Timber Jetty at Devonport, Tasmania where Warrant No26 was read. Visitors were welcomed onboard on Tuesday and on Wednesday ship’s divers went down to check the hull.
Soon after leaving Devonport at 0830 on Thursday a two-hour RAS with TIDEREACH topped up the tanks. A sleeve target behind an aircraft was shot at on Friday prior to berthing at Port Kemble 40nm north of Sydney for the weekend.
Sailing at 0830 on Monday the splendour of Sydney Harbour was soon reached on the way to the Royal Australian Navy’s Garden Island Cruiser Wharf where HMS ARGONAUT was already tucked-up. Now they could again spend some money again! New to the ship came Midshipmen Jack and Mitchell.
In the ensuing three weeks Warrant No27 was read to spoil someone’s fun; the Captain called upon the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roger Cutler, VC, KCMG, CBE and hosted onboard Rear Admiral D C Wells, RAN Flag Officer, East Australia Command. Banyan Parties went away in the ship’s whaler; school boys and others visited the ship; two ratings were landed to Cells and, on Saturday the 27th all the ships in the Naval Base Dressed Overall for Australian Navy Week. Care and maintenance of the ship was, of course, continuing so it was not all leisure!
At 1145 on Monday the 29th JAGUAR followed ARGONAUT to sea to fire guns and chase submarines before returning to harbour and anchor at 1830 on Tuesday.
LOG: 1055nm / 60hrs.
On the first day of the month, at 1026, JAGUAR secured alongside No2 Timber Jetty at Devonport, Tasmania where Warrant No26 was read. Visitors were welcomed onboard on Tuesday and on Wednesday ship’s divers went down to check the hull.
Soon after leaving Devonport at 0830 on Thursday a two-hour RAS with TIDEREACH topped up the tanks. A sleeve target behind an aircraft was shot at on Friday prior to berthing at Port Kemble 40nm north of Sydney for the weekend.
Sailing at 0830 on Monday the splendour of Sydney Harbour was soon reached on the way to the Royal Australian Navy’s Garden Island Cruiser Wharf where HMS ARGONAUT was already tucked-up. Now they could again spend some money again! New to the ship came Midshipmen Jack and Mitchell.
In the ensuing three weeks Warrant No27 was read to spoil someone’s fun; the Captain called upon the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roger Cutler, VC, KCMG, CBE and hosted onboard Rear Admiral D C Wells, RAN Flag Officer, East Australia Command. Banyan Parties went away in the ship’s whaler; school boys and others visited the ship; two ratings were landed to Cells and, on Saturday the 27th all the ships in the Naval Base Dressed Overall for Australian Navy Week. Care and maintenance of the ship was, of course, continuing so it was not all leisure!
At 1145 on Monday the 29th JAGUAR followed ARGONAUT to sea to fire guns and chase submarines before returning to harbour and anchor at 1830 on Tuesday.
LOG: 1055nm / 60hrs.
OCTOBER
On Wednesday the 1st the ship was underway at 0450 and on station when the RAN submarine OXLEY dived at 0800 at the start of another anti-submarine exercise. The day ended with a return to Garden Island around 1930.
JAGUAR bade a formal farewell to Sydney at 1030 on Thursday as she sailed down the harbour astern of ARGONAUT. On Sunday Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Fleet, Rear Admiral T T Lewin MVO, DSC, was piped aboard on transferring from RFA TIDEREACH and a couple of hours later upon transferring out to HMS LONDON.
New Zealand’s Port Marsden was reached soon after 0900 on Monday the 6th before moving up to Port Whangerei Wharves on Tuesday. Visitors were welcomed on Wednesday and Friday and on Thursday school groups from Hora Hora Intermediate and Morningside schools were hosted followed by a Children’s Party in the afternoon.
On Saturday the 11th the body of the late Engineer Lieutenant A J Waldron, MBE, Royal Navy was embarked with guests prior to sailing at 1000. A burial at sea was conducted at 1200 in Position 35°41.2S, 174°45.2E. On completion Guests were transferred to a Tug/Tender vessel off Marsden Point before JAGUAR returned to sea.
A fuelling RAS with TIDEREACH was made and by 0800 on Tuesday the 13th JAGUAR with ARGONAUT arrived at Kings Wharf, Suva ready to meet and greet the Fijians at a Reception in ARGONAUT and by opening the ships to visitors. The visit ended at 0930 on Thursday when JAGUAR sailed for Tonga berthing at Vuna Wharf, Nuka Alofa on Friday where they repeated courtesies and exchanges before sailing on Sunday to cross the International Date Line on their way to anchor at Avurua in the Cook Islands at 0830 on Tuesday the 21st. Guests came to Lunch with the Captain & Officers and others to visit the ship in the afternoon and on Wednesday.
Sailing in the early hours of Thursday enabled the ship to reach Papeete mid-afternoon on Friday where a Cocktail Party began events that included opening to visitors on Saturday and Sunday between which JAGUAR went to sea for a couple of hours to ‘Ditch Gash’. It was the norm then dispose of everyday non-toxic rubbish over the ship’s side at sea and clear of harbours. It has to be noted here that plastics - a worldwide environmental plaque in2018 - had not yet come into common use.
Back at sea soon after 0100 on Monday the 27th the first-light task was a RAS with TIDEREACH which increased fuel levels from 11 to 90%. On completion JAGUAR set off for the Pitcairn Islands where a stop was made from 0910 to 1810 on Thursday the 30th. Twenty-four hours later another RAS between TIDEREACH & JAGUAR was made before farewells were exchanged as they disconnected, TIDEREACH turning back for Sydney and JAGUAR north east to cross the Pacific.
Log: 6002nm / 373hrs
NOVEMBER
For the first week of November JAGUAR, now alone, maintained the same heading until arriving at Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands in the evening of Saturday the 8th where the Captain and a few others went ashore for a couple of hours at Finch Bay. By 2130 all had returned and passage to Panama was resumed.
On Wednesday the 12th at 0830 a Pilot was embarked to guide the ship to Balboa’s Pier 18. Here fuelling moved the gauges from 12 to 83% and Midshipman Jack was discharged to hospital followed later by a rating. That begs the question; Did either of them recover soon enough to reach home before the ship did? Slipping at 0506 on Thursday the ship was soon in Mira Locks to transit the Panama Canal. That was completed when the Pilot disembarked at 1315.
Soon after 0400 the next morning RFA RETAINER was contacted by radio and from 0900 to 1120 the two ships, connected by Jackstays, headed north at 12 knots transferring stores. A north east Gale on Sunday put the entire upper decks out of bounds overnight leaving the Watch-on-deck, for the only time since leaving Chatham in January, limited to internal rounds of the ship. The bad weather was quickly forgotten upon arrival at Key West the next morning. Here from Monday the 17th to Tuesday the 25th, Leave, Lunch Parties, Visitor afternoons and watching US warships such as JARRAT and TARRANTE coming and going provided diversions from essential maintenance tasks. During the stay Sub Lt. Birch joined and Midshipman Balderton left the ship. In addition to that one ‘offender and escort left for the airport! Sailing from Key West at 0900 on Wednesday the 26th the comfort of No.2 Railway Pier, Jamaica heralded a weekend of ??????, well, rum and coke certainly!
Log: 5149nm / 423hrs.
On Wednesday the 1st the ship was underway at 0450 and on station when the RAN submarine OXLEY dived at 0800 at the start of another anti-submarine exercise. The day ended with a return to Garden Island around 1930.
JAGUAR bade a formal farewell to Sydney at 1030 on Thursday as she sailed down the harbour astern of ARGONAUT. On Sunday Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Fleet, Rear Admiral T T Lewin MVO, DSC, was piped aboard on transferring from RFA TIDEREACH and a couple of hours later upon transferring out to HMS LONDON.
New Zealand’s Port Marsden was reached soon after 0900 on Monday the 6th before moving up to Port Whangerei Wharves on Tuesday. Visitors were welcomed on Wednesday and Friday and on Thursday school groups from Hora Hora Intermediate and Morningside schools were hosted followed by a Children’s Party in the afternoon.
On Saturday the 11th the body of the late Engineer Lieutenant A J Waldron, MBE, Royal Navy was embarked with guests prior to sailing at 1000. A burial at sea was conducted at 1200 in Position 35°41.2S, 174°45.2E. On completion Guests were transferred to a Tug/Tender vessel off Marsden Point before JAGUAR returned to sea.
A fuelling RAS with TIDEREACH was made and by 0800 on Tuesday the 13th JAGUAR with ARGONAUT arrived at Kings Wharf, Suva ready to meet and greet the Fijians at a Reception in ARGONAUT and by opening the ships to visitors. The visit ended at 0930 on Thursday when JAGUAR sailed for Tonga berthing at Vuna Wharf, Nuka Alofa on Friday where they repeated courtesies and exchanges before sailing on Sunday to cross the International Date Line on their way to anchor at Avurua in the Cook Islands at 0830 on Tuesday the 21st. Guests came to Lunch with the Captain & Officers and others to visit the ship in the afternoon and on Wednesday.
Sailing in the early hours of Thursday enabled the ship to reach Papeete mid-afternoon on Friday where a Cocktail Party began events that included opening to visitors on Saturday and Sunday between which JAGUAR went to sea for a couple of hours to ‘Ditch Gash’. It was the norm then dispose of everyday non-toxic rubbish over the ship’s side at sea and clear of harbours. It has to be noted here that plastics - a worldwide environmental plaque in2018 - had not yet come into common use.
Back at sea soon after 0100 on Monday the 27th the first-light task was a RAS with TIDEREACH which increased fuel levels from 11 to 90%. On completion JAGUAR set off for the Pitcairn Islands where a stop was made from 0910 to 1810 on Thursday the 30th. Twenty-four hours later another RAS between TIDEREACH & JAGUAR was made before farewells were exchanged as they disconnected, TIDEREACH turning back for Sydney and JAGUAR north east to cross the Pacific.
Log: 6002nm / 373hrs
NOVEMBER
For the first week of November JAGUAR, now alone, maintained the same heading until arriving at Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands in the evening of Saturday the 8th where the Captain and a few others went ashore for a couple of hours at Finch Bay. By 2130 all had returned and passage to Panama was resumed.
On Wednesday the 12th at 0830 a Pilot was embarked to guide the ship to Balboa’s Pier 18. Here fuelling moved the gauges from 12 to 83% and Midshipman Jack was discharged to hospital followed later by a rating. That begs the question; Did either of them recover soon enough to reach home before the ship did? Slipping at 0506 on Thursday the ship was soon in Mira Locks to transit the Panama Canal. That was completed when the Pilot disembarked at 1315.
Soon after 0400 the next morning RFA RETAINER was contacted by radio and from 0900 to 1120 the two ships, connected by Jackstays, headed north at 12 knots transferring stores. A north east Gale on Sunday put the entire upper decks out of bounds overnight leaving the Watch-on-deck, for the only time since leaving Chatham in January, limited to internal rounds of the ship. The bad weather was quickly forgotten upon arrival at Key West the next morning. Here from Monday the 17th to Tuesday the 25th, Leave, Lunch Parties, Visitor afternoons and watching US warships such as JARRAT and TARRANTE coming and going provided diversions from essential maintenance tasks. During the stay Sub Lt. Birch joined and Midshipman Balderton left the ship. In addition to that one ‘offender and escort left for the airport! Sailing from Key West at 0900 on Wednesday the 26th the comfort of No.2 Railway Pier, Jamaica heralded a weekend of ??????, well, rum and coke certainly!
Log: 5149nm / 423hrs.
DECEMBER
All Leave expired at 0630 on Monday the 1st and by 0730 the ship was moving to Jamaica’s Shell-Mex Pier for fuel. Topped-up, the ship was leaving the harbour behind by 1015. In the afternoon some mortar bombs were fired for practice without the opportunity to launch a boat to recover fish for supper being taken. A return to collective Royal Navy activities was made on Tuesday when the ship rendezvoused with the frigate MOWHAWK and submarine ORPHEUS to spend the day on anti-submarine exercises before ending with throw-off (towards but not at) gun shoots. Another fuelling-stop, this time at San Juan, filled the tanks in three hours on Wednesday before JAGUAR began the run up the Atlantic.
On Monday the 8th all guns were fired for exercise. On Tuesday RFA WAVE RULER provided fuel and transferred drums of Lubricating Oil from 0830 to 1000. After a windy Wednesday night a morale-boosting RAF Shackleton Maritime Patrol aircraft, masquerading as a mail van, roared past the ship a very few feet above sea level and returned slower to drop mail canisters as close to JAGUAR’s lowered boat as possible. On the black side, now would be the last chance to receive a ‘Dear John’ prior to the ship reaching home.
It was 2027 on Friday the 12th when the anchor was ‘Let-go’ at No. 4 Anchorage, Spithead and 1000 the next morning when, without flying its Paying-Off Pennant because of high winds, JAGUAR entered Portsmouth to secure on South Railway Jetty at the end, ALMOST, of its round-the-world voyage.
During Monday the 15th all ammunition was disembarked via lighters to the RN Armament Depot, Bedenham. At 1549 the next day JAGUAR left Portsmouth to complete the circumnavigation on entering South Lock, Chatham Dockyard at 0847 on Wednesday the 17th of December 1969.
Log: 4551nm / 289hrs.
All Leave expired at 0630 on Monday the 1st and by 0730 the ship was moving to Jamaica’s Shell-Mex Pier for fuel. Topped-up, the ship was leaving the harbour behind by 1015. In the afternoon some mortar bombs were fired for practice without the opportunity to launch a boat to recover fish for supper being taken. A return to collective Royal Navy activities was made on Tuesday when the ship rendezvoused with the frigate MOWHAWK and submarine ORPHEUS to spend the day on anti-submarine exercises before ending with throw-off (towards but not at) gun shoots. Another fuelling-stop, this time at San Juan, filled the tanks in three hours on Wednesday before JAGUAR began the run up the Atlantic.
On Monday the 8th all guns were fired for exercise. On Tuesday RFA WAVE RULER provided fuel and transferred drums of Lubricating Oil from 0830 to 1000. After a windy Wednesday night a morale-boosting RAF Shackleton Maritime Patrol aircraft, masquerading as a mail van, roared past the ship a very few feet above sea level and returned slower to drop mail canisters as close to JAGUAR’s lowered boat as possible. On the black side, now would be the last chance to receive a ‘Dear John’ prior to the ship reaching home.
It was 2027 on Friday the 12th when the anchor was ‘Let-go’ at No. 4 Anchorage, Spithead and 1000 the next morning when, without flying its Paying-Off Pennant because of high winds, JAGUAR entered Portsmouth to secure on South Railway Jetty at the end, ALMOST, of its round-the-world voyage.
During Monday the 15th all ammunition was disembarked via lighters to the RN Armament Depot, Bedenham. At 1549 the next day JAGUAR left Portsmouth to complete the circumnavigation on entering South Lock, Chatham Dockyard at 0847 on Wednesday the 17th of December 1969.
Log: 4551nm / 289hrs.
Lower Deck of Leading Rates was cleared to witness the reading of Punishment Warrant No. 32 on the 17th and Christmas Leave for the majority began. The officers held a Cocktail Party on the 18th. On the 20th Able Seaman MacShane returned onboard (Was he the one who left under escort at Key West or perhaps the one hospitalised at Panama?
On Boxing Day Lieutenant Sparks, with his family, visited those left onboard over Christmas.
CIRCUMNAVIGATION LOG TOTALS:
49530 NAUTICAL MILES (56938 Statute / 91729Kms) during 3427 hours at sea. Average 14.5 knots during 142.8 days at sea.
On Boxing Day Lieutenant Sparks, with his family, visited those left onboard over Christmas.
CIRCUMNAVIGATION LOG TOTALS:
49530 NAUTICAL MILES (56938 Statute / 91729Kms) during 3427 hours at sea. Average 14.5 knots during 142.8 days at sea.
TEXT Editing completed 220218. DL here 100418
PIX TO BE ADDED before publication.
PIX TO BE ADDED before publication.