HMS JAGUAR 1970
Though the ship retained a small ship's company it was 'In Dockyard Hands' at Chatham, not least for the removal and replacement of a main engine that had ‘died’ whilst the ship was on the other side of the world last year. It would be August before crew numbers began to rise again by which time a momentous and much debated event had occurred that changed the Royal Navy forever.
JANUARY
A customary start to the year had the ship secured in 3 Basin’s N W Corner and the Gangway Staff watching the frigate MINERVA leave for sea on the 3rd. On the 8th Lower Deck was cleared for the reading of Warrant No. 33 and the departure of one rating to Detention Quarters. On the 15th there was yet another who strayed outside the Rules bringing about Warrant No. 34.
Officers and men were leaving the ship for elsewhere during the month and on Monday the 26th JAGUAR formally went into 'Dockyard Hands'. The remaining Skeleton Crew then moved into HMS PEMBROKE Barracks adjoining the dockyard
FEBRUARY
There was always a Duty Watch onboard together with Gangway Staff to ensure safety and security and the remainder worked in the ship day by day.
On the 4th Rear Admiral F C W Lawson, DSC* (MIMechE) - Flag Officer, Medway and Admiral Superintendent, spent an hour onboard looking around the ship. A new series of Punishment Warrants began on the 9th with the reading of No’s 1 and 2 and the departure of two men to Detention Quarters at Portsmouth.
MARCH
On the 20th the Navy's second Nuclear Powered Submarine VALIANT passed inwards to No. 1 Basin to be the first to use the newly built Refuelling Base. On the 23rd JAGUAR moved into nearby No5 Dock.
APRIL
The ship’s side was soon clad in scaffolding and openings were cut in her decks and side as Dockyard Mateys began the engine change. It would be June before the task was completed and JAGUAR was floated out looking whole again.
A customary start to the year had the ship secured in 3 Basin’s N W Corner and the Gangway Staff watching the frigate MINERVA leave for sea on the 3rd. On the 8th Lower Deck was cleared for the reading of Warrant No. 33 and the departure of one rating to Detention Quarters. On the 15th there was yet another who strayed outside the Rules bringing about Warrant No. 34.
Officers and men were leaving the ship for elsewhere during the month and on Monday the 26th JAGUAR formally went into 'Dockyard Hands'. The remaining Skeleton Crew then moved into HMS PEMBROKE Barracks adjoining the dockyard
FEBRUARY
There was always a Duty Watch onboard together with Gangway Staff to ensure safety and security and the remainder worked in the ship day by day.
On the 4th Rear Admiral F C W Lawson, DSC* (MIMechE) - Flag Officer, Medway and Admiral Superintendent, spent an hour onboard looking around the ship. A new series of Punishment Warrants began on the 9th with the reading of No’s 1 and 2 and the departure of two men to Detention Quarters at Portsmouth.
MARCH
On the 20th the Navy's second Nuclear Powered Submarine VALIANT passed inwards to No. 1 Basin to be the first to use the newly built Refuelling Base. On the 23rd JAGUAR moved into nearby No5 Dock.
APRIL
The ship’s side was soon clad in scaffolding and openings were cut in her decks and side as Dockyard Mateys began the engine change. It would be June before the task was completed and JAGUAR was floated out looking whole again.
MAY
The Fleet Maintenance Ship HMS HARTLAND POINT (in dehumidified Reserve) arrived in Chatham heralding the intended relocation by 1971 of Reserve Ships, including the Standby Squadron frigates, from Portsmouth to Chatham.
JUNE
On the 8th JAGUAR undocked to No 3 Basin. On the 12th the frigate AURORA came in from sea followed on the 19th by the survey vessel HMS BEAGLE.
JULY
During the month Flag Officer, Medway paid a visit on the 6th. On the same day Punishment Warrant No.3 was read and Able Seaman Eastwood went off to repent. Second Leave Party were paid and went home on the 10th as HMS CAVALIER(+) berthed alongside. (+ CAVALIER, Decommissioned at Chatham in 1972, was saved from the breakers yard to become a 'heritage' ship. Via various locations she eventually returned to Chatham in 1998 and remains (in 2019) open to the public at Chatham Historic Dockyard.
On the 20th JAGUAR was moved back into No. 5 Dock for hull fittings adjustments and returned to 3 Basin on the 28th where Punishment Warrant No. 5 was read in the presence of the Weapons and Electrical Branch.
During the month Flag Officer, Medway paid a visit on the 6th. On the same day Punishment Warrant No.3 was read and Able Seaman Eastwood went off to repent. Second Leave Party were paid and went home on the 10th as HMS CAVALIER(+) berthed alongside. (+ CAVALIER, Decommissioned at Chatham in 1972, was saved from the breakers yard to become a 'heritage' ship. Via various locations she eventually returned to Chatham in 1998 and remains (in 2019) open to the public at Chatham Historic Dockyard.
On the 20th JAGUAR was moved back into No. 5 Dock for hull fittings adjustments and returned to 3 Basin on the 28th where Punishment Warrant No. 5 was read in the presence of the Weapons and Electrical Branch.
THURSDAY THE 31ST OF JULY 1970 - ROYAL NAVY - FINAL RUM ISSUE
On this day the Pipe "UP SPIRITS" at 1100 and the issue of the Tot led to downed spirits of sailors throughout the Navy for evermore.
The daily issue of Rum, with its roots in the 17th Century, met its end via the following reasoning:
"The Admiralty Board concludes that the rum issue is no longer compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that individual's tasks in ships are concerned with complex, and often delicate, machinery and systems on the correct functioning of which people's lives may depend"
AUGUST
The ship was both coming together and drawing new people to it starting on the 10th with the arrival onboard of its new Commanding Officer Commander F A Collins. Lieutenant P F Thomson also came new to the ship.
There was a small fire later in the day - a bundle of rags in the After Engine Room found smouldering - was quickly extinguished. Neither common nor unheard of it served as a reminder to all.
Flag Officer Medway visited the ship with Local Government guests in the afternoon of the 14th. On the 17th two officers, Lt Tolhurst and Sub/Lt Durie, took up their appointments in JAGUAR. On the 25th Navigating Officer Lt Ellison was another newcomer to the ship. On the same day the ships company's returned from Barracks to live onboard and listened intently as their Captain introduced himself and his expectations of them.
SEPTEMBER
Back in No. 3 Basin on the first day of the month activity was increasing both within and around the ship as sailors familiarised themselves with the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of their Leopard Class frigate and specific Departmental responsibilities. Beyond that some 230 individuals now began the transformation into a self-sufficient fighting force each dependent upon the other.
Flag Officer, Medway, spent an hour inspecting the ship on the 18th.
On the 21st a clean start for Punishment Warrants was made when a seaman was 'awarded' Warrant No.1. On the 22nd a Party of nine Sea Cadet Officers visited the ship. Always important as they provided incentive for youngsters to learn about and perhaps join the Navy.
Engines were started during Basin Trials in the Dog Watches of the 23rd. Trials continued the next day and ammunition was embarked for trials as the new Coxswain joined the ship. Sub/Lt(SD) Mathers joined on the 25th.
On the 27th two Radar-trained ratings joined from HMS DRYAD. At 2340 the same day two ratings were 'Placed under Arrest' and at later one rating was Placed under Close Arrest in Barracks. I don't know if these events were interconnected!
Leave was given over the weekend qualified by the proviso 'Ship Under Sailing Orders (SUSO)' indicating (a) the ship was going to sea and (b) if you failed to meet Leave expiry times punishments would be enhanced.
By 0930 on Monday the 28th of September tugs had secured alongside to move JAGUAR into the Lock and at 1040 the ship was entering the River Medway for the first time since 17 December last year. Securing to No1 Buoy, Sheerness at 1145 Compass Swinging was completed at 1345 when JAGUAR continued to sea for trials returning to the Buoy at 1913. Leave not given.
Tuesday 29th: 0810 Slipped to continue trials and evolutions in the Thames Estuary returning to Sheerness at 1744. Leave (SUSO) Natives Only 1810 - 0700. Wednesday 30th: 0835 Ship underway into the North Sea via Knock John Channel to carryout Gun Firing from 1345 to 1530 before returning to Sheerness at 1834. Leave (SUSO) Natives Only 1915 - 0700
LOG: 290nm / 25hrs at sea.
OCTOBER
Thursday the 1st 0810 Slipped for Evolutions, Radar and Machinery function trials that ended with anchoring a mile off Margate Pier for the night at 1712. Underway at 0830 on Friday Power Trials ended on the approach to Sheerness and Chatham was reached at 1605. Normal Leave.
The week from Monday the 5th was taken up with analysis, care and maintenance. On Wednesday the 7th HMS DIDO left for sea as more ratings joined JAGUAR from Rosyth, Devonport, Portsmouth and HMS DEVONSHIRE.
The Ship's Company mustered by Divisions for 'Divisional Officer's Talk' on Thursday as fuelling continued and the survey vessels HMS BULLDOG & BEAGLE came in.
On Monday the 12th the Submarine WARSPITE came in and BULLDOG & BEAGLE went out. The frigate CHICHESTER came in on Tuesday. The destroyer CAVALIER left and survey ship VIDAL came in on Thursday while JAGUAR entertained 19 Sea Cadets on a familiarisation visit.
Flag Officer, Medway was back in the ship to carry-out a 'Refit Completion' walk round during the Forenoon on Friday the 16th.
Also on Friday two old acquaintances re-met when the ship JAGUAR welcomed on board the jaguar 'JASON' The ship had brought JASON - gifted to the RZS London Zoo - from Rio De Janeiro in 1962 as we (I then a member of the ship's company) made our way home from a year on the South America / South Atlantic Station. (See 1962 Section).
Thursday the 1st 0810 Slipped for Evolutions, Radar and Machinery function trials that ended with anchoring a mile off Margate Pier for the night at 1712. Underway at 0830 on Friday Power Trials ended on the approach to Sheerness and Chatham was reached at 1605. Normal Leave.
The week from Monday the 5th was taken up with analysis, care and maintenance. On Wednesday the 7th HMS DIDO left for sea as more ratings joined JAGUAR from Rosyth, Devonport, Portsmouth and HMS DEVONSHIRE.
The Ship's Company mustered by Divisions for 'Divisional Officer's Talk' on Thursday as fuelling continued and the survey vessels HMS BULLDOG & BEAGLE came in.
On Monday the 12th the Submarine WARSPITE came in and BULLDOG & BEAGLE went out. The frigate CHICHESTER came in on Tuesday. The destroyer CAVALIER left and survey ship VIDAL came in on Thursday while JAGUAR entertained 19 Sea Cadets on a familiarisation visit.
Flag Officer, Medway was back in the ship to carry-out a 'Refit Completion' walk round during the Forenoon on Friday the 16th.
Also on Friday two old acquaintances re-met when the ship JAGUAR welcomed on board the jaguar 'JASON' The ship had brought JASON - gifted to the RZS London Zoo - from Rio De Janeiro in 1962 as we (I then a member of the ship's company) made our way home from a year on the South America / South Atlantic Station. (See 1962 Section).
SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER 1970 COMMISSIONING DAY
By the time Commanding Officer, Commander F A Collins, greeted Rear Admiral F C W Lawson on the Jetty beside JAGUAR at 1100 the Ship's Company, in their No.1's, and the invited Guests were assembled. They were there for the formal Commissioning Ceremony of this almost 11 years old frigate. (Built at Denny's Dumbarton Yard and first commissioned there on the 10th of December 1959 which I, amongst 119 other shipmates, witnessed. (See HMS JAGUAR Intro & Spec. Section).
1970 MANNING LEVELS.
TOTAL MANNING: 233.
OFFICERS 15.
BRANCHES: SEAMAN 82, ENGINEER 54, ELECTRICAL 36, SUPPLY 27, COMMUNICATIONS 19.
"JASON" Left the ship on Sunday to take his Keeper back to the zoo leaving the remaining 'Jaguars' to begin the hard and challenging tasks of turning the frigate into an efficient fighting ship.
Locking out at 1400 on Monday the 19th Emergency and Liferaft Stations were exercised on their way down to anchor off Margate at 1840. An 0815 sailing on Tuesday led to Full Power and Engine Room Trials. By midnight they were off the Suffolk coast and on Wednesday the 21st, east of Cromer, they investigated a Soviet merchant ship and continued speed trails heading south and to anchor off Dungeness at 1744.
An 0650 start on Thursday continued speed trails including an hour at Action Stations on the way back to arrive at Chatham Locks at 1650. Officers hosted a 'Thank-you' Cocktail Party for Dockyard Officers in the evening.
On Friday the 23rd the Captain left for meetings at Portsmouth and at 0845 half of the the ship's Internal Security (^IS) Platoon landed for Weapons Training. LINCOLN in from sea. (^Security/Aid to Civil Power armed group).
On Monday the 26th IS Platoon training continued in Barracks but they were all back on board in time to wash and brush up ready to return to PEMBROKE Barracks for the 'Ship's Dance' in the evening.
The Bunting came out on Tuesday to exercise Dress Ship after which the Ship's Company mustered on X Gundeck to hear the Captain read the Articles of War.
Locking out of Chatham at 1030 on Wednesday the 28th everyone onboard knew they now had weeks of hard work to endure before returning there for Christmas Leave. The Nab Tower was raised at 2015 and by 2145 JAGUAR was alongside NW Wall in Portsmouth Dockyard.
On Thursday 'Ammunition Ship' took up the working day. Two ship movemnts were noted: 0830 CAVALIER out and 2200 Landing Craft (Tank) ANDALNES out.
On Friday the 30th, as the ship redied for sailing at 0750, the Engine Room reported damage caused by a Main Generator flywheel breaking loose. Sailing was first delayed then postponed until November the 2nd.
On Saturday Lt(E) M Annand RNR joined the ship for 28 days.
Log: 876nm / 84hrs
By the time Commanding Officer, Commander F A Collins, greeted Rear Admiral F C W Lawson on the Jetty beside JAGUAR at 1100 the Ship's Company, in their No.1's, and the invited Guests were assembled. They were there for the formal Commissioning Ceremony of this almost 11 years old frigate. (Built at Denny's Dumbarton Yard and first commissioned there on the 10th of December 1959 which I, amongst 119 other shipmates, witnessed. (See HMS JAGUAR Intro & Spec. Section).
1970 MANNING LEVELS.
TOTAL MANNING: 233.
OFFICERS 15.
BRANCHES: SEAMAN 82, ENGINEER 54, ELECTRICAL 36, SUPPLY 27, COMMUNICATIONS 19.
"JASON" Left the ship on Sunday to take his Keeper back to the zoo leaving the remaining 'Jaguars' to begin the hard and challenging tasks of turning the frigate into an efficient fighting ship.
Locking out at 1400 on Monday the 19th Emergency and Liferaft Stations were exercised on their way down to anchor off Margate at 1840. An 0815 sailing on Tuesday led to Full Power and Engine Room Trials. By midnight they were off the Suffolk coast and on Wednesday the 21st, east of Cromer, they investigated a Soviet merchant ship and continued speed trails heading south and to anchor off Dungeness at 1744.
An 0650 start on Thursday continued speed trails including an hour at Action Stations on the way back to arrive at Chatham Locks at 1650. Officers hosted a 'Thank-you' Cocktail Party for Dockyard Officers in the evening.
On Friday the 23rd the Captain left for meetings at Portsmouth and at 0845 half of the the ship's Internal Security (^IS) Platoon landed for Weapons Training. LINCOLN in from sea. (^Security/Aid to Civil Power armed group).
On Monday the 26th IS Platoon training continued in Barracks but they were all back on board in time to wash and brush up ready to return to PEMBROKE Barracks for the 'Ship's Dance' in the evening.
The Bunting came out on Tuesday to exercise Dress Ship after which the Ship's Company mustered on X Gundeck to hear the Captain read the Articles of War.
Locking out of Chatham at 1030 on Wednesday the 28th everyone onboard knew they now had weeks of hard work to endure before returning there for Christmas Leave. The Nab Tower was raised at 2015 and by 2145 JAGUAR was alongside NW Wall in Portsmouth Dockyard.
On Thursday 'Ammunition Ship' took up the working day. Two ship movemnts were noted: 0830 CAVALIER out and 2200 Landing Craft (Tank) ANDALNES out.
On Friday the 30th, as the ship redied for sailing at 0750, the Engine Room reported damage caused by a Main Generator flywheel breaking loose. Sailing was first delayed then postponed until November the 2nd.
On Saturday Lt(E) M Annand RNR joined the ship for 28 days.
Log: 876nm / 84hrs
NOVEMBER
HMS GRENVILLE entered the Dockyard at 1100 on Sunday and at 2130 two ratings from HMS GANGES joined JAGUAR for sea training. Monday the 2nd was spent at sea from 0900 and 1750 calibrating equipment. Sailing on Tuesday at 0830 Gun Tracking gave way to responding to Distress Flares at 1450 being fired from a Schooner to the south. It was taken in tow at 1540 and handed over to the Tug SMITHBANK in the Solent before JAGUAR secured on SW Wall at 2045.
Underway at 0930 on Wednesday Gunnery Tracking was the primary event before returning to harbour at 1820. Out at 0830 on Thursday crews AA Tracking, Swimmer of the Watch exercises and Pay Parade used up the day before returning to SW Wall at 1800.
Sailing at 0830 on Friday Astern trails from 1030-1100; 1205 2" Rocket firing; 1445-1530 Firing run A & X Turrets; 1530-1600 firings. Astern trial and a Swimmer of Watch exercise then preceded a return to SW Wall at 1800 and refuelling until 2000.
Normal Weekend Leave.
Sailing at 0815 on Monday the 9th and returning to harbour at 1806 the day was spent on Gunnery User Checks, various evolutions and Dan Buoy laying.
Tuesday's sailing was at 0830. An hour later Alarms were sounding throughout the ship as they went to Action Stations. That was followed first by Radio then Sonar Trials. At 1335 Sea Boat Crews and Swimmers were exercised.
At sea overnight the first task on Wednesday was to practice securing to head and stern buoys at Portland. Underway at 1145 the ship was on the Degaussing Range from 1230 to 1500.
From 1515 to 1700 came the exciting bit of practicing approaches on the RFA Tanker BROWN RANGER.
(Replenishment at sea (RAS) has always been recognised as one of the most challenging navigational tasks. In summary the supplying ship (e.g. Tanker) defines and maintains the course and speed and the receiving ship approaches and steadies on it. Variably the speed is set around 12 knots (14mph) and the distance between ships is around 150 feet (45m).
Sonar Control Crews closed up at 1745 and carried out Sonar Trials on a Triplane Target before the ship anchored in Portland T1 Berth.
A Noise Trial Team were onboard on Thursday the 12th when JAGUAR sailed at 0917 to carryout Noise Trials until 1145. The ship went to Action Stations at 1400 followed by Repair Parties being tested from 1500. At 1550 Bathythermograph Trials closed the day and the ship anchored for the night at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. Friday the 13th began with Torpedo and Anti Submarine exercises including live Squid firings. In the afternoon Seaboat exercises preceded the return to Portsmouth Dockyard at 1640 and a Cocktail Party in Wardroom at 1945.
Normal Weekend Leave. On Sunday Lt Cdr Yates joined the ship for MFDF Trials.
On Monday the 16th Able Seaman Martin joined from VERNON as a 'chain-gang' embarked Victualling Stores. On Tuesday Able Seaman Slater was escorted back on board. Later Midshipman Woodbridge joined the ship.
At 0820 on Thursday JAGUAR followed ARETHUSA to sea. From 0930 Action Stations was sustained until Dinner after which various Machinery Breakdowns used up the afternoon. Punishment Warrant No. 2 was read and the ship was alongside SW Wall at 1802.
Out at 0820 on Friday the 20th MF Direction Finding Trials with a specialised Team from Gilkicker embarked were terminated in bad weather allowing JAGUAR to get back alongside at 1400 in good time for Long Weekend Leave. REMOVE (PIC)
On Monday the 23rd 'Ammunition Ship' saw a loaded barge emptied into JAGUAR by 1110.
At 1200 Commander in Chief, Naval Home Command, called on the Captain.
At 1250 Flags to Half Mast upon the death of the President of Singapore, Yusof Ishak,
On Wednesday Admiral Superintendent, Portsmouth (Rear Admiral A M Power) visited the ship. In the afternoon 'Clear Lower Deck Hands to Muster in Messdecks for Divisional Officer's Talk' brought everyone up to date on progress and expectations. Thursday was spent on cleaning and maintenance.
From 0930 to 1230 on Friday the 27th Rear Admiral (Engineer) N H Malin MVO accompanied by Captain R D MacDonald CBE made an Inspection visit to the ship.
Normal Weekend Leave given.
HMS GRENVILLE entered the Dockyard at 1100 on Sunday and at 2130 two ratings from HMS GANGES joined JAGUAR for sea training. Monday the 2nd was spent at sea from 0900 and 1750 calibrating equipment. Sailing on Tuesday at 0830 Gun Tracking gave way to responding to Distress Flares at 1450 being fired from a Schooner to the south. It was taken in tow at 1540 and handed over to the Tug SMITHBANK in the Solent before JAGUAR secured on SW Wall at 2045.
Underway at 0930 on Wednesday Gunnery Tracking was the primary event before returning to harbour at 1820. Out at 0830 on Thursday crews AA Tracking, Swimmer of the Watch exercises and Pay Parade used up the day before returning to SW Wall at 1800.
Sailing at 0830 on Friday Astern trails from 1030-1100; 1205 2" Rocket firing; 1445-1530 Firing run A & X Turrets; 1530-1600 firings. Astern trial and a Swimmer of Watch exercise then preceded a return to SW Wall at 1800 and refuelling until 2000.
Normal Weekend Leave.
Sailing at 0815 on Monday the 9th and returning to harbour at 1806 the day was spent on Gunnery User Checks, various evolutions and Dan Buoy laying.
Tuesday's sailing was at 0830. An hour later Alarms were sounding throughout the ship as they went to Action Stations. That was followed first by Radio then Sonar Trials. At 1335 Sea Boat Crews and Swimmers were exercised.
At sea overnight the first task on Wednesday was to practice securing to head and stern buoys at Portland. Underway at 1145 the ship was on the Degaussing Range from 1230 to 1500.
From 1515 to 1700 came the exciting bit of practicing approaches on the RFA Tanker BROWN RANGER.
(Replenishment at sea (RAS) has always been recognised as one of the most challenging navigational tasks. In summary the supplying ship (e.g. Tanker) defines and maintains the course and speed and the receiving ship approaches and steadies on it. Variably the speed is set around 12 knots (14mph) and the distance between ships is around 150 feet (45m).
Sonar Control Crews closed up at 1745 and carried out Sonar Trials on a Triplane Target before the ship anchored in Portland T1 Berth.
A Noise Trial Team were onboard on Thursday the 12th when JAGUAR sailed at 0917 to carryout Noise Trials until 1145. The ship went to Action Stations at 1400 followed by Repair Parties being tested from 1500. At 1550 Bathythermograph Trials closed the day and the ship anchored for the night at the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. Friday the 13th began with Torpedo and Anti Submarine exercises including live Squid firings. In the afternoon Seaboat exercises preceded the return to Portsmouth Dockyard at 1640 and a Cocktail Party in Wardroom at 1945.
Normal Weekend Leave. On Sunday Lt Cdr Yates joined the ship for MFDF Trials.
On Monday the 16th Able Seaman Martin joined from VERNON as a 'chain-gang' embarked Victualling Stores. On Tuesday Able Seaman Slater was escorted back on board. Later Midshipman Woodbridge joined the ship.
At 0820 on Thursday JAGUAR followed ARETHUSA to sea. From 0930 Action Stations was sustained until Dinner after which various Machinery Breakdowns used up the afternoon. Punishment Warrant No. 2 was read and the ship was alongside SW Wall at 1802.
Out at 0820 on Friday the 20th MF Direction Finding Trials with a specialised Team from Gilkicker embarked were terminated in bad weather allowing JAGUAR to get back alongside at 1400 in good time for Long Weekend Leave. REMOVE (PIC)
On Monday the 23rd 'Ammunition Ship' saw a loaded barge emptied into JAGUAR by 1110.
At 1200 Commander in Chief, Naval Home Command, called on the Captain.
At 1250 Flags to Half Mast upon the death of the President of Singapore, Yusof Ishak,
On Wednesday Admiral Superintendent, Portsmouth (Rear Admiral A M Power) visited the ship. In the afternoon 'Clear Lower Deck Hands to Muster in Messdecks for Divisional Officer's Talk' brought everyone up to date on progress and expectations. Thursday was spent on cleaning and maintenance.
From 0930 to 1230 on Friday the 27th Rear Admiral (Engineer) N H Malin MVO accompanied by Captain R D MacDonald CBE made an Inspection visit to the ship.
Normal Weekend Leave given.
|
Colours were again at Half Mast on Sunday the 29th of November 1970 following the death of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Michael Le Fanu GCB DSC*. He had been the Captain of HMS GANGES during the final months of my training there in 1955). During his time there the seed was reportedly sown in him that subsequently led to the transformation of new-entry training methods from Victorian to more humane disciplines. Renowned for his sometimes unconventional style that was not always universally appreciated, he also brought about other significant changes to the Navy within which he rose to the highest rank before succumbing to Leukaemia at the relatively young age of 58. |
Underway at 0830 on Monday the 30th another day of trials, testing and learning included Gun Tracking of a Meteor aircraft followed by the Captain addressing the Ships Company on X Gun Deck. and by 1515 the ship was running the Measured Mile Range off Dorset's Anvil Point. Seaboat Crews were twice called away and the ship's Splash Target was streamed and recovered. Machinery Breakdowns ended as the Bathythermograph was streamed for calibrations at 2100 and when the day/month ended JAGUAR was in Mid-Channel 35nm South of Anvil Point.
Log: 1336nm / 96hrs
Log: 1336nm / 96hrs
DECEMBER
On Tuesday the 1st Portland Bill Light was raised at 0342 and JAGUAR entered Portland Harbour at 0728 to begin :-
PORTLAND SHAKEDOWN WEEK.
FOST: Flag Officer Sea Training. (1969-71, Rear Admiral J A R TROUP. DSC*) was responsible for naval sea training and therefore the efficiency of all ships. Based at Portland, Dorset, it was highly regarded and used by many foreign navies.
With FOST Staff embarked the ship made a Blind Exit from the harbour at 0800 in company with the new frigate HMS ACHILLES (Commissioned 9 July 1970). 0935 Action Stations led to Pre-Wetting (Water Spraying the ship against Nuclear Fallout) and Machinery Breakdown exercises during the Forenoon that ended at 1145. Squid firings were carried out from 1300 as the Seaboat was called away for exercise and to recover an unmarked lifejacket. At 1530 the ship was turned to commence a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with the RFA Tanker BROWN ROVER. On a course of 260, speed 12 knots the hose line was across at 1540 and the RAS ended at 1700. Darken Ship was ordered at 1700 and at 1800 a Combined Anti Submarine Exercise (CASEX) together with ACHILLES was begun. At 1839 a Unifoxer (A towed metal rod contraption that made a hell of a noise underwater with the purpose of attracting torpedoes away from a ship's hull) was streamed. At 1905 a white candle surfaced from the participating submarine and JAGUAR dropped two Charges to signify the end of the CASEX. Speed was then increased to 18 knots as the Bilges were pumped out.
On Tuesday the 1st Portland Bill Light was raised at 0342 and JAGUAR entered Portland Harbour at 0728 to begin :-
PORTLAND SHAKEDOWN WEEK.
FOST: Flag Officer Sea Training. (1969-71, Rear Admiral J A R TROUP. DSC*) was responsible for naval sea training and therefore the efficiency of all ships. Based at Portland, Dorset, it was highly regarded and used by many foreign navies.
With FOST Staff embarked the ship made a Blind Exit from the harbour at 0800 in company with the new frigate HMS ACHILLES (Commissioned 9 July 1970). 0935 Action Stations led to Pre-Wetting (Water Spraying the ship against Nuclear Fallout) and Machinery Breakdown exercises during the Forenoon that ended at 1145. Squid firings were carried out from 1300 as the Seaboat was called away for exercise and to recover an unmarked lifejacket. At 1530 the ship was turned to commence a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with the RFA Tanker BROWN ROVER. On a course of 260, speed 12 knots the hose line was across at 1540 and the RAS ended at 1700. Darken Ship was ordered at 1700 and at 1800 a Combined Anti Submarine Exercise (CASEX) together with ACHILLES was begun. At 1839 a Unifoxer (A towed metal rod contraption that made a hell of a noise underwater with the purpose of attracting torpedoes away from a ship's hull) was streamed. At 1905 a white candle surfaced from the participating submarine and JAGUAR dropped two Charges to signify the end of the CASEX. Speed was then increased to 18 knots as the Bilges were pumped out.
Thirty minutes into Wednesday the 2nd the ship completed its navigation through a Dummy Minefield. Manoeuvres in company with ACHILLES continued overnight and ended with an entry and exit of Portland Harbour. By 0945 another RAS with BROWN RANGER continued until 1145. A Dan Buoy laying exercise took up the next hour. From 1330 to 1400 Live firings of SQUID at a towed target created an interest for those on deck and was followed with 'For Exercise Away Seaboats Crew - Man Overboard'. Elsewhere the Engine Room Department continued Breakdown Drills.
JAGUAR anchored at 1815 and soon afterwards 'Exercise Awkward', close defence of the ship against sea or land borne saboteurs, continued until 2030.
On Thursday, with FOST Staff back again, the anchor was weighed at 0750 and an hour later the Bofors Guns were engaged in anti-aircraft firings and the 4.5 inch guns in tracking. A Line transfer with the minesweeper UPTON was made. A Squid firing was ordered at 1112 and executed by 1120. By 1210 another Line transfer was made this time with the frigate DUNDAS. After a brief return to Portland exercises and evolutions continued including 'Defence Stations' at 1715 when, with ACHILLES, screening of RFA Tanker TIDESPRING took them SW and to 10 Miles off Prawle Point, Devon by 2030.
The screening ended at 0500 and JAGUAR entered Portland Harbour at 0740 on Friday. Soon after 0900 the ship was at Action Stations and back at sea. At 1017 Engine alarms sounded on both shafts and the engines were stopped. 1025 Half Ahead Both Engines. 1050 Stop Both Engines - Machinery Breakdown Drills. 1220 'Special Sea Dutymen Close Up - Hands to Ceremonial Entry'. 1330 Entered Portland Harbour and secured to a Buoy at 1350. 1455 Slipped to go alongside Q5 Berth Portland at 1520.
Normal Weekend Leave.
At 1045 on Monday the 7th of December Rear Admiral Troup was piped aboard to inspect the ship before addressing the assembled ship's company on X Gundeck before leaving the ship at 1240.
JAGUAR's Internal Security Platoon and Boarding Parties landed at 1255 returning late in the day. They were ashore again at 0750 on Tuesday and came back late afternoon. Amongst other ships in and out were the minesweeper SHOULTON and frigates GURKHA and ANDROMEDA.
On Wednesday the I.S. Platoon were again out of the ship from 0745 until 1710. A further 'Aid to the Civil Power' exercise began at 1505 when, For Exercise - 'Magistrate East Weare Village called for assistance to control riots' resulting in a Riot Party landing at 1555. The I.S. Platoon was sent ashore again at 1900 on a night exercise to combat infiltration during which the Captain and First Lieutenant also went ashore to the 'Village'. The Captain and 1st Lt. returned to the ship at 0030 on Thursday the 10th and the Internal Security Platoon had wearily returned by 0800.
Last but by no means least the ship was inspected by the Principal Medical Officer in the afternoon.
SHAKEDOWN WEEK ENDED.
By 1800 on Thursday the 10th JAGUAR was leaving Portland and at 1100 on Friday locked-into Chatham Dockyard.
At Noon on Friday the majority of the ship's company went to Christmas Leave some not to return to the ship but to new ships/establishments elsewhere when it expired.
To keep the record up to date Warrant No. 4 was read on Saturday the 19th.
Christmas came and went without any significant Log entries until, on the last day of 1970, a Naval Escort of three left the ship to travel to Scotland indicating that someone's New Year would not have an auspicious beginning.
Log: 945nm / 67hrs
JAGUAR's Internal Security Platoon and Boarding Parties landed at 1255 returning late in the day. They were ashore again at 0750 on Tuesday and came back late afternoon. Amongst other ships in and out were the minesweeper SHOULTON and frigates GURKHA and ANDROMEDA.
On Wednesday the I.S. Platoon were again out of the ship from 0745 until 1710. A further 'Aid to the Civil Power' exercise began at 1505 when, For Exercise - 'Magistrate East Weare Village called for assistance to control riots' resulting in a Riot Party landing at 1555. The I.S. Platoon was sent ashore again at 1900 on a night exercise to combat infiltration during which the Captain and First Lieutenant also went ashore to the 'Village'. The Captain and 1st Lt. returned to the ship at 0030 on Thursday the 10th and the Internal Security Platoon had wearily returned by 0800.
Last but by no means least the ship was inspected by the Principal Medical Officer in the afternoon.
SHAKEDOWN WEEK ENDED.
By 1800 on Thursday the 10th JAGUAR was leaving Portland and at 1100 on Friday locked-into Chatham Dockyard.
At Noon on Friday the majority of the ship's company went to Christmas Leave some not to return to the ship but to new ships/establishments elsewhere when it expired.
To keep the record up to date Warrant No. 4 was read on Saturday the 19th.
Christmas came and went without any significant Log entries until, on the last day of 1970, a Naval Escort of three left the ship to travel to Scotland indicating that someone's New Year would not have an auspicious beginning.
Log: 945nm / 67hrs
Year Totals 3447 nautical miles / 272 hours at sea.
This HMS JAGUAR 1970 Section first published online 09/2019