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- HMS Leopard's 2nd Commission
HMS Leopard's 2nd Commission
- By Robby G
- Published 05/7/2008
- HMS Leopard
-
Rating:
Part3
We head for home
Farewell to Cape of Good Hope Hello Cape Horn
At last it was time to leave South Africa to join the Special Squadron which was being formed to show the flag in South America. Something special was needed to give in return for the unlimited hospitality which had been extended to us during our time in South Africa. Something special was provided. Firstly there was a really excellent farewell dance at the "Rhodesia by the sea" hotel. during the evening we were entertained with a polished performance from our own guitar group the "Clippers" (of Gib. radio fame) We also had performances from quite a few other people as well!
Guests were invited aboard for the trip from Simonstown to Capetown. They were served an excellent luncheon, although there was some shortage because 420 guests arrived onboard instead of the anticipated 240. A pipe band played on "X" gundeck; so did A/b's Mackay and Wright, and our Christmas pudding was ceremoniously stirred.
We sailed from Capetown on the 4th December leaving behind many good friends and a great deal of general goodwill.
We rendezvoused with HM Ships "Lion"(on left) and "Dunkirk" together with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker "Wave Prince"
On 10th December and in company we entered Rio de Janeiro.
Ceremonial guards were landed from each ship to represent us at the first of many wreath-laying ceremonies of which the South Americans are fond. Here also a great many "rabbits" were brought aboard; mainly trays decorated with butterfly or moth wings and jewellery--semi-precious stones being reasonably cheap in Brazil. Excellent sight seeing trips were organised which included meals, swimming and a visit to our first South American football match in Rio's magnificent football stadium which is the largest in the world.(1961)
Practically everyone visited the world famous Copacobana beach-if not the actual beach the seafront bars were well and truly used. Whilst at Rio we received our first Christmas mail.
On leaving Rio we exercised with units of the Brazilian Navy before proceeding to Buenos Aires where we were to spend Christmas.. Messdecks were decorated and the victualling department done us proud. Try as we may it is difficult to get hold of anyone who can give a clear account of Christmas-still this only goes to prove it must have been a pretty good one ! Though everyone remembers our band at the carol service. The four members of Lions Royal Marine band who lived in 2 mess every time we were in port were particularly welcome that day.
From Buenos Aires we steamed down the River Plate to Montevideo; having been joined by HMS Londonderry.
On the way down the Plate we were attacked by a large swarm of insects that looked like dragonflies. They infested every ventilated compartment before blocking the ventilators completely and the upperdeck was littered with them.
Some consternation was caused by certain of our "saltier" members who elected to sail the whaler from B.A., however as they arrived in time for the New Year no harm was done. At New Year all the Scotsmen aboard developed even broader accents than usual as they banded together to celebrate some ancient rite known as "OCH, HOGMANAY, OCH" ! They seemed to enjoy themselves, as did the rest of us Sassenachs, and the majotity of the crew saw the New Year in by dancing in the streets and throwing fireworks after the local custom.
In our next port of call, Puerto Belgrano, there followed an ASADO which is the South American version of the South African BRAAIVLEIS which is the South African version of the American BARBECUE which in turn is merely a souped up version of roasting potatoes on a bonfire on Bonfire Night (November 5th- Guy Fawkes and all that). In other words a excuse for a good piss-up with well burnt
grub !
The run-ashore here was a little disappointing after Rio ,B.A and Monte although there were excellent swimming facilities for the more energetic.
On our passage through the Magellan Straits we paused at Punta Arenas to pick up S.O.O and a Chilean Naval Officer who was to act as our Liaison Officer on our passage through the Straits and subsequent visit to Talcahuano.
We proceeded independently to Talcahuano, Lion and the rest of the squandron going to Valparaiso to make headline news by painting out the local hospital. From Talcahuano there is little to report. We put the usual guard shore to attend to yhe usual wreath-laying ceremony and departed quietly for Callao.
Having rejoined the squadron we entered Callao. For once our guide-book was up to date with information, at least about the terrible smell from the local fish meal factory which clouds the harbour and town continuously.. however this smell did not reach the saloon bars in nearby Lima so it did not seriously inconvenience anyone.
In Lima there were visits to the site of the ancient Inca village, trips on the highest railway in the world, mountains of "furry" rabbits brought aboard and some of the best "Grippo" runs of the South American Cruise. However all good things must come to an end and we were soon on our way through the Panama Canal.
After passage through the Panama Canal the Special squadron visited, the place that Drake knocked about a bit ! The natives still have their forts and bastions but they seemed more than willing to let bygones be bygones about the dastardly deeds of old Frankie. Here large numbers of stuffed alligators were bought-probably by the unsuccessful Gambia white hunters-and graced (or should that be DISgraced ?) the messdecks until our return home.
When we left Cartegena we were once again wearing the flag of the C in C. The Special Squadron was disbanded and we proceeded independently to Port o' Spain, Trinidad. There were three things of interest here; Steel Bands, The "Limbo" Dance and Rum. (a change I suppose from Rum,Bum and Baccy). Probably most people will say these things should have been posted in reverse order but the "AA" representative on board specially asked that they should be as above !
Whilst on passage between Port o' Spain and Dakar, West Africa, our next call, we had our sea inspection. This amongst many other things gave the yeoman and the Shipwright a chance to fly their kite - literally. Our South African midshipman was in his element supervising the activities of some Red indians in an encampment on top of the bridge and all the buffer's prayers about the paintwork being dry were unanswered.
Dakar was expensive. The main attraction was the swimming and even then it set you back 4,000 francs to get you on the beach. We only wanted to use it not buy it?
We arrived in Gibraltar on the 26th February, one of the first of many ships who were assembling there for the big exercise "Dawnbreeze Seven". There were frequent trips over the border to La Linea where some of our number were so well known that they were on first name terms with the border guards. Mountains of rabbits were brought aboard to add to everyones already enormous collection. In between all these private activities we managed to fit in a couple of very strenuous weeks at Dawnbreeze Seven.
On the 30th March we anchored at Spithead, Portsmouth. Families and friends were bought out to us by the tug "Grinder" We then proceeded up harbour and secured alongside at noon.
We knew we had finally arrived home in England...... It was P*****g down with rain.
Many thanks to all who have submitted pics and articles. I seem to have mislaid some along the way, so if you have submitted something and it's not here please let me know.
John Blount kindly sent me Leo 2 commissioning book plus many pics and has made the re-writing of this commission possible (he lives in New Zealand) many thanks to you John.
I hope to include the seperate departmental dits in the near future, so if you have anything tucked away in that 'ol sea chest please submit it for publication before the grandchildren get their grubby hands on your late effects, and as is the norm ditch it!
Any dit any pic from any commission or ship are all welcome.
Happy days,
Rob (Nobby) G
We head for home
Farewell to Cape of Good Hope Hello Cape Horn
At last it was time to leave South Africa to join the Special Squadron which was being formed to show the flag in South America. Something special was needed to give in return for the unlimited hospitality which had been extended to us during our time in South Africa. Something special was provided. Firstly there was a really excellent farewell dance at the "Rhodesia by the sea" hotel. during the evening we were entertained with a polished performance from our own guitar group the "Clippers" (of Gib. radio fame) We also had performances from quite a few other people as well!
Guests were invited aboard for the trip from Simonstown to Capetown. They were served an excellent luncheon, although there was some shortage because 420 guests arrived onboard instead of the anticipated 240. A pipe band played on "X" gundeck; so did A/b's Mackay and Wright, and our Christmas pudding was ceremoniously stirred.
We sailed from Capetown on the 4th December leaving behind many good friends and a great deal of general goodwill.
We rendezvoused with HM Ships "Lion"(on left) and "Dunkirk" together with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker "Wave Prince" On 10th December and in company we entered Rio de Janeiro.
Ceremonial guards were landed from each ship to represent us at the first of many wreath-laying ceremonies of which the South Americans are fond. Here also a great many "rabbits" were brought aboard; mainly trays decorated with butterfly or moth wings and jewellery--semi-precious stones being reasonably cheap in Brazil. Excellent sight seeing trips were organised which included meals, swimming and a visit to our first South American football match in Rio's magnificent football stadium which is the largest in the world.(1961)
Practically everyone visited the world famous Copacobana beach-if not the actual beach the seafront bars were well and truly used. Whilst at Rio we received our first Christmas mail.
On leaving Rio we exercised with units of the Brazilian Navy before proceeding to Buenos Aires where we were to spend Christmas.. Messdecks were decorated and the victualling department done us proud. Try as we may it is difficult to get hold of anyone who can give a clear account of Christmas-still this only goes to prove it must have been a pretty good one ! Though everyone remembers our band at the carol service. The four members of Lions Royal Marine band who lived in 2 mess every time we were in port were particularly welcome that day.
From Buenos Aires we steamed down the River Plate to Montevideo; having been joined by HMS Londonderry.
On the way down the Plate we were attacked by a large swarm of insects that looked like dragonflies. They infested every ventilated compartment before blocking the ventilators completely and the upperdeck was littered with them.
Some consternation was caused by certain of our "saltier" members who elected to sail the whaler from B.A., however as they arrived in time for the New Year no harm was done. At New Year all the Scotsmen aboard developed even broader accents than usual as they banded together to celebrate some ancient rite known as "OCH, HOGMANAY, OCH" ! They seemed to enjoy themselves, as did the rest of us Sassenachs, and the majotity of the crew saw the New Year in by dancing in the streets and throwing fireworks after the local custom.
In our next port of call, Puerto Belgrano, there followed an ASADO which is the South American version of the South African BRAAIVLEIS which is the South African version of the American BARBECUE which in turn is merely a souped up version of roasting potatoes on a bonfire on Bonfire Night (November 5th- Guy Fawkes and all that). In other words a excuse for a good piss-up with well burnt
The run-ashore here was a little disappointing after Rio ,B.A and Monte although there were excellent swimming facilities for the more energetic.
On our passage through the Magellan Straits we paused at Punta Arenas to pick up S.O.O and a Chilean Naval Officer who was to act as our Liaison Officer on our passage through the Straits and subsequent visit to Talcahuano.
We proceeded independently to Talcahuano, Lion and the rest of the squandron going to Valparaiso to make headline news by painting out the local hospital. From Talcahuano there is little to report. We put the usual guard shore to attend to yhe usual wreath-laying ceremony and departed quietly for Callao.
Having rejoined the squadron we entered Callao. For once our guide-book was up to date with information, at least about the terrible smell from the local fish meal factory which clouds the harbour and town continuously.. however this smell did not reach the saloon bars in nearby Lima so it did not seriously inconvenience anyone.
In Lima there were visits to the site of the ancient Inca village, trips on the highest railway in the world, mountains of "furry" rabbits brought aboard and some of the best "Grippo" runs of the South American Cruise. However all good things must come to an end and we were soon on our way through the Panama Canal.
After passage through the Panama Canal the Special squadron visited, the place that Drake knocked about a bit ! The natives still have their forts and bastions but they seemed more than willing to let bygones be bygones about the dastardly deeds of old Frankie. Here large numbers of stuffed alligators were bought-probably by the unsuccessful Gambia white hunters-and graced (or should that be DISgraced ?) the messdecks until our return home.
When we left Cartegena we were once again wearing the flag of the C in C. The Special Squadron was disbanded and we proceeded independently to Port o' Spain, Trinidad. There were three things of interest here; Steel Bands, The "Limbo" Dance and Rum. (a change I suppose from Rum,Bum and Baccy). Probably most people will say these things should have been posted in reverse order but the "AA" representative on board specially asked that they should be as above !
Whilst on passage between Port o' Spain and Dakar, West Africa, our next call, we had our sea inspection. This amongst many other things gave the yeoman and the Shipwright a chance to fly their kite - literally. Our South African midshipman was in his element supervising the activities of some Red indians in an encampment on top of the bridge and all the buffer's prayers about the paintwork being dry were unanswered.
Dakar was expensive. The main attraction was the swimming and even then it set you back 4,000 francs to get you on the beach. We only wanted to use it not buy it?
We arrived in Gibraltar on the 26th February, one of the first of many ships who were assembling there for the big exercise "Dawnbreeze Seven". There were frequent trips over the border to La Linea where some of our number were so well known that they were on first name terms with the border guards. Mountains of rabbits were brought aboard to add to everyones already enormous collection. In between all these private activities we managed to fit in a couple of very strenuous weeks at Dawnbreeze Seven.
On the 30th March we anchored at Spithead, Portsmouth. Families and friends were bought out to us by the tug "Grinder" We then proceeded up harbour and secured alongside at noon.
We knew we had finally arrived home in England...... It was P*****g down with rain.
Many thanks to all who have submitted pics and articles. I seem to have mislaid some along the way, so if you have submitted something and it's not here please let me know.
John Blount kindly sent me Leo 2 commissioning book plus many pics and has made the re-writing of this commission possible (he lives in New Zealand) many thanks to you John.
I hope to include the seperate departmental dits in the near future, so if you have anything tucked away in that 'ol sea chest please submit it for publication before the grandchildren get their grubby hands on your late effects, and as is the norm ditch it!
Any dit any pic from any commission or ship are all welcome.
Happy days,
Rob (Nobby) G