THE GUNNERS

Gunners (sorry Missilemen), as we all know, can truly be said to be on the Lord's side. Sober and upright, hard working, soft and gentle of voice, they are an example to all.

But in Devonshire, things are different as the Lord is on our side! Why else would he strike down with a mighty thunderbolt the rushton target flying through our carefully chosen point of aim? Thus striking terror into the heart of the Canberra pilot towing it and improving the employment prospects in the laundry business!

Our aim has been guided on other occasions too, amply demonstrated when A turret shot down AB Clarke's Seacat missile thus preserving the target for future use. This also permitted PO G. 1. Ashton to demonstrate the benefits of his classical education by explaining, in pure Anglo-Saxon, what a good shot it was.

Others have benefitted from our endeavours as well. When B turret removed the port 10in lamps, the Communicators were able to clean them more easily. At the same time, the port bridge wing was prepared for a fresh coat of paint and the woodwork stripped for refurbishing. Chippy truly blessed us for that and returned the compliment by washing out B magazine for us!

Where else but in Devonshire could we have enjoyed the peace and serenity of 65 weeks on work-up, its passing seasons highlighted by such events as Ocean Safari, Springtrain and the High Seas firings? Where else too could we have benefitted our fellow men quite so often by insisting that they share with us the envigorating open air pleasures of ammunition ship?



No where but in Devonshire could one have found twins, identical down to the initial on their name tallies (when worn) so doubling the chance of response to the call of 'Turley'. Nor would one find elsewhere such demonstrations of brotherly love as at the end of a Spinks/Williams run ashore.

As Devonshire now goes on to higher things, all these benefits and blessings are about to end. Consider as you sadly depart to wherever you are going - Could the Lord possibly make the same mistake again?