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- HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
- By Robby G
- Published 05/6/2008
- HMS Devonshire
- Unrated
Sport
The measure of success in the sporting activities of any Ship is not merely one of results—although by this standard alone we have done extremely well—it is in the degree of participation and enjoyment by the Ship’s Company as well—and in this we have excelled. A large proportion of the credit for this is due to “Clubs”, L.S. Roy Wilkinson. His cheerful enthusiasm and organisation as well as his own personal ability will be DEVONSHIRE’S loss but VERNON’S gain at the end of this commission. The secretaries of the various teams also share some of the credit, for without their endeavours, particularly when there is much “going on”, games would be cancelled or not arranged and interest lost.
The Flight deck has been a boon during the long sea passages and there have been few occasions during the dog watches, flying programme permitting, when there hasn’t been some activity going on, be it a deck hockey match between “The Captain’s Five” and “The Three Badgemen”, P.T. for the soccer and rugby teams or the two-day event for The Devonshire Sporting Cup. Probably the only complaints have come from the House of Lords—No. 3 Chief Petty Officers’ Mess, who constantly had their afternoon sessions of Egyptian P.T. disturbed by the clatter of sticks on the deck above their Mess.
However, we have had some enjoyable and amusing times either playing or watching—often more dangerous than playing. (Chippy Hathaway now watches from a distance as a result of a couple of stitches inserted following excessive back-swing by an enthusiastic hockey player!)
Apart from the organised games reported on below DEVONSHIRE has also done well in darts matches, beer drinking competitions, ten pin bowling, etc., etc. A team from the Wardroom led by Captain Leslie actually won the Far East Fleet Officers’ Skittles Championship on one occasion after several near misses. All in all an excellent sporting commission.
Soccer
The soccer programme in the Ship can be split into two periods. The European spell between September 1964 and July 1965, and the Far Eastern section up to July 1966. Throughout we chased one cup or another.
The early stages gave us our wonderful Navy Cup run in 1964. When terrific support and a fighting spirit carried us through to the zone final. After defeats of EXCELLENT, 3—0, and Royal Marines, Eastney, 6—0, after a 0—0 draw we met the other “Bootnecks” at Deal.
With the Ship laying empty in No. 15 Dock, the Ship’s Company by coach, train and car trekked to Kent. There, after being 0—3 down early in the second half, the team were roared on to fight back and only a post prevented our equaliser in the last minutes.
A remarkable feat for a ship of our size, great credit must go to our supporters and their leader of those days, L.S. Janes, D.C.I. 1133/65, who
complete with pram, cycle and foghorn could be heard everywhere. That team is worthy of mention—OS. Ford, R.E.A. Godwin, SILt. Weightman, A.B. Spurling, L.S. Wilkinson, L.E.M. Hayton, ME. Sant, A.B. Johnson, REM. Greenwood, Wtr. McCullum and R.O. Ibbotson.
We lost Ginge Greenwood, our goalscorer and Navy centre forward, Hayton and McCullum before Christmas but the quality of their replacements was such that we finished the European season without a loss and only 5 draws in 21 games.
The first game of the Far Eastern “Tour” was in Aden where we beat I-I MS. LONDON, 6—0. The defeat of LONDON, the China Shield holders, promised great things for our supporters who featured a new song, “We’ll be running round singas with the Cup”. But they had some 10 months to wait for the big cheer.
Our first visit to Singapore spelt out the strength of the opposition when we went down 2—3 to TERROR in a tough match, and 2—4 to the Dockyard.
After visiting Hong Kong and Japan we got our first crack at the “Big Ships’ Cup”. Great hopes were held, but we disappointed and lost 1—3 to TRIUMPH in October.
Away we went again to Australia where the hospitality outshone the football and we lost two out of three games down there.
Back to Singapore for our D.E.D. period. That elusive cup win again escaped us in, first, the China Shield, when 40 Commando put us out in the quarter final. Next the Millstream Five-a-Side Tournament saw us lose the final by one goal. And our two attacks on the Big Ships’ Cup finished in 1—I draws. Against TERROR, with 10 men from half-time on, we battled through extra time but couldn’t get the winner in a thrilling match. The other game was frustrated by a floodlight failure.
Off we went again, around Borneo and Japan, before Singapore set the stage in April for our Cup win. TERROR again were the opponents and at last our terrific support was given something to cheer about. Two goals before half-time and the winner in the closing stages climaxed a thrilling game. “EE-AY-ADIO DEVONSHIRE WON THE CUP”.
Our record in the Far East showed 19 wins, 9 draws and 11 losses.
We had Navy and Combined Service players Roy Wilkinson and Dereck Godwin. Jim Ibbotson played for the Navy as well, a just reward for his continued 100% effort for the team.
Players who carried DEVONSHIRE through these two years of football were—OS. Ford, EM. Coulthard, A.B. Waby, AS. Johnson, L.S. Wilkinson, R.E.A. Godwin, R.O. Overton, R.O. Love, AS. Spurling in Defence; while forwards were R.Mech. King, L.Stwd. Allen, R.O. Wilkinson, S/Lt. Weightman, A.B. Goode, REM. Cope, RD. bbotson and R.O. Cutts.
Rugby Football
We have enjoyed our rugby on DEVONSHIRE over the last two years—and been successful too—only two or three defeats have not been avenged.
Whilst in Portsmouth, with thirty or more players to choose from, we played a different team every match until our 1st XV had selected themselves and we finished our time there with a run of 13 matches without defeat. The first practice game in the humid heat of’ Singapore was murder and several of the older/larger players thought “their time had come”. However, less than two weeks later, they along with the remainder of the team were playing the game of their lives against ROYALIST 2nd XV in Hong Kong.
Our next game was billed as “International Match—Royal Navy versus Japanese Self-Defence Forces”. Held at Camp Matsudo, near Tokyo, before a large crowd it was a memorable match. We lost 27—8 against a side which claimed to be the best in the Japanese Army—they won the Cup final the next week!
Back in Singapore for a month we really got down to practice and were undefeated during this period. However, sea time and the Australian cruise limited play for the next two months and we had to wait until the D.E,D. period before we got down to a regular programme of games. Despite station leave and other diversions we managed to field reasonable sides and had some excellent runs ashore. The Sergeants’ Mess at RAE. Tengah is still trying to trace Petty Officers (7!?) Spence, Weightman, Jones and Kirkland. During this period we won the Small Ships’ Cup, but although considered one of the best sides in the tournament we lost the Millstream Seven-a-Side Tournament to the eventual winners— 43 Commando.
During the Borneo cruise we beat Labuan Combined Services comfortably, lost narrowly to Jesselton (but had a splendid party afterwards) and finished with a good win against the Planters on a pitch hacked out of the jungle near Tawau. This was good preparation for what was probably the best match of the commission—against the Japanese Naval Academy at Yokosuka. An extremely fit, young side set a tremendous pace which we did well to hold. With excellent teamwork we gradually got on top but failed to achieve the success we deserved and drew S—S. Our final spells in Singapore and Hong Kong enabled us to renew our rivalry with the Australians from VAMPIRE and DER WENT—we always had to field our best team to beat them.
Among our younger players Worthington, Pope and Fleming have developed their game considerably while the sustained efforts of “Old” Bill Bean, Twiggy Branch and Fred Cox were invaluable. But rugby is a team game and our team of thirty or so from which the sides were picked did well.
Cricket
The Ship’s cricket team have had rather a disappointing season, having played 14 games, winning 4 and drawing the last game of the season.
A very promising start to the season was made in England but this was very quickly changed when we became an “International Touring Team”.
Our series of losses can be directly attributed to the inflatable elephant- like mascot that two of the players found necessary to bring to every game. Not once did it do the trick but when they eventually stopped bringing it we did have success with a fine victory.
One of our more memorable games was in Japan where the team were entertained by local English businessmen at the Yokohama Country Club. We started off playing good cricket and at lunch had the better of the opposition. This they quickly rectified by giving us a tremendous lunch during which our glasses were rarely empty. Of course, they were being the perfect hosts but it was definitely not cricket. When play was resumed there was a very different tale to tell, the end of play bringing crushing defeat.
Although we were not a really strong team, all players were very keen and showed the correct approach to the game. Sometimes major distractions made it difficult to keep one’s mind on the game.
During the trials game in Sydney we had a group of attractive females on one side of the field doing various physical exercises and a Kookaburra seemingly laughing its head off on the other side.
While at Sydney we acted as hosts to the M,C.C. who were playing New South Wales at the famous Sydney Cricket Ground. After a tour of the Ship the team autographed a cricket bat, which was later raffled in aid of the Ship’s adopted orphanage, and joined the Ship’s cricket team in a few glasses of beer
We had two very good games against PENGUIN and CERBERUS and although we lost both games, we were at the time playing quite a good standard of cricket, our weakness being the lack of batsmen. Fielding was generally of a good standard although over enthusiasm got the better of the Slip Fielders once or twice, since they would make l.b.w. appeals for balls that were almost wides; this did at least prove they weren’t asleep.
Despite the lack of success a good season’s cricket was enjoyed by all and let’s hope that “victory will soon come our way” in the coming season.
The team was generally selected from—Fletcher, Beynon, Trivett, Marks, Hathaway, Higgins, Bowns, Peart, Clayton, Ashurst, Smith, Rides, Young, Prothero, Janvrin and Spoor. Umpire—Webb.
Tennis and Squash
The over all results reflect plenty of enthusiasm, but only an average standard, which is not altogether surprising as we have not had a tennis team as such. Because of lack of practice, matches have been a sociable means of taking exercise, rather than an exhibition of tennis skill.
During both visits to Aden, several of the Ship’s players braved the climate and other difficulties to take some exercise, but the excessive heat tended to make the games rather static.
Our first Knock-out Competition was in the docking period during October. No less than 30 players entered, and after much cajoling and several walkovers the last 4 players were Captain Williams, Cdr. E., Lt.-Cdr. Ruffell and Lt. Crombie. Lt.-Cdr. Ruffell went on to beat Lt. Crombie in the final just before we sailed for Australia.
Our best achievement in Australia was the Sports Day in Melbourne when EUR YALUS
and ourselves combined to play H. 7tLA .5. CERBER US. In delightful surroundings, playing to the sound of the Kookaburra, on freshly mown grass courts, we lost to our Australian hosts, but despite the score there was plenty of lively tennis.
A second Knock-out Competition was held during the D.E.D. period, but this time there were only 16 participants. Progress was slow, initially due to people going on leave and also living ashore in different establishments. However, the 4 players to reach the semi-finals were Captain Leslie, Lt.-Cdr. Bailey, Lt. Crombie and R.E.M. Geach. With infinite tact, Lt.-Cdr. Bailey beat the Captain in the final after a lively but exhausting game.
Other matches during our time in Singapore were against H.M.S.EURYALUS (Wardroom) which we narrowly lost, and the Millsport Tennis Competition. We beat Simbang in the first round, but lost to Kranji the following day, after a 3-hour battle in the forenoon. Our team consisted of Lts. Redman and Crombie and Midshipman Janvrin.
Most of our squash was played in the steamy heat of Singapore— either at the Terror Club or at HMS. SIMBANG. Our standard wasn’t high enough to support many matches although we had some keen contests among ourselves and several of the newcomers to the game made good progress. Lt.-Cdr. Bailey and Lt. Bawtree represented the Naval Base in the Singapore Island League on several occasions.
Inter-Part Swimming Gala
This was held at H.M.S. Simbang at the end of the D.E.D. period, and provided a very enjoyable and exciting afternoon, for both competitors and spectators. This, despite the fact that after 10 minutes, a tropical downpour started, which lasted for the remainder of the afternoon. Great credit is reflected on the officials who kept the Gala running.
It has since been claimed by the P.T.T. that the whole thing was organised by the Wardroom, so that they could win at least one inter-part competition. Looking at the results, this is probably true, for the Wardroom were clear winners with 43 points. Runners-up were the Ops. with 29 points, while the C.P,O.’s and W. & R. tied 3rd with 27 points. The Wardroom success was due mainly to the efforts of Lt Rhodes and Mid. MacDonald-Watson, supported by Lt Kimber and Lt Cdr Bailey.
Other highlights were the swimming of E.A. Upward, who seemed to appear in every event, the very good diving of R.O, Nash and L.S. Knight, the efforts of the P.T.1. to win himself a “gong”, and the smooth Wardroom boat-race crew. In the Veterans’ race it was not possible to handicap Lt. Edwards, who because of his age had an unfair advantage over the Buffer, Chief Shipwright, and the C.E.A.! The Underwater swim produced one of the most exciting results, for after E.A. Roberts and E.A. Upward seemed to have the whole thing buttoned up, and competitors were preparing for the next event, up popped the head of REM. Jones, who stayed underwater for an incredible time.
The Inter-Part Cup, and individual prizes, were presented by Mrs. Mills, wife of the Commander.
Hockey
Our scars are honourable ones, we did not have an impressive record but we did try to play good hockey and enjoyed most of the games. The first teams we played in the Far East impressed with speed, stamina and stickwork on the sand pitches. Not until after the Australian cruise, during the D.E.D. period, did the hockey team become acclimatised and begin to play really well. One of the main regrets is that, due to weather and confrontation, opponents were difficult to find.
Those who have carried the big stick at various times were S/Lt. King,
O.A. Tullet, P.O. Champ, C.E.R.A. Pateman, L.E.M. McCarthy, C.E.A.
Humphries, Lt. Shorthouse, L.R.O. Brown, Lt. Wright, C.R.E.A. Rides,
C.E.R.A. Wakely, A.B. Smith, P.O. Greig, R.E.A. Carine, L.R.O. Notley,
P.O. Jamieson, F.M. Getgood, C.P.O.M.A. Bowns, C.R.S. Bavington.
Whistlers for the team—C.O.A. Clark and P.O. Joyce.
Sailing
We started off the commission on a high note when the Commander- in-Chief Home Fleet instructed DEVONSHIRE to represent and captain the Home Fleet sailing team in the Inter-Command Ratings’ Service Whaler trophy competition. H.M. Ships ROTHESAY and LYNX were nominated to complete the team. To the surprise of everyone except ourselves the Home Fleet team won the trophy (the first time that a sea-going command has wrested a major sailing trophy from the shore commands), mainly due to 3 firsts, a second and a third in five races by the DEVONSHIRE crew. OS. Mead was helmsman with a crew from L.R.O. Pingel, M.(E) Cox, 0.S Maton, Std. Pascall and OS. Prior.
While at Singapore all boats (bosun’s and minisails) were landed at Red House during the D.E.D. period and an enthusiastic nucleus took part in most of the Fleet sailing activities. P.O. Bird did sterling work in keeping the boats in good shape and organising their use. Captain Leslie distinguished himself by having his minisail sink under him on his first outing (we thought that lie had forgotten to put the plugs in!).
Apart from our own boats we had a variety of experiences in Australia and Borneo either in friendly racing using Club boats or cruising in ocean racers. The minisails have proved their worth, particularly in Singapore where the light winds (and warm. waters!) are ideal. Apart from a sail from Naples to Capri and in the trophy competition already mentioned, the Whaler had little use—it always seemed to be in dockyard for repairs or used as a diving boat! However, a good commission’s sailing enjoyed by all.
Golf
The sight of individuals leaving the Ship with a bag of clubs draped over their shoulders has become increasingly familiar during the past two years. To say that we formed a club in January, 1966, with twelve members, played eight “Open” championships and grew to a twenty-five-strong group of fanatics is but half the story.
Those of us who were in at the beginning will not forget Rowlands Castle, Wardroom versus Senior Rates or our Secretary in those days, Commander Bridle, and his “wiggle” before driving off, or The Royal, Liverpool—the first of the Royal courses we as a Ship played.
In July we moved from the rough at Rowlands, and Weymouth to the jungles of Singapore and the Island Club. It was there that we discovered we had a “shark” amongst us and where we lost our Secretary—rumour has it that the Black shark got him! Cdr. Shand took over, made himself President and formed a committee to organise things. He presented the prizes at the end of each meeting, usually to himself.
Although the Terror course was probably the worst one that we played it was there that interest was sustthped following the Australian cruise where the craze started. Who, of those lucky enough to disappear into the bush on the Royal at Sydney, Melbourne (Ugh!) or Fremantle will ever forget those beautiful courses.
January, Terror and the first “Open”, closely followed by four more.
John Shand with two wins and two seconds was certainly in the money— so too was “small course wizz” C.E.R.A. Young. Poor old L.Std. Bill Murchie—you could have bought his clubs for 5/- during this period.
In March we all went to the Sime course’io see Peter Thompson and Hideyo Sugimoto show us how it should be done.
April and Hyama Kokusai, a dream course on a mountain top com.plete with escalators from tee to green and Japanese-type girl caddies—who was that schoolmaster lost in the rough with his caddie? May and out of the jungle, 450 balls after he arrived on board, came Chippy Weightman to win the Big Course Championship at Fanling—a brief interlude from his endeavours to kill off that third tree on the right at the 6th at Terror.
What wilt the Far East be like without the likes of Getgood, Latto or McCarthy with their crys of “Fore!” or was it “13 shots I’ve b*****y well taken!’ Standby Rowlands, look out Hayling the thunder of the jungle is heading for you. Replace your divots!
P.S.—To the oily tribe: That certain Chief you lost in January? We found him in the sand at Terror—he’s been swinging a club ever since! Well done C.E.R.A. Roy Sheldon—our most improved player.
Water Polo
Results;—Played 35, Won 13, Drawn 2, Lost 20.
The first matches played by the team were during the refit, and some good results were obtained. However, it was not possible to play at Portland, and the remaining game in U.K. was against B.R.N.C. DARTMOUTH, where we were beaten, but, nevertheless enjoyed the trip down to the College. At this stage also, a lot of good swimming talent was spotted, in Torquay harbour!
After sailing for the Far East, games were played at Aden, Singapore, and Hong Kong, but our lack of water-fitness showed, and the results were disappointing.
Australia followed, with games against RAN. teams at Sydney and Melbourne, and for the games at Sydney, DEVONSHIRE provided most of the R.N. Squadron team. The two games at Melbourne were the most enjoyable, the first being against H.M.A.S. CERBERUS, though we still maintain that the hospitality before the game was a crafty move on the part of our opponents. The other game was the highlight of the water polo commission for us, for we were invited to play at the 1956 Olympics Pool, against a Melbourne area RAN, team. It was a tremendous thrill to play in this magnificent Pool, and the team did well to hold the strong opposition to a 5—2 score. In 1956, what has been described as the best and dirtiest game of water polo, was played at this Pool, that between Russia and Hungary. We would like to think that our game, which received Press and TV. coverage, did not compete for the latter title.
Then followed games at Singapore, where we ended our losing streak, and a successful spell at Hong Kong. Here we twice beat our friendly rivals from Hong Kong Y.M.C.A., who had thrashed us when we first arrived on the Station,
At Bangkok we played the Sporting Club, with two Thai internationals in their team. Though they beat us 6—4, we easily beat them in the singing and beer drinking that followed, as they could not compete with the P.T.1., L.S. Knight, and R.O. Simpson.
The final game at Singapore brought out our best water polo, with an exciting 6—5 win over H.M.S. FORTH.
To finish, a mention should be made of the team captain Lt. Kimber, for succeeding on most occasions in getting the P.T.I., R.O. Simpson, and E.A. Upward to turn up at the right time, on the right day. Also of CV. Doan for all the goals he has scored, and for being selected for the RN. Singapore team, of the P.T.I., Mid. Macdonald-Watson, and Lt. Rhodes for consistent good play, and of E.A. Upward, our most improved player.
Those who represented the Ship were—L.S. Wilkinson, A.B. Veal,
S/Lt. Martin, Lt.-Cdr. Cummins, Ut. Rhodes, Lt. Kimber, R.O. Simpson,
E.A. Upward, S.A. Stevenson, AR. 1-lamley, L.S. Knight, C.Y. Doan,
Mid. Macdonald-Watson, Mech. Archer, LAM. Jury, EM. Bailey, and
C.A.(W) Johnson.
Basketball
Basketball was only a skylark on DEVONSHIRE until the team entered for the Portsmouth Command Championship 1964, expecting to lose their first match and therefore go on long weekend early—but they didn’t lose their first match—or the next—and ended up in the Semi Finals to lose against the giants, H.M.S. COLLING WOOD. On this achievement the Commander put in an immediate order for a complete new strip—Maroon with Yellow of all colours. From then on there was no stopping us, we thrashed the small teams and put up a good performance against the big ones.
On leaving Pompey we had a much improved record and this continued until we found that the heat and lack of practice, coupled with “runs ashore”, had a wearing effect on our play. Consequently most of our port visit games were lost but this was to be expected when there were more attractive things abroad to draw men than Basketball.
Our longer stays in Hong Kong and Singapore produced better results, one of them being our showing in the Singapore Millsports when we reached the semi finals out of a total entry of about 30 teams. We were considered to be one of the best sea-going ships’ teams to hit Singapore for a long while and several of our players were called upon to represent the Navy against the R.A.F. and Army teams.
Our most ignominious defeats were against American teams who never failed to thrash us by at least 50 points—C’est Ia vie!
The team has consisted of various combinations of the following—
R.E.A. Shergold (Capt.), REM, Barker (Vice-Capt.), All. Baker, R.O.
Culls, A.B. Emmens, REM. Francis, E.M. Kirkland, L.S. (now Mr.)
Janes, C.R.E.A. Linfield, E.A. Roberts, E.A. Marks, L.S. Walker, S/Lt.
Weightman, C.R.E.A. Young, R.S. Colbourne.
The measure of success in the sporting activities of any Ship is not merely one of results—although by this standard alone we have done extremely well—it is in the degree of participation and enjoyment by the Ship’s Company as well—and in this we have excelled. A large proportion of the credit for this is due to “Clubs”, L.S. Roy Wilkinson. His cheerful enthusiasm and organisation as well as his own personal ability will be DEVONSHIRE’S loss but VERNON’S gain at the end of this commission. The secretaries of the various teams also share some of the credit, for without their endeavours, particularly when there is much “going on”, games would be cancelled or not arranged and interest lost.
The Flight deck has been a boon during the long sea passages and there have been few occasions during the dog watches, flying programme permitting, when there hasn’t been some activity going on, be it a deck hockey match between “The Captain’s Five” and “The Three Badgemen”, P.T. for the soccer and rugby teams or the two-day event for The Devonshire Sporting Cup. Probably the only complaints have come from the House of Lords—No. 3 Chief Petty Officers’ Mess, who constantly had their afternoon sessions of Egyptian P.T. disturbed by the clatter of sticks on the deck above their Mess.
However, we have had some enjoyable and amusing times either playing or watching—often more dangerous than playing. (Chippy Hathaway now watches from a distance as a result of a couple of stitches inserted following excessive back-swing by an enthusiastic hockey player!)
Apart from the organised games reported on below DEVONSHIRE has also done well in darts matches, beer drinking competitions, ten pin bowling, etc., etc. A team from the Wardroom led by Captain Leslie actually won the Far East Fleet Officers’ Skittles Championship on one occasion after several near misses. All in all an excellent sporting commission.
Soccer
The soccer programme in the Ship can be split into two periods. The European spell between September 1964 and July 1965, and the Far Eastern section up to July 1966. Throughout we chased one cup or another.
The early stages gave us our wonderful Navy Cup run in 1964. When terrific support and a fighting spirit carried us through to the zone final. After defeats of EXCELLENT, 3—0, and Royal Marines, Eastney, 6—0, after a 0—0 draw we met the other “Bootnecks” at Deal.
With the Ship laying empty in No. 15 Dock, the Ship’s Company by coach, train and car trekked to Kent. There, after being 0—3 down early in the second half, the team were roared on to fight back and only a post prevented our equaliser in the last minutes.
A remarkable feat for a ship of our size, great credit must go to our supporters and their leader of those days, L.S. Janes, D.C.I. 1133/65, who
complete with pram, cycle and foghorn could be heard everywhere. That team is worthy of mention—OS. Ford, R.E.A. Godwin, SILt. Weightman, A.B. Spurling, L.S. Wilkinson, L.E.M. Hayton, ME. Sant, A.B. Johnson, REM. Greenwood, Wtr. McCullum and R.O. Ibbotson.
We lost Ginge Greenwood, our goalscorer and Navy centre forward, Hayton and McCullum before Christmas but the quality of their replacements was such that we finished the European season without a loss and only 5 draws in 21 games.
The first game of the Far Eastern “Tour” was in Aden where we beat I-I MS. LONDON, 6—0. The defeat of LONDON, the China Shield holders, promised great things for our supporters who featured a new song, “We’ll be running round singas with the Cup”. But they had some 10 months to wait for the big cheer.
Our first visit to Singapore spelt out the strength of the opposition when we went down 2—3 to TERROR in a tough match, and 2—4 to the Dockyard.
After visiting Hong Kong and Japan we got our first crack at the “Big Ships’ Cup”. Great hopes were held, but we disappointed and lost 1—3 to TRIUMPH in October.
Away we went again to Australia where the hospitality outshone the football and we lost two out of three games down there.
Back to Singapore for our D.E.D. period. That elusive cup win again escaped us in, first, the China Shield, when 40 Commando put us out in the quarter final. Next the Millstream Five-a-Side Tournament saw us lose the final by one goal. And our two attacks on the Big Ships’ Cup finished in 1—I draws. Against TERROR, with 10 men from half-time on, we battled through extra time but couldn’t get the winner in a thrilling match. The other game was frustrated by a floodlight failure.
Off we went again, around Borneo and Japan, before Singapore set the stage in April for our Cup win. TERROR again were the opponents and at last our terrific support was given something to cheer about. Two goals before half-time and the winner in the closing stages climaxed a thrilling game. “EE-AY-ADIO DEVONSHIRE WON THE CUP”.
Our record in the Far East showed 19 wins, 9 draws and 11 losses.
We had Navy and Combined Service players Roy Wilkinson and Dereck Godwin. Jim Ibbotson played for the Navy as well, a just reward for his continued 100% effort for the team.
Players who carried DEVONSHIRE through these two years of football were—OS. Ford, EM. Coulthard, A.B. Waby, AS. Johnson, L.S. Wilkinson, R.E.A. Godwin, R.O. Overton, R.O. Love, AS. Spurling in Defence; while forwards were R.Mech. King, L.Stwd. Allen, R.O. Wilkinson, S/Lt. Weightman, A.B. Goode, REM. Cope, RD. bbotson and R.O. Cutts.
Rugby Football
We have enjoyed our rugby on DEVONSHIRE over the last two years—and been successful too—only two or three defeats have not been avenged.
Whilst in Portsmouth, with thirty or more players to choose from, we played a different team every match until our 1st XV had selected themselves and we finished our time there with a run of 13 matches without defeat. The first practice game in the humid heat of’ Singapore was murder and several of the older/larger players thought “their time had come”. However, less than two weeks later, they along with the remainder of the team were playing the game of their lives against ROYALIST 2nd XV in Hong Kong.
Our next game was billed as “International Match—Royal Navy versus Japanese Self-Defence Forces”. Held at Camp Matsudo, near Tokyo, before a large crowd it was a memorable match. We lost 27—8 against a side which claimed to be the best in the Japanese Army—they won the Cup final the next week!
Back in Singapore for a month we really got down to practice and were undefeated during this period. However, sea time and the Australian cruise limited play for the next two months and we had to wait until the D.E,D. period before we got down to a regular programme of games. Despite station leave and other diversions we managed to field reasonable sides and had some excellent runs ashore. The Sergeants’ Mess at RAE. Tengah is still trying to trace Petty Officers (7!?) Spence, Weightman, Jones and Kirkland. During this period we won the Small Ships’ Cup, but although considered one of the best sides in the tournament we lost the Millstream Seven-a-Side Tournament to the eventual winners— 43 Commando.
During the Borneo cruise we beat Labuan Combined Services comfortably, lost narrowly to Jesselton (but had a splendid party afterwards) and finished with a good win against the Planters on a pitch hacked out of the jungle near Tawau. This was good preparation for what was probably the best match of the commission—against the Japanese Naval Academy at Yokosuka. An extremely fit, young side set a tremendous pace which we did well to hold. With excellent teamwork we gradually got on top but failed to achieve the success we deserved and drew S—S. Our final spells in Singapore and Hong Kong enabled us to renew our rivalry with the Australians from VAMPIRE and DER WENT—we always had to field our best team to beat them.
Among our younger players Worthington, Pope and Fleming have developed their game considerably while the sustained efforts of “Old” Bill Bean, Twiggy Branch and Fred Cox were invaluable. But rugby is a team game and our team of thirty or so from which the sides were picked did well.
Cricket
The Ship’s cricket team have had rather a disappointing season, having played 14 games, winning 4 and drawing the last game of the season.
A very promising start to the season was made in England but this was very quickly changed when we became an “International Touring Team”.
Our series of losses can be directly attributed to the inflatable elephant- like mascot that two of the players found necessary to bring to every game. Not once did it do the trick but when they eventually stopped bringing it we did have success with a fine victory.
One of our more memorable games was in Japan where the team were entertained by local English businessmen at the Yokohama Country Club. We started off playing good cricket and at lunch had the better of the opposition. This they quickly rectified by giving us a tremendous lunch during which our glasses were rarely empty. Of course, they were being the perfect hosts but it was definitely not cricket. When play was resumed there was a very different tale to tell, the end of play bringing crushing defeat.
Although we were not a really strong team, all players were very keen and showed the correct approach to the game. Sometimes major distractions made it difficult to keep one’s mind on the game.
During the trials game in Sydney we had a group of attractive females on one side of the field doing various physical exercises and a Kookaburra seemingly laughing its head off on the other side.
While at Sydney we acted as hosts to the M,C.C. who were playing New South Wales at the famous Sydney Cricket Ground. After a tour of the Ship the team autographed a cricket bat, which was later raffled in aid of the Ship’s adopted orphanage, and joined the Ship’s cricket team in a few glasses of beer
We had two very good games against PENGUIN and CERBERUS and although we lost both games, we were at the time playing quite a good standard of cricket, our weakness being the lack of batsmen. Fielding was generally of a good standard although over enthusiasm got the better of the Slip Fielders once or twice, since they would make l.b.w. appeals for balls that were almost wides; this did at least prove they weren’t asleep.
Despite the lack of success a good season’s cricket was enjoyed by all and let’s hope that “victory will soon come our way” in the coming season.
The team was generally selected from—Fletcher, Beynon, Trivett, Marks, Hathaway, Higgins, Bowns, Peart, Clayton, Ashurst, Smith, Rides, Young, Prothero, Janvrin and Spoor. Umpire—Webb.
Tennis and Squash
The over all results reflect plenty of enthusiasm, but only an average standard, which is not altogether surprising as we have not had a tennis team as such. Because of lack of practice, matches have been a sociable means of taking exercise, rather than an exhibition of tennis skill.
During both visits to Aden, several of the Ship’s players braved the climate and other difficulties to take some exercise, but the excessive heat tended to make the games rather static.
Our first Knock-out Competition was in the docking period during October. No less than 30 players entered, and after much cajoling and several walkovers the last 4 players were Captain Williams, Cdr. E., Lt.-Cdr. Ruffell and Lt. Crombie. Lt.-Cdr. Ruffell went on to beat Lt. Crombie in the final just before we sailed for Australia.
Our best achievement in Australia was the Sports Day in Melbourne when EUR YALUS
A second Knock-out Competition was held during the D.E.D. period, but this time there were only 16 participants. Progress was slow, initially due to people going on leave and also living ashore in different establishments. However, the 4 players to reach the semi-finals were Captain Leslie, Lt.-Cdr. Bailey, Lt. Crombie and R.E.M. Geach. With infinite tact, Lt.-Cdr. Bailey beat the Captain in the final after a lively but exhausting game.
Other matches during our time in Singapore were against H.M.S.EURYALUS (Wardroom) which we narrowly lost, and the Millsport Tennis Competition. We beat Simbang in the first round, but lost to Kranji the following day, after a 3-hour battle in the forenoon. Our team consisted of Lts. Redman and Crombie and Midshipman Janvrin.
Most of our squash was played in the steamy heat of Singapore— either at the Terror Club or at HMS. SIMBANG. Our standard wasn’t high enough to support many matches although we had some keen contests among ourselves and several of the newcomers to the game made good progress. Lt.-Cdr. Bailey and Lt. Bawtree represented the Naval Base in the Singapore Island League on several occasions.
Inter-Part Swimming Gala
This was held at H.M.S. Simbang at the end of the D.E.D. period, and provided a very enjoyable and exciting afternoon, for both competitors and spectators. This, despite the fact that after 10 minutes, a tropical downpour started, which lasted for the remainder of the afternoon. Great credit is reflected on the officials who kept the Gala running.
It has since been claimed by the P.T.T. that the whole thing was organised by the Wardroom, so that they could win at least one inter-part competition. Looking at the results, this is probably true, for the Wardroom were clear winners with 43 points. Runners-up were the Ops. with 29 points, while the C.P,O.’s and W. & R. tied 3rd with 27 points. The Wardroom success was due mainly to the efforts of Lt Rhodes and Mid. MacDonald-Watson, supported by Lt Kimber and Lt Cdr Bailey.
Other highlights were the swimming of E.A. Upward, who seemed to appear in every event, the very good diving of R.O, Nash and L.S. Knight, the efforts of the P.T.1. to win himself a “gong”, and the smooth Wardroom boat-race crew. In the Veterans’ race it was not possible to handicap Lt. Edwards, who because of his age had an unfair advantage over the Buffer, Chief Shipwright, and the C.E.A.! The Underwater swim produced one of the most exciting results, for after E.A. Roberts and E.A. Upward seemed to have the whole thing buttoned up, and competitors were preparing for the next event, up popped the head of REM. Jones, who stayed underwater for an incredible time.
The Inter-Part Cup, and individual prizes, were presented by Mrs. Mills, wife of the Commander.
Hockey
Our scars are honourable ones, we did not have an impressive record but we did try to play good hockey and enjoyed most of the games. The first teams we played in the Far East impressed with speed, stamina and stickwork on the sand pitches. Not until after the Australian cruise, during the D.E.D. period, did the hockey team become acclimatised and begin to play really well. One of the main regrets is that, due to weather and confrontation, opponents were difficult to find.
Those who have carried the big stick at various times were S/Lt. King,
O.A. Tullet, P.O. Champ, C.E.R.A. Pateman, L.E.M. McCarthy, C.E.A.
Humphries, Lt. Shorthouse, L.R.O. Brown, Lt. Wright, C.R.E.A. Rides,
C.E.R.A. Wakely, A.B. Smith, P.O. Greig, R.E.A. Carine, L.R.O. Notley,
P.O. Jamieson, F.M. Getgood, C.P.O.M.A. Bowns, C.R.S. Bavington.
Whistlers for the team—C.O.A. Clark and P.O. Joyce.
Sailing
We started off the commission on a high note when the Commander- in-Chief Home Fleet instructed DEVONSHIRE to represent and captain the Home Fleet sailing team in the Inter-Command Ratings’ Service Whaler trophy competition. H.M. Ships ROTHESAY and LYNX were nominated to complete the team. To the surprise of everyone except ourselves the Home Fleet team won the trophy (the first time that a sea-going command has wrested a major sailing trophy from the shore commands), mainly due to 3 firsts, a second and a third in five races by the DEVONSHIRE crew. OS. Mead was helmsman with a crew from L.R.O. Pingel, M.(E) Cox, 0.S Maton, Std. Pascall and OS. Prior.
While at Singapore all boats (bosun’s and minisails) were landed at Red House during the D.E.D. period and an enthusiastic nucleus took part in most of the Fleet sailing activities. P.O. Bird did sterling work in keeping the boats in good shape and organising their use. Captain Leslie distinguished himself by having his minisail sink under him on his first outing (we thought that lie had forgotten to put the plugs in!).
Apart from our own boats we had a variety of experiences in Australia and Borneo either in friendly racing using Club boats or cruising in ocean racers. The minisails have proved their worth, particularly in Singapore where the light winds (and warm. waters!) are ideal. Apart from a sail from Naples to Capri and in the trophy competition already mentioned, the Whaler had little use—it always seemed to be in dockyard for repairs or used as a diving boat! However, a good commission’s sailing enjoyed by all.
Golf
The sight of individuals leaving the Ship with a bag of clubs draped over their shoulders has become increasingly familiar during the past two years. To say that we formed a club in January, 1966, with twelve members, played eight “Open” championships and grew to a twenty-five-strong group of fanatics is but half the story.
Those of us who were in at the beginning will not forget Rowlands Castle, Wardroom versus Senior Rates or our Secretary in those days, Commander Bridle, and his “wiggle” before driving off, or The Royal, Liverpool—the first of the Royal courses we as a Ship played.
In July we moved from the rough at Rowlands, and Weymouth to the jungles of Singapore and the Island Club. It was there that we discovered we had a “shark” amongst us and where we lost our Secretary—rumour has it that the Black shark got him! Cdr. Shand took over, made himself President and formed a committee to organise things. He presented the prizes at the end of each meeting, usually to himself.
Although the Terror course was probably the worst one that we played it was there that interest was sustthped following the Australian cruise where the craze started. Who, of those lucky enough to disappear into the bush on the Royal at Sydney, Melbourne (Ugh!) or Fremantle will ever forget those beautiful courses.
January, Terror and the first “Open”, closely followed by four more.
John Shand with two wins and two seconds was certainly in the money— so too was “small course wizz” C.E.R.A. Young. Poor old L.Std. Bill Murchie—you could have bought his clubs for 5/- during this period.
In March we all went to the Sime course’io see Peter Thompson and Hideyo Sugimoto show us how it should be done.
April and Hyama Kokusai, a dream course on a mountain top com.plete with escalators from tee to green and Japanese-type girl caddies—who was that schoolmaster lost in the rough with his caddie? May and out of the jungle, 450 balls after he arrived on board, came Chippy Weightman to win the Big Course Championship at Fanling—a brief interlude from his endeavours to kill off that third tree on the right at the 6th at Terror.
What wilt the Far East be like without the likes of Getgood, Latto or McCarthy with their crys of “Fore!” or was it “13 shots I’ve b*****y well taken!’ Standby Rowlands, look out Hayling the thunder of the jungle is heading for you. Replace your divots!
P.S.—To the oily tribe: That certain Chief you lost in January? We found him in the sand at Terror—he’s been swinging a club ever since! Well done C.E.R.A. Roy Sheldon—our most improved player.
Water Polo
Results;—Played 35, Won 13, Drawn 2, Lost 20.
The first matches played by the team were during the refit, and some good results were obtained. However, it was not possible to play at Portland, and the remaining game in U.K. was against B.R.N.C. DARTMOUTH, where we were beaten, but, nevertheless enjoyed the trip down to the College. At this stage also, a lot of good swimming talent was spotted, in Torquay harbour!
After sailing for the Far East, games were played at Aden, Singapore, and Hong Kong, but our lack of water-fitness showed, and the results were disappointing.
Australia followed, with games against RAN. teams at Sydney and Melbourne, and for the games at Sydney, DEVONSHIRE provided most of the R.N. Squadron team. The two games at Melbourne were the most enjoyable, the first being against H.M.A.S. CERBERUS, though we still maintain that the hospitality before the game was a crafty move on the part of our opponents. The other game was the highlight of the water polo commission for us, for we were invited to play at the 1956 Olympics Pool, against a Melbourne area RAN, team. It was a tremendous thrill to play in this magnificent Pool, and the team did well to hold the strong opposition to a 5—2 score. In 1956, what has been described as the best and dirtiest game of water polo, was played at this Pool, that between Russia and Hungary. We would like to think that our game, which received Press and TV. coverage, did not compete for the latter title.
Then followed games at Singapore, where we ended our losing streak, and a successful spell at Hong Kong. Here we twice beat our friendly rivals from Hong Kong Y.M.C.A., who had thrashed us when we first arrived on the Station,
At Bangkok we played the Sporting Club, with two Thai internationals in their team. Though they beat us 6—4, we easily beat them in the singing and beer drinking that followed, as they could not compete with the P.T.1., L.S. Knight, and R.O. Simpson.
The final game at Singapore brought out our best water polo, with an exciting 6—5 win over H.M.S. FORTH.
To finish, a mention should be made of the team captain Lt. Kimber, for succeeding on most occasions in getting the P.T.I., R.O. Simpson, and E.A. Upward to turn up at the right time, on the right day. Also of CV. Doan for all the goals he has scored, and for being selected for the RN. Singapore team, of the P.T.I., Mid. Macdonald-Watson, and Lt. Rhodes for consistent good play, and of E.A. Upward, our most improved player.
Those who represented the Ship were—L.S. Wilkinson, A.B. Veal,
S/Lt. Martin, Lt.-Cdr. Cummins, Ut. Rhodes, Lt. Kimber, R.O. Simpson,
E.A. Upward, S.A. Stevenson, AR. 1-lamley, L.S. Knight, C.Y. Doan,
Mid. Macdonald-Watson, Mech. Archer, LAM. Jury, EM. Bailey, and
C.A.(W) Johnson.
Basketball
Basketball was only a skylark on DEVONSHIRE until the team entered for the Portsmouth Command Championship 1964, expecting to lose their first match and therefore go on long weekend early—but they didn’t lose their first match—or the next—and ended up in the Semi Finals to lose against the giants, H.M.S. COLLING WOOD. On this achievement the Commander put in an immediate order for a complete new strip—Maroon with Yellow of all colours. From then on there was no stopping us, we thrashed the small teams and put up a good performance against the big ones.
On leaving Pompey we had a much improved record and this continued until we found that the heat and lack of practice, coupled with “runs ashore”, had a wearing effect on our play. Consequently most of our port visit games were lost but this was to be expected when there were more attractive things abroad to draw men than Basketball.
Our longer stays in Hong Kong and Singapore produced better results, one of them being our showing in the Singapore Millsports when we reached the semi finals out of a total entry of about 30 teams. We were considered to be one of the best sea-going ships’ teams to hit Singapore for a long while and several of our players were called upon to represent the Navy against the R.A.F. and Army teams.
Our most ignominious defeats were against American teams who never failed to thrash us by at least 50 points—C’est Ia vie!
The team has consisted of various combinations of the following—
R.E.A. Shergold (Capt.), REM, Barker (Vice-Capt.), All. Baker, R.O.
Culls, A.B. Emmens, REM. Francis, E.M. Kirkland, L.S. (now Mr.)
Janes, C.R.E.A. Linfield, E.A. Roberts, E.A. Marks, L.S. Walker, S/Lt.
Weightman, C.R.E.A. Young, R.S. Colbourne.