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- HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
- By Robby G
- Published 05/6/2008
- HMS Devonshire
- Unrated
When I joined the7ship in Melbourne on December 8th, 1965, she was halfway through the Australian visit and relaxation was the order of the day.
This soon changed on leaving Fremantle and from that time until arrival in Portsmouth, the ship was worked very hard, with the exception of a spell of fourteen days in Hong Kong in April. Highlight of the period included a successful sea and harbour inspection, a slick missile firing in Okinawa, the rescue of the crew of the 5.5. ‘Carina” in the Sulu Sea, an important role in the SEATO Exercise Sea Imp, and finally the winning of the Big Ship football cup in Singapore.
We have flown the flag of Vice Admiral P. J. Hill-Norton for a short time and that of Rear Admiral C. P. Mills for
considerably longer and thoroughly enjoyed doing so.
I knew before I arrived that DEVONSHIRE was a fine ship with a very high reputation and the last seven months has shown me that this is indeed so.
There is no doubt that this ship and the others of her class are among the most impressive warships in the world today. Wherever we have been there has been comment from many quarters on the smooth lines of the ship and from the knowledgeable has come praise for the efficiency of the weapons systems.
It is the knowledge that we have had such a fine ship In our care which has made all the hard work worthwhile and for my part it has been a great pleasure to command such a cheerful and efficient ship’s company.
Best of luck to you all.
G C Leslie
Captain
This soon changed on leaving Fremantle and from that time until arrival in Portsmouth, the ship was worked very hard, with the exception of a spell of fourteen days in Hong Kong in April. Highlight of the period included a successful sea and harbour inspection, a slick missile firing in Okinawa, the rescue of the crew of the 5.5. ‘Carina” in the Sulu Sea, an important role in the SEATO Exercise Sea Imp, and finally the winning of the Big Ship football cup in Singapore.
We have flown the flag of Vice Admiral P. J. Hill-Norton for a short time and that of Rear Admiral C. P. Mills for
I knew before I arrived that DEVONSHIRE was a fine ship with a very high reputation and the last seven months has shown me that this is indeed so.
There is no doubt that this ship and the others of her class are among the most impressive warships in the world today. Wherever we have been there has been comment from many quarters on the smooth lines of the ship and from the knowledgeable has come praise for the efficiency of the weapons systems.
It is the knowledge that we have had such a fine ship In our care which has made all the hard work worthwhile and for my part it has been a great pleasure to command such a cheerful and efficient ship’s company.
Best of luck to you all.
G C Leslie
Captain