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- HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
- By Robby G
- Published 05/6/2008
- HMS Devonshire
- Unrated
Outward Bound
Finally, on 22nd July, we made it. At 1845 we slipped away from South Railway Jetty and sailed out of the harbour, past a large crowd of wives, sweethearts and children waving from the ramparts of Southsea Castle, and we were on our way !
We were blessed with fine weather all the way to Gibraltar and iii fact most of the bronzy, bronzy boys managed to lay a good foundation to their forthcoming endeavours. En route we learnt that our first visit was off! Noisy political demonstrations in Athens had deemed it inadvisable for the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean to pay an official visit flying his flag in DEVONSHIRE. The disappointment to the “first time outers” and the resigned look of gloom on the faces of “old hands” were dispelled when we were told that we would be going to Naples instead.
Full advantage was taken of our visit there to get around and about Pompei, Rome, Capri and Ischia being the favourite spots. A bus load of Roman Catholics went to Rome for an audience with the Pope, banyans were organised, and we held our first Official reception on board. On we sailed, past Malta (where we encountered units of the Russian Navy) and on to Port Said. While transiting the canal we were, of course, visited by a “gully gully man”—the tricks were the same as ever but no one could fail to be amazed at the number of chicks that could be persuaded to come out of Cook O’Brien’s pockets.
At Aden we met H.M.S. LONDON who handed over to us the heavy responsibility of being the G.M.D. on the Far East Station. Midst loud cheers from all the customers (and the outgoing laundry crew) Mr. Shao and his cheerful band of workers appeared on board and, as is their way, within twenty-four hours the sewing machines were humming and the fan and gash compartment looked as though
it had always been a cobbler’s shop. We also took on board six students who were being given a lift to their island home of Socotra. Mention is made elsewhere of the problems that their luggage presented when they were eventually landed by helicopter but their gratitude was heartfelt as the following letter to the Captain shows.
Dear Naval Excellence,
May we, struggling students of the island of Socotra present and to all the employees serving in this magnificent ship to you our most heated thanks for your generosity, kindness and real assistance by braving the ocean weather to carry us to our beloved home, which for two years we have not seen.
On to Gan in a nasty South-west Monsoon swell—a quick fuel and we were off again—but we had been noticed!
From: Equator W/T.
To: H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE.
info: Resident Mermaid.
The following message from King Neptune is for your action:—
1. We consider it most presumptuous on your part for crossing the Line at approx. 1100 on Thursday, 12 August.
2. Report why our permission to clear the Line was not requested.
3. At this rate you will be lucky to get anywhere.
Our excuses were not accepted and on re-crossing the Line we were instructed to prepare for the arrival of King Neptune and his Court. Due ceremony was accorded and then the fun began—the Captain and Commander paid for their dreadful sins, followed by a wide selection of Officers and men. The P.T.I. and his gang of cut throats rounded them up. C.O.A. Clarke read the charges , Leading Seaman lanes did the barbering and the Bears, led by Chief E.A. Hughes, did the bathing. All the while King Neptune (Chief Buffer) and Aphrodite (Master-at-Arms)--—-what a couple—sat in regal comfort and watched the proceedings while the Chief G.1. (he was an ‘orrible looking mermaid) tittered with the other girls around the pool.
Eventually all dues were paid and we were allowed to proceed—to Singapore!
Finally, on 22nd July, we made it. At 1845 we slipped away from South Railway Jetty and sailed out of the harbour, past a large crowd of wives, sweethearts and children waving from the ramparts of Southsea Castle, and we were on our way !
We were blessed with fine weather all the way to Gibraltar and iii fact most of the bronzy, bronzy boys managed to lay a good foundation to their forthcoming endeavours. En route we learnt that our first visit was off! Noisy political demonstrations in Athens had deemed it inadvisable for the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean to pay an official visit flying his flag in DEVONSHIRE. The disappointment to the “first time outers” and the resigned look of gloom on the faces of “old hands” were dispelled when we were told that we would be going to Naples instead.
Full advantage was taken of our visit there to get around and about Pompei, Rome, Capri and Ischia being the favourite spots. A bus load of Roman Catholics went to Rome for an audience with the Pope, banyans were organised, and we held our first Official reception on board. On we sailed, past Malta (where we encountered units of the Russian Navy) and on to Port Said. While transiting the canal we were, of course, visited by a “gully gully man”—the tricks were the same as ever but no one could fail to be amazed at the number of chicks that could be persuaded to come out of Cook O’Brien’s pockets.
At Aden we met H.M.S. LONDON who handed over to us the heavy responsibility of being the G.M.D. on the Far East Station. Midst loud cheers from all the customers (and the outgoing laundry crew) Mr. Shao and his cheerful band of workers appeared on board and, as is their way, within twenty-four hours the sewing machines were humming and the fan and gash compartment looked as though
Dear Naval Excellence,
May we, struggling students of the island of Socotra present and to all the employees serving in this magnificent ship to you our most heated thanks for your generosity, kindness and real assistance by braving the ocean weather to carry us to our beloved home, which for two years we have not seen.
On to Gan in a nasty South-west Monsoon swell—a quick fuel and we were off again—but we had been noticed!
From: Equator W/T.
To: H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE.
info: Resident Mermaid.
The following message from King Neptune is for your action:—
1. We consider it most presumptuous on your part for crossing the Line at approx. 1100 on Thursday, 12 August.
2. Report why our permission to clear the Line was not requested.
3. At this rate you will be lucky to get anywhere.
Our excuses were not accepted and on re-crossing the Line we were instructed to prepare for the arrival of King Neptune and his Court. Due ceremony was accorded and then the fun began—the Captain and Commander paid for their dreadful sins, followed by a wide selection of Officers and men. The P.T.I. and his gang of cut throats rounded them up. C.O.A. Clarke read the charges , Leading Seaman lanes did the barbering and the Bears, led by Chief E.A. Hughes, did the bathing. All the while King Neptune (Chief Buffer) and Aphrodite (Master-at-Arms)--—-what a couple—sat in regal comfort and watched the proceedings while the Chief G.1. (he was an ‘orrible looking mermaid) tittered with the other girls around the pool.
Eventually all dues were paid and we were allowed to proceed—to Singapore!