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- HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
HMS Devonshire 1964- 66 Commission
- By Robby G
- Published 05/6/2008
- HMS Devonshire
- Unrated
The Royal Visit to Tokyo
We barely had time to get alongside, hoist the flag of Vice-Admiral H. M. Norton, Flag Officer, Second-in-Command Far East, before we were off again! Typhoon Trix bearing down on Tokyo from the southwest caused us to leave for Tokyo Bay some two hours before the opening ceremony of the British Trades Fair—one of the main reasons for our visit. We anchored in Tokyo Bay, along with nearly 300 other vessels, to ride out the storm and spent an exciting night with wind speeds exceeding 80 knots at times and during which over 270 engine room orders were given—at anchor!
On return to our berth we got down to our heavy social and sporting programme. Despite warnings of high prices to be expected “the Ginza” proved to be a worthwhile run ashore. Some preferred to bound outward to Mount Fujiyama—others played soccer, cricket or rugby, but all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Those in the know went to Yokohama for their runs ashore. The Peanut Bar appeared to be holding a DEVONSHIRE re-union most nights! Then there was “The Red Shoes” and that sweet young thing who performed in the glass box. . . . As the days passed by the runs ashore moved from the Ginza area to outlying districts, to Shibuya-Ku and Shinjuku-Ku—never have so many baths been taken by so many men in such a short time! Sightseeing tours of Tokyo were popular too, as was the trip to Funabashi by special steamer—our go-kart team came back loaded with prizes.
Of course certain preparations were going on too—for the visit of H.R.H. Princess Alexandra. The many Japanese who constantly watched from Harumi pier must have been fascinated with our
“dress” rehearsal with Lt.-Cdr. Jones representing H.R.H. accompanied by Cdr. Dumbreck and S/Lt. Martin as Comptroller and Lady-in-Waiting!
We gave enjoyment to others too—a children’s party for 100 orphans was a huge success, and the pirate battle which concluded it was something to be remembered by both children and pirates.
On the actual day of the Royal visit everything went well and, after a walk round the Ship during which many Ratings were presented to H.R.H., the Princess and Mr. Angus Ogilvy lunched in the Wardroom, being presented with a fine water colour painting of DEVONSHiRE executed by Lt.-Cdr. Jay. Despite the considerable confusion that had occurred during rehearsals we managed to get the drill right for Cheering Ship—and rousing cheers they were too as we had taken the Princess to our hearts.
Her Royal Highness again expressed thanks for the part played by the “street liners” who had so ably protected her from the milling crowds at the Trade Fair the day before—an event which had made headline news in the Press both at home and in Japan.
And so we sailed—exhausted—into a typhoon! Eventually we made it back to Hong Kong—brightly decorated for the October 1st celebrations of Communist China—no leave on the day—but plenty of scope for photographers during our spell there.
It was there that we welcomed the new Commander—Commander Mills, and bade farewell to Commander Keate—off to the country estate near Petersfield. He must surely hold the record for the number of pints of beer bought by one man on one night at the China Fleet Club.
Unfortunately our stay there was curtailed by the discovery of a faulty “A” bracket and we had to return to Singapore and into dry dock—and night boat patrols.
We barely had time to get alongside, hoist the flag of Vice-Admiral H. M. Norton, Flag Officer, Second-in-Command Far East, before we were off again! Typhoon Trix bearing down on Tokyo from the southwest caused us to leave for Tokyo Bay some two hours before the opening ceremony of the British Trades Fair—one of the main reasons for our visit. We anchored in Tokyo Bay, along with nearly 300 other vessels, to ride out the storm and spent an exciting night with wind speeds exceeding 80 knots at times and during which over 270 engine room orders were given—at anchor!
On return to our berth we got down to our heavy social and sporting programme. Despite warnings of high prices to be expected “the Ginza” proved to be a worthwhile run ashore. Some preferred to bound outward to Mount Fujiyama—others played soccer, cricket or rugby, but all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Those in the know went to Yokohama for their runs ashore. The Peanut Bar appeared to be holding a DEVONSHIRE re-union most nights! Then there was “The Red Shoes” and that sweet young thing who performed in the glass box. . . . As the days passed by the runs ashore moved from the Ginza area to outlying districts, to Shibuya-Ku and Shinjuku-Ku—never have so many baths been taken by so many men in such a short time! Sightseeing tours of Tokyo were popular too, as was the trip to Funabashi by special steamer—our go-kart team came back loaded with prizes.
Of course certain preparations were going on too—for the visit of H.R.H. Princess Alexandra. The many Japanese who constantly watched from Harumi pier must have been fascinated with our
We gave enjoyment to others too—a children’s party for 100 orphans was a huge success, and the pirate battle which concluded it was something to be remembered by both children and pirates.
On the actual day of the Royal visit everything went well and, after a walk round the Ship during which many Ratings were presented to H.R.H., the Princess and Mr. Angus Ogilvy lunched in the Wardroom, being presented with a fine water colour painting of DEVONSHiRE executed by Lt.-Cdr. Jay. Despite the considerable confusion that had occurred during rehearsals we managed to get the drill right for Cheering Ship—and rousing cheers they were too as we had taken the Princess to our hearts.
Her Royal Highness again expressed thanks for the part played by the “street liners” who had so ably protected her from the milling crowds at the Trade Fair the day before—an event which had made headline news in the Press both at home and in Japan.
And so we sailed—exhausted—into a typhoon! Eventually we made it back to Hong Kong—brightly decorated for the October 1st celebrations of Communist China—no leave on the day—but plenty of scope for photographers during our spell there.
It was there that we welcomed the new Commander—Commander Mills, and bade farewell to Commander Keate—off to the country estate near Petersfield. He must surely hold the record for the number of pints of beer bought by one man on one night at the China Fleet Club.
Unfortunately our stay there was curtailed by the discovery of a faulty “A” bracket and we had to return to Singapore and into dry dock—and night boat patrols.