FOREWORD
by Captain P. N. HOWES, D.S.C., Royal Navy

On commissioning day, 15th November 1962, 1 promised you a lively time in many oceans of the world. I also forecast that the first of a new class of ship would encounter many trials and tribulations during her first commission. This book will remind you of some of the things we have done together, some of the records we have broken, and, individually, will recall to you the high spots of our many voyages.

What have we achieved? First and foremost, we have proved that we have a ship that can keep the sea in any weather. We have evaluated the great number of new machines and devices which make for the fighting efficiency of the modern warship; we have discovered the proper way to use our equipments and we have faithfully recorded our findings for the benefit of those other County Class ships who follow in our footsteps.

At the same time we have shown ourselves to be capable of joining the fleet at a moment’s notice, ready for war and fit to fight.

But this is not all. We have made many friends in the course on our travels. Tens of thousands of ordinary people have come to see our ship and have taken ashore with them the impression that we are a friendly people, proud of our achievements, and second to no other nation in the world. In short, we have made an outstanding success of our cold war role.

I am very proud to have been in H.M.S DEVONSHIRE for her first commission, and I trust you are equally proud. I wish you and your families success and happiness wherever you may serve, and I thank you for your loyalty, sense of duty, and unfailing cheerfulness throughout our time together.

Peter Howes
Captain