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1 9 5 1
Administration
RN Minewatching Service formed
PINCHER Report on Courts Martial presented to Parliament. 52
of 61 recommendations on Summary Punishment accepted.
RN Patrol Service Regulations altered.
Rank of Skipper replaced by Sub-Lieutenant.
Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Bill had second Reading in Parliament.
Protection provided for Recalled man and Reservists.
Investigations into living conditions during service in tropics
began at Singapore.
Survival equipment research programme initiated.
Rank of Commodore introduced in RFA Service.
Generic title of Flotilla for destroyers
and frigates replaced by Squadron.
Potential threat from Soviet submarines recognised.
NATO Standards for equipment to be introduced including use
of alternating current (AC) as basic electrical power supply in ships.
Total Manpower strength increased to 152,000.
Requirement for Royal Corps of Naval
Constructors (RCNC) Department in Admiralty and Royal Dockyards 125 below complement.
RNVR ceiling raised to 11,000.
RNVR Divisions given ship's names.
New pay code introduced.
Officers
600 Emergency List and RNVR officers
recalled by 1st April for 18 months service.
Extension of service for existing Engagements anticipated as
being for 18 months.
Ratings re-engagement bounty of £100 introduced.
Pension increases announced.
6,000 RFR ratings recalled by 1st April
for 18 months service.
44 percent of manpower serving at sea.
2,500 National Serviceman joined.
Ships
Two ships being built for China seized and entered as Royal
Fleet Auxiliaries.
HMS
CAMPANIA began Festival of Britain cruise.
HM Frigate RELENTLESS, first anti-submarine frigate
conversion commissioned.
HM Survey Ship VIDAL launched at Chatham. Design included
helicopter operating facility.
First gas turbine-powered operational ships – HM Fast Patrol
Boats BOLD PATHFINDER and BOLD PIONEER
HM Aircraft Carrier EAGLE completed.
HM Destroyer DARING began
contractors
seas trials.
Build of new Royal Yacht announced and to be named
BRITANNIA.
HM Destroyer GRENVILLE involved in collision with Italian
mercantile ALCEO, with 3 killed and 4 missing.
HM Battleships
DUKE OF YORK and
KING GEORGE V
(pictured - Maritime Quest) laid-up in reserve
in Gareloch.
HM Battleship
HOWE at Devonport as Senior
Officer, Reserve Fleet.
Submarines
Investigation into use of nuclear propulsion began.
Submarine and diving research programme in hand.
HM Submarine AFFRAY lost in English Channel without
survivors after failure of Schnorkel mast structure.
Extensive search and subsequent salvage operation carried out which included
use of underwater television.
New escape hatch fitted in other "A" Class
submarines.
Naval Aviation
Royal Naval Air Station commissioned at Singapore as HMS
SEMBAWANG.
Helicopter trial landings made in RFA FORT DUSQUESNE.
Future use of helicopters in the anti-submarine role
recognised.
New anti-submarine squadron formed.
RNVR air squadrons re-equipped with SEA FURY and FIREFLY
Mark VI aircraft
Home Station
Closure of RN Supply School HMS CERES at
Wetherby
projected.
Major Home Fleet Exercise carried out in October.
HMS EAGLE commenced sea trials.
Modernisation of HM Cruisers
BIRMINGHAM and
NEWCASTLE
completed.
HM Cruiser
NEWFOUNDLAND modernisation in
hand.
HM Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier
TRIUMPH, HM Fast Minelayers
MANXMAN and
APOLLO brought
forward from Reserve for service.
Mirrlees diesel engine problems in
coastal minesweepers recognised.
HM Aircraft Carrier
INDOMITABLE replaced HM Battleship
VANGUARD as Home Fleet Flagship.
Foreign Stations
RN deployments with UN in Korea continued.
Yangtse river steamer converted
for use as HQ ship at Sasebo, Japan. Commissioned as HMS
LADYBIRD.
RN support for military operations during Malayan Emergency continued.
Yangtse River patrol discontinued.
Completion of closure of HM Dockyard
Bermuda.
HM Frigate BIGBURY BAY, HM Sloop SPARROW and HM Fast
Minelayer MANXMAN assisted in relief work after Hurricane in Jamaica.
British Vice Admiral serving with UN Task Force off Korea on
promotion from Rear Admiral agreed to remain under overall command of US Navy
Rear Admiral.
Explosion in RFA BEDENHAM at Gibraltar on 24 April, 13
killed, but not members of the crew.
RN deployments made to Abadan after Iranian threat to
nationalise oil industry
HM Aircraft Carrier
ILLUSTRIOUS and HM Light Fleet Aircraft
Carrier TRIUMPH refitted for transport
of troops to Cyprus and the Canal Zone
in Egypt.
1 9 5 2
Administration
Reserve Fleet ships to be dispersed as a precaution from a
Nuclear attack and transferred to Cardiff, Penarth, West
Hartlepool, Barrow, Greenock and Lisahally, Ulster.
Manpower strength 147,000
Start Service Commission offered to some aircrew ratings on
Regular Engagements
Atomic tests at Montebello, Australia included the
vaporisation of HM Frigate PLYM.
Officers
National Service entry 10,000.
MONTAGUE Committee set up to examine methods of entry into
Dartmouth.
Ratings
8,500 'Time Expired‘ personnel
still serving.
Provision of canned beer at Sea under
investigation.
Boy Entries to Seamen and Communications Branches to be
accepted between 16Yrs 6 months and 17Yrs 6 months as in other Branches.
Ships
HMS
VICTORIOUS refit being delayed
due to shortages of skilled labour in Royal Dockyards.
Build of TIGER Class cruisers still suspended.
HM Fast Minelayer
APOLLO
(right - Navy Photos/Mark Teadham) visited Ferrol, Spain
for first official RN visit since Civil War.
HM Frigate HELMSDALE used for trials to examine propeller
cavitation.
Low rate of fuel transfer by RN tankers publicised in USA
press.
First Type 14 Anti-Submarine Frigate
laid
down.
Two EX US Navy destroyers lent by Britain to Soviet Navy
during WW2 returned to UK.
HM Cruiser
ROYALIST modernisation began.
Total number of Destroyer/Frigate conversions reduced from
85 to 33
Some newly constructed Inshore and Coastal 'minesweepers to
put directly into Reserve after Acceptance Trials. Increased research
facilities for constructional investigations to be provided at
CRE, Dunfermline.
New design Anti Submarine Mortar System
(LIMBO) to be fitted in Destroyer/Frigate conversions.
HM aircraft Carrier
FORMIDABLE to be
scrapped.
HM Cruiser
SWIFTSURE escorted M/S PATRICIA,
serving as Royal Yacht, to
Helsinki for the Olympic Games being held in Helsinki.
Submarines
Trials of new Immersion Suit to be carried
out.
100 Foot Escape Tower to be built at Gosport in HMS DOLPHIN
for 'Free Escape‘ training.
Naval Aviation
Steam Catapult trials completed and demonstration to be
given by HMS PERSEUS in USA.
First trials of Prototype Mirror Deck Landing Sight carried
out in HMS ILLUSTRIOUS.
Helicopter used for Search and Rescue in two Carriers.
Aircraft fitted with SKYRAIDER Early Warning radar to be
obtained from USA
Delays in completion of HMS
VICTORIOUS
compounded by need to fit Angled Flight Deck and Steam Catapult.
Commercial SYCAMORE Helicopter trials carried out in HMS
TRIUMPH.
Training Establishment HMS ARIEL at
Warrlngton,
Lanes closed and all Electrical Training transferred to Worthy Down, Winchester
name HMS ARIEL retained.
HMS LANDRAIL RN Air Station at
Macrihanish,
Argyll, Scotland closed.
Royal Flypast carried out at Lee on Solent.
Home Station
Minesweeping training exercise BANDEAU II carried out in
Forth estuary supervised by Flag Officer Scotland. Summer
NATO and Home Fleet exercises including Operation CASTANETS for Trade
Protection and Mine Counter measures. Exercise VIKING held in Oslo Fjord
after Home Fleet visits to Norway with attacks by Norwegian Fast Patrol Boats
carried out after Home Fleet visits to Norwegian ports.
Autumn NATO Exercise MAINBRACE
Heavy casualties on board HM Motor Launch 2582 when hit by
crashing Dutch jet aircraft off Den Helder
HM Minesweeper WAVE ran aground off St Ives, Cornwall and
some of crew rescued by Breeches Buoy.
Foreign Stations
Spring Combined Home and Mediterranean Fleets Exercise GRAND
SLAM.
NATO Mediterranean Summer Cruise Exercise BEEHIVE II
Commonwealth WW2 War Memorial opened in Athens.
Attended by
CinC Mediterranean in HM Despatch Vessel SURPRISE.
Egypt abrogated 1936 Treaty with Great Britain. Naval
parties used to ensure flow of Suez Canal shipping. Passage of 2,600
mercantiles assisted.
Naval deployments in Korea continued.
Malayan Emergency naval support continued
Mercantile ss GOTHIC converted for
use during tour of Australia by Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Argentine interference with British activities in Antarctica
continued.
West Indies Station ships to be provided by Home Fleet for
periods of one year on Station
HM Sloop ALACRITY put boarding party on British mercantile
ss ATHELDUKE to assist Master after crew unrest.
1 9 5 3
Administration
Increase of finding by Treasury for Married Quarters.
Manpower strength 151,000.
4,000 National Servicemen joined.
Manning redundancies enforced except in Far East.
Greenwich Observatory moved to
Herstmonceaux,
Sussex.
Russian naval strength reported to Parliament.
1,000 officers and 16,000 rating retained because of Korean
War. RFA recalls were 600 and 8,000
Local Overseas Allowance and Married Unaccompanied payments
introduced for man serving overseas.
Officers
Officers on Pre 1946 Pensions still
receiving 1919 Scale payments.
Despite Montague Report recommendation
that Dartmouth entry should return to age 13 entry to Dartmouth. Admiralty
decided all Cadets to Join at 18 with first entry in
May 1955.
Ratings
Payment of Re-engagement Bounty to
continue.
Increase in number of 12 year Engagements noted but manpower
diminishing.
Additional funds for building married quarters at Portsmouth
voted by Parliament. Work to be started at Portsmouth, Chatham and Plymouth.
Ships
Sabotage incidents in HMS WARRIOR, HMS
TRIUMPH and HMS
INDEFATIGABLE.
(For some of the possible
background to these incidents - see
"Some Aspects of Officer/Rating
Relationships in the Royal Navy 1941-1972")
Trials of new design gun mountings for TIGER Class cruisers
carried out in HM Cruiser CUMBERLAND
(right - old County-class heavy cruiser
employed as Trials Cruiser, Navy Photos).
HMS
INDOMITABLE paid-off because of fire damage and to
provide crews for HMS ARK ROYAL and HMS CENTAUR.
HMS
TRIUMPH replaced HM Cruiser
DEVONSHIRE as Cadet Training
Ship.
Completion of HMS
VICTORIOUS forecast for 1957.
HM Aircraft Carrier EAGLE commissioned.
Submarines
Marker Buoy trials carried out by HM Submarine ANDREW.
HMS ANDREW made submerged crossing of Atlantic Ocean.
Test launches of torpedo using HTP fuel carried cut
(Exercise FANCY).
Naval Aviation
Name changed back to Fleet Air Arm.
First fit of British Angled Flight Deck in US Navy aircraft
carrier.
USS ANTIETAM gave demonstration off Spithead using new
facilities including operation of SEA HAWK aircraft.
Trials of two sets of Mirror Landing Sight carried out.
HMS
VENGEANCE loaned to RAN pending completion of HMAS
MELBOURNE.
Helicopter trials carried out in RFA FORT DUSQUESNE.
Home Station
HMS DILIGENCE commissioned at Hythe, Hampshire specifically
for acceptance of Inshore and Coastal
Minesweepers.
Coronation Review by HM Queen Elizabeth II
at Spithead. HM Despatch Vessel SURPRISE used as Royal Yacht.
50th Anniversary of use of HMS VICTORY as name for RN
Barracks at Portsmouth
WRNS Depot at Burghfield commissioned
as HMS DAUNTLESS.
Dartmouth RN College became BRITANNIA RNC instead of HMS
BRITANNIA following use for the name for the Royal Yacht.
Boiler Room explosion in HM Destroyer DUCHESS with 1
fatality and 3 injured.
Naval parties gave assistance after flooding of east coast
areas in UK.
HM Submarine SIRDAR and HM Frigate BERKELEY CASTLE damaged
in HM Dockyard, Sheerness during adverse weather conditions.
HM Cruiser SWIFTSURE and HM Destroyer DIAMOND involved in
collision off Iceland. Both ships sustained serious damaged.
Fire on board RN Fast Patrol Boats at
Aarhus, Denmark during visit.
Foreign Stations
Several casualties caused by serious fire on board HMS
INDOMITABLE.
Two George Medals awarded.
HM Depot Ship TYNE deployed at Sasebo, Japan in place of HMS
LADYBIRD for support of RN ships serving
with UN in Korea. HM
Depot ship RANPURA replaced HMS TYNE in Malta.
Anglo-Egyptian tension reduced and only
Guardship
deployed at Port Said.
RN warships took part in major international SEATO exercises
(JET) in Indian Ocean
CinC Mediterranean visited
Massawa, Eritrea.
Malayan Emergency naval support still required and
helicopters used for first time.
HM Cruiser
SHEFFIELD attended Brazilian Navy Review.
Forty cases of interference during passage of British
flagged ships reported in Far East.
HMS ST BRIDES BAY prevented seizure of mercantile
ss NIGELOCK in Straits of Formosa.
HM ML1323 fired on by Chinese in Pearl River
with 3 fatalities.
Korean War armistice signed and RN ships resumed to Fleet
duties.
RN assistance provided after earthquake in Greek Islands and
Cyprus.
Local political unrest in British Guiana.
Troops embarked in HMS SUPERB and HMS
BIGBURY BAY in Jamaica and in HMS SHEFFIELD at Plymouth to prove aid to civil
power.
Mercantile ss GOTHIC embarked
Royal Party in Jamaica for Commonwealth tour.
No Guardship deployed at Trieste
after Italian/Yugoslav crisis.
During visit to Taranto crews of HM Destroyers ROEBUCK and
WRANGLER attacked by hostile crowds
HM Sloop FLAMINGO recovered Arab Dhow stolen by pirates in
Indian Ocean.
1 9 5 4
Administration
General Service Commissions for ships introduced and to last
18 months instead of 30 months of foreign service. Aircraft
Carrier commissions to be 2 year and foreign service
for all other ships restricted to 18 months.
Shore foreign service to remain as
30 months with free family passages
Pay increases announced.
Married quarters building started in Home Ports.
New Queens Regulations and Admiralty Instructions published.
National Service intake increased to 6,500.
Modernisation of ship and shore accommodation announced.
Comparison of costs of Commercial and
Royal Dockyard refits raised in Parliament.
Official List of Battle Honours promulgated In Admiralty
Fleet Order.
Officers
Midshipmen no longer to serve at sea.
Lack of sea time available is evident for Seamen Branch
officers.
Shortage of Seamen Branch List Officers.
Premature retirement to be permitted at
'own request'.
Ratings
Increased concern evident about lack of
Re-engagement and a deterioration in recruiting generally.
Complaints made in Press included Food, Discipline, Uniform,
Hot Water rationing in ships and effects of family separation.
Discharge by Purchase regulations introduced. 70
applications out of 107 officers approved. 830 application
out of 1,016 ratings approved
Broadside messing still in use.
Entitlement for all Good Conduct Badge changed to 4 year
intervals, instead of first after 3 years service, second after 8 years and
third after 13 years by Admiralty Fleet Order 2132/54.
PILCHER Committee Report accepted and Leading Ratings and
above can chose trial by Court Martial instead of summary punishment by
commanding officer.
Article in Press about re-introduction of Warrant Rank
Ships
Sabotage incidents reported in HM Ships EAGLE,
GLORY,
INDEFATIGABLE, OCEAN,
MONTCLARE, BARFLEUR, DELIGHT, HM Submarines ARTEMIS and
TURPIN.
HMS VANGUARD (right - Navy Photos), HMS
IMPLACABLE and HMS
INDEFATIGABLE to be withdrawn from service.
HMS
ILLUSTRIOUS, HMS
CAMPANIA and HMS
PIONEER to be scrapped.
HM Maintenance Ship GIRDLENESS to be converted for use as
Guided Weapon Trials ship for SEASLUG Guided Weapon for anti-aircraft defence.
Records of Bathythermograph readings,
Depth recordings and results of Magnetic Swing to be kept during Ocean Passages
in future (Admiralty Fleet Order 29452/54).
HM Minesweepers COQUETTE and ROMOLA assisted Goodwin
Lightship before it sank in storm.
HMS
ILLUSTRIOUS stood by tanker in Irish Sea during last
passage before Paying-off.
HM Royal Yacht BRITANNIA embarked Royal Family in Malta for
return to London after Commonwealth visits
HM Destroyer DAINTY reduced to Reserve status due to lack of
manpower.
SEASLUG Missiles tested at
Woomera
Range in Australia
First trials of SEACAT Guided Missile carried out.
HMS
BIRMINGHAM and HMS
NEWCASTLE returned to UK after two
years to recommission under new General Service Commission
arrangements.
HMS
CUMBERLAND carried out first 'Pre-Wetting' trials
against effects of nuclear fallout.
Submarines
Four Midget Submarines (SPRAT Class) replaced XE Craft.
First HTP powered submarine HM Submarine EXPLORER launched.
Search operations activated for HM Submarines ALCIDE
(right - in 1947, Navy Photos) and
SCORCHER after failure to report surfacing.
HM Submarine TALENT swept into River Medway after Dock
Caisson collapsed in Dockyard.
HMS KINGFISHER (Ex Salvage Vessel KING SALVOR) commissioned
for use as Submarine Rescue Ship.
Naval Aviation
HMS ST MERRYN, Naval Air Station, Cornwall
closure announced.
HMS SISKIN, Naval Air Station, Gosport
closure announced.
First Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron operational.
First reference to future use of naval
aircraft for nuclear weapons.
HMS CENTAUR to be refitted and 'Interim Angled Flight Deck’
installed.
Mirror Deck Landing Sight introduced into service.
WIVERN aircraft grounded after engine problems.
First Angled Deck Trials carried out in HMS ALBION.
Home Station
HM Frigate VIRAGO carried out trials in Arctic using first
operational Inflatable 20 Man Life raft.
Uniform still required to be worn by
Junior
ratings going ashore on leave.
Devonport NBCD School at
Tamerton Foliot moved to Gunnery School at Wembury.
Royal Marines establishment at Poole (Ex WW2 HMS TURTLE) opened
on 1st December.
Advance Party from Fort Cumberland arrived in September.
* Reserve Fleet Article in NAVY NEWS.
HMS DEFIANCE Hulk used at Devonport Paid-off.
Last Hulk to be used by RN.
HM Minesweeper 1558 , Tender to
RNVR London Division sank after fire in English Channel
Extensive search carried out in Bristol Channel for crashed
JAVELIN aircraft
Ex Royal Yacht HMS VICTORIA AND ALBERT left Portsmouth to be
broken-up.
Foreign Stations
Reserve Fleet ships at Gibraltar cleaned up by a combined
Fleet operation instigated by Admiral Mountbatten,
CinC Mediterranean in preparation for the Royal visit
in HM Yacht BRITANNIA when on passage to UK after Commonwealth Tour.
CENTO multi-national exercise (JET) off Colombo (August)
Far East Station Fleet exercise carried out off Manus
(October)
Search for wreckage of crashed COMET aircraft carried out by
Mediterranean Fleet ships, HMS WAKEFUL recovered large section using television
equipment.
Visit to Spanish ports cancelled after claims by Spain to sovereignty
of Gibraltar
HMS
TRIUMPH, HMS SAINTES and HMS ST KITTS embarked took
personnel from troopship EMPIRE WINDRUSH after catching fire off Algiers. 4 of
troopship crew lost their lives.
HM Landing Ship (Tank) BEN LOMOND returned to UK after
carrying out Germ Warfare trials in West Indies.
Naval support during Malayan Emergency continued.
Formosa Straits patrol continued to deter further threat to
British flagged ships.
HMS WARRIOR used to evacuate refugees from Haiphong.
HMS VIDAL provided relief in Haiti after Hurricane.
RM Commando withdrawn from Canal Zone by HMS GAMBIA and HMS
GLASGOW.
HMS WHIRLWIND and HMS ROEBUCK embarked last British Troops
from Trieste.
HMS
GAMBIA embarked Emperor
Haile Selassie in Malta for State Visit to UK.
1 9 5 5
Administration
Restrictions on issue of Beer at sea relaxed but no regular
issue to be made. Ship Refit-Cycle policy changed.
Dockyards to be responsible for 'clean'
handover of ship on completion.
Admiral Mountbatten took up appointment as First Sea Lord.
GOODENOUGH Committee formed to investigate use of naval
manpower.
Independent Chairman appointed to Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Emergency Ports to be provided for use in event of nuclear
attack announced.
Payment of Local Overseas Allowance introduced.
Future use of aircraft carriers criticised in National
Press.
Reduction of number of ships in Reserve
Fleet to be made.
Increased use of air transport for
commissioning of ships overseas and for transport of families.
Extension of modernisation programme in Royal Dockyards
anticipated.
Torpedo development programme details announced in
Parliament at variance with the actual achievement. First trials of Mk 24 prototype
Hydrographic work included
investigation into Anti-Submarine sea conditions and production of new charts to
suit increased use of radio navigational aids by mercantiles
such as DECCA and LORAN
Officers
HMS TEMERAIRE commissioned at Port Edgar,
Queensferry, Scotland for the training of Upper Yardman
instead of at RNC Dartmouth following a 5 Year trial period.
After promulgation by Admiralty Fleet Order 1/54 , increasing concern voiced by officers over career
structure as compulsory redundancies possible.
Changes to be introduced in 1st January 1957 included:
Two separate Lists to be
introduced for Commanders on promotion ('Wet” and “Dry” Lists).
“Branch Rank” generic title
replaced by “Special Duties List” for ratings promoted to Commissioned Rank
Uniform colour designation for
used to identify Non Executive Officers discarded with the exception of Medical,
Dental and Constructor Branches.
Permanent commissions to be given to
aircrew officers on Supplementary List.
Cadet entry requirements reduced.
Dartmouth Training Squadron Cruiser HMS
DEVONSHIRE used for
Cadet Training Ships replaced by HM Ships - HM Destroyers VIGILANT, VENUS,
CARRON, HM Fleet Minesweepers JEWEL and ACUTE.
Ratings
* Article on Mechanician Rating
in NAVY NEWS.
Wearing of Plain Clothes by ratings when going on leave
allowed.
New assign of uniforms announced including plastic white
tops for caps instead of loose covers and new foul weather gear.
New Entries for totalled 9,000 including
6,000 for National Service.
Availability of only 62 married quarters at Portsmouth since
1946 hardly encouraged re-engagement.
Consultant appointed to assist in improving accommodation in
ships
Stoker Mechanic Title replaced 'Stoker' rating introduced in
1842.
Improved opportunities to be provided for
ratings to be promoted to Special Duties List.
Ships
Experience gained in trials to simulate atomic attacks
showed need for closed citadels including compartments such as Operations Room
and Communications Offices in Bridge structure.
Pre-wetting trials continued in HM Trials Cruiser
CUMBERLAND.
HMS ARK ROYAL commissioned. Steam Catapult and Angled Flight
Deck fitted. Ships Bell from renowned WW2 aircraft carrier presented by
previous ships' company
First Coastal Minesweeper fitted with new DELTIC - NAPIER
propulsion engine commissioned
Trials carried out in HMS
CUMBERLAND using new design
Sea-boat.
Only sabotage reported was in HMS WARRIOR.
First of new Type 15 Fleet Destroyer/Frigate Conversions
joined Fleet
HM Frigate EGLINTON held in Reserve Fleet ship at Hartlepool
brought forward for Fleet service (Exercise SLEEPING BEAUTY I)
Modernisation of HMS
VICTORIOUS and HMS
ROYALIST in hand.
HMS VANGUARD nominated to
recommission
with reduced complement after refit.
HMS BRITANNIA took part in Fleet exercise in Mediterranean
in her role as a Hospital Ship.
HMS GREY GOOSE commissioned for use as Test Bed for
Gas-Turbine propulsion Machinery trials.
HMS
TRIUMPH and HMS
APOLLO visit Leningrad in exchange for
visit to Portsmouth by Soviet warships SVERDLOV and ALEXANDER SUVAROV.
Submarines
6th Submarine Squadron of “A” Class at Halifax, Canada and
4th Submarine Squadron at Sydney formed to satisfy requirements of RCN and RAN
for anti-submarine training.
HMS SOLENT carried out 'Free Ascent' trials in Loch
Fyne at a depth of 128 feet.
Feasibility of 'One Man Escape' Chamber established as a
result.
HMS SIDON sank at Portland following explosion of HTP used
for propulsion fuel. 13 crew were killed.
Naval Aviation
Introduction of the Angled Deck and the
Mirror Landing Sight shown to reduce incidence of accidents when landing on
aircraft carriers.
Mirror Landing Sight demonstrated to USN during
Mediterranean exercises with 6th Fleet
WIVERN aircraft to be replaced by
BUCCANEER.
First trials of replenishment using helicopters (VERTREP)
Orders for WESSEX Mk II A/S Helicopters, SEA VIXEN and
SCIMITAR aircraft orders announced.
Demonstration
of 'Sproule'
Net for rescue of personnel from water demonstrated.
'Audio' Air Speed
Indicator Introduced.
Filming of aircraft landings became standard practice after
a crash landing on HMS EAGLE.
Minesweeping trials using helicopter carried out.
Aircrew rating received Commendation for his brave actions
to assist pilot after aircraft crashed off Lands End.
Home Station
Assistance provided by 'air-drops' to communities in NW Scotland
after blizzards.
Island of Rockall annexed by HMS VIDAL because of intended
use of sea area off Hebrides to be used as for testing of Guided Weapons.
Reserve Fleet Divisions at Harwich and Sheerness closed
following completion of dispersal of ships laid-up.
RFA FORT ROSALIE used for disposal of radio-active waste in
Atlantic.
Inshore Minesweepers deployed to clear allied minefields off
Sjaeland, Denmark.
Salvage of HM Auxiliary Minelayer PORT TALBOT began at Kyle
of Lochalsh. This ship was lost during WW2 after a
fire.
Foreign Stations
South America and South Atlantic Station introduced.
Simons Town Dockyard and Base facilities handed over to
South African Navy. New Build programme
for South African Navy announced.
CENTO Exercise JET in Indian Ocean included warships of
Australian, New Zealand, Indian Navies as well as some from
new South Atlantic Station.
Joint Anti-Submarine School (JASS) exercise carried out in
Mediterranean.
Patrols off Cyprus established to prevent smuggling of arms.
HMS OCEAN and HMS
THESEUS ferried stores for 3rd Commando
Brigade in Cyprus.
RN support for military operations in Malaya still required.
HMS COMUS and HMS NEWCASTLE carried out bombardments prior to low level air attacks
by RAF LINCOLN aircraft.
Fleet air Arm WHIRLWIND Squadron based at Kuala Lumpur also
extensively used.
Build up of RN presence in Falklands after Argentine seizure
of Peruvian whale catchers
HMS PROTECTOR sailed for first use as Ice Patrol Ship with
RM Detachment embarked and a Hydrographic party.
Interference by Chinese warships with British shipping off
Formosa continued and patrols made. Two mercantiles
shelled and forced to stop.
HM Sloop OPOSSUM visited
Pnom Penn.
HMS LOCH KILLISPORT and HMS LOCH INSH
(right - Navy Photos) engaged in major fire
fighting in Italian tanker ARGEA PRIMA after collision in Straits of Hormuz.
HMS WAKEFUL towed damaged US Flying Boat to Malta.
1 9 5 6
Administration
Voluntary Retirements. Officers:
111 out of 153 Applicants. Ratings: 1174 out of 1370 Applicants.
New Pay and Pensions Code introduced.
Centralised Drafting System to be
introduced to replace separate drafting from Port Divisions at Portsmouth, Devonport
and Chatham. Drafting Preference Cards introduced for ratings to
complete.
Extensive rundown of Reserve Fleet with many ships placed on
Disposal List. Remaining ships
re-categorised into three Classes.
Intake of 7,500 expected compared with 10,100 in 1952/3.
Total manpower requirement of 128,00
to be reduced by 1958.
New Anti-Submarine Trainer to be provided at RN Tactical
School, Woolwich.
NATO support requirement started in UK for moorings, fuel
depots and communications.
Officers
General Review of Officer
structure
to be implemented by 1957. General List introduced and Cadet Entry requirements
revised. Special Duties List to replace Branch List. Proposal to have different
design uniform buttons was dropped rapidly after concern of officers concerned.
Special Duties Officers to wear same uniform rank designation as General List
and titles changed
Compulsory retirement age
raised to
50 except for Commanders and above.
Supplementary List to include Seaman Officers.
Coloured Lace on uniforms abolished except for Medical,
Dental and Constructor Branches.
300 officers retained after reaching old retirement age, and
re-employed released.
Dartmouth vacancies filled with by award of 90 Scholarships
from 840 applications.
Recruitment of personnel for Royal Corps of Naval
Constructors to be encouraged for school leavers accepted for University education.
Expected National Service intake 6,000.
Ratings
Evening Rig introduced for Chief Petty Officers.
Uniform for all Ratings of Supply and Secretariat Branch and
Artificers under training changed into Seaman Rig
Continuous Service Engagement Periods altered.
9 Year term Instead of 7 or 12 Years, except for Artificer
Apprentices. Royal Fleet Reserve Service no longer required on
discharge. Further service of 5 years planned instead of 10 year period.
"Boy" Rating title changed to "Junior".
New Gunnery Rating qualifications
Introduced in Admiralty Fleet Order 1904/56
New design Hats introduced to replace Cap Covers and to be
permanently used instead of only in Summer months.
Ships
Air Conditioning to be provided in Living
Spaces.
HMS CENTAUR to be refitted with Steam Catapults and improved
radar fit when replaced by HMS BULWARK.
Improved arrangements for refits announced.
Design for Guided Missile Destroyer design with SEASLUG
weapon system in hand.
HMS HARDY (right - Navy Photos/David
Downey), first Type 14 A/S Frigate completed
HMS GIRDLENESS commissioned as Trials Ship for SEASLUG. (24
July)
HM Depot Ship AULANIA to be scrapped.
HM Destroyer DAINTY brought forward from Reserve in second
"SLEEPING BEAUTY" Exercise. Inshore Minesweeper to
be brought forward in SLEEPING BEAUTY III in June.
Conversion of HMS
TRIUMPH for use as a Repair Ship began. (Note: Completion took 9 years.)
Trials in HMS CUMBERLAND included gunnery firings against
Pilot-less aircraft and new design 6" guns to be fitted in
"TIGER" Class cruisers.
Submarines
Design of Nuclear power plant for submarines begin carried
out in conjunction with commercial companies.
First high speed submarine HMS EXPLORED began trials using
HTP fuel.
Proposal to fit nuclear weapons
raised
in Parliament
Search operations carried out for HMS ACHERON off Iceland
after failure of communications.
Naval Aviation
RN Air Station HMS SISKIN at Gosport Paid-off. Land to be
used for Marine Engineer Training School and establishment renamed HMS SULTAN.
Facilities at Flathouse to be retained.
HMS SULTAN to be used by Admiralty Interview Board.
Home Station
HMS SULTAN, Mechanical Training
Establishment at Flathouse to transfer to Gosport.
Reserve Fleet Category changes introduced.
Proposal made for Dounray,
Scotland to be used as Nuclear Test Establishment by RN.
Base facilities as Scapa Flow closed.
Invergordon facility to be placed
in Care and Maintenance
Two Naval Air Stations closed and six other shore
establishments.
HMS CAMBRIDGE commissioned at
Wembury,
Devon for use as Gunnery School. Replaced School in RN Barracks at Devonport
(HMS DRAKE) used since 1907.
3rd Training Squadron moved from Londonderry to Plymouth
(September)
* Article in NAVY NEWS on Joint Anti-Submarine School, HMS
SEA EAGLE at RNAS Londonderry.
HMS RALEIGH at Plymouth to be
Paid
off and training transferred to RN Barracks, Devonport.
Training at Devonport Division Signal
School at Vicarage Road to be transferred to HM Signal School (HMS MERCURY),
Petersfield.
HMS DEFIANCE (Hulk) at Devonport once used for accommodation
to be Paid-off and training transferred
HMS SULTAN at Gosport for engineering
ratings or HMS COLLINGWOOD at Fareham for electrical ratings.
Trials on use of oxy-helium by divers at 600 feet carried
out in Diving Training Ship HMS DEEPWATER.
Torpedo Trials Unit at Stokes Bay, Gosport transferred to
RNAS CULDROSE
HMS WIZARD, RN end RAF helicopters rescued crew of tanker
DOOVEFJELJL off Portland.
Belgian fishing vessel escaped from HMS SQUIRREL of Fishery
Protection Squadron with an RN rating still on board. Rating subsequently left
en a Lightship.
Extensive press publicity over death of Commander Crabbe (Ex
RNVR) during visit by Soviet cruiser to Portsmouth
HMS VANGUARD replaced HMS CLEOPATRA and HMS DIDO in Reserve
Fleet at Portsmouth and became Flagship of Reserve Fleet.
Deep Diving Record using standard Diving Suit established
from HMS RECLAIM.
Foreign Stations
HMS AMBROSE commissioned at Halifax, Canada for support of
submarines used for training,
HMS MANXMAN and HMS URSA took relief stores to Lebanon after
an earthquake
Suez Canal nationalised. HMS MANXMAN end HMS JAMAICA sent to
Cyprus. Extensive precautionary measures at Home and abroad included
requisitioning of ships in anticipation of action against Egypt following Suez
Canal nationalisation. Two destroyers (Ex HMS MYNGS and HMS ZENITH) sold to
Egypt were allowed to sail from Portsmouth but not without ammunition. Discharge
by Purchase suspended
Operation MUSKETEER executed to recover control of Suez
Canal with French forces involved. 105 RN ships and RFA deployed. Later UN took
over control of situation and RN ships dispersed. HMS CHEVRON remained for use
by NOIC after hostilities ceased. Some RN presence retained for clearance of
sunken ships. Extensive salvage work undertaken.
Formosa Strait patrol continued. HMS ST BRIDES BAY obtained
release of mercantile HYDRALCOC.
HMS EAGLE carried out exercises with US Navy aircraft
carriers in Mediterranean and also visited Istanbul.
HMS LOCH FADA embarked Archbishop
Makarios
at Mombasa for passage to exile in Seychelles.
HMS DIANA deployed as
Guardship at
Montebello during second Atomic Weapon Tests.
HMS LOCK KILLISPORT embarked first RM Detachment to serve in
a Frigate.
1 9 5 7
Administration
1956 changes in officer structure implemented.
Defence Review to be carried out by Duncan
Sandys.
Eight Work Study Teams to be introduced.
NATO Commanders warned of threat posed by Soviet submarines.
Naval Weather Service introduced.
Port Auxiliary Service in Royal Dockyards re-organised.
Proposed that future Fleet
be
centred around Task Groups including an aircraft carrier.
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) abolished and all
Reservists to be included in Royal Naval Reserve (RNR).
Voluntary Discharges.
Officers 162 out of 198 applications; Ratings 667 out of
1011applications.
Officers
Board of Admiralty composition changed.
5th Sea Lord to be Deputy Chief of Naval
Staff.
Appointment of Flag Officer Malay merged with
CinC Far East Station
New Entry numbers reduced.
1,750 officers to leave within next 5
years.
Gratuity of 6,000 for officers of Captain
rank.
Quarter of Flag Officers to be retired.
Review to be made for award of Degree Status to Engineering
Officers after the satisfactory completion of training to Degree status at RN
Engineering College at Manadon, Plymouth.
Ratings
Redundancy of 900 expected.
Bi-monthly payments introduced instead of fortnightly. Caps
to be kept 'On’.
Centralised Drafting procedures introduced. To be established
at Lythe Hill, Petersfield,
named as HMS CENTURION.
Intake during 1956/7 Financial Year to be
8,150 with 1,600 National Servicemen.
Recruiting Booklet ‘In which we
serve" published.
* NAVY NEWS article - Uniform.
Upper Yardmen training syllabus widened.,
Ships
HM Fleet Minesweeper BRAMBLE sent to investigate complaints
by British trawlers about damage being caused by Russian trawlers.
HMS BULWARK to be replaced in Fleet by HMS
CENTAUR.
KING GEORGE V Class battleships to be
scrapped.
Type 277, New designs ONAR Equipment in production
RFA strength to be increased due to lack
of overseas bases.
* SEASLUG Guided Missile article in NAVY NEWS.
HMS SOLEBAY to be brought forward at
Chatham in SLEEPING BEAUTY exercise.
Teleprinters now in extensive use
at sea
HMS
TRIUMPH conversion to repair ship started
Use of light fleet aircraft carriers as Commando
Carriers first hinted by First Sea Lord.
HMS WARRIOR sailed for use a Squadron Flagship during
planned Nuclear Weapon trails at Christmas Island
in Pacific Ocean (Operation
GRAPPLE).
Submarines
First Nuclear Powered submarine to be
named HMS DREADNOUGHT. PWR Type reactor at Harwell went 'critical’.
Experimental submarine HMS EXCALIBUR
(right - Navy Photos) build completed. HMS
EXPLORER achieved 25 knots submerged.
Search operation carried out for midget submarine HMS SPRAT
in Channel after failure to transmit surfaced signal.
HMS
SIDON not to be repaired and to be sunk for use as A/S target.
"SPRAT" Class midget submarines to be Paid-off.
HMS THOROUGH returned to UK after service in Far East.
Move of 3rd Submarine Squadron from
Rothesay
to Faslane planned for 1958.
Naval Aviation
First deliveries of British produced WHIRLWIND helicopter
made.
‘Cross Deck' operations carried out with US Navy carriers. Interchange
of landings by Carriers during joint operation.
HMS EAGLE to be modernised when HMS
VICTORIOUS becomes
available for service.
HMS OCEAN and HMS
THESEUS to be reduced to
Reserve status.
Royal Navy Air Station NAS NUTHATCH,
Anthorn,
Cumbria, Receipt and Despatch Depot, Paid-off
RNVR Air Squadrons disbanded.
HMS DAEDALUS, Gosport used as Depot for Fleet Air Arm
ratings, merged with RNAS Gosport
848 Squadron received silver Kris from Chief Minister, Malay
for support of military operations.
Home Station
CASTLE Class Frigates to be taken out of Reserve and
transferred to Air Ministry Weather Service to replace FLOWER Class corvettes
for use as Meteorological reporting ships.
New coastal Survey Ships
of ECHO Class ordered.
HMS Minesweeper GAVINGTON towed for three miles by FAA
helicopter.
HMS GRENVILLE carried out first helicopter trials by a RN
frigate.
*NAVY NEWS article on HMS HORNET, Gosport closure. This
establishment was first used in 1925 and Paid-off in 1925 until commissioned as
MTB base in 1939.
HMS PHOENIX ,
Hilsea,
Portsmouth Paid-off and renamed NBCD School. (Originally RN
Gas School at Tipner and replaced Barons Court,
London as Damage control school in 1946.)
Reserve fleet reductions in continuation.
RNR Communications centres to be established in UK for
training of Reserve Communications personnel
Royal visit to Fleet made at Cromarty.
HMS SOLEBAY commissioned for service after period in
Reserve.
Torpedo Experimental Establishment (TEE), Greenock closed.
HMS ULSTER rescued survivors and fought fire in Greek
mercantile after being in collision in English Channel.
Victoria Barracks, Southsea
returned to Army. Had been used as overflow for RN Barracks
in 1939 and later for RN and WRNS New Entries. After
WW2 used for Divisional training of Upper Yardman and also as Seamanship and
Cox'ns School.
Two Russian submarines sighted off Scotland.
Foreign Stations
America and West Indies Station closed. Commodore appointed
as Administrative Authority with office at Bermuda
HMS ARK ROYAL attended US Naval Review in Hampton Roads for
350th anniversary of founding of Virginia.
Further 'Cross Deck' landings carried out with USS SARATOGA
HMS BIRMINGHAM visited Black Sea ports. Strong protest made
by USSR. (No protests were made by UK when Russian submarines passed through
Channel.)
British Involvement in Suez Canal clearance ended when HMS
KINGARTH left Port Said.
HMS DAINTY took stores to aid survivors after earthquake in
Turkey.
Base at Christmas Island to be used during GRAPPLE, named
HMS RESOLUTION. Anniversary of discovery by James Cook.
East Indies and Far East Stations to be closed and merged as
Far East Station.
HM Dockyard, Trincomalee to be
closed.
Exercises with Turkish warships brought protests from USSR.
HM Dockyard, Hong Kong to be closed. Six Inshore
minesweepers to be deployed at Hong Kong based in HMS TAMAR.
Increase in activities in Persian Gulf after revolt in Oman.
RM parties landed.
Increased deployment of Russian warships noted worldwide.
HMS
MAIDSTONE and HMS OCEAN visited Helsinki and shadowed by
Russian ships.
HMS
NEWCASTLE bombarded terrorist position at Kota
Tingli river, Malaya.
RN aid provided after floods in Ceylon. HMS COCKADE brought
stores from Singapore
*. Operation MUSKETEER Article in NAVY NEWS
HM Dockyard Simons Town formally transferred to South
African Navy after 143 years RN use
HMS ULSTER took troops to reinforce garrison at Belize.
14 warships and Auxiliaries deployed for GRAPPLE Tests.
1 9 5 8
Administration
Boarding School Allowances payable.
*Article on NAAFI in NAVY NEWS
2nd Sea Lord's Visiting Team to
include a Chief Yeoman of Signals.
RNR and RNVR Merger completed
Sandys Defence White Paper
published. Naval manpower 112,000. Target by 1962 is
84,000.
Proposed Task Group concept for Fleet dropped and
replacement by Squadron concept using destroyers and frigates,
'NILHILL’ Report recommendations on Royal
Dockyard to be implemented.
Regulations for wearing of Blue Ensign changed.
Length of New General Service Commission extended to 24
months of which 9 will be overseas.
Cost of maintaining
ships in Reserve and for conversions criticised in Parliamentary Report. 157
ships scrapped leaving about 200 in Reserve status,
GRIGG Committee recommendations on pay and allowances
accepted. To be reviewed every two years. Rates of Pensions will not be
subjected to 2 year Review.
New Naval Discipline Act to come into effect on 1st January 1959
Officers
Flag Officer appointments to be reduced to 79, 12 of which
will be at sea
25% of officers are now Ex Ratings. In 1949 this was 18%
1,000 redundancies out of 1,900 redundancies applications
have been completed
702 applications have been made for 79 Naval Scholarships.
First of the 18 year old RNC cadet entries
now at sea.
Ratings
Only 20% of existing 7 Year Re-engagements were renewed.
All 950 redundancies to have been made by
March 1959.
Half of ships in the Fleet reported to have Bunks.
Communication Ratings titles changed. Leading Radio Operator
and Leading Tactical Operator instead of Leading Telegraphist
and Leading Signalman
Intake 7,100 including
Juniors and
Apprentices.
Ships
HMS VANGUARD to be scrapped.
* Picture of new Inflatable
Liferaft
in NAVY NEWS.
Orders for new AA Frigate (HMS PANTHER) and new AD Frigate
(HMS COVENTRY) cancelled. To be replaced by orders for LEANDER Class Frigates.
Refit of HMS
VICTORIOUS completed. Angled Deck and new
design CDS Air Warning Radar fitted. Cafeteria messing system in use
HMS EAGLE and HMS HERMES
(right - Navy Photos) to be fitted with
CDS Type Air Warning Radar.
SEASLUG Anti-Aircraft Guided Weapon System trials
satisfactory and may be converted for use as a
Ship/Ship weapon.
Last Fleet exercise without inclusion of a
Task Group.
HMS
GLORY, HMS OCEAN and HMS
THESEUS to be
scrapped.
HM Boom Vessel BARCOMBE ran aground in Loch
Buie after assisting HM Submarine TACITURN.
HM Sloop MODESTE returned to UK after 6 years continuous
foreign service,
Last ISLES Class Trawler, HMS STEEPHOLM Paid-off.
Experience with Type 14 Frigates revealed hulls required
strengthening.
HMS CUMBERLAND Paid-off as Trials Ship
SEACAT Guided Missile fitted in some frigates displayed at
Farnborough Air Shaw by manufacturer as SX-A25
Submarines
HMS TURPIN towed to UK from West Indies after main machinery
defect. This submarine had been fitted with new engines in 1957.
HMS AUROCHS attacked by unknown aircraft in Pacific.
Submarine Service Badge introduced for all qualified
submarine personnel
BIBS Breathing System introduced in submarines for emergency
use.
Chief Executive appointed to supervise liaison with Atomic
Energy Authority.
SPRAT midget submarine loaned to US Navy for trials.
STICKLEBACK sold to Sweden.
Naval Aviation
RNAS ANTHORN closed but to be used by Federal German Navy.
RNAS Worthy Down and RN Aircraft Repair Yard at
Donibristle, Fife closed.
Londonderry Anti-Submarine helicopters to be transferred to
Portland.
Helicopters in HMS BULWARK to be convertible by ships staff
for A/S use. (This was never achieved.)
Pilot of SCIMITAR aircraft trapped in cockpit after landing
attempt on HMS VICTORIOUS, and lost his life when unable to escape.
Home Station
Humber RNR Division closed except for Communications Centre.
Fishery Protection Office at Hull closed and transferred to
HMS LOCHINVAR at Port Edgar. HMS LOCHINVAR to be used as the Base for Fishery
Protection Squadron except ships deployed in Channel. ALGERINE Class
Minesweepers in Squadron to be replaced by Type 14 Frigates.
Chatham Gunnery School and
Bartons
Point AA Range at Sheemess closed.
Nore Command to be closed.
* Article in NAVY NEWS. HMS CERES Supply School to be
transferred from Wetherby to Chatham Barracks.
National Press publicity on Ocean Weather Service
RNEC at Manadon, Plymouth
commissioned as HMS THUNDERER,
National Press publicity on Wreck
Dispersal operations.
Major naval deployments made in Iceland during First 'Cod
War’ with Iceland to support of Fishery Protection Squadron.
New design Minehunting SONAR
outfit Type 193 used to find SCIMITAR aircraft from HMS
VICTORIOUS which
crashed in English Channel.
Royal Marines Arctic training began in Norway.
HMS CHICHESTER rescued crew of coaster CONCHA off Milford
Haven before ship sank.
Foreign Stations
Malaya Emergency support in continuation.
HMS BURGHEAD BAY visited Tristan
da
Cunha, Gough Island and Ngate Island in South
Atlantic.
* Article on Hong Kong in NAVY NEWS.
Joint Exercises in Atlantic with RCN included RN ships from
West Indies.
HMS ALERT with CinC FES attended
ceremony in Japan to commemorate founding of Imperial Japanese Navy.
HHS BRITANNIA to be used by HRH
The
Duke of Edinburgh during planned Far East Tour.
HMS
CEYLON present at Royal Review of RN ships by King of
Jordan when British forces left Aqaba.
RN Rhine Squadron to be Paid-off.
HMS ULSTER helped to restore power ashore in Nassau,
Bahamas.
HMS ARK ROYAL prepared to evacuate British nationals from
Lebanon.
HMS EAGLE provided cover for trooping flight to Amman.
HMS BERMUDA carried RM Commando to reinforce Cyprus
garrison. Other RN deployments planned
HMS BULWARK, HMS ST BRIDES BAY and HMS LOCH KILLISPORT
carried out major salvage operation and tow after tankers MELIKA and FERNAND
GILABERT involved in collision in Indian Ocean off Qatar. Substantial salvage
awards were paid in 1960.
East Indies Station abolished after 314 years.
HM Dockyard in Malta to be leased to C H
Bailey for use as a commercial shipyard.
1 9 5 9
Administration
Manpower details.
Existing 88,000. New Entries 8,250.
National Servicemen 850. Employed ashore 68,000, including
12,000 at Naval Air Stations. Employed at sea 40,000.
Redundancies 2,350 sinc
eintroduced.
Reorganisation of Surface and Underwater Weapon Research
Establishments completed. Surface Weapons at
Portsdown, Portsmouth and Underwater Weapons at Portland.
10 Work Study Teams with the Fleet and four to be formed.
School of Work Study to be set up at Portsmouth.
Rules for 'Loyal Toast' procedure in naval messes changed.
Parliamentary criticism of costs of refits and conversions
continued.
Offices of Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the
Admiralty abolished.
Procurement of aircraft weapons transferred from Ministry of
Supply to Ministry of Aviation
Second Sea Lord's visiting Team established.
Defence Courses provided for Merchant Navy personnel.
GRIGG Report on Pensions accepted.
Officers
Admiral Lord Mountbatten became Chief of the Defence Staff
Establishment of Flag Officer appointments amended. Now 81
instead of 79 to go
Opportunities to be offered to Seaman
Officers to spend 14 days on board merchant ships.
Chair of Nuclear Technology established at RN College,
Greenwich.
Provision of Cambridge University training for General List
Electrical Officers to be minimised in future
Future Dartmouth entries required to have a minimum of 2
Passes at ‘A' Level and 3 at 'O' Level GCE.
MURRAY Review of Officer Training to be implemented In
September 1961.
Upper Yardmen training to be transferred
from HMS TEMERAIRE at Port Edgar to RNC Dartmouth in 1960.
Title Engineer-in-Chief changed to Chief Naval Engineer.
Five Year Supplementary List Commission
introduced for Helicopter pilots.
Ratings
Slight increase in re-engagements reported. 50% from
previous 48%
Ships
HMS
KENYA and HMS
JAMAICA to be scrapped.
HMS SUPERB Placed on Sales List.
HMS TIGER (right - Navy Photos) began sea trials.
Evidence found of poor design of steam
pipe-work.
HMS LION and HMS BLAKE to complete in 1960
First Type 81, ‘TRIBAL’ Class Frigate laid down.
New Flag Officer Portland for Sea Training appointed (FOST)
Radar Data Processing system being
developed for Ship Weapons system management
Arbitrary cuts made in manning of HMS EAGLE as an experiment
following Work Study.
HMS
VICTORIOUS demonstrated new CDS radar to US Navy at
Norfolk, Va.
Costs of Modernisation being questioned.
HMS BURGHEAD BAY and HMS BIGBURY BAY sold to Portugal
SEACAT Guided Weapon trials being planned.
Submarlnes
HMS TIRELESS had to return from Joint Home/Mediterranean
Fleet Spring Exercises because of machinery defects.( See HMS
TURPIN 1958)
Queens Colour awarded to Submarine Service.
American design nuclear propulsion plant
to be used in HMS DREADNOUGHT. Training of crews for nuclear submarines
began in USA.
HMS DREADNOUGHT keel laid down.
Delays introduced by industrial problems in
shipyard.
10th Submarine Squadron formed for service in Far East.
AFD59 laid down at Portsmouth for use by nuclear submarines.
First PORPOISE Class submarine – HMSO BERON laid dawn at
Chatham.
Naval Aviation
Details of trials on new ejector seat which will operate
underwater announced.
New FIRESTREAK Air to Air Missile trials carried cut in HMS VICTORIOUS.
RNAS Portland opened for support of Sea Training. First
military helicopter airfield in Britain.
Crew of crashed SKYRAIDER aircraft rescued off Norway by
Russian trawler.
RNAS Gosport renamed HMS ARIEL.
HMS DAEDALUS retained for use of Flag Officer
(Air).
GANNET aircraft to replace SKYRAIDERS.
Saunders-Roe helicopter order placed.
Later
developed as WASP.
First Front Line Squadron of SEA VIXEN aircraft formed.
Home Station
'Cod War’ deployments by Home Fleet ships
in continuation. .Engineering, Medical and Dental help
given to British trawlers. Some clashes with Icelandic gunboats and
collision between HMS CHAPLET and Icelandic ODIN. 40 RN ships deployed during
first year of confrontation.
Russian trawlers agreed to pay compensation for damage to UK
fishermen's nets after intervention by Fishery Protection ship.
HMS
BERMUDA visited Greenland.
HMS CENTAUR and RFA WAVE VICTOR in 'Near
Miss' incident during RAS in Bay of Biscay.
HMS BARNARD grounded off Scotland.
Hovercraft demonstration by Saunders-Roe
to RN and foreign naval representatives.
Battle of the Atlantic Service held in Liverpool Cathedral
Last refit in Sheerness Dockyard completed on HMS LOCH
LOMOND
Extensive salvage operation in St Georges
Channel to recover the wreckage from RAF VICTOR aircraft.
HMS BULWARK conversion for use as a
Commando Carrier delayed by Suez Crisis.
HMS SOBERTON intervened in dispute between British and
Russian trawlers.
Foreign Stations
Commodore (Cyprus) appointed to replace Flag Officer (Middle
East) for administration of nav responsibilities
during emergency.
HMS BRITANNIA embarked HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for Far
East visits including to personnel at Christmas Island for
"GRAPPLE" test operations. On
return HMS BRITANNIA used for Royal Visit to Canada to open St Lawrence
HIghway.
HMS SALISBURY visited Cleveland, Ohio and was first RN
warship on Lake Eerie since 1812.
HMS
BIRMINGHAM and HMS DELIGHT involved in collision in
Mediterranean. Two ratings died during
Damage Control activities.
HMS MAXTON rammed by Frigate off Malta.
HMS ALBION grounded in Plate Estuary
HMS HOGUE scrapped after being involved in collision with
Indian Cruiser MYSORE (ex-HMS NIGERIA) during CENTO exercise in Indian Ocean.
Coastal Minesweeper Squadron re-deployed from Mediterranean
to Singapore.
1 9 6 0
Administration
AUWE established at Portland as part of Weapons Department
in place of UWE.
Cost of SEASLUG weapon System development and financial
control criticised in Parliament.
Competitive tendering to b» used for build
of all ships above Frigate size.
Expense of having Admiralty departments sited in both Bath
and London criticised.
Editor of NAVY NEWS to be appointed by
Admiralty.
Flag Officer Reserve Fleet to be replaced by Reserve Ships
Authority.
Manpower total 102,000.
Modifications to gunnery equipment in HMS TIGER and HMS LION
needed after trials problems.
POLARIS and SKYBOLT systems controversy not resolved.
Second Sea Lord's department re-organised with separate
Directors introduced for Training, Manpower, Personnel Services and Officer
Appointments.
14 Work Study teams operating.
Agreement reached with RAF over operational control of maritime
aircraft.
Officers
Retiring Age for Captains fixed at 55 and at 53 for
Commanders.
General List Electrical and Engineering Specialisations combined
into one List.
New Short Service Commission introduced in Seaman Branch for
educationally qualified ratings.
Numbers of applications for 18 year Entry
to Dartmouth falling off.
Five Year Supplementary List Commissions in use for
Helicopter Pilots.
Ratings
Mechanician apprentice training
scheme introduced for Fleet Ait Arm ratings.
Re-engagement rate of 65%, highest since
1936.
Upper Yardman to have 2 year course at RNC
Dartmouth to prepare for 'A' Level Exams.
Ships
Accommodation standards criticised in Parliament.
Canadian Variable Depth SONAR equipment to
be adopted by RN In place of a British design which had been tested in HMS
BROCKLESBY.
Delays in developing NAPIER DELTIC engines as replacement
for MIRLEES type used in CMS (coastal minesweepers). Only 46 have been fitted
with new type of engine.
Laying of SOSUS System to detect
passage of submarines begun in Atlantic by USA.
Production order placed for SEASLUG missiles.
First SEACAT anti-aircraft guided missile trials carried out
in HMS DECOY (right - Navy Photos).
US Underwater Test Range (AUTEC) established In Bahamas and
to be used by RN.
HMS ALBION to be converted for use as a
Commando Carrier.
HMS BULWARK commissioned as a Commando Carrier.
Design details of Assault Ships HMS FEARLESS and HMS
INTREPID announced.
Modernisation of HM Support Ship HARTLAND POINT completed.
HMS SHOULTON demonstrated new Mine Hunting SONAR Type 193 to
US Navy.
HMS ULSTER assisted in relief operations In Jamaica,
Anguilla and Barbuda.
HMS VANGUARD grounded off Portsmouth during passage to
breaker's yard
First Guided Missile Destroyer HMS DEVONSHIRE launched.
Seven modern Tankers chartered for use as
RFAs.
Six
BATTLE Class destroyers to be scrapped.
HMS
SWIFTSURE scrapped after expenditure of £3.5M on refit
work.
Submarines
Training of Nuclear Monitoring Teams began in HMS COLLINGWOOD.
HMS DREADNOUGHT launched by HM Queen at Barrow. Delivery of
machinery commenced.
US Navy POLARIS submarines to operate from Holy Loch.
First nuclear powered fleet submarine HMS VALIANT ordered.
Naval Aviation
HMS ARK ROYAL carried out trials on new Deck Landing
equipment to replace Mirror Sight. (See 1961)
GANNET Air Early Warning aircraft replaced SKYRAIDER
aircraft
Rescue of crew of Greek ARGO DELOS off Donegal by
helicopters from RNAS Ellington.
US Strop Recovery equipment to be used In
HMS VICTORIOUS.
BUCCANEER aircraft deck landing trials carried out in HMS
VICTORIOUS. Production order placed.
SEA VIXEN aircraft joined HMS ARK ROYAL.
WASP Helicopter trials carried out for use in anti-submarine
frigate.
Home Station
CinC Home Fleet headquarters
transferred ashore to Northwood, Middlesex.
'Cod' War settlement with Iceland reached and British
trawlers to keep outside 12 mile Limit. Isolated Incidents continued.
NATO Fuel Depot to be sited at Loch Ewe.
Extensive search carried out in St George's Channel for
wreckage of crashed RAF VICTOR aircraft. Research Ship RRS SHACKLETON joined RN
operations and carried out survey of area.
Conversion of more BATTLE Class Destroyers for use as Radar
Pickets not carried out due to cost.
Modernisation of HMS
SWIFTSURE stopped and ship scrapped.
RN W/T Station at Forest Moor, Yorkshire opened and replaced
station at Flowerdown, Hants.
Russian seaman found on board coastal minesweeper at Leith.
Sabotage reported in HMS DAINTY and HMS BATTLEAXE.
Machinery on board HMS
JAGUAR sabotaged during build and shipyard labour suspected.
HM Dockyard Sheerness closed.
HMS
PLOVER carried out trials on new inflatable life raft in
Weymouth Bay,
HMS SCOTT deployed for special survey to ensure adequate
depth of water available for large tankers over wrecks in navigable channels
Foreign Stations
George Medal awarded to Fleet Bomb and Mine Disposal
Officer, Far East Station for removal of warheads from wreck
of Japanese submarine.
Ship and aircraft deployments in Cyprus continued.
Salvage of Norwegian tanker POLYANA in Persian Gulf by HMS DALRYMPLE, HMS LOCH RUTHVEN
and
HMS BASTION.
HMS BRITANNIA with HRH Princess Margaret embarked visited
West Indies.
HMS
APOLLO visited Leningrad.
HMS
GAMBIA embarked medical stores and provided aid after
cyclone disaster in Mauritius.
HMS FISKERTON rescued crew of wrecked US mercantile near
Singapore.
HMS LEOPARD sailed 1,144 miles up the River Amazon to
Godajas.
HMS
OWEN landed party on St. Paul’s Rock in Atlantic during
extensive oceanographic survey.
HMS SURPRISE embarked Papal Legate at Naples for passage to
Malta for a religious ceremony.
HMS TYNE and HMS DARLASTON delivered relief stores after
earthquake at Agadir.
