Portland
Spy Case.
'ROMER'
Committee
Report on
Naval security
published
(June).
Department
of Naval
Security set
up.
Manpower
of 100,000
with
recruiting
target of
7,500.
200
ships in
operational
service and
about the same
number held in
Reserve.
110
ships
transferred to
Commonwealth
countries
since 1945.
Speculation
over
replacement of
aging carriers
continued
after First
Lord
statement.
Costs
of
modernisation
and the poor
selections
still under
criticism.
Examples HMS
SWIFTSURE and
HMS GRAVELINES
Delays
in start of
refits and
modernisations
HMS TRIUMPH,
HMS CAMBRIAN
and HMS MULL
OF KINTYRE
Empress
State Building
under
construction
in Fulham to
replace Queen
Anne's
Mansions
Commons
Select
Committee
reported costs
of Admiralty
organisation
but Fleet
strength
reduced
Hydrographic
Department
completed
tidal survey
work on SW
England
coasts.
Officers
*
RNC Dartmouth
History
articles.
Admirals
total of 83 to
be reduced to
72 by 1962
with 144 major
warships in
service
Direct
recruitment of
university
graduates into
Engineering
Branch
announced.
Ratings
Re-engagement
level 63% (12
year) and 40%
(7 years).
Junior
entries
expected to
represent
about a third
of new intake.
Centralised
Drafting
System
improvements
becoming
evident but
shortages
continue to
present
anomalies.
Proposal
to reintroduce
Warrant Rank
turned down.
Introduction
of joint
messes for
WRNS and RN
ratings in
shore
establishments
to be
investigated.
Control
Artificer
(Weapons)
Branch of
ratings
established.
Ships
SONAR
Type 193 in
production
following its
satisfactory
development
TRIALS in HMS
SHOULTON
(See
1959).
Fleet
Maintenance
Units set up
in the three
Home Dockyards
and in Malta.
First
centralised
air
conditioning
plants in use
in frigate to
replace
individual
units.
Ship/Ship
variant of
SEASLUG Guided
Weapon System
to be
developed
after
completion of
final trials in
HMS
GIRDLENESS.
Two
more GM
Destroyers to
be ordered.
HMS
ASHANTI
commissioned
and first
frigate
designed to
operate a
helicopter,
but not
an
outstanding
success.
Trials
of new
propulsion
equipment
revealed
various
problem and
delayed
deployment of
TRIBAL Class
in Middle
East.
*
BRITANNIA
article
(July).
HMS
EAGLE to be
fitted with
new Action
Data System to
assist in
processing
information
Fleet
deployment of
HMS LION
delayed by
gunnery and
propulsion
machinery
problems.
6"
armament to be
modified.
Conversion
of HMS MANXMAN
for use as
support ship
in hand.
HMS
ST BRIDES BAY
paid off after
16 years
continuous
overseas
service
HMS
TRIUMPH
conversion for
use as a
maintenance
ship not yet
begun.
HMS
RECLAIM
carried out
experimental
work to check
decompression
tables.
HMS
VICTORIOUS
spent 222
delays at sea
out of 333 on
return to
Britain having
steamed 63,000
miles.
HMS
FALMOUTH
involved in
collision with
an RFA
(December, in
English
Channel).
Submarines
Study
of possibility
of use of
POLARIS
nuclear weapon
in submarines
being studied.
HMS
FINWHALE
carried out 28
day patrol,
some of which
was under the
Arctic Icecap.
HMS AMPHION
used as
Communications
Link to FOSM.
Modernisation
of HMS
MAIDSTONE for
support of
nuclear
submarines in
hand.
US
submarine
tender USS
PROTEUS
arrived in
Holy Loch for
support of US
Navy POLARIS
submarines,
Naval
Aviation
BUCCANEER
Aircraft
Trials Unit
formed.
Deck
Landing
Projector
Sight (DPLS)
and Height
Indicator
(HILO) to
replace Mirror
Sight.
HILO trials
carried out in
HMS ALBION for
10 months.
Home
Station
A/S
Frigate
Squadron to be
based at
Londonderry.
HMS UNDAUNTED
as Capt (F)
Nore
Command,
established in
1752, closed
with civic
ceremony at
Chatham.
RN
Hospital
closed but RN
Barracks had
been in use
since 1958 as
Supply School
previously as
HMS CERES (Ex
DEMETRIUS) at
Wetherby.
First
two CASTLE
Class frigates
turned over to
Air Ministry
for use as
Weather Ships.
RN
Minewatching
Service to be
expanded to
assist in
convoy
assembly
during
wartime.
Torpedo
Range at
Stokes Boy
closed.
Two
ratings from
HMS JUTLAND in
court in Dunfermline
for walking
across Catwalk
of new Forth
Road Bridge.
HMS
CARRON carried
out Foul
Weather trials
in Atlantic
including use
of new Life
Raft and
survival
suits.
HMS
RECLAIM
carried out
experimental
deep diving
trials to
check accuracy
of
decompression
tables
HMS
TROUBRIDGE and
HMS WOTTON
escorted
trawler into
Aberdeen after
incident with
Danish frigate
off Faeroes.
Foreign
Stations
Coastal
Minesweepers
carried out
minesweeping
operations off
Borneo coasts
because of the
amount of shipping
associated
with export of
new timber
trade cargoes.
Increase
in naval
deployments in
Far East to
counter
Indonesian
threat and
increase in
piracy.
Labuan
proposed as
base for RN
after new
Malaysian
Federation
formed.
Extensive
RN deployments
carried out to
assist defence
of Kuwait
against
threatened
invasion by Iraq
Operation
VANTAGE. Value
of RFA support
and use of
Commando
Carrier
clearly
established.
Requirement
to provide
patrols off
Borneo to
suppress
piracy fully
recognised
Sales
cruise by HMS
LION and other
ships
including RFA's
visited South
American ports
Underground
fuel depot
being built in
Malta for NATO
use.
HMS
BULWARK took
part in
Anglo-US
amphibious
exercise in
North Borneo.
HMS
CENTAUR and
HMS VICTORIOUS
provided help
after flooding
in Kenya.
HMS
LEOPARD
visited
Luanda, and
later sent to
Tristan da
Cunha after
volcanic
eruption.
HMS
Frigates LOCH
ALVIE, LOCH
FYNE and LOCH
RUTHVEN (right
- Navy
Photos/Bryan
Woodford)
assisted with
major fire
fighting on board
ss
DARA in
Persian Gulf
HMS
OWEN landed
party on
Martin Vaz
(SE of Rio de
Janeiro)
during
Atlantic
oceanographic
survey
HMS
RHYL diverted
to stand-by at
Goa after
Indian
invasion.
HMS
ROTHESAY and
HMS ULSTER
deployed to
follow
'hijacked'
Portuguese
liner SANTA
MARIA in
Caribbean.
*HMS
ST ANGELO
article.
HMS
STUBBINGTON
and SEA SALVOR
towed
Norwegian
tanker
BERGEHUS to
Malta after
explosion
HMS
TROUBRIDGE,
HMS
LONDONDERRY
and HMS VIDAL
assisted in
relief work in
Belize after
hurricane.
HMS
VICTORIOUS
visited Simons
Town.
1
9 6 2
Administration
Amphibious
Warfare
Headquarters
to be replaced
by Joint
Services
Staff.
Closures
announced
included Royal
Victualling
Yard at
Deptford,
London
CANMORE
Committee
criticised the
under
utilisation of
troopships and
the
unnecessary
build of two
more.
Manpower
100,000.
Recruiting
requirement
7,900.
Last year 25%
were
school
leavers.
Re-engagements
(12 year) 65%
Manning
shortages
evident in
some ships in
Home waters.
37,000
serving afloat
out of total
trained
manpower of
86,970.
New
Pay Code
introduced but
payable in two
annual
instalments.
RFA
capability
increased by
addition of
modem tankers
and cargo
ships.
SABA
equipment
available for
shallow water
divers.
SEA
DART
Surface/Air
anti-aircraft
missile
development
announced.
Vassall
spy trial.
Officers
Low
power nuclear
reactor to be
fitted at RNC
Greenwich.
Seamen
Branch
Supplementary
List
requirement
for 1961 met.
Shortage
of Medical and
Instructor
Officers
because of
ending of
National
Service.
Shortfall
in Britannia
Royal Naval
Collage entry
due to the
higher
educational
standard now
required.
Ratings
Punishment
scales for
leave breaking
increased.
Senior
ratings
permitted to
rejoin for
additional 5
years within 3
years of date
of completion
of service.
Ships
First
Amphibious
Assault Ship
ordered.
Four
BATTLE Class
destroyers to
be modified
for use as
radar pickets
and fitted
with SEACAT
missiles.
Malicious
damaged
reported in
HMS EAGLE, HMS
ASHANTI and
HMS CARRON.
Requirement
for new Fleet
Aircraft
Carrier
forecast.
New
Test Tank
completed at
Admiralty
Experimental
Establishment,
Haslar,
Gosport
for future
research
involving
metals.
HMS
ALBION
commissioned
as Commando
Carrier.
HMS
ASHANTI
defective gas
turbine blades
made necessary
return from
demonstration
visits to USA
and Canada.
Hull
strengthening
also found to
be required in
this new Class
of Frigate.
HMS
BELFAST and
HMS BERMUDA
Paid-off.
New
GW Destroyer
HMS DEVONSHIRE
carried out
first SEASLUG
firings from
an operational
ship.
Conversion
of HMS TRIUMPH
for use a
Maintenance
Support Ship
still not
started.
Submarines
Action
Data
Automation
System to be
introduced.
Final
stages of
installation
of Nuclear
Plant being
completed at Dounreay.
Plan
to sell WW2
HMS SERAPH to
USA failed.
This submarine
had taken US
General to
meeting in
Algeria before
allied
landings in
North Africa.
POLARIS
Agreement
signed in
Bermuda to
enable
missiles to be
obtained from
US Navy.
HMS
DREADNOUGHT (right
- NavyP
hotos/David
Downey) to
be fitted with
Inertial
Navigation
System (SINS).
Sea
trials of SINS
to begin in
December.
HMS
TIPTOE carried
cut Free
Ascent Escape
Trials from
depth of 260
feet off
Malta.
HMS
VALIANT, first
British
designed
nuclear
submarine laid
down
(January).
HMS
WARSPITE
second Fleet
submarine
ordered.
Naval
Aviation
Anti-submarine
version of
WESSEX
helicopter to
be introduced
for use in
Carriers and
GM Destroyers.
HMS
HARRIER, Air
Direction and
Meteorology
School at Kete,
Pembroke
closed.
Helicopter
from HMS
HERMES crashed
off Wales
killing Lord Windlesham
and an RAF
officer.
Queen's
Commendation
awarded to
SCIMITAR pilot
who landed
safely on HMS
HERMES after
bird had
shattered the
canopy of
aircraft.
Study
of Vertical
Take-off and
Landing
aircraft
(VTDL) in
hand. without
any commitment
for RN use.
Troop
carrying
version of
WESSEX to be
used in
Commando
Carriers.
1,000
BULLPUP
missiles to be
bought from
USA for use in
BUCCANEER
aircraft.
HMS
VICTORIOUS
carried out
'Cross Deck'
operations
with French
aircraft
carrier
CLEMENCEAU.
Home
Waters
International
mine clearance
operations
planned to
start in 1963
after two mercantiles
had been mined
off Dutch
coast.
HMS
ARK ROYAL ran
aground during
entry into
Devonport.
HMS
BATTLEAXE had
to be scrapped
after
collision with
HMS URSA in
Clyde estuary.
Burst
steam pipe in
HMS CENTAUR
caused 5
fatalities.
RFA
GREEN RANGER
ran aground in
Bristol
Channel and
became a totallLoss.
HMS
GIRDLENESS
transferred to
Reserve Fleet
at Rosyth
for use as
Living Ship.
SEASLUG Guided
Missile trials
could be
carried out in
HMS
DEVONSHIRE.
HMS
REPTON sent to
escort Russian
surveillance
ship away from
NATO Exercise
in Channel.
HMS
SHOULTON minehunting
equipment used
to locate
crashed
aircraft in
Moray Firth
and North Sea.
HMS
UNICORN (Hulk)
used as RNVR
Headquarters
Ship at Dundee
towed away to
breakers.
Foreign
Stations
Management
of Malta
Dockyard by CH
Bailey found
not to be
commercially
viable.
Deployments
made by Far
East Stations
ships after
Confrontation
began with
Indonesia
(KONFRONTASI).
HMS MARYTON,
HMS CHAWTON,
HMS LOCH INSH
and HMS CAESAR
deployed
against piracy
off Borneo.
Expansion
of Far East
Fleet
continued and
Joint Services
Command set up
at Singapore.
Frigates
of Dartmouth
Training
Squadron
including HMS
TROUBRIDGE
provided aid
to the civil
authorities
during General
Strike and
rioting in
British
Guiana.
Support
facilities in
Malta to be
reduced to
Forward Supply
only.
RN
Wireless
Station (HMS
MAURITIUS)
opened in
Mauritius as
replacement
for Ceylon
facilities.
Russian
build-up of
missiles In
Cuba.
HMS
ALBION
involved in
collision with
tug at Aden
killing two of
the tug crew.
HMS
COOK reported
record depth
sounding in
Mindanao
Trench. (Note:
This was later
found to be in
error.)
HMS
LOCH FADA sent
to Maldives
after
political
unrest. Relieved
by HMS
CASSANDRA.
HMS
LOCH RUTHVEN
seized dhow
carrying
ammunition and
a rebel leader
off Oman
HMS
LION and HMS
LONDONDERRY
diverted to
assist Italian
liner BIANCA
when she
caught fire
off Granada.
HMS
LONDONDERRY
towed
mercantile
clear of
harbour
entrance.
HMS
OWEN completed
Antarctic
survey and
took part in
International
Oceanographic
Year
investigations
in Indian
Ocean.
1963
Administration
Chief
Staff Officer
(Technical)
introduced for
service on
staff of CinC
Home Fleet.
This officer
would be
responsible
for all
matters
associated
with
Engineering.
Civilian
engineers in
Royal
Dockyards and
in Admiralty
Departments to
be known
generically as
The Naval
Engineering
Service (RNES)
Individual
Class
Authorities
for types of
ship replaced
by The Ship
Maintenance
Authority.
Combined
Ministry of
Defence
proposed to be
established
from 1964 to
replace
Admiralty, War
Office and Air
Ministry.
Director
of Fleet
Maintenance
appointed in
Admiralty at
Flag Rank.
Evaluation
trial to be
carried out on
Australian
designed
anti-submarine
weapon
(IKARA).
Maintenance
Scheme
(‘Guinea Pig’)
introduced and
trial to be
carried out in
selected
ships. HMS
LOWESTOFT waesone
of those
selected.
'Hard
Tack' biscuits
removed from Victualling
Stores List as
part of
emergency or
action
rations.
Impact
of POLARIS
Programme
Manning
requirements
on
distribution
of naval
manpower
resulted in
offer of
extension of
existing 22
Year
Engagements.
Manpower
intake target
7,000. 53%
of ratings
serving at
sea.
Recruiting and
retention
continues to
present
problems.
NATO
proposal to try
'Multi-national
Manning’ of a
surface ship
agreed. Later,
ships of
different NATO
navies were
deployed as a
Task Force.
Navy
Works
Department in
Royal
Dockyards
abolished and
replaced by
Ministry of
Public
Building and
Works.
The
‘Profumo’
affair.
RN
Careers
Service to
replace
Recruiting
Service.
RN
Mission to
Libya
established
and training
of personnel
in UK provided
Royal
Navy
Examination
Service (RNXS)
replaced the
RN Mine
Watching Servioe.
Routine
Orders
('Pipes') no
longer in use
in some ships.
Security
arrangements
intensified.
All
ships and
Establishments
to have a
Security
Officer
Title
ASDIC for
underwater
detection
equipment
officially
replaced by
SONAR. This
title has been
used in US
Navy for many
years.
Officers
Instructor
Branch to
allow
recruitment of
suitably
qualified
ratings.
Medical
Scholarships
introduced to
attract
doctors whilst
training.
Recruitment
of Electrical
Officers by
Direct Entry
of Graduates
from Industry
began.
Shortfall
in Britannia
RNC entries
announced,
although less
then in
1961-2.
Supplementary
List Fixed
Wing aircrew
and Electrical
Branch
requirements
not being met.
Ratings
Drafting
problems due
to POLARIS
requirements
recognised
Retirement
after 32 years
service with
increased
pension
announced.
Use
of Crossed
Flags Badge
for Signal
Branch ratings
discontinued.
53%
ratings now
serving at
sea.
Ships
Boiler
flash-back in
HMS LION
injured three
ratings.
Coastal
Minesweepers
to be deployed
in Persian
Gulf and four
to be kept at
Aden in
Reserve.
Escort
Squadrons
composed of
destroyers and
frigates
introduced.
First
Landing Ship
(Logistics)
LSL SIR
LANCELOT
launched
(right -
sister ship,
now RFA SIR
PERCIVALE at
the time of
the 1982
Falklands War.
No enlargement)
.
Modern,
commercial
design
communications
equipment
(COMIST) using
new techniques
introduced.
Possible
sabotage
reported in
HMS DIAMOND.
(For
some of the
possible
background to
these
incidents -
see "Some
Aspects of
Officer/Rating
Relationships
in the Royal
Navy
1941-1972")
HMS
BARROSA
involved in
boarding
incident off
Borneo.
HMS
BLAKE placed
in reserve
after refit.
Reason other
than lack of
manpower is
obscure
HMS
CENTAUR
deployed as
relief for HMS
ARK ROYAL East
of Suez
without
planned period
in Hone
waters.
Search
for missing
French
submarine by
HMS CENTAUR
called off
when sighted
by RAF
aircraft.
HMS
RECLAIM
to be fitted
with
De-compression
Chamber to
allow diving
operations
down to 1,000
feet. Deep
diving trials
carried out
off Canary
Islands.
HMS
TIGER weapon
maintenance
allowed to
run
down because
of intended
refit.
HMS
LOWESTOFT and
HMS BERWICK
demonstrated
RN anti-submarlne
procedures to
US Navy.
Five
Fast Patrol
Boats paid-off
leaving only
HMS BRAVE
BORDERER and
HMS BRAVE
SWORDSMAN in
service
Submarines
Building
of Royal Navy
Armaments
Depot (RNAD)
at Coulport
and Submarine
Base for
POLARIS
submarines in
Faslane
announced.
Chief
Polaris
Executive
appointed to
ensure
submarine
build and
weapon support
programme is
met on time
and within
budget. 1,700
personnel with
support
facilities
would be
deployed in
Clyde by 1968.
POLARIS
submarines to
have six
torpedo tubes
with
hydroplanes to
be fitted on
bow structure.
Two separate
crews to be
used for these
submarines and
refits carried
out at Rosyth.
Build
programmes for
new Fleet
submarines
delayed by
priority given
to POLARIS
acceptance
into service.
US
Navy AUTEC
Range in
Bahamas to be
used by RN
submarines.
HMS
GRAMPUS and
HMS PORPOISE
carried out
further
operations
under Arctic
ice pack. See
1961
HMS
VALIANT
launched at
Barrow.
HMS
WARSPITE laid
down at
Barrow.
Naval
Aviation
Assistance
provided by
helicopters
for rescue
work after UK
blizzards.
Build
of replacement
Fleet aircraft
carrier CVA1
announced, and
to have VTOL
capability.
First
VTOL aircraft
deck landing
trials in HMS
ARK ROYAL
Provision
of Flotation
gear for
helicopters
subject to
production
delays.
Selection
of PHANTOM
aircraft
instead of
P1154 for
future naval
use subject to
dispute.
Poor
delivery rate
of
helicopters.
Promise of
availability
of WESSEX V in
1963 for use
in KONFRONTASI
operations not
achieved
RNAS
Abbotsinch
closure as a
Repair
Facility.
Still
to be used as
accommodation
for ships
refitting at Rosyth.
Safety
system using
red lighting
for
illumination
of aircraft
carrier
superstructure
to be
introduced.
Trials
on new
aircraft
Ejector Seat
carried out
WASP
Helicopter not
available for
HMS LEANDER.
WESSEX
5 Helicopter
not available
for HMS
CENTAUR on
completion of
refit.
Home
Waters
Inshore
Minesweepers
brought
forward from
Reserve for
auxiliary
tasks
including use
by RNXS Mine
Clearance.
Operations
CLEAR ROAD and
CABLE WAY
carried out
with other
NATO
minesweepers
in North Sea
11
RNR Division
Minesweepers
also deployed.
HMS
BELFAST
brought
forward for
service and
used to take
cadets and
other trainees
to Gibraltar.
Foreign
Stations
Coastal
Minesweepers
deployed
operationally
in Persian
Gulf.
Extensive
salvage work
carried out by
HMS BARBAIN,
HMS BARFOIL
and HMS
DUCHESS to
re-float
British
mercantile in
eastern
approaches to
Singapore
harbour.
KONFRONTASI
operations
against
Indonesian
infiltration
increasingly
involved RN.
HMS
HAMPSHIRE
relieved HMS
LION.
HMS
ALBION sent
from Singapore
to collect
helicopters
from Tobruk.
HMS
ALBION
assisted in
flood relief
in addition to
KONFRONTASI
tasks.
HMS
BARBAIN
ordered to
leave
Indonesian
territorial
waters when on
passage to
assist
grounded
Indian
mercantile.
HMS
LONDONDERRY
and HMS
WHIRLWIND
deployed in
Bahamas area
to deter
anti-Castro
activities.
HMS
CENTAUR
diverted on
passage to Far
East to assist
in rescue of
survivors from
the Greek
cruise liner
LANCONIA which
had sunk after
catching fire
near Madeira.
HMS
COOK
extensively
damaged after
grounding on
coral reef in
Gilbert
Islands. Taken
in hand
locally for
extensive
repair work.
HMS
OWEN took part
investigations
in Indian
Ocean as part
of
International
Oceanographic
Year.
1
9 6 4
Administration
Accommodation
improvement
still not
fully
implemented.
American
emphasis in
NATO Council
about British
role in Far
East.
Supply
of Arms to
South Africa
ended.
Critical
Path Analysis
Procedures
(PERT) to be
used in future
ship Royal
Dockyard
refits as used
for POLARIS.
Parliamentary
Committee
criticised
lack of
air-conditioning
in HMS BAROSSA
despite the
fact that she
had been
recently
modernised.
Manpower
strength of
98,000 to be
increased to
103,000
because of
impact of
POLARIS.
Intake
in 1963-64:
7,500 with
target of
8,000.
Re-engagements
59% (12 Year)
and 53% (9
Year).
Ministry
of Defence
reorganisation
implemented.
Three Service
Boards
replaced.
Admiralty
Board Title
adopted
instead of
Lords
Commissioners
of the
Admiralty.
Defence
Council
Instructions
(Navy) – “DCI
(RN)” replaced
Admiralty
Fleet Orders
(“AFO.”) Foul
Anchor Flag of
Admiralty
hauled down in
Whitehall on
31st March.
Build
of New Guided
Missile
frigate first
suggested.
(Note: Later
“BRISTOL”
Class
Destroyers
introduced.)
Ships
in Commission:
180. No.
of Admirals
77.
SOSUS
System to be
laid in
Atlantic by US
Navy.
UK
Married
Quarters 90%
below
requirement
UK
contribution
to Mixed
Manning of
NATO ships
planned to
embark in USS
CLAUDE V
RICKETTS. Pay
comparisons
made and
eventually
Treasury
approval was
given to an
Allowance.
Later RN ships
were deployed
as part of a
NATO Standing
Force.)
12
Mile Fishing
Limit
introduced for
UK.
170
Shore
Establishments
closed or role
reduced since
1955.
Officers
Severe
shortfall of
Officer Entry
partially due
to requirement
for two GCE
"A" Levels.
Short
Service
aircrew
officers
encouraged to
sign for
further
period.
Some
'Arts' Degree
Graduates to
be accepted
and 100 Flying
Scholarships
to be awarded.
Ratings
Increased
intake of
Artificer
Apprentices to
cater for
future needs.
Manning
of a new
Escort
Squadron
abandoned
because of
shortages.
Poor
Re-engagement
of senior
technical
ratings was a
major reason.
Royal
Fleet Reserve
Regulations
changed.
Some
improvements
in ship
amenities
reported in
new ships.
Ships
HMS
BLAKE to be
converted for
use to carry
Commandos
using
helicopters
for transfer
to shore.
HMS
COOK (right
- Navy Photos)
returned to UK
to Pay-off
after damage
due to
grounding in
Gilbert
Islands.
HMS
DIAMOND and
HMS DUCHESS
collided in
Channel.
HMS
DUCHESS loaned
to RAN to
replace HMAS
VOYAGER which
had been lost
in collision.
Build
of new design
HYDRA Class
Coastal Survey
Ships
announced.
Commercial
build LLOYDS
standards to
be applied.
HMS
ISIS, RNR
Minesweeper
visited Paris.
HMS
LION and HMS
LOWESTOFT
collided in
Firth of Forth
during
departure
after Royal
opening of
Forth Road
Bridge.
HMS
LOFOTEN
commissioned
for
Anti-submarine
Helicopter
Training use.
HMS
PROTECTOR to
be replaced as
Ice Patrol
Ship.
HMS
RELENTLESS hit
by 0.22 bullet
during
departure from
Cork after
visit.
HMS
VICTORIOUS recommissioned
at Singapore.
HMS
VIDAL wearing
Flag of Hydrographer
of the Navy
visited
Leningrad.
ALGERINE
Class
Minesweeper
HMS ACUTE held
in Reserve
used for
Underwater
Shock trials.
Submarines
Approval
given for
order of some
equipment for
fifth POLARIS
submarine.
Problems
at Dounreay
delayed sea
trials in HMS
VALIANT.
Training
of first RN
POLARIS Crews
began in USA.
Later these
will be
carried out at
Faslane.
HMS
RESOLUTION
first POLARIS
submarine laid
down.(*February)
HMS
RENOWN laid
down (June). New
techniques
using
ultrasonic
principals to
be used to
check Pressure
Hull welding.
Underwater
escape tests
carried cut in
Loch Fyne
from HMS
ORPHEUS at
depth of 200
feet using new
equipment.
HMS
OTTER and HMS
NARWHAL
completed
patrols under
Arctic
ice-pack.
Naval
Aviation
50th
Anniversary of
the formation
of The Royal
Navy Air
Service
celebrated
attended by
HRH The
Duke of
Edinburgh.
Deliveries of
SEA VIXEN and
WESSEX V
began. .Both
to have guided
missile
capability.
Delivery
for new ships
slow.
Restriction
in helicopter
flying time
made in Hone
waters because
of shortage of
spares
Extensive
use of
helicopters in
support of
KONFRONTASI
military
operations in
Borneo.
GANNET
aircraft from
HMS VICTORIOUS
also used for
radar
surveillance
Modernisation
of HMS EAGLE
cost £31M, an
overspend of
£12M.
PHANTOM/P1154
selection
problems not
resolved.
BUCCANEER
aircraft
design problem
evident after
engine
failure.
Helicopter
Support Ship
HMS ENGADINE
ordered.
Home
Waters
12
mile Fishing
Limit
Agreement
signed and
included
exclusive use
by British
vessels of the
first six
miles.
Fishery
Protection
Squadron
activities
increased to
avoid clashes
with Polish
and East
German
trawlers.
NATO
Annual
exercise TEAM
WORK included
64 RN ships
(Destroyers
and below.)
Only
10% of
required
number of
Married
Quarters
available.
HMS
DIAMOND and
HMS SALISBURY
in collision
in Channel
when steaming
close
together.
HMS
MALCOLM
embarked
scientist for
survey around
new volcano
off Iceland,
HMS
LONDON paid
visit to
Capital.
Foreign
Stations
Service
Families
offered
flights to
Singapore on
Charter
aircraft at
'reduced’ cost
of £96. (This
expense
unlikely to be
very
attractive.)
Habitability
of ships
criticised by
Parliamentary
Committee.
Increased
involvement by
RN, RAN and
RNZN in Borneo
KONFRONTASI
support.
Naval Party
KILO formed
for Inshore
patrol. Guardship
provided at Tawau.
Several
Incidents
involving
Coastal
Minesweepers.
Far
East Fleet
strength
stronger than
at any time
since 1953.
Patrols
Instituted in
Malacca
Straits to
intercept
Indonesian
infiltration
craft
‘Unaccompanied’
foreign
service to be
kept to 12
months maximum
separation.
HMS
ANZIO involved
in attempt to
tow tanker
ESSO NORWAY in
Indian Ocean.
HMS
AUSONIA and
HMS SURPRISE
withdrawn from
Malta.
HMS
BULWARK to
relieve HMS
ALBION in Far
East and to be
refitted.
Banyan
Party seized
by Chinese
near Hong Kong
but later
released.
HMS
VICTORIOUS,
HMS CAESAR and
HMS CAVENDISH
visited
Australia. On
return passage
joined by HMS
HAMPSHIRE, HMS
BERWICK and
HMS DIDO
passed through
Sunda
Strait
together which
caused some
concern in
Indonesia.
HMS
CENTAUR and
other ships
diverted to
Zanzibar after
Sultan
deposed.
Later
ships were
deployed at
Dar-es-Salaam
and also
supported
military
operations in
Aden.
HMS
ROTHESAY and
HMS WHIRLWIND
deployed for
patrol off
Bahamas to
intercept
illegal
traffic from
Cuba.
1
9 6 5
Administration
Joint
Anti-submarine
School at
Londonderry
closed.
Required
manpower
strength of
91,078 to
increase to
93,550 by Aprl
1966.
75% of entry
under 17and
9,000 a year
needed.
Mixed
national
manning
experiment of
NATO warships
failed. Multi-national
MATCHMAKER
Squadron to be
formed with
HMS LEANDER as
the RN
contribution.
MOD
Committee set
up to examine
the most
efficient and
economic use
of aircraft.
Naval
strength
required to
maintain an
‘East of Suez’
presence
questioned in
Parliament.
New
Pay Review
arrangement
proposed
including
consideration
of an "X”
Factor. “X”
Factor to take
account of
armed service
restrictions.
17%
increase
needed but 3%
offered.
Part
of IKARA
weapon
development
work to be
done in UK.
RN
Volunteer
Supplementary
Reserve
(RNVSR) to be
disbanded.
Saturation
Diving Display
given to
Press.
Unified
Intelligence
Staff to be
created within
Ministry of
Defence with
all three
armed services
represented
Officers
10%
of RN aircrew
resigned
Commissions
because of
uncertainty
about the
future of
Naval
Aviation.
15%
shortage of
Electrical
officers
admitted in
Parliament.
Britannia
RN College
Cadet annual
entry of 229
met
requirement
for first time
since 1957.
Difficulty
in getting
sufficient
pilots for
Fixed Wing and
Helicopter
aircraft.
68 Plying
Scholarships
awarded and
100 available
this year.
Intensive
Recruiting
campaign
launched.
Four
officers
accepted for
Degree courses
at Cambridge
University.
University
Cadetships
Scheme to be
started to
improve
Graduate
intake.
Ratings
New
entry
requirement
still not met.
1,000 shortfall.
Re-engagements
still
insufficient.
Separation
quoted as main
cause.
Bonus
payments for
skilled
ratings in
view of 19%
Shortage
Bridging
Loan Scheme
introduced to
assist House
purchase.
1,000
'Maisonette'
type Married
Quarters to be
built in
Gosport
Sick
Berth
Attendant
rating title
to be changed
to Medical
Attendant or
Medical
Technician.
Ships
Boiler
Room fire in
HMS ARK ROYAL
at Singapore.
Coastal
Minesweepers
used to deal
with oil
pollution from
tanker
following
collision near
Beachy
Head.
Enquiry
into defects
delayed
completion of
HMS HAMPSHIRE
refit.
HMS
FEARLESS (right
- MOD. No
enlargement)
commissioned
and Amphibious
Warfare
Squadron to be
disbanded.
HMS
INTREPID build
completion
delayed by
need to
transfer
shipyard
labour to
liner QUEEN
ELIZABETH.
HMS
RECLAIM
carried out
underwater
workshop
trials off
Toulon.
HMS
TRIUMPH
commissioned
for use as
Maintenance
Ship at
Singapore.
Modernisation
costs £10.25M.
Some
equipment not
ready for use.
Early sailing
to take up
service
incurred
significant
expenses.
Submarines
HM
Dockyard
Chatham to be
developed for
refit of
nuclear
'Hunter-Killer'
submarines.
Commanding
Officers for
the two crews
in HMS
RESOLUTION
appointed.
First
RN POLARIS
patrol to be
in 1968.
Other
three nuclear
submarines to
be ready at 6
month
intervals.
Fifth POLARIS
build
cancelled.
Dounreay
problems
resolved and
plant
'critical'
Further
Escape trials
carried out at
500 feet depth
by HMS ORPHEUS
off Malta.
Manually
powered Carbon
Dioxide
Absorption
Unit being
developed for
emergency use
Build
completion of
HMS VALIANT,
first all
British
nuclear
submarines,
delayed by
further
problems.
Two
months added
to existing 12
month overrun.
First
nuclear
powered Fleet
submarine HMS
CHURCHILL
ordered.
HMS
DREADNOUGHT
bulkhead
cracks
discovered.
Refit
date brought
forward.
RN
officer
appointed to
advise British
Delegation in
USA during
talks on
allied nuclear
forces.
Naval
Aviation
Aircrew
shortage 20%.
HMS
ARK ROYAL to
operate
BUCCANEER
aircraft on
completion of
refit.
BUCCANEER
aircraft flew
non-step from
Newfoundland
to Lossiemouth.
First
WESSEX V
helicopters
taken to Far
East in HMS
ALBION.
PHANTOM
aircraft order
for RN
confirmed as
60 aircraft.
Some
fallacious
opinion voiced
that RAF use
of this type
would obviate
need for
deployment of
Carrier East
of Suez.
RNAS
Halfar,
Malta turned
over to RAF.
Shortage
of WESSEX
spares due to
take over of
Napier Company
by Rolls
Royce. HMS
BULWARK and
HMS KENT both
affected.
Home
Waters
Royal
Review in
Clyde.
Increased
Plenary
Protection
Squadron
activity in
Irish Sea.
Minesweepers
in Home waters
Paid-off to
provide crews
for Coastal
Minesweepers
in Far East.
Foreign
Stations
Patrol
of Bahamas now
permanent
feature. HMS
DIAMOND
involved in
rescue work
and
interceptions.
Beira
Patrol
instituted off
East African
coast after
Rhodesian
Unilateral
Declaration of
Independence
Flag
Officer,
Flotillas
appointment
merged with CinC
Mediterranean.
Frigates
and Amphibious
Squadron ships
diverted from
exercise to
take troops to
Bahrein.
Increased
RN involvement
at Aden.
HMS EAGLE, HMS
LOWESTOFT and
two RFA sent
from
Mediterranean.
KONFRONTASI
operations in
Borneo
continued with
heavy RN
participation.
Two officers
killed and 11
ratings
injured.
Honours
awarded to RN
personal. Bomb
exploded on
Liberian
mercantile
OCEANIC PRIDE
in Singapore
Roads. HMS
WILKESTON
intercepted
craft which my
have been
used. Curfew
imposed on
movements and
boom laid
to improve
safety of
ships against
attack by
small craft.
Naval Party
KILO disbanded
when duty
taken over by
Malaysian
Police.
Hovercraft
used for
transport and
patrol duties.
Patrol mileage
exceeded
1,000,000.
1,400 raiders
captured.
No
ship deployed
on South
Atlantic and
South Africa
Station.
RNR
Coastal
Minesweepers
sent to West
Indies for
eight weeks to
carry cut
patrol duty.
Singapore
dockyard
rundown
commenced.
Proposal made
to set up base
at Fremantle,
Australia in
place of
Singapore
facilities.
USA
to set up base
at Diego
Garcia in
Indian Ocean
after visit in
1964.
HMS
ALBION
diverted to
pick up
Russian seaman
from tanker
and take him
to Seychelles.
Later, ship
went to
Mombasa in
case of
political
unrest.
HMS
BASTION
officer
rescued some
of crew from
disabled Dhow
in Persian
Gulf.
HMS
EAGLE provided
patrol of air
apace over
Tanzania
because of
Rhodesian
threat after
UDI
HMS
HARTLAND POINT
replaced HMS
WOODBRIDGE
HAVEN at
Singapore as
Minesweeper
Support Ship.
HMS
PROTECTOR gave
assistance at
Valpariso
after
earthquake in
Peru.
HMS
ROTHESAY and
HMS WHIRLWIND
stood by in
Bermuda to
provide aid
after
industrial
unrest.
1
9 6 6
Administration
CinC
Home Fleet
Title
abolished.
Closure
of Naval
Propellant
factory at Caerwent
impending.
Parliamentary
query about
cost of
deploying RAF
aircraft in
Zambia
compared with
use of an
Aircraft
Carrier.
Discussions
with Australia
regarding
replacement of
Singapore Base
continued.
Dutch
involvement in
development of
“3D” radar
ended.
Defence
Communications
Network to be
set up to meet
needs of all
three
services.
F111
use in new
aircraft
carrier
controversy
fuelled by
Defence White
Paper
First
RN Equipment
Exhibition
held.
Exhibition
of Furniture
and Fittings
used in
Warships held
at Portsmouth
by Director of
Naval
Equipment.
First
Sea Lord,
Admiral David
Luce, resigned
over aircraft
carrier
policy.
Future
Fleet Working
Party reported
cancellation
of 5th POLARIS
submarine was
needed to
ensure
availability
of Funds.
Manpower
increase:
98,326 to
99,570 by
1967.
Future
responsibility
for all
procurement of
food and for
moorings taken
over by MOD
(Navy).
New
Pay Code
introduced and
some Pension
arrangements
improved.
Naval
Presentation
Team formed to
improve Public
Relations and
recruiting. 1st
UK tour begun.
MOD
directives
consequent on
Rhodesian UDI
issued but not
appreciated by
those at sea.
Research
and
Development
investigations
in hand for
use of
Satellite
Communications
(SATCOMS).
Automatic
Fire Control
for main
armament and
Underwater
Noise.
Trials on
Satellite
Communications
equipment
(SCOT) carried
out by HMS
WAKEFUL with
UK Station at
Christchuroh,
Hampshire.
Security risk
exposed by
training of
Indian Navy
officers.
Officers
Aircrew
in ships
deployed 'East
of Suez' to be
given Home Leave
half-way
through tours.
Aircrew
resignations
increasing due
to lack of
confidence in
future of
navel
aviation.
18
RAF pilots
chosen for
transfer.
Supplementary
List aircrew
extending
service to be
paid £3,000
Bounty
Special
Duties List
Officer
pensions to be
the same as
that for
equivalent
rank in
General List.
No
further
resignations
to be accepted
except on
medical
grounds.
Ratings
Re-engagement
and recruiting
numbers still
in decline.
Only 49% of
those
completing 12
year service
re-engaged but
65% required.
Figures for 9
Year
Engagements
were 50%
required but
only 21%
attained.
Intelligence
standards for
new recruits
for Seaman
Branch
reduced.
Interest Free
Loans for
House Purchase
made
available.
Re-engagement
Bounty for
completion of
22 years pensionable
service
doubled to
£750. Shortfall
in artificer
apprentice
intake acute.
Privilege
of drinking
the ‘Loyal
Toast’ whilst
seated
extended to
Chief and
Petty
Officers.
Separation
Allowance
introduced for
those away
from their
families for
over 12
months.
Pay
for those
promoted to
Special Duties
list altered
to overcome
anomalies and
improve the
incentive for
promotion of
young ratings.
Training
between 15 and
16 to cease
because of raising
of school
leaving age to
16.
Ships
Build
Contracts for
future
destroyers and
frigates only
to be awarded
to Yarrow, Thornycroft
and Vickers
shipyards
Hovercraft
minesweeping
trials
unsatisfactory.
Cost
over-run of
Type 42
destroyer
Build
Programme
unofficially
recognised.
First
Type 82
Destroyer to
be named HMS
BRISTOL
ordered.
Glass
reinforced
Plastic (GRP)
to be used
during build
of future
Coastal
Minesweepers.
Type
14 Frigate HMS
EXMOUTH to be
converted for
trials of new
Gas Turbine
propulsion
equipment.
HMS
INTREPID
planned
commissioning
date not
achieved.
Naval
Aviation
HMS
ARK ROYAL to
operate
PHANTOM and
BUCCANEER
aircraft after
refit but not
to be have the
new CDS Radar
Display or
Action Data
System
equipment.
Design
of new
Aircraft
Carrier CVA1
published
prematurely.
Later
cancellation
caused much
disquiet in
the naval
service at all
levels. Future
of Fixed Wing
flying now at
greater risk.
Extensive
use of
ship-borne
helicopters in
Borneo
continued.
Crashed
BUCCANEER
aircraft from
HMS VICTORIOUS
recovered from
Channel at
depth of 360
feet. Pilot of
SEA VIXEN
awarded George
Medal for
attempt to
release his
Observer
before
aircraft hit
the sea.
New
type of
BUCCANEER
aircraft
carried out
endurance
trials with
use of 'in
flight’
refuelling.
Trials
of WESSEX III
Helicopter for
use in GM
destroyers.
Problems
encountered by
WESSEX V
Helicopters
when used in
cold weather
conditions.
VTOL
aircraft,
trial carried
out in HMS
BULWARK.
Submarines
Faslane
Base POLARIS
training
School opened
and given
publicity in
National
Press.
Delayed
announcement
of explosion
in HMS RORQUAL
with 2
fatalities and
other
casualties
First
fatal accident
during use of
Escape Tower
in HMS DOLPHIN
at Gosport.
HMS
FORTH to be
redeployed at
Singapore
after
modernisation.
Habitability
of "A" Class
submarines in
Far East
admitted as
being
unsatisfactory.
Hair-line
cracks in HIS
DREADNOUGHT
and HMS
RESOLUTION
rectified at a
cost of£150K.
Last
OBERON class
expected to be
in service by
1967.
Mark
24 Torpedo not
to be ready
for another
six years due
to problems
encountered
during R&D
trials.
Slough
Compass
Observatory to
be enlarged to
meet
requirements
for use of
Satellite
communications
equipment
(SINS).
Second
nuclear
powered Fleet
Submarine HMS
CONQUEROR
ordered.
Home
Waters
Assistance
provided to
locate sunken
German
submarine in
North Sea.
Salvage
operation for
wreck of
SHACKLETON
aircraft in
Moray Firth. 95%
recovered.
Squadron
System for
identifying
groups of same
type of
destroyer or
frigate
abandoned.
Fire
on board HMS
BLAKE (right
- Navy Photos)
during
refit.
HMS
DEVONSHIRE
with CinC
Home Fleet
embarked
visited
Leningrad.
INVINCIBLE
Class
announced as
the
replacement
for TIGER
Class
cruisers.
HMS
TIGER used for
UDI conference
at Gibraltar.
Foreign
Stations
Argentine
party landed
in Falklands.
Beira
patrol
requirements
continued
including
extensive use
of RFAs.
HMS EAGLE had
spent 77 days
continuously
at sea when
relieved by
HMS ARK ROYAL.
.HMS PLYMOUTH
spent 42 days
continuously
under way. HMS
BERWICK and
HMS PLYMOUTH
intercepted
tankers.
HMS
CARYSFORT
deployed in
Seychelles
during labour
dispute and
relieved by
HMS MOHAWK.
RNAS
SEMBAWANG
still in use
at Singapore.
RNAS
facility at
Naga Ket,
Borneo given
name of RNAS
TAUARI (local
bird).
KONFRONTASI
support
continued
until October
when Malaya
and Indonesia
agreed a
Settlement. 70
ships deployed
in Far East. Guardshlp
retained at Tawau.
HMS DARTINGTON
fired on by
shore
batteries
whilst
escorting
Malayan craft.
Piracy
problems
continued
throughout
year. HMS
DEVONSHIRE and
HMAS DERWENT
rescued crew
of Panamanian
ship which had
sunk off Sibu.
HMS
DIDO assisted
in putting
down mutiny on
British
mercantile
SUDBURY HILL
in Gulf of
Aden.
West
Indies patrol
activities
continued on
reduced scale
in order to
provide ships
for Beira
patrol. HMS
ROTHESAY and
HMS URSA
involved in
rescue work.
HMS ZEST
landed party
to help
restore
electrical
power during
strike in
Bahamas. HMS
DEFENDER
deployed at St
Vincent as a
precaution
during period
when political
unrest
anticipated.
HMS
CALTON found
British
weapons
intended for
delivery to
friendly Arab
states on
board Dhow
intercepted
during patrol
in Arabian
Sea.
1
9 6 7
Administration
Costs
for HMS FIFE
and HMS
GLAMORGAN
caused further
controversy
about build
contracts.
Defence
Sales
Organisation
established.
Defence
Review implied
further
reductions in
spending
despite extent
of current
deployments.
Some families
overseas
brought home
to save
foreign
exchange
costs.
TEMPLAR
Committee
reported on
Joint Service
aircraft and
missile
procurement
and
maintenance.
Civil
post of First
Lord of the
Admiralty
abolished.
Further
MOD changes.
Administrative
and Equipment
responsibilities
altered.
Trial
of new method
of ship
refitting in
Royal
Dockyards
introduced.
'Guinea Pig’
ships
selected.
Manpower
Level 97,050
to be reduced
to 88,400 by
April 1971.
New
operational
control of
ships
introduced.
Ships deployed
East of Suez
taken over by
CinC
Eastern Fleet
and all others
by CinC
Western Fleet,
Northwood.
Modernisation
of UK Shore
Establishments
approved.
New
Entries 7,100.
Re-engagements
down to 25%.
No
more warship
building to be
done by Royal
Dockyards.
Costs
of commercial
shipyard
builds
criticised.
RN
Dependants
Fund launched.
Sinking
of Egyptian
EILATH by
Israeli
missile raised
questions in
Parliament
about RN
Guided Weapon
capabilities.
US
NATO Atlantic
Commander
emphasised the
need for RN
involvement to
meet his
requirements.
US
to provide
satellite
facilities for
new UK
Satellite
Communications
system.
Withdrawal
from Malaysia
and Singapore
by mid 1970's
confirmed.
Officers
Assistant
Chief of Naval
Staff (ACNS),
John Adam
resigned over
missile
policy.
CinC
Portsmouth
(John Hopkins)
retired early.
Engineer
officers to be
eligible for
CNAA Degree on
completion of
Diploma course
at RNEC Manaadon.
Disappointing
number of
Engineering
Branch cadets
entering under
Dartmouth and
Graduate Entry
Schemes.
Royal
Defence
Academy and
Royal Defence
College to be
established in
place of
separate
establishments.
Ratings
Discharge
by Purchase
rules amended
to include
ratings after
3 months
initial
training for a
payment of
£20.
Increase
in numbers of
aircrew
qualifying for
Helicopter
duties.
Naval
Drafting
Authority (HMS
CENTURION) to
move from Haslemere
to Gosport.
Report
on Family
Welfare
completed.
Rowner
Married
Quarters
Estate
completed.
Re-engagement
rates still
decreasing. 25%
(9 years), 45%
(12 years).
*
Article on
unclaimed RNBT
Money in NAVY
NEWS.
*
Article on
Writer Branch
in NAVY NEWS.
Ships
Build
of Type
82.Destroyers
to be
discontinued
after
completion of
HMS BRISTOL.
Danish
ship ANITA DAN
purchased to
replace HMS
PROTECTOR for
duty in
Antarctic.
Later
HMS ENDEAVOUR.
Problems
with SEASLUG
II Guided
Missile
control
equipment
delayed its
full
acceptance
into service
New
SEAWOLF Weapon
System to be
fitted in new
small
frigates.
This was
not achieved
in new Type 21
Frigates.
HMS
ARK ROYAL
modernisation
began and to
remain in
service till Mid
1970's with
HMS EAGLE.
HMS
BERWICK and
HMS LOWESTOFT
refitting
after 7 years
without major
dockyard work.
RNXS
craft HMS
BIRDHAM
damaged by
fire off
Arran.
HIMS
DAMPIER
returned to UK
to Pay-off.
Part of
this passage
made under
sail to help
steady ship
after she lost
one of her
propellers.
*Article
in NAVY NEWS
about HMS
RELENTLESS.
HMS
SLUYS bought
by Iran to be
modernised in
UK and renamed
ARTEMIZ.
HMS
YARNTON
successfully
rode out
Cyclone
conditions in
Indian Ocean.
HMS
VICTORIOUS
paid-off
instead of
completing
refit after
serious fire
on board
HMS
BULWARK
deployed off
West Africa as
a precaution
during
Nigerian civil
war.
Submarines
HRH
The
Duke of
Edinburgh
visited
Nuclear
Refuelling
Plant in HM
Dockyard Rosyth.
New
escape
arrangements
with Immersion
Suits and
using two
Escape Hatches
to be
introduced.
Last
OBERON Class
HMS ONYX
ordered from
Chatham
Dockyard.
HMS
NEPTUNE
commissioned
as Clyde
Submarine
Base. Queens
Harbour Master
to be
appointed to
control Clyde
area shipping
movements.
Nuclear
Submarine
Command
facility and
Operator
Trainer being
built at Faslane.
HMS
RENOWN
launched in
February and
HMS REPULSE in
November.
HMS
RESOLUTION
commissioned
in October.
HMS
CHURCHILL and
HMS CONQUEROR
Nuclear Fleet
submarines laid
down. Revised
build
instructions
issued after
pipe-work
design
problems in
HMS
DREADNOUGHT.
HMS
COURAGEOUS,
third Nuclear
Powered Fleet
submarine
ordered. First
batch of 5
Fleet Nuclear
Powered
submarines
without
POLARIS
missile fit,
generically
VALIANT Class
HMS
VALIANT
completed
underwater
passage from
Singapore to
UK.
Naval
Aviation
Contract
negotiations
in hand for
purchase of
two medium
sized
Hovercraft.
Only one was
purchased
First
VTOL landing
by HARRIER
aircraft (right
- around the
time of the
1982 Falklands
War, MOD. No
enlargement)
on HMS
BULWARK.
WASP
Helicopter to
be replaced by
new design
WG13. Later
named LYNX.
WESSEX
III
Anti-Submarine
Helicopter
entered
service.
Home
Waters
*
Article on
Flag Officer
Sea Training
in NAVY NEWS.
Closure
of HMS
LOCHINVAR at
Port Edgar
forecast.
Land sale
problems aired
in Parliament.
Tanker
TORREY CANYON
ran aground
off Scillies
and caused
extensive
pollution. Significant
RN involvement
in aftermath
and clear-up
operations.
Milford
Haven dredging
operation
required for
removal of
shells dumped
since 1890's.
Vosper
built patrol
craft
chartered as
no suitable RN
vessel
available for
use during
exercises.
HMS
WARRIOR
commissioned
at Northwood
as CinC
Western Fleet
headquarters.
Whitehall
Communication
facilities
modernised in
line with
current Fleet
changes.
Foreign
Stations
Appointment
of CinC
Mediterranean
abolished on
5th June.
Deployments
increased to
counter and
carry out
surveillance
of Russian
activities.
HMS
HARDY and HMS
GRAFTON
deployed from
Home waters.
HMS
VICTORIOUS
retained
whilst on
passage to Far
East
Closure
of base at
Aden forecast.
and
use of Flag
Officer Middle
East to be
abolished.
Facilities at
Mombasa
improved. HMS
FEARLESS took
part in
support of
operations
against rebels
at Aden. Withdrawal
operations at
Aden commenced
and to be
completed in
January 1968.
25 ships
involved.
Beira
patrol still
being
maintained.
HMS MINERVA
fired shot
across bows of
French tanker
which
continued
passage.
RN
RFA's
supplied fuel
to US warships
on passage to
Vietnam.
HMS
AJAX rescued
crew of RAF
SHACKLETON
aircraft in
Indian Ocean
Frigate
on South
Africa and
South Atlantic
Station
withdrawn.
HMS
AMBROSE,
Submarine base
at Halifax,
Canada closed.
Crest
of Inshore
Squadron
deployed in
Borneo
presented to
Sarawak
National
Museum.
HMS
ASHTON and HMS
LEVERTON
rescued
passengers in
Greek Ferry
HERAKLION.
Hulk
of drifting
tanker
ESSBERGER
CHEMIST sunk
near the
Azores by
gunfire from
HMS SALISBURY.
Earlier
attempt by
torpedo fired
from HMS
DREADNOUGHT
failed.
HMS
BULWARK
assisted flood
victims in
eastern
Malaysia.
Extensive
un-programmed
deployments
made in view
of world
political
unrest
including that
at Hong Kong
provided by
HMS BULWARK
during local
strike and
mainland China
unrest. HMS
HERMES landed
troops to
assist civil
power in Hong
Kong.
HMS
DAMPIER
visited
Jakarta,
Indonesia
before leaving
Far East after
extensive hydrographic
deployments
Accommodation
at Bahrein
in HMS JUFAIR
to be
modernised.
HMS
LLANDAFF
involved in
rescue of crew
of Liberian
mercantile
COCHTTA (sic)
in Indian
Ocean.
Correction
and additional
information
with thanks to
McEwen Head
(22 Aug 2012)
- "I
intercepted
the SOS at
8.15pm (local
time - 300
miles west of
the
Seychelles)
when we were
on passage
between
Mombasa and
Mahe during
the night of
5th/6th
July 1967. The
ship in
distress was
the Liberian
registered
CONCHITA with
a captain,
three officer
and 17
crewmen, all
of whom were
rescued when
we arrived on
the scene at
about 11.15pm
that evening.
We stood by
the Conchita
overnight with
a view to
attempt to tow
her but she
sank early the
next
morning."
HMS
MOHAWK carried
out rescue
work in
Caribbean.
HMS
ZEST deployed
at St Vincent
during local
election
period as a
precaution.
1
9 6 8
Administration
Cost
of
modernisation
of HMS ARK
ROYAL raised
in Parliament
Function
of Amphibious
Warfare ships
in NATO
questioned.
R&D
work on Glass
Reinforced
Plastic
completed. To
be used for
coastal
minesweepers
and submarine
casings
Logistic
Support
arrangements
altered at MOD
level.
Manpower
target 94,900
to be reduced
to 79,000 by
1973
Metric
Charts issued.
New
Digital
Computer
project for
weapon control
and
information
announced
(CAAIS)
New
Pay Code and
Pensions
introduced in
September and
back dated to
1st April.
Existing
pensions not
included. Pay
to be kept
under review
by National
Service Pay
and Pensions
Board
Port
Admiral Title
to replace
Admiral in
main Dockyard
ports
*
Article on
Redundancy
Programme in
NAVY NEWS.
RFA
Tanker
strength to be
Increase
because of
reduction of
shore fuel
depots
overseas.
Travelling
Allowance
payments to be
made instead
of issue of
Railway
Warrants
‘Stand-By
Squadron’ for
RN ships
Introduced for
ships held at
short notice
in Reserve.
HMS
CORUNNA to be
'preserved’ in
special
operation.
Changed
Programme for
16,000
redundancies
to be made
between 1968
and 1973
announced. Extensions
of service
beyond 22
years to be
limited.
Officers
*Article
in NAVY NEWS
on Bos'n
of the Yard
and Master
Rigger.
Applications
for
Scholarships
and Reserved
Cadetships
fell.
Numbers
of personnel
employed in MOD(N)
personnel
still high
despite
run-down of
Fleet.
Ratings
Able
Seaman Robin Cloude
of HMS DUNCAN
convicted by
court martial
for passing
information to
USSR.
Artificer
training
period reduced
by eight
months.
Coxswain
Branch
abolished.
Leading
Seaman to be
qualified for
appropriate
'Non-Sub’ rate
before
advancement.
New
Entry
requirement of
7,000 below
requirement.
Re-engagements
29% (9 year)
and 48% (12
year)
New
Sea/Shore
ratio drafting
system began.
*Table
of Shore
Billets
published In
NAVY NEW.
*
Article on
Revised
Drafting Rules
in NAVY NEWS.
*Article
en Second Sea
Lord’s
Visiting Team
in NAVY NEWS.
*Article
on Welfare
Working Party
in NAVY NEWS.
Ships
All
new
construction
major warships
to use Gas
Turbine
propulsion
Availability
record of
COUNTY Class
GM Destroyers
raised in
Parliament.
Problems
with
conventional
propulsion
machinery
during refits
admitted.
First
Approach by
National
Maritime and
Imperial Mar
Museum to
acquire HMS BELFAST.
*Article
on Boom
Defence
Vessels in
NAVY NEWS
First
two Type 42
SEADART fitted
destroyers
ordered - HMS
SHEFFIELD and
HMS BIRMINGHAM
(right -
sister-ship
HMS Cardiff,
MOD. No
enlargement).
New design 4"
gun being
developed for
use as main
armament.
New
Frigate (Type
21) to be
designed by
commercial
contract.
Originally
combined
RN/RAN
frigate.
Contract
awarded to
Vosper-Thornycroft
and Yarrow
Shipbuilders.
*
Article on
Radar Picket
Ships in NAVY
NEWS.
SEASLUG
II fitting in
COUNTY Class
cancelled. To
be replaced by
SEAWOLF.
Aerial
required for
SKYNET
Satellite
Communications
system found to
be too
large for
fitting in
small
ships.
New design
SCOT aerial is
suitable for
this purpose.
RAN
design IKARA
System to be
fitted in some
LEANDER Class
Frigates.
*Articles
on HMS ABDIEL,
HMS INTREPID
and HMS
ENGADINE in
NAVY NEWS.
HMS
BULWARK
returned from
Far East and
hurriedly
redeployed for
NATO Exercise
POLAR EXPRESS.
HMS
EXMOUTH
conversion far
Gas Turbine
use completed
sea trials.
HMS
BLAKE
conversion
completed
after long
delays.
HMS
LION to be
converted to
carry
helicopters.
HMS
MATAPAN taken
out of Reserve
and converted
for use as
Sonar Trials
Ship.
Pre
WW2 Coastal
Minelayer HMS
PLOVER
Paid-off after
30 years
service.
HMS
RAPID sale to
Ecuador
failed. Ship
to be used for
Artificer
training at Rosyth.
HMS
SCYLLA
launched at
Devonport.
Bravery
awards made to
personnel of
HMS DIANA.
Submarines
Development
of Mark 24
Torpedoes
delayed after
trials
problems.
These were
second series
of trials
after
extensive
redesign work.
Clyde
Submarine Base
HMS NEPTUNE
opened by HM The
Queen Mother.
New
Escape
equipment
trials carried
out from HMS
ONYX at depth
of 125 feet in
Loch Fyne.
*Article
in NAVY NEWS
Awards
made to
inventors of
'Hood’
Escape system.
Introduction
of new
Tactical
missile
cancelled.
Nuclear
refitting
complex for
Fleet
submarines
opened at
Chatham. Cost
£4.5M
Submarines
to be baaed at
Devonport with
support by HMS
TYNE.
HMS
ALLIANCE
aground on Bembridge
Ridge, IoW for
some
days. Bravery
awards made to
ship’s company
of HMS
ALLIANCE after
an explosion
HMS
COURAGEOUS laid
down.
HMS
DREADNOUGHT
first refit in
hand at Rosyth.
HMS
ODIN rescued
crew of
Liberian
tanker SPYROS
LEMOS and
attempted tow.
HMS
RESOLUTION
carried out
first launch
of POLARIS
missile by
British
submarine.
Began first
POLARIS
deterrent
patrol
HMS
REVENGE
launched.
HMS
WARSPITE
damaged by
iceberg when
submerged and
escorted to
Clyde by HMS
DUNCAN.
Naval
Aviation
BUCCANEER
aircraft flew
direct to Far
East with
'In-flight'
refuelling.
HARRIER
aircraft
operating
trials carried
out in HMS ARK
ROYAL and HMS
BULWARK.
Flag
Officer,
Aircraft
Carriers
replaced by
Flag Officer
Carriers and
Amphibious
Ships.
Plans
to replace
GANNET
aircraft
cancelled.
21st
Anniversary of
RNAS Culdrose.
SEA
KING
Helicopter to
enter service
in 1969.
Some
naval PHANTOM
aircraft
delivered to
RAF.
WASP
Helicopters to
be replaced by
WG13 in mid
1970's.
WESSEX
Helicopter
gearbox
modification
found to be
essential and
costly.
WESSEX
Helicopters
involved in
rescue work at
Home and in
Pacific.
Home
Waters
Amphibious
exercise
carried out
off Ulster
coast with RUC
involvement.
CinC
Portsmouth to
take over
responsibility
for all UK
Shore
Establishments.
Port
Admiral status
introduced in
all major
naval ports.
*
Dartmouth
Training
Squadron
Article in
NAVY NEWS.
HMS
DRYAD,
Southwick to
become School
of Maritime
Operations.
Replaces
responsibilities
of Tactical
School.
Ferranti
design
Computer
controlled
Tactical
training
simulator to
be fitted for
CAAIS
training.
Fire
in "A” Turret
on board HMS
FIFE at
Portland.
Increased
Safety Patrol
recommended
after loss of
three British
trawlers off
Iceland.
Increase
in
surveillance
by Russian
ships in
northern
British
waters.
*
Article on A/S
training at
Londonderry in
NAVY NEWS.
Multi-national
minesweeping
operation in
North Sea (NEW
BROOM) to
extend area
covered by
earlier work
NATO
Review in
Forth Estuary.
*
Article on
Chatham Naval
Barracks HMS
PEMBROKE in
NAVY NEWS.
NATO
Exercise POLAR
EXPRESS
affected by
availability
of WESSEX V
A/S
Helicopters.
Royal
visit to HMS
COLLINGWOOD by
HM The
Queen Mother.
Royal
Naval College
Greenwich
future
reprieved.
HMS
SAFEGUARD,
Boom Defence
Depot, Rosyth
Paid-off
SEASLUG
trials in hand
but fitting
restricted to
later COUNTY
Class.
Second
Hovercraft to
be used by
Fishery
Protection
Squadron.
NATO
Standing Force
Atlantic
(STANAVFORLANT)
commissioned.
Commodore,
RN appointed
as first
Commander.
75th
Anniversary of
attack on Zeebrugge
attended by
HRH The
Duke of
Edinburgh.
HMS
CHICHESTER
deployed for
Fishery
Protection
duties and
accused by
USSR of spying.on
Soviet naval
exercises.
HMS
HARDY and HMS
PENELOPE
diverted to
carry out
search for
bodies and
wreckage after
crash of an Aer
Lingus
VISCOUNT
aircraft off Rosslare.
Salvage work
carried out
later by HMS
CLARBESTON,
HMS
INVERMORISTON,
HMS SHOULTON,
, HMS
RECLAIM, HMS
BELTON, HMS
DUNCAN. HMS
KEPPEL, HMS
CHILCOMPTON,
HMS GALATEA
and HMS
ARETHUSA.
Foreign
Stations
Beira
patrol
continued.
Closure
of Suez Canal
made necessary
an increase of
use of Simons
Town for calls
by ships
returning from
service in the
Far East. HMS
WOOLASTON
delayed in
South Africa
by defect
repair when on
return passage
from
Singapore. Future
use of this
facility in
question
because of
embargo on
supply of arms
to South
Africa.
Dartmouth
Training
Squadron ships
deployed for
search in
Mediterranean
for Israeli
submarine
DAKAR
Explosives
clearance work
carried out in
Malta and at
Penang.
Increase
in Russian
naval
deployments
noted in
Mediterranean
and East of
Suez.
NATO
Maritime Air
Command set up
in
Mediterranean.
RFA
and Coastal
Minesweeper
took stores to
Sicily after
earthquake.
Naval
Base at
Singapore
transferred to
local
government on
8th December.
Management
to be carried
out by UK
Company.
Withdrawal
from Singapore
deferred till
end of 1971.
HMS
CAMBRIAN
landed party
at Rodriguez,
in Indian
Ocean to deal
with armed
rebellion.
HMS
CARYSORT
attended
signing of
Friendship
Treaty with
Tonga.
HMS
DECOY escorted
Hong Kong ship
to Gibraltar
at Masters request
after unrest.
HMS
DIANA assisted
in
fire-fighting
in Spanish
Tanker BAHIA
GATIDAMA off
Crete. Awards
to some of
ship's company
announced
later.
HMS
ENDURANCE
carried out
first
Antarctic
patrol and
assisted crew
of civil
aircraft.
HMS
FEARLESS and
HMS KENT used
at Gibraltar
during UDI
negotiations.
HMS
FISKERTON
forced to
shelter in lee
of RFA
DERWENTDALE
during heavy
weather whilst
on passage
from
Singapore.
*
Article on
Mauritius W/T
Station (HMS
MAURITIUS) in
NAVY NEWS.
*Article
on role of RN
Office in
Washington DC
(HMS SAKER) in
NAVY NEWS.
*
Article on HMS
PROTECTOR in
NAVY NEWS
Royal
Navy Fleet
Club in Malta
closed after
61 years.
1
9 6 9
Administration
American
company
contracted to
review future
refitting
arrangements
in Royal
Dockyards.
Duty
Free landing
regulations
altered to
conform to
civil
requirements.
Future
of aircraft
carriers and
Fixed Wing
flying in RN
subject to
much comment.
Home
Command
introduced to
replace
Portsmouth and
Plymouth
Commands.
House
Purchase loans
increased to
£1,250 for
officers and
£750 for
ratings or 15%
of Purchase
Price. To be
deducted from
Terminal Grant
payable on
release.
'Lead
Yard' concept
for refits
proposed for
nominated
Royal
Dockyards.
Majority
of MOD (Navy)
offices moved
from Admiralty
Building to
new Main
Building in
Whitehall.
Manpower
91,769.
Re-engagements
2,700 without
significant
change.
37% (9 year)
; 51%
(12 year); 80%
Artificer
Apprentices. Significant
shortage of
Artificers.
Intake
requirements
not met.
Officers
80% and
Ratings 70%.
Grave
Situation
recognised as
requiring
remedial
action.
Mark
31
anti-submarine
torpedo
development
still in hand.
Later
cancelled.
Mess-deck
layout
alterations in
ships made to
allow more
space for
recreation
New
Pay Code
introduced
with increase
in allowances
and pensions,
except those
for officers
widows.
Charges
to be made for
food and
accommodation
provided for
by men
receiving
Ration
allowance.
"X"
Factor Pay
increment to
be introduced
in 1970 to
compensate for
restrictions
of service.
Number
of Royal
Marines Bands
halved.
Reduced
Manning
standards
introduced for
some ships for
trial period,
including HMS
NAIAD and HMS
EAGLE.
Review
for Royal
Dockyards
completed and
labour
reductions to
be cut.
Chief
Executive
(Dockyards)
appointed.
Separate
Service
Ministers
replaced by
Parliamentary
Secretaries to
cover aspects
of MOD
responsibility
for all three
Services.
Shortage
of spares due
to financial
constraints
affecting
deployment of
ships and
aircraft.
Trials
at NCRE showed
further
strengthening
needed for
planned use of
GRP for
structure.
UK
withdrew from
Joint '3D’
radar
development
with
Netherlands.
Work
of
Hydrographic
Research
Centre into
Thermal Layers
received
publicity.
Officers
RNEC
Manadon
training
course for
Engineer
Officers
recognised as
being of
Honours Degree
standard.
Advanced
nuclear course
recognised as
M.Sc
status.
RNR
officers in
Merchant Navy
no longer
liable to be
called up in
an emergency.
Second
annual entry
to Britannia
Royal Naval
College
introduced. 28
University
Scholarships
awarded.
Ratings
*
Article on
Drafting
Preference
Form in NAVY
NEWS.
Fortnightly
payments
reintroduced
for ratings.
Four
Year
Engagements
introduced
instead of Nine
if preferred
but with lower
pay.
Increase
of interest(70%)
reported for
5th and 6th
term of Five
years
Re-engagement.
*
Article about
Married
Quarters Rules
in NAVY NEWS.
Naval
Families Guide
reprinted.
New
WRNS Block
opened in RN
Barracks,
Devonport.
*Article
in NAVY NEWS
on
accommodation
in HMS OSPREY,
Portland
Pension
Increase on
sliding scale
to be
introduced,
dependant on
retirement
age.
Re-engagement
Grant payments
ended.
Recruitment
problems still
severe.
5,000
New Entries.
Reduction
in numbers of
re-engagements
by experienced
tradesmen.
Royal
Naval
Detention
Quarters
routines
altered and
less severe.
*Article
en Seaman
Branch in NAVY
NEWS.
Psychological
and
educational
standards for
entry reduced
New
Entries to
Shipwright
Branch to be
trained as
Mechanical
Engineering
Artificers.
Branch first
introduced in
1868.
Ships
British
trawler
claimed to
have found
wreck of HM
Armed Merchant
Cruiser
RAWALPINDI
sunk in 1939.
Fast
Patrol Boats
Ordered from
Vosper-Thornycroft
croft for
training
against attack
by high speed
craft.
Future
deliveries of
ships after
completion to
be made in
Home Ports for
final
Acceptance
Completion
of refits in
Royal Dockyard
being delayed
by labour
shortages.
Planning
details for
the new
'Through Deck
Cruiser'
concept
announced.
First
Type 21
Frigate HMS
AMAZON ordered
from Vosper Thornycroft.
Initial
drawings
included
SEAWOLF but
this was never
achieved.
HMS
ANTRIM (right
- during the
1982 Falklands
War, Bob
Shackleton)
and HMS
NORFOLK
planned to be
operational by
1970. This was
never
achieved.
HMS
BLACKWOOD and
HMS CROSSBOW
to be deployed
as training
tenders for
ratings from
HMS SULTAN
(Engineers)
and HMS
COLLINGWOOD
(Electrical)
Schools.
HMS
BLAKE
conversion
delayed.
Ship's
Bell from HMS
CHEQUERS given
to Prime
Minister for
use at
Chequers
residence.
HMS
DITTISHAM and
HMS FLINTHAM,
training
tenders for
HMS GANGES
visited Basle,
Switzerland.
First RN
visit.
HMS
FEARLESS used
at Lagos by
Prime Minister
for meeting
with Nigerian
leaders.
HMS
MAIDSTONE and
HMS HARTLAND
POINT to be
used at
Belfast with
HMS RAME HEAD
used at
Londonderry.
HMS
MANXMAN to be
used for sea
training of
Engineer
officers.
HMS
WOOTTON
deployed for
interception
of gun runners
off Ulster
HMS
INTREPID to be
deployed for
trials of
SATCOM
equipment
during passage
to Far East.
SKYNET 5
Communications
Satellite was
launched in
December.
Submarines
US
Navy carried
out trial
using mew
British Escape
Suit.
British
divers used US
Deep Diving
System
allowing for
long periods
down to 500
feet.
Last
RN submarine
of 4th
Flotilla left
Sydney after
service with
RAN for A/S
training.
Mark
24 Torpedo
production
transferred to
Plessey and
MOD Project
Controller
appointed.
RN
Torpedo
Factory at
Alexandria,
near Glasgow
closed.
Marker
trials carried
cut by HMS
ANDREW in
Irish Sea with
HMS VERULAM as
consort.
No
more nuclear
submarines to
be built at
Birkenhead by
Cammell
Laird.
Psychological
problems in
POLARIS
submarine
crews under
discussion.
Projected
new Submarine
Depot Ship
(AS01)
cancelled.
Consideration
being given to
use of new
missile based
on French
MARTEL. Later,
US HARPOON
system
selected.
RN
formally took
over
responsibility
for
maintaining
British
Nuclear
Deterrent on
1st July.
*
Article on
Submarine
Service in
NAVY NEWS.
Underwater
Test Platform
ship (HMS
CRYSTAL)
ordered.
HMS
CONQUEROR
launched at
Birkenhead.
HMS
DREADNOUGHT
completed
nuclear
refuelling at
Rosyth.
Special
precautions
observed when
Reactor
removed.
HMS
RENOWN (3rd
POLARIS
submarine)
accepted. Involved
in collision
with coastal
steamer in
Mull of
Kintyre.
Lack of
information
about movement
criticised. Results
of Missile
Firing Trials
commended by
US Navy.
HMS
REVENGE (last
POLARIS
submarine)
accepted. Involved
in collision
with HMS
RESOLUTION at
Faslane.
HMS
SWIFTSURE,
Fleet nuclear
Submarine laid
down.
*
Article on HMS
WARSPITE in
NAVY NEWS.
Naval
Aviation
First
SEA KING
Helicopters
delivered.
Trials
of Helicopter
refuelling
whilst
hovering
carried out
with HMS
ROTHESAY.
PHANTOM
aircrew
carried out
deck landing
training on US
Carrier USS
SARATOGA in
Mediterranean.
No RN carrier
was available.
RNAS
ARBROATH to be
used for
Commando
Training.
RNAS
Lossiemouth
to be turned
over to RAF.
RNAS
Brawdy,
Pembroke to be
closed.
RN/RAF
controversy
over provision
of air cover
for Fleet
given Press
publicity.
Trans-Atlantic
Air Race won
by Naval
PHANTOM. Air
refuelling
rendezvous
controlled by
HMS NUBIAN.
WASP
Helicopter
from HMS
PLYMOUTH used
to demonstrate
AS12 Guided
Missile
Home
Waters
CinC
Naval Home
Command
established.
HMS
COCHRANE recommissioned
at Rosyth
as a Shore
establishment.
Replaced
HMS GIRDLENESS
and DUNCANSBY
HEAD.
HMS
DRYAD and HMS
SULTAN Schools
to be extended
to met new
training
requirements.
HMS
HECLA visited
Rockall to
re-affirm
British
sovereignty.
Libyan
trainees at
HMS SULTAN
involved in
disturbances
over feeding
arrangements
NATO
Fleet Review
in Solent by
HM The
Queen to
commemorate
20th
Anniversary of
founding.
Joint
Anti-Submarine
School at
Londonderry
moved to RAF Turnhouse,
Edinburgh.
HMS
SEA EAGLE
transferred to
Army.
HMS
LLANDAFF
attended
Investiture of
HRH The
Prince of
Wales at
Caernarvon.
HMS
PENELOPE and
HMS SCYLLA
carried cut
investigation
into propeller
cavitation
noise.
RN
Tactical
School at
Woolwich to
move to HMS
DRYAD, School
of Maritime
Operations at
Southwick.
Royal
Review in
Torbay, during
which Queens
Colour was
presented to
Western Fleet.
Russian
warships
continued
their
significant
presence.
HMS
SOBERTON, HMS
LETTERSTON,
HMS WASPERTON
and HMS BELTON
of Fishery
Protection
Squadron
involved in
arrests for
illegal
fishing
offences in UK
waters.
HMS
ST VINCENT,
training
establishment
at Gosport and
opened in 193,7
to be closed
in April
Trials
of use of
helicopter for
Fishery
Protection
carried out in
Thames
estuary.
Unexploded
bomb removed
from wreck off
St Heller,
Channel
Islands.
Foreign
Stations
*Article
on HMS
AFRIKANDER,
Naval
establishment
at Simons Town
in NAVY NEWS.
HMS
ARLINGHAM
rammed by
Spanish
Customs launch
near
Gibraltar. Subject
of later
formal
complaint.
HMS
ASHANTI and
HMS MOHAWK
embarked RM
Commando
detachment at
Bermuda during
a Black Power
Conference.
HMS
BARRAGE and
HMS BARNARD,
last coal
burning ships
in RN
Paid-off.
HMS
BULWARK and
HMS ESKIMO
took part in
exercise off
Gibraltar.
HMS
DIAMOND
shadowed
Russian Task
Group off
Gibraltar and
recovered
bodies of two
sailors from a
tanker.
HMS
MINERVA stood
by at
Montserrat for
use if
required
during local
unrest.
HMS
EAGLE relieved
HMS BULWARK in
Mediterranean.
No aircraft
carrier
deployed East
of Suez.
HMS
HYDRA took
part in
International
Global
Atmospheric
Research
Programme in
Atlantic.
HMS
JAGUAR
provided
medical aid at
Astove,
Seychelles.
'Jenny'
of Hong Kong 'Side
Party' fame
received
'unofficial'
Bar to her
Long Service
Medal.
HMS
ROTHESAY and
HMS MINERVA
landed Royal
Marines at St
Vincent and
Anguilla after
local unrest.
'On
call' NATO
Standing Force
to be
introduced in
Mediterranean.
Parliamentary
question about
British
contribution
to Naval
presence in
Hong Kong.
HMS
LAYBURN, last
RN ship in
Malta.
Remaining
Coastal
Minesweepers
put in Reserve
at Gibraltar.
RFA
ENNERDALE
assisted South
African
destroyer
during rescue
work in South
Atlantic.
*
Article In
NAVY NEWS
on Royal visit
to Brazil.
Sales
cruise carried
out to South
American ports
to attract
purchase of
British
warships
Temporary
build up of RN
ships in
Gibraltar
during UN
discussions
about return
of Gibraltar
to Spain.
HMS
VIDAL visited
Basra and
experienced
some
diplomatic
problems.
1
9 7 0
Administration
All
Pay Accounting
and Ratings
Drafting
records to be
computerised
Continuous
Service scheme
for ships in
place of fixed
dates for each
commission to
begin in 1971.
Death
of Admiral Micheal
Le Fanu
who had
retired on
medical
grounds when
First Sea
Lord. A
dynamic and
forthright
officer who
will be sadly
missed.
Details
of
modernisation
of Devonport
and Portsmouth
Dockyards
announced.
Building
of three
covered refit
docks at
Devonport
approved.
Grievances
from
servicemen now
to be allowed
as for other
Government
employees.
First
promotion to
Admiral rank
of an
Engineering
Branch
officer.
French
EXOCET missile
system to be
introduced
into RN use.
Increase
in demands on
Hydrographic
Department due
to use of
large tankers
and deep
diving
submarines
Military
Salary
including X
Factor
introduced.
Rise of 9% for
males and 1%
for females.
Promise made
for pay to be
reviewed every
two years.
Commutation
paid on
retirement to
be subject to
payment of
interest as it
regarded as a
loan. This
caused
apprehension
and some
disquiet.
Redundancies
since 1965
totalled 2,180
on 1st
January.
Royal
Maritime
Auxiliary
Service (RMAS)
established
and to include
the larger
vessels of the
Port
Auxiliary. New
design of
ensign for
RMAS
introduced.
Changes
in training of
Royal Marines
announced.
SKYNET
Satellite
Communications
System in HMS
INTREPID used
to carry out
tests.
Supplementary
Statement on
Defence Policy
issued after
change of
Government in
October.
Requirements
for Training
Establishments
to be
rationalised
(See below in
Home Waters
Section.)
Review
of uniforms
carried out.
University
Naval Units
established at
Liverpool and
Southampton.
Officers
Ceiling
age
requirement
for University
Graduates raised
in numbers
from 20 to
100.
Dartmouth
Entry intake
of 129 still
below required
level.
'In
Service'
Degree for
Executive and
Supply Branch
officers being
discussed with
London
University.
Minimum
Seniority
limits for
entry into
Promotion
Zones for
Captain and
Commander
lowered.
Prince
Charles to
enter
Britannia
Royal Naval
College in
1971.
Redundancy
programme in
hand but some
selections
proved
premature as
retention
needed.
Shortage
of
Supplementary
List officers.
Title
of Bos'n
for Seaman
Special Duties
Seamen
officers
abolished.
Ratings
Institute
of City and
Guilds
recognised
advancement
course for
ratings in the
Seaman and
Communications
Branches.
Disturbance
Allowance paid
to cover costs
when moving
home improved.
DONALDSON
Report on
Service
Conditions
adopted.
Ratings
under age of
18 on entry
can be
released after
3 years
service.
Proposed
5 years for
Artificers
rejected.
4
Year
Engagement period
for all
ratings to be
allowed after
1971.
‘On
the Job'
training
introduced as
a Trial in
some ships.
Rum
Ration
abolished en
31 July.
'Sailors
'Tot' Fund set
up
Slight
increase in
Intake but
numbers still
50% below
requirement.
33%
Re-engagements
(9 Year) and
59% (12 Year)
Terms
of Regular
Engagements
altered.
Release with
18 months
notice allowed
after
completion of
10 years
service. Three
Grades of Pay
introduced to
recognise
professional
and other
skills for
some Ratings
'Trickle'
drafting for
ships instead
of fixed date
recommissioning
to begin in
January 1971.
Warrant
Rank
introduced for
Senior Ratings
on 30th
September.
Rank of
'Fleet
Chief'
introduced to
equate with
Army and RAF
Warrant
Officers.
(Note: These
did not equate
with the
Warrant Rank
abolished in
1948)
Ships
HMS
ANDROMEDA
assisted RMAS
Tug SAMSONIA
after
machinery
breakdown
during gale in
Pentland
Firth whilst
towing HM LSI
STALKER.
HMS
ARK ROYAL recommissioned
in presence of
HM The
Queen Mother.
PHANTOM
aircraft
modifications
and CAAIS
equipment
fitted during
refit. No
defensive
armament. Ship
to remain in
service till
late 1970's.
First 'Hot
Air’ Balloon
ascent from RN
Carrier
COUNTY
Class GM
destroyer
propulsion
plant problems
reported. HMS
FIFE returned
to UK from
Malta after
fire.
HMS
EAGLE
completed
refit, and to
operate SEA
VIXEN and
BUCCANEER
aircraft till
paying off in
1972.
Grounding of
ship on
entering
Devonport
resulted in
several courts
martial.
Controversy
about
deployment of
aircraft
carriers East
of Suez
continued.
HMS
EXMOUTH not
available for
gas turbine
machinery
trials because
of spares and
labour
problems.
Extensive
surveillance
carried out on
Russian ships
in NW
Approaches.
HMS
FEARLESS to
join Dartmouth
Training
Squadron
instead of HMS
MOHAWK.
15
Coastal
Minesweepers
to be
converted for
use as Mine
Hunters.
HMS
HERMES to be
converted for
use as a
Commando
Carrier.
Drawings
for INVINCIBLE
Class Aircraft
carriers
completed but
order for
first ship
delayed.
Proposed
conversion of
HMS LION to
carry
helicopters no
longer to be
carried out.
HMS
MATAPAN
conversion for
use as Sonar
Trials ship in
hand at
Portsmouth.
HMS
MANXMAN and
HMS CENTAUR (right
- earlier in
her career
with Seahawks
lined up, Navy
Photos/TerryHeaps)
scrapped.
HMS
TORQUAY to
replace HMS
MANXMAN and
HMS ULSTER for
training
duties.
Negotiations
for build of
first Coastal
Minesweeper
using GRP in
hand. HMS
WILTON to be
first ship.
HMS
NORFOLK fitted
with EXOCET
French missile
and carried
out trials on
French firing
range at
Toulon.
R&D
trials carried
out in ASWE Portsdown
during design
work for new
aerials. These
were to
involve
simulation of
sea
conditions.
SEASLUG
missile still
not ready for
operational
use although
fitted in last
four COUNTY
Class GM
destroyers.
Test Launch
from HMS
GLAMORGAN in
Cardigan Bay
on Aberporth
Range failed.
.Missile
landed ashore
High
Speed Launch
TENACITY
borrowed from
Vosper-Thornycroft
due to late
delivery of
FPB on order.
Submarines
Battery
explosion in
HMS AURIGA
with injuries
to 10 of crew.
CHEVALINE
Multi-warhead
missile
project work
to improve
POLARIS
missile
capability
began.
HMS
CHURCHILL laid
down in 1967
finally
commissioned
in July.
Labour
difficulties
blamed.
HMS
CONQUEROR
gearbox oil
found to be
contaminated.
Sabotage by
labour force
suspected.
HMS
COURAGEOUS
launched.
Delays
in completion
of new
submarines and
torpedoes
revealed in
Parliamentary
White paper.
Only
seven new
submarines
will be in
service by
1972 instead
of 17. Mark 24
Torpedo
Programme
still
unsatisfactory.
Special
management
system to be
set up.
Design
defect in Mark
8 Torpedo
warheads made
necessary
special repair
programme.
HMS
DREADNOUGHT
refit
completion
delayed by
pipe work
layout and
corrosion
problems
MARTELL
weapon to be
developed for
RN use.
Nuclear
Deterrent
responsibility
absorbing over
3,000
servicemen.
HMS
OBERON visited
Simons Town
for 12 days.
First
official visit
for 6 years.
Free
Ascent Trials
carried out by
HMS OSIRIS
under way in
Mediterranean
from 600 feet.
HMS
RESOLUTION
commenced
first refit at
Rosyth
HMS
REVENGE joined
Fleet.
Trades
Unions
expressed
concern about
precautions
during nuclear
submarine
refitting
Investigation
being carried
out by Y-ARD
Ltd into use
of electrical
drive for
auxiliary
machinery in nuclear
submarines
instead of
steam drive.
World
record for
'simulated
depth’
endurance set
up using
oxy-helium
Breathing
Mixture.
Naval
Aviation
Air
Force Cross
awarded to
PHANTOM pilot
who saved his
aircraft after
damage in
flight.
Fixed
wing flying
and need for
aircraft
carriers still
under Public
pressure.
RNAY
(RN Aircraft
Yard) Fleetlands,
Gosport to be
responsible
for repair of
all Service
Hovercraft.
RN
to service all
marine craft.
Flag
Officer, Naval
Aircraft moved
from Lee on
Solent to Yeovilton.
Trials
on HARRIER
aircraft
carried cut in
HMS EAGLE and
HMS ARK ROYAL.
Press forecast
earliest
'in-service'
date as 1980.
Hovercraft
BH7 trials at
Lee on Solent
to establish
value for use
as Fast Patrol
Boat and as an
Assault craft.
New
Anti-submarine
Helicopter
Station
established at
Prestwick,
Ayr.
Record
flight by SEA
KING from
Lands End to
John o'Groats.
Planned
redundancy for
3,000 ratings
withdrawn.
RNAS
SEMBAWANG
closed at
Singapore with
the end of
Fixed Wing
flying.
Spares
shortages for
WASP
Helicopters
admitted.
VTOL
terminology
replaced by
VSTOL.
WASP
operating
trials carried
cut in HMS
PHOEBE to
assess
improvement in
procedures.
WG13
(LYNX)
Helicopter
began
manufacturer's
trials.
Home
Waters
HMS
ARK ROYAL
visited Oslo
and had other
high-publicity
Press
coverage.
HMS
DRYAD
computerised
Tactical
Trainer being
installed.
Fire-fighting
and rescue of
survivors
carried out
from tanker
PACIFIC GLORY
off Isle of
Wight. HMS
ANDROMEDA and
HMS ZULU took
part.
Increased
Fishery
Protection
deployments to
enforce new 12
Mile limit.
HMS BELTON and
HMS KEDLESTON
made
successful
interceptions.
HMS
IVESTON crew
courts martial
held after
'mutinous'
conduct at
Ullapool.
Surveillance
of Russian
ships by HMS
LONDONDERRY,
HMS HECATE,
HMS HECLA and
HMS SOBERTON.
No
suitable RFA
ships
available to
take RM
Commando for
exercise in
Norway.
Chartered ship
proved to be
an
unsatisfactory
substitute.
Only
four Technical
Training
Establishments
to be used in
future - HMS
COLLINGWOOD
(Electrical
and Weapons),
HMS DRYAD
(Radar
operators),
HMS SULTAN
(Marine
Engineering),
HMS
EXCELLENT
(Gunnery). Air
Engineering
School at
Grail to move
to Lee on
Solent.
HMS DAUNTLESS
(WRNS), HMS
VERNON
(Torpedo
School), HMS
ROYAL ARTHUR
(Leadership)
and HMS
CALEDONIA
(Artificer
Training) all
to be closed.
RN
patrols active
to prevent
arms smuggling
into Ulster.
Russian
visit to Rosyth
presented
problems
related to use
of RN radar in
Forth area.
Salvage
of coaster ST
BRANDON in
Bristol
Channel
carried out by
HMS CAVALIER.
HMS
WOTTON
survived Storm
Force weather
conditions off
Orkneys.
Foreign
Stations
HMS
BULWARK
‘Triad’
members in
Chinese
catering staff
caused
problems.
Beira
patrol
maintained at
cost of £2.5M
annually.
No
RN fleet
Aircraft
Carrier
available for
Exercise
BERSATU PADU
in Indian
Ocean in June.
HMAS MELBOURNE
took part. HMS
BLAKE was
withdrawn
because of
boiler
problems. .HMS
BULWARK left
after initial
phase to visit
Japan to take
part in
EXP070.
Increased
naval strength
maintained in
Mediterranean.
Need for
Standing NATO
FORCE was now
apparent but
could not be
implemented
because of
capability of
Greek and
Turkish ships.
HMS FIFE, HMS
ALBION, HMS
ARK ROYAL and
ships of
Dartmouth
Training
Squadron
deployed.
HMS
INTREPID
visited
Mauritius with
USS VALOUR.
Joint
Defence
Organisation
to be set up
in Malaysia
after UK
withdrawal
from
Singapore. Training
to be
continued in
Far East.
Assistance
provided in
Pakistan after
Flood damage
(Operation
BURLAP). HMS
INTREPID, HMS
HYDRA, HMS SIR
GALAHAD and RFAs
took part.
Extensive
activities in
West Indies
included - HMS
SIRIUS rescued
survivors from
ferry off St
Kitts,
deployed near
Jamaica and
Grand Cayman
during
political
threats, and
at San Juan,
Puerto Rico
during visit
by Lord
Mountbatten. HMS
SIRIUS and HMS
GRENVILLE at
Bermuda during
protests about
visit by
Prince
Charles.
HMS
GAVINGTON and
HMS PUNCHESTON
rescued crew
of Maldavian
ship in
Persian Gulf.
HMS
HERMES
assisted
repair work on
Panamanian
EARNER off
Malta.
Protests
made by Spain
about
exercises in
Gibraltar
area.
RFA
ENNERDALE sank
after hitting
reef in Indian
Ocean near
Seychelles.
HMS
ROTHESAY
patrolled
possible
Splash Down
area in S,
Atlantic for
APOLLO 13 Moon
Mission.
RFAs
deploys for
transfer of
stores from
Libya required
for planned RM
exercise in
Norway
HMS
TRIUMPH
assisted
repair work on
board Liberian
tanker FAIR
TRANSPORT in
South China
Sea
HMS
YARNTON sent
to Sharjah,
Persian Gulf
to enforce
movement
requirements
during oil
drilling
operations.