Chronology of Royal Navy Events, 1961-1970

PAPERS ON OPERATIONAL, PERSONNEL & TECHNICAL SUBJECTS
by Geoffrey B Mason, Lieutenant Commander, RN (Rtd) (c) 2007

POST-WAR CHRONOLOGY OF ROYAL NAVY EVENTS, Part 3 - 1961-70

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	above left - Tribal-class frigate HMS Ashanti - see Ships 1961 (NavyPhotos, click all photographs for enlargements)
	1 9 6 1 Administration 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 - NavyPhotos) 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 - NavyPhotos/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) HMS SIR LANCELOT launched (right - sister ship 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 - NavyPhotos) 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 PQLARIS 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 Sues' 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 a