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Memories of 1960-62 Commission
1960-62 Commission
Submitted by Shipmate Dave Osborn (SA [V] ) 1960-62.
This account is entirely
from his memory, if any shipmate or surfer to this page can submit any
further information, anecdotes and pictures it would be much
appreciated.
Commissioned in Devonport on February 19th,
1960
The commissioning day coincided with HM Queen Elizabeth giving birth to
Prince Andrew, so “Splice the Mainbrace” was the order of the day.
Therefore at 1700 it was ‘Splicers’
The ship completed HATS & SATS, followed by a full work
at Portland, sailing on May 11th, 1960 for Halifax Nova Scotia and the
West Indies.
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The
Commanding Officer was Commander J. R. C. Johnston (A FAA Pilot), who
soon gained the nick name of ‘Hardover’ for his OOW lunch time
manoeuvres. (Webmasters
note – I think every ship I served did them too!)
|
1st Lieutenant |
Lieutenant Commander D.J. Halifax |
Eventually
a Vice Admiral. |
|
Supply Officer |
Lieutenant Commander C.W. Shears |
Whose nick name was COOP after his initials. |
|
MEO |
Lieutenant (Dan) Archer |
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Chief Cook |
CPO Hawkins/or Hawkings |
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PO (V) |
Arthur Trigger |
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PSA(V) |
Dave Osborn |
Later an SA(V) the supplier of this material |
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SA (S) |
Norris |
Tall thin guy who wore glasses |
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Coxswain |
CPO Sam Norkett |
Who sadly “Crossed the Bar” whilst ship was
alongside in Ireland Island. He was buried in military
cemetery near the dockyard. |
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TASI |
PO ‘Sludge’ Cole |
(His initials might be C.M.?) |
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Leading Seaman |
Bob Shilling |
He went ashore once during our entire stay in
the West Indies, and then only when given a direct order by
the Captain. He put on his No. 6’s, walked the length of
the jetty at Ireland Island before returning onboard. |
S.N.O.W.I. was Commodore ‘Jimmy’ Shand
Memorable events:
Assisting the islands, which were devastated by hurricane
Donna.
Running aground whilst attempting to leave harbour at St Petersburg,
Florida
(Click on image to enlarge)
Transiting the Panama Canal twice
A visit to Mexico City
Click on images to enlarge
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The following two
newspaper cuttings and picture of Ulster were kindly
submitted by Helen Scotney, the
sister-in-law of PO Elec Robert Barratt, (a.k.a. Bob or
Tex) who served onboard 1960-61 commission. If any
shipmate can identified location that the photograph was
taken be greatly appreciated. I would also like a
crew list for 1960-61 if anybody has one. |
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last updated
September 11th, 2018
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