NOVEMBER 1994
40p
GALLANTRY AT WALCHEREN Fifty years ago this month the Royal Navy and Ro\ Marines were locked in the bloody battle of Walcheren. this issue Navy News marks the anniversary with special feature and some remarkable photographs of th action which General Eisenhower praised as one of the most gallant of the Second World War.
Brits in leading role to deter Saddam AT THE SH
Uniform changes for 21st Century CHANGES THAT will dictate how Royal Navy officers and ratings look in the 21st century are now under way as part of the widest review of uniform clothing ever undertaken by the Service. Alterations being considered include: • Improvement and simplification of the traditional square-rig uniform involving suits tailored to fit — and the final demise of flared trousers. • The wearing of tropical whites during summertime in UK.
• A single, better designed waterproof outfit to replace the raincoat, windproof jacket and foul-weather wear. Many changes are already taking place as a result of the review which was launched last year by the Second Sea Lord. However, Phase Two of the project is more fundamental and will examine the usefulness, design and costTurn to page 78
BRITISH warships and Royal Marines were among the multinational forces to spearhead a successful operation which deterred Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in his apparent threat to invade Kuwait. First tangible sign of Allied reaction to Iraqi troop movements came when the Type 22 frigate HMS Cornwall arrived off Kuwait City, quickly to be rejoined on patrol in the northern Gulf by the air defence destroyer HMS Cardiff.
Ordered back Cardiff had been visiting Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, but was ordered back to the Gulf when major elements of Saddam's army were detected massing near the Iraq-Kuwait border last month. In addition, a 250-strong battalion group of 45 Commando were flown to the area where they joined large US forces which had been despatched to aid the Kuwaiti army. As the crisis waned with the Iraqi pull-back, the need to send further reinforcements lessened. However, those that are still there were remaining on the alert as Navy News went to Press. Turn to page 19
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HMS Iron Duke shows off her sharp teeth in this business-end view taken off Gibraltar during her current — and first — operational deployment (see report in page 27). Her arrival on station as Falkland Islands guardship had been achieved at some speed — to assist HMS Brazen which had gone aground in the Patagonian Canals, Iron Duke transferring damage control shoring and wedges to the stranded frigate. The Type 23 will spend Christmas on duty in the South Atlantic, and is not due to return to Devonport until the spring.
Cpl Rab Morrison prepares to go on patrol with Zulu Company, 45 Cdo in the northern border region of Kuwait. Picture: CPO(PHOT) Stuart Antrobus