5 april 86 r

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No.5 APRIL 1986

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PUBLISHED BY THE ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY SERVICE

GUN LINE -THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT

NUS

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AFTER months of rumour and counter rumour the proposed salary structure for contract rati· ngs has arrived. Following on from the Fleet Manager's Jetter to all contract ratings, and semi· nars held at HQ, Chief Officer Bob Jay writes about the new moves on page four.

The salary scales include an average historical overtime figure but not the many allowances which will be paid in addition. The opportumty has been taken to offer increased leave and theofcreation, in all ments, the position of I P~rlin, o.. hand. This is mtended to give a much needed and highlv visible { career structure. Engmeroom ratings in particular receive special treatment which will enhance their salary so that it equates to other departments.

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Six Hong Kong Chinese seamen, injured during the South Atlantic conflict, have recently been awarded grants from the South Atlantic Fund . £34 ,000.. R ecovery has , m · t o t a II mg · ful some cases , b een a sIow an d pam process and it is hoped the awards will go some way in alleviating their suffering.

HONG KONG MEMORIAL A memorial to t he H ong Kong . · I'1ves d urmg · Ch mese wh o 1ost t h e1r . . the Falkland Islands campaign IS being erected in Hong Kong. The memorial, sited in the Mariners Club chapel, will be unveiled when the

A SIGNIFICANT milestone in relations with the National Union of Seamen was reached recently when an agreement to limit the possibility of industrial action in the RFA service was made.

Th~t deal builds 'upon the presebt informal understanding which has applied to the RFA over a long period. It provides added reassurance that reliance may continue to be placed upon the Service as it has been for the past 80 years.

The main provisions are, first, for both parties to refrain from any form of industrial action un t'lI a11 d'lspu te proce dures have been exhausted. Secondly, that in an industry-wide dispute the NUS will give seven days notice of any action to perm1t· the RF A to make a formal appeal fo r an exemption. It is expected that such an appea l wo uld be and the

leav~ Global 86 deployment-. visit mt;~~s-H-~~k;~!~:~fP~:~dlh~~r~i~~:~~~~--------~~-:-------~;;:::~:~ July. It takes the form of a brass create more jobs and an extra ratings will need to be engaged. plate which lists, in Chinese and English, the names of those who died and the ships they were serving in.

The crests of the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service are also shown.

DEPLOYMENT RELIEFS Due to the length of the Global 86 deployment crew reliefs will be arranged half in Hong Kong and half in Singapore. There may be, for COMMODORE J. G. M. Coull left his last ship, specific reasons , one or two excep- RFA Fort Austin, after being presented with a tions to this. framed cartoon and a brass ship's clock. The To allow individuals to remain for presentation was made by Chief Officer Chris the whole deployment would create McKenzie in the clearway whilst the ship's company and Commodore Coull's family looked on. The severe administative problems.

On return to UK three ships' clock , which chimes the bells of the watches, was "Presented to Commodore Jim Coull by companies going on leave at the inscribed the ship's company RFA Fort Austin". Commodore same time effectively reduces , by a Coull remains with us until his leave expires in May. huge amount, the personnel available for appointment.

To ensure the crew changes are Commodore Coull receives the cartoon from C/0 McKenzie. properly planned , visits to all three ships have been made by SST074A David Morgan , personnel manager, prior to departure . Every contract member of a ship's company should know the date and place of his relief and can even request leave in Hong Kong or Singapore if so required.

OAKLEAF REFIT RF A Oakleaf has begun her six month conversion refit at Falmouth .

Two rigs , extra accommodation and an enhanced radio installation are being fitted . Her tanks will be shot-blasted and coated and her swimming pool and sauna retained.

The refit is expected to be complete in August .

Commodore Retires

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

RFA AT IDEAL HOME The Ideal Home Exhibition staged at Earls Court had RFA representation for the entire period. Based at the Royal Navy stand 110 Roger Perry, 3EO Ian McDonald, 3EO Brian Girling, Purser Bob Milne , Purser Jerry Sharpe, lRO Dave Palin, lRO Trevor Stafford and 3/0 Brian Sloane took it in turns to answer scores of questions from visiting YIPs, showbiz personalities and the general public. The exhibition ran from March 3 to 31.

PEARLEAF DEPARTS RFA Pearleaf, after 27 years of service, departs on her final voyage to the Far East in early May. She is expected to unload cargo in Singapore before proceeding to a breakers yard in Taiwan .

RF A Plumleaf is expected to depart in a similar manner in the early autumn.

RFA PRESENTATIONS Admiral P. Piotti USN, Head of Military Sealift Command, visited HQ on January 14 to witness a presentation given by Mr G. Wilson and Captain B. Dickinson. The role and activities of the modern RF A and the close links with the MSC were described.

A presentation was also given to Captain P. Graffin, Assistant French Naval Attache, when he visited HQ on January 30. The French are showing much interest in the way we operate and are examining closely the benefits of operating a civilian afloat HEALTH&SAFETYATWORK support organisation. See photo this Considerable sums of money are page. now being spent on a fleet-wide DE-REGISTRATION survey to identify possible asbestos Work on de-registration con- areas . Olna, Olwen and Fort Grange tinues. A "Letter of Understanding" have been stripped in their recent between the Department of Trans- refits and new insulation material port and the RFA has almost been inserted . Contracts will soon be completed defining the role of the placed to cover the other ships concerned.

DTp after de-registration .

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WIVES AT SEA An e~ted decision to phase out the carriage of wives at sea has been announced in a recent circular letter.

The changing pattern of the work RF A has been involved in has diminished the opportunitieS. fo~ wives to be carried. A period of ne\lrly two years has been given before the concession is finally withdrawn. This will allow those who wish to take advantage of any remaining opportunity to do so.

Wives may continue to visit ships in port and co-ordination with the Royal Navy to cover longer deploy· ments is being increased.

Reach Strike Pact

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FSK20/20 MANY will have seen references in the national press recently to the British Shipbuilders' design of a one stop ship. This is known as the FSK 20/20, Fleet Support King 20 ,000 tons 20 knots. British Shipbuilders designed this vessel essentially with the overseas market in mind but they have offered it to the Ministry of Defence for evaluation. Its capabilities overlap but are .different to the AOR. A model of the FSK 20/20 is shown on page two .

New certification for safety, passenger carrying, MARPOL and radio has been agreed. Lloyds have also been actively involved and have developed a new combined form for load line and safety construction . A new certificate of ownership/vessel status has been developed which will replace the existing Ships Register.

There remain some legislative .

I I problems which H Q , wor k mg c ose Y with the Treasury Solicitor, are resolving. £34,000 AWARDED

INSIDE

The cartoon drawn for the occasion by "Hamlet", otherwise known as Assistant Purser David Taylor.

THE EDDVFIRTH STORY- P3

Naval Attache Visits

Captain Graffin, Assistant French Naval Attache, pictured in the Director's office after his presentation on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service. From left to right: Captain B. Dickinson, OBE, Mr A. Kemp, Captain P. Graffin and Mr G. Wilson .

CIVIL SERVICE SAILING- P4

HQ LINE-UP CONT.- P5 FLEET LIST- P6 and P7

2 GUNLINE April1986

By Captain P. G. J. Roberts DSO RF A

energy and •effort on board to the success of the appeal we may look back on our activities and consider fund raising as being no bad thing after all!

to Terry Tanner who did such sterling work in the South West raising, single handedly, a sum in excess of £22,000.

After devoting -so much

~' W'Aye mon . . . Ah to(d ye Rennie, Yon yeoman keeps pigei:Nis . . .

Left out

Sir, - I have to tell you that G unline is boring. Why can ' t we have a "Star" Rating or Officer of the month? Real action photographs and a hot line for people on leave? Special features on motoring , videos and books etc.

My father is ex RN and has to pay for his Navy News. All the people I have spoken to would gladly pay for Gunline perhaps as an automatic deduction like we pay for films shown on board .

one of these ingredients, that of work. The ommission of foreign visits, especially during repeat tours, lowers morale. In this respect Global 86 could not have been better timed. Three ships, and with the mid point crew change many more personnel, now have the chance to experience the better side of RFA life.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS A mention elsewhere in the

Friendly memories Sir, - What a pleasure it was to see an old friend, Captain Sumner, in Gunline 3. My memories are of the " OL" , "Ranger" , " Wave" and " Fort" class ships with such Captains as Corbett, Hennin and Ralph and Chief Engineers Fielder and Edwards.

The Purser's training course is a far cry from my days as Captain's Writer in RF A Fort Charlotte but life was simpler during the forties and fifties even with the Malayan Confrontation and Korean War. Commander V. S. CoxRDRNR

paper reminds people of the photographic competition. The object is, of course, to gather in fresh photographs to enable projects, like the 1987 RFA calendar, to go ahead. The requirement for photographs, articles, news, letters and cartoons is very real and is not being met at the moment. H we are to make progress contributions in every form need to be forwarded regularly. Almost everything received is used in Gunline, Force 4 or passed to other publications. Please don't think your contributiion isn' t needed or won't be used, it is and it will!

THE EDITOR

Rank (if applicable) .... .

....... PostCode Do you already receive Gun line?.... .

What is your affiliation with the RFA ? ..... .

RFA ball

Sir , - At the moment the RFA Ball is dubbed the Senior Officers and HQ Staff D ance and as long as the London venue continues it will remain so. Officers on board feel that the venue should move round the country , perhaps London, Plymouth , Birmingham and Newcastle.

Alternatively, it should be held in a central location like Birmingham. Also the overall expense of the evening would be reduced if the use of concessionary travel warrants were allowed.

2EO G. W. Wilson RFA Brambleleaf

and on the other

A ddress

Is this a change of address? ............. .

R. A . Cunningham NStwd .

RFA Green Rover

Sir, With regard to Force 4 and Gunline the combination of alternating magazine and newspaper is both novel and effective . I must congratulate you on the quality you have managed to achieve .

N ame M r/Miss/Mrs ....... .•.

RFA.

On the one hand . . .

n tio A model of the Fleet Support King 20120 as seen by British Shipbuilders.

The distribution of G unlint! is free to all RFA households and retired personnel . If you would like to be included on the mailing list , Or if you have changed your address please complete the coupon below and forward to The Editor.

GUNLINE is published by The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service, Ministry of Defence (N). The articles contained reflect the views of the writers and do not necessarily indicate RFA policy. Editorial Office: ST74C, Room 504, Empress State Building, London SW6 lTR. Tel. 01-385 1244 Ext. 2711. Editorial Advisory and Policy Board: Mr G. M. Wilson, Captain B. H. Rutterford RFA and Mr D. J. Morgan. Editor: Senior Radio Officer F. R. Andrews

MoyaAsh Kendal , Cumbria

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-....CPO Yeoman J. A. Bayley

New flag lockers, presumably dual purpose, are fitted with integrated telex and word processor.

NT

unrecognised, ingredient in the motivation of seafarers. Whilst salary, leave and on board accommodation may help to keep us content it is the sense of achievement and job satisfaction that make most of us return to sea. Some may not agree but work and play together must be the mainstay of high morale; boosted perhaps by recognition of the good job we perform.

South Atlantic tours have only

Sir, - Petty Officers have been offered extra leave in lieu of pay for the second year running; this excludes the rest of us who serve the same length appointments.

Being a signalman whose promotion prospects in the foreseeable future are slim i am curious about the widening differential. Isn't this detrimental to HQ's aim to achieve a completely contract workforce?

Signalman Ian McDonald RFA Appleleaf

No comparison Sir, - After watching the evening news on BBC on 18 January I was upset to hear John Stanley refer to RFA Bramble leaf as a mere oiler.

I wrote to my local MP expressing concern that the term oiler is both undescriptive and derogative for a Royal Fleet Auxiliary. It's like comparing a Winderemere ferry with the QE2.

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THIS month sees the departure of seven Global 86 ships. In the first deployment since Orient Express commenced in September 1983 three RFAs accompany four warships on a westward trip round the world.

The deployment allows for exercises to be conducted with many Navies and one exercise, Exercise Rimpac, will have British participation for the first time. Not only will there be opportunities to witness the skills of other Navies first hand but also the chance to relax and enjoy the associated port visits.

The combination of stimulating work and foreign visits is a very important, and perhaps

Unfair ballot Sir, - Myself and the other POs on board are not very happy with the recent pay/leave ballot.

First the wording was far too complicated and secondly the method of totalling results was unfair since the two losing options had more votes between them than the winning one.

Furthermore our annual rise of 5.9 per cent should be applied to leave as well as salary.

J. N. A . Nixon POMM RFA Tidespring Fleet Manager writes: Your comments have been passed to the National Union of Seamen whose ballot it was. The questions were kept as straight forward as possible and gave first a clear cut majority in favour of leave and cash , and then a clear majority favouring 12 extra days leave rather than six. The increased level of salary is payable on leave as well as on duty. See also the article on page five.

Tyne refit for Fort Grange

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

SELF righting trials of the Tenby lifeboat, RNLB RFA Sir Ga/ahad, took place on 30 January at Southampton. It was a cold windy day but nevertheless a good crowd turned up at berth 39.

As well as a representation of serving and retired personnel the Royal Corps of Transport were in force , having arrived by Landing Craft Utility (LCU) from Marchwood across the water.

RNLI officers including the Tenby secretary and desig Coxswain looked on . Many fund raises and well wishers also witnessed the trial.

Self righting trials are one of two important dates in a lifeboats existence, the other is the naming ceremony, for it is the first time the boat is seen by the public in its completed form .

The occasion also has the important function of testing whether the lifeboat will right itself should it be overturned in rough seas.

The lifeboat is pulled through 180° by means of a dockyard crane. Weights are placed in the cockpit to represent the crew.

When the boat is upside down the crane strops are released and the lifeboat, all being well, rights itself. RNLB RFA Sir Galahad did us proud on this occasion.

The sight of the gleaming lifeboat bearing the Sir Galahad name meant not only the culmination of two years of fund raising but more importantly the coming into being of a very fitting memorial for those who died in the Falkland Islands in 1982.

As Captain of RFA Sir Galahad it was a proud moment for me and for the officers and men of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, their wives, the three services , the Merchant Navy and members of the public who had made such a tremendous effort to raise the money.

As chairman of the lifeboat Appeal, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who gave so generously and who worked so hard in fund raising activities, and above all to Captain Butterworth, the President of the appeal, for his support .

Also to the other members of the appeal committee for their dedicated work without which none of this would have been possible . Special thanks must go

Your Letters

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Lifeboat Self-Righting Trials Successful

. Yes/No . ........ Yes/N o .... R etired/R elative Serving

G. Ferguson Ex Chief Officer

Tropical topic Sir, - As uniforms seem to be under scrutiny may I enter the discussion by asking whether any reader knows of another community, human or otherwise , which sheds its warmer wrappings as the temperature drops?

At one time RFA officers used to wear jackets but now we change out of our woolypullies and put on tropical shirts as the evening snow settles . Accommodation heating can be raised giving us the impression we are in Singapore and not South Georgia but step outside and the illusion is shattered.

Jackets may not be the most comfortable things to wear but surely there is a more sensible alternative than a tropical shirt .

SREO Geoff Davis RFA Fort Austin

Sir, - CMS mentioned in the last edition of Gunline that he was concerned at the drop in the number of middle and junior officers attending the Ball. There are a number of reasons for this. First, with officers spread far and wide throughout the country wouldn' t it be fairer to change the venue each year.

Secondly, a club or hotel may be able to offer a reduced rate for evening and accommodation making the whole excursion less expensive. Thirdly, the use of concessionary travel warrants by those on leave as well as those serving would reduce cost and be fairer.

Lastly , a more informal atmosphere would be more relaxing; as it is senior officers can on occasion intimidate junior officers, albeit unintentionally, which reduces their enjoyment of the evening.

Paul Murphy Purser RFA Tidespring Editor: CMS has written about the RFA Ball in Captain's Rounds .

H you feel strongly about any aspect of RF A life put your thoughts on paper and write to the editor. Please be brief and state your view clearly.

GUNLINE April1986 3

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Did You Know .. • BETTY WHYBROW DUE TO RETIRE

For the last 11 years, Betty Why brow, the Issue Control and Customer Liaison Officer at PSTO Portsmouth, has looked after stores ordered by RFA ships superbly. On June 10 this year Betty retires and will be succeeded by David Barnes.

Working at Jago Road in Portsmouth Naval Base Betty's main job has been customer liaison for Thru-deck carriers, the Royal Yacht and all Royal Fleet Auxiliaries.

MARRIAGES

RETIREMENT Captain Graham Rutter was medically retired on February 11 after 34 years with the Service. His last command was RF A Green Rover which he left in June last year.

PROMOTIONS Following a recent mmrd at ·-HQ the following Third/ Dut y Fqurth Engineer Officers have "Duty Fourth" deleted from their title. S. J. Arnold, I. G. Bell, B. C.

GirUntk' P·. K. Hillebrandt,

M. G. New, M. J. Stone and A. L. Warnock. Congratulations to G. Stokes whn has been promoted from 4EO to 3EO.

EXAM SUCCESS Congratulations to Signalmen T. Cranham and J. Hopgood who have recently gained their Higher Signalling Qualifications.

"AIR" INSPECTION A third officer, fresh from commercial life, sported a fine tousle of ginger brown hair. Shortly after sailing it was noted that he had suddenly become close shorn. When asked...why he replied that it was for FOF3 hair inspection! The ship completed a successful inspection and the third officer got a Sat. for his (H)air involvement.

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16; And to 2RO Nick COwan and wife Heather orf the birth of their sedUM: s6n Ian Lloyd on Jan,uary!i.

CONGRATULATIONS to JEO Roger Spink and Rosemary Summers who were married at Dunstal Baptist Church , Wolverhampton , on February 8, and to 2RO Philip Caswell and Jacqueline; Whitely who were married at Chichester Registry Office on St Valentine's Day.

Martin 0 ' Kane pictured at HQ

RFA Eddyfirth- Last Of A Class EDDYFIRTH was the last steam reciprocating engined vessel in the RF A; she was also the Navy's last coastal tanker.

Designed by the admiralty as a Fleet Attendant Oiler RF A Eddyfirth was originally a part of the RFA's first post war construction,- the EDDY class.

Although the EDDYs served worldwide they were, in retrospect, a piece of misplanning. Even as they were being built their function as Attendant Oilers had become obsolete due to the rapid and wide scale practice of refuelling at sea.

Realisation of this is probably the reason why the initial plan for 10 vessels was reduced to eight in 1953. It also ensured that most of the EDDY class tankers had a short Service life.

Eddyfirth was the last of the class and it would appear that she survived the axe purely because she had been utilised to perform a role far removed from her original design. With her cruiser stern, long high poop, short bridge and prominant rubbing strakes, Eddyfirth was a distinctive looking vessel.

She was constructed with combined transverse and longitudinal framing to Lloyd's 100A1 specification.

This enabled her to carry petroleum in bulk. Her cargo space , divided into two main compartments, consisted of

By Thomas A. Adams

11 tanks and two pumprooms giving her the capacity to transport some 1,700 tons of oil together with drums of luboil.

Constructed by Lobnitz Co. Ltd. of Renfrew, as yard No 1125, Eddyfirth was launched on September 10, 1953 and entered RFA service on February 10, 1954.

She spent some time at the Mediterranean base of Malta working with minesweeping flotillas.

Later she became a familiar sight in home waters where she·was employed for many years as a white oil carrier. Her primary duty was the collection of A vcat from refineries and distribu-

ting it around the UK and Mediterranean.

Her main engine was a totally enclosed pressure lubricated three cylinder triple expansion steam engine designed by the builder.

Steam was provided by two oil fuelled single ended multi tubular boilers which were heated by six furnaces.

The boilers were designed to work under forced draught conditions and consumed an estimated 18 tons of fuel per day. The machinery developed 1750 ihp at 227 rpm giving a service speed of 12 knots.

Much of her auxiliary machinery, the windlass, winches , bilge, fire and gen-

PASSPORTS

Contract officers and ratings are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure they are in possession of a valid passport. Instances have occurred recently where personnel about to fly out to a ship have discovered too late their passport expiry dates. HQ circular letter CL P1/85 dated January 14, 1985 outlines your entitlement to a free passport. Why not make the most of it.

HQ RETIREMENT

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won the Marine Society Medal for showing the greatest all round potential as future seaman. Steven also won the ESSO Company prize for achieving the highest marks in the Survival Craft Examination.

JER Lee Penzer won the Royal Fleet Auxiliary prize for showing the greatest ability and all round potential in Engineering and JER Lee Chandler won the Shell Tanker Award "Ocean Ships" for displaying the greatest practical ability and interest in the Survival Craft Course.

Martin O'Kane, formerly DSTO 74A3, has recently commenced his new post as Royal Navy Supply and Transport Officer (RNSTO) at Singapore. With his knowledge of the RFA Martin is well placed to assist visiting ships. He will, no doubt, see many familiar faces when Global 86 visits Singapore in August.

GLASS ENGRAVED

Glass tankards engraved with a badge or picture of a ship can be obtained from D. C. Stone, 4 Apple Tree Road, Alderholt, Fordingbridge, Hants SP6 3EW. The price is £7.00 for a half pint mug and £9.00 for a pint mug. The price includes the engraving but not post and packing. A picture of the ship should be enclosed with the order.

Other glass engraving commissions will be accepted.

Pip Thackery retired from section ST74A3 on February 21 after two years at Empress State Building. She sends her thanks to all the CPO Yeomen and Signalmen who sent their best wishes for her future. She's only sorry she didn't succeed in promoting all the signalmen to Petty Officers! Hilda Johnston, the former Agent at Rosyth, succeeds her.

1986 GOLF TOURNAMENT

PLYMOUTH ACCOMMODATION

The RFA Golf Tournament, again sponsored by Saccone and Speed, will be held at the Waterlooville Golf Club on Monday July 7.

If you have nq_t received o application form by the end of April please contact Captain A. F. Pitt DSC RFA on Empress State Building extension 2068.

Deva House, a comfortable family guest house, is offering special rates to RFA personnel. A number of people who have already -stayed there reUlmmend~ttre accommodation which is ·situated within two minutes walk of West Hoe and 20 minutes walk from the city centre.

With a discount of 10 per NEWCASTLE AGENT cent the rates are for B&B £8 Mrs Jean BeD, the RF A per night per person in a twin Agent at Newcastle since July room and £9 per night in a 1984, has recently resumed single room. The address is her former post as Motor Deva House, 16 Radford Transport Clerk. We all Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, thank her for the hard work PL1 3BY. Tel. (0752) she did during her time as 662999.

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Photo: left to right, JDR Steven Turner, J ER Lee Penzer, J ER Lee Chandler and JCR Andrew Kujawiak.

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THE picture above shows four Junior Rates at HQ with some of the prizes they won for their efforts at the National Sea Training College at Gravesend. The prizes were awarded at the College by the Hon. W. G. Runciman, Vice President of the General Council of British Shipping.

JDR Steven Turner and JCR Andrew Kujawiak both

All contract personnel should forward their Death Benefit forms to their HQ Appointing Officers if they have not already done so.

Please include your rank/rate on the form. Forms were initially despatched with Gunline 2 but should also be available from the Purser's Office on board or from HQ.

The embroidered RF A badge is ·now available on sweaters, body warmers, track suits and sweatshirts given a sufficiently high minimum order. Dunoon Ltd. at 153 West Street, Fareham, Hants, P016 ODZ, have recently sent details of their promotions to all ships.

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Singapore move

DEATH BENEFIT FORMS

EMBROIDERED RFA BADGE

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Betty Whybrow pictured by her desk with the mass of RFA crests that have been given to her over the years.

Agent and wish both her and Miss Marie McArdle, her successor, the best of luck.

era! service pumps, were steam driven and electric power was originally provided by a steam driven generator. Her boiler room, pump rooms, cargo tanks and the small cargo hold were protected by a steam smothering system.

Officers were accommodated in the amidships structure, together with the bridge, radio room, dining saloon and pantry. Ratings were accommodated aft and she originally had two galleys, one for European and one for native crew.

RFA Eddyfirth was withdrawn from service in April 1981 and placed on the sale list later that year.

Crossword Our thanks go to Russ Mitchell, the Ratings Personnel Officer, for supplying this crossword. Answers page seven. The Editor would welcome crossword contributions for inclusion in the next Gunline.

ACROSS 1. Drake had time enough to bowl and beat it. (7 ,6) 9. A police dept, that's corrosive. (4) 10. Medical ration. (4) 11. What Geestpo rt can carry for a Republic? (6) 13. Elizabethan historian from a London tube town. (6) 15. Causes a muddied eastern incest. (7) 19. Kanga's baby ·sounds full of regret. (3) 21. Award a nominal honour. (7) 22. A flying Ras! (7) 23. Shortly before . (3) 25. Promised and made certain. (7) 28. Clever but hard to grasp. (7) 30. (See 4 Down).

32. Reasonable weather, served with extra hOJ?S!(4) 33. Evtct, out all round the south. (4) 34. Wheeled the way from sea to beach.

(7,6) DOWN 2. Literally the capital of Ghana. (5) 3. Red or common curry house. (6)

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Hehasagoodsquareview. (7,6) Eastern cured around, to cut back. (6) North eastern state of 3's origins. (5) The approved standard of the RFA. (3,4,6) Winter vegetable farmer , planet trip urn arranged. (6,7) Neither for one or the other. (7) Foot to foot, on the back of a motorbike. (7) Origins of this paper, money doesn't grow there. (5) Stand in for a fid. (5) Took food that sounds good enough for a Varsity crew. (3) Small fish, or how we cook 'em. (3) Flambuoyant bird led, disturbed. (7) Well he certainly didn 't receive the despatch. (6) Delegates with messages? (6) Rubbish! The cow has got the stomach for it. (5) Tex used one to latch the cow but found a girl with nothing on. (5) '

GUNLINE April1986

The pressure, however, is on to make the most efficient use of the energy we do consume.

Most of our supplies now come from UK and North West European sources and are uplifted from refineries against annually placed contracts.

Fuel is moved on a regular basis throughout the year by our own LEAF class tankers or by commercial tankers chartered for the purpose.

In this way we seek to maintain our reserve holdings at the highest possible level within specified planning guidelines.

However, in times of financial stringency such as we are now experiencing, fuel, with its high cost and short lead time for supply, is a natural target for saving measures. We have to do our best to respond to these pressures without compromising essential operational capability.

In terms of fuel quality, the RFA poses less of a problem than gas turbine ships whose requirement for good clean fuel, is to say the least, stringent. To ensure maintenance of fuel quality we have tightened up quality control procedures ashore and efforts are being made to provide better facilities afloat.

Certainly, with changing refining practices we can expect a decline in fuel quality in the years

ahead. Storage stability will suffer as the result of "cracking" processes aimed at breaking down as much . of the crude as possible and gradually lowenng the flash point. Future ship design must recogmse this and the new AOR will, for example, incorporate an inert gas system.

Changed refinery practices also spell the end for our present grade of Furnace Fuel Oil and we are actively looking at alternatives. Dieso (F76) has, of course, many operational advantages but must, inevitably, be balanced against its cost.

The heavy reliance on STUFT tankers during CORPORATE has now declined to a level consistent with our current task in the South Atlantic. This process can be expected to continue until the new oil fuel depot at Mare Harbour and its associated single point mooring buoy become operational.

Meanwhile, some six tankers remain on charter to meet the combined service fuel needs in Ascension Island and the Falklands.

At home, the less obvious but nevertheless essential task of maintaining and improving shore facilities goes on, often in close co-operation with our NATO partners.

In short, our major efforts are devoted towards an effective response to changing operational needs in fuel support, greater disciplines in maintaining the quality of our fuel against changed refinery practices, grappling with the problem of replacing a fuel which has served the RFA for many years, and maintaining a shoreside infrastructure commensurate with the total task.

Good steaming to you all.

SAILING SSOCIATION The British-built SIGMA 362, shown left, is a high performance cruising yacht equipped to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. It has become the flagship of the member-furided CSSA fleet of three offshore yachts and has been named "Sea Essay of Hamble".

The yacht was the actual vessel on show at the Earls Court Boat Show earlier this year and will be used by the CSSA's Channel Sailing Division. Besides being used for introductory cruises and training it will be available for members to charter.

David Matthews (Captain) and Brian Hennah (Secretary) of the Channel Sailing Division with the new Sea Essay on SIGMA Yacht stand at Earls Court.

David Matthews, Captain of the Channel Sailing Division , described the new craft as "superb". He said it would pro-路 vide more capacity, an increased cruising range and give better performance in greater comfort.

The CSSA is the sailing arm of the Civil Service Sports Council.

It has over 2,500 members drawn from the Civil Service and the wider public sector throughout the country. All contract RF A personnel are eligible.

If you are interested in joining the Channel or other Sailing Divisions contact the Secretary, Brian Hennah on 01-233 4369 (Work) or 0990 20860 (Home).

e

FUEL oil is an expensive commodity and with the influence on its cost caused by a dollar-based market the annual fuel bill is very significant. Even in this year of energy efficiency there is little we can do to reduce consumption by the RN and RFA without imposing operational penalities.

CIVIL SERVIC

iv

Keeper Of Navy's Fuel

Ar ch

4

Small vessels are not for everyone!

merit and qualification. The new leading rates undoubtedly becoming the Petty Officers of tomorrow but for the man who won't make Petty Officer the grade would give the financial benefits and enhanced status his qualifications merit. The exact responsibilities and job descriptions of the new grade, and the number to be created, are being considered at HQ. SEMINAR RESPONSE Some 70 ratings representing 12 ships attended the two seminars held at HQ. Chaired by Mr Gordon Wilson, Fleet Manager, they were also attended by the Chief Marine Superintendent Captain Rutterford, Roger Wilkins from the National Union of Seaman, David Young and his team from the Personnel Policy section and other HQ representatives. Many substantial points were made during the discussions and these will be considered carefully to see what changes are needed.

Any changes made will be fully publicised before the final package is put to a ballot by the NUS. An article of this length can cover only the main outline of the proposed scheme.

I firmly believe the three part package offers a wealth of benefits both in financial and human terms. A regular and pre-determined sum of money coming in does wonders for personal and household budgeting. Mortgages will be obtained more easily and your wife will no longer be putting your discharge book on the breakfast table when your leave pay runs out!

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

For example, RAS proficiency bonus, Defensive weapons allowance, afloat support allowance and station allowance.

Examination of past earnings speedily revealed that the engine room staff did not fare as well as other departments. Just as they sometimes suffer in terms of working environment and accommodation. Exceptionally, approval was sought and gained to place the salary levels of motormen on a par with their colleagues in other departments.

It is stressed that no one has suffered a reduction in pay as a result and it is hoped that acceptance of the package will improve engine room recruitment.

There is no doubt that the proposed salary scales compare most favourably with the rest of the industry and the unique RF A allowances will further enhance this.

LEAVE The current leave rate for contract ratings is 107 days per annum served. The package offered incorporates a further 12 days per annum, bringing this to 119 days. The increase in leave will create extra employment for a further 16 ratings.

LEADING HAND The need to introduce a clearly defined and highly visible career structure for contract ratings has long been recognised. The proposed salary package offers the creation of a new level which will open up a ladder of progression to reward experience and ability.

Selection for promotion to Leading Hand would be on

tio

By Chief Officer BobJayRFA AFTER months of uncertainty, the proposed salary structure for contract ratings has arrived.

The opportunity has been taken to increase annual leave and to introduce a new grade of "Leading Hand" to all departments.

RFAArgus Takes Shape

n

Consolidated Ratings Salary

The three elements, salary, leave and leading hand, have been brought together in a single package which, in due course, will go to a ballot. The result, a simple majority, will decide either the acceptance or rejection.

In March, all CSC ratings received a letter from Mr Gordon Wilson, Fleet Manager Personnel. This outlined the factors taken into consideration when making up the package and disclosed, for the first time, the proposed salary rates.

At the same time, groups of ratings, drawn mainly from RFAs in UK ports, were invited to HQ for two seminars. The purpose of which was to expand and explain Mr Wilson's letter and to answer the many questions that arose.

SALARY As in the case of the Petty Officers some two years ago, the salary levels have been reached by adding average overtime related payments to earnings. This was assessed during the 18 month period up to January 1985.

In this context overtime related earnings include payments for Fire and Emergency Stand By (FESB) cover in port, loss of sleep, broken meals, and cargo handling etc. Other RFA or NMB bonuses and allowances will, where appropriate, be paid separately and in addition to the monthly salary.

An artist's impression of the completed conversion.

A Report by

2EOR. Kirk

RFA Argus is currently undergoing a major conversion in Harland and Wolffs Belfast Shipyard . What was once Contender Bezant, a RoRo container cargo vessel, is fast becoming RFA Argus, Aircraft Training Ship (A TS); the eventual replacement for RF A

Engadine.

PROPULSION The vessel is fitted with twin Pielstick 18PC 2.5V engines, each capable of 11,700 bhp, these drive twin screws via reduction gear boxes in the ratio of 4.5:1. The machinery is arranged to operate to Lloyds Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS) notation, controlled at all times from the bridge.

Facilities exist for MCR/HQl control or, during periods of emergency or maintenance, local control.

The fully automatic power management system is designed to supply an increased load which includes a higher domestic demand, aviation facilities, high pressure sea water pumps and cargo pumps.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES The greatest visible structural

change is the addition of a seven tier deckhouse which extends the existing accommodation to cope a maximum complement of 254.

A five spot flight deck has been manufactured in sections and is awaiting installation. This will totally enclose the hanger deck making it larger than the Invincible class; capable of accommodating the ship's 6 Sea Kings and of transporting upto 12 Harriers. Two lifts will also be installed to transfer aircraft to and from the flight deck.

The two mooring pockets on each aft quarter will be combined to form one continuous mooring deck.

A two compartment flooded stability requirement has necessitated the addition of a continuous watertight bulkhead between the main and auxiliary engine rooms, with a similar arrangement at the forward end of each shaft tunnel. Three sliding watertight doors, each 9.75m x 6.1m will be fitted in the hangar deck. The doors will operate at a speed of lOrn per minute.

The aft side door , its operating machinery and link span are being retained to allow vehicular access to the hanger deck direct from shore. The

forward side door will not be used and is being sealed .

REPLENISHMENT AT SEA Since the original idea of the ATS was conceived many additional alterations have evolved to enhance the versatility of the vessel. The most significant is the ability to carry 4,436 cubic metres of dieso cargo , issuable through a crane rig whilst underway.

COMPLEMENT AND ACCOMMODATION The accommodation is new throughout , the old being fitted out to the standard of the new to satisfy fire regulations. The maximum compliment is RFA Personnel: 23 Officers, 10 Petty Officers and 46 Ratings.

Permanent RN 3 Officers.. 11 Senior rates and 24 Junior rates.

Squadron Training Detachment: 42 Officers, 38 Senior Rates and 57 Junior rates.

All RF A personnel and the majority of the permanent RN personnel have single cabins although some may share toilet facilities.

The vessel is expected to join the fleet early next year when she will be based at Portland.

Other Principal Details: Deadweight Length overall Breadth Draught Service speed

13,000 tons 173m

30.4m 8.2m 18 knots.

GUNLINE April1986 5

Personnel Sections 74A2 and 74A3 Explained ~--------------~

medical certificates are in date.

Anne Brown, ASTO 74A2B, is on Ext. 2192. As Public Relations Officer she produces recruitment and publicity material and is the Assistant Editor of Force 4.

(SST074A David Morgan is the Editor.)

Anne works in conjunction with the Staff Officer (Public Relations), SRO Frank Andrews, and like Frank is always on the look-out for good photographs , interesting articles and cartoons.

iv

Andrew Chivers, not Martin as he is frequently called, is a Clerical Officer also on Ext. 2688. Andrew appoints Second and Third Officers but deals with pensions , medical retirements and resignations of all Deck Officers and Surgeons.

Julie Gent, who shares Ext. 2174 with Terry, is the only Clerical Assistant in the section. Her main tasks are the prompt issue of appointment letters, the despatch of PR material and ensuring all, even Surgeons',

e

ST74A2 Terry Oliver, DSTO and head of section STI4A2, is on Empress State Building extension 2174. Terry is responsible for the recruitment, training and appointments of the 260 Deck Officers and 22 Surgeons. He is also responsible for the production of publicity material. Terry's main du~y is the individual appointments of Captams and Chief Officers.

Marc Shreeve, an avid Spurs supporter, is ASTO 74A2A and on Ext. 2688. He covers the appointments of First O~icers, Ship Surgeons and Night Duty Officers. Marc also arranges training courses for Deck Officers and Surgeons.

Section 74A2B. Anne Brown.

n tio

ment and is now the Personnel Officer for Junior Engineers and First and Second Electrical Officers.

John Streeter, Clerical Assistant , provides general support to the whole section. He rejoined in March 1985 after retiring as an ASTO. He has a long career with the RNSTS behind him, including a spell at the Engineers desk in the early 1960s.

Mrs Viv Swatman, ASTO 74A3B, is on Ext. 3021. Viv joined in September 1983 after a move from Copenacre. She heads the Communications desk and is the Personnel

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

Eddy Taylor, DSTO 74A3 , is on Ext. 2188. He has for the last three years worked in section 73D in charge of MOD controlled LSLs and tankers and has only recently taken up his new position.

As head of section he oversees the personnel management and appointing of Engineer, Refrigeration and Electrical O.fficers and all Communications staff. Eddy Is personally responsible for appointing Chief and Second Engineer Officers and Senior Radio Officers.

Miss Cindy Carr is ASTO 74A3A also on Ext. 2188. Cindy joined Branch 74 in July 1985 from the Royal Naval Supply and Transport (RNST) Staff Division. After five months as a Clerical Officer she was promoted and now heads the Engineer and Electrical Officer desk. She is personally responsible for appointing Third Engineer and Senior Electrical Officers.

Mrs Margaret Moore, Clerical Officer on Ext. 3041 will be no stranger to many as she has spent four years as an RFA agent first at Chatham and then at Portland . Margaret is the Personnel Officer for Fourth Engineers and Refrigeration Officers.

Mark Hamlin , Clerical Officer on Ext. 3573, is the newest recruit in the section. He joined in February from the Army depart-

Ar ch

SST074A3

Section 74A3A. left to right: Margaret Moore, Mark Hamlin, John Streeter and Cindy Carr.

Officer for First and Second Radio Officers.

Mrs Hilda Johnson, a Clerical Officer, is also on Ext. 3021. Hilda appeared in the February edition as a member of section 74A4 but moved shortly after to become the Personnel Officer for Yeoman and Signalman. She replaced Pip Thackery who has recently retired.

POsVoteFor More Leave

The first of new accommodation blocks being lowered into position.

Both accommodation blocks in position.

Photos by 2ÂŁ0 R. Kirk

ONCE again, RFA contract Petty Officers were given the opportunity to cc;mvert part of this year's NatiOnal Mantime Board pay settlement of 5.9 per cent into leave.

On receiving this offer the National Union of Seamen asked for a ballot to be conducted on their behalf. All contract POs, both at sea and on leave, were asked to vote whether they wanted the full cash increase or alternatively a combination of leave and a lower cash raise.

The leave and cash combination was carried by a majority of 122 votes to 106.

Those who voted for the mixture of leave and cash were then invited to record their preference for six or 12 days more with a cash balance calculated to ensure that the total cost remained at 5.9 per cent of the overall wages bill. The package of 12 days extra leave , a total of 131 days per annum served, plus a 2.6 per cent cash increase was carried by a

majority of 85 to 37, and was therefore accepted by the National Union of Seamen.

Revised salary scales have been promulgated and the new rates were paid in the March salaries, backdated to January 2.

Commenting on the ballot, Mr Gordon Wilson , RFA Fleet Manager, said: "Following widespread adverse comments on the level of leave given by the RFA, I have tried hard to create opportunities for this situation to be improved."

"For two years running Petty Officers have chosen to devote part of their NMB award towards the purchase of extra leave , and I am pleased to see suc.h a qui~k improvement In thelf employment conditions. It will also mean more Petty Officers being employed by the RFA . We have no further plans to improve POs' leave for the time being."

Section 74A3B. Hilda Johnston and Viv Swatman.

RFA Calendar For 1987 AFTER viewing the Royal Navy's excellent calendar this year, consideration is being given to the production of our own RF A Calendar for 1987. Given that sufficient photographs and cartoons are forth-coming a 12-page calendar with an RFA related photograph and cartoon for each month will be produced for sale in September.

H you would like to see your photographs or cartoons incorporated, please send them to: The Edttor, Room . 504, Empress State Building, London, SW6 1TR. All work wtll be credited and photographs offered will automatically be entered in the appropriate section of the photographic competition.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION YOU are reminded to send your entries for the photographic competition to the Editor. Entry is free and open to all serving and retired personnel. Prints or transparancies should be forwarded before the closing date of 31 May 1986. Details were given in the February Gunline.

6 GUNLINE Aprill986

AP SLO Cadet ~E~ Cadet E CPO{D) CPO Carp PO(D) Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMMT/A POMMT/A Motorman Signalman Signalman Cook {CPO) 2nd Cook Steward

RFABayleaf

RF A Brambleleaf

210

310

CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO lRO 2RO 2RO p

lLO CPO Deck PO Deck CPO Carp Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM POMM Motorman Motorman Signalman Signalman CPO Cook 2nd Cook PO Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward

R.A . Cooper M.R. Pagen R. Stanbrook D. Woodgate R .M,C. Bilton N.M. Karsondas I. Doolan R.M. Hudson P.K. Hillebrand!

P. Dunningham L.C. Doyle P.Major P.G. Chandler J . Brindle D.M. Woodhouse N. Thompson D. MacBride J.W. Miles T. Porter E. Schofield J.J. Linton N.R . Cailin M. Burton J .G .E. Clark M.J . Heginbotham R. Fontaine C. Grieve S.J. Hornbuckle P. Picknett D. Colliss C.P. Jones P. Price R.A. Dar J.B. McLaren S.W. Foulkes A.C. Harrad R. Blanchard D.H. Reid R.S. Jordison J. W. Pickering C.W. Rogers M.K. Lounds C.W.J. Gill D.S. Gallini J.B. Bridges

RF A Black Rover cag C/ TIA 1/0 210 310 310 310

CEOT/A 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO 4EO SRO lRO 1RO 2RO 2RO p

AP 1LO Cadet (E) CPO~D)

CPO Card) PO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM POMM Motorman Motorman Motorman Yeoman Si~nalman

C OCook 2nd Cook PO Steward PO Steward PO Steward

D.L. Gay B.E. Campbell P.J. Snelson P.M. Simpson I.A. Elphick S.R. Davies T.S. Radford J.W. Leach R.W. Langton D.K. Emm S.J. Thornhill R.M. Ayling J. Rothwell A.J .E . Shiels P. Rogerson R.C. Baker J.T. Wolfe A.H. Williams C. D. Thomspon P.A. Nicol J.H . Williams S. Pryke G.T. Edwards A. MaQuarrie J. Craig E.J . Bond R.F. Williams M.L. White E.G. Cripps K. Martin S. Howard J .L. Yearby R.B. Smith J.B. Bray I. Walker C. Jarvis E. Bowen T. Yoke R.J . Delbridge J.T. Nattress R.K. Brown T.W. Hesketh W.M. Sommerville A. Weeks D.J. Phillips A. Davidson D.M. Dugdale

RF A Blue Rover cag

C!

p

~g

210 310 310

CEO 2EO 3EO 4EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO 1RO 2RO 2RO p

1LO CPO Deck CPO Carp PO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMMT/A POMM Motorman Motorman Motorman Motorman Signalman CPO Cook 2nd Cook PO Steward PO Steward Steward Steward Steward

G .R. Green J. Stones K.D. Rimell R .J. Wild M. R. Forrester B. Nolan G.W . Wilson P.M. Bradley M.S. Whitting R .W. Cranstone K.C. Baskerville J. A. Richard F.H. McFarlane J. Keller J.M. Dodsworth P.A. Slater J.M. Abbott T.J . Dinwoodie I.R. Kennedy W.J. Cunningham F. Wilson D.J. Brand J . Feast P.J. Tregale A.J. Davidson T.R. Moore J.P. Mellish M.D . Perry T .M. Walsh M. Pujolas R. Roberts C.J. Gilboy M.R. Turner C.P. Butterworth D.A. Thompson J.P. Warren N.W. Billington P. Robertson E. Beavers T.A . Samways A.J. Owen J. McKenna

S~na l man

P MM CPO Cook PO Cook 2nd Cook Asst Cook PO Steward PO Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward

RFA Fort Austin ~g

M.W.Salt B.J . Waters 1/0 R.C. Thornton 1/0 P.M. Farmer 210 R.E . Cowan 3/0 G.A. Patterson 310 J.A . Macanley CEO V.E . Reed 2EO D.F.A. Twomey 3EO D.!. Holden 3EO A. C. Bowditch 3EO G.J. Stokes 3EOdty4EO J.P. Smyth 4EO R.J . Davies JEO R. Graham JEO S.C. Curtis JEO C. Pearson JEO A. Cole SRO G. Pickin 1RO D. Beardmore lRO J.M. Evans 2RO A .R. Pillinger 2RO A.N. Hundley JRO J.P. Andrews SP H.L. Biggs p J.B. Copland AP D .R. Taylor AP M.D . Antoine T.G . Scott sur;seon SL C. Campbell lLO E. Winson 2LO W.Hill SREO G. Davis JREO D. Hutchinson P.M. Fry STO(N8 DSTO N R . Charlton M.A. Linney Cadet CPO Deck R. Cartwright PO Deck G. Thompson PO Deck G. Darling PO Deck M.E. Moughtin I. Mathews Seaman Seaman J. Tuft Seaman J.R. Hunter Seaman J.C. Rossiter Seaman R. Montgomery Seaman L.R . Rooke Seaman B. Lamb Seaman P. Cheffey Seaman S.J. Jordan Seaman P.L. Hunt Seaman M.F. Danby Seaman A.B. McLarney V. Bradwell Seaman CPOPlmr P.S. Richardson CPOMMT/A H.C. Mountain POMM J.A . Lucas Motorman A. Evans Motorman D. Noble P.J. Knight Motorman Motorman H. Conaghan Motorman K. Herbert Motorman P. Glenny SQM L.F. Biggs QM T.M. Lynch QM A .E. Cooke QM N.M. Martin QM J.F. Gardiner QM D.J . MacMillan CPOY'man I. A. Richardson Signalman M.Nicholl Signalman J .E. Hopgood CPO Cook J . White PO Cook L.J . Austin 2nd Cook N. Brodie PO Steward D. Richardson PO Steward K. Oliver Steward I. G. Sloggett Steward D. Springett Steward D.G. Boaz S. Snaith Steward Steward A.C. McAnsh S. Tang Steward K. Jones Steward

D~

RF A Gold Rover cag C/ TI A 110

210

J.A. Bailey R.L. Perry B. Young W.J. Butcher M.G. Elsm S.J. Mathews M.D . Norfolk A .J. Hocking P.J. McFadyen N. Fox O.Moss D. Robertson D.C. Cunningham P.P. Malloy P. David D.M. Clutson D.A. Rutter T.L. Davies J.W. Penny J .F. Sinclair M. Somerville W. Nolan J.T. O'Connell J. Beer C.T. Parton S. Stothard S.T. Preedy M.N. Jenkins B.G. Biggs J.G. Sherwood J.A . Plumb P.A. Irvine K.S. Hogg J. Reid M.P. Soutter J. Gambrill B. Daly P. Stephens B.W. Trevelion T.J. Cranham R .S. Moseley L.A. Bonnici M.B.J. Briffa D.A. Walker M.A. Whyton

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

cag C/ TI A 210 2/0

CEOT/A 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO 4EO SRO 1RO 2RO 2RO

G.D. Wils9n J. Goddard

RF A Diligence

~g

210 210 210 CEO 2EO 3EO 4EO 4EO 1RO 2RO SP SLO 2LO CPO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman CPOMM POMM CPO Cook 2nd Cook 2nd Cook Cook Asst PO Steward PO Steward Steward Steward Steward

J.R. Kempton P.H. Hart J .L. Power M. Rossiter D .M. Pickston K. Holder K.R.C. Moore D. Brown M. Littlefair M.J. Zorab R.C.L. Sims A.M. Shergold J.C. Denning A. Blackwood S.R. Buxton G.R. Collings J .M. Kemp A.P . Curtis S.A. Ogborne J .F. Garson A.G. Graham A.R. Westlake P. Emmett K. Robson C. C. Bilkey P.R. Pearcey L. T. Grocock P.O . Taylor G. Shaw S. Edwards N.H. Read

RF A Engadine ~g 1/0 210 3/0 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 4EO 4EO JEO SRO 1RO 1RO 2RO 2RO 1LO p

AP CPO(Deck)

N.D. Squire G .D. Pursall N.A. Jones A .D. Gudgeon G.S. Carlton R.M. Allen R.J . D'Souza J.E . Collins J. Doak J. Hodge R. Far~uhar M.W. owell M.G. Austin H. H. Haugh R.S. Mitchell P.O . Hyde J .P. Harvey L.T. Seager D.G. Scougall C.D . Wedall L. Smith

RF A Fort Grange ~g

1/0 {CTO) 1/0 1/0 210 210 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 3EO 4EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO JEO SRO 1RO 1RO 2RO 2RO 2RO SP p

AP AP

J.C. Foster J.L.S. Coles S.H. Cant C.J . Badger R.H. Allan M.M.C. Radford R. Yorath-Williams N. Barclay G.E. Farrar R. Settle N.P.P. Burke M. Tyerman R.V. Bessant P.W. Greenough R.B . Toms 路 C.N. Buchan P. Peterson A.A. Paul S. L. Privett F.W. Barnes D.M. Garvey S.J. Taylor S.H. Hardie N.S. Moore S.M. Ross S.R. Talbot D. Lumsden S. Kemp R.M. Shaw

RF A Grey Rover ~g 210 210 TIA

3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO 4EO SRO 1RO 2RO JRO 1LO p

AP Cadet Cadet ~D~ D Cadet E~ Cadet E CPO Deck CPO Carp PO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM POMM Motorman Motorman Motorman Signalman Signalman CPO Cook 2nd Cook PO Steward Steward

310

CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO 4EO JEO SRO 1RO 1RO 2RO p

AP 1LO Cadet ~E~ Cadet E CPO Deck PO Deck PO Deck CPO Carp Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM POMM Motorman Motorman Motorman CPOY'man Signalman CPO Cook PO Steward 2nd Cook Steward Steward

RF A Green Rover G.P. Overbury T.G. Holtham J.R.D. Hart 210 J.C. Carr 210 M.J. Nugent 210 I. Moores 310 R.W . Donkin CEO 2EO I. Jones 3EO J. Brady 2EOdty3EO D.W. Birkett 4EO C.J. Evans 4EO D. Barnfield SRO C.B . Plomer 1RO D. Harker 1RO P. L. Richardson 2RO S. Bryan JRO S.D. Reece PT/A R . McKillop AP G .A. Lawrence CPO Deck D. MacMillan CPO Carp B.M. Morgan PO Deck M. Williamson Seaman F.P. Floyd

cag Cl

TI A

J.D . Roddis G. G. Mortimore D.W. Gilzean C.P. Locke J .R . Keeble A. Lauder R.G . Muxtable J .R . Harpum A.L. Warnock N.D. Atkinson G.A. Gallacher D.H. Cameron H.J. Fearon S.J. Peers N.C. Robleyd R.S. Platt D.C.R. Shermer D.J . Marsden A.J. Rostron S. Tyacke M. Spencer A . Wallis I.J. Waghorn A. E. Colley L. Mott W.G. Stop M.S . Yates D.G. Thomas C. Vickers J.M. Henderson A. Bloomfield R. Tunstall P. Salter K. Whitehead A.M. Mohammed H.G. O'Donnell C.W. Savage G.F. Turner J .N .S. McAloon B. Conlon G. Conaghan

RFAOakleaf (Refit)

C/0 3/0 2EO 3EO 1RO SP 1LO CPO Deck AsstCook Steward Steward

P.J. Smith P.A . Jeffery S.C. Wilson M.J. Harding B. Marshman C.M., Wakeham V. Young I.E. Harvey J. Henderson D.C. O'Dell S.J. Conway S. Wright M.L. Rennie

RFAOina ~g 1/0 110 210 310

3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 3EO 3EO 4EO 4EO 4EO 4EO JEO SRO 1RO 1RO 2RO 2RO RO{T) SP p

AP sur;seon SL lLO 2LO CPO Deck PO Carp PO Deck PO Deck PO Deck PO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman QM CPOPlmr POMM POMM POMM OMM Motorman Motorman Motorman Motorman Motorman Motorman CPOY'man Signalman Signalman CPO Cook 2nd Cook Asst Cook PO Steward PO Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward

P.L. Nelson J.M. Summers R .D . Craig J.B . Kilner K. Austin G.M. Brewster D.J. Cl;uk D.C. Smith C.S. Smith R . Dunn A. G. Laird C. E. Parnell P.B. Wright M.R . Abbott A .J . Wiklo A .P. Harris R.J. Jago A. Wainwright K.R. Mitchell M.D . Vickers A .D. Willstead I. Mason S. McCombe P.W. Mellett G.B. Gibb C.L. Grylls G. Mott P.G. Cronk J.C. Middleton A. Mitchell G.W.Allen W.G. Watson C. H. Coalbran W.M. Humphrey J . Chambers D. G. Hunt C. Coultas K.B. Conran I. Jameson D. Varty C.J. Barker F.J. Milne N. Harrison M.J. Burrows N. Wheeler H. Steel R.E . Sutton J. Fairweather M. Guest G. Gatt R.T. Needham M.E. Taylor R.J . Evans B .K. Bishop Nisbett W. Brown L.J . Chandlet I.T. Driver G.H.Gill B. Grigaitis J.H.C . Coombes S.G. Perrin S.P. Southam J. Lancaster R .E. Wells K. Doran M.A. Brown E. C. Barker S.R. Gorgon N. Cumbridge

e

A.E.T. Hunter J .B. Redhead S.J. Illin~worth 310 S.M.O. onran 3/0T/A P.B. Watson CEO C.M. Collis 2EO K. Smeaton 3EO R.C. Swi nburne 4EO I. Schumacker 4EOT/A N.J.E. Tucker JEO W. Lindsay JEO A. Martin JEO D. McEvoy 1RO J .D . Walton !ROT/A M.D. Trewhella 2RO A.D. Griffiths p P.V. Sykes 1LO R.W. Floyd T. Lowden Cadet ~E~ Cadet E I. Carr CPO Deck B. Cosens PO Deck W. Kennedy Seamdn G. Bulley Seaman T. Coulson POMM E.J. Lewis POMMT/A W.J. Todd Motorman L. Gorman Motorman S. Watt Signalman I. McDonald Signalman J.B. Calder CPO Cook A. Preston 2nd Cook R.A. Summers 2nd CookT/A B. Cooke PO Steward B. Ralfe Steward A. Fleming Steward H. Webster cag

Cl

M. Smailes J. Lodey E.D. Gamble B. Emmett P.Bound G. Prennelle S.P. Hardman B. White T.M . Shelton J.A. Bayley M.D. Eady W.J. Moffat A.R. A nstey R . Moran M.A. Kenward R.C. Reed P.C. Prowse A.F. Llody G. Aitken J . Murphy D. Goulding K. W. Kingwell S.J. Edney B. Beresford

2ndCookT/A CookAsst CookAsst Cook Asst PO Steward PO Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward

iv

310

R.J. Horsefield R.P. Cobestake P.N. Sel y B.G. Lannin C. G . Johnson D.J. Avery G. Evans M. Moorehouse O.K. Brenchley D.G. Potton A.A. Weaver R .V. Kalita E.A.Elliot M. Johnson G.R. Todd D.O. Harvey L.H. Sweenie P. Thomas N. Macneil W.J . Rolling W.H. Parkin M. Allen R . Daniell T. Page R. Daniell P.O . Cleever M. Reeve M.G. Embleton A .F. Strachan G. Roberts Y. Wynne T.A. Griffiths K. Farrant G.W. Walton J.T. Brown F.M. Amelie D .J.G. Wilson M.W.Mustill

CPO(Ca2') PO (Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Yeoman

I. Maclean B. Griffin A.M. Pattison R. Hudson L.J . Blake M.K. Wright T.T. Hayes T. McCabe W.E. Pegg C.E. Martyn R. Thomas D. Atkinson A. Connolly P.K. Bartle M.A. Etwall W.J.B. Cook M. Pickering R .A. Cunningham S. Miller

Ar ch

Correct to 20 March 1986 2/0 RF A Appleleaf 2/0T/A

Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM POMM Motorman Motorman Motorman Motorman Signalman Signalman CPO Cook 2nd Cook PO Steward Steward Steward

n

Excludes non-contract ratings

tio

RFA fleet list

J.W. Meikle sur;seon SL J.T. Howorth 1LO J. Flage 2LO E. Gwllenship SREO R.J. Williams JREO A. H. Bryden STO{N A.J. Slatter DSTO N P.A. Roberts Cadet D A.M . Douglas Cadet D A.J. Draper Cadet D M.R . Edwards Cadet D D. Gresham Cadet D R.H. Herbert-Burns Cadet D R. Hallowbread Cadet D M.J.W. Houlton Cadet D M.H. Jones CPO Deck R .W. Trotter CPO Carp J .R. Tucker PO Deck P. Mitchell PODsk J .F. McCrorie PO Deck M. Caley Seaman P.M. Trotter Seaman I.S. Lockhard Seaman W.N. Stewart Seaman G.L. Dywer Seaman B.M. Robins Seaman R .J.S . Cox Seaman S.P. Owen Seaman M. Benney Seaman S. Benney Seaman C.R. Benney Seaman A .J. Benney Seaman K. Benney Seaman D.J. Brewster Seaman C.J. Christlelow Seaman J. Mackay Seaman N.J . Houghton Seaman G .P. Morley Seaman S.C. Gilfillan Seaman R.H. Kelsey Seaman S. Chapman SQM R. Tivers QM N. Downs QM T.F. Oliver QM N. Williams QM G.T. Staddon QM A. Pimblett CPOMM P. Lawson POMM Stephenson Motorman C. Lee Motorman M.A . Yafai Motorman K.F. Anziani Motorman R. Stewart CPOY'man J.S. Alexander Signalman L.A. Barker Signalman T.J. Cranham Signalman M.R. Hart CPOCookT/AA.W . Ruthven PO Cook {T/A A.S . Moir 2nd Cook T/A L. Colmer 2ndCookT/A G.P. Young Asst Cook T.A. Smith PO Steward P.A. Mitchell PO Steward K. Willis PO Steward N.T. Gallifan Steward K.G. Haw ins Steward N.J. Meldrum Steward M.Awberry Steward G.M.May Steward B.D. Hillon Steward E . A . Lane Steward A.D.S. Cox Steward S.P. Tomlinson Steward S. Cheyne Steward G. Hains Steward B. Burgess Steward C. Walker

J. Chapman J.R . Warman R. Edworthy N.F.H. Sleep I.M. Schofield Beevers D. Davies B.J. Wakefield F.A. Hurrell N.E.N. Starkey J. Cunningham A. Brincat

RFAOimeda J .A . Cant ~g J .P. Thompson 110 D .P. Kehoe 1/0 T.J. lies 110 TIA {CTO)M. W.F. Day 210 A.P. Smith 210 D.L. Lamb 310 M.K. Badsey 310 J.R . Olding 310 S.D.P. Williams CEO J.R. Ramsey 2EO J.B. Feeney 3EO A.W. Sinclair 3EO J.M . Berry 3EO J.S . McNally 3EO B.R.H. Hatch 4EO W. Dodd 4EO T.A. Thomas 4EO C.V.D . Jarvis JEO I. Carder JEO D.M. Etchells SRO B. Wilkie 1RO E. Fisher 1RO R.D .G. Callan 2RO C.J. Perkins 2RO J.A. Cole RO(T) J.M . Newsom SP R.A. Savage p C.P. Gatenby AP L.M. Trantom D.H. Lloyd sur;seon SL C. E. Belton 2LO P.M. Barber Cadet D G . Adnit Cadet D D.A.Bell Cadet D S.M. Gittings Cadet D A.J. Inglis G.P . Lee Cadet D Cadet D K.G. Smith Cadet D S.J. Wallace CPO Deck S. Oshaughnessy CPO Carp G.W. Regan PO Deck J.A. Norman PO Deck G. Mackenzie PO Deck A. H. Statt V. Partridge Seaman Seaman P. McGarry Seaman G .S. Caldwell Seaman J. Dollochan Seaman J. Samuels Seaman W.J. Walker Seaman M. Benney Seaman M. Gerrard Seaman A.J. Benney QM W. Mathieson QM D. Kirkpatrick QM B.P. Smythe CPOMM H.F. Bartlett POMM C.J. Helson POMM J.W. Frame POMM A.J. Down Motorman J .W. Marsh Motorman M.Smith CPO Yeo B. Bewsher Signalman P.A. Seaman Signalman S.A. Morrison CPO Cook G.S. West

RFAOiwen cag

Cl

1/0 1/0 210 310

3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 3EO 3EO 4EOT/A 4EO 4EO 4EOT/A JEO JEO SRO 1RO 1RO 2RO 2RO

l::r.!~l

Cadet E Cadet E Cadet E CPO Deck PO Deck PO Deck PO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM POMM POMM Motorman Motorman Motorman Motorman Yeoman Signalman S~nalman

P Steward PO Steward CPO Cook 2nd Cook Asst Cook AsstCook Steward Steward Steward Steward

R .M. Guy I.M. Clark D .J. Cooper J. Sanders V.T. Walker J .H. Watson I. Hutley A.M. Whatmough M.B.Smith A.J . Dennes R . Carpenter R .A.Foot M.J. Stone N. Pilling N.E. Mathewson C.J. Pearce P.A . Jenkins G .A . Davey C. Boubert M. Rogers T.R. Lomas D.M.Smith J .N. Friis D. Monk J .W. Taylor N. Armitage M.E. Griffiths H.J. Walker D. Walters W. Lester A.G. Vidler R.M . Eskell P.G. Salt N.J . Swainsbury R .A. Gourlay A.R.S. Hawker B. E. Pavier B. Shutler D.G. Clemens P.R.S . Nosworthy A. Smith R . Taylor F. Parker A.R. Williams P. Brough R.M. Cross M. Luxon G.J. Berry H . Maceachen W.J. Roulstone M. Stannard C. Jones G .A. Malcolm A.J. McDougall A.J. Shard R .S. Shaw A.W. Hughes A. Brincat R .S. Smith S. Quigley D.A. Knight

GUNLINE April1986 7

R.W.M. Wallace R.A. Bliss A.D. Crisp M.J . Greenhow D. Coombes A.D. Harris K. Nichols M.P. Livermoore B.J. Rigeon S. Armstrong R.B. Cornford D.P. Williams C. Mulholland I.S. Douglas G.J. Stewart A.J.G. Osmond R. Pacey S. Talton H.A. Marks T.W. Walker

RF A Plumleaf cag C! 210 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 4EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO IRO 2RO p

ILO Cadet Cadet r~ D Cadet El Cadet E Signalman

D.E. Lawrence N.F. Wright D.J . Buck P.J. Hailwood T. Adams E.J. Bradley P.A. Francis-Lang S.C. Mundell J . Cook A. Wann D. Bone M. Hunter J. A . Finch T.R. Whiting I. Hayes D.W.Allen P.D. Bentley S. HerBert M. Read R.W. Ervine P.V. Harper

RFARegent (Refit) H.M. Day D.I. Gough D . Wilson G. Durham P.O. Shaughnessy B.L. Hughes D.A. Greenwood M.New N. Pilling B.D . Hayes R.A. Wells V.J. Fenton A . Callaway K. Brimacombe J. Masterton D.M. Walker A. Stirling D. Atherton S.C. Leighton A. G. Pisani T.H.J. Clayton M.E.Lamb L.J . Grove

RFAReliant

gg

1/0 210 210 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO

gg

A.W. Stanley D .M. Gerrard R.M. Hinkley l ib P.D. Homan 210 N.M. Howard 3/0 S. Radford D.W. Lewis CEO 2EO A.L.I. Asaf 3EO T. Porthouse 3EO H.R. Choudhury 3EO I.M.Smith 3EO B.S. Lawson 4EO C.J. Kelly 4EO P.A. Sansbury 4EO D . Archbell 3E0dty4EO R.M. Parnell JEO J.D. Screeton JEO T. Nugent JEO A . Doig SRO M.J. Nurse IRO M.R. Taylor lRO R.D. Thomson 2RO M.E. Connolly 2RO S.M. Thompson JRO A.J. Doyle SP K.R. Trustcott p T.H6 AP J.A. ottell AP D. Cleaver W.R.P. Bourne Su2eon SL F.H . Jones 2LO R . Marshall 2LO D. Bardsley SREO A. Stirling, JREO P.J . Stur y T.J .F. Ward F.J. Sloane DSTO D N~ Cadet J. Finch Cadet D G. Meek Cadet D D.O. Philips E.J . Perrin Cadetr) G .M. Etheridge Cadet E~ D. Harwood Cadet E D.G.Smith Cadet E S.S. Duncan CPO Deck N.T. Fisher CPO(Carp) B.W.G. Sullivan POn M.J. Joyce PO D T.D. Simmons PO D A.U. Offside Seaman E. Stoddart Seaman A.J. Pearson Seaman J.P. Welsh Seaman S.H.W. Robinson Seaman B. Crossfield Seaman D.N. Strong Seaman R. Gilbert SOM P. Marley OM A.J . Eakin OM R . Crowhurst OM QM R.P. Green J.G. Latham CPOMM P.T. Street POMM J.W . Young POMM I.M. Williams POMM K. Harvey Motorman R. Frazer Motorman N.A. Astles Motorman M.T. Cabin Motorman Y'man(CPO) A. McKillop J.R.F. Spencer Signalman D.A. Wmning Signalman CPO(Cook) W.Smith P. Eccleston PO(Cook) E. Hackett 2nd Cook S. Ledsham PO ~Stwdl M.P. Westbrook PO Stwd 1/0

ST0(1:

RF A Sir Bedivere

gg

I.F. Heslop C.G.R. Spencer C.J. Flood R. Richmond R.D. Carver I.E. Hall J.J. Oakey J.W . Richardson W.O . Barrie R.A. Scurrey C.R. Watson C.J. Phillips B. Sanderson W.F. Curtis G . Beale A.N . Mayers D.A. Harbord R.P. Miles

RF A Sir Geraint'

gg

J.R .J. Carew C.J. Fell D.A . Turner I.L. Capewell K.R. Woodfield A. Hunter P.W. Jacobs C.M.Rowe P. Henney P.L. Bandy C.H. Devenish M.W. Winfield S. Kakle C.P. Morrice R .J. Walker P.H . Ashforth H.R.O. Brooks M.A.R . Knock A.J . Rennie

1/0 210TIA 3/0 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO lRO 2RO p Su2eon lL

RF A Sir Lancelot cag Cl TIA 210 210TIA 3/0 CEO 2EOT/A 3EO 3EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO IRO 2RO p

Su2eon lL

M.S.J. Farley G. Wilson R.V. Malkin H .K. Warren F.A. Wales J.R. Gerring S.C. Tait H.M.G . Pomroy R.K. Stevens M.P. Hilton M.G. Leake T. Edwards M. Tarrant B.J .P. Duignam J.W. Turner B.L. Lyons V.E. Rolfe R,B . Thompson

RF A Sir Percivale

gg

C.A. Mitchell D.J.M. Worthington L.M. Oates G.J. Knight P.S. Brown R.W . Brewer A . Redpath D.J. Moore M.J. McGee T. Wallace G. Bowie W.J . Auld G. King J .H. Shorter J .D. Ashworth D .K.G . Mark A.P. Fowler R.W. Treble

210 210TIA 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO IRO 2RO p Su2eon SL

-RFASi

eag

P.J. Lannin R. Robinson-Brown M.L. Tilbury S.O. Thompson R. Jackson J.A . Pearson N.C. Springer S.P. Piper D.H. Fellows M.O. Ambrose A .R. RyeMBE P.S. Walker B.W. Robinson G.M . Norsworthy L. O'Hanlon J.P.R. Cantillon R .S. Neave R.W . Duncan D.N. Critchley G. Graydon J.G. Burns M.R . Stephens K.W. Thomas D .J. Radcliffe S.T. D'Wh G.L.J. ite J. Maskery !.' Colbert Si~iialman· C OCook M.A. Walker POCookT/A R.A. Perry 2nd Cook J. Kerr AsstCook D.S. Kennard AsstCook I.J. Callicott PO Steward M.J. McAuliffe Steward R.A. Starks Steward A.B. Stephens Steward M.D. Chadwick Steward P.F. Stack Steward S. Temple Steward R .S. Daily Steward P.O. Kerry Steward A.F.C. Pipe Cl TIA 210 210 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO IRO 2RO 2RO SP AP Su2eon lL CPO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMMT/A Motorman Motorman CPOY'man

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

C/0 1/0 3/0 2EO 3EO 3EO 3EOT/A 4EO 4EO IRO SP SLO 2LO 2LO SREO STO(N) DSTO(N) Seaman PO Steward PO Steward CPOMM CPOMM POMM

RF A Resource

S.G. Pearce D .E. Wiles 1/0 C.G. Lineker S.J. Bunney 1/0 W. Kerr 210 3/0 I. H. Knight 3/0 H. Wri!\ht CEO A.D. S1lcock 2EO A.J. Grant 3EO R. Bowen 3EO M. Donovan S.V. Brown 3EO 3EO S. Kn~e 4EO A.F. othliff 4EOT/A P.N. Turner 4EO D.A. Wardell K.T. Sullivan JEO JEO G. Comport JEOT/A T.W . Hall JEOT/A A.B. Humphrey SRO J .A. Jennings R. Walsh lRO R .B . Nichols lRO 2RO B.H. Skidmore 2RO G.P. Swinnerton SP I.R . Thompson AP P.T. Murphy AP C.L. Martin H.M.G. Calow Su2eon A.J. Bond lL S. AJ!isoil 2LO C.M. Lambert Cadetr~ Cadet D E.G . Mackay T.W.Hall Cadet E~ A.D. Humphries Cadet E F. C. Jubber CPO~Carp) CPO D)T/A T. Donovan L.J. Holmes PO~D~ PO D R.E. Kirk Seaman K. Wilson Seaman N. MacArthur Seaman M.S. Gillett R.E. Wara Seaman Seaman N. Macarthur Seaman M.A. Western Seaman E.V. Yarwood Seaman S. Dale Seaman D .I. Jones Seaman S. Price Seaman F.R.C. Jones Seaman S. Davidson Seaman B.A. Clemance Seaman R. Newton J. Millar OM CPOMM L. Hingston POMMT/A R.J. Anderson POMM J .N.A. Nixon Motorman S. Causer Motorman S.M. Peters Motorman A. Clare Y'man (CPO) W.W. Fisher Signalman A Wright Signalman A.M. Smith Cook(CPO) M.E . Stribling 2nd Cook W.A. Ro nayne PO Steward G.T. Teale J.A. Ford PO Steward Steward A .D . Shewell Steward S.G. Bone Steward S.G. Glanfield

D .A . Reynolds I. McKie I.N . Pilling S.J. Norris I. Beaton B. Lazenbh R.G. Step ens I.W. Finlayson H. C. Mcintosh (Harrison)

210 3/0 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO lRO lRO p Su2eon lL

RF A Sir Caradoc

cag Cl TIA 210 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 3EO lRO p CPO Deck

J.E.H. Orchard W. Walworth M.J . Hanlon A.G. Whitty G.R. Axworthy R .S. Evans S.R. Kingston M.P. Cole S. Dawson B. Stocker R. Clennell

Seafarers Ashore

RFAHQ Chief Marine Superintendent (CMS) Marine Superintendent (MS)

Capt B.H. Rutterford Capt S. Redmond OBE Capt D. Lench Cag A.F. Pitt DSC Cl A . Bilney New Construction Officer Staff Officer ~Operational Standards) 110 D.I. Shennan 210 W.G. Tait Staff Officer CMS) C/O R.S . Jay Ratings Salary Liaison 1/0 P.C.G. Breeze Solas Project Capt J.B. Dickinson OBE Special Projects Staff Officer (Public Relations) & SRO F.R. Andrews Editor, GUNLINE 1/0 R.A. Jones Careers & Training Officer Dr J.A. Stainton-Ellis Principal Medical Adviser Chief Technical Superintendent (CTS) CEO A .C. Forster Technical Superintendent (TS) CEO J .A . Burt CEO G.M. Ogilvie CEO B.C. Davies CEO P.W . Goodman CEO M.D . Medlicott CEO G. Norcott CEO G.M. Williams CEO V. Nugent CEO P.C.M. Daniels CEPB.B. Hall CEOP. Otway 2EOR. Kirk Technical Staff Officer (TSO) 2EO T.G. Crozier 2EO W. McDermott 2EOP.W.G. Phasey SLO B.E. Finlay 4EO I. Orpe

Refit Staff Officer

Electronic Superintendent (ES) Deputy ES (DES) Senior Refit Liaison Off (SRLO) Refit Liaison Officer (RLO)

Electronic Support Purser Su~erintendent (PS) Deputy P (DPS) Purser Support (Computers) Purser Traming Officer Portland Staff RF A Officer to FOST (SRFAO I) SRFA02 SRFAEO Asst to RFA DEF WPNS Officer

Mounted Tiles For Sale

3EO M. Smeaton 3EO A. Berntzen CRO K. Henderson MBE SRO J . Harper lRO D. Garford lRO K. Morrison lRO G. Parsley lRO B.F.F. Knapp 2ROW.J. Ellis 2RO H. Spencer 2ROC. Smith CPM.Otway SPM.J. Mann SP A.S. Cooke SPR.J. Sim C/O C. Knapp 110 J. Hux.ey 2EOM. Billet lRO S. Tudor-Jones CPO Deck W.G. Collings BEM CPO Yeoman J.N. Brewer

Phoenix NBCD School 3EO D. Preston RFANBCDO HMS Collingwood RF A Staff Officer HMS Collingwood lRO M.J. Glanville Military Sealift Command, Washington DC 2EO P.J. Beer MSC Liaison Officer Bath CEO K. Lacy (DCTS) DGSR Planning

MANY readers will be unaware or have missed the opportunity to purchase the mounted tiles shown above. Exactly 100 were salvaged from the galley of RFA Sir Tristram when she was brought back to UK. These were cleaned and mounted by Tyne Shiprepair Ltd as a contribution towards the RF A Sir Galahad Lifeboat Appeal. A certificate to this effect, also shown, accompanies each tile. Mounted in an attractive hard wood surround they have a felt covered base and brass plate inscribed "RFA Sir Tristram Fitzroy 8th June 1982".

Photo by C. Stephens SSTO 75.

The tiles are heat resistant and make ideal tea of coffee pot stands, they could also be used as flower pot bases or as unique momentos of an historic event.

Originally on sale for £10 they are now available at £7 .50.

Cheques should be made out to "RFA/RNLI Sir Galahad Lifeboat Appeal" and forwarded to: The Editor, Room 504, Empress State Building, London, SW6 1TR. Although the lifeboat appeal has closed the fund will be credited for as long as the accounts remain open.

e

cag Cl TIA 210 3/0 3/0 CEO 2EO 3EO 4EO 4EO JEO JEO JEO lRO 2RO p lLO Cadet (D) Signalman Signalman

gg

K. Karle H.T. Daddy M.T.B. Flockhart J.R. Glenny V. Linskey J. Taylor J. Donaldson G. Woodward K. Hancock

iv

RF A Pearleaf

RF A Tidespring

Seaman Seaman Seaman Motorman Motorman PO Cook CookAsst Steward Steward

Bomb Alley Prints

Ar ch

L.R . Newton T.A . Hickmott J.M. O'Ferrall D.S. Simpson D . Webb B.E. Gaunt N.J . Osmond M. Clissold T.J .P. Savage B. Deller E .A . Wallace J.T. Olley G.W. Mason G.R. Thorrold L. Yabsley K.H . Heslop M.B. Wilkes T.A. MacKintosh O.C. Grainger D. Finch L.J. Penzer N.J . Jakes J .H. Challinor A .J. LecKey A.F.C. Pipe

S. Atkinson M.J. King L. McLaughlin J.W. Naylor D. Hollern B.P. McCarron W.A. Travis I.H.J. Matthews

n

C/0 210 3/0 2EO 3EO JEO JEO JEO lRO p lLO CPO Deck CPO Carp PO Deck Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman POMM Motorman Motorman PO Steward PO Steward Steward Steward

Steward Steward.

Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward Steward

tio

RF A Orangeleaf (Refit)

M.Keaty J .Chadwicke (Harrison) R.Milne (Harrison) G.Barnes M.A. Cunningham S.J. Young M.D. Evans M.S. Surcombe D.W. Tope D.O'R'Reilly (Harrison) P.D. Farrow lLO DSTO(N) S. Luke CPO Deck W. Fuller PO Deck J.F. Smith Seaman A.K . Doe Seaman B.E. Knowland Seaman T.Allan Seaman A. Hulks Seaman S.W. Stanbury A .N. Pawley Seaman Seaman M.J. Jordan POMM M.J . Wadham Motorman T. White CPOY'man R.M. Russell Signalman B.W. HaJe S.Smith Signalman CPO Cook C. G . Harris 2nd Cook M.K. Jack CookAsst M.B. Davies POASteward R. Coles POStwdT/A P.D. Chattaway Steward N. Sutton Steward S.D. Newsome N.J . Callow Steward

3EO 4EO 4EO SRO lRO IRA 2RO 2RO SPT/A SLO

THIS celebrated painting by Derek G. M. Gardner VRD RSMA, was specially commissioned by the Britannia Royal Naval College. It is now available as a high quality print measuring 8" x 16". The ships pictured are from, left to right, HMS Argonaut, RFA Fort Austin, RFA Regent, HMS Plymouth, MV Norwnd, HMS Intrepid, HMS Fearless, HMS A"ow, RF A Stromness and RF A Sir Lancelot.

The prints are available for £7.95 which includes post and packing.

Cheques should be payable to "The Central Fund, BRNC", and ordered from: The Captain, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 OIU.

Far East Fuel Team Commended

THE Director, Mr Tony Kemp, during a recent visit to the Far East presented an RFA plaque to Mr Malhavon Pillai (centre) on his retirement and an RFA tie to Mr Francis Xavier the senior member of the local staff.

RFA colleagues will remember the sterling work done by the Singapore Fuelling Team in the past, and many will be able to meet them again when GLOBAL 86 visits later this year.

Crossword Solution

\

8 GUNLINE Apri11986

Knight Takes Governor To South Georgia

YET another "Bdos" error occurs. Press "Return" and "CNTRL C" , put the CPM disk into drive "A" and don't mix the drive "B" disks! Its no good the thing keeps beeping. How can this ***** allotment be stopped! No need to panic. Telephone the Cooke House .

e

THE St Erme House Autistic Childrens Community have recently benefited from £1500 that has been raised mainly by the crew of RF'A Appleleaf. Bob Lowndes, the officer in charge of St Erme House, was amazed and extremely grateful for the gift that came out of the blue.

The money, raised in a number of ways, was achieved whilst the vessel was in the South Atlantic. Auctions and Horse Races were held with many on board either donating or participating in the events.

Contributions for the auction, all locally produced, came from Seaman D. Fordham for dog leads and key rings, 2nd Steward Peter Prowse for hanging baskets, Signalman Tim Walker for drawings of the ship, Chief Officer Peter Robinson for a water colour painting.

Even a bread roll was sold to Carpenter Peter Bass for £5. Seaman Mark Reeve, reportedly able to sell anything, was the auctioneer.

Two horse race meetings were held, one in the crews mess r()C)m and the other, complete with a barbecue, on the poop. Steward Terry Samways was the motivating force behind the highly popular events and it was be who suggested the money be . given to the Autistic Childrens Community.

Photo: Courtesy West Briton Argus Steward Terry Sam ways presents an Appleleaf crest to Bob Lowndes.

Charity Rock Walk

New Post Created

./

Photo: Slim Simpson, Gibraltar Chronicle RFA Bayleaf participated in a rC?un~ the rock charity walk during her Gibraltar refit. It was a fancy dress affazr m whtch Paul Monelly, dcsgucsed as a Purser, was sponsored by the ship for £140,the largest single cont~ibution raised by the event. The ship's accounts were checked by HQ staff immediately afterwards and II can be confirmed that tales of accounting shortages are unjustified rumours!

Radio Officers On Course By lRO Martyn Glanville, Course Officer

Radio Officers at HMS Collingwood: Back row: 2RO P. Headly, 2RO S. Nixon, 2RO C. Morris, 2RO M. Johnson, 2RO D. Routledge, 2RO G. LePage. Front Row: 2RO R. Hirnsby, 2RO G. Wilson, JRO M. Glanville (Course Officer) , 2RO P. Casson, 2RO A Brew.

Captain B. H. Rutterford

Appleleaf Crew Raise £1,500

Fr R om FA t h As e so ci a

My telephone rings , "Rentokill here, any bugs?" The caller tells a long involved story explaining that even a final "Head of Department" warning vehemently delivered to the computer has had no effect.

"Its OK," I say, "We've come across this problem before".

(Frequently a white lie but it reassures the caller). "Go to 'copy', call up this, and add in that andre do the other, then all will be OK." As the complicated routine is passed to him notes are taken.

"Ring me back and tell me how you get on" I ask.

This way, the solution can be used again - if it works! David Thorne, a Gresham's pro grammer, is then contacted and asked to find the problem PDQ and another programme amendment is issued.

The on board pay computer has had its teething troubles.

The majority of problems were due to program faults (Bugs) which only came to light when live operlJ.tion was initiated . The problems required many visits to the software house by Stephen Vickers or myself; usually after frantic ph,one calls from ships.

Re-writing a particular part of the program and sending out amendments was one thing, but sorting out the legacy that the bugs caused on board was another. Consequently many miles of motorway were consumed in giving a back-up service.

The program amendments, we are now on number 14, have cured the major problems and left only hie-ups and these are rapidly being cleared. The phone calls and ship visits are at last reducing.

All Pursers have been extremely helpful in identifying the problems by close monitoring of results. Without this vigilence many of the bugs would not have been identified so quickly. Within 11 months of the main implementation of the pay program it is 95 per cent bug. free. I'm assured this is an extremely short period compared with other Assisted Data Processing (ADP) projects.

The praise for this must lie with Stephen Vickers who had a hard slog arranging the finance , arguing for policy approvals, establishing the program requirements and installing the hard and soft ware on board ships. Stephen has now left the RFA and is using his ADP experience in the big outside world.

The "White Empire" are in agreement. The pay program is a life saver coming at a time when our workload is increasing daily.

When you are next in the Purser's office say hello to " Zen" sitting in the corner. Don't just ignore him , because as many Pursers know, he really does have a mind of his own.

Another circular letter relating to the carriage of wives on board has been despatched .recently. The privilege is being phased out altogether from 31 December 1987. Whilst this is probably an unpopular step it is by no means unexpected. Since 1982 it has become increasingly o bvious that the carriage of

wives, including service wives, is no longer appropriate.

The Terms of Reference for the operation of the Amenity Fund is well downstream. We have, however, met a slight snag in respect of the tax laws and charity status. Following a meeting with Revenue authorities in Cardiff the criteria necessary for a tax free status have been outlined and we are currently endeavouring to meet them.

iv

By A. S. Cooke, Senior Purser

hoc basis to check navigational systems and chart outfits etc. His terms of reference have been distributed by circular letter.

Ar ch

Computer Bugs

We are also looking at the possibility of producing an RFA calendar for 1987. Given a good response to the request for photographs and cartoons , samples will be distributed in good time for orders.

On more serious matters, First Officer David Shennan has joined the HQ team as Staff Officer (Operational Standards) David is a qualified PWO(N) and came top of his course last year. He will visit ships on an ad

n

Gordon Jewkes, Stanley to South since becoming wife, Joyce, and

The response to my request for constructive views on the RFA Ball has been very good.

My thanks to those who have responded. Most of the ideas put forward, I'm pleased to say, are along similar lines to my own.

We are presently in the process of canvassing a number of hotels in London with a view to finding the best package deal.

One hotel, belonging to a nationwide chain, looks particularly promising. I am also keen on the idea of moving the venue round the country.

Regretfully a number of last year's Christmas cards remain unsold ; this is in spite of reducing the numbers printed from the previous year. We have thus been left with a stock which we will sell at a reduced price this year.

Captain's · Rounds

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His Excellency the Governor of the Falklands, Mr recently travelled on board RFA Sir Bedivere from Georgia it was his first visit to South Georgia Governor last September. He is seen here with his Captain Peter Taylor of Sir Bedivere.

THE RFA Annual Goif Tournament has been booked for July 7 at Waterlooville. A letter detailing the event is being despatched. Captain A. F. Pitt will be this year's chairman and he will be introducing a number of interesting sidelines.

HMS Collingwood's Long Course for Radio Officers, the last in the present series, commenced in January and is due to complete on June 27.

After being met by the Training Officer, Lt.Cdr Colin James RN, the 10 2ROs who comprise RFA 26 quickly found their stride and have already completed the Radio and Telecommunication section.

Apart from electronics, they are already able to boast a formi dable five-a-side football team and subject to successful medicals four are hoping to try their hand at diving. Another group have decided enough is enough and are trying to arrange a parachute jump.

The new Long Course is currently under design and will commence in 1987. It is expected that many Radio Officers will then return to Collingwood for a second spell.

Eight Deck Officers are also being trained for Explosive

Safety Officer duties, a course that has been specially designed to meet the growing requirement for such officers at sea.

For the first time six 4EOs have recently commenced a Collingwood ·weapon maintenance course, the highlight of which was a day spent at HMS Cambridge witnessing 20 and 30mm BMARC firings.

Unusually Radio, Deck and Engineering Officers have simultaneously attended different courses at HMS Collingwood and with a total of 25 Officers the Wardroom has had a distinct RFA influence!

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DR Tony Stainton Ellis has recently joined the HQ team in the newly created post of Principal Medical Adviser. His duties will include overseeing the RFA adoption of the Royal Navy system of medical record control. This will ensure medical confidentiality is maintained and provide continuity in the recordmg of illnesses, injuries and treatment.

Besides acting as a reference point for ships that may or may not carry a surgeon, he will also form a close liaison with vessels about to undertake Basic Operational Sea Training (BOST).

This will ensure the medical requirements of Portland are met.

The post is intended to increase the spread of first aid training and to improve the standard of medical administration, training and performance· throughout the Fleet.

Tailpiece No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the misfortune is to do it solemnly.