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NEWS 2005

HMS PETERSHAM

Has anyone got a photograph of HMS PETERSHAM, either as an RN vessel or when she was transferred to the French Navy and renamed 'CAPUCINE' (M782)

If you have, could you send a large scanned copy to the website ?

Many thanks in advance.

Rik

SITE UPDATE

The website will be undergoing some well needed updates in the next few weeks. To start with, the individual ship pages of each 'ton' have been (mostly) updated with some new photo's. Particularly 'PACKINGTON' (to show her latest guises)

COLOUR photo's are desperately needed (just in case you are sitting on one or two). Slides are most welcome !!

The 'HAM, LEY & FORD' pages are also due for a makeover, as are the 'FITTLETON STORY', HATCHED/DISPATCHED and SHIPS COMPANY pages.

If there is anything you want to see added/subtracted from the site, let me know. Apologies in advance if the site appears down when you visit.

Rik

WEATHER WARNING

Just a reminder to all those who live near the sea during this cold spell we're having. DON'T PARK ON THE SEA FRONT !!!

Rik

HELP REQUIRED

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Karen Burnell and I am a postgraduate research student at the University of Southampton. Currently, I am researching the long term impact of war memories throughout the lifespan, and the role that social support plays in reconciling these memories. I am hoping to conduct interviews with former serving veterans of conflicts ranging from WWII through to the 1st Gulf War.

My reason for contacting you is to ask if you could publicise this study amongst members of your association.

Many people who do this sort of research really enjoy talking about their recollections, and all their personal details will, of course be kept confidential.

My contact details are as follows; please feel free to contact me if you require further information.

Postal Address:
Karen Burnell
School of Psychology
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Telephone Number: 02380 595 108

Email Address: kjb103@soton.ac.uk

Karen BURNELL

MEMORABILIA

I recently visited the village of Bildeston (Suffolk) and was in the right place at the right time. Apparently, the above picture was being removed from the Crown Inn on the High Street and they didn't really know what to do with it. I jokingly said that I would have it and that is what happened. It has obviously taken a long time to create. Lead has been shaped on to the glass then the glass areas have been painted. To be honest, I am glad I rescued it but now I don't quite know what it's future should be. It is in safe storage but I feel it should be displayed somewhere. As for the history, I would be very glad to know anything about its creator and his/her purpose.

Colin NICHOL

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for January seemed to have you all stumped except one person. The ship in question was HMS............

BIGLIERI. Built by the Italians and called G. BIGLIERI, she was salved at Massawa and commissioned into the RN from 1942 until 1946. The winner and only correct answer was Dave WILKINSON.

Rik

HMS ABBOTSHAM

This is a message to whoever keeps looking for the 'BLACK ABBOT' on our search engine. Are you the current owner ? Do you know where she is ? Last I heard a couple of years ago, from the, then, current owner, is that she is abroad somewhere in Europe, sailing under the name 'Black Abbot'. i was promised a photo of her but have not heard anything since. If you are he/she, then please send me an email so we can update our files and publicise her to the full.

Rik

FUNNEL BADGES

Page updated

Rik

PHOTO'S WANTED

Having received a decent quantity of 'Ton' photographs of late, both to myself, Chris Hales and Bob Dean, I am now concentrating on the Hams, Leys and particularly SDB's to improve the site. If you have ANY photo's of these classes of ship, especially the 'Ford' class SDB's, and are able to scan them (or send by post) I would be eternally grateful.

The SDB collection is very sparse, and as our late founder Jack Worth encouraged their inclusion on the site, I would like to bring it up to scratch. All pix sent via the postman will be returned ASAP. Your help would be extremely welcome.

Thanks.

Rik

LIMITED EDITION PRINT

If anyone is after one of these Limited Edition prints of HMS BRONINGTON by Tom Liddell, there is one for sale on eBay for a starting bid of �9.99. Alternatively you can purchase it now for �15.99. Please click on this LINK to view.

Rik

SPRING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Spring Committee Meeting was held at the Home Club, Portsmouth over the weekend of the 12/13 March, and as part of that, two visits were arranged. One was to HMS MIDDLETON and the other was to see the Mine Warfare Training Unit at HMS COLLINGWOOD (see picture above).

Both visits went very well.

Many thanks to all those at Collingwood and also to Lt Cdr David Lintern RN and ship's company of HMS Middleton.

For more photo's of the Collingwood visit check out the MCDOA website.

Rik

'THE LAST REMAINING TONS'

Page updated

Rik

INTERNET SPEED UPGRADE

For any of you using NTL BROADBAND, you should qualify to upgrade for FREE !!!

Follow this link. http://www.ntlworld.com/data-feeds/editorial/microsites/tierMigration/

I did it this afternoon, and I now have a broadband connection of 2MBPS instead of 750KBPS (1.5 times faster)

Price is �24.99/month. Just the same as the original connection. Speed is excellent.

Rik

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for February was HMS LEOPARD following the collision with South African Navy midshipmans training minesweeper Pietermaritzberg, (ex RN Algerine minesweeper Pelorus). July 27th 1963.

The winner of the 10th Anniversary print is Kim STYLES. Please send me your address, Kim, so that I can pass it on to SLOPS.

Other correct entries were from Dave WILKINSON, Barry GERRARD & John CRANHAM

Rik

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The funeral of 'Rab' ELLIOT will take place at Warriston Crematorium, Warriston Road, Edinburgh on Tuesday 3rd May at 13:00.

Rabs wife Betty, has asked us to express her appreciation, and that of the family, for all the cards and letters of sympathy they have received.

By request there will only be flowers from the family, but a collection is to be made in aid of the RNLI. All donations to be forwarded to and in the name of Mrs Elliot, who will make one cheque out to the charity chosen by the family. For further information contact Bob Dean via email.

CROSSED THE BAR

Robert 'Rab' ELLIOT

It is with sorrow that we announce the 'Crossing of the Bar' of Robert (Rab) Elliot.

Rab, a long standing member of the TCA, was the Lothian Representative of the TCA for many years. He will be remembered for the many successful dances and social events he organised north of the border. The Ton Class Welfare Fund benefited from many of these occasions.

Rab served on many Tons, either as an AB RN or Petty Officer whilst in the RNR, such as HM Ships BELTON, BILDESTON, BRERETON, KEDLESTON, KILLIECRANKIE and KIRKLISTON.

He will be sadly missed and our condolences go to his wife betty and family.

Rik

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for March was 'VOID'

The winner of the TCA Mouse mat is: (Continued on to this month due to a computer failure that I had no control over). I apologise for this, but I lost all the correct answers when my machine decided it didn't like Microsoft's SP2 update.

Everything is now running smoothly (I hope!!) so please re-submit your answers again, if you previously tried your luck.

Sorry for the inconvenience but Microsoft are a world unto themselves and, obviously, don't care for us little folk !!

Rik

THE 'LAST TONS' PAGE UPDATED

Now showing all the remaining 'tons' currently afloat.

Rik

KELLINGTON PLIGHT

I'm the ships Liaison Officer for the Ton Class Association and I have just received this e-mail from one of the instructors, Kieran Prentice.
It doesn't look good for the Kellington.

'Hi Dave
I've got some bad news regarding the Special K. We have had our Area Health & Safety officer down to inspect the ship. He has cancelled all activities for both cadets and adults with immediate effect on the vessel over serious safety concerns. We are still waiting for his full report, but it doesn't look good. The kind of capital needed to rectify the problems would more than likely stretch to over �100,000 and it would need a dedicated project manager to oversee as we simply don't have the time or resources to manage a project this big. We are in the process of contacting our local council to obtain help and we are looking at other avenues, but we are looking for a miracle I think. Our options appear to be A: get help or B: sell/scrap vessel.

As you can imagine, we are all upset, especially the cadets. Its such a shame we didn't get enough support from the council before (the open day) as I feel its going to be much harder to raise support now that we are no longer on the vessel.

Rest assured, if the worst happens, as much items of interest will be recovered from the vessel and put to good use. Ive already spoken to Bob James of the Iveston and asked him to create a list of parts/items he may need.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact either myself, or Mary. I will let her know you've been in touch.

Again, many thanks,

Kieran'

Dave TENNICK

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for March/April was HMAS MELBOURNE (Ex - HMS MAJESTIC)

The winner of the TCA Mouse mat is: Bruce BAKER.

Bruce, please send me your mailing address so that I can pass it on to 'SLOPS' for posting.

Rik

SHIPS COMPANY PHOTO PAGE UPDATED

Thee are a few new photo's of Ships Companies throughout the years updated on the relevant pages. they have been highlighted in RED. If there is anyone in possession of a photo that doesn't appear and would be happy to scan it/loan it, please get in touch using the link below.

Thanks.

Rik

CELEBRATION FOR TRAFALGAR - 200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Dear Ship mates,

I served in Hong Kong on the late HMS Wolverton in 1975 � 1976, followed by a further 18 months in PCG in HMS Vernon. I have now settled in Bracknell and joined the local RNA. Hence the reason for this email:

The Bracknell Royal Naval Association (RNA) is proud to announce they will be managing an event to celebrate this occasion. The �Celebration for Trafalgar� will be held in Bracknell, Berkshire. England on 4^th September 2005, the celebration is planned to be an event of epic proportion. The local press and media will be invited to cover the event throughout the day. We would like to extend an invitation to any of your ship mates who may be in the area at the time of the event, we are only 12 miles from Windsor Castle, home of our Queen � we are practically in her back yard. Tickets for the event will go on sale from 1^st May 2005 and further details can be found at www.bracknellrna.co.uk , please leave a message. It is our intention to make the event a memorable one and extend the hand of friendship in all directions across the sea.

Our celebration will involve a gathering of Royal Naval Associations and Royal British Legions the South of England and Thames Valley. An open air prayer service and parade march with supporting military bands will be received by a high ranking official (to be confirmed) The parade will then be preceded by a tribute to Lord Horatio Nelson and a Trafalgar Remembrance involving arena demonstrations , a truly a memorable event.

Yours Sincerely

Mr Paul Bidwell � Ex Petty Officer Marine Engineer

Bracknell RNA - Event Project Manager

www.bracknellrna.co.uk

JUSTICE AT LAST !!

I know this is not strictly navy-related, or even politically correct, but I'm sure that all of you who have children or Grandchildren will have been driven out of your minds by the antics of the 'Crazy Frog', his ring-tone and the accompanying adverts. Well an old oppo of mine, from my time on 'Hubberston', sent me this pic today, and it sums up the feelings of us all, I think......................

Rik

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for May was 'RFA SIR LAMORAK'

The winner of the 'TCA' Mouse mat is: Allan ROBERTSON.

Allan, please send me your mailing address so that I can pass it on to 'SLOPS' for posting. Other correct entries were received from Barry GERRARD, Pete BARRIE, Dave TENNICK, Kevin FORAN, Rob HOOLE, Michael SMITH, Dave WILKINSON & Chris HALES.

Rik

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN

Several years ago, two of your members attended Upton upon Severn's Annual Town Meeting and presented our Mayor with two pictures of HMS Upton. These pictures now hang in the Council Chamber in the Memorial Hall.

On 26th July, Upton upon Severn is being judged in the 'Heart of England in Bloom' annual competition.

The route we have planned for the judges includes the Memorial Hall, where we will be serving coffee and showing our portfolio and the various commemorative pictures and memorabilia to them.

Following this, after a tour of the town, we will take the judges to the Old Churchyard, our local landmark, where we are developing a display to commemorate Dunkirk. In the Churchyard is a bust and plaque commemorating Admiral Sir William Tennant, who was born of an Upton family. This can be seen from the History index at www.upton.uk.net.

I know it is short notice, but if a couple of your members would like to attend in the Memorial Hall, on 26th July, to meet the judges and perhaps talk about HMS Upton, we would love to see you there.

Regards

Jackie Surtees

TRAFALGAR 200

A panoramic view of all the ships that took part in the recent 'Spithead Review'. Just click the photo to view.

Webmaster

LONDON, 7th JULY 2005

My thoughts go out to all Londoners, and especially to TCA members and their families who may have been directly impacted by today's heinous terrorist attacks in London.

Best wishes to all.
Les Figg (Australian/US Citizen)

CRAZY FROG - UPDATE.

After last months post about the dreaded 'Crazy Frog' ringtone, TCA member, Stan HUDSON, has written a little ditty about him.

Oh Froggy Froggy what have they done

Swept up by a passing Ton

They pulled yer plonker and pulled yer tail

Then hung yer up on a rusty nail

No more songs and no more squeak

Alas we'll never hear you speak

No more dinga dings and no more weezzzzzzz

Just this rope that's beginning to squeeze

So farewell dear Froggy go sit on yer cloud

It will serve yer right for being so loud

It could be worst though I could still send you

To the cafe next door where 'Frogs legs' on the menu

This way is quick and painless they say

The sentence was passed, hang him today

Let's hear a last dinga ding, just one for luck

But I bet your last words will be Oh F......!

din din dinga dinga dinga din weeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Stan Hudson

AUSTRALIA CALLING

Check out the website of the '16th Minesweeper Squadron' and their first reunion for 40 years. It's full of interesting information & photo's of our Australian cousins, and what they got up to upon receipt of their allocation of 'Tons'.

Many thanks to Les FIGG for the link.

http://www.geocities.com/sixteenthnavalsquadaus/index.html

Rik

TRAFALGAR 200

To commemorate this special event, the TCA commissioned a painting (by our own Tony Standish) showing the most famous 'wooden wall' together with one of our most famous 'wooden walls'

This painting is of outstanding quality, as I'm sure you'll agree, and one of our members even suggested that, if you squint your eyes, you can imagine that 'VICTORY' is actually under tow.....................................

The painting is entitled 'HEARTS OF OAK'

Rik

INTERNATIONAL DRUMHEAD CEREMONY - TRAFALGAR 200

The TCA were invited to supply a stand at the IDC on Southsea Common, on Wednesday (28 June 05). Below are some of the photo's, taken by Rob Hoole, of Bob Dean & Co being totally overworked.........

Rik

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for June was 'HMS GLENEARN'

The winner of the 'TCA' Mouse mat/Anniversary print is: 'Snowy' FOWLER.

Snowy, please send me your mailing address (and preference of prize) so that I can pass it on to 'SLOPS' for posting. Other correct entries were received from only Pete BARRIE (after a few attempts), Rob HOOLE (after even more attempts), & Dave WILKINSON (first time guess - Clever dick !!!). Thanks to all those who have had a go. I promise to make this months easier (NOT !!)

Rik

HMS SHRIVENHAM

Here are a couple of photo's of the IMS, HMS SHRIVENHAM, as she is today. The home of Rachel Witchy and her family for the last 10+ years.

Rachel is trying to find an early shot of SHRIVENHAM, so if anyone can help, it would be most appreciated.

Webmaster

IFOS 'TON' MODELS

Chris Hales, our Ton Talk editor managed to photograph some excellent models during his visit to the International Festival of the Sea, last month. Here are the results. (Click on the pic to enlarge).

Webmaster

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION

The Mystery Ship for July was 'HMS DARK GLADIATOR'

The winner of the 'TCA' Mouse mat/Anniversary print is: Stuart JOHNSON.

Stuart, will pass your details to 'SLOPS' for posting. Can you let me/George know which prize you want ? Other correct entries were received from Pete BARRIE, Rob HOOLE, Dave WILKINSON, Dave TENNICK & Mike SMITH. Thanks to all those who have had a go.

Webmaster

SEPTEMBER 2005

THE GOOD OL' US NAVY AT THEIR BEST !!!

Click on the above Windows Media File (2.5 meg) to view.

(The ship used looks like a 'type' 42 destroyer ???

SHIPS VISIT

A selected few TCA members will visit HMS RAMSEY, at Portsmouth, on 15 September. The visit has been arranged by her new Commanding Officer, TCA Member Martin Mackey.

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION WINNER - AUGUST

Last month's winner was Pete BARRIE, who was the only person to guess correctly. The ship was HMS REDSTART. Pete, do you want a mousemat ?

NEW WEBSITE LAYOUT

As you can see, our site has had a major overhaul. After 6 years, it's was time to give it a re-vamp and, as luck would have it, the Royal Navy were distributing a web design CD to come into line with the DPR(N)'s recommended RN Corporate Identity criteria. (Branding). The site will be streamlined to improve loading times and made more user-friendly. Over the next few weeks the site will gradually be upgraded, but until then it will appear inconsistent and not all the functions will work properly. I apologise in advance for the disruption (and the early posting for September - Have to test everything 'online' to make sure it works !!), but please bear with me. If you find a broken link, please let me know so that I can fix it. If there was anything you particularly like about the previous website, also, let me know, and I'll try to incorporate them into the new one. I've tried to keep our sites unique identity, whilst conforming to the Navy's request for uniformity. So, as you browse through these pages, you'll see snippets of our old site subtly merged into the new design.

OCTOBER 2005

HMS KELLINGTON - UPDATE

There is no further news of her plight, but received a photograph of her, from Brian Hargreaves. It's dated 19th October 2005, and it shows her in a very, very sorry state, indeed.

TCA MEMBERS WITNESS HISTORY-IN-THE-MAKING

Last Wednesday (12th), a small band of our Members were witness to the last ever conventional sweep from a minesweeper to be carried out in the RN.

The weekend prior to this began with an email from Bob Dean stating that something special was being arranged at short notice, but he couldn't be more specific.

By Monday afternoon the details were rushed through & we (TCA) had been invited by the Captain of HMS LEDBURY (Lt Cdr Rob WILSON), to be present onboard his ship to see a stern sweep carried out for the last time. The traditional method of sweeping was being made redundant by the RN, and LEDBURY had been given that distinctive honour.

After a lot of short-notice arrangements for time off were put in place etc, Eight of us arrived at Unicorn gate, Pompey (0700) & met by the ships 'Bosun'.

We sailed at 0805 (in company with MIDDLETON) and headed out of the harbour for the South East end of the IOW, carrying out 'OOW' Manoeuvres with BANGOR along the way.

I (webmaster) had arranged for an 'Oppo' to photograph us as we left harbour and he did a splendid job. (see pic)

The weather turned nasty around lunchtime, but our dedicated band stuck it out (although soaked to the skin !!) and we watched with bags of enthusiasm & much nostalgia, as the Ships Company (S/C) & the MW trainees put out the TAG (Towed Acoustic Generator) and loop, along with a Port 'single O' minus cutters.

Throughout the day we were given a free hand to go & do what we wanted, and the S/C were more than helpful in answering any questions put to them.

The highlight of the day was for Sam COOK, who couldn't quite believe he was on a sweeper, sweeping after 20 years in retirement, having spent 25 years doing the job previously. He was invited to join the crew on the sweepdeck (after sneaking closer and Closer & CLOSER !!!) They even gave him an RN foul weather jacket to wear....

On arrival back in Pompey that evening, we were all invited to the Wardroom for 'Up Spirits' and to spin a few 'dits'.

Hopefully the 'Skipper and the PO(MW), who admitted to being ex-'tonners' will join our happy band in the near future.

Bob presented the Captain with one of our plaques and we all made our merry way home around 1830.

On behalf of the TCA, I'd like to thank the Captain & crew for a truly memorable day out, that will be very hard to surpass in years to come. BZ

(Pix by Steve Wright & Webmaster))

NORTHERN IRELAND SQUADRON PAYS OFF

The three 'HUNT' class sweepers of the 'NI Squadron' paid off at Portsmouth on Wednesday 28th September. HM Ships BRECON, COTTESMORE & DULVERTON sailed into Pompey knowing they were to be the last, ever, ships of the Squadron as it has been retired in accordance with the demilitarisation & disbandment of the IRA.

(Pix by Steve Wright & Rob Hoole)

SHIPS VISIT (UPDATE)

A small band of TCA members ( Chris Green, Mike Bran, Dave Payne, Mike Chamberlain, Peter Ede, Jack Roberts, Bob Dean, Rob Hoole, Peter Kauffman, Chris Hales & Barry Barnes) visited HMS RAMSEY, at Portsmouth, on 15 September, courtesy of their skipper, TCA Member, Martin Mackey. By all accounts a really great day was had by all and the professionalism and Courtesy shown by the Ships Company is to be highly recommended.

(Pix courtesy of TCA member, Rob Hoole)

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION WINNER - SEPTEMBER

Last month's winner was Chris HALES, who correctly identified the former 'River' class escort sloop, HMS WINDRUSH. Other correct answers were received from John PERRIN & Barry GERRARD.

NOVEMBER 2005

PACKINGTON - URGENT HELP REQUIRED

HMS PACKINGTON has been sold !! She has been bought by a businessman in the UAE who plans to convert her to a luxury yacht. The main stumbling block is getting the ship from Malta to Dubai. Her current owner, Ian Creed, has therefore asked if the TCA can help. He is looking for an engineer who knows all there is to know about 'Deltics', as one of the engines is in need of repair. Also someone who knows how to strip down a Foden generator and re-build it. He has offered an All-Expenses trip out to Malta, to the two lucky volunteers, and back again from Dubai. Plus the fabulous transit trip onboard the ship.

The ship hopes to sail on 1 December and the crew to fly back on 23 December.

If you think you can help, and are available for these dates, please contact the website as soon as possible.

CROSSED THE BAR - UPDATE

25/11/05

TCA Member Cliff Newsham died earlier this week. Cliff had been ill for some time and passed away at a nursing home he had recently been moved to. He served aboard HMS FISKERTON between 1959 -60 before joining HMS LOCHINVAR for a further year.

The funeral will take place at Weymouth Crematorium on Wednesday 30 November at 13:45. All donations to the RNLI.

WILTON UPDATE

Latest photograph of how she looks, all shipshape and freshly painted.

(Pic kindly supplied by Danny Lovell)

NEW LINKS

HMS RAMSEY - Lt Cdr Martin MACKEY

HMS LEDBURY - Lt Cdr Rob WILSON

SOUND EFFECTS

As requested by some members, the 'WAVES' sound effect has been re-added to the new site.

PACKINGTON UPDATE

The owner of the former HMS PACKINGTON used in the movie 'A LIFE AQUATIC', has been in contact this week. He is looking to sell her, as the costs of keeping her afloat are increasing daily. He has even suggested at scrapping her, and as such, has asked as to the aluminium content contained within the ship.

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION WINNER - NOVEMBER

Last month's winner was Peter J. GREEN, who correctly identified the ship as HMS BIARRITZ. An auxiliary minelayer and ex - Cross Channel ferry on the Newhaven - Dieppe route. Other correct answers were received from Rob HOOLE & Pete BARRIE.

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DECEMBER 2005

CHRISTMAS DAY

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR to all members of the TCA, as well as those who surf this site on an occasional basis, who are not members.

Happy Holidays !!

TCA HONORARY MEMBER

Henry Allingham, who lives in Eastbourne in East Sussex, is thought to be one of about only 20 surviving servicemen from World War I.

He served at Ypres and at the Somme and was awarded France's highest military honour in 2003, in addition to various medals awarded by his own country.

Members of the TCA met Henry at this years Remembrance Sunday parade in Whitehall. During a conversation with him it was found that Henry had taken part in mine clearance during his naval service and had invented a small device that aided the rendering safe of magnetic mines.
A decision was made that Henry be invited to become an Honorary Member of the Ton Class Association because of his association with mines. This he readily accepted.

TCA member Gerry Oliver was asked to organise a presentation of a framed certificate to Henry. Worthing Town Council heard about this and offered to put on a lunch in the Mayor�s Parlour for Henry and a few invited guests. A joint presentation involving the Mayor and Gerry Oliver took place on Friday 2nd December.

Mr Allingham's wife died 35 years ago and he has also outlived his two daughters, who both died in their 80s.

Mr Allingham grew up in Clapton, east London, and volunteered for service at the age of 18 when World War I started in 1914.

He trained as a mechanic and was sent to the Western Front where he carried out vital repairs to aircraft which became essential to the war effort, such as the Sopwith Camel.

He can remember his father dying when he was about 15 months old and the funeral of Queen Victoria in 1901 - when he was five.

Asked for the secret behind living to such an old age, he said: "I don't know if there is a secret, but keeping within your capacity is vital.

"I've had two major breakdowns, one during the war and one after but both when I was trying to do the work of three men.

"The trick is to look after yourself and always know your limitations."

France awarded Mr Allingham the Legion d'Honneur in 2003, for his part in the war in that country.

PACKINGTON - UPDATE 4

'MV JENNY-MILLIE' (Her new name) sailed from Cassars Shipyard, Marsa Creek, Malta on Friday 9th December amidst a torrential rainstorm. The story behind her sailing reads like a 'Greek Tragedy', but I hope to publish her account in the next few days. Suffice to say, she finally did leave Malta for Suez, and hopefully on to Dubai. Unfortunately without myself onboard !! Watch this space for more updates. (It took me 9 hours to get home from Malta last night and am a bit tired !!!!!!!)

Webmaster

PACKINGTON - UPDATE 3

HMS PACKINGTON/MV BELAFONTE will hopefully sail from Malta to Dubai, via the Suez Canal, on Wednesday 7th December. No-one has come forward to assist in helping repair one of the engines, or the 'Genny', so it's likely she'll sail on one engine only. Ian Creed (her owner) has been in touch with me all week and, all being well, I'll join the crew of 10 for the transit from Malta through the Canal to 'Port of Suez'. it is estimated that it'll be a 6 day journey. There are still a lot of obstacles to overcome before I can get there, one being a visit to the Egyptian Consulate, in London, on Monday for a Visa. Another is a 'jolly' to Newport, Gwent tomorrow to get my passport renewed as it only has 4 months remaining and the Egyptian Authorities require at least 6 months to obtain said Visa !!! Hopefully, it'll all go smoothly and I'll fly out of Heathrow for Malta on Tuesday.

Will give you a full 'sitrep' when I get back. Needless to say, the website will not be updated for a couple of weeks.

Anything connected with the website that requires urgent attention should be directed to Bob Dean.

Bobdean@tonclass.freeserve.co.uk

Incidentally, the photo above is a 'still' taken from the movie 'A LIFE AQUATIC'

MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION WINNER - NOVEMBER

Last month's winner was Rob HOOLE, who correctly identified the ship as former IMS, HMS NEASHAM. Other correct answers were received from John CRANHAM, Dave MICHIE & Vic LANGLEY.

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