DODGY DIVERS - By Billy Graham

In 1978, three "slightly oiled", AB Clearance Divers from the Bossington, "attacked a German vessel " in Wilhelmshaven (if memory serves me well), after the German ship won the 'Cock' Trophy for best boat of the NATO Squadron. (STANAVFORCHAN)

Armed with pots of paint and '2 inch' brushes, they carried out  a night attack, past the armed patrolling German sentries and the other vessels of the squadron, to their quarry where they painted a few suitable epitaphs and witticisms on the ships side.  

At sea, two days later, the squadron received a signal asking who was responsible. Our POCD1, Buster (Heart attack) Brown, asked if we were responsible.  In true Naval tradition we said "NO !"  All was well until we had
to go diving during mine hunting operations.  This was when we discovered that paint is oil- based and that oil (and paint) floats on the surface of the water and onto our drybags.....oops!!