THE CRICHTON RUN - By L/CK Simon (Vera) CRUSE

Whilst being part of the Fish Squadron in 1980, HMS CRICHTON went into refit in the basin at Rosyth. After several boring months in a floating dock, the time came to store up and prepare for duty once more.

But as it would soon transpire, Rosyth 'Dockies' had other ideas.

We proceeded out of the lock with the cox'n on the wheel (Lower wheelhouse), L/CK Dave Goff on the port telegraph and yours truly on the starboard telegraph. We sailed down the river until, just before the bridges, we turned round to head back alongside.

All proceeded well until, as we entered the sweeper basin on final approach to Centre Jetty, the skipper rang 'HALF AHEAD BOTH',  giving us a quick boost towards the jetty after the turn. He then rang 'STOP'. I spun the telegraph to the correct position, but instantly knew something was wrong as the stiffness disappeared. I spun the handle back and forth and said "Something's up with this, it's not working." The Cox'n (RPO) then promptly started hitting me on the head and telling me not to turn the handle as I tried to explain the problem.

The ship continued at 'Half Ahead' towards the jetty where Captain and Commander FISH, plus a gaggle of other Officers awaited us. At the sight of us approaching them  'AT A GREAT RATE OF KNOTS' they started to back away slowly before suddenly turning and running for their lives.

Luckily the message over the tannoy to go FULL ASTERN was heard by the Chief Engineer who dived into the MCR to give the order.

We hit the jetty with a relatively large bang but not much damage was caused. For my part I was vindicated from any wrongdoing by the admission of the 'Dockies' that they hadn't properly connected the rods, but not before my keel-hauling had been suggested.

But still, the most vivid image for me was that of all the 'SCRAMBLED EGG' running away from us on the jetty like frightened rats.