RAOC Gazette - page 154
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1983 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1983 |
| Late date | 1983 |
| Transcription |
EXERCISE SILVER HAWK HMSTY 'BRITISH SOLDIER' IN THE ATLANTIC AN ACCOUNT OF T H E EVENTFUL FINAL LEG OF T H E EXERCISE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC By MAJOR ANDREW BYLES CURRENTLY SERVING AS S02 SUP HQ 2 INFANTRY DIVISION, YORK SOME years ago I was aboard the thirty five foot ketch 'Sylvester' bound for Simonstown, South Africa, via the Cape of Good Hope. When only a few miles short of the Cape, the yacht became in danger of losing her mast due to faulty rigging. With no engine and drifting towards the rocks off Cape Town, she had to be rescued by the South African Coastguard. Having failed to round the Cape, I was therefore delighted to be given the opportunity of joining ' British Soldier' on the final leg twelve of Exercise Silver Hawk, sailing from Boston, USA, to Gosport. The exercise, to commemorate the twenty fifth anniversary of the Army Air Corps, had comprised the yacht sailing out to the Caribbean and up the East Coast of America to Boston where we, the new crew, met her. The story of the voyage is told in ship's log form, preceded by a brief explanation of the watch system for the uninitiated: (Old salts please skip on.) Watches. The crew was split into two groups, the Port and Starboard Watches, each running the yacht alternately. I was a member of the Port Watch. The crew numbered twelve men, but with the Skipper and Mate not taking watches. Mother Watch. The term given to the twenty four hour period when one member from each of the two watches does all the cooking, cleans the ship and generally looks after things below. I always shared ' Mother' with Private Mark Kellard, the only other RAOC crew member, currently serving at Deepcut Dog Watches. The 1600 to 1800 hours and 1800 to 2000 hours watches in which ' light alcoholic refreshment' is permissible and both watches actually meet and talk to each other again, instead of the mutual bleary-eyed grunting and swearing which occurs at other watch changeovers. The other watches are:—First—2000 to 2359 hours; Middle —2359 to 0400 hours (nicknamed the " Graveyard"); Morning—0400 to 0800 hours; Forenoon—0800 to 1200 hours; Afternoon—1200 to 1600 hours. FRIDAY 22ND APRIL 1983—BOSTON OUR first full day on board. Any jet lag now forgotten amid the bustle and activity of preparation. As Bosun, checked out sails, noting those needing repair. ' British Soldier' becoming lower and lower in the water as our victuals are brought on. Visited by Sir Oliver Wright, British Ambassador to the USA, and chatted in forepeak over a temperamental sewing machine. • Much appreciated his time spent with us. After hard day's work, whole crew ashore to ' No Name' fish restaurant in the heart of Boston's dockland for Clam Chowder and other fishy delights. SATURDAY 23RD APRIL—BOSTON ANOTHER victualling and preparation day. Threw farewell thank you party aboard for all those who had helped us in Boston—most successful. Crew then ashore for a last dough- nut in ' Dunkin' Donuts' around the corner to absorb any surplus beer! SUNDAY 24TH APRIL—BOSTON DEPARTURE DAY. Much frantic activity. Weather dreadful —rain, wind and mist—but we will see what it is like out at sea. Many braved the weather to see us off and it was with a lump in the throat that we slipped at 1100 hours. Dipped the ensign in salute as we went Motored out through the North Channel where conditions were worsening. Forecast gave winds of force 11 Easterly which put us on a dangerous lee shore, with a West running tide. With sea-room these conditions would be manageable, but without it only the foolhardy would venture. With discretion being much the better part of valour, the Skipper wisely decided to dine once more at ' Dunkin' Donuts.' Disappointed, but with no misgivings, we turned back. Into harbour watches for the night, but we did enjoy our donuts! " 'Tis a grand life at sea." Major Byles at the helm of British Soldier, with Eddie, ' Mr Sparks,' on the left. MONDAY 25TH APRIL—BOSTON—DAY I BAROMETER lowed at nine hundred and seventy six millibars but weather now better. Severe gale never materialized here. Again at 1100 hours, with those same brave followers waving, we repeated yesterday's departure. Once out of North Channel we set course of ninety degrees True. Wind South force three with fair sea swell. Started ' Mother Watch ' at 2000 hours—not a happy prospect in this swell before claiming one's sea legs! TUESDAY 26TH APRIL—DAY 2 PREPARE BREAKFAST, the worst one possible—fried eggs, sausages and bacon. Why can't mariners be content with Weetabix? ! Panic with the ' pomm' at supper—ran out of it. Served ' pomm soup' in lieu. Alleged whale sighting tonight, accompanied by a very ' fishy' smell, a good indication of their whereabouts. WEDNESDAY 27TH APRIL—DAY 3 WIND died to nothing. Most frustrating watch with sails flogging and boat yawing with swell. No. 2 genoa and full mains' 1. Towards dawn, wind picked up from NE to force three. Woken for lunch to good humoured language from ' Mothers' whose Cordon Blue offerings were splattering to the four corners of the cabin floor. Most uncomfortable motion. Passed a Canadian Armed Forces Fishery Protection Vessel whom we asked to report our position to Lloyds of London as our H F contact with Gosport ' Doesn't quite work.' Whole crew in fine fettle in the Dog Watches—very sociable. Brilliant phosphorescence in the water tonight. Visited by school of dolphins looking like numerous torpedoes flashing under the yacht A beautiful sight. THURSDAY 28TH APRIL—DAY 4 AS EXPECTED, tiredness now telling but we just have to get through this phase. The Morning Watch is, for me, the worst, even though it ends with the sweet smell of bacon and compo sausages wafting through the hatchway—maybe I know now — 127 — |
| Book number | R0406 |