Communication Challenges in the Royal Navy: Handling Traffic and Broadcasts, Exams of Voice

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THE

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,.7G= CHRISTM.ITS

VOIr. 13

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Ge-

'---*- (^) r-

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ffnn we^

vnnt r'^ WATNEYS

\1'e (^) ralute the u'ine

p!'€tsers crf l'tatrce, lt'

a rrtrhle oecupation^ but

a thilsty orrc.^ urrtl

descrves rto^ lcss rr^ toast than Watncr^ s l}'orr^ n Ale --<rtre^ oi'^ 1l)c nt()st rqli-q5hirrg long drinks

in thc uorltl.

What tou

want is

WATNEVS BROWN ALE

WHEN YOU NEXT CALL AT MALTA

vreit"'

Chez Vemcy

BAR.RESTAURANT.GRITT

The Well-known Bar in Malta

for Genuine Drinks and Good Food

English and Continental Kitchen

specializing in "T" Bone^ Sirloin Steak

and Chicken i^ la Maryland

Amph ,'ootts for Families and Parties

My Motto: (^) Full Satisfaction Phonc: dial CENTRAL 24ijl(r

42 St.^ Anne^ Square^ FLORIANA

THE COMMUNICATOR

lewellery for^ Christmas Centre-piece of fine je*eilery^ front Gieves-the naval cro\n brr.trch in 9 ct. gold and pearls { I 4.^ I^ 0.5.^ Eerrings

in 9 ct. gold^ and pearls {10.5.0. Cuff

links in 9 ct. gold^ 410.15.0; in silier

a4.t2.6.

Why not send for our illustreted

Jewellery and Christmls,'.1t.il rrgues l

Gieves Established liS

Tailors and Outftters to the Royal Nav.r

27 OLD^ BOND^ STREET,^ LONDON^ W.I

Telephone: HYDe Park 2275

London, Portsmouth, Chathem, Conberley, Dortnrouth. Edinburgh, Win<'hester,^ Farnborough. lJ e.t rttttuJh.

Lirerpool, Bournemoulh, Bath, Southantplon. Brotkenhurst. Londonderry,^ Gibroltar, Malta.

VACANCIES IN

GOVERNMENT SERVICE

A number^ of vacancies,^ offering good career prospects,

exist for:

RADIO OPERATORS-Ma|e

CYPHER OPERATORSI (^)..

TELEPRINTER OPERATORai

Male and Female

Apply,giving details of Education, Qualifications and

Experience, to:

Personnel Ofticer, G.C.H.Q. (4 R.C.O.) (Foreign Office)

53 CLARENCE STREET CHELTENHAM

THE COMMUNICATOR The Mogozine of the Communicotions

cHR|STMAS 1959

CONIENIS

Eortontar

THr Rroro Suow 1959 TrcuNtcnu Norrs^ ... THe Drnrcron or rHr SrcNll DtvtstoN

"Ws Tlru oFF ouR Hlrs ro

TnrNrrv Housr rNo rsr Sr<;rnl Orptcr-n Houe Stnrror

Pors rN rHr Anrnncrrc(3)

Pnrzr WrrNrNc PHorocnlpH

SelnculrcHr

Avrntc,r .qtn Wrsr lNorps

Editor:

.1rt Editor:

Treasurer: klirorial Srall: Secretary:

Business, Produc I iort tttul

.4dvrliscnrenl Managcr :

Bronch, Royol Novy

VOL. 13. No. 3

MrcuaxtclL Stlrapuonr ...

poSe 104 t

t

t t r t

il

l2t

t

t

Eeunl Spmo PntzrwtNxtx<;

Csnnltr LonooN^ ... Fr.lrunes ...

page t t3l r 136 r

l4t

t

t t5l 159 r

Cannrnns

Frn Easr

Mrottr-nnnNrnx

Easrr:n 1960 Couprttttors

Rrsulrs or^ CHn,tsruas Covperttloxs

GotN<; rgr^ Rou^'os^ tN^ "MERcuRY"

CovvuNtclrroNs G.Azrttr

PRoMorroNs. Erc. ...

Licutenanl Comnrander W. F. PerensoN,^ R.N.

Sub-Lieutenant A. H. Ponrrn, n.N.

Lieutenant (^) Cornmander C. H. Cox. n.N. lnstructor Lt. Conrmarrder.l. PnvNr. n.x. Wren (^) .1. M. Bntt,ey

Mn. En<;,tn Srncovsr.2 Station^ Hill.^ Falnhant.^ Surrey.

CONTRIBUTIONS All MSS.. photoglaphs and cartoons should bc sent to^ the^ Editor^ at^ H.M.S.^ "Mercur-v-",^ as below. Tl1ese will be returned to the senders only if asked for.^ and responsibility^ for^ them^ cannot^ be accepted by rhe Editor. Contributions for the Easter 1960 edition nlust^ be^ in^ the Editor's^ hands^ by 7th^ March.

Subst'riDrion Rates lbr 1960 are

For the u,hole year For each issue

7/6 post^ flec

2/8 post^ free

BULK ORDERS from comntands, ships^ or^ establishrnents,2l@post^ free-

The Magazine is pLrblished^ at Easter, Sutttnret^ and^ Christnlas.

Sonre back nurnbers are available and those^ ntore than 2^ lears old can^ be obtained

for l/- post^ free.

Cheques and/or postal^ orders should^ be nrade payable^ and^ sent^ to:

The Editor. THs Colruu^-lcAToR. H.M.S.^ "Mrncunv",

East Meon,^ near Petersfield. Hanlpshire.

PUBLISHED

Rolal Navy^ Stand This had no main theme but displayed all kinds

of equipment, some^ of^ it-for^ example a^ diving^ suit

-having

little to do with radio. The most disappoint-

ing (^) feature was the absence of any communication

personnel. with the exception of a couple of Wrens

who were sending free telegrams. Perhaps we are all too busy at our jobs, but it was irksome to find our

latest U.H.F. transmitter being shewn to the public

by an R.E.M.. who clearly did not know a great^ deal

about the set.

Vittorious and her so-called "J D Radar" were

nruch in evidence. and so were our latest guided

weapons. The Royal Marines put up an interesting

display, showing equipment used in all sorts of

situations from a Landing Craft to the Jungle. They

had a good Careers'section where you could listen

on tapes to Marines from each branch of the Corps saying "Come^ and join^ us, nrate, it's a grand^ life" or words to that effect. They also kept hordes of

small boys amused by nraking two hand generators

move trains round two tracks in contpetition with each other.

Rolal Air Force Stand

This was obviously run by a teanr^ who^ spend^ their

time going^ from one exhibition to^ another.^ rather

than a ferv chaps detailed off too^ late putting up^ a

jolll, (^) good shou' in the (^) circunrstances. All the sirnre.

considering the^ space^ occupied^ I^ did^ not^ think^ that

there was all that^ much to^ see.^ The R.A.F.^ Antatetrr

Radio Society had^ an^ interesting display^ of^ radiir sets since 1914.

Other Displays

The G.P.O. concentrated nrairrly on research ancl

the future. They also showed an operator at a Coast

Radio Station taking calls from ships. The B.B.C.

as usual put up a very polished^ perfornrance^ with

shows and^ displays.^ As^ far^ as^ TV.^ was^ concerned

they seemed to vie with I.T.V. in seeing how ntany

different celebrities^ could be interviewed per^ hour.

Television

The new I^ l0^ tubes were^ the^ rrrain features.^ As^ the

electron beanr can now^ sweep^ through^ I^ l0^ instead^ of

90'' the electron gun can^ be nearer^ the^ screen and

hence the set slimnrer.^ Tlre^ portable^ set^ in^ the

picture has an overall depth of less than 12". More

portable (^) sets are being ntade and a new departtrre is

a set designed to^ hang^ on the wall.

Radiograms and^ Record Plal'ers

Like nrost iterls of radio equipnrent thesc^ days

they are designed to be attriictive itenrs of furniture

as well as being efhcient. This includes^ the^ loud-

speirkers. A^ nrodel^ to^ hold its^ own must^ be^ stereo

or at least capable of adaption for stereo.^ The^ n.tost

depressing feirture here is that whatever you^ decide

to buy is sure to be out of date within^ months.^ Tlrere

is always the hope however, that new^ sets,^ whose

onll,fault is that they are last year's nrodel, nray^ be

sold off at reasonable prices.

THE COMMUNICATOR 105

'fape Recorders

These are growing considerably in popularity,^ and

have come down both in price and size. A neat port-

able n-rodel can be purchased^ for as little as 23

guineas.

t06 THE COl\1 lVIUNICATOR

Radio

lVlore rrrtlios ltre portable^ rtntl tnorc arc transis-

torised. An erurrple ol lt tritnsistorisetl pttrtable^ is

sheun oplrosite. In ltn cffort (tt^ think trp sontething

nc\ one firrn coverecl onc ol their^ portablcs^ in

('anaclian Sapphire Mink. This set costs t166. arrtl

lou rrill^ bc glatl^ to^ hca!'^ tlre pricc^ is^ incltrsivc^ ol'

hattcrl. Arrotlter l'irnt havc tttittle^ lt^ rlttlio^ cigttrettc

box. As )()u open thc^ lid to^ oll'cr^ rt^ cigarctte^ lt

miniatur,: r'lclio insitlc tlre^ bor su^ itcltcs itscll'^ ott.

rather like lt Jltpancsc rttttsicrtl btrr.

TECHNICAL NOTES

L'rtrrrr tinrc to titrte in^ '\lt'rtrrr.t:s Teclrnical^ Scction

uc rcccirc c()nrplilnts ltbtlttt cr;Ltilltttctll ol' stlggcs-

tions for irrrprttrentcnt. Wc^ rvclcotne^ tlrese^ lts^ sotrrc

facts c()r'r'rc to light^ onlv^ rvlre^ n cquiptrrcnt^ is^ usecl^ ltt

sea. An1 conrnents on^ ltow^ ncw^ cqtripn]ent^ is

behar ing.^ for^ cr;.ttttplc^ tlre^ SSB^ set^ HSR^ I^ l.^ u'oulti

be particulally helpful.^ lf^ Iotr fccl^ in^ tlttLtbt abottt

putting up sonlc sttggestiorl olliciall) antl rroultl^ likc

lr sccontl opiniott^ jtrst^ lct^ tts^ kttttu.^ lt^ is itllportltnt

that wc shoultl all try to gct the bcst t:t!tt ttl'ottT cquipnrent. lnrl^ pass^ on an1^ ttscfLtl^ hints^ \c trrltl^ hltrc tl iscor ercd.

The neu seales of I{A-IT cquipnlcnt no\^ being

littcr.l arc shorln in ('AFO^ 76'59. This^ is^ sttrth

carcful stutll cven if it tloes look rlther likc^ a cross-

urlrcl puzzlc solver.

Thc lirst ships fully convcrte(l to U.H.F. u'illsoon

bc at soa irncl Tlpc tl7 is^ bcing tlowngratled^ ir.r^ ttll

s-rltabi. Wc hopc to be ablc to inclutle^ lt bit^ nrclre^ for

PL't(] ()fticcr^ Qualil'ying cotrrscs^ on^ Shtlrc^ Stlttions

irntl -l-est^ F-quiprrttcrrt.

l:xccrpt fronr a rccent cxatll. pilper:^ "A^ Contr()l

Unit clcsign 8 is a grey^ box, httcd alongsitlc rl^ trans-

rrritter. with u lot tlf srritchcs on it,^ trtarketl^ 'Not^ in

L': c'.

MEON MATD II

'l'he First Sailing Season, 1959

('ercnronial launching by Latly Cnrlrth:rnr ()n

March I lth.

Nunrber of days sailecl: l-16 out of 19.i. Nunrber of days raced: 40 out of l-16.

106 R.N. and W.R.N.S. Otlicers sailcrl in lre r u:

rvell as 300 ratings. It.O.lt.C. ()cean^ Races

No.4. Morgan ('up^ l{uce (2nd).

No. 5 Lynre Ba) Race (lst).

No. u. ('orvcs^ to Dinartl Race (lnrl).

No. 9. (^ hanncl llacc (7th). No. 10. Fustnet Race (5th). l'assage Races L_vmington Warner Cowcs (ln(l).

Southsea to Dartnrouth (2nd).

Dartnrouth t() Torqua,v (^ lst ).

Ror,rncl tl.rc lslantl Racc^ (not^ plircc.l^ ). Nub Touer R:rcc (6th). R.L.y.C.. C.owcs to^ 4.,.,"r6ur',1g r-1rti^ ).

Short llaccs

lVlonirrch Bolr'l Scries (tirc^ lst: :irth^ .rb:rntlonctl

due to lack of u,intl).

Rountl thc Buol Rircc otl'D.rrtnrtrLrtlr (fith). R.N.S.A. Regattu. lTtlr .lunc t (^) -1rJ t.

R.A.Y.(. Rcgrtli.r.^ llith^ .lunc^ t-ltht.

l'rinccss Flizubctlr (-1r1..^ H.U..( Rcsilttl.t

(rctiretl). ( (^) ut es \ erk

R. L. \ .C. Rlte e. .lrti .\ LtgLr:t r^ nr)t Irllte cri ).

R.'.S. Race. Jth {ugust (:nd).

('ups and'lrophies uon:

Monarch Bowl.

(ir.rerrrsel Cup (lor the bcst pcrfornrance b1 ;r

Naval Yacht in the R.N.S.A. Regattl. 27th

.lLrnc (^) ).

Yout

Iaslet

Communioalor

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS MUST^ REACH THE EDITOR BY^ MARCH^ 7th

and

BULK ORDERS BY MARCH 21st

-_-- J

r08 THE COMMUNICATOR

.WE (^) TAKE OFF OUR HATS TO..'

ACT. COMMANDER (SD) (C) P. W. SWINEY, M.B.E., R.N. The first (SD) (C) officer (^) to sear | "brass hat", and l'i)r (^) completing.l9 1-ears in (^) thc uniform of thc Rolrl Nary

TRINITY HOUSE AND

THE SIGNAL OFFICER

by Commander H. P. Mead, R.N.

The Corporation of Trinity House is conrprised of

a Master, Elder Brethren and Younger Brethren.

The office of Master has been held by a royal Duke since 1866. The active Elder Brethren consist of

rnembers of the Merchant^ Service and one naval

officer. The naval olicer, Captain Sir Gerald Curteis,

is the present^ Deputy-Master. A^ further ten or eleven

honorary Elder Brethren are chosen from famous

men. including such war-tinre celebrities as Viscount

Cunningham of Hyndhope, Earl Mountbatten of

Burma and Earl Alexander of Tunis. (^) There have

always been a good selection, too, of Prime Ministers

and First Lords of the Admiralty, represented today

respectively by Earl Attlee, Sir Anthony Eden, and

Sir Winston Churchill, Viscount Monsell and

Viscount Alexander of Hillsborough.

Lord (^) Fisher was on intimate terms with King

Edward VII, they were almost old cronies and

swapped naughty stories, but when King George V

succeeded to the throne "Jacky"^ Fisher's royal

favour declined sharply, and the latest volume of his

Letters reveals him writing the most outrageous

things about the King and what he describes as the

palace (^) backstair pimps. Jacky raised a rumpus

because one of his chums, Reginald McKenna, then

First Lord, had his nan"re put (^) forward for Elder

Brother, and according to Jacky, the King (who

had been former Master (^) of Trinity House) had it scratched out and the Marquess (^) of Crewe elected instead. Not a very likely (^) interference. Be thar as it

may, that First Lord, Reginald McKenna wtrs not

one of the chosen.

The Younger Brethren, of an unspecified number

but generally^ in the region of about 300. consist

n-rostly of Merchant Service captains with an a\erage

of about one-third naval oficers. It is not knorvn on

rvhat principle^ these are selected. Sonte are senior

oflicers elected late in life. while sonte are contpara-

tively junior.^ Obviously one would (^) expect most of them to be navigators but this is by no nteans the

case. The curious fact emerges that signal officers

seem to form a large proportion. Naturally the

Corporation would prefer to choose "the elite of the

Service" (vide^ "The^ Sailor's Word-Book" (^) 1867), but it is doubtful whether Trinity House looks into an officer's records to see to which branch he belongs. It is just^ a coincidence, buf a coincidence which (^) is valuable not only to the signal branch but also to Trinity House. (lncidentally (^) the writer was sworn (^) a

Younger Brother.before qualifying in (S), so the

election could not have been on the score of

signalling !)

It would be taking a liberty (^) ro give a list of signal

omcers who are Younger Brethren today, but it is

common knowledge that rhose pillars of the branch.

Captain J. B. Kitson and (^) Rear-Admiral E. B. C.

Dicken are in it, as also two former Captains of the

Signal School, Vice-Admiral J. W. S. Dorling and

Admiral Sir Alan Scott-Moncrieff. Younger Brethren

of the past^ include the famous signal inventors Vice-

Admiral P. H. Colomb, Rear-Admiral (^) Sir Ed*ard

lnglefield and Admiral L. G. Tufnell; Tufnell *as

also the first commissioned officer to be in charge of

the Signal School. In the past there were in addirion

two outstanding former flagJieutenants. (^) Rear- Admiral C. M. Staveley and Captain Nigel Deare.

THE COMMUNICATOR 109

HOME (^) STATION

-{rJGt

:-->

C.-in-C. HOME FLEET

and H.M.S.^ TYNE

The Autunrn cruise for llle was a short one, but

included a fairly hectic Fleet assembly at Rosyth

during which we had a communications meeting

attended by all senior ratings. Lt. Cdr. Macintyre, the

Conrmunications Drafting Officer. was good^ enough

to come all the way up fronr Haslemere to put^ us in

the picture^ on current drafting problems^ and

prospects (^) for the future. After nearly two hours of

discr,rssion he left^ his customers apparently speech-

less. and on the whole very satisfied.

We took part in nrany sporting activities and even

those \ho didn't actualll pla1, (^) benefited front the

two mile rvalk to watch the others. We got together

a scratch (^ in every^ sense)^ teanr to plai^ F.O. Scotland's

staff art golf, and although the ex:rct result is in doubt

as the last few holes were played in pitch darkness

(a novel experience), we think we won. The fact that

one of his opponent's favourite clubs was subse-

quently found in the F.C.O.'s golf-bag had no bear-

ing on this result.

It was necessary while at Rosyth to nrake a general

signal prohibiting^ all radio transnrissions between

1030 and I 130 on Sundays, due to the presence of a

mischievous gremlin which (who?)^ relayed all signals

loud and clear over the dockyard church organ. The

possibilities (^) of using this hitherto unknown means

of conrmunication on Mondays thru Saturdays are

being explored. After visits to Anrsterdanr (with the 7th. D.S.).

Liverpool (weatherbound^ in Canada Dock for

eighteen hours) and Le Havre (which^ allowed a 24 hour visit^ to the nruseunrs and art galleries^ of Paris by a busload of fifty), T-t'ne arrived back in

Portsnrouth on 2nd November wearing the ffag of

the Commander-in-Chief, Honre Fleet, for what nray

have (^) been the last time. Sad to relate. the (^) Com-

nrander-in-Chief and his operational staff are shortly

moving to Northwood, which has for (^) some years

been his headquarters^ as the^ N.A.T.O. Commander-

in-Chief, Eastern Atlantic Area. Tyne will still

accommodate the administrative and technical staff

uho will also be attached to the staff of Flag Officer

Flotillas, Home, who will embark in f,re in the

\eu Year.

It is perhaps appropriate at this point to mention

lre gros^ ing number of Reserve Communicators who

belong to H.M.S.^ Northu'ood,^ recently conrmissioned

as the parent ship of the Headquarters Reserve.

These men and wonren live within walking or cycling

distance of the headquarters and are trained initially

in such specialised tasks zrs message distribution.

crypto, teleprinter operator and so on, and they fornr the nucleus (quite^ a sizeable one) which can be relied

on to man the headquarters in an emergency. Train-

ing is carried out in the evenings, usually weekll and having taken part^ in two n-rajor exercises the) are becoming quite expert at their particular^ jobs.

and the training is being widened so that^ they can

perform more senior and responsible tasks, and also

to provide more flexibility in nreeting day to^ da req uirements.

We note that since flle comnrissioned for Honre

Sea Service in March 1958. no less^ than^ ll6^ Comnru-

nicators have pnssed^ through^ the ship (sounds^ as^ if

we (^) nlust have rather (^) a large (^) staff) and those who renrain send their nrany friends best wishes for Christmas and the New^ Year.

H.M.S. TIGER

by Sub. Lt. (SDXC)^ R. A. Thompson, R.N.

Polish girls at Gdynia.

At long last the equipnrent trials are over. We've adn-rired then-r^ for^ sonrething^ like^ six^ months this

year while working up and, at least, the old refrain

"know your ship" shouldn't worry us any nrore. I

would hazard a guess^ that we've had sonrething like

THE (^) COMMUNICATOR (^) ill

j..r :nJ srr.iable. Perhaps the vodka had sonrething

it: .:i \irh that. We were able to nleet most of the

Er.giirh conrmunity there. and this being the first

..rge British warship to visit them for several years.

::er nracle quite a fuss of us. We also nret Polish

:..ra1 psy56nnel^ nrany of whont had served in

En,cland during the war.

Fronr Gdynia to Stockholm, and what a sight lor

\ore eyes. Every girl a filnr star. and very friendly trr

boot I Nobody^ seenred able to do a thing wrong in

Stockholnr-which has nothing to do with the

shortage of beer either. We did hear. once. that rhe

Swedes don't centrally heat their houses, because they (^) have better ways of keeping warm. We found

out that's true. The general impression obtained in

conversation, was that "But you should have come in the (^) summer." What we saw of the winter ntakes r-rs

think it was just^ as well we didn't.

It was during this visit that sonte of us had the

experience (^) of travelling (^) with the confidential waste

to the incinerator, in a Mercedes Benz. We have no

facilities onboard for paper burning (new type of boilers, etc.) so we have to take every opportunity

that $e can to burn ashore. The Liaison Officer was

esked to fir transport and lo. a gleaming Mercedes

Benz limousine. all rialnut *ood (^) and air condition- rng purred up. \othing (^) loarh. in jumped the paper

burners ctnrplete gith^ orerfiorring orntig co\ered

irail begs. Pity Prrntp:1 dockl erd can't follo\ (^) suir.

The nert stop \ils Kiel u here se had rhe pleasure

of berthing opposite the ne\ Gernran sailing rrainrng

ship. This nrodern beauty is less rhan a year old. and

:rpart fronl a snrall auxiliar], n.rotor held for entering

and leaving harbour, the r.r.rotive power is all canvas

and wind. Feelings were mixed regarding its useful-

ness but there were few who would have wished to

change places^ with the cadets. seen at 6 a.m. on the

upper deck doing P.T. and bathing in buckets ofcold

water. Present day ships are far more comfortable.

From Kiel to Antwerp should be 24 hours steaming,

nrore or less. Trust us, we got caught up in all the

Force Nines blowing across the Gernran Bight in

October, and it took us something rlore than 48

hours. After nruch black magic by the C.R.S. in the

B.W.O. one morning we managed to get a radio link

call through to the Consulate. Unfortunately for the

Chief's valiant efforts the only ntan there was the

sweeper.

It was about this tinre that the following signals

were exchanged:

From C.O.F.

^fo TICER

Tiger Tiger burning bright

Can't get past Walcheren Light.

Reply fronr Irger' To: C.O.F. The pilot came, and at full (^) belt,

We thundered r-rp the muddy Scheldt.

But Antwerp's welcome makes us doubt

Now that we're in, if we'll get out.

(which all goes to shou. doesn't it l)

So much for (^) old 'stripey' (^) Zrger. We're just (^) off

on another brewery run which although sonrewhat

greener, is where we canre in.

As soon as the Antwerp visit is over we shall be

away on some "well^ earned" leave (^) and then oli we

go for our Med. leg. At least the nrighty "Brum"

uill be glad^ to see us in Malta.

V.M.S.

by R.S. J. R. Little

This. to the best of rny knowledge. is the first

contribution front the V.M.S. This is the short title

for the Vernon Minesweeping Squadron, that (^) hard

.,vorked and little known collection of Deltic and

Mirrlees powered^ craft operating fronr alongside the

lsle of Wight vehicle ferry. The squadron consists of 4 C.M.S. and 2 mine-

layers, Galingtol (SO), Cuunton, Lttle,ston. Monkton

are the C.M.S. Miner Ill and Miner [V the nine-

layers. Attached to it are a further 2 C. M.S.

Bossington and Sheraton for R.N.R. training. ln

charge of this motley horde is one R.S. who resides

in the office of Staff Officer (Tenders). The sole piece

of equipment is an ancient C.R. 300 which will onll

receive Radio Luxembourg on 6 mc/s and the cricket

commentary on Network l. As a matter of interest

rhere is no sea time^ attached to the job.

The squadron has one or tu,o good'rabbit^ runs' to the continent each year. plus^ a 'jolly'^ here and rhere to non-naral U.K. ports^ (reduced^ S.O.P.s on

L-.C..). .A^ great deal of *ork^ is carried out during

the sunlmer nronths on rarious^ exercises. and at

the time^ of^ writing^ everlone is swotting up on

French/English dictionaries trying to unravel the

exercise orders for "Grande Sole" which arrived

in 100% French.

lntermingled with our own exercise prograntnte

we do try to show a little interest in the communica-

tion world by allowing the Long'C'and N.A.T.O. Long 'C' courses to play with our ships lbr a day, once in a while.

Otrering a much appreciated helping hand are

the two stalwarts o{ the M.S.O. (Vernon. C.Y.

(Fred) (^) Farrer, (ex-Eagle, (^) now R.A.) and L.T.O.

(Ben) Bryant, (ex-Med Fleet Pool/Mercalr'), and our

congratulations go to ex-R.O.-js Phillips and Austin

for qualifying R.O.2. The rvriter, being reliered.

will be facing the rigours of the Cl1'de when this is published.

A little thing was heard in rhe W T ofllce front

a Maltese O'Tel. when unpacking some ri,ireless

stores- "What (^) are these POTSI"

"Silica gel Crlstals".

"Oh .. shat frequencl do u'e use those on'l"

H.N,I.S. BERMUDA

H.\1.S. Belrrrrrlrr reconrnrissioned for General

Serr ice at Devonport on 30th April 1959. After

riorking up at Portland the ship hoisted the Flag of

rhe FIag^ Officer Flotillas. Honre Fleet, at Rosyth on

I ll THE^ COMMUNICATOR

Glamour from^ Greenland.

#$

,i ''t

t

23rd June and soon afterwards set^ out on^ visits^ to

the Faeroes and Greenland with H.E.^ the^ British Anrbassador to Denmark embarked.

This was the first visit of any British^ Ambassador

since the end of World^ War^ Il^ and^ both^ His

Excellency and the^ Flag^ Officer Flotillas,^ Honre

Fleet, were warmly welcomed^ by^ the^ Faeroese Prime

Minister who^ gave^ a^ banquet^ in^ their^ honour.

The ship's stay^ at^ the^ Faeroes^ included^ thirty-six

hours irnchored off^ Thorshavn^ and brief^ stops^ at

Transisvaag and Klaksvig. The two latter ports^ are

very picturesque^ and colour^ was added^ by^ the

attendance of^ Faeroese^ of^ both^ sexes.^ in^ National

costume, irt the receptions^ which^ were held^ on board.

H.M.S. Bertttudu was the first cruiser to visit the

Faeroes for^ many^ years and the ship's^ company^ were

well received ashore and dances and football matches

were arranged. At Thorshavn the combined Bermuda

volunteer band and the Thorshavn Brass Band^ gave

an inspired performance under^ a^ local conductor. The ship's visit to Greenland gave^ many of the ship's company their first glimpses^ of icebergs and

entailed a short period^ North^ of the^ Arctic^ circle

Once again something of a precedent^ was set as no

Royal Navy ship of^ any^ size^ has^ visited^ Greenland

for many years.

It is easy to^ forget that^ Greenland^ is the world's

second largest island^ and^ four^ times^ the^ size^ of France until passages^ along^ its^ wild^ shores^ have been experienced.

H.M.S. Bernrutlu visited Godthaab, the capital,

and other smaller^ towns including^ Holsteinborg,

Jacobshavn and Godhavn^ as^ well^ as^ paying^ a^ visit

to the Danish Naval^ Base^ at^ Gronedal.

Libertynren enjoyed spells ashore at most of the

ports of call and were able to see Eskimoes in their

'sunday (^) best', glaciers and a wide selection of ice-

bergs and^ ice^ formations.^ Considering the small^ size

of the places visited hospitality was generous^ irnd everyone seemed to be delighted to meet strangers

from the outside world.

The ship's soccer team found that their Eskirno

opponents were formidable adversaries and that it is

necessary to be resilient to master the contours and

intricacies of the Greenland football pitches.

n4 THE COMMUNICATOR

Connecticut Girls'College (a^ rrrassive scat ol'

learning) where a visit to the swinrnring bath and a

peep (^) at the girls (^) in their 'tank-suits'^ ntade nrany wish (^) for 'Diving^ Stations!' Nine glorious (^) days did

the 'British^ boys' spend ilt New Lonclon; at 07-

daily the State Pier was alive with lads padding^ back

fronr night leave in New (^) York. Boston, and points

west. Anlazing. how far they travelled. Alunmnt

wore the flag of F.O.S.M. for four (^) days from l2th October. and the Royal Marine (^) Band of F.O. Air. Honre. to whonr passage had been given, (^) attractecl

t ltrrge and awed crowd as it Beat Retreat and carried

out Cerenronial Sunset on the pier nlongside the

depot ship, dr.rring a reception on boartl.

From U.K. Aclunmnt had also given passage ttr the Field Cun Crew of the Fleet Air Arm wlro u,ere

bound for exhibitions in the U.S.A.. ancl nranl

was the shudder of a T.O. wending his way across

the welldeck tbr the forenoon watch on the bridgc

as he saw these nrighty nren with weights held high

and heard the raucous shouts of 'Heavel"^ We ilre sure the crew will add further to Britain's anr.l thc-

Royal Navy's prestige^ during their States tour.

Adunrunt's'Sailor ol the Cruise'. shosen lor

outstanding work ancl cxanrple fronr 750 nren during

the outward passage, was, we are pleased^ to report.

l Conrnrunicator and National Servicenran to boot:

R.O.3 Brian Joy who was flown to Norfolk Va..

then to Washington and given the full treatnrent of radio, TV. and press:^ in fact. treated like u V.l.P. This was indeed a boost to our departnrent. Looking back, our nrain irnpressions of thc visit

to the States are of huge steaks. huge cars, hugc

noises fronr the trains. strec(s bare of pedestrians

and the territic^ welconre^ and enthusiasnr fronr lhe

'natives'. Conrnrunications went very^ well^ on thc wholc

although the participants in "Fishplay"^ had their

initial troubles-who doesn't'J lt was tbund advan-

tageoui to keep Broadcast'LR'constant in the depot

ship while in harbour. and (-C^ H was always

irnnrediately on the nrark on ship-shore. On 2lst

October the squadron sailed from New London, the

submarines joining^ in yet another exercise while

Adunnnt nrade a short stop at Halifax (where^ shc

lound an oltl friend, Astute\ and then ploddetl

back through the fog Careloch-bound, with manl

a heart looking back wistfully to EASTSEAFRON.

When this appears in print we shall havc lost our

('.C.Y. (^) McDonald and C.R.S. Kennedy who have

volunteered, and been selectetl to inrpart th':ir

profound (^) knowledge ancl experience to the Chana

Navy and. incidentally to obtain a suntan! lnsepar-

ables evcr. we shall nriss thent. Our contntunications

staff changes with alarming regularity but we have

rnuch to ofl'er anyone bound for Faslane. A nrodern

C. & P.O.'s Club and Fleet Club conrplete with

skittles (^) alley, close proxinrity (^) to Loch Lomond and

the Highlands, and a busy, always interesting. lif!

irt the worltl trf subrnarine corrrnrrrnications

R.N.A.S. BRAWDY

h1 1'he Editor

\'e rcceircd these t*'o photographs and rverc

sorr! that no background story was sent with them.

The following comntents and reconrntenclations are

therefole nrade.

I This forrrr of RATT bay does not nreet thc

stitfl requirements (^) and is (^) to be discontinued.

:. lt is sr.rggested that Brawdy shor.rld put in for

an outlit CAT to keep the (^) RATT at bay.

.1. Any establislrments with a spare outfit, as abore,

should arrange for it to be clrafted to the ilir

station concerned.

1. lncrease cornpler.nent by one I{.O. (Rodent

Opera t ive).

Though a type 617 in tlre eyes of the R.S.P.C).A.

ma)'rate high (^) as a huntane killer, this will not be

accepted as a reason^ for installing further equip-

nrent of this kind in ships (^) which nray be aUlictetl

u'ith unwanted livestock.

THE COMMUNICATOR ll

R.N.A.S. LOSSIEMOUTH Since our last appearance in these columns, two

major events have taken place at Lossiemouth as far

as cornmunications are concerned. One is that we have

relinquished Master Diversion Airfield to R.A.F.

Kinloss. So no more long nights of waiting in the C.R.R. for the L.R.O.s and believe me they^ aren't

sorry after last winter's experience. Number^ two^ is

that the M.S.O. and teleprinter room are now

manned by naval ratings. Mr. Watt the^ civilian

supervisor has moved south to Lochinvar and^ the

typists have all been found other posts^ in^ the^ camp.

so now they take great^ delight in sending signals down to the M.S.O.

The annual defence exercise took place^ this^ Term

and as it was all third echelon support, contmuni-

cations had to be provided^ from the mobile column.

L.R.O. Richardson was in charle of^ mobile^ TCS. but he thought it was a bit much to^ have^ to^ take^ a

3-tons l5 K.W. generator^ to^ provide^230 volts^ for

this set.

The Autumn exercise "Floscot" took^ place^ in^ the

Moray Firth area and gave^ our^ R.O.s^ plenty of

practice on ship/NAS and reminded them that there

are other means of communication besides voice.

Did I say two^ main^ events?^ I^ should^ have^ said

three. 'Anna'.^ the S.C.O.s^ bloodhound gave birth

to eleven bouncing^ babies^ and^ to^ date^ all^ are doing

well.

Departures: L.R.O.^ Lorve^ to^ Far^ East.^ R.O.l^ Jubb

to Cyprus, Wrens Cobb and^ Irving-Bell^ to^ Malta.

Arrivals: C.Y.^ Soden^ and^ Wright.^ L.T.O.s^ Head.

Carnegie and Fenn,^ L.R.O.^ DuffY.

L.R.O. Duffy has been the departments main

representative at^ sport^ playing regularly^ for^ the

Fulmar rugby^ fifteen.

Cheerio fronr^ the^ far North^ and^ here's^ hoping^ we

don't have^ to^ use^ all^ the^ winter^ clothing^ we^ have drawn. and^ that^ some^ of^ the^ Wrens^ will^ be able to

find their ski-legs again.

VISIT TO THE ROYAL^ NETHERLANDS NAVY SIGNAL SCHOOL

Among the nrany activities, some^ of^ them^ best

not nrentioned. engaged^ in^ by^ the^ Communicators

of Dunkirk^ and^ Jutlarul during^ the^ Home^ Fieet

visit to Anrsterdam was a toLlr of the^ R.N.N.

Signal School for which thanks are due^ to^ our

Liaison Officer, Lieut. J. Franke.^ R.N'N.,^ who

fortLrnately for us happened to^ be^ n $ignal^ Officer. The school is situated on a^ small island in^ the heart of the city, surrounded by sonre^ of^ the^ numerous canals which abound in Amsterdanl. As^ some^ kind person had thoughtfully berthed^ both^ ships^ far away from^ such august bodies^ as^ Flagships^ and

Squadron Leaders. a boat trip^ was^ necessar! to

reach the^ school.^ The R.N.N.^ kindll^ pror^ ided

transport. and so all were able^ to^ see^ a little^ of

Amsterdam's harbour and canals^ en^ route.

There are about^350 ratings^ in^ the^ school which^ is

run on somewhat similar^ lines^ to^ Mercury, even^ to producing their (^) own version of Tut CoN,tMuNtc,qron. A refresher course in^ English^ Language^ is^ included in the curriculum, and^ of^ course^ all^ procedure^ is taught in English, though the actual instruction^ is

given in Dutch. lt was most amusing to hear an

Instructor in the^ Voice^ Trainer giving^ an^ explanation

in Dutch and then^ to^ hear^ his^ class^ carry^ out^ the correct procedure^ in^ perfect^ English. It was a surprise to see so n-ruch British equipment in the transmitter room^ alongside such well-known

American equipment^ as TBL and TCS,^ but

envious glances^ were cast^ at^ a^ Dutch Phillips^50

Watt H.F.^ transmitter^ with autonatic^ l2^ channel

selection. Touch typing^ (in^ the^ initial^ stages)^ is^ taught^ to

a rhythmic C.W. note^ as^ opposed^ to^ music,^ with^ the

object of familiarising^ operators^ to^ typing^ to^ a

C.W. signal. This^ was^ approved^ by^ some conserva-

tive member of^ the party^ who^ hinted^ that^ some

sections of North^ Camp were more^ in^ keeping^ with

Arthur Murray.^ The transmissions^ for^ touch typing,

and all M.K.X.^ and^ M.M.X.^ transmissions^ are made

on tape^ from a^ central office^ where^ a^ tape library

is kept.

An unusual feature^ of^ training^ newly^ joined

Telegraphists to^ ntake PERFECT morse was^ a

s)stem whereby^ the Instructor^ bea(s^ time^ with^ a riooden baton on a^ block^ of^ wood while the^ class

transmit from a^ typed script and count^ out^ aloud

the units for^ each^ synlbol in time to the^ strokes^ of the baton. This^ takes place^ for lorty^ minutes^ every

day for the^ firs1^ seven weeks.^ Old^ fashioned?

Monotonous? Maybe,^ but^ would^ it^ not^ be^ nice

if all our^ Telegraphists^ could^ make^ PERFECT

morse? This^ system^ is^ also^ used^ in^ Dutch^ Commercial

Schools. It^ was^ interesting^ to^ note^ that^ the^ reactions

of the^ eldest^ and^ youngest members^ of^ our^ party

were the^ sanre.^ Yesl^ they^ both thought^ it^ a^ good^ idea'

Finally; some^ members^ of^ the party^ wondered

how A.S.C.O.^ came^ to^ be^ the only^ one^ to visit^ the

Teletype Relay Centre^ which^ is^ nranned^ by^ Dutch W.R.N.S. Some people get^ all^ the luck'

NORE W.T.

by R.O.2 Barton

Since our report^ in the^ Sunlnrer^ edition. rery little

water has passed^ beneath^ the l\4.H.Q. Chathanr'^ The

switch to^ male^ staff^ is^ nos' conlplete and^ onll'^ one^ of

'les girls' renrairrs. our Jolce. Sig. Wren'

How quiet^ it^ can sometinles be^ and then'^ in^ the next minute the^ *orld^ seerlls^ split^ asunder^ and^ every

office disorganised. Ererlone^ thought we^ were^ off

to the Palais^ for^ dancing^ lessons^ when^ they^ learnt

ol 'Sidestep'.^ We had no^ dancing instructor, but'

after Lt. Cdr. Ford^ had^ done^ all^ the spade^ work^ and

then just^ had to^ cease^ through^ sickness,^ Lt'^ Ellis

came up fron.r Flowerdown^ at^ very short notice^ to

keep the traffic^ moving.^ Some^ tramc^ copl^ We^ are

pleeised to report that Lt. Cclr. Ford^ left^ us^ in^ good

of the Forth^ Bridge.^ Or to^ be nrore accurate.^ four

stalwart signalmen keep a ceaseless vigil, the fifth

keeps his^ hand^ in^ as chief cook and bottle^ washer.

This makes him more likely to qualify for the

"Cordon Bleu" rather than "higher (^) rate," but it

makes a change from cooking the books and keeps

Queensferry a self contained unit.

Our heroes are mainly concerned with ships enter-

ing and leaving harbour, and as they frequently give

assistance to merchant vessels this nrakes thenr a

cross between an R.N. Signal Station and a Coast-

guard hut. They also have a piece^ ofequipment called a Dines Anemograph, which sounds pretty disgusting

but is in fact Met. gear for nreasuring the velocity and

direction of wind.

Most readers of Tus CouvuNtcnron will have

been instrunrental at sonre tinre or other in directing

a signal on to a ship or on to'an administrative broadcast. But I think it is only North (^) Queensferry

that can claim to have routed a signal onto a British

Railways Station Broadcastl! The captain of an

R.F.A. was forced to anchor his ship to^ avoid bad

weather. This was rather awkward as he'd arranged

to meet his wife-who was coming up to^ join^ him-

at Waverley Station in Edinburgh. He sent a signal

to North Queensferry by voice^ asking them^ to^ assist.

and the nlessage was relayed to British Railrvay-s

Waverlel. along the usual railrval 'lines'^ to^ be

broadcast over the public^ address slstenr u'hen Mrs. Captain's lrain arrived. Whether correct broadcast procedure (^) was used has never been established. but

the message was received on the first^ transmission.

C.C.Y. Maskrey and his nren keep^ themselves occupied off watch^ with^ gardening.^ this^ includes^ a vegetable garden, shooting (with^ an air rifle) and

of course the^ inevitable-television.^ (l^ wonder^ if

future historians will^ divide history^ into^ three

divisions, 8.C.. A.D., and B.T.-before television).

I was^ rather surprised^ to find that^ none^ of^ thenr^ had ever taken^ up'train^ spotting.'

S.T.C. CHATHAM br" C. R. Morton C.R.S. (R.C.l)

With C.-in-C. Nore's visit over, we can now look

forward to^ the^ Captain of Signal^ School's^ visit^ before

seasonal leave^ commences. Meanwhile, ships^ in^ the dockyard keep us in bread and butter, with a few

refresher courses^ for^ those passing^ through^ the depot.

Once the New Year is here, our tinre in the S.T.C. is

limited, and a gradual run-down is envisaged, with

the whole of our conrmunications conrplement being

drafted to join^ Mer<ury, etc. (we hope). W.R.N.R.s

and R.N.R.s keep us fairly busy, but these classes too will in turn be absorbed by Mercury and the

S.T.C. Devonport.

Lieut. Nash is to be congratulated on his recent promotion, we wislr him the best of luck in future

appointnrents. At last we have a representative foot-

ball teanr, coached by L.R.O. Roach but they fell easy prey to a Wren's teanr recently while we were still recovering from a surfeit of rounds in prepara-

tion for C.-in-C.s visit.

E.t'unt-

E.rarttinatiotr inecl

R.S. Provisional ... 2

R.O.z (^) Q ...

C.Y. Provisional ..

L. R.O. Provisional 7 0 7 100

THE COMMUNICATOR |

S.T.C. DEVONPORT

The world wide distribution of this Christmas

edition will be effected at the sanle tinre as the^ S.T.C

Devonport celebrates its first anniversary. The vital

statistics of the Miss World competition are,^ no

doubt, much more exhilarating than ours but the

efforts of this year^ have brought to light^ some sober-

ing facts which are well worth recording.

This is not the time or place^ for^ soul searching^ but

perhaps (^) our readers nray spare a ntontent or two

between the Christnras and New Year^ festivities to

ponder the following:- Percen-

Passetl Failed legc

Fo iltt rc 200

81 46 35 44 lt 02100 72276

L.T.O. Provisional 2

T.O.2 Q 29

It is a well-known^ maxim^ that^ figures^ can^ be used^ to prove (^) anything but it appears that 'all^ is not well.'

However, one bright^ boy^ will^ get^ top^ marks^ for

initiative for handing^ in^ one^ S.l32l^ with^ the^ follow- ing notations: 'persons reading bad^ fit^ of^ sneezing'

and 'person^ uriting^ down dropped pencil and could

not find.'

.{ll is not lost. The S.T.C.^ has^ fared^ quite well^ on

the soccer and^ hockel^ fields and^ although^ the annual

'Round the Barracks' run has been designed this year

as a running.^ swimnring^ and^ shooting triathlon,

which should^ prove^ whether or not^ 1l^ Pulheenr^ assess-

rnent of one is humanly possible, we hope that our

tean-r will at least finish the course.

This Ternr we were pleased^ to congratulatc

Commodore Eddison^ (Combrax Devonport) on^ his

promotion to Rear Adnriral and shortly afterwards to welconre his relief Contmodore Beloe. We were

most sad to learn of the death in September of

Lieutenant Jinr Wright who was T.S.O. of R.N.S.S.

Devonport until its reduction last Decenlber when

he took^ his golden^ bowler.

We have also, this Term, been visited by the

Training Comnrander, A.S.C.O. to A.C.R. and the

Way Ahead Conrrlittee and despite various buzzes

doing the rounds a shift is not contemplated. Usually

reliable sources report that the S.T.C. will renrairt in

its present site for many years^ yet. Indeed. althor.rgh

the signal strength has dinrinishecl slightly the^ exact

opposite is happening to the car.r.lp itself.^ Chathanr

is rapidly taking up the cry"if )'orr want to^ get^ aheacl

go west' and we have already been joined by^ the

Hydrographic School. Tlrey at first^ had a little

difficulty in re-orientating their plots^ until it^ was

casually nrentioned that the training ntast which was

accurately charted had nroved to Merrur.t'. Anl'one

holding a chart for Plynrouth and Approaches

thereto, which has an apparent error of 180 rniles

east is requested to nrark sarle'NOT to be used for

navigational purposesl

ll8 THE^ COM

Next year^ the W.R.N.S. population^ will^ increase by about one hundred^ and^ twenty^ when^ H.M.S. Ceres moves west^ and then^ we^ will^ be^ well and^ truly outnumbered by the^ fair^ sex.^ The^ strange^ thing^ is

that no objections to this^ have been^ heard.

SHORE BILI,ETS FOR ALL

For long enough the Communications^ Branch^ has

felt the lack of shore billets^ in^ the^ U.K.^ and^ this^ is being remedied at^ last.^ In^ August^ this^ year^ seven

shore establishments in^ the Portsmouth^ area saw the

navalisation of^ their^ M.S.O.s.^ C.C.Y. Bartlett^ and^ a

staff of four^ C.Y.s and^ four^ L.T.O.s arrived^ in^ R.N.

Barracks, Portsnrouth and took over from^ the^ not

too happy civil^ servants one^ of^ whonr had^ been in

the job^ for 22 years.

POTS IN THE ANTARCTIC (3)

by R.S. E. CIaPP A New Year^ arrived^ with^ a^ new^ base^ to^ go^ to'^ il' the icc allows.^ This^ year^ it^ has been^ rather^ bad^ antl has successfully preventecl^ relieving^ the^ southcrn bases so^ far. I am writing^ this on board^ R.R.S. -/olur^ Btrtoc'^ antl

for the past two or three days^ all^ we have^ been^ doing

is pushing^ our bows at fast^ ice^ u'hich is about^ five

feet thick, and not getting very^ far...^ still'^ tnore^ of

this later.

I left you last tinre just^ atter^ our^ nlidwinter^ party.

well, the eft-ects soon worc^ olT^ ancl^ work^ was^ looked

on with nrcre favour.

Unfortunately, the^ good ttelings^ of^ nlidwinter

sull'ered a shattering blow with^ the^ loss^ of^ threc

rnembers ol the survey, they had^ been nlissing^ fbr

some tim: ancl s:arches had^ been^ carriecl^ out^ by^ the

sou(hern bas:s over the area where^ they^ were^ last

reportecl. These three had left^ Base^ Y^ to^ go^ to thc^ Dionnc lslets to do a quick^ studl^ on the Erllperor^ enrbrytr

at the Enlperor pengrrin^ rookerl^ on^ these^ lslets.

After the first night^ out^ of^ base'^ n.rthing ltlore^ wets

hearcl fronr them. All^ bases^ kept^ a^ raclio^ listening

watch on the frequencies which the^ party^ nright^ havc

com-' up on. but nil^ was heard.^ Then^ two^ tlogs

appeared at Base Y frorrt^ the party's dog^ teanls. The

tlogs were in good^ condition. Sleclge^ parties^ fronr^ the

southern bases started an^ extensive search^ of^ the

route they woulcl have taken^ and^ also^ of^ adjoining

areas but nothing wars^ seen^ or^ fbund.^ In^ the^ nrean-

time nrore dogs turned up at a southern^ base^ and^ a(

Base Y again. in^ the^ sanre^ good^ condition.^ Searches

carried on but in^ thc end^ it^ had^ to^ be presrrrnrcl^ that

the party had been^ lost on the^ tirst^ night^ out.^ Thc

rlrost adequate explanation^ being^ that a^ heavy^ wind

arose during the^ night in^ their^ area^ and^ the^ sea^ ice

broke up beneath thenr^.^. a^ terrible thing.^ and^ we

rt base were very^ sut^ up^ about^ it^ as we^ knew^ two^ ol'

the chaps very well^ indeed.^ and we could^ imagine

the feelings at their^ parent^ base.

MUNICATOR

Expectation of time in^ the job^ would^ appear^ to^ be

from six months to a year and^ will^ mzike^ a^ welcome

break between^ ships.^ It^ is^ a^ watchkeeping^ job^ it^ is

true. but for the native of^ Portsmouth^ the^ hours

work out^ very^ well. C.W.^ Bowing said.^ "lt^ rvas^ nice

while it lasted." By the time^ you^ read^ this^ he^ will^ be in the 'Ark'^ and he still cannot appreciate^ the^ joke. We had a bit of bad luck^ when^ L.T.O.^ Sackfield

on the point^ of being selected^ for^ the^ Conlrrand

team. broke his ankle and is^ still^ on^ the sick^ list. We all wish hinr a sPeedY^ recovery.

Finally, due to^ pressure^ of^ work^ we^ took on four

W.R.N.S. Communications for training'^ This^ should

encourage overs:as readers^ to^ have^ their^ drafting

prelerences (^) amended.

At Basc F^ after nridwinter. nornlal^ scientific^ and

weather rvork carried on ltnd^ sonte goocl results^ lvere

lrcliieved. the \eather^ becanle^ nlore^ iind^ more

intercsting *ith hearl^ snorr'. blizzards^ itnd as^ a

conlrast nice calnr da1s.^ The^ temperature^ reached

lower and lo*er until finall1^ the bottour^ of^ the curve

rested on -47'F., and^ believe^ me.^ it^ was^ a^ bit

parky on the old nose when we were outside.

During this^ low^ period^ we^ had^ a^ srlall two^ man party (^) out on one of the islands in the group, their

official job^ was^ to^ measure^ the^ icecap^ accumulation,

but unollicially they were^ on^ a recreational^ trip. '.

some holiday in^ those tenlPs.

The scientitic^ work^ stepped^ up^ in^ crescendo^ with

ildvent of the end of^ the^ I.G.Y.^ and also the radio

sonde observations, both of^ which^ afl'ected^ my work

as The Royal Society base^ at^ Halley^ Bay was^ to^ be

relieved of the^ l.G.Y.^ Staff and^ this^ meant^ a^ lot^ of

schedules between the^ two^ bases^ to^ pass^ on^ results^ of

j$

{ huskl pup down^ under.

-, (^) sa&i,r,rEi++-"