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PAGE/S CONTENT

01 CONTENT & EDITORIAL

02 AF PENSIONS & TELL US ONCE

03/04 POLITICALLY INCORRECT PAGES

05 JEFF BACON © TWO TIFFS

06 RUSSIA IS NO ONE THREAT TO UK

07 SUBMARINE DISMANTLING PROJECT

08 S/M ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENGENCE

09 WHATS NEXT FOR RN VESSELS?

10 RNR TRAIN ON S/M RESCUE

11 NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK

12 WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS & SUEZ

13-14 NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENTS

15 THE ‘X’ FILES FROM 2004

16 GENERAL NATO & S/M NEWS

17 RN & MARITIME NEWS AROUND UK

18 SOVIET SPY FROM 1980’S EXPOSED

19 LATEST SITREP ON HMS URGE

20 ISRAELI SUBMARINE SERVICE

21 ROYAL NAVY GENERAL NEWS

22 WORLDS FIFTH OCEAN RECOGNISED

23 NOT FORGOTTEN ASSN INVITE

24 STOP PRESS & DS ROUNDUP

DS BIRTHDAYS 2021

22 July Michael Roberts 23 July Max Horton QGM 26 July Ian Worrall

A POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

WOKE THREE AGES OF MAN Childhood, Middle Age,

Oh! You are Looking Well!

EDITORIAL

VACANCY DS CHAIRMAN POSITION As you may be aware Covid has impacted on many Working Members Lives. Likewise, our Chairman, Colin Watson last year took early

retirement from Toyota, & personal circumstances find him and Isobel planning to settle in Aberdeenshire. Thus, Colin as tendered his resignation from the position as DS Chairman. Thus, we seek a Full Member to fulfil this post of DS Chairman as soon as possible, to be ratified at AGM 2022. Loosing Colin and Isobel as active participants of DS is a really sad blow, but we wish

them both all the best in their new home and location & we will look forward to their visits to Derby. The Good News is Colin is not resigning from DS & has requested to remain a Derbyshire Submariners Member and intends to travel south for the October Trafalgar Dinner and functions in the future and stay in touch with DS.

We all hope by October this year, that we will all feel confident enough to be able to attend some form of Trafalgar Dinner Celebration, and we are open to any suggestions how we can achieve this? Thus, we could run remotely with Colin in Scotland until a new Chairman is appointed, and I believe it would be nice for Colin to Chair the Trafalgar Dinner in October especially as 2020 was a none-event. The precedent of a member who lives outside Derbyshire is covered in our DS Constitution as long as they participate in the group activity’s. Colin, has volunteered to continue to ‘Draft Read’ the Monthly Newsletter for me via email, which I am really grateful for; unless someone wishes to take over the job locally?

Terry Hall The Trade Journal Newsletter Editor

Hon. Sec/Treasurer, Derbyshire Submariners’

Derby.Submariners@yahoo.co.uk

Freedom of the City of Derby to RN Submarine Service Granted 28 April 2002

Derbyshire Submariners Newsletter Issue Number 262 July 2021

DS

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T H E T R A D E

J O U R N A L

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WELFARE MATTERS

UNCLAIMED SERVICE PENSIONS. If you served in the Armed Forces after April 1975, you could have an unclaimed pension. AFPS 75 pensions earned before April 2005 are payable at age 60. To claim your preserved pension, go to the Veterans UK website and fill in AFPS Form 8. You will not receive the pension automatically; you will have to make a claim. You should send the form off around 6 months before your pension is due. If you have passed the due date, you can still claim using the same form.

Am I owed a pension? Initially, individuals had to serve for five years and be at least age 26 to qualify. From April 1988, qualification period reduced to two years paid service from age 18 (21 for Officers). The only veterans who will never receive pensions are: Those who left before April 1975 without an immediate pension. Those who only served for a very short time. Those who transferred their preserved pensions out of the AFPS. Those who served on gratuity earning terms rather than pensionable terms.

How much will I get? Your pension will increase annually with inflation from age 55, and you may be eligible for a tax-free lump sum when you claim. For example: Someone who left service in April 1978 with a preserved pension of £800 would now have a preserved pension of over £4,000 and a lump sum of over £12,000. Someone who left in April 1982 with a preserved pension of £1,100 would now have a preserved pension of about £3,500 and a preserved pension lump sum of almost £10,500. For information about preserved pensions, email The Forces Pension Society at maryp@forpen.co.uk or 0800 085 3600.

PENSION INCREASE May 2021. This year, Armed Forces Pensions have increased by 0.5%. The Pension increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month inflation rate in Sept of the preceding year, which was 0.5% in Sept 2020. If you are in receipt of an AFPS pension, you will receive your annual Pensioner Newsletter along with your P60 confirming the increase. If you are still serving your pension savings are increased slightly to track inflation. This is known as indexation, and it is based on the Average Weekly Earnings index and is similar to money in a bank account earning interest.

HELP & SUPPORT. If you have a question about your Armed Forces Pension, please call the JPAC Enquiry Centre on 0800 085 3600 or 0044 141 224 3600 if calling from abroad. Open Mon-Frid 7am to 7pm. Please ensure you have your Service and National Insurance Numbers ready. You can also find useful information on all the Armed Forces Pension Schemes by visiting www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans

TELL US ONCE SERVICE. Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go. How to use Tell Us Once A registrar will explain the Tell Us Once service when you register the death. They will either: complete the Tell Us Once service with you & give you a unique reference number so you can use the service yourself online or by phone. The registrar will give you a number to call. This includes a video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users and Relay UK if you cannot hear or speak on the phone. You must use the service within 84 days of getting your unique reference number. If you cannot register the death because an inquest is underway, you can still ask a registrar for a unique reference number. You’ll need to get an interim death certificate from the coroner holding the inquest first.

Before you use Tell Us Once You’ll need the following details of the person who died: Date of birth, National Insurance number, driving licence number, Vehicle registration number, Passport number, The date they died. You’ll also need: Details of any benefits or entitlements they were getting, for example State Pension details of any local council services they were getting, for example Blue Badge. Name, address, telephone number and the National Insurance number or DoB of any surviving spouse or civil partner & name and address of their NoK, If there is no surviving spouse or civil partner or their spouse or civil partner is not able to deal with their affairs then name, address and contact details of the person or company dealing with their estate (property, belongings and money), known as their ‘executor’ or ‘administrator.

Details of any public sector or armed forces pension schemes they were getting or paying in to. You need permission from any surviving spouse or civil partner, the NoK, executor, administrator or anyone who was claiming joint benefits or entitlements with the person who died, before you give their details.

Use Tell Us Once Online. Tell Us Once will notify: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to deal with personal tax and to cancel benefits and credits, (you need to contact HMRC separately for business taxes, like VAT). DWP to cancel benefits and entitlements, for example Universal Credit or State Pension. Passport Office to cancel a British passport. DVLA) to cancel a licence, remove the person as the keeper of up to 5 vehicles, The local council to cancel Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction & Blue Badge, inform council housing services and remove the person from the electoral register. Veterans UK, to cancel Armed Forces Compensation & Pensions. Tell Us Once will also contact some public sector pension schemes so that they cancel future pension payments. There’s a different process to update property records if the person who died owns land or property. Also, you need to contact the person’s bank or mortgage, pension or insurance providers to close or change the details of their accounts.

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UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT PAGES

Scientists got together to study the effects of alcohol on a person’s walk, and the result was staggering.

I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find.

What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar? There, their, they’re.

I went to the toy store and asked the assistant where the Schwarznegger dolls are and he replied, ‘Aisle B, back.’

What did the Surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up their own incision? Suture self. Two Old Matelots decide that they are close to their last days and decide to have a last night on the town. After a few drinks they end up in a local brothel. The Madam took one look at the old geezers and whispers to the manager; ‘Go up to the first two bedrooms and put an inflatable doll in each bed. These two are too old and drunk that I am not wasting two of my girls on them.’ They won’t know the difference. The manager does as he is told and

the two old matelots go upstairs and take care of their business. As they are walking home the first man says,’ You know, I think my girl was dead.’

His friend said, ‘Why did you say that?’ Well, she never moved or made a sound as I was loving her.’ His oppo said, ‘Well, it could be worse, I think mine was a witch.’ ‘A witch? Why the hell would you say that?’ Well, I was making love to her, kissing her on the neck, and I gave her a little love bite, then she farted and flew out of the window, and took my teeth with her!’ My Senior School Assignment was to ask a veteran about World War II. Since my grandfather had served during the war, I chose him. After a few basic questions, I very gingerly asked, ‘Did you ever kill anyone Grandad?’ He got very quiet. Then, in a soft voice, he said, ‘Probably, I was the Cook.’ It's a Well-Known Fact that Hitler often consulted astrologists and people involved in the occult to get direction while Germany fought in World War II. One day he decided to thank his chief astrologer and called him into his office to say, ‘we've done really well in the war and I'm grateful for your advice. I'm wondering something though, how come you never told me something that would be important to me, like when will I die?’ The astrologer said ‘Mein Fuhrer, you never asked.’ Hitler says ‘I'm asking you now, do you know the day I'm going to die?’ The astrologer says ‘as a matter of fact I do know the day. You're going to die on a Jewish holiday.’ Hitler is shocked, ‘that's a horrible thing, a Jewish holiday! What Jewish holiday am I going to die on?’ The man says. ‘Any day you die will be a Jewish holiday.’

Bunting Tossers and Stokers Two Buntings were standing on the foc’sl looking up at the Jackstaff. A Stoker walked up to them with a toolbox and asked what they were doing. ‘We’re supposed to find the height of the jackstaff’ said one of the buntings ‘but we don’t have a ladder’. The stoker set down his tool box, opened it and took out a wrench. He loosened a few bolts, and laid the jackstaff down on the deck then he took out a tape measure and measured the jackstaff. He announced ‘Twelve feet, six inches’ and walked away. One of the Buntings shook his head and laughed. ‘Typical stoker! We asked for the height and he tells us the length’.

An Old Medical Asst has made a remarkable discovery. It seems that some patients needing blood transfusions may benefit from receiving chicken blood rather than human blood. It tends to make the men cocky and the women lay better.

Whose Fault is it Anyway? Senior Citizens are often criticised for the deficiencies of the modern world, and we do take responsibility for what we have done but, upon reflection, we would like to point out that IT WAS NOT the senior citizens who took; The Melody out of music, the Pride out of appearance, the Courtesy out of driving, the Romance out of love, the Commitment out of marriage, the Responsibility out of parenthood, the Togetherness out of the family, the Service out of patriotism, the Nativity scene out of our cities, the Civility out of behaviour, the Refinement out of language, the Dedication out of employment, the Prudence out of spending, the Ambition out of achievement, or God out of government and school. And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others. And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Yes, I am a Senior Citizen and We have a lot to be Proud of. I’m the life of the party; even if it lasts until 8pm. I’m very good at opening childproof caps, with a hammer. I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up. I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you are saying. I’m sure everything I cannot find is in a safe secure place, somewhere. I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg. I’m beginning to realise that aging is not for wimps. Yes, I’m a senior citizen and I think I am having the time of my life! Spread laughter, Share the wine and beer, Let’s be happy, While We are Here! Courtesy of Codnor Methodist Church

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A Female Schoolie at HMS Raleigh Submarine School asked her Class ‘What is Sex?’ A Stoker got up and said; ‘Sex is Temptation, caused by a Sensation, where a boy sticks his Location into a girl’s Destination, to increase the Population of the next Generation. Did you get my Explanation? Or do you need a Demonstration? He finishes his 90 Days Detention next Friday!

Australian Brewers. It is well known that humour is regional, & this is Queensland, Aussie. At a national conference of the Australian Hotels Association, the General Managers of Cascade Brewery (Tasmania), Tooheys (New South Wales), XXXX(Queensland), CUB (Victoria) and

Coopers (South Australia) found themselves sitting at the same table for lunch. When the waitress asked what they wanted to drink, the GM of Tooheys said without hesitation, ‘I'll have a Tooheys New.’ To which the boss of Coopers added, ‘I'll have a Coopers, the King of Beers.’ And

the bloke from Cascade asked for ‘a Cascade, the cleanest draught on the planet.’ The GM of Carlton & United paused a moment and then placed his order: ‘VB.’ The head of XXXX smiled and said ‘I'll have a Diet Coke.’ The others looked at him as if he had sprouted a new head. ‘Well,’ he said with a shrug, ‘If you poofters aren't drinking beer, then neither will I.’

Blond Joke. A husband comes home from work and finds his blond wife painting the kitchen. She is wearing an overcoat and a raincoat on top of that. He asks why she is dressed like that? She said I read the instructions unlike you, and it said ‘For best results put on two coats!’

Dog Walking. A little girl asks her mum, 'Mum, can I take the dog for a walk around the houses' Her mum replies 'No, because she is on heat.' 'What does that mean?' asked the child. 'Go and ask your father. I think he's in the garage.' The little girl goes out to the garage and says, 'Dad, can I take Lulu for a walk around the block? I asked Mum, but she said the dog was on the heat, and to come ask you.' He took a rag, soaked it in petrol, and scrubbed the dog's backside with it to disguise the scent, and said 'Ok, you can go now, but keep Lulu on the leash and only go one time around the block.' The little girl left and returned a few minutes later with no dog on the leash. Surprised, Dad asked, 'Where's Lulu?' The little girl said, 'She ran out of petrol about halfway round the block, So, another dog is pushing her home.'

The Talking Dog. A young man from the Black Peaks of Derbyshire goes off to university, but halfway through the term he foolishly has squandered all of his student grant and money. He calls home. 'Dad,' he says, 'you won't believe what modern education is developing. They actually have a programme here in my university that will teach our sheep dog ‘Beth' how to talk.' Think of the company up in the peaks for you. 'That's amazing!' his Dad says. 'How do I get Beth in that program?' 'Just send her down here with £2k the young man says, 'I'll get her on the course.' So, his father sends the dog and £2k. About two-thirds through the term, the money again runs out. The boy calls home. 'So, how's Beth doing, son?' his father wants to know. 'Awesome! Dad, she’s talking up a storm. But you just won't believe this. They've had such good results with talking, they've begun to teach the animals how to read.' 'Read?' exclaims his father. 'No kidding! How do we get Beth in that programme?' 'Just send £3k and I'll get her in the class.' The money promptly arrives. But our hero has a problem. At the end of the year, his father will find out the dog can neither talk nor read. So, he shoots the dog. When he arrives home at the end of the year, his father is all excited. 'Where's Beth? I just can't wait to talk with her, and see her read something!' 'Dad,' the boy says, 'I have some grim news. Yesterday morning, just before we left to drive home, Beth was in the living room, kicked back in the recliner, reading the Derbyshire Life. Then she suddenly turned to me and asked, 'So, is our father still having it off with that little redhead barmaid at the pub?'' The father groans and whispers, 'I hope you shot her before she talks to your Mother!' 'I sure did, Dad!' 'That's my boy!' The boy went on to be a successful lawyer.

The Chinese Meal. A couple go for a meal at a Chinese restaurant and order the 'Chicken Surprise'. The waiter brings the meal, served in a lidded cast iron pot. Just as the wife is about to serve herself, the lid of the pot rises slightly and she briefly sees two beady little eyes looking around before the lid slams back down. 'Good grief, did you see that?' she asks her husband. He hasn't, so she asks him to look in the pot. He reaches for it and again the lid rises, and he sees two little eyes looking around before it slams down. Rather perturbed, he calls the waiter over, explains what is happening, and demands an explanation. 'Please sir,' says the waiter, 'what you order?' The husband replies, 'Chicken Surprise.' 'Ah! So Sorry,' says the waiter, 'I bring you Peeking Duck'. (Please, no fowl language!)

That’s All Folks

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JEFF BACON © CARTOONS

Navy’s the world over &

do not tend to sugar coat an

honest assessment

on any achievement.

Commonly known as

‘That’s Life in A Sailor Suit!

THE TWO TIFFS A Tiff’s wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. 'Careful,' he said, 'CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh, my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you MAD? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!' The wife stared at him. 'What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?' The husband calmly replied, 'I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving.' War Graves Week - A week to Remember Today, 21 May, marks the anniversary of the founding of the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission in 1917. Over 100

years after our work first began, we continue to care for the resting places of the war dead of the two World Wars, ensuring their memory lives on. For our first ever War Graves Week, we want communities to come

together to learn about the shared World War heritage on their doorsteps. Learn more about our first national awareness week in the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lBERQPc0PQ

OUR VERY QUIET DS MEMBERS

The computer swallowed some of our Members, Yes, honestly, it's true!

They pressed 'control' and 'enter' And disappeared from view.

It's devoured them completely The thought just makes me squirm.

Maybe they caught a virus, Or they have been eaten by a computer worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin And files of every kind.

I've even used the Internet But nothing could I find.

I asked Google in desperation My searches to refine.

The reply from them was negative Not a thing was found online.

So, if someday in your 'In Box' Our DS Members you should see.

Please 'Scan' and 'Paste' them In an e-mail back to me.

Editor: We are very fortunate in Derbyshire Submariners that this is a very small number and I thank all members of DS for staying in touch. I Asked Ann Hunt what the secret of their 66-year marriage was, and she explained. ‘In our house my husband makes all the major decisions and I make all the minor ones. For example, he decides such things as what we should do about East-West trade, crime in the streets, the war in Afghanistan, welfare cheating, and increases in taxes. He also advises on actions the customers of the Oak & Acorn should follow and Submariners Derbyshire decisions. I take care of the minor things such as to which house, we buy, what kind of car we used to drive, how much money we spend, and how we raised the children and

control the TV, Video or anything that uses electricity!! Editor: A belated 66th Wedding Anniversary in May this year.

What was the ‘Scottish’ Submarine Centre has been renamed to The Submarine Centre. This is to stop confusion in that some visitors who thought they were going to see Scottish submarines! The website has also been relaunched and is well worth a visit if you have a moment. Best Rgds Tom Herman Digital RNSM

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Russia is ‘Our Number One Threat’ As its Submarines Circle Britain

Christopher Hope The Telegraph 22 May 2021 Russia’s submarines are circling Britain’s entire coastline, the Defence Sec. has told The Telegraph as he named Moscow as the UK’s ‘number one adversary threat’. Ben Wallace revealed a submarine was spotted in the Irish Sea late last year as he attacked Russia for ‘regularly’ sending vessels to Britain. He said the UK’s waters were ‘regularly visited’ by Russian ships and said Moscow had been carrying out ‘a number of operations, deliberately at Britain’. Confirmed sightings are rare but at least seven Russian naval ships and a submarine were spotted off the UK last year, & a further 26 ships & 1 submarine in 2020. Since 2013, there have been at least 150 instances of Russian naval assets detected by the UK, with Royal Navy fleets often sending a frigate or destroyer to intercept or monitor their movements. Normally Russian vessels are spotted in the North Sea or English Channel. However, Mr Wallace said a Russian kilo class submarine was spotted in the Irish Sea at the end of last year, adding that the UK had not seen one there ‘for a very, very long time. It might have been for the first.’ It is the first time the Government has confirmed their presence in the Irish Sea. He said: ‘We’re regularly visited by nosy Russian ships, and we are regularly visited now by a number of Russian warships.’

He added: ‘We have tried de-escalation, we have tried methods but at the moment until Russia changes its attitude, it’s quite hard to see where we’re going to go. This is a country that killed someone in Salisbury.’ Mr Wallace was speaking as the RN’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth on her 26,000 mile maiden voyage to the Far East. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said this showed that Britain was ‘back’ as a global military force able to project that power thousands of miles from home. Free of the EU, we can firm up our old alliances, says Ben Wallace. ‘As a Remainer I am of course gutted by the result,’ Ben Wallace said on the morning after the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum. ‘But it is now my duty to make sure the UK thrives in the world and stays together.’

Fast forward nearly five years and as Defence Secretary Mr Wallace is doing just that, as he starts to dust down old international alliances that had been somewhat overlooked when the UK was a member of the EU. At the centre of the UK’s re-engagement with old allies after Brexit are the RN’s two new aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth. When we met in his MoD office last week, Mr Wallace had just bade adieu to the Queen Elizabeth, which departed on its maiden 26,000-mile global tour. Mr Wallace sees the carrier as a ‘convener’ that will provide a focal point for the world’s powers to gather around and forge alliances. A visit by the Nato secretary general is planned during a voyage that will take in 40

countries on the way to Japan. The carrier ‘is already showing that it’s not just an airfield. It is a convener, it is a projection’, he says. ‘It is where hard and soft power meet, where the rubber hits the road. So, going to the Pacific shows that we can operate 8,000 miles away. ‘It shows that our friends like Japan, with common values, democracy, open economies that we have that

common link and that we can operate together, because the biggest strength is people who share our values. We have alliances and we have

friends.’ This year, for example, the UK will mark the 50th anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the oldest military alliance in the Pacific between Australia, Malaysia, NZ, Singapore and the UK. ‘The future foreign policy in the world is, apart from Nato and the G7, more and more quadrilaterals, trilaterals and bilaterals between countries on issues that they have common cause,’ he says. ‘Long before there was an emerging China and long before ‘we are where we are’, Britain had an alliance with countries that are strategically important. The thing about that alliance is its age, which gives us credibility. That’s not suddenly coming into fashion. It is an alliance that has just bubbled under the surface, done lots of things together. It gives us legitimacy.’

He adds: ‘Britain will always have a love and a link with the Middle East, it was always going to. And we will have strong links with Pakistan and India, sometimes just at a trade level, sometimes just at a cultural level. We’re not going to leave any of that behind.’ For Mr Wallace, the carriers demonstrate that Britain is ‘back’ as a global military force able to project that power thousands of miles from home. ‘This carrier represents hard power [as well as] British manufacturing, British skills. It represents Britain’s coalitions, with the U.S. and it represents Britain’s reach. ‘This ship has not gone to Jersey; this ship has gone to Japan. That is what’s back. A sense that our future lies a bit further than just the Channel. We are going there in a confident manner, but not a confrontational manner.’

Mr Wallace pushes back at claims that the carrier’s voyage to the Far East will avoid travelling between China and Taiwan to avoid antagonising Beijing. ‘We are going to the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea,’ he says. ‘The route there, and the route back is always subject to potential change. So, nothing is signed and sealed.’ This kind of military projection would not have been possible if the UK had remained in the EU, he says, adding: ‘Any country that wants to play to its strengths, historical strengths or common economical strengths, gets held back.’ Mr Wallace is wary about engaging in a game of ‘Top Trumps’ about which country has the best piece of military kit.

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Top Trumps got us these very expensive Type 45’s [destroyers], that don’t work or didn’t work, and are tied up in Portsmouth,’ he says candidly.

I ask if a new HMY Britannia forms part of his plans. The Telegraph disclosed this month that a new flagship named HMS Prince Philip is planned as a successor to the Royal Yacht, which was axed in 1997. Mr Wallace says: ‘There’s definitely a need for a ship or a platform of any type, that bridges the gap between hard power and soft power. ‘There is definitely a role in this world for soft power whether that is diplomatic power, economic power, scientific power, cultural power, there is absolutely a need for a showcase of that, of British values.’ The real audience for this hardware is of course the UK’s enemies. And for Mr Wallace, Russia is the UK’s ‘number one adversary threat’. He says: ‘We have tried de-escalation, we have tried methods, but at the moment until Russia changes its attitude, it’s quite hard to see where we’re going to go. This is a country that killed someone in Salisbury.’ Russia has recently been carrying out ‘a number of operations, deliberately at Britain’ notably late last year when nine vessels were spotted around the UK. ‘We saw a Russian submarine in the Irish Sea, which I don’t think we have seen for a very, very long time,’ he says. Mr Wallace has a warning too for Scottish nationalists trying to break up the UK. ‘The Union has been the canvas that has let Scots reach their full potential, both domestically and as part of the military and foreign service,’ he says. ‘The UK’s security would be weaker by separation.’

GENERAL MARITIME NEWS

1st Sea Lord Reveals The Names of RN’s Type 31 Inspiration-Class Frigates’

Naval News, 19 May 2021 The Royal Navy (RN) has announced that its future Type 31 frigates will be known as the ‘Inspiration-Class’ and will feature names drawn from past warships and submarines that illustrate the RN’s future mission types. Those names and missions include: carrier operations (HMS Formidable); operations in North Atlantic (HMS Bulldog); forward deployment (HMS Active); innovation (HMS Venturer); and the Commando Force (HMS Campbeltown). The Type 31s are intended to replace the five general purpose Type 23’s which have been in service since the early 1990s, and each of the new ships should be in service by 2028. The Type 31 class has recently undergone its Whole Ship Critical Design Review (WSCDR), and construction of the building facilities is now well underway. In related news, the US Navy (USN) has also announced progress on its own new class of frigates, which are based on French-Italian FREMM design and will be known as the Constellation-Class. The USN says that construction will start later this year as planned, and the first vessel is expected to be delivered by 2026.

Submarine Dismantling Project HM Government Paper 20 May 2021

The Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) will deliver the Government’s commitment to provide a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution for dismantling 27 of the UK’s de-fuelled, nuclear powered submarines after they have left service with the Royal Navy.

What is Submarine Dismantling? The Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) is managed by the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and is responsible for dismantling 27 nuclear submarines; 20 of which are decommissioned and have left service, while 7 currently continue to be operated by the RN. The submarines that have already left RN service are stored safely and securely: 7 at Rosyth dockyard in Fife, Scotland and 13 at Devonport dockyard, Plymouth. They are subject to regular maintenance and checks by both the MoD, the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator and the Office for Nuclear Regulation, to comply with the required safety, environmental and security standards.

How are We Undertaking the Dismantling? UK submarines are powered by nuclear reactors. During submarine operations, nuclear reactions cause radioactive substances to be generated in the pipework and components within the reactor compartment. This requires managing after the submarine leaves service. While our submarines are being stored, waiting to be defueled and then dismantled, they pose no additional safety risk to workers or members of the public. They undergo an annual survey and maintenance programme and a more in-depth survey and maintenance regime in nuclear-licensed docks, to preserve and test the systems as well as ensure submarine hull integrity. Once the nuclear fuel is removed and transported to Sellafield for storage the submarine can formally enter the SDP. The SDA is taking a three-stage approach to dismantling. This approach meets government policies for managing radioactive waste and was supported by the results of 2 public consultations in 2012 and 2015. The three-stage dismantling method allows the less hazardous parts of a submarine’s nuclear reactor core, known as Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLW) to be removed first, followed by removal of the Reactor Pressure Vessel which is classed as Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste (ILW). The SDP is conscious of the importance of a circular economy and therefore looks to re-use components that can be re-purposed in our operational fleet. Our experience has identified that once all the radioactive waste has been removed, around 90% of the materials on the submarines, mainly steel and other metals, can either be re-purposed or undergo conventional recycling at a licensed ship-breaking site, which forms the third and final stage of the dismantling process.

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Our three-stage approach to submarine dismantling is unique and has not been attempted by any other country. We are currently demonstrating and refining our dismantling approach and have removed LLW on the retired submarines Swiftsure & Resolution with all the dismantling work completed safely, on time, within budget and minimising any environmental impact. LLW removal work continues now on a third submarine, Revenge.

Latest Updates The process of dismantling a submarine is highly complex. The UK’s chosen approach to dismantling submarines is one that safely and securely manages and disposes of as much of the radioactive waste as practicably possible. This leaves fewer legacy issues for future generations to manage. A third submarine, Revenge, entered the dry dock in Rosyth in late March 2020 to commence its LLW removal. The intent is to remove all LLW including large components such as steam generators and pressurisers. No nation has yet attempted this complex and challenging undertaking and we are currently putting in place the techniques necessary to remove all LLW for the first time to comply with safety and sustainability standards. LLW-removal work on Revenge was temporarily paused due to the need to implement safety measures for personnel in accordance with the government’s COVID-19 guidelines but recommenced in May 2020. Delays due to COVID-19 are currently assessed as unlikely to affect significantly the overall timescale for the safe, secure, cost-effective and environmentally responsible completion of the first disposal, due by 2026.

Submarines Parked up for Disposal in Number Three Basin in Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth

There are 3 Astute Class submarines in service with the Royal Navy: HMS Astute, Ambush & Artful and HMS Audacious is currently undergoing sea-trials prior to her operational deployment, with a further three boats being built. The Four Dreadnought Class Submarines are also to be built at the BAE Systems Barrow shipyard. The Astute and Dreadnought Class submarines are not included in the 27 boats in scope of the SDP but will be considered for decommissioning in the future.

Scrutiny Reports: On 3 April 2019 the National Audit Office (NAO) published a report on Submarine Defueling and Dismantling. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) took evidence from the MOD on 1 May 2019 and published its report on 19 June 2019: Submarine defueling and dismantling. The NAO and PAC reports both recognised the progress made, however, significant challenges remain. All the agreed recommendations from the PAC’s report were implemented by 31 March 2020. Published 20 May 2021

Teaching Artificial Intelligence to Control Royal Navy Submarines

Michael Dempsey BBC News 21 May 2021 On 20 April, the RN's latest nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarine, HMS Anson, emerged from a vast construction hall at Barrow-in-Furness, travelled down a slipway and entered the water. All 7,400 tonnes of it. Around 260 miles away in Plymouth, another submarine made its debut that same day. A minnow compared to HMS Anson; this secretive nine-tonne craft may have greater implications for the future of the RN than the £1.3bn nuclear boat.

MSubs of Plymouth, a specialist in autonomous underwater vehicles, won a £2.5m MoD contract to build and test an Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) that should be able to operate up to 3,000 miles from home for three months. The big innovation here is the autonomy. The submarine's movements and actions will be governed entirely by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ollie Thompson is a recent graduate who is studying for a master's degree in robotics at Plymouth University. He also works for MarineAI, the MSubs arm that is fitting out the XLUUV's brain. Mr Thompson has no doubts about the challenge he and his colleagues face: ‘We know a lot of people don't have confidence in AI. So, we work with elements we can test, we separate things into boxes.’ He divides the AI problem into components, and mission management is the toughest. This attempts to simulate the presence of a trained captain in the little submarine's programming.

This is AI working in total isolation from human contact, not least because maintaining strict radio silence is critical to a submarine's covert role. The technical principle here is machine learning, showing an AI program examples of how a task should be performed until it has embedded the right actions in its own repertoire. To do this, MarineAI is using a huge IBM AC922 supercomputer, ‘a monster, one of the biggest in the South-West of England’ Mr Thompson boasts. In contrast the on-board brain of the submarine resides in a 15cm square box and relies on an Nvidia chip often found driving computer games. ‘We built it off the back of the Nvidia chip because it's highly energy efficient,’ says Mr Thompson. Just like a tiny but powerful

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Raspberry Pi device used to teach schoolchildren basic programming tasks this approach takes up very little power. And keeping power consumption to the bare minimum is critical to making the submarine's battery last. It's clear that the MoD is paying very close attention to battery technology for this project. So far MarineAI is relying on existing technology derived from car batteries. But it notes that research in this field is leaping forward. The AI content of the computer should prioritise tasks. The project envisages a boat that can travel to an area of the sea-bed to search for mines or plant a sophisticated electronic intelligence-gathering package or stay in place and scour its environment for information on a hostile navy. So MarineAI is creating a decision-making capacity for the submarine's brain. It will know how much battery life is left and how to weigh that against prevailing weather conditions and sea states, reaching a logical decision on whether to sail on or return home in the face of strong tides. The project has oceans left to cross. For instance, how can the submarine detect small objects on the surface such as jet-skis?

All of these dilemmas are small beer for human submarine captains. Codr Ryan Ramsey captained the hunter-killer HMS Turbulent and taught on the Perisher, a five-month-long course the navy uses to push prospective submarine skippers to the limit. This decides if they are fit to command 100 or more submariners working punishing watches consisting of six hours on, six hours off for the duration of a long patrol. Cdr Ramsey worked in AI after leaving the navy and can see where smart software and human instinct might not produce the same response. ‘AI will struggle to match human decision-making skills. There are lots of submariners skills you can transfer to it, but you have to accept that the first generation will not be perfect.’ He cites how he would study opposing Nato submarine commanders he went up against in exercises, learning how far each individual was prepared to push a vessel. ‘The reality is that if you don't know how a guy operates, he will find your submarine before you find him. You can't replicate that emotional input in AI.’ If the XLUUV is ever to be armed that might create serious problems. The decision to fire a torpedo rests on a huge reserve of each officer's instincts and experience. ‘If you leave that to a rules-based system you might escalate things. There is just so much to learn about the underwater battlespace.’

In the future Cdr Ramsey believes submarines will be equipped with the ability to launch their own autonomous vessels. The next generation of surface warships entering service are already planned to feature mission-bays for launching un-crewed vessels. And autonomous submarines can be deployed by transport aircraft, giving the batteries a rest and the XLUUV a global reach. The longer-term prospect for AI-controlled submarines is rosy, says Cdr Ramsey. ‘I can see a way to do a

Perisher for AI. Get the right people to recreate their experiences in a simulator and let the AI learn from that, including human decisions that might be wrong. Give it ten years' worth of data and it will be able to build its own rules.’ This simulator-based course for computer code promises another big benefit. ‘The AI can test out its own rules without any risk. My worry with autonomous submarines is the political impact if the vessel does something wrong or gets caught in hostile waters,’ he says.

Plymouth's trial submarine is based on an MSubs design known as the S201. And across the Atlantic, Boeing is building a series of large un-crewed submersibles as the US Navy works out how these vessels can be used. Former submariners talk about the degree of teamwork and close comradeship required to perform their missions. AI cannot replicate this, but it does not need to if all it is doing is saving sailors from exhausting and repetitive tasks better allocated to a drone. The RN is coy about its plans for this technology and is committed to a next generation of crewed nuclear submarines. Yet the work of Plymouth's AI pioneers may see their most perilous missions delegated to an AI program that never goes off watch.

What's Next For the Navy's Vessels? Tom Sables Navy net 20 May 2021

Below Surface Extract By 2030, the Defence Command Paper says un-crewed air and underwater systems will be in development for the Royal Navy. Improved underwater capabilities will include delivering a safer, faster and automated Mine Hunting Capability with France, with the Navy to

retire Mine Counter

Measures Vessels as the new capabilities come into service. Two

new types of submarine will enter service, including Dreadnought-class ballistic missile vessels to replace the Vanguard-class. Dreadnought vessels are expected to enter service in the 2030’s and will be the largest submarines ever operated by the RN. Carrying an arsenal of Trident thermonuclear warheads as part of the UK's continuous-at-sea-deterrent (CASD), at least one submarine will be on patrol at all times.

Meanwhile, the UK remains committed to delivering the rest of the seven Astute-Class attack submarines. Astute-Class submarines are capable of hitting targets 1,000km from the coast and, as well as coming equipped with world-leading sensors, the submarines carry Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. They will eventually replace the Trafalgar-class vessels, although the life of these will be extended to allow for a seamless transition.

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Reservist Diver on Life Under the Sea MoD Press Release 20 May

A naval reservist has revealed what life is really like for a clearance diver on Submarine Emergencies with the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR). Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Chris Betts is a member of the Reserve Diving Group (RDG) after completing a full career as a Royal Navy clearance diver before joining the Maritime Reserve with HMS Dalriada, based in Glasgow. Traditionally a clearance diver was a specialist naval diver who would use explosives underwater to remove mines and other obstructions, allowing harbours and shipping channels to safely navigate. However, the role has changed over the years to include other naval underwater work.

CPO Betts is now part of an exclusive team, the High Readiness Reserve (HRR). He is one of 12 RNR personnel committed to 72hrs notice to be deployed on submarine emergencies anywhere in the world. The HRR delivers a unique role in support of the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS), based out of HMNB Clyde. CPO Betts is also one of only a handful of Regular and Reserve Diving Supervisors trained to manage and supervise therapeutic decompression of rescued submariners using the NSRS Transfer Under Pressure system. He said: Twelve RNR divers are currently engaged in HRR at 72hrs notice to move for NSRS along with other UK and foreign divers, doctors, and nurses from France and Norway. This system provides a submarine rescue capability for the three nations that run the system. It has the capacity of being flown anywhere globally to a capable seagoing platform. We can also, at request, help any country that has the misfortune to lose a submarine at sea, aiding the rescue of men lost at sea. We operate for the Fleet Diving Squadron, and the role we supply to them is EOR (Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance). Having several Ex-Surviving CD supervisors allows us to conduct searching for jetties and piers in harbours, anywhere a naval asset might come alongside – and we can be asked to search the jetty as Reservists.

If anything is found, we make it and call in the full-time RN CD. Although this was my job in the Navy, we come away from the search, helping where needed. You can also be called upon to support the area Bomb disposal team in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Faslane when needed, working alongside the Regulars. CPO Betts joined the RN as a Missileman in 1986 before conducting diver’s aptitude and then becoming a ships diver. He was then recommended for clearance diver and subsequently transferred branch to Horsea Island. After spending many years as a regular in the Royal Navy, CPO Betts has been impressed by what he has seen from his part-time colleagues who he sees as really great friends.

New Photos Reveal Details of Cuba’s Tiny Attack Submarine Subsim 19 May 2021

Like most of the Cuban military, the country’s Navy is characterised by inventive recycling of Soviet-era hardware. Modern systems are rare, but there are systems that are unlike anything you will see in other countries’ fleets. The Cuban fleet has fishing trawlers remodelled into warships and torpedo launching platforms that resemble party rafts. But perhaps the most dangerous platform is Cuba’s secretive, tiny submarine. The single submarine is known as Delfín. It can be found in commercial satellite

imagery going back at least as far as April 2008. A few candid photographs have emerged over the years, but it has not been showcased

publicly until recently. The Cuban Navy has been very secretive about the mere existence of this submarine. In more than ten years of service, Delfín was only shown in an official video this year. Now the guard has come down even further and a clear photograph of this unique submarine has been added to their official website. Delfín is a small boat, about 70ft (21m) long. It has a crew of 5 or more and is armed with heavyweight torpedoes. The main sonar appears to have been built into the leading edge of the sail (Fin) instead of the more common bow position, according to a photo released by the Cuban government. It’s unclear from the photo if the installation is an active sonar set, which could limit its potential to surprise warships.

Israeli Military Thwarts Hamas Underwater Drone Attack on Ships Subsim 20 May, 2021

The Israeli military has thwarted an attack by a Hamas cell that intended to use a remote-controlled submarine to disable Israel Navy ships. The Israel Defence Forces said Hamas’s militants were killed and their submarine was destroyed in the attack. It was launched from the shore in Gaza,’ ‘It went a few metres deep and was directed at a target, which could have been an Israeli target’. All of the world’s navies now use unmanned drones that operate above and below the surface of the water. They are also accessible to terror organizations. Some are capable of navigating to defined targets using GPS, while others operate by remote control. Hamas modifies these drones in their workshops to accommodate an explosive payload of up to Hamas’s 30 kgs. The damage that an explosion of this size can do next to an Israel Navy boat or close to an Israeli beach is limited, but it could give Hamas the ‘victory photo’ experts say the organisation needs. The main target for Hamas is the Israel Navy or Israel’s offshore natural gas platforms. Submersibles of this kind can only gather naval intelligence or carry light payloads of equipment for Hamas’ naval commandos.

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NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK

HMS Hood. As TJ 261 June was being issued I had received notice of a request by the Hood Assn to light a candle to Remember the 80th Anniversary of her loss on Monday 24 May thus given the short notice I forwarded this out to NL Recipients. The following reply was received: Terry, Many thanks for this. I did six months on HMS Howe, she was in reserve, and I was a young electrician changing lamps etc, got into all the corners of the ship!! But one day four smart looking ‘T’ Class Boats came into the big basin at Devonport, and I was ‘captured’ and I volunteered for submarines in 1948! But Howe showed me just how big these capital ships were then! Cheerio Peter H

TJ 261. To everyone on our Derbyshire Submariners Newsletter distribution list this would stand for the ‘Trade Journal’ (A members suggestion to replace the Derbyshire Deeps name and representing the famous name of ‘The Trade’ adopted by first Submariners in the early 1900’s)

However! I have been advised our TJ Acronym is not as unique as we thought with the following found on the internet! TJ 261 is an International flight operated by Tradewind Aviation and departs from Saint Barthelemy (SBH), Guadeloupe and arrives at San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico. The flight distance is about 340 km or 211 miles. TJ 261 is an individual page for Aircraft Auster AOPV TJ261 of the RAF. You may find some details of its career, loss details, maybe a photograph, and whatever mention of the serial that occurs in the forum. TJ 261 Shears Tinsnips Straight Jewellers - TJ261. Qty per unit: 1. Packaged weight: 0.135 kg. related products. Shears Tinsnips Curved and even a TJ262 which is a similar product! And Finally, TJ 261 (strain) Worm Base Nematode Information Resource, Genotype: Recombinant inbred Bristol ...Of course the only link here to Submariners or Submarines is that the worms are cylindrical in shape!! Anon Editor: I can confirm I did not discover this Gem; I assure you I have not got that bored over the last year and a bit, Business as Usual. But it did make me smile so hope it does the same for you? RPC. patton55@virginmedia.com Tony is the Secretary of a favourite haunt of many DS Members (except one when it was still called the Conservative Club – BUT, he still came because the Beer was cheaper!’) But now called the Plymouth Club on the Hoe. It has long been a haunt when DS has been on the Dieso Boat

Reunion (DBR) ELWE on the first Saturday of August Annually. The Club offers an open invite to groups visiting, and Tony says ‘I thought there would be a slimmed down response this year, if there was one at all. No doubt some of the lads will be a bit wary of travelling. Irrespective we will extend a warm welcome to any of the group who do visit this year. We love having the lads here, the banter is always good and we put Dave Whitfield on because he gets the banter going, and they love it. SoP and by all means use my email address. Take care stay safe Regards Tony C Editor: I am aware of a couple making our annual pilgrimage but I am MRU this year for the first time in many due to health considerations but definitely looking forward to 2022 but maybe not so much for the singing by Dave Whitfield which many of us from Derby & Sheffield decamp onto the patio out the front!! A Recommended venue!

VCR Presentation Forwarded Email, on a big Chinese Navy Review with the comments from me; Worth a six minute view with my personal comment it’s the same the world over in every Navy, and very obvious absolutely gallons of paint applied as no doubt 'Bluebell' too for this PR film. For the none ex Royal Navy 'Bluebell' was a metal polish similar to Brasso, which was in a black tin! Despite the comments, it is still an awesome amount of power! Hopefully, they will stick to Sabre Rattling! I had a lot of ‘feedback’ & interestingly from Jonty, ‘It shows an interesting mix of weapon design based on US, Russian, Dutch, Italian, practice and A/C based on French, Russian, US designs. the Flight deck crew are all dressed as would the USN be, even the coloured vest match those of the USN. The carrier is of course a Russian ship bought incomplete from the Ukraine. One interesting statistic is that they have commissioned 51 warships in the last financial year. Including a second large flat top and their first amphibious carrier, the latter built in about 30 months.

With Media Interest being concentrated on the effects of Lockdown on individuals a certain group of Submariners did a survey of their members with just one question; The response you can see above!

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Australia Considers German Submarine Option as Tensions with French Company Grow

ABC & RCN News, 25 May 2021 Reports suggest that ongoing problems with Australia’s Attack-class submarine procurement project are inspiring defence officials to examine alternatives, including interim designs, uninhabited underwater vehicles (UUVs), and upgrades to the existing Collins-class boats. Though sources suggest that the Department of Defence (DoD) remains committed to the Barracuda-derived design by France’s Naval Group, news that the submarines would not begin entering service before the 2030s – with construction stretching into the 2040s – has prompted studies into interim capabilities, including potentially the Type 214 offered by Germany's TKMS. Though substantially smaller than both the 3,100-ton Collins-class submarines and the new 4,500-ton Attack-class, officials say that the 1,700-ton 214 is said to provide greater capability than the Collins class – though with less range – and could be pursued as an interim capability, though this seems like a remote possibility given the timelines involved. Analysts suggest that the DoD will likely decide on another option, which is to extend the service life of the Collins-class by accelerating the start of the life-of-type extension (LOTE) program to avert a potential ‘submarine capability gap’ before the introduction of the Attack boats. The programme to build 12 of the new Attack-class submarines is estimated to cost AUD $90 billion, and will be the most expensive and complex military acquisition project in Australian history.

Russian Expedition Underway to Check Leakages from Reactor and Two Nukes on Arctic Seabed

RCN News & Barents Observer, 21 May 2021 A Russian oceanographic vessel is en-route to a location in the Norwegian Sea where a Soviet navy nuclear submarine sank and is leaking radiation. The ‘Mike-class’ nuclear-powered attack submarine Komsomolets (K-278) suffered a fire in April 1989 and was able to surface, but 42 of its crew were killed and the submarine subsequently sank with its reactor and two plutonium warheads. The vessel now rests at a depth of 1,680m (5,500ft) at a location about 250km south of Bear Island, and surveys conducted over the years since suggest that radiation leaks from the wreck are increasing, though sources suggest that the surrounding area remains unaffected. Komsomolets is one of two nuclear-powered submarines to have sunk in the region, the second being the K-159, the November-class boat that sank just north of Murmansk when it was being towed for decommissioning. These vessels, along with a further 16 reactors that were sunk intentionally throughout the area, are regularly monitored by Russian and Norwegian agencies for their potential effects on the region and its fisheries.

I Always Take Life with a Grain of Salt. And a Slice of Lemon. And a Shot of Tequila.

Australia Reviews China Port Lease Near U.S. Military Outpost

RCN News & Wall Street Journal, 26 May 2021 Australian defence officials are officially reviewing whether a 2015 lease of Darwin Port by the China-based Shandong Landbridge Group now conflicts with Australian security interests, possibly setting up Canberra to terminate the deal. The 99-year lease was granted by the Northern Territory to Shandong Landbridge at a time when Sino-Australian ties were warm and deepening, and as Australian officials viewed Chinese investment as beneficial for developing the under-resourced area. However, even at the time the agreement raised security concerns since the port handles ammunition, fuel, and equipment used by nearby Australian soldiers and US Marines, and in the intervening years bilateral relations have significantly deteriorated over issues such as Chinese interference in Australian politics and Australia’s call for an independent investigation into the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing encourages Chinese companies to comply with local laws when investing internationally, but also that Canberra should stop ‘disrupting normal exchange and cooperation with China’. Given that China has already made non-interference with its Australian investments part of its Nov 2020 list of 14 Demands for Australia to rectify to warm relations, it is all-but-certain that bilateral acrimony will worsen should Shandong Landbridge be ousted from Darwin.

What We’re Reading Regards US Navy Size RCN News 28 May 2021

For years, analysts have been examining the question of when China may overtake the U.S in terms of military capability. This synopsis from Politico’s China Watcher NL suggests that this shift could occur much sooner than previously thought, though China’s opaque military budgets make it difficult to determine the extent of its defence investments. That said, while China has increased its spending on new weapon systems, the US has been bogged down by ongoing conflicts, and spending increasing amounts of its defence budget on operations and maintenance, rather than modernisation.

Dredging Begins on Southern Section to Widen, Deepen Suez Canal

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has begun dredging operations that will extend a second lane for two-way traffic in the southern section of the canal, reports Rotterdam's Dredging Today. The project will extend the two-way south of the Great Bitter Lake and will be carried by the largest dredger in the Middle East. With plans for completion as soon as possible,’ said Egyptian Canal Authority chief Osama Rabie: ‘This will lead to improvements in the ability of the guide and the captain of any ship to navigate inside the canal.’ Source: Schednet

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Modular Molten Salt Nuclear Power for Maritime Propulsion

Harry Valentine 14 May 2021 Evolving modern modular molten salt nuclear technology incurs comparatively lower cost while using a zero-pressure reactor and lower non-weapons grade uranium fuel. A module measuring 13ft x 23ft using a briefcase-sized load of solid fuel weighing 440lbs could deliver 100mw of thermal energy for up to 25 years. This potentially cost competitive technology has potential for future commercial ship propulsion, along with multiple stationary floating power generation applications.

Introduction: Several navies around the world operate scaled-down versions of nuclear power stations aboard ships & submarines to provide propulsion and ancillary power. The onboard nuclear reactors are cooled by high pressure water and many (including the U.S. Navy’s reactors) require weapons-grade uranium for fuel. While such propulsion technology is suitable for a naval vessel, it has zero application in commercial civilian ship propulsion. New developments in nuclear

technology are based on an old idea involving the molten salt reactor, which can operate free from high pressure water and offer greater long

File image courtesy Core Power term operational safety while being suitable for mass production, reducing capital cost. The technology uses solid non-weapons grade uranium fuel mixed into a chloride salt that melts at 750o F in a pressure-free reactor. Any mixture that should ever leak out of the reactor would cool and solidify, free from any explosion. For maritime propulsion, the technology is comparable to a battery that holds sufficient charge to provide up to 25yrs of propulsion at variable power settings. The carbon-free propulsion system saves many years of expense on fuel oil for transoceanic propulsion, providing the maritime industry with an economic and environmental case for its use.

Power Output The modular molten salt reactor delivers up to 100mw of thermal energy at sufficient temperature to generate steam to activate turbines, which drive electrical generators. Unlike earlier nuclear technology that has to operate continually at constant power output, the molten salt reactor can rapidly adjust its power output and adapt to external demand. A single module could deliver between 4,000 and 26,000 hp in either propulsive or stationary floating generator station applications. The generating system would run on steam power and used seawater to cool the condensers when required when operating at elevated levels of output, with potential for organic Rankine-cycle

engines to convert a portion of the exhaust heat to useable power. Many vessel operators reduce sailing speed to 12 knots to save fuel and reduce engine exhaust emissions, while others sail their ships at 18-24 knots. A trio of modular molten salt nuclear reactors connected to steam power conversion could provide sufficient power to sail the largest bulk carriers and the largest container ships economically at elevated speed. Slower ships could use a single molten salt reactor as a primary source of propulsion, perhaps with a back-up piston or turbine engine.

Transportation Terminals Many advances are occurring in electric battery storage technology applied to the transportation sector. This includes short-sea maritime, commercial roadway, railway and even short-haul airline propulsion. There are many locations internationally where maritime ports are located within close proximity to airports, both of which connect directly or indirectly to road and railway transportation. Future battery/electric propulsion provides opportunity to install modular molten salt reactor technology at major transportation terminals to provide energy recharge for a variety of short-sea maritime vessels, commuter aircraft, trucks, buses and even railway technology powered by any of batteries, overhead cable or third rail.

At some locations, there may be scope to use floating technology to carry several modular reactors, the result of seasonal peak traffic at some major transportation terminals. Floating technology could move internationally to spend a few weeks to a few months at locations requiring peak seasonal electric power. Land based modular reactors located next to the ocean would provide base-load power throughout the year. Modular reactors would be able to generate hydrogen for mainly aircraft propulsion, with hydrogen also being made available to some forms of maritime, railway and road vehicle propulsion.

Reusing Spent Fuel Molten salt nuclear technology has the potential to reuse spent fuel from older nuclear power stations. It can do so at a very high level of safety, eliminating high-pressure water from the reactor while the molten salt material contains the radiation. Reusing reprocessed spent fuel offers a long-term cost advantage in terms of the expense of hydrocarbon oil fuel. As the fuel approaches expiration, much of it is recyclable via reprocessing while non-recyclable material would be cast in concrete and stored until full expiration after a period of about 100 years.

Conclusion The modern modular molten salt nuclear reactor has potential to fulfil multiple applications in the maritime sector, including propulsion and floating power generation. It has the potential to power a commercial vessel for the entirety of its normal lifespan without refuelling.

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Have British Scientists Cracked Nuclear Fusion? Colin Fernandez Daily Mail 26 May 2021

It has long been an elusive dream for scientists seeking to solve the world’s energy problems. But while nuclear fusion offers an environmentally friendly way of producing power, attempts to harness it have so far stumbled. This is because causing hydrogen isotope atoms to collide and fuse together to produce helium, the same way as the Sun creates energy produces an enormous amount of waste heat. But now UK scientists have found a way of dealing with these exhaust gases, cooling them from an extraordinary 150million Celsius to just a few hundred degrees, temperatures similar to that of a car engine. This drastically reduces the wear and tear on the reactor in which the fusion occurs. And that means that nuclear fusion reactors could soon be viable. Unlike conventional nuclear energy plants, which produce energy by fission, splitting atoms of uranium, they do not result in tons of highly toxic radioactive waste that must be buried for thousands of years. And they do not create the greenhouse gases that result from burning traditional fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil.

Scientists at the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Culham, Oxfordshire, made their breakthrough using a £55million experimental fusion reactor called MAST Upgrade, which will be officially opened today. At its heart is the tokamak, a device that uses a powerful magnetic field to confine the hydrogen isotopes into a spherical shape, similar to a cored apple, as they are heated by microwaves into a plasma to produce fusion. The key challenge in using tokamaks to produce electricity for the grid has been removing the excess heat produced. But the UKAEA team has developed an exhaust system called the Super-X Divertor that traps the helium, using a magnetic field, and then diverts it on a longer path until it is cool enough not to damage the walls, which are made from tungsten tiles.

Although tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, previous designs left the exhaust gas so hot that the tiles became damaged and had to be replaced frequently, a huge expense. The new divertor means long-promised nuclear fusion could be commercially viable in around 20 years, as UKAEA plans to build a £220million scaled-up version of the MAST Upgrade by the 2040s. The lead scientist on the project, Dr Andrew Kirk, said: ‘These are fantastic results, the moment our team at UKAEA has been working towards for almost a decade. It’s a pivotal development for the UK’s plan to put a fusion power plant on the grid by the early 2040’s, and for bringing low-carbon energy from fusion to the world.’ Professor Dame Lynn Gladden, executive chairman of the Engineering Physical Science Research Council, which provided the £55million funding for the project – said: ‘These first results from the MAST Upgrade project demonstrate that fusion as an energy source has the potential to radically change the world’s energy supply.’

RN Announces New Hairstyle Policy Allowing Ponytails, Twists, Corn rolls Braids & Extensions

Peter Chapman Plymouth Live 28 May 2021 The RN has announced changes to its policy on permitted hairstyles in a move it says 'recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion' within the military family. Hairstyles now permitted include twists, corn rolls, weaves and extensions, as long as they are 'well-groomed and styled back from the face.' Ponytails and braids are also allowed, as long as they are worn above the belt for safety reasons. This policy has now expanded to include women serving ashore as well as at sea. One of the first to celebrate this overdue decision was Second Sea Lord for the RN, Vice Adm Nick Hine, who released a video with a female member of staff with her ponytail. On Twitter, he wrote: ‘Great to be able to say that our servicewomen can now wear their hair in a ponytail or plait whilst in working rig.’

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: ‘The RN recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion in the modern RN, and has taken the opportunity to update the policy on women’s hair, now expanded to include women serving ashore as well as at sea. ‘Hair styles now permitted include twists, corn rolls, weaves and extensions, given they are well groomed and styled back from the face. ‘Ponytails and braids are also permissible as long as they were worn above the belt and where there is no danger of entanglement.’ Recently, a commodore who has spent most of her career on Plymouth-based warships was appointed the RN’s first female Admiral. Commodore Jude Terry will be responsible for sailors and RM’s after being selected for promotion to Rear Admiral, and said the service ‘genuinely doesn’t look at your gender’. The MoD said the 47-year-old, who has served for almost 25 years, will become the most senior woman in the RN, past or present. Cdre Terry, from Jersey, will be promoted next year and take over as the RN’s director of people and training and naval secretary. The RN has Selected its First Female Admiral in its history as Commodore Jude Terry is promoted

with the new Rr. Admiral will start in the role in Aug 2022. She told the Telegraph: ‘I’ve never ever thought about being female in the services. If you deliver, you get the credit for it. If you don’t deliver, you have to redeem yourself. Someone’s got to be first. There will be others.’ According to the RN, Cdre

Terry was born in Jersey, graduating from the University of Dundee in 1997. She joined Britannia Royal Naval College later that year and went on to a degree in Defence Studies at Joint Services Command. She started as a RN Logistics Officer.

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A Look Back at Feb 2004 DS Newsletter

The X Files Suffering a dose of Flu as well as other health problems and feeling rather down I received a telephone call from Father Peter Peterkins a Roman Catholic Priest in Derby who rang me up on a Thursday in January in my capacity as Chairman of the Submariners Assn to advise he was taking a funeral on the following

Monday and was concerned that there would be no mourners as the gentleman had died in a home with no known living relatives except a young granddaughter who lived somewhere in Kent. He did however know the gentleman was an ex-Submariner, and in this context and given in his words he has always been impressed at the homage the Submariners give to their departed would I be able to find anything out for him to say at the funeral as all that was known apart from, he served on submarines was that he was a market trader in Derby and had retired to the seaside until his wife died. The name was supplied and unfortunately no date of birth or any other information except that the gentleman was born in 1922 which was deduced from his age.

Enquiries were made of Tex Golding our Assn Membership Sec, and we used an email connection to contact George Malcomson the Archivist at the Submarine Museum and three records were discovered for a Stanley Holt but only one fitted the time frame which was a Stanley Holt living in Abergele in Wales and whose date of birth was 22/1/22 who was a Merseyside member. A hasty phone message was made to the Priest for him to confirm the date of birth and any Abergele connection. Yes, he had retired to the seaside and it could have been Abergele and he would check the date of birth with the home he died at and if you have not heard from me in ten minutes you know everything is ok, I was assured. A message was also passed to Merseyside who were sad to hear

of the demise of their member and asked us to support the Paupers Funeral to give fitting farewell to a Submariner. We also by contacting the Funeral Directors managed to establish contact with the granddaughter and she confirmed that Stanley had lived in Wales and had photographs in his effects dressed as an Artificer and an

envelope addressed to ERA Holt. So, on the Friday arrangements were made for an Ensign to cover the coffin, a floral tribute and Members contacted to attend the funeral at the crematorium on the Monday.

Doom and Gloom struck on Sunday when Rick Rothwell from Merseyside Branch contacted me to tell me he had been talking to their member in Abergele who was obviously surprised to hear of his demise. I said ‘Oh dear’ or submariner’s words, which roughly mean this and phoned our local Priest to clarify the position. I was advised that he had tried to phone me back but the phone said all phone lines were temporarily out of order and the understatement of the year was ‘maybe I should have called you back later’. I was also advised that it was Bridlington that the gentleman had retired to, not Abergele and he was born in May 1922. I once again mouthed ‘Oh dear, Oh Dear, Oh Dear’ in a strong submariner’s fashion in a slightly agitated frame of mind caused purely by my blocked nose and copious amounts of Obas Oil to alleviate my Flu symptoms. The distressing information was hastily passed to Tex, but all we could establish was he was not a member of a SA Branch. From some personal effects we did manage to extract an official number, correct date of birth and he also had some photographs of himself on boats.

On the Friday eight members of the Branch with Branch and RNA Standard gave a salute to a Submariner on his Last Patrol. The young granddaughter and solicitor were the only other mourners to this man’s passing so despite the trauma of the arrangements at least we saluted the unknown Derby Submariner to join his many friends in a correct and proper fashion and we hope he rests in peace.

Our Branch obviously gives an unreserved apology to Stan in Abergele and its thanks for assistance by Tex Golding, Rick Rothwell, and all others within the Association who became involved in this saga. There is however a moral in this story of make sure your Branch records are up to date, it shows the importance of the membership secretary having ALL the required data to enable enquiries such as this to be dealt with efficiently and quickly without error. Remember when you are in that box it is difficult to make it known you were in fact a Submariner when it was thought you were a ‘skimmer’, so keep your Branch records up to date you never know when the information may be of vital importance. Incidentally folks ALL Derbyshire members have full and correct details logged with the National Membership Secretary so fear not! Editor: This can sometimes be a perpetual prob!

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RN to Use Satellites to Geolocate Radio Signals George Allison UKdj May 28, 2021

Kleos Space Ltd, a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service company, has confirmed that the RN have signed an evaluation contract for Kleos data. Under the contract, the RN will have access to Kleos’ geospatial data product: Guardian Locate for evaluation purposes. ‘The product delivers geolocated radio frequency transmissions collected over key areas of interest by Kleos’ satellites to complement existing datasets enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.’ Kleos’ Senior Military Advisor, Air Cdre Pete Round commented, ‘we welcome the opportunity to work with one of the world’s oldest and greatest blue water Navy’s and look forward to a positive outcome to the evaluation period’. Kleos’ satellites collect data that is used to detect and geolocate radio frequency transmissions, enhancing the detection of illegal activity, including piracy, drug and people smuggling, border security challenges and illegal fishing. Its global activity-based data is sold as-a-service to governments and commercial entities, complementing existing commercial datasets. NATO Tests its Ability to Reinforce Europe in a

Crisis with Massive Trans-Atlantic Operation RCN & CBC News, 31 May 2021

NATO completed the first phase of Exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 this week which involves the rapid movement of troops and equipment from North America to Europe via the critical North Atlantic. The first phase involved nineteen vessels from eleven nations in a simulated naval conflict in which NATO vessels sought to secure Atlantic Sea lines of communication (SLOCs) from a simulated attack by an enemy force consisting of the United Kingdom’s HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike

Group (UKCSG) and its escorts, including vessels from the US and Dutch navies. The recently reconstituted US Second Fleet served as the Maritime Component Command for the allied

fleet, which was comprised of warships from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as the US Navy’s Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG). Phase two and three of the drills will take place on European soil with deployment of the NATO Response Force, and phase three will centre around the land forces’ Exercise Saber Guardian in Romania. The drills are said to be a recognition of the renewed threat posed by Russia’s increased submarine activity in the Atlantic which, along with Russia’s wider antagonism towards Europe and the West, has placed renewed emphasis on the task of reinforcing Europe across a potentially contested Atlantic.

Netherlands Re-States Goal Subs Update in 2028 RCN News & Jane’s 03 June 2021

The Netherlands says it is proceeding the replacement of its Four Walrus-class Submarines and is expecting the first new boat to be in service by the end of 2028, despite the fact that the country has not yet selected a design for the new submarines. The winning bid is expected to be announced by the end of 2022, and three builders have offered their designs, including the conventionally-powered Shortfin Barracuda from France’s Naval Group, a larger ‘expeditionary’ version of Saab Kockums’ new A26 submarine that is being built for the Royal Swedish Navy, and the Type 212CD design from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that was recently purchased by Germany and Norway. Sources suggest that the Dutch requirements will necessitate changes to each of the designs, as the Royal Netherlands Navy is seeking to augment its existing capability in the Walrus boats, which is intended for shallow-water operations in European waters as well as deployed missions in support of the Netherland’s overseas territories and its commitments to both NATO and the EU.

Quiet, Deadly and Expensive The US Navy’s Costly Plan to Upgrade

Subsim News 5 June, 2021 Like those in the Virginia class, which is a U.S. attack submarine, can cost $3.4 billion and take seven years to build. The Navy has ambitious goals for the future of the underwater fleet, but some problems could stand in the way. ‘The U.S. Navy is undergoing a 20-year plan that will cost $21 billion to upgrade its infrastructure,’ said Aidan Quigley, a reporter at Inside Defence who covers the U.S. Navy and Marines. ‘Right now, the state of Navy shipyard infrastructure is not great. They’ve been underfunded for the past couple of decades.’ The Navy currently has 68 submarines in service. And it wants to start shipbuilding on two to possibly three Virginia-class attack submarines per year, and roughly one Columbia-class submarine per year until around 2035. But according to the Congressional Budget Office, a lack of shipyard infrastructure could delay those plans. ‘The Navy is focusing on improving productive capacity via initiatives to increase on-time delivery and operational availability while reducing maintenance costs,’ said Navy Lt. Rob Reinheimer, in a statement to CNBC. And in response to the Government Accountability Office report on Columbia-class procurement released in January, Reinheimer said, ‘Over the past 3 years the Navy, with strong Congressional support, has invested over $573 million in shoring up existing sources and development of new suppliers.’ The recently released defence budget request for fiscal 2022 could be less than what the Navy needs to keep pace with China and Russia, according to some observers.

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National Memorial Arboretum Approves Design Hi everyone, Last week the NMA approved our application for the memorial. They were very complimentary about our design which they thought was exciting and innovative. The fundraising effort continues to go well with some very generous support from the submarine industries, from

charities and from individuals. Some donations have been made in memory of those who lost their lives during WWII, but others have donated simply because they have been

inspired by what we are doing. We are very grateful to those who are undertaking arduous fundraising events for us. In particular checkout Alisdair Fergie's Underwater Tour de France and Danny Keating's Ironman. At this stage we are confident we will reach our target and have now commissioned the casting of the memorial. There is still a considerable amount of work to do and our Project Manager is getting on with submitting the planning application and selecting contractors to do the groundworks. We aim to dedicate the memorial in May next year and details of how to apply for free tickets will be published in due course. Thank you very much for your continued support.

HMS Oardacious. Supporting the Appeal. The appeal's logo has been added to the hull of the boat that HMS OARDACIOUS, the Submarine Service's

trans-Atlantic rowing team, will use for their next attempt in 2022. Part of the money they raise will come to the appeal.

Arthur Beale: London Chandlery Closing after 500 Years,

MNA NL & Old Salt Blog 19 May 2021 A victim of the Pandemic and High Rents, London’s yacht-chandler Arthur Beale will closed its doors on 24 June after being in business for more than 500 years. It was located on Shaftesbury Ave, in what is now London’s West End, the store is shutting down due to high rents and the impact of the pandemic. Originally founded by rope-maker, John Buckinghams, sometime around 1500, no one knows how old the business is exactly. In 1890, Arthur Beale joined the company as an office boy. The shop was re-named after him in the early 1900’s. In addition to providing supplies for ships and yachts, their rope was used for British expeditions to Mt. Everest and Antarctica. The firm also supplied ice axes to polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton; the rigging for escapologists, the Flag

Pole for Buckingham Palace and the window displays of Selfridges department store. How did a chandlery end up in London’s theatre district? In the 16th Century, large numbers of flax plants were grown in fields in that part of London, which were used to manufacture boat sails and rope. ‘The shop started off life as a rope maker, so all the materials had to be as close as possible to where the rope was being made,’ co-owner Hugh Taylor told the BBC. ‘A lot of people think it’s bizarre that there’s a yacht chandler in London but 500 years ago the Thames was pretty important from a nautical perspective and all the Everest explorers would come to the shop in London for their supplies,’ he added. Although Arthur Beale will close next month, Mr. Taylor said the company will be opening a warehouse outside London and become an e-commerce business. ‘Our hope and aspiration are that we will be home for Christmas in a pop-up, and then one day in the future, we hope to return to London.’

Nelson’s 200yr Old Figurehead from HMS Victory Was Chopped up with a Chainsaw Isabella Nikolic Mail on Line 31 May 2021

A 200-year-old RN figurehead from Lord Nelson's famous warship HMS Victory which was chopped up with a chainsaw by mistake has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. The 10ft-tall wooden piece of art is from HMS Victory, the warship commanded by naval hero Admiral Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar. Originally thought to have been destroyed in the mid-to-late 20th century, the 200yr-old artefact was 'rediscovered' following a year of scientific and historical investigation. But an error by contractors led to the artwork being destroyed in 2009 as workers mistakenly thought it was merely a modern-day work. The sculpture was sliced into six pieces by a chainsaw and locked into storage in 2012. In 2019, heritage chiefs from the

NMRN, which now tends to Victory, launched an investigation into the wrecked figurehead in its vaults. They discovered the carving had in fact been created to replace the figurehead damaged in the fight against the Spanish and French armada in 1805. It is now on display in The NMRN newest gallery 'HMS Victory: The

Nation's Flagship', which has just opened at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The sculpture, now on display at the Victory Gallery, depicts two angels supporting the UK royal coat of arms, surmounted by a crown. Andrew Baines, the National Museum's deputy director, revealed his team had been blown away when they discovered the figurehead's true history. He said: ‘When we discovered that it was 206 years old, we were absolutely delighted.' Naval archives show the figurehead was commissioned in summer 1815 and constructed on the Isle of Wight at a cost of £65, roughly £65,000 today. HMS Victory, based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is the oldest commissioned warship in the world

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Top Oxford University Prof. Code 'Agent Marta' Handed over Nuclear Secrets to Czech Spies

Tom Kelly Daily Mail 31 May 2021 An Oxford academic spent years handing over nuclear intelligence in clandestine meetings with communist spies, a Daily Mail investigation has revealed. Prof. Jirina Stone, who is still a leading nuclear scientist, briefed agents from her native Czechoslovakia on sensitive British and American research after emigrating here in the mid-1980’s, according to a dossier of newly declassified files from the Security Services archive in Prague. She even snooped on her unknowing British husband, another Oxford academic and eminent nuclear scientist who married her after leaving his wife and three children, by copying some of his confidential documents to pass to her Czech spymasters, the documents claim. Codenamed Marta, she was highly rated by her handlers as she used code words and clandestine rendezvous – including in fashion chain Miss Selfridge – to hide her role as a 'secret collaborator' from colleagues. Materials she passed on and information she told them about included plans for third-generation US nuclear weapons, reports on UK radar and other nuclear research, and materials previously unknown or unavailable behind the Iron Curtain, the files allege.

She was also tasked with obtaining information requested by 'our Soviet friends'. She told her handlers about a US Professor who had worked on the weapons programme at the top-secret Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico, where the world's first atomic bombs were developed, according to her files. Having kept her Cold War role secret since the collapse of communism, Prof. Stone, formerly Rikovska remains a highly respected and active nuclear scientist, who published her most recent paper in Jan this year. Now 82, she is still a visiting researcher at Oxford University and an Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Tennessee, where she moved after retirement from Oxford. She is also listed on the US Government's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which specialises in nuclear research. She emphatically denied being a spy and said she successfully 'played' the agents by giving them only inconsequential 'flannel' that posed no security risk. Her husband, who was unaware of her meetings until contacted by the Mail, passionately defended his wife, saying she had done nothing 'sinful or reprehensible' and had been a victim of the Cold War. But Prof. Anthony Glees, an intelligence and security expert from the University of Buckingham, described her explanations as 'piffle' and the 'same textbook excuses' used by other collaborators on being unmasked. He warned that the revelations of her 'betrayal' had caused the UK's national security to be 'seriously breached on several key fronts', adding: 'Had she been outed prior to 1989 I believe she'd have stood trial.' Editor: So that is how the Russians got details of Towed Array so quick?

No Joke: The Royal Navy’s Dreadnought Submarines Can Kill Anything

Caleb Larson National Interest 6 Jun 2021 Here's What You Need to Remember: The Dreadnoughts couldn’t come a moment too soon. The first of the new submarines, the HMS Dreadnought, is expected to enter service with the RN in the early 2030’s, keeping the older Vanguard-class operational for ‘at least 37 years, 13 years longer than the design life.’ And once they do, they’ll rule the waves. The Dreadnought-class of submarines will replace the UK’s Vanguard-class submarines which currently provide the RN’s silent underwater nuclear deterrent. Though certainly among the world’s most capable nuclear submarines, the Vanguards have been in service with the RN since the 1990’s, making the oldest of the submarines nearly thirty years old. Former Defence Sec Michael Fallon stated that the RN ‘cannot know what dangers we might face in the 2030’s, 2040’s and 2050’s,’ justifying the submarine’s construction.

Construction on the Dreadnought-class is still underway, so many of the class’ final characteristics are not yet known, but BAE Systems, the Dreadnought-class builder, is building a fleet of four total submarines, and claims that the submarines will be the first submarines built with mixed-gender crews. Composite imagery of the submarines does

however show what appears to be a very smooth, streamlined hull with a single, rather large sail near the front third of the vessel. Just rear of the fin, the new submarine is shown

with twelve missile compartments, six to a side. The class is expected to be nearly 500 feet long and displace 17,500 tons, making the Dreadnoughts the largest submarines ever built for the RN. The submarines will also feature a new lighting system that can simulate night and day, giving underwater mariners a better sense of what time, it is, another first for the RN.

The name Dreadnought is steeped in historical significance. The UK press release announcing the new submarine’s names stated that, ‘Dreadnought has extensive historical significance, borne by no fewer than nine RN ships. A previous Dreadnought sailed with Sir Francis Drake to repel the Spanish Armada; another was present with Nelson at Trafalgar, where her gunnery was acknowledged to be the most devastating of any ship present. But the most famous of all was the ninth Dreadnought, a battleship so advanced that it rendered all others obsolete at a stroke.’ Like the previous Vanguard-class, the Dreadnought-class will be armed with Trident intercontinental ballistic missiles, a ballistic nuclear missile design that is shared with American Ohio-class submarines.

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THE CONTINUING SAGA OF URGE’S GRAVE Misson Jean Pierre missonjp@hotmail.com 28/5/21 JP continues his Lone Battle to get Justice for the true War Grave of HMS Urge and to refute the Claim of the University of Malta that Urge is off their Island. You are welcome to contact JP on his email missonjp@hotmail.com to obtain the original of this email complete with the Twelve Picture/Documents which I cannot put in the newsletter as too many and too big a document.

HMS Urge: The Scandal of a Claim with Fake Sonar Images and Forged Pictures

HMS Urge Found off Malta (A Claim Published 30 Oct 2019 and Validated by RN/MoD 31 Oct 2019) https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/october/31/191031-ww2-submarine-urge-found-off-malta

JP Writes; This Claim is Now Confirmed to be a Fraud. Because of the Italian archival documents confirming the attack on an ‘Enemy, surfaced submarine gunning the (Axis) Convoy with 12 depth charge-type bombs by their CR42 aircraft, at Marsa el Hilal, 29th April 1942. Attachment #1 (of 6 pages), Attachment #2. Because of Attachment #3, Catalogue, National Archives Kew, indicating the same date of 29th April 1942. The Claim that Urge was lost to a mine on April 27th does not hold water as on the 29th URGE was way beyond any of the minefields around Malta! Because of Historians and Writers: Ackerman, Rohwer, Evans, Dancer, Preston, Thomas, Clayton, O'Hara, Kindell, Hennessy/Jinks, mentioning either the date of 29th April 1942 or Marsa el Hilal, or both.

Because of the 2003 article published in the Press with first mention of Urge attacked by Italian Aircraft https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/15/military.arts1 Because of the sonar recording Marsa el Hilal 2012, revealing the presence of a British submarine U Class, and signs of salvage work, Attachments #4 , #5 , #6. and because salvage work on this wreck would not have been conducted in British-occupied Libya (from Nov 1942 onwards), unless the submarine were found to be British. The submarine at Marsa el Hilal is HMS URGE and it has been there since the morning of 29th April 1942.

Given that, back in Oct 2019, the two sonar images said to (both!) be showing the wreck of Urge turned out to be showing HMS P39 and Pandora (wrecks that had been dumped off Malta after the war) having been sunk during the war Attachment #7 is HMS P39 Attachment #8 is HMS Pandora. Given that there is a blatant intention to deceive with Attachment #9, where the sonar image of HMS Pandora (P Class, 87m long) is made to match a ‘U’ Class submarine, which only 58m long!

It is quite obvious that Attachments #10 and #11 , published in: https://www.livescience.com/hms-urge-submarine-identified-no-secret-mission.html and claimed to be showing the letters U, R, G, E can only have been forged! These letters appear in NONE of the Video footages that have been published coincidentally with the pictures! And The two still pictures, said to be coming from one same (Port) side of the Fin, cannot be matched one to the other. Attachments #10 and #11 can't be erased they are there for all to see their unmatching!

Now that forged pictures have been added to that Claim, I publicly accuse those who pretend they have found the wreck of HMS Urge Off Malta of disrespect to those entombed in the British submarine at Marsa el Hilal, of having deceived their Families of having fooled National Historical Branch, the Royal Navy, the MoD, and the General Public & Media.

I accuse Francis Dickinson of having deliberately tried to conceal what happened to HMS Urge between 27th April and 29th April 1942, and in doing so, he has robbed his grandfather Lt. Cdr. Tomkinson (and the entire Ships Company of HMS Urge of the courage they showed to the very last instants in their life.

I accuse the NHB of not having conducted the professional research needed to establish the truth about the fate of HMS Urge, about the real whereabouts of this War Grave and to have succumbed to outside pressure. The Naval Service never asked for a copy of the sonar recording Marsa el Hilal 2012, forwarded to Bridgend in 2015, with yet another copy consigned to the Defence Attaché, British Embassy Tunis, September 2019.

I accuse of flippancy the Newspapers who have circulated false narratives, fraudulent sonar images and pictures without due scrutiny. It is true to say that this deliberate fraud has been rather well-orchestrated and would have gone unnoticed had their authors not made quite a few mistakes. An Inquiry is Needed to find out who is accountable for deceiving the Families and attempting to alter History of HMS URGE's entire Ships Company which were Not Lost to a Mine off Malta, BUT LOST WHILST ENGAGING THE ENEMY at Marsa el Hilal, Libya on 29th April 1942 and No One SHOULD be allowed to deprive them of their Gallantry, and Ultimate Sacrifice of HMS Urge and her Crew.

Jean-Pierre Misson

Editor: There are of course restrictions on access to the waters off Libya to survey, and ‘possibly’ Malta may object to an independent survey due to declaring their wreck an Official War Grave and not to be disturbed. However, I have no doubt the truth will be discovered and proved beyond doubt eventually when both wrecks are properly identified!

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In the Belly of the Whale Israeli Submarine Simulates Strike

Reuters 10 June, 2021 When fighting erupted in Gaza last month and rockets rained on Israel, the men operating its navy submarine Leviathan knew next to nothing. Submerged for a drill, they were relayed only brief bulletins so as not to be distracted from their mission. ‘We are by definition clandestine and, to a degree, isolated at sea. Our performance depends on our focus,’ a senior navy officer told Reuters aboard Leviathan during a training run, in the first such foreign media access to the vessel. Speculation surrounds the role of the fleet of five Dolphin-class submarines, each costing some $500 million. A sixth is on order from the German manufacturer. Some analysts suggest these boats may be capable of launching nuclear missiles.

Around a third the size of the nuclear-powered giants of the U.S. or Russia, and with diesel-electric engines that limit underwater durations to two or three weeks, the Dolphins are designed mainly to patrol the Mediterranean coast. But in 2019 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also tasked the navy

with tackling arch-enemy Iran. In Jan 2021, a Dolphin made a rare visit to the Red Sea, where several Iranian-linked ships have been sabotaged. Leviathan's below-decks weapons

section was off-limits to Reuters. So was discussion of actual operations. Swinging the periscope to peer at cargo ships above, the captain ordered a deeper dive and a simulated attack. A control-room display showed Leviathan's torpedo tubes as ‘flooded’, or ready for launch. The floor tipped, the control-room crew leaning against the incline. A few dozen metres down, Leviathan switched from diesel to electric power. To preserve the resulting quiet, crewmen passed along targeting and fire orders in murmurs, reinforced by finger taps on comrades' backs. A speaker aired the torpedo's sonar signal: like the song of a cricket, rising in urgency then falling silent as the target was ‘sunk’.

Biblical Whale. A Dolphin's core operational crew size is 45, with an average age of 22, the senior officer said. Ten or more people can squeeze aboard, for training or deployment as frogmen. At their home port of Haifa, a fortified hangar shields the Dolphins from rocket strikes or hostile eyes. Crews are expected to put to sea at extremely short notice, the officer said. Leviathan is named after the biblical whale. Dining, as elsewhere in Israel's military, is kosher. That means separate kitchenware for meat and dairy which, on Leviathan, resulted in spill over cutlery being stored in the corridor. Prayers precede Sabbath meals, with blessings over grape juice instead of wine. Purified seawater allows for regular showers and laundry by hand.

A static bike, board games and videos pass down time. Cramped quarters mean junior submariners rotate three-to-a-bed. On longer trips, some wear casual clothes, and everyone goes by first names except the captain and first mate. The Dolphins are among a handful of Israeli military units whose personnel must forfeit any other citizenships they hold, a precaution against pressure to spy for foreign powers. There is almost no ‘compartmentalisation’

during missions. The crew are kept apprised of secret plans to create a sense of common cause, the senior officer said. Some analysts speculate the submarines may serve as so-called ‘second strike’ platforms capable of launching nuclear missiles autonomously, a

deterrent against a surprise attack. ‘It would be far more difficult to be sure of destroying submerged submarines,’ said Norman Friedman, a scholar with the U.S. Naval Institute. ‘If Israel were to deploy a submarine-launched missile, I would put my money on a cruise missile.’ Israel, which does not confirm or deny having nuclear arms, aims to prevent Iran getting such weaponry. Iran says its nuclear designs are peaceful. It also calls for Israel's demise.

Philippines Again Suspends Scrapping of Troop Pact with U.S. amid China Dispute

Reuters 14 June 2021 The Foreign Minister announced on 14/6 that the Philippines has again suspended the cancellation of the Philippines-USA Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which legally permits US forces in the Philippines to resupply, train, and exercise with Filipino troops. Philippines President Duterte formally announced in Feb 2020 that he was ending the VFA, pending a six-month waiting period, but he has since thrice delayed the VFA’s termination. If the VFA ends, it removes a key American forward presence in SE Asia, and Philippine military, which has long depended on cooperation with the US military for training and readiness, especially amid continuing incursions by Chinese forces in nearby seas.

What We’re Reading: RCN News It is often presumed that because China and Russia share growing trade ties and the common cause of disrupting and minimising Western influence that they are allies, as evidenced by major military exercises such as Vostok and Joint Sea. However, this top-level cooperation belies many lower-level disagreements and tensions, including territorial disputes in Russia’s Far East and China’s links into Central Asia. Long-time China watcher Isaac Stone Fish details these frictions and more in the bilateral relationship in ‘Why does everyone assume that Russia and China are friends?’

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Reunite, March and Remember Together The Naval Assns’ Parade (formerly known as the Biennial Parade) will take place on Sun 12 Sept this year at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, and it promises to be quite the gathering, with the invitation extended to all CONA (Conference of Naval Associations) members. This year’s Parade will be particularly moving, as we use the occasion to remember all those who have crossed the bar during the pandemic, many of whom could not be honoured at their own funerals or memorial services. We will of course include reference to the late Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh in our service, as we all served under the same White Ensign irrespective of rate and rank, and I am sure it would be regarded as a gesture of support to Her Majesty the Queen if we were to turn out in appropriate numbers. If you intend joining this year’s parade, please let andy@royalnavalassc.com or admin@royalnavalassoc.com with an indication of number/s likely to be swelling our ranks. Timings and further details will then be emailed to you. (For security reasons the RNA has been asked to keep the date and timings off social media, we ask that you respect this necessary rule as well.) Why Must British Warships be Built in the UK?

George Allison UKdj 10 June, 2021 A Minister has outlined why RN warships must, by virtue of national security, be built in the UK. Jeremy Quin, Minister of State for the MoD, recently said in response to a written question. ‘For national security reasons, the UK needs to maintain a shipbuilding enterprise with the industrial capabilities to design, manufacture, integrate, modify and support current and future naval ships (both RN and RFA). Overall, the MoD considers that a regular drumbeat of design and manufacturing work in UK yards is needed to maintain the industrial capabilities important for UK national security and to drive efficiencies which will reduce longer-term costs in the shipbuilding portfolio.’ Other than procurement activity undertaken during the World Wars, the UK has not had a complex warship built outside of the UK since the start of the 20th century at least. All of the RN’s new complex warships are being built in UK shipyards and the UK Government says it remains committed to utilising the strengths of UK industry in this specialist and complex area. There’s also the matter of contracts using US technology, defence contractors that work with items or technology of US origin are also covered by undertakings given in accordance with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), under which any change to an existing US export licence requires US State Dept approval’. Simply put, the UK wants to retain the ability to build its own warships and to keep sensitive technology somewhat secret, that’s it.

Royal Navy Will Evolve In 'Size And Shape' Charlotte Banks Forces net 10 June 2021

Former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones discussed the future of the Senior Service with MPs on the Commons Defence Select Committee saying, The fleet could have ‘more appropriate ships’ in the future. The RN will evolve in ‘size and shape’ with perhaps ‘more appropriate ships’. It comes as HMS Prince of Wales embarked an F-35 fighter jet for the first time, on its journey to becoming fully operational. It was a double first; the first time both the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers have been at sea at the same time with F-35s on deck. What does the future hold for the RN and what role will it play going forward? MPs asked Admiral Sir Philip Jones whether it is achievable to have more ships at sea, further away and for longer, to meet expectations. The former Navy chief said: ‘It's a question of scale, is the Navy big enough to be able to deploy on all the persistent present tasks that the Government is asking it to do? ‘I believe it is. But what we will see over the next few years, is an evolution of the size and shape of that Navy, with perhaps more appropriate ships for each and every one of those tasks being available in a couple of years’ time, so we’ll see some swapping in and out as more ships become available.’

The Government's recent Integrated Review included the desire to expand the fleet. The Type 31 and Type 26 frigates are already in the pipeline. Admiral Jones added: ‘In the meantime, we will persist with a strategy we’ve used for a while now, which is think innovatively outside the box about how to achieve as high a level of persistent presence and the capacity to be in as many of the places as we can be, using ships that we might not have used in that way before.’ Regarding the deployment of the Carrier Strike Group to the Indo Pacific region, he said there are very few allies with that capability. ‘So, it's a statement of intent, it’s a statement of cohesion with allies that we are prepared to do that, but again recognising that it’s not only us that can do that, the French have deployed the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group out to that region before and will do so again,’ he said. ‘One of the best things we can do there is work with them, to synchronise that, to make sure there is scheduling coherence in the way we do that and to try and make sure as much as possible that our assets are interoperable with each other.’

What was the Scottish Submarine Centre has been renamed to The Submarine Centre, this is to stop confusion in that some visitors thought they were going to see Scottish submarines! The website has also been relaunched and is well worth a visit if you have a moment. Best Rgds Tom Herman, Digital Lead, RMSM

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UK Orders for Royal Navy Ships to Support Scottish Shipbuilding Jobs

While SNP May Turn to Poland to Build Their Much needed Ferries!

Murdo Fraser MSP The Scotsman 12 June 2021 Look out across the Clyde to BAE Systems’ Scotstoun yard and the progress on building the next generation of RN ships is evident. BAE are constructing the Type 26 frigate as part of a programme of 8 new ships in the class. The contract for the first 3 ships alone is worth around £3.7b, and overall, the programme is expected to sustain 1,700 jobs in Scottish shipbuilding until the 2030’s. It is not just on the Clyde that we see employment supported thanks to UK government spending. At Rosyth on the Forth, Babcock are building five new Type 31 frigates as part of a £1.25b deal, supporting around 2,500 jobs across the UK. It follows on from the construction at Rosyth of the two aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, a project with a combined cost of £6.2b. Her Majesty’s Naval Base on the Clyde will soon be home to all Royal Navy submarines, and continues to receive £1.5 billion worth of infrastructure investment.

Britain To Build A ‘National Flagship Alistar Smout Reuters 29 May, 2021

Britain is to build a new Flagship to promote its business and trade interests around the world, in a

move it said would also boost the ailing shipbuilding industry. Once built, it would host high level trade

negotiations and trade shows, The Government will announce the name of the ship in due course and the cost of the project would be confirmed once manufacturing contracts were tendered.

National Geographic Earth’s 5th Ocean Mike Schuler RCN News 10 June, 2021

It took over 100 years, but starting now National Geographic will recognise the body of water around Antarctica and below the 60th parallel as the Southern Ocean after cartographers determined the area to be worthy its own name. National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific organizations and has been producing maps since 1915 depicting just four oceans; the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic. But starting on World Oceans Day, which was June 8, the society will officially recognize the Southern Ocean in both print and online. The idea that the Southern Ocean is its own independent body of water has been floating around for quite a while, but taking a more ‘nerdy’ approach, Nat Geo’s map policy committee has now determined that the swift current circling Antarctica is enough to keep its waters distinct from the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, making the body of water worthy of the ‘ocean’ designation. ‘The Southern Ocean has long been recognized by scientists, Geopolitical

Global Warming May Have Already Passed Irreversible Tipping Point

Al Jazeera & RCN News, 15 June, 2021 The findings from the largest-ever scientific expedition to the Arctic last year suggests that Arctic ice may be retreating at an irreversible pace. During the year-long Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition to the North Pole, which involved 300 scientists from 20 countries, researchers collected terabytes of data on the state of the region’s atmosphere, oceans, sea ice, and ecosystems, as well as over 1k ice samples. According to MOSAiC, evidence collected strongly suggests that warming caused ice in the Arctic Ocean to recede faster in the Spring of 2020 than any other period on record, which may lead to the complete loss of summer sea ice in the Arctic within decades, a change which would have severe consequences for the region’s ecosystems and wildlife. The rapid pace of melting suggests that warming in the region, which has experienced a 10o

C rise in temperature since the 1890’s, may have already pushed the Arctic climate past the point where even significant climate action measures could halt or reverse the ice melting rate, highlighting the dire need for concrete global action to reduce carbon emissions.

All Six of Australia's Collins-Class Submarines to Undergo Life-of-Type Extensions’ Jane’s & RCN News 11 June 2021

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton has confirmed that all six of the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins-class submarines will undergo life-of-type extensions (LOTEs) as a result of delays in the construction of the RAN’s 12 future Attack-class submarines that are being built in partnership with France’s Naval Group. The USD $70 billion Attack-class project is subject to a variety of delays and disputes, and construction is now expected to start as early as 2025 for the first vessel delivery around 2035. Sources suggest that a more extensive LOTE for the Collins-class may now be moved forward to 2024, as opposed to a less intensive version that was originally slated to begin in 2026. This would see the older boats maintained until 2036. Officials say that it is currently unclear as to whether the yards have the capacity to move forward on the project that quickly, but Dutton said he was committed to the upgrade project to avoid a capability gap given the regional threat environment.

Philippines Reveals more Details about Submarine Acquisition Plans’

Jane’s & RCN News, 11 June 2021 The Philippines Navy’s outgoing Cdr told the media earlier this month that his country was aiming to procure two diesel electric submarines and an integrated logistics support package (ILS) from a foreign supplier. Though recent reports indicated that defence projects have been delayed

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New Base Commander for Scotland’s Largest Military Establishment

RN Media Release 15 June 2021 Scotland’s largest military establishment, HM Naval Base Clyde, has a new Naval Base Cdr with Commodore Donald Doull handing-over to Commodore Bob Anstey. The socially distanced hand-over ceremony took place at Faslane on 15 Jun, with representatives from HMS Neptune, the Submarine Flotilla, 43 Commando and other base departments and units attending. Cmdr Doull, who has been the Naval Base Cdr since Jun 2018, will be promoted to Rr Adm, and move on to London to work with the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO)..Speaking about his time at HM Naval Base Clyde, Commodore Doull said: ‘It has been an honour and privilege to command HM Naval Base Clyde for the last three years. During this time, the Naval Base has received significant investment to become home of the Submarine Service. I have greatly enjoyed working with all our partners both within the base and in the local community to realise this exciting vision.’ Cmdr Doull left the Naval Base for the final time in style. Boarding a P2000 patrol boat alongside Faslane, the outgoing Cmdr was played-off by a Piper and given a waterborne salute by Serco tugs. Taking-over is Cmdr Bob Anstey who is a familiar face at the Clyde base having most recently served as Deputy Director Submarines and Senior Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland. ‘I am delighted and hugely privileged to be ‘taking the baton’ from Cmdr Doull as Naval Base Commander for HMNB Clyde”, said Commodore Anstey. ‘We have seen significant, positive changes in the base during the last few years and, despite the challenges of the last 18 months, the team on the Clyde have maintained the momentum and drive to keep improving as we go forward. I am looking forward to joining a great team and working with the whole Clyde community to continue to deliver key elements of UK Defence from the home of the UK Submarine Service in Scotland.’

Joining the Royal Navy in 1986 Commodore Anstey volunteered for service in Submarines in 1989 after service with HMS Anglesey & HMS Ark Royal. His early career with the Submarine Service was spent on Trafalgar class attack submarines HMS Torbay, Tireless & Trafalgar. He later went on to serve as XO, second-in-command of HMS Victorious & Vengeance before assuming command of HMS Vigilant. He has also spent a considerable time at HM Naval Base Clyde, in 2014 he took command of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) Submarine and Minor War Vessel training at Clyde, and ,in 2018 was appointed Asst Chief of Staff Submarines and then Senior Naval Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland and Deputy Director Submarines. HM Naval Base Clyde is the RN’s main presence in Scotland. Split between two sites, Faslane and RNAD Coulport, the base is home to the core of the Submarine Service, including the nation’s nuclear

deterrent, and the new generation of hunter-killer submarines, the Astute Class. More than 6,700 civilians and Service personnel are employed by the site and this is set to increase as the base becomes the home of the UK Submarine Service by 2022 & prepares for the arrival of the Dreadnought Class, the next generation of the deterrent at the end of the decade. HMNB Clyde provides a base port to the ships and submarines of the Submarine Flotilla (SUBFLOT) and supports dozens of other visiting vessels each year. In addition, the base is home to Sandown Class Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs), 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, Fleet Operational Sea Training (North), Northern Diving Group and the NATO Submarine Rescue System.

The Forgot You Not Rock Anne McGinley Not Forgotten Assn

We were very disappointed that our annual Summer Garden Party was cancelled again this year. However, following the resounding success of the Jingle Bell Rock Drive Ins in the lead up to Christmas we are thrilled to announce The Not

Forgotten will once again be touring the UK with the ‘Forgot You Not Rock’ Summer Garden Party Drive Ins. 11 Summer Garden Party events will be taking place, whatever the weather, come rain or shine! We

are extremely grateful to the owners of the spectacular venues for giving us this wonderful opportunity to entertain you. Further information is as follows: These complimentary Party events are hosted by The Not Forgotten for veterans and their guests. We do ask, however, that our guests make their own travel arrangements to and from the venue. Two parties will take place daily and the timings are: 1130 hrs - 1400 hrs & 1630 hrs - 1900 hrs. Each Party is limited to 60 vehicles. We anticipate there being great demand so we would ask that veterans complete and return their application form as soon as possible. Bluetooth speakers will be provided to each vehicle for everyone to enjoy the Party, whatever the weather and social distancing guidelines! Please have your picnic chairs and picnic blankets at the ready! On arrival, our guests will be welcomed with a glass of Pimm’s or non- alcoholic squash alternative. A BBQ will be served followed by tea, coffee and a delicious slice of cake. The fabulous show will be hosted by the lovely Annie Riley and equally lovely Max Fox! The popular Singo Bingo will be making a return and there will a l so be the fun game of Kings & Queens and a raffle should you wish to take part. Dress Code: Smart Casual or Garden Party attire or Rock ‘n Roll, a prize will be given to the most innovative outfit. If you have any queries or would like any further information about the events, please call Anne McGinley on 020 7730 2400 or email anne@thenotforgotten.Org.

24

ITS NOT ALL DOOM & GLOOM Well, Surprise, Surprise, an extra month added to the Lock Down, but almost inevitable going by the various news reports on indiscipline and selfishness of individuals, but as with being told on your way home after a long period away, and no relief available it is a case of ‘What’s the point of Dripping’ it will not change things, thus, I ordered another 12 bottles of my favourite Australian Shiraz Red wine to while away the month, but no doubt that order will need topping up before the month is up! I blame the Port Call into Newcastle NSW on HMS Odin in the early 1970’s when we had a trip out to an outback vineyard, which left a lasting impression on my tastebuds and a liking for Australian Wines, which I still enjoy today, especially the Reds.

Other Topics in the News affecting all of us are the quip sent to me below which I have only one comment to make. Though the text is very relevant to what is going on in the UK, my question is how come he is so privileged to Actually speak with his local GP to ask an ‘actual question & get an answer?’

At the G7 Summit. A German, an Italian, a Frenchman, and an Englishman are debating philosophy. The question arises over the course of their debates: What separates Humans from the Animals? ‘Technology,’ says the German. ‘Other creatures have tools, yet none can match the heights of engineering we have accomplished. It is our industry that separates us from the beasts.’ ‘I disagree,’ announces the Italian. ‘It is our food. The creatures of the wild eat, but they do not cook. Humans on the other hand, create amazing dishes and new combination that make eating a most enjoyable experience.’ ‘I say it's art,’ decides the Frenchman. ‘No other being can create art. From our earliest days we have painted, and now we sculpt, write and compose as well. The wild animals cannot ever know what it is like to cry over a beautiful piece of art.’ All three now look towards the Englishman, expecting his answer. He takes a long sip of tea before answering. ‘The English Channel.’ Editor My cynical conclusion to the G7 is a lovely Cornish Jolly (Holiday) for Politicians, a working holiday for Police & as for XR, who cares what they caught?

RBL to Stop Selling Poppies in the EU Due to Brexit Isobel Frodsham, PA Yahoo News 19 Jun 2021 The RBL will no longer sell poppies in the European Union due to red tape following Brexit, according to reports. The charity, which provides support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, is said to have sent an email to supporters stating it will ‘need to cease sales to customers in countries in the EU’ for the foreseeable future until legislation surrounding Brexit is reviewed. The i newspaper reported that it could not justify the expense, including customs charges, to send poppies overseas following Britain’s departure from the EU’s customs union on January 1. Poppies are worn in

Oct/Nov for Armistice Day, and the charity sells them to raise money for members of the armed forces, veterans and their families. It also sells a range of poppy jewellery, clothing and accessories through its online

Poppy Shop. The i said it has seen a copy of the email sent to supporters. A Government spokeswoman told Poppy Appeal (PA): ‘We are focused on supporting UK organisations as they adjust to our new trading relationship with the EU. The work of The RBL and the money they raise through their annual poppy appeal is incredibly important and we will engage with them to ensure they get the support they need to operate in the EU. Editor: Are exempt VAT in UK because they only ask for donations but do give a recommended donation to cover production and costs.

Submarine Division Newsletter Issue 26 April 2021

Having received this today 19/6 not presented as normal due to content largely covered in previous DS Newsletters including Anson launch, support to families of lost Indonesian, Spearfish upgrade and commission and Submariner Appeal Update. Happy to forward a pdf copy to any Derbyshire Submariner Member on email on request.

DS Subs to Change to 1 Apr Annually. A majority vote to effect change at the end of the year and free DS Membership until 1 Apr 2022. Only one vote against as member happy to pay, but please note this ONLY applies to DS Membership NOT SA. The proposal is passed

subject to ratification vote and official change accepted at the DS AGM in 2022

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