View Full Version : Fleet Review: Silver Jubilee 1977
bob shayler
20-09-2008, 21:22
My good friend Roy loaned me a copy of the Official Souvenir Programme for this event today. The first images are the progamme itself then the ships and aircraft taking part. I recognize most of them but particulary HMS Phoebe, which was the only R.N. ship I had contact with in my 25 years in the Army when we played them at football in Sharjah in late 69 - early 70,
regards,
Bob
What memories this brings back. I was 11 at the time and watched the Fleet Review from Browndown. Alas, the weather closed in and my parents insisted on a premature departure before the Fleet Air Arm flypast took place. My argument that being soaked to the skin was a small price to pay in order to see such an historic event, fell upon deaf ears!
The previous night I was taken to see the Fleet illuminated, an incredible sight that we are unlikely to see again.
I bought the official chart produced by the Hydrographic Office for this event, showing all the ship positions in the review. Sadly I think it got discarded in my last house move but I'll check the loft later just in case it survived.
astraltrader
22-09-2008, 15:17
What memories this brings back. I was 11 at the time and watched the Fleet Review from Browndown. Alas, the weather closed in and my parents insisted on a premature departure before the Fleet Air Arm flypast took place. My argument that being soaked to the skin was a small price to pay in order to see such an historic event, fell upon deaf ears!
The previous night I was taken to see the Fleet illuminated, an incredible sight that we are unlikely to see again.
Not so much as unlikely but more a case of we will never see again.
The government is planning further big cuts to the Royal Navy after deciding that terrorism is the only serious threat to Britain. Annual accounts from the Ministry of Defence show that it is to cut funding for new ships and equipment by more than 20%, from about £1.8 billion a year to a maximum of £1.4 billion.
The cuts come as the MoD tries to fill a £2 billion shortfall in its budget over the next three years. Overspending has left funding even for this year uncertain. They will force the navy to shrink its commitments around the globe.
The destroyer fleet will be cut from nine to six – half the number deemed necessary by the 1998 Strategic Defence Review.
Attack submarines will be reduced from 11 to seven and many of Britain’s 17 frigates will go. When Labour came to power the fleet had 35 destroyers and frigates. The defence review said it needed 32. There are now only 26 – and that figure could drop to as low as 15. The MoD cannot say how many frigates it will buy but the government has already indicated that large numbers are not needed.
This dismal news was recently announced in the MoD’s annual report and accounts for 2007-8, released last month.
Naval expenditure is set to fall to below £1 Billion per year.
I still find it incredible that a country ranked as the 5th or 6th richest in the world and who still relies on the seas for much of her trade and in addition over uses the few ships she has left with her numerous world commitments has a government that could allow this to happen...
bob shayler
22-09-2008, 18:57
The programme shows the ships position. I will post them soon,
regards,
Bob
bob shayler
22-09-2008, 19:18
Disposition of the Fleet,
regards,
Bob
astraltrader
22-09-2008, 20:20
Sorry to interrupt your thread Bob - just making a point that riles me!
SCRG1970
22-09-2008, 20:32
Bob
On the subject of Fleet reviews ,anyone remember this one ?
NATO Review Spithead 16 May 1969.
Regards
gerry
bob shayler
22-09-2008, 21:41
Hi Gerry,
missed that one as I was in Germany at the time.
Terry,
No problem airing your views on this thread. my sentiments reflect yours,
regards,
Bob
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