HMS Maxton

[rumrat]

Any Ex Maxtonians out there who want to get in touch ? Remember the Suez Canal Mine Clearence, operation Rheostat Task Force 65 1974 were you there i was
Or Any other commission

HMS MAXTON is Affiliated to the village of Maxton Roxburghshire in the Scottish Borders this link is maintained by the Ton Class Association

Regards
Dave

[culverin]

Hello Dave and your piece here about the mine clearance ops performed back then.
I believe there were 3 or 4 tons engaged in this arduous and hazardous task, so which were the other tons involved.
I remember it very well, although not in any way involved, and i possess a Maxton zippo lighter with all the clearance details on it, which if i recall clearly, was acquired in hazy circumstances from one of the crew, in Gib, if i recall.
Was that you who needed assistance during your run ashore, or did you not suck on them duty frees ?

[tonclass]

I believe there were 3 or 4 tons engaged in this arduous and hazardous task, so which were the other tons involved.

Wilton, Bossington, Maxton & Abdiel as support ship

[culverin]

Thanks for that Rik.
I note the plastic Wilton went then.
Was that a deliberate ploy to see how she measured up.
How much was learned here do you think that was then put into practice with the new Hunt class.

[tonclass]

Thanks for that Rik.
I note the plastic Wilton went then.
Was that a deliberate ploy to see how she measured up.
How much was learned here do you think that was then put into practice with the new Hunt class.

I'd guess it was a bit of half and half regarding Wilton. She obviously proved herself very well as they wouldn't have built the Hunt class otherwise. Wilton was the test case, and the Hunts have proved a real success as they are still around 30 years later - as is Wilton in her new role as home to the Essex Yacht Club. Plenty more life in them yet I suspect !!

[rumrat]

Hello Dave and your piece here about the mine clearance ops performed back then.
I believe there were 3 or 4 tons engaged in this arduous and hazardous task, so which were the other tons involved.
I remember it very well, although not in any way involved, and i possess a Maxton zippo lighter with all the clearance details on it, which if i recall clearly, was acquired in hazy circumstances from one of the crew, in Gib, if i recall.
Was that you who needed assistance during your run ashore, or did you not suck on them duty frees ?

I used to have a Maxton Zippo but was relieved of it somehow somewhere,Recolections of the run ashore in Gib on the way home are very hazy we got lifted by the local police suspected of putting tear gas into the air con at the night club at the top of main street can't remember the name and spent a few hours in cells as a result totally innocent of course, not that counted for anything.
Regards
Dave

[qprdave]

Here are a couple of articles, published in The Times in March and April 1974. Dates of publication in the file name