qprdave
28-09-2009, 22:20
To those who were there. Might bring back some memories. I had forgotten that they let the Unwanted be Flagship for the day!!!!
50 ships in a Scottish naval panorama
From
BASIL GINGELL, Naval Correspondent on board H.M.S. Kent at sea, Aug 1 1968
Not for 10 years or more have Scottish waters seen such a display of naval strength as that put on today by ships of the Western Fleet. It came as the finale to Exercise Seaforth, code name for the Royal Navy's assembly of shipping. In this a varied armada steamed in line ahead in salute to the retiring First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Varyl Begg, as he stood on the bridge of this flagship of the C.-in-C. Western Fleet. Sir John Bush. Over the North Sea expanse at the entrance to the Firth of Forth 50 ships stretched in columns of three on either side of H.M.S. Kent. They ranged as far as one could see, a heartening sight after so much talk of our diminishing Navy. The ships had left their berths in Rosyth dockyard, with its great nuclear servicing capability, at five-minute intervals from 4 a.m., watched by hundreds of Scottish early risers at points along the Forth Bridge. Three of the ships, apart from the Kent, wore the flags of admirals. Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers was embarked in the largest ship at the assembly, the commando ship Bulwark, whose helicopters were to play their part in the day's proceedings. Flag Officer Sea Training was flying his flag in H.M.S. Undaunted and the hydrographer of the Navy had his flying from H.M.S. Vidal, the neat survey ship. As the ships increased their speed towards the open sea the sun shone and the panorama assumed something of the appearance of a massive royal review. In the North Sea well east of the Bass Rock H.M.S. Kent slowed to eight knots to allow each ship in turn to steam past in salute. Less than 100 yards on either side of this guided missile destroyer they swept by. Destroyers, squadrons of frigates, the new and the old. The Battle Class destroyer Aisne, now on her last commission, the handsome, rakish Leander Frigates such as Juno and Danae on their first. The new survey vessels Bulldog and Eagle, followed in the wake of Vidal and the fleet auxiliarics, now an integral part of the service although they do not fly the white ensign. There was all the ceremonial for the occasion, ships' companies lining thc side. much piping as the vessels passed, and the usual "attention to starboard " and "attention to port " heralding the approach of each ship as it drew alongside the flagship. There were original touches, too, Captain R. D. MacDonald in the Galatea. who had brought the Londonderry squadron to Rosvth, had a piper on the forecastle playing Scotland the Brave. There was a piper also on H.M.S. Kepple, piping away as that followed. A Shackleton roared overhead and six Buccaneers of 800 Squadron from Lossiemouth flew at mast height over the ship in salute. This was to have been the preliminary to a flying display by Sea Vixens, but fog clamped down and the rest of the proceedings had to be abandoned. The submarines on the far wing of the columns were lost to view, the ships became enshrouded in mist, and only the moaning of the ships' sirens indicated their presence to watchers on the bridge. It had all been impressive, however, and Sir Varyl Begg, whose promotion to Admiral of the Fleet was announced today. sent the following signal to C.-in-C. Western Fleet on leaving to return to London: " I have much enjoyed my visit and I have been greatly encouraged to find the Western Fleet in such good heart. I was also delighted to have the chance of spending the final day at sea with you. " I thought Exercise Seaforth went splendidly and the appearance and manoeuvring of the fleet were first class. I am sorry that fog stopped play. Many thanks for such a happy and memorable send off." Sir John Bush left for his Northwood headquarters and H.M.S. Kent proceeded on her good will four-day visit to Bremen. Most of the other ships dispersed for summer leave. 50 ships in a Scottish naval panorama
The Times of the Day
50 ships in a Scottish naval panorama
From
BASIL GINGELL, Naval Correspondent on board H.M.S. Kent at sea, Aug 1 1968
Not for 10 years or more have Scottish waters seen such a display of naval strength as that put on today by ships of the Western Fleet. It came as the finale to Exercise Seaforth, code name for the Royal Navy's assembly of shipping. In this a varied armada steamed in line ahead in salute to the retiring First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Varyl Begg, as he stood on the bridge of this flagship of the C.-in-C. Western Fleet. Sir John Bush. Over the North Sea expanse at the entrance to the Firth of Forth 50 ships stretched in columns of three on either side of H.M.S. Kent. They ranged as far as one could see, a heartening sight after so much talk of our diminishing Navy. The ships had left their berths in Rosyth dockyard, with its great nuclear servicing capability, at five-minute intervals from 4 a.m., watched by hundreds of Scottish early risers at points along the Forth Bridge. Three of the ships, apart from the Kent, wore the flags of admirals. Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers was embarked in the largest ship at the assembly, the commando ship Bulwark, whose helicopters were to play their part in the day's proceedings. Flag Officer Sea Training was flying his flag in H.M.S. Undaunted and the hydrographer of the Navy had his flying from H.M.S. Vidal, the neat survey ship. As the ships increased their speed towards the open sea the sun shone and the panorama assumed something of the appearance of a massive royal review. In the North Sea well east of the Bass Rock H.M.S. Kent slowed to eight knots to allow each ship in turn to steam past in salute. Less than 100 yards on either side of this guided missile destroyer they swept by. Destroyers, squadrons of frigates, the new and the old. The Battle Class destroyer Aisne, now on her last commission, the handsome, rakish Leander Frigates such as Juno and Danae on their first. The new survey vessels Bulldog and Eagle, followed in the wake of Vidal and the fleet auxiliarics, now an integral part of the service although they do not fly the white ensign. There was all the ceremonial for the occasion, ships' companies lining thc side. much piping as the vessels passed, and the usual "attention to starboard " and "attention to port " heralding the approach of each ship as it drew alongside the flagship. There were original touches, too, Captain R. D. MacDonald in the Galatea. who had brought the Londonderry squadron to Rosvth, had a piper on the forecastle playing Scotland the Brave. There was a piper also on H.M.S. Kepple, piping away as that followed. A Shackleton roared overhead and six Buccaneers of 800 Squadron from Lossiemouth flew at mast height over the ship in salute. This was to have been the preliminary to a flying display by Sea Vixens, but fog clamped down and the rest of the proceedings had to be abandoned. The submarines on the far wing of the columns were lost to view, the ships became enshrouded in mist, and only the moaning of the ships' sirens indicated their presence to watchers on the bridge. It had all been impressive, however, and Sir Varyl Begg, whose promotion to Admiral of the Fleet was announced today. sent the following signal to C.-in-C. Western Fleet on leaving to return to London: " I have much enjoyed my visit and I have been greatly encouraged to find the Western Fleet in such good heart. I was also delighted to have the chance of spending the final day at sea with you. " I thought Exercise Seaforth went splendidly and the appearance and manoeuvring of the fleet were first class. I am sorry that fog stopped play. Many thanks for such a happy and memorable send off." Sir John Bush left for his Northwood headquarters and H.M.S. Kent proceeded on her good will four-day visit to Bremen. Most of the other ships dispersed for summer leave. 50 ships in a Scottish naval panorama
The Times of the Day