HMS Chichester (1955-1981) World Naval Ships Forums Archive

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HMS Chichester (1955-1981) World Naval Ships Forums Archive

HMS Chichester (1955-1981)

Posts 1 to 50

Hi. The only sea-going ship I served on, was HMS Chichester "Chi". I joined it 10 March 1976 and left it 31 December 1977. Consequently I was on the famous homeward-bound voyage from Hong Kong to Chatham. That was quite a voyage! Amongst other things, I was though lost overboard after passing by Cape Horn! I was eventually found in the battery room just before the ship was to make a search. :) If anyone has any pictures of the Chi around about that time, please post. I never took any pictures in the RN. I wish I had now. I remember just a few names from over 30 years ago.

Try this thread, which is devoted to the 4 Cathedral class frigates, including Chichester. There are lost of pics there: [URL="http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1605"]RN Frigates: Cathedral Class [/URL]

Hi Richard..........I was GOW onboard her 1967-68, we were Londonderry Squadron then. Like you, I didn't take photos unfortunately - leastways not of my time in "Chi".

[QUOTE=Scurs;10030943]Hi Richard..........I was GOW onboard her 1967-68, we were Londonderry Squadron then. Like you, I didn't take photos unfortunately - leastways not of my time in "Chi".[/QUOTE] Hi. Sorry, what is GOW? I've forgotten.:)

I wish I could get a model of Chichester, that class, but nobody makes one.

Hi Richard..............GOW = Gunnery Office Writer............or to be more accurate by 1960's "Routine Office Writer". Responsible for typing Daily Orders and the like.................good "quiet number" that carried "Blue Card". My Office was opposite after PO's Mess, next to Chief Stokers grotto.

Hi. Being a REM, my mess was up forward, on the left hand side of the twin 4.5" gun barbett, a nice round wall it made. I could do to get a drawing of the ship/class of ship showing the decks etc.

[QUOTE=richard7772;10030845]Hi. The only sea-going ship I served on, was HMS Chichester "Chi". I joined it 10 March 1976 and left it 31 December 1977. Consequently I was on the famous homeward-bound voyage from Hong Kong to Chatham. That was quite a voyage! Amongst other things, I was though lost overboard after passing by Cape Horn! I was eventually found in the battery room just before the ship was to make a search. :) If anyone has any pictures of the Chi around about that time, please post. I never took any pictures in the RN. I wish I had now. I remember just a few names from over 30 years ago.[/QUOTE] I have a couple of pics from May 79 when she was laid up, if they are of any interest? Steve

[quote=richard7772;10031028]Hi. Sorry, what is GOW? I've forgotten.:)[/quote] Guys if we could please remember to supply definitions for any acronyms used that are not universally known. Many thanks. ;)

Have been trying to find out Richard about the dates you are quoting in regard to the Chichester I was on her 1969/71 last ship before leaving the mob.I am a member of the Ganges association and a query came up in regard to her in HONG Kong round about this time with a Photo which I think is of the Chichester looks as if she is alongside Tamar with another ship inboard of her any clues Ben Lyon PS Photo 2 Navy Days portland 1969 whilst working up (Verulam behind) Photo 3 Clankies playing at Gunners Photo 4 Clankies messdeck aft enjoying some Tiger
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The inboard ship in your photo 1 is wearing a Blue Ensign Jack which suggests it is either a RAN or RNZN frigate of the UK Whitby-Rothesay Type 12 family. Brian

[QUOTE=Brian Wentzell;10055792]The inboard ship in your photo 1 is wearing a Blue Ensign Jack which suggests it is either a RAN or RNZN frigate of the UK Whitby-Rothesay Type 12 family. Brian[/QUOTE] Definately RAN River (modified Rothesay) class. You can see the Australian Federation star on the Jack.

Assail: That would seem to narrow it down to being one of four ships: Derwent, Parramatta, Stuart, or Yarra but one should look at the mast of the inboard ship and gunfire control system for further guidance. Brian

AFAIR, the RAN T12s didn't have that type of FCS (Flyplane 5), which suggests that the inboard ship is RNZN, either "Otago" or "Taranaki" or, perhaps, "Blackpool" (on loan from RN in late 1960s).

Fisher and Assail: I have come to the same conclusion as the RAN Type 12s had the Dutch LW-02 radar at the top of the foremast as well as the different FCS. The inboard ship was one of the three RNZN Type 12 frigates. Brian

Visible just fwd of the Chichester's mainmast is the mainmast of the inboard Type 12 which to my eye looks more like that of an RAN Type 12. The white aerial array atop same, looks much like the array for the ESM UA8/9 equipment and there may even be a pair of jammer aerials, one either side and below the black painted yardarms. Just another opinion you understand:) Little h

Gents please, the Jack has the Australian Federation Star under the Union flag. NZ flag does NOT have this star. Mods, I suggest this thread be combined with the Cathedral thread which has also been active over the last day or so Cheers

Assail: If you could enlarge the photograph to show foremast and FCS detail, the diagnosis might be more accurate. A large LW-02 aerial on the foremast would settle the debate. The Dutch, Canadian and Australian Navies made much use of this radar system from the mid 1960's through the early 1990's on frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers. Brian

[QUOTE=Brian Wentzell;10055947]Assail: If you could enlarge the photograph to show foremast and FCS detail, the diagnosis might be more accurate. A large LW-02 aerial on the foremast would settle the debate. The Dutch, Canadian and Australian Navies made much use of this radar system from the mid 1960's through the early 1990's on frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers. Brian[/QUOTE] Thanks Brian, I think the LWO2 AE is buried behind Chi's foremast. If you enlarge and look closely at the colour, you can see the distinctive green tinge of the RAN's storm grey. Further, if you look under the Q deck awning, you can see the Port side ships side is at 01 deck level which indicates the ship is either Derwent or Stuart. However, all other comment aside, its back to the Jack, that's compelling. Cheers

Gentlemen, The photograph appears on the Flickr photostream by our own Kookaburra and here is the caption which accompanies it:- [CENTER]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/CENTER] WITH THE RAN IN SE ASIA: Frigates in Hong Kong's Tamar Basin - Bob Westthorp. 6030. We've not yet identified the Royal Navy Type 61 Cathedral Class Aircraft Direction [AD] frigate with the black-painted gun turret in the foreground here -but we hope to do so. The ship was a member of Escort Group 21, and one suggestion put forward on the World Naval Ships Forums website is HMS SALISBURY. [B][COLOR="Red"]We believe the Type 12 ship behind her is the RAN's HMAS DERWENT [II]. [/COLOR][/B] In this image we see the weather systems on the edge of Typhoon Irma, May 1966, have began to move over Hong Kong's Peak. Photo: Bob Westthorp, RAN 1964-88, with permission [CENTER]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/CENTER] I have included an attachment from that photostream which is cetainly better than the thumbnail version we have been working with. in the hope that Kookaburra will not object, perhaps he has a high definition version but this is the best I have come across. Couldn't find it on fb as intimated by Pelican on the other thread. Little h PS regarding the A/D frigate - just to remind researchers rthat the comment in post #10 said - in HONG Kong round about this time with a Photo which I think is of the Chichester looks as if she is alongside Tamar - yet Salisbury has been mentioned in the forum previously. [url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/7520860242/sizes/l/in/photostream/[/url]
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If it helps with the date of the aformentioned photo, HMAS Derwent was on SR (Far East Strategic Reserve) from Oct 68 and again in 1971. HMAS Stuart preceded Derwent Feb 68 to Oct and again in 71. I was in HMAS Vampire on SR in mid 68 and I vaguely remember Chichester and I wrote in my journal that I was very impressed (as only a Midshipman can) by the large quantity of black smoke eminating from her gensets! I've recently misplaced my Journal but I think this was in July 68?

Thanks Harry, our entries crossed!

Assail: In the enlargeable picture provided by little h, I detect the LW-02 at the top of the foremast on the RAN ship. The flag is also clearer-it is definately a white star. I agree it is an RAN Type 12. Brian

The lack of pendant number threw me as regards dating picture, but on reflection I think she has been "got at" by "Jenny's Side Party" and freshly painted.........looks like anchor has been lowered for that purpose too. Is it confirmed as CHICHESTER then or is she SALISBURY? All I can add is that "CHI's" turret was never that colour in circa 1967-68.

[QUOTE=Scurs;10055992]The lack of pendant number threw me as regards dating picture, but on reflection I think she has been "got at" by "Jenny's Side Party" and freshly painted.........looks like anchor has been lowered for that purpose too. Is it confirmed as CHICHESTER then or is she SALISBURY? All I can add is that "CHI's" turret was never that colour in circa 1967-68.[/QUOTE] Scurs, A close look at the attachment I posted in my #20 on this thread will reveal that there is an ESM dome on a small bandstand with white painted safety rails surrounding it, which is located at the base and just aft of the foremast. Salisbury F32 was so fitted-out/equipped during an interim sensor configuration, before her final sensor fit, see [url]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=95850&d=1301354654[/url] and the cropped photo in the attachment. She was also still fitted with the half cheese aerial for the radar type 293 at this stage and not the quarter cheese aerial for the radar type 993 which appeared on the final fit at which time the ESM dome had been removed. This information is contained in the 'Post Refits/Conversions - Considerable Variations' thread in posts #28 3rd attachment also #464 3rd attachment Hope this is of some assistance. Little h
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The Type 61 frigate is SALISBURY. Her bridge was different to the other three of the class; it didn't extend as far forward, and one could walk around the front of it on 01 Deck - the front was flush with the for'd face of the superstructure in the other three. The name on the stern quarter, although painted over, is too short to be "CHICHESTER". Tim

Thanks Little h and Tim! :):) Whilst quite right about name Tim, I would point out it is only one letter shorter! :D

[QUOTE=Scurs;10055992][QUOTE]looks like anchor has been lowered for that purpose too. [/QUOTE] Scurs, both anchors would be "a'cockbill" (Ref BR 67 (2) p.331 "An anchor is said to be a'cockbill when it has been eased out of the hawsepipe and hangs wertically by its ring") as part of the FX party's preparations for entering harbour. You can also see Derwent's anchor the same way. Cheers

Little h: You have clinched it with the little dome but a further difference between Salisbury and Chichester was the forward mast and stack configuration. Salisbury's stack and mast was as shown in the photograph. Chichester had a solid combined "Mack" from the date of her 1966 refit. There is a picture of both ships in Jane's Fighting Ships, 1969-70. Brian

Assail...........even after secured alongside? :confused:

My guess would be the anchors are lowered for painting - then would be stowed as soon as she was alongside and she has obviously been alongside for some time as all her awnings are up and that takes a couple of hours if I remember rightly. I think most of us were extremely slow on identifying this one with the glaring differences of the bridge and the plated mack - I got one of my frigate books out and checked the whole class and never noticed the early type 12 bridge (Puma was exactly the same in the 41's) Geoff

[QUOTE=Scurs;10056092]Assail...........even after secured alongside? :confused:[/QUOTE] True, but maybe if there was a Typhoon around and Jenny/Susie wouldn't be painting in those conditions.

[QUOTE=Brian Wentzell;10055947]Assail: If you could enlarge the photograph to show foremast and FCS detail, the diagnosis might be more accurate. A large LW-02 aerial on the foremast would settle the debate. The Dutch, [B]Canadian[/B] and Australian Navies made much use of this radar system from the mid 1960's through the early 1990's on frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers. Brian[/QUOTE] Brian: A minor point ... but the LW02 was never fitted in Canadian ships - the LW03 (SPS 501 in Canadian terminology) and the LW08 (SPQ 501) were fitted in the 280s, but we never used the LW02.

Have been trying to upload a larger photo but have had to split photo fore and aft and it gives a bit higher resolution Don't know if it brings anything extra to the table but I think that as has been pointed out earlier the inboard ship is RNAS Derwent mainly due to the bridge configuration and as to the timeline I noted that she was in Hong Kong for a 19 day refit period From about the 14th April to approx. middle of May1975 and was involved in the visit to HK by the Queen that year.When it comes to which Cathedral class involved I lean towards the fact that it was Chi. and from about 1972 onwards till she left in April 1976 was Guard ship. The only slight fly in the ointment is the fact that in the photo Chi.looks to still have her full radar and armament whereas in the photo where she is paying of this has been removed and that was in April 1976. Ben Lyon PS WHEN I looked up the Typhoons mentioned earlier both Irma and Lucy did not actually hit HK and seemed to be in 1971 .Anyhow that is my take on things standby for incoming!!!!!
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Tim: Did Bonaventure use the LW03 as well? I think the aerial was the same (from a distance at least) for the LW02 and 03. Brian

Jame: The difference between Chichester and Salisbury is indicated in your first and second pictures. Chichester's solid combined forward mast and stack (AKA"Mack") shows well in picture 1 of your post. Salisbury did not receive that modification and that plus the small radome shaped aerial amidships identifies the ship in pictures 2 and 3 as being her. While Chichester served as the Hong Kong Guard Ship, also known as the " Hong Kong Gin Ship", she had her Double Bedstead aerial removed. She seemed to be more useful for ceremony than otherwise. Brian

Got to agree that with Jame's super-duper enlargements, that foremast may or may not be SALISBURY, but one thing is sure, it aint "CHI". :)

SALISBURY was in fact fitted with a plated foremast in the late 1960s; previous to that, I think she was the only one of the class to have the plated mainmast fitted before having a plated foremast. See, for example, the photos in post #8 of the Cathedral Class thread at [url]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1605[/url] Tim

Tim: Salisbury would appear to have gained the plated foremast at the same time that she was equipped with the Sea Cat AA system which included an additional deck house. That would be at a later date than the picture in this thread. One of the other pictures in the other thread show her decommissioned in this apparently final configuration. Brian

[quote=Brian Wentzell;10056185]Tim: Salisbury would appear to have gained the plated foremast at the same time that she was equipped with the Sea Cat AA system which included an additional deck house. That would be at a later date than the picture in this thread. One of the other pictures in the other thread show her decommissioned in this apparently final configuration. Brian[/quote] Brian, The information in your post above is that to which I was making inference in one of my previous posts on this thread, which read:- Salisbury F32 [B][COLOR=Red]was so fitted-out/equipped during an [U]interim sensor configuration, before her final sensor fit[/U][/COLOR][/B], see ([I]link broken and not recoverable)[/I] and the cropped photo in the attachment. Perhaps I should have expanded my description/recognition feature to include the masts. I don't know what will convince forum member Jame Lyon:cool: Little h

[QUOTE=Brian Wentzell;10056163]Tim: Did Bonaventure use the LW03 as well? I think the aerial was the same (from a distance at least) for the LW02 and 03. Brian[/QUOTE] Brian: Bonnie's fit: Pre-refit: SPS 8/10/12 Post refit - SPS 10/SPS 501 (essentially an SPS 12 radar combined with an LW03 antenna) Lest we incur the wrath of the Moderators (or the "Chicesters"), suspect we better stop talking about RCN radar fits! Cheers!

[B]Thank you to Brian -Harry -tjstoneman-Scurs for your patience and for all your input and and though this started of with the question "why the black turret on the 4.5 on the outboard ship'' it has been an interesting :identify the Cathedral class:and as I have always been a belt and braces guy and like to cross the T's and Dot the I's and have now been convinced that it is indeed the Salisbury because along with all the other info I have been given as tjstoneman has said that she was the only one of the four to have a space to walk round in front of the bridge . Anyhow thanks again Ben Lyon

Tim: Useful knowledge all the same! Brian

Hi. Got a bit waylaid: Nice pictures, thanks. [QUOTE=JAME LYON;10055757]Have been trying to find out Richard about the dates you are quoting in regard to the Chichester I was on her 1969/71 last ship before leaving the mob.I am a member of the Ganges association and a query came up in regard to her in HONG Kong round about this time with a Photo which I think is of the Chichester looks as if she is alongside Tamar with another ship inboard of her any clues Ben Lyon PS Photo 2 Navy Days portland 1969 whilst working up Photo 3 Clankies playing at Gunners Photo 4 Clankies messdeck aft enjoying some Tiger[/QUOTE]

[quote=JAME LYON;10056145]Have been trying to upload a larger photo but have had to split photo fore and aft and it gives a bit higher resolution Don't know if it brings anything extra to the table but I think that as has been pointed out earlier the inboard ship is RNAS Derwent mainly due to the bridge configuration and as to the timeline I noted that she was in Hong Kong for a 19 day refit period From about the 14th April to approx. middle of May1975 and was involved in the visit to HK by the Queen that year.When it comes to which Cathedral class involved I lean towards the fact that it was Chi. and from about 1972 onwards till she left in April 1976 was Guard ship. The only slight fly in the ointment is the fact that in the photo Chi.looks to still have her full radar and armament whereas in the photo where she is paying of this has been removed and that was in April 1976. Ben Lyon PS WHEN I looked up the Typhoons mentioned earlier both Irma and Lucy did not actually hit HK and seemed to be in 1971 .Anyhow that is my take on things standby for incoming!!!!![/quote] The first picture you posted [#34] is one I previously posted here in the forum [It still has my original filing system coding on it!!!] :rolleyes:

Since the Chi was the only ship I ever served on, I'd like one day to procure a model of it. Would need drawings first and maybe they are not so easy to come by. I muse.

Bit before you Richard........Sept.1967 - October 1968 :)

Here are some more pictures. Hope they are not copyright protected. Some of you may be able to place the ship in some pictures going by the background. Having said that maybe only the last one has any identifiable background. Might be in Scotland.
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[QUOTE=Scurs;10061614]Bit before you Richard........Sept.1967 - October 1968 :)[/QUOTE] I think I was on her from March to August 1976.

Richard - I'd say 3rd picture from my time in her (1967-68) as seems to have "Red Hand of Ulster" on mast and we were Londonderry Squadron then.

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