Publications - Personal

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There and Back

A voyage to the Far East in 1945 by Telegraphist Ken Sutton told in pictures.
(Click on an image to enlarge it and reveal any further information held.).

Interspersed between the photographs is a narrative taken from the HMS LOCHINSH magazine entitled "Her Introduction to the Southern Hemisphere" written and produced by C.R. GREVES Yeoman of Signals and R.C. ARMSTRONG Petty Officer Telegraphist.

FOREWORD"

This little booklet is an ordinary account of an ordinary "Little Ship's" passage to the Far East. Written by the men who sailed in her for the men who sailed in her. It depicts the Ship's feelings and experiences during the voyage. The "Crossing the Line" ceremony which occured during the period I had the honour to Command HMS " LOCH INSH", has been given in here in full and may be "Cribbed" by any other vessels at their peril.


		B.M. SKINNER. Lieut-Comdr. R.N. Mombasa, Kenya 5th. January 1946.


Telegraphist Ken Sutton 1946	HMS Loch Insch Crest		HMS Loch Insh
HMS Loch Insh Ship's Company

It is thought that we could not do better than to include in this magazine, a short narrative of the Ship's movements in this her first foreign Commission, preceded by a brief summary of her period in the North Atlantic.

HMS LOCH INSH, a Frigate of 2, 260 tons displacement, was built by Henry Robb Ltd. at Leight. Commissioned in October 1944, she sailed to Tobermory for a short period of training and "Working up". On completion of this, much to the satisfcation of all, she was detailed to form part of the 19th Escort Group, based at Liverpool. From here she saw service in the Irish Sea and English Channel, culminating in a convoy to North Russia, upon which she was officially credited with the sinking of three U-boats. The ship returned to Leith for refit, complete with German prisoners, in time to send the first watch on long leave on "V.E. Day".

LEITH TO GIBRALTAR

After an extensive docking and refitting period LOCH INSH was at last in all respects ready for Sea and on the 25th August 1945 anchor was weighed and the screws started turning on the first stage of what was to prove an exceedingly long trip. The Day dawned with a promise of glorious weather, as though the Mother Country was determined that our departure should be as pleasant as Nature could provide, and indeed our last sight of England gave us a memory we will not soon forget.

The voyage to Gibraltar was both pleasant and uneventful, the weather was so warm that on the afternoon of the 30th the ship was stopped an Hands were piped to bathe over the side. Our first sight of Gibraltar, at dawn on the 31st was of a gigantic rock standing like a sentinel out of the sea, and towering far above our little ship. We slowly approached the harbour, and at 0745 we passed through the breakwater and secured alongside the quay beneath the Offices of the Flag Officer Gibraltar. Our stay in this port was of longer duration than expected and opportunity was afforded for various sports, while the Liberty Boats were never disregarded.


Gibraltar 1945
The Rock	The Rock from the Causeway	Main Street	RN Signal Station

GIBRALTAR TO MALTA

Beneath a blue sky and with a calm sea we slipped from our berth on the morning of 6th September and leaving Gibraltar behind we turned our bows toward the East, which was to be our general direction for many weeks to come. The voyage to Malta was short and of little note, and at first light on the 9th September we cast our eyes for the first time on that Yellow sandy Fortress of the Mediterranean as it rose to greet us from a background of blue sea and sky. As we passed through the breakwater we could visualise the many ships which during the dark days had battled so bravely through, only to be sunk within sight of their goal.

Our impressions of Malta were many and varied, but the predominant feature was the great heaps of stone and brick which once had been the picturesque streets and houses of Valetta, Sliema and Strada Reale. We wended our way down Grand Harbour and secured in our allotted berth in Dockyard Creek. One cannot appreciate, until one has seen, just how thorough enemy bombs have devastated the gallant little island. Our three days stay was put to good use and all had time to explore, what, to many of them, was their first visit to this outpost of the Empire. However, though we would have liked a longer stay, we were required elsewhere and so on to the East.


MALTA 9th to 11th September 1945
Malta street view.	Grand Harbour.	HMS Illustrious.	King George V.
Grand Harbour.	Yacht race.	Grand Harbour.	Dghajsas.
Gardens.	Church.	Memorial.	VE Night Malta.

MALTA TO ALEXANDRIA

In the early evening of the 12th we bid farewell to Malta and steamed for our next port of call, Alexandria. Once again the voyage was uneventful, but during the cool of each evening opportunity was taken of the placid calmness of the sea, and the hands went over the side to bathe, a most welcome diversion, for we had not yet become fully acclimatised to the sub-tropical weather of the Mediterranean.
With dawn on the 14th we sighted the long low lying coastline of Egypt and by breakfast time we had passed Alexandria's breakwater and proceeded alongside an oiler.
Our stay proved longer than intended, a defect on the main engines requiring attention, and the Ship's Company were thus afforded a chance of sight-seeing, the more effectively, the mysteries of this land of Pyramids and Minarets. In a very short time such places as Rue Fouad, Mohamed Ali Square were being spoken of as familiarly as the 'Local' at home.
A noteworthy incident was the hitting by a member of the Ship's cricket team, of a ball into the grounds of King Farouk's Summer Palace. Incidentally we did not retrieve the ball. King Farouk being away on a cruise with his sister-in-law (lucky King!)

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Alexandria.	Sporting Tram Station.	Strand cinema.	Safia Zaghloul Street.
Mohamed Aly Square.	St Marcs College.	Ramleh Quarters.	Sporting Beach.
Hotel Cecil and Cornich.		Khartoum Pillar.

ALEXANDRIA TO PORT SAID

All good times must end, and on 23rd September we proceeded on yet another leg of the journey. 0700 the next day saw us anchoring in Port Said, the Egyptian town at the Western end of the Suez Canal.
Port Said, compared with Alexandria, appeared from the harbour to be a dirty unkempt town, but a close inspection proved that first glances are deceptive. Two days in Port Said and we were again on the move and so commenced that part of the journey to which the men had been long looking forward.


Port Said 24th to 26th Sept 1945
Run ashore in Port Said.

THE SUEZ CANAL

Early on the 26th September anchor was weighed and we started on the 90 mile run through the Canal. At first the land on either side proved very flat and fertile, green fields bounded by narrow water ways, and here and there cattle languidley grazing.
Along the Southern bank of the Canal stretches a Macadamised road with a railway running parallel to it. These hug the Canal for almost the whole of its length, only at Ismailia and the Bitter Lakes did these make a detour. As we progressed the land became sandy and at one point we could see a Camel train plodding slowly inland.
Speed is, of necessity, restricted through the Canal but in spite of this we made good headway occasionally slowing down to allow a ship to pass in the opposite direction. At lunch time off Ismailia we picked up a Pilot who saw us safely through the Bitter Lakes, and on to Port Suez where we anchored for the night.

SUEZ TO ADEN

We proceeded at 0900 27th September on a most uneventful journey. The most 'dominating' object of this trip was the Sun, which blazed down from a clear blue sky and from dawn to dusk kept us in a 'swelter of wet,' the average temperature in the shade being 98 degrees.
The late evening of 30th September saw us passing Perim which is a bottle-neck (negative bottles) marking the end of the Red Sea and the beginning of the Gulf of Aden. We saw Aden, at daylight on the 1st of October, looking not unlike Gibraltar from a distance, and entering we secured on a buoy below the Signal Station.
We were not very impressed by Aden for who could enjoy Desert sand and rocks while sweltering beneath a tropical Sun? However leave was given and the Cricket and Hockey teams found new opponents among ships in harbour.


Aden 1st to 4th Oct 1945
Aden.	Aden.	Fishing vessels.	Sea Front.
Main Road pass.

ADEN TO COCHIN

Our stay in Aden lasted three days, then on the 4th October we slipped and proceeded on what was to prove the longest trip of the Commission to date. Our duty was to escort a 'flight' of six Motor Fishing Vessels to Minikoy Island (200 miles West of Cochin), and then to return to meet H.M. Tug "Enigma" towing a floating dock to Trincomalee. The weather, fortunately, during the trip was all that could be desired, our speed averaging four knots.
We expected to arrive in Columbo on 21st October, but, having received a signal at midnight 19th/20th informing us that R.F.A. "Kimmerol" had broken down off Cape Comorin, we had to proceed to her assistance. We sighted "Kimmerol" at 0525 on the 20th and towed her to Cochin, arriving at 1600 on the 21st.
Our stay at Cochin was noteworthy if only because of our first plentiful supply of fresh fruit and native slippers.

COCHIN to COLOMBO

Our trip to Colombo took exactly 24 hours. Colombo proved an over crowded cosmopolitan harbour and our stay of five days was regarded as ample.
On two of these days opportunities arose for tours of Kandy, of which approximately half the Ship's Company took advantage. During the forenoon of the 30th we were honoured by a visit to the ship of Flag Officer, Ceylon, Rear Admiral Mansfield.


Colombo 26th to 30th Oct 1945
Passenger Jetty and Customs House.	Clock Tower and Lighthouse.	colombo.	Fishing boat.
Bullocks and Cart.	Storm.	Kandy Road.	Dwelling House.
Working elephant.
Kandy, Ceylon
Kandy, Ceylon.	Kandy, Ceylon.	Kandy, Ceylon.	Waterfall in the hills.
temple of the Tooth.	Elephant procession.	Procession elephant.	Trincomalee.

COLOMBO TO ANDAMAN ISLANDS

The First Dog watch on the same day saw us once again under way, this time with five Motor Minesweepers. Our duty was to escort and there to act as their Depot Ship while they carried out minesweeping operations in the area around the port. Once again we were graced by good weather, having by now almost forgotten what it is to roll as we did in our days in the Atlantic.
We arrived in Port Blair on the 4th November and from then until the time we left we enjoyed our first really quiet spell. The most interesting episode of our stay being the chipping and painting of the ship by Japanese Prisoners of War (not to the satisfaction of the First Lieutenant.)


Andaman Islands - Port Blair - 4th to 11th Nov 1945
Japanese POWs washing ships side.	Japanese POWs washing ships side.	Japanese POWs washing ships side.	SS Mararajah.
HMIS Narbada.	SS Mararajah.	Japanese POWs.	Ship's Cutter.
Japanese POWs.	Japanese POWs.	The Fisherman's Dream.	The Fisherman.
Amidships.	Japanese POWs.		Jock and Roy.

ANDAMANS TO COLOMBO

Our task completed, we returned on the 10th November with the Motor Minesweepers to Colombo, arriving there in the afternoon of November 14th. our stay in Colombo was marked by a change of Officers, particularly Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dempster, R.N.V.R. (our old C.O.) ASSUMED cOMMAND OF H.M.S. "Sennen", while Lieutenant Commander B.M. Skinner R.N. became the new Commanding Officer of "Loch Insh".

COLOMBO TO SINGAPORE

We departed Colombo on November 22nd with passengers and stores for Penang, Port Dickson and Singapore (we now belonged unofficially to Colombo Escort Force Trooping). We made good speed in a calm sea and arrived at Penang in the early morning of the 27th to be greeted by, Manna from Heaven, a pouring rain storm. Our stay was short lived and by the afternoon we were on our way to Port Dickson. On passage we passed through the area where the assault of Malaya took place, and we just made out Port Swettenham. Our navigation of the Malacca straits was through numerous minefields, both British and Japanese which caused us to 'tread lightly'. We entered Port Dickson on the 28th November. A Landing Craft was sent out from shore after lunch to land a bathing party from the ship; the beach was typically Malayan, Palm Trees and Evergreen growing to the waters edge. In return, we sent a projector ashore to give a cinema show to the local Garrison. Singapore was calling, so after we weighed and proceeded on our way rejoicing.

SINGAPORE

Daylight on the 29th saw us picking our way carefully through the myriad of islands surrounding Singapore and finally coming to anchor in Singapore Roads. Singapore, unlike Blackpool, is not noted for fresh air and fun, and before the first hour had passed, we were experiencing all the humidity and discomfort of the Orient.
Trouble with the main engines (what again!), necessitated our proceeding alongside the Depot Ship "Beachy Head" in the Western Anchorage for repairs.
Singapore, although battle scarred has been, to a large extent, cleared away; it was still apparent, however, that great damage had been done by allied bombs and enemy guns this did not deter the lads who discovered that life in the gateway to the east is fast, becoming normal once more.


Singapore - 30th Nov to 11th Dec 1945
Singapore.	Cliffords pier.	Sea front.	Elgin Bridge.
Connaugh Drive.	Johore causeway.	Street scene.	River.
Chinese temple.	Chinese ladies.	Malayan mosque.	Japanes POWs.

SINGAPORE TO COLUMBO

Our engine defects, to the great disappointment of the ship's company, prevented "Loch Insh" from proceeding on operational duties in Sumatra, and it was with mixed feelings that we departed on the 11th of December for Trincomalee, escorting HMS "Beachy Head" through the Malacca straits at 0730 on the 13th. We parted company with "Beachy Head" and, owing to the indisposition of HMS "Loch Scavaig" we were diverted to Air-Sea Rescue patrol in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We viewed this idea with the profoundest disgust because it seemed inevitable that our Christmas would be spent at sea.
Our patrol consisted of nipping smartly around a small square at 4 knots , which would have been monotonous in the extreme had sharks not provided us with considerable sport. Our bag consisting of one caught, 7 shot down, and 4 that it was considered unlikely would regain their base. Our misgivings regarding Christmas at sea were put to flight by the appearance of "Loch Scavaig" at noon on the 21st and it did not take long to affect the transfer of 40 passengers and 80 bags of mail to "Loch Insh" who then proceeded with the utmost dispatch to Colombo where we arrived early on the 24th.

COLUMBO

Christmas Eve in any family is a day of hurry and haste and so it was with us, in fact all the more so because what is more tasty than fresh vegetables with the Xmas dinner, and as we by no means meant to be left without those little extras that go to make the day complete, it meant scurrying around with a will. We had ordered most of what was required by signal before our arrival, even so it did not arrive until late in the day and there was a time when we had doubts whether it would arrive at all. The Pay-Bob dashed off ashore to change our Malay dollars into Rupees (for Xmas with no run ashore would surely be a bad shOW) and to see to other sides of the accounts.
One of the most important things to which all looked forward to was the return of the Postman, for we had been without mail since Singapore. As ever optimistic, a working party was sent with the postman, and not without good cause as was proved when they came staggering back with a boatload of every conceivable type of mail
In the evening a cinema show was given on the Quarter Deck while some of the more enthusiastic remained on the messdecks to decorate. This was done with the aid of flags of all colours, sizes and shapes which had been lent from the bridge. When decorating was completed the ship looked far more conducive to cheerfulness and high spirits, and even the wardrobe look gay!!
In passing may we recall that a party of liberty men, more jubilant than the remainder, from the ship alongside carried off our Commissioning Pennant as a seasonal trophy and added it to the decorations of their particular mess. This was WON back the following day.
Christmas Day arrived, a really beautiful day and narry a cloud in the sky (strange for Colombo). An early breakfast and scrub out and at 0930 the Captain led the ship's company in prayers on the Quarter Deck, after which the ship Piped Down which enabled the various messes to put the finishing touches to their decorations, for Captain's Rounds on Xmas Day are the most "Critical" held at any time of the year.
In accordance with Naval Customs, the youngest member of the Ship's Company became Captain for the Day, and so at 1100, dressed in the First Lieutenant's uniform and with the Captain's Epaulettes the Captain did the rounds. (Lieutenant Commander Skinner being for this day, reverted to the rank of Midshipman). That the young 'Captain' played his part well was apparent by the respect he commanded from the whole crew (despite the fact that he is well known on the Messdecks). Opportunity never knocks twice and not a single chance was missed to chase the 'Snottie' around - but it all goes to make fun for all.


Christmas Day.		Captain for the day.
Colombo Christmas Day 1945
Christmas Day.	New Amsterdam.	New Amsterdam.	Geordie and Regie.
Roy and Ken.

Immediately after rounds the Wardroom invited the Chief and Petty Officers to drink to the Spirit of the day. Toasts were called which included those to the King, the Ship and to the people of Northampton (who contributed so generously to our Xmas Dinner, a gesture which was appreciated by all). It is with regret that we must omit the 'Menu' from our pages, but space will not permit its inclusion. The Cooks made a very good show, having remained up all the previous night in order to prepare all the dishes.
The afternoon was observed in truly Naval manner, and the day brought to a perfect conclusion by a special Cinema show. An issue of two cans of beer per doubtless helped things to go even more with a swing (or should that be 'Swig'). It was evident to our watery eyes that a good time was had by all. There was feverish activity to be seen on "Loch Insh" on Boxing Day, the Powers that be having decided that the ship was required for duty in East African waters. Time being short all hands were employed in storing, victualling and fuelling ship (a most effective way of dispersing a Xmas hangover!). During the ensuing choas, a bevy of Wrens tripped lightly on board at short notice to be entertained by the Ship's Company. Unfortunately, as the lads were hardly in a state to receive them, the onus of entertaining the Wrens fell upon the Petty Officer's messes - a job they didn't like - much!! Having safely navigated coils of rope, cases of corned 'Horse' etc, they found themselves in a Mess which had been neither decorated nor really cleaned thus their first impression was of a ship as she really is and not one specially prepared to receive visitors. First misgivings were quickly dispelled, and the Wrens made themselves quite at home over a hastily prepared tea. After sight-seeing and a Cinema show, followed by a light supper and soft music on the Upper Deck, when tall stories were the order of the day, the evening concluded by the PO's escorting the Wrens to the Jetty.

COLOMBO TO KILINDINI (MOMBASA)

At Dawn on the 27th December "Loch Insh" slipped and in anticipation of fresh fields to conquer, pointed her bows Southward. A 'Buzz' went around the ship, causing misgivings in several Hearts, that the 'Crossing the Line' would be observed with true traditional ceremony.
It soon became apparent that frantic preparations were in progress in the Petty Officer's Messes, (they being the majority of the few onboard who had previously paid homage to the 'Emperor of the Seas.) for the reception of 'Neptune' and His Court. Costumes began to take shape (or mis-shape) from old flags and hectic clicking of type writers were to be heard emenating from the Captain's Sea Cabin.
Time passed rapidly, and at Noon on December 31st the glad tidings were 'Piped' that there would be an issue of two cans of beer per man to celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately, the ship being at Sea, it was impossible to herald the New Year in the customary manner, although the Naval Tradition of striking 'Sixteen Bells' was observed. It is true that several non-watchkeeping members of the Ship's Company (Editors included) did form their own Choir in singing 'Auld Lang Syne.'

CROSSING THE LINE
Jan 1st 1946 - En-route from Colombo to Kilindini (Mombasa)


Neptune's Court.	Crossing the Line.	Awards and Decorations.	Crossing the Line.
Enthrones.	Non shall escape.	Crossing the Line.	'Doc' is shaved.
To the Bears.		Bears to your Stations.

Salutations from Neptune, King of the Seas.
It is His Royal Command that you should stop engines and be prepared to receive His Herald and retinue on board your ship at the Hour of
the Crab Fish this 158th Day of Sharktember (11OO today 1st January by the reckoning of mortals).
—Lord Chamberlain

The signal was received in the Wireless Office, and after being reported to the Bridge, was, on the instruction of the Captain, displayed on all the Ship’s Company Notice Boards. Having been thus forewarned, preparations were made to receive the Herald of His Majesty King Neptune on the Fo'csle. These preparations took the form of a light whose beam floodlit the Bridge while the Foc’sle behind it was in absolute darkness. Immediately in front of the light was a hose casting a spray of sea water high into the air, so preventing peeping eyes from observing the Herald boarding the ship. Now follows the sequence of events as they happened on that memorable evening.

1900 Quartermasters pipe the 'Still'.

Lookout (through Loudhailer from Bridge) “Dolphins ahead Sir."

Captain (through L’hailer) “Very good—Stop both engines.”

Herald (from eyes of ship) “Ship ahoy — what ship is this.”

Captain. “His Brittanic Majesty’s Ship "Loch Insh". Lieut. Comdr. Skinner R.N. in Command.

(Herald steps into light from yardarm group as spray dies down).

Herald “I am the Herald of His Majesty King Neptune, Emperor of the Seas.”

Captain “Welcome Herald, I have sighted the Dominion of your Royal Master and request His permission to Clear the Line and proceed Southward.”

Herald “Whence bound and why?”

Captain “Mombasa with your Royal assent, to escort a Carrier we are bent.”

Herald "My Master down below has been expecting you, and sends His Royal greetings to you and to your Crew.
He instructs me to inform you that he gives you His permission,
To proceed until tomorrow on your Southward expedition."

Captain “Our very greetings to His Majesty, your Master,
We know we cannot enter His Domain without disaster.
Until, we pay him homage and say we will be proud.
To receive Him in the morning, with His Court, if that's allowed.
In "Loch Insh" I fear, are many who never yet have seen,
His Majesty King Neptune nor Amphitrite his Queen.
All these will be present and as many as you please
Can be initiated by the Monarch of the Seas.”

Herald “I have a letter from my liege which now I leave with you.
Containing Neptune’s summons to you and to your crew.
Our Police and Bears are large and fierce, I thought I’d give you warning.
I’ll take your message down below — Farewell until the morning.”

Captain “Farewell until the morning — Half ahead both engines.”

The proclamation left by the Herald made ominous reading and was repeated to the Ship’s Company, who were gathered on the Quarter Deck for a Cinema show, that evening by the First Lieutenant. The following is the text of the Proclamation:—
BY COMMAND OF HIS MAJESTY KING NEPTUNE
MONARCH OF THE OCEANS AND EMPEROR OF THE SEAS,
KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF
SHELLBACKS, AND GRANDMASTER OF THE BROTHERHOOD
OF DEEP SEA MARINERS.
A PROCLAMATION

KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that His Majesty King Neptune will hold Court on board His Brittanic Majesty’s Ship “Loch Insh” on January 2nd at 0900 (by the reckoning of mortals).
And hereby commands that all those who have not been granted the Freedom of His Domains shall present themselves before His Court to undergo such initiations as ancient usage and Custom do demand.
All such of His Subjects who have already been duly initiated and have received the Freedom of His Royal Domain are hereby Commanded and Enjoined to render every assistance to the end that the Ceremonies may be rightly and properly administered.
By Command of His Majesty,
(Sgd.) DAVY JONES,
Clerk of the Court, Keeper of the Royal Locker.
At the Court of H.M. King Neptune.
Dated this 158th Day of Sharktempter
in the Aquatic Year 1093.

ORDERS FOR RECEPTION OF H.M. KING NEPTUNE AND COURT.

2nd Day of January 1946 A.D. = 159th Day of Sharktember 1093 Aquatic
0830 Hands to unclean.
0845 Special Piping party fall in Starboard side of the Fo’csle.
0857 Entry of the Bears.
0900 Piping party to pipe their Majesties on board.
First Lieutenant will greet their Majesties and escort them down the Starboard side to the Throne on the Q.D.
0902¼ Captain proceeds down the Port Side to the Throne on Q.D.
0904¾ Address of welcome to H.M. King Neptune and His Court by Captain.
0905 Reply by King Neptune.
0907 Presentation of Honours and Awards.
0920 Let Battle Commence.
? Court will rise.

Thus dawned the great day, Wednesday January 2nd. There was brilliant sunshine, the sea had just enough swell to keep the ship gently rolling and to remind us that King Neptune was in one of his most gracious moods, but could change his mind if he so wished.
On the 4" Gun Deck were gathered a crowd who dared not disobey the Royal bidding, some ambitious enough to suppose that His Majesty would reward them for services rendered, but most only apprehensive of what the day held in store for them.
On the Quarter Deck had been built a platform upon which were the Royal Thrones, at the foot of the platform and below it was a large canvas bath filled with the "Best Sea Green.” This was not for leisurely bathing as all were soon to see.
In accordance with the Heraldic warning, the dignified Royal procession, preceded by the Bears, made its appearance from the Port forward door. Queen Amphitrite, looking ravishingly beautiful, and coy, rather coy (The Editor believes she uses "Lux’—Advt.) was extremely interested in the Cameras of the mortals, and on her insistance His Majesty deigned to pose with His Court for several photographs. King Neptune then led the Royal Procession down the Starboard side of the Fo’csle to where the special Piping Party and the First Lieutenant awaited to welcome them on board. Whereupon the following speeches were made:

First Lieutenant’s Speech of welcome:

In my Captain’s name most honoured Sire I welcome you on board,
Together with your Royal spouse and all your humid horde.
Your Bears look very frisky, your Policemen very strong,
It seems we shall go through it as the day goes on.

King Neptune’s reply:—
When you were but the smallest speck
Upon our bound-ar-ee,
We could not recognise you
A stranger to our Sea. A Loch Class Frigate we beheld
So few had passed this way.
My Sharks got in a panic
And swore they would not play.

It certainly seems you’re sitting in clover,
The reason is plain at a glance.
For the name ‘Loch Insh’ is firmly inscribed
In the Hearts of the folk of Northants

It gives me greatest pleasure
To come on board your ship.
And when the Court has risen
I’ll be ready for my SIP.

After this was loosed a flood of pageantry. The Bears ran ahead roaring and biting at the spectators, carving a clear passage for the Royal procession as it wended its way down the Starboard side to the Quarter Deck. The colours and ingenuity of the costumes had to be seen to be believed. Neptune, with his pompous paunch, was an obvious monarch; while his Queen with her gracious carriage caught the eye of everyone present. Lissome Mermaids moved lightly forward to the accompaniment of sibilant noises of admiration (Ss-Ss!!). That Neptune wished to frighten the novices was apparent by his selection of Bears. Their brown, grass skirted bodies, their fierce expressions and their awful roars were calculated to chill the blood of the most stout hearted newcomer.

With stately movement the Court assembled on the platform around their Majesties, ready to do their every bidding. At this moment the Captain, resplendent in shaky whites, with ceremonial sword at his side, advanced to pay his respects to their Majesties.

Proceedings opened with the Captain's speech of welcome:

Your Majesties, my Ladies, my Lords and Gentlemen,
It is my pride ana honour to welcome you again.
When first I saw this magic zone, ’twas back in 1920,
But that was well before I reached the age of plenty.
Some of my crew are old and full of stripes,
But most of these, you’ll find, are pretty green young types
At least a few of these will doubtless feel the pinch,
So for today my ship is yours, your Majesty — Loch Insh.

King Neptune replied in the following vein:
Commander Skinner I thank you all for the way we’ve been received.
The joy of our Court, when they saw you approach, should be seen to be really believed.
I have brought all my Doctors and Barbers and Bears to apply the traditional rights.
And I’m sure we shall have an enjoyable day, with some really remarkable sights.
I hope the novices feel, as they should, its a most satisfactory thing,
To be given a chance, which many have not, to be subject to Neptune the King.
And now for my part, before we start, on the rights and initiations.
I should like to confer, if I may dear Sir, some orders and decorations.

The first on board whom we shall reward
For an excellent Xmas Dinner.
Who brought such joys to his hard worked boys
Is Lieutenant Commander Skinner.
Sir, we’ve met you before, oh times galore
In “Vansittart,” “Landguard” and “Keren”
And but for hard luck (say who passed the buck)
We’d have met you again in the “Sennen.”
We’ve watched your career for year after year,
We’ve been pleased to endorse each promotion.
And we therefore create (or in other words rate)
You — a Duke of the Indian Ocean.

The Clerk of the Court then stepped forward to read the Honours and awards.

Lieutenant Norman Richard Turner, Royal Navy:
Now here is Jimmy — though not very tall.
We’re told he’s infallibly right on the ball,
He'll pounce anywhere, he’s a mystery man
But if you’re in trouble he’ll carry the can,
And Amphitrite reckons he must have got zeal,
To keep this crate clean from the Truck to the Keel.
Againsf late falling in he’s a ruddy Crusader,
His defaulters all swear he should have joined ‘Radar,’
So knowing you to be a Daily Dipper
We present you the order of the Cauterised Kipper.

Sub. Lieutenant (E) Harold Simmons, R.N.V.R.:
Now here we have the Engineer,
Who likes his bubbly and his beer,
He mutters and grumbles, in fact he’s a snorter,
And oh how piso he is with the water.
But then with the engines he does know his stuff,
Even the best is not good enough.

He’ll repair all the bearings, the pumps and the screw,
And how he’ll sing out when boiler clean’s due.
As you’re not a bad sort;' we do recommend Sir,
To give you the Order of the Busted Condenser.

Leading Supply Assistant Frederick Henry Kingdom:
Jack (Dusty) Kingdom all do say,
Should not store ship on Boxing Day,
When heads are so heavy and tempers so rough
That blasted Jack Dusty makes the lads do their stuif.
But at getting the stores you’re an absolute Ace,
We’ll give you the Order of the Corned Dog Case.

Leading Stoker William Moody:—
Now the depths of the ship are all part of the frame,
And we’ve always known Stokers to have a good name.
Thus we have chosen you, Stoker Moody
(Gosh the sound of that name is like a Hen that is broody)
Though the dirt from the bilge discolours our sea,
We’ll always give quarter and I think you’ll agree
It would be a crime to treat you like dirt So we dub you a Knight of the Boiler Room Shirt.

Able Seaman Thomas Sharvin:
Now here is a man as everyone knows
Who is one of the Class known as “Dabtoes’’.
They handle the wires and cover the guns
And always are there when they hold ‘Dummy’ runs.
From Alex, to Gib., from Moscow to Darwin,
They’re all very proud of you Thomas Sharvin.
So because of the gang to which you belong

The Clerk of the Court then turned to King Neptune and said:
"Thus Sire we’re finished with the Awards,
Now comes the time for the waiting hordes.
And so from the serene to the sublime
We’ll weigh off defaulters one at a time."

The Clerk of the Court then read the following Warrants:-

Warrant No. 1

WHEREAS IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED TO ME THAT — David Brazier, Surgeon Lieutenant, R.N.V.R. Conduct: Atrocious. Character: Vile. Leave: Undeserved. Did:—
(1) Paint half the Ship’s Company with Costelanis’ paint to their awful embarrassment.
(2) While playing cricket with the Ship’s team score a ‘Duck’ to their utter detriment.
(3) Attempt to seduce one of my trustworthy Policemen by offering him a number ‘Nine’.
I do hereby adjudge him. the accused, to be shaved with black soap and to be given sundry pills for his inner comfort.
Before awarding the foregoing punishment I did personally investigate the matter and having heard the evidence of the aforesaid policeman and half the Ship’s Company in support of the charges and ignored anything the accused had to offer in his defence, I consider the charges to be substantiated against him, and I adjudge him to be punished as afore stated.
Given under my hand on the Equator on the 2nd Day of January. 1946.
NEPTUNUS REX.

Warrant No. 2

WHEREAS IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED TO ME THAT Samuel McQuillam, Coxwain. Conduct: Ghastly. Character: Shady. Leave: When he can take it. Did:—
(1) Disorganise Tombola by using tickets of Rainbow hues to affect the eyesight of the Ship’s Company.
(2) Say “Yes Sir, No Sir, Three bags full Sir” to the First Lieutenant while saluting with both hands at the time when the First Lieutenant said “Get up off your knees.”
I do hereby adjudge him to be shaved and shampooed with diesel Oil and to be immersed three times with his South end up and three times with his North end up.
Before awarding the foregoing punishment I did personally investigate the matter and having heard the evidence of the “Royal Tombola School” and the standing part of the Ship’s Company I have no hesitation in adjudging him to be punished as previously stated.
Given under my hand on the Equator on the 2nd Day of January, 1946.
NEPTUNUS REX

Warrant No. 3

WHEREAS IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED TO ME THAT— Gerald Millward, Sub. Lieutenant, R.N.R. Conduct: Despicable. Character: Deteriorating. Leave: Suggestive. Did:—
(1) Chastise certain Crabs and lesser forms of Human life without due cause.
(2) Make eyes at one of His Majesty’s Mermaids.
(3) Appear improperly dressed in the Wardroom.
I do hereby adjudge him, the accused, to have his whiskers suitably trimmed and scrubbed, to receive four of our largest pills and to be immersed four times. Before awarding the foregoing punishment I did, in the presence of the Accuser and Accused, investigate the matter, and having heard all the evidence brought against him do hereby adjudge him to be punished as previously sentenced.
Given under my hand on the Equator on the 2nd Day of January. 1946.
NEPTUNUS REX.

Warrant No. 4

WHEREAS IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED TO ME THAT— Raymond Seabury, Able Seaman. Conduct:Insulting. Character: Disgusting. Leave: 55th Class. Did:—
(1) Accost two of His Majesty’s Bear with intent to purloin their Beer tickets.
(2) Paint one of His Majesty’s Sea Nymphs with best enamel and attempt to hide the aforesaid Nymph in the “Buffer’s” Store.
I do hereby adjudge him, the accused, to be shaved with Silverine, given a Pill and immersed in the foulest Blue Water. Before awarding the foregoing punishment I did, in the presence of the Accuser and Accused, investigate the case and find the charges substantially proved. I have no hesitation therefore in adjudging him to be punished as stated.
Given under my hand on the Equator on the 2nd Day of January, 1946.
NEPTUNUS REX.

Warrant No. 5

WHEREAS IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED TO ME THAT— Angus McLeod, Chief Stoker. Conduct: Foul. Character: Outrageous. Leave: Unrestrained. Did:—
(1) Cause a personal affront to His Majesty King Neptune by making the unforgivable remark of likening his Royal self unto Father Christmas.
<2> Insinuate that he is thinner than the August Clerk of the Court.
<3> Make advances to my beloved Queen Amphitrite, a previous offence.
I do hereby adjudge him, the aforesaid, to be shaved with antiseptic soap, given three pills and to be deeply immersed three times in the murkiest bilge water obtainable.
Before awarding the foregoing punishment, I did, in the presence of the Accuser and Accused, investigate the matter, and having heard the evidence of the several witnesses and the evidence of my own eyes in support of the charge, the accused not being allowed to offer any defence, I do hereby adjudge him to be punished as afore stated.
Given under my hand on the Equator on the 2nd Day of January, 1946.
NEPTUNUS REX.

Each offender was brought before King Neptune while his warrant was read, and on conclusion of each the offender was ordered to sit on the Barber’s chair. The Doctor administered soap pills while the Barber lathered the offenders face with a mixture of flour, water and soap and proceeded to shave him with a razor almost the size of the No. 1 Mermaid. On completion of this the unhappy victim was tipped from the barber’s chair into the waiting arms of the Bears in the bath below, where the prescribed number of ducklings was carried out.

The Clerk of the Court then reported the conclusion of the Warrants in the following manner:

Honours and Awards are finished this day,
Warrants as well, they’ve all had their say.
So, Bears to your stations, let battle commence
Jimmy the First — Over the fence.

The First Lieutenant, followed by the remainder of the Ship’s company, the names of whom were ticked by the Clerk of the Court in a voluminous book, had similar treatment meted out to them as did the offenders before them.

The proceedings were interrupted from time to time by Policeman bringing forward Officers and Men who had tried to evade arrest by secreting themselves in various parts of the ship. Even the Stokers on watch in the Boiler Rooms were duly brought forth. Indeed none escaped paying homage to His Majesty King Neptune, Emperor of the Seas.
The Editors have only a vague idea of the happenings that followed after the last member of the Ship’s Company had been initiated. They, together with the remainder of Neptune’s Court found themselves hurled through the air into the bath by a crew eager to see the Court prove its Aquatic powers. They can dimly recall Neptune, a King to the end, standing in the middle of the bath declaring the Court closed.
0
MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF KING NEPTUNE

King Neptune
Queen Amphitrite
Mermaids

Clerk of the Court
Barber
Doctor
Chief of Police
Policemen

Bears Stoker Petty Officer Eustace.
Ordinary Seaman Raison.
Ordnance Mechanic Bezer
Yeoman of Signals Greves.
Petty Officer Telegraphist Armstrong.
Stoker Petty Officer Earles.
Petty Officer Byrne.
Petty Officer Hunt.
Stoker Petty Officer Silley,
Leading Supply Asst. Kingdom,
Able Seaman Cranford,
Able Seaman A. Page-Croft,
Able Seaman Killingsworth.
Petty Officer Stebbeds,
Leading Seaman Traynor,
Able Seaman Rose,
Able Seaman Upson.

COLOMBO TO KILINDINI (Contd.)

There really is very little to add about the remainder of the trip. One point, however, during the night following Neptune’s visit "Loch Insh" encountered a tropical storm of some intensity. It was as though His Majesty wished us to realise that he could still be ‘Acid’ if he wished.
The voyage from then on was pleasant with just enough swell to give the ship a slight movement. We entered Kilindini during the early Forenoon of Saturday 5th, securing alongside the Commercial Docks.
The Editors have it on good authority that our programme in the immediate future includes a visit to Zanzibar, Tanga and Dar-es-Salaam, with a strong possibility of a visit to Durban (Whoopee), the latter causing tremulous feelings around the Hearts of some members of the Ship’s Company

Before writing* ‘Finis’ to our magazine, it is considered that a few word; regarding the sporting activities of “Loch Insh” would not be in vain and In that end a few paragraphs are included on each of the three main sports.

CRICKET

The Ship's Cricket ‘Season’ started very badly. Unfortunately in Leith we could never turn out a full team, and it is not to be wondered we lost all our matches. Since leaving England, however, we have not looked back, all our matches have, with one exception, been won comfortably. The exception was against H.M.S. “Loch 'Fyne' when we managed to scrape home by a mere four runs. Our most successful match was against H.M.S. “Blenheim” at Alexandria, the scores being "Loch Insh” 216 for seven wickets, “Blenheim” 94 All out
The last few games we have played were both enjoyable and advantageous to our increasing reputation. Circumstances have not, unfortunatgely permitted us much sport these last few weeks, but it is hoped that opportunities will arise in the near future for some more games of cricket.

HOCKEY

It was not until we reached Gibraltar that the Hockey team was really formed, and their first match proved very encouraging when they beat H.M.S. “St. Brides Bay” by 3 goals to 1. The team quickly found its feet and was soon playing together as a team. Since then they have suffered only one reverse, against H.M.S. “Sheba” at Aden when they lost by 1 goal to 3.
The hockey team, being more fortunate than the Cricket team, has experienced no difficulty in finding opponents in almost every port of call. It is to be hoped that this will continue, despite the fact that there have been several changes in the team of late owing to drafting requirements.

SOCCER

During our refitting period Football in the Ship got under way in a blaze of glory with two victories over D.E.M.S. in Leith. Due to lack of practice during the ensuing weeks the interest in football sadly deteriorated. After our arrival in Gibraltar, Inter Part games provided the necessary stimulus required to keep the interest going.
So far we have suffered a few rather unlucky defeats, probably due to the fact that several of our best players were drafted at once, but now it seems we have plenty of first class reinforcements, and with these it is hoped that the future may be one of ‘All Wins.’
Our matches to date show three wins, two draws and four defeats. We hope to improve on this, our team now showing a marked improvement in pulling together.

CRICKET

v HMS Ledbury (Gibraltar)
v HMS ;Blenheim (Aleandria)
v HMS Pelican (Alexandria)
v HMS Derby Haven (Aden)
v HMS Loch Fyne (Colombo) Won by 5 Wickets
Won by 3 Wickets
Won by 44 Runs
Won by 40 Runs
Won by 4 Runs

------------------------

SOCCER

v DEMS (Leith)
v DEMS (Leith)
v DEMS (Leith)
v HMS Crocus (Gibraltar)
v HM Ship (Alexandria)
v Combined Ops (Port Said)
v Indian Team (Aden)
v HMS Loch Lomond (Singapore)
RNB (Kilindini) Won by 4 goals to 3
Won by 3 goals to 2
Lost by 1 goals to 2
Drew 2 goals each
Lost by 1 goal to 4
Lost by 1 goals to 3
Lost by 1 goals to 2
Won by 2 goals to 1
Drew 2 goals each

------------------------

VITAL SHTATISHTICKS
(August 25th to December 31st 1945

Distance Run
Days at Sea
Days in Harbour 15,208.2 Miles
65½
62½

But know in the end it was not these we sailed to win;
Only a wider Sea; room for the Winds to blow,
And a World to wander in.
-(Laurence Binyon)

Kilindini/Mombasa

Kilindini.
Kilindini coastline.
Mombasa Fleet Club.

Mombasa.

Kilindini Road.
Mombasa.
Mombasa.

Narrow Street.
Tanky.
Mombasa.
Mombasa.

Dar-es-Salaam 14th to 16th Jan 1946

Dare-es-Salaam.
Dare-es-Salaam.
Dare-es-Salaam.
Dare-es-Salaam.

Dare-es-Salaam.
HMS Loch Insh.
Dare-es-Salaam.

Nairobi Jan 1946

War memorial.
Capitol Picture House.
Delamere Avenue.
Indian Mosque.

Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kenya.
Cheetah.
Lion cubs.

Seychelles Jan 17th to 19th 1946

Victoria Harbour.
Roman Catholic Church.
Mahe hospital.
Gordon Square sports ground.

Albert Street.
Mahe.
Mahe.
Mahe.

Mahe.
Mahe.
Mahe.
Mahe.

Mahe.

Port Said - Port Fouad - Apr 1st to 3rd 1946

De Lessups Statue.
Great Eastern Exchange Hotel.
Port Fouad Mosque.
Casino Palace Hotel & Breakwater.

Fishermans Huts Port Said Beach.
Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Orthodox Church.
Abbas Mosque.

Mixed Court of Justice.
Port Said.
Port Said Beach.

Homeward Bound

Aden.
Aden.
Red Sea.
Red Sea.

HMS Taff.
Suez Canal.
Suez Canal.
New Amsterdam.

Suez Canal.
Suez Canal.
HMS Loch Insh.
Suez Canal.

Suez Canal.
Suez Canal.
Football.

Gibraltar

View from Spain.
Part of coastline.
HMS Loch Insh.
Suez Canal.

War Memorial.
Part of old fort wall.
Part of old fort wall
Local resident.

Spain

The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.

The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.

The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.
The Running of the Bulls.

Home

Cricket Team.
Hockey Team.
HMS Loch Insh -Comms Staff.
HMS Loch Insh -Comms Staff.

HMS Loch Insh -Comms Staff.
HMS Loch Insh - Ships Company.