Turnham, Roy Leslie (Oral history)

British seaman served on flight deck aboard HMS Theseus during Korean War, 1950-1951

REEL 1 Background in Hanworth, GB, 1932-1949: family; education; memories of German Air Force attacks on Hanworth; prevalence of latch-key children; lack of effect of rationing. Aspects of enlistment and training with Royal Navy in GB, 1949-1950: joining Royal Navy, 7/1949; training at HMS Royal Arthur; introduction to service discipline; stoker's training at HMS Raleigh; character of courses at Southsea. Recollections of operations on flight deck of HMS Theseus off Korea, 1950-1951: problems of having boy stokers on board; duties; ordering of ship to Korea, 8/1950; aircraft accident off Malta on route to Korea, 8/1950; first patrol off west coast; role with catapult crew; effects of winter cold on deck. REEL 2 Continues: potential for injury on flight deck; role of Deck Landing Officer; degree of danger from North Korean Navy; MiG attacks on United Nations' naval forces; patrol of east coast; provision for ditched pilots; leave ashore in Sasebo and Kure, Japan; tour of Hiroshima, Japan; relations with Japanese civilians; conflict between Royal Navy and US Navy personnel; character of ship; reception on return to Portsmouth and Falmouth. Aspects of career with Royal Navy, 1952-1957: job ashore at Gosport, 1952; character of HMS Albion, 1954-1956; watch- keeping systems in ships; reasons for visit to India; facilities ashore in Portsmouth. REEL 3 Continues: preference for service aboard HMS Theseus; flight deck arrangements aboard HMS Albion; moth-balling of HMS Petard c1956; description of 'The Trot' at Portsmouth; attitude to having served in Royal Navy; question of problems of settling down after leaving Royal Navy.