Description
Object description
British cadet with Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in GB, 1967-1968; officer trained as pilot with Fleet Air Arm at RAF Linton on Ouse and with 705 and 707 Sqdns, Fleet Air Arm at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in GB, 1968-1969; served with 845 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB and aboard HMS Albion in Mediterranean and Arctic, 1969-1971; trained as flying instructor at RAF Turnhill in GB, 1971; served as flying instructor with 707 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm at Royal Naval Air Stations, Culdrose and Yeovilton in GB, 1971-1973; served as Flight Commander aboard HMS Sirius in GB coastal waters and Atlantic, 1974-1975; served as Staff Aviation Officer and flying instructor with Royal New Zealand Navy in New Zealand, 1975-1978; served as Maintenance Test Pilot at Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton in GB, 1978-1980; served as Flight Commander aboard HMS Endurance in South Atlantic, 1980-1982 and during Falklands War, 1982; commanded HMS Yarnton in Hong Kong, 1982-1984
Content description
REEL 1 Aspects of period as officer with Merchant Navy, 1964-1967: background to joining Merchant Navy after school; duties as deck officer with Cunard; reaction to first flight in aircraft; gliding activities; obtaining qualifications. Aspects of enlistment with Royal Navy, 1967: background to joining Royal Navy as aviator; selection procedure and aptitude tests at RAF Biggin Hill and Portsmouth; selection interview; naval pay. Aspects of period as cadet at Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in GB, 1967-1968: preliminary flying course at Plymouth Airport; question of flying skill; opinion of syllabus; emphasis on leadership; sporting activities; effects of government cancellation of air craft carrier.
REEL 2 Continues: accommodation; memories of first day; encounter with senior cadet on quarterdeck; comparison between naval and Merchant Navy discipline; prior recollection of disciplinary incident in Merchant Navy. Aspects of flying training with Fleet Air Arm at RAF Linton on Ouse in GB, 1968: character of survival exercise in New Forest; flying training with RAF; question of extravagance in services particularly with regards to aircraft; personal life; Royal Navy policy on marriage.
REEL 3 Continues: how his commanding officer discouraged his plans to marry. Aspects of flying training with 705 and 707 Sqdns, Fleet Air Arm at Royal Naval Air Station, Culdrose in GB, 1968-1969: pattern of helicopter training with 705 Sqdn; similarities and differences between rotary and fixed winged aircraft; flying Westland Whirlwind; problems of hovering over water; problems of recovering diver in Falmouth harbour; use of cloud simulator and night flying; move to 707 Sqdn; Divisional Officer's course; marriage and accommodation arrangements; reasons for specialising commando pilot; course with Royal Marines at Lympstone; ground firing exercises; character of Westland Wessex; effects of introduction of Westland Sea King; missile range work.
REEL 4 Continues: plans to use SS11 Anti-Tank missile against Russian fast patrol boats; character of mountain flying training; use of radio beacons; use of light signals to assist with station keeping in formation; night formation flying with two pilots. Recollections of period as pilot with 845 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB and aboard HMS Albion in Mediterranean and Arctic, 1969-1971: technique for illuminating patrol craft at night with flares; composition of squadron; character of assault exercise in Greece from HMS Albion; operational difficulties; impressions of Americans and their procedures; cold weather exercises in Norway.
REEL 5 Continues: modifications to helicopters for service in Arctic; problems with icing of rotar blades; use of emersion suits; flying difficulties in Norway; problems with cold weather and use of Royal Marine 'head over' for protection; protection used against snow blindness; cat and mouse game with Russian trawler in Mediterranean; co-operation with Norwegians; Norwegian use of helicopters; limited deployment in north Norway and basing of squadron on board carrier; living conditions on board HMS Albion; squadron recreational activities in wardrooms. Aspects of period on flying instructors course at RAF Turnhill in GB, 1971: appointment to course
REEL 6 Continues: methods of instruction; inter-service rivalry; sabotage of official photograph at Staff College cocktail party. Aspects of period as flying instructor with 707 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm at Royal Naval Air Stations, Culdrose and Yeovilton in GB, 1971-1973: appointment to squadron; skills needed to landing on ships; move from Culdrose to Yeovilton; learning to fly jet aircraft; squadron display work; incident of becoming disorientated during display at Royal Marine Open Day at Exmouth; sailing activities; instructional duties; work as Divisional Officer; Captain's table system; attitude to naval life.
REEL 7 Continues: decision to change from short-term commission to General List; command examinations; passing ship command examinations. Recollections of period as Flight Commander aboard HMS Sirius in GB coastal waters and Atlantic, 1974-1975: appointment to frigate, 1/1974; route of Stanavforlant Cruise; seasickness during bad Atlantic crossing; character and role of Westland Wasp; first deck landing; role as meteorological officer; severe storm in Atlantic; purpose of Stanavforlant Cruise; American spoof signal with regard to inspection; return spoof invitation to country house near Portsmouth; use of helicopter to evacuate medical emergency to Portugal.
REEL 8 Continues: initial refusal of permission to fly back to ship from Lisbon airport; how Portuguese frigate began to bombard Lisbon during revolution; relations with crew of German warship Augsburg; speech by German captain; amusing story relating to captain of Dutch frigate; re-fitting of ship; duties as guard ship at Gibraltar; problems with dummy nuclear weapon; photographing Russian warships in Straits of Gibraltar.
REEL 9 Continues: leaving ship. Recollections of period as Staff Aviation Officer and flying instructor with Royal New Zealand Navy in New Zealand, 1975-1978: visit to Westlands to receive briefing on Westlands Lynx; comparison between Westland Wasp and Westland Lynx; quality of information gleaned from Westlands; arrival in New Zealand; attending conversion course to Bell 47 Sioux helicopter; character of Bell 47 Sioux helicopter; basis of New Zealand tactics; downgrading of New Zealand forces; relief work after earthquake; gunfire spotting on White Island; instructional duties; visit to Hawaii; search for missing light aircraft.
REEL 10 Continues: character of New Zealand Navy; story of the 'Crayfish Run'; fishing and hunting trips; chit system based on trust; refuelling scam; Royal New Zealand ships; relations between New Zealand and Australian Navy; Australian and American presence in New Zealand; work with various civilian organisations; amusing story of mistaking tomato crop for cannabis.
REEL 11 Continues: return to GB after extended New Zealand. Aspects of period as Maintenance Test Pilot at Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton in GB, 1978-1980: background to appointment; attending engineering course; test pilot course at Royal Naval Air Station, Culdrose; story of refusal to except Westland Lynx; changes in rotor technology; problems with gear boxes on Westland Lynx; intensive flying trials on Westland Lynx; his own responsibilities as maintenance test pilot; test flights; attempt to fit 50mm cannon on Westland Lynx.
REEL 12 Continues: dealing with manufacturers over problems with Westland Lynx; duties supporting Naval Air Support Unit; naval system of maintenance; threat of corrosion; need for pilot to man helicopters on ground; types of helicopters flown; recreational activities; instructing pilots about to go to sea in test flying; a student with difficulties who eventually committed suicide; future of failed pilots; attitude to role as Officer of the Guard; decision to convert to permanent commission on General List; command training course at HMS Dryad.
REEL 13 Continues: description of syllabus of command course at HMS Dryad; method of instruction at HMS Dryad; advise from appointer to serve aboard ship to guarantee commission on General List. Recollections of period as flight commander aboard HMS Endurance in South Atlantic, 1980-1981: role of ship; British presence in Antarctica; national claims to Antarctic territory and effects of the Antarctic Treaty; launching of helicopters in response to attack on Shackleton; character of ship; delivery of supplies to Antarctica Survey.
REEL 14 Continues: mapping of Antarctica; supporting expeditions and film crews in area; discovered Argentinean air base on Southern Thule; attitude of Captain Nick Barker to incursions; inspections of Russian base; use of helicopter transport for party quests; hazards of flying in Antarctica; iceberg survey; exchange in officers to maintain continuity of knowledge; filming coastline for mapping; instances of a sudden changes in the weather; flying over the sea and cold weather flying clothing worn; reason for removal of doors from Westland Wasp and its mechanical performance.
REEL 15 Continues: maintenance of helicopters; visits to Stanley on Falklands Islands; support given to Falkland Islanders; impressions of growing Argentinean threat to Falkland Islands; reaction of islanders to visit from Richard Luce; attitude of Falkland Islanders; views of Governor Rex Hunt; route taken by Royal Marine detachment to islands; a clash with Captain Nick Barker; character of Captain Nick Barker and his campaign to prevent scrapping of HMS Endurance.
REEL 16 Continues: question of Foreign Office attitude towards Falkland Islands, 1981; support given to Captain Nick Barker campaign and attitude of general public. Recollections of operations as pilot with aboard HMS Endurance during Falklands War, 1982: planned last voyage of HMS Endurance to South Atlantic; behaviour of Argentinean scrap metal dealer Davidoff; presence of British Antarctic Survey at Grytviken, South Georgia; dropping off wildlife film team; loss of helicopter in crash; picking up helicopter at Montevideo; relations with Argentineans; marital issues; sabotage of Landrover during visit to Argentina.
REEL 17 Continues: implications of newspaper article; accidental loss of camera at Man del Plata; social contacts with Argentinean officer; return to South Atlantic station via South Georgia; descriptions of abandoned whaling station on South Georgia; background to Argentinean scrap metal dealer Davidoff to acquiring option for scrap metal; incidents with Argentineans during 1970s; character of Davidoff's visit to South Georgia, spring 1982; final visit to Port Stanley; decision to sail for South Georgia to check out scrap metal merchants; behaviour of British Ambassador in Buenos Aires over incident.
REEL 18 Continues: conclusion of report written by British military attaché in Buenos Aires about potential Argentinean invasion of Falkland Islands; proposal that HMS Endurance should carry scrap metal men to Grytviken to gain clearance; observing Argentineans landing special forces on South Georgia; incident of being over-flight by Argentinean Alouette Helicopter; colour scheme of Westland Wasp; description of Argentinean encroachment on South Thule; shadowing of HMS Endurance by Argentinean icebreaker Bahia Paraiso; transmitting of fake signals; return of ship to Grytviken; lack of mobilisation role for HMS Endurance; preparation of Westland Wasps for wartime role; attitude amongst crew to invasion; blacking out of ship.
REEL 19 Continues: reiteration of events off South Georgia in March 1982; duties relieving observation posts; manning and equipment in observation posts; estimate of Argentinean military strength on South Georgia and presence of genuine scrap metal men; character of Bahia Paraiso; receiving intelligence of Argentinean attack on Falkland Islands, 31/4/1982; spoof plan to create impression of Royal Navy nuclear submarine in vicinity; preparations to leave South Georgia under cover of darkness.
REEL 20 Continues: escaping from surveillance of Argentinean ships; listening to radio traffic during Argentinean invasion of Falkland Islands; Captain Nick Barker's decision not to risk ship and turn back to South Georgia; hearing radio traffic of Argentineans asking Royal Marines to surrender on South Georgia; flight forward to observe situation on South Georgia; sight of Argentinean Puma helicopter burning after being shot down by Royal Marines; Royal Marines' firing on Argentinean warship Guerrico and subsequent damage; reporting back to HMS Endurance and requesting permission to attack Guerrico and Bahia Paraiso; reasons for being forbidden to attack Argentinean ships.
REEL 21 Continues: intelligence gathering role of HMS Endurance; attitude of ITN news team and ship's Chinese laundryman towards situation; fuel and ration shortages; refuelling and re-supplying from RFA Tidespring; transfer of 22nd Special Air Service to HMS Endurance; loss of ship's confidential books and ciphers; presence of 22nd Special Air Service on board; unhelpful announcement on BBC World Service; capture of Royal Marines at Gryviken, South Georgia.
REEL 22 Continues: presence of wildlife film team on South Georgia; mission to secure radio with Special Boat Service personnel; poor weather flight during attempt to land Special Boat Service personnel; flight carrying Gemini rubber boats underslung below Westland Wasp; advice to Special Air Service operation not to land on Fortuna Glacier and subsequent loss of Westland Wessex helicopters; recovery of Special Air Service personnel from Fortuna Glacier; news of arrival of Argentinean submarine in area; anchoring of HMS Endurance for repairs.
REEL 23 Continues: character of Argentinean submarine Santa Fe; orders to attack any submarines on surface; clash between Captain Nick Barker and HMS Antrim's captain; scrambling to attack Santa Fe; lack of communication with other Royal Navy ships and helicopters; sight of Santa Fe and firing sequence for AS12 Missile; guidance of missile onto target; flight of missile; hit on Santa Fe' conning tower; falling short of second missile; return to HMS Endurance; second attack on Santa Fe; sight of Royal Navy helicopters; fate of second missile fired; return to HMS Endurance; decision to attack radio shack; problems of first missile and firing second missile; sighting Santa Fe and first missile at it.
REEL 24 Continues: final attack on Santa Fe; picking up naval gunfire spotter Lieutenant Christopher Brown from HMS Antrim; plan to attack South Georgia; direction of naval gunfire from HMS Antrim by Lieutenant Christopher Brown; sight of Argentinean white flags at Gryviken, South Georgia; evacuation of Argentinean casualty; encounter with captain of Santa Fe; evacuation of British casualty injured in fall; pocket of Argentinean resistance at Leith; plan for assault on Leith; amusing story of medical officer of HMS Endurance accepting Argentinean surrender; evacuation of Argentinean scrap metal men; reasons for going to sea that night; reaction to first encounter with Captain Alfredo Astiz; story of prize crew on board Santa Fe.
REEL 25 Continues: circumstances of shooting of Argentinean petty officer aboard Santa Fe; political significance of recovery of South Georgia; his interrogation of Horatio Bicayne; attacks on Santa Fe; interrogation of Alfredo Astiz; mixed attitude of ship's officers about return to GB; arrival of ships taken up from trade in South Georgia; role of ship as picket ship; arrival of SS 11 missiles and ocean going tug Typhoon.
REEL 26 Continues: limited communication with Task Force; use of Westland Wasp for liaison duties; visit to friend aboard QEII; incident with military detachment and recalcitrant officer unwilling to get of QEII; sight of burns victims from HMS Sheffield; question of Argentineans occupying South Thule; placing of Westland Wessex aboard HMS Endurance; arrival of Royal Marine Detachment originally captured on South Georgia; landing of British forces on South Thule; changes on visit to Falkland Islands; Captain Nick Barker's motives for making port calls on voyage home; arrival in GB; lessons learnt from participation in campaign.
REEL 27 Continues: reaction to return to GB; method of informing families from HMS Endurance; contact with journalists; limited contact between ship's crew and GB. Aspects of period commanding HMS Yarnton in Hong Kong, 1982-1984: background to taking command; prospects of Chinese take-over, 1999; amusing story of preparations for typhoon; dealing with illegal immigrants; dealing with 'snake boats'; story of negotiations with Chinese gunboat over smugglers.