Description
Object description
British seaman trained with Royal Navy at HMS Raleigh, Torpoint and HMS Collingwood, Fareham in GB, 7/1987-2/1988; trained as submariner at HMS Dolphin, Gosport, GB, 2/1988-3/1988; served as weapons engineering mechanic aboard submarines HMS Tireless and HMS Splendid, 1988-1995
Content description
REEL 1: Background in Dover, GB, 1970-1987: family; father's military service; education; sporting activities; training with Sea Cadets. Aspects of enlistment in Royal Navy in GB, 1987: enlistment at Canterbury; selection process and examinations. Aspects of training as seaman at HMS Raleigh, Torpoint, GB, 7/1987-10/1987: induction process; initial impressions of Royal Navy; accommodation; description of uniform and kit; opinion of food; kit inspections; attitude to naval discipline; failure rate among recruits; punishments; comradeship; polishing boots; ironing clothes and uniform; NAAFI facilities; sporting activities; physical training; drill; weapons training.
REEL 2 Continues: seamanship training as technical rating; damage control and firefighting exercises; educational classes; attitude towards Cold War propaganda; amusing story of regimental sergeant major and rating; cross country runs; swimming tests; story of passing out parade.
Aspects of training as seaman at HMS Collingwood, Fareham, GB, 10/1987-2/1988: description of base and facilities; intensive engineering and electronics training; weapons training; opinion of accommodation; comparison of basic and trade training; opinion of food; social life; pay and deductions.
REEL 3 Continues: story of visit by naval intelligence officer; amusing story relating to padre. Aspects of training as submarinier at HMS Dolphin, Gosport, GB, 2/1988-3/1988: reason for volunteering for Submarine Service; opinion of living conditions and rations; weapons training; escape training exercise in tank; description of escape suit; torpedo systems and maintenance training; storage of torpedoes; description of torpedoes and tubes; loading and firing procedure.
REEL 4 Continues: description of Part 3 Training; ceremony on qualifying; use of mentor; discipline and punishments; drafting to HMS Cyrus, 1988. Recollections of operations as Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) aboard submarine HMS Tireless, 1988-1992: description of submarine and interior; daily routine and duties; communications facilities; computer room; messes; recreational facilities; desalination of sea water for reuse; hydraulic systems; character of engine room and engines; anti-magnetic device; sleeping arrangements; number of crew on board; use of torpedo tubes for extra accommodation; locker space; personal possessions; prohibition of aerosols and haircuts; 'jolly' kit; laundry facilities.
REEL 5 Continues: food and messing arrangements; examples of 'jack-speak' naval slang; off duty activities; physical exercise; washing and sanitary facilities; daily routine and duties; role of HMS Tireless as part of NATO forces; briefings; question of secrecy and security clearance; discipline and comradeship; air and water quality; adjusting to shore life after period at sea; summary of movements aboard HMS Tireless; reaction to Russian coup and end of Cold War, 1992; recall to GB for safety checks and refitting; question of leave; story of visit by Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Sir Richard Vincent.
REEL 6 Continues: story of training exercise with US submarine at North Pole; shore leave in US; opinion of Americans; preparations for refit; description of HMNB Plymouth. Recollections of operations as Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) aboard submarine HMS Splendid in GB, 1992-1995: drafting to HMS Splendid, 1992; daily routine and duties during refit; transfer to 3rd Submarine Sqdn at HMNB Faslane; opinion of living conditions; confrontations with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Greenpeace protestors; security on base; story of Greenpeace boats entering Holy Loch; emergency procedures; use of sound waves against potential attack by divers.
REEL 7 Continues: disciplinary offences; opinion of Scottish civilians; comparison of submarines HMS Splendid and HMS Tireless; promotion to Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic; changing priorities after end of Cold War; summary of movements and operations aboard HMS Splendid; problem with anchor in Suez Canal, Egypt; memories of Egypt; story of crossing Equator; opinion of HMS Splendid; attitude to defence cuts. Aspects of period as instructor at HMS Dolphin, Gosport, GB, 1995-1996: duties as engineer and instructor; further educational courses; amusing story of celebrations on leaving Royal Navy, 4/1996; return to civilian life and employment; attitudes to service with Royal Navy.