General Chat

Hi Ann, never a pleasant job. I don't think people realise just how high it is to reach radar or any of the masts, and twice as bad if anyone doesn't like heights. I take it the 'drum' was the huge gadget near the bridge. I always thought that was the radar.
The one we had on the Corunna was an early warning type, used to be called the 'Bed-stead". It was huge... John

Large place Durham ladylol, but that's where I am, too good to be a spud peeler....lol John,

John, my dad served on the Eagle and Ark Royal, Bulwark, Albion and i think one called "centaur"? or summat like that anyway, he left as a Chief Petty Officer and joined the Australian navy for a few years.
Caroline.x
oh, he was a MET man.

Hi Sue - the RFAs were mainly attatched to the Royal Navy (All painted grey), used to join up with the fleet during exercises or wartime to supply ammunition, stores, etc.. Many had foreign crew and British officers. Always came under the Royal Navy.
lol John..

yes, Tony only did 12 years, he was about to sign on having just designed the new radar section for Ark royal when he was tipped off that he would be following his design so he left. One of his jobs on Eagle was to climb the radar mast past the 'drum' to fix the radar. (he is terrified of heights, goodness knows how he did it)

Hi Harp Strings - I did and still am..lol. John

Oh but I did Red Squirrel - just goes to show, 'girly talk' isn't all that bad after all.....lol John..

Ann, I've found you !!! I've found a 'GEM' - The last time I saw the Eagle was about 1956, a smart carrier. I never served on her but envied the ones who did. I was always a 'small ship' rating, destroyers, frigates, mine sweepers, even a boom defence vessell. You certainly did grow up surrounded by naval personnel.. Finally left the RN as a Petty Officer in the Communication dept. But only did 12 years.. Enough !!!. Take Care Ann.. John xx

OK I give in I'll go somewhere else and play.

I Know Helen - I can't win - but what a happy fella I am...lol John.

Daf - Puss's lettuces certainly beats my 'orange' cabbages.. lol.john

Hi Jax, the cabbages are in line - the sprouts are standing tall - the tomatoes are the best dressed - I haven't had very many messages from the men - And as you must be from Wales - Tenby was one of the nicest places I ever visited while I was on HMS Tenby - Always wanted to live there. lol. john

message at 21.01

My dad was in the marines as a diver in the war and part of his job was diving in the suez canal to sunken ships and seeing some awful sights(think it was suez) sorry spelling may be wrong He then became a lecturer in marine radar.

I will have to ask my dad when he served on the Albion, you never know, ya might know him, lol
yeah, it is a bit of a novelty to have been christened on an aircraft carrier.

hi john, yes we spent lots of time apart, i always say thats why we've lasted 26yrs lol, the homecomings were always special apart from all the dirty washing!!
chris x

Ann, my apologies, but you see 'i'm a wanted man', I'm trying to find your message so that I can answer it - but i luv ya.... hugs john..

Hi Caroline, was on the Albion 1964-1966. Bulwark being her sister ship, nice to have been christened on her.. john x

Now I really feel ignored *sob*

Hi Jenpen - could never make up my mind which football team to support - Started off with Man Utd - changed to Aston Villa - loved Portsmouth - Had a soft spot for Burnley - many sleepless nights with Sunderland - Always fell asleep with Fulham - thought I had won the football pools, Chelsea let me down - Moved a bit towards Newcastle Utd - still looking for a team to really support - Any ideas.. Lol John.