Sunday, 25^th NOVEMBER 2007

The pool is now in and I have taken too regular plunges to cool the body and refresh the soul.  No electricity to the pumps or filters yet and my concreter has not turned up, so I am relying on extension leads and a bucket of water to wash my feet before taking a plunge.  Day two of pool ownership seen the skies open and it has rained for the last three days, but this has not deterred me, or the cane toads.  I have to get them out of the pool each morning, can't be many left though?

I am feuding with the concreter, he has been paid a deposit to do my driveway, pool, carport and garage as well as a pool fence.  He promised to start the day the pool was completed. Guess what?  I rang him two days after he was due to start to remind him, but it seems he is very busy and cannot start till??????????? Oh well, I can still cool off in the pool.

I had to post some DVDs ordered from the Slops Van that arrived on Friday so I drove the 35K into Maryborough, assuming that the Post office would be open.  Guess what!  I understand the local shop that is a licenced PO not opening, but to find none at all in a major city surprised me.  At the prices they charge for parcels now you would think that they would provide a decent service.  Never had this problem in Warnbro.

As you all know by now, after working in the navy environment for 40 years I finally got sick of the stress and quit my job and moved to Bauple, as far from humanity as possible. I get to the post office once a week (there is no mail delivery) and get groceries once a month. Otherwise it's total peace and quiet. After three months or so of almost total isolation, someone knocked on my door, a huge, bearded man.  He said ''Name's Bill, your neighbor from up the road. Having a Christmas party Friday night. Thought you might like to come. About 5:00." Great", I said, "I'm ready to meet some local folks. Thank you."

As Bill was leaving, he stops."Gotta warn you, be some drinkin'." "Not a problem," I replied. "After 40 years in the company of sailors, I can drink with the best of 'em." Again, the big man starts to leave and stops. "More'n' likely gonna be some fightin' too." "Well, I get along with people, I'll be all right. I'll be there. Thanks again." I replied. "More'n likely be some wild sex, too,"  "Now that's really not a problem," I said, warming to the idea. "I've been all alone for months! I'll definitely be there." "By the way, what should I wear?" I asked. he replied "Don't much matter. Just gonna be the two of us."

I also attended my second monthly bush market at the Bauple Showground and once again it was a washout.  I think that the showground is cursed, every event that has been organised since I arrived has seen storms interrupt or cancel the event.  Last weekends "Bauple Bash" was affected by rain and I commented to the organiser that it was a pity as there were only approximately 100 in attendance.  He replied "best crowd yet".

No snakes this week but I have discovered possums are resident in my roof.  My room is upstairs and the other night about 0130 I heard noises outside and I went out on the balcony and walked into a possum and her baby, not sure who got the biggest scare.  They are no problem and I may let them stay.  I knew that there were some around as they come on to the back verandah each night and eat a banana.  They are not greedy or wasteful, they only eat one and do not touch the rest. 

It was nice to hear from Ray Clarke this week (it was his Birthday yesterday) and he mentioned that he and Heather had booked for an Antarctic trip next year.  It was interesting to hear that the amount of time at sea almost equaled the amount of sea time he managed to get in while serving in the mob.  It made the news of the ship sinking in the next morning's papers even more interesting, I wonder if Heather will have second thoughts?

Queensland Branch Treasurer Bob Wilson has taken on a mighty task and it is hoped that visitors to The Log get behind him and his team to make his dream come true.  It goes without saying that ALL Branches of the Association will provide support to this worthy cause.

CRUSTY OLD SUBMARINERS TO WALK FROM COOLANGATTA TO CANBERRA FOR KIDS WITH CANCER
 
There’s a retired submariner in Queensland rallying his crusty ol’ submariner mates to walk from Coolangatta to Canberra next year to raise funds for Kids with Cancer.  Bob Wilson, 62, has cancer too and he is determined to oversee the planning, operation and success of this 1200 kilometre walk to be held in May-June 2008 to coincide with the Annual General Meeting of the Submarine Association to be held in Canberra over the Queens Birthday weekend.
 
So, from his Edens Landing home Bob has established the “Crusty Old Submariners walking for Kids with Cancer”. His Gold Coast based mate, Graeme Caesar, another crusty old one of ‘em, has set up a website to gather interest, support, and sponsorship and track the walk as it happens www.walkforkidswithcancer.com.
 
Bob reckons they’ll need about 50-60 rotating walkers to complete the route without anyone “busting a boiler” and he plans to recruit the majority of those walkers from the ranks of retired submariners in The Submarines Association of Australia.
 
Most of Bob’s vintage were crew on the old “O” class submarines including the Onslow now based in Darling Harbour. Others were the Otway (its casings are in a park in Holbrook where there is also a submarine museum), the fin of the Orion at a base in Western Australia and the Otama “floating down around” Hastings in Victoria.  There’s also the Oxley and the Ovens, says Bob. The Ovens is open for inspection at the Fremantle Maritime Museum. Graeme was one of the Ovens original commissioned crew.  “All funds raised from the walk will go to the Royal Brisbane Children's Hospital and Westmead Children's Hospital in Sydney,” he said.
 
“Many of us have been personally touched by cancer and we all live in awe of the courage shown by those so young, “said Bob.
 
He and wife Carol keep up a brave face as this crusty submariner affectionately known as “Tug” to his mates, centre their thoughts on others throughout his personal battle with the disease. “We’ll have no trouble recruiting the walkers,” said Bob. “Now we’re looking for sponsors to assist us on our way, host towns to welcome us and conduct their own fundraisers to boost the coffers and give us lots of love and encouragement.” he said.
 
These crusty ol' characters have heaps of courage and invite anyone who is interested in supporting them to visit the website or contact Bob Wilson on 07 3200 8016 or by email .   There is a website for "The Walk" so visit it now and either make a donation/sponsor a walker or volunteer to participate..
                                                                                               

Around the Traps
Ken Williams is off to the UK to spend Christmas with brother JJ and he said if any of you want him to abuse JJ on your behalf let him know. I can just imagine the trouble that those two will get up to, stand by for an international incident.

Another jet setter, David 'Goldie' Horne, recently passed through Suva on his ocean cruise (ship top of photo) and found time for a swim, must be great to be a member of the international glitterati.

And one member that has gone overseas long term is John 'Dutchy' Holland who said "Norm, Forgot to mention in my last email, If any of the members are looking to visit Wales at any time, looking up rellies etc and might require accommodation for a couple I'd be only too pleased to help out. Great freshwater fishing area here. All the best." I am sure that John would like to catch up with any passing submariners, contact him.

Bob Emery (for SAOC West) writes "Ahoy All, the current Newsletter of the Submariners Association of Canada West is now uploaded for your perusal ...

Just in from a source in uniform, the Investigator section, a sub-set of the Naval Police Coxswain (NPC) branch, is getting a new badge to update / replace their old one. It is now called the ADF Investigator Service.

The American Government funded a study to see why the head of a man's Penis was larger than the shaft. After 1 year and $180,000, they Concluded that the reason that the head was larger than the shaft was To give the man more pleasure during sex. After the US published the study, the French decided to do their Own study. After $250,000 and 3 years of research, they concluded that The reason the head was larger than the shaft was to give the woman more Pleasure during sex. Australians, unsatisfied with these findings, conducted their own Study using Naval Police volunteers. After 2 weeks and a cost of around $75.46, and 2 cases of Beer, they concluded that it was to keep a man's hand from flying off and hitting himself in the forehead.

Eternal Patrol - Jack Tooes BEM
Jack Ernest Stanley Tooes BEM who passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning 17 November 2007. 

Jack also known as Jackie joined the Royal Navy in 1936, he joined his first submarine HMS/m Oswald in 1939. Oswald was part of a group of Oberon class submarines based in the 1st submarine flotilla in Malta when war broke out. During July 1940 Oswald went out on patrol and on the 1 August the submarine was following an enemy convoy and was surprised on the surface some 10 miles south-east of Cape Spartivento by the Italian destroyer Vivaldi which rammed Oswald and sunk it. Fifty-two survivors including Jack who was then a Leading Seaman were rescued and taken prisoner. Eventually imprisoned in a German POW camp in Italy.

In March 1943 Jack was able to make a successful escape from the prison camp and eventually made it back to the UK. For his efforts and gallantry Jack was awarded the British Empire Medal, Gazetted on 14 August 1945, the medal presented to him by His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace on 6 November 1945.

Jack went back to submarines and during 1945/46 he served in HMS/ms Varangian, Saga and Sentinel. In later 1946 Jack joined HMS/m Turpin until 1948. After spending a small time ashore in 1949 Jack was drafted to HMS/m Amphion, his stint in this boat lasted until 1951.

During later 1951 until 1952 Jack undertook training as Coxswain and on completion joined HMS/m Tactician in the 4th Squadron based at HMAS Penguin until 1956. Jack returned to the UK and joined HMS Royal Arthur until 1958.
When Jack retired from the Navy he had reached the rank of Chief Coxswain. Jack must have enjoyed his sojourn in Australia as he returned and settled on the Central Coast. Jack joined the Association in March 1990.

Eternal Patrol - Cdr DPD 'Paddy' Ryan RN rtd OBE
I received notice of the sudden death of a very popular Royal Navy submarine officer, Commander Paddy Ryan who commanded HMAS Onlsow in the 60's.  Paddy was 70. Rob Woolrych commented "Sad news ... for those of you who served in Onslow and the Squadron in the late 60’s early 70’s. He was a good man and a very fine submariner and had a great sense of humour." 

Peter Smith forwarded the following item as Paddy was the CO of Onslow in 1971 when he was doing his "part three". He said "One of the most interesting things about Paddy was that we went to Pearl Harbour for the very first Rimpac exercise. I wrote the following story a few years ago. Paddy Ryan was the last of four generations of one family who had served in submarines".

Onslow gets torpedoed by Peter Smith.
In October of 1971 HMAS Onslow under the Command of Lieutenant Commander D.B. Ryan RN, left Sydney to participate in the first ever RIMPAC exercises, now held biennially off the coast of Hawaii. The submarine was later joined at Pearl Harbour by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and the destroyers HMA Ships Hobart, Torrens and Yarra.

Onslow, the only submarine in the exercises, was clock work mousing with the ships of Australian, American, Canadian and New Zealand navies.

On 14 November was exercises were being conducted off the island of Kauai. HMAS Onslow was slowly moving at a depth of 200 feet through the Kaulakahi Channel between the islands of Niihau and Kauai when she was detected by the US Coast Guard cutter USS Rush. The commanding officer of the cutter decided to fire a practice torpedo at his submarine target.

Practice torpedoes do not have a detonating charge, in its place it carries water to compensate for the lost weight. When the torpedo locks onto its target the mechanisms inside the torpedo wind down and the water is blown out, hence it floats to the surface where it can be retrieved.

But, on this particular afternoon the torpedo did not behave as it should, it continued to home in, slamming into the submarine's starboard propeller area.

For the crew of Onslow what was basically a quiet exercise was turned into diving stations and as crew moved to their assigned stations, reports of the state of the submarine were relayed back to the control room. After ascertaining that there did not appear to be major damage, however there was flooding around the starboard shaft, LCDR Ryan decided to surface and check further damage.  When realisation aboard the other ships that Onslow had been hit by the wayward torpedo, they began to gather above the submarine's dived position, it was to take twenty minutes to clear the ear to allow Onslow to surface safely.

Having surfaced it was decided that the weather in the channel was far to rough to allow a diver over the side to check the propeller and shaft. A decision was made that USS Rush escort Onslow to Port Allen on Kauai to allow divers a safe search of the damaged area. It was here that they found a large dent in the propeller shaft and damage to the 'A' frame. After the discovery, Onslow was ordered back to the submarine base at Pearl Harbour for a more thorough inspection.

On returning to the base, a further examination by divers revealed the seal around the drive shaft needed changing.
Though our involvement in the exercises had been cut short, the members of the crew were very pleased to have the extra unexpected liberty at Pearl Harbour and Honolulu over the period it took to change the seal and repair the shaft.

A  PRE-SCHOOL TEST FOR YOU  
Which way is the bus travelling, to the left or to the right?  Can't make up  your mind, then look carefully at the picture again? Still don't know? See the answer at the end of today's Log.

Tony Critchley's son Dean is growing a moustache for MOvember and and all proceeds go to the Prostrate Cancer foundation and beyond blue fight against Depression. If you would like to sponsor Dean'sMo please go to http://www.movember.com/au/donate, enter his registration number which is 81058 and your credit card details. Or you can sponsor him by cheque made payable to the "Movember Foundation" clearly marking the donation as being for dean's Registration Number: 81058. Please mail cheques to: PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 3181. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

One day, in line at the post office my neighbour said, 'My elbow hurts like hell. I guess I'd better see a doctor.' 'Listen, you don't have to spend that kind of money,' I replied. 'There's a diagnostic computer down at Bunnings. Just give it a urine sample and the computer will tell you what's wrong and what to do about it. It takes ten seconds and costs ten dollars . . . A lot cheaper than a Doctor.'

So, my neighbour deposits a urine sample in a small jar and takes it to Bunnings. He deposits ten dollars, and the computer lights up and asks for the urine sample. He pours the sample into the slot and waits. Ten seconds later, the computer ejects a printout:  'You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm water and avoid heavy activity. It will improve in two weeks. Thank you for shopping @ Bunnings.'

That evening, while thinking how amazing this new technology was, the neighbour began wondering if the computer could be fooled. He mixed some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, urine samples from his wife and daughter, and a sperm sample for good measure and hurries back to Bunnings, eager to check the results. He deposits ten dollars, pours in his concoction, and awaits the results.

The computer prints the following:
1. Your tap water is too hard. Get a water softener. (Aisle 9)
2. Your dog has ringworm. Bathe him with anti-fungal shampoo. (Aisle 7)
3. Your daughter has a cocaine habit. Get her into rehab.
4. Your wife is pregnant. Twins. They aren't yours. Get a solicitor.
5. If you don't stop playing with yourself, your elbow will never get better!

Thank you for shopping @ Bunnings

Answer to the bus question: 90% of the pre-schoolers gave this answer.  "The bus is traveling to the right ."  When asked, "Why do you  think the bus is traveling to the right?" They answered:  "Because you can't see the door to get on the bus."  How do you feel now ???? I know, me too.

Fred D. Wagner (LCDR USN Ret.), President of International Submariners Association USA (ISA/USA) wrote "On behalf of the ISA/USA, I would offer the invitation to be part of the ISA organization. It is a loosely structured organisation with interests in meeting other submariners from other countries. A meeting is held annually, 2008 to be held in Gdynia, Poland, 2009 to be held in San Diego, CA, and 2010 in Israel. The meetings are usually held in the month of May.  We have had one person, Henry Thompson, representing Australia for the past few years, but I am sure that there are others that may be interested.  There are websites for these congresses and are as follows:"
www.isausa.org
www.submariners.org/home.htm
www.isa-germany.de/index.hmtl

Iran to launch homemade submarine
Days ahead of the Annapolis peace conference, Iran flexed its military muscles on Saturday, announcing plans to unveil a new homemade submarine and navy destroyer later this week.  Iranian Naval Commander Admiral Habib Sayyari said Saturday that the navy would launch a homemade destroyer called Jamaran and a submarine called Ghadir on November 28.

Ghadir is a religious holiday which marks the day Shi'ite Muslims believe the prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon and confirmed Ali ibn Abi Talib's appointment as his successor.  Sayyari told the Iranian Fars News Agency that Iran's military capabilities served as a deterrent, but: "If the enemy makes a mistake, he will receive such a powerful second strike that he won't be able to stand up."

Iran has boasted in the past that its new Ghadir-class submarine could not be detected and was capable of firing missiles and torpedoes simultaneously. According to Globalsecurity.org, Iran's Navy has at least three Russian-built SSK Kilo-class submarines.

In August, Iran test-fired a new submarine-to-surface missile during war games in the Persian Gulf. Iran's current arsenal includes several types of torpedoes, including the Hoot, Farsi for "whale," which was tested for the first time in April and is capable of moving at some 357 kph, up to four times faster than a normal torpedo.

Sayyari told the news agency that his troops were closely monitoring US maneuvers in the region. "No move in the Sea of Oman, the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormoz could remain hidden from our eyes. The naval force is in full control over the region and monitors all the military moves of the enemies in the region," he said.

Norwegian subs move North
More international focus on the High North and increased Russian Navy activities in the region has made the Norwegian Defence move more subs towards the Barents Sea. In a televised reportage from NRK, Norwegian submarine crew members now tell about intelligence operations against Russian vessels. Russian vessels have the last months on several occasions operated outside the Norwegian coast, and Norwegian authorities have now requested an explanation from Russia.

After a decade of low activities in the Barents Sea, the area is now again becoming the playground for navy interests. In a reportage from Norwegian broadcaster NRK today, Norwegian Navy officials confirm that Russian war ships the last months have stepped up activities along the Norwegian coast, and that sonar has been used against Norwegian submarines.  The Russian offensive now spurs increased Norwegian submarine activities in the region, NRK reports.

Head of the Norwegian submarine forces, Erik Bøe, says the Norwegian Navy is stepping up its presence in the High North in line with government policy. He also confirms that the submarines are cooperating closely with the Norwegian intelligence services, as well as with special task units.

Deputy Minister in the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Espen Barth Eide, says to NRK that the government will use more resources on getting better overview over Russian activities. At the same time Norwegian authorities are reported to have requested Russia to reason the higher activities in the area.

Norway has six Ula-Class submarines.

Thai Military to press for submarines
Military leaders will press the next government for more arms purchases, citing the need to equip their forces with newer equipment to cope with security threats in the long term.  Gen Boonrawd said the modernisation plan for the military has been stalled over the past decade and added that now is the time to upgrade the armed forces, which were lagging behind others in the region.

He was referring to the financial crisis in 1997, which prompted the government to slash the defence budget as administrative leaders were forced to mobilise limited financial resources to revitalise the sagging economy and rebuild international confidence in the country at the time.

'The navy wants to buy two submarines to help it protect marine resources and national interests in the case of maritime conflicts. Navy commander Sathiraphan Keyanont used Navy Day last Tuesday to announce the desire to have two submarines, each worth about 20 billion baht.

He pointed out that some navy forces in Southeast Asia already had submarines and said equipping Thailand with submarines would boost the country's bargaining power with other countries.  ''If we do not have submarines, we will be an underdog in times of conflict at sea,'' he said in his appeal to the government to allocate a budget for the project.

The navy has lobbied for submarines in the past, but its calls were rejected by past governments.  A source said the navy was interested in buying the ships from China.

New NATO vessel tested on Loch Linnhe
The first sea trials of a new NATO rescue submarine have concluded successfully at Fort William. Rolls-Royce carried out the trial of the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) at the Underwater Centre, the UK's leading commercial diving training centre, which is based at An Aird.

The week-long trials, which ended last Friday, saw Rolls-Royce test the newly-developed NATO submarine in realistic sea conditions.

Rolls-Royce programme manager Jonty Powis said: "The extensive facilities which are provided here by the Underwater Centre and the established history with previous trials of other submersibles, such as the LR5 and UK Submarine Rescue Service, have allowed us to test the increased capability of our new remotely operated vehicles and submersibles with great confidence. "This is the first trial in open water of the NSRS, but is the first of several planned here at the Underwater Centre in Fort William."

The NSRS is jointly owned by NATO countries France, Norway and the UK and is scheduled for service in early 2008. NSRS will locate a distressed submarine, dock with it and rescue the crew. Its development follows a number of high profile incidents involving stricken submarines, such as the Kursk disaster in 2000, which resulted in the death of 118 Russian navy servicemen.

Come on Boof, grab the plastic bags, those bloody cane toads are in the pool again.................................

The Slops Van now has 3 submarine DVDs for sale.  With Christmas only a couple of months away it may be a good stocking filler.  Go to the Slops Van now for Details.

Sunday, 18^th NOVEMBER 2007

A busy week and I have had bobcats and dozers tearing the place apart to put in slabs, driveways and the pool.  Needless to say, it rained and I now have my own mudbath to play in.  Next problem is to work out what to do with the excess dirt (for dirt read clay)?  But progress at last, I should be in the pool by next Thursday they say, only one problem, still no electrician to install power to the area. Once the pool is up and running I am off to Sydney for a few weeks R&R.

If you ordered a Kursk DVD and it has not arrived, please accept my apology, but I only ordered a few to test the waters and more will be here this week.

Not much time today so this week's entry will be brief.  If you have anything of interest, buzzes or bullshit, that may be of interest please send it in for next week's log.

Around the Traps

Northern Queensland Branch Secretary Garth Schmidt reported a very successful meeting was held by the Branchver the weekend of 9,10 & 11 of November. He said "It was well attended but with almost as many apologies tendered as members turning up. I guess that we are entering that time of year. All gathered for the meet & greet on Friday evening at the Ingham RSL, who were once again magnificent hosts. The meeting was held on the Saturday afternoon, followed by dinner at the RSL, who layed on a sumptuous buffet for just us. Sunday morning saw us attend the 1100 service and then back to the RSL where, president Mal Bridge presented the RSL president, Lloyd Greentree with an engraved set of plaque dolphins." Kevin Marengo longs dashing in his tropical rig......

Ian Taber has returned from his trip down memory lane and reports "We have just returned home from Wagga after visiting Jim Redwood in the Base Hospital. He was admitted last Monday with breathing difficulties and is still undergoing tests to determine the cause. As soon as results are known I will pass them on. Anne thinks he may be home on Monday.  On a lighter note it must be the season for visiting China. Liz and went there in September for two weeks, then four days in Singapore on the way home. We found China interesting and we were surprised how modern the cities were, the Olympics have probably made the difference as they were hoping to get the 2000 games Our accommodation was excellent, food good, although we have not indulged in a Chinese meal since arriving home. Singapore has changed a lot, but then I remembered it had been 43 years since I was last there."

Terry 'Coyote' Wyatt writes "Back in Cairns, I have been down in Nowra with youngest son who had some hospital time. I arrived down on the Monday windy raining and COLD, it was like being in Scotland so cold. By Saturday it was nice enough to have a game of Bowls at Nowra Bowl’s club. Sunday I went over to Bombaderry to their Remembrance Service. OIC was the President of Bombaderry RSL Sub Branch Bob O'Grady, a submariner. He ran a well organised Service, thanks to TS Shoalhaven Cadets. Laying a wreath for the RAN was another submariner, WO of the Ship HMAS Albatross, WO Scouse Bromley, he looked real well. After the Service we went back at Bob's Club we had a few ales, hardly any serving personnel. Well back in Cairns to hot wet rain and watching Cyclone GUBA develop."

Phil Solomon seems to be enjoying life! "G'Day Norm, how are they hanging? Looks like you are enjoying the best of remote living, ie, trying to get a tradie to do anything. Having the same problems here in Airlie Beach as there is so much construction going on that you have to buy a tradie a Mercedes Ute just to get them to come for a quote!! All good here, Lots of renovations happening and my outdoor spa is now installed after promising the electrician my first born (didn't have the heart to tell him that it's a boy and a birdie to boot). Spent the first night in it with three (read it and weep), yep, THREE women. Ya gotta love Airlie Beach. Just wish I was young enough to remember what I was supposed to do with three women .... I hate old timers memory loss!! Shoulda got a photo just to remind me of what I forgot. Didn't get down your way for Island Time party, was helping a mate (yeah, I've got a few) take his boat down to Mackay for a refit .... shit, still taking boats into refit, will life ever change??"

Stuart 'Milly' Milburn has responded to the item last week from Kevin 'boong' Curtis. "Boong claims I have been a sick puppy for a long time. That's not nice. I haven't been well and I am unique is more appropriate. I was ahead of my time. Look at the Navy now. Woman are serving in ship and submarines at sea. I was doing it back in the 70s. I was always happy to be in in the dress of the day. I did cross dressing before Klinger. I was always tolerant and open to the opposite sex and mostly the one's in between. Some of my most wonderful relationships were up top. That was until I sobered up or got what I wanted. You know good time, long time!!!! Remember, You buy me sticky green drink for jobbie jobbie. Patpong has changed since those wonderful days. Most sailors clamed to have a lady in every port. I had a boiler, beanie or ladyboy. Call me trisexual. I danced on the toilet roof in Bugis St, didn't you? I danced to the time warp and the lumberjack song. Traditions of many and I still do, except when the doctor increases the medication. People trying to tarnish my high standards in human decency. Get the brasso something needs polishing!!!!"

'Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams . If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered.
Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'  ~ Jack Handy

Peter Smith writes "I think our members may be interested with this email and my reply:

"As the Secretary of the Barrow in Furness Branch of the Submariners Association I have just been passed a copy of In Depth and have seen the article about Commander Norman Shaw and the J Class Submarines.

I have been researching the J Class Crews (and Spare Crew) at the time of the handover to the RAN in 1919 and thought that you might be able to make use of the Crew Lists. As you will see from the attachment the majority of the crews were RN Officers and Ratings loaned for 2 or 3 years. Although some were of Australian birth and some (a few) were Submarine AE2 crew and survivors of the Turkish POW Camps. Most of the AE2 people were nominated as Spare Crew and took passage in HMAS PLATYPUS.

I have included both their Australian Official Numbers and their RN Official numbers as appropriate. Quite a few of the RN Crew elected to remain in Australia at the end of their loan and may be related to some of your current day submariners - you never know!

The Australian Service Records of those listed are all available free via the NAA 'Record Search' Website. The appropriate RN Records are also available via the British National Archive Website but will cost you £3.50 a time to down load.

Hope this is of use to your Associations, Regards Barrie Downer"

Peter responded:

"Many thanks for this email and the list of the crews of the J class, the information has already been of help. There is a grave on Thursday Island that stated "H G Haggis Submarine 7". I think Stoker 1st Class Henry George Haggis died from the Spanish flu on the way out to Australia. Two other crewmen from J5 were taken ashore at Thursday Island all the boats were put in quarantine and the crews were not allowed near any of the Islanders.

Your research has proven that Haggis was in J7, there were thoughts that the Submarine 7 may have been the seventh boat to arrive at Thursday Island as AE1 and AE2 also called there on the way out to Australia.

Because of the flu, the disease probably picked up in Singapore, the boats were not allowed assess to the ports down the Queensland coast until the flu had run its course. The crews on the boats were unhappy as their food was very meagre and had hoped to stock up at Thursday Island, I believe they would have been very happy when they finally got to Sydney and have leave.

By the way J7 was the senior boat LCDR O E Hallifax RN was the senior officer out of all the COs. Regards, Peter Smith"