HMS IRON DUKE 20141117

THE IRON DIT
THERE’S BEEN A MURDER!
Murder fever has swept Iron Duke over the last few weeks, as
almost all of Ship’s Company have been involved in a giant game of
Cluedo.
From a hat, personnel randomly selected a victim, murder weapon
and murder location and the aim of the game is to get all three
together at the same time. There was an eerie sense of anticipation
in the air once the announcement ‘Let the Killings Begin’ was made –
nowhere on our mighty ship was safe.
Some fell early such as Lt Ollie Behan slaughtered with a fork in
the Wardroom whilst innocently enjoying a cup of tea. Others were
shocking such as when AB Brendan McLoughlin dragged the
smoking tin into the Captain’s Cabin, complete with Captain and
senior members of the wardroom, to take down Lt Cdr ‘Fingers’
Hammond in cold, cold blood.
Others have been tricked as killers have teamed up with
accomplices; LS Jonny Bayne shamelessly used the Doctor, Surg Lt
Rosie Miller, to entice poor PO Billy Connolly into the Sickbay.
Believing his health was at stake, little did he know it was so much
more, killed by a set of Commander rank slides, not a nice way to go.
To think the Doctor is onboard to save lives, not so much the case
where Cluedo is involved.
At the time of print, only 36 members of Ship’s Company survive.
The Ship has become a cold and brutal place, where people walk by
as others are senselessly executed. Fire Extinguishers, pillows,
overalls (the XO’s specifically) and even plasters have been used to
take out innocent Ship’s Company.
The most efficient killer so far is the Deputy Logistics Officer, Lt
Dominic Black with 4 kills before his recent demise. The game will
continue until one person is left or until our penultimate stop, where
prize money will be claimed or split between the remaining players.
And yes, the Captain remains at large, either he is the most wily of
us all or someone just hasn’t plucked up the courage….yet.
The Officer’s Mess in their German finery
OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest is the largest peoples
festival in the world and is ironically
celebrated
in
Germany
in
September.
German Exchange Officer (Lt Cdr
FGN Gunnar Lux) organised an Iron
Duke version of the famous festival
which was held in the Wardroom.
The preparations began a day
before with Gunnar and a team of
willing volunteers in the Galley
making the traditional German food
that would be served in the evening.
All of the members of the
wardroom were tasked to create
their own costumes, they could be
made from anything that could found
onboard.
With
some
vivid
imagination, a flare of creativity and
a little German efficiency some
wonderful costumes were created.
The night saw the wardroom
enjoy the traditional German food,
German beer and a good old sing
along which certainly put the oomph
back into the oom pa pa.
DID YOU KNOW??
A previous HMS Iron Duke
helicopter used to be called
‘Charger’. This was because this
was the name of the Duke of
Wellington’s
(The
Iron
Duke)
favourite horse.
AB ‘Bugsy’ Malone ‘murders’ AB Tom Rowley in the Buffers Shack
with a CO2 Fire Extinguisher
IRON DUKE GOES CRAZY FOR GOLF!!
With the world enjoying the European Golf tour,
HMS Iron Duke decided to enjoy its own spin on
things.
Each mess was tasked to create a crazy golf hole,
with anything and everything that they could find.
The teams assembled in their finest golfing attire and
the scene was set for a Saturday afternoon of golfing
excellence that Tiger Woods himself would have
been proud of.
The weather added its own challenges with the ship
rolling and often taking the golf balls exactly where
they were not supposed to be.
By the end of the day the CPO’s finished top of the
leader board with the Wardroom bringing up the rear.
A good time was had by all.
LET ‘Harry’ Connick and ET Harry McHugh-aka-Batman
tackle the courses
A HANDY X-RAY
Whilst in rough seas, OOW2 Lt Ollie Behan,
was sitting down to the evening meal when the
ship was hit by a large ‘goffa’ (wave) causing the
ship to roll heavily. Ollie tried his best acrobatics
to save his meal from hitting the deck but he
was unable to save himself from the same fate
and unfortunately for him he landed a little
awkwardly onto his right hand.
The Ship’s Doc, Surg Lt Rosie Miller was
concerned that Ollie might have broken a little
bone in his wrist called the scaphoid and
therefore needed an X-Ray in order to rule out
the break.
This is not an easy feat, the Ship was
hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital and
the next stop was Grytviken, South Georgia with
a population of 8, it looked like Ollie might have
to wait until the Ship got to the Falkland Islands.
However it was discovered, much to the
surprise to the Doc, that South Georgia did in
fact have basic X-Ray facilities. So on arrival the
resident Doctor of South Georgia (who also is
the postmistress, catering manager and baker of
a very tasty Gin and Tonic cake – recipe
included in this edition of the Iron Dit!) met with
Ollie and Rosie and carried out the X-Ray.
Fortunately for Ollie the film showed there was
no break and instead just a nasty sprain, he now
can proudly lay claim to the fact that his
‘starboard flipper’ (right hand) has been XRayed at one of the most southerly places in the
world!!
DEPLOYMENT FACTS
Distance Travelled so far: 15,688 nm
Number of Replenishments At Sea Conducted: 6
Diesel used: 1,360 Cz
Strongest Wind Experience: 60 Kts (3 Kts short of a
hurricane)
Meals cooked: 64,980
Number of 4.5 Rounds Fired: 208
Number of 12.7mm Rounds Fired by Duchess: 1,400
Number of Radar Rotations made by 997: 3,715,200
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH GEORGIA
FALKLAND
ISLANDS
LIFE AS A LOGGY
In order to support a RN warship deployed at sea for a
long period of time we must be very self sufficient, with
space at a premium onboard, the logistics department must
think carefully about what we take with us and how long this
can sustain us for.
In the ships kitchen (The Galley) our chefs must cater for
190 people eating 3 hot meals a day, regardless of how
rough it can get.
Whilst the ship was in Simons Town, we took the
opportunity to re-stock our large cupboards, fridges and
freezers with food bringing on everything from meats and
vegetables, to the essential tea and coffee to keep us warm
in cold climates, as well as cakes and ice cream for that
occasional treat. This (if used sparingly!) gave us enough
food to last up to 70 days at sea.
Since sailing from Simons Town a month ago we have
used 1,240 breakfast sausages and 4,320 eggs. We made
our way through 2,210kg of spuds, which is the equivalent
weight of a baby African elephant!
For our Sunday roast each week the chefs will prepare
50kg of roast potatoes, to be cooked in ovens on 12 large
trays. All perfectly timed so it is ready for service. At seven
o’clock the counters open to a hungry ships company who
all enjoy a little taste of home.
Chef Phillip Craig checks on the roasties
LCh Mark Stokes-Lilley serves up ‘scran’!
COOKERY CORNER
During out visit to Grytviken, South Georgia. Some of the Ship’s Company were invited to join the residents of the
island, who are all members of the British Atlantic Survey, for a spot of Afternoon Tea. A cake that went down
particularly well was the Gin and Tonic cake. Give it a bash!!!
INGREDIENTS
•
self-raising flour (same weight to eggs)
•
150g icing sugar
•
4 eggs
•
About 10 splashes of gin
•
2 lemons
•
caster sugar (same weight to eggs)
•
butter (same weight to eggs)
Mmmmm….Cake!
METHOD
•
Weigh the eggs in their shells, then measure out the same weight of butter, caster sugar and self raising
flour.
•
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs
•
Sift flour into the mixture and beat again.
•
Grate the zest of both lemons and add into the mix, along with the juice of one lemon and about 4 shots of
gin (approx 100ml)
•
Pour into 1lb lined loaf tin and bake at 180C (170C Fan Oven) for about 45 mins or until you can poke a
knife into it and it comes out clean.
•
Once cooked, place cake on a wire rack to cool.
•
Make a glaze by combining the icing sugar with the remaining gin and juice of 1 lemon. (An additional
splash of tonic is also an option) until all sugar has dissolved.
•
When cake has cooled, poke some holes into the cake and pour glaze over.
•
Enjoy cake and do not drive
MAXWELL MEET UP
As the Ship reaches two thirds of the way through its
deployment, the thoughts of many frequently lead to friends
and family. So it was a nice surprise for AB James Maxwell to
find that his brother AB Daniel Maxwell, who is currently
serving on HMS Protector, was about to enjoy the same stop
in Grytviken, South Georgia therefore providing a perfect
opportunity for a little catching up.
The two brothers had a couple of hours to enjoy the small
settlement of Grytviken and also take the opportunity to see
their respective ships, ‘home’ whilst deployed. Daniel also
provided James with a quick update as to how friends and
family were getting on at home before HMS Protector sailed
for the Falklands with HMS Iron Duke not too far behind. It’s
not everyday you bump into a member of your family just
outside the Antarctic Circle!!
A WEE DRAM FOR
SHACKLETON
The Shackleton Whiskey at Shackleton’s grave
Maxwell brothers James (left) and Daniel (right) enjoy an impromptu catch up
FINDING RUDOLPH
During Iron Duke’s time in
South Georgia, the Ship’s
flight teamed up with
members of the British
Atlantic Survey to conduct
an aerial survey of Reindeer
on the Barff Peninsula.
The reindeer, brought to
the South Georgia by
Whaler’s who once resided
on
the
island
are
threatening the spectacular
near Antarctic wildlife and
so a close eye must be kept
to ensure that numbers do
not get too high.
Rudolph himself was not
spotted on this occasion,
we have had news he is
preparing for the upcoming
Christmas season in the
North Pole
In 1907, Ernest Shackleton led the first of
three expeditions he would make in an
attempt to be the first man to make it to the
South Pole.
One of the luxury items included in his
inventory were 25 cases of MacKinlay’s Rare
Old Highland Malt.
Shackleton during his expedition made his
base in Cape Royds in McMurdo Sound
building a hut to accommodate his men
during their time there
It was in 2010 that 3 cases of the whiskey
was discovered under the floorboards of this
hut. It was returned to Wyte and Mackay
(now owners of the MacKinlay name) where
it was used to recreate its famous taste.
Lt Dominic Black was lucky to acquire a
bottle of the rare reproduced whiskey and
purposely took it to South Georgia where
Shackleton was laid to rest in 1922. On
venturing ashore, Dominic made his way
Shackleton’s grave and enjoyed a wee dram
on behalf of his hero.
Which one is Rudolph?
SNAPSHOT
Duchess on task
Fur Seal enjoys an afternoon nap,
Grytviken, South Georgia
WARFARE ROUND UP
An excellent couple of months have seen the warfare
department sail across the Atlantic and into colder climes.
Ably directed by the Navigator, Lt James Mitchell and
Senior Watchkeeper, Lt Lauren Ruffell the ship has
dodged icebergs and found safe passage into many bays
and harbours.
The ship stopped briefly at South Georgia where
everyone managed to get a walk ashore in Grytviken and
it was great to hear that CPO Norm Brindley and CPO
Buster Brown had so much fun building snowmen!
During our transit in the cold climates, our fellow dabbers
LS “Sally” Gunnell and LS Rocky Glanville of Saint Helena
decided to treat the ships company to a meal Saint
Helenian style. Braving the galley, they proceeded to put
together a meal; a simple combination of beef, potatoes,
carrots and a bit of Saint Helenian love and it was loved
by everyone with some of Ship’s Company voting it as the
best meal they had ever had on board!
Professionally we saw a lot of the lads step up and begin
to take on more senior roles. AB Nathan Brown acted as
Operations Room Supervisor during a damage control
serial. AB Matty Taggart and AB James Maxwell have now
been fully trained to co-ordinate Naval Gunfire Support –
talking to a Royal Marine 15 miles inshore about where he
needs fire to land is no mean feat!
The department recently held the inaugural 5-a-side
tournament. Whilst many believed the Warfare Officer’s
team would be a walkover with Lt Cdr Anthony Pimm and
Lt Cdr George Storton upfront and Lt Cdr Lee Vessey in
goal, the PWO trio along with the assistance of Lt James
Mitchell and Lt Ollie Behan proved to be a formidable
force and came an impressive third. Even PO Billy
Connolly’s silky skills didn’t stand up to the team! The
tournament was won by a skilled combined WE and
Warfare team, LS Jay Meacock, LCIS Braidon Mahmood,
AB Scott Ramsey, AB Matty Taggart, AB James Mason
and AB Murray Lee. A BBQ finished off the afternoon,
ensuring that the calories burned on the pitch were quickly
replaced
We also welcomed back LS John Haslam after he had
‘popped’ home to greet his new born son, George, into the
world – many congratulations to the Haslam family!
King Penguins, Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands
PICK UP A PENGUIN
Whilst alongside during one of the weekends in the
Falkland Islands, some members of the Ship’s
Company were lucky to go on a helicopter flight out
to Volunteer Point, the most Eastern point of the
Falkland Islands.
Volunteer Point is home to the largest colony of
King Penguins in the Falkland Islands, where they
are at their northerly limit of their global range.
There are more than 1,000 breeding adults in the
colony and 400-500 chicks are raised each year.
The population of King Penguins are growing on the
Falkland Islands and this is thought to be due to
over-crowding in South Georgia.
Other penguins are the Magellanic penguins, also
know as the Jackass penguin due to it’s donkey like
bray.
There are also Gentoo penguins, recognisable by
their yellow feet. There are over 1,000 pairs of
Gentoo penguins at Volunteer Point, a much more
agile penguin, they frequently break into a comical
run.
11 of the Ship’s Company visited the colonies and
spent a couple of hours with these fascinating birds.
The baby King Penguins, provided much
entertainment. Particularly inquisitive and definitely
possessing an ‘ugly duckling’ appearance, they
happily walked right up to their visitors on the hunt
for food providing some excellent photo
opportunities. A fantastic experience for all!
The Fo’c’sle team - in a warmer climate!
Front (from left) AB Greig Gammack, AC Matthew King
Back (from left) AB Callum Fennell, AB Ben Dowsett, PO Billy Connolly,
LS Tex Marshall, LS Louis Vine-Sratcherd, PO Si Garrey, LS Jonny Bayne
There once was an ugly duckling…… Baby King Penguins
THE FALKLAND ISLAND SETTLEMENTS
During our time in the Falkland Island’s, Iron Duke has
conducted several visits to the many small settlements located
across the islands.
One was a visit to New Island, inhabited by John and
Charlene Rowland, they are the only two people currently living
in the settlement. The team from Iron Duke were greeted
warmly by the two residents who invited them in to their warm
and cosy home.
As their generator had broken just a couple of days before,
the presence of two engineers within the team was much
appreciated and attempts were made to repair their main
source of power, unfortunately to no avail.
Charlene took the remainder of the group on a tour of the
island which has been inhabited periodically since 1813 before
becoming a nature reserve in 1972.
The island is rich with wonderful wildlife including Rockhopper
penguins, Fur Seals, Albatrosses and the near extinct Straited
Caracara.
In all the group spent a couple of hours with John and
Charlene and a good time was had by all, the group made to
feel particularly welcome with homemade coffee and cake.
Outside the New Island Settlement
From left: LS Daz Smalley, Charlene Newland,
Surg Lt Rosie Miller, LCh Zippy Wightman, PO Chris Anelli.
Rockhopper Penguin, New Island, Falkland Islands
JACK SPEAK
JACK
ENGLISH
GOFFA
WAVE / CAN OF POP
SCRAN SPANNERS
KNIFE AND FORK
DHOBI DUST
WASHING POWDER
THREADERS
FED UP
HERCULES HEIGHTS
A few members of Iron Duke were lucky to get a flight
with a RAF C130, Hercules whilst in the Falkland Islands.
During the flight the plane conducted some air to air
refuelling drills and carried out some low level flying,
providing our lads with an unforgettable experience.
Air to Air Refuelling Drills onboard C130 Hercules
ADVENTUROUS
TRAINING
Whilst in the Falkland Islands 11 members of the
Ship’s Company had the opportunity to take part in
a week of Adventurous Training at Hill Side Camp
in Stanley. The week consisted of multiple activities
including Battle Field Tours, Rock Climbing,
Abseiling, Mountain Biking and a wet day of
Kayaking and Body Boarding. The activities were
delivered with the help of two instructors and led by
our trusty PTI, LPT ‘Jack’ Daniels. All the lads
enjoyed their time despite some worried faces on
the Rock Climbing and Abseiling and AB Scott
Ramsey in particular enjoyed Mountain Biking, or
at least he certainly voiced an opinion! Regardless
everybody took part and didn’t shy away from
some fairly nerve-racking activities; it was a
fantastic week for all.
From left: AB Ben Brady, LET Paul Murton, AC Matthew King,
AB Jimmy Askham, WO Jon Tiller, ET Ifan Banfield. WO Darran Sullivan,
ET Dan Stephenson, AB Ollie Darnell, AB Scott Ramsey,
LPT Jack Daniels
IRON DUKE VISITS THE BATTLEFIELDS
The Ship’s Company had various opportunities to visit the numerous
Battlefield sites of the 1982 Falklands Conflict. All were a very poignant
reminder of the harsh, unforgiving environment the men were fighting in and
the ultimate sacrifice that some gave in the protection of the Falkland Islands
from the Argentineans.
Led by CPO Glen ‘Dusty’ Millar 10 of the Ship’s Company took a tour to
San Carlos where the Sussex Mountains overlooked the waters where both
HMS Ardent and HMS Antelope were lost. Also located there was the Meat
Packing Factory which was used as a hospital known as the ‘Red and Green
Life Machine’, led by the much decorated Surgeon Commander Rick Jolly
OBE.
Lt Andy Nolan met two veterans during an event onboard who had fought
during the conflict and were returning to the Battlefield site where they fought
in the conflict for the first time. They invited members of the Ship’s Company
to join them on a Battlefield Tour, Mr Graham Wilde was a JMEM serving on
HMS Ardent when she sunk, he reflected how there was very little time to
react but that his training had meant that he automatically knew what to do.
Mr Les Butterworth who is still serving in the Royal Navy today was also a
JMEM on HMS Avenger, he recalled going to ‘action’ 36 times and even
admitted to getting bored at the constant calls. The pair reflected that the visit
had provided them with closure to the hard fought conflict and the lucky few
that accompanied them were privileged to spend time with them and share
their story.
San Carlos Memorial Site
From Left: PO Andy Luker, SLt Rab Burns,
AB Ian Hutchinson, Lt Lauren Ruffell,
Lt James Mitchell, AB Nathan Boyle,
CPO Glen Millar, LS Dan Cook and
AB Ollie Threlfall
PICKLE NIGHT
Pickle Night in full swing
FALKLANDS
SOUND
NEW
ISLAND
Every year, shortly after 21st October when the Battle of Trafalgar took
place in 1805, Senior Rates messes across the Fleet celebrate Pickle
Night. It’s named after HMS Pickle, the schooner that brought the message
of Nelson’s victory to London. Onboard, the Senior Rates dressed up in
1800s sailor uniforms, including Officers, Junior Rates and powder
monkeys.
The POs Mess was transformed into the ‘Jamaica Inn’, a pub decorated
as if it was 1805. The CPOs & WOs Mess became HMS Pickle – complete
with gangway, canons and the Captain’s Cabin!
Once all the ratings were ‘onboard’ the night started with the traditional
‘piping the still’ for the Commanding Officer for the night, WO1 Darran
Sullivan. The evening involved some short readings about the history of
Battle of Trafalgar.
PO ‘Bagsy’ Bagwell was named ‘Best Monkey’ for his impressive dancing,
remarkable powder monkey outfit and great role-playing! The night was a
huge success, and although the clean-up operation afterwards was
colossal, we look forward to the next major mess function.
VOLUNTEER
POINT
SAN
CARLO
FLASH BACK
STANLEY
MPA
FOX
BAY
Just a few of the areas HMS Iron Duke visited during her time in the
Falkland Islands
PO Alan Causer waves goodbye as HMS Iron Duke
departs Portsmouth – 19th June 2014
STOKER STORIES
ET Alex ‘Spike’ Hughes enjoys a spot of Bilge Diving
Whilst in the Falklands Islands, the Marine
Engineering Department took part in the age old
tradition of ‘Bilge Diving’! This is exactly what it
sounds like! The bilge is the lowest part in the
bottom of the Ship, where all of the oil and water
collects if something leaks. So quite regularly the
ME department enter a machinery space and deep
clean under all of the machinery and pipe work,
making sure we get into all those difficult places to
reach. This is an important job as it helps us as
engineers to maintain a high standard within our
main machinery spaces and identify any leaks that
have occurred on systems and equipment. The
department spent two days crawling into and under
all the equipment. Some people found that they
weren’t as slim as they previously thought, whilst
others discovered they could bend their bodies into
some very interesting positions. ET Alex ‘Spike’
Hughes particularly enjoyed the fun ensuring he got
suitably grubby!
WEAPON WORDS
As the Ricky Martin song goes “She Bangs, She
Bangs” and that was definitely the case onboard this
month with the Weapon Engineers conducting two
GUNEX serials firing in excess of 150 rounds.
It is not very often that this amount of rounds are
fired in one sitting and to prove that we can carry out
a shoot of this magnitude re-affirms HMS Iron Duke
as a multi purpose platform ready to deliver violence
to the enemy whenever required in which ever form.
CPOET(WE) “Cat” Stephens and his team worked
hard to get the gun ready, even giving up a Lazy
Sunday routine to ensure all preparations were carried
out prior to the shoots on a Monday and Tuesday. The
serials also gave POET(WE) Chris Anelli the chance
to be assessed as a Captain of the Turret and he
passed with flying colours.
PHOT OF THE MONTH
Lt Cdr ‘Fingers’ Hammond, the Logistics Officer, snapped this awesome shot of a
Typhoon as it came to play with HMS Iron Duke for simulated air attacks in the Eastern
Falkland Islands
The Gun team. From left: LET ‘Harry’ Connick, ET Dalton Betts,
AB Nathan Boyle, ET Joshua McBride,
ET James Thacker, PO Chris Anelli, ET Harry McHugh
CLANKY’S CORNER
One of the many areas the Marine
Engineering Department is responsible for is
Ventilation and Air Conditioning, which we use
to maintain the ships habitability in various
climates. This doesn’t only mean keeping us
cool whilst it is hot outside, but also keeping us
warm whilst the ship is in a freezing blizzard. Air
throughout the ship is recycled using Air
Treatment Units, these are basically large fans
that draw air and pass it through filters and
either coolers or heaters to supply clean air into
the ventilation system at a suitable temperature.
We don’t just recycle the air constantly, we also
have Air Filtration Units to draw air in from the
outside combining it with the internal air. It is
important that we can maintain the ships
habitability
because
sometimes
the
temperatures we work in can range from +40°C
to -10°C. Maintaining suitable temperatures
makes all the sailors comfortable and happy
onboard which is most important to the safe
running of the ship.
IRON MEN SPORTS
FOOTBALL MATCHES
Whilst operating in the Falkland Islands HMS Iron Duke has managed to play 2
football fixtures.
The first saw Iron Duke take on the MPA contractors. Despite their name it was
very evident that they had drafted in a number of ringers from the local forces
from the Army and RAF based at MPA. The fixture was played in very strong
winds blowing straight across the pitch which hampered the play for both teams.
An early penalty conceded by IRDK was calmly slotted home giving the hosts
an early 1-0 lead and the score remained that way until half time. Despite
working hard IRDK failed to create any real openings in what was a scrappy
affair. At half time IRDK made several changes including the introduction of AB
‘Bugsy’ Malone, ETME Dan Taft and ETME ‘Dot’ Cotton. The fresh legs and
creative flair, added in particular by Malone, caused the hosts real problems and
numerous chances were created but unfortunately none were taken.
On the counter MPA managed to snatch a second goal against the run of play
and that was how the match finished, a 2-0 defeat for the Duke.
The second fixture of the month saw HMS Iron Duke take on HMS Protector in
an all Navy affair. Again the game was played in a blowing gale, notorious in the
Falkland Islands, which led to the ball spending more time off the pitch than on
it. Despite this, 20 minutes in SLt Dan ‘The Met Man’ Robbins received the ball
25 yards out from goal before turning and firing a thunderous right footed shot
into the bottom corner.
5 minutes later Iron Duke were 2-0 up thanks to great build up play down the
left by ETME Ross Turnbull, before LS ‘Jonny’ Bayne laid the ball across goal on
a 6 pence for Robbins to calmly slot home his second of the game and his
eighth of the deployment.
During the second half winds continued to strengthen which led to the early
abandonment of the game with 2 minutes left to play. A much deserved 2-0
victory for Iron Duke and one over on their fellow matelots
ARCHIVE: ET Tom Sefton
enjoys a warm up
ARCHIVE: LCIS Braidon Mahmud
in action
5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
‘Big Legs FC’
From left: AB Matty Taggart, LS Jay Meacock,
AB James Mason, AB Scott Ramsey,
AB Murray Lee, LCIS Braidon Mahmud
During a weekend alongside in the Falkland Islands, the
Ship enjoyed a 5-a-side football tournament providing a
source of friendly competition and good opportunity to
display some silky football skills. Organised by the Warfare
Senior Rates CPO ‘Buster’ Brown and PO ‘Billy’ Connolly,
advantage was taken of the impressive sports facilities
ashore.
Varying levels of ability was shown from the gazelle like
runs of SLt Dan Robbins and the twinkle toe skills of AB
‘Bugsy’ Malone to the more steady precise shots of Lt
James Mitchell – he’ll tell anyone that will listen he scored
the winning goal against the Senior Rates team! It was a
fun afternoon for all won by ‘Big Legs FC’ a vertically
unchallenged warfare team. The afternoon was topped off
by a BBQ social, a BBQ in the Falklands – who’d have
thought it!
RUGBY REPORT
Wtr Mark Adams goes in for the tackle
Iron Dukes Rugby Team
Back Row from Left: Lt Cdr Paul Laidler, LAC John Brindley,
Wtr Mark Adams, AB Ian Hutchinson, MA Tom Cree,
SLt Nathan Smit, PO Alan Causer, Ch Sam Clode
Front Row from Left: ET ‘Dot Cotton, ET Sam Kelly,
AB Gary Russell, LS Colin Bell, AB James Maxwell
MPA (Mount Pleasant Airport) 59 - HMS Iron Duke 0
Having not had the chance to play in a competitive rugby match
since leaving Namibia back in July the team from Iron Duke were
keen to get their boots on and blow out some of the South
Atlantic cobwebs. Unfortunately availability of players was limited
and the team had to travel to the MPA pitch with just 13.
However, in the spirit of true grass roots rugby the opposition
kindly loaned 2 players so we could field a full 15.
The game was played in what can only be described as
‘tornado-like’ conditions with gale force winds blowing straight
down the pitch, this did of course hamper both teams ability to
play but fighting into the wind in the first half was always going to
be difficult for the Iron Duke team.
As expected play was very much with the MPA team with Iron
Duke struggling to form any cohesive play and spending much of
the half defending. MA Tom Cree at scrum-half remained lively
and vocal trying to give some direction to the forwards and with
captain LAC John Brindley making inroads both in attack and
defence the team were able to hold the score down to a relatively
respectable 35 points.
With the wind behind them in the second half it was hoped that
Iron Duke would be able to capitalize on the conditions,
unfortunately it was not to be the case. Whilst Iron Duke was
able to push further from their line, the strong running and well
drilled team from MPA was still able to stretch the defence and
make incisive breaks. Throughout the game Iron Duke can take
credit from the defensive work which at times prevented what
seemed a sure try from the opposition. A disappointing scoreline
at the end of the game but some definite lessons to be taken.
Overall we will put this down to rugby being the winner.
FLIGHT DECK SPORTS
When ships have a spare afternoon the Physical Training
Instructor (PTI) will organise a sport on the flight deck which, as
you can imagine, can be somewhat limited given that we are
surrounded by water. So we have to be a little bit inventive and
have over the years developed a variety of ‘flight deck sports’.
Bucket Ball is a popular flight deck sport combining physicality,
stamina and fun to make a competitive game. Competitors are
to make balls before the game, ensuring they are plentiful and
not too heavy. Gaffer tape is the material of choice.
Teams consist of seven players with one holding the bucket on
the other side of the playing area. The idea is to pass the ball
around to the other end of the pitch and get the ball in the bucket
to score a point, the main rule being that you are not allowed to
move once you have the ball in your hand. To get the ball back
off the opposition you are to either intercept the ball in the
middle of a pass, or get to it before anyone else should it hit the
deck. When a point is scored, the scorer swaps place and
becomes the bucket holder.
Whilst on deployment the Ship enjoyed a Bucket Ball intermess tournament which was won by the 26 man Logistics mess
also known as ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’.
The victorious “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Bucket Ball action

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