Sunderland Flying Boat
Old Hairy, thank you Sir for such a fascinating and detailed account of your days on the Sunderland. Your recent accounts of Royal Tours around the Far East certainly rang bells with me as some 15 years later I was a sprog co-pilot detached from 48 Squadron to the Far East Comm Sqn, both Hastings equipped at Changi, but the latter with the elegant Mk4-a flying Pall Mall club. As you say the cuisine was fantastic, usually served up by the ALM in the wardroom while our VIP inspected Guards of Honour etc. I think that was when I lost my sylph like figure, never to return sadly. Mention of the Abandoned Earl also reminded me of stories, told by those who spanned the two decades, that he was renowned for inviting the crew of his CinC Sunderland to the wardroom once airborne and proceeding to liberate them of their Pay and allowances at Poker! Even given the opportunities to enhance these that you recount it would seem that could be an expensive duty! Much more please!
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I have some good quality photos of Sunderlands mainly official one from the War years. No 461 and 10 squadrons (RAF and RAAF). Some good movie footage as well, lists of "missing" crews and next of kin. Despite recognising relatives in the photos, there is no reference in log books at all. Apart from Certificate of Qualification dated 16.3.40 Sunderland D. & N.
(Just pulled out a pic of Sunderland HY G 53)
(Just pulled out a pic of Sunderland HY G 53)
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NRU74. Thank you Sir for your very kind offer.I do have a Calshot Plaque,however perhaps you would like to extend the offer to Caramba? his father served there.
Chugalug2. Snap!! thanks for the post.I wonder how the Earl would have fared with my "Old Hairy's" bet they would have given him a run for his money.
Chugalug2. Snap!! thanks for the post.I wonder how the Earl would have fared with my "Old Hairy's" bet they would have given him a run for his money.
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Now Gentlemen,[I dont think any Ladies are reading this thread] Impressed by your impeccable good manners,desire to hear all about my travels.Ive decided to let it all hang out.As they say.
"A Samurai may be named according to Feudal Alliance,Skills and Attributes"
Some 18 months into my tour.I'd been there, seen it and sampled all that Iwakuni Town had to offer.We had many opportunities for a flight to Tokyo,but rarely had more than one day off,so we could not travel far. A friend and I decided to explore the the immediate countryside,hired two little motorbikes and set off for a village about 25 miles down the coast to the West that we passed over on flights in and out of Iwakuni.
Dirt roads,hot and sunny,by time we arrived we were covered in dust and hot and thirsty.
In feudal Japan,War Lords travelled through their domain by sedan chair,accompanied by Samurai on horseback and foot soldiers.At strategic places were Inns,for the want of a better name,where his needs and accomodation could be catered for.This village contained what remained of one. We pulled up outside,Now Westerners were not commonly seen in these parts,we seemed to have slipped back a century.Peasants popped out from everywhere,bowing and hissing.[fortunately we were aware that when in the presence of someone to whom you consider yourself inferior,you suck in your breath,to indicate that you are not contaminating the air they breath,!! quaint eh?].
We asked for a drink and were ushered into the Inn and seated.Sake was offered,but politely declined.beer was proffered,two young ladies knelt by our side and topped up our glasses as we drank.I had acquired a smattering of Japanese by this time and as we were only allowed off base in uniform,they wanted to know what our brevets meant,we explained with suitable gestures we flew the aircraft that passed over their village daily.Lots of OOHS and AAHHS. The Owner/Manager had been summoned,appeared very flustered and spoke very rapidly,getting him to slow down,finally understood he wanted to know if we required to bathe! Now communal bath houses are not really our style,but what the heck! we were covered in dust and a long way from base! there is a first time for everything.
We were escorted to the Bath House,wherein our uniforms were deftly removed by two scantily clad nubile young maids,starkers, seated on a three legged stool,lathered all over,rinsed and repeated.Japanese do not consider nudity in this context at all embarassing.The girls actions were not at all suggestive.We were led to the bath,about 8ft.square and 3ft, deep in which several people were already soaking.Japanese giggle a lot and the sight of our tanned bodies and white backsides were too much for them.After all they are the same colour all over! Japanese can be very personal,although no offense is meant.One old crone passed a remark causing great hilarity.I caught the word "sword" which was obviously reference to the male appendage,commonly referred to as "The Sword of Pleasure"Japanese men apparantly are not particularly well endowed it would seem!We slowly tried to inch into the bath,but it was just too dammed hot. We were offered a steam room,Shed with benches,water poured onto hot rocks and left alone for 15 mins. The same two maidens reappeared ,rinsed us off with warm water and towelled off.They then produced our uniforms,which had been laundered and beautifully pressed,how this was accomplished in such a short space of time I dont know. Payment for all this was a pittance,no gratuities would be accepted.We were escorted to the front door,where it appeared the entire village had been assembled. The Manager gave a short speech,,received with much applause,he saw that we did not understand and motioned for us to wait.He reappeared with a piece of ricepaper on which were a string of Japanese characters.We thanked them and with much bowing and hissing we rode off.
Later I asked one of the Mess receptionists if she would translate for me.She read it,giggled,showed it to the other receptionist and upon regaining her composure,said "You have been given a Samurai name,Winged Warrior with a Mighty Sword" She paid me an inordinate amount of attention after that!! But Ive never really understood if that was Japanese humour.A compliment?,or was he taking the Piss.???
Now Ive told you chaps in confidence...Im sure you will keep my little,sorry big secret,won't you?
"A Samurai may be named according to Feudal Alliance,Skills and Attributes"
Some 18 months into my tour.I'd been there, seen it and sampled all that Iwakuni Town had to offer.We had many opportunities for a flight to Tokyo,but rarely had more than one day off,so we could not travel far. A friend and I decided to explore the the immediate countryside,hired two little motorbikes and set off for a village about 25 miles down the coast to the West that we passed over on flights in and out of Iwakuni.
Dirt roads,hot and sunny,by time we arrived we were covered in dust and hot and thirsty.
In feudal Japan,War Lords travelled through their domain by sedan chair,accompanied by Samurai on horseback and foot soldiers.At strategic places were Inns,for the want of a better name,where his needs and accomodation could be catered for.This village contained what remained of one. We pulled up outside,Now Westerners were not commonly seen in these parts,we seemed to have slipped back a century.Peasants popped out from everywhere,bowing and hissing.[fortunately we were aware that when in the presence of someone to whom you consider yourself inferior,you suck in your breath,to indicate that you are not contaminating the air they breath,!! quaint eh?].
We asked for a drink and were ushered into the Inn and seated.Sake was offered,but politely declined.beer was proffered,two young ladies knelt by our side and topped up our glasses as we drank.I had acquired a smattering of Japanese by this time and as we were only allowed off base in uniform,they wanted to know what our brevets meant,we explained with suitable gestures we flew the aircraft that passed over their village daily.Lots of OOHS and AAHHS. The Owner/Manager had been summoned,appeared very flustered and spoke very rapidly,getting him to slow down,finally understood he wanted to know if we required to bathe! Now communal bath houses are not really our style,but what the heck! we were covered in dust and a long way from base! there is a first time for everything.
We were escorted to the Bath House,wherein our uniforms were deftly removed by two scantily clad nubile young maids,starkers, seated on a three legged stool,lathered all over,rinsed and repeated.Japanese do not consider nudity in this context at all embarassing.The girls actions were not at all suggestive.We were led to the bath,about 8ft.square and 3ft, deep in which several people were already soaking.Japanese giggle a lot and the sight of our tanned bodies and white backsides were too much for them.After all they are the same colour all over! Japanese can be very personal,although no offense is meant.One old crone passed a remark causing great hilarity.I caught the word "sword" which was obviously reference to the male appendage,commonly referred to as "The Sword of Pleasure"Japanese men apparantly are not particularly well endowed it would seem!We slowly tried to inch into the bath,but it was just too dammed hot. We were offered a steam room,Shed with benches,water poured onto hot rocks and left alone for 15 mins. The same two maidens reappeared ,rinsed us off with warm water and towelled off.They then produced our uniforms,which had been laundered and beautifully pressed,how this was accomplished in such a short space of time I dont know. Payment for all this was a pittance,no gratuities would be accepted.We were escorted to the front door,where it appeared the entire village had been assembled. The Manager gave a short speech,,received with much applause,he saw that we did not understand and motioned for us to wait.He reappeared with a piece of ricepaper on which were a string of Japanese characters.We thanked them and with much bowing and hissing we rode off.
Later I asked one of the Mess receptionists if she would translate for me.She read it,giggled,showed it to the other receptionist and upon regaining her composure,said "You have been given a Samurai name,Winged Warrior with a Mighty Sword" She paid me an inordinate amount of attention after that!! But Ive never really understood if that was Japanese humour.A compliment?,or was he taking the Piss.???
Now Ive told you chaps in confidence...Im sure you will keep my little,sorry big secret,won't you?
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Sunderland
I enjoyed reading Old Hairy's account of his experience on Sunderlands in FEAF.
I was fortunate to be a part of the same operations from 1950 to 1953, but on a different squadron and therefor my recollections differ slightly.
I moved in reverse to Old Hairy, passing through Calshot as a trainee Flight Engineer, two and a half years in FEAF before training as a pilot then through the Lancs at St. Mawgan to all different marks of Shackleton. I did not enjoy navigating a Lanc, but found the experience most useful in later life when doing my ATPL exams. I seem to remember that in the fifties navigators were going to take over the RAF. They certainly took over Coastal Command. By the way what ever happened to navigators.
My outstanding memories were delivering Britains first atomic device for testing to the Montebello Islands off the north west coast of Australia. Three trips from Seletar in August 1952. Another memory was taking a Sunderland back to the UK for overhaul and collect a "factory reconditioned" one and return flying the old Imperial Airways route to Singapore. The "old" one flew like a bird, no problems. The new "reconditioned" one from Shorts was a dog. Unscheduled stops and lengthy delays. The P&W engines that were overhauled not a million miles from Stranraer required much work.
I would not have missed it for all the................
I was fortunate to be a part of the same operations from 1950 to 1953, but on a different squadron and therefor my recollections differ slightly.
I moved in reverse to Old Hairy, passing through Calshot as a trainee Flight Engineer, two and a half years in FEAF before training as a pilot then through the Lancs at St. Mawgan to all different marks of Shackleton. I did not enjoy navigating a Lanc, but found the experience most useful in later life when doing my ATPL exams. I seem to remember that in the fifties navigators were going to take over the RAF. They certainly took over Coastal Command. By the way what ever happened to navigators.
My outstanding memories were delivering Britains first atomic device for testing to the Montebello Islands off the north west coast of Australia. Three trips from Seletar in August 1952. Another memory was taking a Sunderland back to the UK for overhaul and collect a "factory reconditioned" one and return flying the old Imperial Airways route to Singapore. The "old" one flew like a bird, no problems. The new "reconditioned" one from Shorts was a dog. Unscheduled stops and lengthy delays. The P&W engines that were overhauled not a million miles from Stranraer required much work.
I would not have missed it for all the................
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Calshot
Old Hairy
Many, many thanks for sharing.
Great personal interest for me - my father was SWO at Calshot while you were there. It's very warming for me to hear from you, who were actually there and doing it.
I wonder if you were around more recently when Peter Smith spent all that time at Calshot with ML814. There were some excellent evenings around that time at The Flying Boat Inn (since flattened) with some fine gentlemen sharing their experiences.
Again, many thanks - great stuff.
SD
Many, many thanks for sharing.
Great personal interest for me - my father was SWO at Calshot while you were there. It's very warming for me to hear from you, who were actually there and doing it.
I wonder if you were around more recently when Peter Smith spent all that time at Calshot with ML814. There were some excellent evenings around that time at The Flying Boat Inn (since flattened) with some fine gentlemen sharing their experiences.
Again, many thanks - great stuff.
SD
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Quote by Old Hairy:
You see, you just have to post about Boats and we all come creeping out of the woodwork.
There certainly is a mystique about them. The other day I was in the office (I usually work from home) and had my laptop open. My screen background is a photograph of a Sunderland. My boss had brought his ten year old daughter into the office and she saw the photograph and aske wat it was. Shw then wanted to know what Flying Boats were. Her reaction was "Cool, why don't they exist today?". Strange to think that Dornier Flying Boats were built less than 30 km from where she was born.
I have been amazed at the interest this thread has invoked.I have long known of the affection of those priveledged to fly her,but it seems we are not alone in appreciating a once great workhorse. Not to mention a really superb aircraft.
There certainly is a mystique about them. The other day I was in the office (I usually work from home) and had my laptop open. My screen background is a photograph of a Sunderland. My boss had brought his ten year old daughter into the office and she saw the photograph and aske wat it was. Shw then wanted to know what Flying Boats were. Her reaction was "Cool, why don't they exist today?". Strange to think that Dornier Flying Boats were built less than 30 km from where she was born.
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Sheesh! This has been running since mid-June and I just found it, well, that was this afternoon's plans up in smoke.
Old Hairy, please don't stop after your Sunderland days, I'm sure we'd all like a few more Shack and V-Force ditties.
Old Hairy, please don't stop after your Sunderland days, I'm sure we'd all like a few more Shack and V-Force ditties.
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Sunday Driver. Honest it was'nt me
One did not mess with SWO's of that era
I remember ML814 very well.I kept a boat on the Hamble at that time and used to see her at Calshot.Saw her flying down the Solent at one time.Then when Kermit Weekes bought her,saw her in Florida.
Was'nt "the Flying Boat" once the Officers Mess?
One did not mess with SWO's of that eraI remember ML814 very well.I kept a boat on the Hamble at that time and used to see her at Calshot.Saw her flying down the Solent at one time.Then when Kermit Weekes bought her,saw her in Florida.
Was'nt "the Flying Boat" once the Officers Mess?
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June 28th 1953.
We were tasked to pick up a Admiral,General and a AVM,who had been attending a SEATO Conference in Manila and return them to Singapore.We were to position at USN Sangley Point.Some two days previous a Typhoon had swept thro the Phillipines and on arrival the sea state was a bit rough.Normal procedure was for crewmembers to assume ditching positions,on the upper deck between the main spars.
We made our approach,on initial touchdown,an almighty bang,intercom went dead and the first reaction was full power and we staggered back into the air.We had hit a submerged object.Sorting ourselves out.one of the Gunners,Joe Ibbotsen by name came forrad and told us there was a "Bloody great hole int bottom" we informed Sangley Tower of our predicament and requested flypast to confim damage.They reported a large portion of the planing surface was missing mid Wardroom to step. They further wanted to know if we would be landing on the field.This was quickly declined.No Brakes!! decided we were better off in our own element and would try to beach her.Time was of the essence,it would be dark in thirty minutes. we selected a spot down the coast,shallow water,sandy beach,near Cavite City.Aimed to touch down about 4-600 yards out and run her onto the beach.Informed Sangley of our decision and made the approach,just before touchdown,closed throttles hauled back hard nearly on the stall,to try and use the bit of hull aft of the step,we achieved this ,only to pitch quickly forward as the sea entered,came to an abrupt stop and quietly sank in about 25 feet of water,wings just awash,popped the dinghies out of the wing stowages,boarded and paddled ashore.Apart from a few bruises,nobody was hurt.Shortly after the cavalry arrived Ambulances ,Firetrucks and a USN Patrol boat. Which subsequently stood by the wreck all night to stop the locals who would have removed everything movable!Apart from jackets and personal belongings hung up in the Wardroom.The Captains briefcase with $1000 imprest.was also there.
We were taken back to Sangley,checked in Sick Bay.The Base Commander then took us to our respective Messes,at which we were provided shirts and royally looked after.
We were to be flown back to Seletar by the USN,which I would have enjoyed,but an exchange of signals with FEAF.It was decided a Squadron aircraft would be sent to pick us up.
The next day{Complete with hangover] we returned to Cavite to advise on location of pyrotechnics for removal by Navy divers,who also brought up some personal stuff,but sadly no imprest! They also positioned wide canvas strops,fore and aft of the wing.The intention was to lift the boat onto a barge,using a floating crane.Both of which were enroute
A quick note to those amongst us,never to have been fortunate to have served in the Armed Forces, It is generally common to all military services for junior officers to be given supernumary duties,these usually bear no relation to your primary duties.
In my time I have been Officer i/c Station Band! I cannot read a note of music. The best.Secretary to the RAF Changi Golf Club.For my exemplary duty I was made a Life Member.Then some silly B*****ds built Singapore International Airport on it!!
I digress. The crane had an Officer i/c a Lt. j.g.resplendent in shining whites,obviously out to make his number.There was quite a bit of Brass about including the Base Commander. Lt.j.g. having checked on the weight of the plane,but entirely overlooking she was filled with water,ordered the owner of the crane,A Hairy Assed Three Badged Stoker.to lift. he demurred ,quitely talking ,he wanted to lift,drain,lift drain etc.I gave you an order said Lt,jg. where on Hairy shrugged and applied steady lift,neatly pulling out the centre section. "Peter" was now in five different parts. Not that it mattered ,she was scrap anyway and would be written off. I often wondered about his promotion prospects?
It was then decided to pull the wings,nose and tail sections onto the beach,where we advised on draining tanks.The footnote to this story,the crew arriving to pick us up were somewhat shattered to see the wreckage strewn on the beach and equally surprised to see us all in one piece.
The aircraft concerned was "Peter" of that I am positive.But in my logbook its down as-NL279.but according to Chas Bowyer's book on the Sunderland. it does not exit?neither does ML279.Ive been thro all the possible permutations .no luck.Any idea's?
PS. A Hairy Assed Three Badge Stoker. Is another nautical term to denote someone of considerable experience!
We were tasked to pick up a Admiral,General and a AVM,who had been attending a SEATO Conference in Manila and return them to Singapore.We were to position at USN Sangley Point.Some two days previous a Typhoon had swept thro the Phillipines and on arrival the sea state was a bit rough.Normal procedure was for crewmembers to assume ditching positions,on the upper deck between the main spars.
We made our approach,on initial touchdown,an almighty bang,intercom went dead and the first reaction was full power and we staggered back into the air.We had hit a submerged object.Sorting ourselves out.one of the Gunners,Joe Ibbotsen by name came forrad and told us there was a "Bloody great hole int bottom" we informed Sangley Tower of our predicament and requested flypast to confim damage.They reported a large portion of the planing surface was missing mid Wardroom to step. They further wanted to know if we would be landing on the field.This was quickly declined.No Brakes!! decided we were better off in our own element and would try to beach her.Time was of the essence,it would be dark in thirty minutes. we selected a spot down the coast,shallow water,sandy beach,near Cavite City.Aimed to touch down about 4-600 yards out and run her onto the beach.Informed Sangley of our decision and made the approach,just before touchdown,closed throttles hauled back hard nearly on the stall,to try and use the bit of hull aft of the step,we achieved this ,only to pitch quickly forward as the sea entered,came to an abrupt stop and quietly sank in about 25 feet of water,wings just awash,popped the dinghies out of the wing stowages,boarded and paddled ashore.Apart from a few bruises,nobody was hurt.Shortly after the cavalry arrived Ambulances ,Firetrucks and a USN Patrol boat. Which subsequently stood by the wreck all night to stop the locals who would have removed everything movable!Apart from jackets and personal belongings hung up in the Wardroom.The Captains briefcase with $1000 imprest.was also there.
We were taken back to Sangley,checked in Sick Bay.The Base Commander then took us to our respective Messes,at which we were provided shirts and royally looked after.
We were to be flown back to Seletar by the USN,which I would have enjoyed,but an exchange of signals with FEAF.It was decided a Squadron aircraft would be sent to pick us up.
The next day{Complete with hangover] we returned to Cavite to advise on location of pyrotechnics for removal by Navy divers,who also brought up some personal stuff,but sadly no imprest! They also positioned wide canvas strops,fore and aft of the wing.The intention was to lift the boat onto a barge,using a floating crane.Both of which were enroute
A quick note to those amongst us,never to have been fortunate to have served in the Armed Forces, It is generally common to all military services for junior officers to be given supernumary duties,these usually bear no relation to your primary duties.
In my time I have been Officer i/c Station Band! I cannot read a note of music. The best.Secretary to the RAF Changi Golf Club.For my exemplary duty I was made a Life Member.Then some silly B*****ds built Singapore International Airport on it!!
I digress. The crane had an Officer i/c a Lt. j.g.resplendent in shining whites,obviously out to make his number.There was quite a bit of Brass about including the Base Commander. Lt.j.g. having checked on the weight of the plane,but entirely overlooking she was filled with water,ordered the owner of the crane,A Hairy Assed Three Badged Stoker.to lift. he demurred ,quitely talking ,he wanted to lift,drain,lift drain etc.I gave you an order said Lt,jg. where on Hairy shrugged and applied steady lift,neatly pulling out the centre section. "Peter" was now in five different parts. Not that it mattered ,she was scrap anyway and would be written off. I often wondered about his promotion prospects?
It was then decided to pull the wings,nose and tail sections onto the beach,where we advised on draining tanks.The footnote to this story,the crew arriving to pick us up were somewhat shattered to see the wreckage strewn on the beach and equally surprised to see us all in one piece.
The aircraft concerned was "Peter" of that I am positive.But in my logbook its down as-NL279.but according to Chas Bowyer's book on the Sunderland. it does not exit?neither does ML279.Ive been thro all the possible permutations .no luck.Any idea's?
PS. A Hairy Assed Three Badge Stoker. Is another nautical term to denote someone of considerable experience!
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Then some silly B*****ds built Singapore International Airport on it!!
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Old Hairy, please don't stop after your Sunderland days, I'm sure we'd all like a few more Shack and V-Force ditties.
That wasn't fair. We were saving this until Old Hairy had finished his Sunderland days. Sort of "spring it on him gently", However, I wholeheartedly agree that he should continue.
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Blacksheep, Egad Sir,you are right.Ive just Googled it.Not quite the same layout,but near enough. Yes I do have my life membership,but it does state,RAF Changi Golf Club.Wonder if they would honour that?
Gentlemen, a large thread already exists about Vulcans.Ive contributed to it.Anyway V Bombers were no where near as interesting as the old Sunderbus.
Maybe just maybe, the odd Shack. story.I will consider it. when I return from my sojourn in the sun.
Gentlemen, a large thread already exists about Vulcans.Ive contributed to it.Anyway V Bombers were no where near as interesting as the old Sunderbus.
Maybe just maybe, the odd Shack. story.I will consider it. when I return from my sojourn in the sun.
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Without wishing to detract from "Old Hairy's" fine narrative, I thought you gentlemen might like to see this reproduction:
It was painted for me in oils by someone I used to work with, as a birthday present for my Dad. It depicts Sunderland Mk III, W6076, at Bathurst. I now have the original hanging on my wall at home.
It was painted for me in oils by someone I used to work with, as a birthday present for my Dad. It depicts Sunderland Mk III, W6076, at Bathurst. I now have the original hanging on my wall at home.
Last edited by 240 Gardner; 27th Jun 2008 at 23:17. Reason: Speeling
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One of the most memorable "Jollies" for me was a trip to the Keeling Islands,owned by the Clunies-Ross family.Whether we went by invitation or request by Singapore who administered the Islands I do not remember.The Islands had a Cable & Wireless Station and the main industry was the coconut plantations producing copra.Situated way out in the Indian Ocean,it was my first crossing of the equator,which occurred on the 9th Oct.1953 at 1136. Signals had been exchanged ,and we were loaded with Fruit and Veg. from Cameroon Highlands and several packages,some spare machinery parts.
It was a long flog, as we could not overfly Indonesia and had to fly passing the northern most tip at a place called Diamond Point,then south west. It required an early start as it was imperitive to arrive in daylight.It gets dark at six.and you had to land inside the reefs of ring shaped Atolls.Landing on one of the boat channels we then had to proceed very cautiously,as there were uncharted coral heads.One of the only occassions when we had crewmember in the bows using a leadline.Another nautical art! chanting out the calls "by the deep six" "four and a quarter" fathoms Im referring too.Felt just like Captain Hornblower! We anchored using the fisher mans type anchor stowed in the bows,but rarely if ever used.
We were met by Mr John Clunies-Ross,known as King Ross. a very nice but autocratic man. We unloaded all the gear and were invited to a barbeque in our honour.had a great time.Left next morning Via Glugor,where we stopped to refuel. Subsequently these flights were stopped as one boat dragged its anchor and was blown on a reef.I believe it was a writeoff.
Another trip combined with a Navex. was to the Car Nicobar Islands.it had a landing strip of crushed coral and was only used occasionly by Varsity aircraft to refuel.It was manned by One Officer and six Airmen. Must have been a very lonely posting. I know he was delighted to have three officers to entertain,almost like a "Dining In Night" he remarked!.
There were times when it was difficult to takeoff,if there was a dead calm and a glassy sea. you had to break the suction under the hull to get up on the step.It happened once in China Bay.The French were making flights to Saigon bringing in reinforements,using the Latecoaire[spelling?] flying boats they staged thro China Bay.[ They also had absolutely gorgeous flight attendants] After making several abortive attempts,we assisted by getting the pinnace to zigzag in front of it to create a few waves,which was the standard operating procedure for us. Very sad to see them get airborne!!
Once a year,jelly fish spawn, and gathered in huge numbers in the Johore Straits at Seletar.Didnt cause us problems,but it was like alighting on a bowl of goo. The problem was for the poor chaps who had to moorup,all the strops were covered with a film of goo ,which stung like mad.Again, one of the few occassions we endevoured to use the boathook.
Gentlemen ,I have really enjoyed recounting the good old days, Ive already stated she was a marvellous aircraft,rarely let you down.The Far East posting gave forth to a vast diversity of tasks,which made it that much more of a never to be repeated experience. I hope you all enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed relating them.
My final flights were as Krakatoa,bringing one home Tourex,when my original Calshot crew were tasked with bringing back SZ566 "Charlie via Glugor-China Bay-Korangi Creek-Bahrain-Fanara-Marsaxlokk-Pembroke Dock.without a single snag,she vitually purred. 2566 hours of unforgetable bliss.
It was a long flog, as we could not overfly Indonesia and had to fly passing the northern most tip at a place called Diamond Point,then south west. It required an early start as it was imperitive to arrive in daylight.It gets dark at six.and you had to land inside the reefs of ring shaped Atolls.Landing on one of the boat channels we then had to proceed very cautiously,as there were uncharted coral heads.One of the only occassions when we had crewmember in the bows using a leadline.Another nautical art! chanting out the calls "by the deep six" "four and a quarter" fathoms Im referring too.Felt just like Captain Hornblower! We anchored using the fisher mans type anchor stowed in the bows,but rarely if ever used.
We were met by Mr John Clunies-Ross,known as King Ross. a very nice but autocratic man. We unloaded all the gear and were invited to a barbeque in our honour.had a great time.Left next morning Via Glugor,where we stopped to refuel. Subsequently these flights were stopped as one boat dragged its anchor and was blown on a reef.I believe it was a writeoff.
Another trip combined with a Navex. was to the Car Nicobar Islands.it had a landing strip of crushed coral and was only used occasionly by Varsity aircraft to refuel.It was manned by One Officer and six Airmen. Must have been a very lonely posting. I know he was delighted to have three officers to entertain,almost like a "Dining In Night" he remarked!.
There were times when it was difficult to takeoff,if there was a dead calm and a glassy sea. you had to break the suction under the hull to get up on the step.It happened once in China Bay.The French were making flights to Saigon bringing in reinforements,using the Latecoaire[spelling?] flying boats they staged thro China Bay.[ They also had absolutely gorgeous flight attendants] After making several abortive attempts,we assisted by getting the pinnace to zigzag in front of it to create a few waves,which was the standard operating procedure for us. Very sad to see them get airborne!!
Once a year,jelly fish spawn, and gathered in huge numbers in the Johore Straits at Seletar.Didnt cause us problems,but it was like alighting on a bowl of goo. The problem was for the poor chaps who had to moorup,all the strops were covered with a film of goo ,which stung like mad.Again, one of the few occassions we endevoured to use the boathook.
Gentlemen ,I have really enjoyed recounting the good old days, Ive already stated she was a marvellous aircraft,rarely let you down.The Far East posting gave forth to a vast diversity of tasks,which made it that much more of a never to be repeated experience. I hope you all enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed relating them.
My final flights were as Krakatoa,bringing one home Tourex,when my original Calshot crew were tasked with bringing back SZ566 "Charlie via Glugor-China Bay-Korangi Creek-Bahrain-Fanara-Marsaxlokk-Pembroke Dock.without a single snag,she vitually purred. 2566 hours of unforgetable bliss.
Old Hairy
Absolutely marvellous - I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series of reminiscences and would like to thank you very much indeed for sharing them.
They brought back many memories of some of the places you visited, not least the Cocos Keeling Islands and meeting King Ross when passing through in an RNZAF aircraft en route from Singapore to Perth and on to Richmond.
You also had better luck than I did on your trip through rural Japan - I did mine in a prominently marked USN loaner with a chum and, when we got a bit lost on our way back to Yukosuka after climbing Fuji-san and then followed the detailed map we were given in a local "inn", it only took us about 20 years to work out that the reasons we eventually ended up at the local sewage farm were because a. we had followed the directions exactly b. our "guide" probably thought we were American! Oh yes, we did get the bath treatment in a small Japanese style hotel in Tokyo, but we shared it with an unusually shy Shirley Maclaine (whom we had previously met in HK), and no, she didn''t give us any Samurai awards!
As a direct result of your ripping yarns, I persuaded our skipper on a trip back from Cowes to Lymington last week to poke our noses into Calshot just to get a feel for the past. All too different now as I'm sure you know only too well.
With good wishes and renewed grateful thanks for sharing your memories.
Jack
Absolutely marvellous - I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series of reminiscences and would like to thank you very much indeed for sharing them.
They brought back many memories of some of the places you visited, not least the Cocos Keeling Islands and meeting King Ross when passing through in an RNZAF aircraft en route from Singapore to Perth and on to Richmond.
You also had better luck than I did on your trip through rural Japan - I did mine in a prominently marked USN loaner with a chum and, when we got a bit lost on our way back to Yukosuka after climbing Fuji-san and then followed the detailed map we were given in a local "inn", it only took us about 20 years to work out that the reasons we eventually ended up at the local sewage farm were because a. we had followed the directions exactly b. our "guide" probably thought we were American! Oh yes, we did get the bath treatment in a small Japanese style hotel in Tokyo, but we shared it with an unusually shy Shirley Maclaine (whom we had previously met in HK), and no, she didn''t give us any Samurai awards!
As a direct result of your ripping yarns, I persuaded our skipper on a trip back from Cowes to Lymington last week to poke our noses into Calshot just to get a feel for the past. All too different now as I'm sure you know only too well.
With good wishes and renewed grateful thanks for sharing your memories.
Jack
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Old Hairy:
Are we to take it that this is the last of the Sunderland stories? If so it is a great shame. The stories you have told so far have been absolutely fantastic, enjoyable and readable. Well done sir and thank you.
I have visited many of the places you mentioned, as a civilian, and only wish that I read your contribution before visiting them, it would have made the visits more interesting.
Are we to take it that this is the last of the Sunderland stories? If so it is a great shame. The stories you have told so far have been absolutely fantastic, enjoyable and readable. Well done sir and thank you.
I have visited many of the places you mentioned, as a civilian, and only wish that I read your contribution before visiting them, it would have made the visits more interesting.
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Ah- flying boats
Wonderful stuff
For an evocative half hour chat about flying boats- particularly the latter half of the programme, listen again via a log on to BBC Radio 4's web site, go to E for Excess Baggage, and then scroll down the right hand panel of programme picks. Just under half way down ( i think) you should find last November's Excess Baggage broadcast on Seaplanes and Flying boats - with some Africa memories.
Secondhand copies of Phillips Sims book about flying boats are easily found - Adventurous Empires. Well wroth buying.
Ah - and those collpasible sleeper type/day seats were on the C class craft forced into RAF service- original fittings.
For an evocative half hour chat about flying boats- particularly the latter half of the programme, listen again via a log on to BBC Radio 4's web site, go to E for Excess Baggage, and then scroll down the right hand panel of programme picks. Just under half way down ( i think) you should find last November's Excess Baggage broadcast on Seaplanes and Flying boats - with some Africa memories.
Secondhand copies of Phillips Sims book about flying boats are easily found - Adventurous Empires. Well wroth buying.
Ah - and those collpasible sleeper type/day seats were on the C class craft forced into RAF service- original fittings.
