Shipmates - BBC1
I'matightbastard
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There's something about gunners. We had a gunner in HMS Sabre who hadn't even been promoted once in his 20 odd years.
I think the problem might be that the series is too ambitious, trying to cover Chatham's entire deployment, but various other things too. HMS Brilliant focused entirely on Brilliant during the time she was coming to the end of her deployment. It was more action focused too, in some ways, with an air defence exercise (complete with Sea Harriers simulating attack) in the first half of the first episode.
But I imagine it will get better...see this from the RN site.
Episode 4 looks interesting........
But I imagine it will get better...see this from the RN site.
Episode 4 looks interesting........
looks likem i take the credit for first post on night 2.... damn fine job ladies and gents. Extremely proud to see the RN presented in a fine light. Not all journos are scum clearly.
Very proud to serve alongside them all. It was good to see that the RN actually contributed something (small though it was). I remember being sat in the UK feeling totally impotent and wanting to do something to help. Glad to see that a difference was made to some lives. Distex obviously works. Well done Chatham and Diligence
Red On, Green On
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Interesting to see that the MO, with the most appropriate/usefull of all the skillsets was the one most phased and least able to see the wood for the trees.
That episode should be required watching for all those who bleat about paying taxes for the defence budget. Where else could you find people with the skills, resources and resourcefullness required to make a difference on day one?
That episode should be required watching for all those who bleat about paying taxes for the defence budget. Where else could you find people with the skills, resources and resourcefullness required to make a difference on day one?
Last edited by airborne_artist; 30th Nov 2005 at 05:58.
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A_A,
I put it down to her being a 'first tourist' and, like many around the world, overwhelmed by what she saw.
Bet that when she went back to the capt'n to give her report, he said 'It's obvious that we can't do everything that is needed, but name me one thing that you think we can do that will make a difference' Answer - sort out the hospital, providing a focal point for the community, a basic level of support and a hearts and minds win.
Well done to all the lads and lasses.
sw
I put it down to her being a 'first tourist' and, like many around the world, overwhelmed by what she saw.
Bet that when she went back to the capt'n to give her report, he said 'It's obvious that we can't do everything that is needed, but name me one thing that you think we can do that will make a difference' Answer - sort out the hospital, providing a focal point for the community, a basic level of support and a hearts and minds win.
Well done to all the lads and lasses.
sw
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I'd like to echo A_A's post about tax-payers' money well-spent. These motivated, trained and generally well-led personnel didn't just happen to be in the area, they were there because His Holiness Toniness told them to be there - what he doesn't appreciate is that it takes 3 ships to keep one on station and that it can't be done for the pittance Gordy calls a Defence Budget. Admittedly the Ship turned up and sailed up and down the horizon but I'm willing to wager she was carrying numerous defects, had manpower gaps in her crew and didn't have all the stores on board that she was entitled to???
However, to end on a more +ve note, well done to all concerned in very trying circumstances.
However, to end on a more +ve note, well done to all concerned in very trying circumstances.
Last night I thought CHATHAM was quite BRILLIANT. Those who might have doubted the Surg Lt (or indeed the chaplain, or the bunch of lads and lasses) in their opening scenes ashore must surely have warmed to them all as each and every one got stuck in as a united crew, to make a difference. Totally compelling; roll on next week.
Got to say, it was probably fortuitous that Diligence was in the area. Without her repair and stores capacity the effort would have been much less. They must have knackered the engines getting her there though!
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After watching last nights show I was hugely impressed by all involved during what must have been an unforgettably awful time...Even the Med O..sitting on her hands and careful consideration in the end worked for her I thought.
One question to you dark blue types... Do you not carry radios when you go ashore for anything outside of letting off steam? In last nights episode a WO kept sending runners for reinforcements during a potentially volatile situation when some relief items were being handed out. Something like the old 'Storno' or Motorola would have speeded things up a great deal!
Regards Vim
One question to you dark blue types... Do you not carry radios when you go ashore for anything outside of letting off steam? In last nights episode a WO kept sending runners for reinforcements during a potentially volatile situation when some relief items were being handed out. Something like the old 'Storno' or Motorola would have speeded things up a great deal!
Regards Vim
Looked like there was a Clansman in one shot and there are Cougar radios available. But, like most kit it has it's drawbacks and there were probably not enough to go around/batteries shot etc.
Bring on Bowman!!
Bring on Bowman!!
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Your correct about the radios. Having had experience of Disaster relief the standard ops are to get ashore and dump the clansman as it weighs 3 hundredweight. Then ditch the cougars as they have a range of 20 yards at best. Then you revert to comms route one and send runners everywhere.
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Still waiting for Bowman to arrive eh? I was involved in trials back in '96 and I'm sure they were expecting it in service around '01. It's bloody disgraceful in this age that our forces are expected to use 1970s comms technology.
Last edited by X-QUORK; 1st Dec 2005 at 14:25.
