Memorial Service and the spreading of Roger Hardings ashes
We had arranged a trip out on HMS Clyde well before we left the UK. For two reasons firstly to have a memorial service for the lads that died on HMS Glamorgan at the exact spot we were hit. Secondly for a committal of ashes to the sea for the late Roger Harding. A very emotional, enjoyable and fun day all mixed into one and we were extremely well looked after by the whole crew of HMS Clyde.
We arrived onboard very early around 07:15 on 12 November 2007 as we had been invited to have breakfast as well as lunch onboard. The breakfast was continental style and there was lots of it too, lunch was a curry and pork casserole. We ate breakfast in the wardroom and senior rates mess (no real difference) and Smudge and I ate with the lads at lunch time as they had beer the officers had wine!
After breakfast we had a tour of the ship. This included all decks below including the engine room and armouries. Upper deck we all stood on the bridge and there was a fire exercise just for our benefit on the quarter deck beneath the flight deck. Accommodation well lets say you pay top money on a cruise for a 2 berth ensuite (this was even for junior rates). The senior rates mess could be mistaken for the wardroom and the lads mess hall had internet and HD TV. Washing up in the lads mess was decided by drawing straws which i Smudge and I won. Not that the washing up would have been done if we lost. Besides there was a dishwasher.
HMS Clyde : The first offshore patrol vessel (Helicopter) of the Royal Navy. Although built and based in Portsmouth she is permanently deployed to the Falkalnd Islands.
Memorial Service
After a welcome by the padre we sang a hymn called 'o god our help in ages past'. Followed by a reading 'Ecclesiastes 3.1-8. A prayer was then read and the ashes of Roger Harding were committed to the deep.
We then had a pause to reflect.
Another prayer ' O god we remember roger with gratitude and affection, and give thanks to him and for all he still means to us. Thank you that your love never comes to an end and whether we live or die we belong to you. amen'.
The whole ceromony was filmed by a BFBS film crew and we are told that it will be on the SAMA video next year.
Remembrance
Prayer.
Ships company and Glamorgan ships company bought to attention.
The names:
POAEM(L) Michael Adcock
CK Brian Easton
AEM(M) Mark Henderson
AEM(R) Brian Hinge
LACAEMN David Lee
AEA(M)2 Kelvin McCallum
CK Brian Malcolm
MEM(M)2 Terry Perkins
L/CK Mark Sambles
L/CK Tony Sillence
Std John Stroud
LT David Tinker
POACMN Colin Vickers
We will remember them
The Last Post followed by 2 minutes silence
Reveille and wreaths were laid. The Glamorgan Wreath was laid by 7 hands of the Glamorgan ships company.
Epitath and we are stood at ease
Prayer followed by the Royal Navy Prayer
Naval Hymn
Finally the blessing.
A very emotional day for all but please take comfort that there were besides the tears moments of laughter and jokes typical of serviceman.
Matts Birthday
It was Dave Penny's son Matt's birthday on the tenth and so in true naval tradition we gave him his birthday present from his dad on the 12th. Besides Dave had not wrapped the present (typical Jack Dusty, surprised it was not wrapped in brown paper). The present was 'Ordeal by Exocet' signed by Ian Inskip and the rest of us. The second present was an HMS Glamorgan polo shirt. I am not sure if there was money in the card.
Matt pictured left is also a stores acountant just like his dad. Except they are called logistics now!
Matt did us proud so thank you Matt and all of HMS Clydes ships company it was a day we will not forget.
(Group photo with Matt, padre, skipper of Clyde and Governor)
In the afternoon Nigel presented the ship with an oil painting of HMS Glamorgan. In return we were presented with a ships crest and the ensign used to cover Rogers ashes. The lads were all given cap tallies. We all agreed the ensign and crest would go to Rogers relatives.
Later that day we had a farewell party with the Falkland Islanders in the FIDH Hall. Smudge, Dave and I went back to the Bonners residence for drinks afterwards via the Globe Pub.
The lads on the bridge of HMS Clyde:-
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Version: 19 March 2008
