General Chat

nudging ... am going near there but not at the time they'd be open!!! anyone else, please? Joy

Have emailed Dan and Mandy. Joy

Daniel - I live about half an hour's train ride from Plymouth, and am a complete naval enthusiast. I've never been to the museum, so it would be interesting for me too! I expect I would be able to get there at some point in the near future with my digital camera. Send me an email if you'd like me to help. Regards, Kate.

Thanks. I've sent you a message.

Kate - We could not go there although were in Plymouth at the weekend. I understand that you have to make an appointment because of security, and you will be given a pass to go in and come out again. We went in the main library in Plymouth at the weekend where a very kind gentleman found and photocopied an article entitled "A Queen's Last Voyage" that commences "Queen Maud of Norway died in England on Sunday, 20th November, 1938. At 10.30 p.m. that evening the Commander of the Royal Oak returned onboard at Devonport.". I shall be posting the article to Dan. Hope you enjoy your visit. Joy

Photocopies are in the post to you, Daniel. Joy

Hi Daniel, Sorry I never got back to you,son-in-law,been away,at portsmouth,so he couldnt have a look for you. Had to reply to say sorry,didnt ignore you,havent been on here very much lately. Looks like you might have your answers from helpful people on here. kind regards trish xxxx

just copied this from HMS royal oak website Like a sleeping giant the Royal Oak lay, When the U-47 Submarine struck, Three `eels' were fired two lost their way, But with one there was some luck. It hit Royal Oaks anchor cable, Though it hardly left a mark, Her shaded anchor lights still burned, Faintly in the dark. Flood number five from number one, Open the outer door; she's ready! `Los'; number five; fired from the stern, The line of travel steady. Close outer door! Tube is secured, The fourth 'eel' is on its way. But only a spiral of spurting sea, Was visible through the spray. "Reload the tubes," Priens order came, "Prepare another `fan' of three," Down came the chain hoist from above, As the Sub ploughed through the sea. "Attack" the order turned the bows, towards the sleeping ship, Endrass bent over the optic aim, Felt the Submarine turn and dip. Doors reopened, the eels jumped out, Three torpedoes from the bow, Towards the Royal Oaks starboard side, That were closing faster now. The great ship shuddered, lifted up, Then she gently settled back, Lights flickered out, fans stopped running, All power she did lack! Across the decks the water flowed, And a sheet of orange flame, Exploded beneath the starboard deck, Impossible to restrain. Thick black smoke rose o'er the port, Bulkheads shuddered and cracked, Decks caved in and swirling flames, Rose from the cruel impact Through doors and hatches men were blown, From hot ladders they were flung, In hammocks brutally devoured by fire Their flesh from the cabin walls clung. Her death throes over the Royal Oak, Plunged beneath the waves, A tomb for more than eight hundred men, For few that day were saved. Silently the Submarine slipped, Out to the ocean deep, Leaving Scapa Flow and the Royal Oak, To the nightmares of their sleep. ©Colin F. Jones