General Chat

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

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

Photocopies are in the post to you, Daniel. Joy

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

Thanks. I've sent you a message.

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.

Have emailed Dan and Mandy. Joy

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

Thanks Joy. Haven't got an email address. :-(

Just a thought Dan. i assume when youw rote to the museum you sent a stamped addressed envelope? Have you tried e mailing them again, maybe it didn't get to them. Ann glos

Might be going to visit in a couple of weeks' time. Remind me in case I do. Joy

No still no luck. Just in case anyone was planning to go. Don't want anyone to go out of their way.

I know Ann - I was one of them too!!! But so much red tape to cut through before you could do anything lol. Daniel, you still not got your picture? I will try and catch my friend sometime soon to see if she can help. When I didn't hear any more about it, I assumed Carol had done the photo. Mandy :)

Oy oy Mandy - who's taking a knock at the Civil service?? Some of us were quite efficient! Lol!!! Ann Glos

Just nudging this in case anyone is going in the near future.

Thanks everyone.

Hi Daniel, My s-i-l is in the navy,I will ask him to find out for you,although he is not based in the dockyard. I am a Plymothian,so had to add to this thread. Bare with me,it might take a awhile,but I will ask him tomorrow for you. Hi Mandy, Im back here at last, emailed you,hope you enjoyed the carnival. lots of love trish xxxx

Just popped back to see who had added to this thread - Carol, that's kind (nice to meet another Plymouth girl!). Dan, I'll wait to see what Carol can get before I try contacting my friend. Mandy :)

been to plymouth when we stayed in moushole in cornwall.when to the big aquarium centrexxxxxxx(:

Thankyou very much Carol. I really do appreciate any help.