Very good MSW👍
Current weather forecast Barry area until 0600 CET attached.
Keep me under advisement (as they might say in the USN😉)
FLEET//

Evenin' Nerys (if I may make so bold MSW!😉)
"Too many ships are scrapped before their time."
Don't think one can really say that about poor old Vengeance!
She was probably glad to be laid to rest, would have preferred a more dignified end though.🤔
Although designed as "disposable ships", for the duration or max three years" she served 55 years in three navies. And was mucked about by the Dutch before sailing to Brazil.
Angled flight deck and catapults added amongst other things.
After years of hunting I've finally tracked down (and bought😉) two 1/400 Heller kits of HMS Colossus, aka Arromanches in the French Navy. LoA 52.25cm, beam 5.7cm.
Why two?😮
I intend to build one as the original HMS Vengeance and kit bash the other as NAeL Minas Gerais with angled flight deck a la HMS Victorious. Wish me luck🤞
Cheers, Doug😎
PS We just had the curious jumping photo syndrome again!?

To Fleet Admiral RNHQ Munchen
At 1900, weather in outer Bristol Channel appears to be too rough for suspect vessels to put to sea and land goods on a lee shore.
Will reappraise the situation later. HW is not until approx 0600 and as I wish to make a surveillance of the area around HW, will not leave base until well into the middle watch.
Will advise what action is being taken when later weather information is available.
MSWM Nerys

Report: North West region pensioner migrate:
Pensioners apprehended 23:30hrs. offered suggestions as to boat club organize.
Not an acceptable arrangement.
A suggestion was made, that they club together, and buy a yacht, (NOTE - suggestion not by me) will further report when information is next available.
report concluded, for your appraisal Fleet. WO Rooky

There was and may still be a ship breakers at Inverkeithing on the Firth of Forth near the Forth rail bridge don't know if its still there you could see it from the Forth Bridge (Road)but the new bridge (Queensferry crossing)takes you on a different route and you can't see it any more.

Too many ships are scrapped before their time. I've seen on TV the ships being scrapped on the beach in India and the real thing in Piraeus. However, a bit nearer home T,W,Ward used to break ships, particularly RN ships, at Briton Ferry on the banks of the River Neath. I think of it every time I drive over the river on the M4 or the A48.

Once did some repair work on a Brazilian sub in the late 70s it was about the size of one of my grandpa's cigar tubes ,claustrophobic wasn't the word.re ships being beached in India having watched a documentary about it I wonder how many salvagers are killed each year as their H/S left a lot to be desired ,as you say Doug a sad thing to watch even serviceable ships scrapped before their time.😭

Nerys, would you believe that the Brazilian Navy actually tried to sell their old Colossus class carrier, NAeL Minas Gerais, on EBay!?😂
EBay quickly took it off again cos it broke the rule forbidding military equipment.
Funny ol' world 😉
She ended up being scrapped on a beach in India.
Was sad seeing a ship I'd worked on a lot in the nineties being torn part ☹️
All the best to you and Very Able Seawoman Alice👍
Cheers, Doug 😎

Thanks for your report MSWM Nerys👍
Very sensible.
Discretion is often the better part of valour.
So proceed at your own this evening.
Also have many memories of Weston and surrounding area.
For instance; first contact with scrumpy -
and waking up in a haystack wondering how I got there!😮🤕
Seem to recall that Brean Down had a bit of a chequered history regarding smuggling!
All the best, FLEET//

So it's Jane's International Naval Newsletter if you want a redundant naval craft now. I can remember the days post WW2 when we wrote to the Director of Small Craft Disposals at Fairmile, Cobham, Surrey, and then each month would receive a duplicated list of a myriad of small craft from 112ft Fairmile B launches, HDMLs, LCAs. Mickey Mouses, whalers, cutters, gigs, down to 10ft plywood dinghies and everything in between. They would be in dockyards, docksides, and harbours all round the coast. On many one had to bid but others would have a fixed price. It was great fun to receive and try to decide what to buy, if anything. It went on for years, but eventually fizzled out when the navy became grateful for anything they could call, even vaguely, a ship.

Nerys (trying to forget how old she is)

To Fleet Admiral at RNHQ Munchen.
Report on BC patrol 11/09/19
My intention was to carry out a surveillance patrol of harbours and beaches in the Carmarthen Bay and West Gower Peninsula areas.
However, the weather forecast of winds 4 to 5, increasing to 7 to 8 told me that the small vessels we believe are carrying out unlawful activities operating from the Porlock and Ilfracombe areas would not put to sea in these conditions. I therefore decided to carry out a very limited patrol as I do not believe it does any good to risk damage to either ship or crew by going to sea in adverse conditions unless it is absolutely necessary.
We slipped moorings and headed out from base, but once we left the shelter of Lavernock Point felt the full force of wind and sea. Headed up channel as far as the English and Welsh Grounds, then across into dear old Weston Bay, happy memories of my youth, then out to Flat Holm and back to base.
This short cruise told me that it was correct not to venture down to the western Bristol Channel. The boats we suspect would not have sailed last night. An easy night for the crew in view of the fact that we often expect them to carry on for longer than the planned ETA. Weather forecast at present is not good, but I will look at the situation later this evening before making any decisions.

MSWM Nerys.

Very good Chief, Carry on.👍
Ref New Acquisition:
Suggest you sign up for Jane's International Naval Newsletter to check what's coming up for sale. Alternative - FleaBay!
FLEET //

CPO Hargett reporting-evening patrol uneventful, save for one report of a good old boy fishing with dynamite, we investigated but the Game Warden had him rounded up by the time we got there-patrolled the Red River up into Lake Texoma, stayed on the Texas side. Investigated an older cabin cruiser we thought might be in trouble, young couple on board waved at us while Bobby Ryder’s “Sway” was playing from the boats sound system, we let them be.
Might have to requisition a new boat for the patrol, it’s been brought to my attention that we really don’t have a military vessel in the fleet. Rumors that one of the last remaining Japanese Maritime Defense Force PT boats from the early 70s has come up for sale, will investigate further and make full report.

Now that is a good idea Pete. Might copy it with my scrumpy smugglers. WHEN I catch them.

Not likely Nerys, going to see if they want to start a model boat club........

Very good Chap and Chapess👍
Carry on 😉
G'night Commander💤💤
FLEET OUT//

Enjoy the hot chocolate if they give you any Pete. Where are you going? the local Darby and Joan club. Are you encouraging them?

NSWM Nerys

Good night all, keep up the patrols and reports coming in.
Commander Colin signing off.
Cheers Colin.

WO Rooky aboard Fleet.
I'm going over to the Wirral again tonight, to see if I can infiltrate said pensioner immigrants, will have to work hard to be incognito, (never tried to impersonate a pensioner before). A full report will be available Fleet, on your desk tomorrow.😐

To Fleet Admiral at Munchen RN High Command.

Glad you approved my actions. I am taking a low profile tonight and going on an observation patrol only. I intend being in the Tenby/West Gower area a little before HW and observing any small vessel movements in that area.
We didn't stay long at the party, I shall keep my weather eye open in that direction. may be covering for something.

There is a Coast Watch unit at Worms Head/ Rossili, as good a replacement for CG as we can get. I met them when we went on a Waverley trip a couple of years ago

Full report tomorrow.

MSWM Nerys

"Wales 1 Belorus 0" Da iawn Cymru 👍
Excellent report MSWM😊 Carry on so!
I knew we should never have closed down the CG Station at Rhossili🤔
Trust you will have more support from the WN Flotilla tonight.🙄
Patrol Plan approved. Proceed as outlined in your report until further orders.
BTW; How was the party? 😉
FLEET//

Nerys your patrol reports are marvellous, get a few patrols in and you could write a very informative book.
BTW I sent you a pm yesterday but no reply as yet.
Love your harbour, and understand your passion for sailing vessels. I miss my yachting trips from Aberystwyth to the Isle of man to watch the TTs with my dad.
Cheers Colin.

May I say Rooky, I think you had a very interesting patrol last night. Do you think your pensioners will escape again and head for the Middle East!

Wales 1 Belorus 0
Report on Bristol Channel Patrol 10/09/19
After circling Flat Holm and Steep Holm, proceeded down channel. Sighted Car Transporter outward bound from Avonmouth. Radar sighting of vessel on a course from western end of Gower peninsula towards Porlock Weir, will investigate later as vessel will have to wait for tide into Porlock. Only other sighting, a ketch rigged yacht, heading north from Ilfracombe. Headed across Bideford bay to Clovelly. Sent duty seaboat in to investigate lights on harbour wall which returned with an invitation to party in hotel. Headed back up channel to Porlock, two fishing boats anchored off, one, the vessel we boarded on previous patrol. Ignored as not to arouse suspicion. will watch. Set course for Saundersfoot, getting daylight when we arrived there. Landrover with trailer loading boxes on quay, believed to be same one as we sighted on Rossili beach. Unusual activity for so early in morning, reported to Welsh HQ for investigation. Proceeded back up channel and returned to base. My conclusion is that there is something going on and it is based on Porlock, the Gower and Saundersfoot. Will coordinate future patrol with times that vessels can be leaving Porlock in hopes of obtaining better information.

MDSM Nerys

Acknowledged Middy.👍
Who won the footy?
FLEET//

"Let them eat cake" Chief 😉
Seriously!
Hot chocolate or tea.
Arrange transfer to clinic ASAP.
Appropriate restraint measures authorised.
In extreme cases provide motor lifeboat with GMDSS Radio, compass, GPS Receiver and provisions for 3 days and point them west. FLEET OUT //

BC patrol 10/09/19 HW Swansea 0443, wind NNW, force 2-3, sea slight. long swell from west.
Patrol left base at 0100 as crews of the South Wales flotilla ships 'Y Mers' and 'Henffordd' had been given evening leave to attend International Football Match in Cardiff.
We will patrol down channel as far as Clovelly on South Shore and Tenby on North. Suspicious behaviour has been suspected from both those harbours.
Full report on return (or soon after).

MSWM Nerys

Fleet, some of the pensioners are asking for Irish coffee in lieu of hot chocolate, your thoughts sir?

Action Operation Scouse is Approved Warrant.
MSWM Nerys Is operating with Standing Naval Force Bristol Channel STANNAVFOR-BRITCHAN anti-insurgent / contraband patrol, and is under Radio Silence orders.
Following Operation Hot Chocolate coordinate with land authorities transfer of Pensioners to Psychiatric Clinic!
CPO Cash is aboard to assist with interdiction and Pensioner restraint operations.🙄
Trust you've recovered from your Biscay excursion Rooky👍 Or should I dock one day from your leave?😉
Safe mission Warrant. FLEET OUT//
😎

WO Rooky reporting for duty Fleet.
When MSM Nerys signs on, I suggest we move out to just off Wirral coast, rumors that several RIB's have been spotted with Pensioners on board, believing they will get better treatment in the Middle East?😁
Will pick them up and take them for a hot chocolate,
back at Liverpool dock.😐

Thank you for your approval of last night's patrol. Very sorry to hear about your new appointment, hope, no doubt as you do, that it is very temporary.
Unless I hear anything to the contrary, I will carry out an anti scrumpy smuggling patrol tonight taking into account your remarks on Clovelly. I do know the harbour and it's environs.
Also have a weather eye open for a possible escaping miscreant
I am aware of all relevant QR and AIs
Middy Nerys

Very Good Middy, Excellent work👍
(Two stars on your Term Report☀️☀️ 😉)
How was WO Rooky's tour?
Is he still recovering? Have seen no report yet 🤔

On next surveillance of Bideford Bay suggest you keep an eye on Clovelly.
Sheltered harbour and rapid exit under tree cover seems to present possibilities for clandestine operations!
I see that the shaggy white haired monster is unfortunately still at large☹️
Better luck next time🤞

Bad news I'm afraid🤔
Seems I'm being temporarily reassigned to the Admiralty Parks & Gardens Department🙄
Didn't know we 'ad one!
So, if I can't make it to the evening Briefing please invoke
Standing Orders for STANFORBRIT CHAN and act on own initiative on any sightings.
FLEET. 😎

To Fleet Admiral
Report on night patrol 09/09/19
Sea moderate, wind force 2 - 3 SW. Good visibility.
Rendezvoused with two units of the Welsh Navy and patrolled the designated area from Flat Holm westwards. Spoke two yachts heading up channel, but nothing suspicious. Boarded a trawler off Porlock Weir, said he was waiting for water into harbour but there were no fish in his baskets. Could have been returning from smuggling trip. Will watch movements from Porlock in future. Investigated lights on beach at Combe Martin, but this turned out to be a night fishing competition. Returning up channel headed for Worms Head then looked into Rossili beach, as the duty boat approached the beach, a Land Rover with large trailer drove off very fast. Reported this to Welsh Operations HQ for investigation from land. Was he waiting for a cargo to be delivered to beach? however saw no boats in the area. Rendezvoused with Rooky, went into Barry Harbour, but too early for meaningful R & R, so returned to base.
Respectfully expect to receive your comments later.
Middy Nerys

Excellent Middy. Mission plan approved.
I see your Commission Warrant already on the horizon👍
I will contact HMWCG forthwith to coordinate evacuation of Refugees to Rosslare.
Carry on Middy.
FLEET OUT: 😎

My plans for a patrol in combination with the South Wales flotilla of the Welsh Navy is to intercept any vessels engaged in the trade of Scrumpy Smuggling from ports and beaches in Somerset and North Devon. There is also intelligence that Cheddar Cheese smuggling is also taking place. In addition to this the port side bridge lookout has been given evidence of refugees from BorisTrumpLand escaping in small boats and heading for the nearest EuroLand, Eire. It is our duty to assist these people. There is also a report that an undesirable, male with white shaggy hair may attempt to flee the country heading for TrumpLand. It is in our remit to apprehend this individual as he is dangerous and could be fleeing from the law. Under some circumstance he could be keel-hauled. We will be patrolling the Bristol Channel between the islands of Flat and Steep Holms down to Lundy Island with ,depending on time, dog legs into Bideford Bay and possibly Worms Head.
As Fleet Admiral's instructions, rendezvous off St Donats then proceed to Barry Harbour for R & R and further orders.

Very Good Middy. Action approved.
BTW: Also keep a watch for real Cheddar cheese smugglers.
Save a mature one for me please 😉
At the rendezvous with WO Rooky recognition signal is
"Where the 'eck are you you silly billies?"
Tell Chief Steward to prepare hot toddies for them, on my tab👍
On second thoughts: On Commodore Ed's tab😁
Have a successful patrol, looking forward to some scrumpy and cheese😋
FLEET 😎

"I suggest we go round the bay twice,back to port, then head for the Smugglers Arms"
FLASH: NEW ORDERS: IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Excellent suggestion Warrant!
You are herewith detailed to take an RHIB Fast Interceptor, with a squad of Marines, and make a reccy tour of the Bay of Biscay!😊 Twice if you like it!
Rendezvous with Midshipwoman Nerys at 0700 ZULU at coordinates
51°19'03.8"N 3°32'51.3"W.
On the Welsh / English border mid Bristol Channel, approx 10km off St Donats.
Subsequently proceed to Barry Harbour to hand over to the Forenoon Watch.
Have a nice trip Warrant 🤣😂🤣
Who said it's tough at the top!? 😁
MESSAGE ENDS: FLEET:😎
Mesage timed at 0155 CET.

I am still puzzled as to where we have to patrol Nerys, I suggest we go round the bay twice,back to port, then head for the Smugglers Arms.😊

Good evening sir.
I'm glad you approve of my patrol plans. I think it very worth while on both counts. Practically becomes 'protecting the country's interests' in the latter.
I prefer the Shipwrights Arms, they claim that they can stay open at any time in order to cater for sailors coming in on the tide.
Full report later.

"Seems as if we haven't been issued with any orders. "
Good morning Middy Nerys. Have no fear The Navy's here! 😁😂
I'll stay aboard until we've passed the outer marker,
just to make sure the new paint job doesn't get scratched don't you know 😉
Then I'll let the Pilot boat take me back to the Smuggler's Arms - er 😁 slight Freudian slip there! Harrumph! I mean of course to HQ!!
WO Rooky has reported aboard already, Commodore Ed F is senior officer aboard and has strategic command. Otherwise I leave the ship in your eminently capable hands Middy.

Commander C H and Lt. Marky are probably back in the Smugglers Arms by now, waiting for me - er I mean getting another round in (I hope😉).
Tonight's cruise according to Standing Orders:
Continue Anti Scrumpy patrols (save a crate for me 😉) and keep a watch for Trumpland Refugees. Could boil up into a full blown border issue on BREXIT ☹️

Weather report for Munich Squadron Operating Area:
Yes, we have weather - LOTS OF IT 🌧️🌧️🌧️
Going aboard Pilot boat now, have a good night.
MESSAGE ENDS: FLEET.
ADDENDUM: If you run across the man with white shaggy hair (and he survives🤔)
CLAP HIM IN IRONS AND THROW THE KEY OVERBOARD!!
On second thoughts THROW HIM OVERBOARD!!😊

Welcome aboard Rooky, are we likely to see anyone else?
Thank you for weather situation. Where shall we patrol tonight? Seems as if we haven't been issued with any orders.

WO Rooky on board for watches.
Current status North Sea:
40% chance of rain
Wind S 6 mph
Visiblity 16.1km
Humidity high of 84%
Temp 8 deg

Middy Nerys on board ready for usual watches. Is anybody joining me or shall I take the ship to sea on my own?

To Fleet Admiral.
Report on Night Patrol 08/09/19
The ship joined the DeCymru Anti Scrumpy Smuggling from Somerset Patrol operating between Flat Holm in the East and Lundy Island in the West. Conditions were good, sea slight, light SW wind, long swell from low pressure in the Western Approaches. Sightings of a bulk ore carrier bound for Port Talbot and a car transporter to Avonmouth were made but there were no other sightings. Port Bridge LookOut is still convinced that we should be looking out to assist refugees fleeing from BorisTrumpLand towards Eire, that being the nearest Euroland, however I told him that he might see a man with white shaggy hair heading West towards the Trump Republic to ask for asylum.
Ship now heading back to base. All hands to Breakfast. Another succesful patrol. time 0647.

Don't panic Middy Nerys "You'll never walk alone"!😉
WO Rooky and Chief Cash have reported for duty.
Lt. jg (Feline) is busy retraining his Red River Patrol crews for the Catnip raids!🙄
Oh well! I guess SEALs eat fish as well 😉

Lt. Commander C.H. is drifting about somewhere!
If you come across him haul him aboard please.
He might be muttering incoherently about motor mounts and weevils in his keel or some such 🙄 wrap him in a blanket and give him a hot toddy in the Gun Room👍 He might be accompanied by CPO Jacko?

Sub Lt. Dodgy has come aboard unannounced, commensurate with his Black Ops. slithy tove duties!
‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe."
(The Admiral is musing over his Grauer Burgunder 😋 whilst watching an excellent series of documentaries about the WW2 submarine wars in the Atlantic and Pacific - Hell Underwater!)

Midshipman Fireboat was also sighted but he's still tied up debugging and protecting the MoD computer net from hackers and Russian (and US☹️) intrusions! Thus not available for deck duty.

PO 1st Class Steve, from Down-under - ANZAC Division, has put in an appearance but is still absorbed in the trials of his new-fangled Hi Tech rowing boat. Beyond me but he seems to be enjoying it 😉

Commodore Figtree has retreated to his Man Cave to recuperate from the unfortunate Ocean Going Tug debacle. You win some - you lose some! I fear Congress, SWMBO Commitee, will delete the program from his Western Command budget though!🤔

So it looks like you have the deck Middy, with the able support of WO Rooky and Chief Cash.👍
Have this week seen with pleasure the construction reports of various candidates for the Admiral's new yacht (er .. I mean barge😜) Good works chaps👍👍

Steady as she goes Midship(wo)man.
(Allow the Admiral to digress for a moment😉)
Origin of Woman!
Adam was lonely in the Garden of Eden so the Lord agreed to create a companion for him.
Using one of Adam's ribs (Ouch!) as 'raw material' the Lord set about creating his companion.
When He was finished he took three steps back to contemplate the result and -
spontaneously exclaimed -- "WO MAN!!")

CU on the Forenoon Watch, will be expecting a full report of the nights excursions!!
Just try to keep the fuel bills down please 🤔 Sec of the Navy tells me Congress has been on his case again about fuel budgets!
G'night All💤💤💤
Weather report Munich area attached. "Paddy's Hurricane" 😉

Welcome aboard WO Rooky, Had begun to think I had the ship to myself. If those ranked above us don't put in an appearance soon, we'll have to plan the night's patrol ourselves, any ideas?

CPO Hargett reporting for duty. Alls calm, LT Errol Cat and I practiced some hand-to-hand before he set off to train the Red River squadron.
Weather officer reports clear and hot for the next several days.

WO Rooky reporting and on board for middle watch,
update on weather:
O% chance of rain
83% Humidity
16.1 km Visibility
Sunrise 06:27
Clear view over the Manchester ship canal.
Will be visiting Kirklees Model boat show in Yorkshire, Sunday, will make full report no later than Monday Fleet.

Middy Nerys, on board for Middle and Morning Watches. Seems to be a deserted ship. Is everyone on weekend leave and not told me? Is anyone joining me tonight?

Go for it Chief👍
Lt. Errol has earned it😁

BTW there's couple on the site for inspiration, CB90 for instance.
Cheers, Doug 😎
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CB90-class_fast_assault_craft