Tom Chapman O/S Royal Navy 1946-48

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   Having been 'called up' to join the RN shortly after the end of World War 2, Tom, after his basic training at HMS Raleigh (Torpoint. Cornwall. UK) was eventually detailed into Coastal Forces and Drafted to the Coastal Forces base - HMS Hornet at Gosport Hants UK. He formed part of the crew of HMMTB 2012 - a Camper Nicholson design (this craft shortly to be renumbered in the 55XX series to become P5512) He remembers with some clarity an incident when 'Showing the Flag' around Britains coastal towns - the exercise of 'Showing the Flag' was primarily to encourage the youngsters of the day to volunteer and sign on with the Royal Navy - the manpower of which was in some decline owing to the mass 'demobbing' of 'Hostilities Only' personnel.
On this memorable day for Tom (and others) - while 'steaming' off the East Coast Port of Lowestoft - 2012 was on the Port side of an 'arrow head' formation - alongside the Squadron Leader in 2016 - a similar Camper Nicholson vessel. The order had been to maintain 'Close Order' - Tom on the Bridge was to witness what was about to happen. He. along with others, including the Cox'n, began to realise that 'Twenty Twelve' was approaching the Stern of the Leader rather quickly - the Helm was spun to Clear to Port - the Helm would not answer. A quick order for 'Full Astern' on the Telegraphs was made - but the Engine Room response came too late. With an almighty crash 2012 hit hard and rode up onto the Stern of 2016 - who after the initial shock had rang down for 'Full Speed'. With 2012's finally going 'Full Astern' 2016 'hauled away' and took a sizable chunk of Twenty Twelve's Forpeak and lower Hull with her. The damage was such that it was seriously considered to scrap 2012 but no - she survived, finally being scrapped in 1954 (as P5512) but outlived by the former 2016 - she being put up for disposal in 1957 (as P5516).
At the subsequent 'Inquiry' it was found that at some stage the craft had begun to 'surf' on the wash of the leading boat. This was given as the reason for the Helm not answering (Rudders in frothy wash etc) and also could be a reason why the Orders to the Engine Room could not alter the outcome (Props in froth etc).
Tom is in good health and is quite active - his Hobbies are model making - both aircraft and ships etc and has recently completed (and exhibited) a superb scratch built model of the 'Twenty Twelve' He lives in Luton Uk and although not 'on line' he can be contacted via Private Message to Pioneer.

Tom Chapman 4th from front

Tom today (2006) with his superb model of 'Twenty Twelve'

Edited by Pioneer

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Pioneer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Pioneer Joined: 07 December 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 675	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pioneer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Tom Chapman O/S Royal Navy 1946-48 Posted: 10 February 2006 at 6:20pm
	Having been 'called up' to join the RN shortly after the end of World War 2, Tom, after his basic training at HMS Raleigh (Torpoint. Cornwall. UK) was eventually detailed into Coastal Forces and Drafted to the Coastal Forces base - HMS Hornet at Gosport Hants UK. He formed part of the crew of HMMTB 2012 - a Camper Nicholson design (this craft shortly to be renumbered in the 55XX series to become P5512) He remembers with some clarity an incident when 'Showing the Flag' around Britains coastal towns - the exercise of 'Showing the Flag' was primarily to encourage the youngsters of the day to volunteer and sign on with the Royal Navy - the manpower of which was in some decline owing to the mass 'demobbing' of 'Hostilities Only' personnel. On this memorable day for Tom (and others) - while 'steaming' off the East Coast Port of Lowestoft - 2012 was on the Port side of an 'arrow head' formation - alongside the Squadron Leader in 2016 - a similar Camper Nicholson vessel. The order had been to maintain 'Close Order' - Tom on the Bridge was to witness what was about to happen. He. along with others, including the Cox'n, began to realise that 'Twenty Twelve' was approaching the Stern of the Leader rather quickly - the Helm was spun to Clear to Port - the Helm would not answer. A quick order for 'Full Astern' on the Telegraphs was made - but the Engine Room response came too late. With an almighty crash 2012 hit hard and rode up onto the Stern of 2016 - who after the initial shock had rang down for 'Full Speed'. With 2012's finally going 'Full Astern' 2016 'hauled away' and took a sizable chunk of Twenty Twelve's Forpeak and lower Hull with her. The damage was such that it was seriously considered to scrap 2012 but no - she survived, finally being scrapped in 1954 (as P5512) but outlived by the former 2016 - she being put up for disposal in 1957 (as P5516). At the subsequent 'Inquiry' it was found that at some stage the craft had begun to 'surf' on the wash of the leading boat. This was given as the reason for the Helm not answering (Rudders in frothy wash etc) and also could be a reason why the Orders to the Engine Room could not alter the outcome (Props in froth etc). Tom is in good health and is quite active - his Hobbies are model making - both aircraft and ships etc and has recently completed (and exhibited) a superb scratch built model of the 'Twenty Twelve' He lives in Luton Uk and although not 'on line' he can be contacted via Private Message to Pioneer. Tom Chapman 4th from front Tom today (2006) with his superb model of 'Twenty Twelve' Edited by Pioneer
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