Share This Page:

  

RFA Sir Galahad

Discussions about those units who make up the Commando’s.
Bernie UXB
Member
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue 28 Apr, 2009 1:44 am
Location: France

Re: RFA Sir Galahad

Post by Bernie UXB »

In the interest of clarity:
On completion of the UXB removal the following report was sent from the Commanding Officer of Fleet Clearance Diving Team Three to Commodore Amphibious Warfare, on 29th May 1982. It was later sent on to Commander in Chief Fleet.

1. A 1,000lb ex-British bomb, having been dropped at close range, struck RFA Sir Galahad under the forward end of the port shade-deck and, after moving forward, lodged in a slightly nose-up attitude, pointing aft, in the battery charging shop. After an initial inspection, the disposal task was started at 2030 on the 25th by a team consisting of: One lieutenant MCD RN, one Leading Diver and two Able Seamen Divers (names withheld for security reasons).

2. Initial clearing of debris around the UXB was thoroughly and efficiently carried out by the Team, working in rotation and later in unison, and showed the bomb to be lying wrapped in a double layer of alloy sheet. After consultation with the MEO of Fearless and the Chief Engineer of the RFA, it was decided not to cut away the decks above, but instead to attempt to effect removal via the hatch to the shade-deck and the companion-way to the vehicle-deck. Beam clamps and chain tackles having been provided, the two support teams retired, as advised, to the safety of a lifeboat tethered astern, while the Team started the move.

3. The bomb was strung using a wire strop aft and a helo strop forward. This last was located and backed-up by man-made-fibre rope-lashings, as the curvature of the nose and the angle of the weapon suggested that some slipping might occur. This work, and indeed the clearance of the debris, was made more difficult by the presence of broken batteries and carboys, and of acid that had been liberally distributed around the compartment on bomb impact.

4. The UBX was lifted, along with its alloy wrapping, taking care to keep it at the same angle to the horizontal. It was not possible to do any of the move remotely, owing to the necessity to steady the bomb and guard against any undue vibration, as the weight came off some metal sheets, under and around the weapon, that were under stress. The bomb once lifted, the metal wrapping was gently slid off. This took about 20 minutes to achieve. The bomb was then transferred under the hatch and lashed, as the rising wind and sea state were imparting movement to the weapon.

5. A volunteer RCT crane driver now closed up and was directed to hoist the weapon through the two hatches, across the upper deck and to lower it into the waiting Gemini. This operation took some time owing to the weather factor and a malfunctioning crane. The Gemini, filled with corn-flakes packets and lifejackets to absorb any shock from the now improving weather conditions, was towed by the Leading Diver and one Able Diver to deep water where the bomb was allowed to slide over the side of the Gemini. This improvised action concluded the task at 0315 on the 26th May 1982.

6. The Leading Diver is to be commended for his coolness and efficiency, as well as his leadership, during the whole operation and both Able Seamen Divers conducted themselves with enthusiasm and cheerfulness in the highest traditions of the Service.

7. Valuable back-up support was provided by the RFA Engineering Staff and the Engineering Team from HMS Fearless. The RCT Crane Driver (unfortunately name not known) is to be commended for his professional skill and level-headedness during the difficult lift-phase.

28th May 1982
RFA Sir Lancelot

(Note: The awards of one Distinguished Service Cross, one Mention in Dispatches and two Commander in Chief’s Commendations for Brave Conduct were later made to the members of this Team.)
Bernie UXB
Member
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue 28 Apr, 2009 1:44 am
Location: France

Re: RFA Sir Galahad

Post by Bernie UXB »

On completion of the UXB removal the following report was sent from the Commanding Officer of Fleet Clearance Diving Team Three to Commodore Amphibious Warfare, on 29th May 1982. It was later sent on to Commander in Chief Fleet.

1. A 1,000lb ex-British bomb, having been dropped at close range, struck RFA Sir Galahad under the forward end of the port shade-deck and, after moving forward, lodged in a slightly nose-up attitude, pointing aft, in the battery charging shop. After an initial inspection, the disposal task was started at 2030 on the 25th by a team consisting of: One lieutenant MCD RN, one Leading Diver and two Able Seamen Divers (names withheld for security reasons).

2. Initial clearing of debris around the UXB was thoroughly and efficiently carried out by the Team, working in rotation and later in unison, and showed the bomb to be lying wrapped in a double layer of alloy sheet. After consultation with the MEO of Fearless and the Chief Engineer of the RFA, it was decided not to cut away the decks above, but instead to attempt to effect removal via the hatch to the shade-deck and the companion-way to the vehicle-deck. Beam clamps and chain tackles having been provided, the two support teams retired, as advised, to the safety of a lifeboat tethered astern, while the Team started the move.

3. The bomb was strung using a wire strop aft and a helo strop forward. This last was located and backed-up by man-made-fibre rope-lashings, as the curvature of the nose and the angle of the weapon suggested that some slipping might occur. This work, and indeed the clearance of the debris, was made more difficult by the presence of broken batteries and carboys, and of acid that had been liberally distributed around the compartment on bomb impact.

4. The UBX was lifted, along with its alloy wrapping, taking care to keep it at the same angle to the horizontal. It was not possible to do any of the move remotely, owing to the necessity to steady the bomb and guard against any undue vibration, as the weight came off some metal sheets, under and around the weapon, that were under stress. The bomb once lifted, the metal wrapping was gently slid off. This took about 20 minutes to achieve. The bomb was then transferred under the hatch and lashed, as the rising wind and sea state were imparting movement to the weapon.

5. A volunteer RCT crane driver now closed up and was directed to hoist the weapon through the two hatches, across the upper deck and to lower it into the waiting Gemini. This operation took some time owing to the weather factor and a malfunctioning crane. The Gemini, filled with corn-flakes packets and lifejackets to absorb any shock from the now improving weather conditions, was towed by the Leading Diver and one Able Diver to deep water where the bomb was allowed to slide over the side of the Gemini. This improvised action concluded the task at 0315 on the 26th May 1982.

6. The Leading Diver is to be commended for his coolness and efficiency, as well as his leadership, during the whole operation and both Able Seamen Divers conducted themselves with enthusiasm and cheerfulness in the highest traditions of the Service.

7. Valuable back-up support was provided by the RFA Engineering Staff and the Engineering Team from HMS Fearless. The RCT Crane Driver (unfortunately name not known) is to be commended for his professional skill and level-headedness during the difficult lift-phase.

28th May 1982
RFA Sir Galahad

(Note: The awards of one Distinguished Service Cross, one Mention in Dispatches and two Commander in Chief’s Commendations for Brave Conduct were later made to the members of this Team.)
Post Reply