For the other old sea dog

[holly17]

Taken about 35 years ago whilst on patrol at approx 200ft down dressed for mid patrol dinner, we had to be clean shaven by the time we surfaced.

[Sokrackers]

Wow you dapper chap

[holly17 in reply to Sokrackers]

I think we could have cleared the decks when we were at sea, shipmate. Did they have a Golden Rivet on your ships ? lol xx

[butter-fly]

You were a handsome lad but like a good wine you've improved with age Fred!

[holly17 in reply to butter-fly]

I think this wine has got some sediment in it now love. xx

[Softwabbit]

My god I could have rate you with a spoon then haha xx

[holly17 in reply to Softwabbit]

I always was soft centered but now a bit crusty round the edges little wabbit xxx Fred

[Softwabbit]

Ate even lol

[rubyred777]

Wow Fred

you were quite the good looking fella!

What a twinkle in your eyes. I bet you had some good jokes back then that you couldn't post on here! You look like your saying "Anything for a laugh" !

Rubyxx 😊

[holly17 in reply to rubyred777]

Ruby in submarines no matter the size, you needed to have a sense of humour when you are down for a couple of months at a time you soon get to know every ones button not to push, as during the time under there is no communication with the outside world. My first visit to your side of the water was to the naval base at Norfolk. Good to speak with you Ruby xx

[rubyred777 in reply to holly17]

How many yrs did you do that Fred?

[holly17 in reply to rubyred777]

I served 25yrs 11 on surface craft and the remaining 14 in boats (subs) xx

[eightyplus]

Not in the same class as you people but did enjoy my days on the old Liberty Ships during the fifties.

Referred to as “Ugly Ducklings” by President Roosevelt, I loved them.

[Offcut in reply to eightyplus]

They were knocking out 1 liberty ship a day at their peak? I watched a program that was explaining why the early ones split up when at sea and it was the fact they used square plates and hatches which made the welds weak.

[holly17]

I joined the Royal Navy in the fifties we used liberty boats, what types do you refer to as Liberty Ships ?

[Offcut in reply to holly17]

My Father was a gunner on minesweepers in the war. He was offered submarines but did no take them up on the offer.

[holly17 in reply to Offcut]

My Father also served on sweepers during the war, I still have his silver minesweepers label badge.

[Offcut in reply to holly17]

His flotilla were based in Grimsby. Did the north sea, Italy med and the channel before D-Day.

[Jolyn]

What a looker Fred. Love that smart bow tie xxx

[holly17 in reply to Jolyn]

Thanks Lyn but the years have taken their Toll, as for the bow tie, its a cheat type tie on, never managed to master the tie your own ones. xxxFred

[Lyd12]

the idea of being in a submarine makes me feel claustrophobic, how long were you down at a time. No sunshine or rain to get out in. did you choose submarines? Must have made friends for life, or enemies! Good photo. Iris x

[holly17]

Iris good morning to you, on average the normal was 2 months per patrol, yes I choose to stay in them as was able to leave if wanted but I enjoyed the job also yes a lot of good good friends no enemies as once a Submariner always a submariner xx Fred

[onamission]

Wow Fred what a good looking fellow you must of had good sea legs, I went to France on a ferry lost my sea legs before I got on the boat spent the whole journey on the top deck.

[holly17 in reply to onamission]

Your very kind ona I loved that bit about before you got on board, if you were on the upper deck I hope you were standing down wind incase you had to make a call if you get what I mean.

Keep smiling xx Fred

[onamission in reply to holly17]

No Fred I stayed on the top deck in the rain all the way you don't feel the boat rocking when your on top deck I would be no good on a cruse

[holly17]

You are right it would not be much fun if you went on a cruise and had to stay on the upper deck all the time, mined you ona a lot of it is in the mind, even in really rough sea's if you keep busy or even have a laugh at the movement the feeling goes. Even on submarines at a depth the sea can be rough. Anyway keep smiling xx Fred