RFA Olwen rassing M1147 Hubberston

Are you sure that this is OLWEN as the OL Class rigs were not like this.

Shaun

Reckon that has to be a Ranger class with a rig like that.

HI Shaun and Tony
Way out Tony, I'm afraid, but I can understand the confusion. It actually IS Olwen, we had a pole derrick rigged especially for the 3 mine sweepers we were taking home from Simonstown to Devonport. M1133 Bossington was another one and I forget the third.
Those were the days
Cheers
Sheriff

Well hush My mouth, that was good one Sheriff. on reflection, I hope I'm not puting my foot in it again but I was in the Black Ranger in 63 and I don't remember ever doing a starboard side RAS. I'm feel sure that there will be someone waiting in the wings to put me right.

Every day is a learning day! Many thanks for the info. OLWEN must have been almost brand new and nice trip to be on from the sound of it.

Shaun

Not much Personnel safety gear in evidence aboard the Sweeper.

Aye Shaun, thats a very true observation. I joined her in1967 and I think she was less than a year old then. Great ship, I stayed on her for over 2 years, very good crew, only partially spoiled by cantankerous old Captain Robson, I think he was 105 then so he will no longer be with us.
regards
sheriff

True Tony. I think they were more concerned with protecting their port side as Bossington had scraped our starboard side paint off a couple of hours earlier. It was caused by RN steering of course, it is unthinkable to imagine we were at fault!!!!!!!
regards
sheriff

Mind You Sheriff. I think it would be difficult to steer one those sweepers on a RAS course.

Yes, it seems they did have a difficult job Tony. Although bragging is not my forte, I believe I had RAS steering off to a T. As you know, both vessels screws drew the sterns together, so correction was always towards the ship alongside. I used to anticipate her going off and would put on 5 or 7 degrees of helm for about 20 seconds and she would sit there beautifully. When I applied and got the Deck Storekeepers job . Captain Williams report about me stated - above average - .
Oh well, self-praise over for the day!!!!