RN Electronic Warfare

EW Reunion photos 2012

2011-09-29T13:08:00.002+01:00

Big thanks to Lee Hayward for organising this years event

See you all next year

Facebook

2011-01-04T18:59:00.001Z

Retired CPO(EW) Ian Stevens has set up a page on Facebook entitled

"The Page for RN EW Rates"

for serving and retire EW personnel to keep in touch with each other.

At the moment it is up to 75 members and slowly increasing!

2010-12-09T11:22:00.003Z

Talking to one of our modern gen gollies the other day and how they go about their job of reporting. Brought back hazy memories of switch procedures and trying to do it by morse after receiving the codeword "marconi". Those idyllic days in classroom 67(?) in North Camp!!!

History of Radio Warfare and Electronic Warfare in the Royal Navy, 1900 ~ 1990

2010-12-05T17:02:00.001Z

Gentlemen,

As you may know I am attempting to author a history of radio warfare
and electronic warfare in the Royal Navy, 1900 ~ 1990 because I can
find no record of it having been previously attempted, and the Defence
Electronic History Society endorses the activity.

I am now quite a long way down stream and I am looking for interesting
stories, anecdotes, pictures, even cartoons to help liven up the
subject matter. I am tending to lean towards ex-EW appointed Officers
and senior EW branch ratings because you were so important to the
development of the branch especially during the 1970s & 80s when it
was coming out of its reformed shell of 1963.

I know some of you wore light blue uniforms, but perhaps you also have
a yarn or two that might make the difference and that is also true of
industrial friends who built the RN's EW kit, notwithstanding
financial constraints and the bickering of ex-WOs like me!

Thanking you all for your recent contacts and in anticipation

Best regards

John Wise
http://www.radars.org.uk/
info@radars.org.uk

EW REUNION 2010

2010-09-17T10:33:00.007+01:00

Many thanks:

To Deacs for organising,

to Thales for helping to fund

&
Chris from Systematic for providing the 'Gizits'

and to all those who attended for making it such a successful event

see you all next year.

pictures from the event can be found on our web site at: http://navygollies.co.uk/Reunion2010.aspx

Tinkerbelle Jones

2010-06-14T09:04:00.001+01:00

Ex PO(EW) Tinkerbelle Jones or the sugur plum fairy.

Modelling the latest on-watch kit!!

Socks & Picture provided by Gaz Upton, belly by Magners.

Corporate FI Emitter Codewords‏ help

2010-01-17T18:29:00.000Z

Request From: Chris Howe
Hi Guys

Can anyone reliably remember the Threat Emitter codewords we used 27 years ago in the Corporate down south?
E.g. Handbrake, Eyewater etc.

Need some confirmation for a presentation I am doing.

Cheers

Kind regards

http://www.systematic.com/
Chris Howe MBE
Senior Manager, EW

North Camp in 1958

2009-12-19T13:45:00.000Z

Message from Alan Clifford recieved at our Web site

Have just logged on searching for old oppos when I noticed a photograph at the top of the photos page showing a class of gollies outside North Camp in 1958. In front of them is the 'W' Branch honours board which used to be placed above the admin hut in North Camp. I have that honours board hanging in my house in Wellington NZ!!! My father, CPO(TEL)(S) EH Clifford got the BEM for his services to the branch when it first formed all those years ago and is mentioned on the board. I too spent 10 years in the RN and came out as LRO(T) A Clifford in 1980. When North Camp was disbanded the family requested to have the honours board and it was kept in Dads adopted home in Nottingham until he passed away in 1994 and I then emigrated to NZ. When I saw the photo the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I thought I was going to see my dad again in a photograph!!!if anyone has any photos of CPO(TEL)(S) Eric Clifford (Cliff to all his oppos) then I would appreciate any links you may have.

Cheers

'Cliffy'
Alan Clifford
Wellington
New Zealand

Ex CPO EW Leroy Osbourne survives HMS Collingwood's Obstacle course

2009-11-12T15:34:00.000Z

Leroy does his bit for Help For Heroes

WO1 O'Shaughnessy's retirement from the service after 27 years

2009-11-05T11:35:00.001Z

Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, COMUKMARFOR presents WO1 O'Shaughnessy with his mounted medals and valedictory certificate at a lunch at Endeavour house to mark his retirement from the service after 27 years

Squeaky is fit, honest

2009-10-22T15:03:00.001+01:00

CPO Squeaky Stocker orienteering in QECP
He did have a dog but he got home first!

The usual suspects

2009-10-19T17:07:00.002+01:00

The usual suspects or EW Warrants before the reunion 2009

Back (L-R) Clem & Sam
Front (L-R) Andy, Chris & Rick

EW Reunion 2009

2009-10-17T19:34:00.014+01:00

Many Thanks to Tab Hunter for organising this years event

Good food, good company and a few beers a perfect reunion

Duncan, Jules & Mary

Jim sleepwalking! Where did those moths go?

Thanks for the beer Keith, wish you where Here, & Bill .

Sorry John you're in with the big boys again!

Many Thanks to both Martin 'Bill' Tidy (the winner of the furthest travelled to be here) and Keith Wallace (purhaps you'll take Bill's title next year), who couldn't be here, for the beer tokens

Bernie & George

Message:From: Mick Turley

2009-10-14T18:12:00.002+01:00

I'm not telling you my age but left Pusser in 1972 as CRS(W) - started life as (S) rating - Russian linguist but fell foul of the Mercury Mafia and remained a Golly - and proud of it !Various ships - Diana, Victorious, Barrosa, FEWU in Kranji which I closed down.
Two years on FOST staff as sea rider before stagnating in Mercury before I retired from RN.

Seen several names I recognise - Tony Colboure, Trevor Toy.

It seems the branch really expanded technically after I Left - not before time.

Anyone old enough to remember me - put a dit on the blog spot.

RegardsMick Turley

EW Branch reunion Friday 16 October 2009 attendees

2009-10-06T10:58:00.005+01:00

The following are the confirmed attendees:

Clem Cleminson, Andy Wellen, Rik Kirshaw, Chris Vellacot, Sam Samuals, Tab Hunter (organiser) Squeaky Stocker, Jim Smith, Dave Kippax, Tamar Bridges, Si Geen, Martin Wills, Gary Upton, Paul Jones, Nile Blanchard, Mal Travers, Reggie Slaughter, Hogie Hodgetts, Shep Shepherd, Moffs Moffitt, Julie kavanagh, Mac Macynitre, Maggie Macynitre, Nick Price, George Bladen, Whiskey Walker, Dean Ledger, Kev Freestone, George Malcomson, Berni Rose, John Huxtable, Ian Stevens, John Plummer, Alec Paddy, Nick Cheshire, Bob Mills, Michael Williams, Gilly Gilchrist, Neil Palmer, Peter brown, Chris Whitwam, Duncan McKellar, Doc Finley, Kev Fear, George Laybourne, George Bellas, Jayne Cocks, Bomber Mills, Dave Morgan, Del Austin, Barra Houldershaw, Peter Godwin, Rob Ahier & Partner, Martin Tidy, Andy Patton, Ian Nurding, David Mills

See you all there - all accomdation has been booked, any late attendees please contact Tab Hunter asap (see below for details) no accomadation available for late bookers.

Regards

Martin 'Ginge' Wills

Motor Sport Industry

2009-10-02T17:15:00.004+01:00

From: Ian Stevens:

Ian is keen to contact any ex or serving EW rates that knew him or may be interested in becoming part of the Motor Sport Industry.

Now working at Goodwood Motor Circuit (since 1998) and involved in various aspects of Motor Sport, including the day to day running of track and corporate days, I can offer help of how to get started or involved.

A lot of events would not happen without Marshals and Official Support who often offer ther time FOC, to make it happen. In the past 10 years I have been involved in Race of Champions (Startline Wembley), Tempest Rally Stages (Aldershot), Wugging Stages (Colerne), Sunseeker Rally (Bournemouth). The world of Sprinting a fast speed sport, Bighton Speed Trials (Maderia Drive), Eelmoor (Aldershot), Rushmoor Arena (Aldershot). More recently DTMs (German Touring Cars) Brands Hatch, awesome stuff and a way of relaxing, meeting new friends and opening your horizons.

If you are interested, email the web site and I'll forward your message on

Recognition of Ark Royal EW team members

2009-09-17T14:19:00.006+01:00

In Recognising their contribution to the regeneration of Ark Royal following it’s Contractor Support Period

PO EW ‘Tash Liddell pictured above receiving her commendation from 2SL

and

LS (EW) “Fawlty” Towers pictured below receiving his commendation from Ark Royal CO. ”

Talc Pipe

2009-09-05T16:03:00.002+01:00

From: Ray MundyE-mail: lremundy@tpg.com.au

Ex Australian ROEW sailor (Gollie) trying to find out some information:

Whilst serving on HMAS Melbourne in the Gulf our CPOs Mess was invited to a Mess function aboard an RN ship (cannot remember name) for a few beers. Anyway as the afternoon progressed a strange looking pipe made of coper appeared on the bar and shore enough one of our Mess Members had to ask what does this do and how does it work.
The Mess President loaded up the pipe with talcum powder and provided a demonstration to us Aussies how to make the little wheel on top spin.
This all seemed simple enough and the first lamb to the slaughter was our buffer, well you know the rest, he ended up with powder all over his face to the delight of the entire Mess.
After watching several of our Chiefs fail it was my turn, not sure how but I figured it out and to everyones amazement I made the little wheel spin without getting covered in powder.
Anyway I'm retired now and have been trying to find a diagram of the device so I can make one, is anyone able to assist?

Regards, Ray Mundy, Ex Warrant Officer EW

Gollies from the past

2009-08-26T15:38:00.007+01:00

Hi all was told about the site and had some pics of gollies i served with and thought i would share then wit you all, some you all prob know others maybe not.

From the top clockwise then LS(EW)'s Scouse O'Hara and Doc Cox , S(EW) Terry Spink n Scouse O'Hara , Scouse O'Hara and PO(EW) Dean Ledger, S(EW) 41 Feb 1983 back l-r Terry Spink, Pete Wilcox , Scouse O'Hara , Gary Abraham , front l-r Taff Coombs , A Walster , Tony Colbourne, Barry Jones , Joff Grierson , Sammy Seal , Cumberlanf gollies darn sarff 1991 from l AB(EW) Mick Stacey AB(EW) Jim Smith LS(EW) Scouse O'Hara , dunno , PO(EW) Colin Castle LS(EW) Rob Ahir AB(EW) Kevin Huckfield.

hope you enjoy em

all the best Scouse.

CONGRATULATIONS to Commander David Palmer OBE RN (Retd)

2009-08-09T19:19:00.001+01:00

CONGRATULATIONS….. to Commander David Palmer OBE RN (Retd) for being recognised for his 50 years in the EW business. David will be presented with the HQ AOC 'Board of Directors Award' during the forthcoming AOC Convention taking place in Washington DC on 19 October 2009.David joined the Royal Navy in 1959 as a special radio intercept operator and by 1968 was the Chief Instructor at the RN EW School, then at HMS MERCURY. He was commissioned in 1972 and subsequently held a variety of EW staff, trials and training appointments until 1986 when he found himself on the staff of C-in-C Fleet as Fleet EW Officer and the senior officer of the RN professional EW Branch. Thereafter he moved to MOD for the next ten years where his job title - but rarely its EW content - changed several times, including time in the Directorate of Joint Warfare. During this period he was also the UK delegate to the NEWAC, NEDBAG and the NACSI special working group. He was presented with the AOC ‘International Achievement in EW’ Award in 1996.Since his retirement from the Navy in 1997 David has continued to work as a Principal Defence Consultant, lecturer and writer, specialising in EW and associated areas and in Peace Support and Crisis Response Operations (PSO/CRO). He is EW advisor to several nations, both within and outside of NATO, and EW advisor to international organisations including NATO, ESDF and the Partnership for Peace (PfP). He is a Director, writer and lecturer to the NATO Staff Officers’ Joint EW Course (SOJEWC) on behalf of the NEWAC and is a regular presenter on EW and associated subjects.

From: AOC UK Chapter July 2009 Newsletter

Message from Keith Leadbetter

2009-07-11T16:46:00.000+01:00

Served from 1971 to 1977, leaving as LS(EW). Served with "Tired" Trevor Toy on HMS Ashanti 1971-1974. Would be good to hear from him or any other former shipmates. Good to see a website just for us much maligned Sandeman types!

Message from Roger Sheehan

2009-07-11T16:42:00.000+01:00

Hi there from the South Pacific. I am a Kiwi who did an EW course at HMS Dryad in the early 80's, thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would be keen to catch up with some of my friends from this time. Is it possible to get in contact with Chris Mackitt.

Message From Bill (Taff) Adams ex (CRS(W).

2009-07-11T16:30:00.002+01:00

I would so much like to get in touch with my great old pal DAVID (PEDLER) PALMER. A great old pal from training days in 1958, and through all the course of Killick, RS(W)and the trials of working in the Far East. Pedler will recall that I was a linguist, and the last contact that I had with this great pal was when I was RS(W) on the Euryalus at Singapore. Those were the days! I had to get a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate. Subsequently I was CRS(W) to FOAC, and thereafter the first CRS(W) to STANAVFORLANT. In 1969, due to a marriage problem I had to leave an SD course and found myself in the City of London in Inernational Banking. Lo and behold one day I met 'Switch MacNair'. Pedler will remember him well. So many years ago. I often wonder what happened to other old pals such as MAD Muggeridge. We are now going so far back, and we were the old stalwarts of Electronic Warfare. It so happens that today I have come across this web-site. Pedler might have come across my brother-in-law Geoff Pell (CDR) MBE. If this ever gets to Pedler, I would be so delighted to hear of his exploits, as there must be so many for this remarkable man. There would be so many past days to recount. With most kind regards.

Message From Bill McCrathy

2009-07-11T16:20:00.001+01:00

Any gollies who served on Diomede, Achillies, Ajax, Ariadne, Amazon FOST, FEWSG with me on this site??

Ex CPO(EW) Paul Blackwell (served from 1983-2006) goes all native

2009-03-31T17:39:00.003+01:00

'This photo epitomises the fun I'm having out here and what its like being a true aussie. Taken during the World cup last year (with my mates off HMAS BALLERAT) we thrashed the Kiwis that night but unfortunately they beat us in the final...............oh well twas a good night anyway!

Come all you Gollies thinking of a change, come to Oz the RAN needs you!!!

Yours Aye

Paul Blackwell

Congratulations to HMS Monmouth

2009-03-24T13:27:00.004Z

Commander Operations (COMOPS), RAdm Mark Anderson BSc RN presented The Intelligence Trophy sponsored Mr Paul Davison (Managing Director Northrop Gruman Information Systems Europe) to HMS MONMOUTH’s ships Maritime Intelligence Team.

EW members of the team included
CPO EW Chris Hacking – ex MONM PO EW, PO EW Toby Hunt & LS EW Kevin Huckfield

Where are you now?

2009-01-19T16:47:00.002Z

Have just been looking at a copy of the HMS Scarborough commission book 1959-1961.

Apart from myself , the names of these early E W Operators are
Radio Supervisor (S) M E C Parker
Radio Supervisor (S) R C Saunders
Leading Radio Operator Clarke T
Radio Operator (S) Buxton R
Radio Operator (S) Murray J H

A lot can happen in 48 years -- who knows

Peter Studd

Message From Tony Colbourne

2008-11-28T16:16:00.001Z

If there is anyone out there that knows my name and would like to get together, please respond. It would be nice to meet some old friends.

Best regards

Tony Colbourne MBE
TonyColbourne@aol.com

Jim O'Halloran

2008-10-20T21:00:00.002+01:00

For Jim Utley,
Saw Jim O'Halloran in Waterlooville about a fortnight ago but didn't get a chance to cackle to him as it was way passed tot time !!!! Last I knew of Jim, he was living in Purbrook. Ginge Hickerton was my PO(EW) on Glamorgan but don't know where he has got to...
Regards

Ian Howieson
PS if any old Gollies are in the Heritage Area of Pompey dockyard, pop into Boathouse No. 4 where I while away my time helping to renovate old pussers boats....

EW Reunion 2008

2008-10-19T14:25:00.006+01:00

Thanks to Slinger for organising this years event

Gilly wins the smallest Golly award just beating Brian by a short head.

Who ate all the Pies

Direct from the pirates of the Caribbean do you know this WO(EW)

A good night had by all see, you next year

Why the EW Branch are known as Gollies

2008-10-13T17:27:00.000+01:00

Email Rx on the Web Site
http://navygollies.co.uk/default.aspx

In your dit about the birth of the gollie you mention Robinson's jam. It was/is Robertson's jams that had the multi-talented golly on them. Robinson was the name of the CRS(W)that took one CY(Q)1 for their obligatory session on EW in 1967. After he obviously gave them a coloured view of life as an EW (including the fast promotion), It was this class that originally gave the name Golly to the branch. I was in RS(W)Q1 in the first half of that year, so we got tagged with a nickname that has since spread around the globe.

Hope this clears up any misconceptions re the birth of the Golly.

Cheers

Bob Brook

Looking for Jim Luke (From Web site)

2008-09-20T19:24:00.002+01:00

From: Bob Brook
E-mail: bobbrook@netspace.net.au
Message:
I'm still trying to get in touch with Jim Luke (if this is the same person as Antony James Luke who served on Dunkirk in 61-63 and other places with me. Any assistance appreciated.

Cheers

Bob Brook

Technical or what !!

2008-09-13T18:14:00.002+01:00

No wonder I never really made it past UA8/9 (or even Cardex for those who can remember it ) !!!! Trying to get this sorted out was bad enough. Anyway - Many thanks to Martin for getting this underway.
Just to keep all you guys informed, yes, I am still around although not in UK. Well done Tansy on your retirement - but did you manage 36 years in the RN as I did ?? Left RNEWOS in '91 for 12 years in the RN Careers Office in Leeds but I guess that doesn't count as active service. Did estate management in N. Yorks for a couple of years and then decided to retire early and move out here to Turkey. Am I glad I did. Would not go back to UK now if you paid me. Life here is good with lots (too much sometimes) of sun, sea and cold beers. Plus its a lot cheaper to live here and no stress.
The list of fellow gollies is too long to mention here, but I would be interested if anyone has any info on John Lill, Ginge Hickerton, Jim O'Halloran, and my old mate from RNEWOS Pete Morton (I know he moved to Canada). Be great to hear from anyone else of that era as well.
Must go and re-learn how to channel balance the FH4 and find out what a "flip-flop" switch really does. Best wishes to all gollies past and present
John

The Doctor

2008-09-12T12:51:00.000+01:00

Doctor Findlay

Jacko Jackson D157429H

2008-09-02T09:21:00.002+01:00

Hi All,

Just touching base with you and see if there is anyone out there still alive from my sojourns aroud the EW traps of the RN. I'm now living in New Zealand after leaving Pussers and emigrating in 1991. I served as an EW rating from 1976 to 1991 and served at the following with the mentioned EWs or RO(W)s :

1976 - Training at North Camp HMS Mercury EW2A course
1977 - 1979 - HMS Ajax (with Roy Osbiston, Paddy McGowan, Ian McFarland)
1979 - 1981 - SNONI (with Jo Brookes)
1982 - HMS Dryad LS(EW) course (with too many to mention!)
1982 - 1984 - HMS Newcastle (with Jim Hubbard, Jan Pearce, Billy Benton)
1885 - HMS Dryad PO(EW) course (with Mick Jenkins, Sandy Saunders, Golly Morton)
1986 - HMS Sultan (with Al Haywood, Tom ?)
1987 - 1989 - HMS Illustrious (with Sandy Sanderson, Mick Jenkins, ? Whitlock, Dave Pegg)
1989 -1991 - RNEWOS (with Golly Morton, Sandy Saunders, Kenny Franklin, John Utley, Bungy Wiliams)

I joined the RNZN in 1991 but left in 1993 to pursue an 11 year stint as an ELINT analyst with the NZ Defence Force.

Caree highlights:

HMS Illustrious (EW Director and Chief Quartermaster)
RNEWOS (Data Writer for those nice big red books!)
National Security Agency Intermediate ELINT Analysis Course

Anyway, it'd be great to hear from any of the above if you're still around.

Mike 'Jacko' Jackson

From The Web site RAN Gollies

2008-08-31T12:28:00.000+01:00

Hi,

I'm an ex RAN Gollie who runs the Australian Gollies Forum (www.gollies.net.au). Our branch was disbanded over a decade ago and the EW's integrated into the Ops Room crew as non-specialists. During our time as specialists EWs we had many RN Gollie changeovers, especially on our formation in 1973, when there were no experienced EW's in our Navy.

In October 2007 we held a very successful RAN Gollie reunion and I'm organising the next one for 2010.

Recently an ex-RN Gollie requested to be registered for our forum, which is a restricted forum with registration only being available on my approval. He stated it was a pity there was not a Gollies Forum for the RN, and it occurred to me it would be a good idea to include the RN Gollies on our Forum. One of our RN changeovers, Bob Brooke, who was also one of the very first British Gollies, said he would be willing to be admin for the Brits. If necessary I could also give admin privileges to one of your people to run the registrations and moderate the forum.

The forum allows and easy way of posting messages, having chats and sharing images and stories. If you wanted I could create an RN section and even parts that are only visible to RN members. But I'm trying to have the site as being open for all.

If you are interested please email me and I can put you onto Bob Brooke and we can get the ball rolling on this.

Regards,

Adriaan

From the Web Page

2008-08-29T16:30:00.002+01:00

Hi there. I am an ex-OM(EW)1, having served between 1998 and 2002. I recognise a few names on here (principally Gilly Gilchrist, Duncan McKellar, Willy Peacock and Brian Pennock). I was wondering if anyone can provide any info on the possible whereabouts of an classmate of mine from HMS Raleigh/HMS Dryad. His name was Jeff "JJ" Williams, he was a PCT, he lived in the Preston area (although he had a vaguely Canadian accent) and he served on HMS Marlborough in the EW department in 1999. Also any info on OM(EW) Steve Jackson (last heard of on HMS Cornwall in 1999) and PCT John Monroe (believed to have served on either HMS Portland or HMS Somerset in 1999) would be appreciated. Cheers Al Rigg ex-OM(EW)1, OM(2)EW-28 (1998-99), HMS Argyll (1999), OM(1)EW-30 (1999-2000), HMS Monmouth (2000-2002), HMS Iron Duke (2002) (once upon a time known as Crazy Al)

Responces may be sent via the Navy Gollies Web page

Searchlight on the Past

2008-08-29T10:18:00.003+01:00

Great idea to have this blog so that we can find out what has happened over the last few decades ! ! with regard to the Electronic Warfare Branch, or as we were called the Telegraphist Specials.
I have only made contact with one ex member of the branch that served with me in the 50's and now lives in New Zealand.
Does anyone out there recognize me in the photograph - I wonder

Thanks

2008-08-27T22:32:00.000+01:00

Hi Martin, many thanks for the invitation. I have not forgotten to provide the historic data promised - I have just been rather busy. And they say that with 5 Grandchildren, when you reach 70 you get even busier! I might need some help next year!

If I cannot get down to visit you, can I post any of the material, and if so what is the preferred address please?

Introduction

2008-08-27T11:22:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the Royal Navy Electronic Warfare branch Blogsite
Dedicated to the RN EW personell past and presnt.

This Blog along with our website @ http://navygollies.co.uk/default.aspx hopes to keep you in touch with the EW branch past and present.

It will allow you to post your thoughts and questions post photographic history of people and equipment and look for old shipmates.