H. M. S/M Turbulent

HISTORY

of the

WELSH BRANCH

SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION

The branch, then called the Wales No 1 branch of the Submariners Association, was formed in 1960. The first Chairman was Rolly Harris, from 1960 to 1962. He was followed by Frank Young, who was in the Chair until 1966. Bill Peel, now our Vice President, took the Chair until 1975, when he went to Venezuela to work. Since then the Chair has been occupied by John Huntley, so far a total of 29 years! John, was also the Chairman of the Association for four years, guiding it through the name change. He is still a Vice President of the Association.

Our President, is Vice Admiral, Sir IWAN RAIKES, KCB,CBE,DSC,DL, and is an ex Flag Officer Submarines. It is worth mentioning that for the only time in the history of the Submarine Service, that his father was also a FOSM.

The Branch, which at one time had over 100 members, still has 75, and is one of the biggest in the Association. The Branch's members are drawn from, mainly all Wales, has some ex pats who want to retain some Welsh roots, from over the world, Australia, Canada, America, and even Bermuda. We even have some members from over OFFA'S DYKE, but there, someone has to civilise the English!

Recently, the Association branches have "adopted" a Submarine. Our two "adopted" boats are theWW2 "Turbulent" and "Usk". The Turbulent, because of her extremely good Skipper was "Tubby" Linton, VC, who hailed from Newport, in Gwent, and the "Usk" for geographical reasons. The "Usk" had a shorter life than the "Turbulent", but not without incident. (read the short histories of both boats on another page)

I am for my sins, Secretary/Treasurer of the Welsh Branch, and past Treasurer of the National Association.

Other members worth pointing out, are Sir John Harvey-Jones MBE, who was a WW2 Submariner and past Chairman of ICI, and Archdeacon Raymond Roberts, a passed Chaplain of the Fleet, and our Honorary Chaplain. Raymond is also the National Association Chaplain.

A branch news-letter is published four times a year, and sent out to each member.   

The Branch meet on the last Thursday of each month, at the United Services Mess, Wharton St. Cardiff. The short meeting is always followed by a few pints and "swinging of the lamps". We also try and have some socials, with our wives during the year, and always celebrate St David's Day in style! Every second year we have a short meeting at our President's house in Brecon, followed by a garden party. We did start, on the alternate two years, having a meeting in Pembrokeshire, but unfortunately that has fallen by the wayside.

The name of the branch was changed to the more appropriate WELSH BRANCH, on 27th October 2001, and a new Standard was dedicated on 27th October 2002, at the Church of St John the Baptist in Cardiff.

Roy James )Secretary/Treasurer)

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