Seems Like A Lifetime

Fifty-Two years ago today I entered the gates of HMS Fisgard in Torpoint, Cornwall and became a Royal Naval Artificer.
I became a highly skilled Naval Rating that later successfully completed the requisite number of years of a formal apprenticeship in skill of hand and specialist knowledge, my training took place in a variety of Her Majesty's ships and training establishments,
Artificer is a job title and not a rank.
Our blazer badge carries the name ‘Tubal Cain’, mentioned in the Bible as the first Artificer, he helped Noah build the ark.

Today, unsurprisingly, I shall raise a tot of 52 Year Old Navy Rum to celebrate and remember my fellow members of 701 Entry, HMS Fisgard, 52 years ago today.

The day started with a cooked breakfast at the Pier Cafe with Josh followed by a walk through town. A new alarm clock with cordless charging for my mobile from Trago’s to replace the one that never charged my phone last night and caused my alarm not to go off.
Paddy & Mick & Josh went for a walk before Josh and I went to the rugby club for a couple of expensive bottled beers whilst watching Gloucester v Harlequins on the big screen.

Another dent in my no/reduced alcohol pledge.

On the plus side, due to circumstances beyond his control, Joshua is remaining with us for another few days, maybe until next weekend. In preparation for returning North Of The Border to assist the Scottish governments fight against Omnicron he is taking daily Lateral Flow Tests and reporting the results to his unit.

Today’s Photo - That’s me standing in the centre, spring 1970 and sixteen years old.