After a long flight from RAF Brize Norton, under the supervision of RO2(T) Dave 'DIDS' Langton (FOF2 Staff), along with RO3(G) Ian Ross, we arrived at Changi Airport, Singapore on 10th September 1968 ready to join our first real ship, which was docked in the Sembewang Naval Dockyard.
I must admit that it took a while to get used to the ships routine and the watchkeeping system but after a month I began to get my bearings. Life onboard ship was really good and I even had half a tot on my 17th birthday.
The most memorable jolly during my time on the Intrepid was a visit to Brisbane, Queensland, and a trip up the coast to Surfers Paradise. A great run ashore! Anyway this draft proved to be just a short but happy one, 3 months in fact, before we were given a draft chit to join HMS ALBION (who were short of baby 'Sparkers'). So packing our kitbags we made
our way across the dockyard to join the 'Old Grey Ghost'. |