Monday 19 December 2022

Let the festivities begin...

19th December is always the date that marks the start of the Christmas period for me as it is etched on my mind as the return date from the 6-month tour to The South Atlantic in my RN days aboard HMS Amazon (a Type 21 Frigate).

Our arrival back at Devonport, Plymouth in 1985 was truly memorable - the sense of relief that we could now relax and enjoy the festivities, freed of our duties. Although it was post-conflict, there were still some "interesting" moments during the deployment; a couple of Action Stations, and a challenging time as the Islands' defences and infrastructure were being newly established. It was also a worrying time for families back home as the precarious diplomatic situation meant everyone was in no doubt what might happen.

In those days, crowds still lined the jetties to welcome returning ships back, although it was mainly family and close friends. I'll never forget the proud look on my dad's face as he spotted me on the bridge wing as we came alongside, and along with hundreds of others, raised his hands and applauded the whole ship's company.

Here is a gratuitous pic of San Carlos Water in The Falklands, taken from the foc'sle (the pointy bit at the front of the ship) with a Sea King hovering in the distance. One of my best photos of the tour...


It feels like a lifetime ago. In many ways it was. 

Back in the now, it simply remains for me to wish all readers and visitors to my little corner of the virtual world a very Merry Christmas. I hope there are plenty of hobby-related toys under the tree for you this year.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the coming year.

Phil


26 comments:

  1. Best wishes and thanks for a year on nice postings.

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  2. Merry Christmas to you and yours from all at the Duchy of Tradgardland!
    Alan

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  3. A Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours.

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  4. Likewise, Phil! Thank you for the continuing inspiration.

    Merry Christmas,

    Stokes
    (Grand Duchy of Stollen, USA)

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  5. Wonderful photo Phil. Merry Christmas and thanks for the blog.
    Richard

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  6. Hope you have a great time over the festivities.

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  7. Merry Christmas Phil. Thanks for all your stories, tales, reminiscing , wargaming gold and always beautiful figures and photos.

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  8. At least you chaps sailing above the water got to see the sunrises and sunsets. Christmas at sea in the RN was challenging to say the least but I remember them with fond memories.
    Thanks for all your posts and reminiscing over the past year, we must get together some time and scupper a few drinks.

    Merry Christmas, happy New year and happy gaming,
    Willz.

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  9. Phil, great memory and photos. All the best to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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    1. Thank you Graham. Have a great xmas. See you sometime in 2023. York? Best regards. Phil

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  10. An interesting anecdote, Phil, and thankyou for your service. I have been visiting your "War Cabinet" even if briefly between work tasks and greatly appreciate the "escape" it provides from the stresses of "real life". Very much appreciated. All the very best for the Yuletide Season and for a good 2023! Cheers, Rohan!

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    1. Thank you Rohan... and for your regular comments throughout the year. Merry xmas. All the best. Phil

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  11. A Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Phil…
    Here’s to lots more toys and wargames…

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Cheers Aly. Merry Christmas and hope 2023 is a great year for you too! Best regards. Phil

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