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**frogman007** · 25-11-11, 14:08

Originally Posted by Ninja_Stoker

That was a cracking link frogman, many thanks. I'd heard of Tony Groom's book but must confess I've not read it, but will certainly pick up a copy. His extract very much brings it all back - noisy & intense very much sums it.

Have to say, max respect to the Divers. We honestly wondered whether the magazine bomb may have a timer/delayed fuse of some description & did not breathe easily for several days, wondering if it was about to explode. One of them actually sat astride the magazine bomb as it was hauled out of the magazine so he could fend it off if it started to turn. Hearing the divers, using the main broacast to direct the team on the flightdeck was scary stuff whilst sat in the boiler room: "Up six"..."Steady"... "bomb turning" ...*long pause*. "OK, slowly, up another 3 feet" ...

Glad you liked it. Great bloke TG, bit of a legend in the branch. Written a novel too, which for a first attempt is very good (especially when you have a signed copy telling you it's based on you!! Cheers TG if you're reading this!). Going to Temeraire Monday will pop a copy of DIVER in to you. (I assume you're in Pompey AFCO?).

In2Deep: Amazon.co.uk: Tony Groom: Books

**fishhead** · 25-11-11, 18:46

Incredible set of photos and attached commentry.It is not until you see the two together that it hits home what it was really like for the sailors involved.

**witsend** · 25-11-11, 18:56

"There was a total power failure, all lights were out, but the Chief Stoker managed to plug the hole using a sledgehammer & wooden wedges. It wasn't until the damage repair party shone a battery powered floodlight into the compartment that the Chief Stoker realised he was swinging a slegehammer whilst actually stood on top of the UXB."

**Ninja_Stoker** · 25-11-11, 20:02

It's worth pointing out the photos weren't taken by me. The guy that owned them got re-prints for those of us that wanted copies. Most of them are now online, the only bit I've done is write the text.

There's a couple more dits to come.

**Blackrat** · 25-11-11, 20:27

Ah. I can open them now i'm at home.

Outstanding.

**Ninja_Stoker** · 29-11-11, 11:57

Next bit: 2E Passageway - after second fire - Navy Net Gallery

**brigham600** · 29-11-11, 14:50

Ninja, whatever happened to AB Dabs Dallaway (lost an eye in the attack) and the Joss, Jan Francis who had shrapnel wounds? They were both on the Argonaut when I was on it in 1980.

**Ninja_Stoker** · 29-11-11, 15:00

The last I heard of Jan he was flown off to Montevideo, critically injured. The other guys, I think, went to SS Uganda.

As to what became of them, I'm afraid I don't know as I was through-drafted to HMS Southampton (Pompey) upon arrival back in UK, after Summer Leave & pretty much back Down South, not retuning to Guzz for a couple of years.

**brigham600** · 30-11-11, 11:59

Thanks mate, just thought I would ask as I knew them both obviously. I liked Jan as he was a good Joss, small in size but big in heart and Dabs was a good lad also, if a little wacky at times.