Re: On this day 26th 1979: Joy as guerrillas fly in to Rhod
Yes Slim, I remember the Beira patrol.
When it started we were in Mombasa, alongside, on the second night of a fourteen day self maintenance period.
Returned onboard 0430ish after a pleasant meeting with a young ex pat schoolteacher and a promise of a hot date that evening, to find the safeties blowing off and words from the QM to the effect that we were sailing at 06xx, but destination unknown.
We left harbour short on supplies, and with all sorts of local labour still painting out the pennant numbers and patches of yellow chromate that they had painted on the previous day (they were taken off by a tender that followed us).
After steaming East for a couple of hours the Old Man announced over the tannoy that we were to start a blockade patrol off the coast of Mozambique. Shortly thereafter we turned right and did just that for the next couple of weeks. When "Leopard" relieved us they transferred mail by jackstay and their lads on the upper threw spuds at us. Our ships company hoarded them, I don't think they had appreciated a fortnight on POM and rice!
Later, in other ships, with an RFA in attendance and the Beira bucket to play for, it wasn't too hard a chore. Lots of tropical routine and bronzie-bronzie, and the occasional cruise ship to break the monotony. Even managed to enjoy Christmas 1971 with the promise of Port Elizabeth for new year.
What a waste of time, money, and energy it all seems now!!
AND I totally agree with your remarks regarding politicians.
Still can't help wondering where that hot date would have finished up tho'
2BM