Thanks to the crew of HMS Bulwark

[Bossdog]

Just thought I'd drop by to thank the crew of HMS Bulwark for their hospitality while i was onboard.

I was one of several Royal Irish Regiment soldiers who joined the ship in Barcelona for a "jolly" on its return sail to the UK. As we all know the ship had to be diverted to Beirut to take part in the NEO. We were offered the opportunity to leave but decided to stay onboard to do what we could alongside the crew and help the EP's. After Phase one of the NEO, Bulwark was further tasked, and myself and the rest of the RIR guys along with some crew flew back to the UK to continue with our own roles.

I'd like to thank everybody on board for making us so welcome. Myself and my colleagues had an amazing time and the experience will always be remembered. I know we knock the Navy from time to time but i was impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of the ships crew, even when they had received the news of being retasked for Beirut. We really felt for them when they received the news, especially when they were so close to home. Leaving the ship as we did i felt guilty that one of the crew couldnt take my place to get home for well deserved leave. Sadly, as a soldier i was unemployable on the ship and this was not possible.

I hope the crew get home soon to see their families, and I would like to wish them well for the future. Everything they did for us was much appreciated, and i can't thank them enough. Godspeed for your return journey home Bulwark.....and thanks again.

 

[dondon]

Your very welcome Bossdog , the RN is renowned for there hospitality , we had a small detachment of squaddies on HMS Hecla in the first gulf war , played with the Javelin , great bunch of lads they were , we introduced them to the pleasures of CSB :roll: :lol:

 

[ex_wasp_L2]

Well you learn something new every day. I didnt know Hecla was in the first Gulf War, I was on her during the Falklands.
Bossdog thank you for your post I feel sure it it will be reciprocated by Bulwarks ships company.

 

[Veronicas]

It's good to hear this type of thing! Hope you had a good time and I hear there are some good people onboard there.

 

[dondon]

Well you learn something new every day. I didnt know Hecla was in the first Gulf War, I was on her during the Falklands.
Bossdog thank you for your post I feel sure it it will be reciprocated by Bulwarks ships company.

We were I/C of the mine clearing out there , I was casevaced out with a broken leg , stayed in a army field hospital for a couple of weeks [well looked after] before being flown home to RNH Haslar then down to Stonehouse , lived on a steep hill at the time , Fxxxxxxxxg nightmare trying to get up and that on crutches ,

 

[Lingyai]

Well you learn something new every day. I didnt know Hecla was in the first Gulf War, I was on her during the Falklands.
Bossdog thank you for your post I feel sure it it will be reciprocated by Bulwarks ships company.

We were I/C of the mine clearing out there , I was casevaced out with a broken leg , stayed in a army field hospital for a couple of weeks [well looked after] before being flown home to RNH Haslar then down to Stonehouse , lived on a steep hill at the time , Fxxxxxxxxg nightmare trying to get up and that on crutches ,

You weren't being naughty when you broke that leg were you, i.e. Tanker surfing???

 

[dondon]

Well you learn something new every day. I didnt know Hecla was in the first Gulf War, I was on her during the Falklands.
Bossdog thank you for your post I feel sure it it will be reciprocated by Bulwarks ships company.

We were I/C of the mine clearing out there , I was casevaced out with a broken leg , stayed in a army field hospital for a couple of weeks [well looked after] before being flown home to RNH Haslar then down to Stonehouse , lived on a steep hill at the time , Fxxxxxxxxg nightmare trying to get up and that on crutches ,

You weren't being naughty when you broke that leg were you, i.e. Tanker surfing???

We were having a wee sorrie in SR mess and decided to play mess rugby at around midnight , mate of mine jumped on my back and my leg just buckled under me , charge chief then tried to force my leg into an ice bucket , Fxxxxxxxxg idiot , the rest is history so to speak :roll:

 

[Father_Famine]

Well you learn something new every day. I didnt know Hecla was in the first Gulf War, I was on her during the Falklands.
Bossdog thank you for your post I feel sure it it will be reciprocated by Bulwarks ships company.

Bossdog, Good to hear you had a good time, I am sure you will also make them welcome for a return visit.

ex_wasp_L2; Hi, I was on Herald during Falklands, do you know of the Survey Ships Association?

http://www.surveyships.org.uk/

We have some good reunions.

Apologies for advertising and hijacking thread

 

[ex_wasp_L2]

Cheers for that FF but we were only on Hecla for the duration of the Falklands. I throughly enjoyed my time on Hecla I have to admit

 

[Father_Famine]

We do have some members who were only onboard for the short trip to Montevideo.

 

[TangoZeroAlpha]

I was also with the R IRISH party on the mighty BULWARK when she was diverted to Beirut.

It was a honour and my privilege to serve along side you and the ASRM.

Understand you are on your way home - sorry I cannot be alongside to meet and greet but I'm sure the crew will have other priorities than a chap from the R IRISH.

Welcome home shipmates.

TZA

 

[sgtpepperband]

TangoZeroAlpha: Many thanks for the words of from you and your colleagues on this and other media. I am the LREG on board and yes, we are home next week.

Obviously Beirut was a unique and unforgettable experience, but more so for you guys, who were only visiting for a jolly trip home from Barcelona!

The 'get up and go' attitude your guys showed was noticed by all on board; everyone was busy, but no one will forget the R IRISH contribution.

Once we are home please get in touch and we will endeavour to scupper a few Guinnesses in Devonport if you lot are able to pop over; and after Beirut you guys should be used to the desolate war-damaged location...

Slainte!