The Second HMS Manchester Association

Between 1976 and 1982 Bob served on HMS JUNO and HMS NORFOLK which took him to the Far East partying in many exotic ports, and this is where I first befriended him during a skinhead skirmish on the jetty in Gibraltar between the 12 ships of the Group 8 deployment. Bob was often found holding court spinning dits with his skinhead shipmates in the Norfolk Arms, the only ship with a Junior Rates Bar in the RN. After Leading Hands courses Bob joined HMS SHEFFIELD in July 1981 and quickly established himself as a good Killick who was always good for a laugh and a joke, but also had the right words at the right time , something that many of us don't have. His love of Bacardi and Coke became infectious and many of the Seaman's messes drank it ashore at a steady rate of knots.

On the 4th of May 1982, HMS SHEFFIELD in the course of her Air Defence duties was attacked and subsequently sunk by an Exocet Missile. The first warship lost since WWII - Bob was off watch at the time of the attack but carried out his fire fighting duties to the best of his abilities and he could be seen on the Upper Deck leading younger Sailors in various fire fighting efforts. He could be heard singing the record we played him into today by Monty Python - 'Always look on the bright side of life', as he and the fire fighting teams fought heroically to save our ship. Sadly, that was not to be and Bob and many of the ships company abandoned ship upon the orders of our exceptional Captain, Sam Salt. Bob was subsequently reported missing, presumed dead, but later

that was corrected, and his family informed he was a survivor. Regarding HMS SHEFFIELD I will share with you evidence of another not so well known side of Bob as he possessed a truly inspiring caring and supportive nature. On Facebook Bob sent a heartfelt message to Falklands Veterans - he wrote -

"I have been seeing SHEFFIELD on fire photos for over 30 years now, where most people see them and think of The Falkland's War, HMS SHEFFIELD and lost friends and shipmates, I think the same but my thoughts like most SHEFFIELD shipmates go just a little bit deeper, to the bravery and heroism of fellow shipmates who on that day, reached deep into their souls and did what I expect every member of the Royal Navy would do in the same situation. They worked selflessly to try and save their home and their shipmates, sadly that never happened, and some lads still suffer to this day with events they witnessed on that fateful day. To you shipmates, remember our fellow crew mates today and treat today as if they are with us stood at attention on our shoulders. And remember them with pride as they would for us if still here. But I can say, spin some dits of happier times of our brothers in arms, as I am sure they would for us if they could."

In the periods1982 to 1993 Bob served with great distinction on HMS SOUTHAMPTON, HMS MANCHESTER, DRYAD and GIBRALTAR. He was promoted to PO in 1988 and CPO in 1997, which surprised many as according to a newspaper article he had been dead for 15 years! A poor sailor with the same name had sadly lost his life on HMS ARDENT in the Falkland's and there had been a mix up in his medical records!! Needless to say, we took the piss out of RJ as he bemoaned why it took so long to become a CPO, he always said it was because they thought he was dead for 15 years!

Bob left the RN in 1998 as a CPO and secured a great role as WO&SRs Mess Desk Jocky - this was a role Bob excelled in and kept him in touch with all the Navy aspects he loved. In his social life he held court in the Park Tavern and Ruby's every Friday afternoon he could wangle off. It was during this period that he became a SEADAD to many a junior Sailor and ensured that not only would he point out the error of their ways, but show them how to drink copious amounts of alcohol!

You will note on the front page of the service booklet a picture depicting BTC with 3 x LSGC Badges for 12 years exemplary behaviour and a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - I am sure I am not the only one that would say - How the flying foxtrot did he get them?!!

Following a serious Stroke in 2017 it is fair to say health wise it has been a great struggle for Bob - the lockdown for the COVID pandemic was not kind to him and his health and especially his breathing became worryingly difficult. It was during this period that many of Bob's friends stepped up to the plate and helped him with his daily tasks. Bob was indeed extremely fortunate to have such genuine friends.

Sadly, after another serious respiratory problem in early September 2023 Bob had another period hospitalised and never recovered. He passed away in Room 42 on this first night at the Bedhampton Care home.

It is very difficult to sum up such a life in a few minutes, but I am sure you will all agree we have lost one of life's true characters and a life lived can be judged by the legacy one leaves behind - Bob's legacy is there all around us, especially in the Type 42 Association, which he said he was most proud of in our bedside chats in the hospital in his final few weeks - and he will always be with us in our hearts.

May he rest in eternal peace knowing that we left behind will never forget his sense of fun, his lust for life, his sense of duty for the RN and our nation, and his family and shipmates.

As we say goodbye to Bob, we will now play his favourite record - Sailor by Petula Clark. The words are very apt, and I would ask you all to smile and remember Bob and all the good times you shared with him. Thank You.

The wake took place at the Maritime Club in Queen Street and the place was absolutely rammed! Matelots and Medals everywhere!

Among the 2MA members sighted at either the Crematorium or the Maritime Club were -

Dave ARTHUR, Martin "Buzz" BEE, Lenny BILTON, Martin "Cal" CALTON, Derek "Bobby" and Karla CHARLTON, Connie FRANCIS, Dave HAYWARD, Tim "Don" HILLER, Roger and Yvonne JONES, Steve "Shady" LANE, Dave MERRICK, Chris "Percy" and Louise PURCELL, Peter "Knocker" WHITE, Keith WOOLVEN, Steve "Skid" WROE, Stevie SWAINE, Alyson and Ian TIDBURY and of course Gilly GILCHRIST.