HMS Flamingo

"Hail to thee blythe spirit, bird thou never wert" (Percy Bysshe Shelley)

Bahrain & the Gulf

HMS Flamingo (call-sign GGGZ) was the last white frigate in the Royal Navy and stationed almost permanently in the Persian Gulf. Fresh crews were flown out via Nice, Nicosia, Athens, Baghdad and Bahrain, a trip taking two days in 1955. We used to say that you must have done something pretty awful to get a draft like this - except, of course, for those who volunteered!

The pictures depict the ship's company, the ships crest mounted on the bridge, and HMS Flamingo berthed alongside at Karachi. The two pictures right and left above are interesting studies and one wonders what the photographer said that had us all so amused.


Preparing for landing parties in 1955 was a far cry from today no doubt! The two pictures on the left show Tels. Chris Lingyard and Pete Hind kitted out with portables, while the next picture shows the H.F. Transportable which was carried on the back of some poor telegraphist! Not only were they bulky but rather temperamental. On the right was the full landing party kit including attaché case complete with toothbrush!

Some people and events

(Left top): Cedric Reed (Ship's Stores) Telegraphist Mick Simpson and Coder Educational Beck.

(Left bottom): A couple of bosun's chair transfers, and a period of contemplation by unknown officer.

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