During our period in the Persian Gulf, we frequently sailed on a sea that was like glass, enjoying seeing the flying fish during the day and the phosphorescence at night.  The sweltering heat of the Gulf can perhaps be seen from the five photographs at the top of this gallery, that depict the sun beating down remorselessly and nary a breath of wind to stir the sea.  It was much like the way Samuel Coleridge Taylor saw it in the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner "Day after day, day after day, We stuck, nor breath nor motion; As idle as a painted ship Upon a painted ocean."

It was a welcome relief from the monotony of the gulf patrols to be called to the assistance of the tanker Wave King that had experienced a fire onboard.  HMS Loch Lomond assisted as well.

Preparing for landing parties in 1955 was a far cry from today no doubt! The two pictures on the left show Telegraphists 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!  We practised landing at one or two of the Gulf States, and it is hard to believe that in the last 60 years such a change has taken place in a number of these states, transforming themselves into major tourist locations.

In order to give us some Rest and Recreation, we sailed across the Indian Ocean visiting Karachi, Bombay and finally Colombo, as they were known then, enjoying the relaxation of the Digitalawa Rest Camp, and the delights of the lakeside canteen, although Wilf Shippam and Pete Hind was just kidding.  During our voyage we crossed the Tropic of Cancer, and we had the unique experience of having the sun directly overhead as can be seen from the picture of the air vent.