Problem solved

“During my National Service, from 1952-54, I had served on board HMS Indomitable, with the Home Fleet, in the Mediterranean,” emails a Craigie reader.

“In 1953, she was recalled to the UK to join the Royal Naval Review at Spithead, as part of the Queen’s Coronation. Our last port of call on the way home was Gibralta, which was crammed with contingents also heading to the UK for the occasion.

“With such a number of service personnel ashore, the Indomitable, foolishly, decided to increase the number of naval patrols and we, although NS Engineroom Artificers, but holding the rank of Petty Officer, were included.

“The patrol consisted of a PO carrying a service revolver (no bullets), a long service Leading Hand with a baton, and two other ratings. One such patrol was confronted by an ‘incident’ involving RN ratings and marines.

“The PO’s immediate reaction was to seek the advice of the Leading Hand. ‘About turn’ was the response – problem solved.”