1ST LESSON. POWER OF NATURE

Goodbye to calm sea

The sea was generally calm as we sailed through the Straits of Malacca. As we approached the tip of Sumatra, I could feel the slight gentle roll of the ship. I observed some swell on the sea. A little balancing was required. The old sea hands had mentioned about ‘sea legs’. Some birds were still flying around especially at the ship stern. There were still some ships in sight.

The emptiness of the vast ocean.

As the ship passed the northern tip of Sumatra, she turned port on westerly heading towards Colombo. The land disappeared from the horizon as the ship entered the Bay of Bengal. For the first time in my life, I understood the meaning of the emptiness of the vast ocean. I thought of those brave ancient mariners who sailed into the unknown. All they had were some rudimentary navigational equipment but abundant of courage and hope to fulfil and prove the theories were correct.


2nd day Bay of Bengal.

The sky was overcast with grey clouds and the ship sailed alone in the Bay of Bengal. The sea swell had become larger with ‘white horses’ and the ship rolled even more. Not only that, when it hit a big swell, the ship pitched up and down. Increasing, it became difficult to walk on the deck without the balancing act. My stomach was upset and loss my appetite completely. The discomfort get worst by the hours. Soon, I was running to the heads to puke. I lost count of the number of times I puked. I wasn’t alone suffering. Most of my mates suffered the same fate and wondered why we choose the navy to suffer.

Cure for sea sickness.

My Inche assigned us ship duties to keep us mentally and physically occupied. He told me that I must continue to eat even if I was going to puke. As I was helpless, I took his fatherly advice. I ate and puked. The sea conditions got worst and there was also rain. The ship rolled as much as 30 degrees on both side and the pitching become more violent each time when the bow hit big waves. Staying in the cabin was the worst. The best place was to remain on the main deck with fresh air. Some of my colleagues were now totally a mental wrecked confined to the bunk listlessly. I continue to stay and did my assigned duties, ate and puked. The feeling was really terrible and really regretted joining the Navy.

3 days of puking

Yes, I puked for 3 full days and then miracle happened. The sea sickness just left me and I was back to my old self. Most of my peers too recovered. In spite of the pitch and roll, I realised I had found my 'sea legs'. I never got sea sick again in my entire NS. By now I could console my sea sick friends and also disturbed one very arrogant mate who used to boast of his martial arts experience. I remembered teasing him and he begged me not to disturb him. Sea sickness is such a helpless ordeal. Going through it was like the end of the world. There was no escape from the high seas. This compound the mental agony of helplessness.

The Ocean

By now, I was able to appreciate the vastness of the ocean as well as the power of nature. At night, I could see more stars than anytime I had at home. On board the ship, I appreciate how important each crew was to the ship. Working in cramp environments especially getting to the engine room through the shaft was dangerous. At night, if any crew fell overboard, it was as good as saying permanent goodbye. So it was very important for the crew to observed safety seriously and looking after one another. As officer, the safety of the ship and crew are paramount with no compromise. That was the training and exposure we the midshipmen were supposed to appreciate and learn.

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SEA CRUISE TO EDEN

The Ship Set Sail on Sept 1974

All the final preparations were completed. The ship was commanded by Major Raju and the XO (Executive Officer) was a season merchant navy officer Cpt Anthony Chan. The ship slipped off Bedok Jetty and all of us were lined up on the main deck for the traditional naval ceremony when a ship leaved harbour.

As we sailed into the Straits of Singapore, we were met by PC and MGB as ascots sailing along side this grand old dame. As they came abeam us, they gave the traditional naval salute by ‘piping’ and lowering the flag as a mark of respect to the ‘senior’ ship. By protocol, Endurance had to reciprocate the same gesture. The navy have a lot of naval traditions, naval terminology and jargon. Naval officers take all these very seriously and they take immense pride of this heritage. In Britain, the Navy is the lead service and all royals had to go through naval training.

(Left and below, escort ships at the Southern Islands)










Moment of Excitement

The ship sailed through the Singapore Straights, passing St John Island, then the Raffles Lighthouse and after passing the Sultan Lighthouse entered the Straits of Malacca. The sea was calm and the scenery was great. On the starboard (right) side was Malaysia and on the port (left) was Sumatra. I had a lot of great expectations from this trip. I know I will return to tell many exciting stories to my friends. Many of us midshipmen was just thinking and wondering, what a bonus for NS boy! Fully paid cruise for 2 months. We were all eager for the adventures.

Our home in the sea

As midshipmen, we were accommodated in the aft mess rigged with 3 tiers bunks. This was our home for the entire 2 months of this training cruise. The aft mess was designed to carry army troops. Behind the bunks were the heads (toilets) and showers. It was really cramped and when the air conditioning broke down, this place became a sauna. Nevertheless, we adjusted well and that how sailors developed strong bond, learning to share, give and take, living in compact space, literally rubbing shoulders
every day. (Left--- Mess for dining and homework, Below, Bunks)


Engine Trouble.

One day after setting sail, the ship developed engine trouble and needed to returned to port for immediate repairs. It took 3 days for the repair work and we were given permission to return home but I choose to stay onboard. Going home was inconvenient for me and may raise unnecessary anxiety for my parents.

Sail Off Again

This time no fanfare and we slipped away quietly. By then we were also quiet familiar with the ship and had settled down to the ship's routines. Everything was peaceful until we entered the Bay of Bengal, just north of Sumatra.




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Midshipman Sea Cruise

Bedok Jetty

RSS Endurance was berthed at UMPCJetty, now known as Bedok Jetty. In those days, the east coast was just reclaimed and the surrounding area was muddy during rain. The area was isolated and trees and wild shrubs grew. To access the jetty, we had to walk along dirt road with no lighting. After disembarking the bus at marine parade, just off Nallur Road, I had to make the 10 minutes trek hauling my bag with all my personal items for the 2 months cruise.

History of RSS Endurance (LS201)

Previously known as USS Holmes County (LST836). It’s a Landing Ship Tank designed to carry troop and tanks with beaching capability and operate in shallow water. This ship was launched on 29 Oct 1944. She served in the US Navy during WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War and was decommissioned in 1971. She was transferred to Singapore Navy on 1 July 1971 at a nominal fee and renamed RSS Endurance (LS201). RSN assigned her callsign A82.

Ship Specifications

The ship has a displacement of 4000 tons. Its length was 328 feet, beam 50 feet and draft between 3 to 10 feet depending on the operation it was engaged. It had a maximum speed of 12 knots and endurance of 24.000 miles. It has two boats (LCVP). The ship has payload of 1900 tons. She had a tank deck and main deck. It has a bow door and bow ramp to facilitate movement of vehicles into the tank deck and main deck during beaching operation. It has many ballast tanks and almost flat heel to enable the ship to beach in shallow water. The ship has 2 forward and 2 aft 40mm Bofor Anti-aircraft guns as its main armament. The ship was propelled by two 900 hp diesel engines, with two shafts and twin rudders.

RSS Endurance beached at East Coast Park

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NAVY - OTHER ACTIVITIES

Monthly Functions

Each month a social function was planned. The purpose was to promote social grace and skill as well as developing and improving planning and organising skill. The school also organised a formal dinner where we had to dressed up either formally or in full military uniform. We also had crashed course on etiquette, how to drink and eat gracefully and talk politely. To use cutleries and table ware correctly. We had to be accompanied by a female partner too. That was a bit stressful for me as I did not have a steady girlfriend but there were never a problem with girl volunteers. Many seniors officer were invited to these formal functions. Alcohol was served and we had wines and beer.

Other activities included parties. Always, there were more girls available. I too had no problem bringing a few.

Outdoor activities

We were taught sailing the yacht. The training school also had a whaler which required a 12-man crew to row with very heavy oars. We tooks turn to be the coxswain to command the rowing, with proper commands used adopted from the Royal Navy. There was also a round the island cruise on the visiting yacht from another country.

Camp at seletar Island

We also had a 2 days camp at Seletar Island over one weekend. We slept in tents, had camp fire and some group activites.

Mast Rigging Display.

On one SAF days, we also participated in a naval mast rigging displays. This involved raising a 30 foot mast completed with rope, lanyards, rigging and accessories. The aim was speed and coordination and to be completed within minutes.

Weekend off

We were dismissed on Saturday for the weekend. As officer to be, we were required to check out of camp with long sleeves and tie. But as soon as were out of sight, the ties disappeared. But on certain weekend, we had to stay back to do guard duties.

Crabs and Rambutans

On one of the weekend, I organised a crabbing session at the jetty with Inche Wee. I provided the nets and baits. We caught lots of crabs and Inche hid the catch in the toilet. He was supposed to bring it home the next day. Somehow the crabs died and the stink filtered out and coincidentally, the CO was doing his round and enquired from Inche Wee where the smell came from and ask him to investigate. I couldn’t hide my glee when I looked at him.

I told Inche Wee I had a rambutan farm at home and wish to give the school a treat. So Inche Wee organised a Land Rover and with a few of my mates, we picked enough rambutans for the entire camp.

Happy Family

In the camp, the midshipmen live like a family. We cooperate and did our duties diligently and never get into trouble. There was hardly any rivalry; instead I felt we bonded very well. During the evening, we chatted and enjoy sharing school experiences. Sometimes, we had sing-a-long sessions with beer provided by our own ‘Midshipman Mess’.

In camp, all three meals were provided. We were served like officers. The quality of food was not great but acceptable. The lectures during the days were conducted at very comfortable pace and there was hardly any night activity. Light out was at 10.30pm and wake up at 5.30 followed by some exercises before breakfast.

Finally, Ready for the Sea

By the end of September, we had completed all the modules. Almost all of us passed the examinations easily the first time. Some of the Chinese educated faced some problems and become more evident. We had a passing out ceremony and dinner to celebrate the end of this phase of training.

Sea Cruise

Our next phase of training was on board the training ship called RSS ENDURANCE. This was to be the most memorable part of my national service.

NAVY, ACADEMIC PORTION

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY

Mei, you have been my wonderful daughter. You have given daddy a lot of happiness and satisfaction watching you grow up and make my life truly meaningful.


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Midshipman School

3 months of BMT passed quickly. 40 of us were selected for the Midshipman School, the equivalent of the OCS in the army. The entire training was planned for 15 months. 9 months was for the academic portions. The other 6 months were for attachment to various RSN ships for on the job training. A 3 weeks Outward Bound Course was sandwiched in between. The highlight of the training was a 2 months sea cruise. The 40 of us was divided in 4 divisions, Dragon, Wolf, Tiger and Lion, All were names of existing Navy’s Missile Gun Boats. I was in Tiger Division.

Group photo of Wolf and Tiger Divisions

Midshipman School was staffed by the best officers and NCOs. There were a few expatriate trainers from other navies. They were supposed to impart knowledge as well as skills. As this was the very first course of naval officers to be trained locally, the government would let anything to chance.

Midshipman School Course No 1. 1975

School RSM was like a father

Inche Wee was our RSM. He was responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of the camp. He was ultimately responsible for all the disciplinary issues. Though he shouted and screamed a lot, he was more a fatherly figure in our eyes. We could talk to him anytime and he also used to tease us.

Course Subjects

The subjects include seamanship, communication, gunnery, radar and navigation. Of all these, navigation was a major subject as we need to understand celestial navigation, the use of stars, sun and moon for ocean navigation. These involved a lot of mathematical computations and calculations extracted from published nautical almanacs. Those were the days before GPS.

An articles from a local newspaper.

Rather easy life

The routine was not very tough. We woke up 5.30 am every morning. This was followed by 5BX and breakfast. Then there was the usual flag raising ceremony. Each day one cadet was appointed as OOD, Officer of the Day, to take charge of the entire group. Classroom work started at 8am and finish by 5pm in the evening. Evening time was normally reserved for homework. The routine was just like school. On weekend we were allowed to go home.

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JOINING THE NAVY

The World Financial Crisis

The last month, I have been totally consumed by the monumental events unfolding each day. The financial crisis ravaging the world was just too depressing. I cannot ignore the ramifications and I need to digest and comprehend how this financial meltdown will bring compelling consequences to each and every one of us. I will blog on this when I am done with my personal blog. I will endeavour to continue what I set out to do.

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Sembawang Naval Base

Sembawang Naval Base was a sprawling complex of wharfs, jetties, barracks, building, as well as residential houses. There were even a Navy stores, golf course, sport fields and many restaurants and canteens. This was the largest British’s navy base east of the Suez. The British withdrew in 1970 and part of the wharf became Sembawang Shipyard. The Royal Navy military complex was inherited by Singapore Navy. Here the School of Naval Training and the Midshipman School were established.

Briefing

We were briefed by the camp commander, Major Selvarajoo. The sailors here gave him a nickname ‘Mamarajo’. He welcomed us and I always remembered he told us this, “You are no more students, and you are now Sailor”. We were housed in barracks with about 10 to a common room. There was a very large parade square. Here we were to do a special BMT of 3 months specifically for navy personnel. Thereafter, those we met the requirement will proceed to “Midshipman School” for naval officer training. That was the most meaningful new I heard for the first day. I was energised and ever motivated again.

BMT

This part of the training was a breeze for me as I was in NCC and had instructed drill before. The camp routine was relatively relax and I adapted very well. During most of the exercises I was well ahead of my cohorts. I dressed smartly all the times as I was well aware I was under appraisal. My experience in NCC has given me an advantage. I was very confident that I will be selected for the Midshipman Course. Midshipman is the equivalent of officer cadet in the army. Beside the drill, there were route march, live firing and grenade throw. There was no requirement for jungle training.

Above: As Recruit Jan 1974

My Recruit platoon, me holding the "troup marching" signboard

My recruit section (above)

Fooling around in the barrack (left)

Family visit

I do not have a telephone at home and phone call was disallowed from the camp. To inform my parent of posting, I had to write. My family came to the camp and visited me on a couple of Sunday afternoon. During these family visiting hours, the whole camp was like a big picnic.

Guard of Honour

The Pulai Brani Naval Base was to be official opened at the time I was undergoing BMT. To fill the ranks of the Guard of Honour for the opening ceremony, the navy was looking for former NCC cadets. I volunteered and was chosen. There were about 10 of us selected. We had to skip BMT occasionally to train for this ceremony at the new base. We were more than happy as we could escape from those boring basic drill sessions.