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Author Topic: Rust in Peace Sir Percivale  (Read 1526 times)

chingdevil

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Rust in Peace Sir Percivale
« on: September 02, 2010, 11:13:04 pm »

What a sad sight :(( :(( :(( :((
This picture appeared in the free Metro paper on Wednesday, this is all that is left of RFA Sir Percivale as she is being slowly dismantled by a twelve man wrecking crew.

Brian


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Mark47

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Re: Rust in Peace Sir Percivale
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2010, 11:15:48 pm »

Sad indeed!
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Bryan Young

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Re: Rust in Peace Sir Percivale
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2010, 05:33:22 pm »

No. It isn't sad at all. This class of ship was designed around 60 years ago.
The entire class had a long and illustrious history of service starting when they were manned and operated by British India on behalf of HMG. After only a few years service they were transferred into the RFA fleet and became probably the hardest worked ships in the RFA, serving all 3 Services. It's probably a testament to their design and the TLC given to them by the RFA that the class has lasted so long. But as with all things they became outmoded. "Percivale" in particular played a pivotal role for a period of 2 years monitoring the French nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific. The ships themselves were really waterborne trucks....and very uncomfortable for our "passengers". (I wrote at length about this class of ship under the "Nautical But True" banner ages ago).
Don't be sad. A couple of them are still soldiering on under another flag, perhaps for another 10 years or so. Good memories. BY.
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Notes from a simple seaman

Bryan Young

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Re: Rust in Peace Sir Percivale
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2010, 05:52:35 pm »

Just a reminder how "nice" they were when new.
The term "Rust in Peace" is a bit of a misnomer though as all the superstructure above the top vehicle deck was 0.5" thick aluminium, (apart from the centre bit of the after flight deck).
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Notes from a simple seaman

John W E

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Re: Rust in Peace Sir Percivale
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2010, 05:53:55 pm »

Hi ya Bryan

just wondering what that 'patchwork' on the side of the ship.

aye
john
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Knowledge begins with respect
But fools hate wisdom and discipline

Bryan Young

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Re: Rust in Peace Sir Percivale
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2010, 07:18:15 pm »

Now really Bluebird, you should be ashamed of yourself! The fact that it looks like a "patchwork" is only because the seperate components hadn't been painted. It is in fact a "short" (90ft) Mexeflote that the LSLs used to carry. Sometimes one on each side.
Basically big rafts with 2 socking great outboards on the back end. Used to carry all sorts of stuff ashore when the ship couldn't beach.
Google "Mexeflote" and get the whole story. Bryan.
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Notes from a simple seaman
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