January 1937

The Pillars of Hercules! For some reason John immediately thought of the ancient name for the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea as Royal Oak steamed towards the distinctive outline of the Rock of Gibraltar. To port the Spanish coast was clearly visible, through the haze to starboard a tawny brown smudge was the mysterious coast of Africa.

"What do you think we'll be doing?" asked a familiar voice from behind him.

John turned from his vantage point at the guardrail to greet Lorrimer-Coates. "What do you mean; in the next few days or more generally?"

"More generally. Do you think we'll get involved with whatever is going on in Spain?"

"I don't know. The Captain said the fleet exercises are going ahead as planned, but we are to protect British interests as necessary. I can't quite see how we do that, Spain is such a big place with so much coastline."

"Do you reckon we'll get any time ashore in Gib?" Lorrimer-Coates changed the subject to something of more immediate interest to the Midshipmen.

"Bound to. There'll be stores and fuel to take on, and I hear the Admiral has a round of meetings with the high-ups ashore, and is hosting a party on board with the people who matter."

"How do you get to know all this John? Do you have special access to the captain?"

"I stand bridge watches with Lieutenant Commander Turvey, who used to serve with my father and he can get quite chatty when things are quiet. He's told me quite a bit about the ship's programme."

"It is true what they say about the navy being a big family then. Did your old man tell you the best places to visit?"

"No, but he did tell me which ones to avoid if I don't want to lose my wallet." laughed John.

"Must be useful. Your father being able to advise on things like that I mean. My father's not been further abroad than the Isle of Wight. He couldn't really take in the places we visited on the Frobisher. He seemed to think the West Indies would be all mud huts and cannibals."

"Well, my sister romanticises them as being like Robinson Crusoe or Treasure Island. When we get in to Gib we're both in the same part of watch in harbour so we can go ashore together. I promised the family I'd send picture postcards from everywhere we go. In particular I want to get one with apes on it for my brother."

"Are you calling him a monkey?"

"No, but there are times when that would be appropriate. Actually it's because he was given a monkey for a pet several years ago. Totally ridiculous idea, but Roger thought it was great. In the end it was best for everyone, including the monkey, to send it to a zoo."

"Is he younger than you?"

"Roger? Yes, he's about five years younger."

"Is he going to join the RN as well?"

"I can't see it. When he stops mucking around he really is quite bright, and good at practical things. He's the sort of chap that will design aircraft or fast cars. Something showy anyway."

Both turned back to look at the rock, surprised at how much closer it had got while they were talking. "They'll be piping to harbour stations before long." said John. "Best go below and get changed."

o – o – O – o – o

When both watches were mustered for duty the following morning John was ready with his boat's crew. They were the early turn boat and already the stokers had fired up the boiler and ensured there was steam enough for any urgent requirements.

As the Officer of the Day approached John stiffened to attention and reported the crew ready. Despite John and Petty Officer Whittle having already done so, the officer inspected the crew closely.

"Walker!" he barked, "Do you know your duties for today?"

"Yes Sir," John replied, "Run as required during the forenoon and afternoon, then operate a shuttle service with the second picket boat to bring guests to the cocktail party."

"Correct. Remember, you and your men will be the first members of Royal Oak'screw that the guests will see, so smartness in all things and all times. Any sloppiness will be dealt with, harshly." The officer paused to let his words sink in. "Now man your boat. The Paymaster Commander is going ashore."

"Aye aye Sir." John saluted but the officer had already turned away. Biting back his annoyance at the abrupt way he had been treated John addressed his crew. "You heard what is expected of us today. I know you are always a credit to the ship when on duty, so let's get on with it." He nodded to Whittle, who gave the order to fall out.

The crew made their way to the boom where the picket boat lay and scorning the rope ladder slithered down the lizard to its deck. John took his place at the wheel while the others reached their respective stations. A quick check to confirm with the PO stoker that the engine was ready, and he gave the order to slip the boat rope.

"Slow ahead!" And they moved away from the other boats on the boom. John swung round in a gentle arc to come to the accommodation ladder leading to the quarterdeck. Using the few minutes available he did his best to get accustomed to how the boat handled. Concentrating on his boat-handling he did not dare look up to see if anyone was watching. At first he felt as if the whole fleet could be following his progress. Trying to ignore the feeling he kept his eye the foot of the ladder. "Stop... Slow Astern." With a flurry of water at the stern the boat quickly lost speed.

"That's enough Sir," Whittle advised. "else you'll stop short."

John ordered the engine to stop again and the boat just had enough way to drift close enough for the bowman to reach the platform at the bottom of the ladder with his boathook.

"Thank you PO," John said, keeping his voice low, "Any more and I wouldn't have made it."

"That's alright Sir. You just need to remember she's got plenty of stern power. Next time come in a bit quicker an' give 'er a good burst of 'alf astern when you're a coupla boat lengths off. She'll soon stop. Watch out Sir, 'ere comes the paybob."

John looked up and saw the Assistant Paymaster descending the ladder, followed closely by his superior.

"Where to sir?" he asked as the Paymaster came aboard.

"Flag Staff Steps please mid. Know where that is?"

"Yes Sir." John said that with confidence having spent part of the previous afternoon pouring over a chart of the harbour, noting the various landing places, and the positions of the other major ships in the harbour.

As he conned the picket boat across the harbour John forgot the possibility that was being watched, and started enjoying himself. The boat responded readily to the wheel and the wind ruffled water of Gibraltar harbour reflected the early January sun as thousands of golden flecks of light. Everywhere he looked were ships of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets assembled in preparation for the joint manoeuvres. One of Royal Oak's sister ships lay near the mighty Hood, possibly the most famous ship in the fleet. There was the distinctive flat-topped silhouette of an aircraft carrier, and beyond that several cruisers, further away still destroyers were moored in pairs.

All too quickly he was arriving at Flag Staff Steps. Another boat already lay there, her green hull marking her out as the Commander-in-Chief's boat. As she pulled away John could see a miniature St George's Flag fluttering at the bows, indicating the Admiral himself was aboard. John called his small crew to attention and saluted as the other passed them. Fervently he hoped they made a good impression. Slovenly boat work had a way of getting reported back.

The steps now being clear he carefully took the boat alongside. The Paymaster and his assistant returned his salute as they stepped ashore.

"Thank you Mid. Pick us up from here in two hours."

"Aye aye Sir." John replied. He could see another boat approaching so he gave the order to bear off and returned to the ship.

Similar duties continued all day. Officers were ferried ashore for business at the headquarters buildings, members of the Admiral's staff visited other ships, four of the younger wardroom officers went to play tennis. Then they had to be picked up again for the return trips. It was well into the First Dog Watch before the picket boat crew had a chance to stand-down.

"Make sure the boat is ready at the end of the First Dog Watch to bring visitors out for the Reception," instructed the Officer of the Day. "First pick up from the steps is at eight bells, and make sure you and your crew are in clean uniforms."

"Aye aye Sir," John replied, wondering if he would find time to eat properly. They returned the boat to the boom and the crew set to give it a quick clean up.

"Just a quick wipe round to remove any smears 'n' stains," Whittle ordered the crew, "Then scrub the deck before you go below. Oh yes, you'd better polish the brass as well. "

The crew applied themselves to the tasks and soon the boat was clean enough to pass the PO's eagle eyed scrutiny.

"There you are Sir. All done by kindness," he said to John, "an' they knows I'll kick their backsides if they slack," he added with a grin.

The crew scrambled up the ladder and returned to their messes to prepare for the evening's duties. John managed to grab a slice of bread and jam before changing his white duck trousers for a clean pair. He decided a swift brush down was enough for his jacket.

Before the end of the watch the crew had all returned to the boat. The OOW gave clearance for both picket boats to start a shuttle service to collect guests for the reception.

As they approached the landing place John could see a group already waiting for them to arrive. He expertly brought the boat alongside and Whittle called out "Boat for Royal Oak! Boat for Royal Oak!"

One or two dropped back but nearly everyone was bound for the ship. "Keep count PO" asked John, "We don't want to be overload, so we'll stop boarding when the cabin is full. The other boat is just behind."

The passengers, all guests for the Admiral's reception, started coming aboard. Most were used to boats and stepped aboard confidently. A few, mainly ladies, were a little hesitant and required the crew to lend a steadying hand until they were safely inboard.

"That's it! Full up!" called Whittle, holding his hand out out to stop a young lady in a bright yellow dress from boarding.

"Oh, can't you let me on please?" she asked "My parents are on board."

Whittle looked back to John, who nodded. "Alright, just this one. There's room in the aft cabin."

The girl in the yellow dress came nimbly aboard and found a seat in the cabin close to where John stood at the wheel. She brushed her dark hair away from her face and smiled at John. "Thank you. I wouldn't have minded going in the other boat but you look so nice I wanted to come with you."

John felt himself starting to turn red so he directed all his attention to the boat and leaving the landing stage. From the look on his face it was obvious that the sternsheetsman had heard the girl's comments and witnessed the reaction it brought. Momentarily John thought to tell the man to stop smirking, but too many officers ordered the men about without good reason. Instead he grinned in a self-deprecating manner and gave a small shrug.

During the short voyage back to the ship John was aware the girl was watching him all the way, often with a slight smile on her lips. Her dark hair and eyes were complemented perfectly by the yellow of her dress. He had to admit to himself that she was very good-looking.

When they arrived at Royal Oak a formal reception party was waiting to greet the guests, some of whom had to be helped from the boat to the platform at the base of the accommodation ladder. One of the last to leave was the girl. As stepped off she asked John "Will you be joining us at the party?"

John had to shake his head. "No, I'm duty all evening and have to stay with the boat."

"Oh, what a pity," and at that she followed the others up the ladder to the quarterdeck.

"I think you've managed to pull yourself a nice young lady there sir." said Whittle.

"Nonsense PO. She was just being friendly. I expect that once she meets some of those with gold braid on their sleeves she'll forget all about me."

"Didn't look like that to me sir."

"Don't talk rubbish. Now let's get on with the next trip."

All the guests were aboard the battleship after another round trip by both boats and their crews were able to relax for a while. The Officer of the Day directed the second boat to return to the boat boom while John and his crew waited at the accommodation ladder in case they were needed.

While above them the quarterdeck was a scene of bright lights, food, drink and music, the boat's crew shivered as a chill wind blew across the darkening harbour, reminding them that although they were in Gibraltar it was still January and the weather could be as chilly as Britain.

"Lucky blighters," muttered one of the crew, as they watched one of the other picket boat's crew carefully lower a fanny of something hot to those below. "While we're stuck 'ere the gangway crew can see our every move. That officer ," he indicated the officer above them with a slight inclination of his head, "is enjoyin' posh grub and I'm sure is doin' it where we can see special like."

Whittle spoke quietly to John, "D'you reckon you could keep 'im distracted for a few minutes Sir? I knows the PO steward and 'e'll let me me 'ave some grub for the lads."

"How can I do that?"

"I'm sure you can think of something Sir, you're the officer."

John thought for a while. He would need a very good reason to leave the boat and speak to the officer. At last he said "Alright PO, I've got an idea, but you and the lads stay here."

Whittle wondered what the young Midshipman had in mind, but stood aside and watched as John quickly ascended the accommodation ladder and spoke to the duty officer. From the cockpit of the boat he could not hear what was being said up on the main deck, but he could see the officer's expression change from one of annoyance to one of understanding. In only a short time the midshipman had saluted smartly and was descending back to the boat.

"What did you say to 'im Sir?" asked Whittle as John stepped back aboard.

"I told him the truth. That we've been on duty all day without a proper break and asked for something to be sent down."

"And 'e went along with that?"

"It's correct, so why shouldn't he? Hopefully there'll be something sent down soon."

To the surprise of Whittle and the other crew members two stewards arrived and the quartermaster called down to the boat, "Grub's arrived lads. Best send someone up to fetch it quick like."

Whittle despatched one of the sailors to collect the food. Later, as they ate, he considered the new Midshipman assigned to them. Most of the Midshipmen he had met started out with a superiority complex, believing that they were better than the men. On the whole they grew out of it and realised that the best way to command was through understanding and earning respect, but some remained arrogant and self-opinionated throughout their careers. In Whittle's opinion this new Mid was already showing concern from his men, and took notice of what he was advised. Whittle hoped he would remain with their crew longer than the last idiot did. He suspected that Midshipman Walker was destined for a fulfilling career in the Navy, if he didn't get cheesed off with the whole thing and start running a rubber plantation in Malaya or something.

As the men finished the last of the food footsteps were heard descending the ladder, John looked up to see who it was and was surprised to see the girl in the yellow dress. Rising to his feet he met her as she reached the bottom platform.

"Can I help you?" he asked "We weren't expecting to start ferrying people back so soon."

"No, I don't want to go back yet. I just want to get away from the party for a while. Can I join you?" she replied.

"I think so. I mean of course." and John held out his hand to steady her as she stepped aboard.

"Thank you. I was getting so fed up."

"Fed up? Why?"

"It's my parents. I came with them but my father seems to view every young officer he meets as a potential son-in-law. I pretended I needed to visit the ladies' room and slipped away."

"It can't really be as bad as that, really?" asked John.

"Oh it can be, you don't know my father."

"No, but you can join us here if really want to escape for a while."

"Thank you. My name's Lucinda, by the way, but you can call me Lucy, it sounds more ordinary."

"Lucy it is then, and I'm John."

"Excuse me Sir, I'll get the lads to tidy up on deck and make sure we're ready for the return trips." said PO Whittle, breaking into the conversation.

"What? Oh, right, thank you. Carry on then." John said.

There was a brief pause as Whittle shooed the crew out of the aft cabin and set them to their tasks. Alone with Lucy John felt more awkward. "Er, do you live here?" he asked, realising it was not the cleverest conversational opening.

"I do now, I was at school until recently. Father and mother have been here for a while. Father is a chandler, providing stores to ships. He wants to extend his business by getting naval contracts. What with that and trying to act as matchmaker he was getting impossible to be with."

"Matchmaker?"

"He thinks that if he can marry me off to an officer with good prospects it will be good for business. He never asks what I want. I was sent to the best school he could afford in England, then to Switzerland for finishing. I would rather have gone to somewhere less pretentious. Meet normal girls. Do you know what I mean?"

"I think so."

They were disturbed by a bugle call, the reception was ending with the ceremony of Sunset. The Royal Marine band played Sunset. Then the lights went out but for a single searchlight, which illuminated the ensign as it was ceremonially hauled down. As the seachlight flicked out a spontaneous round of applause rippled through the assembled guests and, unobtrusively, their hosts started to guide them to the gangway.

"Time for me to return to duty." said John, standing up as the first guests arrived back onboard.

"Thank you for talking to me. Can I see you again?"

"Maybe, I was hoping to go ashore tomorrow, see some of the sights if possible."

"I could show you around if you like. Could you be at the Café Imperial at two?" The girl looked so imploring that John found himself agreeing without thinking to ask where to find the café.