Next came the
boat drill, as we neared the bridge over the creek the rowers had to keep perfect time, the others had to sit up straight, because according to Mr Heslop there could have been a Naval officer on the bridge watching us.
Likewise, on the morning of the tragedy Captain Smith canceled a scheduled life
boat drill to allow people to attend church.
My next posting was to HMS Iron Duke, a little nearer home, but when telling one uncle where I was he looked surprised adding the comment, 'There are no bl**dy ships in Malvern', where I was doing a short seamanship course using a lake for
boat drill.
Box 364, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799, Phone (664) 258-4527 or (425) 687-1053, seeking anyone who can assist him with an injury occurring during a
boat drill.
The shortage of lifeboats, the lack of
boat drills and the use of barbed wire around the boat deck all contributed to the terrible death toll.
But there had been two
boat drills and there was no panic or confusion.
PREPARED The crew of HMS Northumberland have been routinely practising their skills, including gunnery exercises and
boat drills, to keep themselves fit and ready for action