HMS Wizard in the Bay of Biscay

[David Morton]

Does anyone remember the rough trip across the bay in 1965? I was on my sea training period and joined the Wizard in Gibraltar. The first time at sea and never have I experienced anything worse in the 24 years in the RN from that date. We lost the sea boats?, guard rails and broke the windows in the lower bridge.
I remember the call ' Damage control party to the lower bridge' I thought we were about to sink!!!
Layed in my hammock I felt so ill. We limped into Plymouth instead of the intended port of Liverpool.
What a first experience.
Can anyone else fill in any details? I joined HMS Aisne shortly afterwards.
David (Junior Stoker on sea training)

[Clive Weeks]

Hi David.

I was a Local Acting CREA on Wizard from 13-9-64 till 12-1-65, so it seems like I must have just missed that exciting trip through the Bay. The only thing I can remember about my time on Wizard was tying up in the Pool of London, where we renewed our association with the Borough of Wood Green, and also had a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury (Ramsey) who came onboard for a cup of char in the PO's mess.