"The Navy's Here"
By Derek Harper,
ex Leading Seaman, RP2

The Med Fleet, in those days, was based at Malta, but regularly deployed, in the Near East region. I served aboard two frigates, which operated in the Canal Zone. The first, was HMS Magpie, of the  2nd Frigate Squadron. With other sister ships, including the Mermaid, we had tours lasting several  weeks, usually starting, with a stint alongside, berthed at Admiralty House, in Port Said, moving  down to Lake Timsah for a while, then, to the Bitter Lakes, and finally, anchored out in the bay, near  Suez, and Addabiyah. We obviously linked up with shore based forces, including the Army, and Four-Five, Royal Marine Commando. I suppose we were showing the flag, a Naval presence. We also monitored all shipping, passing through the Canal, especially, the numerous, so-called, USSR fishing trawlers. Sometimes, we escorted convoys from one end, to the other. I remember, we always had to go ashore to British Military bases, carrying small arms, ancient '45 service revolvers, and Lanchester sub-machine guns!

I recall being transferred from the Magpie in 1953, to BMH Fayid, for treatment to an  injury, I had sustained at the Marine Commando training centre, in Malta. I was taken by RAMC ambulance, from Port Suez, along the Canal road, to Fayid. We had stones thrown at us, along much of the route! After discharge from the BMH, I languished in the Transit camp, waiting for a lift back to Malta, (my ship had gone on without me!). Since I was the only matelot there, I was left alone, and had a great time, courtesy of the various Sgt's messes in Fayid, even though I was only the equivalent to a corporal! The Magpie paid off, in October 1954, in Portsmouth. I returned, to serve aboard HMS Undine, of the 6th Frigate Squadron, from 11/55, to 11/56, which carried out similar duties, culminating in the 1956 Invasion, after which, she returned to the Home base.

So, Jolly Jack made a considerable input, to Canal Zone security measures. Mind you, we used to go off on jaunts, to Beirut, Haifa, and Famagusta, to name a few other, iffy spots. I certainly didnt envy, the life of the Army, and RAF personnel ashore!

I would imagine, that the time we put in the Zone, would qualify us for the GSM, if it was to be awarded. We had one for Cyprus, and another, for the 1956 do, so, I would imagine the shore based matelots, Bootnecks, soldiers, and RAF boys, would merit even more than we!

Derek Harper
ex Leading Seaman, RP2.