This shot is (taken In Portsmouth Harbour) is from the focsule looking aft
HMS Fife was one of several "County Class" destroyers. They were so popular during the 1970's and 80's that even "Airfix" (the model maker) manufactured models of our sister ship - HMS Devonshire.
The early ships had two 4.5 inch gun turrets. Later on the upper turret was replaced by an Exocet missile launcher.
Looking aft down the starboard side, from the bridge wing
(From memory) I think the ship was about 520 feet long, and something like 84 feet wide at its widest point. The weight was in the region of 6.500 tons.
I was a Marine Engineering Mechanic, and our living quarters (or mess), was 3Q deck. This was roughly 2 decks below the Helicopter flight deck. As I remember there were about 50 of us altogether.
This one is from the flight deck, looking forward.(The large radar was known as the "Bedstead")
Each of the County Class Destroyers carried a single "Wessex" Helicopter. The doors to the hanger can just be seen in the centre of this pic if you follow a line upwards from my shadow.
Two of the problems of living 2 decks below the flight deck were :-
This one is taken during an "open day" in Chatham dockyard
Navy Days are always poular with the public, and attract large crowds during the summer months.
During one "Navy days" weekend HMS Fife went out to sea, from Portsmouth with families on board.
It was a boiling hot day, but every one enjoyed seeing the "Fife", as well as many foreign
ship that were open on the day.
This is Nelsons Flag ship HMS Victory, famous for its involvment in the Battle of
Trafalgar ?
Yes !, I know its not HMS Fife, but think of Portsmouth, and you think of the Victory.
The Victory has been beautifully restored over the years, and is well worth a visit on board if you are in the Portsmouth area, as is the "Mary Rose" and HMS Warrior.
This is the Fife in the Azores
I love this picture of the Fife.
Ship mates from HMS Fife
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