HMS Astute

[DelP]

The bit where you had to surface at night to replenish your air is long gone as is the lack of water meaning you didn't have to wash. However, the fitting of desalination plants seems to have passed submariners by as I doubt they wash even though they can

My dad spent the best part of nearly thirty years on the old T- and A-class boats. When he was home and opened his kit-bag (read: 'grip' )the whole house stank of mildew and diesel....no amount of scrubbing on his part would remove the aroma and it lingered long after he'd gone back to sea

He was eventually 'grounded' for the last couple of years of his service when he needed full dentures fitted, so could no longer use escape gear or spend time in the 'tank'.

I think I've inherited his feet.........

Derek

[basys]

Hi Folks

Cheers Dave, sounds like a fun day.

My dad spent the best part of nearly thirty years on the old T- and A-class boats.
When he was home and opened his kit-bag (read: 'grip' )the whole house stank of mildew and diesel....
no amount of scrubbing on his part would remove the aroma and it lingered long after he'd gone back to sea

My father used to go on trials or deployments as a company rep, (primarily nukes).

On return,
mother would take his clothes into the back garden
and burn them all.



First few days after a boat's return,
they always stank like farted cabbage, (mercaptans).
Edit - Bacterial and unrelated to consumption of cabbage.

After a short while onboard you wouldn't notice it.

Funnily enough,
going topsides into the fresh air
then made you want to barf.



ATB
Paul

[DaveB]

I know that feeling very well and was reminded of it again a couple of weeks ago When we did the last engine run on the Vanguard, I was Jack me Starboard dhoby bucket up a ladder doing the top-up. As the engines needed more oil, the old boys were getting more and more careless at keeping the bottles clean so I ended up with loads of little drips of Shell turbine oil on my overalls. When I got home, I mentioned to SWMBO that they'd need a was so she grabbed em out of my bag and said.. God.. does this remind me of when you used to come back from sea or what! Try as I might, I couldn't even smell the oil! I used to leave my grip by the front door and hope any draft would suck the fumes out

ATB

DaveB