SSN XI
Courage with Great Endurance

BATTLE HONOURS

Bay of Naples 1810
Burma 1852-3
China 1856-7
Atlantic 1943
Anzio 1944
Mediterranean 1944
Falklands 1982

COMMANDING OFFICERS OF THE PRESENT HMS SPARTAN

Commander P.N. Goodwin, Royal Navy
Commander J. B. Taylor, Royal Navy
Commander N.D.V. Robertson, Royal Navy
Commander J.W.R Harris, Royal Navy
Commander M. E. White, Royal Navy
Commander F. H. Hiscock, Royal Navy
Commander D.Southcott, Royal Navy
Commander P. H. Robinson, Royal Navy
Commander P. Hinchliffe, Royal Navy
Commander N. R. Harrap, Royal Navy
Commander I. S. Pickles, Royal Navy

The Launch 7th April 1978

SPARTAN-Britain's eleventh nuclear-powered sub, and the first to be launched since nationalisation of the shipyards- slid gracefully into the water at Vickers. The vessel is the latest in the Royal Navy's "Swiftsure" class, and will probably cost a total of more than £50m. The Barrow launch was conducted by Lady Lygo, wife of Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo, who is former vice-chief of the naval staff. Other top Navy personnel and VIPs were there to hear the crowd cheer Spartan on her way to an inch-perfect launch. Also present was Barrow's Employment Minister MP, Albert Booth, and Vickers chairman, William Richardson.

The crest was adopted by the fifth Spartan in 1943. It was the family crest designed for the Captain of the first Spartan, Sir Jahleel Brenton, when he was created a baronet in December 1812 for his successful action in the Bay of Naples. The motto was originally 'Go Through' but this has been changed to 'Courage with Great Endurance' to reflect the qualities of the Spartan soldier of ancient Greece.

The Brenton family line and the baronetcy became extinct on the death of Sir Jahleels only son Lancelot Charles Lee.

The Heraldic significance of the crest is difficult to trace but the Naval Crown and the name Spartan refer to Sir Jahleels' naval service. The two swans wings charged with drops of red are possibly a reference to, and taken in honour of, the Senior Officer, Sir William Hoste, of the squadron to which Brenton was attached when commanding Spartan. The Hoste family crest incorporates two swans wings and the drops of red were probably added to the device both to make the crest unique, and to indicate the severe wounds that Sir Jahleel Brenton received in battle.

Turning out the Power..... Engineering Motto

Royal Navy Hunter Killer Submarine

HMS SPARTAN was the fifth submarine of the Swiftsure Class and her addition to the Fleet in 1979 brought the total number of Fleet submarines to eleven.

Fleet submarines are nuclear powered hunter/attack vessels-the capital ships of today and the main striking power of the Fleet. In themselves they are the most effective single anti-submarine warfare weapons available. Their role in wartime is to seek and destroy enemy vessels; in peacetime, or in passive role, to undertake covert surveillance.

Great deeds are done in the air and on the land, nevertheless there is no part to be compared to your exploits. Winston Churchill.

Spartan was the 292nd submarine to be built at Barrow for the Royal Navy and the sixth RN ship to bear the name.
Launched: 7 April 1978. Lady Emily Lygo.
Displacement: 4000 tons light; 4400 standard; 4900 dived
Length:272 ft
Beam:32ft
Draught:29ft
Armament:5 21" Torpedo Tubes (20 reloads). Refitted to carry Sub-Harpoon.
Complement:124
Nuclear Reactor: 1 Pressurised water-cooled.
Machinery: 2 General Electric geared Steam Turbines 15000 shp; 1 Paxman auxiliary diesel; 4000 hp; 1 shaft. W.H. Allen turbo-generator sets.
Electrical: 112 cell emergency battery with diesel generator and electric motor for emergency drive.
External Gear: Control gear by MacTaggart, Scott & Co Ltd for: attack and search periscopes, snort induction and exhaust, radar and EW masts, ALK buoy. The forward hydroplanes house within the casing.
Radar: Search: Type 1006.
Sonar: Types 2001, 2007, 183 and 2024 or 2026 towed array.
Speed: In excess of 25 knots.
Depth: In excess of 500ft

Commissioning Order

To: Commander P.N. Goodwin, Royal Navy.

The Admiralty Board on behalf of the defence Council having directed that Her Majesty's Ship SPARTAN is to be commissioned at Barrow in Furness on 22nd September 1979 or as soon afterwards as circumstances permit, you are to proceed forthwith to commission her for Service in the Second Submarine Squadron.

On Commissioning you will be under my full command. You are to bring to my immediate notice, through the Captain (SM), Second Submarine Squadron and the Flag Officer Submarines anything which gives you cause for dissatisfaction with the ship or any part of her and any other matters of importance, in particular those relating to the welfare of the Ships Company.

May God's blessing be upon the ship and the company hereby entrusted to your command, and may joint endeavors to uphold the high traditions of the Royal Navy in the service of Her Majesty The Queen be crowned with success and happiness.

Admiral, Sir James Eberle, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Admiral in Her Majesty's Fleet, and Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed and to be employed in the Fleet.

THE COMMISSIONING 22nd SEPTEMBER, 1979

LATE SUMMER sunshine bathed the sinister cold black hulk of Spartan, flag bedecked and in her "Sunday best" for her commissioning at Barrow today. It glinted on ceremonial swords and highlighted the dazzling whiteness of the rows of caps as the smartly drawn up ship's company stood on the quayside. The band played, buglers blew and after a short ceremonial service ensigns were run up and the newest of the 'S' class fleet submarines became part and parcel of the Royal Navy. Service awaits in the second submarine squadron following the piping aboard of her Captain, Cdr Nigel Goodwin after today's ceremony which was watched by Lady Lygo who launched Spartan at Barrow in April last year. Several hundred people including crew members families, naval personnel and civic heads watched today's commissioning including Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo, Rear Admiral R.R. Squires, Flag Officer Submarines and Commodore C.N. Maceacharn, Commodore Clyde and Mr. William Richardson, chairman, Vickers Shipbuilding Group. The service and blessing was conducted by the Ven, B.A O'Ferrall, Chaplain of the fleet, the Rev. J.C. Creber, Principal Chaplain Church of Scotland and Free Churches (Naval) and Father J.Ryan representing the principal Naval Roman Catholic Chaplain. Following the service the official party, which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Barrow, Coun. and Mrs. Harold Browne, went aboard Spartan and later lunch was taken at the Town Hall, where naval personnel were invited to sign the visitor's book. In the evening was the Ship's Company Dance.

THE OFFICERS AND SHIPS COMPANY
of
HMS SPARTAN

Request the pleasure of your company at their
COMMISSIONING DANCE
to be held at the CUMBRIA GRAND HOTEL, GRANGE-OVER-SANDS
on SATURDAY, 22nd SEPTEMBER 1979 19.30-01.30

Dancing to
RADIO CAROLINE ROAD SHOW - TIME OUT - HOTEL TRIO
Bar Extension, Buffet, Lounge Suits, Raffle on Ticket Number, Transport Available.

THE SHIP'S COMPANY OF HMS SPARTAN ON COMMISSIONING

COMMANDER P Nigel. GOODWIN Commanding Officer
COMMANDER Michael. J WATERHOUSE. Marine Engineering Officer
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Dan. CONLEY. Executive Officer
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Kenneth. J C DAY. Deputy Marine Engineering Officer
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Charles A CURNOCK. Weapons Engineering Officer
LIEUTENANT David. I LISTER. TASO
LIEUTENANT Anthony. W NEWLING-WARD. SO
LIEUTENANT Ian. R WHITEHOUSE. Navigating Officer.
LIEUTENANT Kenneth G TAPPING. AMEO
LIEUTENANT Ian. H DAVIES. SCO
LIEUTENANT Geoffrey. POLLARD. AMEO
LIEUTENANT Owen J DAVIES. AMEO
LIEUTENANT Barry.K.Downer DWEO
LIEUTENANT David. M VAUGHAN
LIEUTENANT Alastair KENNAUGH

CHARTERS W Keith. FLEET CHIEF MARINE ENGINEER ARTIFICER (ELECTRICAL) (Chats)

HARRISON R CHIEF PETTY OFFICER COXSWAIN

BAXTER Kevin. Marine Engineering Artificer (Mechanical) 1st Class
CAHILL P Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 1st Class (Jerry)
COLE Michael J Weapons Engineering Artificer 1st Class
CONWAY C Weapons Engineering Mechanician 1st Class
COOPER Dennis. Chief Petty Officer Medical Assistant (Boots)
FLEMING Michael. Weapons Engineering Mechanician 1st Class
FOSKER Robin. Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical) 1st Class 
GEORGE Dave. Chief Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic
GRAY D R Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical) 1st Class
HALLIWELL James. Marine Engineering Mechanician (Electrical) 1st Class (Jim)
HARROWSMITH .John. Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 1st Class (Black H)
HAWKES Lewis. Chief Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) (Paddy)
HUGHES John. Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 1st Class (George or JC)
LONG.Malcolm. Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 1st Class (Dodger)
LONGBOTTOM Peter Weapons Engineering Artificer 1st Class
LOVELL Michael Marine Engineering Mechanician (Electrical) 1st Class (Shovel)
MADDICK R. Weapons Engineering Artificer 1st Class
McGUINESS Graham. Chief Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical)
PARSONS W Weapons Engineering Mechanician 1st Class (Oggy)
PEEL.Ian. Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical)1st Class (Emma)
PRITCHARD David. Chief Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical)
PYRAH Malcolm. Marine Engineering Mechanician (Electrical) 1st Class (Polly)
READSHAW Terry. Chief Marine Engineering Artificer (Mechanical)
RICHARDS T Chief Petty Officer (Operations) (SM)
RICHARDSON.Bernard. Chief Weapons Engineering Mechanician (Dick)
RADESTOCK D Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 1st Class
WARD D Weapons Engineering Mechanician 1st Class (Sharkey)
WATTS B Weapons Engineering Artificer 1st Class

BARRY Timothy. R Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 3rd Class
BRADY J A Petty Officer (Sonar) (SM)
BROTHERHOOD S Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 2nd Class
BROWN Michael. Petty Officer Steward
BURTON I Petty Officer (Underwater Weapons) (SM) (Ollie)
CAMBRIDGE R Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)
CARTLEDGE S Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 2nd Class
CROOK A Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 2nd Class
COX N D Petty Officer (Sonar) (SM) (Pip)
FISHBURN Petty Officer Stores Accountant
GARDNER D Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical) 2nd Class
HARRINGTON T Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Tom)
HINES A Weapons Engineering Mechanician 3rd Class
LEADBETTER Frank. Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical)
LEITHEAD R Petty Officer Cook
LOTT Allen D. Petty Officer (Sonar) (SM) (Herbie)
McCURRY William. Radio Supervisor (SM) (Mac)
MILLS D Radio Supervisor (SM)
MURPHY T R Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical) (Spud)
NAYLOR A Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical) 2nd Class
OLDNALL-DAVEY Peter. Weapons Engineering Artificer 2nd Class (Odd ball-gravy)
ROSS Tony Chief Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical). (Big T)
SELBY C Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical) 2nd Class
SHEARMAN M Petty Officer Stores Accountant
STEWART A Petty Officer (Sonar) (SM)
STUBBINGS P Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical) 2nd Class
TOSE Steven. Marine Engineering Artificer (Electrical) 2nd Class

ADAMS R Leading Cook
ASPARASSA A W Radio Operator (Submarines)
BARNES R Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Radio)
BARRETT W Steward
BIRD S Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Dickie)
BONSER Steve. Ordinary Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Dog)
BARRACLOUGH David. Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM)
BRADLEY Phillip. Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical)
BRITTEN Richard Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Ben)
BROWN A Radio Operator (Submarines)
CANNON George. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical)
CHRISTMAS S Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Father)
CONNOLLY S Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)
CULLEN Michael. Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Radio)
DINGLEY Andrew D Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Circles)
DOWNIE Brian. Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Abdul)
ELLSTON.Gary Radio Operator (Submarines) (Gaz)
EMBY C Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical)
EMERY M Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Dick)
FORSYTH.David. Radio Operator (Submarines) (Inch High)
FOSTER A Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical) (George)
FOX Steven G. Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Freddie)
GOODHEAD David. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Give it)
GOODHEAD Steven. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Give it more)
GOUGH.Alan. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Brum or Flakey)
GRAHAM Michael. Medical Assistant
GRAY Steven Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Dolly)
GREGORY C Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)
GEOGHEGAN Neil. Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Ginge)
HALL Andrew.R. Leading Radio Operator (Submarines) (Nobby)
HARDING P Radio Operator (Submarines)
HARLEY Wilf. Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM)
HOLBROOK Ian. Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Sid)
HOOK Arthur. Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)
JONES I Cook
JONES M Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)
KAMIS. Roy. Ordinary Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Kami)
KENNEWELL Nigel. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) 
LAWES Ansell S. Leading Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Sam)
LEWIS Michael. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical)
LYNCH Wayne. M Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Kenny)
MAIDEN K A Leading Writer
MACLEOD C Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance)
MANN R Leading Stores Accountant
MARTIN D C Leading Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Pincher)
MAY G Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Daisy)
MAYER M Stores Accountant
MITCHELL G Leading Radio Operator (Submarines)
MONKS W Cook (Taff)
MASKELL T J Radio Operator (Submarines) (Jimmy)
MORGAN Michael  J Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Rattler)
OUTLAW Anthony. Leading Cook
PAGE Ian. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Piggy)
PAYNE Charles. Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance) (Whacker or Fog Horn-Leg Horn)
PEARCE R Leading Steward
PEARCEY E Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM)
PERRY K S Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical)
POPE John. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Popeye)
REES L Leading Medical Assistant
RUDD Kevin P. Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM)
RUSSELL Richard. Radio Operator (Submarines) (Dickie)
SAVILLE David E. Weapons Engineering Artificer Apprentice (Tiff)
SLATER J Leading Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Ordnance)
SLATER S James. Leading Steward
SMITH Alan D Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic (Mechanical) (Smudge)
SMITH S C Leading Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Smudge)
THOMPSON J Leading Radio Operator (Submarines)
UNSWORTH Arthur. Leading Seaman (Underwater Weapons) (SM) (Speedy)
WHITE N Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM) (Knocker), (the two deck scrubber)
WILLIAMS J Radio Operator (Submarines) (Bungy)
WILKINS Eric. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)
ZAMMIT N J Leading Radio Operator (General)

ALL CREW MEMBERS INDICATED WITH A CAN BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK..

In memory. Former crew now on Eternal Patrol.

ANDERSON. David. Charge Chief Marine Engineering Artificer (M)

BEVAN. Shaun. Marine Engineering Mechanic.

CHARTERS Chats Fleet Chief Petty Officer

GRAHAM. Michael. Leading Medical Assistant

HARRIES. Graham. Deputy Marine Engineering Officer

HARRISON R Chief Petty Officer Coxswain.

HAWKES Lewis. Chief Marine Engineering Mechanician (Mechanical)

KAVANGH Jon. Lt  (AMEO)

McCURRY William RS (SM) Mac

MALLARD Kenneth.. Chief Weapons Electrical Artificer

MITCHELL-KNIGHT Tony. Fleet Chief Petty Officer.

RAYSON. James. Marine Engineering Mechanic. (Electrical)

PAYNE Charles Weapons Electrical Mechanic Ordnance (Whacker)

READSHAW. Terry. Chief Marine Engineering Artificer (Mechanical)

ROSS. Tony. Chief Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)

SHIELDS Simon Marine Engineering Officer

SLATER James. Leading Steward

WAUGH. Phillip. Petty Officer (Sonar) (SM)

WHITE N Able Seaman (Sonar) (SM).

WILKINS Eric. Marine Engineering Mechanic (Electrical)

WOOD. John. Able Seaman (TS) (SM)

We will remember them.

"Bless those who serve beneath the deep,
Through lonely hours their vigil keep.
May peace their mission ever be,
Protect each one we ask of thee.
Bless those at home who wait and pray,
For their return by night and day."

- Rev. Gale Williamson

Barrow-in-Furness is well known to all Royal Navy submariners and to many from overseas. Time was when, 'standing by the boat' during building, visiting crews knew little but the immediate vicinity, but modern submariners have discovered the charm of the whole Furness area. There are few towns but many delights. The lake district is 30 minutes drive from Barrow; open countryside is but a few minutes away, and the seashore is within 10 minutes of any part of Barrow. For those who go looking, there are ruined castles, the majestic remains of Furness Abbey, historic churches, ancient stone circles, nature reserves, quiet and picturesque villages. Sailing, wind-surfing, fishing, swimming, gliding, fell walking, horse riding or just passing the time in a 'country pub' are there for the taking.

Change there must be, change there will be, but two things remain constant-pride in the knowledge and craft skills which produce ships like Spartan; and a welcome for the sailor. Whilst Spartan is in service she will be one more submarine that, to the people of Barrow, is 'ours'. Her ship's company were one more that has left a host of friends behind, and earned the gratitude and respect by genuine effort within the community.

It didn't take the crew long to announce its arrival in Plymouth!

WESTERN EVENING HERALD PLYMOUTH APRIL 11 1980

PUB STRIP LARK BY 10 SAILORS

Goggle-eyed customers in a Plymouth pub nearly went off their beer as ten saucy sailors gave them their version of the classic hit musical- Stripping in the Rain.

The bars of the Barley Sheaf in New George Street were packed when the rock band "Smoke Screen" took a break. So a group of young matelots decided to take over with a revealing impromptu performance.

Their vigorous rendering, interspersed with rugby-type chanting, inspired the lusty lads to take off their shirts, then their trousers and, finally, a colourful collection of underpants before the management forced them into a quick exit.

"It was quite a spectacle," said Patricia McCurry, of Sydney Street, North Road West. "I'd gone in with my boyfriend, Linton Howell-Hughes, for a quiet drink. We never expected anything like this. I don't think anyone believed they'd have the nerve to do a complete strip so there were no moves to restrain them."

She added she was not shocked and the audience, mostly young people, were amused rather than offended. A few walked out "mainly because they thought the police might be called and they didn't want to be involved."

Trainee manager Richard Filmer said today: "They were in high spirits and did go too far. We got them out easily. But they haven't been banned. I think they've learned their lesson. We know where they came from."

Repeatedly, the stripper sailors told their audience they were from the crew of a new Devonport-based nuclear submarine which was "magic." Its name? The Spartan.

"I know this is true as one of my staff used to be with them," said Mr Filmer. "I hope they give this lark up. Give me Gene Kelly any day."

Jan 2001 Reunion Photographs 2 3 4  

APRIL 2002 REUNION PHOTOGRAPHS  2 3 4 5

  REUNION 2006  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  

  REUNION 2007 2 3  

  REUNION 2008  2  

   REUNION 2011 2 3 4 

REUNION 2012 30th ANNIVERSARY OF FALKLANDS CAMPAIGN 1 2 3 4 5 6

  Scouse Elwers wedding photographs 2012

Spartan Sports Team Photographs

Spartoon's 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14 15 16 17

HMS SCEPTRE CREW PHOTOGRAPH 1989 Bermuda

2nd Commission Crew List 

2nd Commission Photographs 1 2

 

ALWAYS HAPPY TO ADD MORE SPARTAN 1st COMMISSION PHOTOGRAPHS.

Contact me at rattler.morgan@tiscali.co.uk

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