Penguin News Article 03/06

DC Visits South Georgia

During the last week the Falkland Island guardship HMS Dumbarton Castle has been busy patrolling the waters to the East of the Islands and has paid a visit to the British Dependency of South Georgia, around 800 miles to the east of Stanley.  The notorious South Atlantic waters were mercifully calm on the passage down and despite having to dodge a number of icebergs, DC was able to run some cold weather training, weapon practices and internal exercises – also showing some of our guests how we fight fires on board a warship.  During the patrol Dumbarton Castle paid visit to the British Antarctic Survey station at King Edward Point, Grytviken, Stromness and Andrews Bay. 
 
The Navy were not alone in their visit, a contingent from the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) were embarked for the patrol.  They were landed from the ship to conduct patrols of the areas surrounding Cumberland Bay and Stromness. Lt John Macloed KOSB (OC of the Detachment) said “It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to test ourselves in this unique environment while continuing to build the strong working relationship that we have with the Royal Navy in the South Atlantic”. 

As summer progressed through South Georgia and the snows melted, some quite old pieces of ammunition were revealed, so DC took an Explosives team with them as well and disposed of the offending articles so that future tourists can enjoy the whole area as well as passing yachts.

HMS Dumbarton Castle is on her way back to the Falkland Islands as you read this, to continue her duties on station in the South Atlantic.  No doubt you will see us around.