A piece of Royal Navy Submarine history has been kindly saved for posterity and future use by a team of volunteers at HM Naval Base Clyde.
An old Resolution Class Ship Control Console has been lovingly restored to its former glory by a team of willing volunteers from around the Naval Base and led by Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Al Rose.
The console was on display in the Reso bar in the basement of the old wardroom when it was rescued by Lt Cdr Rose who enlisted the help and expertise of two Babcock joiners, Michael McCann and David Thomson to assist with the rebuild and relocation.
He was also supported by Graham Thorley of QinetiQ, who kindly offered to cover any costs that arose, while a company called Lang and Potter provided the authentic material for the bench seat free of charge.
Michael McCann, a Babcock Marine cabinet maker said: "My workmate Davie Thomson and I feel proud to have been asked to use our cabinet making skills to craft a new home for this significant piece of Submarine history for future generations to enjoy and appreciate."
The newly restored console was unveiled in the Wardroom on Tuesday, June 13 and it is hoped it will enhance the character and appeal of the Terrace Bar where it has pride of place.
The event was attended by Mess staff and committee members, RESO society members, retired Royal Navy officers and some of those who were involved in the restoration of the console.
Lt Cdr Rose, who coordinated the restoration said "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped with the project, without their commitment, help and expertise this would not have been possible."
The first of this class of submarine to be completed was HMS Resolution, laid down in February 1964 and launched in September 1966.
After commissioning in 1967 she underwent a long period of sea trials, culminating in the test firing of a Polaris missile from the USAF Eastern Test Range off Cape Kennedy at 11:15 on 15 February 1968.
Resolution commenced her first operational patrol on 15 June 1968, beginning 28 years of Polaris patrols. The class were part of the 10th Submarine Squadron, all based here at HM Naval Base Clyde.
