A SHORT HISTORY OF HMS WILDFIRE - ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE TRAINING CENTRE

Some historical notes
Collected in 1989 by Commander Andy Kirby RD* RNR
Commanding Officer 1986-9


In 1963 Captain J S M RICHARDSON DSO RN (Rtd) was invited to set up a Royal Naval Reserve Headquarters Unit in Chatham. As a Commander RNR he served as the first Commanding Officer of the reborn HMS WILDFIRE - a name long associated with Sheerness Naval Base. The Unit was commissioned on 10 September 1964 with 13 Officers and 39 Ratings.

The task of the Unit for the best part of its first 20 years was to train to be able to provide the plotting and communications manpower for Flag Officer MEDWAY's operational headquarters in the event of war. The underground former headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief the NORE which had been built in the inter-war period, and later FO MEDWAY's LCHQ, was used for training on Drill Nights, at weekends and during Exercises. Ratings were not classified as "mobile" and therefore all their training and their war task commitment centred on "the Tunnel". Officers specialised in the particular requirements of the Command, and provided staff support in Naval Control of Shipping, Mine Counter Measures, Plot, Communications and Maritime Intelligence. Ratings trained as HQ Plotters (and for a time as NCS Recorders) and HQ Communicators. Much additional training and support in general naval matters came from the staff of FO MEDWAY and HMS PEMBROKE where facilities were regularly used.

Although the Unit remained an HQ Training Centre with a broadly similar training role and commitment until 1983 there were a number of significant changes, particularly towards the end of this period. Not least was the move into sailor's rig from battle dress and beret which was not achieved for junior ratings until as recently as 1980. That coupled with the introduction of "mobility" for ratings and the loss of the "HQ" as a branch specialisation for all in HQ Units, marked the outward expression and acceptance of what those within HQ Units had long felt; namely that they were an integral and fundamentally important part of the Royal Naval Reserve.The closure of the Chatham Naval Base in 1983 brought with it a great uncertainty about the future of HMS WILDFIRE whose raison d'être had been so inextricably linked to the needs of Flag Officer MEDWAY. A new role was fashioned and a new training centre found. Medway Communications Training Centre was born. Plotter Rating support for the Naval Cell of the Surface Transport and Shipping Co-ordination Centre (STSCC) was to be provided and Radio Operators(G) and (T) were to be trained. A Medical department, including QARNNS(R), was also established. A complement not dissimilar to that which previously existed was confirmed - just over 100 ratings and some 30 officers.

At the time of this change no CTC carried a ship's name. It was enough to see the demise of HMS PEMBROKE and FO MEDWAY without the loss of the name WILDFIRE. The Unit moved into Collingwood Block; and at the official opening of the building in December 1983 it was not without surprise that Captain OXLEY (CSO(R) to CINCNAVHOME) found himself unveiling a plaque recording the official opening of the new headquarters of "Medway CTC - HMS WILDFIRE"! Collingwood Block had previously
been used for training artificers and dockyard apprentices, and as part of a Navy House concept now also housed the Royal Marine Reserve, Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, Sea Cadet Corps and Marine Cadet Corps.

There could only be one outcome of the unofficial retention of the ship's name and that came in 1984 when all CTCs were commissioned with ship's names - a great British compromise! At the time of the many commissioning ceremonies around the country HMS WILDFIRE was simply and solemnly rededicated in October 1984. The following year the Unit was honoured by being adopted by Gillingham Borough Council, and the event was marked by a parade and civic reception on 26 September 1985.

1988 saw yet further change for the Unit with its primary training function being redefined as Operations(HQ), and the primary task as manning STSCC. Nevertheless Radio Operator (T) training for both men and women continues and Medical Support Assistant training has been added to the well established Medical Department. The main officer specialisation remains NCS with Security, Communications, Supply, Medical and QARNNS(R), List 1 and Public Affairs all represented.

H.M.S. "Wildfire" LCHQ as it was in 1964

These tunnels were originally used as the Headquarter of Commander In Chief Nore during the second World War. They were a specially built World War II Underground bunker some 80 to 100 feet below ground, containing facilities for the command of activities in the North Sea and local area. These consisted of a Plot and Command Centre. A Telephone Exchange, A Communications Centre, a large scal plot of the North Sea and Joint Service facilities for fighting the war on a continuous basis with sleeping facilites on site, together with toilets and a small kitchen.

When H.M.S. "Wildfire" Chatham RNR took it over it was in a prety poor state, but was soon put to rights to retain the old Plot and Communications/Telephone Exchange. The remainder of the rooms were change to Offices and Classrooms. There were some reminders of WWII occupation such as names on doors such "Air Officer" etc.

There was an entrance at ground level, and an emergency exit also. The "Tunnel" was made secure by Air-tight Bomb Doors at the top of two very steep slops. The inside rather resembled the structure of the old London Underground - with Corrugated Iron sides infilled with steel girders and backfilled with re-inforced concret.

There were two escape routes - The Emergency Exit, and the ‘Ventilation chute’, which I recall was a favourite climb (being a vertical ladder!) of Lieut. Baker, and Sub Lt. Myatt.

There was also a Nissen Hut at Ground Level and Security Gates to the Road.

The Pictures:
Top Left - The Main Plot.
Bottom Left - The Comcen.
Centre - Plan of LCHQ.
Right Top - The PABX Telephone Exchange.
Bottom Right - The Ratings Club

The Commissioning service, conducted by the Honorary Chaplain to the Unit - The Rev. H.C. Hobbs, M.A.

The Captain addressed the Ship’s Company in these words:

"Brothers, seeing that in the course of our duty we are set in the midst of many and great dangers, and that we cannot be faithful to the high trust placed in us without the help of Almighty God, let us unite our prayers in the seeking of His blessing upon this ship and all that shall serve in her, now and in future times, that there may never be lacking men well qualified to offer to her their work and skill for His greater glory, and for the protection of our realm and empire."

Pictures:

Top right -The Ships Company & Guests Assemble.
Bottom Right - Flag Officer Medway arrives
Rear Admiral Sir. Ian Hogg,
KCB.,DSC. & Mrs Hogg.
Centre Left is a copy of the Form and Order of Service.

The Service began with the Hymn:
"Lead us, heavenly Father, Lead us……"

The Lesson was: "Joshua, Chapter 1, Verses 1 - 9 .

Then the Chaplain led the prays:
A pray of Sir Francis Drake. "O Lord God, when Thou givest to Thy servants to endeavour any great matter……"
The Naval prayer "O Eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea….."

Then the hymn: "Eternal Father, strong to save,………"
The Chaplain then blessed the Ship’s Company and Congregation.

Commander J.S.M. Richardson, D.S.O., Royal Naval Reserve then read the Commissioning Warrant.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.

Music by the Royal Marines Band of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet. Bandmaster J.R.E. Ellis, LRAM.


The Pictures:
Bottom Left - The Ships Name and Bell were
uncovered by Commander Richardson
& Mrs Hogg.
(NB. Date on Bell 1964 - a new bell
for a new Ship!)
Top Right - Admiral Commanding Reserves,
Rear Admiral H.C. Martell,
addresses the Ships Company.
Bottom Right - The cake is cut by Mrs Hogg.
The wife of F.O. Medway.