The submarine HMS Trump brings forgotten memories once again to the surface for me, care of King Charles ....

Music to my ears!

During his speech at the State Dinner at the White House in Washington, King Charles presented the American President with a bell from the tower of the HMS Trump, a Royal Navy submarine first launched in 1944 that served in the Battle of the Pacific during WW2. This British submarine was stationed in Australia for more than 20 years during the Royal Navy's constant presence there.

Charles served in the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976, qualifying as a helicopter pilot and commanding the coastal minesweeper HMS Bronington. Following training at BRNC Dartmouth, he served on the guided-missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and underwent Royal Marines training, rising to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring. 

This piece of intelligence brought back so many adolescent memories for me but rather unconnected with the Royal Navy!

Charles presented Trump with the glowing brass as gold relic of his Royal Navy namesake as he delivered a toast in which he said he hoped it would “stand as a testimony to our nation's shared history and shining future.”

Charles has a wonderful sense of humour and still adores the Goon Show and Monty Python

“And should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring” 

(so amusing in view of Trump's remarkable accessibility on his mobile phone)

Also the gently demolishing quip "If it wasn't for us you would all be speaking French!"

If you care to read this account of my ownership of one of these peerless Bristol 400 motor cars you will come across a slightly embarrassing mention of the submarine  HMS Trump and what it meant to me all those years ago !         

       BRISTOL BEACH – Recollections of a Brief Affair with Chassis 319

Bristol 400 Chassis 319 circa 1966

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