Andrew Heasman's Blog, page 6
December 7, 2017
HMS Queen Elizabeth
With the official commissioning of the Royal Navy's newest Aircraft Carrier today at Portsmouth, I found a planned timeline for the proposed development and operational readiness of both HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
For a more detailed view, and to read some of the views and opinions on this, view the source article HERE.As you can see, there is a long way still to go before either ship is fully operational - let's just hope there is no major requirement for them before they are complete...!For a bit more news about the commissioning ceremony, and to watch a video of The Queen welcoming her namesake to the Royal Navy, read this article on the BBC News website.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-42256046
From the author of "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available now from Amazon worldwide.orClick through from my website: https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorAvailable as a luxury Paperback, or a Kindle E-Book.Paperback only £7.99 E-Book only £1.99 UK prices.
For a more detailed view, and to read some of the views and opinions on this, view the source article HERE.As you can see, there is a long way still to go before either ship is fully operational - let's just hope there is no major requirement for them before they are complete...!For a bit more news about the commissioning ceremony, and to watch a video of The Queen welcoming her namesake to the Royal Navy, read this article on the BBC News website.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-42256046From the author of "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available now from Amazon worldwide.orClick through from my website: https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorAvailable as a luxury Paperback, or a Kindle E-Book.Paperback only £7.99 E-Book only £1.99 UK prices.
November 30, 2017
Christmas is Coming...
'Tis the start of Advent tomorrow, so what better time to think about Christmas presents for family and friends.Do you know any ex-navy personnel? Are you a former member of Her Majesty's Royal Navy? Are you tired of looking for that elusive present, or stocking-filler, that will bring a smile to their face come Christmas morning?The perfect present is but a click or two away. Buy them a copy of,"Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures."The paperback would make the ideal gift. Full of excitement and adventure, and with great reviews, it is sure to please them. It is not a cheap, throw-away book either; being printed on quality paper, and with a velvet-like matt finish to the cover. Who could ask for more?At a mere £7.99 in the UK, it is not overly expensive either.If the paperback version is not to your liking, how about a Kindle E-Book version. Only £1.99 from Amazon UK (or free if you are a member of Amazon Prime or Kindle Unlimited).Get your copy now to avoid Christmas disappointment. Don't wait until Santa gets too busy delivering pressies to the kids.Available NOW from Amazon.co.ukor Amazon.com(and all other Amazon outlets worldwide).ORVisit my website at https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorMERRY CHRISTMASAnd Thank You to all of those who have already bought a copy of the book (or intend to soon).Remember // a glowing review on Amazon makes a great Christmas present to the author (hint - hint).
UPDATE on my last Newsletter...Good news -- Book #2 in back on track. I have resumed writing my police memoirs.I contacted Lincolnshire Police, Force Information Unit to clarify what I can and cannot mention in my book, having been informed that some forces do not allow details to be written unless extremely strict guidelines are followed.The good news is that Lincs Police are very positive towards my proposed book. They were very helpful; furnishing me with details of what is acceptable and what is not. And they pointed out the rules relating to Data Protection and Official Secrets Act. Needless to say, I had already considered all of this anyway, and now that I have these details in writing from an "official" source, my writing of the first draft can continue - Full steam ahead.Thank You to all at Force HQ for their positive feedback, and encouragement.
November 22, 2017
Search for Argentinian Submarine
Currently in the news is the search for the Argentinian Submarine, ARA San Juan (S-21), which has been missing in the South Atlantic for the past 6 days. With 44 crew onboard, there is a joint operation to locate, and rescue those trapped. Britain has sent HMS Protector, an Ice Patrol Ship (A173) to assist in the search, and an aircraft is on stand-by should it be required.
Back in the day, when I served in the Royal Navy, one of my drafts was to ARE Helston (Admiralty Research Establishment); and one of my roles there was to operate the navy's only Submarine Rescue Unit. I am unsure if the unit still exists, or whether it has become part of the many cut-backs over the years; but back then, our unit consisted of 4 staff. We operated a SCORPIO ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) which was similar to an underwater robot. Unmanned, it was operated from the surface via an umbilical cable. With manipulator arms, cutter attachments, sonar systems, and cameras/lights; it was designed to locate the wreck of a submarine, survey it for damage or signs of life, and then deploy air canisters in order to feed air to those trapped inside.
Often, we were under-utilised as there were very few actual submarine rescues to perform. We trained so that we would be available at a moment's notice, but quite a lot of the time, we were deployed (hired-out) to companies like BT to assist in the survey of their underwater cables and pipework.By doing this, we often worked closely with their civilian crews who operated a manned mini-sub, which was also used in the event of a real rescue. This mini-sub had an open moon-pool in the center of the hull, through which submariners could escape their sunken coffin once the sub had coupled to the escape hatch. If you watch the film, "The Hunt For Red October" it will give you a good idea of its capabilities.
Whether these units are available now, to be used in this case, I do not know. I am sure the US navy have similar capabilities and will deploy them to the scene.But at the moment, it is irrelevant. The weather conditions are far too rough to deploy an ROV or a Mini-sub, with huge waves in excess of 5m in height. Additionally, you can only deploy ONCE the submarine has been located; as it stands, this has not been achieved (again, due to the weather conditions). Current weather conditions video:https://www.facebook.com/militaryphotosUK/videos/1612180202153496/To read more about my service with the UK's Submarine Rescue Unit read my book:-"Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available from Amazon worldwide.Click HERE.
Back in the day, when I served in the Royal Navy, one of my drafts was to ARE Helston (Admiralty Research Establishment); and one of my roles there was to operate the navy's only Submarine Rescue Unit. I am unsure if the unit still exists, or whether it has become part of the many cut-backs over the years; but back then, our unit consisted of 4 staff. We operated a SCORPIO ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) which was similar to an underwater robot. Unmanned, it was operated from the surface via an umbilical cable. With manipulator arms, cutter attachments, sonar systems, and cameras/lights; it was designed to locate the wreck of a submarine, survey it for damage or signs of life, and then deploy air canisters in order to feed air to those trapped inside.Often, we were under-utilised as there were very few actual submarine rescues to perform. We trained so that we would be available at a moment's notice, but quite a lot of the time, we were deployed (hired-out) to companies like BT to assist in the survey of their underwater cables and pipework.By doing this, we often worked closely with their civilian crews who operated a manned mini-sub, which was also used in the event of a real rescue. This mini-sub had an open moon-pool in the center of the hull, through which submariners could escape their sunken coffin once the sub had coupled to the escape hatch. If you watch the film, "The Hunt For Red October" it will give you a good idea of its capabilities.Whether these units are available now, to be used in this case, I do not know. I am sure the US navy have similar capabilities and will deploy them to the scene.But at the moment, it is irrelevant. The weather conditions are far too rough to deploy an ROV or a Mini-sub, with huge waves in excess of 5m in height. Additionally, you can only deploy ONCE the submarine has been located; as it stands, this has not been achieved (again, due to the weather conditions). Current weather conditions video:https://www.facebook.com/militaryphotosUK/videos/1612180202153496/To read more about my service with the UK's Submarine Rescue Unit read my book:-"Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available from Amazon worldwide.Click HERE.
November 20, 2017
Book #2 setbacks...!!!!!
Welcome to my latest Newsletter...For those awaiting the second installment in my Memoir Series, there is some disappointing news...!Despite having completed about a quarter of the story's first draft, production has had to take a step backwards, and has been put on hold for the moment. The reason? Well, I was talking to a fellow author from a similar background (ex-navy, ex-police). It seems that police forces (in general) have strict rules regarding what can or cannot be published in books or memoirs...! It varies from force to force (as does everything relating to the police - nothing is ever a national policy), and mainly applies to serving officers (which can be understood). However, until things are clarified, I have no choice but to await the result of some enquiries with the force's legal eagles.There are options, and ways around the problem, so the project is not dead in the water as such. Options that have been suggested include using a "Pen Name" (which is fine), and changing names, locations, and the like (which I have done anyway). I've also altered or omitted any operational details, and put a disclaimer at the beginning to state that everything is my own opinion, view, or experience.However, hearing from other forces, it seems that even mentioning the name of the police force, or the town that I worked in is a no-no...! Ridiculous as it seems, people are worried in case it upsets the locals - the same locals who are only too well aware of their crime rates and circumstances.Of course, I could just fictionalise the whole thing - write it as if it was a made-up person in a made-up town, dealing with made-up incidents (even though they would be based on real events); but that defeats the object of writing a memoir. What is the point in telling a true story if you can't tell the facts, give opinions etc?As it stands, I may well write two stories - one, a true and honest account for my family; keeping true to my beliefs and telling MY story. And a second version of it, fictionalised, with all controversial parts taken out, names and places omitted, as per police policy (assuming they have these rules in force). This second version can then be published.But at the moment, I am waiting on Lincs Police (if I'm even allowed to mention them by name - lol) to get back to me with their list of requirements.In an ideal world, it should be a case of me being able to write whatever I want so long as it does not breach privacy or operational issues. After all, everything I saw, did, experienced happened; it is all TRUE, and all opinions (controversial or not) are my own. For the general public, it should be an eye-opener as to what REAL police life is like - NOT the sanitised, political image portrayed in the media.Could it be that police forces (In general) have their own agendas for limiting what can be written about them? You'll have to make your own minds up on that one...Until then, or I get further information about my book's progress - Watch This Space...Author of "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available from Amazon worldwide.Kindle E-Book only £1.99 Paperback only £7.99Click here for your copy
November 12, 2017
Remembrance Day Musings
Today is Remembrance Day in the UK, and yesterday was Armistice Day, both falling on the same Weekend. A time for reflection, and a time to remember those who gave their lives so that we can live the lives we live today.But this year is special in a number of ways; it is 100 years since women joined the armed forces, it is 100 years since the battle of Passchendaele, and on a more personal level, it is the first Remembrance Day Parade that my eldest daughter has attended as a member of The Brownies. Today, she marched as part of the units commemorating the fallen at the Stoke Remembrance Parade at Stoke Minster. My youngest daughter was there too, "marching" in the crowd, but as a member of The Rainbows, and too young to participate, her time will come.Click on the photos below to reveal a Slideshow of the images:-
WHO are The Heasman household remembering?Today, we are remembering Grandad Melton and Grandad Heasman.
Grandad Melton was a driver in the British army, serving in the Far East during WW2. He was captured by the Japanese during the Fall of Singapore, and served-out the rest of the war as a POW at the infamous Changi POW Camp, from where slave labour was supplied to build the Burma Railway. He survived the ordeals that he faced, returning to the UK, but died when I was 2 years old. I have visited Changi during the "Orient 92" deployment aboard HMS Invincible, details of which can be read in my book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures."
Grandad Heasman served in the army during WW1 (2/24th County of London Battalion - The Queens). Initially fighting in Greece, he was deployed to the lesser known battlefields of Egypt, Palestine and Gaza, capturing and defending Jerusalem (not on his own though - others helped). Towards the latter stages of WW1, he was sent to the battlefields of northern France and Belgium, where he was awarded The Military Medal. I do not know the exact details, but word is, he ran into "No-Man's-Land" under fire to rescue a fallen Officer.During WW2, he served as a Firefighter in and around the Ruislip area, also covering central London during The Blitz. Between wars, he also found time to play Rugby Union for The Wasps team (originally from north London, nowadays based near Coventry).We remember you, and ALL who fell for our futures, on this SPECIAL DAY."Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" on sale NOW.SPECIAL OFFER ending at 2300Hrs today (12th November 2017) - Kindle format - ONLY 99p.Visit Https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author
November 8, 2017
Subscriber's exclusive offer
Only for subscribers to my website, here is an exclusive advanced notice that the Kindle version of my book will be available at a 51% reduction on its normal price this coming weekend in honour of Remembrance Day in the UK. Take advantage of this special offer yourself, or share this post with your friends and on social media.During the period of the special offer, you can get my book by clicking here.
November 2, 2017
Latest Amazon Review
Just thought I'd share my latest 5-Star review from Amazon.Available NOW from Amazon.co.ukand Amazon.comOR click through from my website at https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorRemember to join my Mailing List for regular updates.
October 31, 2017
Available now from October 29, 2017
A Couple of Visual Examples
So, I was thinking how I could help some of the non-Royal Navy readers of my book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" understand some of the things mentioned in it. As everyone knows, a visual image speaks a thousand words, so I trawled the internet for a few examples to keep you busy on a chilly October evening. Here goes..........
Firstly, thank you to the person who's photo this is, I borrowed it from their Facebook Group page.Those of you who are currently reading my book and have reached the chapter about HMS Royal Arthur, this one's for you.The photo shows the base in the background (around 1980 - but it hadn't changed when I was there), and the main focus is on a team of Leadership Course trainees competing at the infamous "Cliff and Chasm Race." In my book, I go into detail about what this race involved, but it is much easier to visualise when you can appreciate the size of the equipment that we had to carry/drag around the course. You'll notice the cart (effectively a gun limber), the ropes for constructing a means of getting men and equipment across the chasm, and the lead-filled telegraph pole that had to be carried over all of the obstacles (by me - I seem to remember, as I was christened, "The Whippet" due to my fitness at the time). For more information, read my book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures."
In the chapters relating to my time aboard HMS Scylla (frigate) and HMS Invincible (aircraft-carrier), I mention operating and maintaining a cannon, known as a GAMB-01. This is a picture of that beast in-action. It fired 20mm rounds, and was used as a last-ditch defence against incoming aircraft or missile attacks. It was also pretty handy during "Pirate Patrols" in the South China Seas, and in tackling a suspected drug-smuggling ship in the North Sea (but more about that in the book itself). For training, we often fitted a computer-based system to the optical sights seen in the photo, called OBVACT. (can't remember what it stood for). By looking through the sights you would see the sea and the horizon as normal, but superimposed onto this would be computer generated aircraft which could be programmed to use different attack profiles. By pulling the weapon's "trigger," computer generated rounds could be seen leaving the gun's barrel and hitting the incoming target (hopefully!!). Remember - This was before the time of realistic computer games. This was far better though, much more realistic. In the latter chapters of my book, I focus on our major deployment, "Orient 92." For those of you who don't want me to spoil the fun of the story, I'll not give any "spoilers," but once you have read the book, check-out this link to a "You-Tube" video. It was the ship's official record of the trip, as filmed by members of the ship's company. Yes, it appears a bit dated (but it was 25 years ago), and the sound track does get a bit monotonous after the first hour or so, but it does give a wonderful visual record of the entire trip. Of course, it only gives a general overview of the deployment - For my personal recollections of the trip, you'll need to read my book....The video can be found HERE.My book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" can be purchased NOW in Kindle E-Book and Paperback formats from Amazon worldwide.Visit my website HERE to click through to the sales pages.Sign-up to my Mailing List to get news, updates, and blog posts direct to your inbox (no spam).FOLLOW me and LIKE my page at Facebook HERE.FOLLOW me on Twitter HERE.
Firstly, thank you to the person who's photo this is, I borrowed it from their Facebook Group page.Those of you who are currently reading my book and have reached the chapter about HMS Royal Arthur, this one's for you.The photo shows the base in the background (around 1980 - but it hadn't changed when I was there), and the main focus is on a team of Leadership Course trainees competing at the infamous "Cliff and Chasm Race." In my book, I go into detail about what this race involved, but it is much easier to visualise when you can appreciate the size of the equipment that we had to carry/drag around the course. You'll notice the cart (effectively a gun limber), the ropes for constructing a means of getting men and equipment across the chasm, and the lead-filled telegraph pole that had to be carried over all of the obstacles (by me - I seem to remember, as I was christened, "The Whippet" due to my fitness at the time). For more information, read my book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures."In the chapters relating to my time aboard HMS Scylla (frigate) and HMS Invincible (aircraft-carrier), I mention operating and maintaining a cannon, known as a GAMB-01. This is a picture of that beast in-action. It fired 20mm rounds, and was used as a last-ditch defence against incoming aircraft or missile attacks. It was also pretty handy during "Pirate Patrols" in the South China Seas, and in tackling a suspected drug-smuggling ship in the North Sea (but more about that in the book itself). For training, we often fitted a computer-based system to the optical sights seen in the photo, called OBVACT. (can't remember what it stood for). By looking through the sights you would see the sea and the horizon as normal, but superimposed onto this would be computer generated aircraft which could be programmed to use different attack profiles. By pulling the weapon's "trigger," computer generated rounds could be seen leaving the gun's barrel and hitting the incoming target (hopefully!!). Remember - This was before the time of realistic computer games. This was far better though, much more realistic. In the latter chapters of my book, I focus on our major deployment, "Orient 92." For those of you who don't want me to spoil the fun of the story, I'll not give any "spoilers," but once you have read the book, check-out this link to a "You-Tube" video. It was the ship's official record of the trip, as filmed by members of the ship's company. Yes, it appears a bit dated (but it was 25 years ago), and the sound track does get a bit monotonous after the first hour or so, but it does give a wonderful visual record of the entire trip. Of course, it only gives a general overview of the deployment - For my personal recollections of the trip, you'll need to read my book....The video can be found HERE.My book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" can be purchased NOW in Kindle E-Book and Paperback formats from Amazon worldwide.Visit my website HERE to click through to the sales pages.Sign-up to my Mailing List to get news, updates, and blog posts direct to your inbox (no spam).FOLLOW me and LIKE my page at Facebook HERE.FOLLOW me on Twitter HERE.
October 26, 2017
NEWSLETTER - Updates
HELLO and WELCOME to the first of my NEWSLETTER updates on all things book related.For those who are looking forward to the second book in, "The Memoir Series," news hot-off-the-press is that work has begun on its content. As some of you will be aware, it will cover the "Police Years" (hence the picture above), and will focus on my training, as well as some of the more "exciting" incidents that I was fortunate to have attended. Currently, I am in the planning stage; making notes of things to include. Sounds easy, you might think, but I am already cutting-out surplus jobs due to the sheer volume of things from which I can choose. Those current, or former police officers amongst you will know what I mean.If all goes according to plan, this book should be available around the middle of 2018 -- Watch this space for further updates...At the moment, book number two is untitled. If anyone has any serious suggestions, feel free to email me at the following address for your ideas to be considered. Who knows, you might have the honour of naming the finished article...andrewheasman.author@Gmail.com
Whilst researching information for my book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures," I came across a number of images relating to the ships that I served on. Some of these were my own pictures, others from the MOD website. To whet your appetite, I have included some of them here. I hope it puts you in the mood to read my book, setting the scene as you follow my stories from the text of the novel.
My book, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" has been available for purchase approximately 3 weeks now. I have good sales figures to date, which is brilliant - Thank You to all. In addition, I have received a few reviews of the book. To give you an idea of what people are saying, here are some quotes:-"...It's well written and flows along nicely, engaging the reader, and there are lots of interesting and amusing incidents." Amanda Field (Chaplin Books)."Made me feel young again. Good book." K Meredith (verified reader)."Great read, very enjoyable, funny and brought back many memories." Guy S (verified reader)."...I can confidently state that your work was an intriguing and engrossing read. The writing is fluent and engaging, and the imaginative complexities of plot and character are handled with confidence." K.E. Smillie (Austin Macauley Publishers).As a reminder - If anyone has read my book, and enjoyed it, PLEASE add a review to the Amazon site from where you purchased it. Reviews are the best way to thank the writer for their book, and they attract other prospective readers too.For those still thinking about buying my book, take these recommendations as a "stamp of approval." Get your copy HERE, available from ALL Amazon outlets worldwide.Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" available from Amazon.comand Amazon.co.uk NOW...FOLLOW me at FACEBOOK - visit my site here...Vote for my book at Bookmaester.com - visit their site here...Sign-up to my Mailing List to ensure you get ALL updates and next month's NEWSLETTER direct to your inbox - sign-up HERE...
