A different Royal Navy

[flasheart]

1972

This year is the first year in as long as anyone cares to remember where the RN does not take delivery of a new submarine. The only news on this front is the laying down in march of the future HMS SUPERB. This is also a year where yet again carrier aviation and amphibious capability proves its worth to the delight of the admiralty (and the chagrin of the air staff).
And yet another year of increasing stress and worry for treasury and MOD accountants.

QUEEN ELIZABETH completes her fitting out and sails for the first time in February to commence her initial round of sea trials. In order to provide the manpower for her even now not yet full ships company HMS VICTORIOUS while not yet formally decommissioned is laid up in Devonport with many of her ships company transferring to QE or "Big Liz" as many are starting to call her. The Laying up of HMS VICTOURIOUS also means that the majority of naval air squadrons currently flying the de Havilland Sea Vixen can be withdrawn from operations to enable them to convert to the Phantom.
Some Sea Vixens are being retained for use aboard HMS ARK ROYAL. Concerns over whether this is cost effective mean that quiet studies are taking place to looking for a cost effective way (if any exists) of enabling HMS ARK ROYAL to operate Phantoms or using her as a purely "Strike" carrier without her own organic air cover.
In November HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH leaves Belfast for the last time and sails to her new home in Portsmouth for a formal handover and commissioning ceremony. However she is still a long way from being operational. The long and painstaking process of integrating an air group to the new class of carrier begins.
The ships departure from Belfast comes as a relief for the security forces who hope that the loss of such a visible and symbol of Britain from the skyline might calm things down a bit. If as they fear these hopes are in vain they take comfort in the knowledge that at least the forces dedicated to guarding her are now freed from this duty and available for use elsewhere.In Birkenhead construction of the future HMS DUKE OF EDINBURGH continues. The former HMS HERMES now bearing the name HMAS CANBERRA departs Portsmouth for her new home in Australia.

This year sees the LPH HMS ALBION decommissioned. Many commentators point out that this leaves the RN in the unenviable position of only having one LPH (HMS BULWARK) and that ALBION should be overhaulled to allow her to carry on until the first of the new helicopter cruisers is ready. However the ship is in extremely poor condition and the RN would struggle to find the money for a refit that would probably only buy her a few more years of life anyway. Manpower demands in other parts of the fleet also play a part in this decision. For now the former ALBION is anchored in Plymouth sound to serve as a source of spares for her sister.

Of the new Type 82 destroyers HMS BRISTOL begins first of class trials. HMS SHEFFIELD having been launched the previous year continues fitting out. Construction continues on HMS COVENTRY AND HMS BIRMINGHAM.
For a while now concerns have been raised over the capabilities offered by this class which are the size (and price) of light cruisers. The Admiralty insists that the next batch be redesigned in order to provide increased capability. In particular they want Surface to Surface missiles fitted in order to provide an ASuW capability. Other things being looked at include an additional Sea Dart launcher, a hanger (although this would require an enlargement of the vessel) and an ASW capability.
For now long lead items for the next two ships are ordered.

In spite of all this however the main event of this year is named on various ships and squadrons battle honours boards and regimental colours as BRITISH HONDURAS 1972......

 

[lighthorse]

The middle way between a mini-super carrier and the CVA-01, is a 1966 version of the current CVs?

Adopt the basic twin tower CV and angled deck. Fit three cats (2 forward and 1 amidship). Add a third deck edge lift Portside behind the third cat.

Buy OTS D5W nuclear cruiser power plants, long steam cats and traps, etc.

There is no need for F4K, but look at F4E naval as unique UK Phanton. Increase buy reduces costs, and have 2x12 FA Sqns, 1x12 Strike with Buck' and plan for Hawkeye.

Build 3 ships steadily in one location, serially. (Not in Nth Ireland as this place is too unstable). 5 years per ship, and when last is finished, start the refit / refuel of the first. Steady safe secure workforce and dock.

Have one CV deployed, one in home waters training and one in bits. Only do the minimum to upgrade Ark and Eagle.

In lieu of ASW cruisers, use older smaller for CVS role. Sea Vixon ok with US trackers (with turbo-prop to get av-gas off carriers).

Using US aircraft saves huge R&D on developing a few craft for FAA, and can piggy-back of only upgrades the US does. (Or sell U.K. Ideas in US craft).

 

[flasheart]

British Honduras Conflict 1972

The conflict has been given a vast array of descriptions by historians, military men, politicians, journalists and others. Some describe it as self-defence, some as a colonial war, Britain’s Khe San, blatant imperialism, a policing action, the list goes on. One unnamed source (allegedly a Royal Marines officer with the amphibious command staff) described the whole thing as “little more than a live fire amphibious assault/close air support exercise only with a slightly more realistic opposition”.

Guatemala has long claimed sovereignty of the then British colony known as British Honduras. In 1969 yet another round of talks between Britain and Guatemala had begun with the aim of settling this dispute. As with previous attempts these had proved fruitless. By 1972 tempers had flared in Guatemala with troops being massed on the border and the cessation of talks. In response to this development Britain announced that a naval force including an aircraft carrier and a “sizeable” contingent of troops would be deployed to the area to conduct exercises.
It is unclear exactly what the decision process that lead to the invasion was. However, it appears that the military government in Guatemala upon hearing of this announcement realised that they now only had a small window to act before the British arrived in force. Why they chose to pick a fight with a major military power that quite clearly did care about its colony remains unclear.
on January, the 23rd Guatemalan forces crossed the border into British Honduras.

British forces at this point consist of a company from 2nd battalion Grenadier Guards, a company’s worth of personnel from the RAF Regiment and various other RAF support personnel. The RAF support personnel were located at Belize International Airport and had been preparing to receive the expected influx of aircraft. These were to have included 6x Harrier GR1’s and 2x Canberra’s that were planned to have arrived on the 26th. The RAF Regiment Personnel are set up to provide ground and air defence for the airport and associated military camp. The Grenadier Guards are further afield spread out among strategic locations on platoon/squad sized units. The British plan in this eventuality is to concentrate forces on the defence of the airport and if possible Belize city. There is simply to bigger area to cover and not enough strength. The Grenadiers thus begin a phased withdrawal back to the airport. A few shots are exchanged between themselves and advanced elements of the Guatemalan force but no major firefights (yet).

The Guatemalan strategy is twofold. A formation of paratroopers will attempt to cease the airport at the outset. If successful this will eliminate the centre point of the British defences and make it difficult to reinforce via air. Meanwhile ground forces will cross the border and move to take control of the country. Knowing that the British will likely try to concentrate in the area of Belize city the only column expecting resistance is the one charged with taking the airport and city. How much depends on the outcome of the air assault.

The air assault itself is a complete disaster. Hoping to catch the British by surprise 6x Guatemalan C47’s attempt to drop their sticks directly into the perimeter of the airport unaware of the RAF Regiment presence. This results in the loss of one C47 and all others taking some flak damage from the RAF Bothers 40mm AAA. Worse still many of the paratroopers are literally shot to pieces as they attempt to exit their aircraft with those that do make it to the ground being caught with little cover in murderous crossfire. P51’s attempt to provide support and make some strafing runs but are unsure as to whose who on the ground and are unable to make any significant contribution due to fears of hitting their own men. The follow up echelons turn back abandoning the operation and leaving the men on the ground to their fate. That fate being 78 men killed and 95 taken prisoner of which 30 are wounded in exchange for 12 British casualties. From this point onwards the conflict becomes a siege of the airport as Guatemalan ground forces take control of the rest of the country.

HMS EAGLE having been diverted from her deployment in the Atlantic arrives in the Caribbean and on the 24th is able to launch a pair of unarmed Buccaneer strike aircraft operating at their maximum range with numerous air to air refuelling’s carried out. As these aircraft fly over Belize city they provide a moral boost/shock for those on the ground. They also provide the first ariel intelligence. The problem the British face at the moment is that apart from the Guatemalans now beginning to probe the airport perimeter and positions west of Belize city they have very little idea as to where the enemy are or in what strength. The Intelligence Corps officer at a briefing remarks “I’m reasonably certain that they’re not in this tent in any strength right now. Beyond the tent flaps sorry but I can’t really help you”. The RAF Regiment reinforced by the Grenadiers company digs in for a siege. HMS PLYMOUTH on deployment as the West Indies guardship is able to close with the coast and provide some shore bombardment. Throughout the night of the 24th/25th Guatemalan forces having arrived in the area attempt to take the airport. Despite the artillery and some of their heavy support weapons having not yet caught up with them Guatemalan commanders are desperate to take the objective before daylight when they believe they are likely to come under air attack. Repeated infantry assaults are made but the British position holds firm despite an alarmingly high amount of ammunition stocks being used. Guatemalan fears prove to be justified when just minutes after daybreak on the morning of the 25th a pair of Buccaneer strike aircraft with a pair of F4 Phantoms flying top cover from HMS EAGLE attack Guatemalan forces south of the airport. 3 more strikes take place throughout the day providing much needed relief for British ground forces. The Guatemalan air force is equipped with piston engine P51’s which are unable to intercept let alone engage the much faster jets. Overnight the extent of the damage becomes evident as the Guatemalans are unable to organise themselves to attempt to breach the airport perimeter. However, artillery bombardments leave the runway cratered and unusable.

The 26th sees HMS EAGLE now close enough to be able to launch sorties that don’t require AAR. A strike is mounted against the Guatemalan airbase at Tikal. 8x Buccaneer’s attack the airstrip while 4x Phantoms provide top cover. The strike is successful leaving 5x P51’s burning on the ground and the airstrip rendered unusable. It is also noted for an inconclusive engagement between a Phantom and a P51. The Phantom is unable to achieve a missile lock on its opponent as the P51 produces negligible radar returns and heat signatures compared to the soviet jets the missiles were designed to engage. The P51 finds itself simply unable to keep up with the supersonic jet. Throughout the day more CAS sorties are flown by both Buccaneer’s and Phantoms, 2x aircraft maintain an “orbit” around the airport at all times. A Lockheed T-33 on a photo recon mission is shot down by a Phantom. Things only become worse for the Guatemalans when the RN’s last surviving Cruiser HMS BLAKE arrives and begins to bombard targets ashore. During the night of the 26th under the cover of airstrikes and naval gunfire support 3x Seaking helicopters land supplies and a 4-man detachment of 95 Forward Observation Unit to better coordinate the fire support coming from HMS BLAKE and other warships in the area. This pattern continues for the next few days with air strikes by both Phantoms and Buccaneer’s taking place throughout the country until the 30th when the amphibious group arrives made up around HMS BULWARK, HMS FEARLESS and HMS INTREPID.
During this time other nations in the region most notably Cuba make various noises against “This act of imperialist aggression” however decide that it would probably be in their best interest to stay out of it.

On the 30th of January Operation Porter begins with the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade landing a few miles to the South of Belize city under the cover of NGS and CAS. Resistance to these initial landings is unexpectantly light. It appears the enemy has been cowed by the weight of fire brought to bear on them. However, intelligence gleaned from the locals and the few prisoners taken indicates that since the arrival of RN aircraft a few days ago the Guatemalans have been having something of a crisis of morale. Locals state that Guatemalan military police have been conducting sweeps of the area with indications that they were attempting to locate deserters. 45 Commando is air lifted into the area between Belize city and the beleaguered airport. 42 Commando moves north from the landing beach to link up with 45 Commando and isolated the peninsular where Belize city is located while 42 holds the beach to allow 2nd Grenadier Guards, 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles, 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles and both battalions of 2nd King Edward VII’s own Gurkha Rifles to disembark. The high proportion of Gurkhas is down to their jungle warfare experience and that they were simply the units not committed to other taskings at the time.

The feared Stalingrad style street fighting in Belize city fails to materialise when it is found that the Guatemalans have largely abandoned the city and those cut off are unwilling to put up too much of a fight against superior opposition. The siege of the airport is lifted by the 2nd Grenadier Guards coming from the east to relieve their besieged comrades. Little more than a light Guatemalan screening force around the airport is encountered with most units having withdrawn and dispersed to the west due to the naval and air bombardment. The almost moonscape land in and around the airport perimeter is a testament to this.

Over the next 2 weeks the Gurkha and RM force spreads out to retake the rest of the country. The Gurkhas especially solidify and somewhat embellish and already fearsome/evil (depending on which side you’re on) reputation. Guatemalan forces faced with the threat of air attack and horrifying stories of the little machete (Mistaken Kukris) waving men suffer a major morale crisis with mass desertions causing some units to simply dissolve. Some units maintain cohesion and can offer a respectable fight with fierce engagements taking place at Belmopan and Little Belize.
By the 17th of February it is all over for Guatemala. Britain having retaken its colony declares a ceasefire as a prelude to a formal cessation of hostilities. Guatemala with its military government having been severely weakened descends into a state of near civil war.

 

[flasheart]

Hopefully I will now be able to continue to update this TL. The immediate and long term consequences of this conflict will be detailed in the next update.

 

[kaymay]

Loving it any chance of any update?

 

[flasheart]

Loving it any chance of any update?

1973

Britain and her armed forces enter 1973 with their reputations significantly enhanced both at home and abroad by the events of the previous year. The RN’s PR department works overtime to point out how aircraft carriers, amphibious and expeditionary warfare are clearly still relevant in the modern world. This is much to the chagrin of the RAF who keep quiet about the whole affair given how their fleet of modern and very expensive combat aircraft were unable to make a significant contribution to the conflict.
Some within the MOD push the idea that with the department in the good books in the public eye now might be an appropriate time to hold a defence review. Many in the treasury also push this idea to bring the rapidly inflating costs of the various big-ticket items under control and stave off a looming black hole in the defence budget.

For a second year running the RN does not take delivery of a new submarine. However, this area is not without its developments. The second boat of the SWIFTSURE class HMS SOVEREIGN is launched in February with an order placed the same month for a 5th boat to be named HMS SPARTAN.
Development work continues for the next class of SSN’s.

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH continues her intensive program of trials and training. The ship is certified for rotary wing operations in June and begins fixed wing trials with a pair of Buccaneers and a pair of Phantoms embarked from 700B and 700P NAS respectively.
Second of the QE class HMS DUKE OF EDINBURGH is launched in Birkenhead by her majesty the queen on the 8th of august.
With the slipway now available Cammell Laird had been expecting to receive an order for the planned HMS PRINCE OF WALES however this has rather worryingly thus far failed to materialise.
Although she’d now been laid up for well over a year HMS VICTORIOUS is decommissioned. The ship is towed out into the Tamar to free up space within the dockyard. A subtle approach is made towards India regarding them possibly purchasing the former VICTORIOUS as a replacement for INS VIKRANT (Formerly HMS HERCULES). This is turned down because the ships age but the Indian navy does express some interest in perhaps acquiring HMS ARK ROYAL which is expected to decommission in a few years’ time.

During a transatlantic crossing suffers damage due to a storm. Returning to the UK for repairs the opportunity is taken to give her a small refit to extend her life given that she has now proved her usefulness.
In July, the future HMS INVINCIBLE the lead ship of her class of helicopter carriers is laid down in Barrow. The ship will displace approximately 20,000 tons and has a capacity for up to 24 helicopters and an embarked force of 600.

(OOC: This INVINCIBLE is externally the same as the OTL ship but without the ski jump and an internal layout with more accommodation for embarked forces)

Turning to escorts HMS BRISTOL the first of the new Type 82 destroyers is commissioned on the 31st of March. HMS SHEFFIELD completes fitting out and begins trials. HMS COVENTRY is launched and an order for a further two vessels to be named HMS NEWCASTLE AND HMS GLASGOW.
The Type 82 program is fast becoming a major source of friction between the MOD and treasury over its escalating costs.
tensions aren’t helped by the upcoming Type 22 frigate program to follow on from the as yet undelivered Type 21’s. Treasury officials balk at the RN’s plans for up to 26 of these sophisticated (expensive) ASW vessels. For now, development work continues.
On the 10th of February HMS ARIADNE is commissioned bringing a close to the Leander class construction program.

Regarding airpower more and more Tornado strike aircraft are entering sqn service with the first squadrons in RAF Germanys order of battle being declared operational. This provokes an intelligence gathering operation with regards to the aircraft by Soviet and Warsaw pact intelligence services.

It is becoming apparent that defence spending commitments are rapidly spiralling out of control. However, to many senior officers and civil servants it seems would prefer to bury their heads in the sand. To others in the higher levels of government its becoming clear that something needs to be done……..

 

[David Flin]

On the 30th of January Operation Porter begins with the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade landing a few miles to the South of Belize city under the cover of NGS and CAS. Resistance to these initial landings is unexpectantly light. It appears the enemy has been cowed by the weight of fire brought to bear on them. However, intelligence gleaned from the locals and the few prisoners taken indicates that since the arrival of RN aircraft a few days ago the Guatemalans have been having something of a crisis of morale. Locals state that Guatemalan military police have been conducting sweeps of the area with indications that they were attempting to locate deserters. 45 Commando is air lifted into the area between Belize city and the beleaguered airport. 42 Commando moves north from the landing beach to link up with 45 Commando and isolated the peninsular where Belize city is located while 42 holds the beach to allow 2nd Grenadier Guards, 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles, 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles and both battalions of 2nd King Edward VII’s own Gurkha Rifles to disembark. The high proportion of Gurkhas is down to their jungle warfare experience and that they were simply the units not committed to other taskings at the time.

As far as I can tell, the amphibious forces are in HMS Fearless, Intrepid, and Bulwark. That's 3 vessels, each capable of carrying one Commando (or equivalent). Being carried by these 3 vessels are: 42 Cdo, 45 Cdo, 2 battalions of 2nd Gurkhas, 6th Gks, 7 Gks, and 2nd Guards (for all the good they will be). 7 units into 3 ships.

If that assumption is correct, and that's how it appears to read, I'm here to tell you no way, no how. With 1 Commando in Fearless, the word crowded is applicable. You're hot bunking, you've only got just about enough space to keep everybody in shape. You appear to be trying to get more than 2 battalion equivalents on board. That's not viable. Not even a little bit.

 

[flasheart]

As far as I can tell, the amphibious forces are in HMS Fearless, Intrepid, and Bulwark. That's 3 vessels, each capable of carrying one Commando (or equivalent). Being carried by these 3 vessels are: 42 Cdo, 45 Cdo, 2 battalions of 2nd Gurkhas, 6th Gks, 7 Gks, and 2nd Guards (for all the good they will be). 7 units into 3 ships.

If that assumption is correct, and that's how it appears to read, I'm here to tell you no way, no how. With 1 Commando in Fearless, the word crowded is applicable. You're hot bunking, you've only got just about enough space to keep everybody in shape. You appear to be trying to get more than 2 battalion equivalents on board. That's not viable. Not even a little bit.

Reading back I find that I neglected to mention Ships Taken Up From Trade. I had intended to put a few lines in regarding the MOD begging borrowing and stealing merchant vessels to make up for an inadequate sealift capacity. For some reason didn't make it into the final draft.
I've spent enough of my life in 2 hour scran queues to know how bad it is when you have too many bootnecks onboard.

 

[David Flin]

I've spent enough of my life in 2 hour scran queues to know how bad it is when you have too many bootnecks onboard.

As a bootneck (69-82), I would venture that it is not possible to have too many bootnecks. It's not like fishheads do enough work to work up an appetite.

 

[flasheart]

I would venture that it is not possible to have too many bootnecks.

When the NAAFI has to close due to lack of stock, the bootnecks are having to sleep on camp beds, the RPO is having to supervise portion control at scran and you generally get the impression that the people with gold on their sleeves didn't really think this one through then I would venture to disagree.

it is not possible to have too many bootnecks.

I'm planning to write in another defence review soon. I think I can make it solve the perceived issue of to many bootnecks for the amphibious fleet without having to spend to much

 

[David Flin]

I'm planning to write in another defence review soon. I think I can make it solve the perceived issue of to many bootnecks for the amphibious fleet without having to spend to much

Ah, the reduce the number of bootnecks option, always beloved of Defence Reviews.

 

[flasheart]

Ah, the reduce the number of bootnecks option, always beloved of Defence Reviews.

If I was feeling particularly evil we could always go for some sort of forced amalgamation of the bootnecks and paras or a simple either or.

 

[flasheart]

Does anyone know where I can find an ORBAT for the OTL RN, Army and RAF in the 1970's?

 

[pjmidd]

http://www.naval-history.net/xGW-RNOrganisation1947-2013.htm should help with the RN

 

[flasheart]

1975 Defence Review

Following Harold Wilsons return to power his new defence secretary Roy Mason was instructed to carry out a defence review with almost a decade having elapsed since the previous one. While officially the purpose of the review was to reassess Britain’s defence priorities and commitments in reality this was only part of the story. Something desperately needed to be done to bring the MOD’s finances under control. The dilemma facing Mason was that the MOD currently had to many spending commitments (especially expensive equipment programs) and not enough cash to finance them all, pressure was coming from the treasury to make dramatic spending cuts owing to the nations less than healthy finances, following the British Honduras conflict the prestige of the armed forces in the public eye was at a high making it potentially politically difficult to make large cuts to capabilities, Northern Ireland and NATO commitments were pinning down a large chunk of resources and the various factions within the defence establishment were subtly threatening to cause all kinds of trouble if things didn’t go their way.

Against this back drop the following review was published:

· There would be a general pivot away from out of area operations and overseas garrisons towards NATO and home defence. The British presence in the Mediterranean (To now be focused on Gibraltar and Cyprus), The West Indies and Hong Kong would be reduced in size. Forces in Aden and Singapore would be withdrawn completely.
This move was intended to reduce the pressure on manpower.
Any requirement for out of area operations would be dealt with through “reaction not pre-emption”.


· There would be no reduction to the UK’s strategic capability. The RN’s RESOLUTION class SSBN’s would continue Continuous At Sea Deterrence.


· Owing to its commitments to BAOR and Northern Ireland the British Army would be largely spared any overly major reductions. However, the strategic reserve division would be reduced to a brigade. The newly available units would be either permanently billeted in Germany or disbanded completely. In addition to this a program of efficiencies and some unit disbandment’s aimed to reduce the size of the British Army by 5%.


· The RAF’s remaining fleet of Avro Vulcans would be withdrawn from service. With the introduction of the BAC Tornado (TSR 2) there is no justifiable need for these aircraft.


· Rather than press ahead with the development of the proposed Nimrod based AEW platform the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWA&C aircraft would be purchased from the US for economic reasons as this would save on development costs.


· HMS ARK ROYAL was to be immediately decommissioned. The ship was becoming more and more expensive to maintain and her decommissioning would allow for the withdrawal of the De Havilland Sea Vixens. Her withdrawal would also free up a large amount of manpower for the upcoming HMS DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
ARK ROYAL was to be offered up for sale but until a buyer was found she was to be anchored in the Tamar and used as a source of spare parts to support her sister HMS EAGLE until that ships decommissioning sometime in the eighties.


· The review reaffirmed the government’s commitment to construct a third QE class aircraft carrier HMS PRINCE OF WALES. This would bring the RN’s carrier force back up to what was felt to be the optimum number of 3. The force was currently at an all-time low of only 2 vessels active compared to 6 only a decade previously.


· The Type 82 destroyer program would be reduced to 8 vessels rather than the previously planned 12.


· The remaining vessels of the Tribal, Leopard and Salisbury class frigates were to be withdrawn to release manpower and reduce the strain the RN’s maintenance budget.


· The INVINCIBLE class program would run to a total of 3 vessels with the first replacing HMS BULWARK. This would give a significant boost to the RN’s LPH and ASW capabilities.
Of the LPD’s HMS FEARLESS and HMS INTREPID to ease manpower demands and demands on the shrunken fleet of escorts only one ship was to be kept active at any one time with the other either in reserve or being used as a training ship.


· A maritime version of the BAC Hawk trainer would be introduced to train aircrews for carrier operations and hopefully reduce the accident rate.


· The Fairey Gannet AEW 3 currently in service with the FAA would be upgraded to the AEW 7 standard.


Critics are quick to brand the review as merely a cost cutting exercise. Even the much-lauded pivot towards NATO and home defence is seen more as a result of the desire to cut costs than any reflection of Britain’s strategic needs. Despite the odd bone being thrown to the services no new programs have been introduced, instead just confirming the continuation of existing programs. The navy are displeased that they seem to have taken the brunt of the cost cutting. In particular many are outraged at the disposal of a large number of escorts with replacement.
The review does go some way to sorting out manpower issues however has negligible effect on the budgetary crisis within the department. While spending commitments have been reduced the money saved instead of being used to plug holes in other parts of the budget has to be handed back to the treasury who make plain their displeasure with the amount.

 

[David Flin]

Following Harold Wilsons return to power his new defence secretary Roy Manson

Roy Mason, surely? I'd have assumed a typo, but you use Manson consistently.

 

[flasheart]

Roy Mason, surely? I'd have assumed a typo, but you use Manson consistently.

Noted and edited.