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HMS Quorn (September 2007)
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/hmsquorn-1.jpg");)
After one late night and early morning, fourteen Welbexians gathered in Portsmouth Dockyard for what would be for many their first day at sea. After being welcomed onboard by the Executive Officer we gathered in the Senior Rates Mess. It was a very small compartment, however it provided one of our many photo opportunities.
Soon it was time to leave the side. After watching the newly refitted arctic survey vessel- HMS Endurance – pass us by, we let slip and were on our way. We were only a short way out of harbour and already it began to get exciting. The call went up that a man had gone overboard. Luckily it was only a drill, but still the crew reacted instantly. Time was of the essence. The ship manoeuvred itself into position. Then a swimmer dressed in a dry suit, jumped in and made his way to the casualty. Soon the crew hauled both casualty and swimmer back onboard and the exercise was completed successfully.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/hmsquorn-2.jpg");)
Most of the day was spent looking at the various pieces of equipment that HMS Quorn uses to carry out its roles in fishery protection and mine hunting – not sweeping as apparently dragging a chain through a suspected minefield is now considered dangerous. The vessel itself is cleverly designed. Despite only having a top speed of 12 knots, it is very manoeuvrable and the entire ship and its machinery is shielded so as not to produce a magnetic signature.
The diving equipment was particularly impressive, not only was it worth a lot, but it was also ingeniously designed. It contained no metal – as many mines are magnetic – and using a high tech air recycling unit it allowed the diver to stay down for hours.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/hmsquorn-3.jpg");)
A visit to the Ops room proved how difficult, and dangerous, hunting for mines could be. We looked at pictures of modern mines, all designed to avoid detection, as well as some of old World War II mines, which do still turn up today. We also took a trip down to the generator and engine room, which were impressively clean. It was fascinating for the technically minded to be able to wander quite freely amongst the machinery.
Lunch was cosy in the Junior Rates Mess, however it gave us an opportunity to learn what life was like onboard for the sailors, and also a chance to share in some naval humour.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/hmsquorn-4.jpg");)
Overall the day gave us an insight into the operations of a ship at sea. We were really impressed by the technical complexity of the equipment and the knowledge and teamwork required to operate it effectively. However there were several incidents that will make the trip truly memorable. The first was Alice dressed in the yellow fire fighting suit, fondly known as the “teddy bear suit” and being allowed to use the large fire hose – apparently spraying into the wind is not a good idea. The second was seeing a lynx helicopter, HMS Endurance and HMS Cattistock – a hunt class like HMS Quorn – at sea with us. And finally, being allowed to have a go at controlling the 30mm gun. The slew button really does make it turn fast!
Laura Blagden, Alanbrooke 06E
