Sydney Meets London
14 July 2009
Big red double decker London buses and black cabs, Harrods, the Tower, Lords and Buckingham Palace, London has it all. It was no surprise that when the ship’s company of HMAS Sydney berthed at Canary Wharf, the question on everyone’s lips was not What should we do? but What do we do first?
London was a major port visit for Northern Trident 2009 and one of many highlights so far for Sydney.
"Travelling up the Thames in a warship was pretty spectacular and probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of us onboard," said Sydney’s Commanding Officer, CAPT Peter Leavy.
"We berthed at Canary Wharf, which is right in the heart of the banking and finance district and not far from the City of London. We were shown plenty of English hospitality during our stay and learnt a lot about the famous and historical city."
"Some of my officers and I were lucky enough to attend a private tour of the Tower of London and it was certainly one of my most memorable experiences. I was asked to sign the visitors book and my name was just under Michelle Obama’s, who must have been the last person to have a private tour, so I felt extremely privileged to be extended the same courtesy," he said.
The Chief Yeoman Warder of the Crown Jewels took the group on a tour a tour that included the very impressive Koh-i-Noor diamond which is 105.60 carats and became part of the Crown Jewels in 1877 when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India.
"The Chief was a real character and shared plenty of anecdotes about the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels and told us how much he loves his boss, the Queen," said LEUT Chris Mills.
"He was clearly very passionate about his job and wanted us to turn out our pockets at the end of the tour as, being Australians, he wanted to make sure we hadn’t stolen anything. Seriously though, the Koh-i-Noor diamond was very impressive so I am probably in trouble at home for not bringing it back for my fiancée,” he said.
Getting around London to take in all the sites proved fairly easy, with some people catching the famous London underground or "tube" as it if affectionately known, with others choosing to enjoy the mild 21 degree sunshine and conduct their own walking tour of London’s famous sites.
"I was surprised at how detailed Big Ben was. Its colour and craftsmanship is not really that visible in photos and its clock face was really huge. When it struck eleven it was really loud and seemed to go on forever," said Able Seaman Ben Bittner.
A number of the ship’s company attended the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and walked around the streets made famous from Monopoly, The Strand, Park Lane, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Leicester Square, to name but a few.
West End shows also proved popular as did the English pubs with their famous hospitality, pints of lager and hearty food. And of course the shopping.
"Harrods lived up to its reputation that’s for sure. I had a ball and spent plenty of money, despite the exchange rate. The store is incredible and I can see why it is such a London icon. There were people everywhere and you really did get the feeling that they sell everything. My wallet was certainly a lot lighter when I left, but the experience was certainly well worth it," said WO Bob McCann.
Sydney’s five day visit followed a period of training in Plymouth where the ship’s core warfare skills and seamanship were scrutinised by staff from the Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) organisation.
"The FOST guys really put us through our paces but Sydney’s crew rose to the challenge and I know that everyone on board really enjoyed the training and the opportunity to further their skills within the training environment. With each exercise we improved and FOST relayed to me how impressed they were with Sydney’s commitment and willingness to learn,” said CAPT Leavy.
"The training will continue once we arrive in the vicinity of Portsmouth following our London visit, so hopefully the recent rest and relaxation will assist us to build on the great results that we achieved back in Plymouth," he said.
Gallery
To view more London images, please visit the Navy gallery.
