Being Devonport Division sailors, “Devonshire’s” crew was familiar with the legend that Drake’s Drum should never be taken away from Devon, except perhaps in time of war.
I served on the Devonshire twice. Firstly, from 29th. May, 1939, (my 17th birthday) to 30.11.1940.
HMS Devonshire’s crest (Badge) “Argent, a lion rampant gules, crowned or, and with tongue and claws azure.”
A burly leading seaman was lowered into the dhow and had a large, sharp, damage control axe swung down to him.
It will be a sad day as we remember the dark days of war and the comrades who did not return.