Background research day

David Sandiford organised a series of meetings and visits to potential sites for the monument by way of introducing me to the field of mine disposal and safe rendering of live ordnance.  In a nutshell, we, the general public, have little or no idea of what these teams of calm, sensitive service men and women do on our behalf.  To give you an idea, the team I met at the Defence Diving School, Horsea Island are called out to attend to an actual or suspect bomb approximately every 18 hours....and that is just one team....and that means that, despite the high level of training, skill and equipment, their lives are at very real risk once a day; and people are killed in the course of this work.  At risk of sounding pompous I felt, at the end of this day, a desire to say a big thank you to these men and women, on behalf of us all.

Here are a few pictures from the day
First stop HMS Collingwood to measure up a MkXVII mine.

Next, the Diving Museum at Gosport courtesy of John Bevan.


David and John selecting a good example of a dry suit at the museum stores.

Then onto the Defence Diving School at Horsea Island.  Here with Major Damir 'Boz' Zamboni

Three of the bomb disposal team at Horsea Island.  Thank you for the comprehensive demonstration of what you do...it is extraordinary and we are very, very grateful.


Last stop, the proposed (at time of writing this is now confirmed) site of Pool B at Gunwharf Quays with David who skilfully kept the passers-by at bay while photographing me in the pool with a height guide...this will make it easier to Photoshop in a picture of the scale model when it is finished.  Top of the pole is 3.225 m from water level.








Comments

  1. Vernon Monument PMgrNovember 20, 2018 at 3:18 AM

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  2. Vernon Monument PMgrMarch 16, 2019 at 1:06 PM

    We are very grateful to the team at HMS Collingwood for showing us the mine on display and the founder of the Diving Museum at Stokes Bay Road in Gosport, Dr John Bevan, who is also one of our trustees, for showing us around and lending Mark some exhibits from their comprehensive store.
    Thanks also to Major Boz Zamboni of the Defence Diving School and also the team at Southern Diving Unit Two who clearly impressed with their zeal and expertise.
    It was an excellent introduction for Mark who clearly impressed by one and all. Thanks again to all who contributed to a very informative day for our newly commissioned sculptor.

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  3. UnknownMarch 20, 2019 at 3:08 AM

    BZ PV Team, good to see the Phoenix arise from the ashes. Is the sculpture called “Away standby diver” by any chance?

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