A fitting end for a motorhome??

[Vixters other half]

A colleague of mine told me a story of the end of an elderly motorhome. It was back in the 60's when he and a three other midshipmen were due to join an aircraft carrier at Gib. One of the other lads father had given them an old Dormobile on a Thames chassis for the trip down and to use on shore runs. Having checked that that was in order on board, they duly set off south from the UK. The dormobile had a 3-speed gear box and the journey took it toll on the cogs. They eventually arrived at the Spanish/GIb border with only top gear and reverse working. A frantic push from all passengers and a lot of clutch slip allowed the vehicle to move off each time they had to stop. However there was at the time Franco's awkwardness in allowing border crossings and by the time the dormobile finall got through, top gear also gave out! The RN does not give in easily and there was still one gear left, so they reversed all the way through the town to the dock, and the vehicle was hauled aboard. The intention was to repair it in their spare time but, as is often the case , events overtook them. The carrier was to take on more aircraft and sadly no room for Dormie. He would have to be landed at the next opportunity. This seemed a bit unfair, and more fitting end was generally accepted as being required. Dormie was taken up to the flight deck and with all all due ceremony connected to the steam catapult. On the ships commanders order Dormie would be launched into that parking place at sea. Dormobiles were not renowned for acceleration and the ships catapult proved to much for the aged vehicle. The engine and chassis took off over the bows, leaving the accomodation behind on the deck looking like an abandoned chicken coop. If anyone wants a real restoration project, somewhere in the Med is the challenge. Unless of course someone knows better?

[Dave Newell]

Don't know how true that story is but I don't care either, I loved it! You fair made oi larff (lol) (lol) . D.

[Vixters other half]

As far as I am aware it is a true story, the reason for posting it was to find out if any other forum reader has similar stories to tell. So far it would appear that the ends of other MH's are far less dramatic.

[Vixter]

Sounds like an old sea-dogs yarn to me...

[Wingpete]

Similarly, during a spell on the Ark (2nd Commission) CDR Air had an old, really very old, London taxi on board, which he used at stop foreign stops for Officers transport around the night spots. Eventually, the old cab showed signs of abuse, so decision taken to launch from steam catapult into the Atalantic, somewhere off Norfolk, Virginia that is, in US. It flew well for all of 100 yds, but did not survive being run over by the Ark's 45,000 tons ! I went back to Norfolk Navy base this July, and could find no incidents reported from the debris that is now lying outside their premier navy harbour. Suppose their sonar can't track a cab like a cabby can !!