14 NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008
RRising sunising sun
T
HE journey from Shanghai had been slow and
tedious for HMS Retribution, using sails instead of
paddle wheels to conserve a dwindling coal supply.
The steam frigate’s decks were crowded with artillerymen and
Chinese labourers, and she towed an ailing gunboat as she edged closer
to Yedo, her route marked by the passage of HMS Furious, bearing the
High Commissioner to China, Lord Elgin.
Many of her sailors were stricken with illness, and she herself was
scarred from participation in the
Anglo-Chinese War which sought
to pry open the stubborn door to
the Celestial Kingdom.
But Furious and Retribution
were names at odds with Elgin’s
mission – although a show of
strength, in the manner of the
American Commodore Perry and
his ‘Black Ships’ some five years
before, certainly helped set the
scene for the British diplomats.
The signing of the Treaty of
Amity and Commerce with Japan
marked the start of 150 years
of official links between the two
countries, usually cordial though
with appalling exceptions.
Yedo now goes by the name
of Tokyo, there is no Retribution
or Furious in the RN Fleet, and board took a James Bond theme,
coaling is no longer an issue with an Aston Martin on the jetty
(though the price of whatever fuel and the city’s Rainbow Bridge
the Navy burns always will be). forming a spectacular backdrop.
And the sailors of HMS Kent British firms also displayed their
could certainly not afford to wares on board during a Defence
languish on their sick beds as Industry Day, when the ship
the Type 23 frigate visited the hosted Japanese political, military
Japanese capital. and civilian movers and shakers.
It fell to Kent to display the The RN delegation was led by
White Ensign in the Land of the Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks, the
Rising Sun for an action-packed UK Chief of Staff (Capability),
month-long visit which coincided who conducted diplomatic calls.
with the 150th anniversary of the But while celebrations to mark
signing of the Treaty. the anniversary formed a central
After a grand arrival and formal plank in the ship’s programme,
welcome by Japanese officials, there were plenty of other
a British Embassy reception on activities and tasks to keep the
● Clockwise from top left: Kent sailors reach the top of Mount Fuji
in time to watch the sun rise; AB(WS) Cox protects the ship while
coming alongside in Okinawa; Kent rehearses replenishment at
sea approaches with USNS Rappahannock (foreground) and USS
McCampbell; Kent on exercise as seen from JS Murasame; Kent
approaches JS Murasame during a passing exercise or passex;
the spectacular skyline of Tokyo; HMS Kent give a 21-gun salute on
arrival in Tokyo; a taiko drummer on board Kent during the Defence
Industry Day
Pictures: LA(Phot) Owen King
0014_015_NN_oct.indd 114_015_NN_oct.indd 1 115/9/08 12:27:465/9/08 12:27:46
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