by a Thinker, Sailor, Blogger, Irreverent Guy from Madras

Admiral Dawson sets sail on the eternal sea


The former Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson (87), (March 1982 to November 1984), passed away  on Sunday morning after a prolonged illness.

When I sailed with his ex-(junior)shipmates during my own sailing days, short as it had been, they had nothing but good words for his courage, charisma and presence of mind.

One such sailor, who was my Captain and a decorated marine commando himself during the 1971 Indo-Pak war related this incident.  Seems when Admiral Dawson, (perhaps when he was Commander, I forget what) was passing another craft commanded by the then Admiral Krishnan (?) - this incident related to have happened well before the 1971 war.

It seems Admiral Dawson, not recognizing his then Fleet Commander, signalled with Semaphore, ‘What Ship? Who Command?’.  To which Admiral Krishnan (?) signalled back ‘Sindbad the Sailor, USS Enterprise’.

ROFLMAO

Another incident was related by another Captain, honoured with the 2nd highest award, again for actions in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.  (I would disclose his take on the decoration only when I hear that he too has joined his Admiral on the eternal voyage).

During the Indo-Pak 1971 war, when the US sent  their carrier ‘USS Enterprise’ into the Bay of Bengal in a move to threaten India and in support of Pakistan, Admiral Dawson commanding a Destroyer (or Frigate ?) then, radioed Naval HQ asking for permission to engage USS Enterprise, when encountered [http://krepon.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/2584/one-war-two-bombs].

Oh My!  Courage!  Hats Off Admiral!

Let there be fair winds and the sun always dipping the yardarm in the eternal sea you’re sailing now, Admiral.  Cheers!

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