MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Dumbarton Castle visits S. Sandwich Islands

Falklands Patrol Ship HMS Dumbarton Castle recently returned from a deployment to Britain's most southerly territories, South Sandwich Islands and at the same time proceeding as far south as any warship can travel.

After landing six infantry soldiers in South Georgia for an overnight patrol HMS Dumbarton Castle then proceeded down to the South Sandwich Islands, before skirting the 60 degree South parallel.

It was the second time in three months that HMS Dumbarton Castle visits South Georgia. This time she spent two nights alongside King Edward Point, near the deserted whaling station of Grytviken, allowing all crewmembers ashore to enjoy the spectacular wildlife and scenery. Six members of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment conducted an overnight patrol of the Island, a rare show of military presence in such a sparsely populated area.

Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey Base at King Edward Point were entertained on board, a welcome change of company for many, who spend two years unbroken on South Georgia.

After departing South Georgia, HMS Dumbarton Castle headed further south, to the South Sandwich Islands. Anchored off Candlemass Island, the Ship held a chilly Flight Deck Barbecue and then proceeded to Thule, the most southerly of the Islands.

After sailing through the crater of the extinct volcano, the ship anchored amidst the awe-inspiring scenery and a team was put ashore to raise a Union Flag on the Island.

After the flag was hoisted, a short medal presentation ceremony was held, capitalising on this unique opportunity, the Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Henry Duffy, presented LMEM Fletcher Bradley with his Operation TELIC medal.

This was no mean feat, an army of seals and penguins awaited their arrival ashore, and navigating through thousands of the rather territorial creatures posed an interesting and unusual challenge for the team. .

From there the Falklands Patrol ship sprinted the remaining 30 miles south to the 60 line. This marks the furthest south any warship (excluding survey ships such as HMS Endurance) may travel, in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty. Although the ship could not cross the line, many of the Ship's Company stuck their heads over the side in order to get their "blue nose" award.

The patrol was considered a success and for HMS Dumbarton Castle it was the first time a Royal Navy ship has visited the South Sandwich Islands for quite some time, and the first time ever for Dumbarton Castle