THE ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION

By Paul Hitchcock (Ex WO (S) (TASI))

The Anti Submarine Warfare Instructors Association (ASWI’s) formerly the Torpedo and Anti Submarine Warfare Instructors Association was first formed in 1955. The name was changed in 1975 to reflect the changes brought about by the introduction of the Operations Branch in 1974. Membership of the ASWI’s associations is primarily made up of Senior Rates of the Sonar and Minewarfare Sub Branch (ASWI’s) and Torpedo and Anti Submarine Branch who had specifically qualified as a TAS Instructor (TASI’s).

Although the Torpedo Branch was officially formed in 1876, the Anti Submarine Branch was not formed until 1920, 6 years after the introduction of the hydrophone, a device used to listen to underwater sounds. ASDIC (Allied Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) as it was originally known, was used extensively during WWII as the primary means to detect underwater targets (Submarines). Not only used as a detection aid, ASDIC also provided the fire control data in order to sink and destroy the German U-boat by using "Depth Charges".

The maintenance, repair, preparation and firing of underwater weapons and torpedoes were originally carried out by ratings of the Torpedo Branch who also looked after the ships Electric’s. Men of the Submarine Detector Branch (SD’s) undertook ASDIC operation. In June 1946 both branches amalgamated to become the Torpedo and Anti Submarine Branch whilst at the same time the Electrical Branch was formed at HMS COLLINGWOOD at Fareham.

With the formation of the new TAS Branch, instructors from both persuasions, TI’s and SDI’s amalgamated to become TASI’s and on the 11^th December 1954 a meeting was held in HMS VERNON to discuss the possibility of forming a TASI’s Association. As a result, a working committee was formed and on the 22 January 1955 a General Meeting of TASI’s approved the Associations Charter, which in turn was endorsed by the then Captain of HMS VERNON Captain John Grant Royal Navy. Finally it was given the blessing of Admiral Sir George Creasy G.C.B, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.V.O.

The Chairman at this time was C.P.O Gerry Abery who worked hard to get the Association off on a "sound" footing, and to promote the Association motto Esprit de Corps among its members. With the help of an energetic committee, an enrollment campaign began, meetings were started and outings organised. A representative from HMS Osprey was recruited and support flourished.

To promote professional advice and to advertise the associations business and social activities a magazine was published and although at times difficult to produce, the Seamaster, initially called the Journal, continued to reach the membership up until the launch of the ASWI Website.

The Associations Headquarters remained in HMS VERNON up until 1975. The TASI Club was situated behind the VERNON Main Gate and was a popular meeting place for social activity, which included a fund, raising TASI’s Tote.

With the introduction of the Operations Branch in 1974, the Associations name was changed at a Special General Meeting, to reflect the omission of the TASI in the new Operations Branch structure. This was a rocky time for the committee as many TASI’s thought they had been betrayed and their status had been undermined. However the Association survived the storm and the Anti Submarine Instructor Association (ASWI’s) 1975 assumed the status quo.

 In 1985 the U Faculty moved to HMS DRYAD Southwick, home for the newly formed School of Maritime Operations, (SMOPS). The Associations Clubhouse was closed down and hopes to re-locate in DRYAD were thwarted. Attempts to share with the PRI’s were unsuccessful, although use of the club for meetings and functions were agreed. A Portacabin was procured in 1985, however it was no substitute for a proper club and its function became primarily an ASUAT Staff coffee boat / rest room. It wasn’t until December 1998 that a co-operation document between the ASWI’s and PRI’s was endorsed by the then Associations President Commodore Hance ADC which gave the Association a share in the PRI Club House including a part of the committee but not the bar or gaming machine profit. The shared use of the club allowed the display of Association memorabilia set aside in the meeting room.

 The move of the MWS to HMS COLLINGWOOD in 2004 created more changes to the Association Administration and although a room was set aside for both the ASWIs and PRIs in the WO & SRs Mess only the PRI Association was accommodated.  This dilema along with the fragmentation of the committee between Portsmouth and Devonport has left the association with no stable base in which to operate. Although the Associations Current HQ and Office is in HMS Collingwood.  

 To celebrate the Associations formation a reunion is held annually (normally in September) in the form of a dinner and dance which is preceded during the day by an Annual General Meeting.

The aims of the Association is to promote is to promote Esprit de Corps among its members in order to help and advise them, professionally on all matters concerning anti submarine warfare. The Association also encourages its members to broaden their social pastimes by holding regular meetings and social events. This includes the promotion of charitable activities and support to deserving causes such as the Elizabeth Foundation and Motor Neuron Disease Association and Cancer relief.

Membership is open to all serving and ex serving senior rates of the Warfare Branch (UW) and the Operations Branch Sonar and Minewarfare Sub Branch  and of course former TASI’s,ASWD's, SDI’s and TI’s.

  Association details and news items are promulgated on the ASWI Website www.aswi.co.uk

For further information and membership application contact:

E Mail:  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

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Last modified: 07/11/06