These photos were kindly donated by Honorary Shipmate George Messmer who at the time was a Navy Photographer's Mate in the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet Camera Party at the Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay.

On Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th, November,1954 he was assigned to take photographs of H.M.S. Superb's gunnery exercises.

He writes.

    "I spent two days aboard the HMS Superb, and had the honor of being designated "Honorary Rum Bosun" on the second day.  The occasion took place in the Petty Officers' Quarters.  I made a number of friends, although I had a tough time handling my photo assignment after having many sips of the British neat rum.  It was also, as I recall, the Queen's birthday and double rations were passed out.

    In the Petty Officer's quarters, the rum was given out straight.  The day before, I had lunch in the regular mess hall and the rum ration was mixed with water.  I handled that one OK.

    My shipmates and I decided to have a party for the HMS Superb's Petty Officers and one evening we all met at the Gitmo Navy Petty Officers  Club.  Well I will tell you "WE HAD A PARTY" !  I remember all of us standing shoulder to shoulder singing "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam ....... I won't finish the first line.

   This was all accompanied  by drinking scotch with beer chasers.  Wow! As usually is the case, over the years time erases most of our memories and names get forgotten.  However I do have a number of photos taken at the party (by someone who stayed sober, and it wasn't me).  I also have a mimeograph copy of the Gunnery Exercise Order No. 7/54, given to me by the Superb's Gunnery Office when I got on board. It is old and faded and I was not able to get a clear copy when I scanned it".

                                                                                   George Messmer

George also sent an article on how the US Navy Photographers are a valuable resource in helping determine the accuracy & expertise of gunnery exercises at sea.