Mike Ellis may have been unable to locate any records of Coastal Forces transiting the Gota Canal [112/2, p. 278] but I can confirm that HMS Belton got as far as Karlstad on Lake Vanern in May 1963. It was a bit of a tight it as the photo of her in the Trollhatten locks shows. We were blessed with excellent weather for the four day visit and incredibly generous hospitality from our hosts, the Varmland Regiment. The Colonel asked that lower deck be cleared shortly before we sailed and he went round and shook the hand of every member of the ship’s company – a gesture that was greatly appreciated…
