Sir, – The recent failure of a test Trident missile launched from HMS Vanguard prompts me to recount a similar occurrence during HMS Repulse’s test firing in February 1973. Repulse sailed from Faslane for her DASO (Demonstration and Shakedown Operation) on Boxing Day 1973. I was Senior Engineer and we had completed a highly successful refit at Rosyth in 13 months, which remains the fastest refit including a reactor refuel of any nuclear submarine dockyard refit. After completing Sea Trials, and when both crews had passed their ‘workup’ inspections, we were ready for our DASO at Port Canaveral.…
