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Archive and Library The current priority for the museum curatorial staff is to research and collect data to support the interpretation element of the HLF funded “ Alliance project” . In order to prioritise resources, it has been found necessary to discontinue all historical research visits to the archive and library until further notice. However the archivist will endeavour to respond to any email requests whenever project commitments allow. For more information on the archive please scroll down. Alliance “Personal Testimony Project” The museum is seeking former crew of the submarine Alliance to take part in a “personal testimony” project. The aim is to collect personal recollections to help convey to the visiting public what life onboard Alliance was really like.
Part of the forthcoming Heritage Lottery funded “ Alliance” restoration project will involve new innovative methods of interpretation. To make sure this is as accurate as possible, curatorial staff will be collecting information that will provide future generations with a unique resource of recorded first hand testimony. This will be collected directly from the men who served on the submarine.
Former submariners, officers or ratings, who served on HMS Alliance and who wish to register their interest in taking part in the project are asked to contact George Malcolmson 023 92510354 (ext 226) or Debbie Corner (ext 234) from the“personal testimony project team” (without obligation) at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum or e mail at: archives@rnsubmus.co.uk
Participants can be recorded or filmed at the museum. In certain circumstances members of the curatorial staff can visit participants at home to conduct interviews.
Modern technology can now provide us with the means to give the public various levels of interpretation. To ensure we have the ability to provide accurate information about life on the submarine HMS Alliance , the museum staff will be carrying out an extensive filming and recording project.
Although the type of questions posed will be tailored to an individual they will inevitably be based on an factors such as: rank or rating, branch or trade, some generic sample questions are set out below to illustrate the possible scope of areas that may be discussed. Sample Questions
Personal
1. Please State your Name.
2. Please state when and where you were born. 3. How long did you serve in the Royal Navy prior to becoming a Submariner? What type of ships?
4. Can you recall your reasons for transferring to the Submarine Service? 5. How old were you when you first went into submarines?
Life on Board Alliance
6. How would you describe your job onboard Alliance?
7 . What were your first thoughts about the conditions onboard?
8. Can you describe the domestic facilities: how did you keep yourself and the boat lean? What were your sleeping arrangements? 9. Can you describe getting ready to go to sea in Alliance, what recollections do you have of time spent on a normal patrol?
10. What was the food like? When and where did you generally eat? Can you recall a favourite meal?
11. What were the various routines? The various watch keeping arrangements etc? 12. What did you and your messmates do to relax and /or entertain yourselves when not on duty?
13 . Can you recall the general attitude towards the rum ration? Did you ever draw the tot yourself?
Other sample questions about service in submarines Are there any occasions that you remember feeling: anger/ upset/ joy or happiness/ a ense of relief? Was there any situation onboard Alliance that you ever felt really scared? How much did your immediate family know about your service life onboard Alliance? What were your relationships like with those who served with you in Alliance? Did you form any close personal friendships with any of the people you were serving with? Are you still in touch with any of those men you served with? Are there any incidents or recollections that stand out?
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