Rocket Brigade Is Ever Ready

While the Americans were preparing to rocket a man into orbit, members of the Nelson Volunteer Rocket Brigade were also preparing -- against the day when a ship in distress would have need of their services. We attended a practice held on the reclamation recently and were impressed by the enthusiasm of the men. Volunteers, by the way, are urgently needed.

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No count-down here, but the rocket with its line gets away smoothly

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Well on its way, the line can be seen snaking out of the box

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Volunteer crew. Backs: G. Bowden (Army), R. Weichern, W. Holder, D. Lawes, D. Talbot, A. Read, L. Gilmour, C. R. Kinzett. Front: P. C. Brown, F. Brown, P. Solly, J. Bannister, A. K. Griffith (2 I/C to Captain J. Murphy).

The light line attached to the rocket is retrieved by men on the "wreck", and a heavier line is hauled over to the ship and secured. A breeches buoy on a pulley is attached on the heavy rope and is hauled backwards and forwards from the wreck, bringing one man at a time.

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The buoy is made ready

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A view of the coiled rope ready for firing

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Coiling of the rope to prevent tangle is a slow and tedious job

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Unrehearsed dunking of P. C. Brown, when the main rope sagged too much in the middle