Ascension Island views from Western coast in 1984
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Tour of Ascension Island taken in 1984 whilst I was working on the Maersk Ascension - which can be seen in parts of the film - anchored in Clarence Bay just over 1 mile off Georgetown, the Capital on the West Coast. Other features which can be seen are - the centre of the island looking towards Two Boats Village; Traveller's Hill; BBC World Service Atlantic Relay Station; US Air Base; RAF Wideawake Airfield; Sisters Mountain; Georgetown; Long Beach; Fort Bedford a two-gun shore battery at Cross Hill, above Georgetown. The battery remains largely intact to this day, together with its guns, BL 5.5 inch Mark I naval guns removed from HMS Hood during a refit in Malta in 1938. A cricket match taking place between the Church and the Exiles Club in Georgetown; Football match taking place on the football pitch near to Long Beach; The world's worst Golf Course which I had the pleasure of playing on - and there weren't greens but browns (smooth sand).
Various ships can be seen at anchor including Maersk Ascension and SS Uganda. Those with a keen eye will notice the Sea Rider heading towards Georgetown from the Maersk Ascension. A couple of Wessex Helicopters from RN 845 Squadron are seen flying near Long Beach.
The Maersk Ascension arrived at Ascension Island in 1983 and remained until 1999 on a MoD charter.
The film was originally filmed using a Super 8mm Cine Camera and digitally converted using a Winait Film Scanner.
Ascension Island is part of the British Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha under the sovereignty of the British Crown. The territory is presided over by a Governor, who is resident on St Helena, appointed by HM the Queen. The Governor is represented on Ascension by the Administrator.
Ascension, like the United Kingdom’s other Overseas Territories and the Crown Territories, is not part of the United Kingdom. It has its own Constitution (shared with St Helena and Tristan da Cunha), is internally self-governing, makes its own laws and as a separate fiscal jurisdiction, has tax raising powers through the Governor. The United Kingdom is responsible for defence, international relations and internal security.
Ascension Island lies in the South Atlantic (7 56’S, 14 22’W) 800 miles northwest of the island of Saint Helena and covers an area of 34 square miles. The climate is sub-tropical with temperatures ranging from 20-31°C. Showers occur throughout the year with slightly heavier rains in the January-April period. The island is volcanic, and its lower slopes and western side are made up of volcanic ash with little vegetation. Green Mountain, which rises to a height of 2,818 feet at the centre of the island, is lush and green. Despite its small size there is a lot to do on the island.
There is no indigenous or permanent population. The inhabitants of the island comprise the employees and families of the organisations working on the island.
Ascension Island fishing on Lifeboat from Maersk Ascension on 15 July 1984.
The video was originally shot using a Super 8mm Cine Camera and digitally converted using a Winait Film Scanner purchased from Amazon.co.uk here:
Fishing Trip using Maersk Ascension's lifeboat on 15 July 1984. The lifeboat passes by ss Uganda at anchor not far from the tanker Maersk Ascension which can be seen the background whilst the fishing is taking place. We also passed by English Bay and some sunbathers can be seen on the beach. I don't remember whether the Chief Engineer who was holding the rod actually caught anything!
The initial picture was taken from Comfortless Cove looking out towards the Maersk Ascension. The Cove was a secluded beach we used to spend Saturday afternoons, getting there by Z-boat.
(I joined the Maersk Ascension in May 84, flying home almost 5 months later. I did a further 3 and bit tours up to April 1987).
5 Reasons This Island Is A Beautiful Geographical Logic Fail
5 Reasons This Island Is A Beautiful Geographical Logic Fail
#5. Wartime uses
During World War II, the island was used as a refueling point for American aircraft and anti-submarine patrols in the mid-Atlantic. The island’s remote location meant it only saw warfare once, on December 9, 1941, when a German U-boat approached the island. It soon retreated after shots were fired from the local garrison.
#4. Getting to the island
If you assumed it would be difficult to get on and off Ascension Island, you would be right. Besides needing the Administrator’s written approval, guests can only reach the island via a British RAF flight from the U.K. or Falkland Islands or via the RMS Saint Helena sailing monthly to St. Helena and Cape Town. The Americans also send a flight and supply ship to the islands, but transit on them is only open to military personnel.
#3. Ascension's fluctuating population
Fitting for its level of utter isolation, Ascension island was used as quarantine for sailors with yellow fever, amusingly placed at Comfortless Cove. Over a century later, and the island hosted up to 4,000 American troops (even though the island was owned by Britain).
#2. Current day garrisons
These days, the troop levels have dropped and only 20 British troops are stationed on the island, mostly to supply RAF planes passing through. During the Falklands War, the island served as a major refueling station and was crucial in the British victory (though at first the U.S. government refused the Brits access to its airstrip).
#1. Buying your ticket
If you’re serious about visiting Ascension Island, air tickets from Oxfordshire cost £510 single or £969 return and must be booked aboard a RAF military plane via the Ascension Island Travel Agency. It’s pleasant to visit year-round with stable temperatures and infrequent rain showers.
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