Since leaving Singapore in February 1953 and up to the end of July 1954 the ship has spent 3,782½ hours under way. This is equivalent to just under six months or 1/3rd of the total time since commissioning, that the ship has spent at sea. This should result in a little soul searching for some of those with that acquired 'nautical roll' - perhaps it is not really justified after all. During the time spent at sea the ship covered 37,662 miles - 'Oh, those Formosa Patrols!' This compares very favourably with the mileage covered by a Cruiser on the station over a similar period. Propelled by an 'Up and Downer', the mileage covered means that the Main Engines have 'Upped and Downed' 23,000,000 times and the propellers have done a similar number of revolutions. The amount of fuel needed to accomplish this has been 6,123 tons, which at the current price of about £7 a ton, proves quite expensive and probably has some bearing on the high rate of Income Tax for the single men.
The Ships Company have maintained their notable standard of cleanliness by using 2,433 tons of fresh water which had been converted from salt water, (and with no rationing!) Together with 1 ton 7 cwt and 8 lbs of soap from the Naval Stores it seems that a lot of bubble blowing was performed, and it is beyond question that all had the opportunity to retain that school girl complexion. with that refreshing feeling of 'Glowing All Over'.
In addition the Boilers and Engines used approximately 900 tons of feed water converted from the sea, which may cause the Engine Room Department to pause and reflect that perhaps there were more leaks not cured than they had really catered for. Altogether 3,333 tons of water has been distilled, enough to float the ship in, I should imagine, but all wasted and returned to that original drop in the mighty ocean.
Where 96 buckets have disappeared is problematical, or were they worn out? To add beauty to our outlook and to halt the ravages of the elements £686 of paint was 'applied', which together with a fantastic number of bottles (presumably used as containers) very kindly supplied by the First Lieutenant, results in the present high decorative standard both interior and exterior.
The dazzling high spots were produced by using 2,000 tins of Bluebell, most ably applied. 218 Scrubbers were worn out in the course of the commission but unfortunately so far no records have been supplied of the amount of Elbow Grease used in putting on the Bluebell and taking it off again and the wearing out of the scrubbers. However, it is understood that there are 180 claims held as to who has used the most, and I am quite sure I would believe every one of these. At any rate statistics I am told will prove anything.