No probs. Not sure when my dad was on the Nigeria and Bermuda, I know he joined in 46 at aged 16, first commission was on HMS Vanguard ('46-'48), I think then it was as follows Nigeria ('48-'50), Battleaxe ('50-'52), Bermuda ('52-'54), Opossum ('54-'56) then finally finishing where he started on the Vanguard ('56- late '57). I think that the reason why Gambia beat Bermuda was because they had to paint the side of the Bermuda during a passage through the Suez for an inspection by the King of Egypt (who at the time would only see one side, so thats the side they painted!)......I believe that the crew of Gambia had more time to paint the both sides and probably more paint!!.......hence Bermuda was clean one side and sea beaten the other, I think leave was cancelled when they arrived at Valetta until the other side had been painted!....my Dad is full of stories of his time with the mob, I'm seeing him again in July, will get more details from him then and update if necessary.
All the best and happy sailing, Dave
I would be very interested to hear from you and your Dad with more infomation and stories with regards to the ships. I have also put pictures of my Dad on the HMS Gambia association website, it might be worth a look.
All the best and happy sailing, Dave