A NAVAL officer from Hanworth will be miss out on a traditional family Christmas this weekend by spending the festive season on a warship.
As Martyn Mayger’s family sit down to their turkey and Christmas pudding he will be thousands of miles away in the tiny kingdom of Bahrain.
The 26-year-old sub lieutenant will be one of 38 personnel serving on board Royal Navy minehunter HMS Pembroke during the festive period as part of the UK’s maritime commitment to the Gulf region.
The former Hampton Community College pupil said: “It is always difficult being away from home, especially at family times like Christmas. We usually have dinner together and it will be different sitting over here with bright blue skies and sunshine, trying to feel festive.
“In the Royal Navy, however, we are always prepared for the fact that we could be deployed anywhere in the world at any time so, although it is sad to be away, it is something we know will be happening so it is easier to deal with.Plus the ship’s company will have a big Christmas dinner together where the officers will serve the ratings their meal and then afterwards we will have a Secret Santa, so we will do our best to be as traditional as we can.
“Being a small ship means that we all get on like a family – you become very close and get to know people really well so it is like being surrounded by friends as well as colleagues.”
HMS Pembroke is stationed in the Middle Eastern country to practise searching for mines in warmer waters, but the ship’s company, including SLt Mayger, will be heading back to Britain in January after completing their seven-month deployment.
SLt Mayger said: “When I get home in the New Year my family has promised that we can do a secondary Christmas, so I’m really looking forward to that and to seeing them again.
“I imagine the weather will be a massive culture shock – when we came out here it was about 47 degrees – but at least I know I will definitely be home.”
