Personalities – The Arnold Green Legend (1940s & 1950s)

Author

Smythe, D.H.D., AO, Commodore, RAN

Subjects

Biographies and personal histories, Humour

Tags

Arnold Green

RAN Ships

None noted.

Publication

December 1996 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)

Episode Three

In 1945, a signal arrived ordering Arnold to prepare his destroyer for paying-off into reserve. At his direction, the ship’s company were mustered aft and reported to him by the First Lieutenant.

Arnold strode onto the Quarterdeck, mounted a bollard cover, gazed silently for a moment at the serried ranks of his men, and spoke:

‘Ever since I’ve been in this ship you’ve been going round saying two things: ‘Roll on my flippin’ twelve’ twelve’ and When’s this basket going to pay off’.

I just want to tell you that this basket’s going to pay off on the sixth of next month’.

And he returned to his cabin.