Petty Officer Leonard Coombe
I'm grateful to Alan Coombe, Leonard's son, who sent the following information and photographs:
Leonard Coombe served on HMS Gambia as Cheif Petty Officer for her 1957/58 Commission.
On September 21, 1957, HMS Gambia crossed the Arctic Circle at 66° 33' N, 9° 28' W. and Chief Petty Officer Leonard Coombe received his certificate for crossing it.
Leonard Coombe's Arctic Circle Certificate
The text reads:
A Proclamation
Be it known to all Masters, Mates, Matlots, Marines and Mariners who Sail the Seven Seas
Know ye that on the twenty first day of September in the year 1957 HMS Gambia did cross ye Arctic Circle in Latitude 66° 33' and in Longtitude 9° 28' E having on board
who shall henceforth be numbered amongst the numbed and we of this Northern Court of King Neptune do hereby declare him a lifelong member of
Our Numb Friends League
(Northern Branch)and demand that all Denizens of the Darksome Deep in these Regions do give him Right Warm Welcome on all future visits.