22
NAVY NEWS, MAY 1992
At Your Service
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Reunions
Calling Old Shipmates PoW Exchanges: Mr. C. H. Ryan (ex-PO), of 1 5 The Links, North Featherstone, West Yorkshire, and who served in HMS Sikh, would like to hear from old shipmates involved in the Second World War exchanges of British naval personnel for a corresponding number of Italian naval personnel which took place in Turkey. Dieppe Roll: Naval personnel who took part in the Dieppe Raid in August 1942 are asked to contact Mr. G. F. R. Hurley, Farthings, Upper Hale Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 ONS. The names are required for a commemorative roll to be presented on the 50th anniversary of the raid. The naval section of the roll now exceeds 3,000 names, but many are still not known. HMS Loch Irish (1948-50): and HMS Brides Bay or 4th Frigate Sqn (Korea) 195053. Spencer Evans, 45 Catherine Street, Carmarthen, Dyfed, would like to know of any reunions. HMS Jamaica (1954-55): Fred Newey, ex-POWTR, would like to hear from anyone who served from Jan 54-Oct 55. Contact — 20 Chart Gardens, Dorking, Surrey RH5 4DP, tel 0306-883869. HMS Serapis (1944-45): Arthur King. 34 Snowdon Ave, Bryn-y-Baal, Nr. Mold, Clwyd CH7 6SZ (tel 0352-758192) would like to hear from former shipmates. HMS Sorsra (Durban, March 1942): K. Renter, 15 Trenovissick Road, Par, Cornwall PL24 2DX (tel 0726-812324) would like to hear from any shipmates that commissioned the ship at Durban. HMS Cavalier (1961-63): Mike Hudson, AB UC2, please contact Graham (Ginger) Williams on 0938-553946 re ship's reunion in October. Special Repair Ratings (1943-45): SRRs were called up during the Second World War to repair ships afloat — they were all tradesmen who had worked in shipyards and factories. Mr. R. Kersey served in the Pacific Fleet in Ceylon, Sydney and Hong Kong in the repair ship HMS Artifex. He would love to hear from any ex-SRRs and shipmates. Contact — 23 Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2TE. Bounty Boys, 441 Class, HMS Scotia, Ayr Almost all the lads of the course have been located except Alan (Nobby) Slatter. Would he, or anyone who knows his whereabouts, please call R. Finch on 0925-53712. HMS Brecon L76 (1942-45 First Commission): Would any old shipmates make contact with view to reunion. Some already in touch. Doug Stevens (ex L/D Signalman Mess 3, Watchkeepers), 29 Horselers, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP3 9UH (tel 0442251839). HMS Hardy (1973-75), HMS Gurkha (1975-77): also HMS Pembroke 1975, BUTEC 1977-79. Ex-chef D. I. (Buster) Brown, 20 Eden Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5LF (tel 091-384-1834) would like to contact anyone who served with him in these ships. 1832 Sqn (E Fit) Fleet Air Arm: Sqn flew Martlets, Wildcats, served aboard HMS Fencer, Campania, Vindex, HMCS Puncher.
Any ex-members please contact F. C. Nolan, 4 Hughestead Grove, Garston, Liverpool L19 2LB. RN Light Coastal Forces, Second World War: Any ex MTB, MGB. ML crews and their base staff, inc. WRNS; the Coastal Forces Veterans' Assn would like to hear from you. Contact Sec. L. A. Bridge, 15 Henning Street, Battersea, London SW11 SDR.
HMS Caledonia, Grenville Division, 1941: J D Fenton, 31 Hillside Rd., Manse Wood, Glasgow G43 10B (tel. 041 632 0561) would like to hear from Dudley Charles Fairclough. Donald Hartley and David Morris James HMS Lincoln (1965-66): D C Finch. Casa de la Por 3, Ctra. Teulada-Moraira s/n, 03724 Moraira, Alicante. Spain, would like to hear from ex-CPOPRI Douglas Ward. HMS Forth (1967-69): Ian (Jan) Spence, 3 Turreff Ave., Donnington, Telford TF2 SEX (tel. Telford 670239) would like to hear from ex-EM1 Tom Sykes who is godfather to his eldest son Stuart. HMAS Australia (1941-43): Stan (Taff) Walker, 47 Manselton Rd., Manselton Swansea SA5 8PQ (tel. 0792 643217) would like to hear from any of the 30 ratings who served in the Australia, in particular Bill Manly, from the Wrexham area. HMS Faulknor and HMS Victory, 1942: D D Pinkham, 12 Gallants Farm Rd., East Barnet, Herts EN4 SET would like to hear from Jack Lambert who was his best man in 1942. HMML 1003 and 1023 (1941-42): ExLDGSTO Albert Gore, 26 Reedland Cres., Faversham, Kent ME13 7HW (tel. 0795 534519) would like to hear from old shipmates. RN Engine Room Assn.: Anyone wishing to join the association should contact them at The Nautical Club, Bishopsgate St., Birmingham B15 1ET. HMS St. George 1942: Bernard Griffiths. 2 Marlborough Close. Leominster. Herefordshire HR6 8LN (tel. 0568 613595) would like to hear from former shipmates in Anson 239 Class. HMS PC74 (RFA Chatsgrove): Mr. A W Bennetts, 35 Norm St., Kenmore, Queensland 4069, Australia, would like to hear from former shipmates who served with him in RFA Chatsgrove and in a Q ship. HMS Soberton: The Ton class minesweeper, which paid off in Feb., enjoyed a close affiliation with the village of Soberton, in Hants. This affiliation is to continue under the auspices of the Soberton Old Hands. All former shipmates who served in HMS Soberton should contact Pete Barrie, 132 Priory Rd., Hastings TN34 3JE for further details. HMS Gravelines (1949-52): Bill Campbell. 45 Findon Gdns., Belfast BT9 6QL would like to hear from former shipmates, in particular Chief Stoker Andrews, with view to a reunion. HMS Pylades 1944: Allan Smales, 170 Lanehouse Rd., Thornaby, Stockton, Cleveland TS17 BED (tel. 0642 674542) would like
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to hear from former shipmates who served in the minesweeper when she was sunk off Normandy on July 8 1944. HMS Cavalier Assn. (1961-63) is looking for new members. Those interested contact Sid Anning, 14 Kipling Gdns., Plymouth PL5 3DD (tel. 0752 768 201). Len Manners, 5 Rounces Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft NR33 8AJ would like to hear from shipmates with whom he served from 1952 to 1964. Ships/submarines he served in include HMS Boxer, Tumult, Amphion, Artemis, Agincourt and Starling. Lascaris, Malta, 1950s: Eric Burton, 14/ 50 Embling St., Wanniassa, ACT 2903, Australia, would like to hear from CCY Cyril (Wat) Tyler who paid off in 1964. HMS Constance Assn. (1945-56) is searching for Ernie Roberts (London/Norwood area) and Stan Tyldsley (Leeds area) as well as other shipmates who served in the Constance. For details contact Ernie Balderson, 43 Old Place, Sleaford, Lines NG34 7HR (tel. 0529 413410). HMS Maidstone: James Robson, Mill View, Great Whittington, Newcastle-uponTyne NE19 2HP would like to know whether there is an HMS Maidstone Association. HMS Suffolk (1941-42): Harry Clarke, 58 Hornchurch Rd., Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1JR (tel. 04024 77893) would like to hear from Mr De'ath with regard to locating Bernard Martyr with whom he served. HM ships Plymouth, Hermione and Britannia: Ex-ABUW2(A) S J. Brotherton, 37 McCarthy Close, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6RS (tel. 0925 824504) would like to hear from AB Jimmy Hadden, from East Kilbride, and LME Doc Docherty, from Glasgow. HMS Chinkara, Cochin (1944-46): Colin (Butch) Baker, tel. 0995 70495, would like to hear from shipmates who served in HMS Chinkara during the Second World War. HMS Montrose (1939-40) and HMS Lewes (1941-42): Ben Jones, 34 Wyeverne Road, Cardiff CF2 4BH would like to her from old shipmates. HMS Unicom and HMS Raleigh (1942): Roy Heald. 1 Stirling Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, Lanes BB2 4DG would like to hear from Ernie Pickles with whom he served in HMS Unicorn and from shipmates from 43 Mess, HMS Raleigh, including Bryce Henderson, Frank Hodgkinson and Charlie Withers. HM submarine P614 (Turkish submarine Burakreis 1942): Eric Wills, 13 Whiston Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton NN2 7RR (tel. 0604 711366) would like to hear from crew members who served during close escort duties to Russian convoys PQ17 and PQ18. HMS Caldwell (1940-43): A. E. Carpenter, Flat 1, Knightstone Court, Orchard Road, Clevedon, Avon BS21 6JT (tel. Avon 879272) would like to hear from former shipmates. HMS Fisgard, RNATE, Duncan Division (1943-46): A reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of entry is planned for 1993. The first step is to make contact with as many ex-Dunes as possible. A small number are now meeting regularly in Portsmouth to plan the event. H. J. Clapson (Nip), 14 Court Lane, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 2LN (tel. 0705 377415) would therefore like to hear from all ex-Dunes of that entry or anyone who may know of the whereabouts of members. South West PT Branch Assn. has recently been formed and membership is available to alf serving and ex-serving members of the PT branch who have served in the West Country. Membership forms are available from the Hon. Sec. WO(PT) M. J. P. Shone, SRO Office, Seymour Block, HMS Drake, Plymouth (tel. 0752 555349). HMS Caledonia, Duncan Class (193842): John White, PO Box 122, Belleville, Ontario K8N 4Z9, Canada would like to hear from old shipmates. HMS Pursuivant 1942: R. L. Hatfield. 5 Gladiolus Way, Kqmmetjie, Cape 7975, South Africa would like to hear from former shipmates who served with him in the Falkland Islands during the Second World War and from "Hush-Hush" men who took part in Operation Tarabin. HMS Chivalrous, Mediterranean Fleet, 1952: The Frame brothers, Tony and Sean, would like to contact former shipmates. Contact Tony Frame, Black Dog, 591 Burnley Rd., Crawshaw Booth, Rossendale BB4 8NE (tel. 0706 214263).
HMS Lookout: A reunion will be held in Burnley on May 16. Further details send a s.a.e. to Buck Taylor, 5 Milton Rd., Radcliffe. Lanes. M26 OGS. TS King Alfred: Hove SCU will be holding a 50th anniversary reunion at HMS Sussex on June 20. All ex-cadets are invited to attend. Tickets are available from Lieut. (SCC) P. Howard (tel. 0273 592091 or 0273 414884). Russian Convoy Club (East Anglian Branch) will hold its next meeting at Bramston Sports Centre, Witham on May 16. Further details from G. P. Ward, 15 Peterhouse Cres., Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4HZ (tel. 0394 383031). HMS Hydra (1980-82): Former members of the ship's company during this period or any of their "passengers" during the Falklands' Campaign who are interested in a reunion, possibly in July, please contact CPO Joe Erskine, The Elms Guest House, 48 Victoria Rd. South, Southsea POS 2BT (tel. 0705 823924). HMS Eskimo (1939-45): A fourth reunion will be held at St. Edmunds Hotel and Gladon, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, on Oct. 2-5. Further details from Joe Ayton, Hollow-Dene, Hooley Dr., Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9RA (tel. 0268 785436). HMS Comus Comrades Assn. will hold their next reunion in York on May 8-9. Further details from Nick Carter, 88 Arden Gate, Balby, Doncaster (tel. 0302 855882). Peterborough SCC are celebrating their 50th anniversary on July 16-19 to which former cadets and staff are invited. Further details from Colin Marshall, 27 Matley, Orton Brimbles, Peterborough PE2 5YO (tel. 0733 232703). Woking SCC celebrate their 50th anniversary and wish to contact former members with view to a reunion. Further details from Lieut. (SCC) N. Boorman, TS Dianthus, Westfield Ave., Woking GU22 9PG (tel. 0483 768323 Mon.-Thurs. evenings). HMS Foley will hold their 5th reunion at the Bona Vista Hotel. Queen's Promenade, Blackpool on Oct. 16-18. Shipmates not already in touch should contact Frank Bee. 46 Dronsfield Rd., Fleetwood, Lanes (tel. 0253 873800). Pembroke '84 Club: WOs and Senioor Rates' Stewards 11th reunion will be held on June 12. Further details from WOSTD T J. N. Coleman, Wardroom Mess, HMS Nelson, ext. 24261. The Maritime Artillery Old Comrades Assn. will hold their annual general meeting at Pontins' Holiday Camp, Southport on May 18-22. Further details from Mr. C. H. Holder, 55 Wilsmere Dr., Northolt (tel. 081 422 6943), Mr. M L James, Summerhill Cottage. Drabbles Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 9ER (tel. 0983 404 574) or Mr. L. Wheble, Fynnongoch Cottage. Penn wch, Tregaron, Dyfed SY25 6Q2 (tel. 097 423 412). Gallipoli Assn.: Membership of the association is open to those who served in the Dardanelles-Gallipoli campaign of 1915 and to those who have a particular interest in the campaign, especially descendants or relations of people who fought there. Further details from Mr. J. J. Fallen, 2 Sunnyfield, The Ryde, Hatfield, Herts AL9 5DX. HMS Spirit 1943: St George's Church, Portsea, is undergoing renovation and has, as the centrepiece of the font, the ship's bell of HMS Spirit, an S class submarine which was commissioned in 1943 and broken up in 1950. Any former crew members who know why the ship's bell became part of the church and who wish to attend a service of reunion should contact Roy Henderson, 92 St. George's Sq., Portsea. Portsmouth PO1 3AR (tel. 0705 75S682)./ HMS Plym (Monte Belle Atomic Test, 1952): The next reunion will be held at Tenterden, Kent in July. Further details from Mr. S. K. Murray, 40 Firle Rd., Peacehaven, Sussex BN10 8DB (tel. 0273 582037). Helicopter Operations (Malaya Emergency) Assn. (incorporating 848 RN air sqn., RAF sqns. 194 and 155 and Cas-Evac Flight). Former members of all ranks are invited to a reunion dinner at Pine Lodge Hotel, Kidderminster Rd., Bromsgrove, Worcs. Further dtails from Les Smith, Oakdale Lodge, Wasthills Lane, Hopwood, Alvechurch 848 7AT. 25th Destroyer Flotilla Assn. (1943-46): Arrangements are being made for the seventh reunion in 1993. Those who served in HM ships Grenville, Ulster, Undaunted, Ulysses, Undine, Urania, Urchin and Ursa should contact R. Durber, 129 Featherbed
FIFTY YEARS ON THE ASSOCIATION OF ROYAL NAVY OFFICERS Patron Her Majesty The Queen ARNO, the Officers' Charitable and Social fellowship, is open to all Serving and Retired Commissioned Officers of the RN, RM, WRNS. QARNNS. and their Reserves. Formed in 1925, ARNO's primary purpose is to assist Members including Honorary Members (the widows of former members) with grants and bursaries from the proceeds of its assets which exceed £1 million, wherever there is a need. Today the financial advantages of membership comfortably exceed the annual subscription. ARNO offers practical and substantial trade discounts such as a high quality house building and contents insurance scheme at substantial discount and a saving of up to £25 per year on Automobile Association membership, plus legal medical and financial consultations at free or favourable rates. ARNO also has a programme of social occasions including regional gatherings and a free members' Home Exchange Register. Membership costs £10 per annum or £150 for Life. For membership application form complete the following: To: Lt Cdr I M P Coombes RN. ARNO. 70 Porchesler Tee. London W2 3TP. Please send me details and a membership application form:
A LOOK BACK at the wartime operations of the Royal Navy half a century ago this month: In all theatres the Allies were still very much on the defensive. Merchant shipping losses climbed, topping 700,000 tons. A convoy, PQ15, was escorted to N. Russia and German aircraft controlled bomb alley between Crete and N. Africa. The heavy bombing of Malta continued, although reinforced by Spitfires, flown off carriers, the fighter defences began to inflict heavy losses on the attackers. In the four weeks to the middle of May, 123 fighters were ferried in. In the Pacific the Japanese advance towards Australia was halted by the Battle of the Coral Sea. Principal events included: 1: HMS Punjabi sunk in collision with HMS King George V in fog while covering convoy PQ15. RAF Hudson damaged U573 which limped into Cartagena and was later sold to Spain. 2: HM ships Wishart, Wrestler and RAF Catalina sunk U74 in the Mediterranean. Polish submarine Jastrzab (ex-US P551) sunk in error by HM ships St. Albans and Seagull escorting PQ15 — the submarine was 100 miles out of area. HMS Edinburgh, previously torpedoed on April 30 by U456, attacked by two German destroyers and again torpedoed then sunk by HMS Foresight. One German destroyer sunk. 4-7: Battle of Coral Sea. First all-carrier battle between US and Japanese Task Forces. Tactically indecisive result but strategic victory. HMA ships Hobart and Australia with the US Force. 6-7: Operation Ironclad. Amphibious assault on Vichy French Madagascar to deny use as Japanese submarine base. Completely successful. Air cover provided by HM ships Illustrious and Indomitable. Two French destroyers and one submarine sunk by aircraft and one submarine sunk by destroyers. 8: HM submarine Olympus sunk by mine leaving Malta.
9: 59 Spitfires flown off HMS Eagle and USS Wasp arrived in Malta (Malta was down to six serviceable fighters). Fast minelayer HMS Welshman arrived in Malta with urgent supplies. 10: RAF fighters win major air battle over Malta. 11: Four destroyers attempting to intercept enemy convoy bound for Benghazi attacked by 30 Ju 88s. HM ships Lively, Kipling and Jackal sunk — only HMS Jervis, with 630 survivors, returned to Alexandria. 13: Coastal Forces attack merchant ship off Ambleteuse. MTB 220 sunk and two German MTBs also sunk. HMS Trinidad attacked and set on fire by aircraft attack off N. Cape. Had to be sunk by HMS Matchless. 19: HM ships Eagle and Argus ferry 17 more Spitfires to Malta. 27: HMS Fitzroy sunk by mine oh" Great Yarmouth. 28: HM ships Eridge, Hurworth and Hero sank U568 in E. Mediterranean. 29: HM submarine Turbulent sank Italian destroyer off Benghazi. 30: HMS Ramillies damaged and tanker sunk by Japanese midget submarine at Diego Suarez. Taken from the Royal Navy Day by Day.
Lane. Hillmorton, Rugby CV21 4LH (tel. 0788 577718). Ton Class Minesweepers/Hunters Assn. will be holding their fifth annual reunion at Babbacombe, Nr. Torquay, on Oct. 23-25. New members and associate members from inshore minesweepers/hunters and all support ships will be welcome. Details from Jack Worth, Amethyst, Lerryn, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 OOF (tel. 0208 872452). Series 15 Artificer Apprentices who joined the Navy on May 5 1952 are invited to a 40th reunion dinner at the Royal Sailors' Home Club, Portsmouth, on May 16. Contact Ray Cappi, 6 Rimmington Rd., Cowplain, Hants PO8 8UA (tel. 0705 251121) for further details. HMS Argonaut Assn. (1942) will hold their ninth reunion at the Royal Naval Club, Park Rd., Hanworth, Middx. on Sept. 26. Contact V. Triggs, 49 Philip Rd., Staines, Middx. TW18 1PW (tel. 0784 257479) for further details. Japanese Conflict: A commemorative event is to be arranged in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Japanese conflict. Secretaries of the ships' associations involved in the 1941-45 East Indies and British Pacific Fleets are invited to contact B. M. Evans, Bryn Deryn, Lon yr Eglwys, St. Brides Major, Bridgend, Mid Glam CF32 OSH to register their interest. Eighth Destroyer Assn. (1943-63): Those who served in HM ships Cossack, Constance, Consort, Contest, Cockade, Comus, Comet, Concord, Charity, Cheviot, Cavalier, Caprice, Caesar, Cambrian, Cassandra, Carysfort, Carron and Cavendish are invited to join the association and attend the fifth annual reunion in Scarborough. Send s.a.e. for details to 8th Destroyer Assn., 1 Melbourne Crescent, Stafford ST16 3JU (tel. 0758 44188). HMS Brilliant (South Atlantic): Any "greenies" interested in a reunion in May please contact Harry Markham or Geoff Ellis on 051 224 4030 (days) or 051 486 7185 (eves). HMS Foylebank: The 52nd reunion will be held at HMS Osprey, Portland on July 3-5. All enquiries to Mr. D. E. Bishop, Shielings, Rackenford, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8DU. Castle Class Corvette (Frigate) Assn. will hold its fourth reunion at the Solent Hotel, Southsea on Oct. 9-11 — new members welcome. Details from Stan Taylor, 10 Beech Road, Willenhall. West Mids WV13 3DD enclosing s.a.e. (tel. 0902 633197). HMS Dido: A final reunion and farewell dinner will be held at the Moat House Hotel, Bolton, on Sept. 11 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Slapstick. For details send s.a.e. to A. G. Brotchie. Dido, 1 Nourse Drive, Heacham, Nr. Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7SD. Russian Convoy Club, North East and Midlands Branch, will hold their next meeting at the RNA Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln at 1100 hrs. May 30. Details from Roy Willis, 19 Lindsey Close, West Bessacarr, Doncaster (tel. 0302 538191). Fulmar Mountaineering Club: If you went climbing with the FMC from RN air station Lossiemouth and are interested in joining other "retired" climbers then you may wish to attend the fifth FMC Reunion planned tor Easter 1993. For details contact Stan Evans, Ryvoan, Church Lane, Horton cum Studley, Oxfordshire OX9 1 AW (tel. 086735 8805). HMS Bicester: The 10th annual reunion
and 50th anniversary of the ship's launch will be held at the Littlebury Hotel, Bicester on June 6-7. Former shipmasters wishing to attend please confirm with Mr. and Mrs. Ben lies, 27 Inhurst Way, Tadley, Nr. Basingstoke RG26 6SF (tel. 0734 813107). HMS Sheffield Assn. will be holding their annual reunion in Manchester on Oct. 22 — new members are welcome to attend. The association will also be holding a remembrance parade and service at Sheffield Cathedral on the 10th anniversary of her sinking in the Falkland Islands. Further details from Ken Burkinshaw, 132 Cherry Tree Street, Hoyland, Barnsley, S. York S74 9RG (tel. 0226 743496). HMS Hermione (1969-72): All former shipmates who wish to attend her paying off and/or reunion contact Bazz Calver, 20 Pirie Road, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3TA (tel. 0206 241181). HMS Blackcap: A service of remembrance will be held at Appleton Thorn Parish Church on May 31 at 1130 hrs. Transport will be provided from Warrington RNA, 16 Legh Street, Warrington. Further details from branch secretary 0925 824504 or club secretary 0925 235258. HMS Osiris: The Senior Rates' decommissioning event will be held at RNA Gosport on June 6. Tickets are available from C. Tiff, HMS Osiris. HMS Surges (K347): The first reunion will be held at the Moat House Hotel. Stoke-onTrent, on May 29. All are welcome. Further details from D. Benson, 313 Dividy Road, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 OBJ (tel. 0782 281872). HMS Fisgard, Exmouth Division (1942): A reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of joining the Navy is planned. Further details from Peter veale, Innisfree, Treviglas Lane, Probus, Nr. Truro, Cornwall TR2 4LH (tel. 0726 882388 after May 12). RN Regulators: It is proposed to form a West Country Association of RN Regulators and an inaugural meeting will take place in the RN Provost Mess, East Gate, HMS Drake on July 9 at 1900 hrs. to elect a committee and accept the proposed constitution. All are invited to attend. For further details and an application from contact WO(MAA) John Cole ANPM Plymouth c/o RNPHQ HMS Drake, Devonport, Devon PL2 2BG enclosing s.a.e. or tel. 0752 555315/8. Portsmouth Field Gun Assn will hold their next reunion at HMS Nelson (Whale Island) on June 26-27. Further details from P Ruddock, 56 Kingsley Rod., Milton, Portsmouth PO4 8HJ. Russian Convoy Club (Anglia Branch) will hold their next meeting at Bramston Sports Centre, Witham, Essex on May 16. Further details from S P Ward, tel: 0394 383031. HMS Cairo (1939-42): To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Cairo lost during Operation Pedestal, Malta, a reunion has been arranged at the Union Jack Club. London on Aug. 15. Further details from Jock Harris, 72 St. Leonards Caravan Park, Ringwood Road, West Moors, Wimborne, Dorset BH22 OAQ (tel. 0202 894 121). HMS Auckland (Tobruk 1941): A visit to Kew Gardens has been arranged for May 28 to dedicate a memorial seat to the late Capt. J. G. Hewitt. Shipmates please meet at the Victoria Gate entrance at 1200 hrs. Further details from J. Bennett, Cheviot, 15 Portsview Avenue, Portchester, Fareham PO16 8LL (tel. 0705 379730).
Over to You Inskip history: Nearly 50 years after the White Ensign was first raised at HMS Inskip (now a communications base and formerly the air station HMS Nightjar), the present commanding officer, Lieut-Cdr. Phillip Furse, in compiling a history, would like to hear from anyone with memories of the establishment. Already available is the account of Dr. Eric Morton of his time at Nightjar as a Surgeon Lieutenant RNVR. and the aim is to build on this. Write to Commanding Officer, HMS Inskip, Preston, Lanes., PR4 OTN. Available for purchase is a limited number of HMS Nightjar handpainted badges on wooden backing, together with crests of the present Inskip. These are £12 (plus E1.75 p and p) each, cheques and postal orders to be payable to the Central Fund, HMS Inskip. HMS Lysander 1944: John Pocock, 45 York Rd., Easton, Bristol BS5 6BL (tel. 0272 511494) has a photo of the ship's company taken in Toronto in 1944. Anyone interested should contact him at the above address. Navy News 1971-83: Mrs. D. Snowden, 17 Claremont Ave., Clitheroe, Lanes BB7 UN has issues of Navy News dating from 1971 to 1983 which she is willing to give to any interested party. HMS Chevron: Mr. P. Johnson, 9 Grange Avenue, Derby, DES SDH, who served in HMS Chevron in the 1950s, would like to hear from any old shipmates who are interested in associating to place an order for miniature crests of the ship. AB Just Nuisance: Beccles RNA, 17 Russet close, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9QP have two books on AB Nuisance, plus an autograph book and photo album of sailors who passed through Simonstown, many of whom stayed with the Webb family. If anybody can remember AB Nuisance or the Webb family please contact Geoff Richards of Beccles RNA — Mrs Webb would like to renew some of the friendships her family made at that time. HMS Ganges, Mess 39, Classes 291/2 (1938-39): Pete (Buster) Crabb, 44 Mote Ave., Mainstone, Kent ME15 7ST scored an inspired innings during an inter-mess cricket match with a score card that read 6,6,6,6,4,5. Should any of the team, whose members included Chennel, Goodacre, Balston, Ted Cooper, Trotman and Wilkinson, remember the incident please contact Mr Crabb. The umpires were POTEL Laurens and Gunnery Instructor Sanders. HMS Loch Fyne 1951: Walter Townend. 21 Polplar Rise, Leeds LS13 4SQ (tel. 0532 639649) would like to hear from anyone who has a photo of the ship anchored at Sandown, Isle of Wight, during the Festival Of Britain celebrations. Potsdam Conference 1945: Dr. Charles Burdick, San Jos6 State University, Washington Sq., San Jose, California 951920117, USA, would like to hear from anyone who can provide information regarding Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey J. A. Miles and Rear-Admiral W. E. Parry. HMS Kelpie (MOWT 1940-45): Peter Cobham, Kerkyra, Straight Rd., Boxted, Nr. Colchester, Essex CO4 5QX (tel. 0206 272 587) is refurbishing the vessel and would like information regarding her wartime history.
Royal Naval Patrol Service: Information on purchase of a commemorative medal for those who served in the RNPS during the Second World War can be obtained from Mr. G. Mann, Royal Naval Patrol Service Association, Headquarters, Europa Room, Sparrows Nest, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1XG.
RN and RM Football Players for England 1922-39: John Blackmore is compiling a history of the English Amateur Footballer from 1906-1939. He is seeking details and photographs of the four RN and RM players, Lieut.-Cdr. C. E. Glenister. Rigger C. L. Coates, Lieut.-Cdr. D. G. Cornelius and Rigger R. C. White. The last mentioned went down with his ship at the outset of the Second World War. Anyone with details about their playing days, please contact John Blackmore at The Hollies, Ochre Hill, Wellington Heath. Nr. Ledbury, Hereford, HR8 1LZ (tel 0531-4745) Italian submarine actions, Second World War Jock Harris, of HMS Cairo OHA has a comprehensive document recording all the successes and losses of Italian submarines in the Mediterranean, a record which includes the names of many British warships and merchantmen. Anyone interested, please contact him at 72 St. Leonard's Caravan Park, Ringwood Road, West Moors, Wimborne, Dorset BH22 OAQ (tel 0202-894121). HMS Osiris: De-commissioning dance is to be held at the Holiday Inn, Portsmouth, June 5, 1992. Anyone interested in tickets contact PO Reeves, HMS Osiris, BFPO 356. Those who served during the last commission will have priority — tickets are limited and on a first come-first served basis. Bond Bug, HMS Sabre 1971: A threewheeler Bond Bug motor car, produced by Reliant Motor Co. was loaned to the crew of the fast patrol boat HMS Sabre at Portland in July 1971. Martin Boddy, the historian for the Bond Bug Owners Club wishes to trace any members of the crew who remember the occasion and anything that happened to the bug — funny stories etc. Please contact him at 84 Herbert Road, High Wycombe. Bucks. HP13 7HN (tel 0494-451867). Ex-Artisan Branch: H. E. Moss, 119 Garden Walk, Royston, Herts. SG8 7JW (tel. 0763 241769) would like to hear from those who were members of the association which was disbanded in the 1950s. HMS Eagle (1956-58): T. B Molony (exAir Art.), 25 Sladeswell Ct., Prior Meadow, Northampton NN3 3SZ would like to acquire end of commission books, especially for Operation Musketeer. Pen friends request: A group of 20 mentally handicapped people, whose ages range from 20 to over 60, would like to hear from serving personnel, especially those abroad, with regards to becoming pen friends. Write to them c/o Jacqui Angqld, Hillcrest Day Centre, Coronation Rd., High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3RP. HM submarine Olympus: LSTK R. W. J Piper, aged 41, lost in the submarine — also served in H43,1939-41. Would anyone who served with him contact his daughter Mrs J. Godden, 112 Craven Rd., Brighton BN2 2FG.