NAVY NEWS, APRIL 1995
At Your Service
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Calling Old Shipmates HMS Ashanti 1969-71: Ex-LS D.A. Scott. 27 Watt's Road, Landport, Portsmouth PO1 4PS (tel. 01705 752335) seeks old shipmates to attend his silver wedding party on July 22. Devonport Field Gun Crew 1950 and HMS Loch Irish: Mr Eric Baxter, 5 Ousel Rock, Fence, nr Burnley, Lanes BB12 GPS. would like to hear from shipmates, especially "Taff" Rosser. HMS Volunteer July 1940 to May 1941: Bert Mumford, 19 King Edward Rd, Walthamstow, London E17 6HY (tel 0181 531 2579) seeks shipmates. HMS Caledonia — Duncan Class 1938: John Carver, 23 Swallow Drive, Milford-onSea, Lymington. Hants SO41 OXD (tel 01590 643088). seeks old shipmates, particularly Jamie Osborne. Jasper Mellows and Fred Green. HMS Implacable 1942-44: Ex-chef G.L Swinton, 18 Heild Close, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham DL5 5PS, seeks old shipmates who have a ship photograph/memorabilia HMS St Vincent — Duncan 178 Class 1953-54: and any other boy entrants who joined on Sept 1 1953, as well as officers and instructors, are invited to contact Malcolm Pink, 17 Rushetts Road, Reigate. Sur rey RH7 7RQ (tel. 01737 248455) for reunion details. HMS Caprice (1967-69): Will communications ratings contact Phil Evans (tel. 0161681-9044) or Phil Rowe (tel. 0161-747-7325) for details of next reunion. Portsmouth Field Gun Crews 1949,1954, 1957, 1960: Mr Reg Ralph. 43 Ruskm House, Erasmus Street, London SW1 P4 HU, would like to contact crew members especially, Lt. Cdr. (G) Roy (Larry) Lander the trainer of the 1957 crew, last known address Fleet Mail Officer, Portsmouth. HMS Clacton: Mr N. W. Stevens, 51 Hobb Lane. Hedge End. Southampton SO30 OGG, would like to hear from any other survivors of the Clacton, a Fleet minesweeper which hit a mine and sank while escorting a convoy to Bastia, Corsica, in 1943. He would like to know what happened to the convoy. HMS Zetland: Mr George Southern, 9 Blenheim Terrace, Scarborough YH12 7HF (tel. 01723-369851), would like to contact shipmates who manned the Zetland's boat during rescue operations in Bari Harbour. December 2, 1943 and to hear from other survivors. HMS St George 1942: Mr A. E. (Mick) Ritchie 20 Lympne Avenue, Plymouth, Devon PL5 2PS (tel. 01752-361897), would like to hear from his two former mates of Benbow 49 Class, Harry Roach of Liverpool and William (Jock) Reid of Keighley, York. HMS Comet, Hong Kong, 1946: Mr D. R. Hicks, The Martins, Birches Walk, Galleywood, Essex CM2 8TS (tel. 01245492125). wants to hear from Ewart John Howe, known as Curley. Last known address Monmouth Road, Dorchester. 848 Sqdn, Malaya 1950s: Mr Les Smith, Oakdale Church Lane, Ashford Carbonell, Ludlow SYS 4BX (tel. 01584-74397), wants to hear from those members of 848 Naval Air Squadron Malaya Group, not yet contacted with view a fourth reunion. RNAS Culdrose (1968-71): Mr and Mrs J Murray-Hinde, 45 Cherry Lane. Hampton Magna. Warwick CV35 8SP would like to near from the following with a view a silver wedding celebration: Ex-LAM(AE) Mick Sharp, LEM(M) (Sharkey) Ward, LREM (Stickey) Bostock, Roy Davis and LEM(A) Ivor (Moose) Mailey. HMS Constance 1947-51 Association: The Association wants to contact shipmates Tom Sherris, Phil Phillips, Stan Tyldsly and Ernie Roberts of the 1949-51 commission and R. E. A. Roache (Cakey). of London. L. E. Hill of Norwich, LEM Spindler of Lowestoft. E. M. Tony Thomas, R. E. M. Curry and Chiefy Garrard from London
area, of the 1947-1949 commission. Contact Mr E. W. Balderson, 43 Old Place, Sleaford, Lines NG34 7HR (tel. 01529-413410). HMS Ganges 1948: Mr A. J. Giddms. 44 Fairhaven Road, Anstey, Leicester LE77 TF (tel. 0116-351187) would like to hear from former members of Hawk division 47 Mess. Class of 1948. HMS Euryalus (1964-66): Mr M. D (Dickie) Ellington, ex-LS, 11 North Close, Royston, Herts SG8 5EZ (tel. 01763-230654), wants to hear from shipmates of the frigate's first commission. HMS Ocean (1950-63): R. C. Macon exPO (AE). 9 Meadow Road, Hartshill, Nr. Nuneaton. Warks CV 10 ONL, who served in Ocean during the Korean War, would like to hear from former shipmates. RNAS Culdrose 1955: Third Officer Lesley Moody, Safety Equipment Officer, RN air station Culdrose, 1955. is asked to contact ex-POACMN William H. (Paddy) Mooney, who is researching a book on Dragonfly helicopters. He can be contacted at 372 Torrington Ave, Coventry CV4 9HH. (Tel 01203-473165). HMS Loch Dunvegan (1950-53): Ginger Knowles (tel. 01752-229495), and Stan (Titch) Littlewood (tel 0161-799-2193), would like to hear from old shipmates. HMS Dainty Families Association: following a highly successful first reunion of 80 former shipmates the association would like to hear from anyone who served in the Dainty D108 (1953-69) and H53 (19331941). Contact Peter J. Hillman, 15 East Mead, Pagham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 4QT (tel 01243-265901). Mr. J. C. Collier, 82 Marine Crescent, Worthing, BN12 4JH (tel. 01903-504754). wants to contact former AB Albert (Izzy) Sharpe, last heard of in 1951, when living at Guiness Buildings, Hammersmith. London. HMS Royalist: Mr. Mike Huntley, 19 Charles Street, Wash Common, Newbury, Berks RG14 6QP (tel. 01635-41092), wants to contact former members of the Stokers Mess. HMS Kenya: Mr. Harry Walker, ex-AB, 25 Rushmere Walk, Havant PO9 4LY, (tel 01705-479619) wants information about Ted Shaw, of Manchester. HMS Rhyl (1943): Mr Jack Muir, 150 Millwood Road, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1J7, Canada, wants to contact anyone who served in the Rhyl, Feb. 1943 during the escort of convoy KMS8. He was serving at the time in HMCS Regina. which was escorting the same convoy. HMS Cricket, Botley, Hants: The Botley VE Day 50th anniversary committee would be pleased to hear from anyone who served in this shore base during the Second World War. They should contact: Upper Hamble Country Park (tel. 01489-787055). HMS Vengance: Mr. D. (Lew) Lewis, 122 Mill Lane, Portslade, Sussex BN41 2FH, would like to hear from any former ship-
Reunions mates with a view to a reunion later in the year. HMS Royal Arthur (Class 134): Mr. R. Horn, 11 Park Way, Colne. Lanes BB8 9SW, (tel. 01282-862005) would like to contact old shipmates of class 134. 1940-41. HM A Signal Station, Canberra 1944-45: Mr. M. Wells, 219 Stanley Street, North Adelaide. S.A. Australia 5006, wants to trace, on behalf of former WRAN Sig A.M. Morgan, who will visit the UK in September for the reunion of the "Forgotten Fleets", Ron Williams, Denis Thornley, Art Leach, Dick Wood, John Hawley, Paddy Harper and W/ O Dow. FAA Canada: Mr Tom Copeland, 57 Cedar Cres, Dartmouth, NS, B2V 1Y8 Canada, wants to hear from all ex and serving Observers Mates, NAs, RadNAVs, OBs 081s and AESOPs (Tags with RCN included), to help compile a branch history to mark the 50th anniversary of Canada's Fleet Air Arm. They should include their full postal address and those of other aircrewmen, where known. HMS Keren (1943-46): Mr. Ron Thomson. ex-PO Radio Mech, 35 Girtford Crescent, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1HR (tel. 01767691472) would like to hear from old shipmates. HMS Valiant (1916): Mrs 0 King, 106 Common Lane. Tickhill, Doncaster. S. Yorks, DN11 9HP, on behalf of her father, James Cusick, survivor of the Battle of Jutland, would like to hear from any survivors of the Valiant or from the other ships. Mr. Cusick, aged 99 years, is still quite fit, does his own cooking and gardening and enjoys his pipe. HMS Belfast (Korea 1950-52): Mr. R. G. Baker (Bash), 24 Athos Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 8EQ (tel 01268-680-237), wants to contact P.J. Dunn, (the Red Ferret) or any other shipmates. HMS V i g o (1949-52): Mr. Scouse Browne, 4 Price Court, Shobnall, Burtonon-Trent (tel 01283-565005) wants to contact former members of the Engine Room Branch. HMS Seabelle 11: (1944-46): Mr. R.L. Gibbens, 43 Springfield Road. Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5HQ, would like to hear from former shipmates of the Seabelle 11 who served with him in the Seabelle having been transferred from HMS Danae in the Persian Gulf, March. 1944. C-class destroyers: Mr. G. Toomey, 184 Bebington Road, Rock Ferry. Birkenhead. Wirral L42 4QE (tel. 0151 645 3761) wants to hear from those who served in HM ships Cossack. Constance, Comusconcord, Consort, Cavalier. Carren, Cassandra, Carysfort, Cheviot and others with a view to a reunion in Brighton in Sept. Mr Ray Carter of Chatham is asked to again contact Ms E Carter of the VAD (RN) Association who can give him further information (tel 01705 465404).
APRIL DEMS Southern Association 12th reunion at the RNA HQ, Hanworth, Middlesex, April 29. Details from C.T. Collis, 2 Neil Close, Ashford, Middx TW15 1NT. TS Exmouth/LNTS second reunion at Lydney, April 21-23. Details from John Goddard, 88 Rareridge Lane. Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, SO32 1DX (tel 01489 894826). HMS Bullen K 469 seventh reunion at St Edmund's Hotel, Marine Parade, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth on April 22 to which shipmates from HMS Goodall are cordially welcome. Details from Mr Stephen Keeley. Flat A, 2 Maida Ave, London W2 1TF (tel 0171 723 6039). HMS Edinburgh 53rd anniversary remembrance service and reunion dinner on April 29 at RNEC Manadon. Details from A. W. R. Start, (tel. 01752 404525).
Darts in the Navy: Mr Patrick Chaplin, 50 Norfolk Rd, Malton, Essex. CM9 6AT (tel. 01621-856040), is researching the origin of the game of darts and the role played by the Services in popularising the game during and immediately after the Second World War. He is interested in learning of firsthand experiences of the game on board ship in submarines, ashore and in prisoner of war camps. He has acquired a silver medal bearing the inscription L. C. Mills HMS Rodney, LRSC Darts Final Winner 1940. He would like to know more about L. C. Mills and the competitions played on board Rodney. Douglas Oakden RM: Posted missing in action during the Second World War, but later known to have survived, is asked to contact Terry Easingwood, 17 West Park Close, Leeds, LS8 2ED (tel 01532 666418). Any details would be appreciated. MTB 437 (1943): Mr. J. Hanks. 35 Blair Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts, BA14 9J2 (tel. 01225 754657), would like details of the action involving the MTB and enemy light coastal craft on December 23-24,1943, in which his cousin, PO Douglas Hanks, took part and for which he was awarded the DSM. Royal Marines bass drum: Mr. Anthony J. Perrett, 20 Brighton Ave, Elson, Gosport, Hants, P012 4BX (tel. 01705-583574), would like the story behind a bass drum in the Court House of Cromarty, Rosshire, Scotland. It has an inked map and text on the skin, indicating a post D-Day world tour, ending in Tahiti, by a Royal Marines landing craft, which could be LCA 737, 535 or 735! Q-shlps HMS Cape Howe (1940): Mr David Stubbs, 190 Bodycoats Rd, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Hants, SO53 2JB (tel. 01703 260 936), would like to know more about his father, PO Frederick Stubbs, who took to the boats after the Cape Howe (Prunella), was torpedoed by U-28 on June 21, 1940. He would especially like to contact Lt Cdr (E) Maurice Mark Glynn RNR, who survived the sinking. HMS Aristocrat (1940-1942): Mr Dick Polglaze, 8 Dignalls Close, Rainham, Kent, ME8 7NX (tel. 01634 389051), would like to hear from former crew members, especially about 1940 to August 1942. HMS Anking: Mr Arthur O. Jones, The Cottage, 17 Little Crescent, Rottingdean, Brighton, BE2 7SF, would appreciate the following information about the Anking, in which his friend, Arthur Wood was lost in March 1942: where the ship was built, her complement, her class, where a photograph can be obtained, and if there are any survivors. HMS Illustrious (1940-41): Mrs. N. E. Board, 7A Quay Parade, Aberaeron, Dyfed, SA46 OBT, would like to hear from anyone who served with LAC Leonard Amos Lewis RAF, seconded to 819 Squadron FAA, who died from wounds on board Illustrious on January 11, 1941. HMS Vernon cap tally: If anyone can supply a Vernon cap tally, or state where one can be purchased, for dispatch to Australia to ex-Wren Ida Austwick, who served in Vernon during the war, please contact her nephew Mr Stuart Austwick, 2 Torrington Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO2 DTP. Steam Yacht Matador The late Graham Henry Harris, a civil engineer, who lived at Everton Grange, near Brockenhurst, had a steam yacht named Matador, used as a minesweeper during the First World War. Any information about her or her crew of 12, would be welcomed by the great-grandson of her original owner, the Rev Hugh G. C. Lee, Ainsdale, 10 Dollerie Terrace, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 3ED (tel. 01764 653898). Anzio Museum: Mr. Bill Dilworth, 51 Chester Raod, Walthamstow, London E17 7HP (tel. 0181 520 0235). was dismayed on visiting the Anzio museum to find scant coverage of the part Britain played in the land-
ings and battles. He would welcome photographic and documentation contributions from those who were there. HMS Adventure: Mr. Gwyn Evans, 68 Severely Grove, Blackpool, FY4 2BE (tel. 01253 346885), welcomes enquiries from those who plan to be in Milford Haven, Dyfed, in May to witness the inscribing of the ship's name and the names of the Abdielclass minelayers on a permanent memorial. HM Submarine L11 was involved in an Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. in the Baltic in 1919, during which PO Jack Alfred Mummery and Lt William Ogilvy Scrymgeour-Wedderburn rowed a boat from L11 to disarm a Bolshevik torpedo, for which action PO Mummery was awarded the DSM. Items from this incident — PO Mummery's DSM, a Bolshevik flag and the firing mechanism removed from the torpedo — are now in the hands of the RN Submarine Museum, Haslar Jetty Road, Gosport (tel. 01705-510354), which is anxious to trace PO Mummery's relatives. Naval blunders: Mr. C. Wollands. 32 Station Road, Reedham, Norwich, NR13 STB (tel. 01493-700690), is writing a book about humorous naval blunders or events and welcomes contributions from ex-ratings.
MAY
EA Apps Series 2 (Collingwood. April 1949). a reunion will take place sometime in May or June at Wickham, Hants to which EA Apps from Series 1 and 3 are invited. Details from Jim Gibb (tel 01635-268496) or John Trickett (tel 01813-933225). 23rd Destroyer Flotilla reunion in the WOs' and CPOs' Mess, HMS Nelson on May 27 to which members of HM ships Saumerez, Savage, Scorpion, Scourge, Serapis, Swift and Svenner and Strod are invited. Details from Mr W. Swift, 37 New Road. Lovedean, Portsmouth PO8 9RU (tel 01705-591032). HMS Faulknor reunion May 19-21, at the Royal Sailor's Home Club, Portsmouth. Details from Carl Helier, 89 Bowers Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1BH (tel 01268-756141). HMS Lyme Regis reunion in Lyme Regis on May /. Details from Lofty Coder Smith (tel 0121 455 2956) or Arthur Felton (tel 01206-242317). Telegraphist Air Gunners Association 48th anniversary memorial weekend at HMS Daedalus, May 20-21. Details from Stewart Crawford, 27 Glenville Gate, Busby, Glasgow G76 8SS (tel 0141-644-5080). HMS Gambia Association mini reunion at Huddersfield on May 5-7, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Okinawa operations 1945, when the Gambia won her second Battle Honour. The Association's ninth reunion and annual general meeting will be held on September 23-24 at the RNA Club. Royal Leamington Spa. Details of both from Les Newman, 3 Coppice Road, Whitnash, Leamington Spa CV31 2JE (tel 01926831599). HMS Blackcap a service of remembrance for those who served and died at Blackcap will be held at Thorn Church at 1200 on May 28. It is hoped to arrange a social evening on May 27 at 2000 in the RNA Club. War-
rington. Details from 01925-235258 or 01925-824504 or write to S. J. Brotherton, 37 McCarthy Close, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 6RS. Convoy Signal Staffs Association reunion and luncheon at St Georges Hotel, Liverpool. May 5. Details from Ted Silk (tel 0181 778 7386) HMS Tenby Association third reunion at Trecarn Hotel, Babbacombe on May 5-8. Details from Jeff Mays (tel 01344-59368). HMS Barham Survivors Association 39th annual reunion and dinner at the Royal Sailors Home Club Portsmouth at 1730 for 1800 on May 20 Details from Percy Cullum (tel 01903 263350) HMS Cleopatra Old Shipmates Association tenth reunion at The Brookside Hotel, Chester on May 20 Details from F E Daniel (tel 01295 810024) HMS Hood Association dinner on May 27 at the Royal Sailors Home Club, Portsmouth. 1800 for 1900 (AGM at 1700) Coach lor Boldre church service will leave club at 0900 on May 28. Tickets for dinner from K A Clark. 57 Bereweeke Ave, Winchester. Hants SO22 6BL Further info from J R Williams (tel 0329 667983) HMS St Vincent 1953-54 Hawke and Duncan Class 176 and 178 reunion planned for May 7-8 at the Province of Natal Hotel. Weymouth. Details from Dave Watts on 01703 866476 or Malcolm Pink on 01737 248455. JUNE HMS Bicester L34 annual reunion at the Littleboy Hotel, Bicester, Oxon, on June 34. Shipmates of M36 welcome. Contact B.R. lies, 27 Inhurst Way, Tadley, nr Basingstoke, Hants, (tel 01734 813107). HMS Foytebank reunion at HMS Osprey and Portland Heights Hotel June 9-12. Details from Mr D. E. Bishop. Sheilings, Rackenford, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8DU. HMS Constance Association fourth reunion and annual general meeting at the RNA Club, Royal Leamington Spa on June 10. Details from S. R. Harding, 20 Deepwater Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 OLA (tel 01268-684619). HMS Cairo Association ninth reunion on June 11 at the Union Jack Club, London. Details from Jock Harris, 72 St Leonard's Caravan Park, Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 OAQ (tel 01202-894121). RN Physical Training Branch Association biennial reunion at the Royal Sailors Home Club, Portsmouth on June 16. Details from CPOPT Vic Parsons, HMS Temeraire, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 2HB (tel 01705-722351 ext 25552). JULY HMS Brecon (L76) 1942-45 reunion on July 14 at the Claremont Hotel, Birming-
Over to You HMS Ganges 1821-1932: If any serving or ex-serving naval personnel would like to see, or buy some very old garden furniture bearing a name plate stating that the timber used came from HMS Ganges 1821-1932 — presumably from the old ship, not the stone frigate — they should contact Mr. R. A. Morrissey, 20 Brittons Rd, Barrow, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5AF (tel. 01284 810004). HMS Mahratta 1944: The midshipman of the Impulsive's seaboat would like to hear from any members of his boat's crew. They should contact Lt Cdr W. A. L. Dann RN (rid), Trundle Cottage, Thorney Drive, Selsey, W. Sussex, P02 09AQ.
The Nautical Chub Birmingham Why not hold your next reunion in Birmingham? We will be happy to quote you for accommodation in a first class hotel plus automatic weekend membership of the most unique Naval club in the country Contact The Secretary The Nautical Club, Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham BIS 1ET Tel: 0121 6439475 lO.OOhrs to IS.OOhrs
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, OARNNS and their Reserves. Formed in 1925, ARNO's primary purpose is to assist Members including Honorary Members (the widows or 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 (£10 per annum of £150 for Life) and include: 'House Purchase Generous cash payments with mortgage and with Life Assurance, and competitive conveyancing costs *AA Membership saving up to £30 per year •Legal & Medical Consultations at free or favourable rates *Trade Discounts of up to 33% in a wide range of services including insurance, travel, medical, jewellery, wines and many more. A List of Members and a Year Book are issued, and ARNO organises: * Regional Social functions and group holidays, *a list of members worldwide who would like to exchange homes for holidays 'Social introductions * Mail redirection 'Swords and uniform items for sale 'an ARNO credit card. For membership application form complete the following:
To: Lt Cdr I. M. P. Coombes RN, ARNO, 70 Porchcster Terrace, London W2 3TP. Please send me details and a membership application form.
WW1 medal: Mr. D. Hicks, 36 Kerrs Way, Wroughton. Swindon, Wilts, SN4 9EH. has a World War I medal inscribed: "No 125800 W. F. Clode PO RN" and would like to return it to its owner. ss Dungrange (1944): Mr. Lawrence A. Nutt, 3 Stretton Road, Nuneaton, Warks, CV10 7ER (tel 01203 373655), wants to hear from anyone who knew AB George William Barlow, a DEMS gunner serving in Dungrange when she was lost off St Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, on D-Day. He would like to know what happened to AB Barlow, the crew, and naval personnel on board. Ship's bell: If anyone knows the history of the ship's bell of MFV 1557 (1944) contact Mr N. A. Bussey, 43 Connaught Road, Cramer, Norfolk, NR27 5BZ. Battleship models: Anyone with an interest in making such models (not kits) would be welcome to contact Jo Claridge, 7 York Avenue, Hove, BN3 1PH, whose recentlyretired father seeks social contact with fellow model-makers. Also, he has a model of Bismarck which he would like to be put on public display at a suitable location.
FIFTY YEARS ON A LOOK back at the Royal Navy's wartime operations half a century ago this month. The war against Germany was drawing to a close and this was a month of great events: President Roosevelt died, Hitler committed suicide, US and Soviet troops linked up in central Germany, the Germans in Italy surrendered, Berlin fell. In the Far East US forces assaulted Okinawa; the Yamato, one of the world's biggest battleships, was sunk by carrier air attack. It was a busy month at sea both in the West and the East. Fifty-five U-boats were sunk, and besides those listed below a large number were destroyed in harbour by RAF and USAF bombing. Two old WWI V-class destroyers, HM ships Viceroy and Vanquisher, were still sinking U-boats. Principal events Included: I. HMS Indefatigible and HMS Ulster damaged by kamikazes during attacks on Myako and Ishigaki Islands. 3. Cpl Hunter RM awarded posthumous VC for his part in Battle of Commachio. RAF Liberator sank U-1278 off Shetlands. 6. HMS Watchman sank U-1195 in the Channel. 8. HM ships Byron and Fitzroy sank U-1001, and Bentinck and Calder sank U-774 in SW Approaches. f. RAF Mosquitos sank U-804, 843 and 1085 in the Kattegat. 10. HM ships Tintagel Castle and Vanquisher sank U-878 in SW Approaches II. Task Force 63 HM ships Queen Elizabeth. London, Cumberland, Khedive, Emperor. (808 Sqn FAA), French ship Richelieu bombarded Sabang. HM ships Saumerez, Venus. Verulam, Vigilant and Virago bombarded Oleheh. 12. HMS Loch Glendhu captured U-1024 off the Isle of Man. sank in tow. HM submarine Tapir sank U-466 off Bergen. Task Force 57, the British Pacific Fleet, attacked airfields on Formosa with aircraft of FAA Sqns. 820, 887 and 1770 from HMS Indefatigable. 13. MTBs 870 and 697 sank German TB (exItalian Spica) in Gulf of Fiume. TF 57 attacked airfields and harbour on Formosa. 15. HM ships Grindall and Keats sank U-285 in SW Approaches and HMS Loch Killen sank U-1063 off Lands End. 16. HMCS Esquimau sunk by U-1274 off
Halifax. HMS Viceroy sank U-1274 off Fame Islands. 16. Air strike on Padang. HM shins Queen Elizabeth, Cumberland, London, Saumarez, Venus, Verulam, Vigilant, Virago, Emperor, Khedive, French ship Richelieu, FAA Sqn 808. 21. HM ships Bazeley, Bentinck and Drury sank U-636 in SW Approaches. HMS Retalick sank four German explosive motor boats off Ostende. 23. RAF Liberator sank U-396 off Hebrides. 25. HM submarine Venturer recalled from last submarine patrol in home waters. 27. HMS Redmill torpedoed by U-1105 off Blacksod Bay; towed to Londonderry but not repaired. 29. HM ship Goodall torpedoed by U-968 off Kola Inlet — last major ship loss by the British in World War II. HM ships Anguilla, Cotton and Loch Inch sank U-286. and Loch Inch sank U307 off Kola Inlet just before Convoy RA 68 sailed. 30. HM ships Hesperus and Havelock sank U-235 and with RAF Sunderland sank U-242 in Irish Sea. Bombardment and air strike on Car Nicobar and Port Blair, Andaman Islands. HM ships Empress and Shah, FAA Sqns. 804, 851, HM ships Queen Elizabeth, Cumberland. Ceylon, Suffolk, Rotheram, Tartar, Nubian, Penn, and Verulam, French Ship Richelieu, Netherlands ship Tromp, HM ships Roebuck, Racehorse and Redoubt destroyed a convoy of ten Japanese troop ships between Rangoon and Moulmein.
ham, followed on July 15 with a buffet dance at the Nautical Club, Birmingham. Details from Doug Stevens, 29 Horselers, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 9UH (tel 01442-251-839). Portland BMP/FMG Past and present senior rates are invited to a reunion mess dinner on July 21, to mark the closure of the Naval Base and the disbandment of the FMG. Details from WO Steve Haylor FMGMEO, Raper Block, Portland Naval Base. Dorset DT5 1BQ enclosing a stamped addressed envelope. AUGUST HMS Kenya Association reunion at Derby on August 18-19 to celebrate the end of the Second World War. Those interested contact W. Boardman. 35 Holmleigh Road, Childwall, Liverpool L25 2SA (tel 0151 487 0093). Jervis Division FAA Apps (1945-49) 50th reunion on August 12, at the Royal Sailors Home Club, Portsmouth. Details from John Plaits. 56 Wheatlands, Titchfield, Hants PO14 4SL (tel 01489-579-986). Castle class Corvettes or Frigates annual reunion at Barton Grange Hotel, north of Preston, Lanes, on August 25-27. Details from Stanley G. Taylor, 10 Beech Road, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 3DD (tel 01902-633197). 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron RM to mark the incorporation of the squadron into the RN Air Command as 847 Naval Air Squadron, a parade and service or re-dedication will be held at RNAS Yeovilton on August 31, concluding with a flypast and lunch. A formal Ladies Guest Night will be held in the Wardroom in the evening to which all former officers of 3BAS/847NAS are invited. A Sgts Mess reunion will be held on August 26 at Yeovilton. Further details from Lt Hugh Devlon RM (tel 01935 455590). HMS Diadem Association reunion on the 12th at the Swallow Hotel, Eagle Drive, Northampton. Details from Pete Burnand, 17 Greystone Avenue, Bognor Regis, W. Sussex P021 SEA (tel. 01243 864680). SEPTEMBER RN Air Gunnery School, East Camp, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, wili hold a reunion from Sept 6-10 at Yarmouth, NS Canada for all ranks who served there from Nov 1942 to March 1945. Details from Mr Bill McDonald, 44 Forthringham Drive, Monifeith, Scotland DD5 4SW (tel 01382-533412). TS Arethusa Boys a reunion at Upnor. Sept 2. Details from Roy Clouting, 8, Robins Meadow, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hants P014 4JL (tel 01489-582715). The Forgotten Fleets Arrangements have been made for those who served in the US Coast Guard cutters Sennen, Banff, Gorleston, Fishguard and Lulworth. to visit Portsmouth Sept 1-3. Details and tickets from J. Woodhams, 106 Downton Road, Penhill, Swindon SN2 5JX (tel 01793-706714). HMS Triumph (1946-58). first reunion at the Chantry Hotel. Clacton-on-Sea. Essex, Sept 29 to Oct 1. Cost £37 per person. Details from P. Gardner (tel 01228-514570). HMS Porlock Bay Association fourth reunion at Plymouth on Sept 9. Details from Bernard Griffiths. 2 Marlborough Close, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8LN (tel 01568-613595). HMS Argonaut Association reunion at the Victory Club, HMS Nelson on the 1st Details from V Triggs, 49 Philip Road. Stames. Middx TW18 1PW (tel 01784 257479) 976 Squad RM second reunion at The Royal Sailors Home Club. Portsmouth on the 16th. Any 497 Squad interested contact L.E.P. Wye, 349 Old Rd, Clacton-on-Sea Essex C015 3R2 (tel. 01255 434784). Boom Defence ratings' third convention at the North Riding Hotel, Scarborough on 22-24th. Details from Alf Mumberson on 01302 360378 or Lance Hollingsworth on 01723 369798. HMS Renown 1939-48 reunion at the Royal Fleet Club, Devonport on 29-30th. Details from John Roche, 71 Glenholt Road, Glenholt, Plymouth. Devon PL6 7JD (tel 01752 775926). HMS Jaguar 1959-62 second reunion to be held at Southsea. Details from John Sherrard, 49 Beech Rd, Purley on Thames Reading, Berks RG8 8DR (tel. 01734 844421). OCTOBER The Survey Ships Association formerly The 'H' Boat Association, will hold a reunion In Portsmouth on the 28th and a meeting of the committee on April 8. Details from Mrs P.M. Erskine, The Elms Guest House, 48 Victoria Road South, Southsea, Hants POS 2BT (tel. 01705 823924) Naval Careers Service will hold their third reunion at the Nautical Club, Birmingham on Oct 12-24. Any past or present members of the service, including DNRs, SSLOs and ASLOs, who would like to attend should contact G. E. Morley, 53 Crossway, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4HX (tel. 01752 344596) HMS Foley (K474) will hold their next reunion at the Bona Vista Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool on Oct 21-22. Details from Frank Bee on 0253 873800. HMS Cheviot second reunion at Goffs Park Hotel, Crawley on October 28. Details from Vic Denham, 92 Swallow Road, Larkfield near Aylesford, Kent ME20 6PZ (tel 01732-841654). HMS Daring (1952-54) first commission reunion will be held at Weston-super-Mare, on Oct 13-14. Details from Owen Simpson 20 Green Close, Uley, Glos (tel 01543860564). Series 2 EA/REA Apps Collingwood 1949-51 Mr J. Trickett, 354 Chessington Road, W. Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9EG (tel 0181-393-3225), would like to hear from the following with a view to Series 2 reunion — W. B. Bain, J. Bennett, A. N. Briscoe, J. S. Clarke, D. F. Hill, N. F. Linsell, A. W. J. Perry, and A. E. Rose. FEBRUARY 1996 HMS Penelope Assn ninth reunion in Blackpool, Feb 16-18. Details from Harry Pugh (1944), 95 Chapel Road, Chapletown, Sheffield S30 4SS or from Michael Bee (1978), 1 Oddfellows St, Mirfield, WF14 9AB.
JUNE 1996 HMS Condor, Arbroath 1940-71 reunion in Arbroath June 28-30. Application form from C. Davis, 126 Bellevue Gardens, Arbroath DD11 5BH (tel 01241 879066). Closing date August this year.