Navy News Jack To Jack
13 October 2008
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HM Submarine Saracen: In 1943 PO LTO Charles Nicholas was serving on Saracen in the Mediterranean when photographs of the ships crew were taken. Not long after on August 14 the Saracen was sunk by Italian destroyers off Corsica. In 1990, the former captain of Saracen, Michale Lumby located the roll of film, had it processed and sent copies of the photos to those crew members he had contacts for. Charles was not one of the lcuky ones. If you can help with these photographs could you contact Dannie Nicholas

Alfred Stannard: Seeking any information anyone may have on my great grandfather, Alfred Stannard who joined the RN on 1 March 1891 and served in a number of ships and was aboard a ship escroting the body of Queen Victoria back from Cowes to Gosport. Contact Colin Gooch

HMS Sturdy: Sunk in October 1940 on the coast of Tiree. Seeking information about the casualties, Cornford, A/B Percy R. P/SD/X1298 RNVR Worthing Sussex, Cowler Stoker 1st Class Thomas, P/KX91343 RN, (No address given), Greenshields A/B, Fred. D.D/180371 R.N. Middlesborough, Yorks, Rivett O/S John H. P/JX 165480 R.N. Kettering Northhamptonshire and Trahearn Leading Stoker, Albert T. P/KX75530 R.N (No address given). Contact M.J.Gibson Lt.Cdr. R.N. (Rtd.)

HMAS Snipe: Can anyone recall the name of the Destroyer that invited the Ton Class Minesweeper HMAS Snipe to come alongside to share Christmas Day lunch with them off the Bornio Coast on 25/12/64?. Contact Spike Jones

Sods Opera: Trying to compile a collection of ‘Sods Opera’ items. Of particular interest are Snow White and the several dwarves, Randy Cellar, the Three Sisti Uglies and the Death of Nelson. If anyone can help would they contact Adryan Johnson

Leslie Straughan: Seeking anyone who served with James Leslie Straughan. He was in the fleet air arm and was an aircraft mechanic on a lot of ships during the 50s and 60s. Any contact would be welcome. Contact Colin Straughan

HMS Starling:  Seeking friends and shipmates of Valdemiro Ferreira who served in Starling. He died in 1959 in Singapore. His brother would like to contact anyone who knew him. Contact Fernando Ferreira

Harry Smith, Burma:  Seeking Burma campaign shipmates who knew my late father Harry Smith at the time in his teens and from the London or Surrey area. Contact by email

HMS Spey: Seeking information on the ship HMS Spey from the years 1942/43. Craig’s father served on her. Craig has some information on Convoy OS33 but would like to have some first hand account of that action. Also he understands that this ship was at the North African landings and that his father was there at the time. He used to talk of the hail of bombs from the German Bombers and if it was not for the skill and seamanship of the Captain they would have not survived the attacks. Craig would like to hear from anyone who could fill in the background everyday life on board the ship during that time, was she based at HMS Ferret Londonderry?. I t’s understood she was a lend lease ship and he wants to know if his father was one of the crew who brought her over from the USA and how the crew got there. His father’s name was George William Moore. Does anyone have any memories of HMS Asbury in the US. What was it like and was it used as a recieving station for crews picking up ships? What was accomodation like and entertainment! How did they travel across the US and Canada? Contact Craig Moore

RNH Stonehouse:
Would any ex-sickbaymen who served during 1940/42, and did their medical training at Stonehouse. He is after reminiscences, anecdotes, during training and wartime experiences onboard, that would help him in writing a a book. Contact Tom Lightburn

RNAS Stretton: During wartime 1943 a number of Wrens were killed at RNAS Stretton, near Warrington Lancs. One Wren, a 17 year old orphan named Anna McCormick was buried at Appleton Thorn, which is just outside of the camp. The other Wrens were buried in their respective towns. A large military funeral was arranged for Anna with gun salutes, and practically the entire camp attended the funeral. Would any of your readers have any knowledge of the accident? How many died, the cause?? Contact Terry Heaps

Simonstown: To anybody out there who can help William Ward! He is trying to find a long lost navy pal. His name is Chris Meickle. He stopped over in Cape Town (Simonstown) +- 34 years ago. If anybody knows of his whereabouts, please contact Philip via his daughter’s email:

Subic Bay, Phillipines: David Dorsey was a Fireman/Electrician 1st class in the US Navy aboard the USS Orvetta in 1946. One night he and a shipmate missed their liberty boat and were offered a lift by a bearded Chief Cox’n. He dropped his party off first but then could not find their ship. He took them to his ship, ordered steak and eggs from the galley for them and let them sleep in his work area. David and his pal gave everyone a luagh the next morning when he poured condensed milk into his tea.The US version is liquid, whilst the British version is thick and had to be spooned from the tin. They caught the mail boat back to the dock then back to their ship. David cannot remember the name of the chief or the ship, however it was a frigate and the Captain was a short man and affectionately known as ‘Eddie Cantor’ due to his similar looks to the singer. If anyone remembers the incident could they contact David W Dorsey

HMS Spey 1942/3: Craig Moore’s father, George served on her. Craig has some information on Convoy OS33 but would like to have some first hand account of that action. Also he understands that this ship was at the North African landings and thinks his father was there at the time. He used to talk of the hail of bombs from the German Bombers and if it was not for the skill and seamanship of the Captain they would have not survived the attacks. He would like to hear from anyone who could fill in the background everyday life on board the ship during that time, was she based at HMS Ferret, Londonderry? He thinks she was a lend lease ship and want to know if his father was one of the crew who brought her over from the USA and how the crew got there. Prior to that he had 12 months at HMS Excellent. After 2 years on Ramillies. Does anyone have any memories of HMS Asbury in the US. What was it like and was it used as a recieving station for crews picking up ships?What was accomodation like and entertainment! How did they travel across the US and Canada? He would also like to hear from HMS Albion ships company (1964/6) when George was MAA mess man. Contact Craig Moore

Gerald Peter Singleton: Seeking Gerry or any information. Born London 1928. Served RN 1943-46. Telegraphist. Royal Arthur class 186. Possible short period in submarines or some specialist unit before General Service. Last ship HMS Redpole. Could now be resident in UK or Nigeria. Contact. Ian Moore

Richard Douglas Scott (Dickie): of Longtown Nr Carlisle. Seeking information for his daughter from anyone who knew him. He joined Ganges in 1935 as a boy entrant and went on to serve in Glorious, Gypsy, Matabele, Centurion, Skirmisher, Nimrod, Osprey and Sultan. He was posted missing presumed dead on 31st March 1942. If you can provide any information please contact Mrs M Hewson

Sub Lt. Arthur Connerton Saw, RNAF: Seeking information on Arthur who died in a flying accident on April 21st, 1916. Contact Robert Field

Scharnhorst: In October 2003 a number of Naval Associations attended the final Scharnhorst Reunion in Wilhelmshaven. These included HMS Belfast, HMS Duke of York, HMS Scorpion and several Artctic organisations. A private video was taken of this moving occassion. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy please contact Ernie Smith

Standard Bearers Association: Receive a monthly newsleter, giving details of parades, reunions, tips for obtaining S/B's bars and numerous other helpful idea's. Membership is £10 (2004 Rate) per year for twelve monthly 6 page newsletters. Contact Mike Powell

Port Sudan: A documentary about the sinking of the Italian vessell Umbria, near Port Sudan on 10 June 1940 is being made by an Italian Company. They are looking for RN sailors who may have witnessed the sinking. They know there were two ships in the area HMS Grimsby and Leander. They also know that Lieutenant Stevens was on the Italian vessel that day for an inspection, but don't know from which ship he came. If you can help contact Mauro Tonini

Scharnhorst: A watercolour, purchased in Southampton some years ago was of the Scharnhorst. 'Tiffy' Pearce-Smith wonders who the German Sailor was that painted it, if he is still alive and why it should have been for sale in Southampton? He also wonders what happened to U124?

HMS Sheffield: Seeking Nick Undy, one of the first Sheffield lads to serve in the new 'shiney Sheff'. Last known to be serving in Sheffield at Plymouth 1988/9. His dad was a train driver and his mum worked for Davies on Prince of Wales Road, Sheffield. If you have any information regarding Nick, contact Samantha and Donn Roberts

HMS Starling P241: Seeking information regarding a Rum Tub, 12" x 12" in dark Oak with lid inscribed 'The Queen God Bless Her', said to be from the Senior Rates Mess. Seeking history for future records, it is thought to date back to the reign of Queen Victoria. Any information to Neville Cain

Submarine ratings, pre 1913: The search for the names of about 2000 ratings continues. Only the names of those who died or had accidents are known of those ratings in submarines from 1901 to 1914.. The Muster Rolls and Pay Lists were held on the submarine depot ships. If you have a copy of these lists could you contact David S Campbell

David George Smith (Smudger). RN career 1953/77. Served in Enard Bay, Cockade, Bunge, Ulster, Orion, Belfast, Sultan, Wakeful, Galatea, Bellarophon, Veralum, Victory, Chawton, Jufair, Reclaim and Ark Royal. Any information, stories, pictures about Dave or the ships he served would be appreciated. Contact his daughter, Sharon Smith

HMS Shearwater: Seeking anyone who served with CPO(ERA) Charles William Edward Hardy in Shearwater. He signed on in 1938 and was on active duty until 1945/6. He served on escort duty on the 'Malta Run' and spent some time in a Cape Town Hospital after being wounded when torpedoed. If you can help contact Fred Hardy

Shettleston Harriers, a Glasgow athletics Club are keen to contact a former member, Rees Ward who is believed to be a senior Officer in the RN. Contact John Cairney

HMS Suffolk: Seeking anyone who knew Edward (Eddie) Ward, a gunner from Glasgow during WWII. His grandson would like to learn more about him and get pictures of that time. Contact John Ward

Ken Stuart is trying to contact to Shipwright Officers, John Herriott and Anthony Taylor, both well into their 70s. Write to Ken

Submarine P48: Sunk 25th December 1942. Does anyone remember crew member J P Keyte? Please email his sister

HMS Sefton: I am seeking information on HMS Sefton, 1944-46. My father James WC Nelson, known as Bill served on HMS Sefton 44/46. What was the ship's role during the WW11? Where did it serve? Are there crew lists available? Did you serve or have relatives who also served on HMS Sefton? Contact Dr. Gordon Nelson

"Sharky" Ward: I have been constantly asked the history of my nickname "Sharky". I have searched through books on Naval terminology, but to no avail. If anyone can shed light on the nickname could they contact Sharky Ward

Simon Wilcox joined up in 1972. His first ship was the Sheffield and he remained in the service till 1980/81. He rose to the rank of Petty Officer. He died in 1984 and his son has no decent photographs of him. If anyone knew him and may have one, Ships Company or the like, or perhaps news of his career then I would really appreciate them getting in touch. Contact Stella

Submarine HMS Sturdy: My father, Arthur Little, served aboard this sub in the war, someone may remember him. The discipline he learnt in the navy stayed with him all his life, he was a man you could trust, he was loyal and honest until the day he died. But yet, we did not know about a vital time in his life, his life on the Sturdy. I am trying to find a good photo or two of the Sub,o ne I could frame and give to my mother or even a ribbon from the caps the men wore, any stories or tales would be good too. If you can help, contact Lesley Ross

Seeking the whereabouts of LAPM Eric James, who served in 750 Squadron RNAS St Merryn in 1952, with Ron Smith. Eric was Ron's Best man at his wedding in August 1952 and they lost touch later. Contact David Webster

 
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