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
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