NAVY NEWS, SEPTEMBER 2007 31
RNPS lost
Goodbye Falmouth,
online for
the world
hello Sir Jimmy
WITH EXPERIENCES rang-
THE WEBSITE of the Royal
ing from basking sharks to Sir
Naval Patrol Service association
Jimmy Savile, it’s been an inter-
now contains details of the serv-
esting few weeks on board land-
ice’s many members who were lost
ing ship RFA Mounts Bay.
during World War 2 and have no
Mid-July, with the renovation
known grave but the sea.
work completed on her galley,
Of the 70,000 men who served
the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship set
with the unit during the 1939-
off to Marchwood for a short
45 period, almost 2,500 members
Life in miniature
freighting run over the channel to
lost their lives at sea with no
NO JOKES about the Fleet Air target tug and anti-submarine
Zeebrugge then around the coast
known grave, but are commemo-
Arm shrinking please… patrol aircraft is one of Geoff’s
to Aberaeron in Wales.
rated on a memorial at Belle Vue
But Lt Geoff Cooper can prized possessions, created from a
The Bay-class ship was back-
Park in Lowestoft.
squeeze the entire arsenal of naval ‘plasticard’ kit last made in 1958
drop for the Welsh town’s bicente-
The memorial, erected by
aviation into a few cardboard and eventually tracked down by
nary celebrations, but due to her
the Commonwealth War Graves
boxes. the officer’s wife on eBay as a
girth was unable to berth along-
Commission, bears 17 bronze
Mind you, it helps that the 150 present.
side so had to anchor three miles
panels listing the names in date
or so aircraft are only a few inches “It took about a month to build
off the coast.
order.
long. – and then I had to go to Yeovilton
Unfortunately the unseasonal
The same names appear in
The RNR officer’s collection to get the details right,” Geoff
July weather brought a heavy
alphabetical order in a register at
receives infrequent airings, almost adds. “My wife just about puts up
westerly Atlantic swell which
the Town Hall in Lowestoft and at
entirely at the spiritual home of the with it.”
meant the RFA crew missed out
the association office in Sparrows
Fleet Air Arm: RNAS Yeovilton. Pride of place in his ‘travelling
on a shoreside reception on the
Nest.
The models were on show, as through time in miniature’ col-
first night.
Local photographer Mick
ever, at this year’s air day, and lection go to two Avengers and a Next the massive ship headed
● Sir Jimmy Savile meets crew members on board RFA Mounts Bay
Howes has taken photographs of
are also on display in the FAA Corsair – aircraft his father flew north up to Scotland, where as she
at Leith for the Edinburgh Festival
all the panels, and the RNPS
museum itself a couple of times in the war from HMS Victorious passed between the isles of Barra
had been swept off the rocks and deck, welcoming 170 guests.
website manager has worked
annually. (which the Cardiff-based reservist and Skye the crew spied five bask-
into the sea off Kilmaluag Bay. Guest of honour was honorary
his trickery so that the website
“What I love is that so many has also built), accurately recre- ing sharks swimming alongside
Despite the RFA’s turn of green beret Sir Jimmy Savile, who
now lists each name, linked to
people appreciate the collection ated down to the last detail: mark- the ship.
speed, by the time she arrived arrived on board the RFA the
the appropriate image from the
– they’ll come up and say: ‘That ings, serial number, livery. 3/O Gordon Buchanan said:
the Coastguard’s helicopter had night before, clad in his trademark
memorial.
was the last aircraft I worked on.’ After four decades’ work and an “Although occasionally spot-
plucked the man from the water red tracksuit.
Relatives and friends who were
That’s a great buzz,” says Geoff. estimated £5,000 spent building ted around the UK coast, they
and was flying him to Broadford 3/O Buchanan commented:
umable to visit the memorial in But they are not the only times the Fleet Air Arm in miniature, is are relatively rare and are the Hospital on Skye. “He proved to be a friendly, likea-
person will now have the opportu- you’ll find Geoff at the Somerset the collection complete? second biggest species of shark Mounts Bay arrived in Leith ble and down-to-earth individual,
nity to view the appropriate panel air station. “If the details are not “No, not yet. There are still in the world. Those who spotted – squeezing through a lock at and his company was very much
and register entry on the internet. in my books I’m down here in the some aircraft out there that I’ve them, therefore, considered it a the harbour entrance only three enjoyed by the entire ship’s crew.”
The association hopes that this archives checking the colours and not built, some I’m still looking rare privilege and their presence is metres wider than the ship – on With guests on board, the
new resource will prove useful markings,” he explains. for.” surely a testament to the richness August 1 to act as the Edinburgh evening began with “a rather pain-
to historians and researchers into Such as for the Short Sturgeon, By the time air day 2008 comes of life in those waters.” Festival Support Vessel. ful looking” unarmed combat dis-
family history. quite possibly one of the ugliest around, hopefully Geoff’s collec- As the auxiliary passed beyond During the festivities the play by the RMR, a performance
Details of the website can be planes ever in RN service (and tion will have swelled by three: Skye she received a call from amphibious ship hosted a Royal from a Royal Marines Band, and
found on the internet at www. there have been a few of those…). he’s currently working on three the local Stornoway coastguard, Marines Association (RMA) a sumptuous feast and auction
rnps.lowestoft.org.uk. The replica of the post-war Lynxes and a ship, HMS Cardiff. requesting help for an angler who dinner in her capacious vehicle – raising £1,700 for the RMA.
THE TIME OF YOUR LIVES
NAVY NEWS looks back through its pages to recall some of the September headlines of
past decades...
Please call 023 9273 4448 for details
40 years ago
or email:
THE purchase of the Anita Dan as the successor to iceship HMS
subscriptions@navynews.co.uk
Protector was reported in the Navy News 40 years ago.
After conversion she was to change her name to HMS
Endurance, in honour of Shackleton’s crushed ship from his fate-
ful Antarctic expedition – but this is not the same as the present
Endurance that travels southwards each year.
30 years ago
FIFTY locomotives of British Rail were given the names of Royal
Navy warships and submarines, past and present.
The 100mph diesels had, up to this point, been the only anony-
mous engines on the rail network. The Class 50 locos that hauled
Intercity trains from London down to the west country were prom-
ised an ‘individual character’ from their Naval names.
20 years ago
Your presence is requested in Blackpool
HUNTS HMS Bicester, Hurworth, Brocklesby and Brecon – of
which two of the four are still in the service – set off for the long
from 2nd to 5th November 2007 to celebrate:
journey to the Middle East.
A sudden announcement brought men back from leave and six 90th Anniversary of the formation of the
days of round-the-clock preparations as the small ships readied
● Minehunter HMS Brecon leaves Portsmouth in 2007 to become
themselves to head for the troubled region.
the Raleigh alongside training vessel – in 1987 she was setting off
for the Middle East amid tension in the Gulf Women’s Royal Naval Service
Details: e-mail
wrens90@ntlworld.com
or SAE to 1 The Rocks, Tansley, Matlock, Derby. DE4 5ES
Where are you now?
Old Grey Ghost: Seeking three stokers or 07887 771104. HMS Ganges Association: Are you a her? Anyone with any information please
who served with Pete Childe on HMS Albi- HMS Collingwood: Hussin Daud, ex- member of the HMS Ganges Association, or contact Peter Latham (65-66 commission) at
on’s 1962-64 commission. They are Dave Royal Malaysian Navy REA1, looking for maybe an ex rating who joined this training
wiggy@bluemurder.org, tel: 0161 724 8164
Burton (my best man), Ken Richardson and and need to contact any member of class establishment in the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and or visit our website online at http://www.
Tony Hingston, both from the London area. 721Z Radio Electrical Artifi cer in HMS 70s. I am trying to get together any ex Gan-
hmsprotector.org.
The Albion’s 1962-64 commission reunion is Collingwood from 1973-76; April-Dec 1972 ges boys, or members of the HMS Ganges HMS Royal Oak: Brian a member of the
on November 3 in Portsmouth and will be 45 HMS Fisgard Class 722Z and 1973-76 HMS Association to have their own Swindon and Royal Oak Association lost an uncle Thomas
years to the day that Albion sailed for the Far Collingwood Class 721Z. Contact Hussin at district division of this association. Hopefully George Godwin when the Royal Oak was
East. Contact Pete Childe at paclchilde@
hussin_daud@yahoo.co.uk or write to 17, if there are enough members the association sunk at Scapa Flow. Thomas came from
yahoo.co.uk or tel: 01142 887769. Jalan BK 2/12B, Bandar Kinrara, 58200, can join the RNA club in Swindon. If using Westbourne in Sussex and was a leading
HMS Ajax 1982 and HMS Beaver 1984: Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. the RNA club a membership fee would have telegraphist. Brian would like to contact any
Did you serve on either of those two ships HMS Coventry: I am trying to muster the to be paid. The meetings would be once a family or friends that might be connected AR
Association
v
N
of
Royal Na y Officers
O
at that time? Get in contact with me – we entire ME Department from HMS Coventry month or three times a year, members to de- with the ship. Contact Brian Godwin at
ARNO is the Membership
can pull-up a bollard and talk about salty old 1982. I have a photo of most of the stok- cided. If you wish to join contact Bob Wins-
brian227@btinternet.com or write to 73 Nut-
Benefits of membership
times. How’s time treated you? Beer, maybe, ers taken onboard the QEII on our passage low at
Offcom1@yahoo.co.uk or write to 77 beem Road, Eastleigh, Hants, SO50 5JR.
Association and Charitable Trust include;
if you’re close? Contact AB(M) Steve ‘Nob- home, however some are missing. I would Gipsy Lane, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 8DH. HMS Sirius: Looking to fi nd MEM Hug- for serving and retired commissioned
*
an Annual Year Book which has many
by’ Hall at
stevelovesleeds@hotmail.co.uk like to get the photo reproduced before the Peter L Newton: Seeking information man (aka Huggy bear), served 1979-80. Last
officers of the RN, RM, QARNNS, the
interesting articles and useful
or tel: 07967 050749 or write to 60 Loring QEII goes off to Bahrain next year. If you regarding Peter L Newton who was billeted known to be living in London. Please contact
Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 IJF. were one of the stokers and would like to see in Blackpool during WW2. Peter was born in Phil Phillip at
phillm36@aol.com or tel: 0771
former WRNS and their Reserves.
information
HMS Brilliant: A couple of Old Oppo’s the photo contact Ian Luff at ian@wightbyte. Manchester in 1930, his mother was Dutch 3554756 or write to 17 Swanage Close, Bury,
*
a secure on-line membership list
The ARNO Charitable Trust
and I would like to form some kind of reunion
co.uk or tel: 01983 240302. with the surname Verdonk. He was billeted BL8 1JT. *
a special rate for roadside
with guy’s who served on HMS Brilliant 3Hz HMS Diamond: Graham Laughlan was an with Herbert and Marjorie Wagstaff, Marjo- HMS Trenchant: Frankie Howard is look-
provides advice and access to breakdown cover
Gunner’s Mess from 1988 to about 1992. OEM1 on Diamond from January 1963-65. rie is still around at the age of 91. Herbert ing for former submariner CPOMEA John
charitable funds for those members,
*
temporary membership of the Naval
Also if someone knows anyone from this He would dearly love to hear from anybody and Marjorie had two girls Wendy and Joan. Gamble and his partner Claudia. Last draft their wives, widows and dependents Club, Mayfair, London
period could you please pass on the idea. who served with him at that time. Contact Marjorie’s grandson Mark Elliott would like was HMS Trenchant in ‘98-ish. Used to live in
who are in need and/or experience
Contact Lance Storey at
storeyxx@aol.com Graham at
shasco@ntlworld.com or tel: to be able to arrange some sort of reunion Mannamead, Plymouth, and originally hailed
*
provision for buying and selling
or write to 29 Churchill Rise, Burstwick, East 0141 944 0159 or write to 234 Drumry Road with them all. If you can help, please contact from Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland. Had an
financial difficulties.
uniform and/or swords
Yorks, HU12 9HP. East, Glasgow, G15 8PG. Mark Elliott at
elliottm@blueyonder.co.uk or older brother who also served in the RN. Any
*
an identity card
HMS Cassandra Association: Seeking HMS Endurance: MEMs Dusty Miller/ tel: 01253 590431 or 07977 521 671. info please to Paul Howard, 85 Ribchester
Membership Association
*
entitlement to various trade discounts
shipmates who served in this CA-class de- Gary Ferris are looking for HMS Endurance HMS Olympus: Looking for Mark Ernest Road, Blackburn or tel: 01254 249780.
subscription: £12 annually or a single
* regional social functions (subsidised)
stroyer to join our thriving association. Con- shipmates who served down south on the Hunt ‘Ernie’, served with Buck Taylor at payment of £180 for Life Membership. and many more benefits and services
tact Cliff Longfoot at ongfoo50@hotmail. 1988-89 or 1989-90 deployment. Contact Lympstone and on Olympus, also best man
com or tel: 0151 226 3675 or write to 50 Steve ‘Dusty’ Miller at
Millerssga@aol.com at our wedding 1980. Love to be in con- Navy News on tape
Contact details; tel: 020 7402 5231 fax: 020 7402 5533
Graylands Road, Walton, Liverpool, L4 9UQ. or 01425 627858, 07769 931220 or post to tact again. Contact Mrs E Taylor by e-mail email:
osec@arno.org.uk www.arno.org.uk
Royal Naval College: David Easson is 132 Manor road, New Milton, Hants BH25 at
buckandlilliebet@aol.com or tel: 01295
Navy News is available free of charge
an old friend of Cdre Tim Harris who retired 5ED. 259730.
on tape from Portsmouth Area Talking
Please send me details and membership application form:
from the Royal Navy in April/May of this year. HMS Fearless: Trying to get in touch with HMS Protector: Seeking ex-ship’s com-
News for those with difficulty reading
His last posting was at the Royal Naval Col- an old friend Donna Wright, served on Fear- pany from all commissions, in particular from
normal type. Contact 023 9269 0851 Name & address__________________________________________________
lege, Dartmouth. David has lost touch with less 1995-96. I don’t know if she is still in 1955-68 when she was the Falkland Islands
and leave a message with a contact
news
_______________________________________________________________
Tim and would very much like to re-establish the Portsmouth area. If you can help please and Antarctic patrol vessel. There are many
number. No special equipment is navy
contact. Get in touch with David at david. contact Paul ‘Scouse’ Avery at PARAVERY@ tales of daring-do out there, do you know
needed to play the standard 90-minute
__________________________________________________________________
easson@nikko.co.uk or tel: 020 7799 7730
aol.com or tel: 07708 812592. anyone with a tale to tell who served aboard
cassettes.
to: Membership Secretary,ARNO, 70 Porchester Terrace, LONDON W2 3TP
0030-031_NN_sept07.indd 230-031_NN_sept07.indd 2 221/8/07 13:15:121/8/07 13:15:12
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