NAVY NEWS, APRIL 2007 37
THE TIME OF YOUR LIVES
Grand stand amid
NAVY NEWS looks back through its pages to recall some of the April headlines of past
decades...
oompah bands
40 years ago
THE Royal Navy took centre-stage Led by Band C/Sgt Dave Wright
at a number of events during the RM, the RN and RM amateur
THE wrecked tanker Torrey Canyon mets its
Cologne Carnival when members musicians performed at more than
end after accurate hits from bombs dropped
of the Yeovilton volunteer band 20 concert venues and parades
by Fleet Air Arm Buccaneers.
packed up their instruments during their week-long visit to the
First direct hits were scored by Lt Cdr D
to entertain amid the oompah Rhineland capital.
Mears, senior pilot of 800 Squadron, and
bands of Germany. The six-mile Carnival march
his observer Lt Reardon. The other FAA unit
Seventy musicians from was the highlight of the week,
involved was 736 Squadron which led the
HMS Heron Volunteer with an estimated 1½ million
initial operation. The Buccaneers dropped 42
Band, along with mem- people packing the streets to
1,000lb bombs, followed by RAF Hunter jets
bers of other volunteer enjoy the multiple sights and
with drop-cans of aviation fuel.
bands and the RN sounds of the floats, bands
30 years ago
Pipers Society, headed and fancy-dress.
IT WAS the rotorcraft of 849 Naval Air Squadron
out to the German In addition to the crowds
of Prestwick that drew Navy News’ atten-
city to take part of Jecke (or carnival fans)
tion with a photograph of a Sea King with an
in its annual partying on the streets,
under-slung Jet Ranger helicopter.
Carnival. the parade is beamed live
The smaller helicopter had come a cropper
to millions of homes in
on a frozen loch, but fortunately the former
Germany on national TV,
Naval pilot had brought his bird down to land
where the audience can
on ice thick enough to bear the weight.
celebrate the triumphant
passage of the Cologne
20 years ago triad of prince, farmer
A MORE dramatic rescue for the Navy’s div-
and virgin – and their
ing teams that toiled through the cold and
attendant crowd.
dark seas off Zeebrugge when they rushed
to the aid of the capsized ferry Herald of Free
Enterprise.
The core of the Naval element were divers
from HMS Hurworth, teams from Plymouth
and Portsmouth, and a search and rescue
● Top bombing... oil in the wrecked tanker Torrey Canyon is set on fi re by bombs
crew from RNAS Culdrose.
dropped from Naval Buccaneers from Lossiemouth
Ask Jack
Aldis Lamp: Taff has an aldis lamp Centaur uniform. The family name is Stew- aol.com, tel: 01241 874720 or write to 11 Gibraltar to create the Fleet Met Offi ce for
marked as follows: Admiralty pattern 5110 art and he came from Co. Down, Northern Corsar Croft, Arbroath, Tayside, DD11 4GJ. CinC Admiral Cunningham, on to Algiers,
D,1941,AB [portable signalling]. He requires Ireland, possibly Donaghadee. If anyone has HMS Delight (H38): Can anyone help with Naples, Southern France etc. During the
to obtain a new bulb and bulb assembly any information could they contact Rebecca information relating to D-class destroyer, three years that he was in the area, he only
for this. If anyone can help I would be most Armstrong at shortandsweet18@hotmail. HMS Delight (H38), between February 1938 got a one week break in Rome at the end
grateful. This type is the one with a con- com or write to 43 Meadowbank Avenue, and July 1940, with particular reference to of the war. During three years he and two
cave tilting mirror. Contact Taff Harvey at Donaghadee, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, Leading Seaman, Cyril Ralf Day? Sally is others maintained a 24-hour watch system.
Cromwell1649@aol.com, tel: 01978 357 374 BT21 0HR. particularly interested in two voyages: Nar- John would like to hear from today’s Met
or write to: 38 Fenwick Drive, Rhosnesni, HMS Condor, Arbroath: Vince Jones’ vik, and the later one which ended in his ratings to compare notes. Contact John
Wrexham LL13 9DF. parents split up over 30 years ago but he death and her sinking off Portland. Contact Physick at physick2@physick2.free-online.
HMS Argonaut: Michael is tracing his would like to learn more about his father. His Sally Self (née Day) at russalself@aol.com or co.uk or tel: 01474 812301.
father’s Naval history. He was serving on Ar- parents Goronwy Jones and Patricia were tel: 01242 243714. Chief Yeoman of Signals, W G Mundy:
gonaut when she was damaged in 1943 and married whilst Goronwy was serving in Ar- Sir John Frederick Dickson: Trying to William Mundy was born October 18 1899
the next entry says, in very poor handwrit- broath. Goronwy joined the Navy in 1949 and
fi nd surviving family members or friends of and served in the RN during both World Picture: LA(Phot) Paul A’Barrow
ing, command (Quantock). If anyone knows as well as serving at Condor also served in
Sir John, who was the founder of Port Dick- Wars, he was mentioned in despatches and
of this location, could you contact Michael Eagle, Falcon and various other ships, also
son, Malaysia in 1889? Contact Poopalu Gazetted January 1 1942, leaving the service
Feeley at michael.feeley2@btinternet.com stationed in Malta. Vince’s mother died fi ve
Nagiah, 18 Main Road, Port Dickson, Negri in July 1945. Trying to establish two things:
or write to 8 Walcott Avenue, Christchurch, years ago and he has heard that his father
Sembilan, 7100, West Malaysia. fi rstly in what units did William serve and why
Dorset, BH23 2NG. died a couple of years ago. If anyone knew
HMS Inglefi eld: Seeking information was he mentioned in despatches? Secondly
HMS Centaur: Rebecca has a black and his father or can confi rm his passing could
about the picking up of Jack Harrison and more importantly, are there any living
white photograph of a family member in an they contact Vince Jones at vincejones1@
(1903-63) by the crew of the Inglefi eld. He relatives. Contact CPO(C) Tim Lett at t.lett@
had been torpedoed in the Atlantic, in the ntlworld.com, tel: 01329 332757 or write to
Where are you now?
autumn 1940; taken as a survivor to London- Seaman Specialist Section Offi cer, CWTU,
derry where he met the Duke of Kent at the HMS Collingwood, Fareham, Hants.
Guildhall. Jane would like to fi ll in the gaps, Leading Seaman (LDJ): Circa 1900s,
Back Copies
epecially the ship that he was serving on that does anyone know what the initials LDJ
had been torpedoed. Jack was a gunlayer on stand for? Contact Rick Richmond at rick.
board. He was still having nightmares of his richmond@btopenworld.com or write to Many editions available,
HMS Albion: Jenny Barrett is looking establishment was known as Cunningham’s time in the water right up until he died. If you 8 Elmoor Close, Welwyn, Hertfordshire,
for any details on Hugh Cheyne, Master at Holiday Camp. Accommodated in wooden have any information contact Jane Horton AL6 9PF.
Arms, who served in Albion. Hugh is Jenny’s huts sleeping three, Ken joined St George at horton@oldmillsnape.co.uk or tel: 01728 HMS Venomous: Looking for the wherea-
please call 023 9273 4448
father, he and her mother separated when in 1944, Exmouth Division. Are any ‘George’ 687477. bouts of the ship’s bell on behalf of her
she was very young. Her mother died when Boys still around? Intake was from Training HMS Kent 1910: Roger’s eldest uncle affi liated town of Loughborough and the
she was ten, so cannot obtain any other in- Ship Boys, ie TS Arethusa, Royal Hospital (who he never knew) Henry Reginald Manley local Sea Cadets. Contact R J Moore, 99
for details or email:
formation than she already has. Jenny was School, quickly advancing themselves in the died while serving on Kent at Hong Kong in Holywell Drive, Loughborough, Leicester-
born in Liverpool in 1972, so presumes he service. Contact Ken Henderson, 26c Percy 1910. As he is trying to compile his family shire, LE11 3JX or tel: 01509 266164.
subscriptions@navynews.co.uk
was onboard the ship before this? She has Gardens, Tynemouth, NE30 4HQ or tel: 0191 history he would be glad of any information HMS Wrestler: Diaries of Wrestler
some photographs of him, one is a formal 257 3054. or photographs. Contact Roger Manley, at have turned up about Russian convoys. If
picture in uniform, with the captain and other HMS Truant: Seeking anyone who served roger.manley@wanadoo.fr or write to 63 anybody remembers this ship, also HMS
Reporting from the Fleet
crew members, others are when he was in in Truant 1939-43. Contact Stan Hillyard, rue Maurice Morand, 85110, Chantonnay, Westcott, carrier HMS Fencer, Constant,
the Far East. Contact Jennifer Cheyne Bar- Mariner, Blind Lane, Bower Hinton, Martock, France. Boadicea, Whitehall and many more. Con-
rett at jennyc113@hotmail.com or write to Somerset, TA12 6LR or tel: 01935 825561. Met Ratings: John was one of the new tact Mrs Margaret Wall at margm11@aol.
Calle Barcelona 434, Mijas Golf, Mijas Costa, HMS Newfoundland Association: are still rate of Seaman Met in 1942. He set off to com or tel: 01925 791446.
Calling all serving and ex-serving SR Stewards
Spain, 29650. going strong and are still looking for former
HMS Antrim: Trying to contact Leading shipmates hiding in the woodwork. Come The ‘Pembroke 84’ reunion dinner 07 will take place at HMS
Airman (Met) Roger Woodward who served out and join us. Details from Alan Waite at
with Ian Cox on HMS Antrim 1975-78. Roger alan_waitec59@hotmail.com or tel: 01162 Raleigh WO&SR Mess on Friday 15 June, cost £35. For those
and Ian were in 3 Romeo leading hands
Contact sheet
833266.
mess. Please contact Ian Cox, Promenade members that wish to attend but have not received an attendance
Villa, 14 St Mary’s Lane, Maldon, Essex,
CM9 5JY or tel: 01621 851149.
letter by the 30 April, please contact WO ‘Taxi’ Carr on: Mod: 9375
HMS Daring: Seeking a ‘scouser’ stoker
Sports lottery
Ministry of Defence: 0870 607 4455, RN Community: www.rncom.mod.uk
R H Stoddart from Liverpool who served in
www.mod.uk Naval Families Federation: 023 9265 41571 / Civ: 01752 811571 or email: ral-ltocsp@nrta.mod.uk
Daring 1952-54. HMS Daring Association
Royal Navy recruitment: 0845 607 5555, 4374, www.nff.org.uk
are looking for him. Contact Joe Deguara
www.royalnavy.mod.uk SSAFA Forces Help: 0845 1300 975, Looking forward to see you all
at jde46550@bigpond.net.au or write to PO
Veterans Agency: 0800 169 2277, www. www.ssafa.org.uk
Box 2, Eildon, Victoria, 3713, Australia.
veteransagency.mod.uk Royal Naval Museum: 023 9272 7562,
February 17: £5,000 – Lt Cdr S B Etch-
HMS Diamond, fi rst commission and
Medals enquiries: 0800 085 3600 www.royalnavalmuseum.org
ells, FOST Faslane; £1,500 – APOMEMM D
HMS Corunna December 1954 to May
RN and RM Service records: 023 9272 Fleet Air Arm Museum: 01935 840565,
J Tiley, FSU01 Portsmouth; £500 – Lt R A
1956: John Dent is seeking anyone who
7531 or 023 9272 3114 www.fl eetairarm.com
McLaughlin, Culdrose 849 NAS.
remembers him from these two ships and
Falklands 25: 0800 169 2277 (Veterans Royal Marines Museum: 023 9281 9385,
February 24: £5,000 – LOMUW I J
requests that ‘Les’, who contacted him
Agency), www.falklands25.com www.royalmmarinesmuseum.co.uk
Briggs, MWS Collingwood; £1,500 – Lt C L
from Corunna please do so again as the tel-
Royal Naval Association: 020 7352 6764, RN Submarine Museum: 023 9252 9217,
Flaherty, MWS Collingwood; £500 – Mne T
ephone number was wrong. Contact John
www.royal-naval-association.co.uk www.rnsubmus.co.uk
H E Williams, RMB Stonehouse.
Dent at john.dent20@ntlworld.com or tel:
RNBT: 023 9269 0112 (general), 023 9266 National Maritime Museum: 020 8312
March 3: £5,000 – Lt Cdr D Reese, 2SL
01473 404735.
0296 (grants), www.rnbt.org.uk 6565, www.nmm.ac.uk
DNCM; £1,500 – PO M Anderson, Culdrose
HMS Gamecock: Seeking anyone from
British Legion: 08457 725725, www. Imperial War Museum: 020 7416 5320,
771 NAS; £500 – Sgt C M Goodridge, Yeo-
April 2, 1957, Class 8. Are any shipmates
britishlegion.org.uk www.iwm.org.uk
vilton 847 NAS.
game for a 50 year reunion? Terry is in touch
March 10: £5,000 – WO2 K T Young,
with Brian Goouge. Contact Terry McKee on
Regents Park Barracks; £1,500 – CPOWEA
01452 411877.
P R Whitworth, HMS Triumph; £500 – Lt Cdr Entries for the Deaths column and Swap Drafts in
RN Air Stations: Bob Rutt is seeking
A J T Bush, Cyprus Patrol Boat Service
lost friends who served 1951-58 at RNAS May’s Noticeboard must be received by April 10
AR
Association
N
of
Royal Navy Officers
O
Gamecock, Daedalus, Heron, Squadrons
781 JOAC Flight, 891 and also in Bulwark.
ARNO is the Membership Benefits of membership
Contact Bob on 01476 408176. Association and Charitable Trust include;
HMS Ganges: Former stoker Mark ‘Brad- Swap drafts
for serving and retired commissioned
ders’ Bradshaw joined Ganges January 1976 NOTICEBOARD ENTRIES
*
an Annual Year Book which has many
then Sultan, Devonport, Danae, Ariadne, Ark
officers of the RN, RM, QARNNS, the
interesting articles and useful
Royal, Cochrane, Londonderry. Looking for
■ Notices for this page should be brief, clearly written or typed and
former WRNS and their Reserves.
information
any old drinking pals that remember him addressed to – The Editor, Navy News, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth. PO1 *
a secure on-line membership list
especially: Ken Burrows, Stevie Illingworth,
AB(Sea)1 Day – wanting to join HMS 3HH or email: edit@navynews.co.uk. If you are sending your notice in via
The ARNO Charitable Trust
*
a special rate for roadside
Scouse Darcy or Ginger Rodgers. Contact
Echo. Draft: HMS York (alongside most of
provides advice and access to breakdown cover
Mark at inkmaster_painman@yahoo.com or
email, please include your full address and telephone number.
year, docked down next year). Would like: charitable funds for those members,
tel: 0114 257 8797.
*
temporary membership of the Naval
any Able Seaman 1, fully transitioned, in-
■ Reunions appear in date order, and requests to place an entry in a
their wives, widows and dependents
Club, Mayfair, London
Stuart N McKay: Dennis has been
cluding SSE Maintainer or Boat Coxswain
searching for the family of Stuart McKay for
particular edition cannot be guaranteed.
who are in need and/or experience *
provision for buying and selling
qualifi ed to relieve from ship. Contact:
over 20 years. Stuart was lost whilst on HMS financial difficulties.
uniform and/or swords
H49. He lived in Greenock, Scotland. Dennis
shandrikapapura@yahoo.co.uk.
■ Please send in Reunions at least three months (preferably four) before
*
an identity card
has recently learned of a nephew Robert F
LOM(AWW) Jason Briant. Draft: HMS the month of the event.
Membership Association
*
entitlement to various trade discounts
McKay and would like to get in touch regard-
Sutherland, currently deployed, returning
■ There may be a delay before items appear, due to the volume of subscription: £12 annually or a single
ing H49. Contact Dennis Feary at dennis.
June 2007. Will swap for: any Portsmouth- *
regional social functions (subsidised)
payment of £180 for Life Membership. and many more benefits and services
feary@onetel.net or tel: 01354 656441.
based ship or shore base draft. Contact:
requests.
HMS Plymouth: Trying to contact Dave
398-laww3@a.dii.mod.uk.
■ Entries are free to non-commercial organisations. Items pertaining to
Contact details; tel: 020 7402 5231 fax: 020 7402 5533
Townsend who served in HMS Plymouth as
AB Std S Warrilow. Draft: HMS Albion,
email: osec@arno.org.uk www.arno.org.uk
POMEM and as CPOMEM in Argonaut. Any-
July 2007. Will swap for: any Portsmouth
commercial work, books and publications for profit can only appear as
body having details or able to pass my re-
based ship. Contact: 0795 766 2254.
paid-for advertising.
Please send me details and membership application form:
quest on to Dave, please contact Keith Oxby
LOM(C) Chris Jones. Draft: Commcen
■ The Editor reserves the right to edit or refuse publication of submitted
at dogwooddude@yahoo.com or write to
Falklands September 2007 to March 2008. Name & address__________________________________________________
58 Skyline Drive, Kimberling City, Missouri,
Will swap for: any Plymouth-based ship,
notices.
news
65686, USA. preferably a Type 23. Contact: 9375 67776.
_______________________________________________________________
■ Space does not allow us to accept more than one free insert. Any
navy
HMS St George, Douglas, Isle of Man: CH McConachie. Draft: 800 Squadron,
subsequent notice will have to be paid for at advertising rates. __________________________________________________________________
During WW2 HMS Ganges Boys train- RAF Cottesmore. Will swap for: Type 23 frig-
ing was moved to HMS St George. This ate, any port. Contact: 95341 ext 7488.
to: Membership Secretary,ARNO, 70 Porchester Terrace, LONDON W2 3TP
037_NN_apr07.indd 1 21/3/07 10:33:03
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61