34 NAVY NEWS, APRIL 2009
A light on Deadlight
Reunions Honours
THE team behind the daily TV northwest coast of Ireland at a
magazine programme The One spot codenamed ZZ.
APRIL 2009 yahoo.co.uk or see the website at http://www.
Operational honours and awards, which recognise service on
Show are planning a feature on the The sinkings began in mid- HMS Speaker Association: Final reunion queensschoolrheindahlenassociation.
at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey on April co.uk or tel: 01837 840757.
operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and national operations for the
greatest destruction of submarines November (nearly 60 boats
27 at 1130; Reception with Mr Speaker and River-class Frigate Association: 24th period April 1 2008 to September 30 2008, is below:
in British naval history. foundered before they reached
the Lord’s Speaker before luncheon. Details annual reunion to be held at the Royal Navy
In the aftermath of World War the scuttling point) and continued from Neville Jones, 36 Quantock Court, Club, Leamington Spa, September 19.
Burnham on Sea, Somerset, TA8 1DL. Muster at 1100, lunch 1400. Castle-class
AFGHANISTAN
2, the Royal Navy sent more until February 12 1946 when
MAY 2009
frigates, Flower-class corvettes plus other
Member of The Order of The British Empire (MBE)
than 100 surrendered German the very last boat, U3514 – a
HMS Victorious 1941-45 Association: A
escort groups are all welcome – as they all
Maj Sven Christopher Hanson, Royal Marines
submarines to the bottom of the revolutionary Type XXI ‘electro
25th reunion service will be held on May 10
did the same job. This is the 24th reunion
Military Cross (MC)
Atlantic. boat’ – was sent to the bottom. at St Bartholomew Church, Yeovilton at 1030
at the RNA Club so it can’t be bad. Contact
followed by carvery lunch. Please contact
Ray Dodd, Clayleaches Farm, Arlies Lane,
Acting L/Cpl Stephen Burns, Royal Marines
Of the more than 150 U-boats She was dispatched by a
Frank Short on 01981 540585 to confi rm
Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15 3PZ or tel: 0161 Mention in Despatches (MiD)
which were surrendered by the combination of 4in shells, close-
your attendance.
338 4298.
Mne Matthew Corcoran, Royal Marines; AB(Sea)1 Richard
Third Reich at the war’s end, four range guns, and Squid anti- HMS Eagle – last commission 1969-72:
Algerines Association: Autumn break at
Nautical extravaganza weekend reunion
Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island,
Andrew Hudson, Royal Navy; Sgt Malcolm Clive Pettitt, Royal
out of five ended in the hands of submarine mortars from HMS
at the Northern Hotel, Aberdeen, May 15-
September 21-28. Contact George Patience Marines; C/Sgt Benn Adam Soutine, Royal Marines; Cpl John
the Royal Navy. Loch Arkaig before finally slipping
17. Following on from brilliant and well-
on 01456 450659 or Mike Hutchins on 01903
Robert Stephenson, Royal Marines; Lt Cdr Paul Tremelling,
Some underwent thorough into the depths. attended past two reunions, all Eaglets plus 766895.
wives, partners and guests very welcome
HMS Caprice (1968) Association:
Royal Navy
testing and evaluation by British The weekday BBC1 magazine
to make this one even better. Meet and
Reunion at the King Charles Hotel, Chatham, Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)
submariners and experts, but the programme, The One Show, plans
greet on the Friday followed by the choice
September 25-26. Visit Cavalier on the
WO2 Wayne Anthony Hoyle, Royal Marines
decision was taken to sink most a four-minute film on the huge of Whisky Distillery and Nautical Museum Saturday morning and reunion dinner that
of the boats, held initially at Loch scuttling operation – hopefully
tours during the day on Saturday followed
night. If you were aboard Caprice during
by nautical dinner, dance and entertainment
her memorable world cruise in 1968, and IRAQ
Ryan in Scotland and Lisahally in featuring the memories of those
including Sea Cadet ceremonial sunset. are not already a member of our 75-strong Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)
Northern Ireland, in Operation who took part in Deadlight and All commissions 1952-72 very welcome. association, why not join us? Meet some of
For details contact Bill Melvin at bill. your old shipmates and enjoy a nostalgic trip
Acting Lt Col Steven John Hussey, Royal Marines; Lt Cdr Neil
Deadlight. images/footage of the operation.
melvin@virgin.net, 07740 439987, or write around the Cavalier. Contact Graham Latter
Kenneth Marriott, Royal Navy; CPO(CT) Gareth Neil Thomas,
Some of the boats were used as If you remember this historical
to 4 Middleton Crescent, Bridge of Don, at g@latter.karoo.co.uk, see the website: Royal Navy
target practice, sunk by aircraft, event or know someone who Aberdeen, AB22 8HY. http://www.hmscaprice1968.org.uk or tel:
gunfire, torpedoes and anti- does then please contact Gemma
HMS Exeter (D89): Crew of 82 Reunion 01482 632276.
taking place in Portsmouth on May 23. Please Minewarfare Association: Annual reunion
NATIONAL OPERATIONS
submarine weapons. Metcalfe-Beckers on 0113 203
visit the web site http://www.hms-exeter. will be held in the WO’s and S/R’s mess at Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)
The rest were earmarked for 4075 or by email to gemma@ co.uk and select the forum link. All ex-crew HMS Collingwood on September 26 at 1930.
members of the Exeter (D89) are welcome Further details can be found at http://www.
Sgt Mark Sheraton, Royal Marines
scuttling around 120 miles off the reallife.co.uk
to join the forum. If you have any questions mwassociation.co.uk/ or by contacting the
please contact Andy ‘Nic’ Nicholson at nic@ Secretary on 01329 333471. NON-COMBATANT GALLANTRY
Diary dates
hms-exeter.co.uk or tel: 07836 701583
Omani Reunion: The 20th reunion of
OCTOBER 2009 Air Force Cross (AFC)
military and civilian personnel who served
Castle-class Corvette and Frigate
Lt Cdr Martin Nicholas Lanni, Royal Navy; Lt Michael Raoul
in the Sultanate of Oman between 1975 to
Association: Annual reunion October 2-5
Paulet, Royal Navy
2009, is taking place in Hull, East Yorkshire
in Torquay. All ex shipmates and friends
from May 23 to 24. For more details contact
are welcome aboard this event which will Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Jim Dyson at jimandjan@jimandjan.karoo.
be a special occasion to celebrate our 20th
LACMN Kevin Regan, Royal Navy
MAY www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
May 1: Fly Navy 100 – Fly Past over June 27: National Armed Forces Day –
co.uk or tel: 01482 846599.
anniversary. To join the association and/
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery In The Air (QCBA)
Eastchurch Pioneer Memorial, Isle of main event at Chatham Historic Dockyard
723(CS) Kings Squad RM 1959-60: 50
or obtain further details please contact the
years on! Reunion in Exmouth, May 21 to 23.
secretary Mike Biffen on 0121 429 3985. PO Darren Andrew Craig, Royal Navy; Lt Cdr Martin John
Sheppey, Kent. with smaller events going on through the
Includes a Kings Squad pass-out at CTCRM.
HMS Cardigan Bay Association: Annual
Ford AFC, Royal Navy
May 2: Army vs Navy Rugby Match at week around the country. Find out more
Twickenham. Tickets cost £18-20 (adults), about the main event and events in your area
Details from Taff Prichard on 029 2079 0233.
reunion will be held at the Ramada Hotel,
£10 (children). Call 0870 444 6633, www. at www.armedforcesday.org.uk.
HMS Antelope: The 2009 reunion will be
Ayr, Scotland, October 2-5. Contact Gordon
navyrugbyunion.co.uk.
held in the WO & Senior Rates Mess, HMS
Green at juliaandgordon@btopenworld.com
May 7-8: Fly Navy 100 – HMS Illustrious
JULY Drake on May 30. For further details please
or tel: 07948 800904.
Ask Jack
in London – Centenary Fly Past Greenwich,
July 11: RNAS Yeovilton Air Day: contact ‘Shep’ Ian Sheppard at shepeileen@
HMS Crane U23/F123 (1943-62)
London, 12 noon, May 7.
Celebrating 100 years of Naval aviation. tiscali.co.uk or tel: 07974 004713. Please do
Association: Reunion and AGM to be held at
May 13-16: Royal Tattoo – The Massed
See www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/ not contact if you have already passed your
the Gateway Hotel, Nottingham on October
Military Bands from all three Services at
nav.4948. Tickets cost £21 (adults) and £8 details to Bob Hutton.
2-4. All details from Tony Nuttall at crane.
bird@tiscali.co.uk or tel: 0115 9526363.
Windsor Castle. Tickets cost £15-£60.
(children) on the day, with concessions for
JUNE 2009
Flow in WW2. The boat – 54ft long – had
Nore Command RN PTI Branch
HMS Tiger: Does anyone know the
Available from 0871 230 5570 or online at
advance booking (£17, £14(OAP) and £5.
HMS Intrepid Association: The fi rst
whereabouts of HMS Tiger’s ship’s bell? been a smart pre-war teak/mahogany motor
Association: Annual luncheon takes place
www.windsortattoo.com.
Call 08445 781 781.
reunion dinner will be held at the Paragon
Contact Brian Joy at navy.bj3@ntlworld. yacht named then Sunfl ower II. I believe she
July 18-19: Royal Navy Past and
at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham, Kent
Hotel, Birmingham, June 5-7. Tickets are
com or tel: 020 8864 0978. was used as a work or post boat around
JUNE Present at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
on October 4. All are welcome. Details from
free and discounted rooms (from £55 per
HMS Caprice: We are compiling the Scapa Flow possibly manned by WRENS.
June 6: Collingwood Open Day and Field Commemorating the 250th anniversary of
Orlando Jemmett on 01227 263691.
night) are available. The price includes B&B,
history of Caprice from 1944 to 1979. She might be remembered for her mahogany
Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood, the laying of HMS Victory’s keel. Visitors will
Mauritius Veterans: Reunion for all those
Friday hot buffet and Saturday reunion dinner
We are appealing for any photographs or cabins and wheel house, twin engines and
Fareham. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £4 for be able to board a modern Naval warship,
who served at HMS Mauritius (shore base)
and live entertainment. Contact the social
information from anyone who was on board two masts. As well as searching for any
children/OAPS at the gate (£5 and £3 in amid many other displays. Enquiries: 023
in the 1960s and 1970s. This will be held
secretary at socialsec@hmsintrepid.com,
or associated with her during that time, who recall crewing the boat I would also be
advance). See www.royalnavy.mod.uk/ 9283 9766, www.historicdockyard.co.uk.
on October 10 in the WO & SR Mess, HMS
see the website: http://www.hmsintrepid.
especially during the earlier commissions interested to trace any details of the boat
server/show/nav.6943 for more information. July 18-19: Royal International Air Tattoo
Nelson, Portsmouth. If you are interested in
com or tel: 01207 283693.
before 1965. Material may be downloaded being taken up and any ‘offi cial’ log of her
June 9-11: Beat Retreat – The Massed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Tickets attending, please contact Tina Lowe at tina.
Collingwood Memorial Service: The
electronically if required. All contributions will service in the RN. Does anyone keep such
Bands of the Royal Marines at Horse Guards cost £39.95, under 16s with paying adult go lowe3@ntlworld.com or tel: 01329 843347.
Collingwood RND War Memorial trustees and
be acknowledged and all original material historical records, I wonder? Please contact
Parade, London. Tickets cost £12 (family free. Visit www.airtattoo.com/airshow or
the president and members of the Blandford
HMS Exmouth 1968-71: The next reunion
returned. Contact Graham Latter at g@ Paul Newgass at paulnewgass@btinternet.
ticket £40). Telephone 0844 847 2504 or call 0800 107 1940.
branch of the RNA invite you, your family and
will be held at Hotel ‘53’ in York on October
latter.karoo.co.uk, see the website: http:// com or 9 Clarence Hill, Dartmouth, TQ6
July 29: RNAS Culdrose Air Day. See
friends to the annual Remembrance Service
16-17. Anyone wanting further information
www.hmscaprice1968.org.uk or tel: 01482 9NX.
www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/
at the Memorial on June 5 at 1500. Please
should contact Mickey Dunne at michael.
632276. CPO Israel Harding VC and Sgt Norman
nav.6201
wear medals/decorations. The chairman of
dunne7@ntlworld.com or tel: 01325
Leningrad Visit: In July 1946, HMS Finch VC: The Royal Navy wish to invite
SEPTEMBER the North Dorset District Council and the
258193.
Triumph, with Flag of Admiral of the Fleet relatives and descendants of VC holders
September 5-6: Navy Days: Meet Your Commander Blandford Garrison have kindly
RNA Plymouth: 8th biennial Trafalgar
Lord Fraser proceeded to Kronstadt, then Chief Gunner Israel Harding and Sgt Norman
Navy 09 at HM Naval Base Devonport, invited all attendees to join them for tea in
weekend at the Anchorage Hotel, on to Leningrad and undertook a visit by Finch to the opening of two new buildings
Plymouth. Tickets cost £14 (adults one- HQ Mess, Royal Signals, after the service.
Babbacombe, Devon on October 23-25. personnel to Moscow. I believe we were on Whale Island in Portsmouth. If you are
day) with concessions for pensioners and More information from Roy Adam on 01258
Details from social secretary at artsue@ the fi rst visit of an RN ship after the end of able to help fi nd the descendants of either
children, and multi-day entry. Ticket line 453797.
chendera.fsnet.co.uk or write to RNA hostilities. I served in the ARU and I believe man please contact Heather Tuppen, Naval
Speak to John Lister 08445 78 78 78. Further information at www. HMS Nubian Association 1964-66
Plymouth, Chendera, 4 Rowan Court, our mess was 78. Amongst other highlights Base DPRO, at Portsmouth Naval Base on
01395 568028
royalnavy.mod.uk/navydays. Commission: Annual reunion will be held at
Latchbrook, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 4UN. was the conveying of the Olympic Torch and 023 9272 3737.
September 11: Dedication of Fleet the Britannia Hotel, Coventry, from June 12-
Royal Naval Electrical Branch part escort to HMS Vanguard in May 1947.
www.burialatsea.co.uk
Air Arm Memorial, National Arboretum, 14. For further details contact Jim Rotherham
Association: Reunion, October 23-26, In the mess was a great character, Spider
Staffordshire. on 01246 433923.
at South Downs Holiday Village near Atherton who I hope is still around. I am
email@burialatsea.co.uk
SAMA82 (Scotland): Did you serve in the
Chichester. Great weekend planned. Full seeking information anectdotal or pictures Assignments
Falklands Confl ict? There will be a Falklands
board. Remembrance Service at St Ann’s about the visit to Leningrad. I am planning
Veterans dinner at the Douglas Hotel,
Church in Portsmouth Dockyard. If you a trip to St Petersburg later this year hoping
Aberdeen on June 13. For more details
are ex Royal Navy Electrical branch, this is to reminisce on my 85th birthday. Please
contact Ian Kaye at i.kaye@btinternet.com
where you should be to meet up with your contact Eric Osborne at ericsosborne@
or Eric Smith, 4 Rolland Place, Drumlithie,
old Electrical branch messmates. Further btinternet.com or tel: 01825 764342. Hon Cdre Sir Donald Gosling KCVO RNR
Stonehaven. AB39 3YX.
details from Mike Crowe at mike@rneba.org. Sunfl ower II: I am trying to trace anyone has been promoted to the rank of Hon Rear
HMS Kale Association: Reunion takes
uk, see the website at www.rneba.org.uk or who can recall serving on my boat in Scapa Adm RNR with effect from March 2.
place June 23-25 at the Southdene Hotel,
RNEBA, 7 Heath Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle
94 Horsforth Avenue, Bridlington, YO15
of Wight, PO36 8PG.
2DF. Fall in, old hands. Contact R S Clay, 31
NOVEMBER
Cuckmere Way, Brighton, BN1 8GA or tel:
Special Communications Unit (SCU): A
01273 552076.
reunion is to be held for all personnel who
Talking Navy News goes digital
Ganges Old Boys are holding a gathering
have either served as an RO(S), CT or as a Navy News is available free of charge as a digital file on memory stick or email from
at Pontin’s Holiday Centre, Lowestoft, June
member of staff of the SCUs at Tangmere,
Portsmouth Area Talking News for those with difficulty reading normal type. Contact
26-28, to celebrate their survival from Boy
Leydene, Collingwood or GCHQ at any time.
023 9269 0851 and leave a message with a contact number, or email patn-rec@hotmail.
2nd Class (or equivalent) to mostly the ‘bus
Wives and partners more than welcome to
com. A speaker that will take a USB plug is required but this can be obtained from the
pass brigade’. A weekend away from politics
attend. Event to be held at the Cabana Club,
Talking News, or the file can be played back through a computer.
Please call 023 9273 4448 for details
– lawyers (lower deck or otherwise). All Old
Selsey on the evening of November 21.
Shotley Boys welcome. Further information
Anyone desiring to attend please contact
or email:
from Dickie Doyle at mail@sloproom.co.uk
Eddie Clamp at edward.clamp@btinternet.
or tel: 0121 747 3680.
subscriptions@navynews.co.uk
com or tel: 01243 605832 or write 10 Grove
AUGUST 2009 Rd, Selsey, Sussex, PO20 0AS
Contact sheet
HMS Glasgow (C21/D88): 29th reunion
OCTOBER 2010
will take place at the Warwick Hotel,
HMS Ulster 1958-60 Commission: The
Blackpool, August 7-10. All ex-crew are
fi nal reunion was supposed to have taken
welcome. Details from Allan Mercer, 89
Royal Avenue, Widnes, WA8 8HJ.
place in 2008, but due to the success of
that one, it was agreed to stage another
Ministry of Defence: 0870 607 4455, Seafarers UK: 020 7932 0000, www.
SEPTEMBER 2009 in October 2010. Details of cost and the
www.mod.uk seafarers-uk.org
The Queen’s School Rheindahlen: weekend package can be obtained from
Royal Navy recruitment: 0845 607 5555, SSAFA Forces Help: 0845 1300 975,
Association of former pupils and staff is Norrie Millen at norriem88@hotmail.com or
www.royalnavy.mod.uk www.ssafa.org.uk
holding its 2009 reunion in London on tel 07779 909691. Details also on website
Veterans Agency: 0800 169 2277, www. RN Community: www.rncom.mod.uk
Saturday September 19. For more details at www.candoo.com/ulsternorrie/ulster/
veteransagency.mod.uk Royal Naval Museum: 023 9272 7562,
contact Peter Williams at pdwilliams29@ ulster12.html.
Medals enquiries: 0800 085 3600 www.royalnavalmuseum.org
RN and RM Service records: 023 9262 Fleet Air Arm Museum: 01935 840565,
8779 or 023 9262 8667 www.fl eetairarm.com
Swap drafts
Royal Naval Association: 023 9272 3823, Royal Marines Museum: 023 9281 9385,
www.royal-naval-association.co.uk www.royalmmarinesmuseum.co.uk
RNBT: 023 9269 0112 (general), 023 9266 RN Submarine Museum: 023 9252 9217,
0296 (grants), www.rnbt.org.uk www.rnsubmus.co.uk
British Legion: 08457 725725, www. National Maritime Museum: 020 8312
Logs(Pers) Kirstie Little. Current draft: AB1(Sea) Cole. Current draft: HMS
britishlegion.org.uk 6565, www.nmm.ac.uk
UKMARBATSTAFF (shore-based, classed Portland. Looking for a swap draft to any
Naval Families Federation: 023 9265 Imperial War Museum: 020 7416 5320,
as sea-time). Would like to swap for: any Portsmouth-based ship or shore draft.
4374, www.nff.org.uk www.iwm.org.uk
Portsmouth-based Type 23 or 42. Contact: Contact: HMS Portland-ABSea10.
0773 807 2494. Logs(CS(D)) Davidson. Current draft:
LET(ME) John Cain. Current draft: HMS HMS Ark Royal. Would like to swap for any
Sutherland. Would like to swap for: any other ship in Portsmouth or Plymouth – no
NOTICEBOARD ENTRIES
Portsmouth-based small ship, River-class carriers please. Contact: 07837 671558.
vessel or survey vessel (ie HMS Scott, LLogs(CS)(P) S Duffy. Currently on HMS
■ Notices for this page should be brief, clearly written or typed and
Endurance, Echo, Enterprise) would also Albion will swap for any Devonport based addressed to – The Editor, Navy News, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth. PO1
consider a shore base or establishment. T22/23 frigate. Contact: 9375 55054/54541
Contact: 398-letme11@a.dii.mod.uk. (from April 20 via the ship’s exchange).
3HH or email: edit@navynews.co.uk. If you are sending your notice in via
email, please include your full address and telephone number.
Sports lottery
■ Reunions appear in date order, and requests to place an entry in a
particular edition cannot be guaranteed.
■ Please send in Reunions at least three months (preferably four) before
the month of the event.
February 21: £5,000 – OMSSM I P March 7: £5,000 – LLogs P J Wetherhill, ■ There may be a delay before items appear, due to the volume of
Bryant, HMS Turbulent; £1,500 – AET1 P HMS Victorious (Port); £1,500 – POC
requests.
D Stocks, RAF Cottesmore; £500 – LETME R Hemstock, Fleet HQ (BOWTAG); £500 –
G D Patter, HMS Ark Royal. Lt Cdr D Roberts, BDS Washington.
■ Entries are free to non-commercial organisations. Items pertaining to
February 28: £5,000 – CH N M Kennedy, March 14: £5,000 – LOM L J Dudman,
commercial work, books and publications for profit can only appear as
HMS Illustrious; £1,500 – Lt S F Lear, HMS HMS Portland/MWS; £1,500 – Lt P G Toon,
Edinburgh; £500 – S/Lt L B Harrison, HMS RNAS Culdrose (MASF); £500 – LH G Shutt,
paid-for advertising.
Wildfi re. HMNB Clyde (NDG). ■ The Editor reserves the right to edit or refuse publication of submit-
ted notices.
Entries for the Deaths’ column and Swap Drafts in ■ Space does not allow us to accept more than one free insert. Any
May’s Noticeboard must be received by April 13
subsequent notice will have to be paid for at advertising rates.
034-035_NN_apr09.indd 1 19/3/09 11:37:16
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