NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2009 35
Bangalore
Our branch
National
on Solent
IN OCTOBER 1941 I met Glyn
pride in
Chivers at the Naval Recruiting
Offi ce in Cardiff. We were just 18
years old and had volunteered for
all nations
the Royal Navy.
On the train to Gosport, where is no longer THE ARTICLE on page 13 of
we were heading for the New your July edition refers to the
Barracks, we met a petty officer
veterans returning to the beaches
who knew Glyn, and when he
for the D-Day 65th anniversary.
asked where we were heading he
I am a former Royal Marine
told us this story.
and have lived in Canada for
In the 1920s a firm of archi-
distressed
over 40 years. I am proud to be a
tects had received orders to
Canadian citizen, but will always
design a naval barracks for
remain British at heart.
Gosport and an army barracks for I FEEL that I must write to counter some of the remarks made by
I love the Navy News and have
Bangalore, in India. Lt Cdr Parkin (letters, June) on the incorrect fl ying of the Union Flag at
subscribed to it for quite a few
The plans were put in the the Royal Naval Comrades’ Club in Lake Road, Portsmouth.
years, and I read every page.
wrong envelopes and certainly Firstly, apologies on behalf of the club that the flag was inadvertently
Imagine my horror when I read
at Gosport the barracks had a flown upside-down for a while – as soon as this was pointed out to us
the aforementioned article and
parade ground with buildings at it was rectified.
got to paragraph three.
the ends and sides with veranda Secondly, the club is not the RNA HQ itself (which is in Semaphore
How could you have managed
doors about 12ft high and rooms Tower in HM Naval Base) but the Portsmouth Branch RNA HQ. It’s a dog’s life
to leave out of the list of
that stretched from the front to As soon as I was notified about the flag being flown incorrectly,
dignitaries our Canadian Prime
the back. I returned the telephone call (I trust leaving a polite message!) and
Minister, Stephen Harper?
– David Somme, ex-PO Radar contacted the club about it. Unfortunately a number of somewhat cross
He was front and centre with
Mech, Mitcheldean RNA folk kept going in to complain and the club staff may have turned in my mick
the others and the Canadian
the flag over a few times in response!
Miggie maybe
National Anthem was played.
Thirdly, we are sadly not a ‘legion of infallible supermen’ but
AS I was swinging in my hammock I was wondering which of the
I’m sure I do not have to
a dwindling band of all-too fallible folk of both sexes, but always
Navy’s finest were the last ships to have hammocks and hard
welcoming of visitors – all current and ex-RN folk are welcome. By the
remind you of the part Canada
AT THE risk of being accused
layers? (Not counting HMS Victory.)
way, the flag is not visible from the pavement so folk frequenting the
played on D-Day – they were
of living in the past (at 77 one
I was on HMS Puma, one of the Leopard-class frigates. She paid
club would not be aware of the faux pas.
actually the only troops to take
cannot look too far into the
off in 1972 when I was still ship’s company.
We trust that the Union Flag is no longer indicating or causing
their objective on 6th June, and
future!) I would suggest, with
After two years all I walked away with was a combative tie and my
distress – maybe we should invest in the White Ensign next time,
many men were lost.
reference to Charles Lowson’s
mick which still comes out every summer.
easier to put up the right way – but would we be treading on toes if we
The veterans are so very proud
letter (September) that there are
I am now a prison officer dog handler at HMP Highpoint, in
displayed one?
of the part they played as Allies
many, many more ex-matelots than
– S/M Revd David Stephen Butler, Secretary and Chaplain, RNA
Suffolk. of the British, Americans and all
serving.
Portsmouth Branch
My dogs are both drugs dogs but my spaniel is also one of only the other countries.
Indeed, 50-odd years ago one
ten mobile phone detection dogs in the world. – Michael Cubitt, RMA,
rarely saw Navy News on the
– Edward Cragg, Suffolk Toronto, Ontario, Canada
messdeck and today I doubt that it
would exist without its ‘ex’ readers.
Not the Raleigh I knew
However, back to the point,
LETTERS to the editor should Given the volume of letters, we cannot
I refer to the article/photo
always be accompanied by the publish all of your correspondence in Navy
(September) about women’s
I REFER to the photograph on 3) Unless the oars – and they
correspondent’s name and address, not News.
hockey. The lady, far left, back
page 12 of the July edition of new don’t appear to be – were restrained
necessarily for publication. We do, however, publish many on
row, is, I believe Chief Wren Radio
recruits at HMS Raleigh allegedly hydraulically or mechanically or
E-mail correspondents are our website, www.navynews.co.uk,
Mech ‘Miggie’ Mayhew.
learning how to pull what appears by some other means, the rowers
to be a 32ft cutter on dry land. would have been flat on their
also requested to provide this accompanied by images.
She was a very good all-round
This does not ring true on three
backs at the first pull.
information. Letters cannot be We look particularly for
sportswoman who also played for
counts, it’s a posed photograph,
– G Thomas, (1938 entrant)
submitted over the telephone. correspondence which stimulates
the Home Air Command, not only
at hockey but tennis.
or a hoax, or all three.
Wimborne, Dorset If you submit a photograph debate, makes us laugh or raises
How do I know this? My wife
1) Raleigh cap tallies? Wartime
The photograph formed part of
which you did not take important issues.
(née Maureen Kelley) played for
cap tallies bore the inscription
a photographic essay following
yourself, please make The editor reserves
the command in both sports in
‘HMS’ only. a man’s progression through sure that you have the the right to edit your
the 50s. 2) Pulling a boat dressed in training, so Mr Thomas is probably permission for us to submissions.
– B S Jarman, ex-POREl(A) No.1s, wearing a cap, and a gas right, it is a posed photo dreamt publish it.
ex-ChWEM (R) RNR, mask slung over your shoulder? up by the RN Public Relations
Southampton Defies belief! team of the time – Ed
Ask Jack
HMS Arethusa 1979-82: Keen to contact with the window ladder and want to show like to display all three hats in our house in
Reunions
ex-POMA Ian Douglas who served onboard my grandchildren what I looked like with hair! a prominent position. The problem is the
Arethusa at the same time as John Baker. We Contact Eggy Hepburn at Eggy.Hepburn@ Tricorn Hat – we lost everything, including
met up several times in Gosport and the last biomet.com or tel: 07776 117781. my WRNR uniforms in Sydney’s bush fi res
time was in Southsea in 1984-85. He was HMS Gloucester: I am looking for of 1994. The question is; we wondered if it
working in a Portsmouth hospital. If you can information regarding my dad, Mark would be possible to get a Blue Tricorn Cap
help contact John Baker at bakersutton@ ‘Jimmy’ Rimmer. He served in Nottingham, Badge. My Tricorn was of the old style and
OCTOBER 2009 Battle of Quiberon, 250th Anniversary: weekend. Details from RN Shipmates, Mike btinternet.com or tel: 07808 961521. Marlborough, Sultan, Nelson, and was thus to buy a Gold Badge would not be true.
Calling all ex-Bay Class Frigate men: “Come cheer up my lads, ‘tis to glory we Crowe at mike@rneba.org.uk or 7 Heath HMS Collingwood Association: Were serving in Gloucester when he died in 2005 We would like to Ask Jack if any member out
Our numbers are reducing annually so why steer”. November 20 2009 is the 250th Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 you there? Whether you were electrical when I was nearly 5. I am seeking anyone there has a Blue Tricorn Offi cer’s badge that
not have a ‘Bay-class reunion’? Particularly anniversary of the Battle of Quiberon Bay. 8PG. Miss it and you miss a Tot issue. branch, weapons branch or any branch, who can tell me about him? Does anyone they would be willing to part with and post to
those who served in Korea, but others This dramatic naval victory was the turning whatever you were there for, we want to have a recollection of him or any information Australia and, of course, we would be happy
welcome. Contact Doug Turk at doug.turk@ point in the Seven Years War and the
MAY 2010
hear from you. Why not join us, we have or photos. Any help would be appreciated to pay any expenses. We can purchase a
ntlworld.com or tel: 01252 377481. heroic daring of Admiral Sir Edward Hawke
HMS Protector Association: Annual
two reunions a year, a newsletter and a – Aeron Rimmer (aged 9). Contact Aeron at Tricorn Hat here. If you do not think this is
Dauntless Association (Wrens): A established a tradition of uncompromising
reunion to be held at the Shanklin Hotel,
website. We support H4H by sponsoring s.rimmer2007@btinternet.com or tel: 023 possible, then any other suggestions on how
weekend party for ex Wrens, RN women and maritime warfare that carried directly down
Shanklin, IOW from May 7 to 10. Contact
the women of the marine assault course 9266 5116. to get the Blue Tricorn Offi cer’s Badge would
their friends and family. A celebration of 60th to Trafalgar. Hearts of Oak was written to
Doug Harris at dougatspindrift@aol.com
team ‘Wives Do It Wet and Dirty’. We are LCGP3: I recently acquired a shipbuilder’s be much appreciated. Please contact Lynne
anniversary of the reforming of the WRNS is mark the battle’s successful defeat of the
or download the form from http://www.
also starting a golf section. Visit our website plate from what I believe to be a Royal Navy Singleton at singleton57@bigpond.com or
taking place from October 30 to November 1 French. The tiny church of St Nicolas, North
hmsprotector.org or tel Isle of Wight Tours
at www.hmscollingwoodassociation. vessel. The type or number is designated write to Rothiemoon, 57 Winchester Avenue,
at Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island, Stoneham, near Southampton, is the fi nal
on 01983 405116.
co.uk or contact Brian Cox at briancox9@ LCGP3 (Landing craft?) and was built by Lindfi eld, NSW, 2070, Australia.
Hampshire. For more details contact Mrs resting place of Admiral Lord Hawke and
HMS Yarmouth: Reunion will be held in
Nicki Smith at bassguitar66@googlemail. the anniversary is being marked there with
Torquay from May 14 to 17. £115pp for three
blueyonder.co.uk or write to 8 Colesbourne Brooke Marine, Lowestoft in 1961. I would
com or see the website at http://www. a series of exciting events. For further details
nights, dinner, B&B (Gala dinner on Saturday,
Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6DL. like to know the size of the vessel and where
dauntlesswrens.co.uk or tel: 07827 931664. please go to http://www.bassettparish.
no single supplement). Contact John Bryant,
HMS Eagle: I am an ex Chief Radio she was stationed. Please contact Tony
Royal Naval Writers’ Association (RNWA): hampshire.org.uk/quiberonbay250/ or
47 Lavender Way, Bradley Stoke, Bristol,
Supervisor, I am not sure if the abbreviation Sharp at tonysharp_787@fsmail.net or tel:
FOR SALE
The World’s Oldest Military Association. The contact Martin Kelly at kellylordswood@aol.
BS32 0LR or tel: 0117 947 0122.
CRS is still known. I served 1946-48 and 01822 834889.
1952-73 and my last commission was Tricorn Hat: My husband joined the RN
NAVY NEWS - August 1971 to
122nd RNWA reunion dinner takes place at com or tel: 023 8079 0821. JULY 2010 also HMS Eagle’s last commission, purely in 1969 and transferred to the RAN in 1991
the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth, 7pm Submarine Renown Association: D-Boats Association: Annual reunion coincidentally of course. I have now passed and is currently serving as a Commander.
Present. OIRO £150.00.
for 7.30pm until 1am on October 9. Cost 2009 reunion will take place in Leicester will take place in the WO, SR & SNCOs the 80 mark and I am wondering if any other Recently my mother died and I was given
Tel: 01728 668416
£33 per person for a three-course meal plus from November 20 to 22. Further details: Mess, HMS Nelson on July 3 and 4. On long in the tooth ex communicator can my father’s RAF hat from WW2. I also served
wine with guest speaker Capt Pennefather subrenown@ntlworld.com or tel: (0116) the 3rd, march past 1145, Tot time 1200. remember a humorous article that purported in the WRNR for over 15 years as a Second
(Retd). Serving and ex-serving Writers and 2912195. Further details on the reunion or how to join to point out the difference in time needed Offi cer. Thus we have decided that we would
serving Logisticians (Personnel) and guests the association can be obtained from Mike to train a wartime Sub Lt and a Sparker/
welcome. To obtain tickets and details,
FEBRUARY 2010
Smith at dboats@tiscali.co.uk or see the
Bunting. The article appeared in a copy of
contact: RNWA Secretary Les Heyhoe at
HMS Penelope Association: Reunion
website at http://www.d-boats.co.uk or tel:
The Communicator magazine. It was in verse
les@heyhoe.com or tel 07950 934888.
and AGM in Blackpool, February 2010.
01553 765530 or write to 206 Main Road,
form and all the good-humoured mickey-
Portsmouth Fieldgun Association: Ten-
For details of the reunion and AGM or
Clenchwarton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE34
taking was needless to say on the side of
year commemorative dinner. Cessation of
membership contact the secretary, Mike
4AA.
the comms lads. Some time ago I wrote to
the Royal Tournament and Command Field
Bee at mike.bee@ntlworld.com or visit
Gun. WO & Snr Rates Mess, Whale Island on
the website at http://homepage.ntlworld. SEPTEMBER 2010
HMS Mercury but that establishment seems
October 10 commencing at 1030. For more
com/mike.bee or write to secretary, HMS S40 Entry, Aircraft Artifi cer Apprentices:
to have been absorbed. Can anyone help?
details contact Rob ‘Brum’ Wyatt at robdon.
Penelope Association, 1 Oddfellows Street, It is our 50th Anniversary in Sept 2010 so
Cheers and Cries of especially to any Ex
wyatt@ntlworld.com or tel: 023 9235 6868.
Mirfi eld, WF14 9AB. what better time to have a reunion weekend?
Fleet Chiefs of 3J3 mess Eagle. Contact Mr
177 (Blackpool Airport) Squadron But where is everyone after all this time? I am
R S Parker at parker415426@talktalk.net or
Speak to John Lister
NOVEMBER 2009 Air Training Corps: Celebrate their 70th offering to coordinate a get-together if there
tel: 01524 415426.
HMS Ambuscade Association & Type 21 anniversary on Friday February 12 2010. is suffi cient support. Please get in touch with
Festival of Remembrance 1982: Does
01395 568028
Club Members: The Ambuscade Association They will be hosting a formal military style me, Mike Norman at marinor@talktalk.net
anyone have any photographs of this event
will be meeting in Plymouth on November 6 dinner and prize-giving at Blackpool’s or tel: 01935 426826. Please pass this on to
held at the Royal Albert Hall? I was a member
www.burialatsea.co.uk
at the St Levan Inn, Devonport from 1930. Premier hotel, The Imperial on that evening. others in S40 that you are in touch with.
of the Royal Navy Display Team at that event
Ex-Ambers and all 21 Club members from Our guest of honour is confi rmed, a senior
email@burialatsea.co.uk
any commission are very welcome to this serving RAF offi cer. We would like to be
OCTOBER 2010
annual pilgrimage for an informal get together able to have at the dinner as many cadets,
The Ganges Association, USA Division:
with a few drinks and oggies. Contact Mark parents and also as many ex cadets and
2010 reunion will be for the period October 1
Brocklehurst at mark@sharplesgroup. squadron staff as possible as well as any
to 18, 2010 onboard the Celebrity cruise ship
com or see the website at http://www. surviving members of the original 177 SQN
‘Mercury’, out of San Diego to Cabo San
ambuscade.org or tel: weekdays on 01925 RAF who fl ew Beaufi ghters in Burma. If there
Lucas, Mexico (several times), Acapulco,
839592. are any ex-cadets out there currently serving
Huatulco, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, through
HMS Collingwood Association: in the Regular Forces, we would love to
the Panama Canal, Catagena, Colombia,
Turkey and Tinsel weekend and reunion have you present at the celebration in your
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and
at the excellent Bancourt Hotel, Torquay, uniform. More details are available from the
into Baltimore Maryland USA. Visit/guided
November 6-9. All members and partners Squadron. Email: oc.177@aircadets.org see
tour of the US Naval Training Academy
welcome. Programme includes coach the website at http://www.177sqnatc.co.uk
Annapolis and a shopping spree and lunch at
trip with buffet lunch, dinner followed or tel: 01253 403664 and leave a message.
the ‘Pusser’s’ shop/restaurant in Annapolis.
HP BOOKFINDERS: Established
by live entertainment on two evenings, RN Shipmates Association: The reunion
Basic interior staterooms start at US $1,190
Remembrance service. Visit our website for all who served in the Royal Navy and who
per person. Port charges and taxes are an
professional service locating out
at www.hmscollingwoodassociation. thought they had swallowed the anchor is
additional US $563.68 per person. For
of print titles on all
co.uk or contact Brian Cox at briancox9@ booking very fast. February 19-22 on the
further information contact Derek Henshaw
blueyonder.co.uk or write to 8 Colesbourne Isle of Wight. (Get some ‘sea time’ in again.)
(AAA Travel) at dhenshaw@aaasouth.com or
Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6DL. Partners and wives welcome to this great
tel: 727 584 7678 ext 2224 or Peter H Palmer Please call 023 9273 4448 for details
subjects. No obligation or SAE
at palmersp@gte.net or tel: 727 584 7143.
or email:
required. Contact: Mosslaird,
Brig O’ Turk, Callander, FK17 8HT
Entries for the Deaths’ column and Swap Drafts in November’s Noticeboard
subscriptions@navynews.co.uk
Telephone/Fax: (01877) 376377
must be received by October 12
martin@hp-bookfinders.co.uk
www.hp-bookfinders.co.uk
035-036_NN_oct09.indd 1 22/9/09 09:46:54
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