I have recentley cleared my late mothers house and have found a badge from H.M.S Royal Oak
I know that my late father and grandfather both served on minesweepers in ww2 but as far as i know they had no connection with H.M.S Royal Oak unless a later minesweeper carried this name
If this is not the case i am pleased to send this badge to you if it helps you to complete your history
My late grandfather was George W Squirell and my late father was John Squirell
Margaret Sheard nee Squirell

My wife Margaret is very pleased the badge is useful and in good hands.
I wondered if when you put the photo on the web site if you could make a
dedication of some kind to my wife Margaret's late father John (Jack)
Squirrell
Regards
Geoff

Ronald Hanes

My late grandfather, Ronald Hanes was a survivor of Black Friday but is not listed in the book of the same name.
His parents originally received a telegram stating him as missing then soon received another one stating he was found
I have a copy of the newspaper cutting about it
Don't know if this is the sort of thing you want to know about but we are obviously very proud of him
Thanks for listening
Katie Clinton

Click on image for a larger version

Hi, Thanks for a brilliant site. It has helped an elderly lady ( Eileen Tasker) to know the facts of the sinking, she was engaged to Cyril Sibley a stoker on the Royal Oak ( formally on HMS Albatross), She would be grateful if anyone knew Cyril also known as Nick or any relations who may still be alive.

S. Terry

cudhill@btinternet.com

Click on image to enlarge

I liked to draw as a child and as a young teen. I drew this ship in honour of my Grandfathers Ship HMS Royal Oak. I wrote to CinC Portsmouth and several letters pass between us and he found time to see me and my drawings and gave me a most splendid day.
I've been reading Last Dawn it's a splendid book of such a tragic event with information I did not know about, I recommend it to all interest in HMS Royal Oak.
Regards
Michael Nottage
michaelnottage@hotmail.co.uk

Click on images to enlarge

My great grandfather William Ernest Rowland DCM served aboard the HMS Royal Oak from 30/04/1916 till 30/12/18 and was present aboard her at the Battle of Jutland
he joined the navy in 1912 according to my grandfather he lied about hes age and was only 12 at the time. he was aboard HMS Vanguard for a few months and then HMS Lord Nelson for 3 years in which he was present escorting the British Expedianary Force across to France in 1914, in 1915 he fought in the Dardanelles campaign from beginng to end, participating in the naval operations leading up the invasion and the battle of March 18th, he was shot in the leg on April 25th at the landings at Cape Helles, he was awarded a DCM in November of 1915 for actions unknown to me, also at the same time Lord Kitchener was aboard hes ship, after the war he transferred to the Royal Australian Navy until 1935 then Royal Australian Fleet reserve until 1940, he served on the HMAS Kanimbla as MAA from 1939 till 1942 he took part in the invasion of Persia in 1941 and saw both theatres of war he retired in 1945 after the war ended.
I also read that Drake's Drum was heard aboard the Royal Oak during the German Navies surrender
If anyone has any other information, crew lists, crew photos ect on the Royal Oak from 1916 to 1919 please get in touch.

Aaron Rowland
wjjka@internode.on.net

Click on images to enlarge

Hi i sent an email to you a couple of weeks ago about my great grandfather William Ernest Rowland, i've recently discovered more photos of him and i thought would be great for your site.

My husbands uncle, Sutherland, H.J. lost his life on the Royal Oak. we have never known much about him as my mother-in-law passed away when we had only been married a few years. Any information would be appreciated.

Regards
Lynne & Peter Cuthill
peter.cuthill@btinternet.com

'Last Dawn'

Peter,
I am attaching information about a book of ours out on 1st May.
Last Dawn is a reassessment of the HMS Royal Oak sinking. It is of interest for history especially maritime and military. It is a very readable and richly illustrated paperback.
I hope you can put information about this on your site.

Derek Rodger

Any further info try www.argyllpublishing.com and go to Maritime.
Or phone 01369 820229.
ISBN 9781906134136

You can download the pdf press release here

Click on the image to see a larger version

I was sorting out some old photos and came across many including this one of a ships crew which includes someone I knew as Uncle Henry as my father grew up with him. Henry James Sadler is sitting crossed leg in the front row fourth from the signage on the right.
This sign says, I think, "The Royal Marine Detachment, HMS Royal Oak from May 1st 19??" but the date is obliterated by the bugle and nothing has been written on the reverse. I was hoping that if you could kindly place this on your website, someone out there might know the year and make contact with me with other information.
I always understood that Uncle Henry served in the Merchant Navy - I do not know when and his name doesn't appear in any list other than on HMS Hood where he (if it is him) is listed as an Able Seaman during 1923-24. I'd also be very pleased to know more about his rank/uniform from the second photo attached. I believe he was born between 1900-1910. Sorry I have no other information.
I look forward to hearing more in due course and thank you for your time.

Best regards
Pat Cox (Ms)
pat.cox@blueyonder.co.uk

Click on images to enlarge

I run a site dedicated to the memory of those who served on Ramillies and came across a photo album with some Royal Oak crew photos and thought you would like to put them on your site.
If any visitors have Ramillies photos or stories I would love to hear from them.
Best wishes
Mick French
www.hmsramillies.co.uk

Click on images for a larger version

(Click on images for larger versions)

I have been tracing my family tree and have found that a great uncle of mine (Aubrey John Priestley (known as 'John')) and his cousin both went down with HMS Royal Oak. As a part of my research a distant relative that I didn't even know has found some photos for me that I thought may interest you. These may also be of interest to Peter Kingfisher who has put a request on the 'requests' page about 'Mountford, H.C.L' - the photo of the two Boys stood together, the one on the left is Aubrey John Priestley, the one on the right is more than likely HCL Mountford. I have emailed Peter but got no reply even after correcting his misspelled email address.

Feel free to include these photos, clippings and my full email (including email address) on your website. If you do this, can you also give credit to Susan Winfield who supplied me with them - I am very thankful that she passed these on to me.

Regards,

David Priestley

david@starteckonline.com

Hello.
Just a note to say thank you for the website about HMS Royal Oak and her tragic end. I had a cousin on board who lost his life in the Sinking. Marine Denis Roy Woolgar was 18 years old.
Thanks again,
Lloyd Penfold.

My uncle Raymond Geoffrey HULL was lost when the Royal Oak sank. He was, I understand, a radio operator. His records are easily found on your website and the CWGC website but I haven't any photographs of him. My grandmother proudly displayed a formal photograph of him in her home in Andover, Hampshire, but I do not know what happened to it. I would like to know if you have any advice to offer. Maybe visitors to your website can help, and I also wonder if Royal Naval records of his service might also still exist. Perhaps his personnel file, if it has survived him, might be available for inspection, and might also contain a photograph of him when he enlisted?
You assistance would be appreciated.
Mrs. Marie Gregory (nee Hull)
briang1944@yahoo.co.uk

Albert Eaton looking for Hank McCarthy

I have just visited your wonderful site at the request of my father, Albert Eaton, who is 87 years of age, he actually served for a while on H.M.S Hood before being transferred to just prior to it being sunk, to submarines he tells me that the reason the Hood sunk was because they removed some of its Armour plating to accommodate his radio room just above the magazine room .
He informed me that a mate of his was a survivor on the Oak and asked me to see if I could find out if he was still alive and expressing his wish to see him once again, I think that they were both radio operators, (Morse code ) at some point in their naval careers, I know it is a long shot, but I think it is worth a try. I would be grateful of any information you might have.
His pals name was Hank Mc Carthy, not sure if you can help, but it would be great if he was still alive and we could bring the two together for old times.

Regards ,
David Eaton.

davideaton51@blueyonder.co.uk

I've just found your site, my dad was a survivor RH Gardiner, he was an able seaman then but retired as a Lt Commander.
I've attached a few scans and cuttings from the newspaper.
Thanks for the website, its good to show his Great Grandchildren
Regards
Nigel Gardiner (Son)

(Click on image for a larger version)

Henry (Harry) Murrell

I recently came into possession of several photos that belonged to my Grandfather, Henry (Harry) Murrell M23585. AR.GR.RN. My Grandfather is seated in the photo with the seaman in the boiler suit standing to his left. the rear of the photo is signed and dated 14/5/1918. I have no information or the other trio, although the rear of the photo is dated '19/8/18 with G Deacons compliments'
I have also copied a leave ticket dated 28/29 July but unfortunately no year!
The 'fancy dress' type picture is one of 16 similar depicting various comedy sketches, presumably to keep the crew of the 'ROYAL OAK' amused?
From other documents, I have worked out that my Grandfather would have been about 19yrs old when the photo was taken.
I can remember my Grandmother telling me how distraught he was (in a cinema I think) upon hearing the terrible news of the sinking of 'His Ship'
Hope you find this of interest,

Best Wishes,
Steve Rouse
Tel. 0208-524-5178

(Click on image for a larger version)

Les Jelley

My grandfather (who served on the British Aircraft Carrier Indefatigable from 42 onwards) who recently passed away had a brother Les Jelley who lost his life when the Royal Oak was sunk. I would be extremely grateful if anyone that had any information on my great uncle Less could pass it on.

Regards
Paul Morris

morris113@optusnet.com.au

Hal Branch

Thank you for putting together this site. I am looking for information about Hal Branch, Supply Petty Officer who was my husband's father and who died on board HMS Royal Oak in October 1939.
My husband was only 2 months old when his father died and we would like any information anyone might have about him. I gather he was commonly known as Mick.

Thank you for your assistance.
Jane Branch

jane_branch@tiscali.co.uk

Royal Oak prints

I thought visitors to your web site might like to know that they can purchase prints of HMS Royal Oak by the artists Anthony Saunders, Ivan Berryman and Randall Wilson at www.naval-art.com/hms_royal_oak.htm

Best wishes
Michael Nottage.
michaelnottage@hotmail.co.uk

Ships badge

I have just been looking at your website, and what a stunning tribute to the Officers and Men who served in her.
My old Sea Cadet Commanding Officer was a stoker on her when she was sank, Lt Cdr Douggie Newton SCC, sadly he passed away some years ago, he was one of my boyhood heroes, and also my inspration for joining The Royal Navy, I can vivdly remember him telling us the story, of her sinking and him having to slide down the keel after she turned over, his back being ripped to shreds by the barnacles, for a 13 year old boy this was real adventure stuff.
I went on to join The Royal Navy in 1977 at the age of 16, and served for 14 years before being invalided out, I served with 846 Naval Air Squadron during the Falklands and served in HMS Edinburgh during the Patrols escorting tankers through the Straights of Hormuz prior to the first Gulf War.
I served in the following ships Sirius, Hermes, Fearless, Intrepid, Brilliant, Brazen, and Edinburgh Shore bases Raleigh, Heron, Osprey, Warrior, Caledonia, and Cochrane. I also trained as a Ships Diver and did this for 10 years and would have loved the chance to have dived on her.
I have my own website with a Naval theme www.ships-badges.co.uk as I now make and collect badges for HM Ships. I have over 500 in my collection and a very understanding wife.
I thought you may be interested in this photo of the Badge for HMS Royal Oak which hangs on the wall at home. Please feel free to use this on your website

yours aye
William 'Robbie' Burns
Ex Royal Navy 1977 - 1991
robbie@wburns.orangehome.co.uk

(Click on image for a larger version)

R. A. Barnfather

My name is Ray Barnfather my uncle, also called Raymond, was a casualty on the Royal Oak I was browsing through the list of casualties and I noticed a minor discrepancy with his initials It is Raymond Arthur Barnfather not R.N. he was a Boy 1st Class aged 16 and his official number was P/JX 158573 I enclose a photo of him for your excellent website and hope maybe one of the few survivors may remember him.
I myself was in the R.N. and served on HMS Intrepid and on Polaris submarines mainly HMS Renown and left after 10 years service as a Leading Stoker, I hope you find this information useful and if I can supply you with any other information please feel free to get in touch.
Yours Sincerely
Ray Barnfather
barny57@barny57.karoo.co.uk

(Click on image for a larger version)

HMS Royal Oak's motto

You have an email from simon cassidy titled 'questions can you help'. I have an answer, HMS Royal Oak's motto was 'Old but Firm'. I will at sometime display the pictures of HMS Royal Oak Ships Badge on my website.看
http://www.shipbadges.weebly.com

Michael Nottage
michaelnottage@hotmail.co.uk

Edward Williams

Queen Maud's Funeral

My father Edward Williams was a serving member of the Royal Navy until 1941 - when he was invalided out. He served on HMS Royal Oak as a Leading Seaman from Sept 1938 to January 1939. In November 1938 he formed part of看 a guard of honour - standing guard by the coffin of Queen Maud who had died in the UK and was being taken back to Norway. There was a photgraph of him in the family home when I was a child. He is shown presumably on board the ship standing at the corner of the draped coffin看 with his head bowed over his upturned rifle.When my father died in 1964 my mother in her grief destroyed many things which should have been retained. Have tried UK military establishments in case they have a copy of this picture-no luck. Have written to Archives office in Oslo - they can't help. I would love to trace this to show to my own children and grandchildren
I wondered whether you or any ex-members of the ship may have any information or photographs pertaining to this occasion plse ? Your help would be much appreciated.

Regards
Val Dixon
dsa@dixonstewart.co.uk

V. R. Thompson - A survivors story

V. R. Thompson will be 85 shortly and his son, Don Thompson, contacted me to say that he would be happy to talk of his experience. I phoned him on the 12^th October 2007 and the following is a transcript of our conversation:

I was just 14 days away from my 17^th birthday and was a Boy Seaman 1^st Class, Messenger to the Navigating Officer. I was on watch from midnight to 1am and was in communication with the Transmission Station. I looked at my watch and saw it was 3 minutes past one so I went to get my relief watch and suddenly there was a loud bang and the sound of anchor chain running out.

About 10 minutes later there was a series of very loud explosions amidships and the ship rose in the water and started to roll at a fast rate. Several men were getting into a small picket boat but it had no power and as more men piled in, it capsized, throwing Thompson into the water.

He estimates he was in the water for about an hour and was lucky to avoid any oil but he soon got cramp and lay on his back. Fortunately he still had his service jumper on and he stuffed floats up it to help keep him afloat.

It was a dark night and the sounds of other survivors gradually faded away into silence but suddenly an oar flashed over his head and he heard a voice say "There's one over here and he's still alive".

He was taken to the Pegasus and down into the engine room to warm up. The following day he was transferred to Thurso and after 2 days was put on a train to Portsmouth and allowed 17 days leave before being posted to HMS Frobisher and eventually on 13^th December 1939 to HMS Manchester where he was involved in the Norwegian Campaign.

At no time was he consulted about how he felt following the sinking and, as events and movements transpired so quickly he was unable to ascertain who had been lost or survived.

(Click on images for a larger version)

John S. Simmons

Here is a photo of my late Brother and his schoolboy friend both from brighton, who joined the Royal Oak from St Vincent at the age of 17 and a half years, in total over 30 from the Sussex area went down in the Royal Oak. If there are any survivers from the Sussex area i would love to hear from them.

William Simmons (Bill)
President Javea Branch The Royal British legion.
Manuel Bordes Valls 4
Block 1 Apto 4
03730 Javea
Alicante.

Tel. 00 34 96 579 5687.

(Click on image for a larger version)

hi peter, attached pic of a pine "diddy box" w.tickner r.a. marine hms erin,

royal oak, crossed anchors in the other corners. any suggestions. no dates

so could pre pre war ! no trace in yr index. cheers brian

Hello Peter,I have visited your website and found it very interesting,I am attaching a photograph of J.J.Rutherford who I understand from records was a 1st class stoker he was my Great Uncle and was known as Jack.
My late mother Margaret told me a story about the time she had a beautiful pair of black patent leather shoes and she was always admiring them but she was told that she could only wear them when Uncle Jack came home and got married, he never came home and that stuck in her memory she was only six years old.I would be grateful for any information.My email address is _robertiredale@aol.com_
(mailto:robertiredale@aol.com) Thanks Alison Dixon

(Click on image for a larger version)

With the 68th Royal Oak Memorial service coming up in a few days, my thoughts returned to my fathers papers on the Royal Oak.

In the back of his copy of Alexander McKee's, 1960 Corgi Edition of "Black Saturday" my father had penned the following words:

"When the waves over
Scapa Pier Break,
And the winds Easterly blow
The Boys of Royal Oak
Peacefully sleep
In the waters below"

In the front of the book Herbert Herrmann had penned

"Herbert Herrmann
one from U47
Sorry old boy.
Herb"

My thoughts will be with all on the 14 Oct.

Mike Pattison

mike.pattisonATtiscali.co.uk

I must commend you for your wonderful internet site honoring HMS Royal Oak. Its fortunate that we have a gentlemen like yourself who has become involved and dedicated to preserving the history of this fine ship and the memory of its gallant crew who were lost that fateful night these many years ago.

We have been to Orkney many times and never fail to remember the events of her sinking. Only a few weeks ago we were lunching in the Commodore restaurant which as you know overlooks the path that the submarine used to penetrate the Flow and have driven many times over the years across No1 Barrier which of course spans Holm Sound.

Again, this year we visited the memorial at Scapa Bay and looked at the names of those who paid the supreme sacrifice. Many times we had visited the Cathedral in Kirkwall and have seen the memorial to HMS Royal Oak.

Many years ago on my first visit to Orkney I had the great honor of being introduced to Skipper John Gatt, DSO, RNR (ret), former Skipper of the Admiralty Drifter Daisy. I can tell you Peter I felt humbled to be in this man's presence. His unassuming character and humanity are something I will never forget. What Skipper Gatt did for the survivors you have equaled for all of the Ship's Company and this famous vessel. You deserve and I hope you get some official recognition.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Noel Howard Hall, CD
Master Warrant Officer (ret)
Canadian Armed Forces
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
passhall@sympatico.ca

On the website i see that you have pictures and writing about certain people who were on the Royal Oak,
On behalf of my Auntie, this is her Father in law CHARLES FREDERICK CORNISH who lost his life on the Royal Oak,
I hope that you could put this on the web site,

my email adress is dan.turner@hotmail.co.uk

Kind Regards

Daniel Turner

(Click on image for a larger version)

Thought you might be interested in a poem I found among dad's papers, it is
unnamed. I am writing it as it appears on the page.
Agnes
Agnesmcb@aol.com

HMS ROYAL OAK

The evening sun declining low, had kissed the azure sea,
The Royal Oak's clear bugle call salutes the passing day.
The silver moons soft kindly light, replaced the fiery glow,
The myriad stars blue twinkling gems lit up Scapa Flow.

The quiet isles and heather hills around the peaceful shore,
They breathed of peace and solitude, no part they had with war.
Twelve hundred souls a sacred charge, bestowed to Royal Oak,
Twelve hundred boys in peaceful sleep, how few alas awoke.

The prowling sub with fiendish art had crept below her keel,
And leashed sorrow and destruction in a tube of gleaming steel.
Where was life and virile manhood, in a moment, gone before,
Now was changed to anguished creatures, Oh the tragedy of war.

Sailor boys, some called for mother, or their children, or to god,
As they closed their eyes forever in the decks so bravely trod.
And upon the moonlight waters, tossed upon the foaming wave,
Where they sailed on might and glory, there they found a restless grave.

So the morning sun arising, shone upon an empty sea,
They had passed to greater honour, in the glory yet to be.
And the weeping wives and mothers may remember with a sigh,
How the Royal Oak of Britain proved how Britishers can die.

Still their deathless deeds are living, their spirits sailing on,
For the glorious might of Britain, will survive when we are gone.
No greater gift can God bestow, or honour can he give than this.
To let us bravely Die, That other men may Live.

Marathon team?

Hello Peter

I have found a photo of the HMS ROYAL OAK marathon team and I was wondering if it was the same ROYAL OAK. I have been interested in stories about the ROYAL OAK for many years .

thank you
JOHN GORTON
johngorton2@ntlworld.com

(Click on image for a larger version)

George Edward Myers

This is a photo of my father (on the left), George Edward Myers, who perished aboard HMS Royal Oak in 1939. The photo was taken in June 1933 in Malta. The oppo with him is unknown to me, and I wonder if anyone can identify him? I have at least one other photo showing my father with the same oppo, so they must have been good friends, I presume. It would be really nice to know who it is, and whether or not he served on HMS Royal Oak.
Thanks for your excellent web site,
Roger Edward Myers
rogermyers@btinternet.com

(Click on image for a larger version)

(Click on image for a larger version)

Digging into the more obscure corners of my family tree, I discover my grandfather Frank William Skepper was aboard the HMS Pegasus when the Royal Oak was sunk on 14^th October 1939.

I have a Fleet signal from Cpt Benn of the HMS Voltaire sent to the Pegasus thanking her, dated 14^th October 1939.

Steve Skepper

steveskepper@hotmail.com

My father Rev G Arthur Fryer was the officiating minister at the unveiling of the plaque in St Magnus Cathedral in Oct 1948.

(Click on images for a larger versions)

Rear-Admiral W G Benn was the officiating naval man. According to my fathers notes visitors "included survivors, near relatives etc some who travelled the full length of Britain to be here." These pictures must have been copies or taken by a local photographer. The only person I can identify is my father Rev Fryer. The provost is the man in the robes but I do not know his name.

This photo has the name of the photographers and copyright stamped on the back. "J Abrahams & Sons, Naval, military and press photographers, 57 Union Street, Plymouth. Institute of British photographers." You may have heard of them. As I said I do not know where this plaque is and I also would like to know. If you get more information please let me know.

Regards

Anne Evans, New Zealand

andevans@ihug.co.nz

REPLY RECEIVED

I saw your interesting note on the Royal Oak web site about the unveiling of the plaque in 1948 at St Magnus. You may be interested to know that the Abrahams were an old established Jewish family from Plymouth (the 2nd oldest synagogue in the UK ) and all saw distinguished service in WW1 and WW2 as naval pilots and crew as well as naval photographers. One of the brothers was ship's photographer on the Repulse, sunk by the Japanese in 1942, but happily survived and was shipped with some lucky others to Australia. We have in our Jewish Military Museum in Hendon, London, a huge photo album which belonged to the family, discovered at a car boot sale, and shows their history and includes many military photos of members of the family. We had several Jewish sailors on the Royal Oak.

Martin Sugarman, Archivist, Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and Women of the UK - AJEX

Martin.Sugarman@westking.ac.uk

My wife Carol Hopcroft nee Smith had an uncle JAMES ARTHUR SMITH who died on the Royal Oak at Scapa Flow. He died before she was born and we have no living relatives who remember him. I believe he was a Boy First Class and as the attached photo shows he trained on HMS Caledonia which is the only photo we have of him, he was approx 17 years old when he died and came from Tholthorpe in Yorkshire. Had a brother Samuel Smith (Carol father) who died some years ago and was close to James but couldn't talk about him. I hope the attached photo comes out all right and hope you can post this on your website to see if any survivors knew of him.
Great website find it very useful, much appreciated.

yours sincerely
Lewis Hopcroft
lewishop40@msn.com

(Click on image for a larger version)

I found your web site very informitive. I would appreicate if anyone had Photos or information on John Furlong lost at Scapa Flow 13/10/39. He was son of William and Margeret Furlong Wexford Ireland. He would have been 19 years old at the time.

Regards
Lydia O' Grady

lydaogrady@yahoo.ie

Hi saw your website and thought you might be interested in this picture i purchased at a boot sale in Portsmouth. its in oils on a board backed canvas you cant see the complete word oak but I'm sure that's what it is
any ideas?????

Martin Ford.

kosmos244@yahoo.co.uk

Click on the photo for a larger version

Dear Peter,
Have just read your excellent website.
My grandfather John [ Jack] Prince [ 1898- 1965] was a mechanic on H.M.S Pegasus and was on duty the night of the sinking. He was a veteran of the WW1 and had served in China in the 20s and would serve onto 1946,
He never spoke of his experiences, but when I was reading an article on the sinking in the early 60s he commented that he was there that night and that he and others on the Pegasus had got the boats out and tried to rescue those in the water. Many were drowning in oil and the rescuers went in the water to get them to the boats.
After his death my grandmother gave me a crucifix which she said had been given to him by a survivor he pulled from the water.

Chris Prince.
ReasSus@aol.com

Dear Peter,
What an interesting website you've created! All the anecdotes and remembrances of contributors are fascinating to read too.
In the course of exploring my family history, I find that my Great-Uncle served on the HMS Royal Oak. He was Robert (Bob) Wyatt, born c.1901 in Bethnal Green, London.
It is believed that he was luckily on shore leave when the ship was sunk at Scapa Flow. He married a woman named Louisa (Lou) but had no children.
Here is a picture of him. I don't know when it was taken, but he looks fairly young in it. I'd love to find more about his service history, especially related to this ship.
Regards,
Sue Thomas
sue@creepycrawly.freeserve.co.uk

(Click on image for a larger version)

Reading your articles on the Royal Oak, I was wondering if you could assist me in resolving the following:
My late Father in Law, Albert William John Diable served as MAA on boardfrom 2nd Apr 37 until 7th Jun 39. During this time he received a commemorative medal from the King of Norway Haakon VII also a letter from the Steward to her Late Majesty The Queen of Norway Mr A E Searle dated May 5th 1939.
I am trying to discover why this medal was issued and if it was issued to the ships crew etc. I believe it was something to do with the evacuation of the King from Norway to Britain. Can anyone confirm this?
Many thanks in anticipation
Alan Hook
alan.hook@talktalk.net

Update

Peter
Thanks for putting the above message on the website.
I have uncovered some more info on the Royal Oak you might be interested in. This picture shows a coffin being taken on board the Royal Oak. This might be Her Royal Majesty The Queen of Norway being taken back from London, where she died, to Norway in 1938.
Attached are copies of letters received from The Royal Palace by my Late Father in Law regarding the commemorative medals I mentioned in my previous e-mail.
Best Wishes
Alan Hook
alan.hook@talktalk.net

Royal Palace
Oslo,
Norway

Dec 3/38

Dear Mr Diable
Please find enclosed 3 yards of Household Red ribbon to go with your Medals. His Majesty was pleased to give extra ribbon with compliments from His Majesty no charge. I appreciate your thoughts of His Majesty courage in his sad bereavement and am sure you and the ships company feelings were with him. I myself can understand my feelings after being 42 years in Her Majesty service.
Well if I am still about at the above address I shall always welcome His Majestys Fleet Officers as Her Late Majesty wish me to do when paying their visits to Norway.
Yours Very Truly
A E Searle
Steward to Her Late Majesty
The Queen of Norway

May 5/39

Dear Mr Diable
Thank you so much for the photos it is very kind of you please let me know if any cost. Now respecting the commemorative Medal you have received from His Majesty the King of Norway I think there must be as you say some mistake you being restricted wearing them on with your other orders. Write a letter to Mr George Ponsonby Buckingham Palace and explain to him and letter he can forward to His Majesty here. If nothing comes of this write me a letter that I can show to His Majesty personally. It will be a pleasure to help you for all your kindness received on board The Royal Oak. I shall always remember it.
Thanking you for your Loyal wishes to the Royal Family. Please accept same to yourself and crew of the Royal Oak.
Yours Very Truly
A E Searle
Steward to His Majesty
The King of Norway

http://www.admirals.org.uk/admirals/radm/blagrovehec.htm

Rear Admiral Blagrove who was lost in HMS Royal Oak is featured in the above website.

Michael Nottage.
(Grandson of Henry Balch 'HMS Royal Oak Survivor').

nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk

I have recently lost my Great Grandmother and just before she passed away she was showing me some old photo's that she had recently found in the box was a photo of her brother E Clements and on the back of the photo were the words HMS Royal Oak. I have just been looking at your web site and noticed that one of the people that died was in fact a E Clements.
My family come from the West Sussex area and at my Grandmothers funeral the Vicor spoke about our strong family connection with the Navy. I would be most grateful if you could tell me any information about any of the people that died on board this ship.
I would be most interedted to find out if this Clements is in fact one of my family. My Grandmothers name was Hilda May Streeter - also known as Maisie. If you could contact me I would love to hear from you.

Regards
Emma Crew.
emmajane79@tiscali.co.uk

I recently located the above photos both noted on the back as HMS Royal Oak.

I wrote to you some time ago (my note is still on your family request page). Reg survived the sinking - he is on the right in both photos but the other sailors are un-named.

Regards, Malcolm Birch

birchfamily@optusnet.com.au

(Click on images for a larger version)

This is a photo of my Grandfather, HMS Royal Oak Survivor Henry Balch. My Grandfather is seen here 'Standing' the fellow seated is either a relation or close oppo. They are seen here in their No2 fore and arf and was probably taken in 1940-41.

Michael Nottage.

nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk

(Click on the image for a larger version)

Joseph Cutler

I have attached a photo of Joseph Arthur Cutler from Hull in East Yorkshire who went down with the Oak. He was my Grandma's brother.

The date on the back of the photo is 16/5/39. We believe he died shortly before his 20th birthday. His death record said he was a blacksmith 5th Class.

K.Gilfillan

(Click on the image for a larger version)

Peter John Tawin Morris 1918 - 2007

Dear Peter,

I am sad to inform you that Peter Morris, survivor of the Oak passed away in Portsmouth on 8th February 2007 after a short illness.

He was 88 years old but still able to vividly recount his memories of that tragic day to his Grandhildren and Great Grandhilden, plus anyone else who would listen! He will be greatly missed by all his family and large circle of friends.

Regards

Barry & Ann Hugo (Nee Morris)

Hugobaznann@aol.com

(Click on the image for a larger version)

John Atter

My father, John Atter, was a survivor of the Royal Oak and, as was the habit of many stories from the war, he told us very little about it. I only know that he managed to survive because he was on a watch boat at the time. He was only 21 and went on to serve on many other ships including HMS Glasgow and HMS Vanguard.

Unfortunately, my father died in 1986 and we gleaned very little more about the Royal Oak. He was a regular attendee at the reunions in Portsmouth until, I think, 1985.

I was speaking to a serving naval officer recently and I was very moved to hear that, when they are in Scapa Flow, the ship's flag is lowered to half-mast and the entire crew observe a minute's silence. This apparently applies to every Royal Navy ship that passes over the wreck of the Royal Oak.

Not much information, I know, but Dad would have liked me to contribute.

Lorraine Lunn (nee Atter)

stay@theabberleyhotel.co.uk

10/5/07

THE WARDROOM DINNER GONG OF THE 1892 HMS ROYAL OAK?

(Click on image for a larger version)

For many a long year now I have had a piece of naval history sitting outside my dining room which I purchased for 派25 from a local follies shop and I have always wondered about its origin, the stewards who would have banged it and the officers who would have responded to its call.
Since the last Royal Oak was sunk at Scapa Flow and is a war grave, one assumes that no artefact has ever been removed from her hull. Therefore did it belong to the 1892 Royal Oak which was scrapped in 1914?
The shell casing has the following markings. There is a WD Arrow underneath which is the letter N and below it a figure 2 and below that the date 8 12 03 [well spaced out]. Then on the other side of the shell cashing there is CFRRF where the letter C is larger than the FRRF: KN where K is larger than N: the letter A inside a circle: a strange letter N followed by a figure 8 and a strange E without its top [or an upside down and back to front F] followed by a 3. I assume that this shell comes from the turn of the century and was never fired in anger.
I would love to know whether or not my observation is correct!

Godfrey Dykes
godfreydykes@msn.com

10/5/07

E. D. Densham

I remember my late mother telling me about her parents stopping their neighbour of theirs from listing to the radio all day so she did not her about the sinking of the Royal Oak until she was told that he was safe It was the mother of E D Densham, who was one of the survivor.

J.S.Evans
J.S.Evans@MMU.AC.UK

10/5/07

Ernest Brymer

(Click on image for a larger version)

My husband and I have just returned from a holiday in South Africa. We thought you might be interested to learn that my cousin Myrna Lumley, sister to ERNEST BRYMER, who died on the Royal Oak, was able to show me a cutting that was published at the time of the disaster. We photographed it and so I am able to attach it for your interest.
We have today also emailed the Natal Witness Newspaper, asking them for more details from their paper [Assuming it was their paper!]. As you can see the relevant page was torn. I do hope they can help, as it would make interesting reading.
I also found out that ERNEST went first to SIMONSTOWN, because this was the location of the recruiting office for the Royal Navy.
Naturally I shall advise you if any further information is forthcoming.

Regards,
Leonie and Milton Runcie.
mruncie77@yahoo.co.uk

10/5/07

George Olive

I have just discovered your website whilst looking for crew information on Sailors who served on the Royal Oak.
I am a keen diver and have visited Scapa Flow pretty much every year since 1988 to dive the German Fleet and block ships. I have only been over the Royal Oak and seen the trace on an echo sounder on one of the many dive charter boats.
My renewed interest in the Royal Oak came about yesterday when I learned from an distant relative that my Uncle, George Olive, (well actually my mum's uncle!) was a member of the crew whilst it was stationed at Scapa Flow, but was home on leave at the time of the sinking. George came from Bury Lancashire. I have lost touch with his family as I live in Southampton and he would now be in his 90's so I am assuming he has passed away.
I would like to hear from anyone who would have complete crew listings and able to confirm if and in what position George was a member of the crew.
I see that you have a Family Requests page and I would be grateful if you could post this please.
Many thanks

Regards
John Williams
email john_willy@hotmail.com

RICHARD HUGHES-ROWLANDS

The above is my father in law - he was a naval officer and was based in Malta during the 1930's. One of the team working on the radar system between the wars. Is there any way I can find out where he served and on what ships?
Because he has a grave with a headstone does that mean he is actually buried and was not lost at sea.
My late husband was educated at the Naval School at Malta - and even though it was such a long time ago he did not like to talk about the events and I would now like to find out as much as I can so that I can make a family record.
My late mother in law used to talk about her life on board ship in Malta - it seemed to be very full of parties etc. etc
I was told he was mentioned in one of the books on the sinking - but was wrongly described - I do not know which book this was.
If anyone has any more information I would love to hear from you.

Many thanks.
Shirley Hughes-Rowlands.
shr.guiseley@btinternet.com

10/5/07

J.T.Pearce

(Click on image for a larger version)

I have attached a couple if pictures and a copy of the telegram from my own collection. Please feel free to use them on your web site. The pictures may be pre WW2, I'm not too sure of the date, but the medals may be a clue. If anyone does contact you in the future with information on J.T.Pearce, please let me know. I believe he later went on to serve on the HMS Shropshire.

Cheers
Mitch
merlin_industries@yahoo.com

Up to date e mail address for Rob Knight?

Hello Peter, Its Brian Godwin as you may remember my uncle Thomas was lost on the royal oak in 1939 and we have e-mailed each other many times over the last year.
On the family requests page there is a piece about a Ellis Willcock who was a telegraphist on the Oak as was my uncle. There is a e-mail address on the page of roblizknight@hotmail.com I have tried it a couple of times with no reply do you have any further information on them?

Kind Regards
Brian Godwin
Brian227@btinternet.com

10/5/07

Charles S. L. Millar B.E.M

It is with great sadness that I contact you all with the news that my father Mr Charles S. L. Millar B.E.M passed away at 10:15am on friday 29th December 2006 at the age of 71. My family and I feel very lost at this time, but be aware he knew his Royal Oak families were always in touch during the last 6 months.

Thank you for all your help and e-mails in the past,
Agnes McBarron

Agnesmcb@aol.com

Letter from John Gatt to a survivor

Please find attached the scan of John Gatt's Letter. I have also included a couple of photographs, one is of my father (Corporal H Pattison RM) with the inevitable cigarette, the other is of four of his shipmates I think they were taken onboard Royal Oak, but can't be certain.

Have you seen the January 2007 issue No. 630 of Navy News. They have an article (Page 20) on the pumping out of the oil from Royal Oak with some excellent side scan sonar pictures of Royal Oak taken in 2006. They also have some of the article and more pictures on their website http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2006/0612/0006122101.asp. I believe the Royal Oak ships crest the Navy News show on page 20 to be incorrect and have emailed the Navy New editor suggesting it is incorrect.

Regards Mike Pattison

mike.pattison@tiscali.co.uk

George Arthur East

Could anyone help me in my search for my Great Gandfather George Arthur East (known as Digger), he served on Hms Royal Oak & I know he joined the Navy in time for WW1, other than that I have very little information. There is also a family story that he was one of the first divers for the Navy to use a diving suit, but trying to investigate that i would understand that he should of perhaps been on Hms Excellent although I am beginning to think it maybe a myth!

I would really appreciate any info & congratulations on such a great site.

many thanks

Clare Chapman

clarey59@btopenworld.com

R. W. Huscroft

I am looking for information on R.W Huscroft who died on the HMS Royal Oak. He may be my great uncle or my dads cousin, i would like to know his full name and what he did in his private life as my family want to know more about our relatives and we think we could know more with your help.

Thank you very much, Carol Huscroft

cazhollings@hotmail.co.uk

We are a seafaring family from the Hull area, our tradition is of merchant navy, local tugs on the river Humber and north sea and the Royal Navy

Recently after the death of my father who was ex Ark Royal I found in some effects a "Royal Oak" cap marker

My fathers brother, whom I am named after died on the Oak although he was a champion swimmer, that ia the extent of my knowledge!

This contact to you simply as a result of entering the ships name as a search but I am just interested to know more about my uncle and how he actually died or speak to a survivor who knew him maybe

best Wishes

Clive Edward Jones

clive@edwardjones.karoo.co.uk

George Davidson McGregor - Update

I sent a letter to the Managing Director of the Pipex.com and they forwarded a letter to Wilson Lee for me. Wilson Lee has since been in touch via letter saying he purchased the medals at a market in 1970.

Although the 3 medals say they are George Douglas McGregor and not Davidson, I'm sure there can't be any mistake... there was only 1 George McGregor who lost his life on the Oak.

I'll let you know of the outcome in due course. I need to reply to his letter which is hand written.

My thanks again for your help.

Mark

elmerfud@blueyonder.co.uk

P.S. I mentioned to Pipex that I would keep them informed and if their PR department would like to publicise it in local or natioinal press or alike etc.

Mid RM Seaburne-May

Dear Peter,

My father (Mid RM Seaburne-May) survived the sinking and went on to join the Submarine Service and served in submarines throughout the rest of the war.

Since both he and my mother are now dead, I would like to find out definitively how he survived and how rescued, if anyone still alive knows.

(My father died in 1955, and left home in about 1946-7 after divorcing my mother, so there is only unsupported family 'evidence' that he swam ashore. I have never had any opportunity to discuss this with him.)

Could you put me in touch with anyone who might know?

Many Thanks

Roger Seaburne-May

email: roger.seaburne-may@baesystems.com

Douglas William Victor Sheldrick

Peter, It might be of interest? My father was on the Royal Oak the night she went down.

He was Stoker KX 95686 - Douglas William Victor Sheldrick. Fortunately, he survived, thanks to the gallant rescuers that prevailed that fatefull night.

Dad served on many warships later on after The Oak, one of which was the King George V and was serving on that ship when the Bismark was sunk. War was a terrible thing Dad used to say nevertheless he was proudly keen to serve his country.

Dad pasted away 31/10/2002, in hospital - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He was 83.

I had his ashes committed to sea via Royal Australian Navy and they were scattered in South Pacific Ocean off Nth.Queensland - a bit warmer than Scapa Flow. He is sailing again. God bless him and rest in peace.

Kindest Regards,

Mike Sheldrick.

e-mail: mike.sheldrick@shute-eng.com.au

Contact made through the website

Royal Marine Kenneth Joseph John Wood

One of my father's former comrades in the Royal Marines and, like him, a survivor of the sinking of the Royal Oak was able to contact my family recently thanks to your website. This would probably never have happened but for your enterprise!

With sincere thanks,

Yours faithfully,

John R Wood

jwood@liverpoolcollege.org.uk

(Father was Royal Marine Kenneth Joseph John Wood. He died on 27 April 1963 at Acton in Suffolk).

Able Seaman Harold Brown

My Mother's older brother, Able Seaman Harold Brown aged 21 was one of the 800+ who lost his life at Scapa Flow.

I have attached a photo of him sent to his late Mother showing the signet ring he had purchased with money sent for his 'coming of age' birthday. This was the last correspondence his family ever received from him. I hope you can make use of the photograph on your site.

If I may request from other families out there with any photographs of the original memorial service held in Kirkwall, I would really appreciate the chance to have some photographs of this. My late Father got some for my late Grandmother but they don't seem to have survived her lifetime which is rather sad for me.

Eileen Charnley

Derby

UKecdy@aol.com

Click on image to enlarge

(Click image for a larger version)

Attached is a copy photograph of my Dads brother Cyril. J. Stanley, his name sadly is amongst those lost on that tragic night in 1939

Cyril joined the Navy as a recruit at the age of fifteen years old, he completed his training as part of the crew of the HMS Ganges and was then posted to the Royal Oak.

He was aged only seventeen when he was lost

Myself and Dad are travelling to Scapa Flow for this years memorial service (14th October 06) and would like to kindly request that you post Cyril's picture onto your 'Family Notices' section of your web site in the hope that somebody might have any further details of his time in the Navy, either whilst training or on board the Royal Oak

Again many thanks for your work with the web site - excellent

Best Regards

Andy & Richard Stanley

astanley@abeng.co.uk or richard.stanley@virgin.net

Albert Edward Hicks

I am writing in the hope that you can help me with finding some photos.

My grandfather, Albert Edward Hicks, went down with the Royal Oak. I am suprising my father and bringing him to visit the war grave in early January (18 -21). As well as that I'd like to make him a book with photos and information in as this is something he has always talked about and is very emotional about.

I noticed on your site a section named 'new crew photos', on this there is a picture of torpedomen on their lunchbreak on the Royal Oak. I would very much like to buy or copy this photograph if possible as the man in the centre of the picture, I am certain is my grandfather.

Can you help. I have emailed the contact name of the person who supplied them but have had no reply.

It would mean the world to me if I could obtain some of these photographs.

Many thanks

Claire Hicks

claire_h@tdaltd.com

Last photo of Royal Oak?

Please find attached photograph of the Royal Oak which was taken by a relation of mine.

I had Kenneth Toop have a look at it last year, and although its not too clear as the original was so small he identified it as the Royal Oak.

I wonder if this could be only only picture ever taken as she lay at anchor below the cliffs at Gaitnip, as I am sure that photography would have been extremely restricted during the war.

I though you may want to add it to your website.

I wonder how long before the sinking this may have been taken, maybe you know how long she was at anchor in that position before the sinking?

My relation worked in Scapa Flow before the war on the tugs which were used during the salvage of the German Fleet, but I must find out hat his job was during the war.

This was one of only around 12 photographs which I have in my possession from him, the others show tugs and the upturned hulls of some of the salvaged wrecks as well as a couple of other bits and pieces.

With the anniversary coming round again, it came back into my mind.

All the best

Craig Taylor

craig@orkneytoday.co.uk

Harold William Gill

i have just done some research trying to find one of my great grandfathers, his name was Harold william Gill, Service no:P/KX76025 (Leading Stoker) on board the H.M.S Royal Oak.

survivors list shows that he wasn't one of them and the lost list shows him on it. but there is some confusion with his date of death. the ship sank on 13/10/1939 and my grandfather died on 14/10/1939 and he is not at the lyoness naval cemetry. i dont know where he is buried and until my family find out then we cant grieve or finally lay him to rest properly.

i would like to know if there are any survivors who knew him or could give me some advice about where to start looking.

thanks

e-mail: wolfboy059@aol.com

James Verdun Hearn

Good morning, I have just found your website about the Royal Oak.

My father, James Verdun Hearn was one of the survivors and I think that when he passed away 20 years ago we found his naval papers. I believe my elder brother gave them to someone in Chester le Street, Co. Durham (where we were born) who was doing some research on the ship.

My father always said that he was on deck having a cigarette when the ship was hit, he ended up in the water (unable to swim) and was eventually picked up by a rescue ship. He spent his 21^st birthday (dob 5.11.1918) in the burns unit of (I believe) Aberdeen hospital. I know that when he went into the water he was on fire but amazingly the only evidence of this was a slight scar under his left arm where his vest had melted into his skin. This he said was due to the excellent treatment at the hospital. He would often tell me of his travels - I know he spent some time in Malta - on a holiday some 20 years ago I met a man who was also on the Oak while sitting in a bar in Valetta (it is a small world). If you have come across mention of my father in any of your research I would be grateful if you could let me know as I am sure my sister and 2 brothers would also be interested in any information you may have. Unfortunately, our mother also passed away 11 years ago so we cannot ask her for any information.

I also have the book Black Saturday and my father is mentioned in it.

Regards

Beatrice Mason

ben@richardmax.co.uk

George C Pollard

I have discovered that the name of my great uncle was George C Pollard not George E Pollard, it just goes to show how very little information I have avalaible on this member of my family. I hope now someone who visits your web site will be able to forward some information to me regarding George and maybe even a photo of what he looked like as none exsists within my family.

Regards

Sean Smith

seananthonysmith@aol.com

Thomas George Godwin

1913-1939

H.M.S. St Vincent, H.M.S. Aberdeen, H.M.S. Malaya, H.M.S. Royal Oak

The picture shows Tommy (left) with a shipmate from H.M.S. Malaya. (Click on picture for a larger image)

This is the piece that was in the Portsmouth Evening news, Oct 1939:

Mr and Mrs Godwin of Westbourne are still puzzled over the fate of their son, Leading Telegraphist, Thomas George Godwin.

Not many weeks ago they received a letter from him written in his usual cheerful manner. He was at that time attached to an escort ship.

When news of the loss of the Royal Oak became known, his mother was on a visit to Portchester and while there tendered sympathy to the families of the bereaved. She was about to purchase a birthday card and send it to her son for his 26^th birthday. After arriving home, she decided to send him a greetings telegram.

Husband or Son

When his birthday arrived however, she was sadly surprised to receive a letter from the Admiralty indicating that he had been lost. But the letter included the word husband', so she felt that a mistake had been made. However, later that day the news was confirmed that in fact it was her son that had died on the Royal Oak.

Obvious Mistake

"I had no idea that he was on that ill fated ship, even when the first letter arrived I knew it must be a mistake, it was addressed to 'the wife of' not 'the mother'. When the second letter came showing the confusion had arisen over the names Goodwin and Godwin, it was clear that my son was one of the victims."

First Westbourne Casualty

"I received the first letter on his 26^th birthday. It felt strange that Dad and I thought that our boy was safe on an escort ship. He is the first casualty from the village and we hope the last, everyone spoke very highly of him".

Brian Godwin

brian227@btinternet.com

Official report of the sinking

A number of people have asked for details on the availability of copies of the official report including interviews with survivors. If you or any readers can inform me how I can obtain a copy I will be grateful of the information.

My father L/S L G Squires did not survive the sinking.

Regards

Robert F Squires

Robert.
You can buy copies of the official HMS Royal Oak Sinking Records at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Regards.
Michael Nottage.
(Grandson of Lead Cook 'Henry C Balch')
Survivor HMS Royal Oak.

Royal Oak ID

A friend of mine asked me if I could identify the ship in a photograph which he had been given, because he knew I was interested in maritime history he thought I may be able to help.

I realized the ship in question was from the 'R' class battleships, and in fact, after referring to my collection of books I identified the ship as HMS Royal Oak. What made the ID positive was the cutaways on both port and starboard bow just forward of 'A' turret, I have been unable to find any reference to these features and I was wondering if you could through some light on this matter.

I think the 'R' class ships have had a bad press over the years mainly because Churchill considered them 3^rd rate ships mainly due to their low speed.

Great website.

J E Todd

james.todd453@ntlworld.com

Thomas Moylan

I have just found your HMS Royal Oak website and would be interested to trace anyone who has any further information on my great great uncle, Able Seaman Thomas Moylan (P/J 9494) who sadly went down with the ship in 1939. He was the son of James and Florence Moylan and married to Matilda Moylan and they lived in West Norwood, Surrey. Any photos would be appreciated.

Many thanks for a wonderful website.

Kind regards

Nina Spencer-Holmes

woodfellows@heartwood.uk.net

U47 rescue?

I have a small corollary story to the sinking of the Royal Oak.
I was told this a couple of days ago while staying with an old friend of mine in the UK who was an RN officer in the 1950s.
He accompanied to Scapa Flow an international group of NATO people, including a couple of Germans; all of them in civilian clothes.
Near the site of the sinking, somebody asked what a red buoy in the water signified. The vehicle driver explained it was over the wreck of the Royal Oak, and spat out a load of invective about the bloody Germans, etc.
Later, one of the Germans in the group told my friend that at about the time of the sinking, he was flying a reconnaisance mission over the North Sea when the plane was shot down.
He was able to land in the sea with a rubber dinghy, and hoped for rescue.
Rescue came from a submarie - it was the U47 on its return from the Royal Oak mission.
He reported that the crew was in celebratory mood after such a bold action.

I don't suppose this story will add anything to your work, but I thought it worth passing on.
I'm sure that my friend will be pleased to supply more details if you like.

With best regards,
Peter Ferrill
Brussels
valerie.jacob@promoevents.be

1919 photo

Not sure if this will be of any interest to you as it is almost a decade before this wonderful ship was sunk.

I have taken a photo of my photograph to try to show the ingenuity of photography way back in 1919.

The photograph shows the entire crew of the Royal Oak positioned in a huge semi circle underneath one of her guns, the camera is clockwork operated and take one continual shot from one side to the other that results in a flat end result.

My grandfather is in the middle quite close to the Captain, he had the picture rolled up in a cupboard for seventy years so I had it mounted under glass to protect it, that's his original hat band as well.

If I can find somewhere able to copy the photo without damaging it then I might consider making replicas to pass on to descendants that have relatives in the photo.

When looking at the photo almost all the faces are clearly visible and I find it very haunting to look at the vast array of men that served onboard her at this time.

Hope this is of interest

Rgds

John Jacobs

crackerj33@btinternet.com

Leslie William Wiggins

As the proud great nephew of Leslie William Wiggins who lost his life on the Royal Oak, I would be very thankful if either yourself or anyone else would have any information with regard to my great uncle.

My Grandfather recently passed away and losing his brother at a young age was clearly a very sore topic of conversation with him so I did not ask many questions on the subject. However my Grandfather did give me Leslie's toolbox and I am very proud to have this in my possession. It is believed that there was a photograph of Leslie in uniform but after his death this disappeared. My Grandfather did not have any photographs of him.

Below is some information which I have gathered

LESLIE WILLIAM WIGGINS

Ordnance Artificer 4^th Class, P/MX 55597, H.M.S. Royal Oak, Royal Navy Who died on Saturday 14 October 1939. Age 23

Son of William Edward and Ada Millicent Wiggins, of Dartford, Kent.

PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Panel 35, Column 3.

I am now approaching my 21^st Birthday and it saddens me greatly to think my great uncle did not see much past that age.

Any information would be greatly appreciated by my family

Thanks

Louis Wiggins

Louis.wiggins@carillionplc.com

About halfway down this page there is an entry from a Wilson Lee at email address dwf@dsl.pipex.com this is what he wrote:

"G D McGregor - Help wanted
I have a set of medals to Sto 1 G D McGregor who was killed when the ship went down, I also have his brothers RAF medals.
I am trying to find any information on both of them especially the Royal Oak brother.
Can you help? I need to know if he has a grave anywhere or is his only memorial the Navy one at Portsmouth?
Did he go down with the ship and is he part of the war grave?
Any information you can help with would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Wilson Lee
dwf@dsl.pipex.com"

I am proud to say that I am the Great Nephew of Goerge Davidson McGregor who died on the Royal Oak. As far as I know there is no memorial or grave for George other than the official war grave at Scapa Flow. I've never been told about a brother in the RAF... perhaps Aunt Nel (George's sister now dead) and Uncle Fred from Dunfermline neglected to tell me that. I know there were 5 brothers (including George.) and 3 sisters; George, Harry, Fred, Bobby, ?(1 brother's name is not known)?, Jessie, Nel and Jemima. I don't know the brother's whereabouts but Harry went to Australia and came over to Britain a long time ago and one brother may have gone to Canada. Jessie still lives in Newcastle Upon Tyne with her husband Dennis Shippen. Can you be a relative of one of these? My Father is very keen to meet anyone from his mother's side of the family as we've had his father's genealogy done some time ago.

I've tried emailing Lee but it was undeliverable (dwf@dsl.pipex.com). Lee, If you come back to this site can you please get in touch? I have a feeling you must be related if you have George's medals. My family and I would like very much to talk to you and perhaps meet.

Thank you

Mark Robinson
ElmerFud@blueyonder.co.uk

Jim Bentley

This is probably a long shot but thought I would throw out a hook.
My Grandfather JIM BENTLEY was from Stockport and served in the navy though I'm sure not on HMS Royal Oak. He had a ships clock that he claimed to be from HMS Royal Oak. He was quite secretive about this clock and worried right up to his death that he would be court-marshalled. You see, he said he won it in a card game. The loser could not pay up so he went back to the ship and brought my Grandfather the clock. Shortly after, the ship met her fate!

I'm sure he is looking down right now and cursing me for sending this email, but I'd like to lay his mind to rest and return it to it's home in some way.

How can I best achieve this? I am a qualified diver and I'd also like to dive the wreck. I'm particulary intersted in the card game story and would like to hear from anyone who knew my Grandfather.

Regards

Carl Bentley

carl_bentley@hotmail.com

bentley.carl@gmail.com

Ellis Willcock

Dear Peter, thank you for a really good webpage. I've been doing some research into the above Telegraphist, who was my wife's uncle, and who sadly perished on the "Oak" when she was torpedoed. We visited Orkney last September, and it was heartening to see that the ship and men are respectfully remembered. In St. Magnus' Cathedral the Oak's bell is hung with a book of Remembrance below in a glass case. Every week a page is turned to display another set of names of those who died, and these are remembered in prayers. The Museum in Kirkwall also has a number of research documents and a copy of the book extant in the Cathedral. we were able to purchase a video there which we had viewed in the centre, and which was a story of the battleship and its demise.

The day that we went to see the site of the sinking was fair, and the sun and sea combined to portray a very beautiful and serene setting of its resting place. We are again off to Orkney this weekend, and will be revisiting the site, along with the other sites of historical and archeological interest. I am sure that your other users may find the orkney.org page of some use in finding out a bit more about their families.

We'll probably be revisiting Orkney again later in the year, so if your readers have any requests that someone on the ground can help with ,then send me an email. We also intend to go to the Memorial at Southsea during the Summer to see Ellis' name, but I understand that the Navy have cocked up in spelling his name incorrectly as Willcox (nothing new there then!)

Rob Knight

roblizknight@hotmail.com

I'm currently restoring my ship badges which are hung on the walls of my Aunt and Uncles Pub in Pompey and have just restored their看HMS Royal Oak Badge this weekend. Its made of Plaster of Paris and these badges would of been given out to VIPs and Organisations that visited the ships.
Regards
Michael Nottage.
nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk

R. D. James

News of Old Boys

看

Extract from County Express 21^st October 1939

It was with the deepest regret that the boys and staff of Old Swinford Hospital, Stourbridge, learned that among those lost in the sinking of H M S Royal Oak was R D James, Clifton-on-Teme, an old boy of the school.看 He entered the school in September 1928 and left in December 1936. By that time he was a prefect, and had been captain of the School Rugby, Association Football and Cricket teams. As a prefect he led the school in its corporate life, and set an inspiring example to the younger boys, but it was on the playing field that he was at his best. He was not merely captain in name but proved himself a real leader-encouraging the others, never sparing himself and always in the thick of it. Coupled with this was his very cheerful disposition. He was a true Scout who smiled and whistled under difficulties. The Headmaster awards a medal each year to the boy who the school thinks has done most for the school during the year and it was no surprise that 'Jaker' as everyone called him, received his before he left.

Some time after leaving, James decided to join the Royal Navy. He was stationed at Portsmouth, where he was trained to become a gunner. During his leaves he invariably paid visits to the school. It was on his last visit in May that it was learned that he was to join H M S Royal Oak. Now comes the news that before reaching the age of 19 he has given his life for his country.

Eric Whitmore

I am Martin and am sending this e-mail from Malta. A few weeks ago i came across and subsequently bought an old book. When opening this book i found (to my surprise!!) that it was signed. The writing goes as follows 'To seargent's mess Ghajn Tuffieha from Seargent E. Whitmore Royal Oak 1939. Investigations later revealed to me that Sgt.Whitmore died when HMS Royal Oak was sunk. I was just wondering if you would be able to give me information about Sgt. Whitmore's family.

Thanks and keep up the good work,

Martin Micallef

martin.micallef@um.edu.mt

Eric Whitmore

Please find attached a photograph (right) of my Great great Uncle, Eric Whitmore, who died on the HMS Royal Oak, we believe he was 21 when he died and that his date of birth was the 21^st October. Could you please forward his photograph to anyone who requires shipmates photographs.

Many Thanks,

Georgina Wilkinson

gcwilkinson@hotmail.co.uk

Click on image for a larger version

Invergordon library

Hi, I live in North Scotland (married to an Orcadian) and I lived in Kirkwall for many years. My late father in law was a Legion man, so we knew much about the history of the Royal Oak.看 I was surfing a local site about the history of Invergordon, the site is www.theoldhometown.com, and from there you can access a photo library of Invergordon. My point is that they have a photo of the Royal Oak Band marching in Invergordon, and according to the site, the ship then set sail for Scapa Flow.看 I don't know if it is a well known photo or not, just thought I would pass it on. Any problems accessing the site, give me a shout. Linda

linda14anne@tesco.net

Kenneth Clayton

My father, Lt.Cdr Kenneth Bernard Clayton, was a survivor of the Royal Oak disaster, and often told me of his experiences that night.

He knew from very early on that it was a torpedo attack, as not only was he in the dynamo room well below the armored deck and heard the three torpedos strike in turn (he felt that two were one side of the room where he was and the other on the other side, but it appears from your site that the three strikes were quite close together), but he also saw the pieces of the German torpedos that were recovered (he was a Torpedo Officer aboard; he later ran MX department (the experimental mine department) at HMS Vernon.

Fortunately the room where he was had access out through the armoured deck, and so he was able to climb out onto a mess deck.

He got out of a porthole while the ship was on its side, and found himself on the side of the ship before it turned turtle and flung him into the water.看 He always was a strong swimmer, but he did suffer problems resulting from the ingestion of fuel, and had skin problems for many years.

He died about ten years ago.看 Not long before I met a Colonel Ward whose father had survived, he was the First Lieutenant - and my father remembered him well

tony@tclayton.demon.co.uk

Henry Balch

My Late Grandfather 'Lead Cook Henry Balch P/MX48390 was serving in HMS Royal Oak the night she was torpedo and survivied her sinking. He was 27 years old and managed to squeeze himself out through a scuttle in a Wardroom Pantry and into the cold oilcovered waters of the Flow, he came across an oilsoaked baulk of timber which he said was part of the waterline rubbing strake and was joined by a Ordinance Artificer and the pair paddle about until eventually being picked up by boat. Henry Lost his brother 'Percy' in HMS Hood in 1941 and went on to serve看for看26 years.

Michael Nottage.

'Grandson'.

Henry Balch

I still look at your video periodically and I recently discovered a book which, although primarily about HMS Royal Sovereign/Archangelsk does mention Royal Oak. The book refers to the distinctive (to me unsightly) funnel caps - or clinker screens as they were sometimes called - fitted to the R class battleships. Apparently Resolution received hers in 1922 but Royal Sovereign and Ramillies (not clear about Revenge) did not get theirs until some time in World War Two. Do you happen to know if Royal Oak had one? Or was she sunk too early in the War? I have seen photographs of her pre-1939 without a funnel cap.

Trevor Tremethick

TrebarAssocs@aol.com

Ernest Brymer

Dear Peter, I have been working for two years on family research for my father, Claude Athol Kroon, who served in the last world war. His war tales have only recently been told to me and that set me off on trails to see what I could find out about his family for him. All this has led to me finding many new relatives some of whom I have met. I have come to you via Leonie Runcie another cousin. My father had a cousin he particularly valued called Ernest Brymer. Ernest was the child of Jessie Beste