Family Requests
Here are some e mails I have received giving information about HMS Royal Oak
or requesting further information. If you can help please e mail the addresses provided.
New e mails will be added to the top of the page.
Please note I print the messages as I receive them so am not responsible for grammar and spelling!!
| Sutherland, H.J.
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. |
'Last Dawn'
Peter, Derek Rodger Any further info try www.argyllpublishing.com and go to Maritime. You can download the pdf press release here Click on the image to see a larger version |
| HMS RAMILLIES
Click on images for a larger version |
| Aubry John Priestley and Ronald Thomas Parker
(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 |
| Denis Roy Woolgar
Hello. |
| Raymond Geoffrey HULL - radio operator
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? |
|
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 . Regards , |
| R. H. Gardiner
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. (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 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. Thank you for your assistance. jane_branch@tiscali.co.uk |
|
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 |
|
I have just been looking at your website, and what a stunning tribute to the Officers and Men who served in her. yours aye (Click on image for a larger version) |
|
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. (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 Michael Nottage |
|
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 Regards |
|
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) Tel. 00 34 96 579 5687. RBLWELFARE@telefonica.net(Click on image for a larger version) |
| 68th Anniversary
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 In the front of the book Herbert Herrmann had penned "Herbert Herrmann My thoughts will be with all on the 14 Oct. Mike Pattison mike.pattisonATtiscali.co.uk |
| Dear Peter,
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 |
| Royal Oak poem
Thought you might be interested in a poem I found among dad's papers, it is HMS ROYAL OAK |
|
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 (Click on image for a larger version) |
| John Furlong
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. lydaogrady@yahoo.ie |
| Rear Admiral Blagrove
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. nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk |
| E Clements
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. Regards |
|
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 pandora666@pandora666.karoo.co.uk(Click on the image for a larger version) |
|
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) 10/5/07 |
|
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. Godfrey Dykes 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 10/5/07 |
|
(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. Regards, 10/5/07 |
|
George Olive I have just discovered your website whilst looking for crew information on Sailors who served on the Royal Oak. Regards |
|
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? Many thanks. 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 |
|
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. Kind Regards 10/5/07 |
|
Charles S. L. Millar B.E.M
Thank you for all your help and e-mails in the past, 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 |
|
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 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 |
|
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 (Father was Royal Marine Kenneth Joseph John Wood. He died on 27 April 1963 at Acton in Suffolk). |
|
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 |
|
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 21st 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 |
|
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. 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 26th 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 26th 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 rfsquires@btopenworld.comRobert. |
|
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 3rd 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 |
|
U47 rescue? I have a small corollary story to the sinking of the Royal Oak. I don't suppose this story will add anything to your work, but I thought it worth passing on. With best regards, |
1919 photo
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 4th 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 21st 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 |
| G D McGregor - Wilson Lee please make contact
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 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 Jim Bentley This is probably a long shot but thought I would throw out a hook. 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.
R. D. James News of Old Boys Extract from County Express 21st 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. |
|
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 |