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.
If there are no e mail addresses, please e mail me and I will forward them on
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!!
| Charles Edward Ferry
I am looking for any information on my grandad Charles Edward Ferry I understand from family that he was a survivour of the Royal Oak and he was effected badly he died in 1972 I am trying to do our family tree If anyone as any information I would be most grateful |
Walter Clive Bonner
I am looking for family members from Walter Clive Bonner, Godalming Surrey --1913-- 14.10.1939. He was a crew member of H.M.S. Royal Oak and Rank Band Corporal. His grand-father was also my grand-father. I have a letter written to my mother a few months before his death. Also a photo from him in uniform (right). I would be pleased to hear from anyone with connections or who may have known something about him. Eileen Junge |
| Royal Oak christmas card & tie pin
Hi Peter I thought you might like these photo's of my royal oak christmas card & tie pin for your memorabilia page on your excellent webpage, i think the date is around about 1930. Regards |
| Arthur Kempster
My name is Rhianedd Preece. My nana'a brother, Arthur Kempster, was on the HMS Royal Oak when it sank and was presumed dead. He left his home in Rhyl when he was young to join the navy and his family did not hear from him again until news of his death at just 19 years old. |
| Stephen Duncan
My name is Jack Duncan, my dad Stephen Duncan, Seaman 12769 served in the Royal Navy 1926 - 1932, during that time he served on the following ships: Royal Oak I am trying to trace some records of my Dad and I would be grateful if anyone knows of any sources that may have crew pictures or information. Thanks and Best Regards, Jack Duncan duncanj@bellnet.ca |
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Dear Mr.Rowlands, One of the pieces is called: The music is very amusing, jazzy. With best regards, http://www.channelclassics.com/music-from-the-roaring-twenties.html |
Royal Oak photo
Here is a photo sent to me by Tom Redman which I thought you might like for your excellent site. Click on the image for a larger version in a new window |
Survivor William Hughlock I am the youngest brother to HMS Royal Oak survivor William Hughlock. Yours sincererly, |
Royal Oak in the backgroundPlease find attached a photo of HMS Revenge with Royal Oak in the background. Best wishes Peter Mitchell www.submerged.co.uk |
| Vincent Marchant
I recently had a look at the Royal Oak website, and noticed the name of seaman Vincent Marchant, who managed to swim ashore after the shiphad been struck. I have been researching my family history, and have a Vincent Marchant, born 1886, in my tree. I have very little information about him, and wondered if this is the same person, or somehow related. Is there any way I can get further details about this seaman? |
| Lt. A.M. Seymour
Hi Peter, If anyone did and would like to contact me please pass on my e-mail address. Thank you. |
George MacGregor I was moved by the recent documentary on the sinking of the Oak. Mark Robinson Click on images for larger versions |
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Cornelius Curtin I came across your site while I was looking for some info on war memorials, Scapa Flow in particular, as my relative was killed there. Marie Davis |
| J.O.H.Derry
I have been led to believe there will be a Royal Oak Memorial service at Norham. If anyone has any details please forward them. I am oldest surviving relative of J.O.H.Derry who was probably the youngest to go down with the ship and first casualty from Berwick upon Tweed in WW2. |
| Ronald John McAngus Hart
I am trying to find out about my father's service record. His full name was Ronald John McAngus Hart (known as Ronnie) not Donald and was listed among the survivors after the sinking of the Royal Oak. His service number was p/jx 157014, having joined the Royal Oak from HMS. Caledonia three months before the sinking. Ronnie was sixteen at the time and one of the boy sailors. He came from the village of Hilton of Cadboll in Ross shire, there were other boys on that ship from the same area, at least one other from Hilton. Patricia Roberts. |
| Tribute
I've just visited your site and read the article about the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. Best Wishes |
| Cornelius McCabe
I have been reading your website regarding the Royal Oak. Best Regards Thank you for your kind reply. Best regards |
| Royal Marines
My name is The Rev'd Stuart Hallam and I am a Royal Navy Commando Chaplain currently serving at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. I am very interested in HMS Royal Oak, particularly as it is the 70 anniversary of her sinking. Stuart. |
| Andrew Paterson
Stumbled upon your site after sitting down to watch the 70th anniversary documentary with my Grandfather on STV tonight. He is a survivor of the disaster and served on The Mighty Oak for many years prior to its sinking. He left the ship on the night of October 13th 1939 after being ordered to join a patrol vessel doing routine searches of the boom area. This was to prove fourtuitous as this was the first time he had left the ship for this duty. A true stroke of luck as all of his crewmates were killed just a few hours later... |
| Construction sketches
Today I came across the Royal Oak website for the first time via the BBC News item http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8302318.stm (and associated link) regarding today's visit of HRH The Princess Royal. Kind regards, |
| HMS Neptune Association
The Committee and Members of the HMS Neptune Association would like to associate themselves with the Memorial Service being held today, 14th October 2009, in Scapa Flow: to remember, with pride, the crew of HMS Royal Oak, recalling not just your ship's historic contribution to the war effort through historic naval engagements during the dark days of two World Wars, but also its contribution to the high morale of His Majesty's Royal Navy. With kind regards, Mrs. Gillian Wadden, Vice-Chairman and Hon. Secretary of the Neptune Association |
| 14 year olds aboard?
Dear Peter, |
| Mr. Rowlands,
I've just spent a few minutes going through your HMS ROYAL OAK website.. very well done. It's only fitting that what happened to this fine ship is remembered. The one ship like that here in the US is the ARIZONA in Pearl Harbor. Not only do I think people should remember that ship, but also the men still entombed aboard her. My parents went to Hawaii back in 2000 and both told me the experience of seeing the oil from ARIZONA float up and being on the memorial as eerie. My father was 13 at the time of Pearl Harbor and told me that he was working on an airplane model when the news came over. My mother said she and her brother were trying to make root beer from root beer candy when the news came in. Sincerely, |
| Dear Peter, Today is a historic day. Are you able to confirm a recurring memory from my childhood. In 1939 as a 5 year old my mother went to collect me from Liverpool eye hospital after some pioneer surgery. She always told me that she took me on the Royal Oak which was docked in Liverpool, probably only a few days before she went to Scapa Flow ( a guess on my part) She recounted how a sailor picked me up and carried me onboard up the gangplank. I have a possible memory of this but in view of the many times I heard the story it may be a false memory. Does anyone visiting this site have any more information?. Reggie Dickinson Now aged 75 Leicestershire |
| Stanley Raymond Wood
I watched the History Channel programme on the Royal oak last night. I wondered if any of the remaining survivors remember my late father who died in 1999? |
| Arthur George Ackerman
Arthur George Ackerman (known as George) sadly died in the Royal Oak on 14/10/1939 with many of his ship mates. He was my grandfather's cousin, but grew up with my grandfather's family, as his mother died when he was only 8 years old. Sarah |
| G Trewinnard
I came across your site following a link from the Defence News website, reporting on the Princess Royal's commemoration two days ago. I had heard a rumour from my grandfather that there was a Trewinnard on the Best Regards, |
| W Cheesley
I was scanning your site today and came across W Cheesley who died on Royal OAK aged 29, in the "family requests" with an e mail from Simon Cheesly regarding his grandfather W Cheesley. W Cheesley was my mothers brother and I have photos of my Uncle Bill and family details that I am sure Simon and father would like to see and know about. I have tried to e mail his address but failed to deliver on the system. I live in Plymouth and I am not sure how long that request has been on the website. Regards |
| FRED BEALING
MY GREAT UNCLE [MY MOTHERS UNCLE..HER MOTHERS BROTHER] WAS PETTY OFFICER FRED BEALING..HE WENT DOWN WITH THE ROYAL OAK..I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF ANY OF THE SURVIVORS KNEW HIM.. CHRISTINE COOK |
| Dear Peter,
Celebrating my 70th birthday led to some reminiscing. Beat Wishes |
| Royal Oak Survivors Association Limited Edition Print
In June 2009 Simon Brown was invited by the Royal Navy to photograph and document HMS Royal Oak. Simon has donated this image to the Royal Oak Survivors Association and a limited number of prints will be signed by some of the remaining survivors. All proceeds of the sale will be used by the Royal Oak Survivors Association to help fund the building of a permanent memorial to their comrades in Scapa Bay. |
| John Stroomer
My grandfather, John Stroomer, served on the Royal Oak at the Battle of Jutland. He was a baker. Glynis Kent (Click photos for larger versions) |
| John Valentine Sawbridge 1898 - 1960
I found your website yesterday when I put Royal Oak into my search engine. What a wonderful site! Thank you so much for all your hard work. Penny Harris [nee Sawbridge] |
| R. A. Barnfather
I have been looking at your website of the Royal Oak that sank at Scapa Flow and wondered if anyone had information regarding RAYMOND ARTHUR BARNFATHER who along with many others went to his watery grave aged just 16. He was my Mother's cousin and as she has often spoken about him and as she is now aged 87 herself it would be wonderful for her to have closure. |
| I wondered if you would be interested in putting this poem on your website of HMS Royal Oak. It was written by my wife who is the niece of one of the sailors who perished that night. She never knew her Uncle but has always been haunted by the manner of his death and wrote this poem during a creative writing degree course and found it somewhat cathartic. Regards, David Oakley In Memory of
They were at Scapa Flow, Then the first torpedo hit, Plunged into the waves below, The ship turned over: She became a 29,000 ton tomb. To the men who died that day. Leading Seaman Instance said. He went back to sea again. Special Operations P. Eight hundred and thirty three men Kathleen E. Oakley. |
| E H MILES photo?
hi peter regards graham leary |
| George Williams
Hello Peter, I have been doing the family tree and only found out in the last couple of days that George was my Grand mothers uncle, her mothers Brother. Kind regards |
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Edwin Cox Well done on your site which i think is a good idea, I happened to find it when looking for some info on the "Oak" |
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Dear Peter & Mr. French, What a surprise I got the other day on opening up Peters' Royal Oak website to see your photo of some Royal Oak crew members. Although, I was really looking for anybody recognising the name of my cousin Ernest Brymer [who died on the Royal Oak ] I think I recognise my Dad in your photo! He is the one standing with his hands behind his back on the right hand side and is Kenneth R. Laslett. Previous posting: |
| Royal Oak photos
Hi Peter, I came across your web site when I was trying to find out some info about the Royal Oak. My Grandfather served on the Royal Oak During the first world war so was curious to find out a wee bit more about her. Best regards Alan Inglis (Click on images for a larger version) Please note the right hand image of the rear guns is particularly interesting as it shows the seaplane launcher above them Hi Peter, here are some more photos. My Grandfather is in the front row , bottom right of the football team photos. Alan Inglis |
| Ignacio Guisti
I have recently gone into search of our family tree and have come across a cousin of my grandmother by the name of I.Guisti (believe his name is Ignacio) from Malta who died in 1939 on the HMS Royal Oak. Thank you, Mark Ellul marke@adam.com.au |
| Samuel Blood
Just wished to pass along this information about Samuel Blood who was only 16 when he lost his life on the Royal Oak. Commonwealth War Graves Commission (UK) Wonderful information on the H.M.S. Royal Oak web site. David Fleming |
| Petty officer Puddy
Hello Peter Regards John Legg |
| George Alexander Langlands
I was very interested in the Royal Oak website. I found the website whilst researching my family tree. |
| Tough
Hi |
| Norman Victor Pead
Hello there, my grandfather was on the Royal Oak, Norman Victor Pead. I am his grandson, Norman. |
Donald (Dan) MacAngus
Dear Peter: here i am ,old and sick, and lo and behold ,Irene smyth puts up a letter about her grandfather Hugh Vass , lost on the Royal Oak. |
Hugh Vass
Peter,
Hello Peter, There is also a clip on YouTube about U47 returning to Germany at |
| John Stanley Crockett
Hello Peter, |
| Royal Oak painting and geranium
Perhaps the Royal Oak Associaton members would like to know that in the Royal Oak pub at Chilgrove, West Sussex there is an oil painting, one of only 50 copies of HMS Royal Oak. The picture was done from the stern of the ship in line afront so it views the Royal Oak bow on taking a heavy sea and dipping her bow in. I haven't seen it myself but my son has and says that it is very impressive. Does anyone else know of this picture and have a copy? |
| William Edward Chesman
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| Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton
I would like to add to my cousin Joan's message about my Uncle Tom.Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton. |
| H.Pither
Dear Peter Yours sincerely (Click on images for larger versions) |
| Hit by U47?
My great grandfather was the skipper of a trawler commandeered during the war and he was based in Scapa Flow during the time the Royal Oak was sunk. My granddad has told me that it was believed that his father's boat came into contact with the U-boat as it was leaving the area. His trawler (named the John Herd) was arriving back into the harbour after the incident and therefore was not expressly involved with rescuing survivors. Regards |
| John Welch
i have just visited your site and found it very interesting, i am the grandson of one of the survivors, JOHN WELCH. i believe he was either a chief petty officer or petty officer i am very keen to get hold of a photo of him in uniform as part of a christmas present for my grandmother. as nobody in the family has any photos of him, and as he died 31 years ago i was only 5 years old and never had the opportunity to see any pictures of him when he was in the navy i would be very gratefull if you could help me and maybe point me in the right direction to get the info i need |
| Loses from the seaboard villages
I am currently researching the servicemen/women lost in the Parish of Nigg & Shandwick during WW2. Four of these men lost their lives serving on the Royal Oak. Here is the information that I have at the moment.
Seaman Hugh Vass Seaman Hugh Vass Seaman David Vass Seaman Bertie Vass If anyone has anything else I would be very grateful. |
| John Welch
i have just visited your site and found it very interesting, i am the grandson of one of the survivors, JOHN WELCH. i believe he was either a chief petty officer or petty officer i am very keen to get hold of a photo of him in uniform as part of a christmas present for my grandmother. as nobody in the family has any photos of him, and as he died 31 years ago i was only 5 years old and never had the opportunity to see any pictures of him when he was in the navy i would be very gratefull if you could help me and maybe point me in the right direction to get the info i need |
| James Colbourne
My grandfather would dearly like to find out as much information as possible about his cousin James Colbourne who perished on the Royal Oak. I wondered if anyone remembers him, has photos |
| Eric Charles Leach
My late uncle Eric was a 19 year old stoker on the Royal Oak and perished along with his shipmates at Scapa. His home town was Portsmouth and I'd be interested in any information that any of the other relatives might have regarding Eric and his mates. |
Albert Reginald Turvey
Hi Peter, Mark Turvey. Click on the image to see a larger version |
HMS Royal Oak watercolour
Dear Peter, With best wishes, Click on the image to see a larger version |
Harry Beswick
I am researching the royal oak for a school project, my great uncle harry beswick sadly was one of those lost on the royal oak....he was only 19 according to my great nanny, the navy records have age unknown, He had a unhappy home life and ran off to join the navy (very strict father) my great nanny never forgave him, very sad. Michaela... age 10 yrs Hello peter, thankyou for getting back to me so soon, i have spoken to my great nanny today and found out that my great great uncle Harry william james Beswick, born and lived in frankly, birmingham, was a stoker in the soak room and he wouldnt have known a thing about what had happened' my great nanny ( florence' and sister 'Alice' remember a friend of his called 'Billy' who had survived visited them and told the family this. apparently Billy was sweet on Alice! |
Ken Conway and A. Craven
hi Peter. Click on image for a larger version |
Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton
This is probably the last photograph taken of my uncle Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton. I think it was also the last leave he had before the fatal day. It is taken in his garden in Portsmouth with his sister Irene (my mother). He left behind a wife Norah and three children Betty, John and Allan. Click on image for a larger version |
| The passing of George White
I am glad to have found your excellent web site. A very good friend of mine George White who was fortunate to survive the Royal Oak disaster swam for his life just a month before his seventeenth birthday. Sadly,George passed away in the early hours of August 21st having been admitted to hospital just a few days earlier. |
| Royal Oak photo
Dear Peter, I am in my late sixty's. As a young boy my parents had a photograph of the Royal Oak on our wall. This was not a photo that had been taken by a rating or anybody not important.This was a professional large photo, with a gold line around it and gold lettering under it "H.M.S. ROYAL OAK" |
| Contact details for Sean Smith re George C Pollard
On visiting your 'Royal Oak' site I noticed that a Sean Smith asked if anyone could help with information concerning his great-uncle, George C Pollard. George Macgregor |
John Sidney Hall
It is with regret that we have to announce that another Royal Oak survivor has passed away. (Click on the image for a larger version) |
| School trip
Dear Peter, |
| Mystery Royal Oak badge
My wife Margaret is very pleased the badge is useful and in good hands. |
Attatched a photo of my personally built 1/500 scale HMS Royal Oak. Its a Russian produced model kit, sadly now out of production! I had to scoured the internet to find it and was lucky. I dedicated the model to the fallen of HMS Royal Oak.Regards. Michael. michaelnottage@hotmail.co.uk |
Ronald Hanes
My late grandfather, Ronald Hanes was a survivor of Black Friday but is not listed in the book of the same name. Click on image for a larger version |
Cyril Sibley
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 |
Grandfather, Survivor Henry Balch
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. Click on images to enlarge |
| William Ernest Rowland DCM
Aaron Rowland 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. |
| 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. Click on the image to see a larger version |
| Henry James Sadler
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. Best regards Click on images to enlarge |
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| 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? |
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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) |
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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' Best Wishes, (Click on image for a larger version) |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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) |
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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) |
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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. Michael Nottage |
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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 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 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 |
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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 12th October 2007 and the following is a transcript of our conversation: I was just 14 days away from my 17th birthday and was a Boy Seaman 1st 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.
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 13th 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) |
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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) |
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royal oak, crossed anchors in the other corners. any suggestions. no dates so could pre pre war ! no trace in yr index. cheers brian tinsub@aol.com |
| J. J. Rutherford
(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 |
| C F Cornish
(Click on image for a larger version) |
| Royal Oak poem
Thought you might be interested in a poem I found among dad's papers, it is HMS ROYAL OAK |
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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) |
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George Edward Myers
(Click on image for a larger version) |
| Fleet signal
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 14th October 1939. I have a Fleet signal from Cpt Benn of the HMS Voltaire sent to the Pegasus thanking her, dated 14th October 1939. Steve Skepper steveskepper@hotmail.com |
| Plaque ceremony 1948
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)
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 |
| James Arthur Smith
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| 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 |
Oil painting
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 kosmos244@yahoo.co.uk Click on the photo for a larger version |
| HMS Pegasus
Dear Peter, |
Robert (Bob) Wyatt
Dear Peter, (Click on image for a larger version) |
| AWJ Diable
Reading your articles on the Royal Oak, I was wondering if you could assist me in resolving the following: Update
Royal Palace Dec 3/38 Dear Mr Diable May 5/39 Dear Mr Diable |
| 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 |
Reg Birch, survivor
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) |
Royal Oak Survivor Henry Balch
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. nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk (Click on the image for a larger version) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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 |
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For many a long year now I have had a piece of naval history sitting outside my dining room which I purchased for £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 |
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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 |
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(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 |
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George Olive I have just discovered your website whilst looking for crew information on Sailors who served on the Royal Oak. Regards |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Charles S. L. Millar B.E.M
Thank you for all your help and e-mails in the past, Agnesmcb@aol.com |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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). |
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Able Seaman Harold Brown
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 Click on image to enlarge |
| Cyril. J. Stanley
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 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. 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. |
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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 |
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 21st October. Could you please forward his photograph to anyone who requires shipmates photographs. Many Thanks, Georgina Wilkinson |
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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. 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. 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. 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. Not long before I met a Colonel Ward whose father had survived, he was the First Lieutenant - and my father remembered him well RegardsTony Clayton |
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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 for 26 years. Michael Nottage. 'Grandson'. |
Henry Balch |
Funnel caps?
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 |
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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 Bester, a sister of my grandmother. Jessie was married to David Brymer. Ernest is listed on the memorial at Southsea as having died on the Royal oak. He still has a sister alive in South Africa. I was wondering as none of us have a photo of Ernie, if any one remembers him and can recognise him in the pictures on your site. We would all apreciate anything in the way of information about Ernie. I believe he was born in Cape Town, trained on the General Botha and came to the Royal Oak from the S.A. Navy. He certainly left home very young and did not return. Thank you for anything you can add. Any one is welcome to contact me on my email address. lisaudigier@eircom.net Or write to me E.M.Audigier, at Mole Hill House, Molesworth, Huntingdon, CAMBS.PE280QD |
Ernest Brymer Dear Peter, (Mrs. L. Runcie, nee Laslett) email: mruncie77@yahoo.co.uk |
George Hamblin I found your site on Sunday after watching the documentary on Ark Royal and wondering if anything had been done on Royal Oak. I did see some on Coast in Orkney that talked of the wreck and showed the coastline. It does look a beautiful, peaceful place and so was very comforting to think that it is my uncle's final resting place. I didn't know him as my parents didn't meet until after the war, but he was a great favourite with all of my mother's family. He seems to have been very popular with everyone he met. I don't know very much about his service career, except that he was a Royal Marine; or why he chose to go to sea. The Hamblin's lived in Oxford City centre so the sea would not be an obvious choice, or perhaps it is? A colleague of his visited the family afterwards (I'm sorry, I don't know his name) and seemed to vaguely hint that George might have escaped but then perished helping others. I don’t know if this is likely to be true but does seem a little unlikely in the confusion. I wonder also, at the other Hamblin (HJ) on the lost page? Do you know if they were related? Hamblin is a fairly unusual name, so I would be very grateful if you could shed any light on this. I'm sorry I'm not being helpful in furthering your quest to develop the site, but rather asking questions of you. I would like to thank you, though, for producing such a respectful and dignified site and know that George's family would have been pleased and honoured that their son and brother had been remembered in this way. Best wishes Pauline Graham |
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David West Hello My father's brother, David West lost his life on the Royal Oak. I've never known much about him. Any information would be appreciated. Joyce McGlone win19@btinternet.com |
Edward Cox Hi Peter, My name is Sally Cooke (nee Cox), I have just recently started my family tree and i asked my grandad (Herbert Cox) about any of his brothers/sisters & he told me that his younger brother Edward Cox was one of the brave men who perished on The Royal Oak at Scapa Flow in 1939, He was born in Bilston with all the rest of his brothers/sisters. I would be very grateful of any information you have on my grandads brother or even if anyone who reads this message that know of Edward Cox, Family, Friends or even survivors that are still alive today. Thank You Mrs Sally Cooke Email Address: cookesally2@aol.com |
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hi peter, attatched is a photo of a some brass ware which is apparently from the hms royal oak ,it was bought from a car boot sale in morecamb lancs and was owned by mrs hilton whom ran the royal oak pub in pickford st macclesfield for many years she tells me , apparently the pub was full of items from the royal oak she and said this was the last item she had left after selling the pub in the late eighties , i cannot confirm this but you may know if it is a genuine item , if it is a genuine item and you would like better images for your web site please contact me and i will do all I can , i came across your website surfing the net as i have a small dinghy 17 footer and like anything to do with ships cheers denis dennbo_1@hotmail.com |
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My uncle who died a few years ago left some items one of which i believe has some connection with the Royal oak or a Captain of the Royal Oak. I am told this item may be from a boat or a Yacht possible owned or used by the Captain. I do not know if the Captain in question is your relative but i do have some paper work in Orkney that may help. Can you shed any light on the object? Sorry about the poor quality of the Jpeg. Regards Stan Harris stanleyharris@hotmail.com |
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Construction drawings on CD You remember the construction drawings made by my Grandfather which are on your site - well as a result of nagging by Mark Loughlin who is a salvage officer who works on Royal Oak occasionally, I have now made a high resolution scan of each and put them on a CD - a total of 108 files. Perhaps you could put the fact that this is available on your web site. I was thinking of suggesting a contribution of 5 pounds each to cover the costs of materials and postage if anyone wants one. If this is OK with you perhaps you could suggest people email me if they want one and I will sort it out from there. Steve Dooley steve.dooley@stevedooleyassociates.com |
Mark Stephens Hello Peter, have just found your website on the sinking of the Royal Oak, brilliant well done, I lost my uncle Mark W Stephens, I did not have any info at all about the sinking, I didn't even know his name was on the memorial at Southsea. I am now 70 years old, and Marks sister, (my Mother is still going strong) a grand child of my Mother found the website, and it was very emotional, thank you. |
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James Ross Hello my name is Andrew Johnson and I come from a small fishing village in the north of Scotland called Balintore where there was a number of men who were on the Royal Oak I too have a interest in the royal oak and was very privileged as a child to spend many a afternoon talking with one of the survivors James Ross or jimmy as we knew him im delighted to have found your site and may I say it is an excellent monument to those who survived and also those who did not keep up the good work Yours sincerely Andrew Johnson andrewj@newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk John Brown Just found your web page, and it was so sad to read the letters, as my uncle John Brown, of Byker, Newcastle - On - Tyne. was one who lost his life, he was a brother of my mother who passed away when i was only 18 yrs old, but remember her talking about John, if there is any-one out there who can give me any info, or copies of photo's i would be more than grateful. Yours Sincerely, George E Pollard Peter |
His widow Vera Kathleen Benney has just died at the age of 98 years. I wonder if anyone from the remaining survivors remembers my Dad? He was nicknamed 'smiler' because he was always happy. He was duty electrical artificer at the time of the sinking and was at the main switchboard when the lights failed. I enclose an attachment file containing my Father’s picture.After this tragedy, my mother met a survivor who told her that my father tried to get on to the Daisy but there was no room and he was sent to another boat at the back of the ship. He got into this with others and then they found that there was no way to release it from the Royal Oak and they all had to swim for it of go down with the ship. My father’s body was later recovered and he has been buried at Lyness cemetery with full naval honours. My son and I hope to go to the Orkneys next year to see his grave as no member of his family apart from a younger brother who was also in the Navy has been able to visit it. This I wish to do on behalf of my late mother who thankfully after 66 years is now reunited with him. I am using my daughter’s email address and she will pass any messages on to me. While typing this I am also enquiring about Petty Officer George Pope who went back down into the Royal Oak to try and save his young crewmen and therefore lost his life too. I am in contact with his son and daughter and can also pass information back to her if anyone remembers him. We feel sure that our Dads must have known each other. Sheila West C/o stella@pethick.co.uk |
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Cyril Phelps I've always been intrigued by the Royal Oak disaster as my maternal grandmother's first husband - Leading Telegraphist, Cyril PHELPS was killed on this ship (from TREHERBERT, Rhondda Valley). I can see that he is named on your roll-call. Unfortunately he was never really spoken about by my grandmother (now deceased) and it is as though she must have completely removed all material traces of his existence out of her life after he was killed. By the end of the war she had re-married and had a child (my mother). Carys Hutchings |
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I found your site while researching my grandfarther's naval career which ran from 1916 - 1945. He was on Royal Oak from 21 June 1932 until 25 April 1934 and the following postcards were amongst my grandmother's papers. The first is marked "in the launch 1932" - my grandfather, Able Seaman Jack Cullingford, is second from the left; I don't know who the others in the launch were or where it was taken. The other was sent to my mother, probably early in 1933 as it thanks her for her christmas card. I have been unable to find out much about where Royal Oak was during the early 1930s so far - do you have any information ? Emma Maitland ECMaitland@aol.com |
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William and Douglas Manwaring
Two of my Wife's three Uncles, William and Douglas Manwaring, were amongst the crew who perished. This occurred before she was born. Best Wishes, |
| Captain W. G. Benn
Dear Peter, Your email today with an update on the site has prompted me to send you three photographs I managed to track down within the family. Best wishes, |
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H. H. Spicer
My uncle - whom I never knew - died on the HMS "Royal Oak". His name was Hugh Hunter Spicer and I attach a watercolour painting which - I understand - was painted by a fellow crew member shortly before the ship was lost. Hugh Spicer |
| Thomas Chadick
Dear Peter best wishes always |
Dear Peter. (Click on photo for a larger image)
Looking through some old photo's in my fathers 'Ditty Box,' I come across one which you may be interested in. It was taken at HMS Cunningham, a training establishment at Douglas, in the Isle of Man. Previously a holiday camp (Cunningham's camp) taken over by the RN during the war. |
| A. Vallance
My Uncle, Alexander Vallance was on this ship but I can not find his name in any of the memorials. He has left us now but I would like to have a photo if any are available of him on the ship Estarkliz@aol.com |
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David Llewellyn Griffiths Morse I have just returned from a holiday in Malta and a friend (Paul Mallia) I see there says he has been in contact with you. I realise that you told him you do not have anything specific on the person I am researching on behalf of the Wincanton Royal British Legion but I would be very grateful if you have any tips etc that may help me get information on him. |
Albert Jewell
My great uncle Albert Jewell and his best friend since childhood Jennings were both killed on the Royal Oak. Before her death in the early 70's Jenning's mother gave me a ship's bell which she had kept next to her son's photo since his death telling everyone that it was from the ship. For the last 30 odd years it has travelled around the world with me from one Army installation to another but I now think that I should return it to England if it is, in fact , from the ship. But how do I know if it is just a family story or really from the ship? Please let me know how I go about this if you can. Nicola Holland |
PeterI have typed out the following, which are the exact notes from an interview with my father Barry Hawes, now aged 87. The interview took place on 29th November 1958 for the book Black Saturday by Alexander McKee. Background: I joined the Royal Marines in 1936 and The Oak in 1939. A day or so before, after our return from sea, I was drunk ashore. I was brought back and laid on the quarterdeck. I woke up in the cells and got 1 & 1 (which was 1 days pay and 1 days leave stopped). 13th October There was a Marine in the cells that day, don't remember his name though I knew him well. He was a bad lad, well-in with the chap who ran the Fraz School in the canteen. The Royal Oak was a gambling ship: The Fraz School, a Shoot School, a Pontoon School and a Crown and Anchor School, a choice of card games. These took place in the canteen, commonly known as Monte Carlo. It was very well organised with a proper system of look-outs, I remember one chap had over £50 and kept it in a specially made belt. Anyway, the bad lad who helped organise this had got into trouble and was in the cells. He usually slept in the boathouse flat with Slug Sandforth. If he had been there and not in the cells, he would have been killed. Being a bad boy saved his life! I slept on the Marines messdeck, on the starboard side, the mess next to the bulkhead forward. 14th October First Explosion I thought it sounded like a hatch falling on the deck above. We all jumped out of our hammocks. Someone came in and said 'Come on, get back in your hammocks'. I did so, and lay there feeling dozy but not asleep. Second Explosion The Admiral's Pantry In the Water The Pegasus So that's how my Dad remembers his terrifying ordeal that day. Julie Jenner |
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Ernie Newnham |
| J. P. Wilkins Peter, I have only recently been made aware of your web site and I would be grateful if my Fathers service record could be added. I started to research my Family History in 1990. I was a 13 month old baby born in Portsmouth when my Father was killed and I wanted to know his service history. I applied to RN records office as you see by the above address on his record list and gratefully they sent it to me and maybe others my need to do the same. Also I noted the entry on the two boy buglers :- Mountford H.C.L. and PRIESTLY A.J. My good friend Jim Sholl served with these two lads who lost there lives on the Oak. He passed out also as a Royal Marine boy bugler but was sent for duty elsewhere. |
I have tried to contact the E Mail address attached to that entry but with no avail, Jim would be more than willing to write or speak to any relatives who would be interested. We are going to Kirkwall in May this year to visit the wreck site and pay our respects to those who lost their lives and my thanks to Christine Spratt my old school friend who gave me the information regarding the Royal Oak web site anyone who wishes to contact me may do so via my E mail address. Thank you sincerely Bryan.J.WILKINS wilkins_bryan@yahoo.com |
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| Edward Stewart
Please can you help me. I'm trying to trace back my family tree but not getting very far. |
| C F Hemsley
Hi Peter, Please find attached a photograph of C F Hemsley (Frank) with permission from Kathryn Trower to publish it on your website, unfortunately Kath knows very little about her uncle, but would love to anything you may know. |
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Uncle E. Cox
hi peter my name is gary cox im looking for information on my uncle e cox a boy sailor from bilston west mids my father and uncles who are all aged over 70 now would like as much information as possible on him any old sailors who remember him ect would be a great help thanks g cox my email add is midlandman001@yahoo.co.uk |
| Just came accross your site found it very good,i have in my possesion the enclosed photograph of Percy Prestons wedding day taken on new years day 1920.Somehow although i havnt found out how he is related to me.What i was wondering is could you tell me by looking at his uniform what his rank/role was on Royal Oak ive had a look on the web and think he may of been petty officer under 4 yrs,gunlayer 2nd class am i right? what would his duties of been also i would like to find out when he joined Royal Oak, did he see combat and where he went from there any help you may have would be much appreciated. kind regards Ian Hayes Ianhayes1@aol.com Click on image for a larger version |
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GEORGE EDWARD MYERS
HELLO PETER, COULD YOU PLEASE DISPLAY MY EMAIL ON THE HMS ROYAL OAK SITE. I AM THE GRANDAUGHTER OF GEORGE EDWARD MYERS WHO LOST HIS LIVE ON THE HMS ROYAL OAK. IF ANYONE CAN HELP WITH SOME INFORMATION ABOUT HIM PLEASE CONTACT ME ON myersaustralia@hotmail.com or corbettfamily@bigpond.com ALL INFORMATION WILL BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. HAVE A GREAT DAY! REGARDS JULIE MYERS |
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My Name is Irene Thomas (nee Solley). I have recently been given my grandfathers old photo album, which dates back to the early 1920. According to his photo album he served on HMS Royal Oak and I have attached a couple of photos which may be of interest to your site. On the reverse of the Crew photo were the names of the crew attending the beach party, which I have also scanned for you. I would love to learn more about the Royal Oak and really enjoyed looking at your web-site. Regards Irene martin.irene@blueyonder.co.uk |
| 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. |
Richard Hughes-Rowlands
My father in law went down with the Royal Oak - |
David Edward Smith
Hi Peter.Many thanks for your email,attached is a photo of my Uncle David Edward Smith, he was from Nottingham and aged 19 when he died,if any surviving members recognize him they can email me at pdodge@sympatico.ca or anyone has any photos of him in a group.I would be very grateful indeed.Thank you Patricia Dodge |
| James William Fairbrother
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| Rolf Hilse - U47 survivor
Im a GP in the Lake District and have just visited your website, having this morning spoken with one of my most interesting patients; the only surviving U-boat sailor living in the UK. His name is Rolf Hilse and he was a sailor on U47 in Sept 1939 when the Royal Oak was sunk. I wondered if you knew about him? He loves to talk and is an intelligent, articulate man who has become something of a celebrity over the past few years. He describes the raid on Scarpa Flow with great interest, but his account differs somewhat from yours. For example, he says that only one torpedo was fired at Royal Oak and that this was from a stern tube, two torpedos already having been fired at and reportedly damaging HMS Repulse. The account of the hull-damage interested me, as you suggest that it is assumed Royal Oak was sunk by three torpedoes. The difficulty you described in making out holes caught my attention. U47 apparently used impact torpedos that blasted their way through the hull but you probably know this technical detail already. Rolf subsequently met and was decorated by Hitler and Gunther Prien refused Hitlers order to return to Scapa Flow on the basis that it would most probably have been a suicidal mission after the loss of Royal Oak. Gunther Prien was apparently disposed of by Hitler shortly afterwards. If youd like to meet Mr Hilse please get in touch with me. Rolf is 82 and not in the most robust health but am sure that he would be interested to contribute perhaps in the form of an interview for your web-page?? |
Hi Peter, I am trying to find out what kind of portholes the Royal Oak had, do you know where i could find a detailed drawing of them as well as the maker. hoping you may be able to hep. Kind regards to you. Phil Crennell PHILIPCRENNELL@aol.com Click photo to see a larger version |
I have just found your web page. I never knew my father but have had this photo of him for many years sent to me by my mother. I would really love to know more about him. I am now in my 60s and live in Australia . I understand that he died in 1976Ann Fletcher ragfletcher@aol7.com.au |
| Kenneth Hall
Dear Peter hello again and hope you are well. As long ago promised some photos of crew. The first one is of my uncle Royal Marine Kenneth Hall who was 19 when he died, the second is of my uncle and a group of shipmates at Portsmouth in 1939 and the last is aboard the ship, on the back it says L to R LS Lawrence, AG Hollinsworth, ken, and STO i cannot make out the last one. |
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| Royal Oak model
Just visited the Royal Oak site, excellent tribute to a fine ship and her crew. |
| Alfred Redman
I've just visited your very informed site. To our immense pleasure we found my wife's late father, Alfred Redman, named on the list of survivors. Here at home we have eight photos taken by him, taken whilst on board the"Oak". He told us on more than one occasion that he owed his survival to the fact that he was on the "Mail Run " that night. Hope that this is of some interest. |
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| S.D Daisy II FR270
Whilst sorting through some family archives with my father I came across a letter that had been written to my Grandfather by the skipper of the S.D Daisy II (FR270). My uncle, Gerald Ellis, was a Royal Marine aboard the Royal Oak when she was torpedoed and capsized. He is alive and well and living in Florida. The letter seems to suggest that my uncle was rescued by the Daisy II and that my grandfather had written to the skipper thanking him and the letter in my possession is the reply. It reads: |
| J. F. Davis
My uncle Joseph Frank Davis lost his life with the sinking of the Royal Oak and I wondered if anyone would have any memories. I realise that it is some years on but there may be someone alive who remembers him. He came from Southsea and was well known at the Locks and Milton area. |
| Fred Senior
I have just discovered your web site about the Royal Oak, my uncle Fred Senior a 20 year old marine was killed on the ship. Family memories tell of him been the loveable rogue, who could always charm way out of trouble. If there are any other ex-marines who survived the disaster still alive to day who may |
| A. Kearey
We know someone who's brother died on the HMS royal oak, he is the brother of Arthur kearey. He hasn't got a single picture of him. We were wondering if you had a picture of him by any chance. |
| Attached is a photo of F.W. King (Frederick William King, page 2 on your list) who was killed on HMS Royal Oak. He was my mothers 1st cousin and came from West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. He was born in 1920, so was 19 when he died. My mother was born the same year and fondly remembers him. I presume the photo was taken on board. We were both pleased to see his name on your wonderful webpage which is also a great tribute to those who died. Keep it going Derek Collier dcollier@onetel.net.uk |
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I wonder if you can help me find out any information about my uncle (www.hughspicer.fsnet.co.uk/more.htm) - whom I was named after (Hugh Hunter Spicer) who was a marine on Royal Oak ? I have just returned from a visit to the Orkney Islands and paid a visit to Kirkwall where I saw my uncle's name in a book of remembrance. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Hugh Spicer _________________________ e - mail@hughspicer.fsnet.co.uk w3 - www.hughspicer.fsnet.co.uk _________________________ phone - 0141 422 1630 moby - 07788 178 439 work tel - 0141 636 8100 _________________________ 63 Calder Street Flat 2/2 Glasgow G42 7RR |
| letter given to Christine Spratt by her uncle This letter was sent to Christine by Robert Edmunds in February 2004 I was in Spain on board the Repulse then transferred to Royal Oak. When the first explosion took place I was in my hammock not far from the bang. I slipped on some clothes and walked to the area and could tell it was flooding up, but this was only a small compartment and would not cause any serious trouble. The lift of the ship caused the anchor cable to break and it ran back into the cable locker with a lot of noise. I walked back to the mess and woke up a few heavy sleepers, got dressed and went toward the workshop to get some flooding keys, etc. The ship was going over fast after three or four more torpedo explosions and I went up to walk down the side of the ship and got into a small boat. This boat turned over and took my clothes off and (I) kept my shirt on! Within 20 mins the ship had sunk and I swam back over the ship to get some thick oil over me to keep me warm. I them swam slowly toward the shore and kept on until I reached the coast (2hrs?) on my back of course. I had visions of finding a farm house and getting some sleep but the cliffs were far too high and I sat on a cliff and rubbed myself down. About six in the morning a small boat arrived and picked me up and took me to the Pegasus. I went down the engine room to get warm and got cleaned up and got dressed. Nobody was with me during the swim. Like Reg, my brother in law, I managed to be given nice accommodation in Thurso with 3 of my friends, by a gentleman named Budge. He owned a clothes shop and drapers in the High Street. On our way home (by train) some kind ladies brought us a cup of tea in Inverness about 1 oclock in the morning and just as we were about to leave a train doing shunting knocked my coach off the line. There was a lot of broken glass but nobody killed. And we finally arrived at Pompey. I went to sleep on a settee but my brother in law, Reg, shook me and told me my mother was waiting for me. |
| Dear Peter, The Royal Oak has always held particular interest for our family because both my step father Arthur Edwards and my wife's father Peter John Morris were survivors of that terrible night. Peter, a seaman at the time, recalls the event thus; My daytime action station was deep in the bowels of the ship at the lower switchboard, but fortunately at night I was posted at the Search Lights. Off duty and asleep I was awakened not by the first explosion but by the anchor cable running through the housing, to which my hammock was attached. It was clear that something was amiss and I dressed as quickly as possible in my long sea boots and my heavy watch coat. I heard explosions and made my way on deck, I remember that the awnings were hanging to dry and I had to fight my way through to get to the ship's side. A tannoy command rang out 'gunner party check magazine temperatures', that is my only clear memory until I was in the water, looking up I saw the funnel and upper structure and remember worrying that if it came down I would be a gonner, so I stripped of my sea boots, coat and everything else, except my money belt, (it had been pay-day and it was pretty full)! I was joined by marine Lt. Keen and a leading stoker whos name I cannot recall and we encouraged each other to keep swimming towards the shore. I remember the sounds of others giving up the struggle and worrying that I could do nothing to help them, then I was at the rocks at Kirkwall. It was a cold night and without any clothes I was very glad to be picked up by a small boat and taken to the boiler room where I was given a cup of strong tea, laced with something much stronger! The crew cut sacks for makeshift clothes and transported me to the Pegasus Seaplane carrier. The rest is well recounted by others except to relate that the train transporting the survivors to Portsmouth was involved in a collision, luckily with no injuries, how ironic that would have been, and a short while after, in order to upgrade to leading seaman, I was required to pass a swimming test to prove that I could survive if ever my ship went down, even my instructor laughed at that. That is Peter's story and it was many years later that he and my stepfather Arthur met up, started discussing their war memories only to discover that they had both been aboard the Oak that fateful night and both are alive today to recount the tale. Please use any of Peter's story on your site if you feel it appropriate, and thank you for providing we, the families, with such an informative and interesting vision of that event. Regards Barry Hugo & Ann Morris Hugobaznann@aol.com |
| Hi Peter, I took some pictures of some framed plaques that my uncle had. I thought you might like to put them on your site. Regards Darryn Higgs Karen.Dutoit@Daztech.eclipse.co.uk |
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| Alfred George Marlow
It is with great sadness that i would like to pass on that my father in law |
| H.H. Higgs
Hi there Peter.....my name is Diane Higgs. My grandfather, H H Higgs was aboard the Royal Oak when it sank. I wonder if you or anyone could tell me how to go about getting a memorial plaque concerning my grandfather and maybe a picture of him in uniform.......i never met my grandfather and i would love to get something for my own father who is currently suffering with cancer and it would mean the world to him if i could show him something about his father.........he is very interested in history and i would also love to know if anyone could tell me where i could get a video maybe on the history of the ship.................i would appreciate that greatly |
L. Soal
I was browsing through your website as my husbands great uncle Leonard Soal was a survivor. But looking through the list there is only a L. Seal. I think this is Leonards entry. I checked with his sister and the correct spelling is Soal and this appears in the Commonwealth War graves and on the cenotaph in Southsea, Portsmouth . Would it be possible for you to amend this. Leonard though surviving the sinking of the Royal Oak unfortunately went down 11 months later on HMS Dunedin and was lost at the tender age of 21. He was haunted by memories of the sinking of Royal Oak and helping to recover his dead comrades. My husband is a Chief petty officer in the Royal Navy now and has visited Scapa flow and attended a memorial service there. We must never forget these brave men and their families. Jennie Collins m.collins35@ntlworld.com Jennie I have corrected the list which was taken from "The Royal Oak Disaster" by Gerald S. Snyder |
A. Brierley
What a fascinating website - I wish we'd had the internet when Dad was alive. For your information, my father Arthur Brierley, a survivor of the Royal Oak, passed away on February 16, 1998, this may seem like some time ago, but I only just found your website and I thought there might still be some survivors out there who would like this information. Kind regards Janet Fletcher (nee Brierley) Kevinandjanet2@aol.com |
Ronald Clackson
Click photo for larger version My uncle, Ordinary Seaman Ronald George Clackson (P/SSX26095), was one of those who lost their lives when HMS Royal Oak went down. He would have had his 20th birthday only the previous week on the 6th October. He came from New Barnet in Hertfordshire and had joined HMS Royal Oak on the 7th June 1939 from the shore establishment HMS Victory. I am writing to try and find out if there is any survivor who might have known him. Yours sincerely, Stephen Clackson stephen@clackson.com West Manse, Sanday Orkney KW17 2BN |
| NORMAN LESLIE HINDE Dear Peter, My Grandfather who died in 1993 survived the sinking of HMS Royal Oak having joined the Navy a year or so before the war. As far as I understand like most of the crew he was below deck when U-47s attack began. Norman eventually slid into Scapa Flow down the side of the sinking ship injuring his backside on the hulls barnacles along the way. Normans strong swimming abilities aided his survival especially when he had to abandon an overcrowded boat that had initially rescued him. He eventually found safety and recovered from his injuries in hospitals in Kirkwall and Portsmouth. Norman was posted back to active duty in early 1940 aboard the anti-aircraft sloop HMS Fleetwood. He would remain on this ship through the Norwegian campaign that saw the ships captain receive a DSO for his actions during attacks by the Luftwaffe, this encounter that saw the ship expend all of its ammunition in 14 hours and culminated in the evacuation of 340 troops back to Scapa. For the remainder of the war Normans duties would include convoy duties to Africa and Russia I that hope these paragraphs and the acommpanying photos will be another small but useful contribution to your unique website. Craig Simpson craig.a.simpson@virgin.net |
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| Francis
My Father was a PO on the Royal Oak. I have in my collection his photographic log book of the 1927 commission. The photos include Malta/Suez ship's crew in Valleta/Burial of shipmate. Father was on the train coming down from Scotland on leave when the Oak was hit, he was then transferred to HMS Anson. He died shortly after the war when he was leaving Hong Kong on board HMS Sussex and was buried at sea with full Naval honours. When my Mother passed away a few years ago, the Royal Navy were kind enough to stop HMS Starling over the exact position where my Father's ashes were scattered and scatter hers there, also conducting a service for them both. |
Kenneth JJ Wood
A very interesting collection of details on your site! |
| John Henry Lee
My grandfather John Henry Lee served on the royal oak when she was torpedoed he did survive, but unfortunatly 2 weeks ago he passed away aged 83. He used to tell me many tales of his life at sea some funny some quite scary.One funny moment was when it was his job to dish the rum out and very nearly turned into an alcoholic so had to ask to be taken off that particular job. If any remaining survivors remember him it would be nice to know. After leaving the Navy he went on to become a police officer serving in Croft, Radcliffe and Bury on retiring from the police he then went on to work in the local magistrates court in Bury. We used to joke with him that the local criminals could never escape him. I loved my grandad and he will be very sadly missed by every one who knew him. If possible we (his family) would like infomation on having his ashes scattered where the Royal Oak sank. Thankyou yvette@whelan2133.freeserve.co.uk |
K.G. Laban With regard to the story from a survivor of the Royal Oak do you have any contact numbers or address. My wife is doing her family tree and it seems that one of the lost sailors a K,G,Laban may be a relative, and she was wondering whether he might have known him and where he came from. Many thanks in anticipation Mr T Barker T473@aol.com |
R.W. Milnes
I attach a photograph of him. Pam Sanchez, Stockport pam.sanchez@ntlworld.com |
| Roland Arno photos?
I am pleased to see you are commemorating the lost members of the Royal Oak. I was looking at your roll call and my uncle's name should read Roland Arno not R.Arnd. I wonder if you have any pictures of him. I think my Mum said he was a radio operator. My Mum, Margaret Rose, his sister died this year. PHLeek@aol.com |
Mountford, H.C.L., Bugler
My brother was a Royal Marine Bugler, he was one of two aboard the HMS Royal Oak when it went down, the other Bugler's name was Priestley A J they were both 16 years of age when they died. I am enclosing a picture of the Southsea War memorial bronze with both their names on it for your information. Many thanks again for your assistance in this matter. Yours Pete. peter.kingfisher@btinternet.co |
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| William Tuckwood
My Father was William Samual Tuckwood a Royal Marine who sadly went down on the Royal and would like any information about him,my Mother died a while back but wouldnt talk about him to me so I do not know any thing about him I was only 5 months at the time so did not know him. Now Mum has sadly passed on I would welcome any details anyone knows |
Earnest Lidgett
Very interesting web-site.My father Ernest E. Lidgett (now passed away) survived the sinking, although he didnt say v. much about it, he did say he went over the side & was picked up by a fishing boat..Attached photo (right) of some survivors, my Dad bald third right, and official telegram. Hope this is of interest.I also have a press cutting of the first five survivor lists issued. Would be interested in info on other survivors in photo or anyone who knew my father, he passed away some years back. Regards, Adrian adrian.lidgett@virgin.net |
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| Joe Instance's family
Regretfully I only discovered your site today in an effort to trace Joe Instance who was a good friend of my father and mother. This was during my father's posting to Simonstown, South Africa during the period 1949/1950. |
Verdun Pierpoint
I read your website on the Royal Oak with interest since I am researching the men from my home town of Wantage, Oxon (then Berks) who died in WW1 and WW2. One of the WW2 men sadly died in the sinking of the Royal Oak. His name was P0/X 1421 Marine Verdun Loos James Pierpoint and was aged 22. The son of Mr and Mrs William Pierpoint 22 Garston Lane Wantage, he was as you can see named after two battles of WW1 and served as Marine Verdun Loos James (for personal reasons) in the Royal Marines.Verdun had been in the service according to a newspaper cutting of the time for seven years and had only joined the Royal Oak in June 1939. Prior to this he had been on HMS Nelson and in Egypt for a year. Would it be possible please to put an appeal for further information on him through your website as I feel due to his unusual names something may turn up. Keep up the good work I particularly liked the photos Trevor Hancock Trev.Hancock@ukgateway.net |
Bendell
My Dad was the last one out alive being trapped in the sick bay. One of the few places with opening portholes. |
| A. Camenzuli I have come across the website of the Royal Oak and I was impressed with the amount of work that went into it. Among the list of survivors was my father's name A. Camenzuli. He was a steward on the ship from 1st June 1939 to 14th October 1939 the day the ship went down. I have his official no if required as proof. I am enclosing a photo of my father taken round about that time. My brother in Australia I believe has some photos of our father on ships . Father died on the 3rd July 1988 in Sydney Australia. If any of the survivors who knew my father have any photos or memories , they wish to contact me charlo@nildram.co.uk I would appreciate it, if at all possible. Can you post the photo on your site please. Was a model in kit form ever made of the Royal Oak. and sold in shops. I cant seem to find it. I live in the London area. Best Regards Charles Camenzuli Tel/Fax: 020 8552 5195 Mobile: 07712 049 927 charlo@nildram.co.uk |
Xuereb in Malta
My name is Sophie Nash and i have been looking at your web site on the Royal Oak.My partner asked me to do this as his great uncle was on board when she sunk. His mothers maiden name before she married was Xuereb,and the young man on board was her fathers brother. My partners family over in Malta found on of the last surviors in My partners mother does have a photo of Mr Xuereb and can get hold of his seral number if you want proof. I must thank you for a wonderfull tribute to this ship it really made his mums day when i told of it.,she had never seen a picture of the ship that her uncle sailed on now she has. Sophie Nash sophienash468@hotmail.com |
| JWJ Clayton
Dear Peter, I know he got killed later on in the war. Can you help? I am currently looking into my family history. Regards Sandra Hobbs. Sandra@clayton-hobbs.fsnet.co.uk |
Survivors info
Dear Peter, kayjam@fraser26.fsnet.co.uk |
Robert Victor Geden
Hello Peter I was told by my aunt that my grandad served on the Royal Oak. This was pre 1939. Can you give me any help on finding out if this was true. His name was Robert Victor Geden and he was described as at sea on his marriage certificate in 1928, although I don't know what ship at that time. Any help or advice you can give would be most gratefully received Regards Diane Davies (nee Geden) DianeJulieDavies@aol.com |
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Court of Enquiry Congratulations on the website, it makes a significant difference. Now that it is up and running I've a suggestion to make: would it not be possible to place the record of the court of enquiry into the sinking of the Royal Oak be placed on the website? As it is now in the public domain it would be helpful for people reside outside the UK. Many persons with whom I've been in correspondence with have wanted access to the official report. My only information came from my mother and survivors who were friends of my father. Before official notification my mother read about the sinking in the local newspaper. Trevor J. Tee janus_a@intekom.co.za |
Charlie Palmer My wife & I were looking around Hornby with the possibility of buying property there. We popped into The Royal Oak for a drink and saw the memorabilia there. Imagine my surprise to find that my uncle C.(Charlie) J. Palmer's name was in the little Lancashire village pub. My uncle was killed on the ship. Two of his brothers were also killed in the Royal Navy, Bert on HMS Kelly in 1940 & Eddy on HMS Fleur de Lys in 1941. I am an honary member of HMS Kelly reunion association and am wondering if there is anything similar for HMS Royal Oak. I was a diver from 1971 until 1984 when a burst lung put paid to any more diving. I would have loved to have gone down with you to pay my respects to my uncle and his shipmates on The Royal Oak, but sadly his cannot happen now. Mike Merrison mmerrison@yahoo.co.uk |
Survivors statements My wife found your web site after a visit by my elder brother prompted a conversation about my father's recollections of his time on the Royal Oak. Firstly our thanks for your work putting together the web site. I know little of my father's time in the Navy, but my elder brother recalls Dad lying about his age in order to join the Navy and be placed on active service. My father was just 17 at the time of the sinking. The only other tit bit I have to offer is that my father attributed his survival to being on deck at the time of sinking - he was having a crafty cigarette ! I'm sure that my father would have been enthralled with your website - he passed away over 15 years ago now. My brother mentioned that statements were taken from all survivors and that these are now available for public inspection. Does anyone know if this is the case and where they can be found ? Martin Askham martin.askham@blueyonder.co.uk |
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Help finding William Clark I wonder if you could possibly help me...I am helping a friend research her family tree and her dad has told her that his Uncle Billy - William Clarke - died on the Royal Oak in 1939. We have done our research about the sinking of the Royal Oak and I was very impressed with your website. On numerous occasions we have searched the CWGC site for a William Clarke who would fit Uncle Billy. He would have been about 40 years old, but her dad seems to think he wasn't in the Navy, but a civilian working on the ship. Last night I found your site and the list of survivors - we always thought that there were NO survivors until we found your list. On that list was a W H Clarke - could this be who we were looking for??? - have you any more details of the survivors? Where they lived, age etc? He was probably from Sunderland as this is where the family lived. I found another site belonging to Jim Bryce who has an account from the night that the ship was torpedoed - an ancestor was on the ship. They were from Sunderland and he also listed many more from Sunderland some from the same area as Uncle Billy. If you have no more info how did you get the list of survivors and how could we find out? If he was a civilian would he have been listed as dead or was there another list for civilians? It isn't confirmed if he was Navy or civilian so you can see our dilemma - just clutching at straws really. Maria maria.y@ntlworld.com |
Royal Oak spoon?
We have had a mystery in our family for a long time My wife has in her possession a spoon and pusher Christening set with the Royal Oak crest on (see insert). Now here is the mystery She wasn't born and Christened until 1941 The ship was sank in 1939. Have you any ideas? Yours Carl Leckey carl@duttonlocks.co.uk |
Stanley Saltmarsh I have just found your web site on the Royal Oak. My father marine Stanley Saltmarsh survived the sinking in 1939, and later contributed his account to the book Black Saturday. My father died in 1965 but i still have some information about his experience. He was also sunk on the Figi and the Frobisher . Kind Regards Nick Saltmarsh nicholassaltmarsh308@hotmail .co.uk
ps I noticed that his name does not appear on the survivors list. My mother told me that she stood at the gates of the barracks at Eastney waiting and that his name was not on the fist list, and that she heard later. My girlfriend typed out the list of survivors printed in Gerald Snyder's book "The Royal Oak Disaster". I have rechecked the book and you are quite right. She must have missed it so I have amended the survivors page and added Stanley's name Best wishes Peter Rowlands |
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Joseph Furlong Dear Peter, A year ago you promptly sent me a copy of your video which I presented to my father Joseph Furlong for Christmas. His brother John was lost aboard the Ship. That video meant the world to my father and became a prized possession as illness had kept him from visiting the wreck site. Many times he had asked me to get him your address so he could write and thank you personally for the work you were doing. Sadly my Dad passed away recently and never got to write you that letter so I am writting on his behalf. Your video and items relating to my Uncle John were left to me by my Dad and I'm hoping to get to Scapa next October for the service. I will scan what I have and send them to you for your web site. Once more many thanks, it does mean alot to the families of those lost to know they have not been forgotten. Yours sincerely, Lydia Furlong, Dublin |
HMS Pegasus medals? Dear Peter, My Grandfather Served on the HMS Pegasus at the time of the sinking of the Royal Oak. He was awarded a medal, which is inscribed with his name and an inscription to commemerate HMS Royal Oak. Peter do you know if anyone else recieved this medal for services to the Royal Oak. I have tried looking on Medal sites and cannot find any records. The medal was awarded by the ships crew. yours Kindly John Unsworth john@unsworth4384.freeserve.co.uk |
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ON WATCH 14/10/39 Over the years I have read several books on the sinking. My father was on watch on the fateful night and survived. He kept close counsel throughout his life and what came out is different to the various official accounts. Several of my mothers friends/family also perished that night. Just another piece to the jigsaw. Barry Davidson, 17 Woburn Ave, Farnborough Hants, GU14 7EQ
HAROLD HENRY HIGGS Hi there, My grandfather died on the Royal Oak a few months before my father(his son) was born, so he never got to meet him. My Grandfathers name was Harold Henry Higgs. My father is very interested in anything to do about how his father died and I am trying to find out if there are any models of the frigate that can be purchased for a gift for him or where any other details regarding my grandfather could be found. If you know of anything please let me know as I would really like to surprise him with a gift or some more information. I have searched all there is to search on the internet and have given him all that I have seen. (Other than your video) Any info would be greatly appreciated. Regards Darryn Higgs darryn_higgs@cgnu.net |
PHOTOS & PLANS Dear Peter, I have just been reading your letters page and have noticed that one or two people have requested where they may be able to obtain historic photographs & ship plans. These can be obtained from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF. e-mail: plansandphotos@nmm.ac.uk tel:020 8855 1647 fax:020 8317 0263 all the best, Troy Edwarsds. troy.edwards1@virgin.net
PICTURES WANTED Hi My name is David Arbuckle, My uncle is also diver like yourself and he was assigned to the task of the repairing the oil leak on the HMS Royal Oak, My Grandfather was also on the ship during his naval career and since seeing a collection of photographs from both of them I have taken great interest in naval ships, I was wondering if you possessed any pictures of the boat U47 which sunk the HMS Royal Oak and any pictures of the HMS Royal Oak herself I would sincerely grateful if you could e-mail them to me. I hope to hear from you soon. David Arbuckle ardyarbuckle007@msn.com |
ARTHUR MAYNARD Having just been connected to the internet, I've discovered your very interesting site. My late grandfather Arthur Maynard served on board HMS Royal Oak as a Stoker First Class between June 1932 - April 1934. He died when I was young so I was unable to speak with him about his career in the navy. Although a long time ago, maybe someone reading this may of known him? I would be interested to hear. Your site shows a photo of the ship's company, of which I have a copy, but it is in poor condition. Would it be possible to obtain a new copy from the owner? I look forward to any replies, regards, Kevin Elliott kevin@elliott1205.freeserve.co.uk Kevin As far as I am aware, the photo is available from the Library in Kirkwall, Orkney. I intend to build up a list of places where photos can be bought and hopefully include their reference numbers Best wishes Peter |
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ROYAL OAK PHOTO Hi Peter I don't know if you'd be interested, but I have a photo of the Royal Oak, taken at anchor in Marseilles. It was taken some time in the 30's I think, by Marius Barr. It was brought home by my uncle, James Grant, who served on her until March 1939, when he contracted TB and unfortunately died. I'd be happy for you to make a copy for your web site if possible, please feel free to email me to discuss this. Regards Geoff Adams geoff@transphere.co.uk
Dear Peter, I write to let you know that my Great Grandfather, Arthur George Coote, who was a survivor of the HMS Royal Oak, unfortunately died last week. He was aged 81. He was just 18 when the ship was sunk. I believe there are very few remaining survivors still alive and I thought it might be of value to you to know. Although we have only just come across your website, I think it will be of interest to me and my family over the next few months. Best regards, Michelle Purse 5/3/02 michelle_purse@hotmail.com |
EDDIE ELLIOT Dear Peter I am writing on behalf of my grandfather Mr Eddie Elliot, who served on-board The Royal Oak from 24th October 1936 to the 22nd April 1938. He has often talked to me about the times he served aboard many of Her majesties vessels, and has recently asked if i would search the web for any information regarding this particular vessel. He has various photographs and other documentation that you may be interested in seeing, and / or publishing on the web site. He also has his original diary, with many of the events and happenings of his time on-board, all of which may be of interest to you. Mr Elliott is now 92 years old, and in very good health considering his years, and would love to talk to anyone connected with this vessel. He may be able to offer information, stories etc. I will leave it like that for now, please feel free to reply to this email, or you may contact me at the following telephone number - 07831 841 025. He was wondering whether anyone else from his years on-board were still alive, or in contact with yourself. I look forward to hearing from you in the not too distant future. Yours sincerely and respectfully Edward J French ed@chopperschool.com |
JOE INSTANCE'S DEATH Peter I learnt yesterday that Mr Instance who appears in your video passed away last week. Ken 19/9/02 Dear ken Thanks for the sad news. I can let you and all the other readers of this site that Joe was cremated and his casket was placed inside the wreck of HMS Royal Oak in 2001 Best wishes Peter Rowlands
QUESTIONS - CAN YOU HELP SIR COULD YOU POSSIBLY ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS? 1, WHAT WAS ROYAL OAK'S MOTTO? 2, ARE THERE ANY PRINTS/PAINTINGS OF HER? THANKS SIMON CASSIDY. simoncassidy@desktop71,freeserve.co.uk |
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F.W SKEPPER Peter, I have just found your web site, but was dissmayed to find that my grandfather Mr F W Skepper (Chief Petty Officer/stoker) was not listed amongst the survivors. Is this an oversite ? or is there no record of him ? he died around 1984. He lived in West Parade, Lincoln at the time he served on the Royal Oak right up to the time he died. Both myself & my mother would be gratefull for any info. Linda Ashman lindaashman01@aol.com Hi Linda I got the list of survivors from the book "The Royal Oak disaster" by Gerald Snyder published in 1976 but I am not sure where he obtained his information. I am considering a letters page on the Royal Oak web site. Best wishes Peter peter@hmsroyaloak.co.uk |
SINKING REPORT WANTED Dear Mr Peter Rowlands I have located your website while surfing the Internet for update on HMS Royal Oak of which I am a great student. Thanks a lot for the article and excellent photos. I am not sure if you are available for a personal quest but hope it won't bother you a lot. Here in Siberia there is no much opportunity of getting original info on the ship. I know that the official report on the results of the Royal Navy investigation on HMS Royal Oak sinking has long been declassified in the UK. Do you think you could afford any your assistance in me obtaining the text of the report? Also do you a have a good drawing of the ship as she was in 1939? Please forget my guest should it bother you in the slightest. Thanks again for your effort in publicizing the story of the ship which in my view deserves deep respect and everlasting memory. Very kind regards Serge Zavyalov zavyalov@mail.tomsknet.ru |
R.H. SPLAINE Dear Peter. I wonder if it is possible to include the following details of a former member HMS Royal Oak in the web page. His name was R H Splaine Seaman Gunner J103565 who served on Royal Oak from 15th November 1926 to 1st April 1927. I obtained the information regarding the late R H Splaine from his son Dave who has asked me to forward it to your web site. I hope this of help to you in building up this web page. Regards Haydn Grove. haydgrov@aol.com |
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ROYAL OAK DRAWING Can you kindly tell me when the Royal Oak was built. I have in an old autograph album a drawing dated 3.5.20 "HMS Royal Oak" I can't read the signature on it. There is a second drawing dated 3 - 3.20 called "back from the wars" And another dated May 2nd 1920 signed by Frederick W Jones, HMS Royal Oak. Can you kindly tell me if this is the same Royal Oak or would the drawings be from sailors on an earlier version.There is an old press cutting featuring just a picture of the royal oak but no date. I notice from your site that it was some considerable time later when the Royal Oak was sunk and I just wondered if it was the same one. I am moving house and had forgotten about the autograph book and found it when packing. I'll look at your website when we have settled in our new place and the information I am seeking might be there, but haven't got time to read it so hope you will forgive me. There is also a hand painted picture of an aircraft over Galliipoli town 7/3/20, I don't know if the sailors in the Royal Oak would have visited there. J. Tublin tubjp@aol.com |
DAN MacANGUS hi Peter; It's great to be able to go to a site and see my cousin,Dan MacAngus,named along with his shipmates,all of them my great heroes. Wish there was a site where I could see the name of my uncle,seaman Alexander MacAngus,lost at sea through enemy action, June 24,1940. I visit your website often,as it gives me comfort, thinking of their sacrifice and knowing they are not forgotten ! thanks, Tom, CANADA
Dear Peter, I don't know if you would be able to help me but i am trying to trace my family tree. In the process of doing this i have discovered that my Grandmother had two/three brothers serving on the Royal Oak. I say two or three as on reading your site i discovered only two men with the surname of Morrison, although my father has said that Gran told him that it was three. To further complicate matters i don't know their first names only that they came from the Seaboard village of Shandwick in Ross-shire, i don't even have dates of birth as yet. If there is any way you could help me i would be very grateful. Thanking you in anticipation. Karen Fraser kayjam@fraser26.fsnet.co.uk |
ROBERT WILSON Dear Peter. I have a very keen interest in "The Oak" as my uncle was lost aboard her: Ordinary Seaman P/SSX 26184 Robert Wilson Age 20. In all the web pages devoted to her sinking..... of which there are not many, nobody seems to have what I have. I have a copy of a painting that was commissioned in Germany after the sinking, showing U47 attacking the Oak. Also, and maybe more importantly, I have my Grandmothers 1939 copy of "The London Illustrated News" which covers the sinking. What is very ironic... and little known, is that the Oak starred in a film in which she was torpedoed at anchor. There are some great pic's of her, including her film sinking (leaning heavenly to port) in the magazine. If you are interested in these for your site, I'd be more than happy to get them scanned (when I've got some spare cash.... I'm un-employed at present), and send/mail them to you. If on the other hand you have all this.... sorry to have troubled you. All the best and keep up the good work. Chris Wilson. chrismel@chrismel.plus.com |
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A.G. CHATFIELD After reading your website on the Royal Oak. I would like to point out that my farther in law who is 85 years old at the moment. Was a young Royal Marine who surrived the attack. His name is A.G Chatfield. He is currently living in Chichester and any information about the Royal Oak society would be greatful recieved. James Linter james_linterbtopenworld.com
Hi! I am one of two (Alan Harris & Rex Harris) nephews of Ordinary Seaman George Joseph Harris, killed age 18 on the Royal Oak. Visiting your site and, http://www.cwgc.org.uk/commemoration.asp?casualty=2493803 Has given me a small understanding, as to the sacrifices, made by my grandparents, made during times of war. I can hardly start to imagine the terror that must have been for an 18 year old when the first torpedo went off, and the subsequent events, I understand from my father John William Harris (also a seaman) that George had just come off watch and would have been in the mess at the time of the attack. I am very saddened by the fact that my grandmother who died a few years ago, was unaware of the many memorials to her eldest son. Thank you for your articles, I have forwarded them to my father, and brother. Best Regards Rex Harris, New Zealand aj.harris@xtra.co.nz |
REG BIRCH Peter, I stumbled across your site whilst looking into my late father's RN History. I grew up listening to his WWII stories although he never spoke very much about the sinking of the Royal Oak - other than the bitterly cold water, the smell of fuel and the loss of so many lives. He is on the "Survivors List" - R.G (Reg Birch) and the Royal Oak was his first ship after joining the R.N in early 1939 as a 18 year old. I guess he must of been one of the lucky few - He survived two more sinkings in the Med. later during the war. HMS Kashmir (Destroyer) off Crete I understand and HMS Hebe (Minesweeper) sunk of Bari-Italy. Like a cork he kept bobbing up in the water. He joined the R.A.N after the War and moved to Australia. Not content with that, he served in the Vietnam conflict in 1969 and the ripe old age of (49) on HMAS Perth II. He remained very much a navy person like so many of his friends. He would have loved your site - I will be sending an order form for your video as I am most interested. Malcolm Birch. birchfamily@optusnet.com.au |
PRIEN'S LOG WANTED Dear Peter Just a short note to congratulate you on your excellent site devoted to the "Royal Oak" &endash; a fitting tribute to the men who perished and the bravery of Gunther Prien. Do you know where I might find the German transcript of Prien's log? I have the translated copy (which I bought from Lyness Museum on a recent visit but I suspect it has lost a little in translation. Best wishes from Skipton Wendy Robinson Archaeological Shipwreck Fanatic wrobinson@craven-college.ac.uk
Just a quick reminder to colleagues or former colleagues from the armed forces and anyone trying to trace ex forces personnel, regarding our forces reunion site: http://www.ComradesandColleagues.com We have been running for over 6 months now and during this time we have raised over £300.00 for UK forces charities, as well as reuniting thousands of current and ex-service personnel. Please take a minute to have a look at the site which is run by ex Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm tech', Mike Hosking. There are no adverts, gimmicks or rip-offs on board, just a quality armed forces comrades site. Thanks and best regards Mike Hosking http://www.ComradesandColleagues.com |