HMS GANGES
ASSOCIATION
Notice Board

Members and Visitors to the 'Ganges' pages are cordially invited to submit
items of interest for the attention of Ganges Association members by emailing
The Webmaster
Please send replies to messages on the Notice Board
to the message originator 'NOT' the Webmaster, thank you.

August 2007

Captain Murray Dunlop

*** Friday 31st
Following received from Des Kerrigan (National Public Relations Officer <dkerrigan@railex.co.uk> on behalf of the Chairman who is temporarily off line.
The funeral of our much loved and respected President will take place on Friday 14 September 2007 at 1300, in St Mary's in Martlesham, nr Ipswich.

Very sad news I'm afraid. Captain Murray Dunlop CBE, the President of our Association, crossed the bar this evening (28/08/07)
At this very sad time I'm sure all our members will want to join with me and our Committee in sending the Association's condolences to his widow Peggy and their family.
If possible, I will keep the whole membership informed via our website if I receive any further news.
Tony Thipthorpe <thipthorpe@btconnect.com>
Chairman
HMS Ganges Association

Crossed The Bar

Bill Clifton entered the RN at 15½ as a Boy in Feb 1963, rising to the rank of CPO (Ops) (Missileman) before paying off from the RN in 1983.
His first posting was to HMS GANGES. Bill's many RN sea postings included HM Ships CAESAR, EXMOUTH, WASPERTON, DEFENDER, PHOEBE, ABDIEL, GURKHA and ARROW.
The highlight of his RN career was a 2½ year shore posting to HMS TAMAR in Hong Kong.
Bill joined the RAN in Sep 1983, dipped a few ranks to LS and was initially posted to HMAS CERBERUS as an instructor in the Gunnery School, sea postings followed to HMA Ships STUART and DERWENT (both type 12s) rising to the rank of CPOFC.
Promoted to Warrant Officer in 1989, he was posted to HMAS STIRLING in the Port Services organisation for approx 6 years.
Bill discharged from the RAN in 2002, a total of 39 years RN/RAN.
In civilian life he became the building maintenance supervisor at HMAS STIRLING and then the base OH&S coordinator, a job he continued in until his illness.
Bill was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in Jan 2007 and fought a brave battle, always looking at the positive side of life, he was more worried about his family and never did he complain or give in, until the illness finally took him on Aug 16th.
RIP Bill 29 Aug 1947 - 16 Aug 2007.
Regards,
Pete Radburn
LCDR, RAN
Security and Emergency Control Officer
HMAS STIRLING
(08) 9553 5476
email - <pete.radburn@defence.gov.au>

THE H.M.S. GANGES MEMORIAL

After what has seemed - to me - to be a very long while, I am extremely pleased to report that the HMS GANGES MEMORIAL is completed. This is what it looks like.

It is sited at The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire which is now run by The Royal British Legion (who took over from the originators of the idea about two years ago). It is on a 150 acre site that is devoted to the remembrance of those who have served, died or suffered in the service of their Country. Additionally, the Arboretum is there to commemorate those for whom it is appropriate, for specific reasons, to be remembered. The latter allows for individual memorials / trees to be erected/planted. All of the armed forces are represented in a variety of forms. Many ships' Associations have planted trees with an appropriate plaque. Many Army Regiments have their own memorials. Additionally, many civilian organisations and individuals too are commemorated. At the latest count, there are 120 major memorials, together with over 44,000 trees, many individually dedicated. I personally recommend that - if possible - you visit the site. For those not able to physically go, then have a look at their website to get a feel for what is there. This can be found at: <http://www.thenma.org.uk>

The H.M.S. GANGES MEMORIAL is sited at the back of the Royal Naval area, which adjoins the Merchant Naval area. Its actual position is at the end of a row of Merchant Naval shipping lines memorials.

It has been created with 'symbolism' in mind. The flatbed memorial has Four Main corner Stones, which have been obtained from (Clockwise from front left), Scotland (Cromar Lightning), Wales (Plum Slate), Ireland (Irish Quartzite) and England (Green Lakeland Slate). Each of these stones has a national floral emblem sculpted into it. These are: Scotland - Thistle, Wales - Daffodil, Ireland - Shamrock and England - Rose. The selection of these stones represents the fact that The Boys came from all over the United Kingdom (thus stones from the four main countries). The Main plinth, sited at the back in the centre is a piece of White Portland Stone onto which is carved the H.M.S. Ganges crest and below that, the words:

"THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF ALL WHO PASSED THROUGH H.M.S GANGES AT SHOTLEY IN SUFFOLK BETWEEN THE YEARS 1905 AND 1976."

The edging of the memorial is constructed of Staffordshire Blue Bricks, raised a little above ground level. Within the inner floor of the memorial is scattered a Greeny/Bluey (colour dependant upon the light/weather etc.) Shale. This represents The Sea!

A brief write up of the function and history of H.M.S. Ganges (as a Shore Establishment training Boys for the Royal Navy) has been provided to The National Memorial Arboretum. This will be included within their guide in order that readers are aware of what this memorial commemorates.

The Memorial has been constructed so that it should be 'maintenance free', with the wind and rain carrying out cleaning duties for us. It had to be this way because we will all be gone in the not too distant future! Organising 'Cooks of The Mess' was just not practical!

Planning is in hand for a Dedication Ceremony to be held at The Arboretum for the Memorial. It will not be until - at the very earliest - 2008 and then, probably when the good weather is with us!!. The H.M.S. GANGES Association's Committee have this task in hand and details will promulgated when arrangements are made.

I trust the above gives all readers an insight into what I have been up to over the last three years. Personally, it has been for me, a very interesting time, allowing me to rub shoulders and talk to, craftsmen whom I would never have met had it not been for this project.

As an ex-Ganges Boy, I am proud to have been instrumental in the creation of this memorial, which will ensure that long after we have gone, the memorial will let people of future generations know that H.M.S. Ganges was there and served its country well.

THEY WILL REMEMBER US!

Brian Coward <Bdotdotcguin@aol.com>

West Country GIs Branch Dinner
30th November 2007

Dear All,
As was said at our last meeting, the book for the (newly titled) Branch Dinner is now open!
This will be held in the WOSRM HMS RALEIGH.
The date for the event will be on 30 November 2007, commencing with the bar opening at 1900 for a 1930 sit-down.
On previous occasions we've had some really memorable nights (except for me after 2300!). The chosen date for this dinner is, I feel, a good choice as it will arrive just before the Christmas festivities begin and gives us all a chance to meet up and wish each other well before the year runs out.
Vice Admiral Sir John Coward KCB DSO has kindly accepted our invitation to be Guest of Honour for the evening. He was CO of HMS BRILLIANT during the Falklands War. As you all know, this year marks the 25th Anniversary and so for that, I am especially chuffed to have secured him as our GOH (Cheers for opening the door on that one Steve).
The cost for the evening is £30 for paid up members and £35 if you're not in date. The evening will be for Gunners past and present only. On our last dinner, formally known as the "Stag Dinner" we did have guests who weren't connected to the branch but that won't be happening this time around.
The menu has yet to be finalised and will be sent out in my next email.
The cut off date is the 15th November so there's no need to rush your proforma to me just yet but if you could send me a cursory email that would be very much appreciated as that will give me an idea of how it's shaping up.
Hope you're enjoying blue skies and sunny days; hope to hear from you soon.
Yours Aye,
Ty Baker <ty.baker@tesco.net>
Social Secretary
West Country Gunnery and Missile Association

Tony Grimmer Memorial Grand Auction

This Grand Auction of Tony Grimmers memorabilia will take place At Hampshire Ex - Servicemans Club, Fratton Road, Portsmouth near St Marys Church On Friday 21st September 2007. All who can attend will be welcome.
Cheers
Bob Workman <bob@workman575.fsnet.co.uk>
Vice chairman Solent Div.

Tony Grimmer (Lofty) ex Stoker (Marine Engineer) Extraordinaire.
HMS Ganges 05/06/1956 - C/K961943 - 22 Mess - Anson.
Old Ships:- HMS Ganges June 56 - July 57, HMS Hound (Algerine Class Minesweeper) 1957 - 58, HMS Gambia 1958 - 61, HM Yacht Britannia 1961 - 68. Left RN Feb 1968.
HMS Ganges (Shotley) Historian, Solent Division member and stalwart supporter of all things Ganges.

Rainbow Soap
By Tony Revett (1960)

Latecomers to the bathroom on any British warship will find a sailor retrieving scraps of soap left in the basins and showers. Pressed together and moulded into a ball the blobs and globules enable the collector to wash for several weeks. It also saves him money at the canteen. The wide variety of soap means the homemade bar is partly carbolic, fairly foamy, often lanolin enriched, somewhat smooth on skin, and always brightly coloured. Hence the name "Rainbow Soap".

That's what these true stories remind me of - they're collected from around the world, mostly clean, and definitely colourful! Set between 1960 and 1990, the tales reflect characters, events, ridiculous mistakes, and the fun and laughter which surrounds service in the Royal Navy, and the BBC.

"Rainbow Soap" is respectfully dedicated to all past and present members of HM Armed Forces, the Emergency Services, and most specially to my friends.

Profits will be donated to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, which helps the men and women of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

I hope you enjoy this light hearted look at keeping the Cold War 'cold' - welcome aboard!
Tony Revett.

This book is an 160 page paperback priced at £6 including post and packaging with all profits (£1 approx per book) going to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Copies can be obtained by sending a cheque made out to A J Revett at:
14 Watts Almshouses,
Maidstone Road,
Rochester,
Kent ME1 1SE.
(Don't forget to include details of your own address, or where you want the book sent to!) Thanks.
Tony is not online but can be contacted on 07947 508005 or via Bernard (Smudge) Smith, Tony's oppo who will relay through <smiffy.1941@hotmail.co.uk>

I have had a quick glance and now cannot wait to sit down and read it properly. A book by Jack for Jack especially communicators but will be enjoyed by all who ever served in the 'Grey Funnel Line' - Webmaster

Crossed The Bar

It is with regret that I report that William (Bill) Clifton (63) crossed the bar on 16th, August 2007 after a short illness. Bill was a very highly respected member of the Western Australian Division.
Safe anchorage Bill.
Regards, yours aye, Tony Richards. <ttotorich@primusonline.com.au>

Crossed The Bar

It is with regret that I have to report the crossing of the bar of our oldest Sussex division member. Died 15/08/07.
Date of Joining 05/04/1935. PRICE P.T. P/JX144489 Benbow 42/44.
Yours aye
Eric Newman <es.newman@ukonline.co.uk>

August 1960

61 & 174 Classes, Duncan Division, Piping Party.

Rear Rank Left to Right
Paul Norton, T A Owen, 'Polly' Parkin, Higinson, Dixon.
Centre Rank Left to Right
Ian Broom, Norman Barrowcliffe, Mitchell, 'Sharky' Ward, Terry Tuck, Ian Waghorn.
Front Rank Left to Right
Pete Hayward, Pete Vye, John McCosh, McPhillemy, Alan Shorthouse
Team Leader
B F Harewell.

Photograph submitted by Ian Broom <eyebee@barbarian.fsworld.co.uk>
Who says that "18 months later John McCosh was killed onboard HMS Centaur when a superheated steam pipe in A Boiler Room broke whilst he was on watch."
Ian wonders where everyone is now - emails to him please.

EGM Minutes of 28 July 2007

The minutes of the EGM held at Coventry on 28th July 2007 are now available in the members only 'minutes' section of the website.

Ronald Eric Leach

My father began his navy career in 1939 aboard the 'Ganges' and later served on the HMS Royal Sovereign His name was Ronald Eric Leach.
I would like to find out more but do not have his naval number. Can anyone advise me please?
Many thanks
Stephen Leach <kathyknight@o2.co.uk>

Members will be aware that since the AGM I have been undecided whether to continue as a member and webmaster of the HMS Ganges Association, I have now sent my decision and reasons to the Association Chairman.
Members can access the two microsoft word documents via the 'members only' minutes link.
I hope that by giving the association a full six months notice of my decision that it will be able to make the necessary alternative arrangements.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to the website.
Yours Aye
Clive Watts (1955) <webmaster@hmsgangesassoc.org>

Previous Entries.

[Jan] [Feb] [Mar] [Apr] [May] [Jun] [Jul] [Back]

Top

HMS GANGESASSOCIATIONNotice Board

Captain Murray Dunlop

Crossed The Bar

West Country GIs Branch Dinner30th November 2007

Tony Grimmer Memorial Grand Auction

Rainbow SoapBy Tony Revett (1960)

Crossed The Bar

Crossed The Bar

August 1960

EGM Minutes of 28 July 2007

Ronald Eric Leach

HMS GANGES
ASSOCIATION
Notice Board

West Country GIs Branch Dinner
30th November 2007

Rainbow Soap
By Tony Revett (1960)