HMS Ganges Association
Ships Notice Board
May 2002
Cape Town - August - September ?
During the months of August and September 2002 my son's home will be open to any HMS GANGES Association members to rent whilst on holiday in South Africa.
The details are as follows:
2 Bedroom house, fully furnished in the suburb of Fish Hoek South Africa will be available for renting from 1 August 2002 to 30 September 2002 for 2000 Rand a month.
Please contact Mike Dutton, Chairman of the HMS GANGES Association, Simon's Town Division at the following address:
5 Como Road
Southfield
7800
Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: +27217052205
Yours Aye
Mike Dutton
Chairman HMS GANGES Association Simon's Town Division
23May2002
'Centenary Divisions' - London - June/July 2005
Mike Kelly <michael.kelly1914@ntlworld.com>
The Guest of Honour at Reunion 2002 was Lt. Malcolm Godfrey R.N. (Ganges 1971) together with his wife May.
Malcolm is the Hospitality and Events Manager at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. He has suggested that the College would be able to accommodate around 2000 persons on a Divisional Parade and for a formal evening dinner.
This would negate the difficulty that I would anticipate we would have holding it at Horseguards Parade. The fact of the matter using the latter is that Royal requirements take precedent, and we would likely to be cancelled at the last moment. The cost of security would be high and the Association could not afford it.
Greenwich does have a number of hotels in the vicinity and the Association would be fairly well self-contained bearing in mind the numbers of those persons likely to attend.
I am meeting with Malcolm Godfrey in London shortly in order to further the matter. I will keep you all appraised.
Best wishes to you all,
Mike Kelly (Chairman HMS Ganges Association)
01May2002
Volunteer Assistant - National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
Rick Broniman <carrick@pentire.com>
I have received a letter from the following:
John SOLWAY
Volunteer Assistant
Friends Office
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich London SE10 9NF
Tel: 020 8312 6678/6638
The letter is asking for help, both financially and in a voluntary role. Volunteers work in the the Museums library and archive departments etc.
Anyone interested should contact John. Also he states that Membership has advantages.
Rick Broniman (56)
21May2002
"It wasn't all Mayhem"
Harry Hargreaves <harry@rideau.net>
My book is now available on the web. This is a critique given by a National Newspaper:-
This is the story of a boy growing to manhood amidst one of the most
turbulent and historical times in the annuls of humanity. Through his
eyes and other senses we are given a feel for what life was like on
destroyers during the second world war and how it affected those who sailed in
them.
We are told of the punishment and degredation the young boys suffered at
the hands of sadistic instructors in their first training ship.
We are
given a revealing glimpse of the relationship between officers and men
that is rarely recorded from the lower deck point of view.
Above all we are
plunged into action that leaves all who endured it with a lifetime of
unwanted memories. The book entitled "It Wasn't All Mayhem" is a
magnificent read and is an essential experience for anyone who has ever served or is
interested in Naval History.
The book or a CD containing the book can be seen at:-
http://www.nospine.net/d.asp?T=0001-00232-001
For every copy bought by a Ganges member I will
send one pound to the Association. The other income is already allocated.
All they have to do is send me an e-mail with the one word "Bought" and when
I receive the money from the publisher I will send it to the Association.
Regards HH
01May2002
"Shift Gun Sights and Hero becomes a Demon"
George Fleming <george.fleming2@btinternet.com>
Dear Bill,
My name is George Fleming (Ganges 57). I am a member of both the HMS Ganges
Association and the Submarine Association and I am also the Author of
"Magennis VC" published by History Ireland LTD PO Box 695, Dublin 8 Ireland.
Having read your letter first published in "The Australian" newspaper 11 April
2002 under the title 'Shift gun sights and hero becomes demon' and then
republished on the HMS Ganges Association web site notice board: http://www.hmsgangesassoc.org/apr02.html
I wish to refute your statement that World War Two Royal Naval x-class
submariners not only killed *innocents indiscriminately* but you also
classed our VC heroes similar to suicide bombers of the WTC New York 11
September 2001 and recent acts in Israel.
The very fact all four (x-class VC's) Capt Place, Cdr Cameron, Lieut Fraser and
L/S Magennis plus many other brave officers and ratings returned alive from
Operations Source (attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz - Altenfjord 22
September 1943) and operation Struggle, (Attack on Japanese Cruiser Takao -
Johore Strait 31 July 1945) disproves your claim these RN x-craft VC WW2
heroes were anything similar to recent Islamist suicide bombers, whose only
aim is to murder innocent civilians whilst killing themselves.
Furthermore, during the 1939-45 WW2 the United Kingdom and 21 other allied
countries had a declaration of war between them and the Axis countries of
Germany and Japan. All those who died on both sides during these actions
were in uniform and serving their countries. None were innocents
indiscrimately killed like those who died recently by terroist suicide
bombers whose insane motivation is fanatical Islamic Jihad.
Finally, it is obvious you are ignorant of naval history and especially the
actual x-craft operations that took place during WW2 otherwise you would
never have written such a misleading letter to an Australian newspaper. I
would not have bothered to reply to such a letter had the story come from
non ex Naval rating. But as an ex-Ganges boy I am sorry to say there is no
excuse. You should have known better than to castigate your fellow officer
and rating VC WW2 heroes who happened to serve their's and our country and
commonwealth during WW2 as low as fanatical suicide bombers.
George Fleming
01May2002
This is a one off 'Right to Reply' message.
All responses to the originator.
A final submission by Bill Ethell can be seen by clicking on this LINK
For all further communication on the subject please use the Forum facility.
Webmaster.
Shotley Magazine Swops
Vic Hocking <hocking@hocking61.freeserve.co.uk>
I have the following for exchange for any issues of the Shotley Magazine.
HMS Ganbia Commissioning Book 1958 to 1960, HMS Hermes commissioning Book 1966 to 1968,
HMS Plymouth Commissioning Book 1964 to 1966. I also have the Shotley Magazine Summer 1939 edition and the Easter 1955
editions for exchange.
Thank You.
Vic 1965
03May2002
HMS Apollo Mutiny 1958
Eric Anderson <eric.anderson@geography.oxford.ac.uk>
I am interesred in the mutiny that took place aboard HMS Apollo in March
1958 does anyone have any details? I have in my possesion two cuttings from
the Times outlining the case but nothing very specific.
03May2002
Boy Sailor Eric Joslin
Julie Burville <pj.burville@btinternet.com>
Sirs,
Can you help please?
I am seeking information about the naval career of my uncle Eric JOSLIN but do not possess his service number.
As a boy-entrant, circa 1937/38, he was posted to HMS Holbrook at Ipswich but it seems likely that he also received training at HMS Ganges.
Eric died in the war, aged 19 years, while his ship was in port at Durban, South Africa. The circumstances of his drowning were a mystery to his
family and also a tragedy as my grandparents had already lost two sons. Does Eric JOSLIN appear on your records?
If not can you suggest another source that might be able to help?
Thank you for your attention.
Julie Burville
04May2002
HMS St. George - Anson 215 - 1941-1942.
John Tozer <Rezotjet@aol.com>
This is an enquiry to find out if there are members of the association from Anson
215 class on line. I am John Tozer, if you remember that far back, (joke),
and I would very much like to talk to some of my shipmates from way back.
Thanks for reading this notice
05May2002
PO Stoker Mayers
Michael Mayers<mmayers@firestar.com.au>
I am trying to trace details regarding my Uncle who was killed in action at Dakar during WW2 aboard HMS Cumberland, there
seems to be a mix up with his name, which was recorded as Myers instead of Mayers also first
name beginning with A, not George as I thought. He joined the Navy in the 1920's and served until killed in 1940. He was a PO stoker.
It seems that everybody in those days had different nicknames, my father was known as Henry or Walter and Sonny and Wally so its hard
work tracking them down. Can you help me in any way?
06May2002
Deeply Canadian by Julie H. Ferguson.
BLS Publishing <publishing@beaconlit.com>
A book for everyone interested in naval history, Deeply Canadian:
New Submarines for a New Millennium tells the story of how Canada nearly lost her submarine service in the 1990s after decades of dedicated duty.
Available on CD-ROM and in paperback from Beacon Publishing http://www.beaconlit.com/beaconli/deepcdn.html
Get your copy today!
BEACON PUBLISHING
....from inspiration to publication!!
info@beaconlit.com
http://www.beaconlit.com
07May2002
The Practical and Beautiful Skills of Knotting
Gordon Perry <Gordon@g-cisc.demon.co.uk>
The "International Guild of Knot Tyers" is celebrating it's 20th birthday
this year with a Conference and Exhibition of knotting and ropework.
The venue is Ferneham Hall, Fareham, Hampshire and, as it is being
supported by Fareham Borough Council, admission is FREE to the public on
Tuesday 21st, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of May 2002 between 0900 and
1700. Wednesday 22nd 1800 to 2100 only.
Remember doing those Clews and Lashings, making bellropes, learning to
splice, sewing and tatting canvas, tying Turk's Heads and Coachwhipping -
all something that most Boy's would have done at some time.
So if you
are in the area, why not come along and re-hone your skills, or just
admire some of the work that will be on display.
There will also be a
"Boy Seamen's" stand.
Gordon Perry (54)
13May2002
A Great Book - "Blackfoot Boy"
John (Fred) Rummery <Jrummery@skynet.be>
A mate of mine Terry Lowndes, (HMS Raleigh entry) has just had a book published by Trafford Publishing. The book is called "Blackfoot Boy". It can be ordered through http://www.trafford.com/robots/02-0268.html
ISBN Number 1-55369-455-4.
A story of a young boy taken from cold post war England to the delights of a life in New Zealand, only to have to uproot again and return to his country of birth. Forced through circumstances to join Her Majesty's Royal Navy, the antics and life in a blue suit are graphically detailed. A must for anyone who served in Her Majesty's forces in the 60's and 70's and an eye opener for those who wished they had. Highly recommended, can't put down reading.
About the Author:
Terry Lowndes was born in England in 1948. He immigrated to New Zealand with his family at age four.
Terry returned to England eight years later, on his fathers death.
Finished Education in Brighton, Sussex, England. Joined Royal Navy as boy seamen in 1964, and traveled extensively.
On release from the Navy he worked as truck driver in England, eventually graduating to International overland routes to Middle East destinations, and then to Heavy Haulage,
Trans Sahara trucking in Libya. Shifting from driving, to working on oil drilling rigs worldwide, he returned to school, then joined the Engineering Division of major oilfield service company in Libya.
Also worked on oilfield operations, in Southern England, Sinai Desert, and Egypt. Moved to USA in 1985. Now happily married to wife Kathy, and living in North West Florida.
13May2002
HMS Ganges Antique
Gary Faulkner <gazz13@btinternet.com>
I have recently been given a minature wooden barrel with
a silver plate on it inscribed 'Made from the teak of the
original HMS Ganges, the last sailing ship to serve as a seagoing flagship'.
Can anyone shed any light on the origin of this.
It looks to be quite old, and the person who gave it to me said they found it in an antique shop!
Gary Faulkner 66
15May2002
Sidney Charles Harrison Irwin
Ian Irwin <i.irwin@ntlworld.com>
Dear Sirs,
I would be interested to find out any information about my father, Sidney Charles Harrison Irwin, who served at HMS Ganges from 18 May 1937 until 16 June 1938 as a boy seaman. From stories heard, whether true or not, he at one time held the record to the 'Button' at the top of the mast.
I have his Certificate of service and a few other pieces of memorabilia from his days in the Royal Navy. Any information would be gratefully received.
His official number was L/FX 82403
Sincerely
Ian Irwin (Son)
16May2002
Londonderry, Northern Ireland - 1960/61
I am trying to regain contact with someone who was either based ashore in Londonderry or aboard a Londonderry based ship during 1960/61.
I would appreciate any information about what Royal Navy ships and establishments were operational in the area then.
Elizabeth <markshevlin@hotmail.com>
22May2002
Charles C Whiteford <whitefordcharles@netscapeonline.co.uk>
I am trying to track photographs of the Ganges from August 1952 onwards to July 1953. I believe my father in law was there at that time - his name is John Batterbee.
Can anyone help?
25May2002
Nobby Clarke - LT/JX316473 - 1941
David Fossey <david@fossey822.freeserve.co.uk>
My memory is now failing me, is there anyone still out there that might have trained with me at Ganges in November 1941.
My name is William Clarke but back then I was known as Nobby, I served in Benbow Division. after leaving Ganges I was drafted to Lowerstoft Patrol Service.
It would be great to hear from anyone who might remember me.
Life has been prety good although I have lived most of my life in the Mile End (the East End of London) I now live just outside of Huddersfield with my wife, daughter, and granddaughter.
26May2002
Brian Henry Shorter 1946/47
David Shorter <davidau@tpg.com.au>
Hello my name is David Shorter I'm the son of (Brian Henry Shorter) who now lives
in Australia. My father has recently told me that he served as a boy seaman at
HMS Ganges, Shotley. I would be interested if anyone remembers him or
has any information about his service. I believe he was at HMS Ganges during 1946/47
and then to HMS Sussex in 1948. I think he also served aboard HMS London. I have a website with details and a picture of my Dad at <http://www4.tpgi.com.au/davidau/>
If anyone could help please email me.
Sincerely
David Shorter
28May2002
James Murphy Murray - C/JX 733390 - 1943 -1944
Rick Broniman <carrick@pentire.com>
A local member of my Returned Services League branch has revealed to me that he is ex-Ganges.
He would like to know if anyone remembers him.
Here are his details:
James Murphy Murray
C/JX 733390
1943 -1944
Went to Chatham after Ganges and thence to HMS ANSON.
In the meantime I will work on enlisting him for membership!
Replies to me please.
Rick Broniman
Ganges 56
28May2002
James Arnold BUCKLE 1943
Nicky Shoesmith <shoesmith.co@virgin.net>
My father, James Arnold BUCKLE dob 28/08/1926 Service No MX656059, was posted to the Ganges 11/11/1943.
The next entry on his records is HMS Royal Arthur 25/09/1944. Unfortunately he died 2 years ago, but I should love to know if anyone is still out there who knew him or served with him. He ended up on HMS Peacock.
Many thanks
Nicky Shoesmith
28May2002
