AGENDA HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE April 3, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. River Plate Room, Town Hall Meeting No.4

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1. Call to Order

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

3. Approval of Minutes

3.1 March 6, 2013 ...... Page 3

4. Presentation/Discussion Items

4.1 Pickering Public School Plaque Jim Pyette, Pickering Public School Alumni Committee

4.2 Pickering Village JAM – Saturday June 8 (noon – 5 p.m.) (B. Kriz)

4.3 Recommendations for Doors Open 2014 Sites (B. Kriz) ...... Page 9

4.4 2013 Patrick Sheehan Award Presentations (B. Kriz)

4.5 Upcoming HMS Ajax Related Visits and Street Dedications (B. Kriz)

4.6 2013 Ontario Heritage Conference (S. Moore)

5. Correspondence

5.1 HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans’ Association Newsletter – March 2013 ...... Page 10

6. Update from Council

7. Standing Items

7.1 Work Plan ...... Page 26

7.2 Heritage Register Evaluation (Ontario Reg. 9/06) ...... Page 29

23 Church Street ...... Page 30 407 Kingston Road West ...... Page 31 456 Kingston Road West ...... Page 32

8. New Business

9. Adjournment

Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 6:00 p.m., River Plate Room, Town Hall DRAFT MINUTES Heritage Advisory Committee March 6, 2013 River Plate Room, Town Hall Meeting No. 3

Committee Members: Antonella Inglesi-Grossi Brian Lampole Victoria Shaw Keith Bachmeier Denise Koh-McLeod Malcolm MacTaggart, Chair Beverley Briggs

Staff: Christy Chrus, Senior Planner Robert Gruber, Manager – Community & Cultural Development Sarah Moore, Committee Coordinator

Regrets: Katherine McCulloch, Councillor Dies, Brenda Kriz

1. Call to Order

Chair MacTaggart called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

None

3. Approval of Minutes

Moved By: B. Lampole Seconded By: V. Shaw

That the February 6, 2013 Meeting Minutes of the Heritage Advisory Committee be approved. CARRIED

4. Presentation/Discussion

4.1 Doors Open 2014

Mr. Robert Gruber, Manager of Community & Cultural Development, provided background information on the Town’s participation in the provincial Doors Open event. The event provides the opportunity for the public to access buildings normally closed to the public. The Town of Ajax first participated in the Doors Open event in 2010 and has continued to do so biannually. The 2012 event saw a 14% increase in overall attendance.

3 Heritage Advisory Committee March 6, 2013 Page 2

Mr. Gruber reviewed featured sites and ‘Beyond the Tour’ programming activities for the 2010 and 2012 events. Both events also included heritage designation plaque unveilings. In consideration for the 2014 event, site investigation will be conducted between March and September of this year.

K. Bachmeier entered the meeting (6:20 p.m.).

The Committee was encouraged to provide feedback regarding suggestions for new sites and programming ideas to consider for the 2014 event. Commercial and industrial properties such as Sandra Tea & Coffee, the Quaker meeting Hall, Pickering Village Conservation district, Veteran’s Point Memorial Gardens, BMW dealership, Messier-Dowty, Pat Bayly Square, a walking tour of the DIL plant grounds, Greenwood Conservation Lands, Workman’s Circle/Camp Yungvelt, and the St. Andrews Community Garden were among those suggestions shared.

4.2 Heritage Volunteer Recognition Award – Heritage House Catering

The Committee reviewed and supported Ms. Koh-McLeod’s draft nomination summary for Heritage House Catering and made arrangements to submit the formal nomination form.

4.3 Pickering Village Heritage Conservation District Study Endorsement

Moved By: B. Lampole Seconded By: K .Bachmeier

That the Heritage Advisory Committee endorse the Pickering Village Conservation District Study. CARRIED

Ms. Chrus indicated that a staff report will be presented to the Community Affairs & Planning Committee on March 18, 2013 at 7 p.m. Chair MacTaggart agreed to speak on behalf of the Committee in support of the study and Members were encouraged to attend to show their support.

4.4 2013 Heritage Advisory Committee Budget

Ms. Chrus and Ms. Moore reviewed the Committee’s 2013 budget. Ms. Chrus acknowledged that due to the increase in cost for the heritage designation report, she will be preparing a tender request for the process.

Ms. Chrus reviewed allocation to refurbish the Gordon House and Spinks Mill plaques. The Spinks Mill plaque recently was vandalized. It was noted that the DIL plaque for Town Hall also requires replacement.

Ms. Moore advised that there is budget allocated for up to three Members to attend the 2013 Ontario Heritage Conference in Historic Huronia in June.

4.5 Pickering Public School Plaque

4 Heritage Advisory Committee March 6, 2013 Page 3

Ms. Chrus encouraged the Committee to consider whether it is interested in financially supporting a heritage plaque to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Pickering Public School. A potential site location on Church Street North was reviewed.

Ms. Chrus provided details relative to cost estimates for various plaque designs, including one with a larger engraved photo-like image. Members inquired about whether the Pickering Public School Reunion Group will be financially contributing to the cost of a plaque. The group was noted to have explored grant and funding opportunities and is interested in contributing. The Committee expressed interest in meeting with the group to further explore financing options. Members evaluated the various design options noting that the plaque with the larger image is more visual; however it is more expensive and inconsistent with the current heritage plaque design used.

Moved By: B. Lampole Seconded By: V. Shaw

That the Heritage Advisory Committee support financial contribution towards cost of the historical plaque recognizing the 125th anniversary of the Pickering Public School. CARRIED

Members encouraged staff to invite representatives from the Pickering Public School group to attend a forthcoming meeting to further discuss their budget and financial contribution.

4.6 Heritage Week Summary

Ms. Chrus provided an overview of the Heritage Week display at Town Hall. The display was noted to receive a lot of traffic due to it being tax due week. Several representatives from the Workman’s Circle/Camp Yungvelt attended the exhibit. Evening traffic was modest and the need for better display lighting was expressed, especially if continuing with an evening showing in future years. Potential alternative locations for displays such as the River Plate Room and Council Chambers were proposed. The presentation and Council proclamation received positive feedback.

4.7 Pickering Village JAM Festival

Ms. Chrus inquired about whether there was interest from the Committee to take part in a heritage display booth at the Pickering Village JAM Festival on June 8, 2013. The date was noted to conflict with the 2013 Ontario Heritage conference. A few Members expressed possible interest in coordinating the booth. Ms. Chrus will inform Business Development staff of the Committee’s intent to participate subject to availability.

5. Correspondence

Chair MacTaggart provided an update on the new member anticipated to be appointed to the Committee. He is a recent graduate of Ryerson University’s Urban Planning Program and will be in attendance at the April 3, 2013 Meeting.

Chair MacTaggart reminded Members of his update to Council on March 25, 2013 and encouraged the Committee to assist with providing suggestions for content to be included by March 13, 2013.

5 Heritage Advisory Committee March 6, 2013 Page 4

6. Update from Council

None

7. Standing Items

7.1 Work Plan

This item was not discussed in detail.

7.2 Heritage Register Evaluation (Ontario Reg. 9/06)

With consent of all Members present, 30 Churchill Road was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, and iii) is a landmark.

With consent of all Members present, 34 Churchill Road was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, and iii) is a landmark.

With consent of all Members present, 19-21 Linton Avenue (2012) was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

6 Heritage Advisory Committee March 6, 2013 Page 5

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method, and ii) displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit,;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, and ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, and ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings.

With consent of all Members present, 571 Kingston Road West was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method, and ii) displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, and ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, and ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings.

With consent of all Members present, 578 Kingston Road West was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, and ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, and ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings.

With consent of all Members present, 32 Roosevelt Avenue was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

7 Heritage Advisory Committee March 6, 2013 Page 6

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method, and iii) demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific achievement;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, and ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, and iii) is a landmark.

With consent of all Members present, 36 Roosevelt Avenue was identified to meet the following criteria of Ontario Regulation 9/06 s. 1 (2):

1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i) is a rare, unique, representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method, and iii) demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific achievement;

2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i) has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, and ii) yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture;

3. The property has contextual value because it, i) is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, and ii) is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings.

8. New Business

None

9. Adjournment

Moved By: D. Koh-McLeod Seconded By: V. Shaw

That the March 6, 2013 Meeting of the Heritage Advisory Committee be adjourned. (7:55 p.m.) CARRIED

8 From: Robert Gruber To: Christy Chrus; Lisa Warth Date: 3/22/2013 11:45 AM Subject: Doors Open input and feedback from RACAC

God morning...

Just wanted to let you know that I went to RACAC on Wednesday night and presented on Doors Open 2014. They provided the following input/suggestions. Please add these to your notes/files as I probably won't be keeping a copy.

Thanks

Suggested Sites: Water Treatment Plant and Rotunda on the Waterfront - could provide information on water quality, bring back the beach, etc. Could do a performance of some sort in the rotunda, or have artists painting plein aire. different farms in the area Picov Downs Deer Creek - possibly a tour of the Hollywood Homes in the area (i.e. Coughlan development) any firsts in Ajax (i.e. first school, first church, etc) Greenwood Pavilion Look into bussing - getting a bus to tour the sites in a loop

Robert Gruber Manager, Community & Cultural Development Town of Ajax - Recreation & Culture 905-619-2529 ext. 7241 [email protected] www.ajax.ca

Please note my email address has changed to [email protected]

9 H.M.S. Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2013

CONTENTS

Chairman/Editor's Remarks

Ernest Shackleton’s Grave

Memorial Update

2012 Reunion Pictures

Under threat of Graf Spee

Archivist Report

Membership Secretary Report

NEC QUISQUAM NISI AJAX

10 2. 3. H.M.S. AJAX & RIVER PLATE VETERANS ASSOCIATION. CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY ARCHIVIST Newsletter Articles With the increase of new members to the Association, it would seem the right NEWSLETTER EDITOR Malcolm Collis time for each of them to submit an article, with photos where possible (these will be returned after use) Peter Danks ‘Glenmorag’ of their memories of their time in HMS AJAX be it the cruiser or the frigate. So before you get too 104 Kelsey Avenue Little Coxwell busy in the garden, please get out the pen/pencil/computer and start composing!!! Southbourne Faringdon Emsworth Oxfordshire SN7 7LW Reunion pictures There was not room in the December newsletter, so I am enclosing a selection from Hampshire PO10 8NQ Tel: 01367 240382 last year's reunion. Once again very many thanks to Cliff Hoppe for producing such an excellent Tel: 01243 371947 Mobile: 07736 929641 reminder of a most enjoyable evening. The ship's name plate seen in the pictures is from the cruiser [email protected] [email protected] and was a nice reminder to those who served in the cruiser and who may have had the duty of keeping it clean whilst onboard!!! TREASURER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Alf Larkin Mrs Judi Collis Painting presentation at the Town of Ajax . The photo was taken on 19th January 2012, immediately Lime Kiln Cottage ‘Glenmorag’ following the General Government Committee meeting at which the framed print was presented to No 2 Easton Lane Little Coxwell, Faringdon the Council. Mayor Steve Parish is the fourth from the left and is seen with other members of the Portland DT5 1BW Oxfordshire SN7 7LW Town Council. The painting was unveiled hanging in the office of the CAO in the Town Hall. Mrs Tel: 01305457259 Tel: 01367 240382 Pat Brown and Mrs Colleen Jordan have visited our Reunions. [email protected] Mobile: 07736 929641 [email protected] Approval to publish this picture is by courtesy of the Town of Ajax. The painting was presented to the www.hmsajax.org Town by Clive Sharplin.

CHAIRMAN/EDITOR'S REMARKS

I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and have not been too affected by the floods which occurred in some parts of the country. The Committee have been active in their planning for the 75th anniversary with the first major item, the erection of a memorial at the National Arboretum, proceeding – see Malcolm's update in his report.

Subscriptions A reminder that subscriptions are now overdue – it would be most helpful if these could be forwarded to Mrs Judi Collis so we can be sure we have an up to date list of members. There are currently about one third of our members who have yet to pay their 2013 subscriptions – the subscription of £10 was agreed at the last AGM but if members fail to pay their subs, there may be need to increase this next year and perhaps more disappointment when they lose their membership.. It is the subs that fund the day to day running of the Association, hence the need for all members to contribute. Methods of payment are contained in the Membership Secretary's report.

Treasurer Please note Alf Larkin has moved house and his new address is at the top of this page. His phone number has also changed but his email remains the same.

Web Site This continues to be a source of information for prospective members – please let your friends know of the address – as at top of this page. It is a very good method of recruiting new members.

Gift Aid I wish to congratulate and thank Malcolm Collis on behalf of all our members in achieving permission to have donations to the memorial fund “gift aided”. This also applies to our annual subscriptions. This will be a boost to the funds.

Donations The Committee wish to express their sincere thanks to those Members who have so far Members of the Council of the Town of Ajax, Mayor Steve Parish is the fourth from left, made such generous donations towards the Memorial Fund – it is greatly appreciated. We will of with a framed print of HMS AJAX at the Battle for Crete. The painting had been course keep you updated on progress via the newsletter. If you have yet to send your donation, there presented to the Town by Clive Sharplin. is still time.

11 2. 3. H.M.S. AJAX & RIVER PLATE VETERANS ASSOCIATION. CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY ARCHIVIST Newsletter Articles With the increase of new members to the Association, it would seem the right NEWSLETTER EDITOR Malcolm Collis time for each of them to submit an article, with photos where possible (these will be returned after use) Peter Danks ‘Glenmorag’ of their memories of their time in HMS AJAX be it the cruiser or the frigate. So before you get too 104 Kelsey Avenue Little Coxwell busy in the garden, please get out the pen/pencil/computer and start composing!!! Southbourne Faringdon Emsworth Oxfordshire SN7 7LW Reunion pictures There was not room in the December newsletter, so I am enclosing a selection from Hampshire PO10 8NQ Tel: 01367 240382 last year's reunion. Once again very many thanks to Cliff Hoppe for producing such an excellent Tel: 01243 371947 Mobile: 07736 929641 reminder of a most enjoyable evening. The ship's name plate seen in the pictures is from the cruiser [email protected] [email protected] and was a nice reminder to those who served in the cruiser and who may have had the duty of keeping it clean whilst onboard!!! TREASURER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Alf Larkin Mrs Judi Collis Painting presentation at the Town of Ajax . The photo was taken on 19th January 2012, immediately Lime Kiln Cottage ‘Glenmorag’ following the General Government Committee meeting at which the framed print was presented to No 2 Easton Lane Little Coxwell, Faringdon the Council. Mayor Steve Parish is the fourth from the left and is seen with other members of the Portland DT5 1BW Oxfordshire SN7 7LW Town Council. The painting was unveiled hanging in the office of the CAO in the Town Hall. Mrs Tel: 01305457259 Tel: 01367 240382 Pat Brown and Mrs Colleen Jordan have visited our Reunions. [email protected] Mobile: 07736 929641 [email protected] Approval to publish this picture is by courtesy of the Town of Ajax. The painting was presented to the www.hmsajax.org Town by Clive Sharplin.

CHAIRMAN/EDITOR'S REMARKS

I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and have not been too affected by the floods which occurred in some parts of the country. The Committee have been active in their planning for the 75th anniversary with the first major item, the erection of a memorial at the National Arboretum, proceeding – see Malcolm's update in his report.

Subscriptions A reminder that subscriptions are now overdue – it would be most helpful if these could be forwarded to Mrs Judi Collis so we can be sure we have an up to date list of members. There are currently about one third of our members who have yet to pay their 2013 subscriptions – the subscription of £10 was agreed at the last AGM but if members fail to pay their subs, there may be need to increase this next year and perhaps more disappointment when they lose their membership.. It is the subs that fund the day to day running of the Association, hence the need for all members to contribute. Methods of payment are contained in the Membership Secretary's report.

Treasurer Please note Alf Larkin has moved house and his new address is at the top of this page. His phone number has also changed but his email remains the same.

Web Site This continues to be a source of information for prospective members – please let your friends know of the address – as at top of this page. It is a very good method of recruiting new members.

Gift Aid I wish to congratulate and thank Malcolm Collis on behalf of all our members in achieving permission to have donations to the memorial fund “gift aided”. This also applies to our annual subscriptions. This will be a boost to the funds.

Donations The Committee wish to express their sincere thanks to those Members who have so far Members of the Council of the Town of Ajax, Mayor Steve Parish is the fourth from left, made such generous donations towards the Memorial Fund – it is greatly appreciated. We will of with a framed print of HMS AJAX at the Battle for Crete. The painting had been course keep you updated on progress via the newsletter. If you have yet to send your donation, there presented to the Town by Clive Sharplin. is still time.

12 4. 5.

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON Many of you will be aware that my father died in October having reached the age of 95 but has for the last 75 years felt extremely guilty about “removing” this stone. At his funeral I mentioned this Shackleton was an Irish Polar explorer born on 15th February 1874 and on his final Antarctic incident in my eulogy and told the large congregation that I would return it to its rightful owner. adventure he suffered a fatal heart attack and died on 5th January 1922 on South Georgia, a remote island some 1000 miles east of the Falklands. Here he was laid to rest.

Malcolm with the missing stone

Subsequently I contacted The Commissioner for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, based on the Falklands, the Royal Navy and the James Caird Society, a Shackleton Society, to repatriate the Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave on South Georgia stone.

My father, Joseph H.B. Collis joined the British navy in 1935 and his first ship was the HMS Ajax. As I am pleased to report that the stone has recently set out on its journey, thanks to Commander David part of their South American cruise they visited South Georgia to take the Governor of the Falklands 'Pincher' Martin RN, who has a close association with the River Plate Veterans & Families for his periodical visit. They anchored at Grytviken on 11th January 1937. During their time there, Association. By the time you read this it will be flying down to the Falklands for transfer by ship to there were runs ashore. My father visited the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton where he took a small South Georgia and, finally, laid to rest from whence it came in 1937. I'll keep you posted with piece of green granite from the grave as a youthful trophy. They departed to take the Governor back developments. but were diverted to search for a missing party of men who had landed from Discovery II. They arrived at King George Island on the 18th and the lost men were sighted and rescued by one of Ajax's Malcolm Collis cutters and reunited with Discovery. Archivist

13 4. 5.

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON Many of you will be aware that my father died in October having reached the age of 95 but has for the last 75 years felt extremely guilty about “removing” this stone. At his funeral I mentioned this Shackleton was an Irish Polar explorer born on 15th February 1874 and on his final Antarctic incident in my eulogy and told the large congregation that I would return it to its rightful owner. adventure he suffered a fatal heart attack and died on 5th January 1922 on South Georgia, a remote island some 1000 miles east of the Falklands. Here he was laid to rest.

Malcolm with the missing stone

Subsequently I contacted The Commissioner for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, based on the Falklands, the Royal Navy and the James Caird Society, a Shackleton Society, to repatriate the Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave on South Georgia stone.

My father, Joseph H.B. Collis joined the British navy in 1935 and his first ship was the HMS Ajax. As I am pleased to report that the stone has recently set out on its journey, thanks to Commander David part of their South American cruise they visited South Georgia to take the Governor of the Falklands 'Pincher' Martin RN, who has a close association with the River Plate Veterans & Families for his periodical visit. They anchored at Grytviken on 11th January 1937. During their time there, Association. By the time you read this it will be flying down to the Falklands for transfer by ship to there were runs ashore. My father visited the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton where he took a small South Georgia and, finally, laid to rest from whence it came in 1937. I'll keep you posted with piece of green granite from the grave as a youthful trophy. They departed to take the Governor back developments. but were diverted to search for a missing party of men who had landed from Discovery II. They arrived at King George Island on the 18th and the lost men were sighted and rescued by one of Ajax's Malcolm Collis cutters and reunited with Discovery. Archivist

14 6. 7.

MEMORIAL UPDATE If you would like to raise money for the Memorial simply through your on-line shopping please register at the "easyfundraising” website at http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/how- As part of the 75th Anniversary of The Battle of the River Plate commemorations, three it-works/ and click on "Get started" then "I want to support a good cause" and then enter events are planned for 2014. Peter Danks is leading on the Portsmouth Luncheon on Saturday “HMS Ajax” and up we pop. Then, when you go shopping online, first login in to the 13th December; Alf Larkin is leading on the Ajax visit; and I am leading on the Memorial. “easyfundraising” website and follow the links to your favourite online retailers. Funds will The planning committee consists of Peter, Alf, Judi Collis, Stephen Harwood, Jim Smith soon add up as more and more members do their on-line shopping this way. (also representing the River Plate Veterans & Families Association) and myself. With regard to the Memorial; I have written to almost all of you once again to update you on progress as FUND RAISING there have been some important developments that I will reiterate later. Nearly £8000 has been raised by members of the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans and River There is more information and photographs on the web site Memorial Page Plate Veterans & Families Associations through donations and I, on behalf of the http://www.hmsajax.org/#/memorial-fund/4567554524 Associations, am extremely grateful for this splendid amount. However, you will not be surprised to learn that I am after even more to make sure “our” memorial stands out in the PATRON crowd at the Arboretum and, more importantly, is a poignant and lasting legacy for future I am pleased to report that Stephen Harwood has agreed to be the Patron which gives our generations. The committee has written to a variety of organisations inviting them to cause a great deal of kudos, being the son of Henry Harwood, later Admiral Sir Henry contribute and should you know of any individual or organisation likely to be willing to help, Harwood, Commodore in command of the South Atlantic Squadron at the River Plate. please let me know. As an individual you can help by contributing, if you have not already (with Gift Aid form please) or by other fund raising initiatives. For example, one of our associates, Bob Adams, donated the full proceeds, nearly £200, from the sale of his father's MEMORIAL DESIGN diary he has published when he was the guest speaker at the 2012 reunion. Also, one of our The committee met before Christmas and again recently, to develop our thoughts on what we members, Bob Gee, raised the splendid sum of £56 from a raffle for the Memorial, so please would want see as “our” memorial. The Stone Mason has submitted a unique design idea to get your fund raising caps on like the two Bob's. us with which we are very happy. It will most likely be a circular disc of black granite, set on its edge on a plinth, some four feet across, positioned in a paved area with granite benches. The actual inscriptions are also being developed and by the time you read this I will have met with the Stone Mason and the representative from the National Memorial Arboretum to firm REUNION PHOTOS up our proposals before submission to the NMA for approval. At that time I shall also discuss the dedication ceremony so, shortly, will be able to publish the date; hopefully early April when the weather should be kinder to us and the arboretum will be a riot of colour from the blossom and the bulbs.

GIFT AID The really good news is that HM Revenue & Customs has, finally, after several months, registered the Association as a charitable cause. The advantage of this is that it does not have the burdens associated with being a charity registered with the Charity Commission but does bring certain benefits. The most important one is that we are now able to reclaim the tax element on subscriptions and donations, made after the 5th October 2012 registration date, from qualifying individuals who are UK income or capital gains tax payers AND who have completed and returned to me a Gift Aid form. What this means is I shall be able to reclaim 25 pence back for every qualifying £1 we receive making a marvellous extra donation of 'free' money. Please contact me if you require a form.

EASYFUNDRAISING Being a charity has also allowed me to register the Association with Easyfundraising. This means that members, their extended families and friends can raise additional funds simply by doing their on-line shopping via the Association's page on the Easyfundraising website at no cost to themselves or the Association. You can shop with over 2,000 well known stores and each will donate anything up to 15% of HMS Ajax Cruiser Members what you spend. For example, John Lewis will donate 1%, Amazon 2.5%, The Body Shop Left to right: John Hitchin 1942-43, Bill Slader 1946, Joe Collis 1935-37, Mike Turner 1946-47, 6% whilst some insurance retailers will even donate up to £30 simply for taking out a policy Ken Byram 1942-45, Dennis Talbot 1947-48, Roy Turner 1946-47 with them!

15 6. 7.

MEMORIAL UPDATE If you would like to raise money for the Memorial simply through your on-line shopping please register at the "easyfundraising” website at http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/how- As part of the 75th Anniversary of The Battle of the River Plate commemorations, three it-works/ and click on "Get started" then "I want to support a good cause" and then enter events are planned for 2014. Peter Danks is leading on the Portsmouth Luncheon on Saturday “HMS Ajax” and up we pop. Then, when you go shopping online, first login in to the 13th December; Alf Larkin is leading on the Ajax visit; and I am leading on the Memorial. “easyfundraising” website and follow the links to your favourite online retailers. Funds will The planning committee consists of Peter, Alf, Judi Collis, Stephen Harwood, Jim Smith soon add up as more and more members do their on-line shopping this way. (also representing the River Plate Veterans & Families Association) and myself. With regard to the Memorial; I have written to almost all of you once again to update you on progress as FUND RAISING there have been some important developments that I will reiterate later. Nearly £8000 has been raised by members of the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans and River There is more information and photographs on the web site Memorial Page Plate Veterans & Families Associations through donations and I, on behalf of the http://www.hmsajax.org/#/memorial-fund/4567554524 Associations, am extremely grateful for this splendid amount. However, you will not be surprised to learn that I am after even more to make sure “our” memorial stands out in the PATRON crowd at the Arboretum and, more importantly, is a poignant and lasting legacy for future I am pleased to report that Stephen Harwood has agreed to be the Patron which gives our generations. The committee has written to a variety of organisations inviting them to cause a great deal of kudos, being the son of Henry Harwood, later Admiral Sir Henry contribute and should you know of any individual or organisation likely to be willing to help, Harwood, Commodore in command of the South Atlantic Squadron at the River Plate. please let me know. As an individual you can help by contributing, if you have not already (with Gift Aid form please) or by other fund raising initiatives. For example, one of our associates, Bob Adams, donated the full proceeds, nearly £200, from the sale of his father's MEMORIAL DESIGN diary he has published when he was the guest speaker at the 2012 reunion. Also, one of our The committee met before Christmas and again recently, to develop our thoughts on what we members, Bob Gee, raised the splendid sum of £56 from a raffle for the Memorial, so please would want see as “our” memorial. The Stone Mason has submitted a unique design idea to get your fund raising caps on like the two Bob's. us with which we are very happy. It will most likely be a circular disc of black granite, set on its edge on a plinth, some four feet across, positioned in a paved area with granite benches. The actual inscriptions are also being developed and by the time you read this I will have met with the Stone Mason and the representative from the National Memorial Arboretum to firm REUNION PHOTOS up our proposals before submission to the NMA for approval. At that time I shall also discuss the dedication ceremony so, shortly, will be able to publish the date; hopefully early April when the weather should be kinder to us and the arboretum will be a riot of colour from the blossom and the bulbs.

GIFT AID The really good news is that HM Revenue & Customs has, finally, after several months, registered the Association as a charitable cause. The advantage of this is that it does not have the burdens associated with being a charity registered with the Charity Commission but does bring certain benefits. The most important one is that we are now able to reclaim the tax element on subscriptions and donations, made after the 5th October 2012 registration date, from qualifying individuals who are UK income or capital gains tax payers AND who have completed and returned to me a Gift Aid form. What this means is I shall be able to reclaim 25 pence back for every qualifying £1 we receive making a marvellous extra donation of 'free' money. Please contact me if you require a form.

EASYFUNDRAISING Being a charity has also allowed me to register the Association with Easyfundraising. This means that members, their extended families and friends can raise additional funds simply by doing their on-line shopping via the Association's page on the Easyfundraising website at no cost to themselves or the Association. You can shop with over 2,000 well known stores and each will donate anything up to 15% of HMS Ajax Cruiser Members what you spend. For example, John Lewis will donate 1%, Amazon 2.5%, The Body Shop Left to right: John Hitchin 1942-43, Bill Slader 1946, Joe Collis 1935-37, Mike Turner 1946-47, 6% whilst some insurance retailers will even donate up to £30 simply for taking out a policy Ken Byram 1942-45, Dennis Talbot 1947-48, Roy Turner 1946-47 with them!

16 8. 9.

Up- Spirits with Alf Larkin & Doug Harris Guest Speaker - Bob Adams Lieutenant Commander Tony McColl RNZN dressed for the part

Chairman Peter Danks with Bob Adams & Tony McColl HMS Ajax Frigate Members Left to right Peter Danks 1965-66, Vic Wilson 1963-65, Doug Harris (Not Ajax), Barry Clutton 1968-70, Ian Darbyshire 1976-78, Alf Larkin 1976-78, Michael Harte 1963-65, Fred Coates 1974-78, Nigel Masters 1976-78 Front: Richard Dalzeil 1965-66, Debbie Steer Town of Ajax, Mike Fox 1973-78

A Crossing the Line certificate 17 8. 9.

Up- Spirits with Alf Larkin & Doug Harris Guest Speaker - Bob Adams Lieutenant Commander Tony McColl RNZN dressed for the part

Chairman Peter Danks with Bob Adams & Tony McColl HMS Ajax Frigate Members Left to right Peter Danks 1965-66, Vic Wilson 1963-65, Doug Harris (Not Ajax), Barry Clutton 1968-70, Ian Darbyshire 1976-78, Alf Larkin 1976-78, Michael Harte 1963-65, Fred Coates 1974-78, Nigel Masters 1976-78 Front: Richard Dalzeil 1965-66, Debbie Steer Town of Ajax, Mike Fox 1973-78

A Crossing the Line certificate 18 10. 11.

Under Threat of the Graf Spee ARCHIVIST UPDATE The website www.hmsajax.org continues to produce a lot of interest and enquiries from around the by Bob Adams globe – since it was set up last January there have been over 20,000 visitors. Please have a look and Just before the 2012 Reunion, a good friend in our village, Margaret Jenkins, died. As a child, she don't forget to join the Members Page. As always, if you have any information or material that may be lived in Argentina where her father worked for the Great Southern Railway. His contract gave him 4 of interest please let me have it for the archives. Also a reminder for those of you into Facebook there months leave every 5 years. In late October 1939 they returned from home leave in the UK to Buenos is an HMS Ajax group you can join at http://www.facebook.com/groups/253955346090/ - here you Aires on the R.M.S. Highland Monarch. The unarmed ship was well aware of the presence of the can catch up with your old shipmates (mainly Frigate)! marauding Graf Spee in the South Atlantic and everyone had to have their life jacket with them at all times, whether on deck or in the dining room. Margaret was frightened once when smoke was visible INFORMATION SOUGHT ON FORMER AJAX CREW MEMBERS on the horizon. However it turned out that her ship, being a Royal Mail Steamer rendezvoused with I would be very pleased to receive information on the following: the British naval ships in the South Atlantic. Margaret remembered mail being passed to the H.M.S. Ajax. She also related how the passengers bought out the Ship's shop of gifts for the sailors. She told WALTER WILLIAM HOPKINSON me this story a few years ago before I wrote up my Dad's diary and I should have got more details at Robin Hopkinson is seeking information on his father Walter William Hopkinson who sadly died in that time. Her widower, Ray, to whom I gave a copy of the Diary, confirmed the story but told me it 1968 aged only about 48 or 49. He was on Ajax at the time of the River Plate and also when Ajax went might not have been the Monarch that she was sailing on, but one of the 4 other Highland ships: to New York for repairs 4th March 1943 until 23rd October 1943 following damage sustained in the R.M.S. Highland Brigade, Highland Chieftain, Highland Patriot or Highland Princess. She and her bombing at Bone in early 1943 (New Year's Day in fact!). he also served on HMS Dido. Susan at Ajax parents safely returned to their home in Buenos Aires. After the Battle of confirms that Hopkinson Crescent in Ajax, Ontario is named after both a Geoffrey and Walter the River Plate, they entertained British Sailors in their house. As a 12 Hopkinson. year old she wanted to dance with all the handsome hero CHARLES THOMAS RUCK sailors. She had autographs of Gordon Ruck would like any information about his father Charles Thomas Ruck who served in Ajax three men from the Achilles: from 1938 until 1943. He was at the Plate, Matapan and Crete. He worked in the director tower on a Leading Signalman D. L. rangefinder and his action station was on an anti aircraft gun. He joined as a boy seaman from H.M.S. Rudd, Chief Gunners Mate Wildfire in Sheerness. He went on to serve in the destroyer Milne and the frigate Widemouth Bay. Leonard H. Boys and Good friends of his while in Ajax were Jack Apps and Cyril Boyes, and a P.O. Diver called Bob Signalman W. A. Kane who Clements acted as a teacher to them. He recalled being bombed in Bone and Alexandria harbours as composed a Poem for well as Ajax sinking the Ariel and Arione and damaging the Artigilere, later sunk by the York. He was Margaret. The handwriting is closed up on P.2 mounting in Piraeus Harbour when the Clan Fraser blew up after being bombed. He a bit difficult to read, so I was wounded with shrapnel in legs when Ajax was near missed and went to the USA for repairs (see reproduce it below. also entry for WW Hopkinson above). After arriving in New York they went to Brooklyn Naval Yard, from here Charles was sent to You all have heard of a ship, The Admiral Graf Spee, convalesce at Castine, Maine along with other crew members. The Doctor in charge was Alice North All our hopes were bound in her, and convalescing Ajax crew were billeted at her home,-'North Star'. For she had lead us a merry dance, This was the end of Charles' association with the Ajax when he coxswained an LCI (landing craft) back to England in preparation for 'D' Day and then was posted to the destroyer Milne where he took Over the Southern Atlantic Sea. part in Russian Convoys. The Day came along one day, He was a member of the HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association up until his death in 1998. The Day of December 13th , When we, with Ajax and Exeter Was destined to meet the Graf Spee. We will not shout of our Victory For its all that we hoped for, For England, does expect of us, To do our duty, now, all the more. They thought it best, when she was at rest, Never to face us more, So that glad news, we hailed and more, When she blew up off the shore.

“A year at Sea on HMS Implacable1909 From the diary of Albert 'Ajax' Adams” available on Google and Amazon on Internet. Charles, back row, second from right 19 under the port gun of ‘A’ turret Charles aged 17 10. 11.

Under Threat of the Graf Spee ARCHIVIST UPDATE The website www.hmsajax.org continues to produce a lot of interest and enquiries from around the by Bob Adams globe – since it was set up last January there have been over 20,000 visitors. Please have a look and Just before the 2012 Reunion, a good friend in our village, Margaret Jenkins, died. As a child, she don't forget to join the Members Page. As always, if you have any information or material that may be lived in Argentina where her father worked for the Great Southern Railway. His contract gave him 4 of interest please let me have it for the archives. Also a reminder for those of you into Facebook there months leave every 5 years. In late October 1939 they returned from home leave in the UK to Buenos is an HMS Ajax group you can join at http://www.facebook.com/groups/253955346090/ - here you Aires on the R.M.S. Highland Monarch. The unarmed ship was well aware of the presence of the can catch up with your old shipmates (mainly Frigate)! marauding Graf Spee in the South Atlantic and everyone had to have their life jacket with them at all times, whether on deck or in the dining room. Margaret was frightened once when smoke was visible INFORMATION SOUGHT ON FORMER AJAX CREW MEMBERS on the horizon. However it turned out that her ship, being a Royal Mail Steamer rendezvoused with I would be very pleased to receive information on the following: the British naval ships in the South Atlantic. Margaret remembered mail being passed to the H.M.S. Ajax. She also related how the passengers bought out the Ship's shop of gifts for the sailors. She told WALTER WILLIAM HOPKINSON me this story a few years ago before I wrote up my Dad's diary and I should have got more details at Robin Hopkinson is seeking information on his father Walter William Hopkinson who sadly died in that time. Her widower, Ray, to whom I gave a copy of the Diary, confirmed the story but told me it 1968 aged only about 48 or 49. He was on Ajax at the time of the River Plate and also when Ajax went might not have been the Monarch that she was sailing on, but one of the 4 other Highland ships: to New York for repairs 4th March 1943 until 23rd October 1943 following damage sustained in the R.M.S. Highland Brigade, Highland Chieftain, Highland Patriot or Highland Princess. She and her bombing at Bone in early 1943 (New Year's Day in fact!). he also served on HMS Dido. Susan at Ajax parents safely returned to their home in Buenos Aires. After the Battle of confirms that Hopkinson Crescent in Ajax, Ontario is named after both a Geoffrey and Walter the River Plate, they entertained British Sailors in their house. As a 12 Hopkinson. year old she wanted to dance with all the handsome hero CHARLES THOMAS RUCK sailors. She had autographs of Gordon Ruck would like any information about his father Charles Thomas Ruck who served in Ajax three men from the Achilles: from 1938 until 1943. He was at the Plate, Matapan and Crete. He worked in the director tower on a Leading Signalman D. L. rangefinder and his action station was on an anti aircraft gun. He joined as a boy seaman from H.M.S. Rudd, Chief Gunners Mate Wildfire in Sheerness. He went on to serve in the destroyer Milne and the frigate Widemouth Bay. Leonard H. Boys and Good friends of his while in Ajax were Jack Apps and Cyril Boyes, and a P.O. Diver called Bob Signalman W. A. Kane who Clements acted as a teacher to them. He recalled being bombed in Bone and Alexandria harbours as composed a Poem for well as Ajax sinking the Ariel and Arione and damaging the Artigilere, later sunk by the York. He was Margaret. The handwriting is closed up on P.2 mounting in Piraeus Harbour when the Clan Fraser blew up after being bombed. He a bit difficult to read, so I was wounded with shrapnel in legs when Ajax was near missed and went to the USA for repairs (see reproduce it below. also entry for WW Hopkinson above). After arriving in New York they went to Brooklyn Naval Yard, from here Charles was sent to You all have heard of a ship, The Admiral Graf Spee, convalesce at Castine, Maine along with other crew members. The Doctor in charge was Alice North All our hopes were bound in her, and convalescing Ajax crew were billeted at her home,-'North Star'. For she had lead us a merry dance, This was the end of Charles' association with the Ajax when he coxswained an LCI (landing craft) back to England in preparation for 'D' Day and then was posted to the destroyer Milne where he took Over the Southern Atlantic Sea. part in Russian Convoys. The Day came along one day, He was a member of the HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association up until his death in 1998. The Day of December 13th , When we, with Ajax and Exeter Was destined to meet the Graf Spee. We will not shout of our Victory For its all that we hoped for, For England, does expect of us, To do our duty, now, all the more. They thought it best, when she was at rest, Never to face us more, So that glad news, we hailed and more, When she blew up off the shore.

“A year at Sea on HMS Implacable1909 From the diary of Albert 'Ajax' Adams” available on Google and Amazon on Internet. Charles, back row, second from right under the port gun of ‘A’ turret 20 Charles aged 17 12. 13.

ARTHUR HOILE Victoria Shapland is trying to find a photograph of her Great Grandfather, Arthur Hoile, as part of her Service Medal whilst on HMS Ajax, probably at the Battle for Crete. researches. He was a Chief Ordnance Artificer, C/M 36251 and served on Ajax 30th December 1937 There is a Brooksbank Crescent in Ajax. to 16th July 1940. She has been able to access Arthur's military records and knows he received a “Mentioned in Despatches” for action on Ajax at The Plate. He was from Sandwich in Kent and had HORACE GRANVILLE HOWES served in the army in WW1 and was married to Ivy, with a son and daughter. His was born on 15th Jan The grandson of Horace Howes, Mark Hopkins, is also after information. He is aware that he was on 1900 and he was medically discharged from the navy on 25th March 1944 as a result of injuries, Ajax but does not know when. He believes he was a Gunnery Instructor and is aware that he received shrapnel wounds, received whilst serving on the Ajax and he died of these injuries in 1946, although the Distinguished Service Medal as part of a small team selected to swim down an estuary with live my records show him dying on 3rd June 1945. However, the War Grave Commissions website shows mines strapped to them intending to blow up a bridge or dam. Mark recalls being told that 5 or 6 of the Arthur as having died on 3rd June 1946 – no doubt they are correct (if you are interested in seeing his crew's strongest swimmers were selected but only 3 or 4 made it back alive to Ajax; Horace being one grave at Chatham visit http://www.cwgc.org/find-war- of them. dead/casualty/2824747/HOILE,%20ARTHUR ) There is also a Hoile Drive in Ajax. Of those recorded as being killed whilst Ajax crew, I can only find only one incident that could fit the Other ships he served on were the Cambrian, Pembroke, York & Cardiff. bill – Operation Dynamo, Dunkirk evacuation. Although Ajax was in for repair at Chatham (27th February to 28th July 1940) many of the crew were redeployed to assist in the evacuations – were HARRY EDIE BROWN some selected for a secret operation? Rosina Wood is searching for details of her brother who served at some stage on H.M.S. Ajax in the I have the following recorded: War, but dates are not known. He also served on H.M.S. Firedrake and H.M.S. Cumberland. He was a Saturday 1st June 1940 stoker first class. He was not on the Firedrake when she sank (torpedoed 17th December 1942 North MCINALLY, John E, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 171498, Missing presumed killed Atlantic), as he was in Hospital with an appendicitis but was involved in the North Atlantic Convoys. PARSONS, John H B, Leading Seaman, C/JX 127584, Missing presumed killed Rosina was only a girl at the time so does not recall all the details, only that he was on the Firedrake Sunday 2nd June 1940 when it went into Boston for repairs and as he had been badly injured, was in Hospital there where he DAVEY, John G, Able Seaman, C/JX 150882, Missing presumed killed met his wife to be. Rosina is the last surviving relative in the UK. WRAGG, Lawrence W, Able Seaman, C/JX 153502, Missing presumed killed The Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday 5th July 1940 records the award of the LUTHER FEARN Distinguished Service Medal to Able Seaman Horace Granville Howes, C/J.85657, but doesn't give David Fearn had very few details of one of his uncles, Luther Fearn, one of nine children. He recalled any further details so it is very possibly as the result of action associated with Operation Dynamo – seeing a photograph of Luther wearing an Ajax cap tally. He lived in Chesterfield at some stage. I sounds as if Horace thoroughly deserved the award. have been able to tell him that Luther was on Ajax at the time of the River Plate and also that there is a However, there is a sad end to Horace's proud medal. His DSM was hanging, hidden for years in the Fearn Crescent in Ajax. I also advised him how to obtain his service record. David was very grateful back of a large carriage clock on his mantelpiece, until one day his youngest son, Mark's uncle Peter, for all the information I gave him and made a generous memorial donation through the website. sold the clock not knowing the medal was hidden in it. Horace didn't speak to him for years afterwards and NEVER really forgave him! FREDERICK CHARLES JONES Pamela Meredith is seeking any information about her father Frederick Charles Jones. He was born I would love to know more about this operation if anyone can fill me in please. 1st December 1913 in Packwood, Solihull, Warwickshire and joined the Royal Navy on 11th September 1935 for 12yrs leaving on 25th November 1947 (service no. CMX51844). He died in If you know any of the above please let me know. 1961 of lung cancer. He joined HMS Ajax 1st January 1938 and served until 14th March 1943. He Details are also on the “Do you know” page on the website http://www.hmsajax.org/#/do-you- then served on HMS Saker March 1943 to May 1943. He rejoined HMS Ajax May 1943 until July know/4567205451 1943; back to HMS Saker July 1943 to September 1943. He finally rejoined HMS Ajax Oct 1943 until July 1944. At the time of the River Plate Frederick was a cook; by 1940 he was a leading cook As I often do when I have no information, I direct enquirers to the Ministry of Defence website at and in 1944 he was Petty Officer Cook. Apparently Frederick helped his fellow ship mates by writing http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html where next-of-kin can, for a fee, letters and often illustrating them as he was a very good artist. After leaving the Navy he worked as a apply for service records. sign writer until his death. Pamela has subsequently joined the Association (see Membership Secretary's Update) TECHNICAL QUESTION I have received the following enquiry: FRED BLANCHARD “It appears from film footage shot on the bridge of the Ajax in 1948 that there may have been Fred Blanchard sadly passed away this January and his grandson Stephen Blanchard is after any removable panels in the bridge roof. There may have been one either side of centre and would have information about him. He understands that he was an XY gunner on HMS Ajax before being been a bit like a sun roof on a car. I am not saying that they would be electrically operated. Maybe it transferred to HMS Waveney later in the war. He has photographs of him at Crete which would put was just by manpower.” him on Ajax May 1941 but other than that I can find nothing on him at all. If anyone can shed any light on this please let me know

SYDNEY BROOKSBANK Malcolm Collis – Archivist Christopher Brooksbank is seeking information about his grandfather Sydney Brooksbank. He became something of a hero in his home town in Kent, apparently. I have been able to confirm that Sydney was on Ajax at the time of the River Plate. Additionally, The London Gazette supplement of 3rd June 1941 records Master-at-Arms Sydney Brooksbank as being awarded the Distinguished

21 12. 13.

ARTHUR HOILE Victoria Shapland is trying to find a photograph of her Great Grandfather, Arthur Hoile, as part of her Service Medal whilst on HMS Ajax, probably at the Battle for Crete. researches. He was a Chief Ordnance Artificer, C/M 36251 and served on Ajax 30th December 1937 There is a Brooksbank Crescent in Ajax. to 16th July 1940. She has been able to access Arthur's military records and knows he received a “Mentioned in Despatches” for action on Ajax at The Plate. He was from Sandwich in Kent and had HORACE GRANVILLE HOWES served in the army in WW1 and was married to Ivy, with a son and daughter. His was born on 15th Jan The grandson of Horace Howes, Mark Hopkins, is also after information. He is aware that he was on 1900 and he was medically discharged from the navy on 25th March 1944 as a result of injuries, Ajax but does not know when. He believes he was a Gunnery Instructor and is aware that he received shrapnel wounds, received whilst serving on the Ajax and he died of these injuries in 1946, although the Distinguished Service Medal as part of a small team selected to swim down an estuary with live my records show him dying on 3rd June 1945. However, the War Grave Commissions website shows mines strapped to them intending to blow up a bridge or dam. Mark recalls being told that 5 or 6 of the Arthur as having died on 3rd June 1946 – no doubt they are correct (if you are interested in seeing his crew's strongest swimmers were selected but only 3 or 4 made it back alive to Ajax; Horace being one grave at Chatham visit http://www.cwgc.org/find-war- of them. dead/casualty/2824747/HOILE,%20ARTHUR ) There is also a Hoile Drive in Ajax. Of those recorded as being killed whilst Ajax crew, I can only find only one incident that could fit the Other ships he served on were the Cambrian, Pembroke, York & Cardiff. bill – Operation Dynamo, Dunkirk evacuation. Although Ajax was in for repair at Chatham (27th February to 28th July 1940) many of the crew were redeployed to assist in the evacuations – were HARRY EDIE BROWN some selected for a secret operation? Rosina Wood is searching for details of her brother who served at some stage on H.M.S. Ajax in the I have the following recorded: War, but dates are not known. He also served on H.M.S. Firedrake and H.M.S. Cumberland. He was a Saturday 1st June 1940 stoker first class. He was not on the Firedrake when she sank (torpedoed 17th December 1942 North MCINALLY, John E, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 171498, Missing presumed killed Atlantic), as he was in Hospital with an appendicitis but was involved in the North Atlantic Convoys. PARSONS, John H B, Leading Seaman, C/JX 127584, Missing presumed killed Rosina was only a girl at the time so does not recall all the details, only that he was on the Firedrake Sunday 2nd June 1940 when it went into Boston for repairs and as he had been badly injured, was in Hospital there where he DAVEY, John G, Able Seaman, C/JX 150882, Missing presumed killed met his wife to be. Rosina is the last surviving relative in the UK. WRAGG, Lawrence W, Able Seaman, C/JX 153502, Missing presumed killed The Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday 5th July 1940 records the award of the LUTHER FEARN Distinguished Service Medal to Able Seaman Horace Granville Howes, C/J.85657, but doesn't give David Fearn had very few details of one of his uncles, Luther Fearn, one of nine children. He recalled any further details so it is very possibly as the result of action associated with Operation Dynamo – seeing a photograph of Luther wearing an Ajax cap tally. He lived in Chesterfield at some stage. I sounds as if Horace thoroughly deserved the award. have been able to tell him that Luther was on Ajax at the time of the River Plate and also that there is a However, there is a sad end to Horace's proud medal. His DSM was hanging, hidden for years in the Fearn Crescent in Ajax. I also advised him how to obtain his service record. David was very grateful back of a large carriage clock on his mantelpiece, until one day his youngest son, Mark's uncle Peter, for all the information I gave him and made a generous memorial donation through the website. sold the clock not knowing the medal was hidden in it. Horace didn't speak to him for years afterwards and NEVER really forgave him! FREDERICK CHARLES JONES Pamela Meredith is seeking any information about her father Frederick Charles Jones. He was born I would love to know more about this operation if anyone can fill me in please. 1st December 1913 in Packwood, Solihull, Warwickshire and joined the Royal Navy on 11th September 1935 for 12yrs leaving on 25th November 1947 (service no. CMX51844). He died in If you know any of the above please let me know. 1961 of lung cancer. He joined HMS Ajax 1st January 1938 and served until 14th March 1943. He Details are also on the “Do you know” page on the website http://www.hmsajax.org/#/do-you- then served on HMS Saker March 1943 to May 1943. He rejoined HMS Ajax May 1943 until July know/4567205451 1943; back to HMS Saker July 1943 to September 1943. He finally rejoined HMS Ajax Oct 1943 until July 1944. At the time of the River Plate Frederick was a cook; by 1940 he was a leading cook As I often do when I have no information, I direct enquirers to the Ministry of Defence website at and in 1944 he was Petty Officer Cook. Apparently Frederick helped his fellow ship mates by writing http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html where next-of-kin can, for a fee, letters and often illustrating them as he was a very good artist. After leaving the Navy he worked as a apply for service records. sign writer until his death. Pamela has subsequently joined the Association (see Membership Secretary's Update) TECHNICAL QUESTION I have received the following enquiry: FRED BLANCHARD “It appears from film footage shot on the bridge of the Ajax in 1948 that there may have been Fred Blanchard sadly passed away this January and his grandson Stephen Blanchard is after any removable panels in the bridge roof. There may have been one either side of centre and would have information about him. He understands that he was an XY gunner on HMS Ajax before being been a bit like a sun roof on a car. I am not saying that they would be electrically operated. Maybe it transferred to HMS Waveney later in the war. He has photographs of him at Crete which would put was just by manpower.” him on Ajax May 1941 but other than that I can find nothing on him at all. If anyone can shed any light on this please let me know

SYDNEY BROOKSBANK Malcolm Collis – Archivist Christopher Brooksbank is seeking information about his grandfather Sydney Brooksbank. He became something of a hero in his home town in Kent, apparently. I have been able to confirm that Sydney was on Ajax at the time of the River Plate. Additionally, The London Gazette supplement of 3rd June 1941 records Master-at-Arms Sydney Brooksbank as being awarded the Distinguished

22 14. 15.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S UPDATE MARCH 2013 the latest contact list to our members when I receive the annual subscriptions. Will you please spend a Welcome to new members: few minutes looking through it and let me know if you spot any errors, change of address, or sadly bereavement? The contact list is also on the member's page on our website or I can email it to you, I am pleased to report that we have 5 new members and several family memberships which will save paper and a stamp, unless you require a hard copy. Below I have listed other members Clive Morris was a PO caterer when he served on Ajax from 1974-77. Clive lives at Thousand Oaks, that we have been unable to contact for a few years. I apologise if this causes distress but again if you California and hopes to join us in the town of Ajax, Canada in June 2014 for their Battle of River Plate could let me know if you have any information on them. 75th Anniversary Memorial Service, and the other events that we will arrange. Denzil Fawcett 1945-46 George, South Africa George Alan (Phil) Phillips served on the 1st phase, 2nd Commission 1965-66. He was a ME1. Alec Townsin 1946-47 Southampton, Hampshire George and his wife Carol live in Send, Surrey Ken Frost 1943-44 Nether Heyford, Northampton Royston William Hicks from Southbourne is a contact of Peter Danks. Royston served on the W J Goudy 1945 Doncaster frigate 1947-48. Arthur John Farrer 1946-47 Leatherhead Associate members are also very important to us and we welcome Joe Waters 194-41 Ramsgate Pamela Margaret Meredith from Brede in East Sussex is the daughter of the late Frederick Roy (Buggy) Williams 1945-46 Ramsgate Charles Jones who served on the Ajax from 1938 through to 1944, finishing as PO cook – see Archivist's Report. Richard Worral 1940-43 North Shields, Tyne and Wear Mark Hopkins from Bristol is grandson of Horace Granville Howes - see Archivist's Report. Ellen Stevens widow of Alfred Orpington, Kent Chris Keenan has been recruited by his member father Michael, a CPO Steward from 1974-77. Chris lives in Chorley, Lancs. Happy Birthday to the following Members who had birthdays in this Newsletter period Mary Larkin has been coerced into helping husband Alf, our Treasurer, with the book keeping and is (December to February inc.): now an Associate member. Alf and Mary moved from 'England' on to Portland Bill just before Christmas and loving every minute of it. Rod McLeod Cruiser1947-48 84 on 5th December Our other husband and wife/family teams are Paul Byrne Frigate 1974-75 61 on 12th December Reg and Estelle Dolby; Ian and Colleen Wright; Richard Taft and his wife; Norman and Marion Cliff Pantrey Frigate 1972-76 72 also on 12th December Gifford with son Ralph; Ken and Betty Byram with son Philip; Bob and Eileen Gee with Bob junior; Nigel Harcourt Frigate 1965-67 67 on 13th December Ken and Sandie Smith; Vic and Josephine Wilson; Bill Slader and his son John; Barbara Carter- Bennett and son Matthew; Fred Coates and grandson Brendon Hewett; and of course Malcolm & I. Royston Hicks Frigate 1947-48 84 on 17th December Derrick Howitt Frigate 1963-65 69 on 14th December Crossed the Bar Ray Dowsett Frigate 1965-66 71 on 16th December I am pleased to report that I haven't had any notification of any of our members crossing the bar since Basil Trott Exeter 1936-40 93 on 22nd December the last newsletter. Jerry Kirk Cruiser1942-43 89 on 31st December However while doing some research on the internet regarding some members we have not had any Michael Harte Frigate 1963-65 72 on 15th January contact with, I came across the following report in the Eastbourne Herald Group of newspapers on 25th September 2009. John Dooley Cruiser1947-48 84 on 5th February Clive Morris Frigate 1974-77 66 on 27th February Deacon. June Ruby. Widow of George. Passed away, aged 85, on 19th September. Much cherished mum of Jane, mother-in-law of Ted and dearest nan to Tom and Albert Smith Cruiser1939-41 91 also on 27th February Amy. Funeral at Eastbourne Crematorium Wednesday, 30th September at 3.15 p.m. Mum wanted no black please, but lots of flowers! Haine and Son, 19 South Street, BN21 4UT. (Apologies to anyone not mentioned in this or previous editions – to rectify this, please complete your update form and send to the Membership Secretary) We believe this to be June Deacon, Life member, wife of one of our founder members George Deacon. George served on Ajax 1939-42 and 1947-48. He crossed the bar on 27th May 2001. He has SUBSCRIPTIONS a street named Deacon Lane in Ajax in his honour. I'm sure there would have been several members The annual subscription is still £10 with a family membership of £15. We would like to encourage who would have attended June's funeral to pay their last respects to her had we known. partners and children to join us officially. A gentle reminder that 2013 subs were due in January. We have been sending newsletters to June to her last known address in Eastbourne, not realising she Thank you all those that have paid and also completed the gift aid form. As we now have charitable was no longer there, and have never had anything returned. This is a big problem we have, status we will be able to claim an additional £2.50 if you are a taxpayer. I would appreciate any particularly with life members who do not have to contact us annually for subscriptions. I try to send outstanding fees to be paid as soon as possible as Malcolm and I have accepted an offer on the

23 14. 15.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S UPDATE MARCH 2013 the latest contact list to our members when I receive the annual subscriptions. Will you please spend a Welcome to new members: few minutes looking through it and let me know if you spot any errors, change of address, or sadly bereavement? The contact list is also on the member's page on our website or I can email it to you, I am pleased to report that we have 5 new members and several family memberships which will save paper and a stamp, unless you require a hard copy. Below I have listed other members Clive Morris was a PO caterer when he served on Ajax from 1974-77. Clive lives at Thousand Oaks, that we have been unable to contact for a few years. I apologise if this causes distress but again if you California and hopes to join us in the town of Ajax, Canada in June 2014 for their Battle of River Plate could let me know if you have any information on them. 75th Anniversary Memorial Service, and the other events that we will arrange. Denzil Fawcett 1945-46 George, South Africa George Alan (Phil) Phillips served on the 1st phase, 2nd Commission 1965-66. He was a ME1. Alec Townsin 1946-47 Southampton, Hampshire George and his wife Carol live in Send, Surrey Ken Frost 1943-44 Nether Heyford, Northampton Royston William Hicks from Southbourne is a contact of Peter Danks. Royston served on the W J Goudy 1945 Doncaster frigate 1947-48. Arthur John Farrer 1946-47 Leatherhead Associate members are also very important to us and we welcome Joe Waters 194-41 Ramsgate Pamela Margaret Meredith from Brede in East Sussex is the daughter of the late Frederick Roy (Buggy) Williams 1945-46 Ramsgate Charles Jones who served on the Ajax from 1938 through to 1944, finishing as PO cook – see Archivist's Report. Richard Worral 1940-43 North Shields, Tyne and Wear Mark Hopkins from Bristol is grandson of Horace Granville Howes - see Archivist's Report. Ellen Stevens widow of Alfred Orpington, Kent Chris Keenan has been recruited by his member father Michael, a CPO Steward from 1974-77. Chris lives in Chorley, Lancs. Happy Birthday to the following Members who had birthdays in this Newsletter period Mary Larkin has been coerced into helping husband Alf, our Treasurer, with the book keeping and is (December to February inc.): now an Associate member. Alf and Mary moved from 'England' on to Portland Bill just before Christmas and loving every minute of it. Rod McLeod Cruiser1947-48 84 on 5th December Our other husband and wife/family teams are Paul Byrne Frigate 1974-75 61 on 12th December Reg and Estelle Dolby; Ian and Colleen Wright; Richard Taft and his wife; Norman and Marion Cliff Pantrey Frigate 1972-76 72 also on 12th December Gifford with son Ralph; Ken and Betty Byram with son Philip; Bob and Eileen Gee with Bob junior; Nigel Harcourt Frigate 1965-67 67 on 13th December Ken and Sandie Smith; Vic and Josephine Wilson; Bill Slader and his son John; Barbara Carter- Bennett and son Matthew; Fred Coates and grandson Brendon Hewett; and of course Malcolm & I. Royston Hicks Frigate 1947-48 84 on 17th December Derrick Howitt Frigate 1963-65 69 on 14th December Crossed the Bar Ray Dowsett Frigate 1965-66 71 on 16th December I am pleased to report that I haven't had any notification of any of our members crossing the bar since Basil Trott Exeter 1936-40 93 on 22nd December the last newsletter. Jerry Kirk Cruiser1942-43 89 on 31st December However while doing some research on the internet regarding some members we have not had any Michael Harte Frigate 1963-65 72 on 15th January contact with, I came across the following report in the Eastbourne Herald Group of newspapers on 25th September 2009. John Dooley Cruiser1947-48 84 on 5th February Clive Morris Frigate 1974-77 66 on 27th February Deacon. June Ruby. Widow of George. Passed away, aged 85, on 19th September. Much cherished mum of Jane, mother-in-law of Ted and dearest nan to Tom and Albert Smith Cruiser1939-41 91 also on 27th February Amy. Funeral at Eastbourne Crematorium Wednesday, 30th September at 3.15 p.m. Mum wanted no black please, but lots of flowers! Haine and Son, 19 South Street, BN21 4UT. (Apologies to anyone not mentioned in this or previous editions – to rectify this, please complete your update form and send to the Membership Secretary) We believe this to be June Deacon, Life member, wife of one of our founder members George Deacon. George served on Ajax 1939-42 and 1947-48. He crossed the bar on 27th May 2001. He has SUBSCRIPTIONS a street named Deacon Lane in Ajax in his honour. I'm sure there would have been several members The annual subscription is still £10 with a family membership of £15. We would like to encourage who would have attended June's funeral to pay their last respects to her had we known. partners and children to join us officially. A gentle reminder that 2013 subs were due in January. We have been sending newsletters to June to her last known address in Eastbourne, not realising she Thank you all those that have paid and also completed the gift aid form. As we now have charitable was no longer there, and have never had anything returned. This is a big problem we have, status we will be able to claim an additional £2.50 if you are a taxpayer. I would appreciate any particularly with life members who do not have to contact us annually for subscriptions. I try to send outstanding fees to be paid as soon as possible as Malcolm and I have accepted an offer on the

24 bungalow and so will be on the move around April. We will continue with our Ajax duties wherever we end up; hopefully we will have a permanent address by the next newsletter but will arrange to forward any mail in the meantime. We are trying to make it as easy as possible for you and the various methods of parting with your money are listed below. Please ring me if you have any problems. If you pay electronically it would be helpful if you email me with the date the payment should appear in the bank.

Subscription can be paid by: 1. Standing Order - Association Account details: 'HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association': Number -- 24865868: Sort Code -- 30-99-56

2. Bank Transfer - Association Account details: 'HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association': Number -- 24865868: Sort Code -- 30-99-56

3. Cheques & Postal Orders made payable to - 'HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association' and posted to the Membership Secretary TO BE SENT TO ME PLEASE at Glenmorag, Little Coxwell, Faringdon, SN7 7LW.

4. By using the new "Subscribe" button on the website and paying by PayPal or credit/debit card – see http://www.hmsajax.org/#/joining/4560949163 This will deduct £10 but many of you pay extra to help with costs (Thanks); any extra donation can be paid through the “Donate” button on the website – see http://www.hmsajax.org/#/memorial- fund/4567554524

Whatever method you chose, please do not forget to complete & return your Gift Aid form if you are eligible. It would also be very helpful for our records if you let us know if you do not qualify, to save us pestering you.

Judi Collis Membership Secretary

25 HERITAGE AJAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WORKPLAN 2010 - 2014

# TYPE PROJECT TASKS RESOURCES START END STATUS

1 Event Pickering Village - Prepare and operate display table Committee / Staff June 2011 June 2014 Annual Jazz Festival - Other activities as identified

2 Event Discover - Prepare and operate display table Committee / Staff April 2011 April 2011 One-time Greenwood Day - Other activities as identified only event

3 Event Canada Day - Prepare and operate display table Committee / Staff June 2011 July 2014 Annual Celebrations - Other activities as identified

4 Event Celebrate Ajax by - Prepare and operate display table Committee / Staff July 2011 August Annual the Lake - Other activities as identified 2014

5 Event Pumpkinville - Prepare and operate display table Committee / Staff September October Annual - Other activities as identified 2011 2014

6 Education Brochure on - Create map identifying sites / plan, design Committee / Staff April 2008 TBA Draft historical points of printing and promotion of brochure completed interest in Ajax - Possible plotting of map in Google with link to the Heritage Portal on the Town of Ajax website

7 Designation Heritage - Selection of sites for heritage designation Committee / Staff 2011 2014 Designations (goal of two per year)

- Review and approval of Heritage

Designation Reports - Recommendation to Council for

designation - Organize plaque unveiling and reception

Last Revision: 6/11/2012

26 # TYPE PROJECT TASKS RESOURCES START END STATUS

8 Development Review of - As presented by Planning Staff - Committee / Staff Monthly, as Ongoing Application Development Committee will review applications needed Applications regarding designated properties, properties abutting designated properties and properties on the Wish List

9 Heritage Heritage Property - Review Heritage Property Inventory and Committee / Staff Fall 2008 2012 In Inventory / Inventory / Register Wish List; update where necessary progress Register - Prioritize properties for designation as per Wish List - Update Heritage Inventory Maps - Work towards updating Heritage Inventory to a Heritage Register

10 Education Ajax Town Hall - Assist with the selection of themes for the Committee / Staff Spring 2011 July 2014 Annual Display display case in the Ajax Town Hall which is changed annually

11 Education New Edition of - Organize a sub-committee review of Committee Spring 2011 Target - Fall Town Called Ajax current publication, including where 2013 Book / possible, authors involved with previous publication or - Sub-committee to make suggestions for additional sections / amendments to existing ones New book - Pictorial - Draft and prepare new layout History of Ajax - Review and organize photos and captions to put together a new pictorial history of Ajax book / current publication was done in 1972 and has not been in print for some time.

12 Education Revision of - Include recent designations Committee / Staff Pickering Village plan for printing / promotion in 2010 Walking tour booklet

13 Event / Develop Spirit Walk - Work with Stone Circle Theatre to Committee / Staff Education of Pickering Village develop a ghost walk in Pickering Village / Ajax - Meet with Seniors to collect ghost stories

Last Revision: 6/11/2012

27 # TYPE PROJECT TASKS RESOURCES START END STATUS 14 Event Doors Open - Assist staff with the planning and Committee / Staff Fall 2011 Fall 2014 Annual development of the Doors Open event - Committee will be actively involved with the event 15 Education / Heritage - Assist staff with developing a Heritage Committee / Staff Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Designation Designation Designation Information Package for Information Package property owners 16 Tax Rebate Heritage Property - Assist staff as required with property Committee / Staff 2011 2014 Annual Program / Tax Rebate inspections, education, updates as Education Program required 17 Legislation Heritage Legislation - Examine and provide comment on any Committee / Staff 2011 2014 Annual relevant cultural heritage legislation 18 Studies Pickering Village - Provide staff with support and comments Committee / Staff 2011 HCD on establishment of Pickering Village Heritage Conservation District (HCD) 19 Studies Pickering Village - Provide staff with comments on Committee / Staff 2011 CIP development of Pickering Village Community Improvement Plan (CIP) 20 Education Patrick Sheehan - Attend high school graduation Committee / Staff 2011 2014 Annual Awards ceremonies to present student with Patrick Sheehan Award 21 Education History Resource - Review manual as established in 2005 Committee / Staff 2012 2014 Ongoing Book Grades 1 – 8 and update where necessary - Send reminder letter to all Public & Catholic schools in Ajax every September

Last Revision: 6/11/2012

28

Ontario Heritage Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 9/06 CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST Consolidation Period: From January 25, 2006 to the e-Laws currency date. No amendments. This is the English version of a bilingual regulation. Criteria 1. (1) The criteria set out in subsection (2) are prescribed for the purposes of clause 29 (1) (a) of the Act. O. Reg. 9/06, s. 1 (1). (2) A property may be designated under section 29 of the Act if it meets one or more of the following criteria for determining whether it is of cultural heritage value or interest: 1. The property has design value or physical value because it, i. is a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method, ii. displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit, or iii. demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific achievement. 2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i. has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, ii. yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture, or iii. demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community. 3. The property has contextual value because it, i. is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii. is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, or iii. is a landmark. O. Reg. 9/06, s. 1 (2). Transition 2. This Regulation does not apply in respect of a property if notice of intention to designate it was given under subsection 29 (1.1) of the Act on or before January 24, 2006. O. Reg. 9/06, s. 2.

29

1887 2 3 C h u r c h S t r e e t S.

The original house has been converted into a commercial use with an addition to the south of the building added in the early 1980s. The original dwelling maintains the same form, character and setbacks to other buildings along Church Street South. However, the large trees in the front yard shown in this 2005 image have been removed to accommodate the Montessori School.

Page 40

1898 4 0 7 K i n g s t o n R d. W

This red brick dwelling is in fairly good condition maintaining the character along Kingston Road West. The front porch has been remodeled and a rear addition was added in 2010. The original bargeboard remains and it appears that some windows may be original.

Page 52

1830’s 4 5 6 K i n g s t o n Rd. W

First title to this property was listed in 1795 to Major John Smith, father of the Surveyor-General and Commandant at Fort Niagara, who held 6,400 acres of land in Pickering Township. The property was owned by the Leavens Family from 1863 – 1900 and then purchased by Frederick Housser 1915 – 1922. This house is believed to have been built in the 1830’s and may well be the oldest building in Pickering Village. It appears that an addition to the home was made sometime after 1919 as an older photo in the archives only shows the stone dwelling.

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