Ajax New Past up For

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2020

CONTENTS

Committee Details Chairman's Report Secretary's Report Membership Secretary's Update Bob Batt HMS Achilles Wreath Laying Ceremony Standard Bearer Report New Association Website Battle of the River Plate Commemorative Shield Update Don Birrell Ajax 1946-47 Gifts for Concepción SMS Scharnhorst Wreck Found Faversham Roll of Honour Daily Mirror Pays Tribute Geoffrey Haylett Follow Up Ajax Bell in Council Chambers 2019 Trip Report Publications Thank You Halifax South Shetland Islands Antarctica Archivist Update HMS Exeter Port Engine Telegraph Wheel

1935 - 48 1963 - 85 Nec Quisquam Nisi Ajax www.hmsajax.org 2. 3.

I would like to thank the Committee who have contacted Association members to assure them that CHAIRMAN Nigel Masters we are here to help if they require assistance during this uncertain time. The Lookout Golden Cross Terrace This year sees the 65th Anniversary of the Town of Ajax Ontario and we were invited by the Station Road, Swineshead Town's Mayor, Shaun Collier, to attend the Gala celebration in June and incorporate street Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3LP dedication ceremonies. Unfortunately, like thousands of other events, this has been cancelled – Tel: 01205 820127 Mobile: 07743 381153 nevertheless, thank you Shaun for the invitation. [email protected] It has been mooted that perhaps we will do something in 2021 as this will be the 45th anniversary SECRETARY of the Frigate visit and the 66th Town anniversary! My Wife Janet and I, along with Mike Fox, Peter Danks intend to make the trip to celebrate this. Still very early days but if you were interested let us 104 Kelsey Avenue Southbourne, Emsworth www.hmsajax.org know. If you have been before you will know how welcome you are made and if it is your first Hampshire PO10 8NQ [email protected] visit, I can assure you, you will experience a fantastic time. Tel: 01243 371947 [email protected] The Association tie which has our new crest on it, is now available from “Award Products” details can be found on our Website. Malcolm Collis is in the process of redeveloping our website. Many MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN'S REPORT JUNE 2020 SECRETARY Hello to you All thanks Malcolm. Paul Parker I sincerely hope you are all well and getting through this 8 Templecombe Road incredible time safely. A Booklet has been produced which records our trip to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Eastleigh, Hampshire I personally have been working in my role as a Prison Officer; Battle of the River Plate and I am sure even if you did not attend you will find it a most SO50 8QL interesting account. It can be purchased via the Website at the cost of £6.00. Can l thank Peter Tel: 02380 693709 12 hours on 12 hours off, for a few weeks, rather like Mobile: 07962 080240 “Defence Watches”! Thankfully that has now changed to a less Danks, Alan Phillips and Malcolm Collis for their hard work in producing this. [email protected] demanding “Watch” system. Well everyone l would like to take this opportunity to send you my best wishes in these uncertain TREASURER As you are all probably aware by now, that this year's reunion times and please Stay Safe. Ian Darbyshire has been cancelled; we did have distinguished guests 28 Antony Road, Torpoint, Nigel Masters - Chairman Cornwall PL11 2JR attending: Inge, daughter of Hans Langsdorff the Captain of Tel: 01752 815789 the Graf Spee and her Husband Rüdiger, Enrique Dick the [email protected] President of Graf Spee Association in Argentina and his family and also Mayor of Ajax Shaun Collier and Rose. Hopefully we SECRETARY'S REPORT JUNE 2020 ARCHIVIST/WEBMASTER/ NEWSLETTER EDITOR will be able to rearrange all this for next year, it really did Malcolm Collis promise to be an exceptional event. After the memorable events of last December, we were, and are, faced with the Covid-19 The Bewicks, Station Road problems. On behalf of the Committee may I wish all the members all the best and are keeping Ten Mile Bank, Norfolk PE38 0EY Sadly we have had two River Plate Veterans “Crossing the well and safe, especially those who are continuing to work through this period. Tel: 01366 377945 Bar” recently. Albert Edwin Smith who served in HMS Ajax. [email protected] He was 17 years old and was in A Turret during the Battle and So pleased we had the trip last year, as it is very uncertain when we will be able to leave these MERCHANDISE OFFICER served in Ajax from 1939 to 1941 and was 97 years old. Rest shores for a while. My thanks to Malcolm for producing the Trip Booklet as a souvenir of the Michael Fox in Peace Albert. tremendous experience of the 80th anniversary. I hope it was enjoyed by those who were on the 6 Bown Hill Also sadly Robert “Bob” Batt who was a Boy Bugler in HMS trip but it would also be of interest of those unable to attend. [Copies still available – contact Southwell, Portland Achilles at the Battle. His son Doug and wife Julie joined us Malcolm] Dorset DT5 2ED Tel: 01305 823436 from New Zealand in Uruguay and Argentina for the [email protected] Association's trip in December. Doug brought with him Bob's As I write this, it is the 75th anniversary of VE day - I personally do not recollect it but I am sure Bugle and it was played at ceremonies on the trip. Bob was there are many of you who do and I expect it brought back mixed emotions. COMMITTEE MEMBER also 97 and lived in New Zealand. Rest in Peace Bob. It was with regret that this year's reunion was postponed - I hope you will agree that in the Alan (George/Phil) Phillips We also lost 3 other veterans: Richard Green who was Ajax at circumstances it was the correct decision. The committee plan to meet [maybe even virtually!] 8 Orchard Way when we are allowed and the new details will be promulgated. It is usual that at this time we call Send Hill, Send, Surrey GU23 7HS the end of the War at the age of 97; Alec Townsin 92 who did Tel: 01483 223299 his National Service in Ajax after the War; we also received for agenda items for the AGM so may I please ask that if you have any items you would like the [email protected] notification that Raymond “Jerry” Kirk passed away at the end Committee to discuss, to submit them to me and I will arrange for discussion when the of 2019 aged 97. Fuller obituaries will appear in the committee next meet. Please take this opportunity to let us know your views. The existing STANDARD BEARER Membership Secretaries report. members are prepared to continue in office and if no other nominations are received it is Alf Larkin proposed that those in office at 1st October 2020 continue until we meet at next reunion when Stonecleave 26 Wakeham Portland I would like to again thank everyone who made the trip to opportunity will arise for confirmation of committee and/or election of new members. Please Dorset DT5 1HN South America such a fantastic event and on reflection we remember that if you wish to nominate a member, a seconder is required. Tel: 01305 457259 were so lucky to make the trip, considering what has occurred [email protected] since. I do hope the exercise we carried out in late March of keeping in touch with our more senior members was welcomed. It certainly was well appreciated by all those I spoke to and we sadly 4. 5. learnt of the passing of one member – just to reinforce, please make sure your next of kin have NEW MEMBERS contacting us on the list of things to do. The following Associate members joined us during the past quarter, they are: Mr David Danks Please feel free to contact any of the committee members should the need arise. I would like to Mr Mark Danks see the Association as one which keeps all members in touch. Nicky Danks David and Mark are sons of our Secretary Peter Danks. I hope that by the time we produce the September newsletter, life will be restored to pre-Covid- 19 days. In the meantime, keep safe and well. Nigel Jones Deborah Jones Peter Danks - Secretary Nigel is the son of Raymond John Jellicoe Jones who served in Ajax from Feb 38 to April 40. Raymond was himself an Association member until crossing the bar in 1995. BIRTHDAYS MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S REPORT JUNE 2020 Happy Birthday to the following crew members who had birthdays in this Newsletter period (March to May inc.) CROSSED THE BAR Regretfully I have to report on the following members who have recently crossed the bar. CRUISER Dennis Talbot 89 Raymond (Jerry) Kirk crossed the bar on 30th FRIGATE December 2019. (We have only just been advised) Michael Barclay 62 Jerry passed away just one day before his 96th birthday. George Barlow 73 He served in Ajax 1942-1943 in the Mediterranean and Graham Brayshaw 71 was involved in Operation Torch. On leaving the Navy Hugh Crosby 81 in 1948 he went into the medical profession. He was a Ian Cunliffe 65 Professor of Surgery at University College London and Ian Darbyshire 64 an Honorary Consulting Surgeon at the Royal Free Mike Fox 67 Hospital Hampstead. Terry Herbert 76 David Humpage 60 Jerry Kirk at the 2015 Reunion Nigel Masters 64 Alec James Townsin crossed the bar 5th April 2020. Terry Pearce 62 Alec served in Ajax 1946-1948 during his national service. While officially a radar rating he Nick Ransley 67 spent most of his time as crew on the 2nd motorboat. He was on the Ajax in the Mediterranean Gyn Seagrave 62 and was involved in the blockade of Palestine. I have not included the years served on the ships as there are several members who have not submitted their details. If I have missed your birthday please let me know. Albert Edwin Smith crossed the bar 18th April 2020 SUBSCRIPTIONS Albert celebrated his 98th birthday on 27th Annual subscriptions remain the same, £12 for individuals and £18 for families. February. He served on Ajax 1938-41 and at the Battle of the River Plate aged 17 in A Subscriptions can be paid using the Subscribe button on the joining page on our website, you can Turret. Smith Lane in Ajax is named in his do it when you join or as an existing member. Future payments are taken out on that anniversary honour. The family plan to hold a memorial and we are notified by PayPal that the payment has been made. service when possible. Bank Transfers or Standing Orders can be set up using the details below: BANK DETAILS: HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association (RPVA) ACCOUNT NUMBER: 24865868 SORT CODE 30-99-56 CHEQUES payable to HMS Ajax & RPVA and sent to: Richard Green crossed the bar 18th April 2020 PAUL PARKER (MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY) Richard was 97 and served in Ajax at the end of the war. His Son Lawrence only joined him in the Association last year. 8 Templecombe Road, Eastleigh, Hants, SO50 8QL Tel 02380 693709 [email protected] A reminder of the change to the Association's Constitution passed at last year's AGM: Robert “Bob” Batt crossed the bar 2nd May 2020 If any member fails to pay their subscription following a reminder after one year Bob was an Honorary Member who served on the Achilles at the Battle of the River Plate. He membership may be closed at the end of the second year if there has been no response was a Boy Bugler, and his son Doug and wife Julie joined us from NZ in Uruguay & Argentina. They borrowed dad's very bugle and this was played at the ceremonies in Montevideo on the 13th I am pleased to say that memberships are generally being kept up to date. Please do check that December 2019. [see also item on the wreath laying ceremony] yours has been paid for the current year. Paul Parker Membership Secretary 4. 5. learnt of the passing of one member – just to reinforce, please make sure your next of kin have NEW MEMBERS contacting us on the list of things to do. The following Associate members joined us during the past quarter, they are: Mr David Danks Please feel free to contact any of the committee members should the need arise. I would like to Mr Mark Danks see the Association as one which keeps all members in touch. Nicky Danks David and Mark are sons of our Secretary Peter Danks. I hope that by the time we produce the September newsletter, life will be restored to pre-Covid- 19 days. In the meantime, keep safe and well. Nigel Jones Deborah Jones Peter Danks - Secretary Nigel is the son of Raymond John Jellicoe Jones who served in Ajax from Feb 38 to April 40. Raymond was himself an Association member until crossing the bar in 1995. BIRTHDAYS MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S REPORT JUNE 2020 Happy Birthday to the following crew members who had birthdays in this Newsletter period (March to May inc.) CROSSED THE BAR Regretfully I have to report on the following members who have recently crossed the bar. CRUISER Dennis Talbot 89 Raymond (Jerry) Kirk crossed the bar on 30th FRIGATE December 2019. (We have only just been advised) Michael Barclay 62 Jerry passed away just one day before his 96th birthday. George Barlow 73 He served in Ajax 1942-1943 in the Mediterranean and Graham Brayshaw 71 was involved in Operation Torch. On leaving the Navy Hugh Crosby 81 in 1948 he went into the medical profession. He was a Ian Cunliffe 65 Professor of Surgery at University College London and Ian Darbyshire 64 an Honorary Consulting Surgeon at the Royal Free Mike Fox 67 Hospital Hampstead. Terry Herbert 76 David Humpage 60 Jerry Kirk at the 2015 Reunion Nigel Masters 64 Alec James Townsin crossed the bar 5th April 2020. Terry Pearce 62 Alec served in Ajax 1946-1948 during his national service. While officially a radar rating he Nick Ransley 67 spent most of his time as crew on the 2nd motorboat. He was on the Ajax in the Mediterranean Gyn Seagrave 62 and was involved in the blockade of Palestine. I have not included the years served on the ships as there are several members who have not submitted their details. If I have missed your birthday please let me know. Albert Edwin Smith crossed the bar 18th April 2020 SUBSCRIPTIONS Albert celebrated his 98th birthday on 27th Annual subscriptions remain the same, £12 for individuals and £18 for families. February. He served on Ajax 1938-41 and at the Battle of the River Plate aged 17 in A Subscriptions can be paid using the Subscribe button on the joining page on our website, you can Turret. Smith Lane in Ajax is named in his do it when you join or as an existing member. Future payments are taken out on that anniversary honour. The family plan to hold a memorial and we are notified by PayPal that the payment has been made. service when possible. Bank Transfers or Standing Orders can be set up using the details below: BANK DETAILS: HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association (RPVA) ACCOUNT NUMBER: 24865868 SORT CODE 30-99-56 CHEQUES payable to HMS Ajax & RPVA and sent to: Richard Green crossed the bar 18th April 2020 PAUL PARKER (MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY) Richard was 97 and served in Ajax at the end of the war. His Son Lawrence only joined him in the Association last year. 8 Templecombe Road, Eastleigh, Hants, SO50 8QL Tel 02380 693709 [email protected] A reminder of the change to the Association's Constitution passed at last year's AGM: Robert “Bob” Batt crossed the bar 2nd May 2020 If any member fails to pay their subscription following a reminder after one year Bob was an Honorary Member who served on the Achilles at the Battle of the River Plate. He membership may be closed at the end of the second year if there has been no response was a Boy Bugler, and his son Doug and wife Julie joined us from NZ in Uruguay & Argentina. They borrowed dad's very bugle and this was played at the ceremonies in Montevideo on the 13th I am pleased to say that memberships are generally being kept up to date. Please do check that December 2019. [see also item on the wreath laying ceremony] yours has been paid for the current year. Paul Parker Membership Secretary 6. 7.

BOB BATT – HMS ACHILLES RIVER PLATE VETERAN We told them about the forming of the Town around the ammunition factory and that the Town of Wreath Laying ceremony Ajax was the only place in the world named after a Ship. We then played the video of the Ship's visit, receiving the Freedom of the Town, the crew marching with fixed bayonets, etc. You will see from our Membership Secretary's report that our honorary member Bob Batt nd The Frigate Captain, “Tubby” Squires, featured in the video quite a lot and at the end of the show crossed the bar on the 2 May 2020 at the age of 97. Bob was the Bugle Boy in Achilles at the one of the ladies excitingly raised her hand and explained that she had bought the apartment River Plate. Tubby lived in before he passed away. She had known that he was a Naval Officer, but knew nothing else about him. His son Doug brought the very bugle to Uruguay and the Last Post was played at the th commemorative service in the Holy Trinity Cathedral Montevideo on 13 December 2019. Another lady came up to me afterwards and said “every time I look through my Larkin Windows I will now think of HMS Ajax” [Alf use to own a double glazing company] Whilst in South America we were joined by a number of personnel over from Germany from the 'Centre of Military History & Social Studies of the German Armed Forces' headed by the The talk went down very well and one of the ladies was from the Yeovil WRNS Association and Commandant, Captain Dr Jörg Hillmann. she asked if we would do the same for them.

This German contingent recently visited New Zealand Mike Fox presented all 27 ex-Wrens present with an HMS Ajax pen. In return their president gave for a WW11 historical conference and wanted to meet us a cheque for our chosen charity, Weldmar Hospice. Bob. They managed to invite Bob along to a wreath laying ceremony at the Achilles Memorial at HMNZS Alf Larkin Standard Bearer Phillomel in Auckland.

Apparently it was a very moving occasion and Bob managed two hours at the memorial before drinks and food afterwards at the Naval Museum where Bob had hoped that his bugle would be presented. NEW ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

www.hmsajax.org will be getting a radical overhaul very soon. The lead up to this was the fact that I experienced a very strange period in which I received no website enquiries. I knew what the problem was but our Website host, Webeden, has been unable to sort it for me. I started getting loads, and I mean loads, of spam emails through the contact forms on the website from strange people all over the word with strange messages and even stranger ladies wanting to do strange things to me! As my inbox was blocking up with up to 20 emails a day I had to mark them as spam so at least I wouldn't see them. Unfortunately this also meant genuine enquiries were ending up in my spam. In the end I had to put a warning message I had hoped for some photographs of the occasion. on the website advising enquirers to email the Association rather than use the contact forms. The Malcolm Collis joining forms were unaffected.

Our current website was constructed in 2013 and has received nearly 400,000 visitors and apart from having to restructure it to work on mobile phones it has stood us in good stead. However, I have been aware for some time that our current website was to become obsolete at the end of the year when “flash player” would no longer be supported by Google. So when Webeden either STANDARD BEARER REPORT 2020 couldn't or wouldn't fix the messaging issue, it was time to bite the bullet and upgrade.

With the current Covid-19 restrictions on funerals the Standard has not had an outing in the Lockdown days, especially if it rained, were perfect for reconstructing and re-importing the many Newsletter period – indeed we had to seriously consider furloughing Alf! hundreds of photos, images, files, links and more. I have spent many many hours on it so far. The new software is a lot smarter and has a host of new features which has meant I've had to learn However, prior to lockdown, there was some activity and Alf sent in this report: a lot more skills to get things up and running and even then some of the available features are way over my head. “Alf Larkin and Mike Fox were contacted by the lady who runs the South Dorset WRNS Association with a view to giving a talk at their February meeting to explain about the Town of Once I have finished constructing it and it goes live I would really appreciate it if members could Ajax and the Ship. have an in-depth trawl through it checking all the links work, all the image sliders work with the right captions, spelling mistakes (although this version now has spell cheque!), factual errors, etc. On Wednesday 19th February 2020 we attended the Hotel Rembrandt in Weymouth with the etc. together with any feedback. Standard, our Street signs and a few other mementoes, linked to the Ship's visit to the Town in 1976. Malcolm Collis 6. 7.

BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE COMMEMORATIVE SHIELD DON BIRRELL HMS AJAX 1946-47

In the March Newsletter there was an article about a Commemorative Shield owned by 3 Many members will know Don Birrell as until recently he was a stalwart supporter of Association Falkland Islanders. events attending all the Reunions and NMA services together with son Stuart. However, health and advancing years, he is 92, has meant he has had to curtail his jaunts and now resides in a care Brenda Kriz from the Town of Ajax responded: home. With current restrictions this has meant Stuart has been unable to visit him. Stuart did, “Hi Malcolm. I was just reading the March 2020 newsletter and the article on the Battle of River however, send in some photographs of Don in his younger days. He hopes dad will be able to add Plate Commemorative Shield caught my attention. some names when he can get to see him – can any other member add to it? Don was a Stoker Mechanic in Ajax 1946 to '47. It just so happens that we have one of the shields here in Ajax. I have attached a photo, which is in a shadow box currently on display in one of our meeting rooms.

This item was donated to us by Samuel Shale [many will remember Sammy] in 2005. The story he provided is as follows: A sailor decided to make 5 plaques to commemorate the Battle. He used wood off one ship, the metal off another and found the flag inserts from aboard one of the ships. He gave one to the grandfather of Patricia Underling (who in turn gave it to her Don second left mother), one to each of the captains of the ships that participated in the battle, and kept one for himself.

On the beach in Malta, Don second right

In following the conversations in the newsletter, I wonder if David Jones or Patricia Emily are somehow related to Patricia Underling? One of them may be related to the sailor who made them. Ajax Crew in bar, Canea, Crete. Don on right Samuel did not explain how he came to be in possession of one of the shields, and he did not have the name of the sailor who made them. I would love to find out the name of the sailor. Hope this provides some context to the items.”

George Stewart has followed-up on the Facebook posters but he still awaits a response – it seems even the Falklands is in lockdown! I'm intrigued to know how 3 remained in the Falklands if only 5 were made of which 3 were presented to the captains? Malcolm Collis

Cyprus 24th May 1947 Don in middle 8. 9.

BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE COMMEMORATIVE SHIELD DON BIRRELL HMS AJAX 1946-47

On the beach in Malta, Don second right

Cyprus 24th May 1947 Don in middle 10. 11.

GIFTS FOR CONCEPCIÓN SCHARNHORST WRECK FOUND

You no doubt are aware that the Chile leg of our 2019 South America trip didn't quite go according to plan. Civil unrest meant we were prevented from flying down to Concepción to Those who attended Jonathan Harwood's excellent talk on the Battle of Coronel & Falklands in commemorate the 80th anniversary of aid given at the terrible earthquake in January 1939. Santiago on our visit, or have an interest in naval history, will have heard of the SMS Scharnhorst, the flagship of Admiral Maximilian Graf von Spee's East Asia Squadron of the Imperial German One of my most helpful contacts in South America was Armando Navy. Cartes [Professor of the Department of History Concepción and [Hence the name of the WW11 Panzerschiff Admiral Graf Spee] Director of the Chilean Association of Historians], who worked with Following a crushing defeat at Coronel at the hands of Graf von Spee the Royal Navy exacted me during the 3 year build up and very much became my friend and I their revenge at the Falklands on 8th December 1914 when virtually the whole German fleet was was very sorry not to meet him. In the end the many gifts we had sunk or scuttled; only the Dresden escaped but met her fate in Chilean waters at the Juan commissioned and taken with us for presentation to Armando and the Fernández Islands (Robinson Crusoe Island). Mayor ended being presented to the Defence Attaché, Chris Saunders, in Santiago for onward transmission.

Travel restrictions brought about by the continuing civil unrest were later exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions – but at least it put paid to the large scale demonstrations!

Armando emailed me the other day as follows: “Dear Malcolm. I am writing you to let you know that I was finally able to stop by the British Embassy and pick up the important presents that you left for the City of Concepción and for me. I was delighted to learn of all the research and effort of your association to keep the memory alive of the Ships and their crew. Thank you for the beautiful gifts, I shared some with the people Scharnhorst on the sea bed that helped me.

I met with Major Alvaro Ortiz, and put in his SMS Scharnhorst hands the elegant plate and the tray that you prepared for our City. He was delighted, very The wreck of the armoured Battle Cruiser Scharnhorst had lain undetected on the seabed off the grateful and again sorry for not meeting you all Falklands for 105 years. face to face. Attached is a picture of the occasion. I do not Following a five year search by the know yet the final destination of the plate, in the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust City Council building or in the City Archives on 5th December 2019 the site was that I run. I'll let you know when it is decided. eventually found. [The day after Jonathan gave his With the team of the City Archives we are trying talk!] to find more information about the events of 1939. In a few days I'll send you a few requirements of information. The idea is to publish something in our web page*, and I'll give a lecture in the Academy of Naval History, in Valparaíso, sometime ahead this year.

Things are still rough around here, but we manage to fulfil our duties and accomplish our goals, too. I expect to have the chance to meet The leader of the search, Mensun Bound, said, “The moment of discovery was extraordinary, We you sometime in the future, who knows, life, like are often chasing shadows on the seabed, but when the Scharnhorst first appeared in the data flow, earthquakes around here, just happen and we there was no doubt that this was one of the German fleet. Suddenly she just came out of the gloom have to make the best of them. with great guns poking in every direction. As a Falkland Islander and a marine archaeologist, a Regards discovery of this significance is an unforgettable, poignant moment in my life.” Armando Cartes *see links on Association website - Economia y Sociedad Admiral Maximilian Graf von Spee perished on the Scharnhorst and his two sons also lost their http://www.archivohistoricoconcepcion.cl/minisitios/economia-y-sociedad/ lives in the Battle: Heinrich aboard Gneisenau and Otto aboard Nürnberg, along with 2200 other Link Directo sailors. http://www.archivohistoricoconcepcion.cl/minisitios/economia-y-sociedad/exeter/ Malcolm Collis 10. 11.

GIFTS FOR CONCEPCIÓN SCHARNHORST WRECK FOUND

Travel restrictions brought about by the continuing civil unrest were later exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions – but at least it put paid to the large scale demonstrations!

FAVERSHAM ROLL OF HONOUR DAILY MIRROR PAYS TRIBUTE

Member David Harris' wife Jean, who lives in Australia, being a Faversham girl, is a member of Thanks to Mike Fox for spotting this 'Daily Mirror Monday December 18 1939' article in 4th May a Facebook group “Faversham 1939-45” and spotted this reference to three local Ajax crew from 2020 Mirror publication as part of the VE Day build up. Faversham, Kent. Also of interest is that pensioners may be getting an extra 3 to 5 bob although it doesn't say if a week, a month or a year! The three Faversham men, Seaman-Gunner Herbert Kemp, Petty Officer (Supply) Bert Beach, Stoker William James Epps, who were aboard the Ajax in the Battle of the River Plate were given a civic reception at the Town Hall and signed the Borough's Distinguished Visitors' Book, which was inaugurated on this occasion. Addressing the men, the Mayor, in the course of his speech, said: “The task which the crew of your ship, together with those of the Exeter and Achilles, performed in the face of tremendous odds, thrills us and assures us that the fighting spirit of the Royal Navy, which saw birth in the Port of Faversham and her sister towns of the Cinque Ports Confederation is still unimpaired and ready for anything which may come.”

No doubt many other UK towns and cities have similar Rolls of Honour that could be a useful source of information – if you are a Facebook member of such a group might be worth asking the question?

Malcolm Collis 12. 13.

FAVERSHAM ROLL OF HONOUR DAILY MIRROR PAYS TRIBUTE

No doubt many other UK towns and cities have similar Rolls of Honour that could be a useful source of information – if you are a Facebook member of such a group might be worth asking the question?

Malcolm Collis 14. 15.

GEOFFREY HAYLETT – FOLLOW UP Following this he served in HMS Philante and then HMS Victorious when she was attached to the Pacific and East Indies fleets. He was onboard HMS Victorious when the vessel suffered two direct In the December 2019 Newsletter a piece from Member Mike Cranswick featured one of his old hits by Japanese suicide bombers. school teachers, Geoffrey Haylett. Mike was after more information about him as he served in Exeter at the River Plate. With dogged detective determination Mike eventually managed to Following the war Jack then enjoyed a second career in the MN, joining as an AB and eventually make contact with the individual who set the most recent chain of events in motion and this is gaining his Master's ticket. During his time with the MN he served with the United Baltic Corporation Mike's reply to me: and Strick Line. In the early 50's he joined Hull Trinity House Navigation School as it was then, where “After some perseverance, I eventually got a short and sweet email from David Cornforth he taught seamanship and physical education which included swimming and lifesaving instruction. supplying me with an email address for 'John' and the watch. Once I emailed John, he responded He also ran both the football and cricket teams. immediately, it was clear that he had been trying to find out about Haylett for a few years without success and reached out to the Exeter Association last year whereupon his hopes were dashed Well done Mike – watch this space! further. Malcolm Collis

John bought the watch in 2013 from a private dealer in Yorkshire. John is a collector of military timepieces, a professional guy working in Cambridge for Sepura, the old Pye Telecom supplying Tetra Radios to Police Forces! [Mike & I both ex-police] AJAX BELL IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Anyway, between us, we are hopeful that we can trace a living relative, probably a niece or Those of you who have visited Ajax will have no doubt seen the Frigate Bell hanging in the nephew. Town Hall in Ajax and rung at the beginning of each Council sitting. What you may not know is I've attached a photo of the watch, It's a Rolex Oyster that inside the bell is a list of many who were christened on board Ajax. Peter Danks sent in the dated around the mid 1930's though clearly Haylett list of names. would have received it sometime onwards from the 40's. It is inscribed from friends and residents of Whitwood. Haylett was born in Normanton, a stone's throw from Whitwood in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

He died in hospital in Hull on the 29th August 2012 aged 95 and was cremated in Hull on the 14th September. He is listed on the family grave/memorial at All Saints Church in Normanton alongside his mother and sister.

I've got a few enquiries ongoing in Hull and John is working backwards with the watch history. The dates of the purchase of the watch and location match with his death and family geography, so fingers crossed, I'll keep you posted. It would be nice to find that family member and get hold of his service records. Regards Mike”

Mike's very latest update showed little progress with his Hull enquires but he has been busy, in amongst all the lockdown jobs he's been finding, on 'Ancestry' and has some possibles for relatives, all associated with the West Riding of Yorkshire from where he hailed.

Mike did manage to get a bit more background information on Haylett with regards his RN and MN days from Trinity House. Jack, a nickname as his first name was Geoffrey joined the Royal Navy at 17 years of age as an ordinary seaman. He served in HMS Rodney, before joining HMS Exeter. It was during this time he saw action at the Battle of the River Plate. 14. 15.

2019 TRIP REPORT PUBLICATIONS Alan sent in his report to the Royal Naval Association and manged to get the lot, nearly 3 pages into print with a good selection of photos The Royal Navy Association link to the below article, With some degree of perseverance our Secretary Peter Danks and Committee member Alan No 14 is http://royal-naval-association.co.uk/uploads/feb-final-pdf.pdf?dl=1 Phillips managed to get a couple of publications interested in our 2019 South America Trip; The There the full article with all the photographs can be viewed, part of which is reproduced Pennant [Journal of the Forces Pension Society] and the Royal Navy Association [The (screenshot) below. Semaphore Circular].

The link to the Pennant is http://2b2b74a4468e3db0f15e- c0e9c32d133a55db3e340f9097100382.r34.cf3.rackcdn.com/Pennant_May_2020.pdf and after quite a bit of correcting by Peter & me the finished article is below. At Page 75 16. 17.

THANK YOU HALIFAX SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS ANTARCTICA

On Tuesday 10th March, a rather wet and windy day, myself, Carol, my brother Stuart and his When my father, Joseph H. B. Collis Ajax 1st Commission, died in 2012 I arranged for the Royal wife Sandra, attended Halifax* Town Hall to carry out a presentation to Calderdale Council, Navy to repatriate a small piece of green granite to the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton on South which now takes in Halifax, as a token of thanks for the generous donation made towards our Georgia that he had removed as an 18 year old back in 1937. He rued that day thereafter and I South American 80th Anniversary trip. vowed to get it back for him.

I had arranged to meet Sue Whilst reconstructing the new Association website I included his Ajax memoirs and re-read his Hanson, the Civic Support Officer, account of his visit to South Georgia leaving the Falklands on 8th January 1937 with the who is the link between the Governor of the Falklands on board for his periodical visit, anchoring at Grytviken on 11th council and the Association, at January 1937. On one of his runs ashore he visited Shackleton's grave. They left South Georgia around midday. We arrived early on 16th January 1937 to return to Port Stanley with the Governor. As he was preparing to go so had the opportunity to view the down on the middle watch that first night they had the news that a party of men who had been Town Hall which was designed by landed from the Discovery 11 were missing on King George Island. They immediately altered Sir Charles Barry (architect of the course and at first light, speed was increased to 27 knots as they headed south; when darkness Houses of Parliament) and built came they had to slow down because of the icebergs. They arrived at King George Island on 18th between 1861 - 63 in a nascent and went in to the ice as close as was safe. At 19.00 hours the lost men were sighted. The Ajax high Victorian style. cutter went into rescue them and they were taken back to the 'Discovery 11' little the worse for their adventure. Sue collected us and we made our way into a beautiful decorated I thought no more of this until by chance whilst looking at website material I came across a room full of regalia, originally designed as the main reception room but after major alterations in reference to “Ajax Icefall”, a glacier on King George Island and did a bit of digging. 1901, it became the Mayor's Parlour. Here we were introduced to Ian Hughes, Head of Democratic Services and Legal Office for the Council too whom the presentation was to be It was then then I appreciated the vast distances involved and the remoteness of the places – made. The main presentation was a framed photo of the four ships that took part in the River nearly a thousand miles from the Falklands to South Georgia and the same again down to the Plate action together with a Graf Spee Associations “80º Aniversario - Batalla Del Rio De La South Shetlands on the edge of the Antarctic. Plata” handout. A copy of our South America trip report along with a couple of invites to our October reunion, an Ajax Town Ontario lapel badge, an Ajax cruiser lapel badge and lastly, a The Ajax Icefall is at 62° small Clive Sharplin card, showing Ajax under attack in the Mediterranean during WW2. 04'S 58° 23'W between Stenhouse Bluff and Ian Hughes thanked us profoundly for taking time to visit Halifax and for the various gifts. He Ullmann Spur at the head also talked about how important it was to keep in touch with the armed forces and associations of Visca Anchorage, like ours. We then spent 15 minutes talking about the South American trip with Sue who showed King George 1sland, in us the Ajax memorial literature she had the South Shetland in her collection. Sue attended the Islands. “Charted by the NMA Memorial Dedication along with FrAE under Charcot in Councillor Lisa Lambert on 12th April 1908-10. Named by the 2014. UK-APC in 1960 for HMS Ajax which If any member is in the vicinity of assisted in the search for Halifax, I would strongly recommend a a boat crew from the visit to the Town Hall as it is such a Discovery 11 missing on magnificent building and well worth the King George Island in January 1937.” time (For guided tours, contact the Civic Office 01422 393022) also Shibden Hall of Gentleman Jack fame is nearby. Ian Hughes, Sue Hanson & Alan Phillips

Alan Phillips *The link with Halifax is that in the early stages of the war Britain lost a great many ships to enemy action. To replace them the Government devised Warship Weeks where local communities adopted a naval vessel with local people buying national savings certificates or Government war bonds. By February 1942 Halifax's Warship Week to adopt HMS Ajax had raised £2,077,565 or £21.89 per head of population; amazingly, nearly £100 million & over £1000 respectively at today's Ajax & her cutter rates.

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THANK YOU HALIFAX SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS ANTARCTICA

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ARCHIVIST UPDATE JUNE 2020

What started as a very quiet period for enquiries, thanks to website problems reported elsewhere, I did get a little flurry just as I started to get the June Newsletter together.

FREDERICK EASTON A new member to the Ajax Association Facebook Group, Terrance Jones, posted this photograph saying Grandfather Frederick Easton was with HMS Ajax during the Battle of the River Plate. We also have Easton Court in Ajax named after Fred, which my parents attended. Fredrick Easton is Rear Row 4th from Left. I responded that there was an Easton Court and Frederick is on the Town of Ajax Memorial Wall as F A J Easton. I On board Discovery 11 Discovery 11 have daughter Myra Jones visiting Ajax in 2005 to dedicate Easton Court. Frederick was a former HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association member and the Association visited then in 2005 and I was with the Association group. There is plenty of information on www.hmsajax.org. or contact me.

Terrance responded, “amazing record and very much appreciated I will show my mother Myra, my children went to Ajax 2 years ago which was fantastic to see more photos with my Grandfather's name. I plan to visit Ajax in the not too distant future. [I have been searching for a 2005 group Volunteer sea boat crew Russian Orthodox Church photograph but only have half the group!] I did suggest he might like to join the Association!

I'm not going to suggest organising an 85th anniversary trip to the South Shetlands looking at EDWARD JAMES RIDLEY the average temperatures – January & February have the highest averages at 3.3°C and apart Geoff Baxter emailed me with a photograph with some of the Ajax crew receiving some form from a Research Station the Russian Orthodox Church is the only entertainment! certificate or plaque with his wife's uncle, Edward James Ridley, in the photograph. He joined Ajax in 1939 and was at the Battle of the Malcolm Collis River Plate. Geoff said, “We always believed that they were being given the freedom of the city of Portsmouth but a search reveals they did not. It looks too early for Toronto because they would have been in their seventies by that time. If anyone can throw some light on this problem it would be appreciated.”

I responded: E J Ridley is listed on the Town of Ajax list as serving in Ajax 1939 to 1943 so yes would have been at the Battle of the River Plate. Ridley Drive in Ajax is named in his honour and his name appears on their Memorial Wall.

As for the photograph; I am something at a lost to suggest what the occasion was. I am not aware of the Cruiser being given any such freedoms. It certainly is a civic function but had it been a freedom of a city or town I would have expected more Royal Navy Ajax officers to be present. It definitely isn't the Town of Ajax as that was in 1976 to Frigate members and that is well documented. 20. 21.

ARCHIVIST UPDATE JUNE 2020

What started as a very quiet period for enquiries, thanks to website problems reported elsewhere, I did get a little flurry just as I started to get the June Newsletter together.

The two officers to the right of the “mayor” look to be non-RN so I am guessing this was somewhere abroad or it is a presentation to some foreign ship? Once Ajax left South America she spent virtually all the rest of her war in the Mediterranean in the thick of it so I would image she was too busy for such events. She did spend 6 months in New York under repair March to October 1943?

Geoff came back with an additional photograph and I replied “Still can't think what the presentation occasion was about - it is a very impressive Ajax shield so I guess it was a significant exchange; I wonder who has them both now? Don't think it would have been after the Chile earthquake in January 1939 as they steamed away soon after their assistance and although the commodore and Ajax & Exeter captains got awards the promised crew medals never got presented as neither ship ever returned to Chilean waters - the medals were eventually issued in the 1990s following our Association following it up.

Ajax did pay a brief goodwill visit to Montevideo after the Battle of the River Plate on her way HERBERT HENRY FLETCHER home but there is absolutely no mention or photos in the archives as I would have expected and Wayne Caley contacted me with a brief message to say his granddad served on Ajax 1939 and was again I would have expected some top brass there? on the video walking off the ship on return from the River Plate. He knew he served on the There are some later possible occasions but after he would have left Ajax so not likely to be any destroyer but could never get into the archives. of them. I am surprised there is nothing at all as far as I can see in the archives which are quite extensive. It would be nice to solve the mystery I went back to for more details as the only Fletcher I have listed for HMS Ajax at the time of the River Plate in December 1939 By pure chance I was looking through the archive as part of the website reconstruction and is a F. Fletcher. I did point out that the navy were great ones for came across a particular photograph that links very nicely to this enquiry as Shorty Ridley nicknames and using middle names etc. so any more is in it and a Facebook post below. I copied it to Geoff information that would help. There are a total of 6 Fletchers listed on the Town of Ajax Memorial Wall for the other ships FACEBOOK POST FROM 29 DECEMBER 2018 and years but none are H. Fletcher. These Fletchers have Recently someone commented upon this photograph that was originally posted by Chris Fowler Fletcher Avenue in Ajax named in their honour. I also asked for 16 months ago so it popped up again. At the time we surmised it was a reunion on HMS Belfast the link. and we could put names just to Bill He came back with the youtube link - Empson and Doug Hoppé. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cryyzJRdLOA And that was it! He also said he had a photo of him with HMS Ajax on his cap On the recent posts some, incorrect, and his Nan told him about him although he passed away in additional names were suggested. As 1946. He used to live in Greens Lane, Stoke Newington. I said above, by pure chance I came Armed with this information it was on to the Commonwealth across the very photograph in the War Graves Commission site and Bingo – Ordinary Seaman archives and this one had some Fletcher, Herbert Henry. Service No. C/JX657100 - Died 25/03/1946 Aged 36. HMS Ganges names on it, including AB Shorty Royal Navy. Son of Edward and Annie Fletcher; husband of Florence Louise Fletcher of Ridley mentioned in the above item! Tottenham. Buried in Tottenham Cemetery North section Grave 5023 (Screen Wall Panel 1) Wayne confirmed that was him. I responded that this was after the war so whether he died of wartime injuries or peacetime accident/illness I wasn't sure. HMS Ganges was a shore base training establishment and by 1946 was a boy's training establishment so perhaps he was an instructor there at the end? I directed him to the MoD site to get his service record. Wayne further advised that he died of TB and pneumonia and was on a minesweeper at some stage. He is going to get his record so we shall wait and see.

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PETER JOHN MACEY Janet Drake contacted me to enquire if her dad could be someone off my website “Do you Know” list. She said he was a marine in Ajax in 1942 and was also in the Special Boat Services and she has his service record. The web page entry reads; MACEY John. Went from Chatham Barracks straight to the Ajax on 23 OCT 1942 until 13 Oct 1944 as a Marine. Then went to Fabrius as SBS 14 Oct 1944 to July 1945, then HMS Suffolk escorting Australian prisoners of war home.

Checking back, the entry resulted from an enquiry by former Association member Andy Laker way back in April 2016 when he said, “A friend is looking for anyone who knew her dad, Marine John Macey. He went from Chatham barracks straight to the Ajax on 23 OCT 1942 until 13 Oct 1944 he then went to Fabrius as SBS 14 Oct 1944 to July 1945, then he was on HMS Suffolk escorting Australian prisoners of war home”.

I didn't have any reference to John Macey but put his details on the "Do you know" page of the website and I also mention him my archivist report in the June Newsletter 2016. I await a response from Janet.

HMS EXETER PORT ENGINE TELEGRAPH WHEEL

Way back in the June 2017 Newsletter I mentioned the HMS Exeter Port Engine Telegraph Wheel. Fiona and Brian Tilke, members of Exeter's River Plate Veterans and Families Association who some of you would have met at our 2014 events, contacted me. Fiona informed me they both featured that night (7th March 2017) on the More4 programme, 'Building the Dream' where they build their own dream home – with very impressive results. I watched it and part of the interior filming briefly panned across an artefact with HMS Exeter thereon but was gone before it registered with me.

I contacted Fiona who sent photographs and an explanation. Fiona's father was CPO W.E. Greene who received a DSM for the part he played at the Battle of the River Plate aboard HMS Exeter. The artefact, pictured, is Exeter's Port Engine Telegraph Wheel and was presented to Fiona's dad by the Governor of the Falkland Isles, Sir Herbert Henniker Heaton because he was the last one to use it. Fiona also has letters from the Governor to the CinC Plymouth.

Fast forward 3 years and I got another email from Fiona to say the artefact was, hopefully, to feature in an Antiques Roadshow VE Day special programme Memories of the Second World War screening on the Sunday, 10th May, following VE Day.

I must confess I forgot all about it but fortunately son Gavin, who was staying with me for the lockdown period, had the telly on and shouted as soon as it featured so I caught all of it. It was a well-researched piece nearly 6 minutes long and Fiona came across very well.

Jonathan Harwood kindly put the catch up link on the WhatsApp South America group that may still be available by the time you get your Newsletter https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000j4ww/antiques-roadshow-series-42-ve-day-special

Malcolm Collis