Ajax New Past up For

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2020

CONTENTS Committee Details Chairman's Report Secretary's Report Membership Secretary's Update Ajax Motif – Alan Phillips Remembrance Events Falkland Islands Exhibition National Memorial Arboretum 1956 Battle of the River Plate Film 1947 Gun Tournament RNA Article Professor Armando Cartes Update 1946 Ajax Images Images of Wartime Rough Seas What's in a Name …? Silver River Lodge Archivist Update

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

the train to Paddington Station followed by the tube to Liverpool Station where we reported to a CHAIRMAN Nigel Masters Petty Officer on platform 4. Can you imagine 15 year old boys doing this in this day and age?! We The Lookout boarded the train and I met my first “Geordies“; communication was a problem - they could Golden Cross Terrace understand us but we had no chance! Station Road, Swineshead Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3LP Along with hordes of other lads, all looking a bit lost and apprehensive, we arrived at Ipswich Tel: 01205 820127 Mobile: 07743 381153 Station and, with our luggage, climbed into the back of a RN lorry and set off for HMS Ganges. [email protected] We arrived at what was called the 'Annexe', climbed down from the lorry and were met by some very nice gentlemen called PO GI's who seemed to be struggling to be heard above one another! SECRETARY Peter Danks We entered a room, put our luggage down then one by one went in to another room. 104 Kelsey Avenue Southbourne, Emsworth Hampshire PO10 8NQ Sat at a desk was a Lieutenant who invited me to sit down. He explained that I would now be Tel: 01243 371947 signing on for nine years which would begin at the age of seventeen and a half but until then my [email protected] time would not count. They never told us that at the Careers Office! Once I had signed he MEMBERSHIP www.hmsajax.org congratulated me and asked me to step outside - where all Hell broke loose. Those same lovely SECRETARY gentlemen who had greeted us on our arrival seemed to have sorted out their shouting problems Paul Parker [email protected] and were now shouting in unison. “Pick up your bags and get your posteriors over there”! Into a 8 Templecombe Road dormitory, dropped off our bags and then went off for a beautiful 3 course meal - one dollop of Eastleigh, Hampshire powdered mash, a spoonful of tinned mixed veg and a fried egg! SO50 8QL Tel: 02380 693709 Mobile: 07962 080240 Back to the dorm, unpacked my kit, took off my “civvies” and packed them up for sending back [email protected] CHAIRMAN'S REPORT to my parents. We were then told to write a letter to our parents to tell them we had arrived safely but within two minutes the lights were turned off! That was my first day in the Royal Navy! TREASURER Hello and welcome to the December Newsletter. As l write Eleven months later 63 of us left Ganges … our lives had changed forever. Ian Darbyshire this we are in the middle of the second “Lockdown” and sadly 28 Antony Road, Torpoint, it does not seem that is having the effect that was hoped for. I Cornwall PL11 2JR I hope I have not bored you with my memories; it is an experience that will stay with me for the Tel: 01752 815789 sincerely wish that by the time you read this the news will be rest of my days! [email protected] much better. It just remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please stay ARCHIVIST/WEBMASTER/ Our proposed trip to the Town of Ajax next year is, basically, safe and I hope by the time of the next Newsletter our lives are back to something like normal. NEWSLETTER EDITOR on hold until the Covid situation is sorted out. More sad news, Malcolm Collis The Isle of Wight Tours Company who have organised our The Bewicks, Station Road Nigel Masters Chairman Ten Mile Bank, Norfolk PE38 0EY recent reunions has ceased business; another victim of the Tel: 01366 377945 pandemic. We wish all the staff the very best for the future. [email protected]

MERCHANDISE OFFICER Our next reunion is still intended to be held at the Heights Michael Fox Hotel on Portland over the first weekend of October next year, 6 Bown Hill our deposit from this year is still with them and they are ready SECRETARY'S REPORT Southwell, Portland to welcome us. Many thanks to Alf Larkin and Mick Fox for Dorset DT5 2ED their work on this event. After the thrill of making preparations for our trip to South America at this time last year, 2020 Tel: 01305 823436 has proved a year of disappointment. I am sure that Covid19 has impacted on our lives in some [email protected] On a personal note, November 30th sees the 49th anniversary way and I do hope all our members and their families have kept well and safe throughout the year COMMITTEE MEMBER of my enlistment in the Royal Navy! On the 29th November and wish you all well for what seems a protracted period of lockdown. Alan (George/Phil) Phillips 1971 my parents and I travelled to the Careers Office in 8 Orchard Way Plymouth where my Mum and Dad said a tearful goodbye to I hope you enjoyed the last Newsletter which included annual reports from our officers. As I Send Hill, Send, Surrey GU23 7HS mentioned please keep in touch with the Committee should there be anything you would like us Tel: 01483 223299 their 15 year old son (with sadness or relief I am not sure!). [email protected] Two other boys from Helston joined me and so began our life to do. Once we get guidance on the way ahead from the Government the Committee will prepare in the “Andrew”. a programme for 2021. The use of zoom has enabled us to meet and discuss matters. STANDARD BEARER Alf Larkin We were given bus fares, travel warrant and directions to “ May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stonecleave Aggie Westons” Sailors Rest Home where we spent the night; 26 Wakeham Portland Peter Danks Dorset DT5 1HN that alone was quite experience! Tel: 01305 457259 Secretary [email protected] Next morning we caught the bus to the railway station, took 2. 3.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S REPORT SUBSCRIPTIONS CROSSED THE BAR The Association's financial year runs from 1st September to the 31st August. You may I am very pleased to say that there have been no reported members having CTB during wonder why I mention this. There may be some confusion on when subscriptions are due. the past three months. Your annual Subs should be paid each year between the 1st September and the 31st August, depending on when you joined the Association. NEW MEMBERS Can I ask that members check to see that they have paid or have set up a payment during The following Associate members joined us during the past quarter, they are: this period each year.

James Prewer. Nephew of Alexander Spence Callander served Ajax at Battle of River The easiest way to do this is by PayPal through the Website or setting up a standing Order Plate and at Dunkirk operations. Alexander emigrated to Canada where he CTB on 29th through your bank. The Association's bank details are listed below. August 1988. Our Treasurer has asked that when making payments by standing order you quote subs as Bernard Dyer. Brother of Kenneth Dyer who is an associate member and son of William the reference. Walter Dyer served Ajax 1938-45 Gift Aid – if you are a qualifying UK tax payer and haven't already provided approval for Yasser Khan. An 11 year resident of the town of Ajax. He is currently compiling a video your Association to reclaim the 25% on subs and donations please do contact me to on YouTube all about the Town. arrange.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any query on your subs.

Birthdays Annual subscriptions remain the same, £12 for individuals and £18 for families.

Happy Birthday to the following crew members who had birthdays in this Newsletter Subscriptions can be paid using the Subscribe button on the joining page on our website, Period (Sept -Nov) you can do it when you join or as an existing member. Future payments are taken out on that anniversary and we are notified by PayPal that the payment has been made. CRUISER Bank Transfers or Standing Orders can be set up using the details below: Albert Edward Robb 102 BANK DETAILS: HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association (RPVA) ACCOUNT NUMBER: 24865868 SORT CODE 30-99-56 HMS Achilles CHEQUES payable to HMS Ajax & RPVA and sent to: John Thompson 98 PAUL PARKER (MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY) FRIGATE 8 Templecombe Road, Eastleigh, Hants, SO50 8QL Tel 02380 693709 Robert (Yorkie) Brook 66 [email protected] Andy (Danny) Daniel 68 I am pleased to say that memberships are generally being kept up to date. Please do check Eddie Greenslade 62 that yours has been paid for the current year. There are some members who have fallen George Alan Phillips 74 behind with payments; I will be contacting you individually by e mail in order to bring payments up to date. Charles Poole 80 Kenneth Charles Ward 73 Terry Webster 63

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. 4. 5.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any query on your subs.

Birthdays Annual subscriptions remain the same, £12 for individuals and £18 for families.

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. 6. 7.

AJAX MOTIF REMEMBRANCE EVENTS

In June 2020 the Association, through the website received an e-mail from a Mr Clive Petty Renewed Covid19 restrictions in England meant that many planned events were thrown into asking if the Association would be interested in an item with photograph attached to his e-mail turmoil – some managed to pay their respects whilst most had to do so privately. showing a steel motif of the Ajax crest which had been in his family for over 30 years and then given to Clive by his parents. Clive's parents lived in the West Country and were great friends of STANDARD BEARERS REPORT Sir Caspar John, 1st Sea Lord from 1960 Merchant Navy Day Service was held at St Georges Churchyard Thursday 3rd September 2020 -1963 who retired to live in Mousehole, where some 40 or more hardy souls, including Alf Larkin, attended braving the damp, windy and Cornwall. Clive doesn't believe the motif generally miserable conditions. came from Sir Caspar, who apparently took a fancy to his mother, typical sailor, so it is anyone's guess where it On Remembrance originated from. Day Alf Larkin, Our Archivist recognised the crest and a Mike Fox & Dan trawl in the archives produced a Sherren attended photograph of a 6 inch gun tampion of the Portland very similar design. However, the crest Cenotaph where measured in at over 8 inches so not that. Alf paraded the It could be from elsewhere on the Association's Cruiser, Ajax WW1 battleship Ajax cold Standard and Dan war frigate? Does anybody recognise the Sherren paraded Motif - Front Motif - Rear motif? the SSAFA Standard. Mike Clive kindly donated it to us but then what to do with the motif posed Fox laid a wreath a problem. Eventually it was suggested and agreed to have it mounted on behalf of the on a wooden base and have it on show at each reunion. I contacted HMS Ajax & River our friends at C. H. Munday asking if a round wooden mount could Plate Association be supplied, similar to an Ajax tampion, with details of sizes, and it was good to wording, mount colour etc. We eventually came up with a design and see Fred Coates simple silver curved scrolls with the wording “HMS Ajax” for the top there as well: four scroll and the Ajax motto “Nec Quisquam Nisi Ajax” for the bottom Ajax men; a fine scroll. A small brass plate on the rear acknowledges Clive Petty's kind turn out. Following donation. Tampion from Cruiser 6" gun that service they moved down to Victoria Gardens, Portland and held another service at the American Memorial - USA Mike Fox with Wreath soldiers left Castletown At the American Memorial. Alf left, Dan right. Portland for the D I collected the finished mount on the 15th Day landings. October and everyone agrees what a superb plaque it is. At present it is on display in front Prior to this on 7th of my Ajax painting and will be on show at our November, 2021 reunion - after which another committee Stephen and member will have ownership until the next Jonathan Harwood reunion etc etc. [Our Archivist says he is attended the looking forward to his turn in 2028!] An Admiral Cradock allowance for a can of “bluebell” will be made Memorial in Finished Article available. (Brasso for non-naval people) nearby Catherington Churchyard, Alan (George) Phillips 6. 7.

AJAX MOTIF REMEMBRANCE EVENTS

Hampshire, where the naval battles of Coronel, Falklands 1914 and the River Plate are FALKLAND ISLANDS EXHIBITION commemorated. They laid a wreath of remembrance, made all the more poignant as it would have been the birthday of Stephen's mother, Jonathan's grandmother, Lady Joan Harwood, on this Herewith some images sent to me by the Falkland Islands Museum showing exhibits from their day. ongoing Battle of the River Plate 80th Anniversary Exhibition. They have more information on their website too - https://falklands-museum.com/battle-of-the-river-plate

Stephen & Jonathan Harwood Admiral Cradock Memorial Catherington Churchyard

The Association members who visited Chile last December were scheduled to visit the town of Coronel, just south of Concepción, but events conspired to make that impossible.

Member Paul Byrne posted a short clip on the South American WhatsApp group of the Remembrance event held at the Royal Chelsea Hospital where he works. He was planning to attend the National Memorial Arboretum on the eleventh of the eleventh but that was not to be.

Malcolm Collis 8. 9.

Stephen & Jonathan Harwood Admiral Cradock Memorial Catherington Churchyard

The Association members who visited Chile last December were scheduled to visit the town of Coronel, just south of Concepción, but events conspired to make that impossible.

Malcolm Collis 10. 11.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM THE 1956 BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE FILM

On one of the last sunny days of September Richard and Louise Ashton made their first visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to see The Battle of the River Plate Memorial. Louise is a granddaughter of Ajax Captain, later Admiral Sir Charles Woodhouse. Richard and Louise were part of the South America trip contingent.

Thanks to Alf Larkin who spotted this in the Daily Mail. Some interesting facts about the making of the film – if you've never seen it before, don't worry, it's bound to be on again for Christmas!

I was going to crop the section on the Laurel & Hardy film Laughing Gravy – but ended up Googling it. Laughing Gravy is a euphuism for hard liquor in the Prohibition era of 1920 - 23!

Louise on Captain Woodhouse's commemorative Bench Louise & Richard Had we known …! Dave Lear and Lynne Maynard, more South American trippers, had also planned to make their first visit to the Arboretum on the Saturday 26th September and very kindly invited me to join them. Not quite as sunny as Richard and Louise's day but nevertheless the weather was kind to us and we had a brilliant day. Dave had brought a wreath that he laid. Also there was a cross in memory of Daniel Payne [D. G. Payne Ajax 1942]. In the evening we stayed at the Shoulder of Mutton in Hamstall Ridware not that far from Alrewas - excellent.

Malcolm Collis

Me left; Dave right 10. 11.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM THE 1956 BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE FILM

Thanks to Alf Larkin who spotted this in the Daily Mail. Some interesting facts about the making of the film – if you've never seen it before, don't worry, it's bound to be on again for Christmas!

I was going to crop the section on the Laurel & Hardy film Laughing Gravy – but ended up Googling it. Laughing Gravy is a euphuism for hard liquor in the Prohibition era of 1920 - 23!

Malcolm Collis

Me left; Dave right 12. 13.

1947 GUN TOURNAMENT EARLS COURT OLYMPIA ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION ARTICLE

In amongst family papers I came across the below photograph of my father Joseph Collis at Earls Well done Member Alan (George) Phillips for once again getting an article in the RNA Court Olympia in 1947 [fourth from left bottom row]. publication further publicising our Association and in particular our trip to South America this Returning home from Australia after the war his last leg was in HMS Indomitable, like all the aircraft time last year. th carriers, they were deployed in ferrying personnel home. He arrived at Pompey 18 December 1946 [We are very fortunate it wasn't this year!] and stepped ashore for the last time. Malcolm Collis His memoirs are brief but …, “After I had been in R.N.B. for a few weeks the Regulating Chief Chippie offered me the chance to join the Field Guns Crew for the Royal Tournament in July [1947] at Olympia. I would be responsible for the repair and upkeep of the gun carriages and other equipment. This was a snip of a job, I had no duty watches and was able to go L. & P.A. (Lodging and Provision Allowance) which meant that I would not be victualled in Barracks but instead would get an allowance to live at home and so we settled down as a married couple for the first time …”

Malcolm Collis

12. 13.

1947 GUN TOURNAMENT EARLS COURT OLYMPIA ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION ARTICLE

Malcolm Collis

14. 15.

PROFESSOR ARMANDO CARTES LECTURE 1946 IMAGES OF HMS AJAX

My friend Armando Cartes from Concepción, who unfortunately we didn't get to meet on our trip Member Duncan Bond has recently taken possession of a photo album and has posted a number due to the civil unrest at that time in Chile, emailed me with an update on his work. of them on the Association's Facebook site. He is unable to establish the former owner who at the time thought it would be helpful to identify himself as “Guess Who?” Unfortunately 75 years later Dear Malcolm, we are still guessing. I've copied them into the archives and they seem to relate to post war Ajax Just a few lines to greet you and let you know that I gave a lecture last week, in the annual crew and in particular the ERA [Engine Room Artificer] Mess. Some of them can be tied down to Meeting of the Corporación de Patrimonio Marítimo (Maritime Heritage Society), in Valparaiso, 1946 when Ajax returned to South America to ultimately escort the Highland Monarch carrying of which I am a member. repatriated Graf Spee crew back to Germany. Some are of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil and the The subject was the Humanitarian help of British Ships in the Earthquake of 1939. I attach the itinerary for the cruise dates it and other stop off points: invitation* 5/1/46 Left Malta [following refit] to undertake a flag showing cruise of S. America I also attach an article on the subject, that a friend published some years ago in the Navy Review, 8/1/46 Arr. Gib. an important Chilian publication** 9/1/46 Left Gib. & arr. Freetown 15/1/46 Regards, take care, 16/1/46 Left Freetown Armando Cartes 23/1/46 Arr. Santos *[Google translate version below - apologies] 26/1/46 Left Santos for Rio de Janeiro. Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Somerville hoisted his **[Fernando Wilson – copy (in Spanish) can be viewed here https://hmsajax.org/2nd- flag in AJAX commission ] 27/1/46 Arr. Rio de Janeiro ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6/2/46 Left Rio de Janeiro for Montevideo 11/2/46 Left Montevideo for Buenos Aires 16/2/46 AJAX took up escort duties to HIGHLAND MONARCH en route for Montevideo. Carta Circular N°059-09/2020 HIGHLAND MONARCH embarked 845 crew members of GRAF SPEE who had been Valparaíso, 15 de septiembre de 2020 interned in Uruguay & Argentina. AJAX escorted HIGHLAND MONARCH to Freetown Dear member (a): 25/2/46 Arr. Freetown sailing later same day for Lisbon 5/3/46 HIGHLAND MONARCH embarked a group of German internees at Lisbon prior to I inform you that on Tuesday, October 6, at 4:00 p.m., the Twenty-Second Ordinary General sailing to Bilbao Assembly of the Corporation will be held - at a second appointment, through the Zoom Platform, 9/3/46 AJAX off Bilbao - HIGHLAND MONARCH entered Bilbao & took on more German in response to the impossibility to make it in person, as a consequence of the pandemic and internees. AJAX escorted HIGHLAND MONARCH as far as the Needles & then confinement that affects us. sailed to Devonport while the cargo liner went on to Hamburg

Table to be treated: Daughter of member Marine William Parker recognised dad in one of the photos and when she asked him about it he reckons it was a function in São Paulo when the local British people put on 1. Approval of the previous Minutes. a do for them … but he doesn't remember the photo being taken – we will excuse you William, 2. Approval of the Annual Report, Balance as of December 31, 2019 and Report of the Auditing seeing as you will be 100 middle of next year – good on you William. Commission of Accounts. Marine William Parker 3. Plan of Activities and Budget of Income and Expenses for 2020. 4. Report on the operation of the "Museo Corbeta Esmeralda" in Iquique. 5. Welcome new members. 6. Modification of the Statutes. 7. Nomination of partners to form the Accounts Review Commission and Discipline Commission, for the period 2020/2021. 8. Nomination of five members present, to sign the Minutes of the Assembly. 9. Various. The Report and the Annual Balance as of December 31, 2019, have been published on our website www.patrimoniomaritimo.cl since April 23, 2020, so it will not delve much into analyzing the annual activities of that period.

After the Assembly, the celebration of our twenty-second anniversary will begin.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, you are very cordially greeted CRISTIÁN DEL REAL PÉREZ CONTRAALMIRANTE IM (R.) DIRECTOR EJECUTIVO 14. 15.

PROFESSOR ARMANDO CARTES LECTURE 1946 IMAGES OF HMS AJAX

After the Assembly, the celebration of our twenty-second anniversary will begin.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, you are very cordially greeted CRISTIÁN DEL REAL PÉREZ CONTRAALMIRANTE IM (R.) DIRECTOR EJECUTIVO 16. 17.

A couple of ERA Mess photos have the names on the back but being post war none appear on the IMAGES OF WARTIME various lists held by Ajax or me, with the exception of former Association secretary Jack Quaintance as he was in Ajax 1945. Thanks to sharp-eyed Alf Larkin for spotting this Top Left to Right: article about an up-coming ERA Quaintance?; ERA Vine?; series in the Daily Express. The photo owner “Guess Who”; ERA Wiggins; CERA Freestone; ERA Leybourne? CERA Samways; CERA Coughlin; ERA G Derby Bottom Left to Right: ERA Barraskill; ERA Simmonds; ERA Palmer; ERA Freeland; ERA Jackson; ERA Slade; ERA Wheelar?

The second photo is of the HMS Ajax ERA mess members in 1946 with a few different faces. Top left to right ERA G Darby; CERA Doug? Bliss?; The photo owner “Guess Who”; CERA Samways; ERA Leybourne?; CERA Freestone; ERA Wiggins; ERA Anderson; ERA Jack Quaintance. Bottom left to right ERA Wheelar?; ERA Slade; ERA Jackson; ERA Freeland; ERA Palmer; ERA Simmonds; ERA Barraskill

Thanks also to our Chairman's contribution!!!

Duncan hopes someone may recognise a relative in the photos.

16. 17.

Thanks also to our Chairman's contribution!!!

Duncan hopes someone may recognise a relative in the photos.

18. 19.

IN ROUGH SEAS? WHAT'S IN A NAME …?

This dramatic image appeared on the HMS Ajax Facebook page. On one of the HMS Ajax's Facebook post someone added that her grandfather John Aspinall was Rough seas … or sinking? killed in HMS Ajax on 14 May 1915 at the Dardanelles. I asked her to double check as I knew Ajax wasn't involved in the 1915/1916 Dardanelle (Gallipoli) conflict and I could find no record of him on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site.

She came back saying it might have been the Merchant Navy so another CWGC check under merchant navy section and there he was. John Aspinall, Died 14 May 1915 aged 28 years and shown as “Ajax” Liverpool. Buried or commemorated at Tower Hill Memorial. He was a fireman & trimmer, son of Sarah Ann and the late William Aspinall; husband of Mary Ann Aspinall (nee Williams) of 8 Morpeth Buildings, Birkenhead. Born Birkenhead.

Ajax Liverpool? Time for some Googling! Turns out there were several Ajaxs floating around at this time but the one on the registers that I thought might fit the bill was Number 113395; Code signal R.T.N.P.; registered Liverpool 1900; built Greenock 1900; made of steel; 442 feet long/52 feet 8 inches wide/32 feet 1 inch draught (c.f. Ajax Frigate 372 feet/40 feet 6 inches/Draught 17 feet 6 inches); Net tonnage only 478 but gross 7040 (Frigate 2450); screw driven by 800hp engines.

She was owned by The Ocean Steamship Co. Lim. Of 1 India Buildings Liverpool Lawrence D. Holt same address.

Below is an extract from Liverpool Port Registry of 1920.

I included much of this on a re-post but she came back with: … so sorry Malcolm, my Grandfather was on the Blue Funnel, he was killed on S.S. Ajax [SS = Steam Ship] in the Dardanelles on Friday 14th May 1915 when a shell hit the engine room door. He was buried at sea on Saturday 15th May at 6 30 a.m. I have extracts from Angus MacNeil Log of S.S. AJAX Transport No. Z10 Distinguished No. RTNF, the Diary makes very sad reading of the hardships they all went through in the First World War. Sorry for my mistake … Mary Ann Aspinall was my Grandmother. Ajax was a troop transport ship; they berthed in Avonmouth and loaded up with war materials such as ambulances, buses, tents, guns, etc. They sailed under sealed orders on Friday 26th of March 1914 [1915] arrived in Malta and took on more war materials - they arrived at the Dardanelles on 30th April, they were accompanied by the S.S. Dunluce Castle; S.S. Japanese Prince; S.S. Umfuli and S.S. Ishmalia.

The internet wasn't much help and only added to the confusion. No references to the MacNeil log and three S.S. Ajaxs popped up; a Norwegian one, a Dutch one & a Danish one – all sunk in the Second World War. Tyne Docks alone had in the past built no less than six ships named Ajax.

Things got interesting when I searched the Blue Funnel Line – turns out they were owned by Ocean Steam Ship Company (Alfred Holt) and all their ships carried classical Greek names and once again no less than five ships had been named Ajax. The one carrying John Aspinall appears to be one and the same as the one I had previously found and mentioned above from Liverpool. 18. 19.

IN ROUGH SEAS? WHAT'S IN A NAME …?

She was owned by The Ocean Steamship Co. Lim. Of 1 India Buildings Liverpool Lawrence D. Holt same address.

Below is an extract from Liverpool Port Registry of 1920.

Although there was no record of her on the ARCHIVIST UPDATE maritime disaster lists for 1915 it appears she survived the shelling although John Aspinall and, ALBERT HENRY FENTON according to CWGC site, a John Burns also, were Emma Keeling contacted the Association after information about her grandfather Albert Henry killed. She continued in service until she was Fenton (stoker) who was born 27 May 1920 and from Derby. Her ten year old son Lewis was scrapped in 1930. preparing a WW11 presentation for school and whilst they had photos of Albert and Ajax they had little else. He died in 1988. During my searches several other Ajax, going I was able to tell them that 'two Fenton's appear on the Ajax Town's list; JH & AF so I guess AF is back to 1796 Dutch Corvette also popped up just going to be your granddad Albert Henry [errors are not uncommon]. If so, he is listed as being in proving what a popular name Ajax was/is. HMS Ajax 1940 to 1942 which would mean he joined her following repairs after the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939. Ajax spent all her time following these repairs in the thick of the Probably Ajax from 1915 incident Malcolm Collis action in the Meditterraen. Have a look at the Ajax itinerary on this page https://www.hmsajax.org/hms-ajax-v11 and you will see just what she endure in this period.' There is a Fenton Street in Ajax named in his honour. The MoD record route was pointed out as well.

Ajax Bulk Carrier built 2006 flying under Marshall Islands flag DWT 77328 tonnes

Albert Henry Fenton

ROGER CLAXTON st SILVER RIVER LODGE MONTEVIDEO Roger joined the Frigate Ajax in Hong Kong on 1 June 1967 on his 21 birthday and was after any photos or crew lists from this date to the end of the commission (March 1968) especially relating Those who visited the Silver River Masonic Lodge when we were in Montevideo cannot forget to the engineering branch their hospitality and friendship even though none of us bar one were masons. I was only able to say that unfortunately I did not have too much information about the various Our friend George Stewart who is a member and very generous barmen sent me a message in frigate commissions and even less photographs. I advised that the crew list for the 3rd WhatsApp leading to this exchange: Commission 12/12/1966 to March 1968 could be found here https://www.hmsajax.org/archive- ajax-frigate as is the frigate diary. [05/11/, 16:44] George Stewart: Good afternoon sir we are fine, only thing the lodge got broken Roger is on that list but the only other Association member I could see on it was Wilbert Curran. into and all regalia and pictures etc. stolen, they even took all the plates and cutlery and our Mark He remembered Wilbert so I emailed the two of them so they had each other's email address but warrant but left the others on the wall. They got one of them and is in jail for 6 months haven't had any feedback so do not know if they have been in contact with each other. [05/11/, 16:51] Malcolm Collis: Oh dear. Was any of it recovered? Did they leave the Ajax stuff alone? If you are missing anything let me know and I'll see what I REGINALD JACK GOULD can do Roy Gould is the youngest son of Reginald Jack Gould, born 23 December 1923 but died in [05/11/, 18:27] George Stewart: We have not got any regalia collars and jewels etc. all gone. I February 2003 and was after any information about him. His dad told him he was in the ship's think AJAX stuff is still there. I will send photos of the mess they left [Not yet] company of HMS Ajax at some point during WW2 as well as HMS Emerald* and HMS Hilary.** [05/11/20, 18:55] George Stewart: They even took the optics and gin, vodka and whisky, all the The only Gould on our lists was a C. Gould so Roy was going to get hold of his record from the beer and worse of all is the Worshipful Master's chair and gavels MoD and get back to me. [05/11/20, 18:57] Malcolm Collis: The buggers. Keep an eye out on ebay! There's not another lodge starting up nearby is there??! [05/11/20, 19:05] George Stewart: Not to our knowledge but the head of the police is a Brother *HMS Emerald was an Emerald class Light Cruiser commissioned in 1926 and remained in and also head of the CSI. A lot of Uruguayan Brothers have second hand shops so all ends getting service until 1937 when she was paid off into reserve. She was later recommissioned for war covered. The Lodge Warrant is the big problem service, firstly assigned to Halifax Nova Scotia, then the Indian Ocean before returning to assist at George Stewart: Take care and stay safe 20. 21.

Ajax Bulk Carrier built 2006 flying under Marshall Islands flag DWT 77328 tonnes

Albert Henry Fenton

Gold Beach during D-Day. She was placed on reserve in 1945, used for target practice in 1947 and sunk only to be raised for scrapping in 1948 **Launched in 1931 as the SS Hilary this former passenger liner was requisitioned by the navy in 1940 and used as an Ocean Boarding Vessel in the North Atlantic to intercept and board foreign vessels. She returned to civilian service but was soon later requisitioned as a Landing Ship Infantry from which landing craft and troops were landed including at Juno Beach at D-Day.

TOM JENKINS Philip Wood posted on Facebook that he was after information about his Uncle Tom Jenkins and was advised to contact the Association, which he did. Tom was Philip's mother's older brother from Stockton-On-Tees. He served in Ajax at the River Plate and went on to serve in the New Zealand navy after the war. Charles Francis King

I was able to confirm that T. W. Jenkins appears on the list held by Ajax and is shown as having served in HMS Ajax in 1939 at the time of the Battle of the River Plate and also shows him being an Electrical Artificer and that he received the Distinguished Service Medal from the Battle. His citation reads, “James W. Jenkins. Electrical Artificer (Third Class); who showed special presence of mind and forwardness in controlling damage when an 11-inch shell burst near him.” The navy were great ones for nicknames and he was known as Tom rather than James. He appears as T. W. Jenkins on the Memorial wall. There is a Jenkins Lane in Ajax named in his honour.

SYDNEY CASS Yet another enquiry that started as a Facebook post. Sadie Van Der Spuy uncovered a photograph of her great grandfather Sydney Cass and she thought he was in the V1 Ajax in WW1 although he did serve in both wars.

Whilst I don't have any lists for the earlier Ajax V1, knowing Ajax was at the 1916 Battle of Jutland I did a search here https://www.jutlandcrewlists.org/. This website has been a HORACE GRANVILLE HOWES massive undertaking and lists 56,820 of the 59,564 crew (95%) Mark Hopkins contacted me about his maternal grandfather Horace Granville Howes and the tale who fought in the 151 Royal Navy ships. of his DSM being hidden in the clock on the mantelpiece from whence the son took it and sold it Two possibles were thrown up: not realising the medal was there, rang a bell; not in the clock but again in the grey matter. Cass, Sydney William. Born 10/09/1893 Acting Leading Stoker Checking my records I could see I had an exchange of emails with him in 2013 and published an on HMS Agincourt between 03/03/1916 & 01/09/1916, &; article about him in the March 2013 Newsletter (see here https://hmsajax.org/newsletters). Not st Cass, Sidney. Born 25/01/1883 Officer's Steward 1 Class on much new information was passed. HMS Duke of Edinburgh dates not recorded. This long shot was, however, scuppered when Sadie came back WILLIAM ATTFIELD HIGHAM having found out his birth certificate - Sydney Hanson Cass Born Caroline Walker emailed me to see if I had any photographs of William Attfield Higham who she 27/09/1897 Place of birth Barton upon Irwell. She will apply for said was in Ajax 1935 to 1937. Not too sure what the relationship was. his Service Record from the MoD. Unfortunately the Town of Ajax's records do not cover the first commission, with one or two Sydney Hanson Cass exceptions, so I could not update her much in this regard. As for photographs, all I could do was advise her to look at the various images for the first commission on the website.

CHARLES FRANCIS KING EDWARD JAMES RIDLEY Alex King was after and information or photos of his great granddad Charles Francis King who Another Facebook enquiry this time from Justina Ridley who posted on the Association's was a Stoker in Ajax at the River Plate. Facebook site. She was after information about her father Edward James Ridley a.k.a. Shorty I was able to confirm C. F. King does appear on the list held by Ajax and is shown as having Ridley. She said he served in Ajax between 1939 & 1943 and although he was very reticent about served in HMS Ajax in 1939 to 1942 and so would indeed been at the Battle of the River Plate in his navy days loved the reunions on HMS Belfast – she posted some photos of him. December 1939. His name also appears on the Memorial Wall. Alex came back to me and sent in these photos of his great granddad & Ajax. Fortunately the old grey matter recalled this name having included an article about him in the June 2020 Newsletter (see https://hmsajax.org/newsletters) as a result of enquiry from Geoff Baxter whose wife was a niece of Edward James Ridley. I shared the website link to the Newsletter back copies. Justina came back thanking me as she hadn't seen the images in article before AND didn't know she had a cousin out there! She also sent these images. 22. 23.

Edward James Ridley

GEORGE LITTLE John Little was looking for records of his Grandfather George Little and advice how to get replica medals. He served in Ajax and was at The Battle of the Dardanelles.

I responded; The Battle of the Dardanelles (the Gallipoli Campaign) took place in the First World War between 19/02/1915 & 09/01/1916. I am not aware of HMS Ajax V1 being involved in the campaign. This Ajax was commissioned in 1913 and remained in service until 1926 and saw action at the Battle of Jutland. Your grandfather could have served in Ajax during this period and it could be possible that he served in the V11 ship commissioned in 1935 although I have just the one Little, H. E. Little, listed and that was for 1939. [He was not on the Jutland List]

He was advised to get his Service Record from the MoD as this would not only show the ships he served in but also details of the medals he would have been entitled to wear. There are several companies on the internet who can produce Replica medals.

Malcolm Collis Archivist