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On Our Doorstep Parts 1 and 2
ON 0UR DOORSTEP I MEMORIAM THE SECOD WORLD WAR 1939 to 1945 HOW THOSE LIVIG I SOME OF THE PARISHES SOUTH OF COLCHESTER, WERE AFFECTED BY WORLD WAR 2 Compiled by E. J. Sparrow Page 1 of 156 ON 0UR DOORSTEP FOREWORD This is a sequel to the book “IF YOU SHED A TEAR” which dealt exclusively with the casualties in World War 1 from a dozen coastal villages on the orth Essex coast between the Colne and Blackwater. The villages involved are~: Abberton, Langenhoe, Fingringhoe, Rowhedge, Peldon: Little and Great Wigborough: Salcott: Tollesbury: Tolleshunt D’Arcy: Tolleshunt Knights and Tolleshunt Major This likewise is a community effort by the families, friends and neighbours of the Fallen so that they may be remembered. In this volume we cover men from the same villages in World War 2, who took up the challenge of this new threat .World War 2 was much closer to home. The German airfields were only 60 miles away and the villages were on the direct flight path to London. As a result our losses include a number of men, who did not serve in uniform but were at sea with the fishing fleet, or the Merchant avy. These men were lost with the vessels operating in what was known as “Bomb Alley” which also took a toll on the Royal avy’s patrol craft, who shepherded convoys up the east coast with its threats from: - mines, dive bombers, e- boats and destroyers. The book is broken into 4 sections dealing with: - The war at sea: the land warfare: the war in the air & on the Home Front THEY WILL OLY DIE IF THEY ARE FORGOTTE. -
Ajax New Past up For
H.M.S. Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2012 CONTENTS Chairman/Editor's Remarks Visit to Montevideo Presentation to Frank Burton Archivist Report Membership Secretary Report Missing Royal Navy Life AGM Agenda NEC QUISQUAM NISI AJAX 2. 3. H.M.S. AJAX & RIVER PLATE VETERANS ASSOCIATION. Honorary Freeman of Rhyl CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY ARCHIVIST It is with huge pleasure that I include an article describing NEWSLETTER EDITOR Malcolm Collis the very prestigious honour of becoming an Honorary Peter Danks ‘Glenmorag’ Freeman of Rhyl which was bestowed on Roy Turner. I am 104 Kelsey Avenue Little Coxwell sure that all members of the Association send Roy our Southbourne Faringdon sincere congratulations on this tremendous honour. Emsworth Oxfordshire SN7 7LW Hampshire PO10 8NQ Tel: 01367 240382 From the Daily Post, June 22nd, 2012: Tel: 01243 371947 Mobile: 07736 929641 A retired businessman who has given over 50 years’ service to the [email protected] [email protected] community has become the first Honorary Freeman of Rhyl. The Town Council decided to bestow the honour on 84-year-old Roy TREASURER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Turner as a ceremony on Wednesday night, under new powers recently Alf Larkin Mrs Judi Collis given to town and community councils. 5 Cockles Way ‘Glenmorag’ Weymouth Little Coxwell, Faringdon Born in Stoke-on-Trent, he moved with his family to Rhyl in 1938 and Dorset DT4 9LT Oxfordshire SN7 7LW attended the local county school. In 1946 he joined Royal Navy cruiser Tel: 01305 775553 Tel: 01367 240382 ship HMS Ajax. Roy Turner [email protected] Mobile: 07736 929641 Back in Rhyl, Mr Turner established a flooring contractors business and he became active in the life [email protected] of the community. -
The Old Pangbournian Record Volume 2
The Old Pangbournian Record Volume 2 Casualties in War 1917-2020 Collected and written by Robin Knight (56-61) The Old Pangbournian Society The Old angbournianP Record Volume 2 Casualties in War 1917-2020 Collected and written by Robin Knight (56-61) The Old Pangbournian Society First published in the UK 2020 The Old Pangbournian Society Copyright © 2020 The moral right of the Old Pangbournian Society to be identified as the compiler of this work is asserted in accordance with Section 77 of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, “Beloved by many. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any Death hides but it does not divide.” * means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior consent of the Old Pangbournian Society in writing. All photographs are from personal collections or publicly-available free sources. Back Cover: © Julie Halford – Keeper of Roll of Honour Fleet Air Arm, RNAS Yeovilton ISBN 978-095-6877-031 Papers used in this book are natural, renewable and recyclable products sourced from well-managed forests. Typeset in Adobe Garamond Pro, designed and produced *from a headstone dedication to R.E.F. Howard (30-33) by NP Design & Print Ltd, Wallingford, U.K. Foreword In a global and total war such as 1939-45, one in Both were extremely impressive leaders, soldiers which our national survival was at stake, sacrifice and human beings. became commonplace, almost routine. Today, notwithstanding Covid-19, the scale of losses For anyone associated with Pangbourne, this endured in the World Wars of the 20th century is continued appetite and affinity for service is no almost incomprehensible. -
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. -
Information on Cruiser Captains Captains of HMS Ajax Leander Cruiser Commissioned 15Th April 1935 – 16 February 1948
Information on Cruiser Captains Captains of HMS Ajax Leander Cruiser Commissioned 15th April 1935 – 16 February 1948 VERO ELLIOT KEMBALL CAPTAIN (Commander) OF HMS AJAX from 7 NOVEMBER 1933 to 11 SEPTEMBER 1934 Born 23 January 1893. Vero Elliot Kemball served as Midshipman from 15 January 1911 and was advanced to Sub-Lieutenant 5 March 1915. His promotion to Lieutenant-Commander was on 15 December 1920 and to Commander 15 December 1927. Commander (E) Kemball commanded HMS Ajax while building at Barrow-in-Furness. He was retired with the rank of Captain (E) 23 January 1943. He died 9 June 1963 aged 70. JOHN EDMUND SISSMORE CAPTAIN (Commander) OF HMS AJAX from 12 SEPTEMBER to 16 DECEMBER 1934 Born 17 July 1896 in Surrey. John Edmund Sissmore served as a Midshipman from 15 January 1914 and promoted to Sub-Lieutenant 15 September 1916 and to Lieutenant 15 December 1917. He was appointed Lieutenant 15 December 1925 and Commander 31 December 1931. Commander Sissmore commanded HMS Ajax while building at Barrow-in-Furness. He also sailed with her on the first commission as commander under Captain Thomson. John Edmund Sissmore OBE DSC died 20 July 1975 aged 79. COLIN SINCLAIR THOMSON CAPTAIN OF HMS AJAX from 16 DECEMBER 1934 to 9 OCTOBER 1937 Born 27 May 1888. Colin Thomson served as Midshipman from 30 June 1905, as Sub-Lieutenant from 30 September 1908 and Lieutenant from 1 April 1911, when he was appointed to HMS Cameleon, a Torpedo Boat Destroyer. He was advanced to Commander June 1925 and Captain 30 June 1931. -
The Semaphore Circular No 693 the Beating Heart of the RNA October 2019
The Semaphore Circular No 693 The Beating Heart of the RNA October 2019 HMS Prince of Wales leaving Rosyth for the first time to conduct sea trials. Makes you proud doesn’t it, two Carriers at sea for the first time in a long time!! How does she fit under there? Has anyone checked…is the Bridge still standing?! This edition is the on-line version of the Semaphore Circular, unless you have registered with Central Office, it will only be available on the RNA website in the ‘Members Area’ under ‘downloads’ at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk and will be emailed to the branch contact, usually the Hon Sec 1 Daily Orders (follow each link) Orders [follow each link] 1. Biennial Parade Report 2. RNVC Series Flight S/Lt Reginald Warneford VC RN 3. Dynamic Duo 4. Victory Walk 5. Joke Time – Long Hair 6. CONA Conference 7. Heads Up Standard Bearer and Novice Competition 8. Assistance Please – BOA Memorial 9. Joke Time – It’s the way I tell em 10. MiniBus to Arnhem Remembrance 11. AB Just Nuisance Glossary of terms NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NCh National Chairman NVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary CONA Conference of Naval Associations NCBA National Charter, Rules and Byelaws Advisor indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts Financial Manager 023 9272 3823 [email protected] Digital Communications [email protected] Operations Manager 023 9272 0782 [email protected] -
World War Two
HMS CONWAY – WORLD WAR TWO COMPANIONS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER Wing Commander Robert Swinton Allen (29/30) DFC RAFO LG 25263 dated 02/09/1941; DSO awarded in connection with bombing raids on Brest, Pelice and Cherburg recognising the bravery, determination and resource displayed by the leader and air crews. Wing Cdr R S Allen DSO, DFC* RAF retired at his own request in March 1956. Interesting site mentioning Allen and with photograph at: http://cranstonmilitaryprints.com/hampden/ww2/aviation/prints.htm Captain Jack Grant Bickford (10/13) DSC RN LG 34925 dated 16/08/1940; DSO awarded “for good services in the withdrawal of Allied troops from the beaches at Dunkirk” Captain Bickford commanded HMS Express and was Captain (D) 20th Destroyer (Mine- laying) Flotilla from August 1939; he was mortally wounded in action when Express herself was mined and attacked by Enemy aircraft during operations off the Dutch/Belgian coast on 31/08/1940, subsequently succumbing to his wounds in hospital on 10/09/40. He was buried at sea. Commodore Denis Arthur Casey (02/04) CBE DSC RD RNR LG 35369 dated 21/07/42; Casey was the Commodore of Convoy PQ10 from Murmansk and was awarded the DSO “for bravery seamanship and resolution in bringing a convoy from Murmansk in the face of relentless and determined attacks by Enemy U-Boats and aircraft”. Casey won his DSC in World War One for service in submarines; he became the RNR ADC to the King in 1944 and was noted as being Commodore Master, RMS Andes 1948/49. -
The World Cruise the Complete Story of Hms Ajax
THE WORLD CRUISE THE COMPLETE STORY OF H.M.S. AJAX DURING 1975-76 Author believed to be CRS (W) Fox We sailed out of Plymouth Sound on the morning of July the 22nd to the sound of "When will I see you again" by the "Three Degrees" playing on the Jimmy young Show. I suppose that the wife who requested that record for the Eighth Frigate Squadron was not presented with a copy of our 'Longcast'. We thank you for your kind thought. We left in company with H.M.S. Berwick and that afternoon we were hard at work carrying out anti-submarine exercises with the Submarine H.M.S/M Otter and R.A.F. Nimrod. At 0130 the following morning, we rendezvous'd with the remainder of the Deployment Group - H.M.S.'s Glamorgan (Flying the Flag of Flag Officer Second Flotilla), Plymouth, Llandaff, Rothesay and R.F.A.'s Gold Rover, Tarbatness and Tidespring. Immediately the Group were busy working together fighting off 'attacks' by Otter. As we headed South, Admiral Lewin, the then Commander-in-Chief Fleet, sent the following message to the Task Group: "The progress of your circumnavigation will be watched with envy. You carry the reputation of the Fleet with you. I am confident that it is in good hands and that you will remind the people of many countries of the continuing professionalism and courtesy of the Royal Navy. Work hard, have fun, and enjoy the comradship of your impressive Group. Bon Voyage." From the Southwest Approaches we proceeded to Cape Finisterre carrying out inter-ship exercises. -
Shipbreaking" # 41
Shipbreaking Bulletin of information and analysis on ship demolition # 41, from July 1 to September 30, 2015 Content Offshore platforms: radioactive alert 1 Pipe layer 21 Reefer 37 Waiting for the blowtorches 3 Offshore supply vessel 22 Bulk carrier 38 Military & auxiliary vessels 7 Tanker 24 Cement carrier 47 The podium of best ports 13 Chemical tanker 26 Car carrier 47 3rd quarter overview: the plunge 14 Gas tanker 27 Ferry 48 Letters to the Editor 16 General cargo 28 Passenger ship 56 Seismic research 17 Container ship 34 Dredger 57 Drilling 18 Ro Ro 36 The End: Sitala, 54 years later 58 Drilling/FPSO 20 Tuna seiner / Factory ship 37 Sources 60 Offshore platforms: radioactive alert The arrival of « Nobi », St. Kitts & Nevis flag, in Bangladesh. © Birat Bhattacharjee Many offshore platforms built in the 1970s-1980’s have been sent to the breaking yards by the long- lasting drop in oil prices and the low profile of offshore activities. Owners gain an ultimate profit from dismantlement. Most of the offshore platforms sent to be demolished since the beginning of the year are semi-submersible rigs. This type of rig weighs 10 to 15,000 t, i.e. a gain for the last owners of 2-4 million $ on the current purchase price from shipbreaking yards. Seen in the scrapyards: Bangladesh: DB 101, Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis flag, 35.000 t. Nobi, Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis flag, 14.987 t. India: Ocean Epoch, Marshall Islands flag, 11.099 t. Octopus, 10.625 t. Turkey: Atwood Hunter, Marshall Islands flag. GSF Arctic I, Vanuatu flag. -
1 the Battle for CRETE by Clive Sharplin (Associate Member)
The Battle For CRETE By Clive Sharplin (Associate member) "There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory." Sir Francis Drake 1587 - Vice Admiral and celebrated navigator of the first Elizabethan era 1540-1596 This article celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the Battle for Crete recognised by the Admiralty as having taken place from 15th May to 27th May 1941 (note 3) and attempts to describe the part played in it by HMS Ajax.(note 4) Due to the number of ships involved, their complex manoeuvres and dispositions, their various strategic assignments, the sheer number of actions both singly and as part of specific groups together with eye witness observations this account must because of space restrictions in this journal be severely limited in size and content. The author, however, sincerely hopes that it will at best give an insight or snapshot of one of the Royal Navy’s most iconic ships, HMS Ajax, in what was a very important, desperate battle, actually a campaign, with huge losses of ships and men, an excruciatingly sad battle of World War 2. While technically a defeat because Crete was lost I would argue that no blame should be laid at the Royal Navy’s doormat, the Royal Navy acquitted itself in the finest traditions of its long history and did everything they were asked to do and much more at a great cost which I believe Cunningham similarly argued in his report to the Admiralty. The fleet had carried an army from North Africa to Greece, evacuated it from Greece to Crete, and then evacuated it from Crete back to North Africa fighting every inch of the way. -
Battle of Cape Matapan HMS AJAX and the Battle of Cape Matapan
Battle of Cape Matapan HMS AJAX and the Battle of Cape Matapan: 28th – 29th March 1941 By Clive Sharplin (Associate Member) The sea fight of the Second World War known as the “Battle of Matapan” was actually the second of that name to occur in naval history. The first occurred on 19th July 1717 when a mixed force of fifty-seven ships and galleys, Spanish, Portuguese, Venetian and Papal were attacked off Cape Matapan by a Turkish squadron of about the same size. After a fierce fight with losses on both sides the Turks withdrew. The ship HMS Ajax was a Leander Class light cruiser, the seventh ship to bear the name, relatively young having been launched in 1934, first commissioned in 1935. Displacing 9,563tons fully laden, her main armament consisted of 8 x 6”guns mounted in pairs over four turrets with 8 x 21 “ torpedo tubes in two quadruple mountings, steam turbine driven, with a wartime crew of 680. After participating in the first major sea battle of the second World War, the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 and defeating the German battleship Admiral Graf Spee she returned to Chatham Dockyard for a 7 month long repair and refit during which my Father, Bob, joined her on 10th February 1940 as a Petty Officer Mechanician, he was to be a crew member for more` than a year until September 1941 when he was drafted to the battleship Valiant, thus enduring one of the Royal Navy’s most hostile periods. Ajax emerged back into the fleet on September 30th 1940 being deployed to the 7th Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean. -
Admiral Thomas C. Hart and the Demise of the Asiatic Fleet 1941 – 1942
East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Electronic Theses and Dissertations Student Works 5-2014 Admiral Thomas C. Hart And The eD mise Of The Asiatic Fleet 1941 – 1942 David DuBois East Tennessee State University Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd Part of the Asian History Commons, Military History Commons, and the United States History Commons Recommended Citation DuBois, David, "Admiral Thomas C. Hart And The eD mise Of The Asiatic Fleet 1941 – 1942" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2331. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2331 This Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Works at Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Admiral Thomas C. Hart And The Demise Of The Asiatic Fleet 1941 – 1942 A thesis presented to the faculty of the Department of History East Tennessee State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in History by David DuBois May 2014 Dr. Emmett M. Essin III, Chair Dr. Stephen G. Fritz Dr. John M. Rankin Keywords: Admiral Thomas C. Hart, U.S. Navy WWII, Asiatic Fleet, ABDA, USS Houston, Battle of the Java Sea ABSTRACT Admiral Thomas C. Hart And The Demise Of The Asiatic Fleet 1941 – 1942 by David DuBois Admiral Thomas C. Hart And The Demise Of The Asiatic Fleet 1941 – 1942 is a chronicle of the opening days of World War II in the Pacific and the demise of the U.S.